Re-Haul (From February 2018) Sephora & Ulta

Hey ya’ll! I know, I know. I’m not dead. I’ve been rather on my instagram which is @seriouslystyled_ I’ve been doing @makeup_whisperer’s (David’s) 31 days of glitter challenge and having SO MUCH FUN creating looks and posting them for everyone to see. It’s the most I’ve played with my makeup in a long time and really have been getting to know my products. My cat also likes to follow me into our spare bedroom during this time and I quite enjoy that! Lol.

 

So a re-haul is where I reflect on things I bought previously and consider how much I actually used/enjoyed them. February is my birthday month and this time last year I went to Sephora & Ulta with my neighbor and we both went a little ham.

 

Products purchased: 

 

Nars natural radiant foundation (got matched for this with the computer completion thing).

I used this a lot when I first got it but put it in a bag and haven’t used it in the last few months. I loved how it looked so now it’s on my radar to get back out. This was an okay purchase.

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in Fenty Glow 

I use this just about overtime I use lipgloss. I keep it in my work backpack and love how it smells and feels on my lips. This was an excellent purchase.

BadGal Bang Mascara mini

When I first got this I thought it was only going to be good for my bottom lashes. However, once it was open for a bit it has been AMAZING. I’m still using it. I freaking love it. I should probably replace it but it’s still working great. This was an excellent purchase.

Nyx vivid brights liner in Sapphire

This is stunning. It seriously is such a pretty blue. However, I’ve only used it twice so probably not my wisest purchase.

Becca First Light Priming Filter 

This is my favorite primer of all time. I’ve used over 50% and my first choice always for a primer. It gives my skin a healthy glow. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this. This was an excellent purchase.

Makeup Forever microfinishing pressed powder (banana shade):

This gives a nice finish. I just haven’t been reaching for it, much like the NARS foundation I need to dig it back out and start using it again. This was an okay purchase.

Free samples/bday gifts: 

Glamglow supermud/moisturizer duo: 

I’ve used 1/2 the moisturizer and most of the supreme. I have previously gotten samples and/or purchased both and would again. This is why I chose this over the Bite birthday gift.

Fenty Beauty matte lipstick (bright pink color; forget the name): 

This color is super similar to Mac’s Candy Yum Yum (one of my all time favorites) I’ve worn it to work a few times and super love it. It’s not an everyday color but super fun and makes my teeth look super white. It also has nice staying powder, pretty solid for a sample.

Nars Orgasm blush mini: 

I already had a mini Orgasm and blushes take EONS to use up. I haven’t opened this. Not the best sample to receive. However, the blush itself is a nice product.

Ulta lip mask and lip oil: 

TBH I was disappointed to get this. The lip mask was alright but I fell in love with the lip oil. It smells amazing and feels great and looks great on the lips. I use this all the time and would purchase a full size.

 

I am officially done with work for 2018 and have the rest of the year off. I will be traveling home for the holidays to see family in the morning and I’m quite excited. I can’t wait to have a good time with friends and see what the new year holds! Make sure to check out my instagram @seriouslystyled_

 

XO

 

-A

It’s on sale, is it worth it? Becca Be A Light face palette

Earlier this year I purchased two Becca Be A Light face palettes in the Light to Medium shade (one for me and one I gave as a gift). I have just started getting more use out of it after hearing excellent feedback from the friend I gifted one too.

 

 

The mirror is nice and the powders are absolutely stunning. They are seamless and glowing on the skin and this palette is reminiscent of the $80 Hourglass holiday palettes (only larger and cheaper!). This guy retails for $46 and is on sale for $29 currently at Sephora and online. The only cons I can find with this item are that the packaging easily shows fingerprints and I find the bronzer a little warm toned for my liking (but I can still make it work)

Overall, I’d say if you were considering this before or on the lookout for a face palette this is definitely one to pick up! I’d definitely say it is worth it. If you’re a VIB Rouge you can use your Rouge bonus right now to get 20% off the sale price (or if you’re another tier you can use your coupon in the coming weekends).

 

Ulta, CVS and Marshall’s Haul

 

Last weekend I went shopping with a friend of mine. I found a few goodies at Ulta, a few at CVS and a few at Marshall’s for a steal.

 

I got the Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighter and Too Faced Tutti Frutti Razzle Dazzle Berry palette at Ulta for a total of $22 for both (I used about $18 worth of points and a 20% coupon for non-prestige items).

 

At CVS I had $5 in ExtraBucks I used for the Elf Highlighter and a 40% off coupon I used for the Milani, so it ended up being about $6.

At Marshalls I got the ABH liquid lipstick in Rio for $6 and the ABH Blush trio for $9.99! I also got the other Makeup Revolution highlighter there for $3.99.

 

So far I’ve used the palette for about a week and LOVE it, it has the creamiest shadows and gives the prettiest berry looks! I’ve used the Vivid baked Revolution highlighter a few times and the triple baked once. I’ve used the blush about three times and enjoy it, even used the darker blush as a bronzer a few times and I’ve used the liquid lip once. I haven’t broken out the Elf or Milani yet. I am very pleased with my purchases. For a grand total of about $47.98 I am very pleased with my new goodies.

 

Until next time.

 

XO

-A

My five minute face.

Seriously, I timed myself. I love makeup and all things beauty but for the longest time I haven’t been wearing anything to work because I get up at 4:45 AM everyday because despite having an office job, I work manufacturing  hours just by the nature of what I do. That’s fine and to be expected and I’ve always been a morning person butI haven’t ever taken my time to do my makeup in the morning because I always say I don’t have time.

However, I recently had a second what would have been emergency surgery had we not caught it when we did and the thing that brought me joy other than my lovely husband, family, friends and videos of my cat were pretty little makeup products and all I could do while I was in there was watch YouTube or listen to Bachelor podcasts. The joy I found in learning about new makeup and playing with makeup I don’t get if I don’t use my products.

So after getting home and getting back to work, I timed myself to do a five minute face and here is what I do in exactly five minutes:

 

-Squirt Urban Decay Naked BB Cream into hands and spread over face
-Use Maybeline Better Skin Powder puff all over face
-Use concealer under eyes, on lids and any acne. I have a L’Oreal Lumi in the picture but actually prefer to use the Benefit hydrating stick concealer because I can use it quicker and has more coverage.
-I then put on my Nivea kiss of color lip balm
-I dust Benefit Hoola bronzer all over my face and in the creases of my lids.
-I pat the Pur eye polish on my lids.
-I quickly use the ABH brow definer and put a line below and above my brows then quickly brush it out.
-I apply liquid liner and mascara (I have Physicians Formula pictured; I find that this fades and prefer Kat Von D Tattoo liner and I don’t really have a mascara preference but this Essence lash princess is pretty damn good and cheap). Sometimes I’ll put a crayon liner in my waterline instead of a liquid on the top or both if I’m feeling feisty.
-I swipe on the Rimmell Provocalips lipstick (this does’t smudge or transfer and is fantastic)
-I then dust on a little bit of Tarte’s Paaarty blush and if there’s time a little of the Makeup Forever Star Lit Powder for highlight (this stuff is gorgeous). If I don’t have time for the Makeup Forever, I just use the Nudestix stick highlighter really quickly on my nose and cheekbones.

I switch up my products sometimes when I want to spice it up or have extra time but I know these things work and work well for me. I skip the steps I find less important when  I just can’t seem to crank out my full face.

And that’s it. I’d prefer six to seven minutes for this just to feel like I’m not rushing but I have proven that this is totally doable and pretty for a work day if you need a quick face!

 

Here’s a picture of my sweet husband watching the makeup he bought for me while I was in the hospital:

He’s the greatest and I love him dearly.

That’s all for now.
XO

 

-A

April 2018 Boxycharm (and March 2018 Boxycharm reviews).

I have been very impatiently awaiting the arrival of my April Boxycharm. I knew there were five Colourpop palette variations (3 of which I was interested in) and the option between a MAC lipstick or Tarte liquid highlighter. I knew there was also the option between an Adesse liquid lipstick and a set of brushes.

My box arrived today and I could not be more excited about what I received.

1.) I got the Tarte Tartiest Pro Glow Liquid Highlighter in the color Stunner. In the super pretty LE packaging with the colorful turquoise and pink and blue cap. Even though I love MAC products, I was hoping for this version because I’ve almost bought this product several times and have been wanting to try it. This retails for $29.00

2.) I got the Colourpop My Little Pony Eyeshadow Palette. I am super pumped for this, as it has a good mix of pretty colorful shades and neutral shades. This was one of the three I was hoping for (the other two being Golden State of Mind and Semi-Precious). This retails for $16.00.

3.) I got the Dr. Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner mask. I really liked the scrub from them we got last October, so I have high hopes for this as well. This retails for $47.00.

4.) I got The Browgal Instatint Tinted Brow Gel in the Color Brown Hair 02. I am interested in trying this, as it seems like a good shade match for my brows. This retails for $22.00.

5.) Finally, I got Adesse Hi-Definition Liquid Lipstick. Not sure of the shade, as I don’t see a name but it’s a pretty neutral mauve color. This retails for $24.00

 

This brings the overall value of my box to $138. Not too shabby for $21 a month!

 

I will now also report on my thoughts in what I got in my March 2018 Boxycharm.

In March I got:

1.) Boxycharm X Pur Baecation Palette which was a collaboration with Boxycharm and Pur. This retails for $36.00 and you can purchase it at Ulta. These are not the most pigmented shadows in the world and are a bit powdery but all things considered I still quite enjoy it and will continue to use it. I probably wouldn’t purchase this if I didn’t get it in my Boxycharm though.

2.) South Mane Eye Gel packs which I believe retail for $10.00 for three. These were super fun to do with my husband. I think these worked all right, nothing crazy different. I don’t know that I would go out of my way to seek these out but if I saw them again or on sale I may pick them up to use again.

3.) I received the 3-piece brush set from The Vintage Cosmetics Company. These are pretty cute. I enjoy 2/3 brushes so far. The small, dense shadow brush I thought I’d love the most I find really aggressive with my shadows and tends to push a little harder than any other shadow brush does. I really like the small size and density so I’m going to continue to try to use it and see if it’s just a learning curve. The other two brushes are super nice and I quite enjoy them. This retails for $21.50 (not sure of exact change but I know it was around that price).

4.) I got the Pretty Vulgar blush in Hush Blush. I’m actually one of the weirdos who wanted that bright pink color so bad but I actually really like this. It’s a nice rose/teracotta on the cheeks and it’s very similar to my favorite blush ever, which is an Hourglass blush from the 2016 holiday palette. This retails for $26.00 and the packaging is so dang cute. It also has a good amount of wear time. The packaging does feel a bit cheap but I don’t find that a huge deal when the product is really nice. I would consider purchasing other colors.

5.) Finally, I got the Double Decker mascara from Butter London which retails for $21.00. I’ll be honest the first few times I tried this I wasn’t terribly impressed/didn’t really like it. However, after using it for a bit I really enjoy the look it gives my lashes and it doesn’t flake! You do have to take a little time to build it on your lashes, so I wouldn’t recommend it if you always get ready in a hurry but overall it’s a lovely mascara after you get past the first few applications. I would consider repurchasing this.

That makes the total for this box $114.50, still pretty good for $21.00 a month!

That’s all for now.

 

XO

-A

Sephora VIB Sale Wish List

I know I’ve been gone for a while, I’ve had quite a busy and stressful few months and I’ve just recently re-fallen in love with makeup and beauty and it is making me so happy right now and I want to share that with the world.

 

I thought I’d Share my Sephora VIB sale wish list with you all. I have recently made quite a few (err maybe a literal crap-ton would be a better explanation) and I will share those with you very soon!

I will also start sharing my thoughts on my Boxycharm boxes, because this has been one of my favorite things as of lately.

Here is my current VIB wishlist:

This doesn’t necessarily mean I will purchase all of this (or any of this), just things I am interested in.

Total: $213 or $182 with 15% VIB Rouge Discount.

 

1.) Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask $20.00

I swear I can’t go on YouTube without this being reccommended, I’m currently using GlamGlow’s PoutMud at night and it’s okay but with the rave reviews I have to wonder if this would be better for me.

2.) Becca Anti-Fatigue Under Eye Primer $32.00

I have really dry skin and under-eyes and I have seen such good reviews for this, so I am super intrigued!

3.) Becca Hydra Mist Set &Refresh Powder $38.00

My dry skin is so curious about this.

4.) Smashbox Eyeshadow Primer $21.00

I have used a full size one of these up before and it is my absolute favorite eye shadow primer. It has a silicone-like feel but really grabs shadows and does not crease on me.

5.) Laura Mercier Candleglow Soft Luminous Foundation $48.00

I used a sample of this last year for a week and FELL IN LOVE. I have bought so many foundations since then and keep putting this one off and haven’t found anything that makes my skin look like this, so I think it’s finally time I add this back into my life.

6.) Glow Recipe Watermelon Sleeping Mask $22 (Small/travel size)

This looks beautiful, I’ve heard it smells beautiful and anything that’s going to work wonders on my skin while I sleep I’m into.

7.) Stila Heaven’s Hue Highlighter in Kitten $32

I swatch this highlighter every time I see it in person and it is SO FREAKING PRETTY. It feels so fun like play dough and swatches just beautifully. I keep convincing myself I don’t need it but dang, I really want it!

What’s on your wish list?! Have you tried any of these? Let me know in the comments!

That’s all for now!

 

XO

-A

Life is Crazy!

I know, I know. All I do lately are life updates but it’s been a crazy year. I had just gotten hired full time at the place I had been interning when I got recruited to work for a bigger company with an offer I couldn’t refuse. I moved four hours from home and have been living with my grand-little four hours away from my fiancé and our kitty and it’s been great and also stressful and sad. I miss my fiancé and family and kitty but I love my roommate and the job has been really, really cool.

I’m now commuting to work, which I hadn’t done before but it allows me to live in a nicer, more metropolitan area than where my job is located. I just picked out the new apartment/condo for my fiancé and I to move into next month and it is amazing! It’s being completely renovated (new floors, paint, appliances, counter tops, cabinets, hardware, toilets, etc.). It’s going to be so incredible and such and amazing upgrade.

I’ll touch on a few things I’ve done since i’ve last written: took my mom to see Wicked for her birthday and had a fun weekend downtown with her, went to a bachelorette party in downtown Cincinnati, Gone to another wedding (and have another next weekend), finalized some more things for my wedding, stopped Sephora Play and started Boxycharm (I’m obsessed!), started traveling for work, had our engagement photos taken, signed my cat up for a subscription box because she’s a spoiled princess, found a new place to live, bridesmaids all got their dresses, saw John Mayer, went to an outdoor sculpture park and so much more! I swear sometimes life gets away from me and I have to play catch up.

Here’s some photos from the last few months:

 

L: Mom and I at Wicked. R: My friend Kim and I at her wedding.

L: Snapchat selfie from engagement photo day. R: Fiancé and I at Kim’s wedding.

L: My spoiled kitty. R: My fancy shoes I bought at the Saks outlet near me and wore for Wicked.

L: Sculpture from a local sculpture park R: Rooms and I at John Mayer.

One of my recent makeup purchases that I am very happy with!

 

XO

-A

Life Update; Again.

Let’s just say, things have been crazy! I once again found myself in the middle of a bunch of interviews for a new job, one that I wanted but did not apply for (can I tell you how cool it is to be recruited?). Anyway, after a long interview process I know find myself in the southern part of the state, working in another state for a really, really awesome company. I am so excited to have my dream job! I am temporarily residing with my grand little until my fiancé finishes school, then heads down this way. I’ve been here a little over a week and I LOVE LOVE LOVE this city. It seriously is so incredible and has everything. The only thing that I’m (somewhat) unhappy with is my long commute to work but life is about balance, right?

 

Anyway, as the picture above shows a MAC lipstick. I was able to make it to an Ulta on national lipstick day. I was 45/50 in line and I was able to snag a freebie. The color I got is a matte bright pink called, “Breathing Fire.” It’s gorgeous and I adore it. I’ll try to insert a picture of it on my lips following this paragraph.

Ughhh. If only I would have blended my nose contour. Ah well, you live and you learn. I’ve got some new products that I’ve been loving on so a favorites (and hate its) post should be coming your way soon, as well as my promised review of the Tarte Clay Play palette. I’m also thinking I want to get a cut and color soon, my hair is at that stage where if it’s getting longer it’s taking it’s sweet ‘ol time and it’s so thick it just frizzes at the bottom. (Thick hair struggles, I know, I know I hate me too).

 

For right now work is crazy busy and traveling will start super soon. I miss my fiance, family, kitty and doggo like crazy but at times I’m too busy to notice. I’ve been enjoying eating tons of the delicious foods that are down here and visiting all the cool places to shop. I seriously am never at a loss for what to do, I even went to a concert with minimal planning last night and it was incredible! Once of the nicest outdoor venues I’ve been to! It was so fun to hang out with my roommate and jam out.

 

That’s all for now!

 

XO

-A

July 2017 Sephora Play Box

Photo above without flash.

Hello all, I wanted to share with you the contents and thoughts on the products I received in my July 2017 Sephora Play. My June box was rather awful, it had products for blow drying (which I never do) and curly hair (that I don’t have) and I only enjoyed 2 of the products, it was the worst one I’ve received so it wasn’t worth mentioning.

Photo above shows use of the lipstick and the mascara.

This month, however, I’m far more impressed! I got a leave in conditioner from Brigeo that smells like orange juice, a caudile anti wrinkle serum (seems nice, too early to tell how it works), a tarte lipstick that is a lovely pinky-brown nude, a Bobbi brown mascara (which is nice and volumizing), the fresh rose face mask which is hydrating and I love and a fragrance from clean which is nice enough that I’ll wear but not something I would purchase, especially at the cost of perfumes! 

Photo above with flash. 

I’d definitely say my $10 went to better use this month! Right now this is my only subscription but I’ve been quite pleased overall that I just signed up for boxycharm (and much to my annoyance got waitlisted). So hopefully when I get off the waitlist I’ll have some cool products to try out! 

That’s all for now!

XO

-A

BH Cosmetics Galaxy Chic first impression

So I went to Ulta today to get my brows done and did a little stress shopping. There are exciting, scary, amazing, terrible (not really) things happening that have my stress levels through the roof. Last weekend was my best friends wedding and it was so fun and beautiful but also stressful and time consuming so I’m starting to decompress. Today I snagged this bh cosmetics baby for $16 which is an incredible deal for a palette these days. Especially when a crappy Maybeline palette is $14 (looking at you, blushed nudes). 

This BH palette has 18 shades which makes these colors less than $1 each! You can get a stunning variety of looks too! These shadows are baked so they work best with a mixing medium of your choice (I chose to use fix plus). Though they swatch fine dry, I don’t see them applying well without liquid. 

  

That being said, the look I achieved was quite vibrant and stunning! I used Earth, Neptune, Milky Way and Aphrodite. I also used Saturn as my face highlight.

There’s some pretty shades in both the warm and cool toned families. I will say there are two blues and two purples that are so similar I’m sure they’ll be indistinguishable on the eye but that still leaves 16 unique shades. However, this palette is all shimmers so if you are one of those people who refuses to use a shimmer in the crease because of ~rules~ (I get you if you have hooded eyes or small lid space) then this isn’t for you or you’ll need a companion palette of matte transition colors. 

I find this palette so aesthetically pleasing and totally dig the galaxy/space vibe and the marbelized shadows. I feel that this was a good buy as I had no issues applying or blending these shades and found them to be vibrant on the lid. I’m looking forward to creating more looks with this guy! 

XO

-A