{Haul} BeautyBar.com: Cosmetic Executive Women Insiders' Choice Box 2012!

Hey there! Yet another haul today! I know, I really gotta stop buying things lol. This haul is again to blame on the lovely Nouveau Cheap blog--the best place to find out about great deals and steals. And this haul is definitely a steal!!! And this is also my first ever purchase from Beauty Bar, so another reason to be excited!

I technically only bought one item off Beauty Bar: the Cosmetic Executive Women Insiders' Choice Box 2012 (click to see it on Beauty Bar). Supposedly some of the top people in the beauty industry got together, voted, and chose these 11 products as winners for some of their best product of 2012. I don't know how much of that is true or if this is just a marketing ploy, but either way, I am really glad I made the purchase.

This box is worth over $109 and I got it for $25. I also got free two day shipping from Beauty Bar because this was my first purchase. AND if you're interested, they have a special offer: buy 2 of these boxes and get 1 free with the code BBCEW. Click here to check it out! These wold make great gifts!

Look at all the goodies inside!!! Lol I couldn't resist cracking a few of these babies open and trying them out the second it came in the mail! Keep scrolling to see everything included!




















Supergoop! SPF 30 Everyday Face & Body Moisturizer with Parsol 1789 PLUS:  A UVA and UVB protection sunscreen for sensitive skin that is supposed to be water resistant and packed with antioxidants A, C, and E. I've never tried this brand but I've seen them on Hautelook before. Looking forward to testing them out cuz I'm always on the look out for a good sunblock.


StriVectin-TL Tichtening Neck Cream: This one is a baby sample size (.25 fl oz). I don't have the need for this so I'll be giving it to mom most likely.

L'Oreal Youth Code Serum Intense: I'm more excited about this item than any other in the box. I've been obsessed with serums lately because they provide such good moisture, but don't leave my oily skin feeling slick or greasy. Really looking forward to using this after I finish up my Biore one. I've seen the Youth Code line at Target all the time, but just couldn't get myself to cough up the money. This product retails for $24.99, so there's the value of the box right there!

Burt's Bees Richly Replenishing Cocoa & Cupuacu Butters Body Lotion for Dry Skin: I love lotion. Never tried any of the ones from Burt's Bees, but I've heard great things. And this stuff smells really good too! Kinda like Palmers cocoa butter stuff.

L'Occitane En Provence Lavender Hand Cream: Another item I'm psyched about! I'm not really a lavender person, but I've heard a lot of people raving about their hand creams and am really excited to be able to try this out! I've used The Body Shops versions of these--it'll be great to finally try out the real thing without having to shell out $10.


Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips in 440 Animal Instinct: These look fun! I've used them before and always had a great experience, so looking forward to using these! And if you really like these check out Ocean State Job Lot or Big Lots cuz I've seen them there for about $3!

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara in Black: I saw this at the drugstore and considered buying it when it first came out then thought of all the mascaras I've got to finish up at home and walked away lol. I've never tried a fiber mascara, so we'll see how well it works. Burt's

Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Red Dahlia: Can never have enough lip balm.The color looks intimidating in the tube, but is very sheer.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser for Dark Circles in 150 Neutralizer: I reviewed the foundation in this line (see review here) and remember that it didn't work too well for my very oily skin. I really hope the case is different with this concealer. I'll test it and do a full review soon.

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer in Neutral Medium: Another concealer--actually happy about that because I don't own many. This one is a travel size (3.12 ml/0.11 fl oz) but honestly it will take me forever to go through even a quarter of this because I honestly do not need much at all. Never tried anything from It Cosmetics before, so happy to finally get my hands on something!




















 Heidi Klum Shine: Don't think this is my kinda scent. Gonna give it to mom.

I also got two samples with my Beauty Bar order (the promise three with every order, I only got two? Not sure what happened there.). I'm excited to try out the Sisley one because I've heard good things about their (very very expensive) products.

So that's everything that came in the box! It's all packaged in a nice sturdy box the size of a show box with some tissue paper. Even with the couple of items I'm gonna pass on to my mom, this box is a great value for me and I'm super excited about trying all of this stuff out. There is a good mix of low and high end products, more than enough to justify the $25 price tag. The shipping from Beauty Bar was very very fast (I've waited almost a month for an order of Hautelook before--not cool). I ordered it on Sunday, it got to me around 1 pm Tuesday, which is amazing. As close to instant gratification as one can get when online shopping. Highly recommend this box and will have reviews posted soon!

{Haul} Collective: Target, MAC, Sephora, etc.

Hi! Another collective post, this time most of the things I bought during the month of May. And before I begin, I apologize for the poor quality of some of the pictures. I took these pics over the course of a month and sometimes I was in a big hurry:( I will be sure to post clearer pics of the products I review.

1.MAC

MAC Eyeshadow in Satin Taupe and Haute & Naughty Lash Mascara

A couple of things caught my eye at MAC this past month. I've been eyeing Satin Taupe for a while now but never could justify buying it, especially as I've got about a million shades that are exactly like it, but I finally caved and bought it. And I was a bit intrigued by the two in one mascara. I know that Rimmel has one too, but I wanted to try the mac one and see how it compares. I'll be doing a full review soon!

2. Sephora

(L to R) Nars Laguna Body Illuminator (sample), Sephora Professional Mineral Makeup #45 Brush, Sephora by OPI nail polish in Traffic Stopper Copper.

So I finally caved and bought a couple of things I was eyeing at Sephora for a while now. A few months ago I got a large bamboo brush from Eco Tools, but it was a bit big for me and I finally found a smaller brush with the same type and density of bristles from Sephora. I've been loving it for buffing in foundation or cream bronzer. And the bronzer I got because I've been looking for something more natural looking than a powder bronzer. I got a sample of the body version to use on my face because I think the version made for face use is a little too sheer for my liking. I will have a full review soon!

3. The Body Shop

(L to R) TBS Cucumber Cleansing Milk and Cucumber Freshening Water.

The Body Shop had these on sale, two for $10 on all of the originals so I thought I'd try these. They both smell amazing, like the freshest cucumber smell I've ever smelled lol! I'll be doing a full review on these later on as well!

4. Target, Walgreens and the Dollar Tree

(L to R) ELF Complexion Perfection Powder, Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lipstick in Orchid Frost, CoverGirl Nature Luxe Foundation in Flax, Revlon Nail Polish in Copper Penny, and Sinful Colors Nail Polish in Pink.

Of these I was most excited to try the ELF Powder. I actually wanted to try their HD powder because I've heard bloggers comparing it to MUFE's HD powder that costs $40, but I guess Target doesn't carry it. The Nature Luxe foundation from CoverGirl I'm kinda kicking myself about. It cost me $14. FOURTEEN DOLLARS!!! For a CoverGirl Product that is really expensive. When I saw that number ring up I was shocked. I was expecting somewhere in the range of $8-$10, but not $14. I was soooo temped to leave it you have no idea. Oh, and the thing I liked the most from this bunch was the Sinful Colors Polish. I've had it on my toes for the last week and every time I go out in the sun my feet look soooo nice!

(L to R) Almay Moisturzing Eye Makuep Remover, L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black and waterproof, CoverGirl Nature Luxe Foundation in Flax (don't know why I photographed it twice haha!).

If you read my last post you know I finished my Mary Kay Oil Free Eye Makup Remover, and I decided to go back to my trusty Almay remover. I like it. It does the job. It's cheap. Not much more I can say about it. Full review here! And I accidentally bought the waterproof version of Voluminous. I gave it to my mom and bought a regular one.

ELF Shine Eraser Oil Blotting Sheets

A couple of months ago I finished my favorite blotting sheets from Boscia (lavender scented too!) and just never restocked. I saw these at target and decided to try them. I'll do a review, but for the most part they're kinda average. Not great but not the worst I've tried. They're kinda tiny though.

Plus White 5 Minute Speed Whitening System

I've heard a lot about this whitening system on YouTube from many other gurus and I decided to give it a try. It's only $10 though, so while I was happy it's cheap, I felt a bit hesitant using something so much cheaper than other whiteners that run about $40 and up. I'll do a full review in a bit, but for the most part I have to say I do like it!

(L to R) Cotton Rounds, Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask, Elf Eye Primer, NYC Smooth Skin Pressed Powder in Translucent.

I didn't finish my old Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask, but I'm pretty sure my sister stole it when I was home for the weekend. And I ran out of my Sephora Professionals Eye Primer so I decided to try the Elf Primer before possibly buying UDPP again.

So that's it for now! More to come later!

{EOTD} Navy Clubbing Eyeshadow!

I feel like it's been ages since I've posted an EOTD, so here is one! A few friends and I went out last night and this is what my makeup looked like! I went for a navy smoky eye. I did add liner along the waterline later, but I don't have pics of that :( But yea, I went for dramatic, dark, and sexy! And I used my Sephora ColorPlay 5 in 1 Palette!

Products Used:

ELF Eyeshadow Primer (review coming soon)

Sephora ColorPlay 5-in-1 Palette

L'Oreal HIP Kohl in Navy

Revlon Grow Luscious Lashes Mascara in Black

{Haul} Collective Mostly Skincare Haul

So if you've been reading this blog for a while now, you know I try not to buy too much makeup. Well, in the past month I've really been hauling quite a bit, most of it skin care related. Here's what I got!

1. Sephora:

Sephora Jumbo Pencil in White

Sephora Single Eyeshaodw in Choco Excess

Smith's Rosebud Slave

I had to get that eyeshadow. It is just so shimmery, glittery, and pretty!!! And I finally finished my C.O. Bigelow rose salve a while ago and just now decided to try out another rose salve.

2. Marshall's:

Nature's Gate C For Yourself Serum

Caswell-Massey Revitalizing Cool Cucumber Eye Pads

I got the eye pads for only $0.79 cause I think they thought that someone had tampered with them. It looks like there are only a few in the package but they are very thin and I counted and all 24 were there. I've also really been getting into serums. My ski's been so dull lately that I've really been trying out products designed to smooth and brighten.

3. Ocean State Job Lot:

Nivea Visage Natural Beauty Beautifying Daily Peeling

I was interested in this daily exfoliator because I've been wanting to try Nivea Visage products for a while now but just haven't seen them in any of the stores I usually shop in. There was also an illuminating moisturizer and eye cream, but I didn't get those.

L'Oreal Skin Genesis Deep Purifying Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser

I'm not a huge fan of L'Oreal skin care but the concept of adding clay into a foaming cleanser hooked me. The actual product feels heavier than a normal cleanser of that size. I was definitely interested.

4. Mary Kay:

Oil Free Liquid Makeup Remover

This one I bought from a friend of mine who sells Mary Kay. I finished my Almay Moisturizing Makeup Remover and really wanted to try something different. It's like Lancom's Bi-Facil remover in that it's got the double layer.

5. Target:

Revlon PhotoReady Translucent Finisher in Translucent

While I love my NYC Smooth Skin Loose Powder in Translucent, I do need something a bit more portable, so I picked this one up. I'll be doing a full review later because I was a bit surprised by this powder.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for combo skin

A friend of mine told me that this moisturizer is really close to Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel so I had to give it a try. At 4 oz you get a ton of product too.

Reviews on many of these products coming soon! If you've tried any of them let me know what you thought!

Valentines Day Look!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!

I chose to go with something romantic, but a bit edgier! I hope that you guys have an awesome night! And maybe get something nice from that special someone in your life ;)

Products Used:

Sephora Brand Eye Primer

Lancome Eyeshadow in The Pink Carpet

Lancome Eyeshadow in Daylight Glow

L'Oreal Khol in Navy

Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara in Black

MASSIVE Collective Haul!

First stop: Sephora!

1. Sephora:

Sephora Color Play 5 in 1 LE Palette! This was what I've been excited for for the past couple of weeks! I've had so much fun playing with it!

2. Victoria's Secret:

They're having a big sale right now over at VS! Def check it out!


Beauty Rush Lip & Cheek Tint. I've tried it a couple of times and DO NOT BUY THIS!!! I only paid $1.24 (75% off), but I want my money back, lol! I think the shade of this one is Peach Me, but I'm not sure. I kinda lost it somehow in the three days since I bought it. It was just THAT bad, lol!


Chiffon Peony Freesia Eau de Parfum. I actually got this as a gift for a friend. Onthe VS website it is listed as 50% off, but in store I paid $11 something, which is 75% off, so definitely check the store first.


It's a cute little perfume, and it comes with a flower and a pin! How cute is that!?

3. Marshall's:

I got DDF's Advanced Moisture Defense and Lisa Hoffman Clay Mask.


I SAVED A TON!!! I got each of them for $4.50, but the DDF cream costs $105 retail and I got it for a mere $4.50!!!

4. Ocean State Job Lot:

If you don't have one in your area, it's kinda like Big Lots. Anyway, for 3 bucks, I got around $20 worth of product! I was actually going to buy a new curler soon anyway!

5. Big Lots:

More savings! The mascara (which I love and highly recommend and will review soon) came with the eyeshadow in Lilac Shimmer. The Neutrogena Mineral Sheer was also $4!

6. CVS:

I picked up a L'Oreal HIP Kohl in Navy. It was 75% off, so around $3.

7. The Dollar Tree:

Sally Hansen Carmindy Cream Bronzer in Rio Glow and ELF Minty Lip Gloss in Chicago. Both a buck each! They had just about every shade of the ELF Minty Glosses but only one shade of the bronzer, which is ok since it works fine for my skin. I do plan on getting some more of the glosses though! They are absolutely yummy!

Reviews are coming!

HUGE COLLECTIVE HAUL!!!

I know I've been away for a while now. I've been busy with school. As the semester winds down there is just so much that has to be done, so many tests. I'm almost out for the winter holiday break, but I promise to update as much as possible, especially since I do so much hauling over the holiday season. I have three hauls to share with you, all done on Black Friday. I though I'd share! Individual reviews are coming soon!

First up: MAC

I got the Smoky Thrillseekers pigment set and the 219 brush. I don't have pics yet, but I'll be posing a review for these tomorrow!

Next up, the Body Shop. Prepare yourselves cause this one's gonna be BIG!!!

The Body Shop had a 3 for $30 sale. You could pick three full size items (excluding gift sets) and each would only cost you $10.

I got:
Body Butter in Satsuma (sooooo delicious!!!!) ($20)
Tea Tree Blackhead Exfoliating Wash ($13)
Nature's Mineral's SPF 25 Mineral Foundation ($25)

Just these three items should have cost me $58, but I got them for only $30!!! In addition, they had a special, where you get a silver purse filled with a lot of full size and sample size (but mostly full size!!!) products for only $25! I don't see it listed online, but I know that they still have it in stores, but now it'll cost you $50 instead of $25.

Here's what's included:
Body Butter in Jolly Orange (Full Size, $20)
Carrot Moisture Cream (Full Size, $8.99)
Body Scrub in Jolly Orange (Full Size, $20)
Lip Balm in Jolly Orange (Full Size, $8)
Soap in Jolly Orange (Full Size, $5)
Bath & Shower Gel in Jolly Orange (Full Size, $13)
Peppermint Intense Foot Rescue Cream (Full Size, $18)
Hemp Hand Protector Cream (Full Size, $10)
Home Fragrance Oil in Jolly Orange (Full Size, $7.50)
Nail Buffer ($3)
Nail File ($3)
Bath Lily ($3)
Bath Brush (Large, $9)
Body Butter in Shimmer Coconut (Sample, .35 oz, $?)
Vitmin E Moisture Serum (Sample, .06 oz, $?)
Christmas Ornament ($?)
Purse ($?)

The ad claims that you're getting a $175 value for $25, but the products add up to $128.49. I suppose they included the cost of the samples, the purse, and the ornaments, to get their figure of $175, but they're pretty cheap. Either way, you still save a TON of money, even if you purchase it now for $50 and I highly recommend you do!!!

And finally, a small haul a Target:

Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation in 100 Ivory
Maybelline Color Sensational Gloss in Sugared Honey
L'Oreal Color Riche Lipstick in 745 Sugar Plum

That's all for now! Of the three, the only one I actually saved on was the Body Shop haul, but it more than made up for everything else I bought!

EOTD: Iced Lilac and Passion

So today's look was just a simple purple eye using only four products. Yeah, you heard me right. Only four products!!! I was in the mood for color this morn but didn't have much time so I went with a very simple and wearable combination of purples. And sorry in advance for the sorta fuzzy pics. These were taken on my old camera and the focus is kinda off, so its rally clear in some places but blurry in others.




Products Used:

L'Oreal Color Fresco Refreshing Eye Color in Iced Lilac (I think it's discontinued-I found it at Big Lots)
Clarins Summer Fever Kohl Powder Eyeliner in 02 (LE)
MakeUpForEver Aqua Eyes Eyeliner in 18L
Lancome Difinicils Mascara in Aubergine Royal (LE)

I was rummaging through my makeup stuff and found this palette from Lancome. I got it a while ago, put away and sorta forgot about it. I rally like the colors, so my next purple EOTD will be with this palette. The colors are so pretty!!!

The pallet is 04 Passion from Lancome.

Review: L'Oreal Infallible Never Fail Lipgloss

Some swatches:




First of all, I have to say that spelling the word "infallible" is really a pain in the butt. It's one of those words that no matter how many times you write it, you still misspell it, like "sovereignty" or "accommodate." Really really annoying. Personally, I think the name should be just Infallible Lipgloss. Otherwise the name seems really wordy, and this is just the beginning of the list of things that I hate about this product. I am amazed that so many people actually like this product. I was reading so many rave reviews about it on MUA and Total Beauty, and after I tried it I was like "were they high or something!?" This gloss is probably one of the worst glosses I've ever tried.

First of all, it isn't even that glossy! Here's a few pics:




And here's a comparison of it with my Labello balm:


Huge difference! I don't know how to describe the glossiness. It's more of what a regular gloss looks like after you've been wearing it for a few hours rather than freshly applied gloss. No matter how many coats I put on, I couldn't get it to be more glossy. In addition to this, the texture isn't very appealing. It felt very thick and heavy on my lips, very uncomfortable. I understand that this is supposed to make it adhere to your lips better and promote lasting power, but I felt like I had glue on my lips, it was that tacky.

Next, it doesn't even last that long. I put it on, but less than three hours later I had to reapply. They advertise that it lasts for six hours, which is totally ridiculous. Also, they say that it's supposed to be moisturizing, but I saw absolutely no evidence of that. My lips felt very tight and dry after I took the gloss off at the end of the day, and I didn't like that.

Finally, what I hated the most about this product was the scent. It smells rancid. Usually with glosses you expect a fruity or a vanilla scent, but this was like some chem experiment. Not only that, but the smell lingered on my lips for the better part of an hour. Ugh...

To leave you on a high note, however, one thing that I do like about this gloss is the applicator. It's like the type on Lancome's Color Fever glosses, and I do like it better than the traditional doe foot applicators. If the formula of the gloss had been better, then the brush would have been a huge asset, but because the formula was so sticky, the brush didn't make any difference in my application. With the Lancome Color Fever glosses, the brush allows me to get both my lips in one go, so I don't have to redip, which does save product. Actually, this brush was what had excited me about the product. Here's a pic:

Overall, I wouldn't recommend this product.

Info:

Price: $9.99 (Retail)

Ingredients: Not listed on the product or the internet as far as I've seen.

Disclosure: The product featured in this post was bought by me for the purpose of my personal use. If you have any further questions about disclosure, don't hesitate to ask in the comments.