Products I've Used Up | Makeup | #Empties

I'm back! Please forgive my unpredictable posting "schedule" -- life's just getting in my way. And it's not even exciting life stuff. It's the mundane stuff that's not even interesting to post about on social media. Nobody wants to watch a Snap about me sitting behind a desk working all day. YAWN. (I nodded off typing that sentence)

So, let's just leave it at this: I've been adulting.

But one exciting thing did happen last week. We got a new couch, finally. Our old one had been through five moves (read beat up). Suffered countless spills. Had a hole that always swallowed the remote. And the cats got sick on it a few too many times (all thoroughly cleaned, but still, I knew the incidents happened). Plus, I was tired of looking at it and ready for a different aesthetic.

I finally got it. My living room is now brighter, cozier and more open and inviting. I'm currently typing from the cuddler corner of the couch (an extra large corner seating area) as giddy as a school kid meeting their favorite boy band member. It's which quickly become my cozy little pillow and throw blanket covered nook.

And that is what qualifies as exciting in my world lately. Yup. That's full fledged adulting. And just in case you think I've reached some adult life low, it's been worse. I've also gotten stupid excited about a new vacuum. Basically, couch excitement is a step up.

Ok. While I was adulting, I decided it was time to clean out some junk. Literally. It was high time I shared a video about all the products I've used up, so I can finally toss out the packaging.

So without further ado. Check out my video below to see all the products I've used up and whether I thought they're good enough to repurchase.

Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner Quick Dry Formula | Sephora Microsmooth Foundation | It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Powder | L'Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion foundation | It Cosmetics CC Veil Fluid Foundation | Sephora Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation | L'Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black mascara | Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara | Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye mascara | Starlooks Luxe Longwear Eyeliner Pen | Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner | Lorac Front of the Line Pro liquid eyeliner pen | Urban Decay 24/7 Liquid Eyeliner | Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz | NYX Micro Brow | Maybelline Define-a-Brow | Maybelline Age Rewind concealer | Make Up For Ever HD Concealer | First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy | Skindinavia Primer Mist | Model in a Bottle Sensitive Skin Setting Spray  

What was the last makeup product you used up? Is it something I need to try? Comment below!

Like what you saw? Subscribe for more videos!

Join the ULTA Rewards program, earn a $10 coupon.

Use ebates to earn cash back when you shop. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links” or "referral links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item or join a program, I will receive an affiliate commission or referral rewards. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Haul | ULTA | August 2015

We should all know by now that I love to shop. There's just something about getting a new something (anything) that's rewarding and fires all the happy synapses in my brain.

I can't be alone here -- otherwise, why bother coining the term retail therapy?

Heck, I'm certain I'm not the only one. The popularity of haul videos alone suggests that even living vicariously through someone else's shopping has some kind of soothing/joyful effect on others.

By that logic, my shopping is a charitable act. I do it for the good of myself and society. Who knew doing good was this easy (and fun!)?

Being the do-gooder that I am, I engaged in some ULTA retail therapy recently because adulting is hard work and I needed to let off some steam by parting with my hard earned money. Also, ULTA tempted me with a 20% off (entire purchase) coupon.

You've heard me rattle on about my inability to resist this coupon and ULTA sends it out to its rewards members a few times per year. It's one of the many perks of their awesome rewards program. My other favorite perk -- your points convert to cash back that you can apply to future purchases. Points hoarders rejoice -- you can save up your points and get some nice money off future purchases. Once you hit platinum status, your points accrue even quicker and they don't expire, so you can hoard to your hearts content. All that awesomeness is also free, so go sign up now.

Back to the topic at hand.

I got my favorite ULTA coupon. I had some very busy and stressful weeks at work. I decided it was time to relieve some tension by buying myself gifts online.

Come see what I got.

What do you think? Anything you've been wanting to try out? Anything in my haul you already own and love? 

Haul: Collective purchasing from CVS, Walgreens, and Nordstrom Rack

Hey everyone. Hope you're having a great weekend. I filmed a little haul for your enjoyment. I picked up just a few (nothing big) items last week and I wanted to share those with you. 

Check out some of the other goodies I found. Watch!

By the way, has anyone heard of the brand c. Booth? And if so, what do you think about it/know about it? I just got two of their body oils and they smell INCREDIBLE (yes, I'm yelling, it's that good). I did a little research and found it's a drugstore brand and you can also get it at ULTA and Walgreens (online). There seem to be a lot of people out there who like it, and here I am totally out of the loop.

Spill the beans on it, I need to know more.

Haul: ULTA Friends & Family Sale + Coupon Link & More

Oops! I went shopping...

I have a weakness. I can't resist a good sale, especially of the beauty or shoe variety. This probably isn't news to anyone, but I'm putting it out there. 

Speaking of sales, ULTA is having their Friends & Family sale. It started January 12 and ends January 18. Oh, you didn't know? Don't worry, they've managed to keep it on the low. I'm used to getting emails and mailers from them and this time, nothing. Goose eggs. Nada. I found out about the sale on Instagram when someone posted about it (not ULTA). 

Here's how you can get the discount: Go to this site ulta.com/friends. Fill out your name, email address, and zip code. Wait for them to email you the coupon. (Don't worry, it takes less than 5 minutes. I did mine in the parking lot in front of ULTA)

Then, be a good friend and tell everyone. Just share the link because you can't forward the coupon (it's a one-time use only)

The coupon gets you 20% off your entire purchase, can be used in store or online, and includes prestige cosmetics. However, it excludes Urban Decay's Naked 1, 2 and 3 palettes. I think that's the only exclusion, except the Benefit Brow Bar. Exclusions are listed on the coupon, in case you forget.

You're welcome. 

Now that you know about this sale, you know I went shopping. Here's a video where I share everything I got. 

List of products (all prices listed are regular price, do not include 20% discount):

ULTA:

Gwen Stefani for OPI Rock Starlets Mini Set ($12.95)

Gwen Stefani for OPI Push and Shove Duet set ($9)

Gwen Stefani for OPI - In True Stefani Fashion ($9) 

China Glaze Mingle with Cringle ($3.99)

NYX Infinite Shadow Sticks - Almond and Flushed ($8.99 each)

Benefit Lip Lotto - Lady's Choice, Fame Game, LaLa Land ($18)

Maybelline Dream Wonder Powde - Nude ($8.99)

Urban Decay Naked Basics ($27)

Target:

Up & Up non-latex makeup sponges ($1.77)

Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm - Elusive ($6.49)

Sally Beauty Supply: 

Beauty Secrets Pure Acetone ($3.69)

Buffing blocks - Black and Pink ($1.19 each)

Did you know about the Friends & Family sale? Did you get anything? Comment below, let's chat about it. 

More Beauty Stocking Stuffer Suggestions

The holiday hustle and bustle isn't quite done yet, but you only have a few days left to polish off that shopping list. Buying beauty gifts can be so daunting, but there are quite a few cute little gifts you can add to someone's stocking. Here are just a few ideas to take the load off whatever's left of your shopping duties. These are sure to elicit a few "Ooohs" and "Ahs" and earn you a place on the awesome gift giver list.

Urban Decay Revolution lipstick ($22 each) / MAKE UP FOR EVER Extravagant Glamour Set  ($38) / L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand & Lips Set ($20) / The Body Shop Shower Moisture Gift Set ($7) / Tarte Limited Edition Lash Set ($19) / Stila Portrait of a Perfect Eye Palette ($16) / Holiday BeautyBlender ($20) / Philosophy Purity Made Simple™ Ornament ($10) / Stila Portrait of a Perfect Cheek Palette ($16) / Atelier Cologne perfume miniature duo ($18) + Nordstrom Atomizer ($5)

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick: Soft, buttery, long-wearing all packaged neatly in a gunmetal chrome tube. It's hard to go wrong with this lipstick line. The hardest part is choosing a color, mostly because they have so many great ones to choose from. Only you know the person you're shopping for, but some nice neutral work-for-everyone shades include Naked (nude with a little pink) and Fiend (rose). If your giftee is bold check out Anarchy, F-bomb, or Jilted. It will be hard to pick just one (read: not buy them all). You may even need one (or 5) for your stocking. 

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand & Lips Set: Soft hands and lips will make a great gift this holiday season, especially since so many people are experiencing ridiculously cold weather. I'm partial to the L'Occitane line because it feels so luxurious (and sounds fancy because it's French). My favorite is the rose scented line, but this set comes in a variety of scents, so choose whichever you think is best. 

Tarte lash set:  Everyone wants enviable lashes, right? How fun to reach into your stocking and pull out this little gilded set. All it needs is a little pouch so you can carry them with you anywhere. 

Beauty Blender: Does this gift need any explanation? The Beauty Blender has enjoyed quite a bit of fame for a reason. I doubt any beauty lover (even if they already have one) will turn this away. A flawless makeup finish is always appreciated. 

Purity ornament: Listen up. This will make my holiday gift list every year for as long as Philosophy will put it out on the market. I love this face wash. It cleanses and tones and is gentle on your skin. I didn't believe the hype until I used it myself. My skin was noticeably softer, even before I started pairing it with my Clarisonic. The travel-size version is a great way to introduce your friends to this gem and it lasts a long time. 

Stila cheek and eye palettes: I love that Stila released these little sets this holiday season. You'll get to choose different ones for eyes, and while I love all the colors they offer, I keep gravitating toward that cheek set. Both or either will make a great gift because the quality is outstanding. Bonus: Adorable packaging. 

Make Up For Ever Extravagant Glamour set:  This is a phenomenal deal. Three full sized products at a reasonable price (valued at $63). If you have a bold glamour puss on your list, this will have her jaw on the floor. A full-sized bright red lipstick, smokey lash mascara, and waterproof black liner? Yes. Please. If I had a mic, I'd drop it. 

Atelier Cologne perfume mini duo set: I got this for myself recently. The full-size equivalent of each of these mini's is more than $100. I had to see why. They smell amazing and linger on your skin for a whiiiile. This set comes with the vanilla and blood orange perfumes. Yes, the mini's are tiny, but they have the same amount of product as most roller ball perfumes. Pair this with an atomizer ($5 at Nordstrom) and they'll make perfect purse or travel companions. 

Merry Christmas!

Here's a little giveaway to bring you some holiday cheer. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and that 2013 brings health, happiness, and success. 




Giveaway Rules (Open internationally):

1. Must be a channel subscriber (click subscribe it's easy and free!)
2. Like this video
3. Follow me on Twitter
4. Like my Facebook page 
5. Leave a comment on the video (1 entry per person) telling me 

• What is your favorite gift you've ever given to someone else.
• Include your Twitter handle and Facebook name in the comment 

6. Tweet about this giveaway: I entered @girlythingsby_e giveaway to win @UrbanDecay411 Naked Basics palette and more! Check it out here http://youtu.be/ddrpW9k-T-4
7. Contest closes 12/31/12 at noon EST. Winners will be notified through Youtube. Make sure you either add me as a contact or you don't block people from sending you messages. If I can not notify you, I will have to choose another winner. Winners will have 48 hours to respond with their shipping information or another winner will be chosen. There will be three winners chosen for this giveaway and there are three different prizes.

Prizes cannot be redeemed for cash. The makers and manufacturers of the items being given away are in no way affiliated with this contest. While I take every precaution to ensure packages are delivered to contest winners, I do not take any responsibility for items lost, stolen, or damaged during the shipping process once I have confirmed shipment from my end.

Winners: Kristin Johnson, Natasha Lopez, Myah Vickers

Urban Decay Naked Basics Now Available

Photo credit: Urban Decay site

The makeup sphere has been abuzz, anxiously awaiting the release of the newest Urban Decay naked palette set. After the successful launch of two highly coveted, much-loved neutral palettes, Urban Decay fans just had one thing to say: We want more matte shades. Yes, it's true. For as much as we love our Naked palettes, we're all left wanting just a few more matte shades to balance out all the satin and shimmer.

Urban Decay responded. The new Naked Basics palette is what they call the companion palette to the naked series. It can stand on its own or complement its predecessors. Naked Basics has six full-sized eye shadows: five matte and one demi-matte (think a hint of satin) to put together natural and dramatic looks. It retails for $27 and it available on Urban Decay's website for now. I'm sure it will eventually reach Sephora and ULTA stores. But typically the first round goes through the UD site.

Order yours today. It will definitely make a great gift (gifts for yourselfutral eye lover (gifts for yourself count!).

Check out close up photos, swatches, and reviews over at Vampy Varnish and Temptalia. They share some insight that might be quite useful for those interested in this palette and those of us who already have Naked 1 and 2.

Holiday Gift Guide: Beauty Gifts Under $150

We've talked about some of my favorite picks for holiday beauty gifts under $50. Now it's time to talk about some of my favorite beauty gifts that will require a little more of your budget. But, I'm assuming, if you're looking at this list, you have the budget allotted for these items and you're probably shopping for someone on your list with whom you have a closer relationship. That's usually how the bigger budget gifts work, right?

But don't worry, I didn't go all crazy. Most of these gifts are still quite reasonably priced.

1. Best of Hourglass set ($59) - I think this is a great gift for the sophisticated beauty gal in your life. Hourglass cosmetics aren't as readily available as other brands. You can't just walk into any department store and get them. But don't fret, you can find them at Sephora (or Barney's if you choose). Giving these as a gift is sure to impress. They're a little more obscure, but rank up there with is competing high-end brands. This set features two of the brands best-selling primers -- mineral primer and No. 28 primer (which has 28 hydrating ingredients) -- along with the Film Noir mascara and a pretty lip gloss (all best sellers). 
2. Clarisonic Mia 2 ($149) - No list would be complete if it didn't include a Clarisonic. These cleansing brushes are magical. They deep clean while gently exfoliating leaving you with softer, healthier looking skin. And, let's be frank, good skin is what we're all looking for. The better our skin, the less makeup we need to pile on. I have the regular Clarisonic Mia and I love it. But they've since released the Mia 2, which offers two speed settings for extra cleanliness. I love this peacock colored one, but you can choose from a variety of colors and patterns these days. Available at Sephora, ULTA, and Nordstrom. 
3. Burberry "Lip Cover" Soft Satin Lipstick Set ($72) - You're giving a little bit of luxury when you gift this set. From the box they're packaged in (the cardboard feels like fancy stationary), to the velvety smooth quality of these lipsticks, to the sophisticated packaging (with it's iconic print also embossed on the lipsticks themselves), these just ooze luxe. Plus the three colors are absolutely gorgeous and totally wearable. Available at Nordstrom. 

1. Urban Decay Naked 2 ($50) - You can't compile a gift list without at least one of the Urban Decay Naked palettes. Well, I guess you could, but honestly, this is a fail safe beauty gift. Lots of neutral shades that are wearable for any occasion. Wear it soft and subtle to the office or dark and dramatic for a night out. The collection of neutral shades are good for just about anyone. Of the two palettes, the Naked 2 is my favorite. It comes with 12 shadows, a dual ended Good Karma shadow brush, and a mini lip gloss. I love that I have a matte black and I just gravitate to the colors in this palette more than I do to the original palette (which I also love, by the way). I just wish it had a better balance of matte and shimmer shades. However, Urban Decay heard everyone's pleas for more matte neutral shades and released the Naked Basics palette this holiday season (retails for $27). It's a smaller palette, containing only six shadows, but they are all matte. The Naked 2 palette is available at Sephora and ULTA. Naked Basics is currently available on Urban Decay's website. 
2. Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Burnished Amber ($75) - Beauty aficionados went crazy over Tom Ford's  eye color quads this fall. Twitter and the blogosphere was abuzz, and with good reason. These palettes are absolutely beautiful. The shadows feel soft and smooth, the color payoff is fantastic, and they blend nicely. I'm personally drawn to the Burnished Amber quad. The colors are warm, rich, and versatile. Plus, amber is an incredibly flattering eye shadow on pretty much all skin tones. Give this and you'll be a hero. Available at Neiman Marcus, selected Saks Fifth Avenue stores, and Bergdorf Goodman. 

I love that holiday season means you can get your hands on some great fragrance deals. I know selecting a perfume for someone is a very personal matter. What smells great to some, can be offensive to others. But, since we're talking a little bit of a higher price point, I'm going to assume the person you're shopping for is someone you know pretty well. So, you should be better equipped to discern their scent preferences and decide if they are in line with mine.

1. LaVanila Vanilla Grapefruit Eau de Parfum ($58) - Of course the first fragrance I list isn't available in a gift set. But, I chose it for two reasons. First, I adore this scent. It's fresh and uplifting thanks to the citrus scent of grapefruit, and still warm and sweet thanks to the vanilla.  You almost smell like an amazing dessert. This is more of a fun perfume than a sultry, romantic scent. I love this for spring and summer, but I'll wear it year round. Second, it has quite a following and is the best selling of all the LaVanila scents. If this many people like it, can you really go wrong? Available at Sephora.
2. Elie Saab Eau de Parfum set  ($120) - Oh my goodness. I adore this perfume. Adore it. I first spritzed it on a ribbon at Nordstrom and tied that ribbon to my purse. I could smell the perfume for weeks and I was hooked. I wouldn't stop talking about it until my husband kindly gifted it to me. He was superman that day. This perfume is sophisticated, refined, and feminine. I personally feel you can wear it day or night. It's a bit strong, but not overpowering. The fragrance notes include: orange blossom, jasmine, patchouli, rose, and cedar wood. I get a lot of compliments when I wear this scent. The set includes a 3 oz bottle of eau de parfum, a mini spray bottle (0.33 oz), and a body cream (1 oz). The 3 oz bottle alone costs $120, so you're essentially getting the travel sized mini perfume and body cream for free. Available at Nordstrom.
3. Laura Mercier  Le Petit Patisserie Almond Coconut Milk Quartet ($50) - If you want to be transported to a tropical island escape without having to travel to far off places, give this gift set a whirl. The warm and succulent scent of almond, coconut, milk, and vanilla are rich and seductive. It simply smells divine. The set includes a body wash, soufle body creme, and deluxe travel-sized hand cream and fragrance mist. Available at Nordstrom.
4. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Rollerball Set ($58) - Flowerbomb is just that, a floral explosion with a bit of sweetness. But it's not candy or sugar sweet. It's more of a sultry sweet floral scent. I love this scent so much, I gifted it to myself last year. It's great because you get three rollerball vials (0.34 oz each) for a fair price. It's more affordable than the full bottle of the perfume, which retails for $105 (for the 1.7 oz; $160 for the 3.4 oz). And those little vials will last you. If you're like me, and you prefer your perfumes in a spray, spend an extra $5 for a small atomizer. I pour the perfume in the atomizer instead of using the rollerball, and carry it in my purse. Scent notes include: bergamot, tea, jasmine, orange blossom (I sense a recurring citrus theme in my fragrance choices), orchid, rose, and patchouli. The trio set is available exclusively at Nordstrom.

Urban Decay Friends & Family Sale

Have you been itching to get your hands on the Naked Palette? Or have you been using it so much you need to replace it? Maybe you've been eyeing the new Book of Shadows or could stock up on their cult classic primers. Whatever the reason may be, makeup enthusiasts rejoice, it's time for Urban Decay's Friends and Family sale. Everything, even sale items and the infamous Naked palette, is up for grabs at 20 percent off. Get your mouse-clicking finger ready to shop!

Sale ends Nov. 5, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. PST(that's 2:59 a.m. EST)
Use code: FFHOLIDAY11

Limitations: You can only purchase five of the same individual item/shade per order. (Let's try to share the savings people!)

Happy shopping!

Urban Decay Friends & Family Sale

It's friends and family discount time at Urban Decay. That means time to stock up on your favorites, like the always coveted primer potions. Sadly, if you were hoping to get your hands on the Naked Palette for a cheaper price, you're out of luck, since it's excluded from the sale. It's still a hot ticket item.

Alright, so here is the skinny:

• Sale runs 7/5/11-7/10/11 at 11:59 PST
• Coupon code: FFSUMMER11
• Limit to five pieces of the same item/shade per purchase (that means you can't buy 10 of the same exact thing. You can buy more than five items total, they just have to be different things)

Happy shopping!

XL Urban Decay Primer Potion Contest Winner

Wow! I'm so impressed by how many of you entered my giveaway! Quite a few of you took advantage of the multiple entry option via Twitter -- you ladies know who you are. There was so much enthusiasm, I felt bad that I only had one product to giveaway, like I needed to add some honorable mentions or something. Alas, there could only be one winner, that's what the contest rules said after all (and currently what my pocket book will allow). But don't worry. Those of you who entered the YouTube potion of this giveaway, automatically entered to win the last leg of my first YouTube Giveaway, which is another Urban Decay Primer Potion (albeit, a regular sized one, but a free one nonetheless). There is still a chance! Plus, I enjoy reader interaction, so there are bound to be more giveaways to come.

In the interest of fairness, this is what I did to pick out today's winner. I counted up all your entries, wrote out your names on individual pieces of paper (some of you had an impressive amount of entries!), and threw all the entries into a hat -- a fedora to be precise, since we all know I love them. I jumbled the entries up, and picked blindly out of the hat.

Are you ready to see who the winner is? I bet you are. Lets all congratulate: Danielle Perloff, who follows on GFC as Sweet As Honey, check out her beauty blog (I'm all about sharing the blog love).

Thanks again for reading my posts, watching my YouTube channel, following me on Twitter, and being my Facebook friends. I'm so incredibly grateful for all of your support. It doesn't go unnoticed.

Haul: Sephora, Bath & Body Works, and Urban Decay (via Haute Look)

Sephora:
St. Tropez Tan Bronzing Mousse
Urban Decay:
Santa Tanita Bronzing Mousse

Matte Eyeshadows:
Revolver and Shakedown
Afterglow Powder Blush in Score

You can join Haute Look here

ULTA:
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencil - Rehab

Bath & Body Works:
Apricot Vanilla
Dark Kiss
Midnight Pomegranate
Forever Sunshine
Japanese Cherry Blossom

Bath & Body Works coupon
Free Signature Collection Item (up to $12 value) with any $10 purchase
Online Codes
Code: S113649 (Expires 5/8/11)
Code: S113650 (Valid May 9-22)

In-store code:
Authorization number: 3649 (Valid through May 8)
Authorization number: 3650 (Valid May 9-22)

Reader appreciation giveaway (CLOSED)

I'm so excited that my little blog is gaining more readership. This time last year, I wasn't sure if anything I was sharing was being received. Now, I'm up to 41 blog followers, almost 100 Facebook fans, more than 200 YouTube subscribers, and more than 250 Twitter followers. It's amazing. I'm so greatful.

To show my appreciation, I'm giving away one XL Urban Decay Primer Potion, which comes with 60 percent more product than its regular counterpart. This is not a sponsored giveaway, I went out and purchased this item myself to give to one of you. It valued at $23.

To enter to win this giveaway, you must:

• Be a blog subscriber (it's easy to do using Google Connect)
• Leave a comment that includes your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win), how you found out about this blog and what you like reading about the most. If you have extra entries via Twitter, YouTube or Facebook please provide your Twitter and YouTube username and your Facebook info
• Be 18 or older (or have parental permission to enter)

For extra entries:

• Tweet about this giveaway (1 extra entry per day). You can just copy and paste the following message: Enter to win an XL Urban Decay Primer Potion from @girlythingsby_e. Check it out here: http://bit.ly/g9gY9h
• Become a fan of my Facebook page and leave a comment on my wall to let me know you want to be a part of the giveaway
• Subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment on the channel that tells me which one of your videos is your favorite. Bonus: when you subscribe to my channel you are automatically entered to win a regular sized Urban Decay Primer Potion (once I reach 300 subscribers, I'll pick a winner).

The contest is open worldwide. Giveaway closes on Friday, April 29 at midnight EST. I'll announce the winner on this blog and the winner will have 48 hours to respond or another person will be chosen.

Thanks again for reading my blog, Tweets, status updates, and watching my videos!

ULTA Haul: What I got with my 20% savings card

I recently received a post card from ULTA that offered 20 percent savings on an entire purchase -- always a fun thing to get in the mail. But here is the kicker, ULTA upped the anti, the coupon could be used toward the purchase of premium cosmetics! Usually, their 20 percent off coupons exclude the high-end cosmetics brands. I went in on Saturday (the last day of the sale) to find a mob of people. Everyone wanted in on this deal, and who could blame them? I was so psyched when I verified with staff that I could use the coupon to purchase high-end cosmetics. Even though I'd read the coupon's fine print, I still couldn't believe it. I needed verbal verification.

I didn't go overboard, since I'd just made a HauteLook purchase two days earlier. I did take advantage of the sale to pick up one of the new Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Shadow Pencil ($20 regular; discounted price $16). I was hoping they would have those (or the regular 24/7 pencils) on the HauteLook sale, to no avail. Hey, a gal can hope, right? Maybe next time, when the products aren't as new to market... Fingers crossed. While I wait on the next HauteLook Urban Decay sale with baited breath, I figured I'd pick up at least one of the shadow pencils. I decided on Rehab, which is a gorgeous dark taupe (shout out to G over at Nouveau Cheap, since we both seem to share an obsession with taupe shadows) that borders on brown, seems to have a bit of a rosy undertone, and definitely has a gorgeous shimmery finish (but no glitter).

You can use these (much like the 24/7 pencils) as eyeliner or as eyeshadow (or a shadow base if you prefer). They are creamy, glide on easily, are smudgeable (is that a word?) as long as you work quickly, and waterproof. Once they are on, they will not budge. I haven't had too much of a chance to try it out. I'm curious to see if they will crease or not? The jury is still out on this for me, since I haven't tested it without primer. But the color is gorgeous. I'm in lurve. It boasts the quality, pigmentation, and creaminess you would expect from an Urban Decay product. It's basically a 24/7 pencil on steroids. Bigger so that it's easier to apply to the entire lid.

UD 24/7 Glide-on Shadow: Rehab

Rehab swatch

While I was perusing the isles at ULTA, I found something that made me super happy. I recently wrote about my love for the Sonia Kashuk blending sponge (a dupe for the Beauty Blender sponge) and it's more affordable price tag ($10 compared to the Beauty Blender's $20 cost). Well, my beauty aficionados, I found an even better bargain. ULTA sells its own version of the Beauty Blender for a mere $5. That's a quarter of the price of the original. I immediately grabbed the last two that were on the shelf at my local ULTA. You can find them in the same isle as you would find the disposable sponge applicators.  Check out my side-by-side photo comparing it to the Sonia Kashuk sponge.

ULTA sponge (left); Sonia Kashuk blending sponge (right)

Now that I have used them both, I can tell you, they are essentially the same exact thing. There are some minor differences that I noticed (nothing that I would consider a deal breaker). First, as you can see from the photo, the ULTA version is a bit squatter and rounder, while the Sonia Kashuk is a bit pointer. The pointier end is nice to have since it helps you get in to corners easily (like the corner of your eye for applying concealer), but the difference is not so grand that you don't end up getting the same effect. Second, the material for the ULTA sponge is denser, making it less squishy (yep, that is a technical term there for you). This is not necessarily a bad thing. While the sponge doesn't feel as soft, it's certainly not rough at all, and since it is denser, it absorbs less of your foundation. At the same time, it absorbs less water, so when you get it wet, it's easier to squeeze the excess water out of it and use it. The final result for your makeup application is the same. The only difference: you have an extra $5 left in your wallet to do with whatever you please. I used mine to buy an extra, so that I would have one at the ready while the other was drying from being freshly cleaned.

While I was standing in line I found my last two goodies: a travel-sized Benefit Boi'ing and Eye Bright duo for only $12! I love both of these products and was psyched to see them in one package that would make it a lot easier to carry them around with me; and a Tarte cheek stain (called The perfect pink) infused with Amazonian white clay in an adorable travel-sized container (0.17 oz for $10). I knew the Benefit purchase was a steal because I use both of those products religiously and thought picking up the Tart cheek stain would be a great way to test out this well-known product without spending $30 on its full-sized counterpart. I wanted to make sure I liked it before committing, you all know that I need to test drive my products before I commit. 

Available only at ULTA

Benefit Boi'ing & Eye bright to go

I also purchased a gift for Mr. Girly Things while I was out. He was a good sport, patiently waiting around for me while I dutifully looked at every single item at the ULTA store. Ok, ok I exaggerate a bit, but I did take a while to finally decide on these items and hemmed and hawed over whether or not to buy some extra goodies (but I decided to be good). He got a new cologne of his choosing. He decided on a Givenchy cologne. So even he got to cash in on the sale fun. 

Nude/Natural eyeshadow featuring the Naked Palette

A pretty little look for Valentine's Day.



Sigma brushes used:
Sigma E55 - Shader brush


Sigma E30 - Pencil brush

Sigma E40 - Tapered blending brush

Sigma E35 (Mac 217 dupe)

Getting the most out of your Urban Decay Primer Potion

Think you've finished all the product in your Urban Decay Primer Potion once your doe-foot applicator no longer seems to bring any product out of that cute genie-lamp-shapped bottle? Think again! Before you toss out your bottle and run out to buy a new one, read this post. If you don't, you might be throwing away a significant amount of product (read: money!).

This isn't new news, many a YouTuber has made a video about this topic. There are how-to videos galore on how to get all the product out of that oh-so-cute packaging. In fact, it's one of the primary reasons there are people out there who will not buy the coveted primer potion. It's not because it's not good, but because it's so hard to get all the product out of the curves and crevices the bottle creates. Alas, there are quite a few people out there who aren't tuned in to the beauty community on YouTube, so I figure I'd write a blog post to show you just how much product I was able to fish out of the bottle once a broke it open. You'll be quite surprised at just how much is left (and just how much you've possibly been tossing out!). 

Here is what you'll need:

• A clean cutting board
• A clean serrated steak knife
• A small container, like the kind you get when you go to Sephora and ask for a sample of a foundation. If you are reusing a container (like I did), make sure you clean it and disinfect it. I used a sample container I got at Origins for a facial moisturizer. I washed it with soap and water, and then cleaned it off with isopropyl alcohol. You can also buy these online at beauty suppliers such as Coastal Scents. You can also find them on Amazon.com.
• A clean butter knife or cosmetics spatulas
• Paper towel

Note: Be careful when cutting the container, don't cut yourself!

• Untwist the top from the container, and place the doe-foot applicator on the paper towel, then set aside. You will use the applicator to get the product out of the container once you cut it open. You can also use a butter knife, but I felt the applicator got into the little curves and crevices better. You can also use disposable cosmetics spatulas. 
• Place the primer potion container on the cutting board and use the serrated knife to cut the packaging in the locations shown in the photo below 

• Use the applicator to scoop out product and put it in the cosmetic jar. Remember, the serrated knife will cause there to me some dust from the container in the top layer of the product, lightly scoop that out with a clean butter knife or makeup spatula and discard (wipe if off on the paper towel). It's only on the very top layer of each top section, so it won't be much product at all you will be scraping off (you will be able to see it). Then use the applicator to get the rest of the useable product out.

Check out how much product was left inside the sections:

Top "fattest" section of the bottle. 

This of course had the most product left inside

It's hard to see how much was left in here, but when I cut the 

section below, I got a significant amount of product out. 

My camera had run out of batteries, so I didn't get a picture

but with the doe-foot applicator, I was able to salvage A LOT.

Look at the section behind the one I'm holding, you can see a lot

of product is left in there too!

Check out just how much final product I was able to salvage. To think, I nearly threw that all away! It is enough for several more uses. 

Make sure that you use a container you can close tightly so that the product you took the trouble to save, doesn't dry out quickly. 

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Tutorial Pink and Black Eyeshadow

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Cheap Copper Eye Look

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Tutorial: Cute eyeshadow look using Urban Decay Naked palette

Urban Decay's Naked palette is all the rage right now and I can't say that I didn't fall victim to its lure. But, how can you resist? It's 12 full-sized eyeshadows, all in neutral tones. So, you aren't dropping $44 for a palette where you'll only use a few shades. No ma'am, this boasts an array of colors that will compliment any skin tone, and you'll be able to use all year long. Not only do you get 12 eyeshadows, you get two of the cult-favorite 24/7 eyeliners -- in Zero, which is black, and Whiskey, a new shade of brown -- and a travel-sized eyeshadow primer. It really is hard to beat this deal. There is no occassion where it wouldn't be OK to use this palette. And, the quality is just phenomenal (did we expect any less from Urban Decay?). The colors are pigmented, easy to blend, and soft and smooth -- no chalky eyeliner here! Maybe that's why they just can't keep it in stock, selling out the same day it gets restocked online and generating a waiting list. But fear not, it is supposed to be part of the permanent line (no limited edition nonesense), so keep on trying, you will get your hands on one soon enough.

Here is just one of the myriad of looks you can put together using this fabulous palette. Thanks for watching!

Eyeshadow Primer Comparison: Do bargain brands stack up to the UDPP?