Sunday Dreaming: Drugstore Edition

It's been quite awhile since I've done one of these, and since I've been buying a lot of drugstore makeup as of late (I actually made a Walmart run for something from Milani this morning), my mind's on the drugstore.

It's also on Natasha Denona, but Sephora's inability to manage their in-store stock has left me ticked off and empty-handed.


Here's what's next up on my drugstore wish list! Please note, I'm more than aware of the new Wet 'n Wild shadows, brow pencils, and liners. hint hint keep your eyes out. At least a swatch post of one of the new lines this week.


1. Milani Jet Set Eye Brush Kit ($11.97-14)

I noticed a lot of new brushes from Milani. I'm interested, but they're pricey. This mini eye trio seems like a better way to test the brand than a single $11-15 brush from the drugstore.

2. Almay Palette Pop in Naturalista ($14.99)

I know, I'm not really an Almay girl. I have an issue with their shade range, but have been dabbling with a few shadow products as of late. This is the more natural of the two; I'm testing the bolder of the two right now and was surprised. I think this is super expensive but will be keeping an eye on it.

3. Almay Shadow Squad Quad in Unapologetic ($4.99-6.99)

I picked up two of these already and find the performance to be uneven- but I have a theory.Picking up coppery Unapologetic or the turquoise quad will probably confirm what I'm thinking... this is a quad I'm far more likely to wear after the fact!

4. L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Golden Emerald ($6.29-7.49)

I almost picked this up today but kept focused on the Milani palette I ventured out in the gross weather for. This is so brilliant in person, and I love these shadows. I need to use them more. Hmm.

5. L'Oreal Infallible Crushed Foils Eyeshadow ($9.99)

Raise your hand if you knew this was a thing. Also, that's a silly price. I ran into this collection at a Walmart about 20 miles from my home (I was on an Ulta hunt for a specific NARS item with my 20% coupon, ok?) and was drawn in. I'm really interested in trying one of these for the formula. There are three versions- Diamond Dust, Crushed Stone, and Gilded Gold (pictured above).

6. Wet 'n Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit Liquid Eyeshadow ($4.99)

Yes. They're back. I can't believe I haven't picked them up by now, but some changes in my Ulta life (post to come probably in March as I reflect on things) will probably make this an easier item for me to purchase. I loved these and raved about them before, now I'll be picking up the neutrals. My favorite, Shells and Whistles, is what's pictured above.


7. BH Cosmetics Spotlight Palette ($17.99)

Ooh, she's pricey and I know I could get a better deal from the brand directly. Still, I'm loyal to Ulta (those rewards. QBB wants a Dyson!) and will be picking this up shortly now that it's available.


8. BH Cosmetics Blacklight Palette ($17.99)

Same story, second verse. I'm curious, ok?


9. Essence Fresh & Fit Make Me Up ($6.99)

I'll say it: the shade range is trash. Essence and Catrice are connected- either the same parent, or one owns the other... it's some relationship. I know I like the Catrice bases (another range with horrid shade selection), so I'm very curious to try this.

10. NYX Epic Ink Liner ($7.99)

I could kick myself for not picking this up when I had a point multiplier on it... but soon this will be mine since I'm getting down there on the number of black liners I have in reserve.

And yes, I'm looking forward to playing with Flower Beauty now that it's in Ulta. And the new Essence custom palettes... but I'm one girl and this is already ten items!  So yes, I love high end products... but the drugstore has been surprising me in a good way as of late.

What's on your drugstore list?

Sunday Dreaming, and A Bit of Catching Up...

Hello, Friends!

I feel a bit sheepish for putting up a Sunday Dreaming for you rather than the 2-a-day holiday reviews I'd planned. However, it gives me a chance to chat with you about life. It's been an eventful ten days or so, both good and bad. Before I dive into my current lust list, I thought I'd share a bit of my life with you.

The Good: I've been enjoying some serious family quality time- and yes, I ran out of pre-written posts after Viseart Friday. It's also Christmas around here- my tree's up, my main living area is decorated, the lights are up outside, and I have decorations for my beauty room once I finish cleaning it.

The Bad: I injured my knee somewhat seriously twice this week, so now I'm laid up. I've also been unable to work on the blog due to all of the family time, shopping, and decorating. However, I'm likely to get a lot done if my knee stays bad. It's also very busy at work this week.

And yes, I did some Black Friday shopping. Not that much, admittedly, but enough. Makeup-wise, I picked up some goodies from Ulta, Sephora, MAC, ABH, and Essence. I'm looking forward to doing a number of advent calendars this year.

That aside, let's jump into what I'm lusting after lately.

1. It Cosmetics It Girl Palette ($48)

I swore I didn't need it and that it was just packaging. But I want it. I almost purchased this the last three times I've been in Ulta because this appears to be highly pigmented. And yes, it's sparkly and beautiful. I want it. I don't need it.

2. NYX Professional Ultimate Multi-Finish Eyeshadow Palette in Sugar High ($17.99)

I'm currently testing one of these and I'll tip my hand- it's one of the best drugstore palettes I've ever played with. I'm interested in the rich colors in this palette.


3. bareMinerals bareSensuals READY Eyeshadow Palette ($45)

Yet another upcoming review is my first forray into bareMinerals pressed shadows. I'm really interested to see what this purple-toned palette looks like (and performs like) in person. Ulta also has an awesome GWP on bareMinerals for Cyber Monday, so...


4. Stila One Step Correct Primer ($36)

This has been on my list for quite some time, but it's on sale right now for Cyber Monday (ok, tonight) and it might be the time to invest. I've been trying to use up my primers, but this is a really nice on from what I've seen.


What's on your list this week?

I'm going to sit down and get a few posts done... I don't think I'll be doing the two per day that I planned but I should have all-new content through the work week done by the end of the day. Sorry for the interruption, but life happens, right?

Sunday Dreaming

So, this post is a little late for anyone keeping track.. Sorry about that! Unlike most of my posts, I'm not scheduling it- it's going live as soon as I get it done. I was actually at Walgreens when this should've gone up, and I'm really far behind on my cleaning for the holiday.

None of you care about that, but please indulge the ramble a bit. I'm hoping to get a second post (a quickie review of two drugstore skincare gifts I picked up) up later today. It's mostly back to holiday products for me. If you're interested in seeing where all of my Holiday 2017 reviews are, I've created a nice and easy to use page that you can access here- or on the sidebar. After I've finished with my reviews, I plan to create a gift guide or two. (That's why there's brands like L.A. Colors on there- they're drugstore holiday offerings.)

Now that we've established that I'm live right now, let's talk about what I'm eyeing to purchase this week (for reals). I can see myself picking up 2-3 of these tomorrow.


1. NYX Lippie Countdown Advent Calendar ($65, but $29.99 on Black Friday at Ulta)

Last year, I did the NYX Lingerie Advent Calendar and enjoyed it, but I think I prefer this year's version by far. I love Advent Calendars because it's the closest I get to true surprise gifts. I'm not complaining, but the one downside of being a totally independent, single woman is that there's no surprise gifts in my life. My father was the the surprise gift giver, but he's not with us anymore. My mother's more the practical gift giver. I've got five (hopefully to be six or seven) advent calendars this year that I'll be posting on Instagram.

2. Smashbox Smoky Cover Shot Eyeshadow Palette ($29)

I'm actually testing the Sultry palette today from the holiday set. For me, it's all about that gorgeous green that I want all over my eyes. I have a hair appointment at Ulta tomorrow- I'll probably bring this home with me!

3. Body Shop Tea Tree Mask ($17)

For some reason, one weekend back home visiting my mother set off acne that I haven't seen in literally two decades. Don't worry, there's going to be a lot of updated skincare reviews coming. I'm finding tea tree to currently be what my skin needs. I meant to pick up this mask but totally forgot.


4. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Whiz- Medium Brown ($21)

I lost two things two weekends ago: my Brow Whiz and my backup car keys. I'm hoping to unearth my keys when I clean my beauty room later today or tomorrow, but I'm going nuts without my Brow Whiz.


5. KMS MOISTREPAIR Anti-Breakage Spray ($23.50)

This is one of two breakout products for me out of the Ulta Love Your Curls Kit that I gave the quick overview of. I fell in love with it enough that I purchased a second kit when I discovered that my local Ulta didn't stock the brand. I need to purchase the full size.

6. Simplehuman Mini 5" Sensor Mirror ($129.99)

After tomorrow's aforementioned hair appointment, I'll have 2000 points. For those who don't know Ulta's rewards system, that's $125!  Since I was gifted the larger Simplehuman mirror last year, I wanted to nab the rose gold eye mirror since it's perfect for travel- but it's expensive. That said, these are worth the investment and I nearly have purchased this over and over at my local Nordstrom.


What are you looking at this week? My list is getting a lot smaller after all of the stupid spending I've been doing lately. And yes,there are tons of reviews coming. I'm working as quickly as I can!

Sunday Dreaming: My Sephora Sale Wishlist

OK, I honestly feel a bit guilty writing this up. I'm not sure why, since I use cash or debit (ok, with Ulta I use their credit card, but pay off in full the instant that it posts to the account for the double points) and I don't go into debt or go without to support my makeup buying.

Maybe blame the 15-minute, $250 romp through Ulta with a 20% off coupon that included Prestige last week.


As a result of that, and just dumping 2100 Ulta points yesterday, my list is a bit shorter than normal. That, and the F&F hauling I did.

OK, let's jump into this. I use this sale to grab some of the high ticket priced items... there are other things I'd like to pick up and will if money allows, but these are the essentials.

1. Viseart Bridal Satin Eyeshadow Palette ($80)

2. Viseart Editorial Brights Eyeshadow Palette ($80)

3. Viseart Boheme Eyeshadow Palette ($80)

OK, let's lump these together. During the upcoming VIB sale, I want to finish up my collection of the 12-pan eyeshadow palettes. I did snag one with a F&F code, so now I'm down to these three left. Yes, I went for the neutrals first. I hope you're enjoying Viseart Fridays. Once I finish these palettes, I'm trying to figure out what I want to try from the brand next.


4. L'Occitane Advent Calendar ($69)

I buy these each year and love them. If I can nab during the sale, that's even better. Otherwise I'm ok just going to my local boutique.


5. Bite Agave Lip Mask ($26)

Yes, I'm testing the Agave Gift Set, and the fact that this is on my VIB Sale Wishlist is all I have to say. This stuff is good. If it's a mild winter, I'm trying to hold off on splurging on By Terry Baume de Rose.


6. Clarins Shaping Facial Lift Total V Serum ($81)

I've raved about the Enlite serum that's said to be a dupe of this. Since it's coming to its end and CVS stupidly discontinued the line, it's time to just suck it up and try the OG.


7. Tom Ford Boys & Girls Lip Color in Joan ($36)

I plan to pick up two of these- one for me, and one as a holiday gift. Getting them at 20% off would be lovely. I'm seriously tempted to also replace my Flamingo as well...


OK, those are my must-haves. Now, let's talk about the items I may or may not pick up- and why.


8. Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Eye Cream

This is my HG eye cream and I haven't had it in awhile. I did recently purchase an eye cream because I was running out- so I don't need it right now. I would like to have it on-hand for winter, but I'm more likely to nab it from Ulta to be honest.


9. Hourglass Peacemaker GIRL Lip Stylo ($32)

I'd been thinking that I was going to pick this up for sure, but the Confessions line really has me all tripped up right now (review of holiday set to come). I've nearly used up a deluxe sample of this and find it such an effortless nude.


10.Too Faced Hangover Rx 3 in 1 Spray ($32)

I'm in the final 1/3 of my bottle, and this is a daily staple. However, much like the eye cream, this is a likely Ulta purchase because of the superior rewards system. I try to buy as much in the cash back environment as possible and spend as little as possible with Sephora, whose rewards are inferior.


11. Too Faced Hangover RX Primer ($32)

I'd like to have this on hand for winter, but see the spray and eye cream for the more likely scenario.


12. Guerlain Holiday 2017 Meteorites ($65)

Yes, I'll be buying. If they're in stock during the sale for me, I'll purchase from Sephora. This is a luxe product that I don't need the discount to purchase,


13. Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder ($26)

I've really been missing this lately, and this should be in the first part of my list for sure. I have other undereye setting powders, but this one's been calling my name for months. I've finished a full container of this in the past- not sure why I didn't just repurchase at what I consider to be an affordable cost!

14. Burberry Festive Silver Shimmer Illuminating Powder ($68)

Argh, silver highlighters do things to me! This is so beautiful and so limited edition... not holding my breath on getting my hands on this one.

15. Hourglass Confession Lip Color Refill ($22)

I'm tipping my hand here, but the holiday set has left me wanting more. I see myself picking up one additional body ($34) but multiple of these interchangeable refills. I'm loving so many of these colors that I'm having a hard time picking.

I could keep going, but that's enough. I hopefully won't purchase 15 items, but this is the top of my actual list. I need to keep editing, as there are items I planned to purchase that didn't even make the cut! Hmm....

What's on your list this year?

Sunday Dreaming

Welcome to yet another Sunday Dreaming!



1. Too Faced Peach Perfect Foundation in Snow ($36)

I've tried this foundation and (spoiler alert) I loved how it wore on my skin. Unfortunately my shade is sold out at every local Sephora and I can't order online due to their shipper of choice. So I bought two other foundations in the meantime and will be waiting for a restock.

2. Tom Ford Private Blend Mandarino D'Amalfi Candle ($98)

It's my blog, and I can dream like this if I want to. This is one of my favorite scents, and to have it wafting throughout my home would be dreamy. A $98 candle is an indulgence I can't justify at the moment, but this is called Dreaming, right?

3. Butter London Majesty's Metals 4 pc Glazen Eye Gloss Collection ($32)

I picked up two of the full-sized Glazen Eye Glosses during the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty and specifically held off on several similar shades to what's in this kit because I spotted it. 4 minis sound good for me with cream shadows- I do want to try these.


I could keep going, but I think 3 is as many items as I should even be looking at- especially since I've been making a few online orders and picking some things up in-store. What are you dreaming about this week?

Sunday Dreaming

I'm going to be honest- my wishlists are getting short as of late. I'm in recovery from Ulta 21 Days and prepping for the Sephora VIB sale. I do have a few things on my mind though.

1. CoverFX Mattifying & Illumining Sets ($29 each)

I really want to try the CoverFX facial sprays and adore both of these primers. These kits seem like a great way to do so. I'm trying to hold out until the Sephora sale, to be honest...


2. Chanel Le Correcteur de Chanel ($43)

The $43 price tag hurts my soul a bit, but this green-toned corrector caught my eye in Macys the other week. I don't need it, but I want it. If only I had a beauty fairy godmother...

3. Inglot Cream Concealer #36 $15

This shade should show up as a light mint, but stock photos are special sometimes. I purchased one of these concealers (watch for my recap of a recent Inglot experience this week) and really struggled to not purchase this one as well.


4. Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder $26

I've used up two of these in the past and have been really missing it as of late. I haven't found a loose powder that I like this much in awhile. There have been some that are almost as good, but I miss having this in my life.

That's honestly it for this week- I know, not very exciting, right?  What's on your list?

Sunday Dreaming

Oh my goodness, it's over. The twice-yearly bingefest known as Ulta 21 Days of Beauty wrapped up yesterday. I should not purchase anything for quite a long time, but... you know me. In total disclosure, I may have already purchased a few of these items, but this is what's been on my short-term wishlist.


1. Ofra Blush in Bellini ($29)

One of my local Ultas had this as a return and I was captivated by this pinky shade that's honestly my weakness. Although I have some blush pans in their holiday pro palette (review coming), I think we all know that holiday quality is not always regular release quality.


2. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors ($38 each)

I've been trying to avoid all of these new releases, but I think I need to pick up a few. I broke my single pan of Champagne Pop, and the repressed one just doesn't function the same. I also only have a quarter-sized pan of Moonstone; I'll be picking up a full-sized pan at either the next VIB sale or the next time I get an Ulta 20% that includes Prestige. I've also decided to pick up a backup of Prismatic Amethyst because it's become a day-to-day staple for me.


3. It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Wand Ball Powder Brush #8 ($48)

My huge It Cosmetics face brush is one of my favorite purchases ever, so I can't wait to play with another oversized face brush from this brand. Their tools are somewhat underrated, in my opinion.

4. Sleek Blushes- Rose Gold & Take a Shine ($5.99 each)

Sleek is sold at both Ulta and apparently some Walgreens. I've purchased half of the four blushes on offer in the US, and now I'd like the others! I just did an online search and discovered that I might be able to take a random trip after work and see a Walgreens with the line. Stay tuned for that adventure!


What are you thinking about this week?

Sunday Dreaming: QBB Breaks Down Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Week Three

Week Three: the Homestretch.

If you've seen either of my previous posts, you know what's about to happen. Let's get into the daily breakdowns of Week #3!


Week Three:

Day Fifteen/September 17, 2017: In-Store: Philosophy Time in a Bottle Serum $38 (50% off), Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector $15 (50% off) Online PLATINUM ONLY: Urban Decay Razor Sharp Longwear Liquid Eyeliner $11 (50% off)

QBB Says: I'm passing today as well. Not really a great start to Week Three, but this low buy is making me think twice before just buying everything. I've swatched the Becca before and it's really for medium or deep skintones- I'd recommend it for those readers. I also don't like the Urban Decay liner.

Day Sixteen/September 18, 2017: In-store: Lancome Auda(city) Palettes $34.50 (50% off), Shiseido Triple Task Masks $19 (50% off), Stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara $11.50 (50% off) Online: Not Into Aging Start Up Kit $10 (50% off)

QBB Says: I'll be passing this day, but highly recommend the Shiseido pack for those who haven't tried the brand's masks. The Lancome palettes might have tempted me before, but I'm so overwhelmed with palettes that I'm getting picky.

Day Seventeen/September 19, 2017: In-store: LORAC Front of the Line PRO Liquid Eyeliners or Eye Pencils $10 (regular $20-23), Algenist Retinol Firming & Lifting Serum $51 Online: Japonesque Makeup Setting Spray $14.50 (50% off)

QBB Says: I'll be passing this day, but if you're looking for a retinol serum I'd highly encourage looking at the Algenist.

Day Eighteen/September 20, 2017: In-store: Clinique Take the Day Off Eye Makeup Remover $9.50 (50% off), MAC Lipsticks- Velvet Teddy, Russian Red $8.75 (50% off) Online: Woosh Beauty Spin-on Lipgloss $8 (50% off)

QBB Says: It's like Ulta was answering my silent prayers. I can't find my Velvet Teddy, so I'll happily purchase another. Russian Red is a nice classic red but not my favorite. I'm also not that familiar with the Clinique makeup remover but know the balm is preferred to the liquid overall. I may still pick it up. I've watched a few reviews on the Woosh products and am sketpical about the spinning applicator.

Day Nineteen/September 21, 2017: In-store: Laura Geller Balance n Brighten Baked Color Correcting Foundation $16.50 (50% off), Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser $7.50 (50% off) Online: Meaningful Beauty Ulta Deluxe System $39.50 (50% off)

QBB Says: The Laura Geller powder foundation has been a featured product before- either 2 or 3 years ago. It's also my favorite discovery ever from 21 Days of Beauty. I've panned two of them. I'll be picking up a backup in Porcelain, and buying one in Light to put aside for next spring when I start self-tanning again. Although it's not for me, the Clarins is a nice way to see if this product will work for you.

Day Twenty/September 22, 2017: In-store: Tarte Tarteist Lash Paint Mascara $10 (regular $23), Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant $9 (50% off) Online: Dermadoctor 50% off

QBB Says: This is another strong day. I enjoy the Tarte mascara, so I'll likely pick up a tube. I think I've explained in the past that I tend to use mascaras for 1 month only, so I love picking up high-end tubes at drugstore prices. Although I'll be passing, I'm recommending the Demalogica scrub if you're in the market because the brand makes incredibly awesome products through and through. I just don't have a need right now.

Day Twenty-One/September 23, 2017: In-Store: Benefit Ka-BROW! $12 (50% off), Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum $22.50 (50% off) Online: Butter London Glazen Eye Gloss $12 (50% off)

QBB Says: The final day of 21 Days tends to be incredible, and this is no exception. I'll be purchasing two colors of Ka-Brow- which I adore. I'll also probably be buying the Eye Gloss after resisting for a long time. I don't recommend the Vitamin C due to the packaging.

What I'm Planning to Purchase from Week Three: MAC Lipstick (September 20), Laura Geller Balance n Brighten Baked Color Correcting Powder Foundation (September 21), Tarte Tarteist Lash Paint Mascara (September 22), Benefit Ka-Brow! Eyebrow Color (September 23), Butter London Glazen Eye Gloss (September 23)

What will you be picking up?

Sunday Dreaming: Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Week Two

Week Two, Here we go. Unlike Week One, I think this one might be more expensive.


Day Eight/September 10, 2017: In-store: Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Precision Eyeliner $10 (50% off), Strivectin Power Starters Tightening Trio $44.50 (50% off) Online PLATINUM ONLY: NARS NARSissist Cheek Studio Palette $27.50 (50% off)

QBB Says: This might be one of my favorite days of the whole 21. First of all, I've eyed that NARS cheek palette so many times. I'll stay up all night to nab it. It will be mine. I also love picking up the Tarte liners- this is a really nice, simple felt-tip liquid liner. It's in-line with drugstore prices at 50% off. I'm also a huge fan of those Strivectin products in the set if you're not familiar.

Day Nine/September 11, 2017: In-store: Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eyeshadow Primer $10 (50% off), Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief or Makeup Cleansing Wipes $10 (50% off) Online: Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense $8.75 (50% off)

QBB Says: If you're in the market for a good primer, nab the Too Faced. Their Glitter Glue is a staple of mine, and I've only tried sample packets of this version. I'll be picking it up to test. I'd call the Proactiv and the Clinique liners a hard pass.

Day Ten/September 12, 2017: In-store: Stila MATTE'ificent Lipstick $11 (50% off), Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel $19 (50% off) Online: Dermaflash Facial Exfoliating Device $94.50 (50% off)

QBB Says: Truth told, I'm not a huge matte lipstick fan, so this day is a pass for me. The Stila lipsticks might be worth stopping by your local store and swatching for yourself, but I'll be sitting this out.

Day Eleven/September 13, 2017: In-store: Dermablend Loose Setting Powder $13.50 (50% off), Smashbox X-Rated Mascara and Photo Finish Lash Primer $10 (was $23) Online: Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Power Serum $29.50 (50% off)

QBB Says: I'm a little intrigued by the Dermablend but have too many powders already. Same goes for the Origins- I'm hoarding skincare these days and shouldn't be purchasing anything else right now that's a serum to be honest. It might be worth researching the active ingredients at 50% off though.

Day Twelve/September 14, 2017: In-store: Juice Beauty Kits 50% off, Urban Decay Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid $14.50 (50% off) Online: LORAC TANtalizer Buildable Bronzing Powder $16 (50% off)

QBB Says: I see two items that are must-haves on my shopping list. I've been working my way through my color correctors, so I'll be picking up the purple and yellow Urban Decay color correctors.  I'll also be picking up one of the LORAC bronzers, a release from this past summer that really intrigued me (I bought Becca instead initially)

Day Thirteen/September 15, 2017: In-store: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo $11.50 (50% off), Clarisonic Single Cleansing Brush Heads BOGO Online: Eyeko Mascara 50% off

QBB Says: Every sale, there's an ABH product featured. I'm so happy that it's the brow powders again- I'll be stocking up. I'll be picking up the few shades I lack in my kit, and replacing the Medium Brown that I stole from my kit (unused) for personal use about 6 weeks ago. I'll also check-in with my mother to see if she needs restocking. I don't use a Clarisonic, but I'll flag this sale for those that do!

Day Fourteen/September 16, 2017: In-store: It Cosmetics Celebration Foundation $17.50 (50% off), It Brushes for Ulta Airbrush Complexion Brush #115 $12 (50% off), Benefit Cosmetics Free Brow Wax with $50 service Online: Dose of Colors Liquid Lipstick $9 (50% off)

QBB Says: Another expensive day for me. One of my must-haves every 21 Days of Beauty are the brush deals. The It for Ulta line makes some really nice brushes, so I find the different brushes to be a great way to sample the line. I'll also be testing out the It Cosmetics Celebration Foundation even though I'm way overstocked on powders at the moment. And.. I've been waiting for an excuse to try Dose of Colors' liquid lips. Sold.

What I'm planning to pick up from Week Two: NARSisst Cheek Studio Palette (September 10), Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Precision Longwear Eyeliner (September 10), Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eyeshadow Primer (September 11), Urban Decay Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid (September 14), ABH Brow Powder (September 15), It Cosmetics Celebration Foundation (September 16), It Brushes for Ulta (September 16), Dose of Colors Liquid Lipsticks (September 16)

Sunday Dreaming: Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Edition Week One

I'm officially #old.

When I retrieved my Ulta flyer from the mail and literally found myself getting excited about digging into it, I had a sudden series of childhood memories.

It's the 2017 version of waiting for the Sears or JCPenney Christmas catalog- complete with making a list, circling items. Anyone else remember that? I love the 21 Days of Beauty. For the next 3 weeks, I plan to share my picks from the sale- and what I'm planning to pick up. Please note I know everyone under the sun is doing these posts/videos right now and I've not watched any of them so you get my thoughts.


QBB Shops Ulta's 21 Days of Beauty, Week One:

Day One/September 3, 2017: In-store: It Cosmetics Brow Power Super Skinny $12 (50% off); Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum $44 (50% off) Online: Estee Lauder Pure Color Love Lipstick $11 (50% off)

QBB Says: I'm passing this day. A huge caveat to this week is that I'm going to be extremely picky because I just had to do some serious adulting financially. I haven't heard much about that It Cometics brow pencil and would advise just going for either L'Oreal or ABH. I'm extremely sensitive to retinols, so I can't speak to the Murad serum. I also was highly unimpressed with the EL lipsticks when I swatched the line in-store a few weeks ago.

Day Two/September 4, 2017: In-store: Buxom Plumpline Lip Liner $8.50 (50% off), bareMinerals Mineral  Veil Finishing Powder $11.50 (50% off) Online: Mally Evercolor Shadow Stick Extra $12.50 (50% off), Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar or Hope in a Jar 2oz $19.50 (50% off)

QBB Says: I thought seriously about purchasing the Buxom liner because I'm interested in trying the formula, but then I went and looked at my liner collection.

Day Three/September 5, 2017: In-store: Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel $7 (50% off), Pur Primers $16.50 (50% off) Online: Butter London Sheer Wisdom Lip Oil $11 (50% off)

QBB Says: Today is another day that doesn't excite me. None of these are products that I've personally tried or heard fantastic buzz about.

Day Four/September 6, 2017: In-store: Tarte Double Duty Beauty Lip Sculptor Double Ended Lipstick/Lipgloss $10 (regular $24), Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels $7.50 (50% off) Online: First Aid Beauty Ready, Set, Hydrate! Kit $22 (50% off)

QBB Says: Finally, a day that interests me. I think I'll probably pick up a couple of the Tarte lipstick/glosses because I like the formulas. I'm somewhat intrigued by the Skyn Iceland Eye Gels, but I've got so many eye masks that it's not something I need right now. If you have sensitive skin, I highly recommend the FAB set.

Day Five/September 7, 2017: In-store: Too Faced Sketch Marker Liquid Liner $10 (50% off), Exuviance Age Reverse Introductory Collection $20 (50% off) Online: Cargo Mascaras 50% off

QBB Says: I think the Too Faced liners are the pick here for the day. I know these were released in a huge color assortment, but I haven't really seen/heard a lot about them. I suspect they may not be the best because of that- but at $10 I'll pick up a black liner and a colored one just to try.

Day Six/September 8, 2017: In-store: Urban Decay Naked Flushed $17 (50% off), Perricone MD Cold Plasma 50% off Online: Ofra Select Highlighters 50% off

QBB Says: Sign me up for Ofra Highlighters at 50% off. I took a quick peek, and I think Beverly Hills is the only one that will be on sale that I don't have. These are blinding. I'm neutral on the UD palette- I may pick one up, but since I've never been intrigued in the past. If you're looking for an excellent skincare line, check out the Perricone MD products on sale.

Day Seven/September 9, 2017: In-store: Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash $12 (50% off), Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Facial Wash $14 (50% off) Online: CoverFX Perfect Setting Powder $17.50 (50% off)

QBB Says: I'll be picking up the CoverFX setting powder. I know many people love the Roller Lash (I'm not one of them) but it might be worth picking up today.



What I'm planning to pick up from Week One: Tarte Double Duty Beauty Lip Sculptor Lip Gloss/Lipstick (September 6), Too Faced Sketch Marker Liquid Eyeliner (September 7), Ofra Highlighters (September 8), CoverFX Setting Powder (September 9)


What are you planning to pick up?

Sunday Dreaming

It's Sunday. Let's talk about some stuff I'm eyeing!

1. Winky Lux Glossy Boss- Unicorn Set ($24)

I was going to pick up this gloss, but a new set popped up on Nordstrom within the past week. I've already raved about these formulas- so picking up one of the more "exotic" kits from this IG-friendly brand seems like the natural next step.

2. Guerlain Birthday Candle Perles Meteorites ($62)

I earned $80 in Notes during the Anniversary Sale (10x point day, kids) and am strongly considering using them on this rather than the shoes I'd planned to purchase. I'm an avid Meteorites collector- although you probably didn't know that!

3. Milk Makeup Holographic Highlighter- Mars ($30)

I think we've established my love of this shade. The only reason why I didn't purchase the Stick before was that cream products aren't usually my thing. Powder? Heck yeah.

4. L'Occitane Cleansing and Softening Shower Oil ($25)

This has been on my "to-buy" list for awhile because I love it right after shaving. I should just get over the price tag and do it....

5. First Aid Beauty Hello Fab Triple Protection Skin Tint Bundle ($34)

I'm really interested in trying this out. First Aid Beauty's recent releases have just worked for me. I've been loving their Priming Moisturizer since April, so I'd like to try their Face Tint.


Bonus Dreams:

Kendra Scott's Back-to-School collection is out, and my favorite stone is back- goldstone.  I want it all.

What are you dreaming about?