QBB Hauls: Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Wrap-Up

Get yourself a drink and a snack, because this is going to be a long one.

Let's wrap up the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty. I was going to do this week-by-week but held off.


Beauty Steals Purchased Week One:

Urban Decay Naked Flushed Trios (9/8), Ofra Beverly Hills Highlighter (9/8), CoverFX Perfect Setting Powder (9/9)

Here's what I said in my Week One Preview:

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)

Here's why I didn't purchase 50% of what I anticipated. I swatched the shade range for the Tarte lip products and didn't see anything unique to my collection. I then did some research on the Too Faced eyeliners and decided to purchase two of my favorite liner Week Two insted.

Hot Buys Purchased Week One:

bareMinerals GenNude Liquid Lipstick- Swank, Ulta Demi-Matte Foundation, Ulta Adjustible Coverage Powder Foundation, Ulta Mineral Foundation

Beauty Steals Purchased Week Two:

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Precision Eyeliner (9/10), NARS NARSissist Cheek Palette (9/10), It Cosmetics Brushes for Ulta #115 (9/16), Dose of Colors Matte Liquid Lipsticks (9/16)

Hot Buys Purchased Week Two: Ulta Body Wash & Body Butter- Nectarine Rose (given as a gift, hence why I can't show)


Here's what I said during my Week Two Preview:

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)

Here's why I passed on a few items. I looked at the amount of primers I own and decided I didn't need the Too Faced. I'm also working on using up my color correctors, so purchasing UD ones doesn't make sense. If I want to try one in the future, I'll be ok paying full price. I don't need any more brow powders and was away from my computer most of that day, and I have too many face powders at the moment-hence passing on the It powder.

Beauty Steals Purchased Week Three:

Stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara (9/18), Tarte Tarteist Lash Paint Mascara (9/22), Benefit Ka-BROW! (9/23), Butter London Glazen Eye Gloss (9/23)- and the Ulta Hot Soap (Hot Buy)



Here's what I said during my Week Three Preview:

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)

Here's why I did some major passing. I found my Velvet Teddy, so I didn't need to repurchase. I also decided to stop buying powders.

Don't worry, I bought a lot of other stuff. I'm stocked for items to review for months.

#NSale Purchases Round 2

Oops- I can't stop shopping. But if you've followed this blog, you already know that.

I picked up another few items from the #NSale- some of which I didn't show you before in my post of things I was thinking about.

Despite allegedly being online-only, I stumbled upon the LORAC Refined Romance Eye/Cheek Palette ($18) at one of my local stores. It's 6 eyeshadows, and 3 cheek products (highlighters and blushes- I think this version is 2 highlighters, 1 blush). That's 9 products in a travel-friendly (but not small) palette for $18, folks. Wow.

So when I came home, I went online and ordered the LORAC Enchanting Elegance Eye & Cheek Palette ($18). This one has 6 eyeshadows, 1 highlighter, and 2 blushes. Looking at both of these together, LORAC has offered 12 eyeshadows, 3 highlighters, and 3 blushes for $36 if you buy both. That's pretty darned good.

I absolutely adore these Kendra Scott Mystic Baazar- Addie earrings in gold ($39.90). This is the first time I've bought anything from this designer, and I'm already impressed. The earrings are large but not super large. I'd wear them to work in a conservative office setting, for example. They're feather-light, which makes me happy.  I'm seriously contemplating either the silver (currently available) or the rose gold (currently sold out, but there's usually a restock when the sale goes live).

I also couldn't help but pick up another one of the Kennebunk Home Bliss Throws in Rattan Yellow ($25.90). I predict probably 3 more of these will be mine- some for gifts, and one more for me. They're really that awesome.

I'm done for the weekend... I'm testing a few products right now but the weather is causing me some serious distress so posting is much slower than I anticipated. Heat and humidity are huge migraine triggers for me.

My #NSale 2016 Selections- Round 1

If you follow any blogs, you're seeing your feeds clogged with chatter about the famous Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, or #NSale in social media this year. For the non-initiated, once a year Nordstrom offers this awesome sale. Here's the twist: it's new fall-winter items and prices go up after the sale is over.

One of the perks of being a cardholder (which includes a Debit option) is Early Access. I don't have many store cards, but I keep a Nordstrom card for the rewards like Notes, alteration, and Early Access.  This year I had the pleasure of a pre-opening appointment, so I could roam the store with my sales associate. I also could send her items to pull ahead of time. Some years, it's all about beauty for me. This year, I hit the clothing far more since I was working with a clothing SA. I expect to probably have additional purchases but these were the "can't miss" items.

The star of my purchases (and the item I'm the most bummed to have to wait to try on) is this Halogen Removable Collar Lace Bodice Fit & Flare Dress ($81.90 Plus, around $78 for 0-16 but I can't find it online). It's exactly the type of piece I look for at Nordstrom- it's something different than the plethora of straight sheaths and A-lines. The materials are awesome- charcoal grey skirt, blush and black lace overlay, and removable white cotton collar. This is a rockstar.

I (hopefully) nabbed one of the last 2 Halogen Belted Short Sleeve Shirts in the black print  ($49.90 Misses, Petites/$58.90 Plus) in my size. I'm seriously considering the blush version, and wish the teal was also made in Plus!

This is my typical type of purchase- a total workhorse that pairs well with a suit- and also with boyfriend jeans and cozy sweater (I tried that combo). This is the Sejour Cap Sleeve Blouse ($52.90) in Ivory-Burgundy Print.

I can't believe I bought this next item; it was the product of browsing one of my favorite non-beauty forums. All of the users were raving about items from Barefoot Dreams, especially the Open Front Cacoon cardigan. On a whim, I asked my SA to pull it for me. Luckily my store actually didn't have the plus version ($78.90), so my SA pulled the misses' version ($76.90) in a L/XL in Graphite. Shockingly, it fit! I tried a different Barefoot Dreams cardi in both 1X and 2X, noting that the 1X is only a little larger than the L/XL, but the 2X is very, very large. The slightly slimmer L/XL elevates this cozy cutie from laid back to something I wear with dress pants to work in the winter!

I had enough Notes to cover either it or the dress, so it was totally justified in my mind.

I kept jewelry simple- just two pairs of Kate Spade Small Square Studs ($20.90) in black and navy.

One of the most underrated sale sections are the home goodies. I picked up the first of what will probably be 3-5 Kennebunk throws. I absolutely adore these, and they're perfect in so many ways- yummy and warm and cozy, washable, affordable, and they make the best hostess gifts. I picked up the "Bliss" throw in Blush ($25.90) for now, but I have a small list to pick up later.

And finally, my sole beauty purchase (honestly, I'm not really feeling most of the exclusives this year. Last year there were Guerlain Meteorites, the year before the Chanel highlighter with lace overspray....): the MAC C'est Chic Palette ($65). OMG.

It's All. MATTE. And it's rosy nudes. Essentially it's incredible! I can't wait to really explore it later.


That said, these are the items that I'm still thinking about:


I really almost bought the Drybar Beach in a Box Kit ($140) but I'd honestly spent enough for one day, and the sale goes on until early August. I don't anticipate this kit selling out like some of the other items I bought (many were down under 20 pieces nationally!)

I'm going to tip my hand a bit, but I finally started using a BeautyBlender. This is still a summer-only thing for me, though. There's a Beautyblender Beauty's Best Friend Set ($35) for offer in the sale. That's a good price- it's the Solid BlenderCleanser that's causing me a bit of pause.

Another upcoming review... I'm going to get myself some version of a Foreo Luna. Nordstrom has two versions in the sale that I'm debating- the Luna Mini ($74) and the Luna Sensitive ($126). Stay tuned for my review- and my ultimate choice!

MAC always offers special kits and sets for the #NSale- these Look in a Box kits are really tempting at $39.50 each!

I nearly bought the Laura Mercier Flawless Icons Palette ($65), but passed. It's a great, travel-friendly palette... it's just so similar to what I already own. I highly recommend the highlighter and bronzer included in this set.

If you're in the market for a new hair dryer, I highly recommend the T3. This Featherweight 2 is so pretty with rose gold accents, and if I didn't already own one I would've gotten this one. $139 is a fabulous price for a T3 dryer, and this would make an incredible present.

Finally, I've been eyeing this next item and am seriously considering making it my next "save up a lot of Ulta rewards" item. The Sarahpotempa Beachwaver Pro ($139) is a motorized curling iron meant to create the perfect beach hair. Have any of you tried this?

I have other items that have caught my eye, but I'll stop for now. What have you picked up during #NSale Early Access?

Recent Ulta & Drug Store Haul

I know that haul videos tend to be really popular, so I thought I'd share a recent rather large haul that I purchased. As usual, I took advantage of the Ulta Platinum coupon (I tend to get the 20% nearly unrestricted coupon- my only exclusions were Clinique, Lancome, series of treatments, brow treatments, and perfume. I know some people only get 10% on prestige; I get 20% but have been Platinum for years and usually re-qualify within the first 2-3 months of the year.).

One of my biggest splurges isn't pictured; I got my hair done at the Ulta salon again. If there's interest, I can do a future post on my thoughts on the Salon. I've been to three different locations over the past eight years and have had some great experiences, some ok experiences, and had a horrific experience. My total bill for the haul & hair was almost 75% of the year re-qualification. And yes, I almost died a bit when I put my debit card in the reader.

The Summer 2016 Ulta Platinum Haul:

• Eylure Naturals #020 Eyelashes (3 pack): These are my current weekday go-to favorite lashes. They're subtle- similar to the impact of a really good mascara. That makes them perfect for my conservative office. I try to stock up when there's a sale since although they're reusable, I rarely get more than 1-2 wears per pair. Retail: $9.99, $7.99 with coupon.
• Duo Eyelash Adhesive (0.25oz): My daily go-to and IMO the best lash adhesive. Now that I'm wearing lashes on a daily basis, I do go through this. Retail: $5.99, $4.79 with coupon.
• Living Proof Restore Shampoo & Conditioner: This is my ride or die hair duo. I've flirted with others but always come back. I'm working my way through my current bottles so this is a "grab while on sale" purchase. Full disclosure: as soon as I took the photo, I dumped the conditioner into my 24oz pump bottle. Retail: $28 each, $22.40 with coupon.
• Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Leave-In Treatment: This is part of my daily hair routine (actually, the first product that touches my clean hair) and has really helped with strength. I'm about 85% done with my current bottle, so this is a stock-up purchase. I like to keep a backup bottle around, but haven't been as of late. Retail: $18, $14.40 with coupon.
• Ulta Dual Tipped Cotton Applicators (75 ct): I love these for false eyelash application, cleanup, and everything else. Retail:$1.99, $1.59 with coupon.
• Benefit Pretty Pleasers & Ka-Brow GWP
• Benefit 3D Browtones- Shade 4: I needed to get some darker products now that my hair went back to a rich, deep brown (vs my natural dirty blonde). I plan to do a larger post about Benefit's new brow products (I now own Ka Brow in 2 shades, 3D Browtones, and have a GWP sized pencil). I had a really negative experience today that's really making me feel poorly about these products but I'll re-evaluate tomorrow. Retail: $24, $19.20 with coupon.
• Benefit Ka-Brow!-Shade 3: I'm going to tip my hand and admit that I fell in love with this product at the Sephora VIB Rouge preview. I purchased Shade 1 (my natural shade), so I needed to go darker. Full review to come. Retail: $24, $19.20 with coupon.
• Urban Decay 24/7 Glide- on Lip Pencil- Cruz: Another planned post- I've gone from skipping the launch to 2 liners and 3 lipsticks so far (Dear MAC, it's the $0.50 price increase that's coming that's done it.). I see these as my new guilt-free lip line to play with. Cruz is the perfect compliment for ZZ, a shade I already own. Retail: $20, $16 with coupon.
• Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Poured-Moonstone: This item makes me so happy to get the full 20%. For those wondering, I own a mini pan of pressed Moonstone in the Afterglow palette, but the only pan of Poured that I own is a mini Opal- and I've been wearing the heck out of it lately. Looking forward to playing with my first full-sized Poured highlighter from Becca! Truthfully, I would've picked up the full pan of pressed Moonstone had the Ulta had it in stock. Retail: $38, $30.41 with coupon

One would think that I was done for the day, but no. I had to go to Rite Aid to get a prescription and a couple of other odds and ends so this mini haul happened. I have to admit to being partial to Rite Aid since I'm a Gold Plenti/Rewards + member and therefore get 20% off. I'm also a huge fan of Plenti- I love to use my points for purses or makeup!

• Aveno Stress Relief Foaming Bath: This is my favorite budget bath product by far. No, I don't normally buy in bulk- evidence of a Plenti offer. I've tried a variety of lavender/chamomile bubble baths up to L'Occitane's and find that the Aveno offers the best balance between bubbles, skin soothing, longevity, and price.
• Aveno Gentle Scent Body Wash: After I depleted the entire stock of foaming bath, I needed another product to add to the offer. This smells yummy- lots of coconut. I feel like it'll be perfect for summer- soothing random bug bites (I get bitten just walking to/from my car!) and keeping my sensitive skin happy.
• Essie Gel Couture Set- Zip Me Up/Top Coat- Watch for a post on this line. It's available in selected Rite Aids- and if you see this set, pounce. If you're a Gold member, the polishes work out to less than retail for the regular line! I fell for the shimmer in the mint, even though it's not really work-friendly.
• Essie Gel Couture Style in Excess- If there's a purple polish, I need it.
• Revlon Ultra HD Lip Lacquer 580 Pink Amethyst- I don't like gloss. I really don't like drugstore gloss. But I circled this beauty about 10 times in the store before finally giving in. It's a new, seasonal color- and I'm in love with it. I can't wait to test it out.
• Essie Nail Polish in 558 Come Here! and 584 Tart Deco- I actually picked these up at Walgreens, since they sell Essie for a cool $5.99 normally! Come Here! is supposedly a Walgreens exclusive.

Phew- that was some haul, right? I'm looking forward to playing with my goodies!  Did anyone else get something fun recently?

Sometimes, a girl just needs more nail polish

Sorry about the thin content these last couple of days- I do have a rather demanding job that limits my blogging time during the week. Hopefully I'll get a chance to make up for that this weekend since I owe you all some fairly detailed reviews.

Although it's not the best thing in the world, sometimes all a girl needs is some serious retail therapy after a terrible day.  It was a sad day in my office as we wished a colleague the best on a new journey.

It was just sheer luck that I opened up the mailbox and found that my (delayed) Julep box, Ipsy bag, and two Sephora orders had all arrived at once. Add in some unexpected samples I received from a company and the two polishes I picked up on the way home yesterday and I've got an unexpected little haul to soothe those wounds just a bit.

The funny thing? UPS mis-routed the Nordstrom box I couldn't wait to come home and open! Somehow it went from being 2 miles away to 50+.  Allegedly it'll arrive tonight, but I'm not holding my breath.

This makes today just a touch better, I'll admit.

Coming Attractions: Kat Von D Shade Shifter Eyeshadows

Just when I thought I was done buying full collections, here came the Kat Von D Shade Shifter eyeshadows. At least there are only four shades!  Just take a look at these beauties:

I'll be reviewing all four shades in the coming days but wanted to share this absolutely yummy picture with you in the meantime.

You might recall that I featured On the Road, the brown-green duochrome in the very first "Sunday Dreaming" post.  Once I brought it home and started playing with it, the others lept into my shopping bag on the Sephora website.

Coming Attractions

As I work on finishing up the posts that correspond with the swatch-fest I had the other day, a quick peek at my latest purchases.  I'll be featuring quite a few of them in the coming days.

See if you can spot a few of the items I've been lusting over tucked into the photo.