**snaps**
...This issssss…..for the lover in you….these bagssssss….mean you’ll always be true…
**snaps**
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...Babyface..LL Cool J...jammin’...
Besides teaching, I have a part time job Ulta...your beauty destination…
I am a Beauty Advisor, which is Ulta’s generic term for a sales associate. I don’t do makeup or anything, but I do make recommendations based upon my personal knowledge, experiences, and preferences. It’s a cool part-time job to have. I don’t get many hours and I don’t mind that. I have after school commitments and I need time to spend at the gym. Most of the time, I work one weekday and then Friday and/or Saturday. I also worked at Ulta for a short period of time in Pittsburgh. This go ‘round, I was hired in the summer and decided to keep working during the school year.
The discount is niiiiiiice…
I have no desire to be a make-up artist. Honestly, I just like playing in make-up. That’s exactly what I like to call it, playing in make-up. When I have free time, I like watching Youtube videos and trying what I learned in the mirror. During an average work week, I wear make-up twice, but when I work at Ulta I'm full faced and fabulous. Most days of the week, I do my brows and put on eyeliner and mascara.
I wasn’t always as interested in make-up and skincare as I am now. The products I use have evolved over the years. There are brands I used to use, but don’t use anymore. There are brands that I will always love. There are brands that I have started to use recently, that are tugging at a piece of my heart.
I’d like to highlight some of my favorite products for you…
L’oréal High Intensity Pigment (HIP) Eyeshadow Duos (discontinued)
One thing that I learned early on in my make-up trials is that all eyeshadows aren’t created equal. Many eyeshadows don’t have much payoff on darker skin tones. However I came across these…
When these were on the market, I believe the price was $7.99. Every time I had a little extra cash, I would pick up one of these from the drugstore. I can say without hesitation that I own at least 2 dozen of these.
Started from the bottom now we here...
About two years ago, I started to invest in better quality make-up. I found that it is more cost effective to buy eyeshadow palettes versus individual pots. MAC eyeshadow pots cost $16 each. Ohhhh nooooo….Urban Decay eyeshadow pots cost $18 each. Say whaaat?! Nope. Ain’t doing it. Well not often at least…
So here are the palettes I own....
There are plenty of other brands that sell eyeshadow palettes. When shopping, Urban Decay just so happens to have better combinations of colors. Other palettes don’t appear to have payoff needed to appear on my skin tone.
NYX Jumbo Eyeliner
These are great for beginners. I apply the eyeliner to my eyelid, then smudge with my finger. Some people use a brush to smudge, but I find that to be unnecessary.
Here is what their website says:
A radiant eye liner that also doubles as an eye shadow. Made with a blend of mineral oil and powder, our creamy Jumbo Eye Pencils glide on effortlessly—no pulling, tugging or fading—and come in a rainbow of vivid hues. Our most voluptuous pencil yet!
Here is some very important information…
Eyeshadow brushes matter. Now brushes, they can be the subject of a post by themselves.
There are so many types of brushes and they all have a purpose. If your eyeshadow doesn’t apply the way you like or doesn’t blend to your liking, you may need to invest in different brushes.
In my opinion, the more eyeshadow brushes you have, the better.
There is a brush for every budget, but all brushes aren’t created equal. I have e.l.f. brushes, Eco Tools brushes, Real Techniques brushes, Ulta brushes, Urban Decay brushes (the ones that came with my palettes), MAC brushes, and IT travel brushes.
I think Real Techniques brushes are the best bang for your buck. The bristles are soft, all synthetic (to my knowledge), and they hold up well after cleansing.
To be honest with you, I find that I have been replacing the cheaper brushes with brushes that are of better quality and efficacy. I think the next brushes that I will replace will be my MAC stippling brush and my Eco Tools buffing foundation brush. I’m leaning towards this Tarte brush or this IT brush….
The issue with purchasing foundation brushes is that I don’t currently own a foundation that I like. I prefer my tinted moisturizer to the current foundation that I own.
This right here...love it. Nuff said! Haha. I could say more, I just don’t feel like it right now.
In my opinion, the more eyeshadow brushes you have, the better.
There is a brush for every budget, but all brushes aren’t created equal. I have e.l.f. brushes, Eco Tools brushes, Real Techniques brushes, Ulta brushes, Urban Decay brushes (the ones that came with my palettes), MAC brushes, and IT travel brushes.
I think Real Techniques brushes are the best bang for your buck. The bristles are soft, all synthetic (to my knowledge), and they hold up well after cleansing.
To be honest with you, I find that I have been replacing the cheaper brushes with brushes that are of better quality and efficacy. I think the next brushes that I will replace will be my MAC stippling brush and my Eco Tools buffing foundation brush. I’m leaning towards this Tarte brush or this IT brush….
The issue with purchasing foundation brushes is that I don’t currently own a foundation that I like. I prefer my tinted moisturizer to the current foundation that I own.
When I do wear a foundation, I use the Tarte’s Timeless Smoothing Primer. Keeps shine to a minimum. I still have to use oil blotter sheets throughout the day, but that's inevitable when you have combination/oily skin.
Covergirl Queen Collection
I've been using this pressed powder for years. I want to try MAC's Mineralized Skin Finish, but every time I run out of my CG, MAC is out of my budget. Oh well...if it ain't broke...don't fix it.
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Brows on FLEEK!!! Well sometimes...not always...I’m still learning…. Gotta keep it real...
I used to use MAC’s Spiked eyebrow pencil past, but then I started working at Ulta. So I decided to purchase something for the low low with my discount. This is when I started using Anastasia products.
Not quite sure how to pronounce her name, everyone says it differently, but whatevs…
I have used the Brow Wiz pencil in dark brown since July. I purchased the DipBrow pomade in dark brown recently. I’m still learning how to use the DipBrow. However, my sister did tell me that the DipBrow looks more natural than the Brow Wiz. I was honestly surprised when she told me. I thought the DipBrow was going to look like paint.
Now on to skincare…
I have acne prone skin. Last spring I visited an esthetician because I was fed up with my skin. She recommended some spa quality products that I loved. At the time I was refund check ballin’, so I splurged on those expensive products. Once I ran out, I was like….ummm…54 bucks for just cleanser….nope. Ain’t happening.
One of the active ingredients of the expensive stuff was tea tree oil. When searching for a replacement, I came across these…they have a much better price point...
In my opinion, tea tree products work wonders on oily and acne prone skin. Give it a try.
I find that this product has vastly improved the texture of my skin, lightening the hyper-pigmentation caused by acne, reducing pore size, and making my skin look smoother. Be sure to use SPF when using this product...
The following information is from Mario Badescu’s website...
BENEFITS:
Antioxidant Vitamin C protects skin from free radicals and is essential in collagen production. This Vitamin C Serum contains 7.5% Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) to reduce discoloration and brighten skin. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid to retain skin's natural moisture and Collagen to enhance skin's firmness and elasticity.
HOW TO USE: Apply 3-4 drops on clean skin avoiding eye area every other night. May be used under a moisturizer or alone.
For more information, visit: http://www.mariobadescu.com/vitamin-c-serum
…on to the next one...
Once again, a breakout led me to this next purchase. I am going to assume that if you made it this far in this post, you are female. So this next breakout was due to my menstrual cycle. And y’all know, those pimples are some serious pimples. Ewww...
During a hormonal breakout, I use this maybe twice, with one day in between.
Read what Mario’s website has to say about it.
BENEFITS:
Helps clear acne eruptions. This Colloidal Sulfur based mask dries existing pimples and oil and helps clarify problematic, acne-prone skin. Soothing Calamine makes this mask safe and gentle for most skin types. Great for back and chest acne eruptions as well. Best when used as a companion product to our Healing & Soothing Mask and Buffering Lotion.
HOW TO USE: Apply a thin layer on clean skin avoiding eye area. Wait 20 minutes and rinse with tepid water. May be used 2-3 times a week all over face or on problem areas only including back and chest.
BEAUTY TIP: For excessively oily skin, dust Special Healing Powder on the skin before applying Drying Mask. For acne-erupted skin apply Buffering Lotion before and after mask. For the most balanced regimen alternate with Healing Soothing Mask on different nights.
For more information, visit: http://www.mariobadescu.com/drying-mask
All these products are a combination of trial and error. Most of the time, I tried something, didn’t like it, ran out of it, wanted to try something different, returned/exchanged it, or gave it away. Or, I loved one product, went back for more, and More, and MORE...For me, it was the L'oréal HIP duos, Urban Decay palettes, and Mario Badescu products.
I do the same with hair products.
Me: Hi there, my name is Sharae and I’m a product junkie.
All: Hi Sharae. Welcome.
I've been using this pressed powder for years. I want to try MAC's Mineralized Skin Finish, but every time I run out of my CG, MAC is out of my budget. Oh well...if it ain't broke...don't fix it.
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Brows on FLEEK!!! Well sometimes...not always...I’m still learning…. Gotta keep it real...
I used to use MAC’s Spiked eyebrow pencil past, but then I started working at Ulta. So I decided to purchase something for the low low with my discount. This is when I started using Anastasia products.
Not quite sure how to pronounce her name, everyone says it differently, but whatevs…
I have used the Brow Wiz pencil in dark brown since July. I purchased the DipBrow pomade in dark brown recently. I’m still learning how to use the DipBrow. However, my sister did tell me that the DipBrow looks more natural than the Brow Wiz. I was honestly surprised when she told me. I thought the DipBrow was going to look like paint.
Now on to skincare…
I have acne prone skin. Last spring I visited an esthetician because I was fed up with my skin. She recommended some spa quality products that I loved. At the time I was refund check ballin’, so I splurged on those expensive products. Once I ran out, I was like….ummm…54 bucks for just cleanser….nope. Ain’t happening.
One of the active ingredients of the expensive stuff was tea tree oil. When searching for a replacement, I came across these…they have a much better price point...
In my opinion, tea tree products work wonders on oily and acne prone skin. Give it a try.
Here is some info from the website….
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
This daily-use facial wash for blemished skin gives clearer-looking skin when used as part of a regular regime.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
This refreshing toner freshens and removes the last traces of make-up, dirt and oil, leaving skin feeling soft, fresh and ready for moisturising. The shake to activate formula allows skin to benefit from mattifying powders, while ingredients including Community Trade organic tea tree oil, tamanu oil and white willow bark extracts ensure skin looks matte, without drying.
Mario Badescu
I was post-break out, with a serious acne scar. I know...I can’t resist, sometimes I just have to try and pop the pimple. I know, I know. It’s bad…
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
This daily-use facial wash for blemished skin gives clearer-looking skin when used as part of a regular regime.
- Removes excess oil without over-drying skin
- Helps remove impurities
- Gentle enough for daily use
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
This refreshing toner freshens and removes the last traces of make-up, dirt and oil, leaving skin feeling soft, fresh and ready for moisturising. The shake to activate formula allows skin to benefit from mattifying powders, while ingredients including Community Trade organic tea tree oil, tamanu oil and white willow bark extracts ensure skin looks matte, without drying.
- Removes traces of make-up, cleanser and impurities
- Mattifying powders leave skin shine-free
- Clinically proven to give clearer-looking skin
Mario Badescu
I was post-break out, with a serious acne scar. I know...I can’t resist, sometimes I just have to try and pop the pimple. I know, I know. It’s bad…
I find that this product has vastly improved the texture of my skin, lightening the hyper-pigmentation caused by acne, reducing pore size, and making my skin look smoother. Be sure to use SPF when using this product...
The following information is from Mario Badescu’s website...
BENEFITS:
Antioxidant Vitamin C protects skin from free radicals and is essential in collagen production. This Vitamin C Serum contains 7.5% Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) to reduce discoloration and brighten skin. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid to retain skin's natural moisture and Collagen to enhance skin's firmness and elasticity.
HOW TO USE: Apply 3-4 drops on clean skin avoiding eye area every other night. May be used under a moisturizer or alone.
For more information, visit: http://www.mariobadescu.com/vitamin-c-serum
…on to the next one...
Once again, a breakout led me to this next purchase. I am going to assume that if you made it this far in this post, you are female. So this next breakout was due to my menstrual cycle. And y’all know, those pimples are some serious pimples. Ewww...
During a hormonal breakout, I use this maybe twice, with one day in between.
Read what Mario’s website has to say about it.
BENEFITS:
Helps clear acne eruptions. This Colloidal Sulfur based mask dries existing pimples and oil and helps clarify problematic, acne-prone skin. Soothing Calamine makes this mask safe and gentle for most skin types. Great for back and chest acne eruptions as well. Best when used as a companion product to our Healing & Soothing Mask and Buffering Lotion.
HOW TO USE: Apply a thin layer on clean skin avoiding eye area. Wait 20 minutes and rinse with tepid water. May be used 2-3 times a week all over face or on problem areas only including back and chest.
BEAUTY TIP: For excessively oily skin, dust Special Healing Powder on the skin before applying Drying Mask. For acne-erupted skin apply Buffering Lotion before and after mask. For the most balanced regimen alternate with Healing Soothing Mask on different nights.
For more information, visit: http://www.mariobadescu.com/drying-mask
...next…
Now before I get into my next product, I have to have a real moment with you. I used to watch Michelle Phan’s Youtube videos. A few years ago, she used a toothbrush to exfoliate her face. Of course this toothbrush isn't used in my mouth, uh DUH. But guess what, I tried it and it served its purpose for years. I told the esthetician about the toothbrush, she looked at me like I was crazy.
Any who...
I had dreams of buying a Clarisonic, but it was never within a price range that fit in my budget….until December 2014... bowchickawowwow...
Ulta employees received a special Clarisonic discount this past holiday season, in addition to our regular discount. Say whaaaat???
Clearly I'm excited about this purchase, lol
Now if you wear make-up, I suggest using some type of face scrubbing brush. You would be appalled by the amount of make-up that remains on your face after make-up wipes and your cleanser is used. YUCK.
Moisturizer…
I’m not feeling my current moisturizer. It works, but it smells like men’s cologne. I use Dermalogica's Active Moist, if you really wanted to know. Meh…shrug...
Now you may be wondering how much I have been spending. A grip son...
Now before I get into my next product, I have to have a real moment with you. I used to watch Michelle Phan’s Youtube videos. A few years ago, she used a toothbrush to exfoliate her face. Of course this toothbrush isn't used in my mouth, uh DUH. But guess what, I tried it and it served its purpose for years. I told the esthetician about the toothbrush, she looked at me like I was crazy.
Any who...
I had dreams of buying a Clarisonic, but it was never within a price range that fit in my budget….until December 2014... bowchickawowwow...
Ulta employees received a special Clarisonic discount this past holiday season, in addition to our regular discount. Say whaaaat???
Yasssss.
Right on time.
Holla at cha GIRL!
...Finally, it has happened to me, right in front, of my face, my feelings, can’t describe it….
...finalllllly...oooooooooh….FINALLYYYYY...
...yea yea, yea yea, Yeah Yeah, OWWWW...
Now if you wear make-up, I suggest using some type of face scrubbing brush. You would be appalled by the amount of make-up that remains on your face after make-up wipes and your cleanser is used. YUCK.
Moisturizer…
I’m not feeling my current moisturizer. It works, but it smells like men’s cologne. I use Dermalogica's Active Moist, if you really wanted to know. Meh…shrug...
Now you may be wondering how much I have been spending. A grip son...
It has to be said that your desired collection of make-up and skincare items don't appear in your bathroom overnight. It takes time young grasshopper.
All these products are a combination of trial and error. Most of the time, I tried something, didn’t like it, ran out of it, wanted to try something different, returned/exchanged it, or gave it away. Or, I loved one product, went back for more, and More, and MORE...For me, it was the L'oréal HIP duos, Urban Decay palettes, and Mario Badescu products.
I do the same with hair products.
Me: Hi there, my name is Sharae and I’m a product junkie.
All: Hi Sharae. Welcome.
Check out my board on Pinterest. If you like what you see, follow me :D
Great make up overview!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I wanted to include information on my favorite lip products. I have so many. That's forthcoming.
Delete