Hi fellow beauty lovers!! As I’ve previously mentioned (a few times), I cancelled all of my Beauty Subscription Boxes. I was receiving the Lola Beauty Box, Ipsy Glambag, Play! By Sephora, and Birchbox for some months before I finally got sick of all the items I didn’t actually want cluttering up my area! Sure, there were a few items I fell in love with but, I want to discover items on my own now. So, I introduce to you a new segment on my blog: My Beauty Buys. The title pretty much explains itself, doesn’t it? π
10 Piece Unicorn Brush Set by Bealife US
Purchased On: Amazon Smile
I Paid: $10.99
First Impressions: I loved the mermaid-esque bag the brushes came in. I love the beautiful color of the tips and the bristles are so soft; buuut, maybe just a little too soft. The handles are quite cheap and they feel very fragile. I’m nervous to wash these because I assume they will easily become unglued. I liked the assortment of brushes and they do work alright. I was a little sad a fluffy eyeshadow brush wasn’t included.
Insta-Dri Nail Color by Sally Hansen
Purchased At: CVS In-Store
I Paid: $5.79/ea.
Shades: ASAP Apple (left), Just In Wine (right)
First Impressions: I have used both. The brush is so fat, it makes the job an extremely difficult and messy one! It does dry faster than other polish brands I’ve tried (*ahem* OPI and ORLY) and I loved both shades (thanks to boyfriend who chose them both β€ ). They both applied very dark after just one layer. It did chip within 3 days only, though– which is quicker than most other polishes I’ve tried.
City 24H Anti-Pollution Day & Night Moisturizing Emulsion by Marcelle
Purchased On: Birchbox Shop
I Paid: $24
First Impressions: I received a mini sample from Birchbox of this magic and I still can’t get enough. I do hate that it takes a lot of product to cover my entire face, it’s like my skin eats up the stuff immediately. It’s also a good thing though because it leaves my face completely non-greasy and residue-free! I am in love! My face is brighter and softer everyday.
Lip Lacquer Trio by ModelCO
Purchased On: Birchbox Shop
I Paid: $16
Shades: Creme Brulee (left), Viva (middle), Morroco (right)
First Impressions: I haven’t used them yet but, they kind of stink (like children’s lip gloss) and seem sticky. We’ll see how they perform…
Espresso Yourself Eyeshadow Palette by The Beauty Crop
Purchased On: Birchbox Shop
I Paid: $15
Shades:
First Impressions: I have tried to swatch some of the shades but, I haven’t tried applying with a brush to my lids yet. The matte ones were nearly impossible to even get to show up but, the shimmer shades were really pigmented and hard to wash off with just water.
Face Cleanser by First Aid Beauty
Purchased On: ULTA Online
I Paid: $10/each
First Impressions: This is my aboslute favorite face cleanser. It wipes my makeup off and leaves my face feeling fresh and not tight at all. I’ve been using it for a few years and have tried other ones that just don’t compare. When I saw the sale for them at ULTA during the 21 Days of Beauty Sale in September, I set an alarm on my phone for the day to buy them! I threw two into my (digital) cart and then, shopped around for more items until I was able to get free shipping! I was upset that I missed the FREE Stila gift set that I could’ve included for the amount I spent and I just now realized they didn’t even include any samples like they said they would.
Maximum Lashes Defining + Lengthening Mascara by ULTA Beauty
Purchased On: ULTA Online
I Paid: $5
First Impressions: It was only $5 so I threw it in my cart, I haven’t opened it yet!
Lockdown Travel Duo by Urban Decay Cosmetics
Purchased On: ULTA Online
I Paid: $19
Duo Includes: Optical Illusion Complexion Primer (left), All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray (right)
My First Impressions: They are very small bottles… I haven’t used them yet but, I hope they were worth the price! I’ve heard lots of good things so I can only cross my fingers that I get the same results as most everyone else.
Citrus Deodorant by Every Man Jack
Purchased On: ULTA Online
I Paid: $6.39
First Impressions: Okay, this smells freakin’ amazing!! I have no idea if it’s for a man or a woman but, the scent is rather girly, honestly. I just got up right now to use it for the first time ever and it felt really cooling and smooth. If it works to keep me smelling good and dry– I already like it better than Schmidt’s.
Did you make any beauty purchases last month? Have you tried any of the products I’m trying out this month before?
Featured Image by Raphael Lovaski
Love this!
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Thanks!!
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I’m so glad you reviewed that nail polish because I literally almost bought it last night for averie! Are there any nail polish bands that you DO suggest? I’m making her a mani kit for Christmas!
I’m working on a makeup/skincare haul post over the next couple days. Got lots of new stuff I can’t wait to try!
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The formula of the nail polish wasn’t so bad! I think if I had done more than one layer it wouldn’t have chipped as fast but, yeah, the brush was scary big lol! Probably bigger than Averie’s whole finger. π
A mani kit sounds so fun! You’re the best mom ever, Emma!! β€ My favorite nail polish brands so far are Color Club (not the matte formula though) & Zoya!
Looking forward to your haul post! π
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That espresso palette looks gorgeous! And nice to know a good face cleanser, though I don’t think it’s available here in Europe… π¦ I’ve been looking for some new face cleansers that do not dry my skin too much like my current one does.
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Aren’t the colors in the palette just so pretty? π That’s so tragic that First Aid Beauty isn’t available where you are! I’m so sorry, it’s really amazing for dry skin. Maybe you could find it on Amazon?!
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I might be able to find it on Amazon, haven’t thought about that! thanks for the rec anyways π
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Hope it’s there for you!!! β€
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The eyeshadow palette looks pretty and I love the coffee themed names! Maybe try applying the shades with a primer underneath π
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I loved the names of the shades, too! So creative & cute. π I will remember to try the shades with a primer when I apply to my lids, thanks for the advice, babe! β€
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I missed the make up reated post! Glad youre doing it in this way! π
I prefer menβs deodorant tbh! I always steal Jasperβs one π
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Oh yay π so good to hear your positive feedback!! β€ I like stealing boyfriend's deodorant, too, hehe… I think it works better?!
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I looove the unicorn brushes so pretty ππ,and the eye-shadow palettes as well
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They are really pretty, aren’t they?! π β€ Thank you, Debbie!
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That anti pollution emulsion sounds amazing! I’ve massively seen an improvement in my skin since moving out of the city, so when I head back in I definitely want to try an anti pollution skincare product!
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Really?! That’s so interesting to know that you’ve seen a difference in your skin since moving out of the city! A bit sickening, isn’t it?! π
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Well, well, well! I love this new segment! I have to try the first aid kit face cleanser. It sounds like my skin would love it. You grabbed lots of great things this month! π
Dom | http://www.DivaNamedDom.com
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YAY!! SO glad that you like this new little series. π π not sure if it’ll be monthly but, it’ll continue for sure!
The face cleanser is so gentle & effective. Hope you love it! β€
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This is one of my favorite kind of posts! I haven’t tried any of these products. I’m curious to know your thoughts on the Urban Decay duo. I bought a eyeshadow palette by Hard Candy at Walmart last month for $10 and I was really impressed! There are 15 shadows in it and all but two of the glittery shades were super pigmented and blended like a dream. I had never tried the brand Hard Candy so I was pretty happy I found it.
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Yay π glad you enjoyed this post, Cadie! I’ll def let you know how I feel about the UD Duo after I use it a few times! I hope it works for me!
I don’t think I’ve ever tried anything by Hard Candy before either but, $10 for 15 shades sounds like a gosh darn steal! I’ll have to check that brand out next time I’m in Walmart! β€
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Thanks for this post. In the fall I like to try different eye shadows and I like the palatte you highlight. A trip to Sephora is on my list of course and so is a trip to Walgreens which are all over the place here in New York City . I only really go into Ultra when I visit Vegas. (The one in Town Square .)
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Glad you enjoyed this post, Jo Ann. π The palette has the perfect shades for fall, doesn’t it?! I love both Sephora & Walgreens! I only got to CVS because it’s closer to my apartment. π Do they have Ultas in NY?!
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I mean Ulta, sorry.
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I know aluminum-free deodorant is healthier for us, but I’m so nervous about perspiring! I’ve heard if they don’t have aluminum, then it’s not an anti-perspirant, so your shirt will still get wet sweat stains, which sounds gross. I’m interested to hear your results with this one!
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Oh nooo! I never knew that about aluminum-free deodorant. I didn’t do anything to make me sweat yesterday but now I’m afraid to wear it to work in case it doesn’t work!! lol
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Right?! Like apparently it still keeps you from smelling but not from sweating. O.O
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Oh GOSH! I am trying it out today… hope I am not a sweaty mess!
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Fingers crossed for you!!
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Weirdest thing. It kept me from sweating but I did not stay smelling fresh LOL.
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Oh no! That’s just as bad! O.O
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Lol I think it was worse!! π¦
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You’re probably right! Guess that deodorant won’t be a keeper haha.
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Nope, def not! I bought a new one today. π haha.
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The Espresso Yourself palette is pretty. I love the shades in it.
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I like it, too! I think I’ll create some looks with it for my Makeup Looks post at the end of the month. π
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Love the beauty segment. the brushes are beautiful and that urban decay setting spray is one of my favourites. xx
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Abby!! I don’t know how I’m just seeing this comment now, so sorry!!
I am so happy to read that you like this segment. I think I’ve bought enough stuff this month to do another post like this next month!
I don’t really like the brushes lol but they sure are pretty. I already want new ones again though. π I still haven’t tried the UD spray or primer yet!!
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Ahhhh Iβm glad – as I really enjoyed it! Love seeing what people buy!
Hahahha really, you need to try that spray!!!xx
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I love seeing what people buy, too!! Ok ok gonna use it tonight when I do my makeup! π
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The brushes look beautiful but it’s crappy that they feel like they will fall apart. I love those polishes and the shades remind me of fall!
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Yeah they are weak but, I guess it’s what I paid for, right? π & I broke the red polish already, I accidentally knocked it off my computer desk. π¦
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Oh no! I’m so sorry π RIP pretty polish!
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Ahh!! It’s okay! I can buy the same color in a diff brand now. π
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That’s even better!! Let us know what color you end up getting!
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Will do! π
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I hope the brushes hold up! They look so beautiful!
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Thank you! I hope they do too! I love the color of them! π
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WTH I missed this post on my reader feed I had to come to your blog feed to find where I left off lol
Anyway those brushes looks sooo cuteee! Iβd totally buy them for aesthetics lol
The palette is so pretty, will you be showing some looks done with it?
I hope I remember to check out the first aid beauty cleanser when I go to Sephora for my bday gift lol. I have bought so much stuff this month itβs insane! I will be doing a video collective haul lol
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Aww I hate when that happens! I’m glad you eventually found this post. π The brushes are super pretty but they really aren’t that good lol. What is your fave brand of brushes??
Yeah I’m going to feature that palette in my makeup looks later this month. π I haven’t even come up with one single look yet but I will try my best to come up with at least 3!!
I hope you’ll remember the First Aid cleanser, too! I really think you will love how gentle it is. The travel size is often in the checkout line so maybe you’ll see it right before you go!
I can’t wait to see all you’ve bought!! Will you also be doing a post or just a video?! β‘
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LOL that’s the problem with getting cheap brushes. And I don’t really have a favorite brand per se, mainly because I can’t afford the good ones lol. Crown Brush and Luxie make amazing face brushes and I’ve had the pleasure to try them because of my subscriptions. Brushes on a budget though….I’d say Wet n Wild, e.l.f. Cosmetics, they’re very inexpensive and really good quality for the price. I did also buy brushes from BH Cosmetics (online) and I reach for those often. π BH Cosmetics has them in sets too and usually come in a travel case π Other more expensive ones that everyone likes are the Real Techniques (but I haven’t bought them except for their beauty sponge) and also Eco Tools. Both brands can be purchased at Ulta and/or Walgreens.
Awesome I cannot wait to see those looks!!
Yes, I’m putting it on my priority list (mentally) when I go to Sephora, because I already bought a bunch of stuff from Ulta and Colourpop online yesterday, so I feel like I’m kind of set for everything except haircare and skincare LOL. How much did you say it costs? I’m allowing myself around $20 at Sephora lmao which I now realize probably isn’t enough XD
As of now I know I will do a video for sure, I guess I could always do a post form too? Cause obviously I wanna show you guys too but I also want to work on uploading a bit more over on my channel, it’s just twice the work LOL
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I know, I know… but I love buying cheap shit lol. Sometimes it is nice & so worth it… other times, it’s blah but, I don’t care that much because it was cheap, y’know?! I have the Real Techniques beauty sponge, too! I think I’ve told you before but, I like it better than beautyblender by so much!! I have enough good face brushes & but, I’m looking for like an eyeshadow brushes ONLY set now. Idk why I thought this one I had purchased would have more eyeshadow ones??
I’m gonna check out those brands, thanks so much for always helping me out, Rossy. β€ I think I'm leaning towards BH & Real Techniques… what do you think??
Oh! I've seen sooo many hauls from Colourpop after I saw yours, lol I had never heard of the brand until you posted about it & then of course it started popping up everywhere. I need to try some of their products ASAP, I cannot wait to see what you got. π
The travel size of the face cleanser is under $20!! I think the full-size is exactly $20 so it is enough!! But everything else always looks so tempting, huh??
Okaaaay no pressure at all, I understand you are a busy woman lol but I would LOVE to see a post. π β€
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I’m with you there, sometimes you’ll find really good stuff for cheap! Like literally some drugstore products rival those high-end ones.
I LOVEEE their beauty sponge too, I’ve never tried the beautyblender but I’m the kind of person that if I know something needs to be replaced often, I don’t want to commit to buying a new beauty sponge OR a mascara every 3 to 6 months lol. It gets EXPENSIVE! I’ll save the money for traveling π
But yeah, finding eye brush sets is kind of hard, I have seen a few but they’re travel size, so super short. I know Eco Tools has one, I’m pretty sure, as does Real Techniques, but I think they’re a bit pricier. You COULD buy some Wet n Wild crease brushes, I have found them at the dollar store and buy them all the time. They last me a while but they do get stained QUICK! lol. Other than that, e.l.f. is another good brand.. But I get what you mean, I don’t want to get face brushes either, I have WAY too many π I’d go with BH or RT too π whichever you feel you need, go with those π
I AM SOOO EXCITED about my CP haul! Hahaha π I can’t wait to receive my tracking number to stalk the mail man hahaha
Awesssoommme!!! I literally bought a few more facial cleansers from Ulta and another one from Target because it was on clearance, so even if I get the travel size, I think I’d be good, so I’m definitely getting it. Anything else you’d recommend? I may not spend more than $30 at Sephora LOL
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I think I buy a new mascara once every month or two!! They dry out so fast or am I doing something wrong?! I never bought the beautyblender, I just got a freakin’ lifetime supply from Influenster that one time! & so glad I did because what a waste of money those pink things are.
I bought some Wet n Wild brushes way back when & YEAH the eyeshadow never comes off of it lol. Mine are stained black because… I was… tryin’ something LOL.
I can’t think of anything other than the face cleanser! I’m so looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it!! & everything else you got!! π Eeeee!!!
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No I don’t think you’re doing anything wrong, if you consistently use it, like daily, it’s bound to dry out. Oh that’s right!! You did get those lol.
Hahaha some of mine are stained in different colors π that’s why I prefer black synthetic brushes because even when they’re squeaky clean you won’t see any stains on the bristles
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Hahah I don’t mind the stains really (well kinda), I’m just more paranoid they’re not clean, & I’ll mix the colors, y’ know?!
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