“I’m not a shopaholic, I’m helping the economy!”
Happy Monday friends!
To say it’s been an “add to cart” kinda year, would be an understatement! As I’ve mentioned time and time again, I’ve proven that I do 3 things really well in quarantine…
1) eat anything + everything in sight (and purely out of boredom because I’m not doing enough to work up an appetite)
2) spend hours on end watching YouTube videos and Netflix series until my brain turns to mush
AND
3) add EVERYTHING to my virtual shopping cart
Seriously, I’m really not happy about it. Each time I hover my mouse over “submit order”, I tell myself that this will be the absolute last thing I buy! Annnnd then I do a lap around the kitchen island, have a chip (or 10) + think about that OTHER lip gloss that I scrolled past and the life we could have had together. Or what about that new Fenty highlighter I saw? I mean, I don’t wear highlighter but maybe I should just buy this one and start?!
Clearly, these are unprecedented times that we’re living through. So for someone whose emotions can be all over the map (even on the best of days), it’s been kind of interesting to see the ways that I subconsciously distract (and even soothe) myself. I love chips. Ruffles, Miss Vickie’s, Pringles. You name it, I like it. That being said, I’m shoving my hand in that chip bag so often that you’d think I was preparing to go to war or some deserted island that had no food. I do take a break from the Plain Ruffles + Heluva Good dip (french onion flavored obviously) when I’m online shopping, I mean come on, I’m not a savage. If I’m going to be shopping, that cart needs my full, undivided attention. I also think it’s important to note that I JUST started online shopping… like a year and a half to two years ago, so the novelty is still new to me. Back in 2014 while everyone was obsessed and busy online shopping, I’m not exactly sure what I was doing, but it wasn’t that! In those two years, I’ve placed an order here, submitted an order there. NEVER have I ever…shopped like this in my life. I mean the things I’m buying during quarantine are kinda blowing my mind. Do I need the latest iPad, a denim skirt (who the heck do I think I am?!) or an adult coloring book?? Okay YES I totally needed the coloring book, but I would argue that those other two were not necessary!
Anywho, in the last 6’ish weeks, I’ve made several beauty related purchases (shocking I know) from Glossier, Ulta and The Bay. I thought I would put my reckless spending to good use and let you know…
1) what I bought
and
2) whether or not I think you should buy it (if you’re in the market for similar products)
DISCLAIMER: For anyone pooping their pants thinking that I’ve ordered lippies above + beyond my lip collection, cool your jets! Any lip products mentioned in this post had been added to the lip collection tally! Don’t worry!
Annnnnyways, let’s dive right into this beauty haul!
GLOSSIER
Balm Dotcom in “Birthday Cake”
Okay, these Glossier Balm Dotcom’s aren’t exactly new to the beauty scene (the first Balm Dotcom launched in 2014). I am left wondering why the heck it took me SO long to get my little unmanicured hands on one! Now, I’ll be honest, when I first sat down to write this post, I had used this balm once…and hated it. It felt greasy + gritty (thanks to the teeny tiny shimmer in this particular “flavor”) on the lips and I could not imagine ever punishing my pretty little lips with this again. After posting those thoughts on Instagram, I was bombarded with dozens of people saying that they had the complete opposite experience with these cult classic balms. And so, I was determined to give it another chance. All I can say is THANK GOODNESS I did, because now, I could not imagine NOT having one of these balms in my makeup bag.
Glossier describes these universal skin salves as being hydrating balms packed with antioxidants and natural emollients to nourish dry, chafed skin. They’re hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, long-lasting and more importantly, cruelty free.
They also come in a handful of incredible flavors like:
– Original (for anyone who doesn’t want a scented balm)
– Rose
– Cherry
– Mint
– Coconut
– Mango
– Berry
– Birthday
Now, when I see that something is advertised as being “birthday” flavored (is “flavored” the right word since you’re not technically eating them?!), umm, click, click add to cart! When I think of something that’s birthday flavored/scented, I envision the most delightful vanilla cupcake with sugary frosting on top. Of the hundreds (if not thousands) of lip products that I’ve tried in my 31 years on this earth, this has to be THE most incredible smelling one aka the one closest to actually smelling like a birthday cake! So if that’s not enough to convince you to purchase one of these balms, I don’t know would!
I will say that while they’re not as thick, these are a total dupe for the BITE Beauty Agave+ Intensive Vegan Lip Masks which retail for $34 CAD! These Glossier balms cost $15 CAD…so you could pick up 2 of these incredibly delicious smelling balms for the price of one BITE lip mask…just saying.
Your girl is all about a clear gloss these days! I mean, what better way to top off a no makeup, makeup look than with a swipe of clear gloss?! In the process of making this long overdue Glossier order, one thing was for sure, I needed one of these glosses. Described as a comfortable, long-wearing lip gloss with a glassy finish, these glosses are available in the following 3 “shades”: Clear, Red (which is very sheer) + Holographic. Offering high shine without the stickiness, these glosses contain Vitamin E and jojoba oil ensuring that your lips stay moisturized. Much like the Balm Dotcoms, they’re hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, paraben free, alcohol free, cruelty free and vegan.
I’ve made a few observations in the short time that I’ve had this gloss in my life:
> The doe-foot applicator is “lit” (did I use that properly haha). But seriously, it’s the perfect size and shape + actually bends to meet the curves of your lips!
> One swipe of this gloss leaves the lips looking super wet + juicy (which is what we all want, right?!)
> Okay, this is going to sound weird but I need to say it. Remember when you were younger, it was cold out + you’d lick your lips which would kinda make them…burn. The more you’d lick them to make the low key burning stop, the more it would. I know I’m not the only one out there that’s experienced this. Anyways, this gloss makes my lips kinda, sorta feel like that. Once the gloss wears off, I notice a weird sensation that I can only assume is my lips begging for more!
The more I “research” this Glossier Lip Gloss, the more I see that this might be one of the top 5 fav clear glosses among those in the beauty community…so that has to be saying something, right?!
ULTA
Dose of Colors Desi x Katy gloss in “The Most”
Let me preface this next portion of the haul by saying that when I’m on the Ulta site, I forget that I live in Canada, aka the land that doesn’t deserve the incredible brands that the US has. Case in point with this next gloss from Dose of Colors. Up until when this package arrived, this brand was just something that I heard all of my favorite YouTubers rave about. While scrolling through the lip section of the Ulta website (where else would you expect me to be??), my eyes were met with the most (haha see what I did there…since that’s the name of the gloss) stunning, glittery gloss I had ever seen.
This Dose of Colors gloss in “The Most” is a collab with two YouTube superstars Desi and Katy. It’s described as having a clear base with cherry red & platinum sparkles. I mean….swooooon! But seriously, when I look at this gloss its like a little rainbow of shimmer. These glosses are vegan, cruelty free, gluten free and paraben free. As soon as we’re allowed out of captivity, I’m thinking sunshine, a patio, the biggest glass of white wine sangria annnnd this gloss!
Persona Cosmetics coral + pink lip gloss duo
Ever since stumbling upon Sona Gasparian (the founder of Persona Cosmetics) on YouTube a couple months back, I’ve been anxious to get my hands on one of her coveted glosses. When I saw that Ulta was selling this Lip Duo, I could not have been more excited. These glosses are:
> Packed with tons of beneficial ingredients like Almond Oil, Avocado Oil + Shea Butter
> High Shine + non-sticky
> Nourishing
> Gluten Free
> Comfortable on the lips
> Cruelty Free
> Vegan
This truly is the gloss I never knew I needed. The Lip Duo contains the shades “pink” and “coral”. Both shades are super sheer and provide the most gorgeous wash of color to the lips. I’ve had my eyes on the shade “Shortcake” which I plan on getting once it’s finally back in stock (ughhh and yes once I’ve used up a few other lippies from my collection). If you’re looking for a great lip gloss to try, definitely take a look at these ones from Persona Cosmetics.
I Heart Revolution Fruity Blusher Peach
I.AM.ON.A.BLUSH.KICK!
It’s so strange that I’ve gone 30 years having never worn a blush, and in the last 6 months, I’m now the proud owner of 10. Out of those 10 currently in my collection, this one from I Heart Revolution has to be my favorite! I mean, just look at it!
These blushes are cruelty free and are available in “Peach” and “Strawberry”. And the kicker, they’re under $10!
This Fruity Blusher in “Peach” has an apricot matte shade surrounding a cheeky peach shimmer, giving the face an all-natural, healthy flush! I can’t wait to get back to work just so I can start showing off this blush! If you’re not a blush lover but love a good highlighter, check out their fruit inspired highlighters, which come in “Banana” and “Pineapple”.
Is this something I’d normally purchase? No. But Instagram totally made me do it. I mean, just look at that color!
If you’ve never heard of this brand, you’re missing out!
Truly Beauty’s products are vegan, high performance, cruelty free + clean.
This Starface Jelly Sleep Mask is a two-in-one, overnight mask powered with fruit-derived AHAs that puts dullness to rest for glowing skin that looks plumped and renewed. A blend of retinol and glycolic acids exfoliates dead skin cells, promotes cell renewal, targets hyper-pigmentation, and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, vitamins C and Passion fruit extract will help support and nourish skin to reveal a smoother and more radiant complexion.
Use two scoops or a generous layer on skin as the final step of the evening routine. For drier skin types, layer an additional dime-sized amount onto the skin. Be sure to gently pat, not rub, mask into skin until absorbed and wash thoroughly in the morning.
And take a look at these ingredients: Organic Aloe Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Witch Hazel Water, Acai Extract, Elderberry Extract, Spirulina Platensis Extract, Passion Fruit Extract, Alcohol, Carbomer, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Castor Seed Oil, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Retinyl Palmitate, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Beet Root Extract.
I’ll be honest, I’ve been using this about 2x per week and I can’t say that I’ve noticed a change in my skin. That being said I treat this Sleep Mask as the ultimate little self-care treat like I would a sheet mask, so I’m still loving it!
Real Techniques Everyday Essentials
I never thought the day would come when I’d voluntarily spend money on makeup brushes. Up until the arrival of this magical little brush set, my brush collection would have been accurately described as … pitiful. I think that’s an accurate way to describe the 2 brushes that I was using (one for shadow + the other for bronzer). One of the many realizations that I’ve had during this 100000 day quarantine is that I want to learn how to do my makeup…properly. I figured that in order to do that, I’d probably need to equip myself with the right tools…makeup tools that is. Now, I’ll be honest, I don’t know the first thing about brushes. I don’t know what brushes do what or even how to use them properly (p.s. I think once I’ve got the hang of these colorful ones I might do a little Brush 101 post – thoughts?!). In looking for my very own set of brushes, one thing was for sure, any future brushes of mine NEEDED to be cruelty free. That’s right friends, did you know that you’re probably using brushes that are made from animal hair? And I hate to be the one to tell you, but I don’t think those poor little animals went in for a hair cut in order to make their little hair contributions (UGH!).
Anyways let’s move on before I get upset thinking about it.
When I scrolled past this Real Technique brush set, it was a no brainer!
For under $30, this set includes:
- RT 400 Blush
- Tapered, soft and fluffy bristles
- Blend powder blush evenly for a smooth, natural look
- Miracle Complexion Sponge ®
- Soft, flexible foam
- Blend liquid and cream foundation into a luminous, dewy finish
- Use dry for full coverage or damp for dewy glow
- RT 300 Deluxe Crease
- Short, dense bristles
- Layer and blend cream and powder eyeshadows evenly into eye crease
- RT 402 Setting
- Soft and fluffy bristles
- Dust on highlighting or setting powders precisely for natural looking illumination
- RT 200 Expert Face
- Firm bristles
- Buff liquid or cream foundation to a glowing, flawless finish
If you wanna see these brushes in action, click here! Also, is it weird that I’m just NOW realizing that the YouTube legends behind the channel Pixiwoo (aka Samantha and Nicola) are the British powerhouses behind this brand?! WOW!
Anyways, if you’re looking for a high quality set of makeup brushes (at a great value), definitely check out these ones from Real Techniques!
The Bay
Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss in the shade “Rose Naif”
Let the record state that this one is totally NOT my fault (well it is but I’m pretending that it’s not)!
When your beauty obsessed friend on Insta (@insearchofaglow) tells you that she found a gloss that will make it look like you’ve just had your lips done…I mean, BRB! One thing led to another + in the 2 minutes that it took for her to tell me all about this magical gloss, I was receiving a notification telling me that my purchase would be arriving in the next 5-7 business days. We can just skip past the part where it cost $45.
These new Chanel Rouge Coco Glosses are incredible. They’re insanely shiny, super moisturizing and will leave your lips feeling (& looking) like little cushiony pillows. But seriously, I’m not just saying that! Their hydraboost complex contains natural waxes (jojoba, sunflower + mimosa) along with a natural coconut oil derivative ensuring moisturized, smooth, soft & nourished lips.
The shade #804 “Rose Naif” is the most stunning, milky pink that will most definitely turn heads. And don’t even get me started on the paddle like applicator of this unscented, high-end gloss! Ugh seriously, if you were to only have one gloss in your collection, I would argue that it should be this one!
And there you have it friends, another day another haul…of makeup products I totally don’t need. OR maybe I do, only time will tell!
Thanks so much for stopping by & we’ll see you again soon!
Stay safe,
xo