ULTA Haul: Part ONE

As you may know, I have a love affair with Ulta. I'm there way too much and I give them way too much of my money. *sigh* Before moving right along into what I bought this time, I just want to let you know that these pictures were not taken by me because I am on vacation and I didn't bring all the items below with me. Part to of this haul will contain my own images.

The first thing I picked up is a body product. I can't remember where I but from someone somewhere I hear that the Earth Therapeutics Exfoliating Scrub in Oatmeal and Honey is worth trying out. The scent is what hooked me. I like it a lot. It's warm and sweet like honey, and I couldnt quite put my finger on it at first but it smells very similar to the ULTA brand Beauty Smoothie Shower Scrub in Butter Cream Cupcake... Although they are similar, there are a few differences in the 2. The ULTA shower smoothie scrub has a far more fragrant scent, much stronger. ($8.00)

I actually picked up quite a few nail things this trip, which is very unusual for me. The first 2 things were the Essence French Manicure Tip Guides. I got 2 because they looked like a product that would truly work, and they were only 99 cents each! Basically these are a sticker that you apply just beneath where you would paint your tip. Once the polish dries you remove the tip guide and apply a top coat. If you're like me and don't have a very steady hand painting your own tip, these will be super useful! ($0.99ea)

The next thing I picked up is also from Essence. It's harder to find nail dotting tools in store than it is online. I was happy to see Essence has one, their Nail Art Duo Stylist and it's double sided. One end has a larger dot, the other a smaller. I'm excited to use this! ($2.49)

The last nail care item I picked up is Sally Hansen Vitamin E Cuticle Oil. I picked this up kinda on a whim and I'm hoping it works well. I need something to nourish my cuticles and prevent peeling. Fingers crossed! ($6.99)

I also bought the Essence Dual Pencil Sharpener. I suppose essence is in the spotlight for this haul, because I got quite a few goodies from them! I needed a new sharpener because I lost my other, don't ask me how, and this one was inexpensive. It's a requirement for me to have a double-sided sharpener, one hole for slim pencils, another for jumbo'chubby eye pencils. This fit the bill as far as that goes so hopefully it works well! ($1.99)

The last the I purchased was the discontinued version of the Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Nude Lusture. I was lucky to find this on clearance because they aren't available anymore. If you're dying to grab these before their gone, check the clearance section of your local drugstores and ULTA as well. If you want to see my Review/Comparison on the new and older versions, Click Here. (On clearance for $3.49)

Part 2 of this haul will be posted some time next week!

Photo credit: Ulta.com

Let me know if you want a review on anything listed above! :)
Tried anything I mentioned? As always I'd love to hear your thoughts!

xoxo,
Glimmer

NEW NOVELTIES!? NYX Sets available at Ulta

Gosh don't you just love it when brands release sets! I mean what better way to get a good deal! So I'm here to tell you about some NYX Sets that are now available at Ulta online and in stores. (and if you order online today and spend more than $25, you qualify for free shipping! no coupon required) I myself took advantage of this deal and you will see an Ulta haul in the near future.

So first off is one that has been around for a month or so now and is back in stock online!

NYX Enchanted Kiss Butter Gloss Set. If you haven't read my review of these awesome glosses you can do so here. I love these and I encourage you to try them out while this set is available. For $10 you get three glosses, which is a great deal considering they are normally $4.99 each.

NYX has also released the Parallel Worlds Box which was inspired by The Mortal Instruments (City f Bones). This set contains a 6 shade smoky eye palette, the perfect pink blush, a neutral pink matte lip cream, black liquid liner, a vibrant jumbo eye pencil, and volumizing mascara. $24.99 for 5 products that range from $3-$7 each is a great deal!



It's no surprise that lip sets are my favorite! NYX seems to get the hint 'cause I've got one more to share with you. NYX The "It" List The Pinks. This awesome set comes with 5 different products for $19.99, all in different shades of pink.

Who doesn't love finding great deals on nail polish? For $19.99 you can get the NYX Love is in the Air Nail Art Collection. This set includes 18 shades of polish ranging from brights, to pastels, to neutrals. 

Sadly, this last one is available online only. The NYX Nail Jewelry Precious Pearls nail art set. This comes in 3 shades; Black Pearl, White Pearl, and Opal Pearl. If you're looking for those caviar nails, NYX has released a budget set at only $10. 

These sets are also available at nyxcosmetics.com 

Will you be giving any of these sets a go? Call me crazy but I already made a purchase.

xoxo,
Glimmer 

NEW NOVELTIES!? POP Beauty New Releases

POP Beauty is a brand that kinda goes under the radar. Not very popular, but they have just released some new things that might catch your attention! 

First is their new Buzzing Beauty Buffer. This is a funny little blending sponge that is attached to a circular jar type base. What's unique about this is it's battery operated and it buffs the product into your skin. The sponge head is removable and can be washes. Sounds different but I'm interested! I hope I can try it out soon!  

Another new CC cream on the market! Pop's CC Cream - Colour Adapt. Pop says the formula contains revolutionary color beads that adapt to your unique skin tone! 

If you're a palette person, you may want to check out Pop's Rouge Mix - Backstage Edition lip and cheek palette. I'm not one for lip palettes but if you are, these look like some beautiful shades. 

Pop's No Clump Comb Mascara is the second of third mascara I've seen on the market that is a "comb" wand. I haven't found any of the ones I've tried to be good with length or volume but they do separate nicely. Maybe this one will be different! 

Bright Up Your Life Eyeshadow Palette. This palette comes is available in 3 different versions, with 10 shadows in each palette. 

I defiantly wanna give the the Beauty Buzzing Buffer a go! 

Anything you wanna try? Leave me a comment! 

xoxo,

Glimmer 

NEW NOVELTIES: New Too Faced Products

Okay, Too Faced, You're no NARS, but if you keep titling your products with... mature... content, you may be a close second.

Getting the mature content out of the way first, the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara.
This mascara comes with an hour glass shaped brush that "separates, coats, and curls each lash to voluptuous perfection." According to Too Faced this mascara is so amazing... it's better than sex.
I just might have to try this one out to see just how amazing it really is.

Now that that awkward paragraph is out of the way, the next new release is their Lip Injection Color Bomb! Moisture Plumping Lip Tint. Another jumbo lip pencil? Not that they aren't great, I just think we need to move on into another trend... I could think of 10 creative ideas apparently no brand has. *sigh* However, these have something that sets them apart. A plumper! Ooooh La La. Plus, isn't the packaging adorable? The tips look like candy! 

Lastly, Too Faced has come out with something semi unusual... their new Glitter Glaze Sparkling Shadow Top Coat! This unique item comes in 2 shades, gold and silver. Too Faces claims: "When applied to skin Glitter Glaze dries instantly and glitter formula adheres on contact." What scares me about that statement is the "dries instantly" and "adheres on contact." That doesn't sound like you have a lot of play time to get it the way you want before it sets. This is interesting to me. Like a glitter top coat, for your eyes! 

Are you excited about these new releases? Let me know what you think below!

xoxo,
Glimmer

NEW NOVELTIES!? Hhhhmm.. Stila's Version of the Beauty Blender

Different brands have released their version of the beauty blender left and right. However, we haven't seen too many from the higher end brands. 

Stila has just released their version of the beauty blender, their Double Ended Blending Sponge. Stila's version is solid black and is pinched in the middle, instead of the standard tear drop shape. This sponge retails for $12 and is now available where Stila cosmetics are sold. 

Stila has also released a new face primer in compact form, Stay All Day Prime & Anti-Shine. I played around with this on a recent trip to Sephora. It reminded me of the Mally Evercolor Poreless Face Defender at first glance. It appears white in the photo below, but in person, this is a clear, solid primer with a matte finish. It can be used as both a primer, and in place of your powder, just like Mally's version. I myself love Mally's Poreless Face Defender and I'm so glad that more brands are creating the clear/translucent gel finishing products! 

A CC Cream, in a stick! Come on people, we all saw this coming. Available in 8 shades, Stila has created it to color correct red-ness and brighten the skin.

Leave me a comment ans tell me what you're excited to try!

xoxo,
Glimmer

July iPsy Bag Un-boxing Excitement!

If you're not familiar with iPsy, (formerly MyGlam), they're a monthly subscription service. For $10 you receive 5-6  deluxe size samples and full size products to test and try. And they come enclosed in adorable little makeup bags!

This month's theme was "Beach Beauty." I will show you all the products I received this month and give you the total cost of all these products put together!

Before we start please excuse the off lighting.

Let's jump in!
http://www.ipsy.com/home

Unfortunately, my bag itself wasn't all that exciting. A see through, plastic pink tube!

The first thing I picked up wasn't actually in the bag, because it was too large. 

The Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray seems awesome for summer. I just reviewed the Organix Beach Spray and I'm excited to see how this compares! 

Next thing I pulled out was a BH Cosmetics California Collection sample eyeshadow trio. 

I liked the way these swatches on my hand, but they were a bit sheer. The picture below is 2 "coats" of shadow.

I was really excited to see a pretty decent size sample of the Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub. I've heard great things about this. It's more on the pricey side, but can't wait to try this!!

The last thing I received was a full size jumbo lip pencil by Pop beauty.

Shade Coral Crush

I like the color a lot. It's a beautiful shade. I did try it on my lips after and it's pretty but it's the mind of thing you need to apply a balm underneath.

Overall I'm really happy with this months bag!
Can't wait for next month!

xoxo,
Glimmer

TALIA.

This might be the saddest post I will ever bring to you on this blog.
I hope knowing that, you will still continue to read.

Talia Joy Castellano passed at 11:22 am this morning. Passing away at age 13, this young lady accomplished so much. She was an amazing makeup YouTuber, an Honorary Cover Girl, and most importantly, someone who spread the word about childhood cancer.

Image Credit: Twitter

"In a hundred years, I would like to be remembered as the bubbly girl who wanted to do something about childhood cancer." 

Credit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a88P_tBDAgU&feature=youtu.be

She was such an amazing person, and although I didn't know her personally, her spirit touched my life, and so many others.

Please keep Talia in your prayers, and think of all the lovely words she has said, attention to childhood cancer she has gained, and peoples lives she has touched.

I pray for her family and friends. In a six year battle with cancer, Talia showed amazing courage and bravery.

#prayfortalia

Rest in peace gorgeous girl.

xoxo,
In Memory of Talia Joy Castellano.

How to Establish your own Skin Care Routine:

Firstly, you will need to identify your skin type. This is generally pretty easy. Is your skin dry, oily, normal, or combination? I myself have normal/oily skin because my T zone does get more oily throughout the day.

Next, do you have acne prone skin? Is your skin dull looking? Do you have dark spots? Dark circles? Wrinkles or fine lines? You need to decide what your goal for your skin is, how you want it to look, and what areas your skin needs help in. Also, decide on your price range. I use a mixture of both high end and low end products, but I don't feel like you have to spend a lot on skin care. There are lots of really really nice products that are inexpensive and work well from the drugstore! But, I also think if there is something to splurge on, it's your skin. You want your skin to look, feel, and be as healthy and beautiful as possible! So if high end products work for you, that's great!

And lastly you need to find products that will work with your skin type and will perform well on your skin, so you can (eventually) get results! That means finding products that react well, feel good, and improve your skin. 

Cleanser - I've tried more drugstore cleansers than I have high end. If you are looking for acne and blemish fighting products hands down Clean & Clear is my favorite. They actually work, and I like that you can feel them working. After you wash your face it truly feels like you've gotten a deep clean that's refreshing without being harsh. Neutrogena also makes some very nice cleansers. If you want something more on the Natural side, the Neutrogena Naturals Line is more gentle, for more sensitive skin. I've also used their Oil Free Pink Grapefruit Acne Wash line in the past, and I do like the facial cleanser, however the line does smell way STRONGLY of grapefruit, so if you're sensitive to that, maybe go another direction. I was loyal to the Clinique Dramatically Different Gel Cleanser for a long time. That was a very nice, gentle cleanser. I would recommend it, but I just needed something with a deeper clean for my skin. 

Toner - Some people say toner is essential in their skin care routine. They swear by it and say it makes a total difference in the health of their skin. Others say its not so necessary and you can do without it. I think if you have acne prone skin or have frequent break outs, you should purchase a toner or astringent. I've tried "calming" and "soothing" and "nourishing" toners and they just don't work. The toners I think make a true difference are the ones made of Witch Hazel and salacylic acid. Those ones really treat the blemish on your skin helping treat them and remove any dirt or impurities from your pores. If you don't have blemish prone skin, but you think a toner would be helpful in your routine, go for it. I wouldn't recommend a toner or astringent for someone with drier  or sensitive skin because they can be harsh and a bit drying.

Moisturizer - Moisturizer is pretty basic. If you have dry skin, go for something a little richer and more hydrating. If you have combo skin, get a thin and lighter moisturizer that isn't greasy. I have combo-oily skin and I LOVE gel and gel-cream moisturizers. Garnier makes some wonderful gel moisturizers for both oily and dry skin. Clean&Clear has also recently released a new hydrating gel moisturizer, which I will have a review posted on next week. I also tried the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer, but I wasn't as loyal to that one. It was really runny and a bit too greasy for me. I think the Dramatically Different Gel Moisturizer would have been a better fit for my skin. 

Exfoliant - Exfoliating your skin is very important. Not only does it remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, it helps to achieve glowy skin, it clears your pores, and evens your skin out. If you have sensitive skin, you'll want to find an exfoliator that's not too abrasive. If you have rough/dry skin, you might want to find one that's more abrasive. St. Ives apricot scrub is good for that skin type. It really depends on your skin and how it will react. I recently tried a sample of the Freeman Charcoal and Black Sugar scrub and I really enjoyed it! I personally am on the market for a new scrub, so if you have a recommendation, let me know! I'm having trouble getting my hands on a full size of the Freeman's one! Michael Todd True Organics have a few AMAZING scrubs that work well and smell super good too! 

Treatments/Masks - These can make a HUGE difference in your skin. There are so many great masks targeted for tons of different skin types, and you don't have to spend a lot to get a good one. Pick the issue on your skin you want to target. Say... dryness. Then look for a mask that extra hydrating. Freeman's makes so awesome masks, and high end wise I just love Micheal Todd. And the Micheal Todd website tells you what products are best for your skin type!

Any tips you want to share? Leave a comment!

xoxo,
Glimmer 

REVIEW: ORGANIX Moroccan Sea Salt Spray DUPE ALERT

I just love finding inexpensive products that work so similarly to high end expensive items.

I think it's awesome when you don't have to splurge for a result you can get a lower cost. 

Today I'm gonna review the Organix Moroccan Sea Salt Spray. 

This product is a leave-in spray that is meant to create the beautiful beach waves everyone gushes over in the summer time. It adds fullness while texturizing hair while adding shine for "perfectly undone, breezy, beach-bombshell waves." 

The directions say to spray the product generously all over damp clean hair. Scrunch your hair all over with your fingers and let air dry, or for extra volume blow dry with a diffuser. It can also be sprayed on dry hair for extra texture and curl. 

The most addictive thing about this product is the smell. It's like summer in a bottle. It's fresh, salty, beachy, and their classic argan oil scent all in one. I LOVE IT. How could you not want your hair to smell like the beach!? It's amazing! 

As far as the actual product goes, I truly love it. It does works best with damp hair if you want that wavy, just swam in the ocean looking hair. If you spray it on dry hair, it adds texture and volume, but it doesn't create waves unless you have a natural curl already in your hair. The look is similar to the effect of putting gel in your hair and scrunching it up, but less crunchy and more natural looking. 

The spray mists your hair evenly and and doesn't look greasy.

I purchased mine at Walmart for about $6 I think? And now for the dupe...  Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray is the high end version of the Organix spray. Bumble and Bumble's retails for $25 full size. I don't know about you but I'd rather pay 6!

Until next time,

xoxo,
Glimmer