2017 Makeup No Buy Update: April/May Temptations

Please overlook my lack of makeup updates as my mind has been preoccupied with hockey (Let's Go Pens! Back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions!). April was a complete and utter disaster in terms of sticking to my no-buy. I expected this to be one of the most challenging months of the year due to the Sephora spring sale along with 50% off through my freelancing. The good news? May was the easiest month so far. I cleared out my collection and gave my little cousin who is in high school a massive bag of perfectly good products that weren't getting the attention it deserved. It felt wonderful to narrow down my stash. I can honestly say that everything I currently have is something that I cherish and will make the effort to put into regular rotation. I still have a huge collection but it is much more pared down. I wouldn't exactly say it's well-edited but it's a fair downsize for a maximalist such as myself.

I am at the place in my collecting years where few products are tempting me. There really isn't much that strikes my fancy. In order for me to be attracted to something, it truly has to be unique or new to the market. Here are a few of the items that recently managed to catch my eye:


Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Treatment Lotion Mist, $22

This is technically a skincare product but with the heat and humidity finally swinging into my area, I'm all for spritzes of hydration. I love a good mist and think this is a nice one for prepping your makeup application. It's especially good for those who have to be up and out the door early.

Dose of Colors Baked Browns Eyeshadow Palette, $32

I don't own anything from this brand (I would be content in never buying another liquid lipstick, something it's known for, ever again) but this palette struck me as very well put together. The colors are definitely my type but therein lies the problem. I probably have several dupes already within my collection. I have yet to buy any eyeshadow palettes in 2017 and it's looking like that trend might make it all the way through the end of the year. I simply do not need anymore eyeshadow...especially warm tones. It's all I have. Drawers of browns, nudes and sepias. Enough is enough.

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer, $15

For the past few seasons, this has been the bronzer that everyone and their next-door neighbor hasn't stopped talking about. Physicians Formula is one of my favorite drugstore brands and I love the few bronzers I already have from them. I'm not sure that this one will be all that different but it has been on my list long enough. I'll probably add it to my collection sometime in the next year or so when I see it on sale. Physicians Formula produces good quality powders but it is rather expensive for the drugstore.

Etude House Glitter Pigment Eyeshadow, $10

I'm not really a glitter eyeshadow type of gal these days but it's nice to have a couple options for victory parades and celebratory things of that nature. You never know when a party or costume might call for a dash of sparkle. The packaging of this one was too cute to miss. It sold out before temptation got the best of me. If I make an order from Etude House before the close of the year and this item is still available, consider it snatched.

Gucci Nude Freesia Sheer Blushing Powder, $49

I adore the Gucci products that I have...extremely good quality and incredibly beautiful packaging. Unfortunately, the blush that I picked out online a few years ago, is way too deep for my complexion. A $50 blush is a commitment. If I can find someone to sell my original blush to, I might justify replacing it with a more neutral shade like this easy-to-wear color from their newest collection.

Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil in Honey Glam, $26

The Clarins lip oils are among my favorite products in my entire collection. I have all of the shades with the exception of a couple. I intend to add Honey Glam and Tangerine into my collection before the end of the year.



Items I recently 'shopped from my own stash':

Lancome Belle de Teint Bronzer in 01, $45

I was on the fence about purchasing this beauty but I'm so glad that I did. It's a gorgeous little palette that creates a very natural bronzed glow. The powder trio is very flattering on fair skin and the packaging is a delight to use.

MAC Eyeshadow, $16-$32

My MAC eyeshadows are some of the oldest products in my collection. Powders never go bad if they're kept sealed and in proper storage areas. I began adding MAC single and holiday eyeshadows to my collection long before the notion of palettes grew in popularity. It requires a bit more forethought to pair singles together but the quality of the shadows have definitely held up and stood the test of time.

Sephora Collection Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation, $28

I've wanted to use the Dior Airflash foundation for years but the lightest color is still a few shades too deep for my fair skin. Dior's version is far more expensive so I was thrilled to see that there was finally an affordable alternative on the market (and with a much wider color range!). Believe it or not, the lightest shade in the launch, the one that I purchased (Cream), might actually be a bit too light for me. That never happens! PS: I also recommend Sephora's mist blush.

NARS Highlighter in Albatross, $30

This is one of the first highlighters I ever purchased. It's a bit loud and in your face but it sure is a beauty.

Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Setting Powder, $35

I was happy to finish a couple deluxe sample compacts of this. I have dry skin but this is excellent for setting the under eyes or anywhere that might produce a bit of  shine in the heat and humidity. When my samples run out, I will definitely be purchasing the full size. Luckily for my wallet, a little goes a long way.











Now Playing: "Huntress" by Sväva

2017 Makeup No Buy Update: February Temptations

 So, February was a bit of a disaster for my no-buy. I had a feeling it would be one of the most challenging months of the year for me. My birthday was on the 1st, I still had gift cards leftover from Christmas, I always treat myself to something on Valentine's Day, tax returns, new releases, the list goes on... Lots of good excuses. Some valid reasons.

 I was proud of my flawless track record in January and that has inspired me to continue on in March. For Lent, I'm attempting to not shop for anything. I've already slipped once but you'll see in the product descriptions below for my February temptations why that might be.



Dior Addict Lip Glow in Berry, $33

I have this lippie in a couple other shades. I reach for the lighter color most often. I thought this berry (which in actuality is closer to a bright pink) would be a nice addition to my collection. It's on the list but I might hold off on this one all together.



Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, $54

I have been a major proponent of the Smashbox Primer Water but lately, I've noticed that my blush and highlighter doesn't seem to last very long. I heard so many good things about this primer which doubles as a lip and eye base. I got a sample and was really impressed with the results. The price tag is very steep though. I might put this on my list for the upcoming Sephora VIB sale.



Lancome Rose Blush Highlighter

I was going to pass on this highlighter but the unique packaging and limited edition hype won me over. I ended up using a gift card on it and acquired it while Lancome was in gift (securing a new Aplum blush which was missing out of my collection). The packaging is pretty but it barely fits in my drawer. I haven't reached for it. I see that these HTF beauties are going for quite a pretty penny on ebay. I might have to part with this and do the flip. Spoiler Alert: I may have cheated on my Lenten no-shop to get the Estee Lauder Heatwave Highlighter. I might flip this as well or keep it in place of the Lancome flower concoction.



Chanel Camelia de Chanel Illuminating Powder Highlighter, $70

Another highlighter that grabbed my attention was this limited edition release from Chanel. I have been collecting Chanel highlighters for about 10 years now. The past few seasons didn't include one which was very disappointing. When I saw the red packaging and the golden sheen, I knew I had to procure this into my collection.



Wet N Wild Cushion Highlighter, $6

I love anything with a cushion formulation inside cutesy packaging. This adorable little release from Wet N Wild was very tempting. I passed on it during a Walgreens sale but it was just so adorable!



Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss, $30

The last thing I need is lip gloss but the new Chanel lip gloss formula piqued my interest. I'm glad I held off from ordering any before seeing them in person because I'm not a fan of the new packaging, formula, or color range. I have a ton of Glossimers but never reach for them for similar reasons. Chanel does lipstick incredibly well but they just can't seem to master how to top them off.



Too Faced Peach Oil Lip Gloss in Papa Don't Peach, $19

I had no desire to jump into the peach craze from Too Faced. Enough is enough. But then I smelled this lip gloss. The color and formula is smooth. I love anything with an oil so this is definitely on my list for a future sale.



Clarins 4-Color All-In-One Liner Pen, $30

I have enough liners for 15 women so for me to be tempted by one it has to be really good. At first I thought this clicky pen was just a gimmick but it has a solid construction and decent formula for 4 very wearable shades (black, brown and cobalt blue eyeliner along with a creamy nude lipliner). The packaging reminds me of the pens I loved so dearly when I was in elementary school. I'm a nostalgic type of person who has an affinity for pens and makeup. I also happen to love Clarins so it's no surprise that I caved and bought this during gift.



Sephora Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation, $28

The Dior Airflash foundation is a cult favorite for a reason. I got my sister hooked. It's a very unique product that until recently was not duped. I've always wanted to use it but it's very expensive and the lightest color is still a few shades too deep for me (the pains of being fair-skinned). This alternative from Sephora Collection is a fraction of the price and the color range is far superior. As for the formula, it seems to have potential. I might give it a try in the future. I tend to go for light cushions and BB creams but my skin has been acting up lately and it might be beneficial to have a fuller coverage option in my arsenal.



Etude House Wonder Park Candy Highlighter, $12

I love my Etude House goodies. My best friend is traveling to Korea later this year and you better believe I'm sending her with a list of places she has to go to shop. K-beauty is all the rage and for good reason. This product is more of a color correcting finishing powder than a highlighter. The Etude House spring collection is so charming. I can appreciate anything with a holographic theme park motif as I have so many wonderful memories from growing up with summers spent at Kennywood Park.



Rimmel Lash Accelerator Serum, $10

Speaking of Etude House, I have noticed that their lash serum isn't as effective on brows as it is on my lashes. I've been wanting to experiment with a few other affordable alternatives. This one jumped out at me on Pinterest. It's on the drugstore watch list.



Milani Retouch & Erase Lite Lift Concealer, $9

In keeping with the drug store, Milani has been one of my favorites for years. There have been several new releases from Milani (the lip scrub, balm, primers, setting sprays, highlighters) that have tempted me this month! I've stayed strong and didn't cave on any of them but they're definitely taking up residency in the back of my mind.




Items I 'shopped from my own stash' this month:

Too Faced The Little Black Book of Bronzers

I'm a major book lover so of course when this product was released I snatched it right up. It's very slim but takes up a lot of square footage in my bronzer drawer. I don't always reach for it but I've recently made the effort. I love the lighter shades that are harder to find from other brands. Too Faced knows how to brew a good bronzer. I definitely recommend all of their singles.



Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Alloy, $22

I don't reach for liquid eyeliner very often despite having the full range from Stila. I'm trying to use them more often before they wither away. I wore this particular charcoal shade when I went to see the new 50 Shades sequel. You know you're a junkie when you match your makeup to the movie you're going to see.



MAC Fix +, $24

It took me a long time to finally grasp the best way to use this product. Many people think that it's a setting spray but it's actually for finishing. The difference? It won't prolong the wear of your makeup but it will dilute any powder or cakiness that may have occurred in the 'face beating' process.



Urban Decay Super Saturated High Gloss Lip Color

When these were released a number of years ago, I instantly fell in love with their formula. I was sad to see them discontinued but promptly bought backups and the remaining colors when they went on major clearance. I don't buy backups of products pretty much ever but I do have a few from this range. I think Urban Decay made a major mistake by tossing these from their lineup. Some of my favorite lippies ever made! I'm definitely trying to get as much use out of them as possible.



Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze, $7

I have quite a few of these in my collection but I don't reach for them very often anymore because my ColourPop, Dior, Lancome and Chanel bouncy cream shadows have taken their place. They've dried up a bit but a drop of Inglot Duraline brought them right back to life. If you have a cream shadow, liner or primer that has solidified, I can't recommend this product highly enough. One drop is all you need to magically transform a tough substance into a good-as-new creamy consistency. Bad to the Bronze has always been my favorite shade from the bunch. It was fun to reintroduce it back into the rotation.



Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in Pink Punch, $4

I've been trying to switch up my lip balms and use as many as possible this winter. I forgot that the Baby Lips aren't just cute but they have some decent coloring. I have several but enjoy this pink shade the most. Very moisturizing.



Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Surreal Light Palette, $80

This was a pricier item and I want to make sure that I'm not just admiring its gorgeous packaging but actually using it. Hourglass has the best powders in the business. Worth every penny. I love that this palette is essentially a one-stop-shop for the face. If I needed to, I could use this and not have to reach for anything else. Finishing powder, blushes, bronzer, and highlighter all in one convenient, elegant design.



Forever 21 Macaroon Lip Balm

These precious little lippies have been popular for some time. I absolutely love their sweet colors and darling packaging and picked up quite a few from Forever 21 several years ago. I've been trying to get as much use out of them as I can. When the product is gone, they make for charming little pill cases or can be repurposed for other products.












Now Playing: "Feel It Still" by Portugal. The Man