Hi,
Thank you for looking at the sale items. Let's take care of some business first.
1.First person with Paypal payment gets the item. I cannot hold items during this sale. Payments must be made within 2 hours of receipt of invoice or will be canceled.
2. US shipping only unless you have purchased from me before, and you are willing to pay international shipping costs. Please be aware the USPS has increased international shipping rates(as in less than 15 oz for Canada is around $9). I only ship int'l once per week.
3. Shipping costs: Priority Shipping will be calculated per weight to your address, or if more economical will be flat rate. I do include delivery confirmation with every US package. If you are buying one small item, I am willing to ship first class. However, I do have to purchase shipping envelopes, so I will have to include that cost in shipping costs. I do not have any to reuse at this time.
4. No paypal fees! All items will be invoiced.
5. I am not accepting offers at this time.
6. Please google for swatches, as I only have my phone camera.
7. All items purchased by me or gifted to me. My home is smoke free, but we do have dogs who are not near makeup.
Email mbtmom2000@yahoo.com if you would like any items. Minimum $10 before shipping please. I've updated the email address.
NEW ITEMS: NO OFFERS. PRICING IS LISTED
UD Naked 3 some shades never used, others swatched, a few used once. Never used more than once. $41
Clinique Neutral Territory 2 some shades used 1x or swatched. Never used more than once $26
NARS Deauville with pump. It's hard to tell how much is used exactly because of the bottle. I used this 3/4x at the most. $18
Blushes
Bellapierre Mineral Blush Desert Rose (0.14 oz) full size NIP$ 5
SIB Stila Convertible Color in Rose used 1x $12
The Balm Down Boy 90% remains $5 PEND
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush Achiote used 3/4x $12 PEND
MAC Pink Tea used 1x $10
MAC LoveCloud used 1x 11 PEND
Urban Decay Indecent used 1x $5
Bronzer/TM/BB Cream
Pixi Bronzer in Subtly Suntouched swatched $3
NIB Too Faced Bronzed and Poreless $14 Full size PEND
NIB Too Faced Tinted BB deluxe sample Nude Glow $2
Clinique BB Cream Shade 2 Full size used 2x $12
NARS TM Finland full size used 2x $18
Lipstick, Etc
Clinique Intense Chubby Stick deluxe sample size 1x $5 Mightiest Maraschino
NARS Pure Matte Lipstick used 1x Amsterdam $10 PEND
SIB UD Revolution Lipstick Fiend used 1x $12
NIP Pink Beauty Blender $11
SIB NARS Nail Polish 413 BLKR used 1x $10
NIP Real Techniques Flawless Foundation Brush $5
NEW Essential Foundation Brush $4
NEW Pointed Foundation Brush $4
Flowerbomb Roller Ball used 1x $10 This was never full. I only swatched it.
NIP White Beauty Blender $11 PEND
NIB Flora Gucci Deluxe Sample 5ml $10
NIB Illamasqua Nail Varnish Alarm $6
SIB pai Avocado and Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream 1 oz swatched $15 PEND
NEW Michael Todd Pumpkin Mask 1 oz $4
NIP Anatomicals You need a blooming shower 5 oz $4
SIB Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rich 15ml used 1x $3
NIP Origins Plantscription spf 25 anti-aging cream 15mL $2.50
Acure Serious Firming Facial Serum used 1x $7
Thank you!
I've been on a low buy for a few months now, so shopping my makeup stash is like finding new makeup treasures for me. I will say that I have not purchased anything other than my monthly GlossyBox, a Cover-girl nail polish and a Maybelline Color Eye Tattoo since early December. To be honest, I've not struggled like I thought I would. After the holidays, money tends to be a little tighter, so the necessity of a low buy is accepted and almost embraced by me. Notice I said almost.... I've only struggled with buying more skin care. I have plenty of acceptable backups that I am utilizing in my daily routine. And, the past few months have taught me that I do not need every new product that comes along.
As well, it has made me aware of wastefulness for my situation in buying things just to try, and it has shown me the reasons that I feel the need to buy more makeup. This is my personal experience ,so in no way am I implying or projecting that my way should be followed for others makeup purchases. The past few months have been a time of self reflection that I never thought would become part of this experience. In having a set limit, it requires me to consider every purchase. I think this has been the key for me in that every piece I picked up I've really made a conscious decision to make the purchase count instead of coming home with bags of makeup and skin care that really serve no purpose for me. I think I have stumbled upon a place in my life where I do know what works for me and that sticking to what I like has and will eliminate unnecessary purchases for me. I realize this is not for everyone, and what we all value and place significance on is diverse as we are as individuals.
To remedy the overabundance of products, I've cleaned out old products, used(and continue to use) suitable back ups, passed on many to friends and family and even trashed a few that just do not work for me. I am feeling very liberated by this process. It almost reminds me of a good Spring cleaning. Furthermore, I decided to cancel my Glossybox subscription as well. I've not even used any of the products from December box and feel as though I would rather have the money to pick up something I want and would choose for myself. I may revisit this later,but for now I am happy I pressed that cancel button.
Now onto the makeup for this week: I'm just picking out a few things. I'll choose a foundation daily most likely NARS Sheer Glow or UD NAKED, and I typically wear my Laura Mercier translucent to set the look.
For eyes: I'm bringing out Clinique Neutral Territory 2. I've had this for almost 2 months and need to wear it more. The shades are beautiful and perfect for a daytime neutral nude eye.
I need to use up some mascaras before it's time to trash them. So for this week, I'll use Too Faced Better Than False Lashes System.
For Cheeks: I plan to wear MAC Lovecloud. It's a very pretty neutral shade that will go great with nude eye makeup. I won a Too Faced Bronzed and Poreless Bronzer from a twitter giveaway, so I'll try my hand at that one.
And for lips: I brought out my favorite shade of Clinique Lipstick in Twilight Nude for lipstick days. For a day when I want more shine, I'll be wearing Dior Addict Ultra Gloss in 756 Evening Rose. Then for an easy ultra hydrating look, Revlon Pink Truffle Lip Butter will be my choice.
Yes, I love pinky rosy shades!
Have you shopped your stash lately? Are you currently low-buying?
It's the time of the year to reflect back and pick my makeup favorites. I will be doing a series of best of beauty posts that will include makeup, skincare, bath and body and hair care items. Here is the second installment. You can read about my face faves here and eye faves here.
I decided to pick just 5 items for skin care as I can go on and on about products. For clarification, I have dryish/normal sensitive skin that can be reactive at times. In the winter, I tend to be more dry and sensitive, so I tend to find products I like and stick to a familiar routine.
Here are my top 5:
Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser: This is my holy grail cleanser year round. It's never greasy or tacky and leaves my skin soft and clean. Mad Hippie has great products that are organic and free from preservatives and skin irritants. One thing I like about the cleanser is that is has no scent and does no break me out or irritate my skin. It can be purchased online and at Whole Foods. I purchase mine from VitaCost. I'm almost done with my last back up, so a new order will be placed soon.
DeVita Natural Skin Care Cool Cucumber Toner: I reviewed this toner here. To keep this short and to the point, it's a gentle, natural and vegan exfoliating toner perfect for sensitive skin. I've not found a toner that I love, but this one comes close.
Elizabeth Arden Clear the Way Mask: I believe this has been discontinued, but I purchased mine at T.J. Maxx for $4. Now to be honest, this has parabens in the ingredients(OOPS). However, it really is a great mask. It does not irritate my sensitive skin and leaves my face feeling fresh and soft. I do not use physical exfoliators often, but in the cooler weather, I tend to need more exfoliate. I use this one maybe 1x every 2 weeks to help with my dry skin. This is my favorite mask for my winter dry skin.
fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream with Super 7 Complex: I talked about this is my recent empties post, so I won't go on about this cream.
Koh Gen Do Spa Cleansing Water: I purchased this on recommendation from Joyce, and I’m so glad that I listened to her. This works well to remove makeup perfectly even waterproof mascara.
What are your top 5 skin care products?
It's the time of the year to reflect back and pick my makeup favorites. I will be doing a series of best of beauty posts that will include makeup, skincare, bath and body and hair care items. Here is the second installment. You can read about my face faves here.
Favorite Eyeshadow Primer: This year my favorite eye primer/base is MAC Paint Pot in Painterly. I really like the coverage, and it holds eyeshadow very well. I've also liked Benefit Stay Don't Stray as well. I've tried just about every brand out there, but these two work the best for me. Of note, I do like NARS Smudge Proof Eye Shadow Base for it's performance but feel like the tube doesn't last enough for $24 price tag.
Favorite Eyeshadow Singles: I'm mostly a duo/quad/palette type of person, but I do have three singles that I loved this year.
MAC Satin Taupe- One of those must-have shadows that I feel should be in any neutral lovers makeup bag.
L'Oreal Infallible 24 HR. EyeShadow in Endless Pearl-- Love using this as my base shade, and it lasts forever.
Burberry Sheer Eye Shadow Pale Barley -- It's very rare that I spend over $30 on an eyeshadow. But yeah, it's that good. Please go buy one.
Favorite Cream Shadow:
I love cream shadows not only for an eyeshadow, but I like to apply them as bases to enhance the wear and performance of my shadow looks. For this year, Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Amethyst and Clinique Bit O'Honey smoothie have been my favorites
Favorite Duos/Quads/Palette: Here are a few of my favorite eye shadows: This consistently work well and look great on my eyes.
NARS Dogon and Tzarine Duos
MAC Temperature Rising, Smokeluxe, ShowStopper Quads
Chanel Misty Soft Duo
Bobbi Brown Navy and Nude Palette
Urban Decay Naked 3( a new one)
Favorite Eyeliner:
I love eyeliners. But, I purged quite a few this year and kept only the ones I used consistently. I prefer the ease of use with eye liners in pencil form. Although I do have a few gel and liquid liners, I find myself reaching for these on a daily basis.
Trish McEvoy Intense Gel Eyeliner Pencils- The best eyeliner ever!
Bare Minerals Around the Clock Waterproof Eyeliner in Black Coffee
Pixi Silky Gel Eyeliner Pens in Black Cocoa, Black Tulip and Black Blue
MAC Chromographic Pencil in NC15/NW20
Favorite Mascara: I am a mascara junkie. I'm always looking for the perfect mascara for these pitiful lashes. Here are the standouts:
Drugstore: Maybelline The Rocket WP and One by One WP, Revlon Lash Potion WP
High-End: Dior Iconic Overcurl, Chanel Inimitable, Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara
Best All Around: Mary Kay Lash Love Waterproof-- for now, this is my holy grail. It holds the curl in my lashes like no other brand and volumizes and lengthens well too. I normally use this as a base mascara and add one of the others on top. At only $15 retail, it blows the competition(ever higher end) out of the water. The only downside is I have to order from eBay or through a consultant. And, I love Clinique Bottom Lash for my bottom lashes. It's a must have!
Brows: For my brows, I'm loving Anastasia Brow Wiz in Brunette. I also like Essence Eyebrow Stylist Kit and Chanel Brow Pencil. If you are looking for a low cost high performance brow powder set, Essence cannot be beat. It's only $3 at Ulta.
Do you see any of your favorites? Let me know some of yours in the comments! Thanks for reading.
Makeup brushes are important in the beauty bag. I admit that I am obsessed with brushes and could buy several every time I go beauty shopping. I do not own extremely expensive brushes at this point. because I rarely can afford them with being on medical leave and the stay at home parent. Maybe... in the future. But, I do like to have brushes that work well for me, are affordable and meet my needs. In fact, some of my favorites are Real Techniques brushes. Oh and did I tell you that I won the entire 2013 RT brush line from a Facebook contest recently?? I owned quite a few already, but I'm excited to have backups! Excuse that brag. I rarely win contests.
I decided to hold this list to just 5 (or 6) brushes because I'm sure I could go on and on forever about brushes. As you can tell 3/5 brushes are eye brushes because eye shadow is my favorite beauty product.
1. MAC 217 Blending Brush-- I'm sure you've heard about this one. It really does live up to all of the hype. The brush blends shadow seamlessly, washes well and holds up to use very well. I've had this one for ages, and it still looks new.
2. It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Powder Brush-- I love how this buffs powder/powder foundation onto skin. As well, it's very soft and looks new when washed. This is quite expensive for one brush ($48), but I received this one in a beauty test tube subscription. But, I would pay full price because it's such a good brush.
3. Sephora Collection Pro Airbrush Concealer Brush #57-- Let me tell you that this has revolutionized the way I apply concealer. This is one perfect brush! It applies and buffs concealer like no other brush I've used. It's $24, but it's a great value. The brush is quite soft and dense at the same time. It looks like new when washed. If you buy one new brush, I recommend this one.
4. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Shadow Blending Brush-- I love cream shadows but don't like how they can be hard or patchy when applied on the lids. This $16 smooths rough edges and blends perfectly. I love Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks and Clinique Chubby Sticks for Eyes, and this brush makes is so easy. Plus, it looks new even after several washes.
5. MAC 239 Eye Shading Brush-- Can you be in love with a makeup brush? This brush is my all-time favorite brush ever. I love how it packs on shadow so effortlessly. I mean-- I need about 5 more to be completely happy. And to be repetitive, it still looks new after being used quite a bit. But, for now this one is clean and ready to use with my eye shadows.
Honorable mention (not pictured): Real Techniques Stippling Brush-- I use this for blush. I adore cream blushes for my drier skin and never has a brush made applying cream products so easy and neat. And, it washes like new with every wash.
What are your favorite brushes?
I've been saving my empties for a post for the past few months. I will be dividing the products into parts because I have quite a few to share. Here is the first installment of what I've been using up from my collection. I very rarely finish a makeup product, so those may be few and far between.
1.Arcona Gentle Solution-- This is an overnight treatment with glycolic acids, algae, amino acids and other healthy ingredients that help regenerate skin overnight. I will definitely repurchase this one as it's my favorite night serum.
It's perfect for those with dry and sensitive skin and has great ingredients. It's $50/35mL, but it's worth it. I need to use up my current Mad Hippie Exfoliation Serum and will then buy this again. I highly recommend this one as a gentle chemical exfoliate for dry, normal and sensitive skin.
2.Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist-- I used this as a toner and really liked it's hydrating effects. This formula contained alcohol but they do have a newer version that does not. I may repurchase the new version since it's without alcohol once I use up my other toners.
3.Honey Goo Bajmy Cleansing Balm-- An all natural cleansing balm I purchased from an Etsy seller. At first, I had problems with this leaving residue. However, once I treated this like an oil cleanser and used a warm cloth and double cleanse method, it removed quite easily and left my skin very clean and moisturized. This is probably the best makeup remover I've used especially for waterproof mascara. I have a bottle of Josie Maran Cleansing Oil to use up first but would love to repurchase at a later date. If you are looking for an all natural cleansing balm at a great price with great performance and ingredients, I recommend this one. It's only $12 for 2 oz.
4.Phyto Botanical Straightening Balm-- This is older packaging of which I paid $26 at Sephora. I was not impressed with the straightening properties, as it did not do well with my naturally curly hair. It does help with frizz but there are tons more products available at less expensive prices that work much better. Will not repurchase and do not recommend.
5.Matrix Equisite Replenishing Oil (small gold bottle)-- I received this is a Glossybox and love this hair oil so much. It never weighs my hair down and makes my hair look and feel healthy. And, it smells divine. This sample lasted me months as only a few drops is needed for medium length hair. I have the full size on my list to purchase later this month.
6. Redken Curvaceous Conditioner for Wavy Hair-- I won a 3 pc mini set of Curvaceous products on Facebook. I do like the conditioner. It does work well for curly hair and eliminates frizz. I'm on the fence about repurchasing--- I may buy the full size in Summer when I tend to wear my hair curly.
7.Number 4 Super Comb, Prep and Protect Leave in Conditioner (deluxe sample)-- I received this in a Birchbox a while back and decided to use it up during October Sampler. It's ok but certainly not worth $32 for the full size to justify a purchase when there are others available.
8. fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream with Super 7 Complex( deluxe sample from GlossyBox)-- I adore this face cream. It's my current day and night moisturizer. It's never greasy and soaks right into skin. I always have trouble finding face creams, as they can be too rich for my sensitive skin or too light to moisturize the dryer parts. This does it all without any issues. It looks and feels great under makeup, too. I used up the 15 mL sample from GlossyBox and promptly went and bought the full size at full price from Sephora. Yes, it's that good! Another plus, it contains anti-aging ingredients that do not break me out. Typical anti-aging serums tend to cause irritation and breakouts for me so this all in one product is perfect. I recommend this one for all skin types because it is not overly greasy, contains healthy skin ingredients, and does not cause irritation to sensitive skins like mine.
9.Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Red Dahlia-- For a drugstore lip balm, this little beauty works very well. It's texture reminds me of fresh sugar treatment. The color is beautiful, and it treats and conditions lips as well as higher end products. I recommend this one and will pick up a few once I work through a few more lip balms.
10.L'OCCITANE Shea Butter Hand Cream-- This little deluxe sample came in a Sephora VIB bag from a few months ago. Can I just say I love these hand creams? I know it's not exactly an economical choice, but this really makes hands softer and lasts on the skin. As an RN(on medical leave right now), I constantly washed my hands and work, and this gets my seal of approval in that it lasts and nurtures the skin. I've already repurchased shea butter and one of the LE scents.
11.Kiehl's Midnight Concentrate Eye-- I never knew one could love an eye cream until I met this beauty. I have very sensitive eyes, so it's hard for me to find something that dimishes dark circles and wrinkles, does not cause milia nor irritates my sensitive peepers. This fits the bill perfectly! I was so sad to see this go because at $36/0.5 oz. it is kind of expensive for me at this point in my life. However, I will repurchase this as nothing works like this for me. Please go try this if you need a new eye cream for dark circles and wrinkles! Hmmm... maybe I can check out some blog sales for samples LOL I need this in my life! It's a miracle in a tube(albeit small) I tell ya!
12. Tarte Maracuja C-brighter Eye Treatment-- Tarte always has the best value sets at Ulta in my opinion. I picked up a set a while back and this little jar was an added bonus. I really wanted this to work, but unfortunately this product gave me milia and not much improvement in the way of dark circles. So, it's a non repurchase for me.
13. fresh Sugar Lip Treatment-- This is my holy grail lip balm! It works so well to relieve dryness and conditions lips significantly. I had about 4 boxes of the mini birthday gift set from Sephora/blog sales and have finally used them all. I have repurchased the advanced treatment version and received the Petal version from a Sephora VIB bag. I do use other less expensive lip balms that work as well, but this one is my favorite.
14.Skin Medica TNS Eye Repair (deluxe sample)-- I received this in a Dermstore order. Unfortunately, this stuff burned my eyes and caused them to swell. So, no repurchase. Which is just as well.... it's $98 for 0.5 oz. LOL
15.Sesha Skin Therapy Rejuvenating Anti-Aging Mask--- I've never been so impressed with masks as I am with these. The skin shows instant improvement so much so that my husband comments when I use this mask. I received this in a GlossyBox and it's one of those items that I will purchase over and over again. The skin is moisturized and nurtured, and there is no irritation with use. Go buy one or a thousand-- you won't be disappointed!
Did you make it through all of that? I have more empties posts coming! Have you finished anything recently?
It's been a while since I've posted a faves/fails post on the blog. I've been trying out new items and bringing back some old loves into my skin and makeup regimen and wanted to share with you. I hope everyone is enjoying the Holidays. The children are home and even DH had a few days off, so we've been relaxing and enjoying the down time. Here are my recent faves and fails:
Faves:
Makeup Item(s): Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Color Balm in Broadest Berry. Have you tried these? These are some of the best lipstick crayons on the market. They wear well and make lips so soft during wear time. I've been obsessed with these and have a few more on my list. Make sure to pick up the intense version if you want color and long wear.
Skin Care Item: I recently picked up the Beauty Sage Editors Sample Box from their website. Now, I'm not a huge fan of subscription boxes because I always end up with the worst ones. However, with Beauty Sage, you know what items are included before you order and there is no commitment. I'm loving the Clarks Botanical Deep Moisture Mask sample for my increasingly dry skin. This is very emollient without being sticky or tacky. It feels quite cool going on and works wonders on dry skin. I love the ingredients such as Japanese green tea, and natural oils. It's pricey for the full size at $72, but the sample is pretty generous. I hope it lasts me through this "dry phase".
Purchase: I have been loving Urban Decay Naked 3 Eye Shadow Palette. Now to be fair, I am not overwhelmed with the lighter shades, but I adore the darker shades in the palette. My favorite look is Mugshot on the lid, with limit/nooner to transition in the crease with Darkside, and then I darken the outer V with Blackheart. I'm not sure this is a must have palette, but those dark shades have blown me away. I'm glad I purchased it!
Nail Care: I picked up Julep Freedom Polymer Top Coat as a VIB 100 pt perk in my last online order and have been using it with all of my manicures. I'm loving this over metallic polish such as Essie's Nothing Else Metals which helps to extend the wear of the polish.
Body Care: While cleaning out a room, I found a new tube of Bath and Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Triple Moisture Body Cream that I purchased in last years sale. I love the scent, and it's very moisturizing on winter skin.
Hair Care: I've been enjoying Matrix Biolage Exquisite Replenishing Oil since I received a sample in a recent GlossyBox. It's improved the texture/condition of my hair, and it helps with Winter dryness.
Fails:
Tarte Amazonian skinny smolderEYES Clay Waterproof Eyeliner : I picked this up on a recent purchase at Sephora because I wanted a new liner in black. This was a mess on me. It smeared everywhere and smudged like crazy. I will say that it lasted well (lol) in those places it smudged and on the waterline. I'm planning to return it because I really don't need a $20 liner that makes such a mess
Pai Avocado and Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream: I was so excited to try this. I've heard a great deal about Pai and their focus on sensitive skin care. I won this in a Beauty Bay twitter contest, so I'm not out any money. However, this irritated my skin and caused an allergic reaction. And, it made my skin even more sensitive and left an oily cast on my face. I think this is more geared to more normal skin, and not those that are reactive to products. Bummer!
What are your recent faves/fails?
