August 2017 Sephora Play Box -- Did I Like It?

1.  KAT VON D Saint and Sinner sample pack

2.  LIVING PROOF Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

3.  SOL DE JANEIRO Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

4.  KAT VON D Lock-It Concealer Crème #11

5.  TOO FACED Mascara Melt Off Cleansing Oil

6.  BEAUTYBLENDER beautyblender® micro.mini

I was really happy with August's box!  I already had Kat Von D's Saint and Sinner so it was nice to get a couple of spray samples that I could take with me when I travel.  Ditto with Kat Von D's Lock-It Concealer Creme.  And speaking of travel -- I am always happy to receive a deluxe sample of dry shampoo to take with me when traveling.

When I saw the tube of Sol de Janeiro's Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, I was really excited.  I had heard so many raves about it, that it was nice to be able to try it for myself. See what I thought here.  I have since bought the full size tub and body spray.

I have never tried the Mascara Melt Off Cleansing Oil; and, have, not yet, had a chance to try it.  I am looking forward to it, though.  Mascara can be one of those things that is a pain in the rear to remove.

I was impressed to receive a micro mini Beauty Blender.  I am, however, not the biggest fan of applying makeup with sponges -- even though they are all the rage now.  I loved using sponges  before great foundation and concealer brushes became available.  (Does anyone remember that sponges were always available at the drug store as well as at places like Shiseido -- for ages!)  I find it funny that they've in vogue again as if they're something new.  LOL I will probably gift this to someone who appreciates sponges.

Coco says, Ta ta for now!

July 2017 Favorites -- Jewelry, Home & More

1.  Amazon Set of 3 Deluxe Apothecary Jars: I needed to replace an apothecary jar that the cats broke. (Argh!) And I needed an apothecary jar for the shed snake skin that I ordered.  See #6

2.  HuntingtonHouse46555 (Etsy) 3 Vintage Glass Bottles 2 with Cork Lids...1 With Glass Lid...Cocaine, Opium, Laudanum:  These aren't real antiques, of course.  These are bottles that the store owner has "antiqued" and pasted antique type labels on.  Very cute!  

3.  Madonna Inn Goblets in Amethyst Luster, Black and Eggplant: My hubby and I went to the Madonna Inn, in San Luis Obispo, for our 4th Wedding Anniversary.  We had been to the Madonna Inn, about seven or eight years before; but, had my, now, stepsons in tow.  Sharing a room with two teenage boys wasn't quite what I envisioned when I dreamed of going to the Madonna Inn for the first time.  LOL!  So we decided to do it right, this time.  I really want to stay in the Love Nest room.  I have a feeling we have to book that room WAY in advance.  Anyway -- the Madonna Inn is famous for their goblets, which they have in a plethora of colors.  My hubby and I had two from our previous trip.  We got three more.  I was just in love with the Eggplant one which is a muted purple milk glass.

4.  Uusi Pagan Otherworlds Tarot:  I thought this was a beautifully done Tarot set.  In fact, I'm hoping they bring back some of the prints of some of the cards.  I'd love to hang them on my walls.

5.  Amazon Elove Jewelry Large Gothic Skull Biker Stainless Steel Men's Bracelet: I had been wanting a chunky skull bracelet for a long time.  This was an inexpensive bracelet.  I'm not willing, at this point to pay hundreds of dollars or even close to $1000 for a sterling silver one.  I wear this a lot to concerts.

6.  HereInSmallTownUSA  (Etsy) , Cruelty Free • No. 100 62" Inch HUGE Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Rattler Skin Shed:  I had been seeing pictures of shed snakeskins in apothecary jars on Instagram.  I just loved the way it looked!  I was fortunate to find a nice long rattlesnake shed.  Plus, I got a bonus small snake shed.  I waited a bit to get my apothecary jar to put it in.  I'm not afraid of snakes (not poisonous ones); but, there was something kind of oogie-wierd, for me, about pulling the snakeskin out of the bag, touching it and putting it in the jar.

7.  (From a Souvenir Shop in Pismo Beach)  Small Abalone Shell:  Before I went to San Luis Obispo, I had gotten into the idea of having a miniature altar kit for my shelf; and, even learning about some of the rituals.  I find them fascinating!  I small elegant small abalone shells in some kits.  So, when I saw this small abalone shell in the souvenir shop at Pismo Beach, I got one.

8.  Amazon FOXAS 304 Stainless Steel Skull Sugar Spoon Tea and Coffee Stirring Spoon Set of six:  I had seen these on different Instagram posts; and, had wanted to get them for a long time.  It wasn't until I ordered a certain item (which you will see in August's faves) that I decided it was time to get them.  I think they're so adorable! 

Luna says, "Ta ta for now!"

July 2017 Sephora Play Box -- Did I Like It?

1.  CLINIQUE Pep-Start 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser
2.  GUERLAIN Mon Guerlain
3.  TARTE  Rainforest of The Sea™ Color Splash Lipstick in Set Sail
4.  IT COSMETICS Superhero™ Elastic Stretch Volumizing Mascara
5.  FRESH Rose Face Mask
6.  MADAM C.J. WALKER BEAUTY CULTURE Dream Come True Wonderful Deep Conditioning Masque

I haven't used anything from the box yet.  I do know that  I love It Cosmetics Superhero mascara.  I've had full sizes of the mascara before; and, found it quite lengthening and volumizing without straightening any curl I've worked hard to put in them.  My hair is long and is prone to dryness; so, I am also curious to see if Madam C.J. Walker's Deep conditioning Masque is better than any of the moisturizing conditioners I use right now.  I may, also, try the Fresh Rose Face Mask, one of these days.  I have a difficult time remembering to use face masks.  I want to use them.  What I need to do is set them out somewhere that I can see, or else it's out of sight, out of mind.

I may give the Clinique Pep-Start 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser to my husband to use during travel -- if he wants to try it.  I love my Ole Henriksen cleansers too much to switch.  I will save Mon Guerlain to include with gifts for friends and family.  Same with the Tarte Rainforst of The Sea lipstick.  Ever since I've started using long wear liquid lipsticks, especially after I got my lower lip pierced (vertical labret), I just haven't been that into bullet lipsticks.

Overall, there were some items I liked in July's Sephora Play Box.  I wasn't overly thrilled with it.  An interesting note --  not everyone gets the same items in their Play Box.  I watched grav3yardgirl's  July unboxing and her items were different.  She got BOSCIA Charcoal Pore Pudding Intensive Wash-Off Treatment, MILK MAKEUP Cooling Water (Stick), BAREMINERALS GEN NUDE™ Matte Liquid Lipcolor, BRIOGEO Rosarco Milk™ Reparative Leave-In Conditioning Spray, IT COSMETICS Superhero™ Elastic Stretch Volumizing Mascara and ATELIER COLOGNE
Orange Sanguine Cologne Absolue Pure Perfume sample.

I think this may be why I wasn't overly thrilled with my box.  I watched her video and was really looking forward to trying the Milk Makeup Cooling Water stick, I knew I would like the Bareminerals Gen Nude Matte Liquid Lipcolor (vs. bullet lipstick), was curious to try that mask, would have taken the Briogeo Leave In Conditioning spray with me when travelling and I know I like Atelier Cologne's Orange Sanguine.  When I got my box, I was like, "Where's all the stuff that grave3yardgirl got?!"  I wish everyone got the same items in their box.

I've already received and opened my August 2017 Sephora Play Box, as you many know from my Brazilian Bum Bum Cream post.  A post on August's box should be coming up next week!  :

Ta ta For Now!

Our dog Sophie, looking quite contemplative.

Sol de Janeiro's Brazilian Bum Bum Cream -- Worth The Hype? -- Part I

July 2017 Favorites -- Beauty And Bath

Most of these are not really from the month of July; but, I did not include them in June's favorites.

1.  Urban Decay JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT Gold Griot Palette:  I went back and fourth with whether or not I was going to buy anything from the collection.  It seemed to be getting mixed reviews on YouTube.  I ultimately decided I wanted to get the eyeshadow palletes, at least because I was enamoured with the packaging, and YouTubers like Phyrra Nyx and grav3yardgirl liked their palettes.  Some YouTubers complained about the pigmentation and blendability.  When I got mine, I didn't have any problems with either.  The Gold Griot Palette is a really nice basic neutral palette that leans a little more on the warm side and has a few shimmers.

2.  Urban Decay JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT Gallery Blush Palette:  I almost wasn't going to get this palette -- like I needed more blush (well, like I need more eyeshadow!  LOL).  I popped into Ulta one day and saw that the blush palette was on sale.  Perfect!!!  So I got it, and a backup for the bright green eyeliner.  It is a good palette!  I have a lot of warmer blushes so it's nice to have a cooler option.  Plus Urban Decay's highlighters have improved immensely.  The complaint used to be that they were dry and glittery.  They are now much smoother and glitter free.

3.  NYX PERFECT FILTER SHADOW PALETTE in Rustic Antique:  This was the first of the three Nyx palettes on this Favorites post that I bought.  Yes, how many uber warm palettes do I need?  I think, the idea behind this was to have something with a limited amount of shadow choices, but that can complete an eye look, when I'm low on time.  When you have ADHD, a big palette can end up being a time waster as it's very easy to get sidetracked by all the choice you have.  The shadows are all nicely pigmented, they blend well and you can achieve several complete looks with this palette.

4.  Urban Decay JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Post Punk:  I had been searching for a chartreuse eyeliner -- and a few weeks later, Urban Decay came out with one for their Basquiat collection!!!  

5.  Urban Decay JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT Tenant Palette: Not only do I love chartreuse eyeliner, I love chartreuse eyeshadow!  The tenant palette has some really fun colors to work with when I'm not in the mood for my usual warm look.  (See #1 for more.)

6.  NYX DUO CHROMATIC ILLUMINATING POWDER in Crushed Bloom:  I bought this to use as a blush.  It gives a gorgeous glow and a light wash of color.

7.  NYX CONTOUR INTUITIVE PALETTE in Warm Zone: Ironically, for a palette called Contour Intuitive, there is no contour powder in this palette.  LOL  But I didn't buy it for that.  I really bought this for traveling.  It's perfect to go with my Naked Skin Shapeshifter palette. (See June 2017 Favorites: Beauty and Bath.)  I've since tweaked my Shapeshifter palette to meet my needs more when travelling and the Contour Intuitive palette just makes a perfect companion with it's blush, highlighter and just enough of all of my eyeshadow shade staples.  Everything blends well and the shadows are nicely pigmented.

8.  NYX LIQUID SUEDE METALLIC MATTE (Liquid Lipstick) in ACME:   Even though the definition of Acme is: the point at which someone or something is best, perfect, or most successful, I cannot see the word acme and not think of  Looney Toons cartoons.  This color reminds me of a color Lancome had over 20 years ago in their lipstick line.  It was a shimmery full coverage lipstick called Fraise (strawberry in French).  Nyx describes Acme as a metallic strawberry red.  I love it!

9.  Nubian Heritage PATCHOULI and BURITI HAND and BODY SCRUB:  This smells SO good!  I love the body wash; but, I can detect some almond scented oil in here, maybe some musk as well as a hint of patchouli. The sugar gives it some fragrance, as well.  I've used it all up; but, was thinking of experimenting with making candles and wanted to see if I could dupe this fragrance.

10. NYX LIP LINGERIE (Matte Liquid Lipstick) in Cabaret Show:  This is one of four Lip Lingerie Lipsticks that I got in March 2017.  The other colors I got were French Maid, Cashmere Silk and Seduction.  I'd say Cabaret show is the one I like most, followed by French Maid.

11. NYX LID LINGERIE SHADOW PALETTE:  This, to me, is Nyx's answer to Urban Decay's Naked Basic's palette.  There are six shadows.  Some lean towards the warm side.  I think this a great palette when you want some neutral shades to complement a colorful palette, or if you have a palette that seems to be lacking a light neutral shade and a dark neutral crease shade.  

12. Brow Rehab Brow Cream Ash Brown and Brow Brush:  I've been using this since before the new year started.  I use it almost every time I do my makeup.  It's a small container; but, I've still got plenty of product left and it has never dried out on me.  Every other brow gel or paste I've ever gotten has dried out on me way before its time.  I love the brush from Brow Rehab, as well.  It's a wider brow brush than most and it really makes for having an easier time drawing and filling my brows in (my brows on on the sparser side -- I can't just lightly fill them in).  One of these days, maybe next year, I will invest in some microblading for the brows.

13. Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Foaming Milk and Body Wash:  I forgot I had this in my bathroom cupboards until I started doing a declutter.  I started using it when I ran out of whatever I had been using in the shower at the time.  I wondered why I forgot all about it.  I quite liked it!  It's softly scented and feels luxurious.  I even took it on vacation with me to San Luis Obispo!  When my body wash stash starts getting low, I will definitely be replenishing it with some of this.

14. Kat Von D Shade + Light Glimmer Eye Contour Palette:  Honestly, I really got this because I love acquiring Kat Von D palettes!  It's a very good palette.  I will say, I wish the lighter shimmery shades weren't quite so sheer.  Other than that, it's a great basic nude shimmery palette.  I use it with the matte one.

15. Kat Von D Shade + Light Face Contour Refillable Palette:  I love this palette.  I finally got mine when she came out with a refillable one.  I mostly use Sombre (the cooler shade on the left) and Shadowplay (which is a slightly warm contour shade that still works very well).  I mostly use the highlight shades as a lighter eyeshadow or to blend out eyeshadow.  I will use the darker shade as eyeshadow as well.  I don't see myself needing to replace the darker shade or the highlight shades any time soon.

16. My Mix Powder And Blush:  

Powder

This started when I had two Hourglass Ambient Lighting powders (One in Diffused light -- pale yellow.  One in Luminous light.).  I sort of liked them both on their own; but, not enough to use them all the time.  They had been in my makeup collection for almost three years.  About a year ago, I decided I was going to scrape the powders out of the compacts, mix them together and put them back into one compact.  I loved the result.  I could powder my face and not look powdery or cakey!  After that, I started mixing my own face powders adding lower shimmer highlighter to matte powders.  It has definitely cut down on makeup clutter; and, I just love the result.  (The nude and very light pink tins.)  Milani has since come out with something similar.  I have it; but, am still deciding if I like it better than the powder I mix. 

Blush

I had a lot of blush.  I still have a lot of blush; but, not as much as I used to.  I was trying to cut down on some clutter so I gathered up all of the blush that I knew I wasn't really using, scraped them all out of their containers, mixed them together and put them in two tins.  One of the tins is warmer and one is cooler.  It comes in handy as something to reach for.

June 2017 Favorites: Jewelry, Home & More

Quite a bit late, as we are already into the month of August.  June's favorites is actually a favorites for November 2016 through June 2017, since I was gone so long.  Lots and lots of stuff.  Enjoy!

PeachTreats (Etsy) Black Phoenix - Faux Gauge earrings: I thought these earrings looked so cool!  I thought they were only available for stretched lobes.  I contacted the seller and asked if they could be made in Faux Gauge style.  She said yes -- so I ordered them!

PeachTreats (Etsy) Spirals and Spikes - Faux Gauge earrings:  I'm always on the lookout for interesting light colored earrings.  I have long dark hair and need them to be lighter colored if I leave my hair down.

Amazon - Jack Frost (The Guardians of Childhood) - Joyce, William: I love the animated movie, Rise of The Guardians.  I just happened to see The Guardians of Childhood series of Amazon.  The artwork in them is spectacular!!

Amazon - The Man in the Moon (The Guardians of Childhood) - Joyce, William: (See above.)

LostApostle (Etsy) Human Skull Necklace - Antique Silver Skull Jewelry on 24" Antique Silver Chain:  I saw a pic on instagram from a shop where the model wore multiple necklaces with different sized skull pendants.  I liked it so much I got this necklace from Etsy.  It's the only skull necklace I have -- right now.

Amazon - Stainless Steel Razor Blade Pendant Men Necklace 40mm: This was a very inexpensive necklace.  I got it to celebrate a one year marker, of sorts, that makes me very proud of how far I've come.

BunnyPaige (Etsy) Classic Spiked and Pavèd Heart Necklace in Pyrite: I saw Phyrra Nyx on YouTube & Instagram wearing one of Bunny Paige's heart necklaces and loved it.  I got one of my own.

Amazon - Wytches, Vol. 1 - Scott Snyder:  Description: When the Rooks family moves to the remote town of Litchfield, NH to escape a haunting trauma, they're hopeful about starting over. But something evil is waiting for them in the woods just beyond town. Watching from the trees. Ancient...and hungry.  Had to get this, after I saw a pic of it on Instagram.

Amazon - The Evil Garden - Edward Gorey:  This is my first Edward Gorey book!  Guests meet their demise in the Evil Garden via rhyming poetry and whimsical drawings.

Bloodmilk Jewels -Beauty is convulsive. Skeleton key lariat: This was actually a Valentine's present from my hubbie (that I asked for).  I love this necklace.  I am such a fan of Bloodmilk Jewels.

FilmAdvance (Etsy) Compco Reflex 1 Twin Lens Camera, Art Deco Design: I had previously gotten a vintage typwriter (see August 2016 post).  I thought a vintage camera would look great with it!

Amazon - Anker SoundCore mini, Super-Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Gold: This rechargeable speaker is about the circumference of a can of soda and just over 1/2 the height.  It puts out good sound! This is a staple when I travel.

Amazon - The Occult, Witchcraft and Magic: An Illustrated History - Dell, Christopher:  I saw this on an Instagram post and had to have it!  It's an illustrated history of magic in ancient and modern culture across the world.

Amazon - Post-it Cat Figure Pop-up Note Dispenser, 3 inch x 3 inch, (CAT-330):  Why have boring desk accessories when you can have desk accessories that look cute and cheerful?

KombatKustoms (Etsy) Muntjac skull replica: I didn't even know there was such thing as a muntjac, when I first saw this on Etsy.  I was further confused by the fact that the seller also had "skulls" of mythical creatures as well.  I thought muntjacs were possibly another type of mythical creature.  LOL -- But, munjacs are real!  They are a type of deer.

Amazon - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: A Pop-up Adaptation - Carroll, Lewis: This is a legendary beautiful pop-up book.  Surprisingly inexpensive, as well.  When I originally wanted it, it was a bit difficult to find.  So, when I saw it available, I grabbed it!

ClosetandCupboard (Etsy) Russian Leaders Matryoshka Dolls - Set A:  I have wanted a set of Russian Leaders Matryoshka Dolls for around 20 years.  I think I first saw them in Details magazine, or something like that. I finally got them some months ago.

mysouldesign (Etsy) Black Spinne, eco friendly,fabric spider: Someone posted a picture of this on Instagram.  I was fascinated by how realistic the spider looked.  (I'm actually afraid of live spiders -- unless they're garden spiders that never move from the center of their web.)  But this, I could hold!  And there was a certain beauty to it.  I had to have it!  mysouldesign has other life-like insects as well as a few bird sculpture and even a fennec fox.  She also makes jewelry out of her textile sculptures.  I'm really wanting this owl pendent that is in her Etsy store.

Amazon - DECOLE: "MIRANDA" CAT TAIL CLIP BOTTLE (Black Cat):  Again, why have boring desk accessories when you can have whimsical ones?  Plus it looks like one of my kitties -- Luna!

EnchantedRumors (Etsy) Mini Lunar Filigree Spirit Board - Ouija Board: I had been wanting a/an Ouija Board for a long time.  (For decoration.  I'm a bit sensitive; so, I'm afraid to use it.)  At first I wanted to hang it on a wall; but I decided I liked it better on a shelf.

CrazyOldLadyJC (Etsy) You Paint it - 3 Doll Heads Poured: I bought these to help fill an apothecary jar that I had with other doll parts.  It turns out they were big enough that I had two doll heads left over, I used those for another display.

HeritagePosters (Etsy) Magic Houdini Magician Show Maitre Mystere The Great Vintage Poster Repro: I think I was inspired by Houdini and Doyle to get this.  (Sadly the show was cancelled after one season.)  I still have to hang it on the wall.  Some redecoration is in order.

Dellamorteco (Etsy) Anatomical Heart Vase, Red Finish:  Dellamorteco (Dellamorte and Co.) -- the "Curators of the Reliquary Macabre" is run by artist Michael Locascio.  I LOVE their stuff!  This is the second piece I've purchased from them.  I featured the first piece on the March 2016 Favorites -- Jewelry, Home & More post.  You'll see the next two things I've purchased (nightlights) for August's favorites.

flattirevintage (Etsy) Vintage Hand Poured Porcelain 5 Inch Doll Torso:  I bought this to fill an apothecary jar with doll parts.  It's large size definitely lended itself to filling the jar up!  

Amazon - CYS GCL109 Cloche Bell Glass Dome with Tray, 8.5": I put the spider from mysouldesign in the cloche jar along with some artificial moss rocks and Spanish moss.

Amazon - Creative Co-Op Dozen Ceramic Eggs in Box: I didn't want plastic eggs and I didn't want expensive eggs that cost $30 a piece (or something like that).  These fit the bill perfectly!  Some are in an apothecary jar with Spanish moss & some are in an artificial bird's nest.

MoodyVoodies (Etsy) Large Made-to-Order Handmade doll:  I saw MoodyVoodies' dolls on Instagram and I was in LOVE.  The long brown hair & brown eyes and round face reminded me of myself, as a little girl.  I saw a picture of that doll on Instagram and had her make me one.  I love it!!!  I plan to make another order in the future.  (She's even made someone a doll that looks like one of the burlap people in the movie 9.)

Amazon - Sullivans Artificial 5" Moss and Twig Bird's Nest: I wanted a couple of bird's nests for my oddities collection.  It's amazing how just putting faux robin's eggs and displaying it with my other oddities gives the nest a sort of "uneasy" look.

FurAccents (Etsy) FUR ACCENTS Purple Feather Boa Mink (Faux Fur):  I love scarves!  My inspiration for the art of scarves is the late Scott Weiland.  He made it all look good -- uber skinny scarves, scarves the size of sarongs and even scarves that looked like they had been eaten by moths and patinated with time.  This faux fur scarf looked so interesting, I had to have it!  

Amazon - DreamHome Satin King Pillowcase, Purple, Pair:  I actually got these for my hair.  Satin is gentler on the hair (and skin), than regular cotton.  I'm thinking of getting another pair in a bright noticeable color for traveling.  (Bright, so I don't forget to take it with me or take it off before housekeeping comes in.)

Ta-ta-for-now!

June 2017 Favorites Beauty And Bath

1.  Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette: This was the first Naked Palette that I was really excited about.  (I was actually excited about the Naked 3; but, I ended up not liking it very much – I think it’s more exciting looking on much fairer skin).  Yes, on one hand, it’s another really warm palette in a pile of really warm palettes.  On the other hand, Urban Decay has never come out with anything like it.  They’re a bit late to the party; but, the thing I like about this palette is how travel friendly it is.  Those of us that like orangey/red palettes sometimes want a certain type of red or orange one day and a different type of red or orange the next day.  This is perfect for that.

2.  Urban Decay Naked Skin Shapeshifter:  I was so excited when I heard this was coming out!  I’m always on the lookout for makeup products that can: A) Travel well  and/or  B) Come in handy when I need to put my makeup on in a hurry.  I haven’t taken it on a trip; but, I have definitely used it when I need to be out of the house in a jiffy.  For me the only thing that it is missing is a blush.  BUT if it’s paired with the product below, you’ve got your cheeks and eyes in one more small container.

3.  Kat Von D Lolita Eyeshadow/Blush:  I did a blog post about this item.  You can view it here.

4.  Kat Von D High Voltage Eye Primer (discontinued):  I tried this when the Kat Von D Beauty site had this for about $7.50.  I don’t have particularly oily eyelids, so I just thought, eye primer is eye primer.  I was oh so WRONG!  To me, this was like a less solid version of MAC’s paint pots.  And the staying power was incredible!!!  I bought a few more and even gave a couple of them as gifts to friends.  Sadly, it is no longer on the Kat Von D Beauty site. 

5.  BH Cosmetics Spotlight Highlight Palette:  I had seen this on BH’s website; but, it wasn’t until Messie Jess made a video about this palette and the Blacklight palette on YouTube, that I realized I had to get them.  They go on like a dream.  My favorite color in the palette is Vivid.  It makes my makeup look amazing!  This can also be used on eyes.

6.  BH Cosmetics Blacklight Highlight Palette:  I have Anastasia’s Moonchild and Aurora palettes and Kat Von D’s Alchemy palette; but, I still needed to give this a try.  It does not disappoint!  If you love trying different makeup looks, don’t be afraid to give Laser (greenish) or Kween a go on the cheeks.  You’d be surprised at how amazing a subtle green can look when paired with today’s popular orange and red eyeshadow looks.  The same with blue.

7.  Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick Exorcism: I first fell in love with this color when I saw Mirrors and Haze doing a tutorial with Exorcism.  She used this as eyeliner as well as lipstick.  It was gorgeous!  I haven't used this as liner yet; but, I just love it as a dark vampy lipstick.

8.  Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick Lolita:  I was, originally, all about Lolita II, which I received as a deluxe sample.  Lolita II is a beautiful terracotta.  I would wear Lolita, once in a while; but, when the Lolita Eyeshadow/Blush was being showcased on Instagram, I decided to give Lolita another go.  It really goes beautifully with red and orange eyeshadows!

9.  Urban Decay Eyeshadow Relish:  I bought this because I disappointedly thought I missed out on Lolita Eyeshadow/Blush forever.  Wah!  Relish is brighter and redder than Lolita.  Can be used on it's own like Lolita -- or in conjunction with Lolita -- or in conjunction with the Naked Heat Palette.  :)

10. Lorac Pirates of The Caribbean Cheek Palette:  Truth be told, I really got this for the packaging.  Not because I'm the biggest Pirates fan or anything like that.  I got it because I loved the ancient spell book motif. (Or at least, that's what it looks like to me.)  The product inside did not disappoint, as well.  I was quite wowed by the blushes and highlights.  The highlights are SO intense and buttery!  I took this traveling with me.  It is very compact and fit well with plenty of room to spare in a (9 x 6 x 5.5) makeup bag.

11. Cryptic Cosmetics Rust In Peace Liquid Lipstick:  This has become one of my favorite lipstick colors.  It really goes well with my complexion and I love the formula of Cryptic Cosmetics' lipsticks.  (I just wish they were more readily available.  They are perpetually sold out of colors I still want to get.) Rust in peace is part of the Til Death Do Us Part collection, (inspired by roses and Joy Division), which I got in a bundle. I would describe Rust In Peace as a really rusty brownish red -- aptly named.  I swatched it against other colors in my lipstick collection.  I do not have any dupes of this.  I'm going to have to scoop up a couple more tubes when it's available again.

12. Urban Decay Meltdown Makeup Remover: I heard Mirrors and  Haze give this rave reviews. (She has sensitive breakout-prone skin, so I tend to trust her recommendations, as they usually work for me as well.)  I decided to finally give this a try.  I was worried it would be greasy and difficult to wash off (as a lot of oil cleansers are),  To my great surprise, it was nothing of the kind.  It was almost like rinsing a glycerin soap off.  It removes makeup beautifully, smells good and rinses off super easily.  I usually use my face washing brush with Ole Henriksen's The Clean Truth foaming cleaner and a special glutiathone brightening soap I get off of Amazon afterwards; but, I have used Meltdown by itself when I was too tired to take another shower late at night, once & I had no problems with it.

13. Nyx Fan Brush:  Love, love, love this brush!  This is my favorite contouring brush.  It places and blends contour beautifully; and, I love working with the longer handle.  The brush is thicker than most larger fan brushes and the hairs are denser.  I would say, it's akin to the e.l.f. Beautifully Bare Blending brush -- which I also love for contouring.

14. ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment:  As we get older, our hair texture changes.  Gone, for me, are the days when I could simply shampoo and condition, air dry, brush and be done with it.  I had tried the 2 Minute Reconstructor before; but, my hair needed something more intense.  (It is down to my waist and I was starting to have a very difficult time fighting frizz, dryness and tangles on the ends.  Sally Beauty was having a sale and I decided to give it a go along with their moisturizing conditioner (you need one after doing this treatment), and another bottle of the 2 Minute Reconstructor.  I read the directions.  After washing hair, you put the Protein Treatment in, and then dry your hair with heat.  I was very surprised that the treatment was a clear liquid (golden orange clear).  I followed instructions, dried my hair and rinsed my hair WELL.  Then I applied the moisturizing conditioner (which, truth be told, I don't know why I got, because I've got plenty of moisturizing conditioner in my arsenal.  I also regret buying the moisturizing conditioner; because, although it works well, it smells heavily of cheap drugstore cologne from the 70's. It is so heavily perfumed, that I found myself getting a bit of a headache the first time I used it.  I think I used it once or twice more and decided I couldn't take the smell any longer.  Come on, ApHogee!  Put a different fragrance in it, if you have to put a fragrance in it at all.).  The results were surprisingly good! I was very impressed.  I'm only supposed to use this once every 6 weeks, so I maintain with using the 2 Minute Reconstructor every other time I wash my hair.  I have been really impressed.  Between the ApHogee and changing my hair brushes to boar bristle, I can leave the house without styling my hair, or pulling it back, if I want to.

15. Atelier Cologne Figuier Ardent:  I first got this in their Necessaire Azur gift set.  The set contained four .14 oz spray vials of their collection Azur perfumes.  This is the one I used up rather quickly and knew I had to get a big bottle of.  I love Atelier Colognes's sophisticated unisex fragrances.  They are never cloying or overly dominating.  They are excellent for travelling to warmer climates.  Notes: Calabrian Bergamot, Anise, Cardamom, Fig Leaf, Salty Fig, Pepper, Virginian Cedarwood, Tuscan Iris, Tonka Bean.  

16. Kat Von D Saint Eau de Parfum: I love the Saint and Sinner bottles!!!  The glass bottles are decorated with scrolls and skulls -- White for Saint & Black for Sinner.   I also have Saint in the Old Skool silver bottle that looks like a giant lighter.    The new Saint seems more floral than the old Saint.  The old Saint seems to have more of a gourmand smell to me.  However, new Saint is not so floral that I feel "prissy" when I wear it.  Notes: Jasmine and tiaré flower with notes of mandarin, caramel, and sparkling Mirabelle plum. Vanilla, sandalwood, and creamy musk. 

17. Kat Von D Sinner Eau de Parfum:   I have to say it again!  I love the bottles!!! Sinner reminds me a little of the original Salvador Dali perfume; but, not as strong.  I can wear this in the day as well as evening.  Notes: Jasmine and orange blossom with notes of vanilla, mandarin, and Mirabelle plum. Spicy cinnamon envelops white florals at the heart of the fragrance, while base notes of vetiver, patchouli, and wood form the deeper, darker nuances.

18. Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream:  This is similar to Belif's The True Cream Aqua Bomb, except it claims to brighten.  What I love about Sunday Riley's version is that it's more viscous than Belief's version.  For me it makes a wonderful primer after I've put my niacinamide and vitamin c serum on.

19. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum:  I got this in the Three Little Wonders set with the Invigorating Night Transformation Gel and the Sheer Transformation Perfecting Moisturizer.  The Vitamin C serum works wonderfully, for me, with The Ordinary's Niacinamide serum.  (I can break out easily from clogged pores; but, both of these items seem to keep the eruptions from happening.)

20. Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Transformation Gel:  I use this at night or sometimes instead of the Vitamin C serum when I feel I need a little extra exfoliation.  I really works well!

21. ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor:  See #14

22.  Nubian Heritage Indian Hemp and Hatian Vetiver Body Wash: When I came back from a vacation in the Cayman Islands, my skin was ITCHY!  I have a feeling it was the sulfer in the water, there.  My normal body washes weren't helping, even though they were moisturizing.  On a whim, I pulled the Indian Hemp and Hatian Vetiver out of the cupboard -- a brand new bottle.  It seemed to soothe my itchy skin!  It smells really nice, too.  The only "negative" thing I have to say about the Hemp and Vetiver wash is it looks like runny greenish yellow snot.  LOL  But, I can put up with its less than appealing looks when it works so nicely!

23. Atelier Cologne Pomélo Paradis: I first got this in the travel spray, which I still carry around with me; but, I've since purchased the 1 oz./30 ml spray.  I have a feeling I will have to get myself 6.7 oz/200 ml spray.  I love this stuff and want to always have it around.  It smells fresh and somewhat grapefruity and -- happy! Notes:Pink Pomelo, Calabrian Mandarin, Blackcurrant Bud, Moroccan Orange Blossom, Bulgarian Rose Essence, Mint, Haitian Vetiver, Tuscan Iris, Amber.

24. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%:  This is a holy grail product for me.  It really helps keep my acne at bay.  Before that, I was using Paula's Choice 9% BHA serum which came in a tiny 1/3 oz/10 ml vial  for (at the time) $40 -- yes, $40!  The Ordinary's Niacinamide serum comes in a 1 oz/30 ml dropper bottle for $5.90; and, for me, works even better than the 9% BHA serum.  I keep backup bottles of this on hand.

25. The Ordinary Glycolic 7% Toning Solution:  I use this before I apply my moisturizer etc, before I do my makeup.  (I really should be using it before bed too.)  I need all the exfoliation I can get due to my pores' susceptibility to get clogged.  This comes packaged w/a metal twist top.  You can put the squeeze top on it for easier use.  (Comes in the box.)  I don't know if all of them are that way; but, I had the hardest time getting the darned screw top off of the bottle!

26. Mason Pearson The Popular Brush: The Mason Pearson Popular Mixture Nylon and Boar Bristle Brush. Benefits: perfect circulation of oils, stimulates hair follicles, help keep hair cleaner, longer. I love this brush! Between the Aphogee and the this brush, I am liking my tresses a lot better!  I don't even have to put as much serum in it as I used to. I decided a few weeks ago that I needed to stop using brushes that were exclusively plastic bristles.  Apparently, they are damaging to the hair; and, they don't distribute oils or help keep your hair clean.  I started with an inexpensive brush from Ulta that was a mix of long plastic bristles and shorter boar hair bristles.  I loved the way it made my hair look compared to my regular plastic brush.  I was debating about going for the Cadillac of Mason Pearson brushes -- the Large Extra Hair Brush.  However, that brush was $300.00!  And not having used a Mason Pearson Brush, if I spent $300.00 and didn't like it, I'd be really pissed!  LOL  But, I love this "Popular" brush.  I got mine from Costco for $149.00 -- still quite an investment for a hair brush.  If I'm still in love with it a year or so later, I may consider getting the Large Extra Hair Brush.  Mason Pearson brushes are made to last.

Ta-ta-for-now!

What's In My Makeup Bag -- June 2017

Ta-ta-for-now!

I'm Baaaaaaack...

Ta-ta-for now!

The Kat Von D Lolita Eyeshadow/Blush Quest