As the spring collections are appearing online and at counters, I am trying to prioritize. What must I have vs what would I like to have? I'm not doing the best job I could, but I must. In between consulting engagements, I must make my money stretch. I can't purchase as much. That's depressing for a beauty blogger.
I did get some new shampoo and conditioner this week. I've tried the NouNou Conditioner because someone sent me a sample. I ordered it and the shampoo from drugstore.com. I had to purchase new Bobbi Brown, Chantecaille, Dior, and a few other things this week, but I was good. I only bought one of everything from Chantecaille - not the rest. Oh, and then there was that fragrance from Luckyscent.
How are you feeling about the spring collections? What do you think is a must-have as opposed to a "like to have"? Did you make a New Year's resolution to spend less?
It's time for the Friday Forum - even though I forgot. Did you? I love this part of our week. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers will have moved on.
I love this week's giveaway contest for Bobbi Brown's Pink Oyster Shimmer Brick. If you want a chance to win, just click on this link and leave a comment before midnight tomorrow, Saturday, January 5.
Photo courtesy of Marie Claire
So excited-I scored the Chanel "Notorious" sculpting blush that I've been searching for
ReplyDelete(at NM-Houston Galleria if anyone is looking)and treated myself to a new Tom Ford lipstick! Happy New Year!
I realize I'm not quite in your league when it comes to makeup, but this week I received my Glamour-to-Go palette by Too Faced from Ulta.com. I like the colors of the palette (it's 8 eyeshadows, a blush, a bronzer and a lip gloss). They look very wearable and subtle. I look forward to trying them on soon.
ReplyDeleteI did have a complaint about Ulta.com, which is that it took forever for my package to get here, and when it finally arrived, it didn't contain the samples they promised me. I called them up and they promised to send me samples - I just have to wait 1-2 weeks before they arrive! I think in the future if I order makeup online, it will be through Sephora. Maybe they have faster delivery and better service.
I just realized that I haven't participated in a Friday Forum for several weeks now! But I'm happy to be back now :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't necessarily make a resolution to spend less on makeup, but I decided that I have to use everything I own at least once before I can buy anything new! That's going to be difficult with all these gorgeous spring collections coming out...still, I think it will be a good thing to do. I realize that more and more lately, I will be super excited about something then buy it, wear it once or twice, then promptly forget about it when my attention is caught by something new. It's a bad habit I am trying to break so I will start this new "program" immediately...after I buy the Raffinement quad, of course. :P
I also decided that 2013 will be the year I finally find my "HG" foundation, moisturizer, and primer. There are other items, but those 3 are the ones that give me the most trouble. I think what happens is I try to find a foundation/moisturizer/primer that works for me and after a few, I get discouraged and give up, settling for a so-so product that I don't love. Well not this year! I really hope I will be able to find them and won't give up til I do!!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend, CG!
I have a question. Does anyone order from Bloom.com? I keep getting more and more enticing percent-off offers from them, and have tried to order, but the site is . . .odd, now. I have successfully ordered in the past and now the shopping cart is elusive and some of the products seem to have redirects. As in, they show a product and then sends you to Sephora or Nordstrom. Thanks for any input!
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteNotorious was a great score! Happy New Year!
Hi Edith,
ReplyDeleteYou can't beat Nordstrom and Sephora for speed. I don't order from Ulta anymore because I can go there, but I think you'd do better with Sephora.
That's a good rule, Becca. I've been guilty of swatching and setting aside, only to forget to wear something.
ReplyDeleteHappy weeekend!
I don't, tweenymama. Hope someone else can help with an answer.
ReplyDeleteToday I glimpsed the promos for the new spring NARS collection, and I am intrigued. Especially by that blush!
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to share my excitement :)
When I first started reading beauty blogs, I suffered from a severe case of the "lemmings". I quickly came to my senses; however, and learned to enjoy makeup without actually purchasing it. I can admire, swatch, oooh and aaah with the best of them, but I only buy the things I really want. Also, in general, I don't buy back-ups because my attention is so easily caught by all the newest beauties looming on the horizon :-) It's true, I do have a fairly large collection, but it is constantly evolving as old products are tossed and replaced by new ones. I like to stay fashionable while remaining true to myself so I love researching the trends, reading the blogs, swatching the products, and then selecting those items that give me pleasure. Occasionally, I'll make a mistake or succumb to impulse, but that doesn't happen very often. As for a New Year's beauty resolution, I make the same one every year: Try to only buy cosmetics that I can actually see in person. Fortunately, where I live, that is not a problem.
ReplyDeleteEileen, you've acquired just the right skill for being a beauty lover but not going insane with the case of the "lemmings." I've all but given up on NY Resolutions because I am so weak-willed. :-( I now only have NY "Strong Suggestions" and even so those suggestions are not holding very strongly.
ReplyDeleteSpring 13 so far isn't really lighting up my world, but I'm looking forward to seeing the new Burberry come out. The blushes look very bright and cheerful.
This week, I've made some major purchases including the Guerlain holiday perles (Dragon) and numerous Tom Ford items. Oh, well.
I was wondering where the Friday Forum went! Happy Friday, CG and everyone!!
After overindulging this holiday season, I'm trying to be more judicious with any new purchases.
ReplyDeleteThankfully, the spring collections haven't called to me when I swatched them in person. The only one I am pretty sure I'll pick up is Chantecaille; my SA will be calling when it arrives.
Just today I picked up the LMDB Kaleidoscope Blush set after gravitating to it once again during a Nordstrom walkthrough, along with a Laura Mercier holiday palette I had resisted (now on sale, fortunately). I also ran to Ulta and picked up the new Color Tattoos, which didn't fail to impress.
Other than Chantecaille, I am anxiously awaiting a set of Hakuhodo dupe brushes slowly winding their way to my door from HK. I am also contemplating a special purchase of Japan-only products this Spring-- So Lonely in Gorgeous has tempted me by swatching the Three Cosmetics eyeliners, and they are supremely beautiful. I may be "forced" to add some Laduree and other pretty things to justify an order.
New Year's "Strong Suggestions"! I love it. I, too, force myself to look but rarely purchase. I know I won't wear as much as I would like to buy given my lifestyle (grad student and mom). Still, Chanel makeup is a weakness! I recently tried samples of the perfection lumiere and aqua lumiere foundations and think I will be switching from my standby Bobbi Brown. Been loving Coup de Foudre but have yet to really boldly wear that coral. Sure looks pretty in the pan, though.
ReplyDeleteThe weekend snuck up on me and it's back to work on Monday. I could have used another week off. :)
ReplyDeleteLooking at the spring collections, I decided that pretty much everything is a "like to have" maybe. I do like pink but I'm particular about which shades I'd wear so I'm thinking Dior is out this time. I did buy the new Meteorites which are so pretty and Chanel's Merveille which I love and I should hoard. lol I stumbled across Edward Bess' Cosmic Bliss palette and loved it so it came home with me. That nude color disappears right into my skin! My new fragrance in Rose Anonyme from Atelier Cologne came and I thought I'd try out this line I saw in Sephora - TokyoMilk. I got their "Tainted Love" handcreme scented with dark vanilla bean, orchid, white tea & sandalwood. Very nice and comforting!
I was also suprised this week by this little candle I bought at Grand Central's holiday market this year. It's made by The Soap and Paper Factory in the scent Roland Pine. I usually find candles to be very mild in scent but this little thing packs quite a pine punch! I feel like I have a Christmas tree in my bedroom and it cheers me up. :) Glad I bought it.
Aside from resolutions to get fit, I'm going to work on using my makeup! lol It's just sitting there and I should use it. That's why the other night I broke everything out - foundation, concealer, bronzer, blush, shadows, 3 liners (don't ask), mascara, etc. to go out to a show with a friend. I'm always impressed with my Guerlain Lingerie de Peau. It looks good and manages to stay on my face all night when other foundations disappear.
Well, that's the 2013 story so far! Have a great weekend everyone!
Thanks, Charleston Girl, for recommending Sephora!
ReplyDeleteOn another note, once again realizing I'm not in your league when it comes to makeup, The Body Shop makes a nice product called Radiance Beads which is similar to the Guerlain Meteorites, but there are more beads. The Radiance Beads tend to come in pink/lilac/peach/ivory combination, but they have similar Radiance Beads in other colors for different skin tones. They act as a nice skin brightener for people like me with fair to pale skin.
Happy New Year C-girl!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks to your amazing reviews on the Chantecaille HD perfecting powder - I have ordered it from Neiman Marcus and will have it in about 8 days from now.
I am still looking for the perfect peach blush that is devoid of red/rose. Not orange either. This has not been an easy task.
I am still looking for the perfect foundation to cover rosacea. Maestro does not work for me. Maybe Yves-St-Laurent Touche Eclat foundation???? I will be visiting Bellingham, WA on the 16th - that means make-up counters lol lol
Another item on this year's hit list will be the Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection SPF 50 - I received a sample of it - and wow does that work for my skin.
I will let you all know how the Chantecaille HD powder works out.
All the best to everyone and a very Happy New Year!!!!!
Warm Regards,
Joanne
This is cool!
ReplyDelete