There was a time in my life when I was really into playing with makeup and buying fashionable clothing. Trips to Sephora were like Christmas Day for me and I loved going to the mall. I am pretty sure that I single handedly kept Express in business between the ages of 16-19. Somehow my interest in beauty and fashion has slipped away over the years. I find myself always sticking to the same neutral makeup palette and never experimenting with new products and it is hard to convince me to go to the mall for anything other than a visit to lululemon.
I would have to say that my all-time favorite magazine is Allure and I was so excited to see that their “Best of Beauty” issue was out. I read it while I was on vacation and it gave me just the kick in the ass that I needed to introduce some new products into my life. Although I have to say that the fall fashions did not inspire me to go shopping. Ick. It all seems so heavy and patterned. I am sorry but there is no way you are going to catch me dead in floral or geometric patterned jeans. I’m sure some people can pull it off fabulously but I am not among that sect.
I had a lot of fun going through and circling all of the products that I want to try. I made a trip to Ulta today to purchase a new flat iron (which they didn’t have in stock so I ended up ordering through Amazon Prime cheaper with overnight shipping!). While I was at Ulta I picked up a few of the products that I circled. I was really surprised to find that there were so many drugstore brand products included. I always feel lost when I try to navigate drugstore beauty/makeup aisles so having a guide on what products to try was so helpful.
From left to right with the review from Allure…
- CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara – “You could spend an hour gluing on falsies. Or you could give wimpy fringe a once-over with CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara. It’s that good.” I purchased the waterproof formula in very black. It was $8.99.
- Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 – “The soy-laced Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 evens complexions so well, you’ll be tempted to skip foundation.” I have been looking for a good daily moisturizer with an SPF so I’m excited to try this given it’s promise to help with skin tone/complexion. This was $16.99.
- Maybelline New York Dream Bouncy Blush – “With your eyes closed – the mousse-like texture melts into cheeks that effortlessly. Fresh Pink looks right on all complexions (we tested it).” If I had to pick only one makeup item that I could wear, it would be blush so I’m always up for trying new shades/formulas. This was $7.99.
- L’Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Powder – “Skims on like velvet, covers as well as foundation and won’t change color on you after a few hours.” I have never purchased drugstore brand powder/foundation so I’m very interested to see how this works. It was difficult to figure out the right shade but the salesperson at Ulta assured me that I could return it if it was off. This was $8.
- CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast in Bronze Fire – “With it’s chubby stick, it covers lids in a buttery champagne that’s refined, no matter how sloppily (or quickly) it’s applied.” Again, my love for neutrals. This was $8.49.
I will let you guys know what I think about the above products once I try them. Has anyone tried any of these products? There are quite a few more that I want to pick up/order so I’ll keep you posted on my re-entry into the beauty/makeup world. 🙂
I grabbed a soy latte from Starbucks after my Ulta trip. I somehow missed my morning coffee so this was a welcome addition to my afternoon.
I also picked up this cute thing. I have missed this face!!!
Off to teach circuit training and BodyPump. Teaching BodyPump 83 for the first time tonight and I’m scared. The lunge and shoulder tracks seem brutal. I’ll have a report on that too!
What hair straightener did you buy? I am on the hunt for a new one!
I bought the mascara and face lotion after reading Allure too!! So far I love, the mascara is amazing, and no clumping! I think you’ll like them 🙂
I use the Aveeno moisturizer everyday and love it! I really hate ‘heavy’ moisturizers but this one is perfect! I’ve used the CG LashBlast before, too, but wasn’t crazy about it. It’s got a great brush, but I felt like it was almost too thin to be a ‘volumizing’ formula.
I heard somewhere that all mascara formulas are essentially the same, with different packaging/marketing. Does anyone know if this is true or not?
I started using the Aveeno Radiant moisturizer about 3 months ago and I do notice a difference in my complexity. It gives a very nice healthy glow to the skin and on top it is very affordable.
I taught Body Pump 83 for the first time yesterday at the new Gold’s Gym at the Epicenter in Charlotte. Boy…… I felt that squat track. 7 bottom halves in a row! My class thought it was nuts!
My husband & I have both been using the Aveeno moisturizer for several years & we love it (he’s a dermatologist, so we’ve tried it all). I’ve also tried the mascara, which I wasn’t crazy about. I see the person above me liked the brush, but that’s what I didn’t like about it! To each her own, I guess. 🙂
Funny you mention Lulu–went there and did some damage today. 😉 In all fairness, though, I would much rather spend money on Lulu apparel than beauty products like make-up.
I can totally relate! I rarely look forward to shopping for “regular” clothes (all my girlfriends think I’m crazy), but get me in the workout clothes department and I’m like a kid in a candy store!
I used to have an Ulta in my town when I lived in Georgia and I LOVED it! I really miss it now that I’m back in the Midwest. They had a great selection of Bare Escentuals, my all-time favorite make-up products. They blend seemlessly, look natural, and never irritate my skin…In fact, I sleep in my make-up more often than I’d like to admit! (Shhhhh….)
Hope your new products turn out well!
Love the Aveeno moisturizer. I have been using this moisturizer for a few years now and love the glow it gives to my skin. I think you’ll enjoy it!
I totally assisted you in keeping Express in business…my crazy parents gave me a credit card to there for my 13th birthday!
Great products choices BTW, I am a huge fan of the LashBlast and the Aveeno. They also make a tinted version of the moisturizer that works great!
Love the Last Blast mascara! I always get compliments on my lashes when I use it. 🙂 And i don’t use that particular Aveeno lotion but love all everything else I’ve ever used – the body lotion is my favorite!
I’ve been using that moisturizer for 2 years and totally love it! the best is when it’s on sale and you have an Ulta coupon-I always stock up!
The Aveeno Positively Radiant is just like heaven!! Also, they make the same formula but in thin face pads, super easy if you’re on the go and need to wipe your face quick after a workout, etc! Such a great brand.
Love the Aveeno moisturizer – it replaced my Clinique years ago and is much cheaper! Not a fan of the cover girl mascara, I prefer Loreal Voluminous.
I am OBSESSED with the cover girl mascara. It’s my favorite, you’ll love it! The eye shadow is great too but tends to crease in the lid if you don’t have a primer. You’ll love them both.
I am envious of some good mascara, but for the past 6 months I have been replacing all my health, beauty and household items with products that are not tested on animals. Ever since I saw the rescued lab beagles and learned about animal testing i have been on this mission. The make-up has been the hardest. There are some drugstore brands that do not test on animals but I live in a very small town and it’s slim pickin’s. I have bought some pricier stuff for the house and to me it’s worth it. Info. at leapingbunny.org for anyone who is interested.
I’ve been using that mascara for years and it is the absolute best! Better than other drug store brands AND better than expensive brands, too.
I love this mascara! It’s my go to one, and works better than any department store brand I’ve tried for lasting all day. Now, I need to try that smokey eyeshadow wand, as I’ve look at it many times, but never committed. Time to take the plunge!
I really love that mascara – it’s been my go-to for the last couple years. Totally affordable and produces great results. Hope you like it!
I recently took a weekend trip and realized that I had forgotten my makeup bag once I arrived. So I had to hit up a local Rite Aid. Two of my purchases? That mascara and the bouncy blush! I really like the wand but I didn’t really notice a bump in volume. Loved the cream blush – I got it in a peachy color and it added just the right amount of warmth to my cheeks. I also look forward to this issue of Allure each year and I am a sucker for trying anything that has their seal of approval on it!
I prefer shopping for athletic clothing as well, though there’s no way I could afford anything from Lulu! One day, one day! 🙂
Love the moisturizer – my skin gets dry in the winter and that one & the Olay moisturizer work well. I really love Bare Minerals Stroke of Light as an under eye concealer. I also like Garnier’s BB creme primer. It has an SPF and evens my skin tone. Also love an eyelash curler – makes me look more awake. Age 30 skin doesn’t look like age 20 skin, but good products used the right way help a ton. Happy glam time!
I love the Aveeno moisturizer. I need to upgrade to the SPF 30 one because I think the SPF 15 I have been using might not be enough!
I like the sound of that blush! I have trouble finding a color that I like that isn’t too girly pink, you know?