Ulta Haul & Bare Minerals Review

I had an epiphany the other day. I decided that since I am almost 30 years old...well 26 to be exact {yikes!}, and technically a grown up with a "big girl job" (even though I don't feel like one)...I have reached the point in my life where I am going to focus more on high end makeup and beauty products.

Don't get me wrong, I will still use drugstore products and I do have my trusty favorites that will never change, but I'm no longer going to be scared of paying over $10 for foundation or always thinking I need to find a cheaper drugstore alternative of something. If I want a $30 foundation, I'll buy it :)

This decision occurred while I was at Ulta the other week...I know, of course something this life-changing would occur at such a fabulous place ;) I went in for foundation and ended up picking out quite a few things...

Bare Minerals Destination Glow Kit ($39)

I saw this sitting out and thought everything looked so perfect for a bronzed summer look, plus it was under $40 for almost $100 in product! See below for a detailed look into the little beach bag :)

Waterproof Mascara (perfect for summer)

Magenta Vibe Lip Balm

5-in-1 Cream Shadow in Soft Linen (perfect eyeshadow base)

Riviera Sun Baked Bronze Pigment Eyeshadow

Faux Tan all over face color (aka bronzer)

Magenta Vibe Lip Balm

Bronzer and Eyeshadow Swatches (day light, no flash)

Bareskin Foundation and Brush in 03 Bare Linen

(Foundation $29 and Brush $28)

Ok, I bought this after it was recommended by one of my best friends, Andrea. She has been a makeup artist for years and is very picky, so I always believe her when she finds something she likes. I'll be honest though, I was skeptical at first since I "had to" buy the almost $30 brush and the formula seemed really light (and I like full coverage)...

...but I have to say I am VERY happy with this foundation! It feels light and I do use a few more drops than recommended (because I like fuller coverage), but it is definitely build-able without feeling like you are packing the make up on! 

I was talking to Shelby about it (since she recently purchased it too) and she mentioned that the powder you use to set it really makes the difference, which I totally agree with! This foundation does give a dewy / glowy look to your skin - which is beautiful, but it definitely needs finished off with a nice, light powder set. 

All in all, I'm very happy with this purchase and I honestly think I will be repurchasing once it runs out. Side note: the brush is vital - I wasn't on this bandwagon at first but now that I've used it, I can see why. It's very dense and the light consistency of the foundation needs this dense of a brush to apply properly and not seep down and get lost in the brush.

While browsing around Ulta, I also picked up a few more little things...

You can never have to many pairs of fake eyelashes stocked up ;)

Free Samples: Benefit Watt's Up Highlighter and Bare Minerals Domination Mascara

Gel Eyeliner Brush (Real Techniques)

NYX Dark Brown Gel Eyeliner

Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil

NXY White Eyeliner Pencil (ps - HATE this)

Magic Lumi Concealer

Prestige Black Eyeliner Pencil

L'oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara (AMAZING)

If I have to rave about one item, it would be the Butterfly mascara. Hands down BEST drugstore mascara I've ever had! I tried it on a whim...I think they were out of my typical Carbon Black and this had a sales sticker on it...but I'm so happy I grabbed it! It makes my lashes look jet black, and longer than they ever have. I never thought I would like the new rubbery-type mascara wands, but the shape of this does wonders for my lashes! I've already got all my girlfriends to buy it and they love it too!

What are some of your favorite makeup items / brands?? 

I'm always looking for new things to try! xx

express overload

Aaron and I finally closed on our house this past week! It has been such a long process, but we are estatic that it is finally officially ours <3
I will post pictures soon, I need to get some nice shots of the inside.

Since all of our time and energy (and $$) has gone into the house the past few months, I haven't really been shopping or bought myself anything in what feels like ages! So, this weekend I was on a mission to check out a warehouse I had heard about through a friend. She told me about it ages ago... it sounded too good to be true... I have been meaning to go, and finally got the chance.

Now, this may not be everyones cup of tea, but I absolutely LOVE places like this. It is a giant "warehouse", kind of in the middle of nowhere, that is very basic/bare-bones inside...clothing racks for days, and makeshift changing rooms in the back. It reminds me of sample sale shopping :)

Basically, it houses all the overstock and "damaged" items from the Limited Corporation (ie Express, Victorias Secret, Limited, etc).

I love bargain shopping, so this place was a home run for me! There was so much, that it was almost overwhelming! They had tops, bras, swimwear, sleepwear, work attire, sweaters, purses, jewelry, shoes, dresses...

I even went back on Sunday, taking Aaron this time, since they had Express Men's items too. He ended up with two pairs of jeans.

Here are some shots of the items I ended up with...

Couple of mint colored sweaters - one slouchy/off-the-shoulder and one more fitted.

Two chiffon dress shirts for work - bright coral and royal blue. I need some bright colors in my work wardrobe for summer! Plus these are super lightweight which is great for the warm weather.

One-shoulder chiffon dress is coral pink and a long, light weight cardigan in the same color. Can you tell I love this color for summer? ;)

**Not pictured - VS bra, white Express button up dress shirt, 2 pairs Express men's jeans, and 3 pairs of Express Editor work pants. I also got the slouchy sweater (mint- first picture) in beige too!

For the 14 items we bought, we walked away under $200 - which is pretty amazing considering the items were originally tagged to total over $650!
I can't wait to go back in a couple weeks and check out what they have!

Holliter scent - Malalia
Gilly Hicks scent - Point Piper

We also spent some time with our close friends on Thursday, who were so sweet to give me a couple Hollister/Gilly Hicks roller ball perfumes. I haven't been to Hollister in years (I used to shop there in my high school years) but I have to say, the perfume is really nice and fresh! It's perfect to throw in my purse for summer :)

xx em