Recent Beauty Buys


I haven’t done a post like this in a few months and that’s because I was waiting until after a really great haul from the Sephora sale and Target to highlight some great items!! I really wanted to do a video of these, but the lighting, the camera and everything else was not cooperating – so I’ll do what I do best and write about it! 




The first two items are Target purchases. 




VitaFusion Extra Strength Biotin

I bought these Biotin gummies last month to see if I could get a little extra help with my nails. They were a little brittle from years of wearing acrylics – yes I had fake nails!! I have to say I am extremely happy with this purchase!!! It has worked wonders and my nails have been growing steadily and are much stronger. I’m only using it for this purpose so haven’t really been paying attention to my hair or skin…but it’s a gummy form so taking them is like eating candy which is a win for me!! 

L’Oreal “Lock It” Hairspray

ThisL’Oreal hairsprayis no joke!! It totally lives up to it’s name and definitely locks hair in place. I will say that it get’s really stiff when you first spray your hair and then sort of loosens out after about a half hour so it’s not as hard. I really only use hairspray when I curl my hair and for the last week or so I’ve been curling it ever other day, more on that later this week, but this has been my go-to hairspray! I think the smell isn’t bad either! 

Too Faced Bronzer Wardrobe

I was in the market for a new bronzer, but couldn’t really decide on which one to get! I noticed this set of four near checkout! The colors are Sun Bunny, Endless Summer, Milk Chocolate Soleil and Chocolate Soleil! I’m obsessed!!! Not only do they smell good, like all too faced products, but even though some of the colors appear really dark, they aren’t actually that dark once applied! For $22 it was a really great purchase and I’m set with bronzers for a while! I still love my current bronzer, Benefit’s Hoolah, but it’s a little bulky to take on vacations and to the gym, so these are perfect!! 

Mix N’ Mingle Lip Minis – Gavi 

I really wasn’t planning on buying another lipstick or lip gloss, but the checkout aisle strikes again and these Bite Beauty minis ($12) were just too cute to pass up! I really didn’t need another gloss, but I love their Lip Crayon’s so much I thought I’d get another color to add to my current collection!! I have pomegranate as well! It’s super pigmented, incredibly moisturizing, and much better suited for every day use unlike the red I have. 

Glam Glow – Yourthmud

I had really high hopes for this mask!! I purchased the small trial size($19) and wont scare you all with a picture of me in the mask!! I read reviews that it would tingle when it started to dry but I really had no idea how much – I felt like my face was burning off…a tad dramatic, but I waited it out and about two minutes in the mask was fully dry!! You could instantly feel it tightening and I could see all my pores which was pretty cool! After 10 minutes I took the mask off and really had to scrub the “mud” off to get a clean face again. I do like it, but I’m happy I didn’t buy the full size!! I like the Ren  Renewal Mask sample I tried more! 

Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation – Color 2

I went back and forth between this foundation and the Bare Minerals Bare Skin foundation and finally decided that I didn’t want to get the brush that went along with the Bare Skin so went for Urban Decay’s Naked Skin. I don’t wear foundation every day, but I’ve used it a few times and I’m in love. It’s so lightweight that I seriously don’t feel like I’m wearing anything!! What sold me was that the finish was neither matte nor dewy, but in between and it has buildable coverage. 

Lash Building Primer – Clinique

Ladies – lash primer is my secret weapon to really long and full lashes! They say it works best with Clinique mascaras, but I use it with my L’Oreal drugstore mascara and it’s perfect!! I need a new one after finishing off the Origins Lash Primer and it works just as well!! 

Beauty Blender

I’m going to be 100% honest here and say I’m still on the fence with the Beauty Blender! I have tried it for full face application of foundation and don’t like it at all – I prefer to use my hands and really get all over coverage. My original reason for purchasing was for the under eye area and using it with concealer and for this reason alone I’m keeping it!! I get really smooth coverage under my eyes and it just gets into the nooks and crannies that my brushes don’t. 

Did you have any great scores from the Sephora sale? Do you use any of these products?

P.S. Huge thank you to all of you that left your sweet words and on my post yesterday…hope you entered the giveaway!! 

xo,

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74 Comments

  1. Stacy G
    November 18, 2014 / 11:58 am

    I want to look into that vitamin brand. I need a new hairspray as well! That clinique primer is a great idea. I'm obsessed with benefit's They're Real now but I bet that would make it even better!! xo

  2. Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
    November 18, 2014 / 12:04 pm

    Ohh I'm going to have to check out that Ren mask! I liked the GlamGlow but wasn't blown away by it. I want to try that Clinique lash primer too! I used to use mascara primer and I loved it, I don't know why I stopped LOL! Great post!!

    <3, Pamela
    sequinsandseabreezes.blogspot.com

  3. M @ The Sequin Notebook
    November 18, 2014 / 12:17 pm

    I'm all about the gummy vitamins though I didn't realize they had Biotin! I'll definitely be checking them out because I have awful, thin nails that always peel.. unfortunately I think it's just due to bad genes since they've always been this way, but I'm hopeful the biotin will help out! And all of these other beauty picks are making me want to hit up Sephora – love them! I think I'm going to also try out that lash primer – thanks for sharing!

  4. B @ The Sequin Notebook
    November 18, 2014 / 12:18 pm

    I'm still waiting for my GlamGlow to arrive…after reading your review, I'm glad I stuck with the smaller size before making a big(ger) investment!

  5. Maggie
    November 18, 2014 / 12:30 pm

    I need to try that Biotin!! I used to take it, but of course I stopped. And I am going to give that roller ball thing a try for under my eyes! I don't wear foundation, just powder, but I do wear concealer under my eyes, so it could help those pesky bags!

    Maggie
    PolishedClosets.com

  6. awhite
    November 18, 2014 / 12:38 pm

    I spy some of my faves right now, too. I love the Naked foundation- it's so light when you apply it, and I love it has peptides in it to the improve the skin. (Multi-taskers are amazing, no?) I LOVE the way Too Faced bronzers smell- so yum! And I'm a huge Bite Beauty fan- all the products I've tested from them are so pigmented!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

  7. Eye See Euphoria
    November 18, 2014 / 12:42 pm

    Biotin gummies. I like that concept. Happy Tuesday and do not forget to check out the latest vintage sunglasses giveaway!

    Eye See Euphoria : eyeseeeuphoria.com/post/60s-flavor

  8. Kate at Green Fashionista
    November 18, 2014 / 12:56 pm

    I'm so intrigued by Naked Skin, especially since I've loved all the other Naked products. You may have just persuaded me to finally try it 😉

  9. P!nky
    November 18, 2014 / 1:07 pm

    FUN finds, lady! I'm doing a Sephora haul post, later this week. I'm debating on the pink egg, right now I use a brush and i'm still deciding if I like it or not. Lash primer sounds intriguing.

  10. kerri @ cheshire kat
    November 18, 2014 / 1:23 pm

    oh i love new beauty finds 🙂 and i cannot ever resist a lipstick or lipgloss. i have a bad addiction! guess there are worse things 🙂 good recap, chica!

    cheshirekatblog.com

  11. Joey Hodges
    November 18, 2014 / 1:23 pm

    Sometimes I think cult products like the glamglo mask really don't live up to the hype! Glad to see I'm not the only one who wasn't totally in love with it! I have GOT to get my hands on a mascara primer! That sounds like exactly what I need! I'm in a couple weddings in the spring that I'm dying to wear my hair mostly down and curled for (but ew, sweat) so I might have to pick up that l'oreal hair spray!

  12. Courtney B
    November 18, 2014 / 1:32 pm

    This sealed the deal for me! I'm definitely trying the Ren mask now!
    Those are the same brand of prenatals I took with Mia 🙂 I had no problem taking my daily dose of gummy vitamins then, HA!

  13. Amanda | Kids and Cabernet
    November 18, 2014 / 1:33 pm

    I hhh love these posts! I'm going to have to look into the foundation and lash primer, I've never used primer for my lashes!

  14. Kay R.
    November 18, 2014 / 1:36 pm

    I really need to purchase some biotin. Maybe if I get the gummies Ill actually take them!

  15. Jenn
    November 18, 2014 / 1:53 pm

    Im gonna look into that foundation!
    Great reviews, girl!! Now, I want to buy everything you recommended! haha

  16. Lyndsay
    November 18, 2014 / 1:59 pm

    Gummy vitamins are always a nice option, I'll have to keep my eye out for this biotin version! Also need to keep an eye out for that lash building primer!

    prosecco in the park

  17. Julia
    November 18, 2014 / 2:07 pm

    I need to start taking Biotin again! I used to and definitely noticed a difference! I have wondered about the beauty blender, I've seen it everywhere but I wasn't sure if I would like it or not because I do prefer using my fingers for foundation and all that. Thanks for the review!

  18. Ally- Life as I know it
    November 18, 2014 / 2:08 pm

    I've been looking for a great bronzer, I'll have to try the Too Faced one. You can't beat a set of 4!

  19. Elle Sees
    November 18, 2014 / 2:08 pm

    the bb needs to be dampened–you didn't mention how you used it, so not sure if you've tried it that way. i have a mini glam glow for moisture and haven't been as impressed as the other glamglow ones.

    • Ashley
      November 18, 2014 / 7:21 pm

      I thought I was the only one on the fence about the beauty blender! I have not tried dampening it though!! I am going to try this today!! Thanks for the great tip Elle.

  20. Caroline @ Windy City Chic
    November 18, 2014 / 2:16 pm

    I'm going to try that mascara primer. That lip crayon is pretty, and if I see the mini version I'll try one. Sorry to hear about the mask since so many people have talked about it. Burning=not good! I use my hands when I apply my foundation too. I find that the foundation lasts longer and I only apply it where I need coverage. I hope that you're having a good day so far too!! 🙂

  21. Marie
    November 18, 2014 / 2:21 pm

    I love that mascara primer. I stopped using it because well I just got lazy. As for the beauty blender, I put my foundation on with a brush and then use the beauty blender to bend it. I find that that works better. I also think it works great for concealer. Also, after I put on my blush and highlighting powder, I go over it all with the blender to blend it in and it really has made a difference. The blender sort of blends it all together nicely. I hope that I'm explaining that well. Probably not though. You know they make little ones know that are for concealers? I just found out about them but haven't purchased it yet.

  22. Julie @ Just the Joy's
    November 18, 2014 / 2:35 pm

    I know you've mention that lash primer before and I finally remembered to put it on my "need" list right now! I really want to try that! 🙂 I also want to try one of those mask things! I've never done one before! I totally agree about the gummy vitamins too! That's the only way I take mine 🙂

  23. Karly @ What Karly Said
    November 18, 2014 / 2:38 pm

    Glad you finally got your hands on the Too Faced bronzers! Chocolate Soleil has been my go-to for a while now – isn't it fantastic? I'm glad you didn't spend the money on the Bare Minerals liquid foundation … my mom gifted it to me a couple weeks ago after she bought it and didn't like it (luckily, we have the same skin tone so our foundation colors usually match) – I've been testing it out, and I am not a fan. I'm planning to do a review soon! It's never occurred to me to use a lash primer – I'll definitely be checking out the Clinique one!

  24. Kathy@MoreCoffeeLessTalky
    November 18, 2014 / 2:43 pm

    i have the sun bunny bronzer and IT'S AMAZING!!

  25. Andy Adler
    November 18, 2014 / 2:43 pm

    I'm totally with ya on the beauty blender. I just don't love it for full face appliction, but it's great for under eye brightener. Need to try that primer – I love full + lush looking lashes! xx

  26. Kristina @ Medicine and Manicures
    November 18, 2014 / 2:48 pm

    Love this beauty haul! I should really try a lash primer.. my eyelashes are tiny. I should really ask for Latisse for Christmas- I hear it works wonders!

  27. Shannon Jenkins
    November 18, 2014 / 2:55 pm

    Love this!! I need to try that hairspray asap!! Also I actually have never used a mascara primer but now you convinced me I need to change that!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeatsoles.blogspot.com

  28. Pink and Fabulous
    November 18, 2014 / 2:57 pm

    I really want to try that foundation and now you have me sold on it, plus the lash primer! I am going to pass on the mask (currently in my cart) and I am with you on the beauty blender. I have an amazing concealer brush from Sephora that is literally my favorite thing ever. It does magic under eyes!

  29. Jillian
    November 18, 2014 / 2:59 pm

    YIKES! that mask sounds scary! im glad i didnt spend the money for it! xo jillian – stop by! I'm hosting a giveaway on cornflake dreams

  30. Zelle B.
    November 18, 2014 / 3:01 pm

    Definitely trying the Biotin gummies! Gummy vitamins are my favorite — and I am definitely wanting to strengthen my hair! I'm almost out of foundation, so I may try the Urban Decay! Love your picks!
    xo Southern Style

  31. JMO
    November 18, 2014 / 3:01 pm

    These are seriously my fav posts- I'd say I try out most new things from posts like these! I'd be down to try that foundation after your review and the two faced bronzers! Thanks lady! xoxo

  32. Nadine
    November 18, 2014 / 3:04 pm

    I love Too Faced bronzers!!! I was between Bare Minerals and Naked when I picked Naked too and am really happy with my choice…I agree with what you said about the finish being in between and perfect!

    I really like the beauty blender with Naked. I wish it washed better. I have had mine for a few months and I dont feel like I get it washed thoroughly. The girl at Sephora handed me an "airbrush" when I tried Naked in the store and I sort of want to get that too and use the beauty blender for under the eyes like you said…just so I am not spreading dirt all over my face from not washing it well.

  33. Becky M
    November 18, 2014 / 3:17 pm

    I got a sample of that too faced bronzer and love it!! I need to get the others and try!

    madeintheshadeblog.com

  34. SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph
    November 18, 2014 / 3:40 pm

    Great buys! I'm still waiting for mine. GRRR.

  35. Lauren
    November 18, 2014 / 3:40 pm

    Good tips on the Too Faced bronzers and Bite lip pencils!

    -Lauren
    prettypiecesblog.com

  36. Kristen
    November 18, 2014 / 3:47 pm

    fabulous post, I love your honesty. I told you my bestie LOVES her beauty blender but I know it's not for me – I prefer using my hands as well. Definitely going to check into the biotin gummies and lash primer!

  37. Rebecca Jo
    November 18, 2014 / 3:59 pm

    I hear so much about that beauty blender & was curious how it worked. I use sponges & always throw them out – they make my face look blotchy & caked on… I'll have to check it out & see if it helps at all.

  38. Katelynn Sue
    November 18, 2014 / 4:01 pm

    OOoo great suggestions!! I'm always on the hunt for new beauty products! And I also take Biotin now, but I don't feel like it's doing too much. Maybe I need to try the gummies 🙂

  39. Gold Coast Girl
    November 18, 2014 / 4:20 pm

    Such great product selections! Thanks for sharing!

  40. Elise @ High Heels and Glittering Eyes
    November 18, 2014 / 4:24 pm

    I've been on the lookout for a new hairspray! You always find the best stuff!
    ~Elise @ highheelsglitteringeyes.blogspot.com

  41. Darcy
    November 18, 2014 / 4:27 pm

    I want to try that foundation! I love Urban Decay products!
    amemoryofus.com

  42. MakeMeUpMia
    November 18, 2014 / 4:30 pm

    Ok girl, I'm so glad I'm not the ONLY person on the planet that doesn't think the mask is worth the cost or the hype haha! And totally agree on the Beauty Blender. I LOVE it for concealer but don't like it for foundation. What a great bronzer deal!

  43. Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre
    November 18, 2014 / 4:35 pm

    I haven't plunged in yet for the beauty blender I just like brushes so much better plus I feel like that would waste a lot of the product? I don't know it has like a cult following…..the glam glow I can't remember if the first time it was that intense it doesn't tingle now for me anymore but I wonder if I've built up a tolerance or something hahahahaha

  44. Amy {Cupcakes+Couture}
    November 18, 2014 / 4:36 pm

    i LOVE glamglow's masks, and toofaced's bronzer in snow bunny is my favorite!

  45. Kerry @ Till Then Smile Often
    November 18, 2014 / 5:14 pm

    Wait 4 bronzer for $22 was that just a sale price? Need to try it, feeling so pale right now. I got that Glamglow as a sample from Sephora and not I am afraid to try it.

  46. The Siberian American
    November 18, 2014 / 5:16 pm

    I use the vitafusion gummies for vitamins, and I really like them! I like the Two-faced eye palettes so I have been wanting to try some of their other products. The bronzers look great.

  47. Kristen {Miss Southern}
    November 18, 2014 / 5:17 pm

    I've been wanting to try the Too Faced Chocolate bronzer for awhile now, I guess I should take the plunge! Thanks for sharing!

  48. Anonymous
    November 18, 2014 / 5:29 pm

    Ooh how is the Naked in price comparison to bare Minerals? I need to switch it up if it's less because I'm running low and mama needs foundation now that I'm hooked 🙂

  49. Lindsay T.
    November 18, 2014 / 5:41 pm

    those gummies are so tasty! I want to take like 10 at a time haha!

  50. Meghan @ Southern Belle Secrets
    November 18, 2014 / 7:01 pm

    I love using my beauty blender and use it daily, but sometimes entertain the possibility of going back to a brush. I use tarte's Amazonian clay foundation but the Naked one has caught my eye time and time again. Might be time for a switch up

    xoxo,
    Meghan
    Southern Belle Secrets

  51. Pamela @ alittleglitter.com
    November 18, 2014 / 7:02 pm

    I need to try that Urban Decay foundation! I cant find one I like lately!

  52. Paige @ Reasons to Come Home
    November 18, 2014 / 7:24 pm

    I will have to check out those vitamins. I need something to help my nails and the chewy ones don't hurt my stomach as bad!

  53. Brittany @ Perpetually Daydreaming
    November 18, 2014 / 7:37 pm

    I have heard similar horror stories of how much that GlamGlow hurts! I've been curious about it though. Glad to hear your honest opinion of the beauty blender. I still haven't bit the bullet on that one and now I'm not sure if I will!

  54. Tori
    November 18, 2014 / 7:39 pm

    I have been wanting a beauty blender for that very reason–under eyes–mine seem to always crease and I heard that works wonders! I also want to try those bronzers–that's a great bargain!

    Tori
    FashionBlingGirlyThings

  55. Jayme @ Her Late Night Cravings
    November 18, 2014 / 8:16 pm

    We love a good mask and need to try the Ren. We really like the Glam Glow but we like the one in the white tub (Supermud). Two Faced makes some of the best bronzers too!!

    Jayme & Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings

  56. Tricia Coniglio
    November 18, 2014 / 8:23 pm

    I need new lip liner and I hate how much I have to spend on hair products…. I am glad to see something that I can buy that won't cost as much as a week's worth of food!

  57. Unknown
    November 18, 2014 / 9:09 pm

    Okay, so I didn't even know there was such a thing as eyelash primer! Where have I been?? So going to try this! I just bought Boscia BB Cream at Sephora and I love it! It's lighter than a foundation but it covers any redness, etc plus there's no harmful parabens. Def worth a try 🙂

    taffetaandtulips.com

  58. Anonymous
    November 18, 2014 / 9:12 pm

    I was curious about the Beauty Blender too, but didn't want to splurge on it because I wasn't sure. I picked up the Real Techniques dupe ($6!) and I LOVE it for my under-eye concealer! I agree, it's not the best for full face, but I do use it also to blend on my jawline/neck. I'm a sponge convert now. And wow, that's a great deal for those Too Faced bronzers! They are amaaaazing

  59. Emily @ Martinis | Bikinis
    November 18, 2014 / 9:21 pm

    What awesome buys!!! I use the same beauty blender and love it! Great to read your review on the Glam Glow and glad you bought the smaller size cause $19 is still pretty steep!

  60. Tiffany {A Touch of Grace}
    November 18, 2014 / 9:44 pm

    I have got to get some more Biotin! It's been about a year since I had it and my nails are definitely suffering. Love gummy vitamins!
    Good to know on the beauty blender; I really like using my fingers too. I haven't tried that Urban Decay foundation but I like lightweight foundations so it could be a good one. I wear tinted moisturizer most of the time but for evenings out I like to do a foundation. Thanks for sharing Biana!

  61. Because I'm Obsessed
    November 18, 2014 / 9:56 pm

    Biotin gummies?! The ones I'm currently taking are like horse pills! Count me in.

    xx
    Because I'm Obsessed

  62. Amanda - Voyage of the MeeMee
    November 19, 2014 / 1:45 am

    I really want a beauty blender but I'm like you… I prefer using my fingers when I put on my foundation. I like full coverage. I neeeed full coverage, hahaha!

  63. Claire | Fashion + Feathers
    November 19, 2014 / 2:47 am

    Thanks for sharing this! As much as I love fashion, I really hate trying new beauty products because most of the time I don't like them and then all I can think about it how much money I wasted. I had looked at that hairspray before but now I'm glad I didn't get it because I don't like stiffness.

    -Claire
    fashionandfeathers.com

  64. Meghan at Champagne & Suburbs
    November 19, 2014 / 2:48 am

    Oh girl! I love a good beauty post! Definitely adding some of these picks to my list for when No Spend November is over. xo

  65. Unknown
    November 19, 2014 / 2:52 am

    I have been waiting for this review! Great to hear your honest feedback re the beauty blender. I think I will stick with using my fingers; I really think that I get better coverage that way. I just ran out of hairspray (I use Garnier) and I may try this one. Garnier is good but gets softens super fast and loses its effect by the end of the day.

    – Deniz
    dressedupdeniz.com

  66. Morgan Riederer
    November 19, 2014 / 2:53 am

    I will definitely be trying the Too Faced bronzers! What a good buy, and their products are always amazing!

    Morgan
    eenymeenyminymorgan.blogspot.com

  67. -Heather-
    November 19, 2014 / 7:04 am

    I am not big on those blender sponges either. I use a brush to apply my foundation, and then use my hands to evenly distribute. It just works better for.

  68. Ramona
    November 19, 2014 / 8:27 am

    I've been wanting to try out some of glamglow masks, but still haven't done it. You just reminded me that I have to.
    ♥
    xoxo Ramona

    ramona-strikeapose.blogspot.ie/

  69. Kelli @ A Deeper Joy
    November 19, 2014 / 4:21 pm

    I saw that Beauty Blender at Sephora this weekend and wondered if it was any good. Thanks for mentioning it! I also want to try the UD Naked Foundation. I don't use one now but as I get older, I kind of want to 🙂

  70. Unknown
    November 20, 2014 / 12:19 am

    I use my beauty blender daily!
    I apply it all over my face for bb cream, and then use the pointier side for the under eyes, and side of nose spaces that are harder to apply evenly with my fingers. I feel like I do a better job applying with a beauty blender, although it takes a lot more time.

  71. Life as a Mrs.
    November 20, 2014 / 2:43 am

    I gave the beauty blender a try, but didn't like it either. I went back to use my MAC Foundation brush, which I love!!

  72. Janice @ a dash of LEOPARD
    November 24, 2014 / 10:24 pm

    Ooooh I want that bronzer wardrobe (how cute is that name?)…I feel like it would work really well for contouring. Question – is it shimmery? I got the UD Naked Flushed and was a little disappointed it didn't have any shimmer to it. I'm a dewy makeup girl! 🙂

  73. Unknown
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