What the world needs now is 1) love, sweet love; 2) free pumpkin spice lattes (I finally had my first one of the season yesterday, and it was so good that I felt myself float out of my body and fly toward the sun, OMG!); and 3) more lady-dates.
MOAR LADY-DATES.
You know what a lady-date is, right? It’s when you go out with a friend — ideally, someone who likes makeup as much as you do — for coffee, snacks or what have you, and then, ya know, if you happen to wander into someplace where lipsticks and eyeshadows are available for perusal…so be it. 🙂
I went on one a couple weekends ago with my friend Marisol. We had acai bowls, then paid homage to our homeland, also known as Ulta.
Here are the things that came home with me that day.
It was mostly a nail-centric visit, because my nails have been very crabby lately (they’ve been splitting, boo), with a sprinkling of skin care and body care, and a dash of makeup for good measure.
PRODUCTS MENTIONED
- Sally Hansen Nail Nutrition Green Tea + Bamboo Strength, $8.99
- OPI Top Coat, $9.50
- OPI Drip Dry Lacquer Drying Drops, $13.50
- Revlon Super Lustrous Lipcolor in Toast of New York, $7.99
- Revlon Super Lustrous Lipcolor in Rum Raisin, $7.99
- Juice Beauty Green Apple Firming Body Moisturizer, $18
- Garnier Clean+ Nourishing Cleansing Oil, $7.99
As always, thank you again for watching.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Your nails are possibly peeling because you are pregnant.
Growing a baby really messes up a lady in many very odd ways.
Karen you are just too cute- I love when you post videos! Definitely want to try that juice beauty moisturizer.
I agree! More lady dates! My sister-in-law and one of my best friends loves make up and nail polish like I do. So, a few times a year, we make the less than 2 hour drive to STL and hit the huge Sephora there and also the MAC counter since we don’t have one here. I do have a suggestion for you though Karen. CND makes a topcoat called Vinylux, I’m sure that you have heard of it. I don’t have to use OPI Drip Dry at all anymore it dries that fast. If you haven’t tried Vinylux,you really should. I am such a product snob and wouldn’t use anything but OPI. My friend that works at one of those professional beauty supply stores that you can only shop at if you have a cosmetology license, she recommended it and got me a bottle. I will now only use the Vinylux top coat. It’s that awesome.
P.S. I’m super excited that Pumpkin Lattes and Frappacinos are back!
Vinylux is amazing and I can get it at the Ulta near my house. 🙂
Toast of New York! Blast from the past…I used to wear that colour as a teenager in the eighties.
love your eye-shadow. i’ve been looking for something other than brown. 🙂 What colors are you wearing?s
I didn’t like the Garnier cleansing oil for my face, but I loved it for shaving my legs!
I bought Catrice Luxury Lashes Volume (Waterproof) Mascara a couple of days ago and I think I really like it. I’ve only worn it today, so this is just a first impression, but it finally convinced me to throw out some of my old mascaras…
I actually bought it on the recommendation of a beauty blogger who said it was a good dupe for her favourite Guerlain mascara. Now, I’ve never used the Guerlain mascara, so I can’t confirm that, but I’m liking it regardless.
I really dislike the Garnier Cleansing Oil! It’s oily! (?)
I love that Garnier Cleansing Oil, I am never without it and I have been using it for about 2 years now. I hope you like it and it’s amazing at removing waterproof makeup.
I like that cleansing oil, too. It does a great job on my eye makeup and I think the oil is good for my skin, too. I get mine at Target – I think it’s a little less costly there and I’ve always got my eye on my budget these days.
I didn’t like the Garnier Face Oil either. for some reason, I have had bad reactikns to face oils and my skin is very dry (think crocodiles). I bought it at Walgreens and returned it. I have never been to Ulta, but a new one opened up near me. I am so going to check it out.
I remember Toast of NY. I wore it when I started my first job out of college in the ’80s. I also like Revlon’s Fire and Ice.
Absolutely! More Lady Dates are needed!
I’m so interested in that Garnier Cleansing Oil. Even though my skin is oily, I always use an oil or a balm to take my makeup off and would love to try a budget option.
I love cleansing with oil, so I’m definitely interested in that Garnier Cleansing Oil. Opinions seem to vary though, so I guess I’ll just have to try and see for myself 🙂 Loving the gold bracelet by the way!
Hello Karen,
By chance have you done anything on the new MACnificent fall collection?
Thank you!
Hi Jennifer,
Yes, I’ve got it on my to-do list. I’m aiming for either today or tomorrow. 🙂
I love your title – I’m a sucker for cute rhymes. 🙂 Also, you’re looking very glowy!!
Btw, I’ve always had good luck with Jessica’s nail treatments but you might have to get them online. I’d always picked them up at pro beauty shows so I’m not sure where to find them in retail.
I dunno if it’s pregnancy glow… I think it’s just sweat, LOL! It was hot that day and there’s tons of lights.
Hmm, I think I’ve seen Jessica’s nail treatments at Ulta. Will look next time I’m there (which I’m sure will be within days, haha).
Also, I think it’s amazing that you had two babies in you AT THE SAME TIME. Holy wow! What did it feel like when they both were kicking? I bet it was like a rave in your tummy…
Maybe a little of both with the glow. 🙂 I think you and I lucked out with the timing of the pregnancies, though. I am so sorry for the moms who are bursting and uncomfortable in the middle of summer. I think it’s much easier to deal with the changes when the weather is cooler.
Oh, I was HUGE. That’s not an exaggeration. The little guys (and gravity) made it necessary for me to be on bed rest for almost 6 months and it was very crummy. The kicking was cool and just wait until you can see a little foot pressing through your skin. It probably sounds a little Aliens weird now but you’ll love it when it happens. 🙂 And not to say you have any concerns or doubts or anything but, if you do, it’s super common and everything is going to be great. People always talk about the wonderfulness of being a mom but there are a lot of challenges, too. And when things are on the tough side, remember that you are NOT alone with ANY feelings you’re having. I’ve never found a judgmental mom – everyone is always like “oh, thank goodness it’s not just me!”. You have lots of friend to support you! Don’t ever be afraid to ask or vent. 🙂
Sorry to hear that your nails are peeling. The only time mine grew long and strong was when I was pregnant. Otherwise they’re weak and peeling all the time. Go figure. I know it’s hard when you love color on your nails, but maybe take a week or two off of polish (it’s the removers that kill nails, IMO) and slather your hands, cuticles and nails with the most nourishing creams and oils you can find. And make sure El Hubs washes the dishes, scoops Tabs’ litter box… and does the laundry and the vacuuming and the grocery shopping. Lol. You’re pregnant, he should be pampering you.
Hi Tatiana,
I use a gentle remover from Essie that I like a lot. Good idea to start using nail nourishing creams! I should probably also get some gloves to wash the dishes with too. I got lucky in the hubs department — El Hub has been so good about doing chores when I ask him to.
How many kids do you have? 🙂
I always wear gloves when washing my dishes. The stuff that strips the grease from your dishes, strips the oils from your hands too. I’m guessing it’s more dishwashing than polish removal, if you’re not wearing gloves. I just wear Playtex Handsavers that I find in the soap/detergent aisle at the grocery store. Safeway up your way?
I milked my pregnancy for all it was worth.
Only one child. Not sure I would have had the energy or patience for more than one.
Some nail cuticle stuff I love… Dior Creme Abricot and Huile Abricot, Deborah Lippmann cuticle cream in the black topped cube, her cuticle oil, L’Occitane Cuticle and Nail Cream, as well as their Shea Butter hand cream, Koh Gen Do Hand & Nail Treatment and Barielle Nail Strengthener Cream. There are a lot of good ones at Ulta as well.
I’m surprised your nails are peeling. Are you getting enough calcium? I suggest more PSL’s 🙂 And ice-cream. Maybe some pumpkin spice ice cream.
I wish I could foster enthusiasm for Ulta the way you can. It is a great place but the one nearest me has really, really mean girls working there so I only go in once a month or so. I would much rather spend my beauty money at Sephora where the ladies are always fabulous to deal with.
I love everything from Juice Beauty! I haven’t tried that lotion, though.
I’m interested in what you said about the OPI brushes – I haven’t used OPI nail polishes, but I LOVE the Sephora by OPI brushes. Those are some of my favorite nail polishes, though I got into them about around the time they discontinued them…
I am in love with KBShimmer’s quick dry topcoat, Clearly On Top. I highly recommend it!! It dries really quickly, doesn’t stink to high hell (like Seche Vite), it’s thick enough to cover glitter polishes and it’s only $5.50! She’s selling refills for it now too, so it gets even cheaper! Her polishes are fab too, so feel free to pick some up if you haul!
If you haven’t done the indie polish thing yet, I think KBShimmer is one of the best to start with. She is SO professional and everything always runs so smoothly. When you take a look at her screen printed bottles with the ingredients list right on them, it’s hard to remember that she isn’t a big corporation. Plus her formulas are just top-notch. I have ditched a lot of my OPI and Essie cremes for similar ones in her lines because they are SO opaque, non-streaky and easy to use!