Hi All! I’m back with my May Shop My Stash results! I enjoy dipping into my collection and using products I haven’t used in a long time, or just haven’t given much of a chance.
My rule with this is if I don’t like the item after the month, I will move it out of my collection to make some room and let someone else enjoy it!
You can check out my first Shop My Stash post for May. Here’s a photo with the palettes open:
I continued my allergy issues this month, and didn’t wear as much eye makeup as I would have liked to. So my number one used product was the Smashbox Cali Contour palette!
I love this palette! Especially the bronzer and powder shades. I also used the lighter highlight and the blush a lot. This is such a great product to complete my face makeup. If I take a trip this year, I’ll take it with me!
Towards the end of the month, my allergies are getting better. So I did get to wear my eyeshadows. I would say I wore the BH Festival palette the most. It has such a variety of colors and I was able to create colorful looks and neutral looks with it. I also used most of the shades on the Morphe x Jaclyn Hill Vault Armed and Gorgeous palette. It’s a nice palette, but the metallics aren’t as buttery as the BH Cosmetics ones. I am going to keep all three of these palettes.
I didn’t wear the lipstick or eyeliner as much as the other products. I found that I didn’t care for the lipstick. I don’t wear this type of shade that much and it kind of feels drying on my lips. I am going to re-home it. The eyeliner is a great formula, but I don’t wear eyeliner that often. I am going to keep it, though. It’s such a pretty shade.
This was a pretty successful month!
On to my May empties:
I had a lot of empties this month! I used up makeup wipes by IT Cosmetics and Ariul, a Korean Beauty brand I found at CVS. They were both nice. I used them mostly for removing swatches. I might purchase them again. I actually think I might to a K Beauty haul this summer at CVS and maybe Ulta.
The Merle Norman cleanser is like a scrub. It is such a nice exfoliator. I have a lot of cleansers in my stash, but I might repurchase this eventually.
Same with the Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream. I might re-purchase it once I go through the creams that I have. It’s so hydrating! The Your Good Skin day cream was oily on my skin, so I won’t re-purchase it.
I loved the Nanacoco Outlash mascara! I have a bunch of new mascaras waiting to be used, but I would buy this again.
I love the Jergens Wet Skin gradual tanner. I need to either pick this up or the original formula. The C.O. Bigelow body wash was nice, but I don’t know if I will pick it up again.
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Are you doing a Shop Your Stash or Project Pan this year? How’s it going?
It’s almost May! This is going to be a busy month for my family. Besides Mother’s Day, we are still in lacrosse season for my youngest daughter and my middle daughter is graduating from high school!
I tried a lot of great new makeup in April. Above our my favorites, and below you can see the shades:
I purchased the Too Faced Life’s A Festival Eye Shadow Palette and the Better Than Sex Mascara during the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty sale. The palette was not on sale (but I really wanted it), but the mascara was. I love them both! I still have to do a review of the palette. I’m hoping to post that this weekend.
The gorgeous nude lipsticks are the Lipstick Queen Nothing But the Nudes Collection. They are The Truth, a pink nude, The Whole Truth, a peach nude. There is also Nothing But the Truth, a beige nude. It’s a bit darker, so I’m saving it for the summer when I faux tan. These are creamy and so gorgeous on!
The last makeup items is from the ColourPop x Eva Gutowski collab. It’s the Mermaid Glow Pressed Powder Face Duo. The shades are:
Golden Hour: matte blush; neutral peach
Ethereal: pearlized highlighter; soft golden champagne
I would think this would be better for a bit darker tones than my light-toned skin But it looks so pretty on. I love the blush and the highlighter is a soft color that can be built up to blind!
The Merle Norman Skintelligent Cleanser is exfoliating. It has little beads in it that give a vigorous scrub! It instantly makes my pores look smaller.
The last thing is my Real Techniques Brush Crush 300 Powder Brush. I’ve had this for a few months and love it so much. Its so pretty and soft. It makes me happy just to use it.
Look at the elegant, classic packaging! This is the brand Merle Norman. It was created 85 years ago and is only available through independently owned and operated Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios in the United States and Canada.
I was recently sent a selection of the products for my honest review.
I received the Skintelligent skincare system to test. The line consists of a toner, cleanser and moisturizer. The cleanser is exfoliating and it gives a rigorous scrub. I don’t know if I would use this every day, because it is such a strong exfoliator. But, boy did it exfoliate and help reduce the size of my pores! I do like it and will use it a few times a week. If you do like stronger exfoliation, this would be a great pick for you!
The toner, on the other hand, is very gentle. It claims to protect against environmental stressors with probiotic technology. Extracts of Alpine Willowherb and Ginseng energize, hydrate and help tighten skin while reducing the appearance of pores. Together these ingredients leave skin refreshed and help absorption of serums and moisturizers. I do really like how this feels on, it doesn’t sting or irritate my sensitive skin and I will continue to use it everyday.
The moisturizer is nice as well. This also protects against environmental stressors and contains Elixir-IRTM and Resveratrol to help improve elasticity and texture. I typically use a moisturizer with SPF in the day time, but I will use this at night more and see if I see any changes in my skin.
On to makeup!
These are products from the spring 2018 collection. There are other great products like a pink toned blush, an eye shadow quad and eye shadow sticks.
The Lasting Cheekcolor ($17 SRP) blush compact is gorgeous! I love the holographic cover. The shade above is Halo, a fresh peach shade. It’s very pretty on.
Soft Touch Eye Pencil ($14 SRP) This pencil is very creamy and is easy to blend. It comes in a new shade called Ocean Blue. It’s a pretty turquoise perfect for spring and summer.
Lip Pencil Plus ($14 SRP) This dual-function wood-clenched lip pencil is one versatile product, with 2/3 lip color and 1/3 lipliner. This is in a new shade Sweet Marmalade. This is one of my favorite makeup products from Merle Norman. The lip liner is gorgeous and creamy, and stays put. The lip color is creamier and blends nicely over the liner. It also has shimmer so makes lips appear larger. The line has a whole bunch of shades, so you can find a perfect one for you. I love this color combo for spring and summer, but would love to try other shades!
Creamy Lipcolor ($15 SRP) A supremely cushiony moisturizing formula which offers luxurious color in one creamy stroke! The newest shade is Gold Plated Bronze.
Lip Topper ($15 SRP) This is another favorite from the collection. A gloss which creates a shimmering, magical effect on lips. Available in shades Cosmic Rose & Sugar Crystals.
I also received a couple other favorites from the brand:
Fat Lash Mascara — Features a unique flat yet slightly curved brush designed to hug the curve of lashes, even those pesky fine lashes. Flake-, smudge- and transfer-proof formula separates while enveloping each lash to maximize its biggest potential.
I really like this. It separates and defines lashes really nicely. It also gives my short lashes volume and some length. This is a great every day mascara!
Knockout Nudes palette — features ten sensational neutral shadows so you can explore looks from soft and romantic to sophisticated and dramatic. Includes ten shades. There’s a nude for every mood: Moonstone (matte), Rose Quartz (luminous), Gold Star (luminous), Smitten (matte), Caramel (matte), Bold as Brass (metallic), Beauty Mark (matte), Tiger Eye (metallic), Cosmic (luminous), Cafe Society (matte).
I don’t know if you can see from the photo, but I didn’t get the Beauty Mark shade (4th from the right). Instead it looks like a second Tiger Eye shade. I think it’s just a mistake made when putting together the palette. It’s still really pretty! The shades are nice for everyday looks and blend really well.
Still looking for that perfect beauty gift or stocking stuffer? I have some great choices for all price ranges today.
I usually do a favorites post on Sundays, but instead I am featuring gorgeous makeup, body care and an amazing skincare set that will makeup perfect gifts for any beauty junkie you love:
The Meaningful Beauty Beyond Starter Kit
The Meaningful Beauty Beyond Starter Kit ($50 USD) — Keep your skin merry and bright this holiday season with Meaningful Beauty by Cindy Crawford. Infused with powerful antioxidants and anti-aging technology, The Meaningful Beauty Beyond Starter Kit includes a 4 step regimen that will keep you glowing all winter long while revealing a perfectly polished, radiant complexion. The kit includes:
Youth Activating Melon Serum harnesses the anti-aging power of Meaningful Beauty while leaving the skin looking and feeling younger with twice daily use.
Intensive Triple Exfoliating Treatment works hard to give you spa-at-home results with no down time. Simply use twice weekly in the shower to banish dull, rough texture, dirt and impurities and reveal more visibly smooth and supple skin.
Environmental Protecting Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is a multi-tasking moisturizer designed to visibly firm, plump and hydrate the skin and to reduce environmentally induced damage that can lead to the visible signs of premature aging.
Overnight Retinol Repairing Crème is an intensely hydrating overnight that helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and increases the look of visible firmness and impart a smooth overall texture.
Purchase at Ulta and Ulta.com
Merle Norman Holiday 2017
Merle Norman Lush Lips Gift Set ($36 USD) Prep lips for a kiss with Merle Norman’s nourishing Lip Revive and an assortment of lip color treats. Top-selling Lip Pencil Plus in Mocha and Tender Kiss are paired with Creamy Lipcolor in Gold Illusion. This new, innovative limited edition shade adds a shimmer to any lip color or can be worn alone for a light blush of shimmering color.
Merle Norman It’s In The Eyes Gift Set ($66 USD) — Make an entrance with Irresistible Eyes. This set features limited-edition Soft Touch Eye Pencil Duos in
Meteor/Bordeaux and Pacific/Lilac, a full retail-size Mascara Primer and the Fat Lash Mascara Black.
Merle Norman Blissful Body Butters Gift Set ($25 USD) — Soften and smooth skin all over with this ultra-rich set of body butters in 3 delectable flavors that smell like your favorite holiday desserts! Cocoa & Vanilla, Apple & Cinnamon, and Sugar Cookie make the perfect.
Available exclusively at Merle Norman Studios beginning November 1st
Sephora Collection Easy on the Eyes Eyeshadow Palette
Sephora Collection Easy on the Eyes Eyeshadow Palette ($36, on sale now for $25 USD) — This palette of 30 shades in not-quite nudes with matte and metallic finishes creates flattering looks that are anything but ordinary. Shades are grouped by tone and depth, making it easy to find a custom color just for you. Large matte pans are used as a base, while smaller pans offer subtle pops of color in matte and metallic finishes. Whether your look is natural or bold, fair or deep, you’ll be sure to find color combinations that must have been made just for you.
Purchase at Sephora
Pixi Beauty Lid Lovelies Eye Shadow ($22 USD) — A swish of these shadows illuminates eyes while adding depth & dimension. These 18 soft silky eye shades come in a natural mineral formula. Blend with a fluffy eye brush for a sheer natural looking effect.
Pixi Beauty Endless Silky Eye Pen Trio ($14 USD) — This limited edition kit includes some of our classic bestselling shades. Included is a limited edition colour exclusive to this kit in our bestselling award winning formula. Replace cap after use. Paraben Free
ybf Your Best Friend majestic matte lip collection
ybf Your Best Friend majestic matte lip collection ($28.80 USD) — A glorious girlfriend such as yourself deserves lips that can last while you’re taking names and conquering your dream! From all of us at ybf, we declare that all girlfriends near and far shall love their lips in our new majestic matte lip. Let your lips do the talking, girlfriend; they’ll love the all-day stay! This new formula bonds to your lovely lippies the way girlfriends bond to each other. This lip is going to stay put through your morning (and afternoon!) coffee. That’s a matte-er of fact!
Colours:
peachy keen
proud pink
magnificent magenta
awe-inspiring apple
Buxom Lips Off Leash ($59 USD) — This 15-piece mix of lip plumpers includes shimmer-shine lip polishes and glassy-smooth lip creams for two different finishes. With lip-loving vitamins and richly pigmented color, this collection is formulated with a unique peptide and hyaluronic acid booster to help stimulate collagen, build volume, and plump look of lips without irritation.
This set contains:
– 7 x 0.07 oz/ 2 mL Lip Polish in Brooke, Clair, Sophia, Jasmine, Stacy, Jill, Kayla
– 8 x 0.07 oz/ 2 mL Lip Cream in Pink Champagne, Peach Dacquiri, Dolly, Mudslide, Berry Bramble, Wild Orchid, Cherry Flip, Sangria
Purchase at Sephora stores and Sephora.com
Sephora Puff & Shine Shimmery Body Powder
Sephora Puff & Shine Shimmery Body Powder ($13 USD) — This shimmering loose powder with subtle color is perfect for lighting up features. With a super-soft brush, it’s easy to apply to the body, face, and hair for a light sparkle that amps up any look for the holidays.
Purchase at sephora.com and Sephora stores
Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Mini Sets ($9.99 USD) — Jazz up those tips and get jolly with the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure™ holiday collection of mini sets; quaint quartets of festive polishes in festive hues. The Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure™ offers 7 benefits in 1 bottle, allowing you to skip the salon, for a party ready manicure. The chip-resistant polish with Keratin features all of the elements you know and need: base coat, strengthener, growth treatment, salon color in chic shades, top coat, and gel shine finish. The Complete Salon Manicure mini sets are ideal for stocking stuffers and holiday gift exchanges- or just a treat for a bit of self-indulgence.
Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil in Peppermint and Vanilla Buttercream, ($6.99 each USD) — For a limited time only, Sally Hansen’s Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oils come in two delicious holiday scents. The oils are available in either tasty vanilla buttercream or refreshing peppermint. Indulge your senses with the creamy and merry aromas that celebrate the holiday spirit. Your cuticles and nails crave moisture and protection during the cold holiday season, so grab these Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oils for the perfect stocking stuffer gift. Enriched with a natural essential oil complex with Vitamin E, its formula leaves skin and nails feeling hydrated, soft, and healthy while helping to protect nails.
Purchase at a mass market retailer near you.
What fabulous beauty gifts are you giving – or wanting – this year?
I had a lot of empties this month! I used up makeup wipes by IT Cosmetics and Ariul, a Korean Beauty brand I found at CVS. They were both nice. I used them mostly for removing swatches. I might purchase them again. I actually think I might to a K Beauty haul this summer at CVS and maybe Ulta.
These are products from the spring 2018 collection. There are other great products like a pink toned blush, an eye shadow quad and eye shadow sticks.
Forty, Flirty & Fabulous 