Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts

Pier One & Ulta Haul



Today is going to be a really hard one, so I figured I would get lost in the world of blogging for a bit!
I noticed that "Christmas Hauls" seem to be a hot button issue in the blogging community. Some think it's acceptable, some think it is showing off things given to you. I get both sides point, so I am staying out of it! Instead, I thought I would share things I bought recently when I made a wallet emptying trip not only to my home away from home, Ulta, but also to one of my favorite stores in the whole world, Pier One! And then for good measure, I stopped off at Target. Because who needs a full bank account!

First up is Ulta -I could live in that store!-.

(L-R) Zoya Tanzy $8, Revlon Wintermint $5, & Zoya Bevin $8.
Of course the second I entered the building I went straight for the nail polish aisle like a heat seeking missile towards a submarine.
I had to pick up more Zoya polish... Because, I just had to. I bought Zoya Tanzy, which is a super pretty red/orange shade with gold and orange holo-shimmer. And Zoya Bevin, a pretty, dusty, blue/grey creme.
I also stumbled upon the new fragrance polish line from Revlon, so I had to pick up a bottle in shade Wintermint. I've already swatched it, so look out for that review soon!

Essie Super Duper Top Coat $10, & Revlon by Marchesa Nail Appliques $10.
As I have lamented time and time again, I have been hunting for a top coat that actually works! I've already tried top coats by NYC, Revlon, Sally Hansen, etc, and am always left disappointed. So I thought I would give Essie a go. This one claims it fortifies and shines. We'll see...
And the most exciting part of my trip was finding the Marchesa nail appliques! I almost missed them, they were on a bottom shelf, tucked in the corner, but the second I saw them I almost yelled! I have been looking for them at every store I go, and no one ever had them! Even Ulta didn't have them last time I was there. It was like finding the Holy Grail! OK, maybe that's a tad dramatic, but I was so happy to find them because the whole collection is just gorgeous! It was so hard to choose just one, but my checking account wouldn't have survived. So I picked 24K Brocade, a pretty teal with gold damask detailing. I can't wait to try them!

Ulta brand brush set $25, Ulta brand powder brush $4.

I also picked up these makeup brushes while I was there. I have been using cheap ones I picked up at my local drug store, which were not very good, and would shed everywhere. So I figured it was time to upgrade. Ulta was having after Christmas discounts, so I picked up the gold glitter handled powder brush, which was originally twenty-something dollars, for only $4! And I bought the silver Ulta brand brush set with glitter storage clutch for only $25! They are very good quality, and bonus points, they don't shed!

After Ulta, my frightened wallet and I made the trip to Pier One. I love Pier One so much! I know some of the things there aren't the best quality, and things are a tad overpriced. But like any store, if you have the patience to look, you can find so many cute things!

Throw blanket $25.
I just revamped my bedding, so I wanted a nice throw for my bed, and for the chilly Winter nights. I bought this cute multicolored blanket, which was on sale for $25. Unfortunately, this was one of the "not the best quality" items, as it is falling apart at every seam. No wonder it was on sale... Well, you win some, you lose some.

Candle $9.
Pier One was also having an after Christmas sale, so I picked up this beautiful mercury glass jar candle for only $9, on sale from $18. The scent is "Snow"... OK... To me it just smells slightly of vanilla. Though the scent is debatable, it is nice, and the jar is really pretty. I figure once the candle is gone, I'll remove it and reuse the jar.

Owl mug $8.
Because, like my nail polish obsession, my owl obsession knows no bounds, I had to buy this cute little thing! Though it is for hot beverages, I've been basically using it for everything I drink. It's just too adorable.

Wicker balls $1 each.
and my last purchase from Pier One were these glittery, wicker, things... They are one of those decorative things that serve absolutely no purpose, yet for some reason I just had to have them... I plan on using them as props to liven up my blog pictures. So that's kind of a purpose...

And finally, on the way home from this shopping spree, I decided to make it even worse by going to Target! I haven't been to Target in years, so I had to! I went in for one thing, so of course I walked out with more than that...

Pokemon Y $30.
Firstly, what I actually went into Target for.
Yes, I am that big of a nerd. I bought Pokemon X for my brother for Christmas, discovered I loved it, so bought the Y version for myself... Don't judge...

But on the way to the electronics section, something was calling my name...
Purse $30, & Owl wallet $10.
Well actually, two things were... I saw this gorgeous purse and almost walked away, but my mother was with me, and like me, is a total instigator when it comes to shopping. "There's only two left. If you don't get it now, it'll be gone! Think of it as a Birthday gift to yourself!" That's all it took to get me to take it home. But then I turned around and saw the adorable owl wallet, which totally complements the purple fabric of the purse by the way, and that came home too... The picture I took doesn't do the purse justice, it is a beautiful grape color. And it's huge! I feel like Mary Poppins when I'm digging through it.

Well that's what I spent all my money on. It was a really fun day, and I love everything I bought, even the unexpected things.
Thanks for reading! To check out my last haul click here.
-xo Brittany

Are you a fan of Pier One? Let me know in the comments!

Follow on Bloglovin

Askruk46

Fashion & Beauty Haul

This post is quite picture heavy, so I'm warning you now! I went into a shopping craze this December, and I have a bunch of things I went broke for to show you!

Beauty box & compact from Ulta - $25


First up is this giant makeup case and gorgeous compact I picked up from Ulta. I normally don't buy makeup kits, but if I bought it I could get the compact for only $10 - Normally $25.- . So I couldn't pass it up! The compact also comes with an engraving plate and coupon to get your initials engraved into it.
The makeup is actually really cute, and I have been swatching it like crazy. So much so, that I was inspired to turn it into a swatching series on my blog! I normally only swatch nail polish, so I thought it would be fun to branch out into makeup. So keep a look out for that series to start in a couple weeks.

Blouses from Dot's - Around $10 -15 each.
Time to move on to fashion! I'm terrible at remembering prices, but I'm trying. I bought these from work, where I buy most of my wardrobe nowadays. I can't help it, we get such cute things!
The cream blouse with the black piping is a no sleeve tank, so I wear it now with a cardigan, and I figure I can wear it in the summer by itself and still look chic and cute. I bought the blue blouse because I just couldn't get over the gorgeous color!

Accordion pleated skirt from Amazon - $25
I have been looking for an accordion maxi skirt forever, but could never find the right one. I found one I loved at Kohls, but they wanted over $40 for it! No thank you. So I went to the place that has everything, Amazon, and found this adorable one for only $25, plus free shipping. I love the color, the little belt, just everything about it. It looks so cute on, and currently I wear it with tights and a snug sweater, but in the summer I could easily pair it with a tee and sandals too.

Printed leggings and wedge booties from Dot's.
Printed leggings have really been growing on me, so I had to pick these up. I think they were around $10 or $12. And the boots were a splurge purchase, I tried them on and they were so comfortable! I paid around $20 I think.

Sweater, shorts, & turban headbands from Dot's.
Yes, I bought shorts in Winter! What's wrong with me?! But they are really high-waisted and flattering, and my co-worker totally talked me into them, so it wasn't technically my fault... :p Plus they look cute with tights or leggings... So there's that... They were like $13.
The sweater is a bit Gladiator with the gilded shoulders, but I love it. The green color is also really flattering on my ghostly pale skin. I don't remember how much it cost, sorry! Bad blogger!
I've seen the turban trend around for a while, but I couldn't really get into it. But when I saw these head bands I thought they were a cute baby step into this trend. I think they were $8 for the set. I have an awful memory apparently.

Sparkle sweater from Dot's
So sparkly! I love this sweater. It's a bit scratchy, but that's the price I'm willing to pay for so much sparkle! It's also quite slouchy, so it looks really cute with leggings. Obviously plain leggings, I don't need to look like a disco ball...

Big studded sweater from Dot's
Yes, yet another purchase from work! I think I shop there almost as much as I work there... Anyway! I bought this super comfy sweater with really interesting studded sleeves. It feels like I'm hugging a polar bear, just without the giant teeth and claws...

Sparkle earrings from Dot's - $4
Yay! I remembered a price! Anyway, I didn't buy any jewelry this month besides these earrings, which is so unlike me. But these are perfect for the holidays, and super sparkly! I also love big earrings, so I figure they will get a lot of use.

Covergirl Capital Collection Pyro Pink - $4

How could I have a haul on I Heart Nail Art without showing some polish! First up is this really cute purple holo-glitter polish from my local drugstore. It's from the Covergirl Capital Collection which is inspired by the Hunger Games Catching Fire. I really wanted all the polishes in the collection, but my drugstore was basically cleaned out, so I could only find this shade, and an unattractive mustard yellow holo-glitter. Though as I write this I found a shade called Rogue Red from the collection which is just gorgeous.

Sally Hansen Triple Shine Sparks Fly - $5

And lastly I picked up this Sally Hansen blue based polish with different sized silver glitter particles. 
I went to this giant CVS one weekend, and the polish aisle was huge! It was like my heaven. How I walked out with only one polish is a mystery. I have already used it for a Winter themed design - Coming soon.- , and am really pleased with the coverage and formula.

Well that's it! Sorry if it was a bit long. I also bought gifts for my family, but my mom reads this blog, and I don't want her to know what I got her. I'll do a haul post after Christmas and share what I bought them, and maybe what I received as well. (Marc Jacobs Honey fragrance? Fingers crossed!)


Thanks for reading! (Swatches of the polishes shown are coming soon!) To read my last Haul post click here.    
- xo Brittany

What is your favorite purchase you've made this month? Have you done a December haul post? Let me know in the comments!
Follow on Bloglovin

Askruk46

Dot's Make Up Wipes Review

I know, I know, this post is late! But yesterday was just... Bleh. While going to get my driving permit - Yes, late to the party I know, but I just got my first car, so better late than never. - I discovered I was blind when I failed the eye test. Of course I knew my vision wasn't the best, but after going to get some glasses, I learned that I am quite visually impaired! Weirdly enough, my right eye is worse than my left eye. But now I have some glasses, and my permit. So it was a long day, but a good one too.
Anyway! Now I am here, and it is time to review a product I bought last month. I waited to review it so I could see the long term effects, and give a more comprehensive review.

Dot's makeup wipes - $3
Before I start, I want to say that while I work for the Dot's company, I am still giving my full, honest, opinions. This is new to my store, and everyone there was really curious on how well they worked. So, knowing that I have a blog, someone suggested I review them. I was not given them, I bought them with my own money. Hopefully you won't think I'm biased.

My store sells these in 25 sheet packets. While that doesn't seem like a lot, at only $3 per pack, I think that's a pretty good price. I've been pricing makeup wipes at my local drugstore for a while, but could never get past the price tags. $15 for wet wipes seems a bit steep to me...
I wanted to try these wipes out not just because of the price, but also because I usually work the closing shift, and when I get home I've been known to sleep with my makeup still on. GASP! I know, that's really bad, but I'm tired! So I figured I would test these wipes out, and simultaneously save my poor skin.

Now for my opinions!
I like the packaging, I'm a sucker for zebra. I also like the size, it's small enough to keep on my bedside table for when I'm feeling lazy. I also like that it's resealable, and means it. The cover actually stays closed, even after being opened countless times.
The wipes themselves are pretty scentless, which I prefer. I hate overly fragranced products. I don't want my face to smell like I fell into a vat of perfume.
The true test was obviously the actual make up removal.While the wipes had a bit of trouble removing my layers of mascara, they did remove my foundation, concealer, and all the other products I put on my face on a daily basis. My face felt clean, and my skin didn't get that tight feeling some products leave behind.
One thing I did notice though, was that after a while I started getting a couple dry patches by my chin. I already have dry skin, and this product is a tad drying. But most products are to me. Very rarely can I find a product that isn't drying.

Ingredients:
Water, glycerin, aloe vera gel, vitamin E acetate, benzalkonium chloride, fragrance, bronopol.
Even though ingredient list says fragrance, I really couldn't smell anything, which works for me!

Overall, I like the price, the packaging, and the results. I would just be careful if you have dry skin like me, and not use them every night. Also make sure to apply some moisturizer after use.
Because of my dry skin, I try to only use them after work, or if I'm not feeling well and the trip to my bathroom sink sounds like a trip to Mordor.

Thanks for reading! I hoped you liked my latest review, to check out my previous reviews click here.
- xo Brittany

Follow on Bloglovin

Askruk46

September/October Favorites

A list of my favorite products and things I bought in September/October 2013.


Yes I fell behind. Bad blogger! But I figured I would play catch up by combining the months I missed in an extravaganza of favoritism! So here are the things I have been obsessed with for the months of September and October. And I swear I will try to not miss another Favorites monthly post, because I like them, and I know others do too.
Sidenote: While I know people always say this, and it's on the verge of cliche, but this year has been going by so fast! I can't believe it's almost Christmas... Though the constant barrage of Christmas decor, and songs on the radio, make it a bit hard to disbelieve...

O.P.I Oz the Great and Powerful Collection - $10
(L-R) I Theodora You, Don't Burst My Bubble, Glints of Glinda, What Wizardry is This?
My first favorite for September/October Would have to be my O.P.I Oz the Great and Powerful mini collection. I love The Wizard of Oz, and while I have yet to see this prequel, I am still really interested in trying the collection based on it. I haven't had time to swatch the polishes yet, but I already can tell I am going to love What Wizardry is This, the dark holo-glitter.

Essie Matte About You - $8 Zoya Tomoko - $8
Of course the majority of my favorites list involves nail polish. I can't help it! 
I bought these polishes during my wallet emptying trip to Ulta, which you can read more about here.
I've been hunting around for a nice matte top coat for a while, so I was so happy to add Essie Matte About You to my collection. It's a bit thick, but it covers nicely, and the matte effect is very strong and noticeable. 
Zoya Tomoko was an impulse buy - Like most of my purchases.- . I love Zoya, and I love the shades they create. This champagne glitter is beautiful, easy to apply, and fun to look at. 
I've already swatched and reviewed both polishes, so if you would like to learn more about them just click here.
I'll also throw in some swatches below.



Pond's Luminous Finish BB+ Cream.
This was actually given to me by my mother. She received two shades of this BB+ cream to review, one in light, one in medium. And knowing that I am paler than Casper the ghost, she was nice enough to give me the light shade to try. 
I love this product so much. It gives great light coverage, is super soft and creamy, long lasting, and leaves my skin feeling healthy and soft when I take it off at night. I will be repurchasing this as soon as I come close to running out. Which won't be for a while, as I only need to use a dime sized amount to get the coverage I need.
I'm thinking about writing a more comprehensive review on this BB cream, so if you would like to see that let me know in the comments!

Dot's Amore sweater - ??
Of course I have to include some fashion in this post. I don't just buy nail polish... Sometimes... 
Anyway, I bought this sweater from work. I don't remember the cost, but it wasn't expensive. I love the fabric, and the Amore print across the front. It is a quarter sleeve, and has a small keyhole in the back by the shoulders, so maybe not the best for super cold days... But I love it anyway, and it looks super cute with a scarf and some leggings. The perfect autumn attire.

Dot's Moccasins - $19
Again, another purchase from work. Though these have an actual purpose. I bought them for the walk to work -Around 35-40 minutes.- because they not only look really cute, but they are super comfortable and easy to walk in. I also find that the solid black color helps them go with almost anything, and the silver studs give them some interest.


And lastly, the biggest item on this list, my CAR! Yes, no more walking for this girl! My aunt gave it to me, and I've been paying to have it fixed ever since. Took a few weeks, and a lot of money, but it was totally worth it. Don't be surprised if there is a car decor post in the future, as this is going to be the most girly car ever. And of course, I had to name her. So meet Queen Bee, isn't she adorable?! :p
If your wondering where the name came from, while driving her home that song Royals by Lorde was on the radio, in which, she refers to herself as a queen bee. And so Queen Bee the car was born!

Thanks for reading! To read my previous favorites post click here.
- xo Brittany

What were your September/October Favorites? Let me know in the comments!


Follow on Bloglovin

Askruk46

Fashion & Nail Polish Haul

Yes I have a midweek post! I haven't done one in a while, mostly because I've been working a lot. But I have today off, so I thought, why not make a haul post! I love reading them, but I haven't made one myself in ages, So why not change that right now.
I didn't buy all the items in this haul at once, but I'm just going to group them together so this post won't be only one paragraph long.
I'm going to try to make more haul posts, especially now that I'm working and have more disposable income. But seeing that I'm not a bulk shopper - I buy bits and pieces at a time.- I will have to condense them together, so I think hauls will probably be a monthly feature.

Sidenote, if your not following me on Instagram - Link on the right.- than I have a big announcement at the end of this post! But first time to share my purchases:

Zoya Tomoko - $8 / Essie Matte About You - $10 / Hard Candy - $4 / O.P.I Alcatraz...Rocks - $8

First is a haul from my trip to Ulta, or as I call it, home. Ulta is on the expensive side, so I didn't buy as much as I would like to. But I still got some amazing polishes. I picked up Zoya Tomoko, which is from their Pixie Dust line. I found it on a bottom shelf, and the second I saw it I knew I was taking it home, I just love the champagne colored glitter. Then I picked up O.P.I Alcatraz... Rocks. A beautiful purple liquid sand polish with flecks of green, blue, pink, and gold, that I have been dying to try. And finally, if you've been reading my wishlist you know I have been hunting down a matte topcoat forever. Every time I would see one, it was either sold out, or my local drugstore didn't carry it. But my hunt is finally over! I bought Essie Matte About You matte finisher.
The Hard Candy polish is actually not from Ulta, but from the Super Walmart around the corner, where I was doing some grocery shopping. I love the light purple jelly like formula, and round glitters of pink and teal. I will be swatch & reviewing all these polishes in the near future, so keep an eye out if your interested!
Also, while I was at Ulta I saw my dream fragrance, Marc Jacobs Honey, which if you remember from my fragrance sample review (here.), I was obsessed with the fragrance, just not the $90 price tag. So I went a bit crazy with the tester they had on display :p. It just smells so good!

Scarves - $2 each. Clutch - $5.
I needed more winter clothes, as it is right around the corner. What I didn't need was scarves - I have quite the collection. -. But they were only $2 each! How could I pass them up... I bought them at Ocean State Job Lot. Which is a small discount store that sells just random crap. But if you really look you can find some cool things, like these scarves. The yellow one is my favorite, and is actually an infinity scarf. I bought a winter coat at the same store, which is black and white, so I wanted it to give the coat a pop of color. The blue one is just cute, and I wanted it... Don't judge me...
The cute lemon yellow clutch is from my work, and was on clearance! How could I not! Plus it matches my yellow scarf perfectly. It was fate... I hate how in the winter my wardrobe is always so dark and dreary, so I figured the clutch could add a pop of color when I'm wearing all my winter layers of black and grey neutrals.

Hounds tooth coat - $40.
This coat is also from ocean state, and I love it so much. I was shocked when I saw it, they usually only stock the most hideous coats. I love the pattern, the black and white keeps it neutral, but the hounds tooth pattern gives the coat some interest. Plus it has a very vintage shape, it's very 1950's. It makes me feel like Audrey Hepburn. And, you know, it's warm and stuff...

Black cardigan - $15? Leopard print cardigan - $5.
I discovered while going through my wardrobe, that I had like, three sweaters. Not good, especially since I walk to work mostly, and it's getting freezing out. So I have been stocking up. I bought the black cardigan at work, for I think around $15 dollars, maybe more. The leopard print cardigan is actually a surprising discovery at a second hand store for only five dollars. It fits really well, and I think the pattern is super cute. It's neutral, but not boring.

Bow earrings - $4.
I also bought these at my work. They were on clearance. My weakness. I normally don't buy stud earrings, my hair is cut into a bob, so I can't see them. But I thought these were just so cute and girly.

Pikachu - $25
Why yes, that is a Pikachu onesie. Why yes, I am a 24 year old woman... You can thank my love of Japan for this purchase! I saw it on a Vlog about Japan on Youtube, and then I saw a haul from a blogger in England who bought one from Amazon. So of course I had to go on Amazon and get one too... Basically, if I'm not working, I'm at home in my Pikachu, blogging or watching TV... I don't care, it's just so comfy!

Shoes - $19
These are also from work. I needed some new shoes for the trek to work - It usually takes 30-40 minutes.-, that wouldn't cause blisters or foot pain. I have a red pair of flat moccasins that I normally wear, but it's getting colder and they are open around my foot. Brrrr! These shoes are super comfortable, and feel like I'm wearing slippers. I also like the silver studs, they look a bit more dressed up for work, plus they look so cute with skinny jeans. Sorry about the dust and dirt on them, as you can see I've been wearing them frequently.

Sweater - $15? Hat - $7?
Sorry, I'm not very good at remembering prices after this length of time, but the cost of both items is around that. Both are from work. Yet another sweater. It's an open slouchy cardigan, and I just love how soft it is. I can just throw a blouse underneath and some skinny jeans, and feel put together, and most importantly, warm.
The hat is adorable! I needed something to wear for my walk to work, since I would leave the house with super cute smooth hair, and by the time I got to work, the wind would turn my hair into a rats nest. But now, my hair is protected, plus I look cute and cozy.

That's it! Now for my announcement! I adopted the cutest little thing yesterday!

His name is Charles Francis Xavier, but I just call him Xavier. Yes, he is named after Professor X, my favorite character from X-men besides Wolverine. He is a 5 month old ferret, who is slightly crazy, and loves to run around and play with his new lamb toy. He was waiting to be adopted for over a month, - Since he is a bit older, no one wanted him. Everyone wants babies. - but I am so glad, because now he is a new member of my furry family! If you follow me on Instagram I'm warning you now, my feed is going to be full of his cute furry face for a while.

Thanks for reading!
- Brittany

What have you bought lately? Are there any products that you are dying to try? Have a haul post you want me to check out? Let me know in the comments!

Follow on Bloglovin

Askruk46

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)