February-June 2012 Collective Haul & Packages

11:17:00 PM mandy 13 Comments

It's been a while since I've shared what beauty items I purchased. Mostly because of school taking over the last few months of my life, but I also didn't feel I made many interesting purchases to share. Over the past 5 months, I bought maybe 2 or 3 beauty items per month at most. I didn't even need to put myself on a ban because of how busy I got. I was close to putting myself on one though! Especially after my huge Sasa haul in January! I was afraid of how much I bought then after looking back at it...Compared to the last haul post I shared, this is much more tamed.



Ecotools Bamboo Bronzer Brush & Ecotools Bamboo Powder Brush
I finally signed up for Rite Aid's Reward program. I'm not the biggest saver/coupon user but I can only save when I have the card. Rite Aid had a rare (at least I think it is rare) BOGO free. I didn't want to let go of the opportunity. Ecotools makes very nice synthetic brushes. I've wanted to try their Bronzer Brush for a while but never quite wanted to take the plunge to buy yet another kabuki brush. On the other hand, I chose the powder brush on a whim because I wanted to get the most out of the BOGO free (these two were similarly priced). I don't regret purchasing either. Contrary, I ended using the powder brush more. Its size and shape are very similar to the ELF Complexion brush. But I love using the Ecotools Powder brush more because it feels sturdier.

With the rewards card, I'll have to slowly learn the art of saving/couponing from the masters! If anyone has recommendations...do share!





L'Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow 888 Iced Latte & 890 Bronzed Taupe
After seeing all the hype that these eyeshadows brought about, I got sucked in and was itching to get one to call my own. They aren't an expensive item, but I didn't feel completely comfortable spending $9-10 on an eyeshadow when I'm not a big shadow wearer. When I saw the Walgreens in my area sell these for closer to $8 and with shadows in stock, I couldn't walk away from them...! It took me a long time to choose between all of the choices. All of the shades available were SUCH nice colors. But in the end, natural won over because I didn't know when I'd be able to wear such smokey colors. Perhaps in the future, if L'Oreal doesn't discontinue them I'll collect the rest! I've tried these out over the past few months and I prefer to apply them with a brush. I found that my fingers didn't pack the same shimmer/glittery effect.



Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat & Sally Hansen nail growth Miracle Serum
I've tried the version of the Insta-Dri where you need to use a dropper. I was quite fond of how quickly it made my nail polish dried. So I wanted to give the top coat with the regular brush applicator a try. I must say, this could be my new favorite top coat! It dries very quickly and is very easy to spread. I haven't had it long enough to see if it becomes a sticky/thick mess like Seche Vite does but I'll report back on it!

I got the nail growth serum on a whim. I didn't read up on it like I usually do before making a beauty purchase. But Sally Hansen was BOGO 50% off so I decided to take the plunge. I haven't been using it religiously enough to say how well it strengthens nails in the long run. One thing that I find annoying with the product is how I have to rub the serum into my nails. It takes quite a long time to fully rub all the serum in. If I had the choice I'd probably go for the brush on versions instead just because I like fuss-free products.



Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter & Sephora Birthday Gift (Fresh Super Kisses Mixed Lip Duo)
Philosophy Hope in a Jar Oil-Free samples x3
I went to Sephora specifically to get the birthday gift. But I felt bad leaving empty-handed and asking for something free...so I bought something small. I've heard lilladylife say good things about Pacifica's body butter so I got a tube of it to try. There weren't many travel bottles of the lotion at the Sephora I went to so I ended up choosing the Blood Orange scent. For me, it smells a bit strange, but I guess I'm just not used to the Blood Orange smell?

The lip duo was the item I looked forward to using the most. I've only tried the tinted version for now because of how many lip balms I have open right now. I noticed that they used chemical sunscreen in these lip balms. Usually, I try to stay away from chemical sunscreens but it is also a plus since I heard that even lips need to be protected from the sun in some way!



Silicone Scrublet & Daiso Detergent for puff and sponge
Bestie and I really wanted to try the silicone scrublet after bubzbeauty shared how she cleaned her skin. We bought this particular version from an eBay seller. I haven't tried it yet but bestie said that our version of the scrublet didn't felt like it did any more cleansing than using her hands. I assume it's because this silicone doesn't feel as firm/strong as bubz's version looked. Also, the little teeth/protrusions that are used to scrub the skin doesn't look like they'll do much due to its height and flimsiness. Perhaps there are some things that are worth the amount you pay?



Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Hidden Treasure (New version), OPI Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous, MUJI Cleansing Oil
I like the purple pearlescent shade of the Hidden Treasure polish. I've only used it once as an accent color while wearing a pastel purple shade. It gave a very nice subtle pop. I can't wait to try it with other shades other than purple. Although I do have a complaint with the naming. If I'm correct, Sally Hansen also released another high-coveted polish called Hidden Treasure a couple of years ago. Bestie told me the numbering isn't the same, but sharing the same name could get a little confusing!

I've already posted the swatches to Lucerene-taintly Look Marvelous. It is one of my most favorite shades to wear. It makes my nails look SO much slimmer and isn't as plain as a regular black polish. LOVE!!

After I saw MUJI's Facebook page updated that MUJI USA carried their skincare line, I got very excited. A few years ago, bloggers in Asia were raving about it's cleansing oil and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. After using it for a couple of months, I can say that like it very much. My skin hasn't gotten used to the product yet and doesn't get all dry and tight after washing my face...at least it hasn't yet. One thing I noticed that was different than other cleansing oils I've tried is MUJI's cleansing oil says a bit longer to rinse off. It isn't too much of a problem for me though but it is something to note.



Sephora Collection Pro Concealer Airbrush #57
This was the first Sephora coupon that I ever received in the mail. I was a little shocked but happy to see the coupon. I was waiting for this 15% off for a whole year and already knew what I wanted to get. I must say I felt very proud of myself that I was able to control my spending at Sephora. Usually, I'd go crazy and buy a lot because 15% isn't really much of a discount when you buy something small. At least that is what I think...Anyways, I really love this concealer brush. It makes applying undereye concealer a breeze! In fact, I really like to use the two Sephora Platinum brushes I have. Note to self: Buy more from this brush line in the future!



My Scheming Masks!!
Recently my aunt replenished her masks stock and that could only mean more masks for me to try. I haven't even gone through all of the ones she gave me last time and here I am with about 10-12 new ones. I don't usually see any other effect from masks other than hydrating/moisturizing and making my skin feel more supple. The main reason I use masks if just as a pick-me-up and to relax. Has anyone used My Scheming Masks before? How are they?







Target 2012 Sample Beauty Bag
Of all the samples, I am looking forward to using the Nivea lotion, Neutrogena cleanser, and L'Oreal primer most. Has anyone else used these products before?

That wasn't too bad, now was it? I hope it didn't disappoint too many readers! (I noticed that my some of my haul posts have the highest number of hits.) I am going to devote myself to getting out all the reviews and swatches that everyone who reads hauls posts probably wants to really see! Please bear with me :]