Beauty Trove's Top 5 for February

Hi Everyone!  Sorry I have been gone for a hot minute.  Things have been somewhat hectic at work and I have been playing catch up for the last couple of weeks.  I will be updating Beauty Trove with new sales, hauls, and favorites.  For now, I will start with letting you all know what my favorites have been for February.

1. Maybelline Fit Me Foundation Matte and Poreless ($7.29).  For the past few months, I have been trying on drug store foundations.  And I have to say that the drug store lines are stepping up their game.  During February I wore Maybelline's Fit Me Matte and Poreless Foundation nonstop.  I

just love this foundation for a demi-matte and flawless finish.  I find that I can wear this foundation for up to 8 hours with minimal breakup.  The Fit Me line can be built up for medium coverage.  I also like that the foundation is not too heavy.  If you have not tried the Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless foundation, you should definitely stop by your drug store or Ulta and check it out.

2.  Maybelline Fit Me Loose Powder ($5.89).  I have paired the Fit Me Foundation with the Fit Me Loose Powder during Feburary.  The hype over this powder is real.  The powder is finely milled and applies beautifully over skin.  The powder creates an airbrush appearance and sets makeup nicely.  I think this may be my favorite drug store setting powder.  And at 5.89, it is worth every penny. 

3.  Coloured Raine Cheers to the Beauty (orig. $50, sale $40).  I bought this palette at the original price during the winter holidays.  I came across this on the colored raine site and thought it looked absolutely gorgeous.  In person, it is just as beautiful and does not disappoint.  The eyeshadows are hyper pigmented, buttery, and apply smoothly.  It is almost effortless to blend the colors out on the eyelid.  I especially love using this palette for evening parties.  I would highly suggest picking this eyeshadow palette up even if it was not on sale.

4.  MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Double Gleam ($34).  MAC highlighters especially the one in double gleam is a classic for a reason.  Double gleam is a smooth, light gold-silver highlighter that melts flawlessly into the cheekbones and other high points on the face.  This highlighter is not for the faint of heart.  It truly is for those who want a highlight that will outshine Apollo himself.  I am so

glad I have finally picked up this MAC highlighter. 

5.  ColourPop NKLA x Laura Lee Super Shock Eyeshadow Quad ($18).  Colourpop has paired with cosmetics influencer/youtuber, Laura Lee and No Kill LA for this lovely super shock eyeshadow quad.  The quad features 2 metallic/glitter and 2 matte super shock shadows in the warm tone shade family.  I could not be happier with this purchase.  The glitter shades are to die for.  I love wearing them alone and on top of a regular eyeshadow for an extra pop of shimmer.  The matte shades are super creamy and blend out nicely.  I am planning on picking up another quad as a backup.  Most importantly, the proceeds from the eyeshadow quad go directly to No Kill LA, a no kill shelter group for stray pets.  Help support NKLA while looking bomb by picking up the Laura Lee x NKLA eyeshadow quad.

Time for a Major Haul- Urban Decay Sale!

Urban Decay is having a 25% off sale March 1-2, 2018 for their Friends and Fanatics Event.  Now is your time to stock up on your must haves like the UD All Nighter Setting Spray (orig. $32; sale $24).  Or splurge and finally get that Naked 1 palette (org. $54; sale $40.50).  Use code UDFANATICS18 at checkout to get 25% off your purchase.

Beauty Trove's Top 5 for January 2018!

We are officially done with the first month of 2018!  I don't know about you but the start of 2018 feels a lot like 2017 did.  I seriously think I need to stop watching the news during the weekend and just catch up on Saturday.  Luckily, the makeup I have been trying out and loving this month has giving me a bright spot during the month.  If you want to know what I have been loving in cosmetics and beauty this January, keep reading.

1.  The Lorac Mega Pro 4 Palette ($59.00).  I picked this one up from Ulta on sale based off of a review by EmilyNoel83.  I am so happy with this purchase!  I love Lorac shadows and the Pro 4 did not disappoint.  This is a really fun palette with some truly unique shades.  I really love the FairyTale, Lotus, Unicorn and Steel Wool shades, they are simply some of the best metallics on the market.  All the shadows blend out like a dream.  I will be using this palette again in April.  It has a spring vibe about it. 

2.  Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Collection in Comfort Zone ($2.49).  This palette is simply icon.  The formula is extremely buttery and I wasn't expecting such a high quality given the price tag.  I love the greens and the dark neutrals.  The palette is currently on sale on the Wet n Wild website since its new formulation.  I would pick this one up while you still can.

3.  Elf Cosmetics Flawless Finishing Foundation ($6.00).  Elf has stepped up its game with this foundation!  I use a beauty blender with this foundation and it gives me the perfect look.  I look airbrushed and flawless.  This is also a great foundation for the winter since it is hydrating.  I think this would also work for those with combination skin but may not be appropriate if you are more oily.  This is definitely worth checking out and you can't beat the price.  The packaging is really good as well.  I love the glass bottle with the pump dispenser, it feels very high end. 

4.  J. Cat Beauty You Glow Girl Baked Highlighter in Bella Rosa ($8.99).  What a beautiful highlighter!  This highlighter blends easily on the highest points of your face and this shade in particular gives you the most beautiful pink glow.  I really love this highlighter and will be picking up more.  J. Cat Beauty has three new shades in and I can't wait to own them all.  This will be a great highlighter for February and in the spring.

5.  Revlon ColourBurst Matte Balm in Elusive ($5.99).  I hate having dry lips during the winter and have been using hydrating lip products throughout January.  One of my favorites is the Revlon ColourBurst Matt Balm in Elusive.  This formula is extremely hydrating, plumping, and cooling.  There is quite the shade range and I hope that Revlon will start creating some new colors.  Elusive is a pretty true pink.  This shade is a nice complement with the J. Cat highlighter and Lorac Pro 4 palette.  

Beauty Trove's Top 5 for December 2017!

Happy New Year Everyone!  This has been a thoroughly tough year and I am glad to be in 2018.  It feels great that we can start to shed the events of 2017.  To celebrate, here are my top picks in cosmetics and beauty for December 2017.  Let me know what your favorites for December are!

1.  Lorac Pro Palette ($44.00).  I am so glad I bought this eyeshadow palette.  I know I am late to the game but this is an iconic palette for a reason.  The colors are separated out into two rows, one for shimmers and one for mattes.  I like the categorization.  It makes it easy to create a fast eye look when I need to be rushing out the door.  The eyeshadows are gorgeous and really creamy.  They blend extremely easy.  I can't wait to purchase more eyeshadows from Lorac.  I do wish they would do a special restock of the Lorac Mega Pro 2 so that I could add this to my collection.  A girl can dream!

2.  Too Faced Peaches and Cream Comfort Matte Foundation ($36.00).  Okay this is your warning.  I am going to be featuring a lot from the Too Faced Peaches and Cream collection for my favorites.  I have to admire a good matte foundation.  I love wearing a matte foundation in the winter and this one does not disappoint.  The coverage is amazing and I can wear it throughout the day without any touch ups.  It smells like peaches too!

3.  Too Faced Peaches and Cream Peach Perfecting Mattifying Setting Powder ($32.00).  There is a reason why places like Sephora can never keep this setting powder in stock.  This is one of the finest milled powders I have ever use, absolutely soft.  It smells fantastic.  The powder really does keep you matte throughout the day.  Also, I really love the container.  It has a snap on lid that makes it easy to dispense and store your powder.  This pairs amazingly with the comfort matte foundation.  A fantastic pair!

4.  Too Faced Peaches and Cream Just Peach Velvet Matte Eyeshadow Palette ($45.00).  Wow, just, wow!  If you are looking to pick up something from the Peaches and Cream collection, look no further.  This is a great matte palette for lovers of warm toned eyeshadows.  You can get a lot of neutral, peach and berry looks with this eyeshadow palette.  I think this palette would especially be great for February.  The shadows blend really well and there is little to no fallout.  Definitely worth checking out next time you are at Sephora.

5.  Lottie London Only Got It Covered Sponge Applicator Concealer ($5.49).  I love drug-store makeup finds.  Lottie London is a relatively new brand to Ulta and has some absolutely lovely cosmetics.  I have been using the concealer nonstop for December and now January.  The coverage is excellent and really covers my dark under eye circle.  I also use this for extra coverage on my nose and chin.  The concealer blends out easy and is perfect when you set with powder.  Trust me this concealer is going to be a mainstay in my everyday makeup drawer.

Beauty Trove's Top 5 for June 2017

It's time again for monthly favorites!  I have a little bit of everything this month, most of the products I've been loving this month are pretty affordable.  If you want to know more about Beauty Trove's Top 5 for June 2017, keep reading.


1.  No7 Lift & Luminate Foundation ($15.99).  I first heard of this foundation through favorite reviews of KathleenLights and JamBeauty89.  There is a reason why this foundation was a favorite of two top beauty vloggers.  First, for a drug-store foundation, there are a number of great shades.  I think if this product is talked about more, No7 will consider expanding is color range.  This is a medium coverage foundation and it applies smoothly.  I really love this foundation even compared to some higher end ones.  It gives you an air-brushed appearance and it wears nicely throughout the day.  On my skin, it starts to break down after 10 hours of wear.  The foundation gives a fantastic dewy appearance that doesn't like like you are completely dripping...just a nice glow.  I would wait to get the foundation when you see a price reduction.  Typically, Ulta has a BOGO 50% off on No7 items every few weeks.  Otherwise, Target recently had a 10% off and Walgreens also has specials on No7 products.  I am almost finished with my first bottle of No7 lift & luminate so you know that this is something special.

2.  Wet n Wild MegaSlim Skinny Mascara ($4.99).  I've been on the hunt to find a cheaper replacement for the Clinquie bottom lash, and I have finally found one.  This mascara is fantastic for your bottom lashes.  The wand is skinny enough to get close to the lash line and it only requires one swipe because of the length of the wand.  This really gives you a lot of bang for your buck.  If you get this from the Wet n Wild site, they will give you 10% off your first order.  

3.  Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten in Pink Buttercream ($28.00).  I picked this little beauty up in Ulta's 21 days of Beauty for 50% off.  I am so glad I did.  This is the perfect pink blush to give your cheeks a flush of color.  When I look at this blush on the skin, it looks like summer.  This is a very lovely shade that completes fair to medium skin tones perfectly.  If you purchase this from the Laura Geller site, you can get $5 off your first order.

4.  ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in Cheap Date ($5.00).  I've been trying to use my ColourPop shadows more recently.  I started using Cheap Date at least once a week.  This is an incredible gold shadow with hints of silver.  It actually looks like melted gold!  I absolutely love it.  I apply the shadow on my lid with my ring finger so it really packs the color on.  

5.  Bath and Body Works Fiji Pineapple Palm Ultra Shea Body Cream ($3.25).  OMG this cream smells amazing.  I am a huge fan of Bath Body Works' Body Creams.  This is the perfect cream for the summer.  I love applying this on my arms and legs before I start my day.  Fiji is the perfect combination of pineapple and coconut.  I picked up another bottle recently at Bath and Body Works semi-annual sale.  I am also thinking of purchasing the shower gel and the body spray.  At $3.25 this body cream won't stay around long, be sure to check it out!

Let me know what your June favorites are by commenting below!

Half-Yearly Sale at BH Cosmetics!

BH Cosmetics is having their half-yearly sale.  All items (with the exception of sale cosmetics and the Carli Bybel palette...I know too bad it doesn't include this) are 33% off.  Free shipping is included on orders over $45.  Some items that are worth checking out are the Backlight and Spotlight highlighting palettes ($11.38 each), the Solar Flare palette ($10.71, shown below), and the Marble Collection Warm Stone Eyeshadow palette ($8.03).  The last day for the sale is July 1st.

April 2017 Top 5 Favorites

Sorry I've been absent lately.  It has been a hectic time with some family health emergencies.  But I am happy to share the top 5 cosmetics I have been enjoying for the month of April.  If you want to know what I think have been great products this month, please keep reading!

1.  The Galaxy Chic Palette ($15.99).  So I confess that I have owned this palette for at least 5 months now but never really played around with it.  I know some beauty bloggers will have a monthly makeup drawer, which I think is a great idea to circulate some palettes that you haven't used in awhile.  Bottom line: I love this palette.  I feel that BHCosmetics is a brand that is certainly not talked about enough.  The packaging on the Galaxy Chic palette is okay.  It is a sturdy cardboard palette that does have a fairly decent mirror.  The palette comes with 18 beautiful baked eyeshadows.  I really like how the eyeshadows have a marbled look to them.  I will say that the palette is not a stand alone look and that you will need to borrow from other parts of your makeup collection for transition and brow bone shades.  But the eyeshadow colors are very pigmented and shimmery.  I especially like the Cosmic and Aphrodite shades for a fun purple and wine look.  I do have a tutorial on the Galaxy Chic palette to give you some ideas on how you can use this palette.  BHCosmetics usually has 20-25% off sales throughout the year so I would purchase this palette then.  Overall, I really enjoyed the Galaxy Chic palette.

2.  Bare It All 4-in-1 Skin-Perfecting Foundation ($39.00).  If you are wanting a full coverage foundation that doesn't dry out your skin, look no farther.  Pur Cosmetics' Bare It All 4-in-1 Skin-Perfecting Foundation is a creamy, full-coverage foundation.  It applies beautifully using the Real-Techniques miracle sponge of the EcoTools sponge, most likely it would work well with a Beauty Blender.  I was really impressed that just the smallest amount of this foundation covered up all redness and dark circles.  My skin looked absolutely flawless. The foundation has 1.5 ounces of product and comes in 10 colors.  I think as the popularity of this product grows that Pur will start to increase their color range.  I know this is somewhat pricey.  If you sign up for the Pur newsletter, they will let you know when they have different sales.  I picked up two in the shade Porcelain during their BOGO sale.

3.  Mary Kay Eye Color Palette in Sunlight ($24.00).  The Mary Kay Eye Color Palette in Sunlight is perfect for the spring and summer.  Just looking at the palette makes me happy.  The packaging is very compact and looks like a modern piece of art.  The Sunlight palette has 4 stunning bright shades that apply like butter.  You can get a number of fun looks with this palette.  My favorite way to wear this is by using the orange shade as the transition, the purple on my lid, the pink as my outer corner color, and the soft ivory color on my brow bone.  This is a limited edition palette so if you are considering getting this I would go and talk to your beauty consultant or purchase online.

4.  Versailles Lip Whip ($20.00).  Beauty Bakerie is a relatively new brand for me.  I've purchased three different lip whips from them but Versailles is my favorite.  I've paired this with the Mary Kay

Eye Palette and the Galaxy Chic Palette.  The lip whip is a moussey texture and dries down matte.  It is the perfect shade of cool mauve-pink.  Simply gorgeous!

5. Nyx Cosmetics Perfect Filter Shadow Palette in Rustic Antique ($20.00).  This Nyx palette in Rustic Antique is a warm toned eyeshadow lover's dream.  The palette comes with 10 sizeable, creamy, and highly pigmented shades in warm tones of brown, gold, pink and wine.  I bought this during the Ulta 20% off sale and am super glad I did.  The packaging is okay but the colors really put this palette as one of my top favorites.  I think this palette would be perfect for the Fall.  I am looking forward to using all the colors more often this year.  

So those are my top 5 favorites for the month of April?  What are your favorite cosmetics for the month of April?  Have you tried any of the products I've listed?  Let me know and comment below!

March 2017 Top 5 Favorites

It's the last day of March.  You know what that means?  Top 5 monthly favorites!!!

1.  Makeup Revolution Naked Chocolate Palette ($15.00).  I am so glad I purchased this palette!  I've used it pretty much everyday this March.  It has quality eye shadows at a super affordable price.  The palette comes with 16 buttery and highly pigmented eye shadows.  There is a nice mix of highlighters (for your brow bone), transition shades, shimmer shades, and darker shades for the outer v or eyeliner.  One of the reasons that I have been continuously going for this palette is that it is a stand alone palette, meaning you don't have to go searching for other eye shadows to complete your look.  Also, this is a great palette that transitions from day to night easily.  The palette itself is very aesthetically pleasing.  It is in a very cute yellow case that looks like a chocolate bar that is slightly melting.  If you like to display your makeup on a vanity, this would be a great palette to select.  I don't really care for the sponge brush that is inside the palette.  I use my Real techniques brush with the eye shadows.  The color payoff is fantastic.  I highly recommend this product.  You won't be disappointed if you get one for yourself or for a friend.

2.  Maybelline New York Dream Cushion Fresh Face Liquid Foundation ($12.98).  I usually don't go for drug-store foundations and stick to companies like Too Faced and Pur Cosmetics.  I made an exception for this because I heard a lot of great reviews and I was intrigued by a cushion formula.  Glad I took a chance on this.  This is a great foundation if you want a medium coverage look.  It is very easy to use, applies nicely, and covers blemishes easily.  There is a price range with this depending upon where you get it.  I think Walmart has one of the cheaper price tags.  The color range is a little limited but it might be that Maybelline is testing to see how well consumers like it before expanding to other shades.  I like to use this as an every day makeup look and save my more expensive foundations for special events or job interviews.

3.  Maybelline Color Sensational Inti-Matte Nudes Lipcolor in Almond Rose ($5.59).  Maybelline has been on a role!  Almond Rose is such a beautiful shade of nude-pink.  It pairs nicely with any eye shadow look.  I've worn this lipstick pretty much everyday this month with the Naked Chocolate palette above.  It wears nicely throughout the day and requires minimal touch up.  It also is very comfortable and is not drying to the lips.  I recently purchased other shades in the line, Beige babe and purely nude, and can't wait to try them out.

4.  Mary Kay Makeup Finishing Spray by Skindinavia ($18.00).  I've been setting my face makeup with Mary Kay's finishing spray.  The setting spray is by Skindinavia, which is a well known for its bridal finishing spray.  The spray dries down quickly and keeps my makeup in place.  It also works well as a refresher throughout the day (16 hours).  

5.  Make Up For Ever Pro Light Fusion Highlighter in Color 1 ($39.00).  One of my favorite cosmetics is highlighters.  And I do love me some glow!  The new MUF highlighters definitely deliver on some high impact glow. I've only tried the color 1 since it is meant for light to medium tones.  This is a gorgeous pink and slightly golden highlighter.  You can build the highlight up if you want to take a 20 watt to a 1,000 watt glow.  This is a great highlighter for work, if you apply it with a subtle hand.  It is expensive.  But if you are going to mainly be using one highlighter, the MUF  color 1 is worth the investment.  The packaging is very durable and the highlighter comes with a nice attached mirror.

This wraps up Beauty Trove's Top 5 for the month of March.  Have you tried any of these products out?  What were your top 5 for March?  Comment below!

Winter Empties 2017

Hi Everyone!  So supposedly we are entering Spring...although the view from place says otherwise.  Hopefully, all you folks out east are hunkered down for the winter storm.  I started saving some of the empty products that I finished this winter (probably starting in mid December) so that I could share which products I will be repurchasing and why (also why I won't be repurchasing some products).  Just as a disclaimer some of the products that I won't buy again just didn't work for me.  You may have found that these items work well for you.  And with that, let's get started!

Bath & Personal Hygiene Products.  I only have three items since I started saving my empty bottles.  There are 2 body washes and 1 deodorant.

• Secret deodorant pH balanced in shower fresh ($2.47)- It's deodorant.  It did what it was supposed to do.  I did repurchase another secret deodorant.  
• Softsoap body wash Fresh and Glow Milk Protein and Almond ($2.97)- This is a nice moisturizing body wash.  I usually alternate between using this and an exfoliating body wash.  The fresh and glow body wash smells really nice but it is not overpowering.  I did repurchase this item.
• Caress Evenly Gorgeous Exfoliating Body Wash ($3.97)- I actually started using this body wash due to Dani's (from Coffee Break with Dani) recommendation.  I did really love this product.  Caress' Evenly Gorgeous smelled fantastic, lathered nicely, and had amazing exfoilating power without feeling that you were ripping your skin off.  However, the product went through package reformatting.  I don't really care for that.  I used to be able to turn the bottle upside down to make sure I got every last bit of product out (or most of it).  I can't do
  
  that with the new bottle.  Also, I've noticed that the formula isn't the same. Although the company says that they have not reformulated the body wash, it really looks different and doesn't preform as well.  I've attached a photo below of the new and old body washes.  The new one is located on the left and the old one is located on the right.  The old body wash looks thicker, at least to me.  I did repurchase 2 bottles of the new packaging, but I won't re-buy after I use the two bottles up.  I am looking around to see if I can find a price comparable exfoilating wash that performs like the old version of evenly gorgeous.  If you have any that you like to use, please comment on this post.  

Face Cleansers, Serums, Lotions, and Makeup Removers.

I have used up 2 cleansers, 2 serums, 1 face lotion, and 2 makeup removers.

• Mary Kay Oil-free Eye Makeup Remover ($15.00).  This is my ride or die eye makeup remover.  I love this product!  It is one of the few eye makeup removers that does not burn my eyes like the heat of 1,000 suns.  It removes all of my eye make up and waterproof mascara.  I have repurchased this item.  Really worth every penny.
• Mary Kay TimeWise Day Solution Sun Screen Broad Spectrum ($32.00).  This is a nice facial sun screen.  Do you need to absolutely purchase a face sun screen from Mary Kay? No, but I would recommend you buy something that works for you and your budget.  Even in the winter, you should be wearing sun screen.  I like this one because it works for me and doesn't cause me to break out.  I have since repurchased from my Mary Kay independent beauty consultant.
• Mary Kay TimeWise 3-in-1 Cleanser ($20.00).  This is another ride or die for me.  I use this as a daily cleanser (I toggle between the cleanser for dry skin and the one for oily/combination).  It really doesn't have much of a fragrance but it acts as a cleanser, toner, and exfoilator.  Really nice cleanser and you don't need to use a lot of it.  It lasts up to 3 months.  I've repurchased this  item.  
• Mary Kay Timewise Age-fighting Moisturizer ($24.00).  This is a nice moisturizer for anti-aging.  I think everyone should start using an anti-aging moisturizing starting in their mid-20s.  I like to use this one at night.  I typically use a heavier cream in the morning because I find it helps my makeup application.  I've repurchased this product.  
• Mario Badescu Strawberry Face Scrub ($15.00).  The Strawberry Face Scrub is the most delicious exfoliating scrub I have used.  It has strawberry seeds to act as a natural exfoiliant, which I love.  I use this product once a week at night in place of the Mary Kay 3-in-1 cleanser.  I will be repurchasing this product this week.
• Formula 10.0.6 So Totally Clean Micellar Water for Sensitive Skin ($5.99).  I liked this product.  It smells somewhat like witch hazel but it does get all of your makeup off without causing irritated skin.  It is somewhat pricey when you consider you are only getting 8 oz. of fluid.  I haven't repurchased this yet since I put the Garnier's micellar water.  If this does go on sale at Ulta, I would consider repurchasing. 
• DDF Wrinkle Resist Plus Pore Minimizer Moisturizing Serum ($85.00).  This was a sample I received from Sephora.  I did like this product a lot, it smells great but I am not sure if it really did anything for my skin.  I don't have any dramatic pores or wrinkles..yet, so maybe it would work for me in the future.  But that price!  I think I will look for a cheaper serum to replace this one with.  

Sheet Masks.  I used a lot of these.  I typically use 1 a week.

• Biobelle Sheet Masks ($4.99).  These are some of my favorite sheet masks.  I featured these on a haul and one of my top 5 monthly favorites.  Looks like the ones I used this winter are the decadence and beauty secret masks. The masks themselves apply smooth and they really do hydrate your face.  I have repurchased these masks.  I usually wait to get these when they are on sale at Ulta.  Ulta will have a BOGO or a buy one get one 50% off.  
• Tony Moly Mekgeoli Skin Purifying Mask ($3.75).  This is a comfortable mask that provides hydration.  I would repurchase this mask.
• Leaders 7 Wonders Mediterranean Olive Brightening Mask ($6.00).  I recently started using this and the mask is quickly becoming my favorite.  The sheet mask is made from fermented coconut and applies like a second skin on your face.  I did notice that the mask brigtened and moisturized my face making it silky smooth.  I have repurchased this mask.  Again, wait until there is a sale for these at Ulta since they are a little more expensive.  I waited for a BOGO free sale.
• Sephora Collection Lotus Sheet Mask ($6.00).    This smells fantastic and does an awesome job to moisturize your face.  These are somewhat pricey.  I usually use this mask once a month.  I would repurchase this item.  I've also heard good things about their rose mask. 
• Say Yes to Coconut Sheet Mask ($2.52).  I picked this one up at a Wal-mart since I was trying out different sheet masks.  I really wished I would have stopped and looked at the reviews before purchasing this.  It is a paper mask, which is fine, but as soon as I put it on my face, it started burning like you wouldn't believe.  When I removed it, my face was extremely red and pretty angry at me.  The online reviews say the same thing.  I also purchased the charcoal mask but...reviews say this burns as well.  I am not planning on using it, and I don't want to give it away in case someone else has the same reaction.  Looks like I will be trashing that one.  I would never repurchase this item.  I do like this brand, they have some nice face oils.  Hopefully, the Say yes to company will think about reformulating their sheet masks. 

Face Primers and CC Cream.  Three items fall in this category.

• Mary Kay Foundation Primer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum 15 ($18.00).  This is a very creamy primer that minimizes pores and provides a smooth application.  It is non-greasy and works well with CC creams, BB creams, and medium coverage foundations.  I have repurchased this item.
• Mary Kay CC Cream in Very Light ($20.00).  I use this CC cream and the one by It Cosmetics.  This has light to medium coverage and looks like natural skin.  I use this product for everyday makeup looks and when I need to get ready in a flash.  I've repurchased this item.  
• Benefit Porefessional Primer ($31.00).  I really like this primer.  It is very smooth and does blur imperfections.  It is pretty expensive for a primer, although it does last a long time.  I would repurchase this item but I think I would only use it for special occasions.  

Face Powder and Bronzer.  I have 2 Mary Kay products listed here.

• Mary Kay Translucent Loose Powder ($16.00).  This is one of the finest powders I have come across.  I use this to set my under eyes, face and neck after concelear and foundation application.  It does a nice job in preventing the foundation from creasing and does not give you that "cake-like" appearance.  I have repurchased this item.
• Mary Kay Bronzing Powder ($18.00).  This is one of the few bronzing powder that doesn't make my face look muddy or look that I have fake bronzer on.  It gives you a nice dewy appearance for a naturally glowy look.  I have received so many compliments about my complexion when I use this.  I have repurchased this item.  

Mascaras.  I have used 4 mascaras and 1 brow gel.

• Mary Kay Brow Gel ($10.00).  This is the best brow gel that I have found.  It keeps my thick brows in place and doesn't give you any of that gel buildup.  I have bought this product again recently.  
• Mary Kay Lash Intensity Mascara ($18.00).  I remember trying to get my hands on this for 2 months, but I completely understand the popularity of this item.  This mascara has a special wand that is used to lengthen, volumize, and curl your eyelashes.  If you get this, be sure to read the instructions as there are a couple of ways to use the wand for your upper and lower eyelashes.  My eyelashes are already pretty long but this made them absolutely pop.  I wouldn't wear this as an everyday mascara but for those special occasions this will be my go to.  I have repurchased this item. 
• Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara ($11.50).  I use this product everyday to get my lower lashes.  The little wand is quite the helper!  It does a great job of defining and lengthening my bottom lashes.  It is pricey and I am seeing if there are other options to save a few bucks.  I have repurchased this mascara.  I think the next time I need this I will see if there is a 20% off sale at Sephora. 
• Maybelline Volum' Express the Mascara, Waterproof ($6.99).  This is a great drug store option for an everyday mascara.  It provides just enough volume and covers all of my eyelashes.  I am waiting for a sale and to get some coupons to repurchase this.  
• BH Cosmetics Bliss Lash Ultimate All-in one mascara ($6.00). I did not like this mascara.  It is simply too messy to use.  The formula clumps and it gets on the side of the tube.  I ended up with a flaky mess next to my vanity and at the end of the day it was all over my under eye area making me look like a panda.  I was really hoping to like this since I've had great experiences with other BH cosmetic items.  But this mascara just did not measure up.  I won't repurchase this.

Well that's it for my winter 2017 empties!  Let me know what your empties this winter were or if you have used any of these items.  Comment below!

Blacker Friday at Urban Decay

Skip the malls, the stores, and the utter madness!  Urban Decay online has an internet breaking sale online.  Get all the cosmetics you have been desiring for 20% off today.  Stock up on your favorite mascara and get some presents for others as well.  Simply use the Promo Code BLACKER at checkout.  My top pick is the Urban Decay Full Spectrum Palette ($44.00; $55.00), shown below. I will keep you updated on other deals this Black Friday.

Black Friday BOGO at Pur

Pur is having the most amazing Black Friday deal.  It is buy one, get one FREE!!!!  Most of the products are part of the BOGO with the exception of the Selfie and Selfie 2 palettes.  When you place an order, you will have to make the second item for the exact same product and color.  This is a good opportunity to stock up on your favorites or to buy a new cosmetic for yourself and as a gift for a friend.  To get in on the best deal of the year, simply type in BOGO2016 in the promo code section at checkout.  My top pick for the sale is the Transformation Sculpting Eye Shadow and Cheek Palette (seen below) for $32.00 for 2.  Go on Gorgeous, check out the sale!

Urban Decay Brush Sale

Urban Decay is known for its bright and vivid colors as well as gorgeous neutrals (found in the naked palettes).  But Urban Decay also has some of the softest cosmetic brushes available.  If you go to the sale section on Urban Decay's site, you will find several cosmetic brushes on sale!  These brushes range from foundation brushes, eye brushes, and lip brushes.  My favorites are The Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush ($13; orig. $26) and the Shading Brush ($13, orig. $26).  These are great prices to try out high end brushes.

March Madness Sale

Lovers of highly pigmented cosemetics prepare yourselves for a fantastic sale.  Urban Decay is having a Friends and Fantastic Event Sale (March 2-7).  All products are 20% off.  Simply use TAKEITOFF promo code at checkout.  While you are at Urban Decay be sure to check out their Spring 2015 collection.  We are in love with their new Moondust Eyeshadows for ($18).