The Mane
Over the weekend I decided to indulge in one of my favorite wellness past times: retail therapy (yay!). I took full advantage of Ulta’s hair sale, and I purchased two large sized shampoo and conditioners from Joico. I love their K-Pak line because it restored my hair, and this is one line I don’t think I will ever stop using.
I also purchased a shampoo from the Not Your Mother’s line from Ulta, the Way to Grow Long and Strong shampoo which focuses on helping you reach your hair goals for longer and faster growing hair. The shampoo contains biotin, horse chestnut seed extract, and a multi-vitamin complex. I have tried their products in the past and I was a fan, so why not take advantage of the sale now? The line strives to emphasize natural ingredients, and it is paraben, dye, and sulfate free; which is great, but it doesn’t lather as much as I usually prefer. This causes me to use more of the product, so I tend to go through a bottle fairly quickly. Overall it is affordable and a great product.
Let’s Talk About Skin:
Mario Badescu Seaweed Cleansing Soap: I don’t know why I have never tried anything from this line before, but I am glad I decided to give it a try! I was in Urban Outfitters and I decided to pick this product up, and I am beyond happy with the results! When I got home the first thing I did was remove my makeup and wash my face with this new soap. It was amazing. I liked how it is a combination of cleanser and light exfoliater at the same time. My skin felt soft and clean, and the formula worked great for my sensitive-combination type skin. I also like that this cleaner was reasonably priced. I am looking forward to trying other product’s from the Mario Badescu line!
Kiehl’s Cranberry and Turmeric Face Mask:
With the summer season having arrived and all of us finding ourselves outdoors more often, it is quite crucial to stay hydrated. I picked up a Cranberry and Turmeric Mask from the Kiehl’s store. I have not tried this mask prior to purchasing, but I was looking for something with more long term moisturizing ability. I have been using my sheet masks from Tony and Molly, but I was ready to try something different. The cranberry seeds work as an exfoliater in the Kiehl mask, and after using it my skin looked and felt more radiant and moisturized. I love all of Kiehl’s products in general, and I’m fairly certain that I will be purchasing this again in the future!
Speaking of moisturizers, I also needed a moisturizer that was lightweight enough for summer and wouldn’t irritate my sensitive skin, so I purchased the small Ultra facial cream from Kiehl’s as well. I have been using this lotion on and off for many years. It is one that I contantly return to. I love that the lids on this cream and mask says Kiehl’s loves LA for part of their promotion.
Micellar Water by Garnier:
There are three different kinds of Micellar Waters from Garnier. This time I picked up the blue one, which happens to be my favorite. It removes all traces of makeup and leaves skin feeling fresh and clean. I love how inexpensive and great this product is!
Makeup:
Kat Von D EverlastingLiquid Lipstick in Bow and Arrow: I don’t know why I have never purchased any products from her line before!? I have had friends rave on and on about her line but I never got around to purchasing anything. Since the theme of this retail therapy session was trying new products I gave it a try, and like the other pleasant surprises from the haul I am absolutely glad that I did! This matte liquid lipstick is non-drying and long lasting unlike other matte lipsticks I have tried. The price is for this product is surprisingly affordable, too. I am hooked! My next shade will definitely be Lolita which is also a nudish hue.
Agave Lip Balm by Bite:
I think this is the most expensive lip balm that I have ever purchased! I was browsing Sephora on my lunch break, and I kept telling myself I am only here to see what’s new since last week (haha, shopaholic problems!). My lips were feeling dry, and I took a sample of the tester to try and I was smitten! I love how this lip balm smells and feels. Do I think $18 plus tax is a ridiculous price for a lip balm? Absolutely! Will I purchase this again in the future? We shall see..
Coverfix Custom Enhancer drops in Moonlight :
I have used a primer from Coverfix in the past, but was not a huge fan. I was looking for something to make me more glowy for the summer, and I happened to chance upon this product. I dripped a drop of the serum and mixed it into my Chanel foundation that I am currently using, and it completely transformed my foundation from sheer to golden while giving more coverage. The price is a bit steep, but I am in love with this product and I think a little goes a long way!
Tawny V 