Sephora, Lush, and More Haul!

Something happened a few weeks ago.

I took a look around and realized that I had not spent a dime on anything other than bills and absolute essentials in over a month...and well, that's just no fun. So, I decided to splurge a little and treat myself.

I thought long and hard about what I wanted to spend my money on and after filling "dream carts" on like 8 different websites I decided on Lush.

And as you may or may not know (I did not)...Lush products are made in Canada, freaking British Columbia, Canada which is on the west coast aka really far away from me. So as I waited for my package to arrive I started to get kinda antsy. One thing lead to another and I found myself clicking the checkout button on Sephora's site. 

Unfortunately, for my bank account, it does not end there...

I was just minding my own business, checking my email when I stumble across one from American Eagle and rather than just delete it, I was caught by the promise of a major sale.

All of their clearance was now 50% off as part of an extended Fourth of July sale.

"Let's just give it a look," I tell myself.

Like an hour later I was staring down the words "Your order is being processed" on my screen. Uh oh. 

That's okay though because we're just gonna say this post makes it worth it.

When my package from Lush finally arrived I was so excited I ripped into it immediately, 

as you do.

I picked up the Mask of Magnaminty, Pink Bath Bomb, Superworld Unknown solid perfume, and the Dorothy bubble bar which was so cute I just had to use it ASAP. The Mask of Magnaminty has been on my Lush Wish List for a long time just because it's billed as the "ultimate face mask" and I can see why. So far, I've used this mask all over once and as a spot treatment on blemishes twice. It seems to work better than some drugstore masks that I've tried which is good because I was worried about the small size of the tub compared to bottles that those masks came in considering the price. But with 4.4 oz fitting inside such a compact container, I'm definitely getting my money's worth. It smells heavenly and I love that it can also be used to exfoliate naturally because in case you didn't know microbeads used in a lot of drugstore exfoliates are actually harmful to the environment (Read More about it in this article from Refinery29).

I can't wait to use the Pink Bath Bomb because it was inspired by Audrey Hepburn and is meant to smell of vanilla and tonka bean which to me just spells "relaxation."

Superworld Unknown was such a hard pick for me. I knew that I wanted to try a perfume from Lush and I figured a solid perfume would be a good way to go but I was so scared about picking one from description alone. "This scent is a merry-go-round of sensory experience. Sweet neroli and cocoa bring fluffy pink cotton candy to mind, while rose and sandalwood keep your feet on the ground," seems promising enough right? I was intrigued by the thoughts of fluffy pink cotton candy because that's what Paris Hilton's Can Can brings to mind and I absolutely loved that scent when I was younger (no shame) and I know that I like rose and sandalwood so might as well give it a try. Well, I've used it quite a bit (I even have it on now) and honestly, I still don't know how I feel. I don't know where they get cotton candy from but it does remind me of a day spent outside at a fair possibly. 

I do like this scent for just wearing around this house during my lazy days though. I don't know if that says a lot in it's favor.

How cute is this Dorothy Bubble Bar?! Bubble Bars have got to be my favorite products from Lush and this one was no exception. I loved how soft my skin felt after I pulled myself from the bath (because I definitely did not want to get out) but I always seem to mess up with the bubble making process of using a bubble bar. I didn't experience the fluffy clouds of bubbles or the vibrant blue water that was promised. :( 

While looking through Sephora's site I decided to just break down and pick up some products that I have been pining over for quite a while. I. Regret. NOTHING.

I had heard really great things about the Origins Active Charcoal Mask but I wasn't totally prepared to pay $24 for a face mask. Well, the Sephora gods shined down and I discovered that the same mask could be purchased in a sort of sampler pack of 4 individual mask pods. I love the way this masks feels on my face but I'm not entirely sold on the idea that it is actually drawing impurities out of my skin but I have only used one pod so far and I will be sure to keep you updated as I test it further. We all know how much I love my multi-purpose rose salve and seeing as my tin was getting dangerously low I decided to try out the Smith's Rosebud Salve since it was the same price as the CO Bigelow Rose Salve that has popped up in so many posts before. I'm still working on my last tin so I haven't actually tried this one yet but I did discover that Smith's only features 3 ingredients while CO's has quite a few and some that are those scary unpronounceable kind.

So I just decided that the next 3 products will most definitely be apart of my July Favorites so all I'm going to say about the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil, and Clean Skin perfume is that they are life changing and most definitely worth the splurge. Keep a look out for a more in depth look at all of these products very soon. 

Like I mentioned before, I just couldn't stay away from the epic deals of 1/2 off clearance items on American Eagle's website. I got all of the items pictured below plus 2 shirts (I forgot that they were in the wash, oops) for under $30! That's crazy! Who doesn't love a good yoga pant style legging? Definitely not me and I have been looking to try out a printed legging so I thought these cool grey ones would be a pretty safe option. Yes, that is underwear you're seeing (fresh from the package, don't worry). I'm not entirely sure why I chose to include them other than the fact that I did purchase them at the same time so they are technically a part of this haul but I love Aerie undies and the lace band makes them super comfy fyi. Sunglasses are an obvious summer staple but a sunglasses case is something that is essential but not often thought of so I just had to get my hands on this soft gold pouch. I especially love how it matches my beloved Kate Spade bag. I'm a sucker for neon pink and I just thought this neon tassel necklace was such a fun accessory for summer. 

I hope you guys have enjoyed this look into my spending habits. ;)

Leave me a comment below letting me know what you've splurged on recently or what you're saving up for, I'd love to hear it!

until next time,

xo

Merisa

What We Love Wednesday Haul

Just a quick disclaimer, this post has morphed into something much bigger than I intended. What started off as the usual What We Love Wednesday post turned into something crazy when I realized a.) I have way too many favorites at the moment and b.) my Lilly Pulitzer stuff came in today! 

Uh, hello! Of course I had to include Lilly in this post, because I love her! haha!

So, that's when I realized I was just going to call this a What We Love Wednesday Haul since it included so much stuff I've either picked up recently or received for Christmas. 

So here we go:

Makeup Favorites

For some reason the picture below is showing up really red on my screen even though it wasn't like that on my camera or when editing it so I'm sorry if that's the case for you too.

I'm also sorry for jamming everything in one picture, I was trying to hurry. Wow, this is becoming more of a disclaimer post. I'll stop now. 

Most of these products pictured below were new to be in December and they all became quick favorites.

• Let's start with the pink bottle (great packaging) of L'Oreal Paris Color Vibrancy Dual Protect Spray. I'm going to be perfectly honest with you, I bought this because it was pink and sparkly. I know, I know, typical white girl. But, seriously, this product makes you reach for it on the shelves if just to shake up the bottle and see the sparkle. Now, when I say sparkle I don't mean there's glitter or anything it's like the product has an iridescent shine to it that's really eye catching. I really like that this product is a 2-in-1 with color and heat protection, but it also seems to really nourish my hair and almost works as an added conditioner which is always a plus in my book.
• I picked up this next product last week when I spotted it in Walmart and I haven't looked back! It is amazing! I first heard of this type of brush in a few beauty guru YouTube videos when they mentioned the Tangle Teezer. I googled the product and then soon realized that it had yet to be released in the US and was a product mainly found in the UK. I was absolutely delighted to find this Goody dupe in the haircare aisle (for about half the price) and couldn't wait to take it home and try it out. Well, it's awesome and has totally replaced my glitter brush because I can use it on both wet and dry hair, which is what makes it so awesome!
• I have never been a huge Twisted Peppermint fan but for some reason that all changed this year when I got a whole bag of Twisted Peppermint goodies from Bath & Body Works for Christmas. This hand cream is amazing and I am so glad B&BW are finally making separate hand and body lotions. It's also the perfect size to throw in your bag, which is what I do because what's my motto? Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
• Going back to the little problem I mentioned in My Night Time Routine post about my eyes, I have been on the hunt for a really great, full coverage under eye concealer and I believe I have found it in Hard Candy's Lite Bright Whipped Brightening Concealer. I picked up the medium shade and I'm so glad I didn't go any lighter because as far as medium shades go this one is pretty light but it truly is a full coverage concealer and is perfect for brightening up your under eye area without drying you out.
• I have found my perfect setting powder and it is Rimmel's Stay Matte Powder in Silky Beige! I love this stuff! It truly is stay matte and I will probably never use another powder, ever...well, until something better comes along, I suppose.
• It's no secret that I love my girl, Britney Spears, but what I love more is her perfumes! ahh! I just love them all, especially Fantasy and I absolutely love that I got this little travel spray in a gift set for Christmas (Thanks, Best Friend Beth!). I love that it's a travel bottle but not a roller ball, because I'd much rather just spritz this stuff all over than roll it on.
• These next two products are my absolute favorite lip colors from the past month and I am rotating between the two. The first is Rimmel's Lasting Finish by Kate Moss in 103 (I hate that they don't have actual names). This is my favorite pink shade at the moment because it is just a few shades darker than my natural lip color, I don't know why that appeals to me so much but it does. I don't know if it's just me but when I put this on I taste/smell cucumbers. I don't know if there's cucumber in the product or if I'm just going crazy but I don't hate it, something I do hate is that this lipstick is a little on the drier side but if I put a good balm underneath or lip gloss overtop I don't seem to have too much trouble. The next color is Covergirl's LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in Jam Twist 255. I was really stepping outside of my comfort zone with this color as it looked super dark in the store but after getting it home I loved it so much I wanted to go even darker. I love glossy lip crayons and I love the bright berry color of this balm, it's super smooth and super easy to apply too!

Random Favorites

Now, time for my random favorites, as if I didn't have enough already! haha

I am obsessed with these Blow Pop Minis, in fact I'm snacking on them right now as I type this! :)

They're like little tiny blow pop hard candies and I can't get enough of them.

You might recognize the candle from My Night Time Routine post earlier this week. I love this Champagne Toast candle from Bath & Body Works, the scent is not too overwhelming and the yellow wax actually adds to the glamorous glow when the candle is lit. 

I have been obsessed with list making and note taking lately and my sister gave me this adorable little metal notepad the other day and I've already jam packed the first few pages with my chicken scratch. It also helps keep my adorable chevron iPad stylus/pen handy in my bag!

Another random favorite is this awesome box set that I got for Christmas, it features the first four books of Cassandra Clare's Immortal Instruments Series. I've made it through a few chapters of the first book, City of Bones, and I honestly can't put it down. I'm definitely taking these suckers with me to school next week just in case I actually find a moment to finish them because they are too good to just sit in my room at home unloved.

Now for the real fun!

My Lilly Haul

If you happened to read my January 2014 Shopping Guide then you will have known that this past Monday & Tuesday marked the Lilly Pulitzer New Year Cheer Sale on lillypulitzer.com

Well, I went a little crazy and by crazy I mean I woke up at 8 am to be the first to shop the sale, and it paid off!

I scored this adorable tote in I've Got Butterflies for less than $30 and I must say it was well worth it. This bag actually seems much sturdier and durable than my other Lilly bags that cost much more. 

None of my beloved Lulu items were on sale but I just couldn't help myself, I picked up the iPhone case to match my iPad mini case (which I got from my roomie for Christmas! Thanks, Little Beth!) and my agenda!

I also couldn't resist the little ear buds in Lucky Charm.

When I spotted the Lilly Christmas Stockings on sale I just couldn't pass it up! I was a little worried because I wasn't allowed to pick which print but I'm beyond satisfied with this 'Tiger Lilly' print. :) Cute, right?

I can't wait to get this monogrammed! In the meantime, Audrey will keep her company. 

I hope y'all have enjoyed this peek at my favorite products and my favorite steals from the Lilly sale.

till next time, darlings.

xo

Merisa

Mall Haul

So yesterday I went into work at Glamour Girlz boutique at our local "mall" a little early to see if I could hit some deals before punching the clock! I put the word mall in quotations because our town is so small and the mall is so quant that it really isn't deserving of the name, it's more like an indoor shopping center. You'll see what I mean when you realize that my Mall Haul is me just hitting two stores, even though I did try to pick up the new Lilly Pulitzer Estée Lauder gift tote at the Estée counter but let's save a discussion of their incredible rudeness for later.

Stop #1: Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual Sale!

My mother and I wait all year for the summertime sale simply because they bring back all of our all time favorites! I barely shop at B&BW any other time because I only really like the discontinued fragrances. I'm all about some Midnight Pomegranate and Exotic Coconut! Which leads be to my first purchase:

My all-time favorite B&BW fragrance is Exotic Coconut because I am a coconut freak and will wear it any time of the year! However, I did try to restrain myself and make this trip one of only necessity as the sale lasts for like four weeks and I plan to pace myself.

I was bound and determined to get a 3-wick candle while they were on sale but the problem was finding a scent I liked. I ended up picking up the limited edition Summer Boardwalk

I liked the scent, which really does smell like a boardwalk with cotton candy, popcorn, and salt water which really isn't the worst combination believe it or not but it wasn't the scent I meant to pick up. I grabbed a Gelato scented candle and loved it but made it away with the boardwalk candle by accident. Not complaining, it will definitely get put to use this summer but I'm going to have to pick up the Gelato candle next time I pop in.

And stay tuned, I might do a tutorial on how I clean out the candle jars because they make the cutest little containers. I've got a set holding my Essie polish now.

Of course I couldn't make it out of there without lip gloss! I picked up some classic clear mint flavored gloss, a super cute jelly pop, and a really great blood orange gloss that's a nice bright redish orange with orange sparkle that is great for summer and has a great flavor too (I broke into it during my shift last night).

I even grabbed one of those rubber holders for lip gloss like the ones for their hand sanitizers because I thought it might be a good way to keep my favorite gloss from settling to the bottom of my bag where it's usually out of reach. We'll see how it goes.

Stop #2: Claire's and the 10 for $10

I'm a huge fan of Claire's mainly because we don't have a Charlotte Russe or Forever 21 and they offer the discounted 10 for $10 which is always great! 

I went in to get some new nails for summer and possibly a cute new iPhone case but couldn't resist the allure of the 10 for $10. 

Clock wise: a braided brown leather head band, a Libra zodiac necklace, elastic headbands, Minnie Mouse elastic hair bands, Hello Kitty 3D nails, pink & green composition book make up bag, heart shaped ear cuff, and red bow & arrow bracelet. 

Not to mention my favorite purchase of the day...

my XO necklace which I love so much and wore to work last night because I consider it my signature sign-off! How lucky to get all these great finds for just $10! 

I didn't forget the mission though and snagged some awesome nail kits.

I love the tribal print for summer and how cute are the little tuxedo nails? Too cute!

I managed to make it away without checking out the phone cases and my bank account is appreciative but it was mainly because I got distracted by the sight of all the Lilly totes at the Estée Lauder counter.

However, Stop #3 was a fruitless effort as I encountered some of the rudest make up counter girls ever! I fell in love with the blue and corally red tote so badly that I was bound and determined to make a purchase to get my hands on it! There I was, a customer with money burning a hole through my Coach wallet, fully prepared to be hoo-dooed into buying whatever granted me the "free" gift tote. I was a counter girl's dream! I figured I pick up a new foundation or eye cream, all I needed was a little assistance and I had 20 minutes before I was expected to be back to work. Plenty of time to make a purchase but what did I get from the counter girls? Nothing but dirty looks, a "give me a second, honey" while I get back to gossiping with three other counter girls, and an empty shopping bag. I'd just like to say that Estée Lauder herself would not be happy with their actions and neither would Lilly Pulitzer, God rest her soul.

So instead of walking away with the prize I treated myself to two of my favorite things...two scoops of Birthday Ice cream and a diet coke and all was well again. 

Let me know if you all want to see more hauls...I promise the next one will be a little bit more interesting.

xo

aFm