Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Starts Sunday (Feat. Smashbox x Becca Champagne Pop Swatch)

The sale runs from August 28 to September 17, 2022. If you are a regular Ulta shopper then you likely already knew about this. For those of you not familiar with this sale, during Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty, you can get select high-end beauty products for 50% off. It can be a great time to restock your staple products or maybe try something new. Each day there are different deals happening for that day only (ending at 11:59 pm CT). Certain deals are online only so make sure to pay attention if you prefer to shop in-store. If you have the ability to purchase in-store, that is really the best way to do it. Then you can just buy the one item you want on the day it is available and you can avoid the temptation to add things to your cart to get free shipping. The free shipping threshold for Ulta online is $35, but if you are a diamond or platinum Ultamate Rewards member you will qualify for free shipping on any of the beauty steals.

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Click here to see the listing of every product featured in the sale.**



Continue reading “Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Starts Sunday (Feat. Smashbox x Becca Champagne Pop Swatch)”

The Fall Makeup Edit (2020)

MAC raizin Blush, NARS Savage blush, NARS Noumea and Guayaquil Eyeshadow, Revlon Raisin Rage, Chanel Antoinette, Beccay Maui Nights, Clinique WN 82 Latte, Chanel pourpre profound, Dior Sienna (swatches on medium dark skin)

I decided to pick out some products to focus on this season. I don’t usually care whether a particular shade coordinates with the season, but I wanted to try something different this year. This assortment went in a somewhat monochromatic direction, which is a look I don’t mind. But I’ll see how long it lasts before I want to swap any of these out.

This blog uses affiliate links (marked with **).  When you purchase through links on my site, I may earn a small commission.  Learn more here.

Foundation – Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer (WN 82 Latte)**

For my dry skin, this is the best-looking finish on my skin that I have come across. The brand claims a natural matte finish, which I always assume means satin, and I would agree with that. I have no issues with wear time, but due to my dry skin, I hardly ever do. While it does last throughout the day, it is not transfer-proof or resistant. I have worn it on its own, but it transfers easily. So I prefer to set it with powder. The powders that I do not find to change the beautiful finish are the Laura Mercier Candleglow Sheer Perfecting Powder** (reviewed here) and the now discontinued MAC Next to Nothing Powder. However, any setting powder you prefer will work if you do not mind a more matte finish. This foundation is one of my favorites that I have been using for over two years now and have repurchased.

Continue reading “The Fall Makeup Edit (2020)”

The Summer of the Bronzer

Estee Lauder Hot Spell Bronzer, Bobbi Brown Elvis Duran Bronzing Powder, NARS Punta Cana Bronzing Powder, Becca Ipanema Sun, Mac Totally Taupeless Bronzing Powder, Mac Sun Soaked Strip, Mac Your Wish Is My Command

Every time I turn around I swear there is another new bronzer being released.  Out of the new bronzer releases that have caught my eye I have purchased one limited edition and one permanent release.  I already did a full swatch post of my purchases from the limited edition Mac 2020 Summer Bronzing Collection if you want to check that out.  But in this post, you will get to see how the shade Totally Taupeless from that release compares to some others.

I also purchased the newly released NARS Bronzing Powder in the shade Punta Cana**, if you have been wondering how that shade compares to other bronzers on the market.

NARS Punta Cana and Mac Totally Taupeless Bronzing Powder

Since Mac’s Bronzing Powder is the newest bronzer to the market that I’ve personally purchased that is the shade I used in every comparison grouping.  I included limited edition (LE) products that I own just in case anyone might be wondering how these new bronzers compare to items they may already have.  For foundation shade reference I am Mac C8 in studio fix fluid and Estee Lauder 4W4 in double wear (click this link to see them applied).

Continue reading “The Summer of the Bronzer”

Becca Luminous Blush Swatches

UPDATE February 2021: Becca Cosmetics has announced they will be closing their brand in September 2021.

Becca Luminous Blush (snapdragon, blushed copper, dahlia)
Top to Bottom: Dahlia, Blushed Copper, Snapdragon

This has to be one of the least talked about blushes these days.  I used to hear the occasional mention of them, but lately, it is all about the Cover FX blush duos or more recently cream blushes.  I typically stick to matte blushes because I often get breakouts on my cheeks, but I was pleasantly surprised that these look more satin once applied.  They do not accentuate any texture that I have and I haven’t used any other formula that looks as healthy on my dry skin.

Becca Luminous Blush swatches on dark skin (snapdragon, blushed copper, dahlia)
L to R: Snapdragon, blushed copper, dahlia

While this formula is easy to blend, it is quite pigmented.  I suggest using the fluffiest blush brush you own and starting with a small amount.  Snapdragon is not as luminous or as pigmented as blushed copper and dahlia.  So if you are nervous about the pigment level but still curious to try out this formula I would give Snapdragon a try first.

The luminous blush line has a total of 6 colors and they retail for $34.00.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider sticking around and checking out more of my content. 

  • Brands A-Z: Check out this index if you want to know what products I have posted about in the past.
  • MAC Cosmetics:  I likely have some swatches you’ve been searching for if you love Mac as much as I do. 
  • Shop My Stash:  Join me as I share swatches of my products and occasionally search for alternatives to new releases. 

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