Sparkled Beauty

Alright, this is going to be a picture heavy post, prepare yourself :)

Maybelline is 25% off this week at Lawtons. Like I said before, Lawtons' price point isn't the best among drugstores, but I spotted a brand new display of the Maybelline Shine Sensational Pop Sticks and couldn't help but grabbing one each shade.

From L-R: Maybelline EyeStudio Color Explosion in Amethyst Ablazed (my Walmart sold out of this colour), Maybelline Shine Sensational Pop Sticks in 100 Pink Lollipop, 110 Raspberry Ice, 120 Citrus Slice and 130 Fruit Punch. The flash made the colours look quite similar but they aren't, at least in the tubes.

The Color Explosion has been getting raves from bloggers, so I had no doubt. Knowing that the Pop Sticks are going to be sheer, I was still sucked in, something about transparent lipsticks that smell good :) Technically, you won't need all four shades, as they probably appear very similarly on the lips.

Found some gems at Winners too. On clearance were Seche Base Ridge Filling Base coat, CAD3 and Cosmetic Arts yellow nail polish - I can't find the name, CAD3.

The Revlon PhotoReady foundation with bonus concealer was only CAD9.99 (half the price I saw at Shoppers), and there were about 4 options in shades. I already had the concealer from the States but wanted to try the foundation, wouldn't say no to the bonus. SPF20 is definitely a plus too.

Another exciting find are these Batiste Dry Shampoo cans (150ml), CAD6.99 each. Diva is supposedly boldly scented (spicy and sensual, uniquely sexy) and Boho has a sweet and spririted scent with a hint of hippy chic :) There were ones that target different hair colours too (I saw Dark/ Deep Brown) for CAD7.99 and 3-pack sets of the travel size for CAD9.99.

I believe these are the old packaging before the company went on an overhaul, which I don't mind as they still look pretty, as long as they smell good and do the job. According to Batiste website, they now have 12 different dry shampoo versions, mostly available in the UK with 200ml for £2.99 and 400ml for £4.99. I'm happy to pay the Canadian price to own the 2 new ones. Wish they had the XXLVolume too.

I took advantage of some sales at Shoppers, which are still going on the whole week.

Neutrogena acne care products are 25% off. I found some bonus packs for the same price, why not, right?

On the left is Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne treatment (with bonus Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power Cream wash). On the right is Neutrogena Rapid Clear Spot Gel for Acne-Prone skin (with bonus Rapid Clear Foaming scrub). These all contain 2% Salicylic Acid, reg. CAD11.99.

Makeup wise, I got Quo Age Excellence foundation, on sale for CAD15 (reg. CAD27). JuicyTuesday raved about it, thought I should give it a try too. The only thing is it doesn't have any SPF. This foundation is now part of the regular line, so you have plenty of time to check it out.

Also gave in to the L'Oreal Color Infallible eyeshadows. Normally CAD11.99 at Shoppers, this week they are CAD9.99 each. I almost wanted to get the whole display lol, came home with 3 - All Night Blue, Flashback Silver and Time Resist White.

These are awesome for US swaps at the moment, as they aren't released in the US (yet).

Nail polish is the exciting part :)

Nicole by OPI is on sale for CAD5.99 (reg. CAD9.99 or more). I have been holding off getting them for a while, now is a good time.

I bought, from L-R: Sensational Scarlet, Such a Go-Glitter, Brilliant Idea, Make a Comet-ment and One Less Lonely Glitter. Yep, all glitters. I saw some new cream shades but nothing jumped out at me. Feeling like I was missing some LE displays though, might have to check another Shoppers, just to make sure. Any recs, you guys?

The rest of the haul were stuff that came in the mail.

From well.ca, I got the Cake Beauty LE Canada-exclusive Strawberry Shortcake 4-pc set. Originally CAD50, I got it for $10 off (total value CAD78). It was a limited time offer, so it isn't available anymore, unfortunately.

Came in a cute pink mesh bag:
- Decadent Bath & Shower suds, 515ml (reg. CAD22)
- Decadent Hand cream, 100ml (reg. CAD20)
- Decadent Lip butter, 6gr (reg. CAD12) and
- Decadent Body butter, 180ml (reg. CAD24).

Cake Beauty mentioned that these products might still be available at Sephora Canada, if you are lucky to find them.

I ordered from elf the day they had the 70% off sale. Decided at the last minute when the sale was timing out, I didn't have much time.

Emilynoel83 mentioned some Brightening Eye Colors that are dupes of MAC or of good quality, so I got Glam (smoky pink toned, with a black with silver glitter, pretty!), Day 2 Night (neutral shades with a bold plum and dark green) and Drama (smoky silver).

Great value for the money at $1 a piece, not mentioning the 70% discount.

Other bits and bops:
- Mineral Infused Face Primer
- Under Eye Concealer & Highlighter (Medium Glow)
- Mineral Eyeshadow primer, and
- Eyebrow kit (Medium).

I was obviously on a primer kick, got that end taken care of but forgot to order the HD powder, lol. These sales are so bad!

On the brows front, I've been pretty settled with pencils. The gel would be a little awkward to start out.

For brushes, I got the 4-pc Mineral brush set. Have always been curious about their mineral brushes, but also heard some not-so-good things. Thought a set would be a safer option.

Grabbed a Stipple brush too, to support my MAC187. Been wearing liquid foundations lots this summer, stippling brushes are great for that.

The last brush you see in the pic is a Complexion brush which was a mix up. I wanted the Flat top Power brush, oh well...

Lastly, also ordered a large brush holder. With 70% off, I figured it was worth getting instead of making my own.

Sorry for posting this a little late. My camera (the flash) didn't work very well tonight, I went and grabbed Squirt's just to find out the battery was dead. Then I had to pull out the old Olympus camera that I had, hoping for the best :)

There is a severe thunderstorm going on outside. It didn't bother the cats, but Squirt wasn't a big fan. She wanted to watch the lightning but didn't like the thunder :) Hope you guys stay safe where you are.