Went a Little Ulta Crazy!

It's been a while since I've gone a little nuts at Ulta, so I was due. And I made the most of it! I'd like to just say that shopping with my mom is always dangerous... for the both of us :) I'm always showing her new products and she's always telling me to "just buy it" when I'm indecisive about things. So to make a long story short; we went shopping, had fun, and spent way too much money.

Below is what I picked up and a first impression of the products I have tried so far.

Real Techniques

Miracle Complexion Sponge Set

I have already sang the praises of these sponges here so I won't go into detail too much. But if you like a natural and lighter finish, these are awesome! They're great for blending in concealer too.

Expert Face Brush

I have heard about this brush for foundation for so long and could never find it. But now after months (years?) of searching I found it and can't wait to give it a go.

It's a 10

Miracle Leave-in Plus Keratin (travel size)

Again, another product I've already raved about (here) but I really love the way this detangles and softens my hair.

Batiste

Hint of Color Dry Shampoo - Dark & Deep Brown

I'm always on the hunt for a great dry shampoo. As a greasy-scalped gal I rely on this stuff for second day hair. Batiste is pretty good, I really like that this is colored as well so it doesn't take much rubbing in. Overall a good product, but I'm still on lookout for one that will wow me.

NYX

Hi Definition Photo Concealer Wand - Porcelain and Yellow

Another item I'm always looking for... concealer. I have tried Too Faced, Flower, NYX, and more and haven't an amazing concealer for my under-eye circles or breakouts. I've heard good things about these though so I'm really yearning to try them. But I want to use up some of my others first...grrr...

Highlight & Contour Pro Palette

One of my fave Youtubers, MakeupByTiffanyD, has been raving about this palette for a few months now and I had been thinking of purchasing this. So when Ulta had 40% off NYX products I scooped it up, and I'm glad I did. I haven't done a full contour with it yet, but I have tried it out. See my swatches below:

As you can probably tell the highlight powders are subtle and great for pasty girls such as myself.

A shimmery highlight that's white/pink in hue and gives a more dramatic shimmer to the face.
I use more as an all over face powder and it leaves a wonderfully natural finish.
A yellow powder to brighten up under the eyes. I'll be honest I don't know how I feel about yellow under the eyes quite yet, but I'm trying it.
A more champagne-y color great for a natural highlight and blends wonderfully with blush.

The contour powders are very pigmented and a little dark, I have to use a light hand when applying. And although it's hard to tell in this picture, they are all a distinct color. So far I really have only used the 1st 2 colors which are a warm lighter brown and a gray-brown. They do provide me with some great color.

Overall I'm really excited to play around with this palette and see what it can really do!

Control Freak Eyebrow Gel

I'm not 100% sure what an eyebrow gel is supposed to do... I know it's to hold your eyebrows in place. But are anyone's eyebrows just roaming around going all wonky? I guess I have tame eyebrows. But anyway I have used this just to see what it did and I do like that it defines my brows in a subtle way for those days I don't want to go all out. So I guess I do like eyebrow gel... hmm...

Texture Defining and Finishing Spray

Finally, whew, we're almost there! AG is a brand I've been wanting to try so when I saw this texturizing spray on sale I said hell yes! I have been wearing my hair curly more lately as it's easier in this humid/rainy weather because my hair is naturally curly. So usually I blow dry the roots because they look funny if I don't, pop some curl cream in the ends and go to sleep (sometimes I will do a french braid), then when I wake up it's straightening the bang-area and off I go. I like the idea of this spray though as it helps define your curls and separate them, and it gives you some volume. I've only used it once thus far but I think it delivers.

Well thank you all for staying till the very end of this long haul. I will keep you posted if there are any stand out (or downright bad) products!

Oh and I thought I'd add this blooper picture! This is what happens when you blog and own a pet... you have no idea how many cat and dog tails and noses I've had to crop out of my pictures!!!!

Update: I had previously stated that Batiste and It's a 10 products were not cruelty-free, that is incorrect. They both are cruelty-free products.

Amber But Better