Both Ulta and Sephora have events this month for their upper level loyalty members. At Ulta, I’m Platinum and they offer 20% off everything! Even though I didn’t “need” anything, I went in to look. I ended up with some inexpensive practical items that I can definitely use, and a few splurges.
Let’s start with the practical.
- Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes, travel pack: Jeff and I are going to Arizona to see the Grand Canyon so I really need these!
- Body Benefits 4-in-1 Foot Wand: Last night I did my favorite Listerine/vinegar foot soak (have you tried it? you should! here’s my foot soak recipe) in case I want to wear sandals on our trip. I used the foot wand that I have to scrape off the dead skin, but I thought it was time for a new one. Especially since it was 99 cents minus 20%!
- Body Benefits Aloe-Infused Lounge Socks: My feet are often dry and they’re always freezing at night. I thought these made more sense than wearing running socks like I usually do. Especially for $1.99 minus 20%.
Now for the fun stuff!
I had a difficult time thinking about what I was going to buy because, truth be told, I need nothing. So I looked around, and decided that I wanted to try something new.
- Fiona Stiles Cream Eye Shadow: New to Ulta, this cream shadow by famed makeup artist Fiona Stiles fit the bill. I am a cream shadow fanatic, as you may know. I chose two shades: Hyperion: pale pink (sorry, my camera changed the shade!) and Hudson: deep copper. They are very mousse-like, it’s as if they were whipped cream! I’ll let you know what I think.
- Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil: Karen from Makeup & Beauty Blog mentioned this product as one of her favorites, so when I saw it at Ulta, it jumped out at me. You know that I’m always complaining about my dry lips. I picked up 03, the red shade (but it doesn’t really give much color to your lips; it’s not a real lip stain).
I tried a similar product a couple of months ago from Milani, but the Milani Moisture Lock Oil Infused Lip Treatment has some ingredient in it that dried out my lips (no, it wasn’t peppermint oil). Chances are your lips would be fine, but mine are finicky. I tried a little of the Clarins Lip Oil on my lips (using a clean applicator, of course) at Ulta while I shopped and my lips didn’t become instantly dry so I decided to take a chance. It is very thick, has the same weird candy-ish taste/scent that the Milani oil has, and has a big oddly shaped applicator just like Milani’s. 
Clearly Milani was “inspired” by Clarins Lip Oi. Fingers crossed that it doesn’t dry out my lips. Again, I’ll let you know but it seems promising.
- Anastasia Brow Gel: I’m still on the hunt for brow products that suit my ever changing hair color. Caramel Brow Gel looked like a good bet. Again, I tried it in the store with a clean applicator and it looked good. Of course, my Ulta store was out of Caramel. Are there that many redheads around? I called Ulta Guest Services to ask if I could use my coupon to buy the products I needed in the store and order the Brow Gel online. The girl who answered the phone said no. So do they really want me to go and buy it at Sephora during the sale event that starts on Friday? Fortunately, the one fabulous associate at my Ulta store told me to buy one in any shade to lock in the price, and come back to exchange it when they get Caramel in stock. Smart. Why didn’t I think of that! I’m not going to open Brownette since I’m going to exchange the shade, though it looks like it could work for me too, but maybe a hair too dark.
So that’s my haul. Are you able to take advantage of the Ulta Platinum sale? How about the Sephora VIB event? What’s on your list?
What’s your Reaction?
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I’m a bad beauty lover – I took advantage of neither sale! haha I really should have. But I have so much stuff already (I’d NEVER say I have too much!), and sometimes it’s overwhelming!
Destany recently posted…Inspired by a Book Mani – Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
We all have so many cosmetics already, it’s just gilding the lily
What a nice haul, and it is such a nice combination of practical and fun items! Those Fiona Stiles Cream Shadows look lovely, and I can’t wait for your review!
Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog recently posted…L’OCCITANE Beauty Cocktailing Shopping Event on April 7th
The Fiona Stiles shadow look promising!
It’s always the case of ‘I don’t need anything but let’s take a look’ and an hour later, we emerged with some stuff. Haha! I had no idea about your listerine/vinegar foot soak, I’m heading over to have a read now.
Shireen L. Platt recently posted…REVIEW: Sleek Eyebrow Stylist (Medium)
Too true!
I have a few of the Fiona Stiles eye palettes (LOVE) and I have Baltic cream shadow and the brown metallic which I can’t remember the name of. Love everything I’ve tried from her.
Amber recently posted…Luxury Natural Hair Care with Leonor Greyl
I think I’m going to return Hyperion (the pale pink that’s too sheer going on) and swap it for Baltic (the purple one, right?). This is my first time trying and I’m batting 50%, lol, but I love the whipped texture.
Yes, I’d be interested in knowing how you like the Clarins Lip Oil. I tried the Milani in raspberry flavor (I think) and tossed it – the product was awful and hard to apply. Perhaps the Clarins is more emollient?
Monica.
MonicaP recently posted…My Five Top Picks for the VIB Rouge Sale Event
I’ll do a real review after I’ve had more time to try it out. The Milani had an ingredient in it that ended up drying out my lips so it was a disappointment to me too. My initial impression is that the Clarins is very thick and emollient, meaning I think it does a good job sealing in moisture but I don’t think it’s going to do a great job rehydrating dried out lips. Karen from Makeup & Beauty Blog loves it, but she doesn’t live in cold MA and probably doesn’t have lips as dry as mine. This won’t replace my Dr. Lipp Miracle Balm, the medical grade lanolin (I know, not vegan) that does the best job healing my lips.
I love the Fiona Stiles line!
Phyrra recently posted…Makeup Geek Aphrodite Insomnia Look
I was surprised to see it at Ulta!
I have yet to do my Platinum coupon shop. I’m still firming up what I want to get. 😀
The Sephora VIB Rouge sale… I think I know what damage THAT one is going to do. lol
Erika recently posted…Pur Minerals Hydra Fluid Water Serum Foundation | My Notes
Hope you find something worthwhile! For me, it was the 20% off that got me shopping plus I haven’t seen Fiona Stiles anywhere else. I’m VIB, not Rouge, so my discount is 15% but Ulta doesn’t carry all the brands that Sephora does so I’ll do a little bit of shopping there too. But Sephora doesn’t have the Tatcha lipstick I’ve been coveting and they’re out of stock on the Tom Ford cream/powder I wanted, sob
I don’t shop much at Ulta since I’m too impatient to wait for them to mail and I hate that I have to wait to have $50 for free shipping. I looked at the Fiona Stiles cream shadows last week and was curious about them. I hope that you like them since I love cream shadows too.
MarciaF recently posted…Juiced up hair: Pacifica Jet Set Hair Trio
Having an Ulta 10 minutes from my house is what gives it the appeal. I looked at 3 shades of the Fiona Stiles shadows & I chose 2 of the three since they’re rather expensive for me ($22ea.). The pale pink that I was most excited about starts out looking opaque and bright but then sort of fades downward. I’m going to exchange it for the purple. I’ll do a formal review in a couple of weeks. The creaminess is amazing.
Love your picks! Have fun with everything! I’m not sure what I’m getting for the Sephora VIB sale. Still browsing!
Kat Dinges recently posted…Burt’s Bees Lipstick – Fuchsia Flood
I know I’ll be replacing the Hourglass Veil Primer that I just finished up (the travel size is big enough for me) and maybe a Bite Beauty lipstick in the new formula. I don’t need anything. Am I missing anything??
What Ulta haul esp the lip oil and eye shades! I know I can’t wait for Grand Canyon post real soon!
Ursula
http://www.blueridgebeautyblogger.com
I’m excited about the trip to the Grand Canyon. I’ve wanted to go forever. I’ll post pix! And I will review the Clarins Lip Oil and the Fiona Stiles shadows in a couple of weeks 🙂
I actually haven’t thought about buying anything from either sale this time around. I’m really thinking my makeup collection is maxed out right now. I do want to try those Fiona Stiles cream shadows and Clarins lip products at some point.
Stacie recently posted…Stella & Dot Summer Collection Preview
I know what you mean about your makeup collection being “maxed out”! I feel the same way, pretty much. I don’t know if I’ll qualify for Platinum Status at Ulta and VIB status at Sephora for next year, so I feel like I should take advantage of it this year. Silly rationalizing on my part. At Sephora, I need to get a travel size Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer and I’d like to try the new Bite Beauty lipstick formula but other than that I don’t need anything except replacement pads for my Shiseido lash curler that they don’t sell in the store, unfortunately.
I have to original Clarins lip oil and don’t find it drying, but it isn’t super moisturizing either. It’s nice to throw on, but not for major hydration.
I’m also totally jealous of your trip! I’ve always wanted to see the Grand Canyon for some reason. It just seems so interesting. Plus, I love the Kings of Leon song Arizona, so it naturally goes together.
Bailey recently posted…Lise Watier HydraForce | #getinthebubble
So far, I’m finding that it does a good job sealing moisture in, but I’m not sure it’s hydrating in and of itself. Karen from MBB swears by it, but then northern California isn’t all that cold and wintry. I’m glad I got it on sale. I’m glad I didn’t pay full price for it.
I’m excited about the trip to the Grand Canyon. I’ve wanted to go forever. Not only is it interesting, it’s one of the 7 Wonders of the World! It is 250 miles from the South Rim to the North Rim. I’m trying to decide if it’s worth it to go on a 45 minute small plane ride for $140 to see the canyon from the top. I’ll post pix!
Wow you got some amazing goodies!
Lisa Heath recently posted…Pahlish Patisserie de Pahlish Collection
Wanted to try some stuff that wasn’t really on my radar 🙂
Oh gosh, your description of the Fiona Stiles cream eyeshadows sound so enticing. I’ve been curious about the brand and it’s good to know that you like her products so far. Ahhh, I need to try them asap!
Brigette Ramos recently posted…Kick Start Your Skincare with The Power of Two from Elizabeth Arden New York + GIVEAWAY!
I’ll do a review when I come back from vacay, Brigette. I think the Fiona Stiles cream shadows differ greatly by shade.
I’m with ya – it’s less about what I need and more about what new thing can I try! I picked up a couple of the Fiona Styles Aqua thingies too. I love Hudson. Baltic is the other one I picked up. I need to play more with that one, but it’s not as metallic as I thought it would be.
Nidia – Lit From Within recently posted…Use that Cuppa For A Good Scrubba #CoffeeScrub
I think Baltic is matte, Nidia. I just returned Hyperion (the pale pink) that faded away even over primer, and swapped it for Baltic.
I love cream e/s too! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Fiona
Kath TheFabZilla recently posted…Let’s Talk Human Non-Embryonic Stem Cells & Their Role in Skincare
I’ll do a real review in a couple of weeks. Stay away from Hyperion, the pale pink. The others are great.
Those cream shadows look pretty, I’m interested to hear more about them at a later date!
Kristina recently posted…PUR FULLY CHARGED MASCARA
I will definitely review them. Some good news, some not so much 😉
Nice haul! Those aloe infused socks are supposed to be great. Have you tried them yet?
Yes, I’ve worn them for the last couple of nights and they’re terrific. I had just done the Listerine/vinegar soak so my feet were starting from a good place. Have you tried it? Today, I bought some foot cream to add to the mix.
I’ve never tried a Listerine/vinegar soak. What does it do?
The combo of mouthwash and white vinegar helps soften and loosen dead skin so it comes off easily with a loofah or foot scraper. I find it very relaxing too! Check out my post: https://www.neversaydiebeauty.com/features/diy-foot-soak-and-advice-on-facial-skincare-from-my-esthetician/
Thank you! I’ll have to give it a try. I get insanely dry feet. They spend a lot of nights slathered in creams and covered in cotton socks.
This won’t stop your feet from getting dry, but it will help them get back to being soft so you can slather them in creams and socks, lol! Basically, I like the feel of “starting fresh”!
Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking. It will help me slough off all the dead, dry skin. Even though I soak in the shower and then use lotion, my heels especially never full get exfoliated, it seems.
Same here, Rachel. The soak helps. I don’t do it as often as I should. The aloe socks by Body Benefit are great! I love ’em but I still put cream on before.
Love this haul!! The creme shadows look amazing! Those colors are perfection!
Color Me So Crazy recently posted…Make Me Pretty Giveaways
Thanks, Brigitte! I plan to do a review of the Fiona Stiles cream shadows when I get back from vacay. Some shades work better than others!