This weekend was not only the super hyped up Sephora Spring Bonus Event but more importantly the ULTA Spring Haul Event. Why more importantly, you ask? Because as much as I enjoy the occassional pass through Sephora, I love ULTA more. Yes, MORE. Like way more. I spend an average of 45 minutes to an hour there every time I go. Less people, more affordable products, easier ways to earn points (which equals free products or money towards purchases), and a better discount for us average people who don't spend $1000 or more a year at one store on beauty products. I mean, the 10% off I would get as a Beauty Insider at Sephora is nice, but you know what's even better? Receiving 20% off at ULTA on the SAME EXACT PRODUCTS. Mmmm hmmmm.
Yes, ULTA doesn't have ALL of the high end products that Sephora does - but they do have most of them. And the high end products that I do like (Dior Foundation, Charlotte Tilbury powder, Giorgio Armani Foundation, etc) I'd rather buy at Nordstrom and earn points there, than push my way through crowds of people at Sephora. But that's just me. You do you.
Needless to say, I spent a good hour at ULTA this past Friday and snagged some great buys - all at 20% off!!
Yes, ULTA doesn't have ALL of the high end products that Sephora does - but they do have most of them. And the high end products that I do like (Dior Foundation, Charlotte Tilbury powder, Giorgio Armani Foundation, etc) I'd rather buy at Nordstrom and earn points there, than push my way through crowds of people at Sephora. But that's just me. You do you.
Needless to say, I spent a good hour at ULTA this past Friday and snagged some great buys - all at 20% off!!
Click the "read more" option to see what I re-purchased and what new products I'm trying for the first time. You can also click on the picture of each product to take you to the link in ULTA where you can purchase the same items. The sale may be over but you still earn points for for each purchase you make. It's free to sign up for the ULTA rewards program on their website or in the store.
First Time Purchase:
Egg Cream Mask - too cool for school
Egg Cream Mask - too cool for school
I have heard so many people rave about this mask and say it's one of the best hydrating sheet masks out there. So, me being a face mask junkie, I had to have it. I always love a good deep hydrating mask treatment so I can't wait to try it out. Regular Price: $6.00 on sale for $4.80.
First Time Purchase:
Neutrogena Hydra Boost Plumping Mascara
Neutrogena Hydra Boost Plumping Mascara
I'm a HUGE FAN of the entire Hydro Boost line and I've talked about these products before in a previous beauty post.... they are awesome! I've loved every single hydroboost product I have purchased so far. So when I saw this mascara..... well, in my shopping bag it went! I'm dying to tear it open! I hope it's as good as the other products in the line because I have yet to find a cheap drug store mascara that I actually truly love. And I feel like I have tried them all! Regular Price: $8.99 on sale for $7.19.
First Time Purchase:
Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer
Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer
This is another product that EVERYONE and I mean EVERYONE just goes on and on about. I used to love Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer but I have to say - I really REALLY love the Tarte Shape Tape! I have already torn it out of the box and used it the past 3 days. I'm in love. Completely. It's what everyone made it out to be - wonderful. It's my new go-to concealer. Hands down. Regular Price: $27.00 on sale for $21.60.
Re-Purchase:
L'OREAL Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation
L'OREAL Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation
I have been using the L'OREAL Infallible Pro-Glow and Pro-Matte for a few months and really enjoy both, depending on what look I'm going for that day. I have shades 201 (when really pale) & 203 (when tan) already and neither is currently working with my skin color so I purchased shade 202. This is a great drug store foundation that works really well with my skin. Regular Price: $12.99 on sale for $10.39.
Re- Purchase:
Mario Badescu Skincare - Aloe Vera Toner
Mario Badescu Skincare - Aloe Vera Toner
This is my second bottle of Mario Badescu Aloe Vera toner. It's perfect for waking myself up in the morning. I grab a Shiseido facial cotton wipe (my favorite brand - yes, a bit pricey but MORE than worth it) and soak it with aloe toner and wipe it all over my face and neck every single morning. It's light and refreshing and not at all irritating or harsh on my skin. I will keep repurchasing this until I die or they stop making it. Which ever comes first. Regular Price: $15.00 on sale for $12.00.
Re-purchase:
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with Sunscreen
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with Sunscreen
This is my fourth - yes FOURTH - bottle of this. Like I said, I am in love with the entire Hydro Boost line. This is perfect for my dry skin and it has SPF 15. I moisturize my face with this every single day before going out. I put it on then do my makeup. It works perfectly. Regular price: $19.99 on sale for $15.99.
Re-Purchase (sort of)
LORAC Alter Ego Lip Gloss in Goddess
LORAC Alter Ego Lip Gloss in Goddess
So this one is sort of a repurchase. I received a trial or sample size of this color last summer and loved it. At first I thought it would be too purple but then I tried it on and was like, daayyyyyummmmmnnn! Beautiful! So I used it until I ran out. I have also bought a few other colors in the past few months but this one is my favorite. It's not too pink or too nude or too purple... it's just the right shade. It's a great color for summer. Regular Price: 17.00 on sale for $13.60.
Re-Purchase:
Clinique High Impact Mascara
Clinique High Impact Mascara
Ahhhhh, yes. My tride and true mascara. My everything. My all time favorite mascara since I was like 18 years old or something crazy like that. I have tried SO MANY over the years but always come back to this one. It's glossy and clean and glides right on like butter. What more could a girl ask for??? I've repurchased this so many times I've lost count. This is in the shade black 01. Regular Price: $18.00 on sale for $14.40.
Re-Purchase:
BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid
BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid
Last but definitely not least - Becca shimmering skin perfector in Champagne Pop. This is my second bottle of this liquid gold. It's such a beautiful shade of glow on your skin. I add just a little to my foundation and also moisturize some into my shoulders and decolletage area to give it a nice sun kissed shimmery glow. It's definitely probably more of a splurge beauty product for most people since it's not a need. But really isn't ALL makeup a splurge?? We don't NEED makeup at all but yet stores like ULTA and Sephora exist to do nothing but sell us makeup and beauty items we don't really technically need to live life. Regular Price: $41.00 on sale for $32.81.
After an hour in ULTA I came out with $143.07 worth of beauty products I don't technically need. But, sweet Jesus, do they make me happy! And isn't that what life is all about?? Happiness??? Mmmmmhmmmm, yes it is! And I for one, am a VERY happy girl!