Storage Solution for Makeup Brushes: Hobby Lobby Black Spinning Tool Organizer

Hobby Lobby Black Spinning Tool Organizer

I used to store my brushes in Anna Sui containers. As my collection grew, I started using Sigma brush holders. I had 8 brush holders in total, which took up alot of space on my vanity. So, I bought the Hobby Lobby Black Spinning Tool Organizer, which currently holds about 145 brushes and still has room for more!  

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Haul: Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation + Gift with Purchase (value up to $136)

 

Von Maur is offering a 7-piece gift with purchase when you spend $39.50 or more on any Lancome products. There are 3 gift bags that you can choose from and I chose the High Resolution Mix gift bag because I wanted to try the pressed powder in the shade Bisque. The pressed powders that come in the other gift bags are too light for my skin tone. If you have any Lancome products on your wishlist, then this would be the perfect time to purchase them because of all the extra goodies you'll be getting. This offer expires March 18, 2012. Also, Von Maur always offer free shipping with no minimum order.

 

Absolue Mix Gift Includes:

• Absolue Premium BX Cream SPF 15, 0.5oz
• Color Design Lipstick in Curtain Call
• Translucence Pressed Powder Compact in Ivory
• Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Quad
• Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector 7ml
• Nutrix Royal Body Repair Cream 2oz
• Black Cosmetic Bag

High Resolution Mix Gift Includes:

• High Resolution Refill 3X SPF 15, 0.5oz
• Bright Expert Dark Spot Corrector, 0.5oz
• Juicy Tube in Moulin Rose, 0.33oz
• Flash Bronzer Leg Gel, 2oz
• Translucence Pressed Powder Compact in Bisque, 0.12oz
• Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara in So Black
• Pink Cosmetic Bag 

Renergie Mix Gift Includes:

• Renergie Lift Volumetry SPF 15, 0.5oz
• Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate with dropper 8 ml
• Color Design in All Done Up
• Flash Bronzer Leg Gel, 2oz
• Translucence Pressed Powder Compact in Ivory
• Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara in So Black
• Pink Cosmetic Bag

The gift with purchase definitely lured me into buying the new Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H foundation ($44 for 1oz), which I ended up liking, but not loving. Lancome labels the shades using a number and letter system. C denotes cool, which is suitable for those who have a pink undertone. W means warm, which is suitable for those who have a yellow undertone and N means neutral, which is suitable for those who are neither cool nor warm. I went to get color matched at 2 different Lancome counters and both SAs recommended 320W, so that's the shade I chose when I placed my order online, but it ended up being too dark for my skin tone. For reference, I'm an NC30/35, L'oreal True Match W4, Dior Forever 021 mixed with 031, and MUFE HD 127. 

The Lancome Teint Idole Ultra foundation has a thick creamy consistency that glides onto the skin like butter and feels silky smooth. It blends easily and offers buildable, medium to full coverage. It does not emphasize dry spots if you exfoliate and moisturize well. Also, the finish is neither cakey nor fully matte, but looks natural and like skin. However, I still need to set with a powder on my forehead and nose area because my t-zone gets oily throughout the day. 

The main reason why I don't love this foundation is because it's not as long lasting as it advertises. My t-zone starts getting oily after about 4 hours of application. This also happens when I wear my L'oreal True Match and Make Up For Ever HD foundation. The biggest difference between these 2 foundations and Lancome's Teint Idole Ultra is the texture. The L'oreal True Match and the MUFE HD foundations have a more runny consistency and feel more moisturizing, which is why I prefer them over Lancome's Teint Idole Ultra, for the winter months. (For the summer months, I prefer a more mattifying foundation, such as Dior Forever, which keeps my oil at bay for at least 6 hours.)

One thing to keep in mind is that I never wear primers underneath my foundations except when I wear my MUFE HD foundation because I've had no luck with most of the ones that I've tried, including CoverFX Clearprep FX Matte, Philosophy The Present Clear Makeup, NARS Pro-Prime Oil-Free, Smashbox Photo Finish regular + light version, Laura Mercier Oil-Free, Lancome La Base Pro Perfecting primer and many others. The MUFE HD primer is the only primer that lengthens the wear time of my MUFE HD foundation; however, I see no difference with the longevity of my makeup when used with my Dior Forever or L'oreal True Match foundation.

One thing that I am loving about my order is the gift with purchase. The pink makeup bag is cute and great for travel because it's so spacious inside. It measures 8.25" x 4.25" x 3.25".

Bottom Line: I would still recommend Lancome's Teint Idole Ultra 24H foundation because it applies smoothly onto the skin, blends well, has good coverage and doesn't look cakey. My reasons for not loving it is strictly personal. (It doesn't feel as moisturizing as my other foundations and the shade is too dark.) Also, just because the foundation doesn't last long on my oily t-zone, it doesn't mean you will get the same result. We all have different textures, skin types and complexions. However, those with normal skin may benefit more from this foundation.

Here's a list of products that I packed in the bag (I don't carry all these products with me when I'm travelling, but this is just to show you how much stuff this bag can hold.):

• MAC Vera Flower Fantasy Face Powder
• MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder
• Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer
• Lancome Flash Bronzer Leg Gel (travel size 2oz)
• Dior Forever Foundation
• Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation
• Lancome Pressed Powder (travel size 0.12oz)
• Lancome High Resolution Refill (travel size 0.5oz)
• 2 L'oreal Lip Balms
• Lancome Juicy Tube (travel size 0.33oz)
• Dior DiorShow Mascara (sample size 5ml)
• Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara (sample size 4ml)
• MAC Pro Longwear Concealer
• Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
• Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
• Lancome Bright Expert Dark Spot Corrector (travel size 0.5oz)
• 2 Maybelline Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Eyeshadow

Bloomingdales is also offering the same Lancome gift with purchase; however, you get to choose the products individually. This is definitely a better option for those who plan on making a $50 purchase or more, especially if you use Mr. Rebates to get cashback. However, Von Maur's gift with purchase was a better deal for me since they didn't charge tax and offered free shipping for my $44 order.

Are you a sucker for "gift with purchase" offers?

Have you tried the new Lancome foundation?

*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.

What's In My Makeup Travel Bag?

MAC Carry All Soft Case (discontinued)

Whenever I'm travelling, I always take my MAC Carry All Soft Case. It does get dusty easily; however, you can fit alot of things inside, even the Stars Makeup Haven eyeshadow palettes (review). There are 12 compartment slots surrounding the bag and 1 zipper compartment. It also comes with an adjustable strap, so you can carry it on your shoulder or in your hand. It measures 12" L x 6" W x 5.25" H.

I never peeled the plastic off the mirror because I find the mirror to be unnecessary, 

since I usually do my makeup in the hotel bathroom.

Overall, I have no regrets buying the MAC Carry All Soft Case. The only thing that bothers me is that the top flap/lid doesn't open all the way. The picture above shows the farthest way that it can open. Also, it flaps down by itself sometimes, so you have to hold it open with your hands.

As you can see in the picture above, there is still room in the case after I pack my makeup essentials, so I usually throw in my hair products, skincare products and personal care products inside too, which is not pictured to save you from boredom. =)

The metallic makeup pouch is from Sephora and I got it for free about a year ago for purchasing something. I usually place my brushes inside it when I'm travelling. (I recently bought the Sigma brush holder and will let you know how travel-friendly it is.)

I try not to bring my mid-range and high-end brushes for fear of losing them on the trip; however, sometimes I just can't resist. (My MAC 182 couture brush is so luxuriously soft. There is just no cheaper substitute and I have to bring it with me on all my trips.)

Top Left: 

• MAC 182 Buffer Brush Couture Limited Edition $55 (full review) - for applying setting powder and to buff out over-applied blush

Bottom Left to Right: 

• Coastal Scents Divine Powder Buffer Brush $14.95 (full review) - for applying liquid foundation
• Studio Gear #13 Blush Brush $35 (mini review) - for applying blush
• Inglot 4SS Eye Brush $22 (full review) - for applying cheek highlight
• Sonia Kashuk Black Small Multi Purpose Brush $10.99 (full review) - for applying setting powder under the eyes & around the nose
• Sonia Kashuk Black Domed Eyeshadow Brush $9.99 (short review) - for applying highlight under the brows
• Royal & Langnickel Silk Eye Shader SM Brush BC410 $15.99 (mini review) - for applying eyeshadow on the lids and lower lash line
• Coastal Scents Pro Blending Fluff brush $3.95 (full review) - for applying transition color
• Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Blending Brush $5.99 (mini review) - for blending out harsh lines & dark eyeshadows
• Ulta Tapered Crease Eyeshadow Brush $14 (full review) - for applying eyeshadow on the outer corner & highlight on the inner tear duct
• Royal & Langnickel Silk Sable Brow Angle Brush BC530 $7.99 (mini review) - for filling in my brows
• Generic Spoolie Lash Brow Brush (mini review) - for blending out brow color
• Royal & Langnickel Silk Lash Comb Brush BC515 $9.99 (mini review) - for separating lashes
• Shu Uemura Lash Curler - for curling lashes

Top Left to Right:

• Le Metier de Beaute Visage de Soie Finishing Powder in Shade 6 $40 for 9.9g (mini review & swatches) - I never got the chance to return this product. So, ever since I finished my MAC Select Sheer pressed powder, I started to use the Le Metier one. There is nothing wrong with the quality of this product; however, my MAC one works just as well and is cheaper. So, I will definitely not repurchase the Le Metier powder after I'm done with it.
• Dior Diorskin Shimmer Star Amber Diamond $44 for 10g (full review & swatches) - I love using this as a cheek highlight. The texture is smooth and it gives me a gorgeous sheen. It's definitely not gritty or glittery like MAC's MSF in Soft & Gentle (full review & swatches).
• MAC Prim & Proper Blush $13 for 6g (full review & swatches) - When swatched, it looks like a mauvy rosy nude; however, when applied to my NC30/NC35 skin tone, it translates into a warm rosy nude & has a nice sheen.
• Too Faced Peach Leopard $29 for 9g (full review & swatches) - I can't use this to contour because it's too peachy, but it looks amazing on my cheeks alone and acts as a blush and bronzer for me. 
• Glass Lid - I pump out my foundation onto this lid. Even though I wash my hands right before makeup application, I still prefer not to apply foundation with my fingers because I find that using a brush gives me a better finish.

Middle Left to Right:

• Chanel Demaquillant Yeux Intense Eye Makeup Remover - I got this as a sample and although it removes waterproof mascara and eyeliner, I won't purchase a full size because the Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover works just as well and is cheaper. 
• Urban Decay Original Eyeshadow Primer Potion $19 for 11ml - It makes my eyeshadows last all day without fading or creasing. It dries to a clear finish and sets quicker than the Too Faced Shadow Insurance.
• L'oreal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes in 270 Blackest Black around $8.95 - I got this for free through L'oreal's Facebook page. It lengthens my lashes with one coat and volumizes with 2 coats. However, it starts to clump after 2 coats and I have to separate my lashes using my Royal & Langnickel BC515 brush. Also, when my eyes get watery, the mascara flakes. I will finish this mascara because I don't want to waste it; however, I won't purchase a new one after I'm done with this.
• Mac Pro Longwear Concealer in NW20 $17 for 9ml (mini review & swatches) - It's too light and looks too pink under natural lighting. NW25 is too dark for me, so I have to mix NW20 with my NC30 concealer to get a perfect color match for my under eye area. The hint of pink counteracts my dark circles very well, but I would not use this for any blemishes on the face because I have a yellow undertone. (I poured my NC30 concealer in the container of my NW20 concealer and mixed it. The cap was so hard to take off, but I still managed to open it!)
• Milani Infinite Liquid Eye Liner in 05 Everlast around $6.99 for 5ml - This does not fade or smudge and is waterproof. You just have to wait about a minute to let it dry & set. The problem is that it's really wet, though not watery. So, I have to wipe off alot of the excess before applying it or else it applies very thick. Also, I wish it was a felt tip applicator because the brush applicator is a little too thick and a little hard to control. I have to be extra careful or else the liner ends up being too thick.
• L'oreal True Match Foundation in W4 around $10.95 for 1oz - It has SPF 17; therefore, it gives a white cast during flash photography, but it's great as a day foundation. I like that it's oil-free and the shade matches my NC30/NC35 skin tone really well. It gives me medium to full coverage and it's buildable. It also gives me a natural finish that's neither dewy nor fully matte when set with a powder. The problem is that my t-zone gets oily after 4 hours. So, I have to blot after 4 hours and then every hour or two after that. (I've tried MUFE HD Microperfecting, CoverFX Clearprep FX Matte, Philosophy The Present Clear Makeup, NARS Pro-Prime Oil-Free, Smashbox Photo Finish regular + light version, Laura Mercier Oil-Free, Lancome La Base Pro Perfecting primer and many others. However, they don't make a difference in the longevity of the L'oreal True Match foundation.)

Eyeshadow Palette:

• MAC Carbon (swatches)
• MAC Embark (swatches)
• Stars Makeup Haven Taz (swatches)
• Stars Makeup Haven Frenzy (swatches)
• MAC Satin Taupe (swatches)
• Stars Makeup Haven Plum Crazy (swatches)
• Coastal Scents S06 (swatches)
• MAC Ego (swatches)
• MAC Humid (swatches)
• MAC Sumptuous Olive (swatches)
• MAC Warming Trend (swatches)
• Urban Decay Half Baked (swatches)
• MAC Espresso (swatches)
• MAC Swiss Chocolate (swatches)
• MAC Soft Brown (swatches)
• Urban Decay Sell Out (swatches)
• MAC Shroom (swatches)
• MAC Brule (swatches)
• MAC Blanc Type (swatches)

Yikes! This is a long post. -_-
Hope you all enjoy reading it or at least enjoy looking at the pictures. ^_^

What makeup case do you use for travel?

Do you travel light or heavy?

West Elm Narrow Leg Vanity

I've had my eye on the West Elm Narrow Leg Vanity for months and months, and now I finally got it in the color chocolate! (The picture looks lighter on West Elm's website. In person, it's actually an espresso finish. Too bad my stupid camera is picking it up as black.) I am not disappointed at all. It has enough room to store all my makeup. However, I don't recommend this vanity to store for makeup collectors, especially those who have tons and tons of makeup and those who are beauty hoarders because the space is limited. However, this would be great if you plan on using it to do your makeup.

I adore this vanity. It's convenient when I do my makeup because I have everything laid out in the middle storage area. When I'm not doing my makeup, I can fold the the mirror down and it becomes a completely flat table, which I can place my laptop on and do some more blogging for you lovely readers! Also, it looks deliciously gorgeous. =) 

Just in case you're wondering, I have my Caboodles traincase, Nail Polish Case, Mac Carry All bag, and a wicker basket of hair products stored underneath the table.

The price was ridiculously expensive, but well worth it. I bought it in January and the total came up to $314.59 including shipping, processing, delivery surcharge, and tax. Good thing I had a $100 gift card from West Elm and the final price was $214.59. WhoooHooo =D

Deal Alert! West Elm is having a 15% off sale on all furniture items and is selling the vanity for $254. With shipping, processing fee, delivery surcharge and tax, the total will be around $341.76 if you buy it now. I think the sale ends Sunday, so get it soon if you really want it.

How do you store your makeup and do you prefer to sit or stand while doing your makeup?

Stars Makeup Haven Empty Eyeshadow Palette

I've been getting alot of questions, regarding my empty eyeshadow palettes. I get them from Stars Makeup Haven (SMH) for $15.00. You can also get it from Coastal Scents for $9.95. Mac's Single Pro Palette ($8) is thicker and the insert ($2) only fits 15 eyeshadows. SMH's palette is the better choice for eyeshadow junkies like me because it fits more eyeshadows with the insert. They also fit alot of different brands of eyeshadows, including Mac, Urban Decay, Coastal Scents, ELF, and SMH of course. I depot all my eyeshadows and store them all in there so it's more organized and easily accessible when I do my makeup.

*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.

Makeup Storage and Vanity

I stayed at the Hyatt Hotel during my recent trip and I fell in love with the bathroom counter. It's so spacious and is the perfect place to do my makeup because I can just lay everything out on the table. The bathroom cabinet at my house has no space for anything. =(

I desperately need somewhere comfortable to do my makeup and to store everything. I came across West Elm's Narrow-Leg Vanity and it is gorgeous, but the price is pretty steep. It retails for $379.00, but is on sale now for $299. The total price adds up to $352 because of shipping and handling and tax.

I love that the mirror folds down and becomes a completely flat table. I can place my laptop there and transform it into a computer table. There is also 2 drawers and more storage space in the middle, but the price is still creating a barrier between me and the lovely vanity.

Ikea also sells a nice cabinet for makeup storage called the Lillangen Mirror Cabinet for $49.99. The mirrored door is removable and you're suppose to place the Anordna Interior Fixtures (picture on the right) inside the cabinet. The Anordna pull-out storage is sold separately for $14.99.

Why can't money grow on trees?

What other makeup storage ideas do you suggest?