If you've never seen a "HAUL," I'm attaching one of the many YouTubers I follow for reference. If ever I get a working web-cam, a YouTube account might be a fantastic alternative, but until then, journal form will do!
This is meganheartsmakeup, btw. Check her out. She's adorable!
Anyways, basically the idea of a haul is not only "Here's a cool product you might wanna try!" but also "Here's where I found said product" and "Hey, which of these cool products shall I review in the future?!"
So, these are over the last few weeks. I'll give product, price, store, and of course whatever pic I can scrounge up online until I have a working camera!
GETTING STARTED.....
1. Bliss Shock Therapy Super Minty Concentrated Bath Gel
Got this one at TJ Maxx (and I can't say ENOUGH about how much I love TJ Maxx and Marshalls for beauty products! Why spend more when you can spend less?!?). This one ran me $10 for 16 oz.
I've used this one in the past, but had a hard time relocating it when I ran out. Think menthol here. Feels and smells very tingly and is a good wake-me-up in the morning!!! A little goes a long way. This is definitely one of my favorite shower gels. (Although, what I'm REALLY craving lately is Philosophy's Cinnamon Bun bath gel. Note to self: check Ulta next weekend!)
2. Bliss Thinny Thin Chin: Neck Firming cream.
Got this one at TJ Maxx as well. It was $18 for 1.7 oz, which seems like a lot, but is actually a bargain considering that the Bliss website is selling the product for almost $50 a pop.
I'm just turning 28 in a few months, but I feel it's really not too easy for me to start going the anti-aging route. This product boasts that it hydrates, exfoliates, brightens, and tightens the area under the chin, the neck, and the decollete.
I've only had a chance to use this twice, which of course isn't enough to establish any real results, but honestly all I expect is a fairly decent moisturizer here. It's pretty thick, and actually feels nice on. It does give a (VERY) slight firming feel due to the almost rubbery texture of the cream, and it smells absolutely divine, I think (a little grapefruity, maybe?). Anyways, we'll see.
3. Clarins Sun Face Palette.
Got this one at .... yes, TJ Maxx! I paid $8, but it appears to be $36 at Nordstrom. (Ok, now that's a bargain!)
This is probably the best bronzer I've ever used!!! First, the compact is huge, but small enough to hold in my hand while I apply the makeup. There's a slight shimmer in this one, but really it seems to be a pretty surface-level glitter that dissipates beneath the top layer of the makeup (which is really better for me, as I'm looking more for a hint of color than for a hint of shine). With a big fluffy brush, it looks very natural... a fantastic sun-kissed glow. I definitely do recommend this product already!!
4. Beyond the Zone: Beach Head Spray In Lightener
Got this one at Sallys, for about $4, I think. I've used this before in the past, and I think it's a really nice alternative to Sun-In, which tends to really dry out my hair. I'm already blonde, but in the winter I tend to look a little faded, without those little brightening hits from the sun! I just spray a few strands here and there and then blow them dry, then, BAM, a little kiss of blonde. Another plus of this one... it doesn't stink like Sun-In. Thumbs up again!
5. Beyond the Zone: Thick Enuff Spray
$5 at Sally's. Thickening Spray. Haven't had a chance to try this yet, but I can definitely review it when I do.
6. How to Create a Smokey Eye Palette by Sonia Kashuk
Target. Regular price is $19.99 but it was marked down to $11.99 when I got it.
This is a really nice palette overall, I think. My favorite part by far is actually the shimmery eye dust (white circle in the middle). It's a very sheer but super glittery shade which can be quickly applied to any shadow to transition efficiently from a daytime eye to a nighttime eye without hassle! The darkest shadow, a deep black, is a nice color, although I don't really care for the two neutrals, which are a pale peachy color and a tan. I'm more apt to do a smokey eye with purples or greys, but hey, if it works, do it! The lip glosses are very creamy, and the blush is nicely pigmented, which I love. The set comes with cue cards, which I haven't really looked through yet, but all in all, I'm pleased with this set.
7. Tanwise Airbrush Self Tanning Spray
Sallys. $11.99
I haven't gotten to try this yet, but will review it when I do.
8. Oil of Olay Makeup Remover Cloths
About $8.50. Target.
Previously, I had been using L'oreal makeup removal clothes, but really, they smelled funny, and that irked me a bit. These, on the other hand, smell very lovely.. almost soapy, and do an equally nice job of removing even my mascara (although I tend to use Burt's Bees baby oil for that, as everything else, including these wipes, sting my eyes). Only negative of these is the packaging... it's hard to keep the flap closed so I'm worried these may be exposed to the air and dry up a bit!
9 and 10. Oil of Olay Total Effects + Blemish Control. Cleanser and Moisturizer. I think the cleanser was about $8 and the Moisturizer closer to $18 at Target. I've had these for several weeks now, so I'm not as clear on the pricing.
I just don't know what to say about these. I've been using them for about 3 weeks, and I think I'm about ready to discontinue use. I definitely notice less dryness on my face, which is fantastic as the climate starts getting colder, but on the flipside, I think these products are actually making me break out! I'll give it another week or so and will, of course update.
SO, that's it for my first haul! If anyone wants a review of anything I've listed here, just let me know! And, if you've gotten anything lately that *I* should try, comment below. Thanks!