Birthday Haul : part deux

First, let me apologize for picture quality. My memory card is currently stuck in my notebook, therefore I'm having to shoot pix with my phone. Anyway, somehow I justified a second birthday haul. Here it is :)

The Ecotools brushes were on sale, buy one get one. I went to 2 Rite Aids and could not find the kabuki on a stick (they call it a bronzer brush) I wanted, so I got another brushroll with eye brushes and a pouch with a small kabuki, powder brush and 2 eye brushes. They were all backup, but they're such great quality and it is so convenient to have enough brushes that you don't have to constantly clean them. While picking up the brushes I got one of the Megalast lipsticks from Wet n Wild in Stoplight and a nailpolish in wet cement. The lipstick is a winner, but that nailpolish is - uck - just uck! I've been trying to add purple to it to see if I can franken it to the point of a purple/taupe. We will see.

The Elf setting spray hasn't been tested enough to really review. However, I have used it and it didn't cause breakouts or feel sticky, so I have hope!

The Sephora order includes the Benefit set of minis called "Tan About Town". It includes a mini Hoola (squee!), mini Some Kinda Gorgeous in medium and a mini Bad Gal mascara. I know I would never finish a full size Hoola, so this mini is PERFECT. I also really like Some Kinda Gorgeous and hope medium will work during the summer. If not, I can use it to contour with.

The bargain of the order is a silver Sephora atomizer that was $3.00. I've been looking for an atomizer and the price was right. It even comes with the tiny funnel that is freaking adorable.

Since I've been into fragrance lately, I also purchased the Tokidoki coffret of tiny bottles. Such a great size to try them and awesome for my purse.

Also, the eyeshadow quad is Smashbox and seems a nice quality. I'll have to use it further to pass judgement.

Haven't yet tried the Urban Decay set and only sniffed the Dolce and Gabana Light Blue (which was FREE!).

Reviews and necessary comments to follow as I test my new pretties~

Nail Polish Collection

Saturday's Nail Polish Haul

These were found at Walgreens for .99 a duo. The duo is one of the 60 second polishes plus a topcoat. There was a lighter pink one I gave my Mom (Hannah Pinktana - there was only one left in that color) and I skipped the colors I already had (Greys Anatomy, party of Five Glitters). Now, what do I do with all that topcoat?? It seems really thin, so I don't know if it's any good for frankening, but the extra bottles will be handy,.Ugh, spare Party of Five & Greys Anatomy would also be handy for frankening. Hopefully they have some left!

Found the Wet N' Wild Dream Weavers Limited Edition Eyeshadow Palettes

Haven't tried them yet, but they look super pretty. There are neutrals there for me to try (I'm more of a brights girl) and that yellow and pink are definitely out of my comfort zone, but I'm willing to give them a whirl at this price. The matte black looks like MAC's Carbon (which I already have) and the black glitter looks like Black Tied (which I also have). Guess I'm pointing them out 'cause those two dupes justify the whole set. 2 MAC shadows would be $22-$30 depending on of they're pro pans or pots. Wet N Wild quality has improved so much in the last couple years that I look forward to their new releases as much if not more than MAC's.

On another note, I am reading  Ron Sheffield's Talking to Girls About Duran Duran  and it's SO GOOD! The writer grew up on the South Shore of Boston (like me) so the references to local stores and radio stations is a crazy blast from the past. Thinking about getting it as a gift for a good friend. I think she'll enjoy the reference and reminiscing as much as I am. Strangely, I didn't care for his last book. Glad i gave him another try.

Lately I've been somewhat obsessed with nailpolish and the interesting things that can be done with it. After cruising MUA for hours, I've got a pretty good list going of colors I need, where to get them, etc. Since I didn't go anywhere this weekend I had to shop my stash for today's manicure. I also REALLY was jonesing for a duochrome.

This is the color I came up with. It's Sinful Colors "Let Me Go". After 3 coats I'm pretty sure it's not going to get any better. It's a very subtle opalescent effect. However, I'm pretty sure it would work out better with a blue or purple underneath. When this mani starts chipping I'll give that a go. Unless I come up with a new & fabulous polish in the meantime.

Tomorrow we're going to see Winnie The Pooh and I'm uber excited!! We'll stop for snacks and juices before the show. There may be random nailpolish browsing also. I'm just looking for the more interesting Sinful Colors I don't have and maybe the quick dry Wet N Wilds. I think the Party of Five glitter is a must have and it's only $1.99. Possibly Buffy The Violet Slayer, too!