Little Luxuries - A day of firsts. (Haul - Nars, Dior, Sara Happ)

This actually goes along with yesterday's post as it is the rest of my haul from Sunday. 

After I went to LUSH I stopped by Sephora to visit one of my subscribers that works there and also passed through Nordstrom. 

Now truth be told I have not used most of these products yet aside from testing them at the store so this post will strictly be a haul - NOT a review but you can look forward to hearing my thoughts on these products in my February Hits & Misses on my YouTube channel. : )

NARS Limited Edition 'AND GOD CREATED THE WOMAN' Palette - Available at Sephora

First up we'll start with NARS - now this is my first and only NARS eye palette but for obvious reasons I could not resist! 

It looks like it will be a great neutrals palette to travel with and I am obsessing over it's slim size! (It's about the same size as the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette (which I also love) but looks a bit more narrow to me.)

I don't own many NARS shadows (I have 2 single shadows) but this set had one color I already knew I liked, Galapagos, and one color I was planning to buy as a single shadow, Coconut Grove. There was also a lighter matte color that looked like it would be great for the crease and lower lash line! 

This kit also comes with a small #3 brush and deluxe sample size primer.

NARS Limited Edition 'AND GOD CREATED THE WOMAN' Palette - Available at Sephora

Colors Include: 

Alhambra, Bellisima, Kalahari, 

Galapagos, Coconut Grove, Night Clubbing

NARS Limited Edition 'AND GOD CREATED THE WOMAN' Palette Swatches for hollyannaeree.com

My only fear with this palette is that it may be too dark for my regular eye looks but I won't know until I try it out! I'll keep you posted : )

NARS Limited Edition 'AND GOD CREATED THE WOMAN' Palette  Available at Sephora

Retail $59

NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder (Pressed) in Translucent Crystal

Another thing I thought was pretty neat is this 'Light Reflecting Setting Powder' in Translucent Crystal. (Don't you just love the name?!)

This comes in two forms, loose or pressed, I chose the pressed for connivence but both are the same price. 

Description from Sephora.com - 

What it is:
A weightless, translucent powder for all skintones that creates a soft matte finish that looks luminous in any light.

What it does:
This setting powder enhances the look of foundation without a trace of color, extending makeup wear thanks to the NARS exclusive Light Reflecting Complex™, which optimizes light-reflection on the skin. Its silky powder is infused with Photochromic Technology, which diffuses light and adjusts to new sources of light throughout the day. Soft, silky and luxurious to the touch and undetectable on the skin, this weightless formula applies evenly and blends effortlessly. One of the best parts? Fine lines, wrinkles, and pores optically fade as skin is visibly smoothed. Additionally, revolutionary microfine mineral powders are loaded with glycerin and antioxidant vitamin E to help guard against dryness and keep skin comfortable all day. Ideal for touch-ups, it helps regulate shine throughout the day and seamlessly sets foundation. This product is paraben- and fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.

     Now when I swatch this it feels a lot like an HD translucent setting powder (a little grittier) where it gives a bit of a slick feeling to the skin and it really does look pretty invisible! (It does not look shimmery)

NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder (Pressed) in Translucent Crystal

Not sure how I am going to like this product but I am eager to test it out! I did see a post on this yesterday by my friend, Jessica of Beautezine, and now I am regretting purchasing the pressed over the loose. I'll link her post HERE so you can find out why. She's got some great shots and additional information on the product so check it out!

NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder in Translucent Crystal

Retail $34

Dior Dior Addict Lipstick in #214 Tulle

The last thing I purchased at Sephora was this Dior Addict Lipstick in #214 Tulle.

 I've never owned or tested one of these before but was totally inspired by one of LisaLisaD1's recent videos. Again. 

(lol. we have very similar taste so anything she loves I always want to try out!)

Dior Dior Addict Lipstick in #214 Tulle

Dior Dior Addict Lipstick in #214 Tulle

This is described as a light beige on the Sephora site but I would say it leans with a bit of pink as well. 

I did try this at the store and really loved the way it looked on! Not totally obsessed or anything but it's a nice, natural lipstick that's no muss no fuss! 

No need for liner or gloss just a pretty lipstick to throw on and complete your look. 

Dior Dior Addict Lipstick in #214 Tulle - swatched for hollyannaeree.com

From the colors I've seen I think this one suits my taste the best but there were a couple others that grabbed my interest as well. 

One of the things I love most about this lipstick so far is the way it feels! Sooo creamy and smooth like a really great lip balm. 

I've also heard people say these are comparable to the Revlon Lip Butters and I would say yes, they are close in texture and give a similar look. Not total dupes but similar. The thing that most sets the Dior apart from the Revlon (aside from the price) for me is the color selection! The colors that were available from Dior just flattered my skin tone more and overall gave me the type of look that I like. I really struggle with the Lip Butters to find colors that I LOVE. (Out of the 20 Lip Butters I only like about 5)

Dior Dior Addict Lipstick in #214 Tulle

Retail $31

Sara Happ - The Lip Scrub in Peppermint

Lastly, I was finally able to get my hands on the Sara Happ Peppermint Lip Scrub when I went to Nordstrom!

I am currently using the LUSH Mint Julips Lip Scrub (per yesterday's post) and I love it but I really wanted to see what all the hype was about! 

(Really looking for the Sara Happ Lip Slip but that was sold out. I was happy to find this scrub though because the Peppermint flavor was sold out online when I tried to purchase it before. You know me and my mint! Gotta have it.)

Sara Happ - The Lip Scrub in Peppermint

Now I was able to try this out after I took these photos and I have to say I am not 100% sure that I like it yet.

It is definitely softer and less abrasive than the LUSH but seems a lot more moisturizing.

You can tell there is a lot of oil in the product, I'd say more oil than scrub, and also the peppermint is not as strong. 

The Sara Happ is 1 oz. while the LUSH is .08 oz - not a huge difference but the Sara Happ is more than double the price. 

My lips seemed too look a little better after using the Sara Happ vs. the LUSH since it was less abrasive and left them more moisturized after I wiped off the excess but I'm still not completely sold. I will need to keep trying this product. 

Probably the saddest thing for me with this new scrub - the directions don't say to eat it. LOL. 

(I actually don't think it's gross - I know there is a lot of debate over that but you ingest the skin on your lips (not to mention your lip products) anyway and if you are someone that exfoliates regularly or your lips aren't super chapped not much really comes off. 

But LUSH Mint Julips tastes so good! 

(for a while when I first got it I was basically just eating it. >_<) I did lick my lips a bit with the Sara Happ just to try it (I mean it comes in so many flavors it seems almost cruel not to be able to taste it!)and the flavor was very subtle. Disappointing. Also with all that oil in there it really wasn't too pleasant. : ( I definitely don't recommend eating or tasting these because I don't think ingesting all that oil would be a good thing. Even though it's a small amount it just doesn't feel right to me. Plus the directions say to wipe it off. Womp wommmp. 

I will test it further though and give you a more definite opinion after I've had some time to use it more regularly.

Sara Happ The Lip Scrub in Peppermint

Retail $24

------------

Hope you have enjoyed reading this post! That's it for my Hauls for a bit. I hope to start doing some more fashion related posts soon (OOTD, Shoe Reviews, etc.) as well as posting more videos! : )

Thank you again for taking the time to read and follow my blog - it is much appreciated!  

Also since I am blogging daily now I have started a blog for EEVEE that I hope to keep up with! (I figure if I'm already blogging every day it shouldn't be hard to post a picture of her at the same time)

We've decided to call it 'EEVEEinu - Your Daily Dose of Shiba'- so I hope some of you will check it out! It will be a lot easier for me than running her Instagram since I won't have to sign out and back in, etc. (But I do plan on continuing to post on Instagram for her so fear not lol)

Have a wonderful day and I will talk to you tomorrow!

-Holly

[YouTube - Instagram - Twitter - Facebook] 

Lust for Lush and Charity Talk (Haul)

^^

First of all sorry about this photo, EEVEE is nosey and this was the only clear shot I had. Can't say that I blame her - everything did smell pretty good lol.

#dogmomproblems - #bloggerproblems

On Sunday we stopped by the mall to grab a quick bite to eat and Steve had some errands to run as well. I had been meaning to stop by LUSH since my last video due to all of the recommendations from my subscribers so after Steve picked up his dress shirt I decided to stop in. (I actually haven't shopped at LUSH in about a year because sadly I have become sensitive to some of their products. (even though I had been using them on and off for years.))

I did end up finding a few new things (and one re-purchase) that I thought I would share with you. 

LUSH Mint Julips Lip Scrub

Retail $9.95

 I am no stranger to the Mint Julips lip scrub - I love it! This will be my 3rd jar (admittedly I did lose my first one though >_<). I'm a little more than 1/2 way through my current jar so I decided to grab another one for when I am finished. 
(I did also purchase the Sarah Happ Peppermint Lip Scrub from Nordstrom as well this week but I haven't tried it yet. I'll let you know how they compare in my February Hits & Misses : ) I'm really on the quest for the Sara Happ Lip Slip but it was sold out.)

LUSH Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter 

Retail $16.95

The Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter was the product I was most after this trip. I believe I had seen Kimberly of Tryst Lacquers, whom I mentioned in yesterday's nail post, say that this is what she uses for her cuticles so I was on it. 

I don't cut my cuticles and my hands tend to get quite dry so I really needed something for them because just lotion was not cutting it! I even had some cuticle oil but it was just sinking right in and I was still left with dry, peeling cuticles. 

I've only had this since Sunday but I am LOVING it! It makes the skin around my nails look SO much healthier! It has been amazing. I have never had a cuticle product give me such great results! I do need to re-apply a couple times a day right now though. 

It doesn't stop there:

 I am also using this on my toes, rubbing in the excess onto the rest of my foot and am loving the results there as well. (I don't typically have problems with my feet but I always try and moisturize them because I was looking at a few shoe posts of celebrities in Christian Louboutins and O_o dang. An ugly foot can really kill a great shoe. lol. So many women had wrinkly, veiny feet! Of course with age that may happen but these women were not that old (it looked more like they had been baking in the sun for too many years vs. just regular aging skin) so I have been really trying to take care of the tops of my hands and feet.)

Lastly I am using this on a stubborn dry patch on my leg. I am not sure why but this year I have been getting this really itchy patch and I am someone that if I have an itch - I gotta scratch it. Then of course I end up irritating my skin further and it's a whole big fiasco. (I actually was worried I had eczema or psoriasis, it was that bad for a bit. I've had something similar before on the same leg and with intensive moisturizing it eventually went away and never returned. This time it is on a naturally dryer area, my shin, so I am having a hard time keeping it hydrated. I've tried so many things, body oils, body butters, doing wraps, etc. all with minimal improvement so I am really hoping this works.) The woman at LUSH said not only is it super hydrating but the lemon in it also works to "eat away at the dry/dead skin" - she said she even uses it on her lips. 

Fingers crossed on that. I will keep you posted! 

(btw. I have gone to a dermatologist about my itchy skin and she did not know what it was so had suggested allergy testing. I may go that route because it would be good to know exactly what the issue is I just "haven't had time" to go get it done. (I say it with " " because we so often say that when in reality we just need to SET ASIDE time.)I have had reactions in the past to things like laundry detergent etc. so my skin is pretty sensitive. This time is a bit different than what I went for originally, dryer, and only one spot but I guess I have just been too lazy to go back.)

Limited Edition for Valentine's Day - Willow Pattern Soap

Retail $XX

Price will vary depending on what size chunk you buy but I purchased a small $5 piece to try out. (Plus I liked the shape, a little more normal than most LUSH soaps I have purchased in the past. Sometimes they give you really funky pieces and it's like O_o okay that's inconvenient to use. This one just felt special in my hand. Okay - I'm weird.)

Limited Edition for Valentine's Day - Willow Pattern Soap

There actually aren't too many soaps I enjoy from LUSH - I'm not really into "naturey" scents so most of them don't appeal to me. In the past I have enjoyed 'Sultana' and 'Honey I Washed the Kids' but that's pretty much it from their permanent line. Around Christmas they have a seasonal soap called 'Snowcake' and I really enjoy that one! It smells of sweet almonds. 
(I LOVE ALMOND SCENTS!)

BUT I must say I think I love this one even more! 

It's called 'Willow Pattern Soap' and it is Limited Edition for Valentine's Day. (Of course it is because anything I ever like is either limited edition or gets discontinued. #whyyy) To me it smells like creamy rose petals, almonds and something else but I'm not sure what...similar to the Sultana soap I believe.

 (I am really starting to like the scent of rose as well. I never use to, always thought it was so old fashioned but if it's a light, more natural rose scent I'm about it. 
I also like Rose Milk Tea (as well as Almond) and Rose Macaroons (salted caramel is my favorite for those though) which are new to me so that's probably part of it. New things I enjoy that I can associate the scent with.)

What makes me love this soap even more though is how creamy it is! I feel like this is much more moisturizing than the 'Snowcake' and the scent lingers a bit longer as well. 

At the end of the day it's just soap. I don't go nuts for it nor experience miraculous changes in my skin but as far as bar soaps go I think this is my favorite right now. 


Time to stock up. 

Charity Pot Shea Butter Hand and Body Lotion

Retail $5.95

These little pots of Shea Butter Lotion were add on purchases at the counter, but for a good cause. : )

Normally this is where stores always get me. The "would you like to....to donate to....charity?", for whatever reason I can't say no! (Which isn't a bad thing I guess.) So she explained to me all of the different charities they work with etc. Basically they raise money and then at the end of the fiscal year divide it up depending on which of those charities say they need funding. 

Sadly you can not choose which charity your $6 bucks goes to but I guess it's good that it gets delivered to where it is most needed. 

You CAN however choose the lid of the lotion to show off which charity you support most! 

I narrowed it down to three. 

(which is already a lot - who needs to buy 3 of the same lotions at once!!? #thisgirl)

Charity Pot Shea Butter Hand and Body Lotion

First one - you know I had to do it. 

CONNECTICUT! Woot woot! My home state. 

I was so surprised to see this that it almost didn't matter what the charity,  I was buying it! lol. Luckily it was a charity supporting a group "working to provide humane legislation in Connecticut" for animals.

(Most of the charities I support end up being for animal care (the other charity I donate to is for veterans and then sometimes different things I come across for the troops.) I'd like to find a good one to support better elderly care especially after what my grandma went through in her final days so if you know of any please send the info my way. I wanted to start my own but don't know where to begin. Any information would be most helpful : )

Next up - I think this one is also a great cause. 

In my opinion the fur trade is absolutely disgusting. I think it is one of the more pointless animal exploitations, one that I feel could be so easily turned around. I truthfully don't know why anyone would want to wear another creature's fur/skin. It's kind of creepy if you think about it. Silence of the Lambs status.

I could go on about this for days but I really don't want to get too political on my blog. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I certainly don't mean to push my beliefs on anyone. I want my posts to be more informative and positive than preachy. 

We all have different levels of support we are able commit to but I can say that I am 100% against the use of fur. It is the true definition of "Killer Fashion". 

And lastly - this little guy. ^_^

I thought this was a wonderful cause as well, one that I think a lot of people would over look. We all want to help on such a big level that we can sometimes forget about the wildlife right in our own backyards!

I grew up in an area that is all old farmland and still very rural so we have TONS of wildlife around us! This charity really speaks to me as it gives "orphaned, injured and displaced wildlife" the care they need. 

Most charities I see that get a lot of attention are all for domestic animals or exotic animals - I never really hear anyone talk about the more common wildlife so I was happy to see this. 

---------------

Now with all that being said, something I always get any time I want to share a charity drive type of event going on is the "well it's only... $" or "but....takes a cut, why not just donate directly to the cause", etc. etc. And of course it is great to donate directly or make a larger contribution but in all honestly most people aren't going to do that out of no where. There are so many charities out there that it can be overwhelming to find one without a little guidance. 

Things like this are great for the general public because it not only brings attention to some of the different charities and causes but you are also getting something in return which is always an encouraging incentive for people.


Buying a product to support charity does NOT mean you need to stop there. 


As I mentioned earlier, we all have different levels of support that we are able to commit to. I think that supporting a charity through product purchase is a great stepping stone. It sets the idea in motion and can really help you discover new organizations/causes, increasing your chances of finding one that you are truly passionate about. 


Lastly, your time and advocacy is just as important and powerful as a monetary contribution.


--------------


Well this post ended up being way longer (and on a different topic) than I thought it would be. lol. I was thinking it would be just a haul. I don't plan out what I want to write before I start writing it (just like in my videos - you know how long those can be!) so sometimes I just get on a roll. It's just how my process works.

As always thank you all for reading and for following my blog! 

It's been one week, over 100,000 views, and I am still going strong! Your enthusiasm for my posts and kind words are truly motivating. 

: ) See you back here tomorrow. 

-Holly 

[YouTube - Instagram - Twitter - Facebook]