There was a time in my life when I was really into playing with makeup and buying fashionable clothing. Trips to Sephora were like Christmas Day for me and I loved going to the mall. I am pretty sure that I single handedly kept Express in business between the ages of 16-19. Somehow my interest in beauty and fashion has slipped away over the years. I find myself always sticking to the same neutral makeup palette and never experimenting with new products and it is hard to convince me to go to the mall for anything other than a visit to lululemon.

I would have to say that my all-time favorite magazine is Allure and I was so excited to see that their “Best of Beauty” issue was out. I read it while I was on vacation and it gave me just the kick in the ass that I needed to introduce some new products into my life. Although I have to say that the fall fashions did not inspire me to go shopping. Ick. It all seems so heavy and patterned. I am sorry but there is no way you are going to catch me dead in floral or geometric patterned jeans. I’m sure some people can pull it off fabulously but I am not among that sect.

I had a lot of fun going through and circling all of the products that I want to try. I made a trip to Ulta today to purchase a new flat iron (which they didn’t have in stock so I ended up ordering through Amazon Prime cheaper with overnight shipping!). While I was at Ulta I picked up a few of the products that I circled. I was really surprised to find that there were so many drugstore brand products included. I always feel lost when I try to navigate drugstore beauty/makeup aisles so having a guide on what products to try was so helpful.

From left to right with the review from Allure…

• CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara – “You could spend an hour gluing on falsies. Or you could give wimpy fringe a once-over with CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara. It’s that good.” I purchased the waterproof formula in very black. It was $8.99.
• Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 – “The soy-laced Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 evens complexions so well, you’ll be tempted to skip foundation.” I have been looking for a good daily moisturizer with an SPF so I’m excited to try this given it’s promise to help with skin tone/complexion. This was $16.99.
• Maybelline New York Dream Bouncy Blush – “With your eyes closed – the mousse-like texture melts into cheeks that effortlessly. Fresh Pink looks right on all complexions (we tested it).” If I had to pick only one makeup item that I could wear, it would be blush so I’m always up for trying new shades/formulas. This was $7.99.
• L’Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Powder – “Skims on like velvet, covers as well as foundation and won’t change color on you after a few hours.” I have never purchased drugstore brand powder/foundation so I’m very interested to see how this works. It was difficult to figure out the right shade but the salesperson at Ulta assured me that I could return it if it was off. This was $8.
• CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast in Bronze Fire – “With it’s chubby stick, it covers lids in a buttery champagne that’s refined, no matter how sloppily (or quickly) it’s applied.” Again, my love for neutrals. This was $8.49.

I will let you guys know what I think about the above products once I try them. Has anyone tried any of these products? There are quite a few more that I want to pick up/order so I’ll keep you posted on my re-entry into the beauty/makeup world. 🙂

I grabbed a soy latte from Starbucks after my Ulta trip. I somehow missed my morning coffee so this was a welcome addition to my afternoon.

I also picked up this cute thing. I have missed this face!!!

Off to teach circuit training and BodyPump. Teaching BodyPump 83 for the first time tonight and I’m scared. The lunge and shoulder tracks seem brutal. I’ll have a report on that too!