Collective Haul #1 March 2023

Hey doll hey! How’s your day/night going? Great I hope. Today I had a pretty darn good spoonie day… not too much pain and fairly good energy levels. I hadn’t touched up my roots in so long that I decided to skip makeup today and take care of the hair.

First I bleached my full head (I wanted to start with a blank canvas this time around, instead of just dyeing the roots) and then I custom mixed some Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Color ($18.49 for 8 fl oz / 236 ml of product at Ulta) to get the shade of pink I really wanted the first time I dyed it pink (that’s 2 bottles of Electric Paradise – neon pink and 1 1/2 bottles of Virgin Pink – bright true pink). I left the custom mixed pink in my hair for 4 hours (with Arctic Fox you can leave the dye in your hair as long as you like, it has conditioner in it that leaves the hair super soft… and smelling amazing, like candy almost), I then combined the Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioning Mask ($20.59 for 8 fl oz / 240 ml of product at Ulta) with the Camille Rose Moroccan Pear Conditioning Custard ($12.49 for 12 fl oz / 355 ml of product at Ulta) to deep condition my hair for 1/2 hour whilst I sat under my Afro Steam Cap (currently unavailable due to website redecorating). Leaving my hair sopping wet I added a palm sized amount of Design Essentials Almond Avocado Leave-In Conditioner ($13.99 for 12 oz / 350 g of product at Ulta) followed by a 4 finger width of Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Curling Crème ($13.99 for 12 oz / 350 g of product at Ulta). I then added 7 pumps of Camille Rose Curl Maker Defining Gel ($22.59 for 12 fl oz / 355 ml of product at Ulta) and I then followed that up with 2 rounds of 7 pumps of Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse ($16.99 for 10 fl oz / 296 ml of product at Ulta). I then plopped my hair in a cotton jersey curl towel and am now currently giving it 3 hours to soak up the excess water and for a hair cast to set. Once that’s done I’ll release my hair from the towel (by then my hair should be at least 65 to 70 % dry and I will then blow dry with a diffuser to complete the drying process. Then, of course, I’ll pop my sleeping bonnet on and break the hair cast in the morning before I sit down to play with my makeup. (little tip for all my fellow curly cues out there, leave your silk bonnet on and cover it with a shower cap whilst you shower… it will give your hair an extra boost of hydration as it soft steams while you shower).

OK… enough about hair… let’s talk about makeup!

*remember as always, all hyperlinks provided are simply for fast location of the products used and not affiliate links… I just did the research so you didn’t have to. all swatched pictures are done on clean bare skin with no primer and in 1 pass to show the true pigmentation of the product*

From Sephora:

Pat McGrath Mothership Mega Celestial Nirvana Palette (limited edition and no longer available)… I purchased this one at Sephora. It was sold for $82 and has 0.80 oz / 22.7 g of total product… making it 00.04 oz , 1.26 g and $4.56 per shade, however I got it on Sephora clearance for $50 making each shade $2.78. There are 9 metallic and 8 mattes.

First Impression: The website says some of the shades are satin however when I swatch them they do not act like satin… they are actually mattes. The shades are rich and creamy and at least 3 of the metallics swatch as if they are celestial shimmers instead of metallics. I love the formula of these palettes and even at full price they are a better price point then the PML 10 pan palettes.

The shades from left to right are: Nightfall (deep neutral brown – matte), Cosmic Champagne (warm beige – metallic), Nocturnal Navy (midnight blue – matte), Lunar Lavender (pale lilac – metallic), Auburn Allure (red mahogany – matte) and Golden Angelica (pale gold – metallic).

The shades from left to right are: Bronze Infatuation (cool bronze with a silver reflect – metallic), Desert Divinity (they say this is a neutral terra cotta but I think it’s more like a warm taupe – matte), Eternal Amour (coral rose with a silver reflect – metallic), Fabulousity (mid toned fuchsia – matte), Heavenly Bronze (warm bronze – metallic) and Flame Fatale (red orange – matte).

The shades from left to right are: Altered State (forest green – matte), Guilty Opulence (they call this one an antique chartreuse but to me it’s more of a mid toned dirty gold – metallic), Violet Vixen (blue toned purple – matte), Aquarian Dream (icy light blue with a silver flip – metallic), Venusian Poppy (pastel coral – matte) and Starlit Copper (deep copper rose – metallic).

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Beauty Blush Wand ($42 for 0.4 fl oz / 12 ml of product at Sephora) is billed as a highly pigmented matte, liquid blush for a fresh, flushed look to revive your complexion. Inspired by Charlotte’s best-selling beauty light wands, dot and blend to apply. It comes in 3 shades, this shade is Dream Pop (cherry pink – matte).

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush ($23 for 0.25 fl oz / 7.5 ml of product at Sephora) is billed as a weightless, long-lasting liquid blush that blends and builds beautifully for a soft, healthy flush. It comes in 11 shades both matte and radiant finish, I have the shade Joy (muted peach – dewy).

I don’t have a first impression for this item (and the 2 below) as I already own the shade Happy (cool pink – dewy). This is an amazing blush formula.

Living Proof Curl Shampoo ($17 for the 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml size, $35 for the 12 fl oz / 355 ml size and $65 for the 24 fl oz / 710 ml size at Sephora) and Living Proof Curl Conditioner ($17 for the 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml size, $35 for the 12 fl oz / 355 ml size and $65 for the 24 fl oz / 710 ml size at Sephora) and a 250 point perk of a travel size of these 2 items. The Shampoo is billed as creamy, low-lather shampoo that gently cleanses and conditions curls without stripping hair for strong, defined curls straight from the shower that is made for wavy, coily and curly hair. The Conditioner is billed as a moisturizing, detangling conditioner that’s made to strengthen, prevent damage, and encourage curl groupings it is also for wavy, coily and curly hair.

I don’t have a first impression of these items because I had already purchased 3 of the 250 point perk travel sizes and I simply love them.

#1) Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Always an Optimist Pore Diffusing Primer ($15 for the 0.50 fl oz / 15 ml size and $28 for the 0.94 fl oz / 28 ml size, the size I have is the 100 point perk) is billed as hydrating, cushiony gel primer that blurs the look of pores and fine lines, boosts and extends makeup wear, and helps fight shine all day.

I don’t have a first impression yet since I haven’t opened it… stay tuned for a review.

#2) Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum ($30 for 3 fl oz / 90 ml of total product at Sephora, the size I have is a 100 point perk) is billed as a weightless, leave-in styling serum that’s rich in antioxidants to help protect from pollution, heat, and future damage for shine, bounceback curls, and anti-static and anti-tangle action. Can be used on clean, damp hair and reapplied between washes.

I have no first impression for this item, I have been using it for well over 4 months now, anytime I have the Sephora points for it I always snag it. This serum revitalizes my curls so perfectly…. without feeling greasy or like I have product build up. It’s perfect for my 3c curls.

From Catrice Cosmetics Website:

The Hydrator Plump & Fresh Primer ($8 for 1 fl oz / 30 ml of product on their website) is billed as a new and improved, cleaner version of the Prime and Fine Aqua Fresh Hydro Primer.

First Impression: I thought it was going to feel like silicone but it’s actually more of a refreshing gel.

#1) Brow Fix Shaping Wax ($5 for 0.17 oz / 5 g of product on their website) is billed as a creamy texture that is super easy to apply and get your brows into shape. The wax dries clear and sets the style in place for a long-lasting look.

First Impression: Honestly it feels like hair gel, just not as sticky.

#2) Lift Up Brow Styling Brush ($3 on their website) is billed as an angled brush head that allows you to create expressive, precise brow styles. It can be used to brush brows or with brow styling product.

FIrst Impression: It’s a cheap spoolie brush… nothing special, I just purchased it to test with the brow wax. I didn’t want to ruin one of my good spoolies.

Prime & Fine Dewy Glow Finishing Spray ($8 for 1.69 fl oz / 50 ml of product on their website) is billed as a transparent, fast drying spray to give your skin a dewy, glowing shimmer.

First Impression: I was worried when I first shook this bottle up… it has shimmer swirling through the bottle… I sprayed it on the back of my hand and it just left the skin looking glowy… on glitter, no mica… just a healthy glow.

Lip Jam Hydrating Lip Gloss ($5 for 0.33 fl oz / 10 ml of product on their website) is billed as hydrating lip gloss enriched with shea butter, coconut oil and mango seed butter to nourish the lips and provide intense moisture. It comes in 5 scents, I have the scent #020 Strawr baby.

First Impression: Smells like strawberry gum without the flavor, and feels very hydrating.

Lip Lovin’ Overnight Lip Mask ($6 for 0.14 oz / 4 g of product on their website) is billed as beauty sleep for your lips enriched with Shea butter and vitamin E for soft, pampered lips.

First Impression: This lip mask STINKS!!! No really I mean STINKS… like wilted roses… I don’t see myself ever using this one again… the scent lingers it’s so off putting.

Wild Hibiscus Glow Lip Balm ($6 for 0.12 oz / 3.5 g of product on their website) in the scent #010 Hawaiian BLossom Glow and is billed as activated by your skins unique pH value to enhance your natural lip color.

First Impression: It smells floral, but nothing too strong, is creamy and hydrating… but doesn’t really shift any noticeable color.

Lash Changer Volume Mascara ($7 for 0.37 fl oz / 11 ml of product on their website) is billed as a sensational fan effect, powerful volume and perfectly separated lashes, without any clumping. Its texture is deep black and easy to apply thanks to the tapered fiber brush. A true lash changer.

First Impression: I love that it doesn’t have plastic bristles but haven’t tried it out just yet.

Shine Bomb Lipstick ($7 for 0.12 oz / 3.5 g of product on their website) is billed as a lipstick that gives a high-shine finish that instantly makes the lips look fuller. The creamy, light texture softly glides over the lips and is enriched with hyaluronic acid for an additional, nourishing effect. It comes in 10 shades, this is the shade #070 Mystic Lavender.

First Impression: It’s hydrating and for a purple it’s muted in a romantic way.

First Impression: super cute pink that’s not over powering.

Powerfull 5 Lip Care ($6 for 0.12 oz / 3.5 g of product on their website) is billed as intensively nourishes the lips and leaves behind a natural looking, glistening sheen of color. It comes in 4 shades, this is the shade #010 Charming Rose (nude).

First Impression: This is a super creamy lip balm with a pretty good amount of color for those low maintenance days.

First Impression: This is a super creamy lip balm with a pretty good amount of color for those low maintenance days and I love the shade.

Prime And Fine Mattifying Powder Waterproof ($8 for 0.31 oz / 9 g of product on their website) is billed as being able to withstands humidity and mattifies your skin for hours. The delicate transparent formula enriched with vitamins A and E ensures a flawless, mattified and refined complexion. The transparent color also adapts to most skin tones.

No first impression needed, I have loved this pressed powder forever. I just decluttered the one I had since I hit pan and that is what prompted me to place an order, I can’t not have this one in my collection, in fact it is hands down my favorite pressed powder ever. I also purchased a back up since it’s frequently sold out.

Shape & Define Contour Stick ($7 for 0.31 oz / 9 g of product on their website) is billed as a dual ended applicator that provides a highlight and contour shade to help you achieve those perfectly chiseled cheekbones. It comes in 3 shades (none deep enough for anyone how is deeper than medium deep) I have it in the shade #10 light.

First Impression: When I first opened it I thought it would be too light for me… It’s actually perfect. It’s very creamy and I actually like the highlight side too.

Ultimate Camouflage Cream Brightening Corrector $6 for 0.10 oz / 3 g of product on their website) is billed as the reloaded version of the Wake-Up Effect Concealer an improved, cleaner formula you can feel good about putting on your skin. They still brighten the under eye area and cancel out unwanted purple/blue undertones, but are now vegan, silicone free, paraben free, gluten free, and as always, cruelty free. It comes in 2 shade, this is the shade #100 peach.

First Impression: This is a stiff formula, a small amount goes a long way and there is no way this one is creasing or slipping around… this one has me intrigued.

Under Eye Brightener ($6 for 0.14 oz / 4.2 g of product on their website) is billed as bye bye dark circles, color visibly balances out the bluish tones of dark circles, giving the complexion a radiant glow. The light pink concealer cream is specially developed for the under-eye area and the formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid and shea butter.

First Impression: This one is super creamy and the perfect peach shade… this one also reminds me of the BECCA under eye brightening corrector.

20H Ultra Precision Gel Eye Pencil ($5 for 0.0028 oz / 0.08 g of product on their website) is billed as soft, waterproof gel with a high, intense color payoff and gives eye make-up that extra special touch for up to 20 hours. It comes in 8 shades, I have it in the shade #10 black.

First Impression: It’s super creamy and sets down to damn near impossible to remove. Seems like a solid purchase.

First Impression: It’s super creamy and sets down to damn near impossible to remove. Seems like a solid purchase.

More than Glow Highlighter ($6 for 0.20 oz / 5.9 g of product on their website) is billed as a silky soft texture that gently blends with your complexion giving it a subtle glow with metallic shimmering effects. It comes in 2 shades, this is the shade #020 Supreme Rose Beam (deep champagne gold).

No first impression here, I already owned this highlighter and hit major pan on it… that should tell you just how much I liked it, since it very rare with a collection as big as mine to actually hit pan.

AirBlush Matt ($6 for 0.19 oz / 5.5 g of product on their website) is billed as a convincing weightless, light-as-air texture and a natural, matte finish. The perfectly pigmented “airbrush” texture is easy to apply and blend for a long-lasting, fresh look. It comes in 4 shades, this is the shade #120 berry breeze.

First Impression: Such a pretty pink! It’s smooth and not at all chalky.

AirBlush Glow ($6 for 0.19 oz / 5.5 g of product on their website) is billed as a convincing weightless, light-as-air texture and a natural glow finish. The perfectly pigmented “airbrush” texture is easy to apply and blend for a long-lasting, fresh look. It comes in 3 shades, this is the shade #030 rose love.

First Impression: It’s super creamy and has shine with no glitter (like NARS Orgasm, but better).

Summer Obsession Bronzer Blush Highlighter Palette ($12 for 0.45 oz / 13 g of total product, making it 0.09 oz / 1.1 g and $2.40 per larger pans and 0.045 oz / 0.55 g and $1.20 per smaller pan) is billed as a sun-kissed complexion in seconds.

No first impression here, I’ve owned this one a few times over the past few years, and I have always hit pan on this palette. It’s a great little travel companion and I love that there is 1 matte and 1 shimmer for both the blush and highlight.

The Hot Mocca Eyeshadow Palette ($6 for 0.31 oz / 9 g of total product making it 0.031 oz / 0.9 g and $0.6 per smaller pan and 0.062 oz / 1.8 g and $1.20 per big pan) is billed as eight highly pigmented brown and nude shades with various finishes. The rich, tan shades have a new and improved, velvety-soft texture and high color payoff.

First Impression: I knew I like the Catrice shadow formula but I didn’t think I would like this palette, it didn’t seem to be that impressive until I swatched. It’s a nice summer look palette.

The Pure Nude Eyeshadow Palette ($6 for 0.31 oz / 9 g of total product making it 0.031 oz / 0.9 g and $0.6 per smaller pan and 0.062 oz / 1.8 g and $1.20 per big pan) is billed as eight highly pigmented shades in elegant nude tones. The rich, neutral shades in light to dark tones have a new, improved, velvety-soft texture and a high color payoff.

First Impression: I’ve been loving cool toned nude shades lately… this palette is super cute and I can’t want to try it out.