Shopaholic in Alabama

I know, I know...you must be thinking "you're late to this party, Lori". Believe me, I already know! ha! But now I'm on the bandwagon and I like it!  Many of my blogger friends have been talking about Birchbox for months, and I recently decided to get on the waiting list and join the party. When my August box arrived, I was thrilled with the contents and wanted to show you everything I received.  For August, Birchbox contents had a "beauty school" theme in honor of the back to school season. My box included DDF Brightening Cleanser (which I plan to give away, as I only use a specific brand of cleanser). It also included LiQWd Professional Volumizing Catalyst, which I used on my hair yesterday and loved. This is something I might purchase in a full size version.  The Dr. Jart+ Waterfuse Beauty Balm is a multi purpose product that includes a SPF25. I might try it on one of those days that I don't plan to leave the house and am not wearing any ma...

Trying a "new to me" product is always exciting. In addition to having a slight shopping obsession for clothing, shoes and accessories - it's possible my cosmetics and skincare obsession runs just as deep. And I can't wait to tell you about this eyeshadow base from Trish McEvoy!  I've always used an eyeshadow base as part of my cosmetics routine. If you plan to wear eyeshadow, an eyeshadow base should be an integral part of your routine. Just like a foundation on your face, the eyeshadow base preps your eyes for shadow. For me, it always makes an eyeshadow just glide on, and it certainly helps it stay put! On days when I don't feel like going through the whole makeup routine, I'll apply only an eyeshadow base with eyeliner and mascara. That's just enough so I don't look tired and is a simple routine.  I recently tried the Trish McEvoy Eye Base Essentials in Nude. This product is absolutely amazing and provides just the right amount of base fo...

It's time for a true confession. Please don't think I'm too vain, but I tried Latisse. And ladies and gentlemen, guess what?!!? It works. It REALLY works.  As they say: the proof is in the pictures. The above picture was taken after two months of using Latisse. (I'm on the right, my sister is on the left).  The picture below was taken three months after my I ran out of my Latisse supply.   Obviously, I'm on the right side again. With my short and stubby eyelashes. :-(  Clearly, I need to reinvest in my Latisse. All this maintenance is really getting expensive, and the DH thinks I'm totally ridiculous to want long eyelashes.  What do you think? Have you ever tried Latisse, or any of the other lash enhancing products? What were your results? Let me hear from you! 

When your Ulta Reward Certificate is a level 11, does that mean it's time to stop shopping? Here's what it does mean: you spent at least $550 in one quarter at Ulta.  My question is this: wonder how close I was to a level 12?!!? Makes me mad I didn't do a better job of keeping track of my spending! Is anyone else obsessed with Ulta?!?!

Let's face it - sometimes we just do not want to spend a ton of money to look good. Cosmetics, skin care treatments, cleansers, serums, toners, Latisse, zoom teeth whitening, etc - it all costs money. And some of it costs big money. I have learned that when experimenting with new makeup colors or trends, it's almost always just as good to buy from a brand that isn't so pricey. Because honestly, I might LOVE teal eyeliner this season - but I'm likely to be "over it" in a very short time.  e.l.f. Cosmetics is a great brand to consider when shopping for cosmetics on budget. Last week, I needed a new Eyebrow Comb/Brush combo tool and I was "this close" to buying one at Sephora. It was $11. For some reason, I got sidetracked in the store and forgot to pick up my brush. Later that afternoon, I went into Target (Missoni Mission) and picked up virtually the exact same brush from the e.l.f. Cosmetics line for only $1. Cha-Ching!  Yesterday I was del...

Happy Cyber Monday, Shopaholics! Can I tell you a secret? I don't "do" the Black Friday AKA day after Thanksgiving shopping madness! Never have. Never will. It's just not my thing. Now I will confess - I did participate in "Pink Friday" - which is just fun fun fun. Guilty as charged - called and placed an order on Friday with one of my favorite Lilly stores (Southlake, TX). They had a ton of items on sale from the Fall collection and I just "needed" a few - plus I received a GWP so that makes me happy! Today is Cyber Monday - AKA the largest online shopping day of the year (in terms of $$$'s spent). One of my favorite sites, Beauty Ticket , is offering a fantastic deal to celebrate. An Extra 30% off all items with only one exception - private sale items. Ummmm can you say insane deals!?!?!?! Their prices are already great to begin with - and this sweetens the deal. Beauty Ticket carries brands such as Stila, Too Faced, Goldie, Laura Mer...

Happy Thursday, Shopaholics! Hope you are doing wonderful and having a lovely week! Recently I was introduced to the website "Beauty Ticket" by a Facebook friend who knows I have a serious *ahem* addiction to all things cosmetic, skin and hair care related. Ask those who know me best, I have cabinets and containers full of goodies here at home. And yet, I continue to purchase more. Of course this begs the question "what is wrong with me?" but that's a topic for another day! :-) Anyway, enough about the therapy I need and back to talking about Beauty Ticket (website link HERE ). They advertise "premium brands at VIP prices" and a joke it isn't. Beauty Ticket has "private sales" - similar to Rue La La, Gilt Groupe, etc. but the focus is on all things beauty. Since I've been a member of the site, I've seen private sales with Stila, Lumenesse, Rock & Republic, and many others. Many of the items are priced at up to 85% of...

Happy Wednesday everyone! I cannot believe it's already "hump day" - honestly where is the time going? It's well documented that I enjoy laying in the sun. YES, I know. The sun is supposed to be bad for me. YES, I know. Tanning causes skin cancer. YES, I know. I'm supposed to wear high SPF. I do. Especially on my face. As a result, I always end up with another problem...my face is lighter than my body. Significantly lighter. Do you use a bronzing powder? I have found that using one is the best solution to my "problem" with the white face and tan body. :-) Lucky for you, I have tried many bronzers in my day - meet "The Best Bronzers Around". Stila Sun Highlighter Retail price is around $26 and you can purchase at Sephora, Ulta, or directly from Stila.com. This powder does NOT have any gold flecks, but allows me to gradually build up the color on my face to match the color on my neck/chest. Use a large powder brush for application, and app...

Happy Tuesday everyone! Hope you're doing great and getting ready for a wonderful Memorial Day holiday. Later this week I will have some special treats, including my Beach Bag Essentials! Even though it's not "officially" summer yet, it might as well be. We've had temperatures of 90+ degrees for days, and more coming. This is the time of year I take 2-3 showers a day. Before exercise, after exercise; Before beach, after beach; one right before bed because it makes me rest so well. Heck, sometimes you just want to take one after walking outside on the deck to water the plants! All this showering, scrubbing and skin exfoliation brings a new problem - dry skin. I loathe dry skin, can't stand it. In the past, I have used fairly expensive products like Creme de Corps from Kiehls. However, I discovered something much more economical that I'd like to share with you! Welcome to my daily routine, Olay Quench Body Lotion (Deep Moisture). A while back, I receiv...

Happy Weekend, my Shopaholic friends! Hope you're enjoying good times and nice weather. DH was off work on Friday, so we spent Friday and Saturday at the beach working on our tans. Sadly, we must attend a wake on Sunday evening. One of my Dad's lifelong best friends passed away on Thursday from complications of lung cancer. Dad is taking this very hard, he's known Randy since before he married my Mom. Please say a little prayer for him, as well as Randy's family. He was only 64. :-(   Today I wanted to tell you about another one of "My Favorite Things".  Are you familiar with LORAC Cosmetics? Have you tried any of the products this brand offers? Naturally it's sold in Sephora, Ulta, etc but I actually prefer to purchase LORAC directly from their retail website (access it  HERE ). Get this - I am totally - 100+% - addicted to their Lip Polish. It comes in a small bottle that looks like nail polish - how cute is that? My favorite colors of ...

TGIF, my Shopaholic friends! What do you have planned for this Mother's Day weekend? We are having a "girls night out" on Saturday - just me, Mom, Nanny and my baby sister. Then on Sunday, DH and I will go visit the in-laws. There's only one down side to all this - everything is inland so no beach for me. THAT I'm not loving! :-( Today I wanted to share one of "My Favorite Things" from Philosophy. If you're not familiar, Philosophy is a skin care, cosmetics, bath and body/fragrance line that is fantastic! I use many of their products (especially love their moisturizers, but I'll blog about those another day). Yesterday I remembered that I had a brand new bottle of Senorita Margarita, one of the 3-in-1 Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash products. Note: I would NEVER wash my hair with this. My stylist would kill me dead for fear of ruining highlights that he slaves over.....However, I absolutely LOVE this product as a Shower Gel. I also shave my l...

Happy Wednesday, AKA "hump day", my Shopaholic pals! Hopefully you're having a great day! Welcome to DAY NINE of Shopaholic Giveaway Days to celebrate Mother's Day!!! Today I'm very excited to introduce you to a new favorite online store called PeaceLoveLipgloss. Hello, the name sucked me in immediately!!! For those of you who have met me in person, I'm 100% certain you will not be surprised.... The rest of you will learn in time, this Shopaholic has a serious product (skin care, makeup, bath & body) addition. I absolutely do not discriminate! I will try anything at least once, and I've never met a lip gloss I didn't love. Shopaholic confession: I usually carry at least 10-15 in my handbag at all times. I met the owner of PeaceLoveLipgloss, Madeline, through blogging and twitter. She also has a blog that is fantastic! You all should be following her if you aren't already, click HERE and check it out. Madeline is always recommending, r...

Happy Friday, my fabulous and fashionable friends! I got you with that title post, huh???? :-) Today we're talking about makeup - and specifically - foundation! Since 2003, I have worn BARE ESCENTUALS Bare Minerals SPF 15 "mineral" or powder foundation. I will admit, when I initially tried the product, my mother had to talk me into the purchase. After years of wearing liquid foundation, I just wasn't sure about it....but gave it a whirl. Turns out, I loved it! (It's worth noting, I was only 33 years old back then!) Fast Forward to late 2009 - 2010. I just don't think my skin looks as luminous as it once did. I feel like my pores are getting larger and so much more noticeable. Yes, I know........I'm now 39 years old. Duh. This happens, right??? Well...not to me! I refuse to accept my age, at least on my face, and will leave no stone unturned in my quest for the appearance of flawlessness. I was in ULTA (another Shopaholic obsession) and tested a new fou...

Happy Ash Wednesday, my fellow Fashionistas! I hope you're having a wonderful day! Are you a member of GILT GROUPE? Gilt Groupe provides access, by invitation-only, to Men's, Women's and Children's coveted fashion and luxury brands at prices up to 70% off retail. Each sale lasts 36 hours and features hand selected styles from a single designer. Tomorrow some of my FAVORITES will be featured - Go SMiLE, Kate Spade paper, Caudalie Skincare and Crane and Co. Friday's sale lists includes BCBGMAXAZRIA and L.A.M.B. (gwen stefani's line). Today I was super tempted by Lipstick Queen..... If you're not a member, click HERE for your invite.  I LOVE the Go SMiLE toothpastes and Ampoules and am hoping they'll be featured tomorrow! Happy Shopping! Be sure to let me know what you find! :-)

Happy Tuesday, everyone! Welcome to Shopaholic's version of "My Favorite Things" and today we're talking about the most elusive....perfect lashes! I don't know about you, but I'm constantly searching for the next big thing and best products on the market. Sometimes this gets me into a LOT of trouble when Sephora boxes arrive at the doorstep, but that's a different topic. :-) On my agenda - lush, long, thick, well seperated lashes. I realize this is quite a tall order, but I refuse to give up the good fight. Trust me when I tell you, I've tried it ALL. Mascaras by YSL, Dior (don't understand the fever over DiorShow, did nothing for me!), Clinique, Lancome, Cover Girl, Maybelline, Benefit, Givenchy. You get the picture! Since I've tried so many and spent so much $$, I thought I'd save you the trouble and share my personal favorites!  First order of business - you need a great eyelash curler. Some people don't curl their lashes and I...

Hello Everyone! It's FRIDAY! The temperature is going to reach 70 degrees here today and I plan to be out and enjoying the weather! Are you like me and constantly searching for the perfect skin care treatment, the perfect lip gloss or the perfect shade of eye shadow? Cosmetics and skin care are an obsession of mine, I love to try new things and see the results. However, there are a few (VERY few) things I absolutely do not change. My eye cream is one of them. I have used "All About Eyes" by Clinique since it was released. I honestly can't even remember how long it's been now, but I think 8-10 years. When I first started to use the product, I was beginning to notice dark circles and tiny, faint lines that looked like crow's feet when I smiled. After all, I do love to bask in the sun (I know; please don't fuss at me but tan fat is more attactive than white fat)....plus I wear contacts and therefore I'm never outside without sunglasses. This makes me ...

Yep, another post tonight but I just ran across this FAB deal and had to share it with you! Click the link HERE to get a FREE "Girls Just Want It" Lip Gloss Palette from Bed Head. This offer also includes FREE SHIPPING so you have absolutely nothing to lose! I just signed up for one......we all KNOW I do NOT "need" lip gloss.....but as Lilly herself says, "too much is never enough"! Enjoy and again, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hi Everyone! Those folks at SEPHORA, boy do they know how to tempt me!!! Here it is the day after Christmas, of course I got everything in the world that I "needed" (and lots of stuff I just "wanted"), and I don't need ONE thing from them. HOWEVER.....they have a huge sale section on their website, click HERE to access the sale. 230 items included, and through 12/31/09, use promotion code "EXTRA" at checkout to receive an additional 20% OFF the sale items only. What a great selection, brands include: Bare Escentuals, Cargo, Benefit, Kevyn Aucoin, Kinerase, Stila and MANY others. If this isn't enough for you, they also have a $10 or less section with goodies from Bliss, NARS, Benefit and others. You can click HERE to see those fabulous deals! While you're there, be sure to join their "Beauty Insider" program if you don't already belong! This program is one of the best in the industry, in my opinion. You will receive emails wi...

Happy Christmas Eve Eve! Hope everyone is getting ready to celebrate with family and friends over the next few days. I'm almost done, except for a few last minute gift cards and some cooking. Thank goodness because time is running out.... I was SO excited to open my first Christmas gift!! I participate in an online group of Lilly lovin' ladies, and every year we have a holiday gift swap. This year I was the lucky recipient of a stash of the new and unreleased MAC in Lilly Land cosmetics! O.M.G. when I opened this I was thrilled!!! I posted this picture so you all could see the collection "in person". Most of you already know, I'm a HUGE Lilly and MAC lover, so this gift was right up my alley! Funny thing, I have been counting down the days until the collection was released and I could order it online. Now I don't even have to! Thanks to my best buddy J - I am all set! ♥♥♥ you J! :-) This collection will be available at MAC locations in the US beginning o...

Finally....time to talk about cosmetics for a bit! I LOVE LOVE LOVE buying new makeup. I buy WAY too much makeup, skin care, hair products, etc. but I can't help myself. I mean let's face it - we all look better with a little "help". Natural beauty is great, but natural beauty enhanced with the proper products, now that is fabulous! If you haven't tried the LORAC Cosmetics line, you really should. The line is generally available in Sephora stores nationwide. You can also purchase it directly from the LORAC website (this is my preferred method). On their website, be sure to check out the "Collections" and "VIP Discount" tabs. There are some awesome deals to be had, and they change frequently. Sometimes the "VIP" section will be discounted as much as 75%, and the "Collections" (or sets) are usually priced at 50-75% off their retail value. One of my favorites is the Lip Polish. This is lip gloss in a petite bottle that lo...