Ulta Beauty Haul and Mini Reviews!

Yo what's up Shine and Sparkle Report Readers?

So I love to see what other people decide to spend their money on when it comes to beauty stuff.  I also like the mini-reviews that tend to go with the hauls. So since I know I like it, I thought you might as well.  Without further ado, lets get started!

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Repurchases (I obviously LOVE them since I'm repurchasing right?):

-The Balm Cosmetics Enroot "Moisturize My Hair" Shampoo*  (see post on this product here)

-Bastiste Dry Shampoo in "Wild" and "Blush" Scents were buy one get one 50% off, had to get 2 right? (see post on this product here)

-Paul Mitchel Tea Tree Shampoo and Conditioner "Special/Tingle" version.  I had the "Lemon Sage Thickening" version before.  I also love this one for more problematic scalp issue.

-Ulta Exfoliating Cotton Rounds are by far my favorite cotton rounds.  I only need one to take off all my eye make-up.  I also use them to apply my toner.  They have exfoliating side and regular side, depending on on how you are feeling that day.  They also stand up to being wet very well and do not shed bits of cotton all over your face. Hooray!

-Simple Cleansing/Make-up Removing Wipes are really nice.  They do not sting my eyes and are good on light make-up days or to cleanse my face when I'm being really lazy.  Since they were on major sale with the Simple "Radiance" Cleansing/Make-up Removing Wipes for Sensitive Skin, I got those too.  However, I have not had a chance to try them yet.  Considering how gentle the regular ones are, I'm interested if the "sensitive skin" ones are just as good or sacrifice effectiveness.

New Products (I just can't resist trying something new!):

-Maybelline "Pumped Up Colossal" Mascara in Water Proof is just ok.  I get waterproof mascara for my upper lashes because it typically holds are curl better than non-waterproof versions.  However, this was a bit disappointing because it did not hold a curl very well.  The volume from this mascara was ok, but nothing compared to Maybelline's "The Rocket Volume" Mascara.  If you are not as concerned with holding a curl and want a more natural volume look, I suggest this.  But I probably will not repurchase and will stick to "The Rocket Volume".

-Maybelline "The Colossal" Mascara in Water Proof.  I'm waiting for some of my other mascara to dry-up or need replacing to try this one.  But since I love "The Rocket Volume" so much, it's going to be a tall order for this mascara to live up to.  Let me know in the comments if you want me to do a mascara post in the comments!

-Essence "Get Big" Mascara got great reviews online and only cost $3.  I had to try it.  I think it is ok.  It is good for those who want to have a very subtle and natural look.  Gives lashes a little oomph, does not clump at all and is very smooth/does not smudge.  Not quite enough drama for my puny lashes, but people who naturally have more lashes or just want to darken their existing lashes should definitely check this out!

-NYX Cream Stick Blush in "Water Lilly" is a beautiful deep mauve pink.  For the summer I wanted a longer lasting blush that can stand up to some heat and complement my tanner skin.  This was perfect! Not greasy and easy to blend out.  I have used this by blending with my fingers and applying with a stippling brush.  Both worked great!  Setting this cream stick blush with a powder blush over it makes my blush last twice as long.  I'm a huge fan of these and will be getting more colors.  $6 well spent!


I hope you enjoyed this new type of review post.  I know I've introduced some new ways of reviewing (like my Product Empties Series of posts).  Let me know if you like them!


As always,
Shine & Sparkle!


*I am not paid or contacted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.  These are my honest feelings and opinions.