New Drugstore Beauty Finds

I recently went to visit my local Walmart and Target to grab up some more affordable makeup to test out. Side note - did you know Target has teamed up with Ulta Beauty?! How neat is that?!
My local Target has done some updates to their beauty area but I will say with the new updated makeup area at Target, I found it harder to find makeup and beauty products and living in a tourist area, my Target was low in stock on a lot of items - therefore I purchased most of the makeup at Walmart for the ease of shopping; BUT most of these makeup items can be purchased at both store locations and online!  

My goal was to create a full face of drugstore makeup to test out and review - so below you’ll see everything from eyes, lips, and face!

I’ve also been considering making a Youtube video trying out each item, please let me know if you’d be interested in that as well!

At the bottom of this post will be a shopping widget where you can scroll and see all the items and within the shopping widget you can shop the items too!  

Loreal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation
Up to 24 hour natural finish foundation that is buildable. Claims to resist transfer, sweat and stay breathable all day while its color stays true all day. Has SPF 25 as well with 40 shade options plus a pressed powder to compliment it too. To me this is a drugstore dupe to the It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation. It does has a natural finish and the color holds well but I would not say its truly resistant to transfer (living in Florida the humidity and heat can make anything move, including this). I will 100% be repurchasing this because its a great everyday at home or errand run foundation. I love having an affordable option to use daily and then glam it up for date night or photos with my luxury foundation of choice. 

Milani Conceal & Perfect Concealer 
full coverage that has 12 hours of crease free and water resistant wear that blends seamlessly.
I grabbed this up because I wanted to try the foundation version of this but my shade was sold out, so I thought the concealer would be worth a shot at trying. There’s lots of shade options and it does blend out well. I personally don’t wear concealer often because I just build up the foundation coverage when needed but I did enjoy this. If I had major tired eyes I would consider grabbing this. I haven’t tried this on acne spots but it seems to blend well and have a full coverage where I believe it would cover up dark spots and acne areas. 

Covergirl Clean Fresh Pressed Powder
100% vegan, makes pores less visible, skin feel and look smooth.
This is a simple pressed powder. Its easy to apply and its personally a good option for daily wear when you don’t want to use your expensive luxury powders. I prefer to use this type of powder on top of my liquid foundation to set it and this does the job. Is it perfect? No. The packaging is very very cheap and its a cheap pressed powder, so its not going to do the blurring effects or have a lot of skincare benefits compared to some of the high end makeup - but I do like the color of the packaging and I think for what I plan to use this for; it serves its purpose. 

Elf Eyeshadow Bite Size Palette
Ultra pigmented quad with stay put power and a mix of matte and shimmer shades. Smooth and creamy application.
First of all, this is $3.00… I’m blown away at the price and the mini palette literally reminds me of a Natasha Denona but $22 cheaper. The eyeshadow isn’t luxury quality but does a great job at what its made to do. The images you’ll see the pigment quality and I feel the shimmer/sparkly colors are REALLY nice; like Stila quality. I’ve been trying to figure out why and how this can be so cheap and I realized its made in china but designed in the US (thats the only way I can see it being so affordable). I like it. I plan to wear these colors for more natural neutral eye looks.  

Lash Paradise Mascara
Voluptuous volume and intense length. Allergy tested. Suitable for sensitive eyes.
I grabbed this up because I remember the internet going crazy at one point about it, every mega influencer claimed it was the best thing ever BUT I never grabbed onto it. I recently grabbed this up because I wanted to try a brown-black mascara instead of a jet black. I am super impressed with how many shade options this comes in. Also major win is it doesn’t smell inky - my LEAST favorite mascaras are the ones that smell bad but this one doesn’t! This has a bristle brush which I prefer for a more volumized look.

NYX Skinny Liner in Noir
Smudge proof long wearing hydrating formula in large shade range.

Once again, a super affordable item that does the job on days I dont want to grab up my luxury items. This truly has a super thin pencil (thinner than my Charlotte Tilbury liners) so you can really make sharp thin liner lines with this one. There is over 14 shades to pick from from bright greens/blues to the neutral and natural browns and blacks. 

Milani Color Statement Lip Liner

This lipliner is 100% a dupe for the Charlotte Tilbury Pillowtalk. It’s an all around flattering liner color that can be used all over the lip or to just line. Its super affordable and easy to apply. Does wear off overtime when its used as a full lip color but it does the job of lining your lips and overall staying in place for your other lip products to stay put. 100% would grab a dozen of these to keep on stockpile. 

Somewhat Luxury items that I’m calling Drugstore because A) Super Cheap/on clearance and B) sold at Ulta; which has a mix of drugstore and luxury - I personally feel these items are drugstore due to their prices. 

KKW Contour Sticks
Creamy buildable contour and highlight sticks thats easy to blend. Dual ended with two shades perfect for highlighting, sculpting and bronzing the face.
These are marked down to $8.00 and used to be $32 - for that price I would grab some if you want a cream contour set that is an all-in-one from bronzing colors and highlight. It has an easy step by step instructions and does contour. I personally don’t understand contouring so these sticks made it easy for me. Are these perfect? No, one of the sticks wiggled like it wanted to break so I just make sure I’m not pressing too firmly on my face. 

Kylie Cosmetics Blush
Pressed powder blush that is mistake proof and smooth with vibrant color.
The blush I had of Kylies is "We’re Going Shopping" which is no longer sold but I had this in my vanity forever because I just always grabbed up my $53 Charlotte Blush. This is only $18 which is why I’m okay with adding this to my ‘drugstore makeup’ post. Packaging is cute. Color is alright. I wouldn’t say its “mistake-proof” cause its easy to over apply blush. So I lightly applied it to make sure I didn’t overdo it. 

Kylie Cosmetics High Gloss Lip Gloss

Gently softens your lips while leaving a mirror shine finish and no stickiness. Ultra shiny, non sticky and lip loving care formula with over 18 shade options

WOW - I DO NOT like this stuff. I grabbed up the clear one for a good clear gloss to wear on top of matte lip products or just alone. But its super sticky and once you get the applicator out of the tube it’s over halfway empty. I feel it’s a waste of money. No one wants to apply lip gloss and have their hair stuck to their lips cause its literally glue on your face. Please don’t waste a penny on this. Its 100% NOT worth it. If you want a good clear lip gloss ELF has one for a fraction of the price of this gloss and your hair wont be stuck to your face from it. 

The question is: Which would I buy again? I would buy again the infallible foundation because I love the natural finish and its a great everyday foundation, the pressed powder because its cheap and like the foundation - its a good everyday product, and I would grab up the lip liner because its the BEST dupe for a Charlotte Tilbury Lip Liner. 

* The links are affiliate links - when clicking an affiliate link and making a purchase I’ll make a small commission at NO additional charge to you. This is how I upkeep my blog financially. 

Shop The Post!

Thanks again for reading the blog post and please remember to follow me on all my social channels! Also if you’d be interested in seeing a Youtube review and full face of these products please let me know! I’m considering creating a YouTube and branching out that way in the near future if people would enjoy that! 

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Lancome Beauty Kit

This post is about those amazing gift with purchase kits you sometimes hear about at department store beauty counters. One of the best reasons to purchase your beauty and skincare in department stores is the awesome contracts they have established with some of your favorite beauty brands!

- Sometimes Ulta will have a small gift with purchase on some items but nothing like a department store!
Belk, Dillards, Macy's, and Nordstrom will have deals with big brands like Clinique, Estee Lauder, and Lancome where you literally get an entire makeup collection when you spend X amount of money (normally all you have to do is pick up that face lotion you need a refill on or that new lip kit you've been eyeing).

Below you'll see images of the Lancome Beauty kit my sister recevied. I was compltely blown way at all the FULL SIZE products that she got for only spending 75$.

LUSH COSMETICS BODY SCRUBS YOU NEED!

LUSH COSMETICS is all about natural ingredients and helping give back to our lovely planet. Everyone flocks to see the adorable bath bombs and zillion bubbles from the bubble bars but everyone is missing this diamond of a product! I personally feel their line of shower scrubs is one of the best products they carry.

Continue reading to hear why YOU NEED a body scrub from LUSH!

On a recent visit to LUSH, I was telling the associate about how I enjoy blogging and from time to time I blog about LUSH. She asked what is one of my favorite products (which is the rub rub rub shower scrub) and she loaded me with samples of their other 'tubbed' scrubs to review about.
*These scrubs are all in the classic black tubs that LUSH packages their products in. There's also solid scrubs that you can purchase as well - package free. Today I was only reviewing items that will be sold in the black tubs.*

Mama Mia - it's a bright pinky color scrub that has a kick of grapefruit. Reminds me of the same texture and results I get from Magic Crystals. It has fine Sea and Himalayan salts as its exfoliant.
Cost: $28.95 21.8oz

Magic Crystals - A fun minty scented scrub with Epson salts and sea salts. The bold purple color gives me total Halloween vibes.
Cost: $17.95 10.5oz

Scrub Scrub Scrub - total sister to the rub rub rub. Same buffing effect but the difference is color and scent. This has some cleansing charcoal mixed in + salt for its exfoliant and the scent is a berry-sweet scent.
Cost: $17.95 11.6oz

Rub Rub Rub - Like mentioned above, similar to Scrub Scrub Scrub but light blue color and floral scented. This has fine sea salt as its exfoliant. My ultimate favorite.
Cost: $22.95 11.6oz

Ocean Salt - Super salty scrub that has an ocean like scent to it. You can use both on face and body; though its main focus is for the face. Honestly, my least favorite on the scrub collection - but the first scrub I ever tried. I might revisit this beaut down the road to see if I notice any difference.
Cost: $21.95 4.2oz

FACT: The prices versus the size of the product might be different compared to others. Remember the prices is based on the ingredients used.

TIP: Anytime you're near a LUSH drop by for a sample or two! You can even test the product in-store! The first time I tested Rub Rub Rub I was in-store and the associate gave me a full hand/arm massage with it.

I hope you enjoy this post and as always follow Instagram for daily posts! Your follow on IG will bring me one step closer to goals I hope to reach!
- Brittney

Luxury Verses Affordable - Rubber Face Mask

A while back I asked my Instagram followers if they will like to see some luxury versus affordable products; ya know to find some amazing dupes of those high-end brands we all envy. (btw, if you're not following please click here to follow along!).
The results were super positive so I dived into the beauty and skin care shops to purchase luxury products and then did research and found affordable ones.

Today's post is all about the well known Dr. Jart Rubber Face Mask (retails for $13) and a more affordable option which is the Sephora Collection Rubber Face Mask (retails for $6).

Continue reading to hear my thoughts on both masks and if the Sephora Collection is a great dupe for the Dr. Jart Rubber Face Mask. 

Dr. Jart Rubber Face Mask collection comes in these fun 7/11 inspired drink cups and in many different styles. From firming, hydration, to acne control. The instructions are super simple. mix the 2 components with the 'straw spoon' and then apply to face. Wear time is about 15-20 minutes (I wore mine for 20 minutes). CRAZY, the mask really turned to rubber like goop!!! Peeled right off and no crazy clean up.
The results were amazing. My skin felt great and for a good 5 days I felt like my skin was at its ultimate 'best skin day'.

What came in the cup + what it looked like mixed!

The mask & after I removed it!

Sephora Collection Rubber Face Mask (Image below) comes in more limited options and from what I can tell its an online exclusive item. *since purchasing mine they came out with another style of mask, so 3 styles in total*. The mask for the Sephora Collection comes in this adorable paint can inspire look. With this mask you mix water to the already pre-measured powder, apply to face, and wear time is 5-7minutes (I wore mine for about 10 minutes to make sure it was fully dry).
I did make one major error; I put too much water. Therefore, my mask was a bit runnier. And with this more liquid texture, it didn't get the super solid rubber finish like the Dr Jart+ BUTTT it did turn rubber-like. Unlike the Dr Jart+ this mask also had a more fragrant scent but it was actually really nice. This mask was for blemish or acne skin. After using it I did notice an improvement in my skin (I felt it helped some of my previous acne spots fade away).

VERDICT: Though the Sephora Collection mask is cheaper in price, the packaging isn't as elaborate, and the product didn't get the super thick rubber texture (that was my fault on not pre-measuring the water); I do feel this is a good dupe if you want to experience the rubber mask but not drop $13 on the Dr Jart+.
I feel with the Dr Jart+ I have a solid 5 days of flawless skin, while the Sephora Collection mask took me 24-36 hours to notice my blemish spots to fade. Both masks are incredible and I think if you're wanting a rubber mask definitely grab one of these!

DONT FORGET! Sephora is doing their super amazing sale RIGHT NOW. Rouge sale just ended but if you're VIB you get 15% off everything! In-store & Online! So maybe grab up this affordable dupe of the Dr Jart+ today! 

If you haven't already follow my fashion + lifestyle instagram! simply click this link or search: brittmcadenmills 
Thanks again for all the support!

- Brittney

What to Buy: It Cosmetics *And What Not to Buy!*

Today I wanted to dive in on what is worth buying from the “It Cosmetics” line. Over the years I’ve been testing many of their products and noticed some major hits while others aren't reaching the “you must own this” mark. Here are the products I feel everyone needs in their makeup and skincare bag.

Continue below to see What to Buy: It Cosmetics!

Buy

- Confidence in a Cleanser 
I really enjoy using this product. The overall texture of this cleanser is nice and I feel for the price its totally worth it.

- Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer

Seriously this concealer is amazing. I noticed a major difference with my under eye area when I used this. I also use this concealer to touch up small areas that need extra love as well.

- Bye Bye Under Eye Cream
I’m currently using this and so far I’ve enjoyed the product. I will have to update it the future. Currently, it does do the job on some under eye wrinkles but as of now it doesn’t irritate my skin, has little to no fragrance, and leaves me feeling positive about my future results. 

- It Cosmetics Foundation

My girlfriends all use this product and all claim its worth the investment. I personally haven't tried it yet because I'm currently on foundation overload but as soon as I empty one of the foundation bottles I will hop on the 'it cosmetics foundation' bandwagon and grab me some too!




Avoid

- Brow Power Universal Eye Pencil

I honestly didn’t see much amazement in this. I felt it was like a regular eye pencil that if you wanted to make darker you just needed to press down harder. Stick with a Covergirl pencil and save your money.

- Super Hero Volumizing Mascara

I bought the full size of this hoping to do wonders. Honestly, I didn’t see much difference and noticed it had a weird odor. In a recent shopping trip, I was given a small deluxe sample which I plan to try again and see if they improved the formula.

- Confidence in a Cream:

This product is generally an okay product. But I didn't notice much of a difference compared to other drugstore face creams. 

- Bye Bye Melting 3-in-1 Cleansing Balm
Seriously this is my #1 on the worst things to get. Maybe better for someone with dry skin that needs an oily/balm-like product on their skin but for me it sat on my skin and didn’t melt the makeup off. I plan to keep trying the product but I haven’t enjoyed it at all. And super scared to use my Clarisonic with it. 

I hope this post gave some insight into what I feel is the hits and fails of the It Cosmetics collection! Now I would like to ask everyone; What to Buy from It Cosmetics that I didn't mention! I love trying new makeup so drop me some suggestions! 

Also don't forget to follow the Instagram: @brittmcadenmills! I post daily fashion, beauty, and lifestyle! I appreciate all the love and support as I try to grow this side hustle.

- Brittney 

What Makeup Products to Splurge on

When it comes to makeup, I feel there are some products you need to invest a little in and some you don’t have to invest a lot in. Today I will talk about Makeup Products to Splurge on! 

Continue reading to hear what Makeup Products to Splurge on:


Foundation - This is a product I always invest in. Foundation is on your skin all day and is something you don’t want moving or fading after a few hours. There are some low price foundations that work well but my most favorites for all day wear are higher priced.

Cleanser - This is one of the most important products I recommend investing in. Your skin cleanser takes all the dirt and toxins off your skin. If your skin cleanser isn’t doing the best job then your makeup won't sit well and look good. 


Lotion - Another major skincare item I invest highly in. Your lotion is protecting your skin from the elements and is helping reverse signs of aging. Invest in this product if you want your skin to be healthy, balanced and glowing for your makeup canvas.


Deep color lipsticks/lip stains - I’ve always had a hard time finding low price lip stains and lipsticks that stay well throughout the day. When I need a stain or deep color I invest a bit in the product.

Eyeshadows in shades of purple - I mention this because, in the makeup color world, purple colors are challenging to get right. I watched a Youtube video where Jeffree Star spoke about how purple pigments sometimes don't transfer well. 

Eyeshadow with large glitter pieces - Makeup glitter is totally different from craft store glitter. Craft glitter is sharp-edged while makeup the glitter has to be rounded (so if there's any fallout into your eyes the glitter won't cut your eye!) I tend to shop higher quality with super chunky glitter shadows just because of how serious this health safety is. 

FAST TIP: I love finding affordable products. Be EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS when shopping at off-price retailers (Like TJmaxx, Ross, Etc) sometimes the makeup could be expired or opened. This also goes for products you might find at Ulta's clearance rack. Make sure the products aren't opened and once you take the item home do a smell test.  *I plan to do a future post about tips on beauty products; similar to this tip!*

In a future post, I'll speak on products you don't have to splurge on. So watch for that post! And as always, if you’re not following the Instagram please click this link and follow along! I post daily fashion, beauty, and lifestyle! Thanks again for all the support as I grow this side hustle.

- Brittney

Beauty + Skincare EMPTIES

Its that time again where I grab up the basket of "empties" and go over how I felt about the products! I've been really enjoying this because I can really sit back and dissect the product (from packaging, quality, short/long term results, etc). The best part is I'm using up items I've had sitting around and making space for new items to try!

If you would like to hear what EMPTIES I have and what products I plan to repurchase continue reading!

- Kristin Ess Extra Gentle Shampoo & Conditioner
So shocked. I used up an entire set of haircare products! Honestly didn't see anything 'amazing' when I used these the first few times. The results were 'eh'. Depending on the weather  conditions the product would either do its job or leave my hair extra oily and flat. The smell is also a bit too perfumey for me. I do think the packaging was nice. The bottles have some natural weight to them which feels pleasing. For the price, I feel you should just go to Ulta and buy a Salon set.


- Eyelure Wispy N152
When I have the time to wear false lashes I love em. This brand has always been an affordable favorite and the wispy is so great for a 'natural glam' look.


- Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water *Pink Bottle*
Best product ever. I have to stress the pink bottle because I did a repurchased but grabbed the blue bottle (and I'm not enjoying it as much.) The pink is an All-in-1 and good for sensitive skin. I also love it comes in smaller travel size bottles!

- Too Faced Shadow Insurance
I have been slowly using this up for ages. It really does lock in the shadow and keeps it from sliding or melting off (which says A LOT because I live in Florida!). I will probably repurchase down the road but I'm currently wanting to try out a few new brands of eyeshadow primer.


- Ole Henriksen The Clean Truth Foaming Cleanser
It has a good foaming pump. Citrus scent. And removes dirt easily. Worked great with my Clarisonic. This is a cult classic but I doubt I'll repurchase because I'm in need of a cleanser that fits all my needs.


- Sephora Collection Avocado Face Mask
This mask was in a collection set I purchased and wow I'm so glad I got to try this! The way the mask was packaged is 100% high quality. I felt the mask is like most sheet masks as in there was a lot of product and the results were normal. I'm going to look more into Sephora's sheet masks next time I'm in-store.

- Abercrombie & Fitch Perfume Sampler
I was given this sample set on a trip to the store. Was super excited to try 3 of their newest perfumes and the package even had a $10 off coupon! The samples had a good 7-9 pumps in it which is great! Ellwood is definitely a beautiful scent.

- Batiste Dry Shampoo "Cheetah bottle"
Like most Batiste Dry Shampoos this one did what was expected. I like the packaging and the scent wasn't too bad either. Definitely, plan to restock on some dry shampoo in the near future! Also watch for this, you can get them at Tjmaxx for much less!

- Dr Jart+ Ceramidin
I received this in a Sephora Play! Kit. It wasn't too terrible of face cream. But definitely isn't my Charlotte's Magic Cream or La Mer. I don't plan to repurchase because I have so many face creams I need to test out and the results from this wasn't that amazing.

- Dirty Works Coconut Body Scrub
Not sure where this came from... It was in my basket of shower scrubs and I thought it was worth using. Definitely had amazing exfoliants in it! The scent felt like a vacation and the exfoliants knocked all the dry skin off in one use! If I could find this product again I would definitely repurchase for prepping my skin for tanning.

- Chapstick
I mean, its Chapstick. Classic. Everyone uses it. Will always have one in my purse!

- Benefit's Bad Gal Lash
I love benefits products - Hoola Bronzer is my jam. But I'm not a fan of this mascara. The brush was very chunky and I felt the product didn't transfer off well. It seemed really clumpy at times and for the cost, it's not worth it.

- Two Neutrogena Makeup Remover Towelettes
I live for these things. Especially when I visit the spa. But I will warn everyone to not skip on using a face cleanser or wiping down your face with some water. These wipes remove makeup but there are some oils and perfume that will leave a strange film-like layer on your skin. If you apply makeup after using one of these it might alter the appearance of your makeup too.

As always don't forget to follow the instagram! I post daily style, beauty, and lifestyle posts! Also when I reach my 'speical' goal I plan to do a huge giveaway! Thanks for all the support! 

- Brittney

Go to Product to Repair Nails

Do your nails sometimes get discolored? Have a chalky like color to them? Feel weak, dry, or just ‘unhealthy’? I struggle with this. Every time I take my nail polish off the nails just lack the clean and healthy look. To resolve the issue tried countless different nail treatments and none did the trick (some even made my nails look worse). But one day, I found the 'go to' product to repair nails!

Read below to hear what my Go to Product to Repair Nails is!

I had a Nail Technician give me some advice, she said: “Go to a store that sells nail products and purchase a treatment that has Kerien Oil in it”. I went to Ulta Beauty and found this treatment: Nail Tek Nail Nutritionist 'Keratin Nail Treatment'. I noticed it was more costly than the other nail treatments but I was ashamed of my nails and worried my nails might be getting ‘sick’. The fear of a costly medical issue developing if I don’t reverse this problem sunk in... So I purchased the product and after 2-3 uses, my nails did a 180! 

How I use this 'go to' product to repair nails:
I typically remove my nail polish at night before I hop in the shower. So once I remove my polish I use some mild soap with no fragrance and a nail brush to scrub my nails clean. Then I apply the Keratin Nail Treatment by Nail Tek on my nails - once it's dry I go to bed. The next morning the first thing I do is apply another coat - let it dry and then my nails are ready to be painted whenever! I like to give my nails a good night to breathe without the new polish color so the Kerien Oil can do its job in recovering my nails from the polish. Also never forget a good base coat! This helps your nails too! 

Okay! I hope this post helps anyone who needs a go-to product to repair nails! And if you’re not following the Instagram please click this link and follow along! I post daily fashion, beauty and lifestyle posts! Thanks again for all the support as I grow this blog!

- Brittney