Cashing in a lot of Ulta points - help me decide what to get.

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Mar 21, 2017

Monica K.

Hello! About a week from now I plan to cash in my Ulta points, I've been saving them up for the last year. I have a few things already picked out. But I would love to have a bunch of ideas from you all! I've attached the picture of what I picked out do far. I'm definitely getting the Dry Bar stuff, but the others could change. Even with everything in the cart now, I still have a lot of room to cash in 😁
couple things, I do not like Too Faced or Bare Minerals. I'm happy with my current hair care and dryer/flat iron. What are your thoughts on in the It brushes for Ulta? This is for fun, stuff I don't need but want. And I could use some ideas to branch out from my normal beauty supplies. I have oily/sensitive/acne prone skin.
I'm really looking forward to reading your suggestion!

Mar 21, 2017

Roz X.

The IT Brushes for ULTA are a DREAM. Seriously...soft as silk and they hold their shape beautifully in my experience. I don't own many brushes, but I did snag a few of those. They're even pretty to look at..haha I own the giant powder brush (Love Fully) which I use with my Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder and it's such a dream. I don't powder by habit, but it is really just perfect.
I also have the IT for Ulta Eye Brush #112 and Concealing Brush #203. Even using them feels like a luxury..and I'm not a fan of using brushes. I like the trial size IT Brush Cleaner, but I wouldn't get the large size; all of the pumps have been busting on the full size, including mine.

The Real Techniques Setting Brush and Bold Metals #203 I also own and enjoy.

I own Beauty Blenders, but I do think EcoTools did a nice job on their version and I also enjoy their brushes. I've never had a bad Eco Tools brush..and they have nice travel sets. (It For Ulta is still the favorite though.)

I kind of swoon over the Revlon lip Matte Balm and Lacquer Balms. (I have a back up of 2 of each of my current favorite colors sealed in a drawer...lol) I'm never without one in my purse...and it almost never needs a touch up.

SheaMoisture, their Dead Sea Salt and Sugar Scrubs...I just love them to bits.
If you are looking for a mascara that won't dry out lashes and is easy to remove, Pacifica's Stellar Gaze Length and Strength Mascara is a current favorite. (I own both of theirs, but this is my preference of the two) It's not necessarily long wearing, but it doesn't flake on me, touches up without any issues to look fresh without smudges/fallout and it doesn't leave lashes clumpy or brittle. I think it gives nice volume. Also, the Essence Lash Princess False Effects really is a beautiful formula that lasts me, in my experience, all day. This is perfect for evening looks if you want nice full lashes.

If you search "Travel Size" SO many inexpensive options and ways to try new products comes up. I'll link below.

Hope you return to share feedback on your purchases and congratulations on the points. Enjoy! 
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/a/_/Ntt-travel%20size/Nty-1?Dy=1&ciSelector=searchResults

Mar 21, 2017

Monica K.

Hi Rozberry! wow thank you so much for your recommendations. I completely forgot about the bold metals line from Real Techniques. I will definitely look into the Revlon lippes and the Essence mascara, I heard good things about it too. I'm happy to hear what It brushes you like, this will of course help me decide what ones to get. Yes after I make my haul of the year,lol, I will post what I got. Thank you so much again!

Mar 21, 2017

Roz X.

Happy to be of any help.

I own the Color Switch collab with Sephora, which has made brush use a dream..seriously..and I've gifted it to a friend who is a Pro and she uses it daily.

If you're into brushes, it's fantastic; many say you can make your own and that's on youtube if you are interested..., but if you wanted a starter tin for color switching, Ulta now has their own version, which I would absolutely recommend. I'm tired of having to clean brushes between use and this quickly removes all pigment. I can even go from shimmer to matte...black to pastel, without having to keep switching brushes. The sponges are completely removable and washable. I can't say enough about how fantastic these little numbers are; either version is a great, inexpensive way to save a ton of time getting ready and reduce the need to keep switching brushes, making less cleaning brushes as a whole in the end. 

http://www.ulta.com/new-hue-shadow-switching-pan?productId=xlsImpprod15481003

Mar 21, 2017

J L.

I recently used all my points, sad but satisfying at the same time lol

I have that buxom liquid lipstick. It's a gorgeous nude shade but the formula is not the best. It can apply a bit streaky. They are very moussy and not long lasting. But they are comfortable on the lips. I also have a lorac gloss in goddess, smell and formula is nice but I prefer other glosses. The Drybar 3 in 1 is nice does what it claims just has to strong of a scent for me.

I agree with Rozeberry the it brushes are amazing! Very soft and not very expensive. I've also been loving the Bh x Carli bybel palette. The shimmers are so pigmented and creamy. I also love the essence pure nude highlighter, gorgeous natural highlight. The laura geller baked blush in "pink buttercream" is a must have! Gives such a pretty glow to the cheeks. Definitely check those blushes out if you haven't tried them. Ulta is currently having their 21 days of beauty sale so I recommend checking that out. Also if you're willing to wait there might be a chance (they usually always do) that ulta will send out a 20% off coupon near the end of the sale that you can use with your points. If not check out Nouveacheap blog. Pretty sure she has a link to a free sample bag with 75$ purchase. Can't wait to see your haul (:

Mar 22, 2017

Monica K.

Hi J L. I have the Buxom sample and love it, I do agree that formula is a bit oily though. Thank you for the bh and essence recommendations! I will be looking into those. I definitely need to try the Laura Geller brand so your baked blush will help me get started. Thank you so much J L.!

Mar 24, 2017

Monica K.

Also - what are your ideas for foundation? I like at least a medium coverage, semi matte to matte. drug store or high-end.