FREE Super Fruits Eye Balm with $130 or more purchase

Sunday 28 April 2013

Swap Haul (Too Faced, MAC, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, and More!)

Happy weekend! Over the past couple of months I've participated in a few makeup swaps and in the process have accrued a hefty lot of beauty goodies! Thought I'd give them all a proper feature here before I started to incorporate them into my routine.

I've done quite a few makeup swaps via MakeupAlley, which I found has been a great, affordable way to try new products and purge my stash of items that just weren't working for me. Some of the products are new, others used. I've come to learn what my threshold is for acquiring used products (e.g., no used mascara, ever!) and how to sanitize products like lipsticks and brushes so that they're good as new. I know some people would take issue with swapping for used makeup, but I've had no real problems! And again, everyone has their own rules and limits.

So back to my haul! Here is a view of everything I received in the swaps. It's a mix of the main swap items I selected and some generous and exciting extras that the swappers included. Such a fun mix of brands and products!





















     
Here are some closer-up views of the goodies:

(Left to right, top to bottom): The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Blotting Tissues, Wet N' Wild Mega-Last Lipstick in Don't Blink Pink, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Grandma, Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm in Vanilla Glow, NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in Mexican Rose, Avon Glimmersticks Waterproof Eyeliner in Copper
(Left to right, Top to bottom): MAC Mineralize Blush Duo in Happy Together, Darling Girl Mineral Eye Shadow in Jack's Lantern, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Concealer in Y1, Pixi Fairy Light Solo Eye Shadow in Nude Nouveaux, Urban Decay Primer Potion mini in Original, Ulta Eye Shadow in Mystique, MAC Matte Lipstick in Russian Red, Wet N' Wild Idol Eyes Creme Eye Shadow Pencil in Pixie
(Left to right, Top to bottom): Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara mini in Black, Fresh Supernova Mascara mini in Black, Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy fragrance sample, Darling Girl Mineral Eye Shadow in Jack's Lantern, MAC Mineralize Blush Duo in Happy Together, Pixi Fairy Light Solo Eye Shadow in Nude Nouveaux, OCC Concealer in Y1
(Left to right, Top to bottom): Anastasia Hydrafull Gloss in Maggie May, Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara mini in Black, Real Techniques Shader Brush, Fresh Supernova Mascara mini in Black, The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Blotting Tissues, Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm in Vanilla Glow, MAC Mineralize Blush Duo in Happy Together






























Here are all of the products that I actually swapped for (not including extras)- those that had been on my wishlist or just struck my fancy!

OCC Lip Tar in Grandma, Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm in Vanilla Glow, MAC Mineralize Blush Duo in Happy Together, MAC Matte Lipstick in Russian Red, Urban Decay Primer Potion Mini Original, OCC Concealer in Y1, NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in Mexican Rose, Real Techniques Shader Brush

Here are closeups of each of the main products I swapped for and brief descriptions of each:

OCC Lip Tar in Grandma
MAC Matte Lipstick in Russian Red
NARS Velvet Gloss Pencil in Mexican Rose

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Grandma is a gorgeous vibrant coral shade that I expect to be wearing quite often this summer. Like all Lip Tars, the formula is incredibly pigmented and super long-wearing. And the shade name really appeals to me- has a fun, retro feel!

MAC Matte Lipstick in Russian Red is one of the most famous shades of MAC lipstick ever. A classic matte, rich, slightly blue-toned red. An instant bombshell shade that I can't wait to wear!


NARS Velvet Gloss Pencil in Mexican Rose is a lovely glossy cherry popsicle shade with subtle shimmer. It was released as part of NARS' Spring 2012 collection and has since been made permanent. Also expecting this to be in heavy rotation during the summertime!

OCC Concealer in Y1
Urban Decay Primer Potion Mini in Original formula
MAC Mineralize Blush Duo in Happy Together

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Concealer in Y1 is a heavily pigmented concealer in the brand's second lightest yellow-toned shade, which I think will be perfect for my skin tone. The packaging is beaten up, but there is a ton of product remaining. Have been really curious about this one and can't wait to give it a go!

Urban Decay Primer Potion in Original has been my holy grail eye shadow primer for years; so much so that I'm not even tempted to try another. Mini sizes are always super handy to have in my gym bag or at the boyfriend's house.


MAC Mineralize Blush Duo in Happy Together is a gorgeous pair of mineral blush shades. One is a warm peachy bronze, the other is an ultra-shimmery champagne. This wasn't on my wishlist, but I fell for it nonetheless. This will be my new go-to when I want a shimmery bronzer this summer.



Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm in Vanilla Glow
Real Techniques Shader Brush

Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm in Vanilla Glow is a BB Cream that had been on my wishlist for some time. I'm generally skeptical of North American "BB Creams", but I'd heard such great things about this one. I tried it once and the formula truly was beautiful. But the shade was decidedly dark. Hoping to buy a tube of the lighter shade, Snow Glow, and mix the two together!

Real Techniques Shader Brush is another new addition to my Real Techniques family. Sam, the brand's creator, says this brush is ideal for either detail work in the crease or for packing pigmented colour onto the lids. Like all brushes from the line, the bristles are hand-cut and super soft. Excited to have this in my collection; I have nothing else like it!



And here are all of the amazing extras that were included in the swaps:

(Top to bottom, Left to right): Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara mini in Black, Wet N' Wild Mega-Last Lipstick in Don't Blink Pink, Fresh Supernova Mascara in Black, Avon Glimmersticks Waterproof Eyeliner in Copper, Pixi Fairy Light Solo Eye Shadow in Nude Nouveaux, Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Perfume Sample, Ulta Eye Shadow in Mystique, The Body Shop  Nature's Minerals Blotting Tissues, Wet N' Wild Idol Eyes Creme Shadow Pencil in Pixie, Anastasia Hydrafull Gloss in Maggie May, Darling Girl Mineral Eye Shadow in Jack's Lantern

I won't provide details of each of the extras I received (this post has gotten quite long already!), but please let me know if you'd like details about any of them! But quickly, I can say that I've been using and loving the Fresh Supernova Mascara and can't wait to rock the uber-bright pink Wet N' Wild Don't Blink Pink Lipstick.

So that's it! Overall, I'm super happy with all of the diverse, colourful, handy products that I received in these swaps. Now that I've photographed and featured them here, I'll be delving into these products full-force!

Any of the items here favourites of yours? Any piquing your interest? Have you ever done a makeup swap?

Thanks for reading! :)

49 comments:

  1. This is such a good idea. For those of us not on a disposable income this is a fantastic way to try new products and get rid of stuff not working for you. And you have also figured out a great plan on sanitising products as well so good on you. I have MAC's Russian Red, for a while I thought it was the perfect shade for my skin tone but now I'm not so sure. Still need to try the lip tar stuff!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, has definitely been a great way to try lots of new things on the cheap! And Lip Tars are definitely worth trying- so many great shades and the formula is so unique! xo

      Delete
  2. Hey there, just to let you know I'm now following you back.
    I really like this post and the idea of a makeup swap is so good, I have so much makeup used that just doesn't work for me at all! Look forward to reading your future posts :)
    Love Sarah x

    sarahamyruth.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww, thanks so much for following! Swapping has definitely been a super fun hobby! So glad you're enjoying my blog! xo

      Delete
  3. The MAC blush duo, Russian Red, and Wet N' Wild lipstick look amazing! I did a used makeup swap with my friend in Scotland and it was a lot of fun and I got some amazing Illamasqua and Urban Decay stuff.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, all three of the items you mentioned are totally great. Isn't swapping fun? Can't argue with getting goodies from Illamasqua and UD for only the price of shipping!

      Delete
  4. LOVE that OCC Lip Tar :) x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jordy! Really think I'll be wearing it often this summer :)

      Delete
  5. your really bought some great pieces! and I love your blogbackground!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for the kind words, and for stopping by! xo

      Delete
  6. Great products! I really want to try an OCC lip tar...and LOVE the NARS lip pencils. I have a Matte Velvet one...and am desperate to try more!

    elliesvanitytable.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, both the NARS Pencils and Lip Tars are fanastic! Gorgeous shades and lovely formulas. Thanks for stopping by, Danielle! xo

      Delete
  7. how it works? I never knew about this, so I can't find swapping section in there :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you go to makeupalley.com, they have a "Swap" tab at the top. You can create a wishlist and look through others' swaplists. It's lots of fun!

      Delete
  8. That blush looks amazing! in general everything look super pretty xx

    www.lam-style.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Maricruz! I'll definitely be loving that blush for summer :)

      Delete
  9. wow these look aamzing. I am not sure how i feel about second hand makeup but brushes is a good idea!
    check out my Body Shop offer, just posted!

    http://b-e-a-u-t-y-t-u-t-o-r.blogspot.co.uk

    x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I definitely get that swapping isn't for everyone, but brushes are a great option since they're so easy to clean and sanitize! Will check out your offer soon :)

      Delete
  10. I'm dying to get that lip tar!!

    Thanks for this...

    Muahz...

    itsmeladyg

    www.itsmeladyg.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's such a lovely shade! Thanks for stopping by! :)

      Delete
  11. Love all the products you received, they look excellent! I'm a bit iffy about receiving used make up though :S

    Louise
    dreamdustx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, I hear ya. Everyone has their own line with used makeup- I basically don't swap for anything that I can't properly sanitize. But I've done over 90 swaps and no problems yet! Thanks as always for stopping by, Louise! xo

      Delete
  12. Replies
    1. Thanks, Fabrizia! Will stop by soon :)

      Delete
  13. That's so cool, I didn't know you could swap via MakeupAlley! Very good idea. MAC's Russian Red is a lovely colour, this is exciting, can't wait to see reviews on these!

    http://talisbury.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Russian Red definitely is stunning. Will be featuring some of these goodies soon for sure :)

      Delete
  14. Wow, thanks for sharing this... Such a brilliant way to get rid of unwanted/unused makeup and acquire new ones.

    xx
    5th&6th

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, ladies! Swapping has definitely been a fun and affordable way to try lots of new goodies. Thanks for stopping by! xo

      Delete
  15. awww so many goodies. the lip-liner matches the russian red really well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, for sure! Thanks for stopping by, Yara! :)

      Delete
  16. Oh I'd love to swap too!!! I've been thinking about doing a post about it to see if any readers from other countries would like to beauty swap.. It's such a great way to discover products that aren't readily available in your own country too.

    Have never tried to swap on Makeup Alley though.. I'm afraid I might get addicted once I sign up ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Definitely a great way to try some products from other countries! Hope you're able to do one! And yes, swapping on Makeupalley can definitely be addictive! :)

      Delete
  17. Wow a make-up swap is so creative especially to get rid of things you have never used before! Love it!
    Now following you! (:
    Fashion Ganache.
    http://fashionganache.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, definitely a fun way to try new things! Thanks so much for following! :)

      Delete
  18. What an amazing haul! I really want to try the lip tar, and the mac powder looks great, plus that RT brush looks great

    A little bit Unique - Blog

    x

    Oh, also I'd love if you'd vote for me in the Company blog awards, best fashion - newcomer, thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! The Lip Tar and MAC blush are really lovely and the RT brush is super handy! xo

      Delete
  19. Great post, I like all the products you got! I should try out this swap, but never know how to do it! Thanks so much :)

    Caryl x
    http://www.mscaryl.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you enjoyed the post and found it helpful, Caryl! xo

      Delete
  20. Oh my gosh I am so envious of your haul lol I totally would love to see more in-depth reviews!

    xoxo Bree
    The Urban Umbrella
    http://www.theurbanumbrella.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Bree! Will definitely be featuring some of these products soon :)

      Delete
  21. You've swapped some nice goodies, miss! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I've been having so much fun trying them out :)

      Delete
  22. Loving all the goodies!. I love haul posts. It give a lot of ideas on what to get.

    Your blog is amazing, i'm you new follower.

    Have a nice week,

    xx

    http://toomuchblingbling.blogspot.com.es/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for following! Glad you enjoyed the post! xo

      Delete
  23. You have so beautiful make up products!
    Can't decide which one I like most!
    x
    Stella from a A Shiny Place

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww, thanks, Stella! I've been enjoying trying them out. Thanks for stopping by! xo

      Delete
  24. Thanks, Chris! Will check out your blog soon :)

    ReplyDelete

All of your lovely comments make my day! Thanks for taking the time to share your musings, ideas, and opinions. Feel free to leave a link to your blog- I'd be happy to check it out :)