Which beauty store do you prefer, Ulta or Sephora?  I think they counter each other in different ways, but I do have to admit that Ulta consistently has the best sales.  I stopped by Ulta innocently looking for a dry shampoo, but once I realized the sale my will power was a wrap.  Here’s a little more on my newest of the new…

Bed Head Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo:  As a brunette I never had to worry about what color my dry shampoo was because it all blended out eventually.  Once I went lighter, and especially now with pink hair, I found that the products I once loved just don’t work anymore and that even the slightest pigment matters.  This Dirty Secret dry shampoo is the most effective and colorless formula I’ve found.  If you’re tired of dry shampoo leaving pigment, definitely give this one a try.

“Spray at roots to absorb excess oils, make hair smell fresh and keep it rockin’ one more night. Unbelievable texture is perfect for big hair or updos. Near colorless formula won’t show on your clothes or pillowcase!”

Ardell Glamour Lashes 113:  Ardell makes the best “drugstore” lashes, ever.  I usually go for the Wispies or Double Stacked, but I think this was my first time ever seeing style #113 and I only wish I had purchased more.  They’re extremely long, but not too voluminous for them to be daytime unwearable.  I think I’ve already turned a few people onto them.

“Lightweight, reusable, easy to apply and give that glamorous natural look of full beautiful lashes.”

Eyelure Lash Set 202 Exaggerate:  My first time trying an Eyelure set, and so far I’m pleased with the quality.  They’re a bit more expensive than Ardell but they do come with a plastic applicator and little tube of glue.  Style #202 is double stacked, extremely thick, and extremely dramatic.

“A double layered lash with an airy finish. Full and wearable.”

Nyx Cosmetics White Liquid Liner:  I think a white eyeliner smudge crayon and a white kohl pencil are standard in every girls makeup kit, but I wanted to branch out a bit with liquid liner for a more precise look.  I haven’t tested the claims that its perfect for the waterline, but it has been smudge proof near the lashes.

“Get bright eyed in a blink with NYX Cosmetics opaque, water resistant White Liquid Liner. Perfect for the lash or waterline, the precision brush helps create a defined white line, leaving you with standout eyes and a lasting matte finish.”

Nyx Cosmetics Slim Lip Liner:  Don’t waste your money on super expensive lip liners; they all do the same thing.  My all-time favorite is this random Revlon nude I’ve been using, even above the Chanel pencils I used to buy.  Nyx pencils make great dupes for MAC, too, so if you’ve been waiting for Soar or Whirl to be re-stocked just head to Ulta instead.  My new favorite is 860, Peekaboo Neutral.

“Slim, trim but never prim, our lip pencils come in 60 dashing shades from auburn to orange and traffic-stopping red. The buttery, long-wearing lip liner formula goes on easily and resists bleeding.”

Nyx Cosmetics Soft Matte Lip Cream:  My #1 cosmetic obsession right now!  The Soft Matte Lip Cream is super long-wear and, despite being matte, isn’t too drying.  I think there are currently 22 shades, all named after famous cities from Abu Dhabi to Zurich.  Stockholm, London, and Abu Dhabi are my favorites (with a little Cairo in the center of the lip), but Transylvania and Copenhagen are dramatic fun, too.

“Straddles the line between lipstick and gloss.  Creamy, lustrous formula applies like silk.  Unique, innovative texture adds the perfect polish to any look.”

Out of all the liquid/cream-to-matte lipsticks on the market, which are you favorite?

xxLK