Makeup

Milani Keep It Full Glossy Plumping Balm ($15.99) is new, permanent 3-in-1 plumping lip balm available in 12 shades that adds shine, color, moisture, and volume to lips that launched with the Milani Spring 2025 Collection. I picked up a shade at ulta.com and I’m in love with this formula and will be going back for more shortly! Use code 393244 for $5 off at Ulta because honestly, near $16, is pretty expensive for this formula!

Let’s take a look at my review and swatches below.

Milani Keep It Full Glossy Plumping Balm does indeed look like Tarte’s Maracuja Juicy Lip but it isn’t a dupe by any means. The packaging is the same click to up pen as Tarte’s but again, the formula is a lot different. Available in 12 shades this is a 3-in-1 lip balm formula versus the Tarte’s formula which is marketed more as a lipgloss. A single shade is $15.99 and the size is 0.074 oz. Formula-wise it’s a lot balmier than products like ColourPop So Juicy Plumping Gloss Balm, E.L.F. Pout Clout Lip Plumping Pen, and NYX Fat Oil Slick Click. But the prices do vary on each! For comparison NYX’s are $11 and 0.07 oz, Colourpop are $10 each and 0.07 oz each, the E.L.F. are $8 at the same size, and Tarte are $24 and 0.095 oz in size. Milani’s are 0.074 oz which is actually the closest to Tarte’s size and $16 each. However, in the world of drugstore makeup they are by far the most expensive. I love the formula but as I said in my recent Milani Conceal + Perfect Blur Out Skin Tint the prices are pretty high on drugstore makeup lately. The good thing is there are always deals on drugstore makeup which makes things a lot more easier to digest but I know I’m not alone seeing prices like this and thinking wow, things have really gone up!

Milani did an outstanding job with the Spring launches this year. I love this formula. It is a good deal different compared to some of the formulas we’ve seen. Mainly, I think it’s more balmy and thicker. It is indeed a 3-in-1 formula that gets you the shiny of a gloss, moisture of a lip balm, and the pigment of a sheerer lipstick. I only purchased the shade Honey so far which is a lovely tan nude but I’ll be purchasing more soon. This has a melty balm consistency. It isn’t super lightweight but does have a super moisturizing feel on lips and hugs them in a nice hydrating hug. It isn’t tacky or sticky but it is a product you know you have on your lips so don’t expect something lightweight. It creates a juicy, glossy layer on lips. I have drier lips so this formula is perfect as it keeps my lips nice and moist through the wear. The shade I got wasn’t incredibly pigmented but it is a very nice my lips but better nude. It wears for around four hours and the shine stays strong during that time. The color doesn’t migrate nor does it feather and it looks smooth, super glossy, and beautiful on my lips. It’s supposed to have a plumping effect and I’d say you do get a certain fullness due to the balm, thicker formula but it doesn’t have a flavor or fragrance like peppermint or cinnamon so no tingling or plumping action from ingredients like that. It does have a blend of nourishing oils and butters like mango seed butter, apricot oil, pomegranate oil, and Kalahari melon oil.

As with all pens like this you have to be careful how much you swivel up as they don’t swivel down. You only need a little bit for your entire mouth. Too much will result in the product breaking off when you apply it and when you go to put the cap back on. Just swivel up a little and if you need more just go in and swivel more up.

Milani did a fab job with this formula. Yeah, the price is a bit high but as I said when was the last time any of us have paid full-price for drugstore makeup? I’ll be watching out for a sale to haul more of these soon!

Where to buy

Ulta

Fine’ry is hinting threw new fragrances for Spring 2025 that will be arriving releasing December 29th at target.com. The new scents are called No Prince Required, She’s a Goodie, and Rosalina. Fine’ry Spring 2025 is a little early as last year Fine’ry Pistachio Please, Without A Trace, and The New Rouge On which were part of their Spring 2024 Collection dropped in February but already they are teasing us with releases in December. Ok, Fine’ry, we’re ready!

As you may know already Fine’ry is an Target exclusive line of fragrances that are inspired popular perfumes currently on the market. I’ve tested a few out and they are quite similar to more expensive perfumes but aren’t exact duplications. A few I’ve tried are Not Another Cherry, The New Rouge, and others..! I’ve liked a lot of what I’ve tried but I don’t think their scents are exactly spot on duplications of the originals but more of a retake on the originals. Although, the reviews are going to roll in with a lot of shouting, carrying on, and telling you how these are exactly the same thing as the originals. I’d take it with a grain of salt. There are many, many spot on dupes of fragrances around but I just think the Fine’ry isn’t a company that does that. They sort of do their own spin on a scent that’s similar but not a dupe.

Although, Fine’ry hasn’t officially given us details on their latest Spring 2025 Collection we do have info popping up all over Tiktok. The new scents are Fine’ry No Prince Required, Fine’ry She’s a Goodie, and Fine’ry Rosalina. “I Don’t Need a Prince” by Kilian would be the inspiration behind No Prince Required or , She’s a a Goodie is inspired by Carolina Herrera’s Good Girl, and Rosa Lina is inspired by Delina Parfums de Marly.

These will be available in the perfume formulas for $29.99 and the body mists which are $8.99-$14.99. They arrive online December 29th. Are you excited about the Fine’ry 2025 Collection?

Where to buy

Target

Hurry over to bathandbodyworks.com today and choose from one of two different gift sets worth over $100 for $35. Just spend $30 and you can select one of the sets to purchase at $35. Each set includes six full-size Bath and Body Works items plus a warm pair of socks all in a cute little gift box!

Choose from these two:
Eucalyptus Spearmint Gift Set ($35 with $30 purchase) includes:
Eucalyptus Spearmint Body Cream (8 oz)
Eucalyptus Spearmint Shower Gel (10 oz)
Eucalyptus Spearmint Essential Oil Mist (5.3 oz)
Eucalyptus Spearmint 3-wick Candle (14.5 oz)
Eucalyptus Spearmint Whipped Body Butter (6.5 oz)
Eucalyptus Spearmint Gel Soap (8 fl oz)
Shea-infused Lounge Socks

Champagne Toast Gift Set ($35 with $30 purchase) includes:
Champagne Toast Body Lotion (8 oz)
Champagne Toast Diamond Shimmer Mist (4.9 oz)
Champagne Toast Fine Fragrance Mist (8 oz)
Champagne Toast Body Wash (10 oz)
Champagne Toast 3-wick Candle (14.5 oz)
Champagne Toast Gentle Foaming Hand Soap (8.75 oz)
Shea-infused Lounge Socks.

Enjoy!

Where to buy

Bath and Body Works

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Anyone up for a story time in my makeup world? If so, gather around and I’ll share my tell of woe. I’m not sure when but I purchased Undone Beauty Illuminating Primer at Ulta. I think it was far back as last year that I got it and recently I found it and started using it! Here’s the story…

I have a basket in my beauty room and I put all the items I want to review into it. Actually, I have two and they’re under my vanity where I have my lightbox set up. One basket has smaller items inside and the other basket has larger palettes or gift sets. It’s my review pile so to speak. Somethings get tossed in and never even get reviewed or used as at some point they are donated or friends and family have a go at them. Other times I’ll go through the items and suddenly discover some hidden gem and that’s exactly what happened with the Undone Beauty Illuminating Primer.

Earlier this month I was sorting through a lot of it to donate and I came across the Undone Beauty Illuminating Primer and I was like, eh, I’ll put this to the side it looks interesting. What is it? It’s something I’ve actually made fun of in the past. Not this particular item but I have looked down on and just sort of ranted at priming oils in the past. I’m not a big fan of primer oils. Yes, I have dry skin but the idea of prepping my skin with an oil sounds horrible. I love facial oils but as part of my evening routine now my daily one. Smashbox introduced ones years ago and scoffed at it. I just think makeup over oil isn’t a good combo.

Technically, speaking Illuminating Primer isn’t a full-on oil but it is oily. This is sort of a lightweight gel that turns into an oil as you roll it onto your skin. Yes, roll it as it comes in a squeeze bottle which has tiny rollers so you can gently roll it on. It creates this fresh, dewy finish after you apply it and my foundation LOVES it. I’ve been having issues with dryness around the sides of my upper nose. It’s winter, runny nose, blowing your nose and all that equals dryness. This stuff is great to moisturize that area and anywhere else on your face that’s experiencing flaky dryness. I wouldn’t recommend it for oily skin but for dry folks like me it’s perfect.

Here’s the problem I’m having with it. It’s discontinued. Or at least I think it is. It’s not available at Ulta anymore and it’s out of stock on Undone Beauty. I did a panic buy of a second tube that I got brand new on Mercari for $13.99. Now what am I going to do when I’m done with both? Go sit in a corner and cry about it? Sigh. I had when brands discontinue cool stuff! And I hate myself for just trying this now. This was actually a pretty unique item. It’s an oil but not an oil! Feels hydrating, doesn’t feel sticky or tacky, and hydrates nicely and foundation loves it! My foundation applies so smoothly on top of it. I don’t want to waste what I have but I bet it would be great to mix with a powder blush to create a dewy flush on your cheeks.

Here’s to hoping some brand sees this post and comes out with something as interesting in 2025 or maybe Undone Beauty will read it and bring it back!

What items have been discontinued that you wish you had a stock pile of?

I know, I know. Christmas isn’t even here yet PLUS you’re likely trying to recover from all the sales but the Ulta Love Your Skin Event 2025 is on the way. When does the Ulta Love Your Skin Event 2025 start? Ulta Love Your Skin Event starts on December 29th and features a full month of steals and deals on your favorite skincare! It seems way too early to deal with another mega sale but Ulta is here to play! I have this WEIRD suspicion they’re going to offer some of these deals as early as this upcoming Sunday to Platinum and Diamond Members. They know people are still spending Holiday $$ and they’ll want to cash in on that plus after the Holidays everyone is spending gift card money which gives them to open doors to cash in. I could be wrong about the time they do this but I know they’ll likely open the sale to Rewards Members a little earlier that’s for sure.

I always like this sale as I’m a skincare junkie and enjoy stocking up on staples during the sale and even trying out new items! The Ulta Love Your Skin Skin Event will feature weekly steals and also, select brands will be 30% off.

The following items will be available all week long along with daily deals that will be available for one day only:
12/29-1/04 30% Off Select Sun and Body Care from brands like OSEA, Nest, Megababe, Vacation, and More
1/05-1/11 30% Off Select Serums, Treatments, and Skincare Tools from Kopari, Solawave Strivectin, and More
1/12-1/18 30% Off Select Skincare from Clinique, Garnier, Juice Beauty, and More

I only have the daily deals for the first week but I’ll be sure to update this post when the next weeks pop up!

Ulta Love Your Skin Event 12/29 Daily Deals
Murad Vitamin C Trial Kit $20
Nufance Mini and Petite Kit $125
Peach and Lily Day and Night Serum Duo $17.50
Beekman 1802 Healthy Skincare Barrier Best Sellers Set $24.50

Ulta Love Your Skin Event December 30th Daily Deals
Jack Black Cleanser $26
Tarte Maracuja Oil and C Brighter Eye Treatment, $9-24.50
Tan Luxe Drops $25-30

Ulta Love Your Skin Event December 31st Daily Deals
Beekman 1082 Eye Balm $26
Belif Aqua bomb vitamin C Cream $22.50

Ulta Love Your Skin Event January 1st Daily Deals
Perricone MD Vitamin Enriched Eye Base $32.50
Exuviance Eye Contour $44.50.
Origins Plantscription Serum $36

Ulta Love Your Skin Event January 2nd Daily Deals
Shiseido Hydrating Cream $26
Live Tinted Eye Cream $17

Ulta Love Your Skin Event January 3rd Daily Deals
Maelys Body Whip $24.50
Clarins Moisturizer $29.50
Sunday Riley CEO Serum $42.50
Tula Vitamin C Serum $29

Ulta Love Your Skin Event January 4th Daily Deals
Clinique Moisture Surge SPF 28 $15.50
Peach and Lily Glass Skin Serum $19.50
Dermaflash Luxe+ in Seafoam $99.50
Patchology Eye Gels $7-30

See anything you need? I’ll share the rest of the sale items as they become available!

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I like to avoid Mercari when possible for a few reasons one of those reasons is everything is grossly overpriced. I’m not really a fan of people that are buying at cost and selling the items at five times the amount. I respect the hustle. I understand this is a career of sorts for some people and making a few dollars off an item is fine by me but when you’re out there paying $10 for something and proceeding to charge $60 that’s just pure greed. Stanley x Love Shack Fancy is a great example. I believe the cups were $50 each and around the time of release before anyone even got their hands on them we had Mercari sellers listing them for $200-$250 per cup. Come on, guys! Jeez.

My second issue with Mercari is their awful customer service or at least the customer service I’ve gotten. If something gets lost or arrives broken good luck getting your money back. Their customer service team is awful. It takes days to get a reply back and trying to explain to them something was broken or lost is a task. I’ve had both happen to me. Once the item was delivered god knows where but not to me. They even had a photo of some else’s doormat where the item was left. I never got refunded because they told me, well, it was delivered. Thanks so much but that isn’t my house. The second time the item arrived broke and it was another case of, Oops! Sorry! That’s your problem. I never got refunded for that either. E-bay is WAY more supportive on the buyer side of the fence. Mercari, not so much.

But I admit sometimes I do fish around Mercari if I have some sort of intense lemming or FOMO for an item I can’t find or I missed out on. I’m not sure how long that’ll be for though as they just rolled out yet another fee increase which is for both buyers and sellers. I don’t sell anything but I am a buyer and buyers will pay a flat 3.6% buyer protection for on the complete price of an item. This is comical considering their track record with actually helping me with the two cases I told you above. If you sell the flat fee is now 10% off on a complete itemed.

This post might not apply to you if you aren’t a FOMO kind of person. But I do occasionally get FOMO for a makeup item (or even other items) or occasionally and item will sell out and I can’t find it so away I go to Mercari to see if I can score it. In that case, you might want o read below for the info about their upcoming price changes.

Here’s the entire Mercari Seller and Buyer Fee Increase info which start on January 6th, 2025.

Sellers will pay a flat 10% selling fee on the completed item price and buyer-paid shipping
Buyers will pay a flat 3.6% Buyer Protection fee on the completed item price and buyer-paid shipping
No additional payment processing fee for either buyers or sellers

Will there be a direct deposit charge?
No, ACH direct deposit withdrawals are free. There’s a $2 fee only for rejected withdrawal transactions. You’re limited to one ACH direct deposit withdrawal per day.
For faster payouts, you can choose Instant Pay for $3, with funds available in about 30 minutes. Learn more about Instant Pay here.

I made a direct deposit request on January 5, will I still pay $2 for my withdrawal?
Yes, a $2 ACH fee will apply to direct deposit requests made before January 6, 2025.

What is Buyer Protection?
We want you to shop confidently. Buyer Protection reflects:

Worry-free shopping: Get what you ordered or a refund, if eligible
Trusted transactions: We securely process and release payments upon rating
24/7 Customer support: Easily get help through app, web or phone

What is Seller Protection?
Mercari is designed to help sellers succeed, so you can sell and get paid with confidence. Seller Protection reflects:

Free and easy listing: Listing is free, simple, and designed to help you succeed.
Hassle-free shipping: Enjoy discounted rates with Shipping Protection up to $200, if eligible.
Trusted transactions: Payments are securely processed and released upon rating

Do I need to update my listings?
No. The new fee structure will automatically apply to new and updated listings starting the week of January 6. Existing listings may take a week or more to reflect the new fee structure automatically.

You can view the selling fee details at any time in the editing screen.

To support this transition, you can choose to increase your listing prices in bulk so you can earn the same amount. Depending on how many listings you have, the update can take several hours or days.

Match your current earnings:
Can I automatically increase my prices in bulk to help ensure my earnings stay the same?
Yes, to help maintain your current earnings after the new fee structure is implemented, you have the option to automatically increase your listing prices in bulk.

If you opt in before January 6, 2025, we will schedule a price increase for your listings to align with the new fee structure. This update is entirely optional and can be chosen before the new fees take effect. The scheduled listing price updates will begin during the week of January 6, 2025. Depending on how many listings you have, the update can take several hours or days.

If I opt in, can I still update my listings before the automatic price increase?
Yes. Please note that if you update the details of an item on your own before the opt-in feature updates it, the new fee structure will apply. Prices for items edited after the fee structure change will not be automatically updated, so you will need to adjust the prices manually while editing the item.

When can I opt in?
You can now opt in anytime before January 6, 2025 to schedule a bulk listing price increase. Download the latest version of the Mercari app to try it out (iOS | Android)

Applying the new fee structure:
What if my item is canceled?
If your item is canceled and relisted after the fee structure change, the new fee structure will apply immediately to the relisted item.

What if I have an offer in progress?
We will start updating existing listings during the week of January 6, 2025 including pending offers.

If an offer is made on a listing that hasn’t yet been updated to the new fee structure, the previous fee structure will apply when the offer is accepted.

If the existing offer is updated with the new fee structure, it will automatically be canceled.

I think some of my listings will have negative earnings. What should I do?
We plan to notify sellers if they have listings at risk of negative earnings.

To avoid negative earnings, increase the price of your impacted listings by at least 10%. You can do this manually or by opting in to the automatic process (see “Match your current earnings” section above).

Listings with negative earnings under the updated fee structure will be deactivated automatically.

Most of it does apply to sellers but if you are a buyer beware of their new pricing before laying down cash on an item as anything you buy will have that 3.6% fee tacked into the final cost.

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