HAUL: Target Canada is Closing & I Almost Feel Guilty

From L-R: Sonia Kashuk Perfecting Luminous Foundation, NYX Butter Gloss, Sonia Kashuk Liquid Line Precision Marker, Sonia Kashuk Chic Luminosity Bronzer/Blush Duo, Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer, Pixi by Petra Eye Bright Kit, Pixi by Petra Shea Butter Lip Balm, Sonia Kashuk Brightening Powder, Sonia Kashuk Chic Luminosity Highlighter Stick, Sonia Kashuk Primer Base

 
Target didn't last very long in Canada. To be honest, I knew they wouldn't. The stores were much smaller than their US counterparts, the product selection was so-so, and on top of that, the shelves were always half-empty. Their sales were great, when you could find the items, but otherwise their prices couldn't compare to the other big box stores they had to compete with. Perhaps if they stuck it out, worked on their supply and logistics issues, and started building their own retail spaces, rather than relying on converted Zellers locations, they may have survived. Unfortunately, we will never know.

Most cosmetics lovers will lament the disappearance of the Sonia Kashuk and Pixi by Petra brands. Another confession? I've never tried them. At least not before today, the day my local Targets shut their doors for the last time, and priced everything at 80-90% off. I couldn't justify paying over $15 for drugstore makeup, regardless of their cult status and rave reviews.

I paid $38, including taxes, for all of the items pictured above. If anyone is interested in any of these products, I encourage you to run, not walk, to a Target that hasn't already shut it's doors, since they'll all be gone as of this Sunday (April 12th). Most of the stores I visited (a total of 3) were empty, but had an abundance of Sonia Kashuk products. There may not be much variety, but what they do have, they have a lot of.

My Wishlist: Sephora Chic Week

The Sephora Chic Week sale starts April 12th for VIB Rouge, the 16th for VIB, and the 17th for regular Beauty Insiders. I've slowly been adding items to my Loves on their website in anticipation. 15% off may not seem like much, but at Sephora, any little bit helps. I've been hoarding mt gift cards from Christmas and my birthday for this specific reason. I figured I'd share my wish list and follow up later on with what I actually ended up scoring.

Highlighters and illuminators are my #1 makeup obsession. I want to branch out and try a selection of brands and products with different functions, so this is the category with the most items on my wishlist:

• Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal to mix with my foundation.
• NARS The Multiple in Orgasm for a shimmery cheek blush.
• Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette as all over finishing powders.
• Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder to set and brighten the area under my eyes.

I've never been a huge eyeshadow palette person, but recently I've noticed that more and more of them are ending up my fantasy carts. Sometimes I like to go onto websites, fill carts with items I want, and then never check out. I find it relaxing. I've never been one for the matte nude shadows that seem to dominate the best sellers lists, and instead was drawn to these three palettes because of their mix of colours and brilliant finishes:

• Kat Von D Innerstellar Eyeshadow Palette
• Kat Von D Chrysalis Eyeshadow Palette
• Too Faced Country Palette 

Along with my obsession with highlighters comes one for a variety of other face products as well. I've found my holy grail foundation in Urban Decay's Naked Skin, but still have had no luck finding a great under eye concealer that feels light and doesn't crease. Also, since Makeup Forever discontinued their HD Primer, it's been one disappointment after another for me. After reading a bunch of reviews online, I've decided to add these items to my "try" list:

• NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
• Makeup Forever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Smoothing Primer

And finally, the sole lip product on my wish list ended up being the Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Melted Sugar. After my recent lipstick splurge, there really wasn't much left I really wanted to try except this.

March 2015: The Empties

 

Bioderma Sensibio H20: I'm going to be doing my empties in order from best to worst this month, and this product makes it to the top of my list. I swear, if there is a better makeup remover/cleanser out there, I haven't found it. It seems to work for all skin types, since when I was oily in the summer and fall, it didn't break me out, and when I was super flaky this winter, it didn't dry me out further. I used to use the Sensibio to remove my makeup only before my actual cleanser, but now I use this as my primary face wash. I can't gush enough about it. All of the issues I've had with other products, whether they be cream, wipes, or liquid like this one, are absent. There is no stinging in the eyes, residue on the skin, or leftover product. All that Bioderma Sensibio H20 makes me feel, is clean. The only deterrent is the price. I've gone through about 4 of the 100ml bottles because at about $6.95 a pop, they don't break the bank, but I figured, if this was going to be my primary face product, I'd better invest the $26 and buy the biggest bottle offered. I'm hoping it will last me a quarter of a year at least! 

Julep Conditioning Nail Polish Remover: This is my #1 go-to nail polish remover. It will honestly take anything off my nails without effort or fuss, even glitter. I used to hate wearing glitter polish, only because it was so difficult to remove. Now? I have no fear and glitter manicures have become my favourite nail look to rock. It doesn't dry out my nails or sting or stink like other brands do, but it does leave my nails feeling a bit greasy. I have to give my hands a good wash and dry before attempting to apply anything else, even Julep's own Oxygen Nail Treatment. It won't adhere properly otherwise. The biggest downfall of the Julep Conditioning Nail Polish Remover is the price. You only get 4oz. for $10USD, and that's if you already have the pump, otherwise it goes up to $14. I always wait until it's available in a kit or Julep decides to discount it drastically. Even this month's Secret Store price of $17.99 for a pump bottle and refill couldn't entice me to repurchase.

Julep Freedom Polymer Top Coat: The company's claims of this top coat drying in 5 minutes are true. Not even Seche Vite works are quickly when I've got more than 2 coats on my nails. It's amazing when you want to do your nails, but not sit around and wait for them to dry before you can do things like go to the bathroom. Julep has the cost of this as $18USD, but unlike their polish remover, this top coat is always on sale. I don't think I've paid more than $6 for it. I do have two major issues with this though. The biggest problem that I have with the Freedom Polymer Top Coat is that it chips after about 2 days of wear. I can never keep a manicure for longer. At first, I thought it was just me being rough on my nails, but a few days ago I started using a different Julep top coat and all of a sudden I could get a good 4 days out of a mani. Because I was changing my polish and using the product up every other day, I only noticed the second problem towards the end of this bottle's life. The formula completely changed on me and became a clear sludge. Sure, it's always been a bit goopy, but it applied well, and the brush didn't glue itself to my nails if I took a bit of time to try and smooth it out.

This month has been pretty light on the empties for me, mostly because I've pared down my skincare routine. Also, it's dance competition season and all the free time I have has been spent trying to source the most cost effective necessities like tights, shoes, and costume accessories. I just can't bring myself to pay $24.99 for a plastic garment bag. Who do these people think they are??!!?