The Beauty Connoisseur's Guide: Haul: Sephora, Target and Ulta

In a few weeks I will be leaving for college, which of course means I have to make a mad dash to purchase fresh versions of my beauty favorites... of course, along with a few new things I wanted to give a go.

As for Target and Ulta, I didn't get too much here, but I thought I would go ahead and share, because both products have a special place in my heart.

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo 1L, $21.99 (Ulta)-- As with many products, I first borrowed this from my mom before purchasing it myself. Not gonna lie, I'm pretty sure this is a not-so-official product for men, but who cares. It's the bomb.com. First off, it smells divine, like fresh mint, and it makes your scalp tingle like no other. Needless to say, I can see why men like it and why so many women need to try it. If you are interested in buying it, I would suggest not making it your everyday shampoo; its deep cleansing, which is good, but it could strip too much moisture. The back of the bottle says that it can be used everyday and is color safe, but stick with your gut, or in this case, with my advice.

Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo 2 oz., $21.00 (Target)-- I mentioned this godsend in my very first post eva, and here it is again. Here's what I love: it smells like lemon, works till the last drop, and leaves a fresh and clean feeling. Also, you get your money's worth. Unlike with spray dry shampoos, this product's packaging is filled to the brim with the actual powder, rather than half powder, half aerosol gas. But, I feel the need to mention that I have blonde hair, and thus, this stuff blends in easier in my hair. I've read reviews from those with dark hair, and they claim that this leaves a white cast. As I mentioned in my first post eva, my trick for dry shampoo is quite simple--put it in the night before, so then it can soak in and absorb an oil that collects through the night. By the next morning, it will be nigh on invisible.

Now for Sephora. I originally went in there to pick up a few things for college (I leave in a few weeks, eeep!) and to replace a certain MUFE Duo Mat Powder Foundation that decided to shatter...talk about a case of the Mondays.

Dior Forever Compact Flawless Perfection Fusion Wear Makeup SPF 25, $50.00 (Shade Ivory 010...but, of course *sigh*)-- Now, I'm sure your out of breath after reading that title, because I know I am. Setting aside the rather long title, let's get to bidness. I purchased this over repurchasing the Duo Mat, simply because Duo Mat didn't do much for me. I can already say that this is a complete 180. Whilst at Sephora, the lady who was helping me blended this all over my face to ensure the color match. Five hours later, I was still almost completely matte. This was a very, very welcome changed compared to Duo Matte that wouldn't even keep oil at bay for two.

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray, $30.00-- A few months ago, I purchased the travel size of this stuff to test it out, and was pleasantly surprised with my results. Prior to using All Nighter, I used Deslick religiously for two years. I thought it would be interesting to switch it up, and so here we are. I find that Deslick and All Nighter work on pretty much the same level, but I think that it'll be good to switch it up for my skin--keeping it on it's toes!

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner (Shade Trooper), $18.00-- First things first, I must share that I swatched this on my hand last night and it STILL looks brand new. Still as intense, no fading. And yes, I have washed my hands since then. It claimed to be waterproof, and now it's proving just how tough it is. As for liners, this is about the cheapest in the high end market, and I'm hoping it will last a little longer than drugstore. We shall see.

SEPHORA COLLECTION Rouge Infusion Lip Stain, $14 (Shade Coral Extract)-- I couldn't help but notice that the lady who was helping me had just about the most perfect shade of red on. When I inquired as to what she was wearing, surprisingly she named the Rouge Infusion Lip Stain from Sephora's own line. She went on to say that this was her favorite line of stains, over YSL and brands of the like. I told her that even though the red was really pretty, I definitely preferred more of a mauve-y, rosy color, and she presented me with the shade Coral Extract. Let me preface this by saying that it contains ZERO coral-ness, but instead is the perfect your-lips-but-better shade. What's more is that I actually wore this out to dinner right afterwards, and I still had a color to my lips afterwards. This is something to definitely check out, especially considering it is pretty inexpensive.

Take a peak below to see my Sephora goodies in all their glory.