BEAUTY BARGAIN - SLEEK MAKEUP

 Am I the only one looking forward to the weekend already?

 I just finished studying for a class assessment and I am so done with college life already! Can I be a housewife now?

Today's blog post is about a deal from boots website that I just cannot get over! I should probably have posted this blog up a while ago but sure what can you do now. Boots.ie were doing a special promotion on all of sleek makeup products and thinking about it now, I regret not taking advantage of this promotion! I bet you are excited to find out what this deal was so I might as well spill! For a limited amount of time Boots.ie were allowing you to purchase ANY two products from sleek for only €14! You probably hate me now for not posting this up sooner... I AM SORRY! 

After all my excitement and deciding on what to get, I decided to go for the contour palette and the highlighting palette.

S L E E K  C O N T O U R  P A L E T T E

If you have been reading my blog since day one, you know how much I have hyped about the Anastasia Beverly hills contour kit which I was originally planning on purchasing but I decided to settle for the sleek contour palette as there was no way I was going to let this bargain go to waste, and to be quite honest I don't have €42 to spend on a palette at the moment. I smashed my bleeding phone! 

I am not going to go into much details about the palette as I am sure everyone knows about it now, I swear I am so behind on life. The contour palette comes in the shade fair, light, medium and dark, I chose the dark palette because we all know I ain't a lighty. The contour palette contains a contour powder, highlighter and a bronzer. I honestly love using this contour kit! I usually mix the highlighter and the bronzer together to get the right look I want, I know someone is reading this now and thinking what the hell. I don’t know if that is right but it is what works for me and I plan on doing that for a long period of time. I would recommend this palette to anyone that is looking for a contour kit but is not looking to spend a lot of money, it cost €13.49

The only complaint I have is the contour palette in dark not being available to purchase in Store, What’s the deal Boots?!   

S L E E K  H I G H L I G H T I N G  P A L E T T E

This versatile face and body highlighting palette complements all skin tones and includes three luxurious velvet cream formulas and one powder. The iridescent, metallic finishes add a radiant glow and a luminous polish to the skin.

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To be quite honest, if it wasn’t for the special promotion, I probably would not have bought this highlighter. I have been trying this product for a while now and I feel like it’s just not right for my skin tone. I need my face to be popping and I feel like this highlighting palette does not give me the glow I want and I really need that glow. The usual price is €13.49 which I believe is not expensive at all. To be quite fair the palette is good for the price it is worth but I personally would not repurchase this palette.

And that is all for today, I hope you have enjoyed reading this post! If you have tried the products from Sleek let me know your opinion on them!

I might not post a lot due to college work but I am always active on Instagram @WTBeautybegins, you should totally follow me!

Until next time,

Lola.

Co. Dublin, Ireland

BEAUTY BARGAIN - SLEEK MAKEUP

YAY OR MAYBE

Clean & Clear

About a month ago, I broke in crazy spots LIKE CRAZY! I couldn’t look myself in the morning and not shed a tear (no joke) I was heartbroken, I didn’t want to wear makeup, I wanted to die, My face looked that bad. I knew hiding from the world was no option as I was working in retail, my job was based on interacting with customers, what the hell was I supposed to do? Fast forward to week later, my spots were clearing, I was slaying again until..wait for it.. I tried a new product!

So after a day of work, I decided I wanted to try a new skin care product, I was not really looking for anything to clear my spot but I really wanted to tame my oily face, like I swear this is my year to stunt on people but I can’t stunt with my face looking like a frying pan now can I? Anyways, I ended up going into boots not knowing what the hell I was looking to buy. If you are looking for a skin care product I would honestly recommend you reading various reviews before going to buy the product! I knew I wanted something to control the oils but I had no idea what product or brand would be suitable for my skin. I don’t know how but I ended up at the Clean & Clear stand, I am pretty sure the reason for this was probably there was a special promotion going on. The first product that caught my eyes was the advantage oil control cream wash. I quickly glanced over the product description, which said it instantly washes 85% of excess oil and clear skins in 3 days! That automatically sold it to me, the thought going through my head was literally YAS killing two birds with one stone.. If only! I ended up buying the dual action moisturiser with it just in case.

Advantage Oil cream wash product description:

Introducing Clean & Clear® Advantage® Oil Control Cream Wash; a clinically proven formula that instantly washes away 85% of excess oil for fewer spots and to leave your skin looking shine-free for longer.

This dual-action wash combines oil-absorbing PowderParticles™ and our patented Advantage® spot-fighting technology to instantly remove up to 85% of excess oil* whilst helping to clear spots and blemishes.Oil-free.

Won't clog pores. Won't overdry skin. *sebum measurement, average value on 21 subjects immediately after application.

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I felt that the cream wash did help maintain the oil on my face, I hardly used my Urban Decay Oil control spray while using this cream wash, the only problem was the spots! It certainly did not clear my skin in 3 days! In fact, after getting rid of one spot another one was coming! I was so annoyed! 

Yes I wanted a product to help my oily face but I definitely did not want a face filed with spots! I would much rather beat my face every 3 hours than go around with crazy spots! There were days were my face would like perfectly fine and other days it was just a mess. To others my face looked fine but to me it didn’t. 

This product is definitely not a yay I would recommend, but it’s not a no either, it’s simply a maybe. I love the fact that I was able to go for a long period of time without having to worry about anything but I did not like waking up to new spots on my face.

 I have stopped using both the cream wash and moisturiser and I have switched to a new facial wash which I cannot wait to share with you, plus I have been drinking crazy amount of water!

Catch me in my next post,

Lola.

                                                                                                                                                                               

YAY OR MAYBE

BOBBI BROWN X NYX

Hey beauties! Merry Christmas to you all, I hope you had a lovely Christmas and got spoiled! I haven't been posting for a while has I have been moving houses, studying for exams and working! Yes I got a job.. well it's just for the holidays but still CONGRATS TO ME!
Today's post is based on my new favourite foundation from Bobbi Brown and concealer from NYX.

BOBBI BROWN:

Since I recently got a job, I decided to treat myself to a high-end foundation, I originally planned on getting a new M.A.C foundation but after working past the Bobbi Brown stand, I decided to try something new. As you already know by now, my face is really OILY ( I bought some skin care products for oily skin that I can't with to share with you) I decided I wanted a foundation that would give me a matte look and as I was spending a lot of money on this foundation, IT HAD TO BE THE RIGHT ONE. After speaking to the nice woman from Bobbi Brown, I decided to go with the Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation in the shade 6.5 Warm Almond. When it is in the bottle it does look really light, I literally spent 10 minutes worrying if I was about to spend €42 on the wrong shade, man I would have cried. You can see what I am talking about from the picture it does looks really light, but before making my final decision, I got one the staffs to test it on my face. The fact that they didn't give out testers was really annoying as I actually wanted to take it home and try it out myself but anyways, I ended up chancing my luck.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
What is it?
A natural-looking and long-wearing foundation with SPF. Comfortable and hydrating, this medium to full coverage oil free formula never looks cakey or masky.

Who it's for?
Normal to oily skin types.
Price:
€40
Where:
Bobbi Brown in Brown Thomas on Grafton Street.
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I have been using this foundation for about a week now and omg yes, yes, yes! This is a foundation that I think it is worth the price! The first time I wore the foundation, I set my makeup with my oil-control setting spray from Urban Decay and my face was Matte for the whole day! I also used it without using a setting spray and I didn't touch up once and there was only a little oil! I am so happy with this result as if it was with my other foundation, it would have been horrible! I am usually in work for a long period of time and obviously, I can't keep running to the bathroom to set my makeup! So yes this foundation is a 10/10 from me! 

NYX HD CONCEALER:

I originally planned on doing a blog post of a review of this concealer separately but since these two are my to go makeup product at the moment, I might as well tie it in together. I usually use LA girl pro conceal which is my all time favourite concealer as the coverage is just amazing but since it was not available in Dublin, it was time for us to part ways *inserts crying emoji*. I never buy my concealer from high-end brands and I probably never will so I decided to go into boots to find a new concealer and I swear I could write an essay on how hard it is for a black girl to find the perfect shade! I ended up going to Hickeys and browsing through the NYX section as I have heard so much about the brand via youtube and to my surprise, they had a concealer close enough to my shade! 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Little wonder the Concealer Wand is one of NYX's best-sellers. The concentrated, emollient-rich concealer formula. It is non- comedogenic and creates medium to heavy coverage.
Price:
€7.99
Where:
Hickeys on Grafton Street or Pharmacy in Clare Hall.
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I am loving this concealer at the moment! It gives me the coverage I am looking for and it is also affordable! It also hides my dark circles!!! Any concealer that can hide my dark cirlces is a big yes from me! 

And that brings us to the end of this post, I hope you've enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed goshing over Bobbi Brown and NYX.
Until next time, 
Lola

BOBBI BROWN X NYX

VANISH And The Stain Is Gone REVIEW

I am sure you hate it when you wear your most favourite top (especially white) on a night out, you feel beautiful, everyone won’t stop complimenting you, and then, of course, you just had to get a nasty stain on it. The most annoying one MAKEUP STAIN all around the collar of your top – My worst nightmare! A shirt that is stained with makeup around the collar does not look cute at all!

I recently wore a white turtleneck and if you know me you know I make a mess out of everything! I usually always remove my makeup before ever taking off my clothes as I hate makeup stains so much! It was a really long day and I was not planning on washing off my makeup as I was so tired, I just wanted to get comfy in my pyjamas. Anyways, I ended up trying to take off my top while I had makeup on – BIG MISTAKE! Also that morning for some reason I decided to put makeup on my neck, I am sure you can imagine how that messed up my turtleneck. Luckily Vanish came to the rescue! 
A while ago I got an e-mail from one of Vanish agent to review two of their Vanish products. if I am quite honest, for a long time I was thinking of how I could tie that in with my beauty blog. After spending a long time thinking, I decided to go ahead to write this post on how to get rid of that horrible makeup stains on your favourite top. As well as that, I have also been given an opportunity to do a giveaway to a few of my lucky readers! More details will be at the end of this post.

Vanish GOLD Oxi Action best for white description:

Our best for your whites, this new formula makes your white garments three shades whiter and is so powerful it removes some stains in just 30 seconds! Pretreat or soak to see best results.

Vanish GOLD Oxi Action best for stain remover description:

Vanish introduces a revolution in stain removal. The super boosted formula is the best from Vanish, it's so powerful it removes some stains in just 30 seconds! For maximum speed and power pre-treat or soak to see results in 30 seconds. Safe to use on both colours and whites.

Vanish Gold Oxi Action best for white review 

As I was wearing a white top that day, I decided to try best for white Vanish Gold Oxi Action to see if it would do the job. When using this product you have the option to wash, soak or pre-treat

Soaking > 

1. Add one scoop to 4L of warm water (approx. 40 degrees) and leave garment to soak for a maximum of 6 hours.

2. Rub the fabric to remove stains.
3. After soaking, wash as usual

Pre-treat >
1. Mix a ¼ scoop of powder with ¾ scoop warm water and stir until mixed with a spoon or stick to ensure you get a smooth paste.
2. Apply mix to the surface of the entire stain.
3. Using the underside of the scoop, rub the mix into the stain for 30 seconds (up to a max of 5 minutes).
4. Wash the clothes as usual.

Washing machine >
Add 1 scoop (for tough dried in stains) / ½ a scoop (for normal stains) with your laundry detergent in the washing machine drawer.
Wash as usual.

 I decided to use the soaking method as I was curious to see how this would work rather than just throwing it in the washing machine.

Before:

AFTER:

I am very happy with the results! If you are looking to buy any of these Vanish products, you can find them in any supermarkets or convenient stores. You can also check out their websites https://www.vanish.co.uk/ to find out more information on any of Vanish products. 

Check the stain solver for advice on stain removal

As I mention at the start of this post, I would like to try my first ever giveaway! If you think this is a good idea, do comment below or on the facebook page -WhereTheBeautyBegins or on Instagram - WTBeautybegins.

I hope you have enjoyed reading this post as much as I have enjoyed writing it!

 Until next time,

Lola

VANISH And The Stain Is Gone REVIEW

DE-SLICK-OIL-CONTROL - URBAN DECAY SETTING SPRAY

Hey beauties, since I'm currently on my third bottle of Urban Decay Oil- Control setting spray, I have decided to share with you, my review on it. For you all that have been reading my blog since day one, you know how much I am constantly complaining about my oily face. I have mentioned in my previous posts that I used the Urban decay setting spray like my life depends on it (it does), but I realised I've actually never went into details as to why I love it so much. I have been using this setting spray for less than a year now and honestly, I don't know how I was managing before finding out about this setting spray.

If you suffer from an oily face like I do, I'm sure you know the struggles of Often to constantly run into the bathroom to fix your face so you look presentable, constantly having to ask your best friend if your face doesn't look like an egg could be fried on it. The struggle sucks! I find it to be quite annoying spending a certain amount of time doing my makeup only to go out and within 2-3 hours, it looks like a mess due to my oiliness. 

 Urban Decay also have another setting spray called All-Nighter which keeps your makeup in place for up to 16 hours! This setting spray is suitable for all skin type, so why not pick that up for when you're going clubbing. I will be looking to try this setting spray as soon as my Oil-Control spray finishes.

Product Description:

Oily skin has met its match! Mist on this weightless spray to control oil, deflect surface shine and help makeup stay put. Meet your most powerful oil-control ally. De-Slick mists on weightlessly to control oil, deflect surface shine and keep skin looking beautifully matte. High-tech ingredients help keep foundation, shadow and blush from smudging, sliding or fading – so you hardly ever need to touch up. 

I discovered what Urban Decay setting spray was while watching a YouTube tutorial a long time ago. The minute I finished watching the tutorial, I went onto Google and started looking up so many reviews. At that time, I wasn't aware that Urban Decay had setting sprays! I honestly thought they only did eye shadow (silly me)! Anyways after reading multiple reviews, I knew nothing was going to change my mind, I was going to try it out myself.

I originally planned on purchasing the All- Nighter setting spray but after speaking to one of the staffs in Urban Decay about my condition, she immediately suggested I purchase Oil-Control to help this madness. I purchase the travel size bottle for €12 for trial, it is still the one I purchase till this day. I remember the first time I tried the setting spray, I was attending a fashion show at ITB to support a friend of mine. If I am quite honest, I was pretty nervous, I obviously couldn't keep running to the bathroom to check my makeup during the fashion show.

I applied my makeup at around 3 pm and I remember not getting home till around 11 pm as the fashion show started late. To my surprise, there was barely any shine! You can probably guess how delighted I was, I didn't get up once to touch up my makeup!

I have been using the setting spray ever since! I did have a few problems though. When I purchased the second bottle I found that while I was out or in college, my face would get oily within a few hours and I would have to go to the toilet to touch up my makeup which left me a bit disappointed. This could also be due to the fact that it says at the back of the bottle to spray it on 2-4 times, but I’m pretty sure I didn’t as I am always in a rush to get to college on time.

What inspired to finally write this post was the fact that I bought a new bottle the other day as the other bottle ran out and it was like the magic came back again! I followed the instruction at the back of the bottle AGAIN! I left my house at 9 am, not once did I have to reapply my powder on my face in college. I didn't get back home till 6 pm and went to check my makeup at 6:30 pm. No oil!  I must have mixed the other bottle with the one I put water in to spray my brushes before applying foundation, silly me!

I would highly recommend this setting spray to anyone with an oily face because this bottle does wonder! Even if you still have to touch up after using the setting spray, the shine is not as awful as if you didn't use it all! I like a really MATTE face and that's the only reason I would still apply powder to my face every few hours.

I hope you've enjoyed reading this post and hopefully it's been helpful to you! If you use any of Urban Decay setting sprays, do let me know your thoughts on them!

Until next time,

Lola.

DE-SLICK-OIL-CONTROL - URBAN DECAY SETTING SPRAY

BOOTS SKIN CARE WISHLIST

Hey beauties, I recently wrote up a post on my Makeup wishlist so I decided to write a follow-up of that for you. If you haven’t already click here to find out what’s on my Makeup wishlist. I did originally plan on doing a skincare wishlist for all skincare products,not just the one you can find in Boots as I will be writing up a skincare routine the minute I settle down and get my life together.

During my study session (lasted for 5 minutes), I went onto Boots website and began to look through some of their skincare products, course I wanted to add most of the products to my basket! 

We all know the importance of taking care of our skin and with Christmas almost two months away, I have decided to share with you a wishlist of skincare products you can find in Boots. By the way I think to congratulate me for getting over the fear of starting a blog, you should totally get me one of these products.

If you want to have a look at these products online, you can easily click the title of the products to find it on Boots website! 

No7Beautiful Skin Cleansing Brush

I discovered what a cleansing brush was about a few months ago while watching one of my favourite Youtuber MSRoshPosh, I am sure a lot of you know of her, I mean how could you not? I don’t know how I actually ended up watching her skincare routine as I was looking for a makeup tutorial for a night out, but I am glad I did. Might I just say this girl is still a beaut without makeup! When I watched her using her cleansing brush, I just knew I wanted one badly! It looked like it does more job than me using my hands.

A cleansing brush exfoliates and cleanses the skin, Removes dirt, oil and make-up. It looked so easy and quick to use in the video that I know I just have to own one.

If I do remember well, the one Rosh was using was a bit too expensive for my budget, I went and did my own little research and found one in Boots for €33.00

You can order it on Boots website or pick it up in any of their stores.

Elizabeth ArdenVisible Difference Peel and Reveal Revitalizing Mask 

I recently ran out of the face mask I usually use once a week *weeps*, but I have been too lazy to actually pick up a new one even though I walk past Boots EVERY DAMN DAY.

I came across Elizabeth Arden face mask while looking through Boots website and it is definitely something I will be looking to add to my skincare routine in the future.  From what I have read, this mask retextures and exfoliate the skin. It also reduces the appearances of pores and fine lines to leave skin soft, smooth and glowing! We all want glowing skin right?

Price = €35.00

Soap & Glory™No Clogs Allowed™ Deep Pore Detox Mask 

After reading the product description, I have decided this is a product I really need in my life! And the fact that it is not even expensive, makes me want it more!

 

No Clogs Allowed Detox Mask deep cleanse, melts away pore-plugging sebum and soften keratinized skin cells to prevent breakouts and blemishes. Exactly what I need in my life, I have been having crazy breakout lately- It's shocking!

You just have to massage it on your face and stop when the paste changes from yellow to blue. 

Use once a week on areas prone to blackhead build-up or as a deep-oil-emulsifying, detoxifying face mask and a face scrub. It is also formulated for oil/combination skin! Okay, where have this products been all my life?!

 Price > €14.99 Boots currently have a discount of this products so you can get it for €9.99 so you better HURRY!

Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Exfoliating Pads

Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Exfoliating Pads is an easy to use Exfoliating Pads that are formulated with antibacterial Tea Tree Oil and skin calming witch Hazel to keep your skin clear and healthy. Reading this alone is enough reason for me to get this product already!

 

Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Exfoliating Pads fights spot-causing bacteria, unblock pores of dirt, oil, and grease. Let’s not forget that it also smoothens your skin surface!

Price > €6.59 or two for €7.50

Soap & GlorySmooch Operator Lip Butter Balm

I need this product in my life, as I’ve got really dry lips! Soap & Glory lip balm is an Ultra-moisturising, repairing lip balm stuffed full of soothing oils and butter. It Includes wild mango butter, vitamin E, plus argan and rosehip oils to replenish, tone and soften lips sorely in need of affection. 

Price > €3.00 

I hope you've enjoyed reading this post! Let me know what skincare products you use and let me know if you would use any of the products I have listed above.

I recently created a Facebook page for the blog! Would love if you could give it a like. You can like my Facebook page here! 

Until next time dolls,

Lola.

BOOTS SKIN CARE WISHLIST

MY MAKEUP WISH LIST

Hey beauties, I am back with another blog post for you! Before I kick into this post, I would like to make a very important announcement! Due to college trying to drain the living soul out of me, I will not be able to write new posts as much as I would like but that doesn't mean I won't try! I will try my possible best to post something every week and if not I will be posting every two weeks, so if you do not see anything from me don't worry I am not dead. 

Now back to today's blog post - my makeup wishlist!

If I honestly had the money in the world, I would literally buy all the makeup there possibly was. But due to my lack of money and unemployment (I swear I am actually looking for a job and not wasting my money on burritos) that will not be happening.

Creating a wish list helps me to stay focused on the makeup I am really interested in rather than going all crazy and buying every makeup I set my eyes on without doing my research.

Here is my wishlist full of makeup products I'll be looking to purchase in the near future. 

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS CONTOUR KIT

Every Youtuber I watch all seem to have this contour kit so of course I had to do some research and read some reviews on it. After reading a few reviews and seeing the wonders that it does I knew I had to get myself one! Now, why is it on my wish list and not in my cosmetic bag? Well when I went to purchase it and saw the price, the first thing that came to my head was eh not today honey. I don’t contour often so I wasn’t going to spend much on something I’d probably use once in a blue moon or something. I will be looking to purchase the palette in the near future maybe once I have mastered the art of contouring!

The palette contains three highlighting and three contouring powders! It helps to create the illusion of a higher cheekbones, a smaller forehead and a softer jawline. I have read it is really pigmented and it also blends perfectly!

 You can find this contour kit HERE at Anastasia Beverly hills website (shipping is free over orders €21.98) and it is also available  HERE at Sephora website for €35.17. If you are planning to purchase it from Sephora, you would have to go to the French website to get it shipped to Ireland! If you’re not good at French like moi, don’t worry google translator is there for you!

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS DIPBROW POMADE

I swear I am not obsessed with ABH products. I have heard so much about this product, I am pretty sure every Youtuber I look up to all own this!

Dipbrow pomade sculpts and defines the brows and lets’ not forget the fact that it is waterproof! You can easily outline and fill your brows with this dip brow to get the perfect brow you’re looking for. I swear I will not be going into the New Year without purchasing this Dipbrow!

Dipbrow Pomade can be found HERE on Beauty Bay for €18.00

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS LIQUID LIPSTICK

This might as well be an ABH wish list. After watching numerous swatches of the Anastasia Beverly Hills liquid lipstick, I knew I had to add it to my wishlist for the next time I go on a massive makeup shopping spree. If you follow ABH on Instagram and often watch a lot of makeup tutorials then you would understand why I need this lippie in my life! May I remind you my birthday is just around the corner...

My favourite thing about this liquid lipstick is the fact that it is applied on like a lip gloss but actually dries matte so it basically looks like you’ve applied lipstick on in one easy swipe! (God knows I suck at applying lipsticks). I have also read that this liquid lipstick is meant to last on for hours, what’s not to love about this?!

You can purchase it HERE at ABH website for €18.00

SLEEK CONTOUR PALETTE

The only reason this is still on my wish list and not in my cosmetic bag is the fact that every single time I go to buy it, they never seem to have the dark palette I want! I am fed up at this point *sigh*. I have read and watch so many reviews on this palette that I just want one for myself even if I don’t contour that much.

The palette contains a blush, highlighter and a contouring powder which are available from fair to dark (dark seems to be hiding though).

You can find this contour palette at Boots for €13.49

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS ILLUMINATORS

 The first time I ever heard of this products was from one of my favourite youtuber Irisbeilin. I knew I had to go do my research the minute she posted a video showing off her latest purchase from ABV!

It contains a mosaic of brightening powders that impart a lit-from-within glow and is available in four hues -

So Hollywood - A shimmery bronze hue that flatters deeper skin tones.

Peach Nectar - A warm rose gold that flatters light skin tones.

Starlight - A sheer, luminescent white that flatters all skin tones.

Riviera - A sun-kissed coppery hue that flatters medium to tan skin tones.

You can find it HERE at ABH for €24.66

URBAN DECAY NAKED 3 PALETTE

I am not one to wear eyeshadow, mainly because I suck at it. But with the hype around the Naked 3 Palette, I am so tempted to get it! Naked 3 is the follow-up of naked and naked 2 which I have never tried. If you have this palette, do you think it's worth it?
You can find Naked 3 at Debenhams for €46.00

And that brings us to the end of this post! If you have any of these products on my wishlist or looking to purchase, do let me know in the comments!

Until next time,

Lola. 

MY MAKEUP WISH LIST