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in Lifestyle &middot June 20, 2016

Birthday Beauty Buys and Reviews

As you may or may not know if you follow me on Twitter, after my birthday, I went on a Sephora shopping spree. This means that you get a haul post! So here’s what I got and what I think of it now that I’ve had a few weeks to think about it.

Birthday Makeup Reviews

Birthday Makeup Reviews

Lancome Teint Idole Ulta 24H Long Wear foundation – I wish I didn’t love this as much as I do because it is so damn expensive. But it’s perfect – it blends well, covers just as much as I want it to (and if I layer it, it covers more), and is lightweight. It lasts all day and looks great while doing it. I can’t recommend it enough, but, as I said, it’s wicked expensive. If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t wear much makeup – maybe just foundation, concealer, mascara, for example – then investing in this makes sense. However, if you’re like me and wears a fair amount and buys a fair amount, it doesn’t make much sense. So – if you know of a non-drugstore foundation that is similar and much less expense, let me know!

Laura Mercier Invisible Loose setting powder – My only issue with this powder is that it’s one that you have to shake a little to get the powder out and I have yet to master this without making a mess. Otherwise, it’s great!

NARS Radiant Creamy concealer – I picked up a mini one in the line at Sephora – you know, the one where they have all these small version of products? Since I was already investing in concealer and powder (among other things), I didn’t want to get a full-size version unless I knew how I like it. I will probably be buying the full-size when this runs out. It’s wonderful. Covers things well (including under my eyes, which are very blue/purple even when I get a lot of sleep) but doesn’t feel like it. It’s great.

Birthday Makeup Reviews

Kat Von D Tattoo Eyeliner – Oh wow. I love this oh so much! You may remember that I got the Sephora liquid eyeliner last year and I didn’t love it. This, however, is amazing. It’s so easy to maneuver and it really does last all day. I’m talking putting it on at 6:30 AM before leaving for work and it’s in place when I take my makeup off at 9 PM. It also looks amazing and is rather easy to to wings. I can’t advertise it enough!

tarte Tartlette In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette – This is great! I wasn’t expecting to like it so much. The colors are  and very pigmented. It’s the perfect combination of neutrals and bold colors, and it’s especially great for this time of year. It’s isn’t the kind of product that I think everyone should buy, but it’s definitely worth a look if you’re into eyeshadow.

BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfecter Poured highlighter in Pearl – I worship at the temple of this BECCA highlighter. Saying that it’s gorgeous doesn’t do it justice. It’s the perfect pearl shade and has me all heart eyed. I’m all about highlighters right now (I just got the Marc Jacobs illuminator and I’m still testing it before I chat about it) and this makes the top 3.

What are some of the beauty products that you’ve bought recently? What did you think of them?

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on them and buy something, I will receive a very small profit. For more information, check out my disclosure policy. Thank you for supporting the ways that make it possible for me to run Kate the (Almost) Great!
Kate Mitchell

Kate Mitchell is a blogger, chronic illness patient, and advocate who helps people understand chronic illness and helps chronic illness patients live their best lives.

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Comments

  1. Chelsea Jacobs says

    June 20, 2016 at 6:47 pm

    That’s my favorite liquid liner! It stays all day!

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  2. Allison Gallagher says

    June 20, 2016 at 9:13 pm

    The Laura Mercier powder is the greatest EVER

    http://www.girlnextscore.com

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  3. Feliz Martinez says

    June 21, 2016 at 1:29 am

    I’ve been buying a ridiculous amount of makeup lately. But I think my favorite has been BHCosmetics’ Take Me to Brazil pallette. I also got Colourpops super shock cheek in Stole THE Show. So far it’s the best highlighter I’ve owned, but I have my Carli Bybel palette coming in any day and I know that will be my new favorite!

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  1. Summer Hair And Makeup Tips for the Perfect Look - Kate the (Almost) Great | Boston Lifestyle Blog says:
    June 30, 2016 at 3:25 pm

    […] Summer is a great time to experiment with your hair and makeup. It just allows you to relax a little more with your usual look and try something different. That is maybe doing something special with your hair or reducing the amount of makeup you wear. So I thought now would be a great time to share with you some hair and makeup tips to create the perfect summer look. […]

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July is: ⁣ - Disability Pride Month ⁣ - Juvenile A July is: ⁣
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- Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month ⁣
- the anniversary of when I was diagnosed with autoimmune arthritis at age 19 after 9 years of symptoms ⁣
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As you can imagine, that makes me very aware of my disability via juvenile arthritis⁣
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I’m Kate, a chronic illness patient and advocate sharing what my life is like with 10+ chronic illnesses. Follow me for more and check out my blog at katethealmostgreat.com⁣⁣.⁣
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There are a lot of reasons why you shouldn't doubt There are a lot of reasons why you shouldn't doubt someone's chronic illness, but this is one of them. ⁣
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I'm always amazed by how people can have the exact same illness or set of illnesses and still have different experiences. Sure, there will be similarities, but which symptoms are the worst, what medications you respond to, and your quality of life can vary significantly. ⁣
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I’m Kate, a chronic illness patient and advocate sharing what my life is like with 10+ chronic illnesses. Follow me for more and check out my blog at katethealmostgreat.com⁣⁣.⁣
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This basically sums up my summer so far: Harley, a This basically sums up my summer so far: Harley, a sewing project, and my foot in a cast⁣
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I’m Kate, a chronic illness patient and advocate sharing what my life is like with 10+ chronic illnesses. Follow me for more and check out my blog at katethealmostgreat.com⁣⁣.⁣
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Week 28 of 2026 Weekly A very busy week! 1️⃣ Foo Week 28 of 2026 Weekly

A very busy week!

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2️⃣ Boston 
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6️⃣ Physical time!

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I’m Kate, a chronic illness patient and advocate sharing what my life is like with 10+ chronic illnesses. Follow me for more and check out my blog at katethealmostgreat.com⁣⁣.

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IDs:
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(Delayed because last Sunday was baaaaad)

1️⃣ Due airport difficulties, we got a few more days with Emma. Harley was THRILLED!
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3️⃣ A beautiful Maine summer day

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I’m Kate, a chronic illness patient and advocate sharing what my life is like with 10+ chronic illnesses. Follow me for more and check out my blog at katethealmostgreat.com⁣⁣.

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1️⃣ Harley the golden retriever putting his front legs up on Emma’s legs to demand hugs.
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I’m Kate, a chronic illness patient and advocate sharing what my life is like with 10+ chronic illnesses. Follow me for more and check out my blog at katethealmostgreat.com⁣⁣.⁣
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