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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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Weeks 23 and 24 of 2026 Weekly! The last two wee Weeks 23 and 24 of 2026 Weekly! 

The last two weeks were prepping for my infusion, having/recovering from my infusion, and getting caught up after. This meant things were very busy but also I don’t have a lot to show for them. 

1️⃣ New glasses! I really like having multiple pairs so I can switch them as I want.
2️⃣ One of my current projects. I got this standing hoop for my birthday and I’m working on an alphabet (uppercase and lower, although I’m still working on the lower) with extra floss.
3️⃣ Infusion time! I got my higher dose so hopefully my symptoms improve a lot in the upcoming weeks🤞🏻

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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⁣⁣.⁣⁣

⬛⁣

IDs: 
1️⃣ Kate takes a selfie. Her new glasses are thin silver circles
2️⃣ An in-progress cross-stitched alphabet in a special hoop stand that Kate is sitting on.
3️⃣ Kate takes a selfie in an infusion chair.

#ChronicallyIll #RheumatoidArthritis #AutoimmuneDisease #CrossStitcher
Week 22 of 2026 Weekly 1️⃣ Off to see my foot doc Week 22 of 2026 Weekly

1️⃣ Off to see my foot doc … and my foot is healing! Yay!
2️⃣ A very cool notification to get!
3️⃣ This is 35 🎂
4️⃣ Featuring Harley snuggles 
5️⃣ And then it was my mom’s birthday! 
6️⃣ With Harley again 

ID: 
1️⃣ Kate takes a mirror selfie 
2️⃣ a notification from WordPress saying “Receive views from 150+ counties. The United Nations has nothing on you!”
3️⃣ Kate smiles for the camera in a cafe 
4️⃣ Kate in the same outfit with Harley the golden retriever on her lap. 
5️⃣ Kate’s mom smiling in a restaurant 
6️⃣ Kate with Harley again 

#GoldenRetrieversOfInstagram #ChronicallyIll #ChronicPain #InvisibleIllness
Lifestyle Changes I Made for My Rheumatoid Arthrit Lifestyle Changes I Made for My Rheumatoid Arthritis⁣
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While these are not my treatments, they have made my life better in some ways. ⁣
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What lifestyle changes have you made, for RA or another condition?⁣
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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: ⁣
A series of pictures. Each has a text box on them related to the picture. ⁣
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1️⃣ Lifestyle changes I made for my rheumatoid arthritis⁣
2️⃣ Wearing a mask⁣
3️⃣ Using a cane⁣
4️⃣ Changing my diet⁣
5️⃣ Working from home⁣
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#ChronicIllness #RheumatoidArthritis #AutoimmuneDisease #Arthritis #ChronicallyIll
What helps you mentally get through a tough time?⁣ What helps you mentally get through a tough time?⁣
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I'm struggling right now with my broken foot, which brings back a lot of tough memories. That plus being due for Rituxan and the heat starting up has made things hard. ⁣
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Here are somethings I do: ⁣
▪ Stick with my routine⁣
▪ Make recipes that I really enjoy⁣
▪ Work on embroidery projects so I can do something productive that involves stabbing fabric⁣
▪ Cut myself slack ⁣
▪ Get Harley hugs⁣
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⬛⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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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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ID: Kate and Harley the golden retriever hugging. Kate is a redheaded white woman wearing a black dress, pink sweater, and round pink glasses.⁣
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Week 21 of 2026 Weekly 1️⃣ First real cross-stit Week 21 of 2026 Weekly 

1️⃣ First real cross-stitch project: done! 
2️⃣ The magic machine that is hopefully healing my broken foot 
3️⃣ When your 2 refrigerated medications are delivered on the same day

⬛⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

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 A completed cross-stitch project, which shows 2 bears walking past a lake, trees, and mountains.
2️⃣ An Exogen machine showing use 13 days in a row
3️⃣ A couple of styrofoam refridgerated containers for medication

#ChronicallyIll #CrossStitch #RheumatoidArthritis #SjogrensSyndrome #IVIG
You guessed it, I'm one of that 25%. ⁣ ⁣ May is Ar You guessed it, I'm one of that 25%. ⁣
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May is Arthritis Awareness Month. Like, comment, and share to spread awareness 💖⁣
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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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You only have rheumatoid arthritis if your rheumatoid factor tests positive.⁣
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Things are tough (all over pain, heat with POTS, i Things are tough (all over pain, heat with POTS, in a walking cast waiting to see if I need my 6th foot surgery), but so am I.⁣
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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 IVIG + Kindle reading 
2️⃣ Almost done!!!!!

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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: 
1️⃣ Infusion tubes coming out from under her shirt. There’s a Kindle on her lap.
2️⃣ An almost-finished cross-stitch project

#IVIG #ChronicallyIll #CrossStitcher #CrossStitchersOfInstagram
FAQ: Have you tried [insert supplement here]? As FAQ: Have you tried [insert supplement here]?

As with all things, what’s true for me might not be true for others. I’m sure there are plenty of RA patients who do respond well to supplements; I’m just not one of them. 

Additionally, at one point, I refer to being on chemo since 2012. As always, the chemo I’m referring to is Rituxan, which is my RA treatment. I do not have cancer nor have I ever claimed to. 

Video: Kate talks to the camera. Text at the beginning reads “FAQ: Have you tried [insert supplement here]?” and other text later reads “*24” to correct when she says “symptoms for 21 years”. There are captions. 

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