Illamasqua Vridian and Glitterati Duo Swatch And Review

I never really understood the phenomena known as Dim Sum.  We had some for brunch today and it was more hassle than I think it was worth.  Brunches on the weekend usually involve some sort of wait for seating, which I don't mind, but more than 30 minutes for what is essentially Americanized Chinese food makes me want to go elsewhere.  Parking was a nightmare too, and all for some food that's been sitting in a cart for who knows how long and being breathed on by too many people.  Meh.  I just don't get it.  Someone explain what I'm missing, please?

Sephora recently had a slew of markdowns at the beginning of the year so I jumped on the Illamasqua Duo Set of Vridian and Glitterati during the sale.  I'd been eyeing this set for a while so I was stoked to see that it was marked down, plus an additional 20% off making it less than $8 a bottle.

Firstly I have Vridian to show you, it's a metallic forest green shade that was well pigmented.  I used two coats in these pics with no topcoat.  It was a little thinner than I would have liked but I love that there was very minimal visible brush strokes once it dried.

Illamasqua Vridian

Illamasqua Vridian

Illamasqua Vridian

Illamasqua Vridian

The second polish in this set is Glitterati, a beautiful dark berry shade with gold microflakes and silver hex gitter.  It was well pigmented and I used two layers for opacity.  My only complaint is that I wish there was a touch more glitter in the formula because it seemed sparse after the two coats.  It dried a little bumpy but I only needed a layer of Poshe to add shine and to even it out.

Illamasqua Glitterati

Illamasqua Glitterati

Illamasqua Glitterati

Illamasqua Glitterati

Illamasqua Glitterati

Overall I'm really happy with this set, with Glitterati being my favorite of the two.  If you like it, you can still nab a set on Sephora or on the Illamasqua website. 

Sephora Friends and Family, Ulta and Drugstore.com sale!

This seems to be the weekend of the year where every major beauty outlet has their yearly discount.

• Ulta is having 20% off online with exclusions using code 89644 or go in store if you received the flyer in the mail and get 20% off almost everything including most prestige lines.  
• Drugstore.com is having 40% off all beauty with code Makeup40 with free shipping over $25.  
• Sephora is having their Friends and Family with 20% everything, but you actually have to be a friend or a family.  Supposedly some people are hacking the codes, while others are finding codes via forum posts and contacting members. 

As for myself, my week started off by taking advantage of the Drugstore.com discount - I ordered OPI Don't Touch My Tutu, Sally Hansen Lustre Shine in Gilt and Azure(the two that are missing from the in store displays), Wet n Wild Fergie Tonight's Gonna Be A Good Night, and in a separate order, 3 Philosophy gift sets and 1 3-in-1 soap with a GWP skin sampler.  The Philosophy with the biggest steal because they were already 20% off and the 40% stacked on top, plus the gwp valued at $40 and all of shipped for free.

As for Sephora, I managed to get a code from a Sephora employee online and snagged quite a few polishes that I've been lemming, including Dior Amazonian, some SpaRituals, a Nail Inc Sprinkle and Baker St.  I also threw in a Givenchy eye palette, an Urban Decay shadow, Mustela stretch mark cream, YSL value set that included a YSL cosmetic bag, and Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer.  I feel like I didn't get enough despite spending over $200, but then again I don't use a lot of makeup except for nail polish.  I probably need more skincare items, but unfortunately they don't carry Keihl's. I might go back and place one more order after browsing the site some more, but in the meantime I'll sit on my hands and hope that I don't spend anymore money!

I'm not planning on going into Ulta although it would be nice to pick up some things including the Clairsonic which is not excluded from the discount.  Again, sitting on my hands and hiding my keys, I shouldn't be spending anymore money!

Tarte is also having a Friends and Family this weekend but that seems moot since Sephora is having their sale.  If you don't have a Sephora code, the Tarte code is TREAT.

Starting Sunday, Sinful Colors will be $1 at Walgreens.  Now that's something to be excited about!

In non makeup news, Saks is having their Friends and Family as well, 20% with exclusions including makeup.  Their code is FRNFAM2 for online and you can go instore as well.  I wish they had the boots that I want.

Happy shopping everyone!  Keep in mind Christmas is right around the corner!  ;)