Haulin': Shopping the Nordstrom Semi Annual Sale

Oh, YEAH. I hit it hard. And it was so much fun!

Let me start with Smashbox, because they don't get much love around these parts, and they really should. My SA from the Smashbox counter sent me a note two weeks ago letting me know about the "After Hours" collection that was exclusive to the sale. I am so glad I got the heads up, because I would have missed this gem. Included in the brown travel bag is the most gorgeous lip gloss I have ever seen. Seriously, it's called Velvet Rope, and it's a full size shimmery wine color. Love it. The next best thing is the eyeliner palette. It has 10 different beautiful cream eyeliners that are just begging to be used. Also included is the blush/powder combo called Candlelit. The packaging is superb - on the top is the blush, easily accessible. Unscrew the top and underneath you find a little powder puff on top of some nicely pigmented-but-not-too-much loose powder. You also get a full sized Lash DNA mascara, which has a super crazy wand that I can't wait to play with. Not to be outdone, a dual brush perfect for eye makeup is in there as well. All of this goodness for $59.

Across the way, Lancome was offering a gift with purchase, which solidified my desire to pick up the Declaring Indigo brush set. Not that I would have avoided it either way, but you know. More stuff! In the cute (indigo, natch) bag was Bi-Facil, the most wonderful eye makeup remover ever; Creme Radiance for cleansing; Renergie Microlift R.A.R.E, a lifting serum; Definicils mascara in black; Color Fever Lipstick in Pink to the Club, and an eye quad with the following colors: Positive, Gaze, Garnet Sensation, and Guest List. All this for $52.

So, you all can pretty much guess what I'll be talking about soon, can't you? However, I highly recommend you hit up your local Nordstrom and see what they have - I didn't even get through the entire cosmetics department. I had to run off and try to find some shoes (unfortunately, they were sold out throughout the Nordstrom system - I guess everyone wanted the same pair I did!). Oh, and if you're lemming for the Graphic Garden quad from MAC, better get yourself there sooner rather than later. They were all sold out, and apparently are running low online as well. Good luck with that one - it looks lovely.