More Thoughts on Creation

 If the world/humans actually do have a creator, I am certainly more convinced than ever that we could not be the only creation. 

I'm not going to make an argument for a creator one way or the other, only to point out that the nature of creativity is very often copious. Most creative minds do not make The Thing. Most creative minds make the many, many things. Most creative minds get an idea that sparks another idea that sparks another idea. 

They add variations and layers and new color palettes and different shading and alter the level of contrast and then jot down a bunch of notes because their minds are working so fast that they can't keep up with it all.

Creatives are usually only limited by their own physical capacity for creation and by resources. One would assume that a divinity would have neither of those limitations. 

Given that? Oh yeah. If we were created, there is not only life on other planets but life in other realities and life in other dimensions and life in ways in which we can't conceptualize at this point. That is the only thing that really makes sense given the way creativity flows. 

Surgery Again

I have to have surgery again.

I did not think I would have to.

I assumed this was over.

It's not. 

I have to go through all the pain and fear and healing again.

I am tired. 

I do not wish to do this/

YET.......here we are.

IPSY JULY 2026: Lazy Face Summer: A Haul Blessed by Fortune and Vitamin C

 Lazy Face Summer: A Haul Blessed by Fortune and Vitamin C

Every once in a while, the universe looks at me, sighs, and says, “Fine. You may have nice things.”

This month’s beauty haul is exactly that — a collection of products that practically beg me to stop fussing, stop layering, stop melting, and embrace the swipe, drip, blend, spritz, done philosophy of summer.

And honestly? I’m delighted.

Let’s walk through the lineup.

Purlisse Beauty Sheer Glow Strawberry Vitamin C Tinted Moisturizer (Fair)

People adore this thing. They speak of it like it’s a tiny miracle in a tube — the kind of product that blends seamlessly even on complicated skin tones. Mine is a whole situation: pale, neutral, and reddish, like a Victorian spinster who occasionally goes outside. Which is....basically what I am.

No one reported burning, stinging, or sudden regret. The biggest complaint was that it keeps going out of stock, which is the beauty world’s version of a standing ovation.

I’m expecting a soft, bright, “I drink water and have hobbies” kind of finish.

bareMinerals Original Mineral Veil® 24HR Natural Matte Setting Spray

This arrives just in time, because my current toner is on its last heroic wheeze.

Let’s be honest: nothing lasts 24 hours. If I get three solid hours in Oklahoma summer, I will consider it a personal victory. It’s matte, which would normally be a concern for me, but I am currently drowning in glow products. A little matte is practically a public service.

This is the seatbelt for the convertible.

Huda Beauty Easy Blur Natural Airbrush Foundation (Milkshake)

I'll pause as we all sing “Milkshake” We good? Okay. Moving right along then.

Ah yes, the commitment product. The one that could either match me perfectly or betray me utterly.

Milkshake sounds right on paper — pale, neutral, not too yellow, not too pink. Reviewers swear the shade matching is excellent, and the before and afters look like someone applied a soft focus filter in real life.

Will it blur me properly?
Will it make me look like a smooth little dumpling?
We shall see.

E.L.F. No Budge Matte Shadow Sticks (Vintage Suede & Cool Beans)

Of course E.L.F. is here. It’s not a haul without at least one E.L.F. item sneaking in like a raccoon at a picnic.

Shadow sticks are the ultimate lazy face tool. Swipe, smudge, done. No palette, no fallout, no thinking. Vintage Suede might barely show up on me, but that’s fine — subtle is perfect for summer. Cool Beans will give me just enough shimmer to look awake without trying.

Honestly though? I'm not mad about this. We all own E.L.F. We shouldn't pretend we don't.

Drunk Elephant O Bloos™ Rosi Drops
Two Drunk Elephant products in one month?
Is this my birthday?
Should I move my birthday to summer permanently?

O Bloos is universally flattering, and the formula is one of those “a few drops does the work of three products” situations. Blush, glow, warmth, dimension — all in one tiny bottle.

My expectations are sky high.
Drunk Elephant usually delivers.

Also: It should be noted that in context of cosmetics the only time when experiencing two drunk elephants in a month WOULD be a good thing.

Elemis Superfood Matcha Eye Dew

I love Elemis. I trust Elemis. I have no idea where this will fit into my routine, but I’m intrigued.

This is supposed to perk up tired eyes — and my eyes get tired. I have a face cream that makes my skin feel awake and alive, and the idea of something doing that specifically for my eyes? That might be exactly what I didn’t know I needed.

This may become a desk side staple.

Conclusion:

This entire haul is a summer blessing.
It’s effortless.
It’s melt resistant.
It’s fast.
It’s practical.
It’s pretty.

This is a lazy face routine in the best possible way — the kind of lineup that lets me look polished without spending more time in front of a mirror than the weather allows. In July, the goal is simple: look good before the heat decides otherwise.

And fortune, for once, seems to be assisting me.

IPSY Ultimate Spoilers Round Two for Fall 2026

 Yeah. They posted the second tier of spoilers. 

It was less than great. 

This is the letter I sent to IPSY:

Hello, IPSY.

Let me start with kindness: my July Extra was fantastic. Truly. And your first round of Ultimate spoilers had me hopeful.

Then… the second round arrived.

MAKEUP BY MARIO – Master Mascara® in Super Black Apparently this is non‑negotiable. IPSY has decided I need Mascara #6. I can only assume you’re trying to help me open a small mascara museum.

SACHAJUAN – Hair Repair Treatment My hair is fine. My hair is thriving. My hair is practically smug. Please do not send me more hair repair.

ILIA BEAUTY – The Base Face Milk Beautiful product. But I already have enough primers, essences, and hybrid concoctions to run a small skincare speakeasy. I do not need this.

REL BEAUTY – The Essentials Brush Set Again, no. You gave everyone a brush last time with zero choice. Now you want to give us a whole set? IPSY, be serious. No one asked for a sequel to the Forced Brush Saga. I do not need more brushes. No one I know needs more brushes. These would sit in a drawer and contemplate their existence.

AREY – Goodnight Grey Serum I see what you’re doing. “She’s over a certain age—surely she’s panicking about aging!” Incorrect. I am not in crisis, despite your apparent confidence that I must be. I do not want this. Please do not send it.

Thank you for your time. I look forward to the day when spoilers feel exciting again. Will it do any good? At all? Probably not. I am emotionally resigned to those brushes being in my future.

IPSY EXTRA for JULY 2026

It felt like forever before this order got in. I was honestly getting annoyed. But it is here now, so I’m happy. Let’s discuss.

THE BAG

Not my favorite. It’s a rougher canvas with beachy white-and-pink stripes connected to white-and-orange stripes. But… it’s the middle of summer, so I get why they sent it. It’s not something I’d ever purchase for myself, but I can forgive it because the logic is sound.

WHAT I DID NOT CHOOSE

SKIN&CO ROMA – Umbrian Truffle Clay Detox Toning Formula

Aside from the fact that the little silver protective cover was a monster that did not want to come off, this is actually very nice. It smells great, it made my skin feel wonderful, and it’s a generous size.

The warnings say to be careful around your eyes/eyelids, but that’s normal for any toner.

I am pleased.

LOVE+CRAFT+BEAUTY – Tubular Lip Tint

It was not dried out — grateful for that.

The color, however… not wonderful. It’s dark in a way that makes me look dead, but not dead in the “old lady goth” way that I enjoy.

Just dead.

Despite being a lip stain, it didn’t survive dinner before fading.

Though honestly, given the color, maybe that’s a blessing.

Not pleased.

TOO FACED – Sunset Stripped Palette

Yeah, okay. WOW.

This is stunning.

It was pretty in the pictures, but in real life? STUNNING. I really love it.

It’s a very practical size, too. For having so many pans, it manages to be both generous and not bulky. I appreciate that.

The shades look beautiful with my coloring.

Deeply pleased.

WHAT I DID CHOOSE

TOWER 28 – SOS FaceGuard™ SPF 30 Sunscreen PA+++

I somehow missed that this is tinted. It has a very subtle, universal tint that looks amazing on my skin. It’s a little glowy — a bonus for someone my age — and has surprisingly good coverage.

As I said before, SPF 30 is kind of nothing for someone as pale as me, but a gentle tinted product that still offers coverage? That’s a whole different story.

Deeply pleased.

DRUNK ELEPHANT – D‑Bronzi™ Anti‑Pollution Sunshine Drops

Literally beautiful on my skin.

It melts in and just looks — as the phrase goes — like my skin but so, so much better. Between this and the Tower 28, my face should look great for the rest of the summer.

The only thing that threw me was how small it is.

Then again, you use very little at a time, and it has an expiration date, so maybe that makes sense.

Bonuses: The packaging was amazing. Opening it was its own little moment of joy. Also, a free sample of one of their creams inside.

As pleased as I assumed I would be, which was a lot.

SATURDAY SKIN – Yuzu Vitamin C + Water Blossom Serum

The reviews were not wrong. It’s great.

It smells lovely. It feels lovely. The container is lovely.

I’m about to run out of one of my serums, and I know this one is going to take its place.

It somehow made me feel both more alert and cooler at the same time.

I really love it.

Far more pleased than I anticipated with a third-tier choice.

CONCLUSION

One dud. One dud out of six. That’s not bad. And hey — it’s possible I can mess with that lip stain and make it work. This was just my first try. We’ll see what I can manage.

Other than that? I’m quite happy. Much happier than I was after last month’s package.

This is my second-to-last month before I end my subscription, and so far? I’m good with what this month has to offer.

The next round of spoilers drops tomorrow.

Will they be as good as the ones they’ve shown so far?

We shall see. And you KNOW I will have opinions.

IPSY EXTRA July 2026 Spoilers

 After my Really Bad Experience with IPSY Extra in June, I was hoping July would be a lot better.

And honestly, it is. Let's get into it.

WHAT I DID NOT CHOOSE

SKIN&CO ROMA – Umbrian Truffle Clay Detox Toning Formula

Okay, I snarled at this. At first. I saw “clay” and “detox” and immediately assumed it was a clay mask — and I do not want a clay mask. I do not like clay masks. They are messy, uncomfortable, and often do more harm to my skin than good.

However, this is a toner. I noticed the word “toner” later when I looked at it again. I did some research, and yes, it functions just like a toner.

And I’m happy with it now. I’m about halfway through my current toner, so I’ll need a new one sooner rather than later.

LOVE+CRAFT+BEAUTY – Tubular Lip Tint

First of all, I was so amused by the name. I realize they probably did not have cosmic‑horror writer H.P. Lovecraft in mind, but I cannot get “Lovecraft Beauty” out of my head. I’m seeing cosmic tentacle monsters with fake lashes and worshipers slathering their indescribable forms in Sunday Riley Good Genes while they dream in ways we cannot fathom.

But all of that aside, this has mixed reviews. Some people adore it. Other people say it dries out too fast.

Lip tints are… odd beauties. Temperamental. You get a good shade and you’re set for hours. You get a weird shade and suddenly your lips are the color of bruised plums for longer than anyone would wish.

TOO FACED – Sunset Stripped Palette

I did not need another palette. I have plenty, and I mostly use the same one right now — though, admittedly, since it’s summer, my makeup routine is pretty minimal.

Having said that, this is a beautiful palette. The shades have a lot of potential.

It also has an interesting distribution: the matte shades are larger than the shimmers. That’s actually practical, since most people use mattes more often than shimmers.

WHAT I DID CHOOSE

TOWER 28 – SOS FaceGuard™ SPF 30 Sunscreen PA+++

Ahh, Tower 28, the hope of my future. This company specializes in items that make skin that is weepy, sticky, choosy, angry, scaly, oily, picky, and twitchy behave perfectly fine.

Normally I would not get anything that is SPF 30 because I just laugh in VERY PALE PERSON at the concept of SPF 30. But it was Tower 28, and I really couldn’t say no.

DRUNK ELEPHANT – D‑Bronzi™ Anti‑Pollution Sunshine Drops

Did I even look at the other items offered with this?

NOPE.

Drunk Elephant is a stunning line. I’m actually a little shocked they’re working with IPSY.

Sunshine Drops are supposed to be so good you can use a small bit and not even worry about other complexion products. And for summer? That’s pretty perfect.

SATURDAY SKIN – Yuzu Vitamin C + Water Blossom Serum

Ahh, the tier‑three pick. The tier that usually consists of “yeah? I guess?” stuff.

And honestly, that’s how I felt when I picked this. I had never heard of it. I really did not need another serum.

I have a serum in every room where I dwell, just in case I need to slather some more on my own indescribable form.

Having said that, I do love a good serum and I use them completely. The reviews on this have been very positive, and since it’s brightening, I’m looking forward to it. My indescribable form also needs all the brightening it can get.

CONCLUSION

Maybe the emotional bar was really low for me after last month’s issues, but I have to admit I’m somewhat pleased with this lineup.

Did I need all of this? No, not really. But I also have to keep in mind that August will be the end of my subscriptions for a while, so I need to think in terms of sustainability. With that in mind, getting another serum when I won’t be buying any for a while isn’t a bad thing at all.

Right now the only concern I have is the Love+Craft+Beauty lip tint, but maybe I’ll get lucky and not receive one of the dried‑out pens.

Yes, please, glamour gods — do not give me a dried‑out pen.

Dear Eloise: About your Goddess Palette

 

Hello, Eloise. We need to have a talk.

In fact, the truth of the matter is: I need to apologize to you.

I received the Goddess Palette as a free gift from IPSY. I opened it. I snorted.

Look.

I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but the shades were… intense. Out there. They had names someone would give a show poodle. Majestic. Empress Elegance. Divine Aura.

I snorted again.

And then I tossed you into my makeup drawer without a second thought.

Here’s the thing, Eloise.

A few days later, I was headed out. I looked good — I always look good — but I wanted something… more. I wanted brightness. I needed an eyeshadow topper.

There you sat, in your demure pink‑and‑gold glory. I sighed. I opened you up. I selected Regal Radiance and tapped it onto the center of my lid.

Just a tiny bit. A little wiggle of the brush. A soft blend.

I looked at it.

Stunning.

Just stunning.

I did the other eye.

And I fell in love.

Eloise, your Goddess Palette is my topper now. The colors are amazing. They blend beautifully. They last beautifully (a miracle on my skin), and they do exactly what I need them to do. They are the perfect accent to the symphony my makeup creates.

I am a woman of harmonies. My makeup is usually built on a common undertone that winds its way through bronzers and blushes and bases and lippies. There is always a unifying connective thread that allows the whole look to make sense.

But toppers? Toppers are the counternote. The pause. The sparkle that rises above the harmony and makes the entire composition sing.

And you, Eloise — you and your Goddess Palette — this is where you shine. This is where you are in your glory. And for that, I adore you.

So please, Eloise, accept my humble forgiveness.

I will never doubt you again.