Awesome Street Find!

New Yorkers are like Jawas. It's true. No, not because of our glowing eyes (you really have to see it in person to get the whole effect. It's really quite eerie). It's because we're scavengers. For those unfamiliar with our fair city, all the trash just goes out on the sidewalk. And since there are private trash companies with different collection routes, you can find trash on the street almost every day. My first apartment was stocked almost entirely with other people's discarded furniture. When we pass a pile, we always look. It doesn't matter how much money you make or if your tiny apartment is already full, you're going to look. We all look for treasure amongst the trash. Call if freecycling if you will.

Now, because everyone's always looking, when people want to get rid of perfectly good stuff they just don't want, they tend to leave it out on their stoop. Books are a popular item, but so are kitchen gadgets, cups, frying pans, candle sticks, air filters and baskets. There are always lots of baskets. No one loves baskets. That and printers. Never buy a basket, an air filter or a printer. A few lucky times I've found clothes and once a Coach purse that I still use quite often.

Mostly, it's all junk though.

But, yesterday, I was walking and saw some stuff out. On a stoop was what I at first thought was software since it was a cardboard box the right size. Then, upon closer inspection I realized it was makeup! Free makeup! And free makeup brushes! I was just thinking about buying some new brushes! Perfect! It was a completely unopened Bare Escentuals - bareMinerals Beyond the Basics 7-piece kit (a $39.99 retail value)!

All still plastic wrapped - a rule I should really follow when finding Starbursts on the street. 

This was great, because I've been seriously working on my contouring. A year ago, I didn't even know what contouring was, but then I started reading Reddit's Makeup Addiction board and posted up some photos for critique.

2,500 upvotes and a spot on the front page.

Not only did that earn me quite a bit of karma, but I also learned about such things as proper use of lip liner, how to do my brows properly, primer, blending and yes, contouring.

It's easy - you just do this about a hundred times till you get it right.

So, I couldn't wait to get started with the Bare Escentuals - bareMinerals Beyond the Basics 7-piece kit (a $39.99 retail value)! In fact, I was excited, I broke a nail trying to get the little stickers that were blocking off the holes.

But, I finally did them open and tried them out. Actually, I was really, really pleased. Especially with the two lightest shades that really gave me a nice glow. So, yeah, I'm a fan and would definitely recommend them (especially if you find them for free!). 

What do you guys think?

Swirl Tap Buff Swirl