I received my Glam Bag from IPSY in the mail today and was pretty excited for my goodies. I already sneaked a peak at my Glam Room so I already knew what I was getting.
If you aren't familiar with Ipsy, it's a beauty subscription services, where you get 4-5 beauty products every month delivered to your door, for just $10. Michelle Phan curates the bags! Check it out here: http://www.ipsy.com/r/bvpt
Here's a picture of what I got along with a random beauty tip:
Here's a video of what I got:
Note: Due to a large number of pictures on my phone I was having difficulty with videos so I get cut off at the end.
All I was saying at the end was my left cheek had the peach color coastal scent's blush and my right had the bright pink. Also I ended by getting closer to my lashes to show the mascara coverage, but on my refuse-to-curl lashes, I really couldn't tell the difference than with other urban decay mascaras I use.
List of products: - Information about the product from Ipsy.com 1. Absolute Lip Balm: "Treat your lips with this ultra-moisturizing lip balm from Absolute New York. This lightly tinted, creamy, conditioning formula softens, smooths, and protects lips for a seriously kissable pout. Discover this must-have balm for sensationally soft and luscious lips! Ipsy subscribers who receive this product will receive either Grape or Green Apple. Weight: 12g" *Again I'm so glad I got green apple. It is so smooth and my lips feel soft! I have pretty dry lips because I need to drink more water throughout the day, so this stuff helps! It doesn't have that weird chapstick after taste either, which is a huge plus for me. 2. Dr. Brandt: Pores No More Pore Refiner
"A cult favorite, Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer is Dr. Brandt’s quick fix for flawless, photo-ready skin. It is the miracle base to create the perfect skin canvas for long-lasting makeup and well-preserved skin. This velvety formula absorbs excess oil, minimizes pores, blurs fine lines and is resistant to sweat and humidity. Prime, touch-up and treat while perfecting your makeup. Weight: .25 oz
Key Benefits: - Minimizes the appearance of pores by diffusing light - Blurs imperfections & lines - Erases shine & mattifies skin - Absorbs oil, reduces shine and helps regulate sebum production - Antibacterial action for a healthy skin - Acts as a shield to prevent make-up from clogging pores"
*Even though I don't have large pores, this primer helps with the extra shine I typically get by midday. I also love that it helps keep my makeup from clogging my pores..because that's awesome and important!
3. Urban Decay:Perversion Mascara
"Bigger. Blacker. Badder.Urban Decay's ultra-creamy, lengthening and volumizing mascara features triple-black pigments and a deeply nourishing ingredient blend. Perversion Mascara gets you sexy in one stroke, yet it won’t quit until you say when.Weight: .1 fl oz"
*This mascara has a nice sized wand for full coverage and applied smoothly. I attempted at curling my lashes prior to putting it on, but they didn't stay curled for long. It does go on thick for my liking so I only applied one layer.
4. Coastal Scents: Forever Blush Sample Duo
"Coastal Scents Forever Blush boasts 18 perfectly pigmented, powder blushes with a long-lasting rush of color. Complete with a mirror, these color-packed compacts go a long way. Weight: 2.5g/ 0.09 oz. Ipsters who sample Coastal Scents blush duo will receive the shades Fresh (Left) and Elegant (Right)."
*I thought the "Elegant" shade (in the video I say dark peachy color) applied much easier than the "Fresh" (sparkly pink) shade. I liked both, but would wear the Elegant shade on a daily basis. The only thing I dislike about getting these individual shades, is that I don't have a palette to put them into. I liked the magnetic empty palette we received in an older glam bag, but I don't think the back of these blushes are magnetic. I'd have to check that out.
5. Lord & Berry: Silk Kajal Kohl Eye Pencil
"Sensual and exotic, that's the effect that Silk Kajal Kohl Eye Pencil delivers. Just like the traditional Kohl, but with the modern ease and control of a pencil. Giving a semi-matte finish that is also smudgeable, Silk Kajal Kohl's soft tip is ophthalmologically-tested and gentle enough to be used on the inner eye. Also available in Nudo and White. Weight: 0.02 oz"
*The sample size is really small, which is a downside...just merely for application. I have small hands but I like having a longer pencil to hold. Also, I don't really do pencil eyeliner because I don't have a sharpener that works, so I only use it until it dulls and then it sits around. As far as application, it went on smoothly. Its very black, which is nice. When they say its "smudgeable" it really is...and not in the good way, when you purposefully want to smudge your eyeliner. Maybe I put it on too thick? I'm not sure. But after about an hour I had smudge marks under my eye (did a cat eye, with no liner on the bottom lash). I fixed it and about another hour later, there were more smudge marks. Ugh...! Anyway, here's a look I created. Its later in the day after the video was shot.
I stopped into CVS last week to see if there was any deals on beauty products. They have a ton of sales going on, 50-75% off certain brands and a bunch of deals where you spend $10-$15 bucks on a certain brand and get CVS reward bucks toward your next purchase.
I picked up a few Wet and Wild items for $.69. I couldn't pass up the deal! I haven't had too many bad experiences with Wet and Wild products, but they aren't always the greatest quality.
I got two nail polishes in black (434A) and a pink glitter (345G). I needed the black so I can do some panda nail art that I've been waiting to try out :D
I also got a purple eye liner pencil. I haven't used eyeliner pencils in awhile, so it'll be weird to use one again. Hopefully I don't poke my eye out!
Lastly, I got Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails Nail Strengthener to help harden my nails. They are pretty flimsy and I've had two break on me this week. I was a sad panda :/ But hopefully this stuff works, so I don't have to worry about having weak nails anymore.
Have you tried any of these products before? How do you feel about Wet and Wild? What has your experience been with them?
--UPDATE--
So I've gotten a chance to use the lipsticks and I love them! My current favorite is the hot pink-ish one pictured on the left. I need to go home and write down the number/color of these two. I also really liked the purple eye liner, it just dulls pretty quickly.
I haven't gotten to try the nail polishes yet. I used the Sally Hansen Hard as nails and they helped for a little. My nails kept breaking at work though, because I have to wash my hands or sanitize them often so my nails are pretty vulnerable. Hopefully when they grow back they will be stronger!
What other types of nail hardeners would you guys recommend?
Woohooo! I got my Birchbox early and I'm sooo pleased with it! I filmed another unboxing video. Again, I appoligize for the traffic noises, living on a busy street sucks especially when the living room is the only one with enough natural lighting to film. The video really captures my impression of the box and my first impression of how I feel about the products. Please let me know which products you would like to see a full review for :)
Apparently there are 31 variations of this month's box (crazyyy). View them all on Zadidoll's site.
"Direct from London, these punchy color liners feature a pen-style applicator that's truly goofproof."
- Full Size .07 oz retails for $15
Other people got different colors such as purple, turquoise, and olive. Would definitely love to have gotten any of those colors. I swatched this liner on my hand in the video. Its very similar to my marbella semi permanent eyeliner except that it actually goes on black and doesn't stain my skin when I wiped it off, thankfully.
"Get a glass half full disposition with this optimistic blend of juicy Meyer lemon, white grapefruit, and pink plumeria."
"We started Harvey Prince in dedication to our mother, and we craft exceptional fragrances that empower women to feel young, happy, slim, and beautiful."
- 8.8 ml retails for $26 and 50 ml for $55
The sample packaging is super cute and the scent is so light and fresh. I also love that the tube has a spray applicator! I'm sure this will be one of my summer favorites. I can totally rationalize spending $26 for this fragrance.
"Keep these refreshing, tea-infused mints on hand for quick pick-me-ups."
"Fight fatigue with nature's natural energizers of uplifting Brazilian erba mate and rich, deep, chocolaty Columbian cocoa."
- 3 pack retails for $9.95
After filming the video I was able to try the mints. They are like mint chocolate! So delicious and there are a ton in the tin. I can't wait to use these. I am a bit tired at the moment, so I'm not sure how much they've helped "pick me up" but I'm sure I'll use them when I had a normal nights sleep and that 2:30 feeling comes along.
"We designed these neon headphones just for you. Pair them with your best playlist."
The headphones are fairly comfortable. They drown out a lot of outside sound which is really nice. I absolutely love the neon green :D
Overall Verdict:
Totally in love with this box. I do with the supergoop! sample was a little larger, but I can't complain. I am glad that I got a full size eye liner, too. Can't wait to see what other people got!
What did you get in your Birchbox for July? If you don't already have a subscription and want to sign up please click my referral link here.
A few weeks ago I ordered some e.l.f. products and got this great set for free (a $21 value). I thought this set had some items I really wanted to try out, so I figured I'd jump on the deal.
My
favorite products in this set include: the cute wristlet case, the mascara, the
cream eyeshadow, and the nail polish.
The
wristlet is nice to use as a makeup bag or even as a clutch. The mascara goes
on really smoothly, doesn’t clump my lashes, and really gives them nice volume.
It works best when I take the time to curl my lashes. The eyeshadow is great
because it is a nice neutral/natural color. When I’m in a hurry and I don’t
want to spend forever doing my makeup I use this product. It goes on fast, it’s
easy to blend, and I just add mascara and go. Lastly, the nail polish is a
great neutral shade that is perfect for the summer time. I feel like it is
professional and one I can wear to work. It’s a pretty classic color that goes
well with my skin tone. These polishes are so cheap, I'm thinking about buying
some more!
I haven't used the lotion wipes because I already have some that I haven't gotten to open yet. I have sooo many lotions. I just need to put these in my purse to have on-the-go. I think that the gloss is really sticky but does stay on relatively long. I'm also not sure how I feel about the all over color stick. I don't think it goes well on the lips. I've used it as shadow and a high lighter for my cheeks or collar bone area.
Sadly, my eyeliner pen was dried out when I received it. I
think it might be too late to ask for another one. The
primer is something I already have and use often, so its nice that I have an
extra once I run out. I also had the eye shadow brush, but you can never have
enough. This one is wider than the other one I have. I wasn't impressed
with the quality of this one, some of the synthetic hairs are longer so I had
to trim it down. It was losing a few at the beginning, but has been fine
lately.
I'll post some pictures
when I get home. I forgot my camera today. If you want an individual review of
any of these products let me know :D
I tried to make some kind of rainbow using the colors I had in my e.l.f. Studio Makeup Clutch Palette and my Too Faced World Domination Tour All Access Backstage Beauty Kit (no longer available) that were also in my tie-dyed shirt.
From my e.l.f. palette, I used a shade of green, aqua blue, peach, and pink on my lid. I used a golden yellow on my brow bone and the purple under my lower lash line from the Too Faced kit.
For my eyeliner I used my Marbella: Permanent Eyeliner Pen. I really love this eyeliner, because its long lasting and doesn't smudge. That being said, I did have a really hard time removing it because I put it on thicker for this look. It stained my lids faintly mostly in the outer corner of my eye. When I put on makeup the next day it was hardly noticible. I will add a picture soon. I snapped one but I forgot to bring my camera with me to work. (Yes, I write posts at work since there is nothing else to do. )
On Monday, I got my little pink bag in the mail and I was anxious to open it!
I was pleasantly surprised at how amazing Myglam's Glam Bag turned out for the month of June. This is only my second month with Myglam and have heard so many mixed reviews on their service. For those of you who haven't heard of Myglam before, it is a monthly (or yearly if you prefer) subscription service for only $10 a month (or $110 for the year and one free month). So what comes in a Glam Bag you ask? A variety of great products! For example, a bag can include 4-5 samples (some full size!) of either lip products, skin care products, hair care products, nail polishes or nail art, eye make up, etc. They've even given out their own brush set previously (for purchase on their pop-up shop).
So I know you are dying to know what was in my bag this month, right?
The bag's theme was "Out All Night" and the products are some essentials that you will need to keep your look long lasting.
The bag itself:
Usually the products come in a makeup bag with various designs, but this month came in an awesome gold glitter clutch. So cute! There was a slight smell to the bag, however I just sprayed mine with body mist to get rid of the smell. Other suggestions included putting the bag in the freezer. Something happened with the manufacturing of the bag and the glue that was used. Easy fix, though!
I really love this product because it gives your skin a refresher! You apply it in the morning and/or evening after your cleanser and it really helps keep your skin feeling good! My face hasn't gotten oily midday since I've started using this product. The nice thing is that the sample size is large enough for multiple uses and you don't have to use a lot of the product. It's so light that it hardly feels like I have anything on.
My sample was 12 mL/.4 fl oz. This product full size is 2 fl oz for $34. I'm not sure if I could afford this, but I definitely won't forget this product for when I actually have money!
#2. NYX: Round Lipstick in Iced Honey "Incredible color that resists wear and smudging, let your lipstick last all night with an amazing velvety smooth, mineral formula"
At first I really loved the color without trying it on and I was stoked about getting a NYX lipstick. Once I actually tried it on, I was disappointed in how much it showed where I bite my lips. I did figure out a way to make it work though! If I use a lip balm before I apply this product it really helps to smooth out my lips or if I use a lip gloss after that helps a lot too. I need to exfoliate my lips, badly! I've been trying to get e.l.f.'s exfoliating lip treatment, but its out of stock currently. I'm not sure how well it actually stays on over time. I haven't worn this lip color enough to really confirm that it can last all night. I definitely think it can be smudged, though. I got a full size in my bag which is worth $4.00.
View from the top.
I really like this rosy color.
Here is the color on my lips (plus my Fresh Rose Tinted Lip Treatment).
#3. Living Proof: frizz Nourishing Styling Cream "Stops frizz in its tracks, keeping all styles frizz-free, soft and smooth. Living Proof's miracle molecule, OFPMA, conquers frizz by blocking humidity without silicone or heavy oils"
Boy do I love and need this product! I have flyaways and frizz that need taming. This product is light enough not to make my hair look oily, which is a problem I have with most hair products. I've only used it once, but I could definitely see a change. I'll try to use it today and post a picture soon.
My sample was 60 mL/ 2 fl oz. Full size is 4 oz for $26. Which isn't too bad. Plus Myglam gives you a coupon for the whole set for $35! Which I might actually buy, since its an great deal.
#4. Marbella: Permanent Eyeliner Pen in Black "Master the art of beautiful eyes with this unique waterproof, smudge free, and long lasting semi-permanent eyeliner pen"
This eyeliner is amazing! It is in fact waterproof, smudge free and semi-permanent. I tried rubbing it off my hand after I swatched it and it was hard to get off! Using soap and water or olive oil will also do the trick, but it came off using my face cleanser too. This liner is easy to apply and goes on smoothly. This eyeliner also has a duo-tip feature, so if one end starts getting dried out you can reverse the tip and use it like new. I also really love this product because I tend to rub my eyes and forget I'm wearing makeup so I smudge my eye liner often. It can be so frustrating, but now I don't have to worry about it! It also came full size which is worth $19!!
Here is a thin and thick line with this liner.
This is after I tried to get the liner off of my hand and its still there. Can you see how its a little red from rubbing so hard? I saw other comments on Myglam's wall of members saying their liner is not waterproof. I guess I got a good one!
Here I have on the Marbella eye liner and the NYX lipstick.
Overall Verdict:
This bag was totally worth $10!! I highly recommend Myglam to anyone. This service is great for those of you who don't have time to shop for makeup, who don't know what works well with your skin/hair type, or those of you looking for products you normally wouldn't shop for.
A few weeks ago The Beauty Department completed their "shadow focus: eye color" theme, by focusing on blue eyes which they had not yet covered. They had only posted a color wheel, describing that since orange is directly across from blue those shades would make blue eyes come to life, and used an example photo of Jessica Pare. They have finally followed up that post with 6 great tips and example photos, due to an overwhelming amount of emails asking them to post more than one shade! You can find this post here.
This picture is directly from The Beauty Department's post.
The post mentions that Copper is one of the best colors that compliments blue eyes. This made me extremely happy, since that is the color I dyed my hair! Now I know why I've been getting more and more compliments on my eyes :D
The next tip they gave was to smudge your liner and not focus too much on having a straight, defined line. They recommend Stila's Smudge Stick Waterproof Liner. I might have to try that! I tend to try to be a perfectionist with the liquid eye liner, but smudging seems like the way to go.
They also say that peach, apricot, champagne or gold family colors really work well, too. I wish they would have mentioned this instead of the orange! I fees as though those colors differ greatly. I will definitely take this tip into consideration and branch out to more colors.
Another of my favorite tips that they include is the classic wing, which I do all the time! They recommend black brown eye liner, which I try to utilize. They also say that bronze/brown shades work well to bring out blue eyes. I tend to use a lot of brown just because I like neutral colors. I guess I didn't lack too much of a makeup sense after all!
The last tip on the post talks about winged shadow (including the waterline) and a nude lip for balance. I have found that if you don't fill in the water line the look is just not complete. I still am looking for nude shades of lipstick/gloss. Hopefully I get one soon in my June Glambag, Birchbox, or Look Bag.
Last weekend I tried out another look. I wore a blue dress with white polka dots, which is why I chose the blue shades for my shadow. I loved how it turned out, but I think next time I will use my midnight (blue) liquid eye liner. I have been waiting for another special on e.l.f.'s site before I buy their cream eye liner in blue. I absolutely love their creme eye liners and one day I will have them all, hopefully! :)
Here are a few pictures that I took before heading out. I really like the second one, where you can actually see my full eye lid. Getting better at this smokey eye thing. One day at a time...
I used the blue shades on the right side of this palette. Click on the picture to zoom. Picture is directly from e.l.f.'s site. I also used the blush on the left side middle shade.
I applied this liner to my waterline to make my eyes appear bigger. I have yet to use it as a primer, but that's only because I am enjoying my UD primer!
This picture is directly from e.l.f.'s site displaying the whole collection. I really do enjoy using these products because my arches are defined, my eyebrows appear fuller, and they stay in place!
Hope you enjoyed one of my going out looks! Thanks for stopping by! :)
This post is inspired by Myglam's Date Night/Wedding Night Look contest for a Philosophy Fragrance "Love Sweet Love" Set, I decided to try again at the smokey eye with green shades this time.
My e.l.f. Studio 83 Piece Essential Makeup Collection (now only $3.50 until 6/4/12). I used the colors on the left side fourth row. The one second from the top for my brow bone, 4th from the top for my inner eye color, 2nd from the bottom for my crease, outer corner and lower lash line color. I also mixed some of the color (4th from the bottom) to make the outer corner a little darker. The shades look a little more blue in this picture, but they're really green. I used one of the black shimmery shades to the right (cut out of the picture) to line the outer corners of my upper and lower lash line. Lastly, I used the lip gloss third from the bottom on the right side of this palette.
My go to mascara! Makes it much easier to just apply mascara to my outer lashes.
How do you guys like this look? Thanks in advance for your feedback.
The brow kit came with a lighter brown powder and a darker shade to outline the shape. I find that even though I wanted to find a red eyebrow pencil to match my hair, the brown works just fine.
I don't think I can go without the cat eye look since I've started using it, because I really love how it looks and how it elongates my lashes. I've used the following colors from e.l.f.'s Studio Makeup Clutch Palette: a cream color to highlight my brow bone, a brown for my outer lid, and a golden shimmery color for the inner part of my lid. I used my e.l.f. cream eye liner in coffee to line my upper lash line, as well as my e.l.f. exact lash mascara.
Should I apply more shadow? I use e.l.f.'s Mineral Eyeshadow Primer before applying my shadow, but I don't think it makes colors as vivid as some other primers I've seen out there on comparison blogs like "Too Faced Shadow Insurance", "Sobe Botanicals", "Detrivore", "Concrete", "UDPP Original" or "UDPP Sin" (credit to Phyrra).
I still have not found a great angle or amount of lighting to show the color well. This takes time I suppose. If anyone has any helpful tips, please leave a comment below! Maybe its just my crappy point and shoot camera....
Overall look. What do you guys think?
I have another look that I will be posting tomorrow. I think I've actually gotten the smokey eye down! I've watched so many tutorials, by now I should be able to do it, right?
So here is a look that I've tried and I think really works. In a previous post I was informed that orange is the color I should really try to wear to make my eyes pop, but I felt like my hair, which is copper gold, does that enough for my eyes for now and I can wear other colors that compliment me. I will post a picture where I am wearing orange, but I don't think I like it too much. Maybe I need to pair it with another color. I'm not sure.
Maybe I need to add more eye liner or something to define my eyes. I feel like I look dead without some kind of liner. I also didn't have any lip color on at this time, which might have helped. I was going to the beach, but thought I'd wear a little makeup. I also never leave the house without putting on my Dr. Jart + - Waterfuse BB Cream or my e.l.f. Mineral Concealer, Foundation, and Blush (all SPF 15).
