Ipsy Review – February 2017

If you are unfamiliar with Ipsy, it is a ten dollar a month beauty subscription service. You can sign up here to get five deluxe or full size samples sent to you in a unique beauty bag every month. I have been a member for well over a year now and can say that it is so fun to play around with a set of new and customized products. It’s a perfect way to build your makeup, haircare, and skincare collection.

Here is what I got this month!!!

NYX “Butter Lipstick” – Lippies are my favorite!!! I got the shade Lifeguard, which is not a full on red but more of a deep magenta. The satin finish on this is amazing. It is super moisturizing and comfortable on the lips. I will definitely be on the look out for more of these babies in different shades.

Luxie “Rose Gold Blush Brush #514” – When I started getting back into makeup a couple of years ago, I bought myself a (cheap) brush set off of amazon. Since then, I have been upgrading brush by brush so I was super excited to get this! I love Luxie because it is a cruelty-free brand and is great quality. This brush has synthetic bristles and is in a small dome shape. It is meant for blush, which for me works perfectly.

BeFine “Gentle Face Cleanser” – This cleanser, while a good product, wasn’t my favorite. I do like that it is vegan with all natural ingredients and has a nice minty scent. However, my preference is to use a face wash that has scrubby beads in order to really feel like my skin is getting cleansed. This is more of a smooth texture so I likely won’t be using it regularly, but do love the brand. (Here is a tip: Keep products you won’t use in a small basket in your bathroom to put out for when you have guests over!)

Elizabeth Mott “Whatup Beaches Bronzer” – I LOVE this bronzer!!! It is so soft and silky with the perfect matte formula and the shade is on point. My only complaint is the tiny little pan it came in, but I am debating getting this in a full size because I love it that much.

 Winky Lux “Diamond Complexion Powder” – And last but not least a… diamond powder?! Apparently this powder has finely crushed diamonds in it and while I am skeptical at that, I do like this a lot. I have been using it to set my under eye concealer and that’s been working out great. It gives a little extra coverage than my normal loose translucent powder.

Ipsy Review – November 2016

Time for my monthly unbagging! If you are unfamiliar with Ipsy, it is a ten dollar a month beauty subscription service. You get five deluxe or full size samples sent to you in a unique beauty bag. (Join by clicking here if you are interested.) Here is what I got this month…

Out of my mix of items I will probably get the most use out of angled eye brush because, let’s face it, no woman can have enough make up brushes! However why in the world any company makes brushes with white bristles is a mystery to me. I’ve already tried the Formula X nail polish and, while I LOVE this brand, the color isn’t much my style. I may use the Ofra Banana Powder but prefer a more full coverage powder. I like this product but would recommend it to my less acne-prone friends out there. For me, it just doesn’t provide the coverage I like. I was excited to try theBalm Mad Lash mascara but the packaging is super strange and after reading reviews I know I’m not the only person who thinks so! Instead of twisting the wand up you have to pull it out and it got pretty messy for me. Lastly I just don’t see myself using the NUXE facial serum and will probably pass it along to someone else.

I hate to be negative, but honestly I’m not overly thrilled with my bag this month. I find that the months tend to wax and wane… some months are just better than others and this month just wasn’t my favorite, XOXO.

My Year With Ipsy

It’s official… I have officially been with Ipsy for a year now! What better time to look back through my  collection of samples and reflect on some of my favorites. In no particular order, here are the stand out products (including the super cute bags) that have been a tried and true for me from Ipsy within the past year.

In my opinion, Ipsy is the best beauty subscription service out there within the $10 a month price range. I have subscribed to Lip Monthly and Birchbox in the past, but those only lasted a few months each for me… Ipsy is surly here to stay.

What do I love so much about Ipsy? I’m glad you asked 🙂 . What has kept me subscribed for a full year first and foremost is the strong focus on makeup rather than skincare and haircare. Yes, Ipsy does include a wide variety of products, however my bags typically have more makeup than anything else, which I love. Ipsy also has a great customer service department and I know this firsthand. Two months I inputted my first complaint to Ipsy, which was based on a missing item. I emailed them, got a quick response, and with ease was sent my product. And I can’t forget to mention that Ipsy sends so many amazing brands that are unique, well-known, and trendy. Plus HELLO have you seen the cute bags they send you?! Another plus.

If you’re interested in signing up for Ipsy you can click here to see for yourself just how amazing it really is, XOXO!!!

Ipsy Review – July 2016

I love the mix of products I got this month! Let’s jump in 🙂 .

The BeFine – Food Skin Care is an unscented lotion which is something I know I will get a lot of use out of. The formula is creamy and not at all greasy. I was super excited to receive the Too Faced – Hangover Replenishing Face Primer and I do like it but don’t think it does much to control my oil, which is my top priority in using a primer. The smell is to die for and it does do a great job hydrating. To be honest I haven’t tried the Em Cosmetics – Lash Gallery Lengthening Mascara and don’t plan to until I use up a few other already opened mascaras I have in my collection… but I’m happy I got it. The Vasanti Cosmetics – Professional Eyeshadow Brush is really nice. The bristles are soft, the wand is long, and it is overall just a great brush for packing shadow onto the lid. My favorite product is by far the Bella Pierre Cosmetics – Banana Setting Powder!!! This is the first time I’ve tried a banana powder and I am in love.

Did you get any of the same products? What did you love this month?

Blog-Inspired Beauty Wishlist

Today I bring to you my beauty wishlist, because nothing is more fun than shopping with fake money! I’m also taking the time to give a shout out to some of the bloggers I follow who have inspired me to put these items on my list. Each product mentioned in this post came from seeing someone else recommend it on their blog.

So thanks to each of these amazing bloggers for sharing the beauty love. I very much want to get my hands on all of these incredible looking items, XOXO!

 

NYX HD Finishing Powder featured by Beautify Brooke

MAC Charlotte Olympia featured by Derpy Pink

China Glaze Nail Lacquer in Refresh Mint featured by Beckoning Beauty

First Aid Beauty Vitamin Hydrating Mist featured by Jeni Beauty

JCat Perfect Brow Duo Pencil featured by Belle Choice

Smith’s Minted Rose Lip Balm featured by Cincy Couture

Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighter featured by Alicia Almond

NYX Lip Liner featured by Bella Bee

Addicted to Blush

Thanks to Amy from New Key Beauty for nominating me to showcase some of my standout blushes in the “Addicted to Blush” tag! I used to think only one blush looked good on me but after playing around, I’ve come to love experimenting with new blushes. Recently I have been working on expanding my blush collection so I am excited to share what I have found.

1. What color blush suits you the most? – Soft medium pinky nude shades.
2. Pressed, cream, or loose? – I prefer pressed or loose. I don’t use cream because I have oily skin and powders just tend to work better on my face.
3. Favorite shimmery blush? – “Desert Rose” by Bella Pierre Cosmetics
4. Favorite bright blush? – “Tango” by Hikari
5. Favorite matte blush? – “Mellow Wine” by Wet n Wild
6. Favorite drugstore blush? – “Peach Rose” by L.A. Colors
7. Favorite highend blush? – “Fratboy” by TheBalm
8. Best blush packaging? – “Pink Grapefruit” by Laura Gellar
9. Number one holy grail blush? – “Bold Berry” by Mary Kay… I have been using this since I was in high school and always go back to it!
10. What is on your blush wish list? –  “Luminoso” by Milani, “Blushing Bride” by Tarte, “Cabana Boy” by TheBalm, “Flower Child” by Becca, “Love Hangover” by Too Faced, “Rose Rush” by Physician’s Formula, “Flushed” by Neutrogena, “Breathless” by Buxom… I could go on.

 

Let me know if you love any of these same blushes or if you’d like to carry on the “Addicted to Blush” tag! And as always, thanks for reading… XOXO.

April Favorites

Elf – High Definition Undereye Setting Powder

Sometimes I never know how much I love a product until I run out of it. I then go into the great debate of repurchasing or trying something new. I ran out of this recently, tried a few different powders in my collection (nothing I had could compare), and wound up repurchasing this in April. This powder perfectly sets concealer, brightens up the skin, and is so inexpensive.

Maybelline – The Blushed Nudes

The shades in this palette are gorgeous, wearable, and work so well together. Pigmentation is not as strong as it could be, but it’s a great palette if you are looking for your makeup to be a bit less bold. There are also tips for blending shadow combos on the back of the packaging, which I found super helpful!

Rimmel – Natural Bronzer

I had never used an actual bronzer until I picked this baby up a few weeks ago… now I don’t want to put it down! I use it mainly in the hollows of my cheeks, temples, and top of my forehead. I now understand why a cool-toned matte bronzer gives the most natural look.

Flower Phone Case

Confession… this is not the exact phone case I fell in love with this month. I (like all females everywhere) got sucked into Target’s dollar section recently and found the cutest flower case for my phone and now can’t find it anywhere online to share! 😦 This one is comparable though, a clear case with a flower print. Super cute and perfect for spring.

“Yes Please” by Amy Poehler

What’s not to love about Amy Poehler?! She is so funny, such a great role model for young women, and has tons of great stories to share in this book. It’s a really fun, funny, and quick read that I would recommend to anyone looking for something light-hearted to pick up.

March Favorites

Today I’m happy to bring to you my newest series, a monthly favorites! Toward the end of each month I will be sharing a favorite (or two, or three) from each of the following categories: beauty, fashion, and entertainment… as well as other randoms that don’t quite fit into those categories.

Here is everything that I have been loving in March!

 

Vanilla Caramel Chai – Tazo Tea

Chai is a tried a true for me. I usually love to drink it in fall because the spices and dark qualities match colder weather, but this month I fell in love with a chai that has an added twist… vanilla and caramel. It’s not too sweet (I was worried), just gives off softer flavor than it’s traditional form.

Cami Dress – Old Navy

These dresses are super comfortable and come in so many cute patterns! I purchased two recently in “Red & White Floral” (shown above) and “Multi Floral”. I’m saving them to wear for upcoming warmer weather vacations, as I think they will be perfect for traveling.

Mattifying Emulsion & Pore Refining Primer – Figs & Rouge

Ipsy sent this to me a few months back and it has been my reach-for primer of the month. It does a great job filling in pores and mattifying skin just the right amount. Dries tacky and makes your makeup last longer.

Inner Light Mineral Dual Foundation – Aveda

I discovered this baby in the back of my powder collection this month, hiding because it has been too dark for me… until now! This is my favorite pressed powder because it is smooth in texture, full coverage, and has a soft fresh scent.

Friends – Netflix

Let’s be real, this is my favorite every month! The past few weeks I have been especially reaching for Friends. It’s a comfort thing for me and I love having it on while I’m cleaning, doing bills, and getting ready.

 

Comment below with some of your own March favorites, XOXO.