Hautelook - Beauty Bag Review

Hello Everyone! I hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday afternoon. I recently become a big fan of shopping on the website HauteLook, they have amazing deals on beauty products and just amazing deals in general. Ever so often they will come out with a Beauty Bag, usually for around $15 (which is how much this one was) and they sell fast! The reason being is because it comes with a wide range of beauty products, and the bag is always worth more than the $15 price tag. So today, I want to share with you what was in this one and maybe the next time they release one you can pick one up. Now, if you wish to sign up for HauteLook its through invitation, and you can sign up on my link here: HAUTELOOK. 

The quality of the bag the products came in alone to me was worth the price. I love how sturdy this makeup bag is.

Betsey Johnson Too Too Pretty Perfume - I'm not usually too excited when I receive perfume samples, but this one smells amazing (that and I love all things Betsey Johnson!) "Vibrant fruity and floral scents infused with soft musks and woods to create a fragrance that remains true to Betsey's forever playful attitude." You can get a 1.0 oz ($42) or a 1.7 oz ($62) at Betsey Johnson's website. My favorite part is the oh so adorable bottles.

Blow Pro Blow Out Spray - "Infusing your hair with silk and soy proteins, blowpro blow out spray serious non-stick hair spray fortifies hair, delivering a healthy, silky buildable hold that stays exactly as you intended it. No frizz, flyaways or crunch, just soft, brushable, glossy hair with the stamina to stay that way." I will be passing this product on to a friend, who I know would love this. I personally am just not a hairspray fan. This product has received a lot of rewards from Allure and Marie Claire just to name a few. On their site here you can purchase the full size for $19.75. Even though I don't personally like hair spray, what I do like about this product is if you mess up you can start over, because it is a non-stick hairspray (very intruging!). 

NYX Glam Lipstick Aqua Luxe in the color "Glory" - I love this color so this was a big hit with me its what I would call a rose pink with silver reflects. Its cost's $6 and they have 12 different colors, so if this one isn't for you but your wanting to try it, your bound to find a color here.

Kabuki Brush - If anyone can tell me anything about this brush like who makes it, I would really appreciate it. This is one of the best brushes I seriously have used in some time, but there is no name or anything written on the packaging or brush itself. So maybe its just something Hautelook produces? There are similar brushes out there like this though.

LashFusion XL Micro-Technology Instant Lash Volumizer - "A nutrient-rich volumizing mascara with patented Capisphere encapsulation technology thickens, strengthens, conditions each and every lash, even after washing!" I just tried this mascara for the first time, and I haven't noticed a huge difference between it and other mascara's, but I'm going to give a few more go's before I fully say rather I like or dislike it. You can get the full size for $24 on the Fusion Beauty website.

China Glaze in the color "Brownstone" - Very much a rust or a burnt sienna. Warm, earthy, a little orangey. This is how I would describe this polish, its a color I have never used before but that's one of the reason's why I like it. Also, China Glaze is very good polish brand and a popular polish among nail salons. You can pick this up at your local Beauty Supply store for around $3.

Laura Geller Waterproof Eye Spackle Hues - This product is an advanced primer & eyeshadow. This particular one is in the color mauve majesty. I love how a primer is already included in the product. This reminds me a lot of the paintbrush type nail polishes, accept of course its an eyeshadow. It takes a little getting use to, but once you do its an amazing product. They have 14 different colors, and you can buy it on the Laura Geller website for $23. That's why I am glad I received it in this bag, because if it wasn't for that I don't think I would of ever picked it up since for me at least the price is a little high. That's the great thing about beauty bags/subscriptions. 

Clarins Total Double Serum - This is an intensive age-control treatment to promote a more youthful-looking complexion. Recommended for demanding or mature skin. Total double serum can be applied morning and/or evening as a periodic intensive treatment or as a daily skin care supplement all year round. I look forward to trying this and seeing how much better it is than my skin regimen that I use now. 

Clarins Body Firming Cream - Firms, lifts, and smooths problem area's of the skin. Helps tighten and tone the surface layer of the skin. Can be applied morning and/or evening. I'm guessing that these two products can be used together to get that extra support needed for any "problem areas". I look forward also to using this, and seeing how it compares with my other body creams. 

Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant - This is one product I was really excited about getting. I have a lot of issues with dead skin, so I am thinking this will help get rid of it. I also love the brand Dr. Brandt, and have used quite a few products from them and have nothing but good things to say about them. Being this product is $78 for the full size as seen here on their site, this is a nice luxury item to get to try. It helps diminish the appearance of fine lines, acne marks, and skin discolorations.

France Luxe L. Erickson Headband - It's funny because my all time favorite item in the bag wasn't even a makeup item, it was this headband. It fits my head perfectly which is rare to find, because I have such thick hair. I just wish I could find some more exactly like them, the ones on their site aren't even remotely close. 

What did you think about this Beauty Bag? Do you shop on HauteLook, and if so what great finds have you found in the past? I love hearing your questions and/or comments, so feel free to leave them in the comment section below. :) Until next time, STAY BEAUTIFUL BY STAYING YOU!

Ipsy - March 2014

Hello Everyone! I hope everyone is have as amazing weather, as we are here in South Carolina. I am writing my blog a little bit earlier today so I can go and enjoy the outdoors, and hopefully yall can do the same! I just received my Ipsy bag in the mail so a little change of plans from what I was originally going to write about. I also have a beauty bag that I received from Hautelook, so be looking out for that coming up. Now on to Ipsy! This month's theme was dedicated to destination's. The specific destination on this unique bag is suppose to resemble the "Street Anatomy" of San Francisco created by Klari Reis. 

I really liked the design of this bag, and I hope Ipsy keeps it up with the creativity rather then sending us just plain jane makeup bags. Also, this month we received 4 products instead of the usual 5. I didn't mind though because the 4 that I received, I was very happy with.

Pixi Beauty Flawless Beauty Primer - "The Pixi Beauty Flawless Beauty Primer is loaded with skin loving ingredients. Formula contains powerful anti-aging and skin fortifying benefits. Formula suitable for all skin types." Believe it or not as much as a beauty guru as I seem to be, I have only ever owned one face primer and that is Smashbox's Photo Finish. So opening my eyes to another face primer was a little nerve-wracking at first, because this one had a tint to it unlike the clear one that I use. I did however really enjoy this primer and even though I have really light skin it went on quite nicely!  You can pickup a mini one of these for only $9.00! S/N: If you would like to purchase any of the products you see, I have provided a link by clicking on the name of the product (the writing in bold before the description).

BareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick In "Get Ready" - "Make an impact with Marvelous Moxie™ Lipstick. Creamy, super-saturated, ultra-pigmented color glides on like butter for full coverage in a rich satin finish. Lips look fuller and more voluptuous. An infusion of minerals revitalizes lips for a healthy-looking pout, while a moisture-loaded hydrating complex helps to nourish and condition with Abyssinian Oil and Omega Fatty Acids for supple, baby-soft smoothness." I really liked the formula and how this lipstick went on, the color just wasn't for me. In the picture it looks pink, but its actually a very dark shade of pink. I am more of a lighter pink or light red. Not to say this lipstick wouldn't be for you, if your of a darker complexion. This product runs $18, and comes in 18 different shades!

Be a Bombshell "Bora Bora" Eyeshadow Quad - "The Bora Bora Eyeshadow Quad contains a highly pigmented long lasting formula for all day wear. To use as an eyeliner, wet the tip of your brush and dip end into the shadow and apply on lash line. For base colors, blend shadow from lash line to brow bone with a wide shadow brush using gentle upward strokes. For accent colors, blend shade in the outer crease of your eye gently working inward. Gently blend base and accent colors together using light, feathery strokes. For highlighting, gently brush under brow bone." Eeek! This was the one product I was super excited to receive, and it was mainly because I love the blue turquoise color in this shadow quad. If you are already a fan of "Be a Bombshell" brand like I am, then this will be no different and definitely a product you will like. There are 4 different quad's that you can pick from, and this one as well as Barcelona (which will be next on my list to try) are my favorites. They are very pigmented and go on as well as blend smoothly. The color's from top left to right are as follows: Starlet, Bora Bora, Risky Business, and Rock Bottom. These quad's run $16. 

Nicole by OPI Roughles "On What Grounds?" - "4 new textured nail lacquers featuring speckled, pastel shades of purple, pink, turquoise and yellow. When the lacquer dries, Roughles lacquers reveal a unique pebbled finish. For the perfect matte effect, skip the top coat!" I love the texture of this polish, but most of all I love the color of this polish. It is the prettiest shade of what I would call baby blue. It run's anywhere from $5-$9, just depending on where you go to get it. I couldn't find the direct website to buy it from so my suggestion would be to stop by your local Ulta or Nail Salon, and pick it up. It is worth it though (the brand OPI in general), OPI is one of my favorite brands of polish and lasts forever!

Now, if you like my bag and want to sign up for Ipsy for yourself it is $10 a month (which includes shipping), and each month you will receive a makeup bag catered to the answers from your beauty quiz with generally 5 items. Michelle Phan curates the bags. And you can sign up & check it out here: SIGN UP FOR IPSY

Feel free to leave any comment and/or questions, and until next time like I always say stay beautiful by staying YOU! :)

Glossybox - February 2014

Hello Everyone! I hope everyone is doing well, before we get to the next edition of Glossybox I just want to let everyone know that sometime in the coming year, I will be changing the blog address to allurebyamy as well as updating the server. It shouldn't affect anyone, because I am going to try and have it so it automatically redirects to that web address, and do any updating late in the night. If it so happens though that you can't access the page, I am sorry for the inconvenience but it will be worth the wait! I have a lot of exciting things coming for my readers so keep your eyes out.

Now onto what we have all been waiting for...

This month's theme was very appropriate (and even though it's March, yes my box was late!) the month of LOVE! 

Lauren B. Beauty Nail Couture in the color "City of Angels" - "Lauren B. Beauty's advanced, quick-drying nail enamels deliver a high-shine, chip-resistant, long-lasting finish. City of Angels is a sheer, tender blush pink that flatters all skin tones. Not too saccharine sweet, it's possibly the chicest neutral ever." The description of this polish is very fitting. It is the prettiest blush of pink I have ever seen in a polish. I just put this on my toe's, and it took one coat on all my toes accept for my big toe which took two. I love how you can wear this polish alone, and the simplicity of it speaks for itself. This product is $18 for a full size (which the one included is)  so this was a real treat that Glossybox included.

Pureology Serious Colour Care Multi-Tasking Hair Beautifier for Color-Treated Hair - "This is a multi-tasking hair treatment spray that provides 21 essential benefits to prime, protect, and perfect color-treated hair." I just had the chance to put highlight's in my hair tonight, so I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to give this product a go, and so far I am really liking it. It gives my hair a nice shine, and just makes it feel healthier overall. The full size product runs $24.00 for a 6.7 oz bottle. I look forward to keep using this to see if it will prolong me having to add highlights sooner than later.

Skin&Co Roma Truffle Therapy Serum Plus - "A luxurious beauty base that plumps the skin with hydration and fights off any free radicals your day brings on. This is a serum that goes on under your moisturizer that increases hydration and reduces fine lines and wrinkles." Well, by now if you read my blog you should know how I feel about this brand. It's one of my favorite's so of course I already have this in my collection, but it is always welcome, because the one down fall about this product is the full size costs $75! I will say it truly does work though, and when you first start using it you can feel the tightening on your skin as it sinks in. My fine lines have never been more transparent, and if you have the money to spend and you have tried everything else like I have, then you must try this!

Sumita Beauty Kala Color Intense Pencil - "Transform your eyes and add beautiful definition by simply drawing the line. Inspired by the deep pigment of the kajal pencil, this long wearing liner is ideal for use on the inner water line of your eye, as well as the outer lash." The great thing about beauty boxes is they are always sending a never ending supply of eyeliner's, haha. Eyeliner is the one item I must have on everyday if nothing else, so it is always a welcome item. The full size product of this is $15 (which the product included was!) You know I am always going to keep it 100, so here is the facts. It is a great eyeliner, but you can find the same sort of quality eyeliner like this one for sooo much cheaper. But hey if your a fan of this brand and have the money to spend by all means it is a quality eyeliner.

Anatomicals Puffy The Eye Bag Slayer Wake Up Under Eye Patches - "These eye patches are specially formulated to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and revitalize delicate skin around the eyes. Each patch intensively moisturizes, nourishes and hydrates, working to restore elasticity and helping skin to look and feel rejuvenated, vibrant and smooth." I absolutely love the brand Anatomicals, and I hope to be able to try all of their products and this one was no exception. The box that they included was a full size product which costs $11, and includes 3 sets of patches. Now I am sure over time after using it more than once it works to restore elasticity, but I however didn't notice a difference. It does completely take away any puffiness with the magical witch hazel ingredient among other things that this formula has. I also find it strange that these under eye patches have the exact look and texture of egg whites, so it took a little getting use to but I quite enjoyed it!

So, how did you enjoy this month's Glossybox? What was your favorite product out of the bunch, and did you receive the same or a different variation? 

If you wish to subscribe to Glossybox it cost $21 monthly, maybe cheaper depending on what discount code is running that month (so make sure you check their social pages and sign up for their emails!) Go HERE to subscribe through my link.

Until next time Stay Beautiful by Staying You! 

Biore - Self Heating One Minute Mask

Hello Everyone! Today, I recently picked up an item from Walgreen's. And if you know anything about me, I am obsessed with face mask's. This one is Biore's - Self Heating One Minute Mask. It run's $7.99 at Walgreen's, but right now in a lot of magazine's you can get a $3 off coupon making these mask's only $4.99! 

The box comes with 4 mask's and it says you can use the 2-3 times a week. I personally have been using one once a week, in order not to dry out my face. I really like how the more you rub it the more it heats up, and when you go to take it off it gives you that nice menthol cooling feeling. It open's up your pores to give you that deep-down cleaning. Also, if your on the go like I am it only takes 1 minute to get the full benefits! However, when I have the time I tend to leave it on longer because I just feel like using it for only 1 minute is a little bit of a waste to me? Am I the only one that feels that way? lol. 

Here is what the mask looks like on. Charcoal has definitely been the in product lately which I find interesting, in a couple of weeks when I receive it, I will also be reviewing the Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser. I really enjoyed this product, but would not recommend using it daily if you have dry skin like me. It is best used weekly. I really don't have many complaint's about this mask hence the high product rating, how about you?

Overall Product Rating: *4.1

So, what did you think about the Biore - Self Heating One Minute Mask? And if you haven't tried it yet, have you tried any other products with charcoal in it? I love hearing your questions and comments, so don't be afraid to leave them below. Remember you guys make the blog! :)

*overall rating is based on a 5 point scale based off of pigmentation, product, texture, application, and longevity.