Showing posts with label blush. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blush. Show all posts

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Ipsy - August 2015

 (click if you wish to enlarge)


 I hope everyone is having a splendid day so far! The school year is back, and I myself have recently just entered into college for the second time around to finish my degree. I am super excited and super hopeful, that this year will be the year I will finally accomplish my goals. That being said, what more of a perfect theme for Ipsy's August Glam Bag than "Prep School!" 


If you don't know what Ipsy is, it's a beauty subscription bag designed just for you, (by taking the beauty quiz) that cost $10 a month. The $10 also includes shipping. Beauty Guru Michelle Phan curates the bags, and you generally receive 5 items. 

If you wish to sign up you can sign up through my personal referral link here: Ipsy Sign Up



Every month you receive a bag with your Ipsy items in them. This month the bag design (as seen above) opened from the side of the bag; instead of the top.

 It's a black and white design, which to me looks like stars. I prefer the bags that open from the top, but don't mind these every now and then. I applaud Ipsy because from Day 1, they have managed to come up with a completely different design each month. 

Now let's see what I got inside my Glam Bag this month. Feel free to click on any of the pictures below if you want to see up close any of the products...



"HydraGel is a revolutionary formula with hybrid gel technology. The ease of a powder with the fresh, natural look of a cream -- HydraGel Blush makes you look like you're blushing, not like you're wearing blush. Formulated with beneficial ingredients Shea Butter, Avocado Butter and Jojoba Seed Oil to hydrate the skin while Lavender extract provides luminosity for a fresh, natural-looking flush of pure color."

I am not crazy about blush, it's just never really been my thing. I prefer a bronzer or bronzer/combo. Most of the time it's too much for my skin-tone. However, this formula has changed my mind. It is so easy to blend, and it truly looks as if you aren't wearing blush (which is a big problem of mine usually). It also makes a nice color for lips as well. This is one blush I can say will defiantly not go to waste. 

Price: $16 (For a full size; the one seen above is a tad smaller worth $12)


"Noyah's all-natural lipsticks come in dazzling earth-friendly bamboo packaging and are versatile enough to take you from subtle daytime chic to a fun-filled evening look.

The lipsticks are made in the USA, never tested on animals, and contain no parabens or sulfates. If that's not enough to make you feel all warm and fuzzy, post #noyah or #livedivinely and noyah will donate a product to the homeless!"

This was my favorite product in the bag this month. Usually, I am not too crazy about natural lipsticks. However, I am really enjoying this color as well as the moisturizing formula. The packaging is cute, and the cause they support just makes me love them that much more. Every time you post and use the hashtag #noyah or #livedivinely (make sure you tag them just in case), Noyah will donate a product to the homeless! 

Price: $18 (For a full size; the one above is a sample size worth $4)



"This highly natural La Fresh® Eco-Beauty® Good Night. Night Cream provides super hydration and restores your skin making it visibly smoother and plumper. It will also rescue your skin from fine wrinkles on the forehead and crow's feet around your eyes. Say bye-bye to damaging elements that age your skin and say hello to recovered, recharged, and youthful." 

Moisturizers for me are the most useful product I could receive. I go through so many cremes because of how dry my skin is. I enjoyed almost everything about this cream, except that it was a little thicker than I like my moisturizers. I will say it absorbs rather quickly, so this isn't a huge issue. I also enjoy the cucumber smell it has.

Price: $40 (for a full size; this is a deluxe sample which retails for $13.99) 



"This ultimate lipliner is the original Lord & Berry lip pencil. It’s easy-to-use and its formula softens and protects the skin with the nutrients from macadamia oil and waterlily extracts. You can line your lips and fill them in using this pencil- finish with a lipgloss or lipstick or a more dramatic look"

I am not really sure what Ipsy was thinking when picking this for me, other than the fact that maybe it would somehow change my mind about how I feel about nude lip-liner's. It just wasn't for me though. I have never really used lip-liner much, unless it's one of those clear (or clear wax) ones and defiantly not nude. Better luck next time.

I will give Lord & Berry their props though as they do make really well-made products, as I have tried their glosses in the past. 

Price: $18 (for a full size; this is travel size worth
 $9?) 



"Use this hydrator and your skin will feel smoother and softer immediately. Always apply to wet skin. This all over in-shower body moisturizer, "conditions your body like you condition your hair". It's also unscented so it rehydrates skin without any irritation from fragrance. Holds moisture in your skin for 24 hours."

I really enjoyed using this product, and it works so well. I love how it fits with my on the go lifestyle, as you apply it while you are in the shower. It also does a good job at keeping this skin hydrated until your next shower. I love that Ipsy included a product like this, and would love to see similar one's included in the future.

Price: $16 (for a full size; this is a sample size worth $3?)

 BONUS ITEM(S)

For every product that you review you can earn points, you can also earn points other ways such as for referrals. Once you save up enough points you can go to the points store to spend your points. 
Here is what I spent some of my points on this month:


"This bronzing powder gives your complexion the warmth and luminosity of naturally sunkissed skin. Hydrating, silky-smooth & long-wearing, it also protects against free radicals. Contains Vitamin E to protect the skin and mica, which provides dense natural pigment."  

I am a bronzer fanatic, so this was the perfect product to purchase with my points. Pixi makes great products, and this product is no exception. It works wonderful, and gets the job done. Not to mention it was only 500 points! 

Price: $18 with bronzer and Kabuki brush (this is a FULL SIZE bronzer! It did not however come with the brush which makes it worth $10) 

This month we received a value of around $52 (includes the bronzer; $42 without)! Not only did I get to try some new products, but I received a great deal since I only paid $10. What do you think about this month's Ipsy "Prep School"?" What variation did you receive? I love hearing your questions/comments, so feel free to leave them below.

               Until next time...

   STAY BEAUTIFUL BY STAYING YOU!

                         XOXO,




Sunday, January 4, 2015

Afterglow Cosmetics - Organic Infused Blush (Cozy)


Hello Everyone! I hope all of you are having a terrific day so far. I just recently tried a new blush for the first time, and I have to share with you about it! Their Organic Infused Blushes are really something spectacular. However, before we get into that, this is the first time I have ever wrote about Afterglow Cosmetics. 
So I was excited to learn a bit about them first....

Who is Afterglow Cosmetics?

From Kristin the Founder & CEO...

"The Afterglow Cosmetics line was developed out of my personal need for healthy color cosmetics that not only out-performed traditional cosmetics but were also natural and fashionable.

All the women in my family are sensitive to food, cosmetics and perfume. I started using make-up at an early age to cover up acne but it seemed to only make my skin feel and look worse. I have always been aware of washing my food well, eating organic and avoiding pesticides. However, for many years I never drew a straight line from this mode of thinking about my food and caring for my body to thinking the same way about my personal care products and the effect they have on my body both inside and out.

Though there were other natural and mineral cosmetics already out there calling their products natural, they still included objectionable ingredients like petro-chemicals, parabens and bismuth oxychloride. These alternatives also fell short in the color selection department. Instead of continuing the frustrating search for the ideal cosmetic line, I decided to create the solution for myself. I started by making cosmetics for myself, friends and family and quickly realized that there was simply nothing else out there that could compare to the luminescent finish, gentleness and the quality of pharmaceutical grade and certified organic ingredients. In 2004 Afterglow Cosmetics was born. Now I work with some of the most innovative and creative chemists and other experts, developing new and exciting natural, organic and mineral cosmetics. I truly believe that quality can be achieved naturally without the standard, and often toxic, petro-chemicals and synthetics found in traditional cosmetics. You can create naturally glamorous looks without sacrificing color palette or product effectiveness. Afterglow's unique blend of minerals and natural pigments has been very carefully formulated with your style, health and beauty in mind."


I find it appalling that their were companies calling their products natural, yet included all these harmful ingredients! I am not familiar with all the harmful ingredients, but one thing I do know is Paraben's is not something you want in any product. 

I love that she had an idea and brought it to life to make better cosmetics for not only her friends and family, but for everyday people like us. 


The Product/My Thoughts


Organic Infused Blush 

"Our velvety smooth, feather-light, Organic Infused Blush is perfect for every aspiring blushing beauty. Whether in a soft or glowing finish, every color goes on as innocent as nature intended or builds to high drama.

Triple–milled minerals allow for flawless blending as well as color layering to create the most exquisite looks. Organic botanical extracts like calendula flower oil, rose petal oil and pomegranate seed oil nourish the skin while improving it. Anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and sooth the skin while promoting healthy collagen."




  • Available in 7 wearable shades: Cozy (AS SEEN HERE!), Tickle, Smitten, Majestic, First Blush, & Dusty Rose
(CLICK to ENLARGE)

  • Layers and blends easily without settling or creasing
  • Infused with soothing organic botanicals (Rose Petal, Pomegranate, Calendula Flower)
  • NO parabens, nanos, bismuth oxychloride, gluten or talc
  • 100% natural ingredients
  • Weight: 3 gr / 0.10 oz

Each blush is $26. To purchase this blush or any of the Organic Infused Blushes go here: Afterglow Cosmetics Blush.




The first thing I noticed about the blush is the packaging. I love how each of the blushes come with their own individual mirror. The next thing I noticed is when I put it on was how light the blushes feel, and how the formula feels as if it was made with quality. 

Some blushes you buy it just cakes on. That or it takes forever to rub in. Then what has happened to me A LOT and one of the reason's why I don't wear blush is because, it doesn't look good on my fair skin. I am very critical when it comes to blush and bronzer. So, I was really impressed with how great it blends. It blends so well in fact that you can actually layer it. What I mean by that is the more you put on the more color is added to your skin.

I was a little apprehensive about the $26 price tag, but once I actually tried one of the blushes it all made since. It's now one of my favorite blushes in my collections, and I will go as far to say it's quality is that of my Benefit Hervana blush. 

I am very happy that I got to try this, and I am hoping to be able to try their other shades along with their other cosmetics to see how they compare.

Overall Product Score: 4.8*

Here is a quick look I did with the blush...


What do you think of Afterglow Cosmetics? Have you ever tried their blush or any of their product's? If not do you think you would in the future, and if so what would you like to try? I love hearing your questions and comments, so feel free to leave them below! 

As always REMEMBER to STAY BEAUTIFUL by STAYING YOU! XOXO ~ Amy


Free product disclosure

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

Friday, August 15, 2014

Ipsy - August 2014


Good Afternoon! I hope everyone is having a nice evening. I just received my Ipsy bag for the month of August, and I am excited to share with you what I got.

If you don't know what Ipsy is, it's a beauty subscription bag designed just for you, (by taking the beauty quiz) that cost $10 a month. The $10 also includes shipping. Beauty Guru Michelle Phan curates the bags, and you generally receive 5 items. 

If you wish to sign up you can sign up through my personal referral link here: Ipsy Sign Up


This month's theme is "Beauty Schooled" as seen above. I received 5 items plus 3 bonus items from my referral points. 
Let's see what is in the bag...


Absolute Lip Balm in Grape - "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! " I was hoping that I would get the green apple this month (the other flavor you could have received), because I am not very fond of grape. I must say though this lip balm is really moisturizing! I haven't been able to find a single version of this lip gloss, as far as I can tell they only sell them as a duo.
Price For a Duo: $5.99 


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." I haven't wanted a product like this for a really long time, so I was super excited to see this in there! It gets really good reviews so I am hoping it will work for me. I will report back with my findings. 
Price: $45 for 1 FL OZ


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." Ahhh! I love Urban Decay it is one of my go to brands, and this mascara is no different. My only complaint is, I wish the sample was a little bigger. The formula of the mascara is wonderful though, and goes on smoothly. Right now if you buy the mascara off of their website, you will get a deluxe sample of the subversion mascara primer for free!
Price: $22


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. Ipsters who sample Coastal Scents blush duo will receive the shades Fresh (Left) and Elegant (Right)." I loved these colors, especially the sparkly pink color which I believe is called elegant. However, the sample packaging was terrible, and I just wished they would of packed it differently. It truly took away from the product. I would recommend the product, and the prices are really affordable.
                                 Price: $3.98 (comes with 1 blush; on sale right now)


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." I just sorta had to laugh at how small the sample was, I'm not sure why it was this small because the price isn't that much for the full size. Anyways, as far as the eyeliner goes it glides on quite nicely. You can't currently get it on their site, so when you click the link above it will take you to Amazon, if you wish to purchase it. This is my first time trying Lord & Berry, and I hope to try more of their products in the future.
Price: $15


***The next set of items, are the bonus items I received for earning Ipsy points***


Teadora Rainforest at Dusk Shampoo & Conditioner - "Relax in the rainforest! The Teadora Shampoos and Conditioners come with a unique blend of Brazilian ingredients and 100% natural scents. The Rainforest at Dusk flowery & smooth, more subtle, sexier aroma soothes and revitalizes your senses after a long day." I used this for the first time tonight, and I really liked it. Would I pay $30 for each bottle? No. Would I love a sample again. Defiantly.
Price: $30 each



pencil features a supersoft, waterproof formula that delivers superior coverage. It is Infused with jojoba oil and vitamin E for a smooth finish. It also has a long-wear formula that provides a precise defined line that will not smudge or budge. Includes a bonus eyeliner sharpener." I loved that this eyeliner included a bonus sharpener, and is the main reason I turned my points in for it. However, the formula isn't that bad either and it will be the next eyeliner I use up. The color of the eyeliner is in "black diamond."
Price: $9


Liptini Straight Up Color Lipstick in Plum Wine - "Moisture-rich Straight Up Color lipsticks serve up pure unadulterated lip color in shades from classic to cutting-edge. Beguiling on their own or layered with stain or gloss to customize, Plum Wine is cool mauve-kissed plum." This was a little bit darker then I thought it was going to be, but I really like it. The formula goes on nice and smooth, and I like that I don't have to reapply it a bunch of times.
Price: $18


I loved my bag this month as a whole, but if I would of received just my bag minus the extra items, I have to say I would of been somewhat disappointed. This is a first for me, because I have been with Ipsy for over a year now, and usually the items are all at a decent size. Nonetheless, I was still pretty happy overall. So, what did you think of this month's "Beauty Schooled" Ipsy bag for August? Do you subscribe to Ipsy, and if not what's been keeping you from doing so? I would love to hear what you got in your bag this month, along with your questions and comments. Feel free to leave them below!