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...

Doll 10 Beauty - HydraGel Blush In Flirt 

"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 - Natural Lipstick in Desert Rose

"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)

 

La Fresh Group - Good Night. Night Cream. 

"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) 

 

Lord & Berry - Ultimate Liner In Nude

"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?) 

 

Albertini - Divine Skin Hydrator

"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:

 Pixi Beauty Bronzer in "Summertime" 

"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,

Mia Mariu - Reveal Your Glamorous Look + GIVEAWAY

Hello Everyone! Today, I am super excited to bring back another review/giveaway from Mia Mariu! I fell in love with their foundation, primer, and concealer the first time I tried them. This time I am bringing to you a collection of items to - Reveal Your Glamorous Look! 

          Who Is Mia Mariu?

"The Mia Mariu philosophy makes the connection between beauty and health inside and out. Mía Mariu’s high performance products are formulated with the most natural ingredients available helping you achieve vibrant beauty and health inside and out.  Each unique product fuses nature and technology by combining the highest quality botanicals, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and peptides.  The result? Healthy products that provide a perfect balance that reflects itself through youthful, healthy, beautiful, glowing skin and renewed energy and vitality, at an exceptional value.  Mía offers natural skin care, professional makeup artist quality mineral cosmetics and brushes, fine fragrances and nutritional supplements to Reveal Your Unique 

Shade of Beauty!"

If you wish to check out any of their other products you can do so by going to their official website located here: Shop Mia Mariu or go straight to their catalog here: Mia Mariu Catalog.

The Products/The Review

"Our Mineral Bronzers protect and highlight your complexion with a beautiful, sensual tone. Made with pure minerals and silky shimmery pigments, use it to sun-kiss your face or any other part of your body. Contains Vitamin A, C and E." 

You will see in the final look, but this was my favorite product out the bunch. Being such a pale complexion, I was terrified of this product at first. I usually just use solid bronzer's that turn into powder. However, using just a little bit and a kabuki brush makes it go on perfectly. I love the sun-kissed glow it gives me. 

Price: $17

"Our Volumizing Mascara extends and separates the thinnest, shortest, hard-to-reach lashes by lengthening each lash while delivering just the right amount of mascara without clumping.  Our formula contains rich dark pigments to enhance lash color for maximum drama.  It is clump-free, fiber-free and is suitable for contact lens wearers.  Enriched with vitamin B5."

More than anything, I liked the way this mascara felt in my hand. I was able to get a good grip on it, so that I could get to each lash. Some mascara's are so top heavy, and this isn't anything like that. I also appreciated the fact that it wasn't too thick, so I had NO clumping. It's defiantly a mascara, I will get good use out of.

Price: $13

"Our Intense Black Eye Liner Pencil is a smoothly textured eye pencil that provides precise definition and easy, smooth application.  The pencil applies evenly without "dragging" or pulling the delicate eye area which produces a clean precise line without smudging."

I don't know if it was the way it was sharpened or just the fact that it's a really great formula, but I was impressed with this eyeliner. If you don't know by now, eyeliner is my favorite makeup product, as well as the product I am most critical of. This will be one of those eyeliner's however, I can see myself using down to the nub...ha-ha. 

Price: $11

"Our Mineral Shadow Liners are made with pure minerals and luxurious color pigments.  Their creamy powder texture provides an immediate release of intense luminous color with superior blending for a long-wearing, crease-resistant application. When mixed with water, you can use it as a beautiful long wearing eyeliner."

I got the choice to choose 1 of the eye shadow duo's or 2 of the shadow liners. Since I prefer brighter colors, I went with the shadow liners. What I love about these is that you can use them as regular eye shadows or as an eyeliner. This was the perfect shade of what I call Sea Green, however you may think different when you sea it. It was also my favorite of the two.

Price: $14

"Our Mineral Shadow Liners are made with pure minerals and luxurious color pigments, thin silky formula provides long lasting coverage while gliding on softly and easily. Build color intensity and blend effortlessly. Apply as an eye shadow with our Multipurpose Brush No. 15, use the Petite Brush No. 18 to highlight your accents. Use wet to create your own custom liner, using our Precision Eyeliner Brush No. 25."

This shadow looks green, but it's actually a VERY dark blue. A little too dark for my liking, but I think as an eyeliner it would be okay. It also has a LOT of sparkle, when the light hits it right. 

Price: $14

"Our Hydrating Stick Gloss is a revolutionary hydrating product combining color and hydrating gloss in a stick form.  It has a buttery, creamy feel that nourishes your lips while delivering color in a sheer and sophisticated finish."

I love this gloss! It's just like described, it is a very creamy and has a buttery feel yet very sheer. I can see this being a lipstick that you can wear everywhere, rather it be the office or for a date. There's so many pretty colors to choose from, and I can't wait to try them all. 

Price: $15

I was really amazed at the quality of all of these products. I am glad I had the opportunity to try them, and I can't wait to try more. What do you think of all these "Glamorous" products? Which one is your favorite? Feel free to share below!

There's only 1 last thing to share...

Want to win a Glamorous Look of your own? You will get the same items, in your own color! 

Enter Below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Ipsy - September 2014

Greetings! I hope everyone is having a nice day. I just received my Ipsy bag for the month of September, and I am excited to share with you what I got. This month's theme was "Street Styled."

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

The bag was so much prettier in person, than the pictures of it was. I didn't think from the pictures I would like it, but when I got it - beautiful! 

I received 5 items this month, I also received a bonus Ipsy bag with my referral points as well, that I got a few weeks ago. Even though I had the bag before, the items I got, was items I had never had. The bag was the June 2013 bag, however the items were somewhat different.

Alterna Haircare CAVIAR CC Cream 10-in-1 Complete Correction - "A miracle leave-in product that delivers 10 benefits in 1 easy step, leaving hair perfectly polished. Provides complete: moisture, shine, smoothness, softness, UV protection, manageability, strength, anti-breakage, heat protection and light hold. Can be used alone or as a foundation for the layering of other styling products." I've actually had this product before in a previous Glossybox, and still have some. I was still happy to see it, but will be passing it on to a friend, so she can get the enjoyment out of as I have. I think it works great to give your hair extra shine as well as moisture. The full size is expensive, so it was nice to get a decent size sample to be able to try it out.

Price: $25.00 (2.5oz) 

Pacifica Natural Water-Proof Eye Pencil - "These rich water-proof, buttery smooth eye pencils glide on smooth and deliver big color pay off with every stroke. Long-lasting natural formula, provides hours of wear and contains beneficial ingredients great for the sensitive eye area." So, I have mixed feelings about this product. I thought the formula was great and exactly as described. However, the pencil just straight out wasn't made well. I don't know if you can notice, but as soon as I opened the pencil it broke. I sharpened it again and it kept cracking and would not sharpen properly. Like I said, I love the formula but the overall pencil is just not for me. I won't give up though. I would like to try the black one instead of this one (which is grey) and see if I just got a bad pencil, but this one just wasn't it.

Price: $11 (for a full size)

Crown Brush Infinity Shadow/Crease Duet Brush - "This dual-ended brush offers the best of both worlds. The shadow brush is perfect for applying eye shadow or contouring the eye, while the crease brush is designed to be used dry for defining the eye, or wet for precision concealing. " This brush was somewhat difficult to take a picture of, that's why you see it on a table, instead of my usual background. However, it was my favorite product in the bag! I've never owned a double ended brush before, and this one works so well! I love how well made it is, and how I can use it with ease.

Price: $6.99 (FULL SIZE!)

Hikari Lipstick in Cabernet - "Amp up the color with Hikari’s richly colored lip stick. The high pigmented formula glides on smoothly with a matte finish. Layer this formula to build color for a perfectly enchanted pout." This color is a lot darker than it photographed. I was a little intimidated at first, but I think with the right look I can pull this off. I am interested to see what other colors they have as well. I think its a great formula, and goes on smooth.

Price: $13.00 (FULL SIZE!)

Nourish Organic Moisturizing Cream Face Cleanser - "This gentle cleanser washes away impurities without drying, irritating or causing redness. Cucumber hydrates and soothes. Watercress, rich in antioxidants, helps protect skin from free radical damage. Alcohol-Free. Gluten-Free. Vegan." I love the smell of the cleanser (even though its fragrance free), and like how gentle it is on my face. It's also packed with a ton of nutrients and vitamins. 

Full Prize: $13.00 (for 6 FL OZ. this one is 1 FL OZ.)

So, what did you think of this month's "Street Style" Ipsy bag for September? 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!

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

Sugar Line N Shine Eyeliner Pencil + Bonus Sharpener - "This sugar eyeliner

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!

Logona Cosmetics - Part 1: Makeup

       Hello all my beautiful readers! Today, I want to talk to you about a company I recently had the pleasure of coming across called Logona Cosmetics. For this review their will be two parts to it. The first review will be just about their makeup line and the other about their skin care line. 

Who is Logona Cosmetics?

"In 1975, a group of inspired and like-minded friends opened a shop, Lorien Goods, in Hanover, Germany. Their shop featured the few products available at the time that fit the values of the new, green movement. To expand their shop’s selection and to wholesale to other stores, the group began to import products from outside of Germany. In 1977, they decided it was time to begin manufacturing their own body care products and LOGONA was born.

LOGONA’S commitment to manufacturing and packaging body care products in an ecologically responsible manner resonated with their customers and the product line steadily expanded over the years. Today, LOGONA offers more than 200 natural personal care and cosmetic products.

In 1990, the company (now called Logocos) added a new line of natural care products, Sante, to appeal to a younger consumer."

I found their whole background very interesting. I hope to try their Sante products one day, but today we will keep our focus on Logocos products. However, if you wish to check out either line you can go to their official sites here:  www.logona.us or www.santeusa.com

Wish to connect with them on any of the social networks? Just click which network you would like to check out below.

twitter | facebook | pinterest | instagram 

The Products/My Thoughts

Eyeshadow Trio No.4 Ocean - "Trio Eyeshadows come in alluring color combinations. For every eye color and every day and evening look - from unpretentious and elegant to sophisticated and extravagant." 

I absolutely have fallen in love with this eyeshadow trio. The camera covers the colors well, but how it looks in person is amazing. You can layer it which is what I did, or you can just use one or two colors from it. There are a lot of different possibilities.

Price: $24

Double Lip Pencil No.5, Ruby Red  - "The wooden lip pencil gives lips a delicate sheen or matte shine. Two complementary shades in one pencil." I am not much of a lip pencil kind of girl, but the more I get comfortable with makeup, the more I have been wanting to try them. I must say I love the way this one glides on with ease. What I like the most is it has the two colors that I wear most (red and pink) so its very versatile. 

Price: $20

Double Eyeliner Pencil No.4, Steel Gray - "Dual eyeliner pencil. For highlighting the corner of the eye in various shades." To me one side is grey and the other side is a dark blue. I love the formula itself, but I am however confused on the naming of this particular pencil, that would be my only complaint. It glides on nicely though, and while I am a black eyeliner kind of girl this dark blue color fits my eyes well. 

Price: $15

Double Eyeliner Pencil No.5, Rosewood - "Dual eyeliner pencil. For highlighting the corner of the eye in various shades." On this pencil to me one side is a pinkish brown (rosewood is fitting) and the other side is a dark brown. What I love about these pencil's from Logona are the colors I have never seen before. I like that they fit my eyes quite nicely, and am looking forward to experimenting with different looks in the future. 

Price: $15

Lipstick No. 1 in Rose - "For stylish, silky-soft lips in irresistible shades with an extra creamy texture and high anti-aging care qualities." This was my FAVORITE lipstick/product in the whole lot of makeup. It's one of those colors that just screams for attention! Check out the picture below to see what I am talking about. If your looking for that showstopper lipstick, this is it.

 Price: $22

Lipstick No.2 in Pink - "For stylish, silky-soft lips in irresistible shades with an extra creamy texture and high anti-aging care qualities." Another wonderful creamy lipstick! It's a lot like the one above but this is called "Pink" instead of "Rose." I would take a picture of it, but it comes up exactly the same on camera. The only way to truly see the slight shade difference is in person. After trying their lip products, its the one product I have to say I will be coming back for more of! 

Price: $22

Liquid Eyeliner No. 1 in Black - "Makes the eyes stand out: Liquid eyeliner for highlighting the lid." Ahh, now this is more me! I have to say when it comes to eyeliner, I have a strong passion for black eyeliner. This is completely random, but you know one of my favorite things about this eyeliner? The smell! Most eyeliners have this weird chemical smell, this formula however does not and almost has a fragrant to it. Besides the wonderful smell, I love how quickly this eyeliner dries, and how easy it is to apply. Liquid eyeliners always make me nervous, but this one dries so fast you don't have to worry about smudging or getting in in your eyes! 

Price: $22

Overall Product Score: 4.1*

Well, that concludes Logona Cosmetics - Part 1: Makeup! My next blog post will be about their wonderful skincare line, so be on the lookout for that tomorrow. Have you ever tried anything from Logona Cosmetics or is there anything you would like to try from them? I would love to hear your feedback/questions, feel free to leave them below!

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