Ipsy - September 2015

(click to enlarge)

Greetings! I hope everyone is doing okay. Today, I want to share with you what was in my September Ipsy Glam Bag! September you may ask, isn't it October? While yes, yes it is. I actually had an issue with the eyeliner in my bag. It completely fell apart. Being the wonderful company Ipsy is they sent me a replacement! Ipsy has the best customer service I have ever dealt with. This month's theme was "Face Fashion!"
 

Now that the contents are all here, let's get to it!

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. I noticed they have been having a lot more that open from the side. I love the ones that open from the top, so I am hopeful they will go back to that design.


This design (seen above) was a gold metallic bag. On the front the material has a wave pattern on it, while the back of it does not. I love the gold bag this month, and the style is sooo me!

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...

 

J. Cat Beauty - MOTD Waterproof Slide on Pencil for Eyes in Bronze

"This eye-catching pencil has a soft & smooth formulation. It’s an eyeliner with an innovative staying power. A long-wearing, waterproof liner will keep your eyes inked and smudge free."

• Soft and smooth
• Intense color
• Waterproof and smudge-proof

 

While I was crushed that when I opened the pencil it had been damaged and unusable, I am glad I contacted Ipsy to replace it. I wear mostly black eyeliner, but after trying this eyeliner in bronze it is now one of my new favorite colors! This pencil glides on very easy, and has a ton of pigment. 

 

You may want to known since I wasn't sure, that you can use it once it runs out by sharpening it. It doesn't look like it can be sharpened, but it does. Making this product go a long way!

 

Price: $3.99 (FULL SIZE!)

 

 

NYX Cosmetics - Ispy Eyeshadow Trio

"This 3-color eye shadow palette gives you go-anywhere intensity day or night thanks to the highly pigmented formulations. Provides intense eye colors with a silky texture for seamless application for any eye look that you desire. It consists of 3 complementing eye shadows to wear together or alone."

• Each eye shadow provides great color payoff with every application.

• Create any look on the go with the help of the dual applicator that allows you to apply, smudge and line your eyes effortlessly.

• Exclusive palette designed by NYX just for ipsters!

I love how NYX made this palette just for Ipsy. I think it's pretty cool that we have a customized product. They are really pretty shades of brown, and their are two shimmers and one matte. I think these colors will look good almost anyone, and I enjoy the fact it takes me out of my comfort zone.

 

Price: $6.00 (FULL SIZE!)

 

 

Eau Thermale Avene - Soothing Moisture Mask

"This rich, creamy, non-setting skincare mask provides intensive soothing care to dehydrated and over-stressed skin. Its unique formula deeply penetrates skin and in minutes, sensitive or tired skin can become supple, soft and radiant again. It also offers instant relief for burns, sunburns, redness and tightness.

• Replenishes moisture to dehydrated skin and helps restore skin’s barrier

• Minimizes redness 

•  Paraben-free, Hypoallergenic, Non-Comedogenic, Vegan and Gluten-Free

 I have so many skincare masks it isn't even funny, so at first I wasn't thrilled to see this. However, after trying it this is now one of my favorite masks. It does a really great job at hydrating the skin. I also like the fact I can use it when my skin gets sunburned. I will defiantly be buying a full size of this in the future.

 

Price: $26.00 (for a full size; value for sample size around $4?)

 

 

City Color Cosmetics - Be Bold 3x Volume & Length Mascara in Black

"Create bolder, fuller lashes with Be Bold 3x Volume Mascara. Available in 3 different lash enhancing functions, each with a unique brush to add volume, length + volume, or curl + volume to every lash. Each mascara comes in a deep black shade."

• 3X lash volume
• Long wear formula
• Smudge proof

Usually, I really enjoy City Color Cosmetics products. Their highlighting powder is amazing. This product did the job when it came to mascara, but I was a little disappointed. It just wasn't anything special in my opinion. It will get used though.

Price: $5.99 (FULL SIZE!)

Trust Fund Beauty - Nail Polish in "Elegantly Wasted"

 "If you enjoy yourself, it’s not really a waste - it’s your prerogative.” Trust Fund Beauty is a quick-drying, chip resistant polish comes in cute bottles complete with some seriously sassy names. Plus, it’s 7-free, non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free. Don’t mind if we do!"

I was super excited to receive this nail polish! The make such pretty colors, and I love that their polish is vegan and non-toxic. This color (dark lilac) was no exception. 

Price: $15 (FULL SIZE!)

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:

 

 

IT Cosmetics - Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil 

"A universal, transforming long-wear eyebrow pencil infused with cutting-edge brow enhancing ingredients and technology. The oval shaped tip is perfect for both thin and thick brows. The spooly end brush gives a natural polished look. Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil matches all hair colors and covers gray perfectly. Full brow lift guide included with each pencil."

This is my favorite eyebrow pencil. This thing works, and it is really amazing. It makes my brows look even and precise. I would highly recommend this product, if you are looking for a good brow pencil.

Price: $24 (FULL SIZE!)

This month we received a value of around $55! Not only did I get to try some new products, but I received a great deal since I only spent $10. What do you think about this month's Ipsy "Face Fashion"? 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,

Ipsy - December 2014

Greetings! I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays. I just received my Ipsy bag for the month of December due to my some billing issues, however I am excited to share with you what I got. This month's theme was "Thinking of You."

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

Each month you receive a bag with your Ipsy items in them. The bag was a little different from usual month's. This bag was more of a pencil case size. It was just a basic black bag, what gave it character though was the detachable Ipsy keychain. I plan on putting the Ipsy Keychain on my own personal keychain, which I think is so awesome that you can do.

Let's see what I got this month...

(click to enlarge any of the pictures)

Cailyn Cosmetics Just Mineral Eye Polish "#5 Orchid" - "Made with 100% raw mineral powder, this highly pigmented satiny powder not only colors your eyes with shimmery, gorgeous hues, but is also safe to wear long hours. 

The easy to use built-in sponge tip allows smooth application and seamless blending of colors. Whether you want to give a subtle wash of color or go for dramatic smokey makeup, CAILYN Just Mineral Eye Polish will be a girl's best friend."

I am in love with the new Cailyn Cosmetics Mineral Eye Polish. The formula is really nice, but the way they combine it with the applicator (which is ingenious!) makes this eye polish an innovator in new eye cosmetics. I can't wait to try other colors such as "Cotton Candy" and "Ocean."

Price: $15 (This is FULL SIZE!)

Bumble and Bumble Straight Blow Dry  - "Straight Blow Dry for coarse, curly or frizzy hair. Make short work of smoothing and frizz-fighting rituals with this heat-protective styling balm that keeps blow dries soft and sleek for up to 3 days. To create your perfect style, work evenly through damp hair then blow-dry with your favorite Bb.Brush. Start small (try a dime-sized amount) then build as necessary."

My hair is extremely wavy so for anything to straighten it is a plus. I don't blow dry my hair a lot, but I do use a straightener on it often. I have found rather it's the heat from the blow dryer (which of course works best) or the heat from a straightener this balm helps to keep it straight a lot longer than without it.

Full Size: $14.00 (this is only .5 FL OZ & full size is 2 OZ)

NYX Cosmetics Butter Lip Balm - "Dip your lips in a sheer wash of color with NYX Butter Lip Balm. One swipe leaves dry lips feeling supple and hydrated. This Buttery Lip Balm is addictively soft and scrumptious and perfect for adding a subtle hint of color for a naturally flirtatious pout. Apply directly to bare lips or apply it over lip liner for more intense color."

Ipsters who sample NYX Butter Lip Balm will either receive: Red Velvet (pure red), Parfait (fuchsia with blue undertones), Marshmallow (pure nude) or Lady Fingers (mauve). 

I received the color "Lady Fingers" which was a mauve color. I think out of the 4 this was the perfect shade for my skin tone. I commend Ipsy for doing a great job with my bag this month, I think if I would of received Marshmallow, (pure nude) I wouldn't be as happy. It's such a pretty shade of pinkish purple, and the balm goes on like smooth butter!

Price: $4.00 (This is FULL SIZE!)

Tarte "Lights, Camera, Lashes" 4-in-1 Mascara (Deluxe version) - "Like a pushup bra for your lashes, tarte’s best-selling mascara lengthens, curls, volumizes and conditions to deliver a 330% increase in lash volume instantly. The high-performance formula is also infused with naturally-derived olive esters to help nourish and protect lashes."

I was super excited to receive a Tarte item in my Ipsy bag, and I hope to see more from this brand. The website says it is a deluxe version but it's actually smaller than a deluxe version. The deluxe on the website is .13 FL OZ while this one we received is .10 FL OZ. I enjoy the formula, but was a little disappointed with the size and packaging. I think the cute packaging in the REAL deluxe and standard version, is one of the reasons why I like this mascara. Nonetheless, it still is an amazing formula, and I am glad to see Ipsy bring this brand to the bag this month.

Price: $10 (.10 FL OZ while full deluxe .13 FL OZ)

Swissco Electroplated Eyelash Curler - "High quality, durable eyelash curler firmly catches each lash at the root for beautifully lifted and intense curls. Round shaped curve ensures that you get the perfect curl while preventing pinching."

This is a really good solid and affordable eyelash curler. If your in need of a new one, but not wanting to spend a lot, this is the way to go. I like the purple color too. It is also available in blue as well.

Price: $5.00 (FULL SIZE!)

BONUS ITEM

Dr. Lin Skincare Medicated Acne Cleansing Wipes - "Purify clogged pores and control breakouts with these convenient wipes. Medicated formula penetrates deep into pores while the exfoliating towelette wipes away dirt & oil. Can be used in addition to cleansing for extra clarifying benefits. 35 Towelettes."

I end up using 500 of my Ipsy points and getting these. You get Ipsy points by reviewing the products, sharing, and referring. I think these work really well, and are a great thing to use if your in a rush to get your makeup off also. 

Price: $8.99 (FULL SIZE!)

What a way to end the year, Ipsy really went out with a bang, and I loved my bag! So, what did you think of this month's "Thinking Of You" Ipsy bag for December? Do you subscribe to Ipsy, what variation did you receive? 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!

 

One Direction - Limited Edition Nail Polish, Mascara, & Lip Gloss Set's

Greetings! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving break, to those of you celebrating. Christmas is just around the corner, so what better time than to talk about these wonderful gift sets from One Direction!

For those of you who don't know, One Direction is a popular boy band. While I don't personally listen to their music I have reviewed some of their makeup in the past, and thought overall it wasn't bad. So, when I was given the opportunity to test out 3 of the new set's coming out, I was super excited! There are 3 different limited edition sets: The Nail Varnish, the Electroglam Mascara, and the Liqulights Glow Gloss!

Rock Me Nail Varnish

"ROCK ME NAIL KIT, featuring NEON UV-REACTIVE Nail Varnish and UV-REACTIVE GLITTER nail toppings that add even more sizzle to your mani, for nails that light up day and night. 
Sprinkle the glitter over wet polish for a subtle accent, or go for the glitz and dip your entire wet mani in mega-watt sparkle!" 

I like that this is not your usual nail polish. Not only does it come with glitter for each one, but it's UV-Reactive making you sure to stand out! Each of these nail polishes you will see in the pictures below, I applied twice. I also alternated the glitter (every other finger), however you can create it which ever way your heart desires!

Retail Value: $16.50 (Dillard's)

Nail polish is in the color "Moments" on the left and to the right the glitter is in the color "Not Afraid."

This was my favorite polish out the bunch, I prefer doing two coats of polish with each of these, but it didn't look horrible with just one. I wouldn't call the polish top of the line, but it wasn't a bad formula either. It took about 3 days, before I had any chipping or peeling, and I tend to use my hands a lot. I did use a base coat, however I did not use a top coat. I imagine with a top coat, you can get it to last longer. 

The finished look, with every other finger having glitter (two coats.)

Nail polish is in the color "Happily" on the left and to the right the glitter is in the color "Kicks."

Out of the three, I thought this color was the prettiest, but was one of the harder one's to build. I am guessing this because it is lighter than the other's. I love the two shade's of blue together, kind of gives me a "Frozen" vibe. I bet it would look really cool under a UV light.

(click if you want to enlarge picture)

Nail polish is in the color "Diana" on the left and to the right the glitter is in the color "Star."

I thought this one was the most unique out of the three. The polish has Christmas tinsel like pieces in the polish, and then putting the light pink/silver glitter on top, makes it pop that much more. 

Electroglam Mascara

"Give your look a jolt of electric colour, with this limited-edition trio of ultra-bold coloured mascaras for hair and lashes, in three heavily pigmented, buildable colours." 

FOR LASHES- Make a subtle statement by adding a pop of colour to the tips of your lashes, or add coats to your entire lashes for a shockingly chic look. The more the better!

AS A HAIR MASCARA- Apply to small sections of hair and swipe through for instant ELECTRIC highlights.

I think it's so neat that this is not only a mascara, but you can color your hair with it as well. It's funny, because I have been reusing mascara wands for years to highlight my hair. Finally, someone comes out with a multi-tool for lashes and hair! 

Retail Value: $16.50 (Dillard's) 

"Why Don't We Go There?" - Shock of Blue

Really enjoyed this color, and had hardly any clumping which was a plus. Show's up really great on my lashes, and was the most prominent out of the three.

"Story of My Life!" - Amped Canary Yellow

I don't know if this something I could do or wear all of the time, but I did like how it brought out this natural yellow color in the center of my eyes. I thought it looked pretty cool. 

"Does He Know?" - Pinkest Hot Pink

I apologize for the horrible application, after applying several different eye products and taking them on and off, I began to have a bunch of clumping. However, I don't think it had to do anything with the formula, just the fact that my eye makeup remover hadn't fully dried. 

Here is what the pink looked like in my hair! Very easy to apply, but make sure you let it dry or else it will end up everywhere, like it did for me. I end up blowing my hair dryer on it for about a minute to two minutes and that seemed to help a lot. 

Liquilights Glow Gloss

"Liquilights Glow Gloss sparkles brilliantly during the day and illuminates under UV black light after dark. Enriched with natural oils and vitamin E to keep your lips soft and hydrated all day and all night.

 
Gloss can be worn alone for a pop of sparkle and color, or paired with One Direction crème lipstick for a bolder look."

I like that you can see these under a UV black light, not only that but they change colors under a UV black light as well! Out of all of the sets, this one was one of my favorites because it had the best formula. It was a very creamy, non-sticky, well-made formula. 

Retail Value: $16.50 (Dillard's) 

Kiss You- Orange glitter rush lip gloss that glows to neon yellow under UV light 

Here is a swatch of the lipgloss, it was the lightest of the three and somewhat sheer. It also was very glittery!

Taken - Powerhouse glitter pink lip gloss that glows to neon orange under UV light

I love this color, and I have the perfect pink lipstick to pair it with as well. It looks great together or alone, bringing out the best with any skin tone

Through the Dark- Electric glitter poppy lip gloss that glows to neon red-orange under UV light 

Just... WOW! This color is bright, sparkly, and will definitely is a head turner. I could only imagine how it would look under a UV light. 

I think this would make a wonderful gift for a teenage girl or just someone in general who likes makeup like myself. You don't necessarily have to be a One Direction fan to enjoy these makeup kit's, but it certainly doesn't hurt!

If you would like to get more info about this kit and keep up with the makeup line, they have a facebook page you can go to located here: 

https://www.facebook.com/MakeupbyOneDirection

You can get this kit at Macy's, Stage Stores, Dillards, Beauty Brands, and Lord & Taylor. You may be able to find it else where but please make sure you buy it from a trusted retailer!

Overall Product Score: 4.0*

Let me know below what your thoughts are about the new One Direction Makeup Kits! I want to know, which one is YOUR favorite!? I would love to hear your feedback rather it be a question or comment. Thanks so much for reading, and be on the lookout for more great reviews!

XOXO.

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