Ipsy - February 2015

(click to enlarge)

Hello There! I hope everyone is having a WARM day, my has it been cold lately! I just received my Ipsy bag for the month of February, and I am excited to share with you what I received. This month's theme was "Ipsy Love." It was one of my favorite by far in some time!

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 was very fitting with love and Valentine's Day. Pink all over with some touches of grey in diamond shapes. 

Let's see what I got in my bag this month...

GlamGlow Brightmud Eye Treatment - "BRIGHTMUD® Single-Use Sealed Chrome Cells with TAPWipe™ Bioactive Technology. The World's First TAP ON + WIPE OFF Reverse Action Under Eye & Orbital Eye Treatment. Designed for Instant 3-Minute Results. For Men & Women of All Ages and All Skin Types. BRIGHTMUD® for your New Super Bright Super Sexy Eyes."

Key Benefits:
    • Brightens
    • Fights dark circles, lines, and puffiness
    • Say “bye bye” to tired eyes!

It says each Ipster is suppose to receive two of these, for some reason I only received one. I did e-mail them though, so hopefully I will still get a second one. That being said, I did try the one I had tonight and it worked really well! My eye felt smoother, and looked more awake. I will say though on the negative side, I had some slight burning underneath my eye. I am not sure if this normal, but hey what's 3 minutes compared to beautiful eyes? ha-ha. 

Full Size Price: $69 (for 12, each one cost's $5.75)

City Color Creamy Lip Stain in "Flirtini" - "A hybrid between a lipstick and gloss, our Creamy Lip Stain is a new kind of lip product that applies smooth and creamy like a gloss and sets with a matte finish. This creamy lip stain gives your lips long lasting color while keeping lips moisturized. Available in 6 fun flirty shades."

The formula is really quite interesting. It goes on like a lipgloss, but has a creamy texture like a lipstick. I like it though, and look forward to trying the other colors as well. This one is a nice light pink color.

Full Size Price: $4.99 (FULL SIZE!)

Demeter Fragrance Library "First Love" - "First Love is an irresistible, unique and unusual light floral combination of lemon zest, jasmine, honeysuckle, water lotus and white rose. Demeter launched First Love several years ago, exclusively in South Korea, and it was so good that they just had to share it. "

I'm pretty sure if "love" was made it a fragrance, this is pretty dead on. It's full of flowers and sweet scents, and I really like it. It's something I can see wearing everyday even. I've had one other scent from Demeter Fragrance Library, I believe it was a beach scent. They are really dead on with their fragrances, and can truly make anything out of the ordinary smell great and wearable.

Full Size Price (.29 oz): $10 (FULL SIZE!)

ModelCo Blush Cheek Powder in "Peach Bellini" -"ModelCo’s BLUSH Cheek Powder creates a beaming, rosy glow to brighten every complexion. The micronized color pigments and luxurious, pressed powder delivers a sheer, natural radiance that lasts all day."

I was really happy with the color I received. I don't have many peach color blushes, but I am starting to think maybe I should start buying more. With my really light complexion it just makes my skin glow!

They have the other blushes for $22. However, they do not sell "Peach Bellini" separately, so I can't really give you an exact price. The 3-piece set with the blush is in the link by clicking above and is $30.

China Glaze Nail Lacquer in "Marry A Millionaire" - "Give your manicure a dazzling finish with China Glaze Marry A Millionaire nail lacquer. This rich amethyst lacquer with multi-tonal fibers features differently sized and shaped glitter particles cleverly combined to create a sexy, super decadent, 3-D finish. China Glaze’s unique lacquers contain China Clay as a nail hardener, the same material that gives porcelain its shiny finish. "

I did a little research on this particular color, and it's actually from a collection called the "Eye Candy Collection." You can check out reviews about the full collection by going here: Nails By Kayla Shevonne. It has a really pretty purple & blue finish, and I think it will be so pretty as a topper or just alone.

Full Size Price: $5.00 (VIA Amazon) FULL SIZE!

BONUS ITEMS

Bonus item's are items you get for redeeming points that you earn from reviewing the products, sharing, and referring on Ipsy.

Figs & Rouge Rose Berry Hand Cream - Figs & Rouge Shea Butter Enriched Limited Edition Hand Creams are deliciously fragrant & indulgent. These delectable creams soften, nourish & thoroughly pamper hands throughout the day, quickly absorbing to provide super-soft skin. Apply Figs & Rouge Hand Cream onto your hands and massage into skin throughout the day as needed. 

I enjoyed the other scent they made so much, that I just had to try the Rose Berry. I am glad I did, because it smells amazing! 

Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloths (10 Count) - "When you're too tired to deal with the whole cleanser and wash cloth routine, these on-the-go foaming cloths are the ultimate skin savior. Infused with Icelandic glacial waters and beneficial natural extracts, they sweep away makeup, dirt, oil and other impurities while refreshing and soothing stressed skin. Best of all, there's no water required. It has a clean scent, never tacky. Great for travel or every day!"

I've used and blogged about these many times before. They are just a great all around face wipe, and is great if you are on the go or just having a lazy makeup day! I highly recommend these if you enjoy using makeup wipes.

Eva Nyc Mane Tamer Leave-In Cream - "The Mane Tamer Leave In Cream is the ultimate leave in conditioner that softens hair while taming frizz and fly-aways. Argan Oil provides nourishment and hydration while Keravis Protein strengthens hair. The result is touchable, soft and smooth hair. For all hair types."

This is the first time I have ever tried Eva Nyc, but I am really liking it so far. I used it for the first time last night, and it left my hair so soft (not oily!). It also did great at taming frizz down when I straightened it. I can't wait to see how my hair does with it over time. 

This month was really wonderful, and one of my favorites! What do you think about this month's Ipsy "Ipsy Love?" 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,

Olfactif - Coming Home Collection

Hello Everyone!   Before I begin... I just want to say if you ever need anything or have a question about something the fastest way to get in touch with me is through my e-mail: allurebyamy@gmail.com.                                        I love connecting with my readers, and even if I don't connect with you one on one each day, your thoughts and opinions matter!

That being said, I have a wonderful new subscription company I am excited to share with you. Olfactif was the first to come out of it's kind, and I had the chance to try out December's - "Coming Home" collection. 

What is Olfactif?

According to their site...

"Around the first of each month, we send subscribers some of the finest and hardest-to-find perfume samples from niche artists around the world. Our samples aren't those tiny vials you get at the department store; we give you 2.25 ml of each scent in a glass spray vial, and each vial has enough for 15 - 20 wearings.

That's not all—we also give you an $18 credit to put toward a full bottle of a featured scent, every month. We also indulge your curiosity about scent with great content about the featured artists and their stories, plus lots of fascinating info on the science of smell.

What is niche perfume?
Niche perfume is hard to find, unless you happen to live in New York or Paris. Unlike the companies that make mainstream scents, the people who make niche perfume aren't obsessed with conforming to trends and mimicking last year's best sellers. They value creativity and originality, and they make things you'd never smell on department store counters. And with the contrasts and complexities you'll find in these perfumes, they just make the act of smelling a lot more fun. And isn't that why we're here in the first place?"

I love that you not only get a great deluxe size vial of each perfume, but if you like the perfume you get an $18 credit towards a full bottle. This is a pretty awesome benefit in my opinion. 

If you wish to check out all of their perfumes they currently have for sale you can go here: Shop Olfactif. 

Their subscription service is $18/month. The longer you subscribe the more you save. If you sign up for a year it is only $15/month. To subscribe to the Olfactif Subscription Service you can go here: http://www.olfactif.com/products/subscriptions

The Perfume/My Thoughts

I absolutely love the packaging that you receive each month. It's a slide out box, but the way it slides out makes it feel sort of magical the way the "Olfactif" sign reveals the vials.

Each box you generally receive 3 different vials of perfume of 2.25 ml of the scent, UNLESS you get a high dollar value or rare perfume then it may be a little less. You will see in my third sample what I mean by that.

In the "Coming Home" collection the common theme I noticed was vanilla, which is wonderful for me because it's my favorite scent! I believe they try and allocate a theme each month, which I also thought was pretty neat. 

Vanille - DSH Perfumes

Bright gourmand vanilla

Notes: Lemon, bergamot, heliotrope, jasmine, Australian, sandalwood, French vanilla, benzoin Siam, Madagascar vanilla absolute. 

This one for me one probably the lightest of the three. It was very light and sweet. It reminded me of vanilla cupcakes. I thoroughly enjoy it, and it is very wholesome.

Price For Full Size: $70

Black Flower Mexican Vanilla - Dame Perfumery Scottsdale

Dark, dry, boozy vanilla

Notes: Mexican vanilla absolute, lemon, grapefruit, caramel, nutmeg, gardenia, jasmine, sandalwood, patchouli, vetiver, musk, tonka.

This one was definitely a darker and stronger vanilla compared to the others. It wasn't my favorite compared to the others, but it is slowly growing on me. The more I wear it; the more I am starting to like it.

Price for Full Size: $65

Lira - Xerjoff

Hypnotic, caramelized floral-vanilla

Notes: Blood orange, bergamot, lavender, Bulgarian rose, Egyptian jasmine, cinnamon, licorice, vanilla, caramel.

On the card it says, "due to the precious nature of the ingredients, your sample of Lira contains 1.75 ml." In other words, this perfume is expensive! ha-ha. 

So you can see how much less you get, I compared it to the other two...

I don't mind getting less of a perfume if that means trying a rarer or more expensive perfume, as long as it isn't an every month sort of thing. Which from what I've seen from others, I don't believe it is. 

Not to mention it was my FAVORITE of the three. It is the most amazing perfume I have ever smelled, and I can honestly say I have found my new favorite perfume. Even more so than my previous favorite perfume which was Halle Berry - Exotic Jasmine. However, unless I start making some big bucks soon, I will have to use my sample sparingly. I am happy that I got to try this wonderful concoction. 

Price for Full Size: $345

 What do you think about Olfactif? Do you think you could benefit from this perfume subscription service? I love hearing your questions/comments, so feel free to leave them below.

XOXO,

Epica 3-Piece Ash Bucket Set

Hello Everyone! 

Today, I want to talk to about an on going problem I have been having this winter, and thought maybe I would not only offer this solution I discovered, but a great one at that. 

As you can see above we have an indoor fireplace. While we love it, the most annoying part is the fact that it leaves behind a lot of ashes. My husband use to put the ashes in an old shipping box, and thus the problem began. One time the box even fell apart! Not only was it messy, but the ashes would create dust in the air making my allergies worse. Then one day, it's like angels came down from above when I saw it...the Epica 3-Piece Ash Bucket Set!

What I love about the Epica 3-Piece Ash Bucket set is that not only is it useful, but it looks great in my home as well. It's a very sleek design, and you can just tell once you take it out the box it's made of quality.

The first thing I noticed was how much it holds! It is a 6-gallon bucket, leaving plenty of room for multiple fires. Which is great so I won't have to go outside everyday to empty it, on those weeks I decide to light it everyday.

The next thing I noticed was the handle. There is just something about it that gives the bucket set that extra added touch of class. I also like that it has ridges designed for your hand, making it easier to carry.

You are also provided a shovel with a 4.5"W scoop and maneuverable 12.5" long handle. It complements the color of the bucket, along with my other fireplace items. Once you're done using it, it easily fits back in place in the storage pocket on the side of the bucket for next time.

If you wish to purchase this product you can currently purchase it on Amazon right now for $29.95 (free shipping for Prime members) by going HERE.

If you have a fireplace, I think this is a must have item! It's not only useful, but it looks great with any fireplace. Seriously, I'll take one of these over a box any day! ha-ha.

What do you think about Epica's 3-Piece Ash Bucket Set? Is this something that either you could use, or someone you know could use? I love hearing your questions/comments, so feel free to leave them below!

XOXO,

599fashion.com - Clothing Review

Hello Everyone! I am excited to bring you a wonderful clothing review that sounds too good to be true, but it's NOT! It's quite wonderful, so wonderful in fact that I just had to test it out for myself. Now that I have I am absolutely hooked, and I must share my big secret with the world! Don't get me wrong, I love my Kate Spade and Michael Kors just like the next girl. However, if I can save money and look good while doing it then, why not? 599 Fashion, has not only amazing prices but amazing clothing as well.

What You Need To Know

From their site...

About our merchandise
The merchandise we sell is high quality and 100% brand new items. Our items have never been worn, and are not store returns or damages. We buy our merchandise directly from local manufacturers all around the world but mostly from right here in Los Angeles, CA, where we are based out of.  

Items limited
We buy all of our merchandise from the original manufacturer, however due to the unique scenario of the deals we buy sometimes merchandise we receive will vary from thousands of pieces to some items only few pieces. So for the most part most of the merchandise sells out fairly quick. If you like an item grab it quick, the items sell out fast.

Sizes

We receive merchandise from a lot of different manufacturers, the size run varies slightly depending on the manufacturer and style. This is the reason why we offer a hassle free return/exchange policy. If you are not satisfied with any item you receive from us you can definitely request to return the merchandise.

My Experience with the Return Policy

I've actually been wanting to do this review for about a month, however I had a bit of an issue with the clothes I received the first time fitting. 

Before we get into my customer service experience here is what you should know - I have noticed that the sizes (in my opinion) run a tad small. Not all of them do just the particular ones I dealt with. I will admit I have a strange body shape, so this is not the first time I have had an issue with clothing. This may not happen to you at all. My winning combination was picking a particular model the second time that I knew fit me, and then picking clothes that she modeled. You can though return the clothes as many times as you need, until you are happy and get the right fit.

Now about my experience with customer service...their customer service is AH-mazing! Note: The person who handled my case, did not know I was a blogger. 

The first time I had to return the clothing I filled out a report of what I needed to return, what I wanted to do with the clothing, (you can get a credit, your money back, or an exchange) and which clothing I wanted instead. Then it took a couple of days for them to get back to me, and sent me a return label to print up. I had already had a return bag with my order, so I didn't need to buy one. I then returned my order, and a couple weeks later my new order came. I didn't have not one issue with returning the clothing, and the whole time I talked to them through email they were very nice and considerate. 

I love knowing that when I do get something I need to exchange or if it's not up to par with my expectations, 599 Fashion will do everything humanly possible to fix it. For me that says a lot, and is half the reason why I will continue to shop with them.

The Clothing

As I have mention in the "what you need to know" section, the clothing sells out fast as well as restocks fast! So, while I won't individually review each item. I will say the clothing is of amazing quality. All the clothing is ALWAYS, $5.99 or less. I would highly recommend giving them a try.

It is just as good and on par with a Ross or one of your independent boutique's. I especially loved the dress with the flower's on it below, it felt like someone handmade it with such high quality. I also thought the black pullover, also known as the "bat-winged" pullover was very high fashion.

To purchase from 599 Fashion you can do so by going here: http://www.599fashion.com/. 

Remember everything is $5.99 and below!

CLICK BELOW TO SEE THE OUTFIT'S FOR THIS REVIEW:

    Allure By Amy - 599Fashion.com Photo's


I want to know! What do you think about 599 Fashion? Is this a site you could see buying from? Have any questions/comments feel free to leave them below! Remember to Stay Beautiful, by STAYING YOU!

XOXO,

Quality Source Products - Blue Landscape Laser Light

I don't know about you, but I know I am always looking for easier and better ways to do things. So when I discovered the Garden Laser Light from Quality Source Products, I knew it was something that would make my life easier. It's not only great for decoration during holidays, but it's great for lighting up dark area's so you can see.

About The Product

(click to enlarge)

The Garden Laser Light is not only waterproof, but energy efficient as well. It can project thousands of little lights from hundreds of yards away. It comes in several different colors: red & green, green, and the magnificent blue color I received. They can be used for outdoor gardens, on the lawn, water surface, on the house, and holiday decorations just to name a few. It covers big area's that your typical outdoor light's can't. 

Up above is the contents you receive. The light is adjustable, and you also receive a stake to put it in the ground. Then it will look like the picture below.

Here are some pictures of the other light's if you wanted to see how the red and green ones looked:

Depending on which light you choose the price  (currently on sale) is anywhere from $99.88-$79.88. The blue light which is the more expensive one is $99.88. To check out the prices or purchase the product on Amazon, you can go here to do so: BUY Landscape Laser Lights

My Thoughts

I was really amazed at the strength and power of this laser light. To test it - I have a convenient store across the street from me, and was amazed that from that far away you were able to see the thousand of points. I also tested it on our pool in our backyard. If hung right, I think it would make an amazing light to swim at night.

Not only does it shoot really far away, but it illuminates a big space as well. I am able to light up my entire house with just this one light. Could you imagine putting up your Christmas lights by using one light? I certainly will be doing it this year, as it is so much safer than having my husband trying to hang icicles from our house. I only wish I had known about these sooner! For the price I think it is very reasonable. It is of high quality and I know that it will last for years to come.

It was a little difficult for me to get a great picture of the lights because of the camera I used, but here is my house lit up by the laser lighting system. Guess we can finally take the ladder down, no more putting up and taking down lights anymore! ha-ha.

What do you think about the Quality Source Laser Light? Would this be something you could use? I love hearing your questions/comments, so feel free to leave them below!

XOXO,

Day By Day Beauty - Luxury Blotting Paper

Day By Day Beauty has just hit the market, and I feel as a small business they are a force to be reckoned with. Their Luxury Blotting Paper keeps you feeling refreshed and looking your best all day with or without makeup, that any sex can benefit from. With a few companies out there with this product already, I wanted to know what set's this brand and its product apart?

Who is Day By Day Beauty?

From their site...

Our Promise to You. We are More Than Another Beauty Company.

"Day By Day Beauty strives to set itself apart from the large beauty product conglomerations by being and remaining the small, personalized company that it started as. Customer Service will always be our top priority.  We want well informed customers so that the trust you have in us is genuine. Day By Day Beauty is available to answer questions and rectify any problems that may come up for our customers from all facets of the business. That includes the ordering process, shipping and handling of the product, and the utilization of the product. We will conduct follow up emails and may even phone to ensure the process from discovering to using the product is a comfortable one for the customer and to see where improvements can be made."

What to Expect with Day By Day Beauty...

Watch the video below to see what you can expect from the brand:

To learn more about the brand, check out their products, or to connect, check out their site by going to their official site located here: 

Day By Day Beauty Official

The Product/My Thoughts

From their site...

"If you've tried ordinary blotting tissues before, you'll notice the premium feel & satisfying clean feel with Day by Day Beauty's #1 Blotting Papers right away. From start to finish these face blotting sheets are made of premium-grade, natural pulp fiber that quickly absorbs unwanted oil - without disturbing your makeup"

The first thing I noticed about the Day By Day Blotting Paper is the texture of the papers. I have used blotting paper in the past and sometimes they can be really thin and tear easily, these aren't like that though. 

They also hold a TON of oil! Usually, it would take me two or three on a summer day. However, with these I only have to use one. Below is a picture showing the oil it absorbed. My first thought: EWWW! My next thought: WOW!!

(click to enlarge)

My other favorite thing about the Day By Day Beauty Blotting Paper is that it comes in a two-pack with 100 sheets each! Meaning I can stick one in my purse, and leave the other on my vanity. 

These are currently available on Amazon right now for $9.95 (2 packs of a 100 sheets each) which to me is a steal, considering I have spent $12 on a pack of premium blotting papers in the past. Also, if you have prime, shipping is free! To purchase these you can go here: 

BUY Day By Day Beauty Blotting Paper

What do you think about Day By Day Beauty Luxury Blotting Paper? I love hearing your questions/comments, so feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading, and until next time STAY BEAUTIFUL by STAYING YOU!

XOXO,