Top 5 Favorite Discoveries from IPSY!

Today I want to share with you the amazing products I have discovered through IPSY! Ipsy is a company created by Michelle Phan, who is a well-known YouTube "makeup guru". (I really hate that term!) For $10 a month, you receive 5 beauty products in a (sometimes) cute makeup bag. You get a combination of full size and sample size products. For me, ipsy is such a steal at $10 a month. Do you always get high-end makeup? No. Most of the time you don't get what matches your profile either. But again, I can't complain for $10. I didn't think that I had a lot of new favorites from ipsy, but when I sat down and made the list, I realized that I loved a lot more than I originally thought I did. So here are my five favorite ipsy discoveries!

Price: $10 a month
From their website: "Each month, subscribers will receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using. All for only $10 a month."

NUMBER 5 - PACIFICA ROLLER BALL PERFUME

May 2013

Ok - so ever since I have been subscribed to ipsy, they have had a ton of variations in the products that go into their bags. They used to have maybe one or 2 items that would vary between people, but now, there are tons of different variations in products. For example - this month there were twenty different products! Out of those 20, you receive five based on your profile. ANYWAY, I ended up trading this perfume (not a vanilla fan), but it is on here because it started my Pacifica obsession! I have bought solid perfumes, body wash, lotion, and soap from this company since getting it in my Glam Bag! Look for Pacifica products at your local Target or TJ Maxx!

NUMBER 4 - PIXI BRONZER in Subtly Suntouched

November 2013

When I heard we were getting this product - in NOVEMBER - I was a little peeved. First of all, I already have a bronzer that I use and love. Second, it's winter!! No one wants to look like an oompa loompa! Then I tried this bronzer. It is very very subtle on my skin but gives a very nice glow. It's actually a perfect winter bronzer. It looks more like a blush than a bronzer, but once you put it on you can see that it is more tan than pink. Definitely a great product!

NUMBER 3 - MICHAEL TODD TRUE ORGANICS JOJOBA CHARCOAL EXFOLIATING SCRUB

August 2013

One of my favorite things about ipsy is that if you get something you don't want - you can head to the trade boards over at Makeup Talk and trade someone for something you DO want! That is actually how I ended up with at least 2 of my 5 favorites! This is one of those items. I received the pumpkin mask, but after hearing that it wasn't good for sensitive skin, I traded it for the jojoba scrub. I was so happy with the scrub that I traded again for another one, so I ended up with two! I have since purchased the full size from the MT website. I love that this scrub is gentle and ok to use on sensitive and/or acne prone skin. I definitely recommend to anyone who is in need of a good scrub!

NUMBER 2 - JESSE'S GIRL WATERPROOF LIQUID EYELINER

September 2013

I have never been able to find an HG liquid eyeliner pen - but this little guy is now the winner! I did not receive this in my bag - but was able to set up a trade for it, and I am SO GLAD I did! Even though this item is pretty cheap ($6.99 at RiteAid), I still wanted to be sure I liked it before I bought it. And I LOVE IT. It has a super slim tip that applies the product without tugging at your eyelids. It's super easy to make a thin line with it. At $6.99, this product is a total steal and has since become a staple in my daily makeup routine!

NUMBER 1 - COASTAL SCENTS MEDIUM SHADOW BRUSH

October 2013

The reason why this is my number one pick is because when I got this in my Glam Bag, I was just starting to really get into shadow brushes. I only had really cheap ones before this. I know, these brushes are actually REALLY cheap, but they also work really well. I loved how if felt when I held it and when I applied my eyeshadow. I ended up ordering a whole bunch of shadow brushes shortly after receiving this one. I love them and I use them every day! I cannot recommend these brushes enough. They run from $1.95 - $5.95 each on the Coastal Scents website. I recently places a second order of brushes from them, due to arrive this week!

I think the reason that I love ipsy SO MUCH is that they always have a huge variety of products, and if you aren't happy with what you get - just trade it! I have never had a problem setting up a trade, even for the most coveted items in each month's bag. I also feel like you can't really go wrong with $10 bucks a month either. It fits my budget well and I don't plan on stopping any time soon!

If you would like to try out ipsy for $10 a month - here is my referral link: ipsy YAY!

What products have you loved from your ipsy bag?? Let me know!

 

 

Top 5 Favorite Discoveries from Glossybox!

Hello lovely ladies!

I'm back today with some of my very favorite discoveries from one of my subscription boxes - Glossybox! My love for subscription boxes started several years ago when I first heard about Birchbox. I think I saw it in a magazine or something - so I subscribed to Birchbox for a year. I really loved the idea of getting samples in the mail every month! Once my subscription ran out I didn't renew, but ended up getting a 3-month sub gifted to me for Christmas last year. It reignited my love for getting samples in the mail, so I went and searched for other subs like it. Man, was I missing out not knowing that there were TONS of other boxes like Birchbox!

I did a lot of research on which boxes would suit me best, and I decided on Glossybox. I started subbing in March 2013. After a month or so, I was sucked into the subscription box vortex and decided to get ipsy. I received my first ipsy bag in May 2013. So far, I've loved different things about both boxes, even though they are very different. I've discovered some really amazing products in both boxes! Here are my five favorite discoveries from Glossybox!

Price: $21/month

From their website:  "A beautiful box full with beauty treats - GLOSSYBOX is the perfect beauty surprise - for friends, loved ones, even yourself! For $21 per month, you’ll get a beautifully wrapped box containing five deluxe-sized beauty products delivered directly to your doorstep.”

 

NUMBER 5 - TIGI GLOW BLUSH

April 2013

I really like this blush. I wasn't expecting to, but it is actually really pretty. I usually only wear matte blush, and this one has some shimmer to it. I used it a ton this summer.

NUMBER 4 - c.Booth Dry Oil Mist

June 2013

This stuff is AMAZING! Another product I used a ton this past summer. You can spray it on when you get out of the shower and it absorbs quickly. It leaves your skin feeling hydrated and smelling heavenly! I was also excited to find this brand at my nearest Target, so it's affordable and easy to find!

NUMBER 3 - SUE DEVITT TRIPLE C-WEED PRESSED POWDER

August 2013

When I first got this powder and tried it, I really didn't like it. It was much thicker than any other pressed powder I had ever tried. After playing around with it a few times, I realized that on a good skin day I could wear this without any foundation, which was PERFECT for hot summer days! I am now using it to set my under eye concealer on a daily basis. 

NUMBER 2 - BVLGARI EAU PARFUMEE AU THE VERT

October 2013

This may actually be tied with my number one product for most favorite Glossbox find. The only reason it is in the #2 spot is because my number one gets used everyday - and this baby I use only sparingly! I am beyond obsessed with this perfume - it is absolutely perfect! It's main note is green tea, but it also has notes of jasmine, orange, bergamot, and rose. I set up a trade for a second sample bottle - so I have 2 of these little guys hanging around. Just enough for me to save up and buy the full size. (Am I the only one who hates shelling out an arm and a leg for a tiny bottle of perfume?!)

NUMBER ONE - Tarte Lights, Camera, FLASHES mascara

October 2013

Uhg you guys - this MASCARA! I have a love affair with mascara...I want ALL the mascaras all the time. I wasn't sold after my first try, but after a few days of getting used to the brush and applying this, I haven't used another mascara since! I do love my drug store mascaras, too. This stuff is just SO GOOD. I am so glad that they sent us the full size!

So those are my top 5 favorite discoveries from Glossybox so far! I am currently subscribed month-to-month, so we will see what the future holds for me in terms of boxes I will actually buy this year. I WILL say that for me, it seems like the collaboration boxes are definitely the best ones they put out. My 2 favorites so far were the Dallas Shaw box and the Byrdie box. 

Stay tuned for my ipsy favorites!!!

 

 

*NEW* Subscription Box - Bondi New York!

I had to remove this post because of the CRAZY TRAIN that ended up being the Bondi Subscription box. Basically, they took everyone's money, never manufactured the polishes that we purchased, canceled everyone's boxes, then refused to refund MANY people. If you'd like to read one person's account - check this Ripoff Report.

Complaint Review: Bondi New York

So the boxes I originally posted, they were the only boxes that ever came. I got refunded for about $30 for my remaining 2 months, but did not receive my $16 back for an extra box purchased. I stopped trying to get my money back after several attempts.

If you want to know more - just search Google for "Bondi New York" and lots of things will come up!

Summer Faves!

Heyyy there!

Today I want to share with you some of the products that I have been LOVING this summer! They aren't specifically "summer" products, but they have been amazing products for me. I cannot say enough good things about them! I love to recommend products, especially if they help solve a problem I am currently having. So here they are!

Current Problem: Acne

This is something that is always hard to admit, but it's something I have dealt with my entire life. I have acne. Over the years it has taken many different shapes, and sometimes I luck out and get rid of it for a prolonged period of time. My face was doing great for over a year, then suddenly this past January I started to struggle with acne again, in a MAJOR way. I was getting really bad cystic acne, mostly along my jawline and on my chin. I was trying everything. I even tried the oil cleansing method, after weeks of research. (It was this blog that really sold me on the idea...) That pretty much turned out to be the worst decision of my life! It made my skin so bad. I've spent 4 months trying to recover from it, and I have to say that I finally have it under control. The secret (and solution) ended up being to STOP USING ACNE PRODUCTS. I was drowning my skin in all sorts of medicines and chemicals and it protested by breaking out even more. Here are the 2 best products that helped me recover from half a year of cystic acne.

Mario Badescu Skin Care

I had heard about this line of products from a few different vloggers, but I figured it would just be like every other line of skin care I've tried...aka it wouldn't ever live up to it's promises. I was really disappointed in the Juice Beauty Acne line, which didn't work for me. I originally started using the Acne Facial Cleanser, but ended up switching to the Enzyme Cleansing Gel. These products have literally saved my face! I am so glad that I gave them a chance. I don't think I will ever use anything else. One thing I really loved about this brand is that you can go to their website and fill out a quiz before you decide to buy anything. The quiz will recommend what products to get for the skin issues you are having, and in a couple short weeks a package will appear on your doorstep with samples of all of the products! You get to try them all out before you commit to buying anything. To me, that shows they are confident in the effectiveness of their products. Click HERE to take the quiz and try them out for yourself!

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Anti-Aging Peel Treatments

Ok, so this product is very "out of the box" for me. It was recommended by a skin care specialist at Sephora when I told her about my acne issues. She gave me a free sample, and when she told me the price of this product, I thought "there is NO WAY I am paying for that!" I decided to try the product anyway, thinking that it wouldn't really do anything for me. It wasn't even meant to treat acne anyway, but she described it as "resetting your skin's pH levels to help combat acne and other issues". I was pretty much hooked after just one treatment. The 14 Day challenge box is $45, which is steep. She recommended that I try to use it twice a week, because every day would be way too much. I think I've actually really only used it once a week since I bought the pack. I still have well over half the box left.

Current Problem: Oily Skin

This is actually a LIFELONG problem for me, which I combat by using hundreds of oil blotting sheet! Anything else that I can find that will help keep the oiliness at bay is a plus.

Revlon ColorStayWhipped Foundation

Let's be honest here, I am definitely NOT a drugstore foundation type of girl. I love my stila and Benefit foundations, but I do NOT love the price tag. When I started watching a lot of beauty vloggers, I started hearing a lot about Revlon and how much they love their products. I decided to give it a try. I started with the ColorStay Liquid Foundation, which I liked until I discovered this product! The first time I wore it, I was impressed with how well it controlled my oil. I think I only had to use one oil sheet that day! I also noticed how when I got home from work, it still looked like I had makeup on! I was so impressed. Ever since that day it's been difficult for me to wear anything else. I am constantly reaching for my Revlon. The only thing that is a drawback is that it can feel sort of heavy on your skin. When the heat wave rolled through last week I had to switch to my BB cream because I just couldn't stand the feeling of ANYTHING on my face.

Current Problem: Dark Circles

Seriously, I HATE getting older! Not only have I started to see very fine lines showing up under my eyes, my dark circles have been out of control! I have very dark colored veins, which is part of the problem. It can be a you-know-what to cover up those circles though. I originally purchased Hard Candy Glamoflauge to cover up the circles. It worked pretty well, but by the end of the day it always settled into my fine lines and I couldn't deal with it anymore. I still think the product is great, just not right for my own personal under eye area. So here is what I found that seems to work better for me.

 Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer

I decided that I needed a concealer with some highlighting effect to it, and this has been what's worked best for me! Since nothing completely covers my dark circles, if I have something that highlights then they don't show as much. As you can see, I'm already on my second one.

Current Problem: Chipped Nail Polish

Ohhh nails. I love you but I hate you sometimes too! My nails seem to dislike most polish formulas. I am also very rough on my hands and nails so my polish tends to chip very quickly. Here are my solutions to chipped polish!

Bondi Nail Polish

To combat chipping, you have to have a GOOD nail polish. I'm a big fan of Zoya, and now I've found another brand with amazing formula. Unless you get Glossybox, you may not be familiar with Bondi New York. I'll save you the drama (unless you want to hear about it - read all about it HERE) but basically we were supposed to get a Bondi polish in our June boxes, but it didn't happen. In light of this, the owner of Bondi kept us all informed as to what was happening and also offered GB subscribers multiple discounts and specials on their polishes. Turns out they have the greatest customer service on the face of the planet, and everyone was just so thrilled by that that we all bought polish! I am so glad that I did! It is the best formula I have used in a LONG time. I had on the silver for SEVEN DAYS without chipping! It was unreal.

Glisten & Glow HK Girl Fast Dry Topcoat

There are no words to describe HOW MUCH I love this topcoat. I ordered 2 bottles during the winter, and I refuse to use anything else. Most people love Seche Vite, but I am not a fan at all. All it ever did was make all my polish shrink up and get too thick to use about halfway through the bottle. This stuff is totally my HG topcoat and I will continue to use it as long as I can get it! (You have to buy it online, it isn't sold in stores. If you are interested in trying, click here!)

Current Problem: Pale Skin

I know for most people, the solution would be easy - get outside and tan! But alas, this is not my answer. I have very sensitive skin and I burn very easily. I have to wear sunscreen everywhere! I'm also not the biggest fan of just sitting outside and sweating while I'm trying to get a tan. It's just not my thing. I'd much rather get my color out of a bottle - as long as it doesn't look orange! Here is what I have been using this summer.

St. Tropez One Night Only Instant Glow Body Lotion

As much as I hate tanning, I do like to have some color during the summer months, especially if I am wearing shorts or a dress. This is the answer to my problem! You put it on and it stays put until you wash it off in the shower! It doesn't wipe off when you sweat or on your sheets when you sleep. It's a great product for anyone who wants just a little color instantly!

I hope you decide to try out some of these products - ESPECIALLY if you find yourself having any of the same problems that I've been having! 

Let me know what you think about these products!

 

 

Ipsy My Glam bag - July 2013!

Another month...another Ipsy bag!

Ipsy has easily turned into my FAVORITE subscription "box". Even though I don't always love every product each month, I feel like I get the most use out of the products that ipsy sends. Even if it's something I haven't tried before, I always find myself wanting to try everything! Here is what I recieved in my bag this month!

July My Glam bag contents:

• Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray
• Coola Rose Essence Tinted Moisturizer
• BH Cosmetics California Collection Eyeshadow Sample
• Pop Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon in Fuschia Flirt
• Nailtini nail polish in Mai Tai
  
  
  My thoughts:
  HealthySexyHair Beach Spray
  I haven't had much luck in the past with sea sprays or texturizing sprays, but I decided to give this one a try anyway. It's a great brand so why not! Honestly, it didn't do much for my hair. It looked poofy and messy, but it did give it some volume and texture. I threw some curls in it after it dried and I'm liking the way it looks! 
  
  
  Coola Tinted Moisturizer
  I received a sample of Coola from a trade, and I liked it so I was excited when I found out I was getting the tinted version. When it comes out of the tube, it looks promising:
  
  When I put it on my face, the color just magically disappeared! I didn't want to use a ton of it, because it looked a little oily and I already have very oily skin. So this product was just ok for me. I'll definitely finish the little sample tube of it.
  
  
  BH Cosmetics Eyeshadow Sample
  If you know me, you know how much I LOVE my eyeshadow! I love to play with the colors and blend them to make new colors. You can never have enough eyeshadow! I know some people were complaining that the color payoff wasn't very good, but I didn't have any problems with it. I found that applying it with a sponge applicator vs. a brush helped a lot. The color went on more vibrant with a sponge. Another plus is that I am constantly using browns and purples on my brown eyes, so it was a win for me!
  Pop Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon in Fuschia Flirt
  I don't think ipsy understands how many of these crayons/balms/stains I have picked up recently from subs and the store. I'm swimming in lip crayons! I wasn't too excited about this, but I *DID* want to try it! I definitely don't have a color like this. It's basically Barbie pink on my lips! I would have liked it better if it were more fuschia than pink, but what can you do! I'm sure I will find some way to use it!
  Nailtini nail polish in Mai Tai
  I wasn't sure if I was going to keep this or not, but once I saw the color I just had to try it out! It dries a little darker on your fingers than it looks in the bottle. I have to say that even though I'm pretty pale, it looks good on my fingers! I did top it off with a coat of N3 Coral Reef because I can't just wear nail polish without some design or bling!
  
  Overall - I'm happy with my bag this month! I always think it's well worth the $10 I spend on it. Thanks for another great month, ipsy!
  
  
  Here is my completed look using my products from this month!
  
  
  

 What did you get in your ipsy bag this month?? Were you happy?! Comment to let me know!

June 2013 - Beauty Box 5

Happy Sunday!!

Yesterday I received my first ever Beauty Box 5 box. I was excited to see that little teal box in my mailbox! I had seen a couple spoilers online, but I was unsure as to how many different box variations they usually have. With ipsy and Birchbox, there are often dozens or more variations. After a little bit of digging, I found that there were only two variations with BB5.

Here is my first ever Beauty Box 5!

My box contained:

• Coolway Shampoo & Conditioner
• Just Being Sexy Body Bronzer (2 packets)
• Minxxette Brush Hanger
• Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Facial Soap

Coolway Cool Cleanse Shampoo and Cool Hydrate Conditioner - 1oz each

I know a lot of people are not very excited to get shampoo and conditioner in a beauty box, but I feel that these samples are a good size. I also like that they gave everyone both the shampoo and conditioner to try together. I haven't used these yet, but I smelled the shampoo and it smells really good! It has a subtle yet fruity scent to it. I should be able to get get 3-4 uses out of the bottles, so I am looking forward to trying this.

Cost of full size product: $25.00 for 8.6oz bottle

Value of sample: $2.91 each ($5.82 total)

Just Being Sexy Body Bronzer - 8mL packets (2)

Ehh. I wasn't very excited about this product. At least they included two foil packets so that there will be enough product to try out...hopefully! From what I read on the package, I am assuming this product is very similar to St. Tropez One Night Only Instant Glow Body lotion. I own this product and I actually really love it. The Just Being Sexy claims that it won't rub off, and that it is safe for face and body. It's also made in the USA and not tested on animals! I will be looking to try this product out soon.

Cost of full size product: $49.00 for 6 fl oz

Value of sample: $2.37 each ($4.74)

   Minxxette Brush Hanger - small size

I don't really have too much to say about this product. I might use it, but having just one isn't very convenient when I have so many brushes! For those of you that have NO IDEA what on earth this product is - it's a plastic little brush holder that you hang your brush on so it can dry after you clean it. I don't really see any need for this product.

Cost of product: $4.69

Shea Terra Organics - Rose Hips Black Facial Soap - 1oz

I was SO EXCITED to get this item! This is a highly coveted product over at the Makeup Talk forums. (Shout out to my MuT ladies!!) Since I struggle with acne, this product sounds like the perfect product for me. It's supposed to lift away dead skin cells, even skin tone, firm skin, and fight acne. Sounds pretty miraculous, huh? I cannot wait to try this lovely little product!

Cost of full size product: $18.00 for 4oz

Value of sample: $4.50

Total value of box: $19.75

Overall, I was very pleased with my first box. I paid $10 for this box, so it paid for itself. I will definitely be using all of the products that came in my box this month.

What subs have you guys received recently?! I'd love to see what you're getting!!

 

Mini TJ Maxx Haul!

Today I FINALLY got my butt to TJ Maxx! I have been wanting to go for weeks, but my schedule has been crazy hectic! But today was free and clear and I made sure I got over there. My main reason for stopping there...MUST FIND PACIFICA!

Some very pretty little birdies over at Makeup Talk had mentioned seeing Pacifica items at their local TJ Maxx stores. I was skeptical because I live in Michigan, nowhere fancy, and I doubted that I would be able to find it here. But I had to try!

Here is what I came home with!

 A! Absolute Make-up Cleansing Tissues, 60 Count - $4.99

Pacifica Coconut Crushed Pearl Bronzing Body Butter - $3.99

Pacifica Coconut Crushed Pearl Luminizing Body Butter - $3.99

NYX 10 Color Eyeshadow Palette from The Runway Collection, Jazz Night - $3.99

Let's start with the NYX Eyeshadow Palette. Let me tell you, I've been on a NYX kick for quite some time now, and I still haven't gotten enough! I was very happy to see this palette. They had another color palette with darker shades and pinks. I almost bought that one too - but I stopped myself. My train case is so overloaded! 

I took a look at Google to find out how much these are going for...and they are retailing for about $10 across the internet. I paid $3.99! 60% off is a great deal in my book!

NYX 10 Color Palette in Jazz Night

Top row of shadows - 

L: indoors with flash

R: indoors with natural light

Bottom row of shadows

Top: indoors with flash

Bottom: indoors with natural lighting

Overall I feel the color payoff is GREAT! I am exciting to begin using this palette and I feel like I got a really great deal.

Next, I have what I went to TJ Maxx to look for...PACIFICA! I was really hoping to get one of these two products in my May ipsy bag, but I didn't. But that's OK! Because I have them now! If you have never heard of Pacifica, I highly recommend them! You can find a small sampling of their products in Target stores. Or you can just check your local TJ Maxx.

 On the left is the bronzing butter, the right is the luminizing butter.

Indoors with flash. I rubbed some on my arm - you can see the slight shimmer it gives.

I think for me, I am going to like the bronzing butter the best. It has gold flecks in it and gives your skin a tiny bit of color. The luminizing butter has silver shimmer in it. It is also gorgeous, and can I tell you they smell divine!

These very same butters retail on Pacifica's website for $7.00 each. I paid $3.99 each, which is a 40% savings!

I picked up the Absolute Makeup Removing Tissues on a whim. I recognized the brand from May's Glossybox (check out my review HERE) and decided to buy them, even though I was not a fan of the perfume stick I received. I still wanted to try the brand! Plus there are 60 towelettes, and for $4.99 that is a great price. I tried them out and I really like them! They are soft and very moist so they take makeup off easily. They also smell great, very citrusy! 

Looking online, these retail for about $6.99 online. Not a huge savings but still a good price in my book!

Make sure you check your local TJ Maxx for great buys on your favorite products!

What deals have you found lately??