Ipsy Series: Reviewing January

So, yeah see what had happened was....well if you're gonna listen then...lol.  I know, I know it's been forever since I've done any blogging or videos.  I'm back and I will give notice should I decide to take another hiatus.  However I was recently ill...like sicker than sick...like had me wondering for a minute.  But I'm finally back to myself, woohoo!  Now I've had plenty of time to review the January Ipsy bag.  I must say this bag was different than any of the others that I received in the past.  Honestly the first thing I noticed was...no makeup.  Hhhhmmm...now since it's months later I didn't bother to go back and shoot a video.  So you know my flow...let's get to my thoughts

Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter

* Unfamilar brand, first time trying anything from this product line
* 2.5 oz size, retails for $7 (available at website listed below and also check your local Target)
* I would venture to say the consistency is more like that of a lotion.
* Free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil and petrolatum (can't go wrong there)
* Overall Impression: I love the smell of this product.  I'm definitely into citrus scents and I happen to enjoy the actual fruit itself so this was hit with me.  Now I'm not a fan of uber thick lotions, cream, etc. however this was more like a lotion to me rather than a butter, which is another reason to love it.  It absorbs easily.  I use this as a hand lotion since my skin is typically to sensitive to tolerate scented lotion.  The size that came with this shipment is the perfect size for your handbag.  I would actually like to repurchase this and possibly try other variations from this company. 
*http://www.pacificaperfume.com/


Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil

* Semi-familar brand, first time trying anything from this product line
* Trial size, (various sizes are available for purchase at the website listed below, you may also purchase this item at authorized retailers such as Sephora)
* Dropper style dispensers makes dispenssing the product easy and cuts down on wasting the product
* Unscented
* Multiple uses such as a moisturizer for face and body, nail treatment for cuticles, and a bath oil
* Overall Impression: I have been wanting to try Argan oil and just didn't get around to it until I received this in this shipment.  I tried using it on my face and it worked well under my daily moisturzier.  Majority of the time I used it to unravel my twists to prevent frizz.  I liked the fact that it absorbs and doesn't just sit on top of my hair.  The dropper style dispenser is a plus...I hate it when it feels like you can't control how the product is dispensed because that can lead to product being wasted.  I definitely wouldn't mind repurchasing this product.
* http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com/


SOHO Crease Brush

* Unfamilar brand, first time trying a brush from this line
* Full handled brush, from the Get A Grip Line, retails for $8.99 (available for purchase at the website listed below.  Also may be purchased at major retailers such as CVS/pharmacy, Harmon Discount Health and Beauty, Walgreens, and Walmart)
* Overall Impression: I liked the brush and would definitely recommend it for several reasons.  The price is perfect for the quality of the bristles.  The bristles are very soft and pick up color.  It makes blending your crease easy overall.  Also the brush tapers into a slight point which makes getting deep into the crease easy while blending colors out.  And finally the grip of the handle makes gripping the handle comfortable.  I'm actually tempted to try more from their line. 
* http://www.sohobeauty.com/

Nailtini Nail Lacquer Frappe

* Familiar brand, second time receiving in Ipsy shipment
* Full sized, full size retails for for $13 (available at website listed below, select US retailers, and US salons)
* Typical packaging (box included)
* From the Straight Up Color Lacquer collection
* Sheer pale pink
* Overall Impression: Personally I didn't care for the color up front.  In fact I had to play with it for it to grow on me.  In fact I ended applying between two to three coats.  After that it still looked too plain for my personal taste so I ended up applying Set in Stone by Essie for extra flair.  I like the Nailtini line of lacquers however this is a color I would not have picked out.



Two coats of polish didn't give me the color payoff I was looking for.

Eh...three coats later I decided I would definitely have to add some flair.

Looks better with a little sliver glitter polish.
 

Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play Voluminizing Hairspray

Surprise! No review here because I did not use the product.  I'm not the ingredients police but I know for a fact there are ingredients in this that I would not use.  And besides I have enough volume naturally.


My overall thoughts on this bag was...eh.  For $10 I can't complain...three out of five isn't bad.

Ipsy Series: Reviewing December

Three Ipsy bags in and I'm still loving it.  Now this month they provided subcribers with products that can make some great holiday looks.  I'm definitely digging the makeup bag they provided.  The quality seems a little nicer than the other bags I have received so far.  If you didn't catch my video check it out and let's get into my thoughts on this month's bag.

 

Check out the goodies!

 

 

Mirabella Prime for face and eyes

 

*Unfamiliar brand, first time trying anything from this product line

*Full size, retails for $29 (available at website listed below)

*Gel consistency

*Overall Impression: I was initially surprised by the gel consistency of the primer.  However I noticed an immediate difference in the coverage of my powder alone.  I tend to wear just a light to medium coverage powder on a typical day.  I used MAC Mineralized Skinfinish with this primer for my first time around...it was a light day for makeup that particular day and I received a compliment that same day.  I was told that I had a glow and was asked if I changed the brand of makeup I use.  Other times I opted to wear liquid foundation combined with powder the primer definitely made a difference.  Now typically I skip primer...that's just my personal preference, but this product has somewhat changed how I view primer.  I just might purchase this product

*www.mirabellabeauty.com

 

 

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On eye pencil

 

*Very familiar brand, I absolutely love their eyeshadows!

*Travel sized, full and travel size available at website listed below, you may also purchase this item at authorized retailers such as Sephora and Ulta.

*Very soft consistency

*Jet black

*Doesn't pull or tug at skin

*Smudges/blends easily

*Overall Impression: As usual Urban Decay delivers.  This pencil may replace my all time favorite.  It literally does what it says its going to do which is glide across your skin.  Smudges easily with your favorite pencil style brush.  The first usage won me over literally. 

*http://www.urbandecay.com/

 

Be A Bomshell Cosmetics Hot Mess Lipgloss

 

 *Semi familiar, first lip product from this product line

*Full size, retails for $14 (available at website listed below)

*Typical sponge tip applicator

*True red

*Overall Impression: I tried wearing this poduct two different ways...and the conclusion I arrived at is....this absolutely needs to be paired with a matching lipstick and liner.  Now I'm kinda funny when it comes to wearing red lip products...it's a hit or miss for me.  I just couldn't get into wearing it alone.  However when I paired it with MAC's  MAC Red lipstick and Rimmel's Red Diva lip liner it got real, lol. 

*http://beabombshellcosmetics.com/

 

NYX Cosmetics Loose Pearl Eyeshadow- Black Pearl

*Familiar brand
*Full size, retails for $3 (available at website listed below, also authorized retailers such as PacSun and Ulta)
*Blends easily, can build intensity by layering
*Comes off easily with makeup remover
*Overall Impression: I like the loose pearl eyeshadows by NYX.  For one they are much more afforadable than a lot of other brands on the market.  I also like the fact the opening is not huge...ever spilled a MAC pigment?  You'll shed a tear or two over that one, lol. 
*http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/

Here's a swatch of Black Pearl

 

Mai Couture Highlighter Papier- St Barts

 

*Unfamiliar brand, never heard of it prior ro receiving it in my Ipsy bag

*Trial size, however this is quite a bit for it to not be a full size, retails for $28 (available at the website listed below, I also decided to include the where to buy list since there are mutiple retailers and other websites that carry this product line http://www.maicouture.com/pages/where-to-buy)

*Easier to use if you use a brush rather than applying the sheet directly to your face

*Overall Impression: I think this was a more than enough trial size in terms of the amount of sheets received...especially considering the cost of the full sized product.  I found it easier to apply this product by using a stiff face brush...just rub the brush against the sheet.  Great product, but I used it sparingly.

*http://www.maicouture.com/

 







Ipsy Series: Reviewing October

So I jumped on the Ipsy (formerly My GlamBag) bandwagon after saying I would not join another subsccription service...um yeah. See what had happened was...lol. Now if you haven't heard of Ipsy before here's a little breakdown of what this subscription actually includes a cosmetics bag, deluxe samples, and full sized beauty products...all for $10 a month. This is my first beauty subscription service and so far I have been pleased.I was intially impressed by the deep pink foil outer packaging.  I also like the fact that it's a small package that can fit inside a typical mailbox, so no worrying about it being left out in the open should you not be home at the time of delivery.  This has allowed me to try brands that I had no idea existed. If you didn't check out my unboxing video check it out here:

Let's get into what's inside:

 

 

The first thing I want to say is I really liked the cosmetics bag that my item arrived in, very cute. ;)

 

The Balm- What's Your Type? The Bodybuilder Mascara:

 

*This was an unfamiliar brand for me, so this would be my first time trying it.

*Trial sized, full sized product retails for $19 (available at website listed below)

*no additional packaging (such as a box)

*I found this mascara to be very black, which is a plus for me because I love true black macara, the blacker the better. ;)

*This mascara is specially formulated with Vitamin E, Panthenol, and Bamboo.

*I paired this with Smashbox Lash Primer

*Overall Impression: This mascara does exactly what it claims it will do...it doesn't clump, doesn't flake (yeah for those of us who wear contacts!), and you can see how highly pigmented it is immediately.  The price isn't so bad, trust me I've seen mascaras that were quite pricey.  The packaging was simple.  From what I researched this brand is only available online...

*www.theBalm.com

 

Pequi Oil Treatment by Couture Colour:

 

*Familiar brand, this is the second item I've tried from this manufacturer, however this is my first beauty product.

*Trial sized, the same size retails for $12 (available at website listed below)

*Claims to restore softness and shine

*Light & non greasy, smells sweet.

*Personally I found getting the product out of the bottle difficult, the plastic was not flexible

*Overall Impression: This oil smells good, however the price alone would deter me from purchasing.  Personally the price for the amount of product just doesn't do it for me, but that's just me.  Also the packaging made dispensing the product difficult, yet another reason for me to not purchase.  I do NOT care for products that require brain surgery for me to get the product out of the bottle.  Now it lives up to the claims of providing softness and shine for your hair.  Now as for the ingredients...well let's just say those ingredients aren't on my favs list.  This product is fairly easy to get your hands on, it can be purchased at Sephora and the manufacturer's website.

*http://www.couturecolour.com/

 

Costal Scents (eyeshadow quad):

 

*Familiar brand, however this is my first time trying it for myself

*Trial sized quad, individual shadows average $1.99 (available at website listed below)

*The quad I received included the following colors: Jewel Green, Dark Golden Olive, and Bright Yellow.

 

Higly pigmented, high colour payoff, soft (a little too soft for my personal taste), applies easily, blends easily

*Manufacturer could make better trial packaging (flimsy), damages easily.

 *Overall Impression: I would purchase from this manufacturer, although I prefer eyeshadow that isn't quite so soft.  I like the fact that it does not take much eyeshadow to get great colour payoff.  I would consider this to be a fairly affordable brand.  I didn't care for how flimsy the trial packaging was so hopefully their typical packaging is much more sturdy.  From what I researched this brand can only be purchased via the manufacturer website.

*www.costalscents.com

 

Mirenesse Lip Bomb Glossy Lacquer Stain:

 

*Unfamiliar brand, first time hearing of it and trying it.

*Full sized, full size retails for between $28.08 - $35.10 (Depends on if you're in their VIP program and is available at the website listed below)

*I received Bomb 4, which is from the pink stain family.

Looks totally different without a camera flash

Now with the flash I like the color more...;/

 

Infinity Lip applicator...almost like a pinched applicator

 

*Just right consistency for a lip product, applies easily and smooth.

*Mirenesse promises to deliver lip color that is gloss, stain, and lacquer all in one.  They also promise to deliver highly pigmented color that's smudgeproof.  They also use a unique applicator (Infinity Lip)

*Typical packaging, came with offers for other products they carry.  The applicator as mentioned earlier is unique and made applying the product easy.

*Overall Impression: I definitely like the way the product feels as you apply it.  I defintitely like the fact that it doesn't feel tackey or gooey like a lot of other products I've tried.  In fact I noticed it actually felt moisturizing.  It stays on for a decent amount of time without losing shine.  The price is a little pricey for my personal taste, but you can't complain when the lip product costs more than your subscription fee ;).  I would have liked it more if the color was more to my personal taste.  It does look different depending on the lighting as you can tell from the swatch on my inner arm versus the full face photo. 

*http://www.mirenesse.com/

 

 Be A Bombshell Eye Liner

*Unfamiliar brand, first time hearing about it and trying it for myself

*Full sized, full size retails for $14 (available at website listed below)

*Typical packaging (box included)

*Large felt tip marker like applicator

*Must angle yourself for thinner application

*Doesn't rub off easily

*Applies smoothly

*Overall Impression: I personally plan to use this product on a nearly daily basis, however the tip is much larger than I personally prefer.  If you prefer a larger tip this should work well for you.  I like the fact it's a felt tip because it allows for smooth application.  You basically use it like a marker.

*http://beabombshellcosmetics.com/

 

All in all I think I will continue my Ipsy subscription.  It provides an opportunity to try new brands without breaking the bank.  Let me know what your thoughts on this month's bag in the comments below.  Stay tuned for my review of the November Ipsy bag.  Hasta luego....

 

***DISCLAIMER: All thoughts and opinions are my own.  I was not sponsored nor paid for my thoughts and opinions (by Ipsy).   All content from this post are those of the author.  Please do not take information from this blog without the expressed permission of the owner.  I don't mind sharing just be sure to reference this blog.  Thank you!*** 



 

Influenster Review: The Many Uses of Ivory*

Ivory products...who hasn't heard of them?  They've been around for over 125 years!  When I received the bar of soap from Influenster via Ivory I was thinking to myself...I haven't used Ivory soap since I was a kid.  The second thought that came to mind is: well it's just a bar of soap...good for one thing...washing your body.  I'm definitely thinking this would be a no brainer product review.  Influenster and Ivory were kind enough to provide various ways to use what I thought was just a bar of soap.  I'm going to share with you the various uses I got out of my Ivory.

My first use was to try it as a makeup brush cleanser:

 

 I found my brushes to be pleasantly soft and most importantly very clean.

My second use as a facial cleanser:

Image from: http://blackdoctor.org/7990/spring-clean-your-beauty-routine/

 This came at the right time.  I had just ran out of my usual facial cleanser.  Ivory was able to hold me over until I could get around to purchasing more.  My skin didn't feel over stripped.  It felt just right.  No harsh ingredients to irritate my already sensitive skin.

My third and final use was as body cleanser:

Image from: selectinteriors.com

Since I had one bar of soap to test I cut it into smaller pieces so I could obtain the most use from it.  As a body cleanser it didn't leave my skin stripped.  The fact that Ivory bar soap is 99.44% pure that it actually floats says a lot to me as a consumer.  I avoid many brands of soap due to sensitivities to fragrance.  After stepping out the shower I didn't feel like I had to rush to moisturize my skin.  Which brings me back to my childhood memories of Ivory I mentioned earlier...it was gentle enough that my Mami trusted it enough to use it on me.  As a child I suffered from many dermatology related conditions.  Yet this is the one brand that stuck out of my memory bank...good stuff. :-)

What I like most about Ivory bar soap is that it has a variety of uses.  I personally like something I can purchase at an affordable price that has multiple uses.  You can do so much with that plain looking bar of soap.  But that same simplicity is what sets it apart from other brands.

Overall I enjoyed the Ivory bar soap and I actually plan to purchase more so I can experiment with the other uses that I read about but did not have enough to try them all.  Did you know you can also use Ivory bar soap as a stain remover (food related, rings around the collar, etc.)?  You can even grate it into laundry flakes.  And it makes for fun craving projects with the kiddies.  And the fact that it's super affordable makes it even better.  Just because it's not uber expensive doesn't mean it's worthless.  Like I said before I like as much bang for my buck as I can get.  And with the many uses of Ivory I can afford to do that. ;-)

*I received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster and Ivory as a participant in the Mom VoxBox campaign.

MomVoxBox by Influenster

So I received my first VoxBox compliments of Influenster this June.  As you're reading this you may be wondering what's a VoxBox and how can I get one?  Well you have to head over to Influenster to find out, but I'm going to tell you a little about Influenster and how to get one of your very own.  Influenster is a website that's dedicated to trendsetters aka Influensters.  Well we all know trendsetters are the ones to try new products, and from there the ball gets going.  Basically you register with their site and from there you give a little information about yourself and your lifestyle.  Based on your demographics you may receive a personalized product shipment aka the VoxBox.  Influensters have a chance share their feedback on the products they liked (or disliked) for that matter.  And the best part of all it's FREE!  That's right free, and who doesn't like free?  There's more to it, but you have to head over to Influenster to find out. 

Here's what I received in my MomVoxBox...thank you Influenster!  And thank you to all the companies that provided the free goodies I received via Influenster!