IPSY May 2016

Welcome to Review Week! For the rest of this week while I'm on vacation, I'll be giving my
thorough review of products I love. First up, May Ipsy bag!

I have been an IPSY subscriber since bag 1, but this past year I quit posting about them, since the bags weren't that exciting.

But this month, I love! It's called Destination Chic--and the bags came in different colors! Here's what's in my bag:

• Glamour Dolls Gloss Snob in Twirl--cruelty-free, pretty pink gloss (swatch below)
• Vera Mona Eye Smudger Brush--Wish this wasn't a mini/travel brush, but it is good
• Em Cosmetics Makeup Mood Enhancer Illuminating Skin Filter in Golden Candelight--I'll be honest, not sure if I used points to get this or if it was sent to me (usually there are 5 items). You add this to foundation for a very sparkly glow. It is flammable, due to the alcohol, which I can smell, so I probably won't keep this.
• GLAMGLOW YOUTHMUD TINGLEXFOLIATE TREATMENT--Everyone knows about this right? Always nice to have another one of these. Oily skin will love this mask.
• See also Best/Worst GlamGlow Products
• Smashbox X-Rated Mascara-- This triple threat brush isolates and magnifies each lash, while applying its fiber-loaded formula. The result? Sky-high and defined lashes in just one swipe. Bonus: the formula is clump, flake and smudge-proof! I already have this and really like it, so it's nice to have a mini one.
• Vasanti Brighten Up! Exfoliating Cleanser--This cleanser promises instant professional microdermabrasion results that reduce fine lines, wrinkles and scars, but I've not seen that yet!

Swatches of the lip gloss and the Illuminating Skin Filter

Overall, a fun bag of goodies! Stop by tomorrow for another review of some new products!

Don't forget:

• $500 giveaway
• $100 visa giftcard giveaway

Ultimate Subscription Box Tag

There is a subscription box for practically everything now, right? I've tried at least a dozen different ones for different interests and causes. But sometimes the products you get aren't so great. And sometimes that idea of getting disappointed in a sub box is enough to keep you from even trying it.

But it planted an idea, a game I play with myself, where I'd imagine what would be in the ultimate subscription box. After getting another disappointing Ipsy bag (I only share them on my Snapchat now), I decided to bring that idea I've been playing around with the past couple of years and make it into a post.

Even better--a tag! And I'm TAGGING YOU! If you could create your own subscription box, what would be in it? Would it be lifestyle, like FabFitFun or PopSugar? Maybe jewelry or shoes? Travel? Something for kids? Moms? Knitting? A foodie box? EVERYONE can do this tag! I expect to see it on your blog or YouTube or social media. Will you join me?

Mine? Obviously beauty. ;) I decided to go with a luxury beauty box--items that you wouldn't normally get for yourself since they're so pricey. I picked 5, full-size items (many boxes do samples) of my favorite things:

Pastel Scented Polishes--Ok, these aren't luxury items, but they don't exist anymore! A few years ago, revlon came out with this macaron-inspired collection and they nailed it. The formula was great, the scents were yummy (lemon, sugar, apricot, strawberry, mint), and the colors were pretty. In my box these would exist somehow--any brand would make them.

NARS Dolce Vita Lipstick--I call this my Little Black Dress lipstick because it's a classic nude, can be dressed up or down (wear as is, add gloss, etc.) and it can transform the shade of those glosses that just don't work right with your skin tone.

Lancome Grandiose Mascara--I am a drugstore mascara girl, but this one is so, so good. Usually mascara wands can be kind of gimmicky, but the swan neck, short plastic bristles, and smaller wand make this stand out.

BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone--As a highlighter fanatic, I've nearly tried them all. This one remains a top contender. Not as white as the shade Pearl, but not as pinky-copper as Champagne Pop, Moonstone gives the perfect golden glow. It can be worn by so many skin tones. The powder form can be worn under, mixed in, or on top of makeup. Looks great in photos, too.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation--One of my ultimate splurges, this foundation is what makes my skin look perfect in pics. And it gives nice coverage too, for a dry skin foundation--check out the video below for proof: I was dealing with two massive pimples and redness from my eye wrinkle laser treatment and you can't tell. Oily skin--I would put Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in the box.

And here's the video where I go into lots more detail:

https://youtu.be/SSrCjpqn_WM

I'm tagging YOU--what would be in YOUR box?

Extra Elle: 

I am asking for feedback on my video. I put hours into these and would love you to check out my personality on camera. Please watch and let me know how I can do better! If you've never watched my videos, try this one.

LAST Ipsy? + FabFitFun Winter Unboxing

After being with Ipsy from the very first bag three years ago, I'm cancelling my subscription. Being a beauty blogger, I'm blessed to receive full-size products daily, so I found myself not using these Ipsy items as much as I'd like.

Additionally, posts like these are the least-viewed, which means it's time for a change. I will no longer post them, but they were fun to do! I'll still share on Instagram. Here's what I received in my last bag:

• EM Cosmetics palette in Sahara Sunset (pic below)
• Formula X nail polish--arrived opened and dried up
• Acure Cell Stimulating Facial Mask--loved this and have featured this brand a lot
• Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later eye shadow primer
• Klorane makeup remover
• Pacifica lip color

Here's a close up of the palette. It was a thank you gift for being with Ipsy since the beginning.

And now for my quarterly FabFitFun box--the winter edition. These are $49.99 per box.
1-Dermalogica travel kit
2- Candlenut body butter
3-Whitney Eve fingerless gloves
4-Discount codes to online stores (boo)
5-Wine stopper and charms
6-Zoya polish in Blair
7-FRENDS rose gold+ black Donna ear buds
8-Sugar Cookie reed diffuser
--Total value: $312

What items interested you the most?

Extra Elle:

• I feel like the only person not into Star Wars! #fomo!
• I've been off work this week and have been such a slacker. I *think* I'm caught up on visiting blogs. Let me know if I haven't stopped by in a while.
• Today I'm packing to head back home for the holidays! Follow me on Snapchat @ellesees to see my family.

IPSY November + Stuff I'm Loving Lately

I am so happy the weekend is here! I've got a busy weekend ahead, so today's post will be super short! Let's get into some things I've been loving lately that I was sent to try as well as my monthly IPSY bag:

Pixi Beauty Endless Silky Eye Pen--I've been in an eyeliner rut, using the same ones over and over, so this holiday set from Pixi Beauty has been a welcome change. While I stick to usually brown or black, the other shades have been fun to play with (grey, eggplant). Get these at Target!

Eyelure False Lashes--More stuff for the eyes! I think it's because the holidays are around the corner, but I've been going through false lashes like CRAZY. These are some of my faves from Eyelure. I tend to stick to the Naturals, but all of these have been fun to try. Very easy to wear and you can get these at ULTA, Target, etc.

See also: How to Wear Trio Lashes

Stunning Braids--Enough with the face, let's get to the hair. Again, I think it's the holidays that are giving me the desire to make my hair all fancy pants. This had LOTS of fun ideas for braids. There are the basics at the beginning and then it goes on from there. I think I've got my holiday hair ideas set!

IPSY November--The theme this month was Beauty Blast--the bag was adorable. Let's see inside:

• Coolway Hairspray--I don't use hairspray, so I'm passing this one along.
• Beaute Basics Blue Liner--Fun to try and it came with a brush that I of course lost when trying to take the pic. I'll keep it for Halloween or in my freelance kit.
• Tre'StiQue Mini Matte Lip Crayon--At first I was irked because there is no cap, but then I realized that WAS the cap. Cute! I loved the crayon.
• Smashbox Full Exposure--Huge wand, but great volume. I've used this one many times before.
• SinfulColors in Kissy--Love this intergalactic green sparkly polish that I cannot believe I didn't already own.

BONUS:

Just in time for Thanksgiving, I've got a DIY idea for glowing skin. Great way to use those extra cranberries:

DIY Frosted Cranberry Scrub

What have you been loving lately?

Extra Elle:

• My very first nephew has a birthday party this weekend, so I'm headed back home. Then work for 3 days and then I'm driving back for Thanksgiving. 

Ipsy October 2015

Um, how is it the last week in October? I swear the month just started! Anyway, before I begin, I just wanted to thank you for your comments on this post yesterday (I had another post you might have missed). It's not easy opening yourself up sometimes, but I'm glad I did. I know some of you refuse to read a post that is sponsored, (huge post on this coming soon), so I thank those of you who did.

Now where was I?

Ah yes, OCTOBER ending. My fave month of the year. I will probably mention this a few more times this week.

So this month's ipsy bag was titled "Alter Ego" with one side being patent black and the other a gold lame'. Here's what I got:


MicaBeauty ipsy EXCLUSIVE Cream Eyeshadow in Bronze

• This light-weight, long-wear, creamy eyeshadow by MicaBeauty is truly one of a kind! It’s ultra-pigmented, has super-smooth consistency, and creates a high performance color sweep that will last like new from morning to night!
• This product isn't sold in stores- it's exclusive for ipsters!
• Very pigmented

Peter Lamas Exfoliating Pumpkin Facial Scrub

• The Exfoliating Pumpkin Facial Scrub cleanses and polishes skin using a powerful combination of natural ingredients to reveal an illuminating, flawless complexion. The perfect dose of pumpkin just in time for October!
• I am a huge fan of pumpkin scrubs and such (look at this post to see 5 recipes I created).

theBalm Cosmetics Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long-Lasting Liquid Lipstick

• theBalm introduces a truly loyal long-lasting liquid lipstick—Meet Matt(e) Hughes. This long-wearing formula has a comfortable matte finish with no commitment issues. This matte vanilla mint liquid lipstick is stuck on you without feeling clingy!
• Long-wearing matte finish/Comfortable, buildable coverage/Vanilla mint flavor
• I love liquid lipsticks (post coming next week) so I don't mind the dry matte.
• The shade was very natural-looking and I'd like to try more.

Beauty Without Cruelty Fragrance Free Hand and Body Lotion

• This lotion moisturizes, softens, and protects your skin. Shea butter, jojoba and kukui nut oil combined with aloe vera soothe and replenish your skin to keep it looking youthful & vibrant.
• Paraben-free/Cruelty-free/100% Vegan-Vegetarian
• Nice, light unscented lotion that sensitive skin would like

Emité Make Up PROFESSIONAL SLANT TWEEZER

• This is a professional angled tweezer in quality steel. It applies the perfect amount of tension and maximum precision.
• I couldn't get this out of the package. I had to use another set of tweezers to get it out! I found them to be cheap looking, but they worked.

TEMPTU S/B Highlighter in Champagne Shimmer

• Silicone-based highlighter brings a natural radiance to the complexion with colors designed to highlight and emphasize eyes, cheeks and other features. Goes on sheer, but can be layered for intensity and mixed for a customized luminous finish. Designed for versatility, S/B Highlighter can be applied by fingertips, brush or sponge.
• Long lasting for all-day wear/Oil free, non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic/Sheer, buildable color
• I used this in my airbrush as well as fingers and sponge. It is very pigmented and VERY long lasting. Super glittery but it looks amazing in pics.

Extra Elle:

• I had planned on an additional post today, but I'm exhausted. One of the kids I take care of broke her leg--she's too little for crutches so she has to be carried everywhere. I'm headed to work a few hours earlier and staying later to help. Therefore, responses to your amazing emails and comments will be a bit delayed. I love y'all!

FabFitFun FALL Unboxing + Ipsy September Bag

Yesterday was an "off" day.

Maybe it was the rain or something, but all day I felt off. Today's post was going to be my September Favorites video. I filmed it 3 times in a row and it didn't feel right. It felt off. 

It bothered me all day at work. I'm a bit of a perfectionist sometimes. Anyway, last night after work I came home to find my FabFitFun box on the doorstep. I turned on the lights, threw on some lipstick, and filmed this video. My off day finally felt right.

If you've ever wondered what I'm like in real life, watch this video. I sing. I dance with my annoyed dog. Good times. I hope it makes you laugh:

https://youtu.be/sl2Q9oSBm9s

Here's a peek of some of the items (more details below):

FabFitFun Fall:

• Gold Radiance Mask--I cannot wait to try this! A gold mask? Count me in. $65
• Tappan Collective Umbrella--$32
• Lucky Lip Stain by Manna Kadar Cosmetics--$24
• Flawless Skin Fluid--Moisturizer $39
• 3D White Brillance 2 Step System by Crest--sample
• Purple Purse Charm--In honor of Domestic Violence Month in Oct, this charm brings awareness to domestic violence and financial abuse.
• HISY Battery Pack--I always can use these! $24.99
• Strength Tubing Ankle & Total Body Tone with Tubing + DVD--$33
• Glass Crystal Bead Bracelet by Tribe Alive--Handmade to emply impoverished women all over the world by giving them sustainable jobs. $49
• Gift Card to Jeweler's Wife--I was disappointed since all of the items are very expensive (to me) and this was $15 off.
• Picture It on Canvas--Your best pics can be turned into almost anything, like coasters, psters, phone cases, prints, etc. $75
• GRAND TOTAL: $357 value for $49.99
• boxes are seasonal, order at fabfitfun.com

Taken straight from my Instagram, I present this September's Ipsy! This month's theme was Face Fashion.

• First Aid Ultra Repair Cream--great moisturizer for dry skin, but not a life-changer for me. I already own this.
• NYX shadow trio--great neutral palette
• Octavio Molina Hair--another month, another sample of argan oil. I haven't tried this since I have so many!
• Elizabeth Mott Queen of the Fill Tinted Brow Gel--I can always use brow gel. I like her mascara too.
• City Color Cosmetics City Chic Lipstick--loved this. Beautiful shade.
• This is $10 a month. To join visit Ipsy.com. 

Did you get anything good in your sub boxes this month?

What item interested you the most from what I shared today?

Extra Elle:

• Sometimes it's the simple things that thrill me most. I got one of the fall cups from Starbucks over the weekend. Who cares what was in it--I just love the design. It made me happy.

FabFitFun: Summer Edition & July Ipsy Reviews

https://youtu.be/7TkhU1fYU1Q

I have a bunch of beauty to share today--are you ready? Let's kick it off with one of my fave sub boxes, FabFitFun--a lifestyle box, as the title suggests. It's released seasonally and is $49.95 per box. Sounds pricey, right? But the value is over $275! Let's see what's in the Summer Box:

FabFitFun Summer 2015:

• FFF X CosmoBody Jump Rope--This comes with workout videos as well on the FFF website. You can burn around 150 calories in a 10 min session of jumping rope! $14
• Everyday Wireless Speaker--One thing I love about FFF is that you get you choose certain items. This also came in teal but I chose pink. This is a wireless speaker (up to 30 feet), a latch for on-the-go-sound, FM radio, and hands-free speaker phone. $29.99
• Gorge I'll Make You Look Amazing Daily Spray--Awesome leave-in conditioner with a yummy scent. $24.95
• Hello Konjac Cleansing Sponge--I'm a huge fan of these. It's a sponge from vegetable fibers that softens when saturated. I use it for the KP on my arms. $12
• Vaseline Aloe Soothe Spray Moisturizer--Spray-on lotion. I already use this and love it. $7.99
• Inkling Scents Sultry Roll-On Perfume--Alcohol-free pure oil fragrance of sandalwood, white amber, vanilla, and more. I love it and it passed the "will it give Elle a headache?" test. $25
• Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss--Love a lip crayon and love these--I don't have this shade, but did get to pick it out ahead of time. Check out the video to see the color on me. $19
• Scratch Nail Wraps--Haven't used this pack but have used this brand before and loved them. $12
• Headspace 3 Month Sub--A celeb-fave, this app gives guided meditations. Want me to try it? Let me know and I will report back. $38.85
• Wren 14k Gold & Black Sapphire Necklace--I'm wearing this in the video, so be sure to watch to see it up close. This was another item we got to choose. It's a small moon (heart and stars were other choices) with a tiny sapphire. $100. Yes--$100! Worth it right there!

Overall: Very pleased with this month's box, with the necklace, lip crayon, speaker, and sponge being big hits for me. Highly Recommend! FOR $10 OFF, please use this link.

Ipsy July 2015: Summer Lovin'

• Coolway Beachy Salt Spray--Perfect for creating beachy waves and natural styles with a non-sticky, matte finished look. Formulated with Dead Sea salts for additional mineral nourishment.--haven't tried this yet, but have been a Coolway fan for several years (if you're bored you can search for my really old Coolway post from when I took blog pics with my flip phone. HA!)
• Jelly Pong Pong Cosmetics 2-in-1 Shadow/Liner--This uniquely formulated crayon doubles as an eyeliner for thick, precise lines as well as a perfectly-blended eye shadow. It worked fine but not a must-have for me.
• tarte deluxe Amazonian clay waterproof bronzer--
  Two Tarte products this month! I already have the full size of this and love it. I use it a lot in the summer. 
• Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance Gel Soapless Cleanser--This is a foaming cleanser that worked great but I think oily skin would like it better than my dry skin did.
• Be A Bombshell Cosmetics Lip Balm--Hydrating formula to leave lips feeling silky smooth with a hint of color. I got French Kiss, and it pretty much has no pigment. I like it fine but I tend to only wear lip balm at night.

Overall: feeling kinda meh this month. No big complaints, but I have enough shadow/liners to last me a lifetime. I do love the ikat-print bag! Ipsy is $10 a month, and here's a code if interested!

Extra Elle:

• I have been on the biggest iced coffee kick lately. If you drink it, how do you make yours?
• Please enter the giveaways below:
• ReNu Microderm Kit
• $100 JCPenney Gift Card
• IT Cosmetics Palette
• $100 Jockey Gift Card

May Chit Chat (Monthly Life Update, Fave Beauty Products, #JALS)

Comingatcha with glasses today! And red lips, of course. So every month I like to share with you a quick recap of my life, a chit chat. Here's the video:

http://youtu.be/jxd2w9up9sY

Why Should You Watch the Video?

• May in review:
• We celebrated my dad's life on what would have been his 60th birthday. It's been two months since he died, and it's still not easy. But this was a wonderful day. I share pics in the video.
• It was also my beach trip! Have I talked about this enough yet? No, hehe. 
• Fave post of the month
• #JALS challenge
• This month's Just a Little Something Challenge was to choose happiness. And I really worked hard at that. When going through grief it's easy to suffer in silence and be sad. Instead I reminded myself of a
• Fave beauty products:

Fromm Beauty Brushes: The 1907 by Fromm Square Thermal Brushes are available at Ulta stores and Ulta.com, this bronze brush series comes in three different sizes: small, medium and large. The Square Thermal brushes feature an innovative square shape that offers all-in-one blow-dry techniques – simply alter the position of the brush to straighten, create loose waves, or form tight curls. The flexibility of the barrel shape creates an all-inclusive tool, a necessity in the quest for the perfect blow-out. $15-$17.99

Colleen Rothschild Beauty--When a brand starts popping up on blogs, sometimes I throw a side-eye. Is it good or hype? I had saved a list of products to purchase when I was contacted to try this brand for myself. It is SO, so good, y'all. Totally worth the hype! From the high-performance luxury skincare brand I received the Age Renewal Super Serum, Dual Enzyme Polish, and my personal favorite, the Radiant Cleansing Balm. I have dry skin, but there are a host of products to cater to your skin needs.

• May Ipsy Bag 

I loved just about everything I got in this adorable bag!

• It Cosmetics CC Cream--already own this and love it. 
• NYM De Ja Vu Do Style Extender--own this as well and love it.
• KCO Colors--This arrived broken and unusable. I hear the same happened to others. I couldn't find it on the Ipsy website to report.
• St. Tropez One Night Only Instant Glow Lotion--loved it.
• Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Lip Pencil + BONUS Revolution High-Color Lipgloss--loved it but I have other options that are much cheaper. Really enjoyed the lip gloss samples too. They were out of my color comfort zone but were fun to try.
• Skone Cosmetics Pretty Eyeliner--This was in navy, so it won't get as much use.

Click my link here to join Ipsy for $10 a month!

Have a great weekend! Be safe, behave, and be well. Love, Elle

April Chat: Life, Q&A, #JALS, IPSY

Hey you! Um, where did April go? I can't believe it either! Well, today I'm skipping the beauty talk and getting personal! Every month I share my month in review. It's a fun way to allow you to get to know me. Check it out, below:

• In the video, I'm giving you an update on my life lately, as it's been a month since my Daddy died suddenly. I'm doing better, but there's a new thing I've been dealing with--watch the video to let me know if it's happened to you.
• For my 5th Blogiversary, I answer 3 questions that you asked:
• Why did I start my blog?
• What is my biggest blogging accomplishment?
• Where do I get my DIY ideas?
• Every month I share my #JALS challenge results. 
• I do "Just a Little Something" every a month, a small challenge. This month was to do something healthy every day!
• For May, I am choosing happiness, because life is too short to be unhappy.
• And of course, there's an IPSY review! My pictures wouldn't load, so here's a screenshot:

Ipsy Bag + March Chit Chat

Hey you! Happy Monday! How was your weekend? Mine was fine. I tried to relax but ended up organizing some of my beauty supplies. I'm always trying to find a new system that works the best. Saturday was my Grandmother's 76th birthday and I had a nice long chat with her. I was worried about her since she recently lost her first born (my dad). And she was worried about me! It was kind of funny. Anyway, I had a bad migraine (thanks allergies) that kept me out of commission most of Sunday. I did get my monthly video edited for you! Check it out, below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VValdrcTPY 

Ipsy: February Review

Hey you! I'm finally back from my annual trip to the Magic Kingdom. I had grand plans of blogging and keeping up my normal schedule, but the beautiful weather all of the magic had me happily occupied! I brought back a few souvenirs including a nasty cold. I need a vacation from my vacation! ;) I'll share more on my trip on this month's Chit Chat video, so stay tuned. In the meantime, let's get into this month's Ipsy bag. It's a good one!

How cute is it? The theme is #ipsylove--perfect for February and Valentine's! So now that you've seen the bag, let's check out the goodies inside:

FabFitFun Winter & Ipsy December Unboxing!

Happy Christmas Eve! I asked this on Facebook, but in case you missed it, do you open presents Christmas Eve or Christmas day? Or both? We only open Christmas morning (minus presents from Grandparents, et al). Speaking of presents, I opened a couple that I'm sharing with you today! Check 'em out:

Alternate Link: http://youtu.be/5Rr1dnBMv0o

First up I'm sharing my FabFitFun box. This has a little of everything, from jewelry to beauty to health to snacks. It's $49.95 a season and this box was almost $400 in value!

And next up is Ipsy. It's $10 a month and features full size and deluxe samples. While everyone gets the same FFF box, Ipsy varies, so here's what I got:

If you watch the video, you get hear my thoughts and see my new hair! It's a length change for me. Here's a preview and let me know what you think!

November Ipsy Plus Coffee & Chit Chat

Well, happy post-Thanksgiving y'all. How was yours? I had a big ole post planned for yesterday, but I have not felt well at all. I'm currently wrapped up on my Mama's couch as I type this. Anyway, before I came down with this nasty cold, I filmed this month's chit chat. I love making these--it's been almost a year since my first one--as it's a way for me to chat with y'all, as well as a document of that month in my life. Please check out the video below:

http://youtu.be/VL6gvSxVGPs

Halloween Coffee & Chit Chat PLUS Ipsy Oct & Giveaway

Hey you! Happy Halloween! No tricks on today's post: just treats for you! First up is always one of my favorite videos to do--my monthly Chit Chat series. And this one is Halloween-themed! Ooh, spooky! Ok, not even close. But if you're curious to know more about me, these videos I make are a great way to do so. When you watch my video, you'll learn--

• Drink and Mug of the Month (email me to send me a mug and be featured!)
• My Month in Review! This month includes
• My bday 
• Blogger shout outs!
• Charlie's rescue anniversary
• PopSugar Event Recap--a pic I've never posted before!
• Meeting Jessica and Ashlee Simpson
• My Fave Posts of the Month
• Love It and Leave It Products of the Month
• Plus, you get to see this cutie:

What's his costume? Find out in the video below!


http://youtu.be/2G0Nj1l_Kp0

Luxurious Products I Love Plus September Ipsy

Hey you! Happy weekend to us! Today I've got a few new product reviews for you to check out. While most of these will be pricier items (def worth the splurge), let's kick things off with this month's Ipsy bag, which is only $10 a month and is all about Street Style. I loved the bag this month! Check out the quick video below to see reviews of what I got! Plus, there's a cameo by Charlie.

 Click or c&p http://youtu.be/ibVz-orVTnM to watch!

• 
  
• 
  

Cailyn Gloss--not my fave

Nourish Organic Face Cleanser--gentle

Pacifica Eye Liner--nice brown

Crown Brush--2 for 1!

Mitchell & Peach Handcream--lightweight

If interested in joining Ipsy for $10 a month, click here.

Discontinued Beauty Tag Plus Ipsy August

Hey you! How was your weekend? I got caught up on mags, had a blog event and had dinner with some friends. The weekend flew by, as usual! So today's post is a 2-in-1! First up is my Discontinued Beauty Tag--do you have products you still love but they aren't made anymore? Or maybe they were reformulated and just aren't the same? See exactly what I'm talking about as I picked a few of my favorites, below:

Video can also be viewed here.

I tag YOU! Let me know your gone-not-forgotten beauty products in your own video (or in the comments).

Speaking of beauty products, every month I share what I got in my Ipsy bag. The theme this month is Beauty Schooled. Let's see what I got in my cute orange polka dot bag below:

Info below via my Ipsy Glam Room.

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. It's very tiny, but liking so far.

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. It's a good mascara but it has flaked on me a little. Can't wait to test it out more.

Free Your Mane: Reviving Spray
Free Your Mane Reviving Spray gives your do a fresh start without making you start from scratch. This versatile spray plays well with other products — reviving them (get it?) without weighing down your locks. This made my straightened hairstyle disappear, so I need to try this on curly or wavy hair. Nice sample size.

Bee All Natural: Organic Grapefruit Lip Balm
Pure and natural organic lip balm that soothes and heals dry, chapped lips. A light and refreshing blend of organic beeswax and organic oils. I didn't like this one--smelled mostly of raw cocoa butter (no, not coconut or grapefruit) and kept flaking chunky bits on my lips when I tried to use it.

Manna Kadar Cosmetics: Sheer Glo
Sheer Glo is an incandescent liquid that lights up skin with all over radiance. Mix with foundation or wear alone to provide a luminous glow for all skin types. An especially amazing product for mature or dry skin. Sheer Glo provides a youthful glow and dewy finish. Use on face and/or body and get glowing. Glow is very subtle, meaning many would be a fan of this.

Get your own Ipsy bag for $10 here.

What products have you been loving lately?

PS: $100 Visa Gift Card--click here!

IPSY July & FabFitFun Summer 2014

Hey you! Today I'm sharing two posts in one, because it's TWOSDAY! Get it? Yeah, I'll see myself out with that one! ;)
First up is my IPSY bag for July. Let's see what I got:

The theme is Sensationally Sunkissed and everything came in this leather-like scalloped bag.

• wHet Nail Polish in Facetious-- playfully jocular or humorous, and that’s exactly how you’ll feel in this flashy shade from wHet Nail Polish. This chip resistant, high shine, vegan polish is "three free" and void of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and dpd (dibutyle phthalate). Plus, it’s exclusively made in the USA, and never tested on animals. Took 2 coats to get the blue shade that was true to the bottle.
• Hang Ten Dark Tanning Oil SPF 8--Highlight your healthy glow with our organically indulgent dark tanning oil. Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, & exotic plant extracts. Tan naturally! I haven't used this yet as I don't tan, but will pass it on to family.
• Pixi Beauty Mini Tinted Brillance Balm--Packed with lip-loving ingredients, this glossy gel balm protects & hydates lips instantly. After the balm wears off, lips are left tinted with a flattering, personalized hue just for you (color & intensity depends on pH level of lips). This didn't produce enough color for me--I like a similar product from tarte much better--but good to keep in the purse.
• Bare Minerals 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow Broad Spectrum SPF 15--Meet the next generation in eyeshadow: creamy, long-wearing color meets exceptional skincare benefits and broad spectrum SPF protection. Chock-full of skin-loving ingredients, this breakthrough product delivers 5 benefits in one luxurious formula: 1.) 12-hour long-wearing color  2.) Super-charged primer 3.) Powerful brightening benefits 4.) Smoothes fine lines 5.) Protects with SPF. Goes on wet and pigmented and was worried at first I wouldn't be able to work with it, but once blended I loved it.
• Befine Food Skin Care Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15--This lightweight moisturizer from Befine Food Skin Care features SPF 15, as well as rosemary, pomegranate & rice to provide instant hydration and protection. It is easily absorbed into skin, and is packed with powerful anti-oxidants and proteins to help balance the skin’s moisture levels. This exploded out of the top somehow and got all up in my bag, so I haven't been able to really test this one. Whomp whomp.

BareMinerals BB Shadow and Pixi Tinted Balm

If you are interested in subscribing, please use my link here. It's $10 a month, and I've subbed since the very first bag! I love the online community and how you can trade items if you didn't like what you got in your bag.

I also subscribe to the seasonal FabFitFun box! It's headed by Guiliana Ranic and curated by experts in their field and features beauty, fashion, and health. Let's see what's inside:

And now here's a shameless plug for my YouTube channel. Click here to subscribe if you'd like. I made a video where I go through each item, plus the World's Cutest Dog (as decided by moi) makes a cameo. Check out my video below:

I received 10 items and the total was over $240. Boxes are $49.99 each and are delivered 4 times a year. I do have a discount code for $15 and I can share that code with the first 3 of you who email me asking for it.

What products are you interested in trying?

Ipsy June 2014

It's that time of the month...where I share my monthly Ipsy glam bag. For $10, you get a bag full of beauty goodies. And you can sign up here using my affiliate code if you'd like. Let's see what I got:

The theme: Pretty in Paradise
The bag: designed by Rebecca Minkoff
NYX Butter Gloss in Creme Brulee--light and lovely
OFRA Eyebrow Pencil--It's good
Realtree for Her Fragrance--Liked it
Be a Bombshell Masacara--Smelled, but worked fine
Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray--Smells like a pina colada and has a lot of hold to it.
-Overall, I found something positive in everything I received.

For a more detailed review, please watch the video below:

http://youtu.be/DpGCByZ-ESg

To subscribe to Ipsy, click here.

What did you receive in your bag or box?

PS: Are you a fan of Target? Okay, who isn't? Then you need to enter BOTH of my GIVEAWAYS. It takes just a few seconds to enter. You don't have to follow me or anything. Just leave a comment with your email. You can tweet about the giveaways as well for an extra entry. 

• $100 Target giftcard from Sonia Kashuk (also enter here)--ends 6-30 
• $100 Target giftcard from St. Ives--ends 6-30

Ipsy: May Glam Bag

As another month speeds by, it's time for another Ipsy bag! The theme for this month is Fresh Picks! Let's see what I got:

-Bag with plant design on one side, green on the other

-Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Duo in Moonbeam and Unicorn

• Coconut-infused mineral eye shadows, packaged in a beautiful travel-ready recyclable container, these exclusive duos are customized just for ipsy! These shades can be found in the Pacifica Mystical and Charmed Palette. Smooth application with gorgeous color pay-off. I'll be passing these on since I don't care for the colors.

-Endless Euphoria by Calvin Klein

• Calvin Klein translates the provocative fantasy of the iconic euphoria fragrance into a sunlit daydream filled with cherry blossoms and an air of sheer sensuality. I didn't care for this, as it gave me a headache, but will pass it on.

-Sans Tan Anti-Aging Sunscreen

• The Jersey Shore Sun® Sans Tan Anti-aging Sunscreen contains non-nano, anti-aging, certified organic ingredients, including vitamin E (non-GMO) & vitamin D3 which can be deficient in individuals avoiding the sun. SPF 35 provides broad spectrum protection which prevents premature aging and helps to prevent health risks associated with prolonged exposure to the sun. Top rated & recommended for safety, stability and excellent UVA protection, by The Environmental Working Group. This practically free from everything, and it worked. Just be sure to shake it up before using.

-Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Masque

• Conditions, repairs and strengthens dry and damaged hair. Argan Oil nourishes and revitalizes, while Keravis Protein drastically increases hair’s strength and elasticity. The results are hydrated, soft and manageable hair. I have seen but have never tried this brand before. I liked it and would like to try more of their products. Smells so good.

-Avène Thermal Spring Water 

• The only thermal spring water bottled directly from the source and packaged in a sterile environment to guarantee purity and maximum skin benefits. Its unique composition is proven to soothe inflammation, itching, redness, general sensitivity and post-medical and aesthetic procedure irritation as it softens, protects and purifies the skin. So far, it seems like fancy water to me, but I will use this at the beach!

-Bonus Item: Bare Minerals Lipstick in Strike It Up

• I used up my Ipsy points to get this. It's a beautiful coral (imagine that...me with a coral lip! ha). I have a big Bare Minerals review coming in a couple of weeks, so styayed tuend for that!

Bare Minerals Strike It Up, Pacifica Eye Shadow Duo

Want to join Ipsy? It's only $10 a month! Click my code here to join.

What did you get this month in your bag or box?

PS: $100 Target Giftcard from Sonia Kashuk for Target--ends 6-30

Glowing Spring Makeup (That Looks Natural!)

Hey you! How has your week been? This post is going up super late because this sinus infection has been kicking me down. I'm talking go-to-sleep-at-9:30-down. I'm usually burning the midnight oil around here! Anyway, I shared some options earlier this week to get your body glowing for spring. And today I have a makeup look that looks natural, and is so pretty. It's an easy, glowing look for spring. If you are into natural-looking makeup, you'll love this. I hope you enjoy the video!

I'm sharing a variety of products to get this look, including those from this month's Ipsy bag. Click here for my code to join for $10 a month. Here's what's inside:

• Cailyn Tinted Lip Balm in Apple Pink
• Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Eye Pencil
• Demeter Jasmine Perfume Oil Roll On
• dr. brandt® microdermabrasion
• Elizabeth Mott pop! goes the shadow

And here is how I got the look:

• I started off with the dr. brandt® microdermabrasion scrub. Very gentle, and good for all skin types.

• Then I used the new Skindinavia The Makeup Primer Spray. I was sent this to try and I love how light it is! Here's more:
• Think lightweight primer, but in spray form! Perfect for spring/summer or those who want a lighter primer.
• Silicone-free base creates a breathable barrier between skin and makeup. I had no breakouts/irritation.
• Oil, paraben and sulfate-free. Each product is tested for sensitive skin.
• Formulated to be worn with or without makeup.
• Proven to reduce the need for makeup touch-ups or blotting. I have dry skin, so I can't attest to that, but my makeup lasted all day.
• This will be out next month--I highly suggest trying it out! There's an oil-control version too!
• Next, I applied Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse as for my foundation and then added concealer. Feel feel to use your favorite BB, CC, or tinted moisturizer.
• For the eyes, I use the Elizabeth Mott pop! goes the shadow, a beautiful champagne shade, that I applied to the center of the lids and blended out. In the video I also use Stila's Kitten, my favorite shadow shade. It allows eyes to look larger and more awake.
• To make my lashes look thicker, I used the Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Eye Pencil along the outer half of my lash line, and using short strokes. Love this!
• I curled my lashes and used Covergirl Bombshell mascara--I used the #1 side only.
• To get that glow, I applied the Maybelline Master Glaze Bronzer Stick along my upper cheekbones, chin, and the top of my nose. Yes, this is a bronzer stick, but it's so light that it works perfectly as a glowing highlighter. You can also use the champagne shadow or your favorite highlighter. I have dry skin, so I like the creme formula.
• On my lips, I used the Cailyn Tinted Lip Balm in Apple Pink, but I also love the Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick in Fresh Papaya. I also used it as a creme blush.

Want to see how I got this look? 
CLICK HERE for the video!

Current Giveaways:

• Win a pair of Reebok Skyscape shoes--pick the color!
• $75 Sephora Gift Card + 2 more prizes
• Gift basket full of RIMMEL makeup!
• All-Day Beauty Tools from NEUTROGENA