Ipsy Glam Bag: Destination Beauty

So now I that I have officially cancelled my Birchbox subscription gasp! I now only have one little piece of mail that I look forward to receiving each month and that is my Ipsy glam bag.

The products are totally worth the $10 monthly fee! The difference between Birchbox and Ipsy for me was the type of products I began to receive. I am more of a makeup girl not an all around product girl. I don't need hundreds of BB creams, hand creams and small foil packets full of a product that I only get to use once.

With Ipsy, the product is at a larger size so I am able to sample the product throughly and give a better opinion in regards to the item. It also helps me to decide if I will be ordering the sample in full size.

With that being said, I highly suggest Ipsy. Their shipping is quick and easy, their products have great quality and are affordable for any budget.

So let's see what Ipsy sent out this month...

Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Get Ready-$18
This lipstick is creamy and has a great pigment of color. This shade is great for any occasion. Subtle enough for work but would match perfectly to a more glamoured look maybe for a date night. I'm not a huge lipstick wearer but paired with a nude gloss I quickly became a fan.

Pixie Flawless Beauty Primer-$9
The older I get the more obsessed I have become with keeping my skin healthy. I want the glowing, no wrinkle and smooth looking face. With the help of this product my skin looks better and my makeup stays put all day. In the past, I would have never used a face primer but since I started receiving the Ipsy glam bag I have been able to try a few different brands and I must say that a face primer does wonders!

NYX Love In Rio-$6
Brown shades of eye shadow, boom! I LOVE brown eye shadow. All brands, any shade, brown is my go to color. I did the I'm so excited clap my hands four times kinda thing when I pulled this little trio out of the bag. The pigmentation of the product is great and it doesn't crease on my lids after a entire day goes by.

Chella Indigo Blue Eyeliner-$24
I really wish this would have been in black. Blue is not my color and to be honest we had more fun drawing decor on our nails! This fine point eyeliner pen works great when it comes to achieving a perfect line but it is the shade that threw everything off for me.

Ipsy also sent out other products in their glam bags which also included OPI nail polish, body butter and a temporary tanning lotion. I have been subscribed with Ipsy for over a year now and have never been disappointed!

The Look Of Love: Ipsy Feb 2014

Last week I received my monthly self-given present, also known as my Ipsy glam bag. With it being Valentines week it couldn't have arrived at a better time. 

This month's theme is "The Look Of Love", probably my favorite so far. Of course the color pink had to be used more than once and I am completely okay with that! I heart pink!

See what I mean? What's not to love??

1. City Color Be Matte Blush in Fresh Melon-$2.99

Although at first glance this blush looks orange it is not. The color is a flattering shade of pink and perfect for any occasion. Whether you are trying to pull off a casual or formal look this blush will work great. I love affordable products that also include great quality!

2. POP Beauty Plump Pout in Peony Petal-$7.53



Lip gloss!! As one of my obsessions I LOVE lip gloss! This mauve colored shade is the perfect color for me. Although the scent of the gloss is not the best it didn't leave my lips feeling sticky like some glosses.

3. Zoya Nail Polish in Dot-$9.00

One of the reasons why I like Ipsy so much is because they send their subscribers full sized nail polishes. They recently sent out one in October and now this one. Each shade coincides with the season so it doesn't get much better than that! Loving this color!

4. Tini Beauty Cordial Cream Shadow + Base In One in Spiced Rum-$18.00

My go to eyeshadow color is brown. I own a ton of shades from golden light brown to dark cocoa brown. I feel it is the best shade to accent my features. When I received this creamy eyeshadow I was delighted. The shimmery bronze shade definitely made my eyes pop.

5. IPKN New York Moist and Firm-$35.00

I'm not really a fan of this cream. The shade was perfect because I have started tanning so my skin is a bit darker but it felt cakey and had a shine to it which I do not need on my face. I think I'll pass on this one. 

The total bag value was approximately $72.52 which is good being that the bag only costs $10. Once again I'm highly impressed with Ipsy and the products offered. I look forward to each bag and each product! Happy present to self!!

Go Get Em Tigress

Here it is, my January Birchbox. I can say I'm not too thrilled about the beauty subscription once again. I am now shopping the beauty market for something more relatable to my liking.

Here's what I received in my box:

1. 100% Fruit Pigmented Mascara-$18
I wasn't very impressed with this mascara. The sample was of tiny size making it hard to use more then a couple of times. I'm also a mascara snob so if you aren't very picky you might be ok with this product.

2. Just Candlenut Body Creme-$35
The first thing that I noticed was the light scent of this cream. It is nice to not gain a headache when you put on a product. The downside was how oily the product left my skin. I immediately wanted to wash my hands.

3. Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk-$18
This is the first dry shampoo I have tried without a strong scent. It was almost odorless. Even Madison had me use it on her. I have other brands that I like better and that do not leave my hair with a white coating like this one did.

4. Nail Rock Glitter-$6.99
This is an item I have been wanting to try. The red polish and the red glitter is a perfect combo for Valentine's Day! The polish covered well and the glitter added the perfect touch!

The lifestyle extra for this month was Ahmad Tea London in assorted flavors-$7
I received Apricot Sunrise, English Tea No 1 and Lemon Vitality. I am not a black tea fan so I decided to try the lemon flavor. With my sinus and cold issues this week the lemon tea was quite soothing. The taste was decent and it is also a green tea which makes it my favorite.

How has Birchbox treated you lately? Have you made a switch?

Sparkle And Shine

December's Birchbox has arrived!

Ipsy's glam bag has still won my vote for best beauty subscription this month but Birchbox did have a few good items. I wasn't very excited over this months box and to be completely honest with how hectic things have been due to the upcoming holiday I spent about five minutes looking at the contents.

I have used every single item for about a week now so this review is completely legit :)

1. Harvey Prince, Hello: $55-50ml/ $26-8.8ml
This tiny sample of perfume I surprisingly enjoyed. The sweet, subtle scent makes it a daily wear perfume without giving yourself a headache. I am usually one to stay away from perfume samples. They are usually too strong and I never end up liking them but Birchbox really knows how to pick out the good ones!

2. Manna Kadar Cosmetics Sheer Glo in Birchbox Love: $29
Who isn't trying to accomplish healthy, glowing perfect looking skin? With this great product it is easy to achieve just that. You can apply it to your face or body alone or mix it in with your foundation to master that flawless look. The lotion had a basic lotion smell not a perfume like scent. The lotion blended well left my cheekbones glowing. Mission accomplished!

3. Number 4 Non Aerosol Hairspray: $30
Since I scrunch my hair and I am a loyal fan to my daily scrunch products I really don't stray away from those certain products. I will use this spray on Madison's flyaways when pulling her hair back.

4. The Honest Company Organic Healing Balm/ Winter Survival Kit: $25
This is a one part of a three part product line co-founded by Jessica Alba. My entire family deals with dry skin, eczema and psoriasis so this balm really comes in handy during this cold and dry season! I have been using this product on my hands every night before I sleep. The scent of the lavender helps me sleep and when I wake up my hands feel soft and moisturized.

The lifestyle extra item that Birchbox included in the box this month was the Twistband Printed Hair Tie: $10-$12 (6 pack)
I have received this item in a previous box but a different print. It holds ponytails in place for the entire day and accents most of my outfits. A win in my book!

Birchbox also included this handy new Birchbox app info card! For more info download the Iphone Birchbox app today!

What did you receive this month?

Ipsy Glam Bag: December

Compared to my Birchbox that I received the day before my Ipsy bag I have to say Ipsy won the month of December. I have debated whether or not to cancel my Birchbox subscription all together but they seem to
be stepping up their game. I am just a huge fan of the Ipsy bag because I find it more affordable, the products match my taste and I seem to use more of the products regularly. I have yet to make my final decision but until then let’s see what’s in the bag!

Natural Lash by Ardell: $3.99
I know quite a few people who are in love with false eyelashes but this is something I have never gotten into. I wear glasses most of the time and I feel like my eyelashes have a good length to them. I have enough problems with my eyes that I cannot imagine putting any type of glue or anything sticky near my eyes.

Starrily Nail Polish in Bzzz Bzzz: $12.00
I love nail polishes in my beauty bags! I painted my nails with a coat of black and then topped my nails with this glitter polish. It is my new favorite combo and a perfect match for New Years!

J. Cat Beauty Big Lip Pencil: $3.99
Paired with my color stick by Be A Bombshell this lip pencil added a hint of color and filled in my lips nicely. I can't remember the last time I used a lip pencil. That is what is great about these beauty subscriptions, you get to step outside of the box and try something at a discounted rate!

Pop Beauty Bright Up Your Life Shadow Trio: $24
This little trio hit my love for eye makeup dead on. These three colors match what I pretty much wear every single day. A hint of shimmer, a medium to dark shade and a darker shade of brown to make my eyes pop. I’m in love.

The One Stick By Be A Bombshell: $16
I have never used a product where you can apply it to anywhere on your face before to add color. I stuck with my ways and used the shade on my lips before applying my lip gloss. It added a subtle hint of color
without feeling cakey like a lipstick might feel.

The value of this bag turned out to be $59.98 and I only spent $10! Also, every product was a full size sample! You can’t beat that!

Are you an Ipsy Glam Bag subscriber?

Shining and Sparkling Beauty

My Ipsy Glam Bag has finally arrived and I can say I was completely shocked at how heavy the package was when I took it out of the mailbox.

The question that seems to be asked the most is “what’s the difference between Ipsy and Birchbox?”

In my experience Ipsy sends full sized products and sticks with the lower end and more affordable brands like NYX. In comparison, Birchbox’s samples are of higher end products and come in smaller sized samples. The price of full size Birchbox products are also a little higher. All around I love both companies and enjoy all of the products. I like the variety and choices that I receive each month and that’s why I am subscribed to both.

In this month’s bag each item took on a festive and more glamorous look along with the bag itself in all of its shining golden glory, let’s see what’s inside!!

em michelle phan pillow plush cushiony lip balm in Berries-Retail $15.00
As much as I love lip balm I thought $15 for the size of this product was a little extreme. The lip balm does leave your lips silky smooth and shiny but not worth the price. As dark as the lip balm may look the color was a subtle and nice shade once I applied it on. 
                                              

Be a bombshell Lip Crayon-Retail $14.00
The last Bombshell lip crayon I received was a bright pink so it comes at no surprise that this sample would be any different. Only now in a red shade! It is definitely a bright red. I have actually kept these lip crayons for when Madison needs bright lip shades for her dance recitals. I even in the best shade of light can never pull off these colors!

Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer-Retail $13.00
I love my nail polishes so I am a very happy camper when I receive Nailtini products! This shade is perfect for winter and for the upcoming holidays! It took about two coats to retrieve a nice smooth covered look, not bad. 

Pixi Beauty Bronzer-Retail $5.00
I love how subtle this bronzer is! I have purchased bronzers in the past that leave my skin orange and three shades darker than my neck. Yuck! This product leaves your skin with a light glowing layer of color.

Starlooks Gem Eye Pencil-Retail $14.00
All of my eye pencils are black and I have never worn anything else. I feel a little washed out if I am not using a black eye pencil. Although this item is a fun product to play around with I don’t see myself using it unless I blend it into an eye shadow or wear it to an event for the holidays.

TRESemme TRES Two Extra Hold Holdspray Travel Size-Retail $0.50 1.5 oz.
I love mini hairsprays! Especially in the winter when I find my hair experiencing static. I throw a can in my purse and I am on my way! I also use TRESemme’s Dry Shampoo spray as well! I haven’t had a bad experience with TRESemme products!

The value of this bag came to $61.50 which is amazing! If you haven’t subscribed to receive Ipsy’s monthly glam bag I suggest you do! Look at what all was received for just $10! A hair product, 2 lip products, 1 eye product, 1 face product, 1 nail product and the monthly “glam bag” which happens to be one of the best things about this subscription! I love all things beauty and I love Ipsy!

Birchbox: November 2013

What's in the box?

That is what immediately pops into my head every time I see my Birchbox peeking out of my mailbox every month.

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I cannot tear the packaging open fast enough.

For all of you that might not be up to date on what a Birchbox it is, it is basically a monthly beauty subscription box for $10. 

You receive 4-5 beauty samples. 

Some are full size and some are sample size. 

Most of the time Birchbox provides a wide range of products including edible treats, eyeliner, mascara or even moisturizer. 

The $10 is definitely worth it! I have found some of my favorite products through the Birchbox subscription!

So let's see what's in this month's box!

Color Club Cocktail Hour Collection in Top Shelf: $8.00

The picture doesn't do it justice but the nail polish shade is a golden color. I just purchased some Christmas themed glitter last night so this will accent it perfectly! Can't wait to share my new mani!

Vasanti BrightenUP! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator: $34.00

I love the way this product smells! It is a mini mircodermabrasion product! Exfoliating the skin and moisturizing as well. This little tube made my skin feel silky smooth and soft in just a few mins!

TOCCA Crema de Mano in Cleopatra: 
$20.00

Around this time of year my skin and hands become very dry. I find myself reaching for moisturizer more than usual. This tube of cream combines my two favorite scents: grapefruit and cucumber! I put this cream on before bed and woke up with great smelling and looking skin!

Chella Highlighter Pencil:
$18.00

I actually have already received this product in a prior Birchbox and I use it almost every day. I also use it as a concealer around my eye area. The eye pencil matches my skin perfectly and hides blemishes along with dark eye circles!












Chuao Chocolatier Chocolate Bars: 
$6.00

Anyone who knows me knows I love chocolate! Especially chocolate and caramelized honey! This small piece of goodness tasted delicious! I love trying out new decadent treats and this one aimed to please! Birchbox knows the way to a girls heart!

What's in your box this month?

Have you signed up yet or thinking about?

Share your thoughts!!

Birchbox: Beauty Buzz October 2013

Every month when I see my Birchbox in the mailbox I begin to feel like a kid a candy store!
I want to rip open the contents and try each product as fast as I can.

Nothing excites me more then experimenting with new items and finding what works for me without paying the high dollar price in case it doesn't work out.

It looks like Birchbox focused on products receiving the most "buzz" with this months theme named "Beauty Buzz". I love each and every item I received! Birchbox has definitely stepped up their game compared to previous months.

Let's see what was dropped in my mailbox this month!
 
1. Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish™ Hot Cloth Cleanser Starter Kit
    Full Size (3.3 oz cleanser & 2 muslin cloths): $24.50
    Sample Size: (1 oz cleanser & 1 muslin cloth): $9.00

This little combo is actually 2 samples in one. The cleanser and the muslin cloth. I usually don't say this but one sample was enough to feel exactly how these products work. The cleanser left my face feeling baby soft, removed all of my makeup and kept my skin looking fresh. The cloth helped exfoliate the top layer of my skin which is a must!

 

 

 

2. POP Beauty Aqua Lacquer
    Full Size: $14

If I see a lip gloss in this shade, I most likely will not try it. The shade seemed to be a neon pink that shouted "BRIGHT" but I took the plunge to give you an honest review and realized this was not as bright as I had thought. It was actually a light shade of pink which shocked me.

 
The gloss felt great on my lips and restored the moisture I needed in my lips at that time. I threw this sample in my purse, a winner in my book! (ignore the pixilation of the picture)

3. Chapstick Hydration Lock   
    Full size: $2.99

This bad boy really sold itself in this box! Birchbox is sold out! The vanilla scent and softness left on my lips was very satisfying. Most chapsticks have a mint scent which I am not fond of. It is no surprise that these are selling like hot cakes! Best chaptick award goes to Chapsticks hydration lock!

 

4. Folle je Joie eau de parfum
    Full size: $98.00

With a blend of citrus and floral this perfume sample smells great! It isn't too strong or heavy like most samples I receive in the box. The scent is light and fresh and seems perfect for the fall season!

5. Miss Jessie's® Original Crème de la Crème Conditioner
    Full size: $16.00

With my hair emergency blog post yesterday needing help deciding on a new style, I often forget how much my hair needs to be healthy. After using this conditioner my hair smelled and looked great. I had less tangles and my hair didn't feel heavy and weighed down like most conditioners cause.

I absolutely loved all of my products and cannot wait to receive November's box!
Have you signed up with Birchbox?
What is your favorite sample this month?