Ipsy November 2014 Review

November has been my favorite Ipsy month so far!  I'm excited to finally get the time to write this post, because the products this month were wonderful. Sorry this post is late, wow things have been busy! :) Keep reading to find out what products I received and why they were so great...

Ipsy sent me five items in this sparkly, silver bag. I like the bag, it's lined with pink fabric on the inside and makes a great makeup bag for my purse. I received two full-size products this month - the J. Cat lip paint and the Starlooks eyeliner pencil. Let's start with the eyeliner...

 Starlooks Gem Eye Pencil: This eyeliner shade is Ultra Olive. It is a light to medium mossy green with gold sparkle. Wow it is beautiful! My favorite way to wear this is on the lower lash line and even in the waterline. It lasts for about 4-5 hours. It is so soft and pigmented, and it's a fun shade to wear for holiday looks. It actually looks really nice with the Mica eyeshadow from last month's Ipsy bag, you can check out my review here October 2014 Ipsy Bag. This liner sharpens well, which is really convenient. I actually wear this a few times a week, it compliments so many eyeshadow looks - great job Ipsy! 

Size Received: 0.1 oz
Price: $17.00 full size 0.1 oz
Value: $17.00 - this liner paid for the bag this month!

J. Cat Beauty Wonder Lip Paint: The shade I received is Mad Splatter. I love the shade - it is hot pink with blue undertone/shimmer, so fun and pretty! J. Cat claims that this offers endurance and intense pigment, I agree with the intense pigment, but I don't find this to be long-lasting. I've tried applying this directly on my lips, with a q-tip, over liner and *nothing* stops this from feathering outside of my lips. It applies evenly, but within 10 minutes it feathers. The formula is thin and runny, so I think that might be why it feathers. I don't have a lipstick brush because I've never really needed one, but maybe I'll have to pick one up to see if it helps this gorgeous color wear well. I prefer lipstick or lipgloss over this "paint." 

 Size Received: 0.33 oz
Price: $4.99 full size 0.33 oz
Value: $4.99

 It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer: All Ipsters received the shade Neutral Medium. This is a high-end "cult favorite" product, so I was excited to try this! The shade works well for me, and it really blends out nicely. The formula is unlike any concealer I've tried! I follow the directions and use a tiny dab (a little goes a long way), rub it between my fingers to warm it up, and then apply to my undereye area. This is some serious stuff!  It covers up my dark circles so well, and even some acne scars. The coverage is amazing, and it lasts all day! I don't use this everyday because my eyes usually don't need this much coverage, but when my eyes are looking extra tired, this really helps conceal the circles.

Size Received: 0.11 fl oz 
Price: $24 full size 0.28 fl oz
Value: $9.43 

 Sea RX Birchsap Moisturizing Lotion: I am so happy I received this lotion, I love trying new lotions, and this was not disappointing at all. I like the smell, it is sweet and fresh, like sugary citrus. The formula is great - it absorbs quickly, doesn't break me out, and moisturizes my oily skin just the right amount. It does seem to help brighten my skin, which is really nice this time of year when I feel like my skin can look dull. Realistically, it is too expensive for me to buy full-size, but it has been fun using up the sample! 

Size Received: 0.3 oz
Price: $32.00 full size 4 oz
Value: $2.40

Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Hairspray: Well, this is a pretty standard hairspray. It seems gentle, which is nice, and the hold is light to medium. It does a decent job, just nothing extraordinary. I do love travel hairsprays, they're so convenient to keep in my bag or travel with!

Size Received: 1.5 oz

Price: $8.29 full size 9 fl oz

Value: $1.38

Overall Thoughts: This is by far my favorite Ipsy month! I'm really happy with the products I received. My favorite is probably the eyeliner because it's so usable, followed closely by the concealer. My lip paint shade is so gorgeous I'm going to keep trying to find a way to make it work. Overall, I found this month's makeup shades to be perfect, they're shades that work well with my complexion and style. The total value this month was about $35.20. 

 How did you like November's Ipsy bag? Any tips on wearing the J.Cat Lip Paint? 

Thanks for reading! 

Ipsy October 2014 Review

Ipsy continues to impress me! I love the October bag I received, and have used everything quite a bit. Ipsy sends out a nice variety of beauty products for only $10 a month. The products in my bag were actually the ones that I really wanted, so I did get lucky this time :)  

Ipsy sent me five items in this teal plastic bag. This bag is okay, I don't care for the texture as much as last month's bag. I received two full size products (yay!) - Mica Beauty eye shadow, and Figs and Rogue hand cream.  Let's talk about the eye shadow first...

Mica Beauty Mineral Eye Shadow: The eye shadow shade is "Reluctance." The product is supposed to be very gentle, and I experienced no irritation when using this. The formula works well for me - it applies smoothly and evenly and blends well. It lasts for about six hours with a primer, so it's not a really long lasting shadow, but it's not disappointing, either. The color is what I really love about this shadow - it is so pigmented and rich; there is a lot of dimension from the shimmer. The color can be built for a dark smokey look, or lightly applied and blended for a daytime look. 

Size received: 2.5 grams
Price: $14.95 full size 2.5 grams
Value: $14.95 - this eye shadow paid for the bag!

H2OGlo Highlighter by Doll 10 Beauty: The highlighter shade is "Champagne." I was *so* excited to see this in my glam bag! I absolutely love highlighters, and will use powders, blush, and even eye shadow to find the perfect highlight. I use my fingertips to gently tap on this cream highlighter. The formula is lightweight, but can feel sticky if I try to build it up. I find it does not last more than three hours, even with a primer and a gentle tap of setting powder. There are better highlighters on the market, but I still enjoy this highlighter because of how "glowy" it is! Check out the swatch: 

Size Received: Ahh I cannot find the size anywhere!
Price: $30 full size 10 grams
Value: I wish I knew.. Does anyone have the size we were sent? :D I would guess about $10 because it seems about 1/3 the size of a full-size highlighter. 

Starlooks Lip Gloss: The lip gloss shade is "Guilty Pleasure." I really like this little sample - it is the perfect neutral pink for me. The formula is thick and a bit sticky, but I think that improves the staying power of this lip gloss, and the serious pigmentation. This lasts for about an hour, which is great for lip gloss in my opinion! The finish is glossy and opaque with no shimmer. Look at how pretty and wearable this color is: 

Size Received: 0.3 oz
Price:  $12 for full size 
Value $6 (I'm guessing because I can't find the full size amount and the sample size seems about half the size of a normal lip gloss tube.) 

Purifying Exfoliant by Epice: The product claims include "mild, non-irritating" and I have to agree! This is a very gentle, yet effective, scrub. I use this on my face and the product does improve the texture of my skin - I always have smoother, softer skin after using this scrub. The exfoliating particles are smooth and small which I prefer for my face scrubs.

Size Received: 1.0 oz
Price: $32 full size 3.3 oz
Value: About $9

Figs and Rogue Hand Cream in Mango Mandarin: I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised by this hand cream! I'm not really into hand creams, but I find myself reaching for this one a lot. I love the formula. It absorbs so quickly and moisturizes well. I also like the scent - it's fruity and fresh, and fades quickly (which I prefer). Plus the packaging is adorable!

Size Received: 20 ml
Price: $6.56 full size 20 ml
Value: $6.56

Overall Thoughts: I'm really happy with the items from my October glam bag... they are items that I actually enjoy using! My favorite this month is the eye shadow, but I also love how fun the highlighter is to use, and how pretty the lip gloss is. The exfoliant feels great, and the hand cream is surprisingly nice. I think the value of this bag is around $46.51. I can't wait to see what November's bag will include!

Did you receive the October Ipsy Bag? What were your favorite and least favorite products? 

Wet n Wild Fall 2014 Limited Edition 5-Pan Coloricon Eyeshadow Palettes

Hi everyone! I recently picked up two LE 5-pan Wet n Wild palettes at Walgreens, Smoke and Melrose and Angels in Aubergine. I actually love Wet n Wild eyeshadow, and these palettes are no exception!

Smoke and Melrose

Smoke and Melrose seems to be the most popular palette among the Fall 2014 LE, and I can understand why! This is a beautiful palette, I consider it neutral but with a really pretty warm, subtle rosy hue. I saw the Urban Decay Naked 3 eyeshadow palette a while ago at Ulta, and I think the Smoke and Melrose palette has a similar theme going on - pumped up, warm rosy neutrals.
Packaging: Typical Wet n Wild plastic packaging. It does feel rather cheap; be careful not to drop this one because it feels breakable. But for a few dollars, it's okay. The eyeshadows are stamped with recommended placement, but try what works best for you! I find the "Base" color is better on the browbone and inner corner, the "Browbone" and "Eyelid" mix so nicely together on the lid, and the "Definer" looks lovely blended into the crease and as an eyeliner. If I use the "Crease" color, I actually place it on the middle of my lid. Try out the placement that works best for your eye-shape! 
 Check out the swatches:

Formula: The colors have great pay-off, and apply and blend well. I definitely recommend a primer, though! A primer will help intensify the color and make the shadow last all day. There is a bit of fall-out, typical of Wet n Wild. I usually apply my eyeshadow before my foundation, and just wipe off any fall-out before I apply foundation. 
Final Thoughts: Smoke and Melrose is a gorgeous, super affordable palette! I reach for it often during the work week. This is a very wearable palette, but a bit more unique than some neutral palettes - beautiful!

Angels in Aubergine 

I actually wasn't sure what to expect with Angels in Aubergine. It looks really unique in the palette, and I was excited to see something so different at Walgreens. Go Wet n Wild!  
Packaging: Same as Smoke and Melrose. The recommended placement of eyeshadow for this palette is... a little odd haha. I use the "Base" for the browbone and inner corner. The "Browbone" is beautiful all over the lid, and the "Definer" shade looks stunning in the crease. The "Crease" and "Eyelid" colors apply very dark, and I only use them if I want a smokey eye. The "Definer" shade is the star of this palette! Check it out...

Wow isn't that "Definer" shade gorgeous? Such a unique, rich burgundy color. 
Formula: The colors in this palette perform more inconsistently than in Smoke and Melrose. The white/silver "Base" color and the pink "Browbone" color are a bit chalky, but with primer and a brush, you can make them work. The "Definer" shade is buttery and smooth, but there is fall-out with this shade in particular (personally, I don't mind fall-out because it's so easy to fix). The two darker colors apply well and blend nicely, I just don't use them often because they are *dark*. 
Final Thoughts: I love this palette as much as Smoke and Melrose because it is so unique! I've seen a lot of tutorials/looks on youtube and instagram for that bombshell look, and Angels in Aubergine is perfect for it! You can definitely achieve a sexy, bombshell look with this!

Have you tried any of the LE Fall 2014 Wet n Wild palettes? How do they work for you? 

Ipsy September 2014 Review

Hi everyone! I'm excited to show you what came in my second Ipsy bag this month! I'm getting hooked on Ipsy... I definitely look forward to the sneak peaks, seeing my Glam Room, and of course that hot pink mailer - it really is fun! For $10 a month Ipsy sends you a cute makeup bag and a mix of full-size and sample-size products, usually 5 products total. Keep reading to find out what I received this month...

Ipsy sent me five products in this awesome metallic bag with studs - I love this bag! It has a soft, smooth texture. I received three full size products in this bag - the Hikari lipstick, Be a Bombshell powder and Pacifica nail polish. Definitely impressed with THREE full size products! Let's talk about the lipstick first...

The lipstick shade is Cabernet, online it is described as "rich, red wine." The formula is wonderful - it feels lightweight and smooth, and lasts for about two hours. The finish is a creamy matte and it looks beautiful. 
As you can see in the picture, this is a medium/dark pink color, definitely not rich, red wine. I do wish this was a deep red, almost burgundy color, but the pink is flattering and pretty so I'll definitely use this lipstick. 

Size Received: 3.8 grams
Price: $13 full size 3.8 grams
Value: $13  This lipstick alone paid for the bag! Go Ipsy!

Up next: Be a Bombshell Smooth Criminal Powder. I love how matte this powder is! I have extremely oily skin. I use a matte primer, matte foundation and this powder and it really keeps the dreaded oil-slick at bay. The powder is completely translucent and applies clear. I have used this in photographs, too, and haven't had a problem with a white cast. I love how flawless this makes my skin look. The formula is lightweight, odorless, and doesn't leave my skin cakey. Plus - it hasn't made me break out! Definitely a must-have finishing powder for ladies and gents with oily skin. 

Size Received: 4 grams

Price: $12 full size 4 grams

Value: $12  Another item that paid for the bag - super happy with the value!

Let's talk about the Pacifica 7 Free Nail Color in Red, Red Wine. First of all, I was so excited to see a full size nail polish in my Ipsy bag. I love nail polish! The color is one of my favorite fall shades - a deep red/burgundy with a hint of brown. It is a lovely color. The formula, however, was not as impressive. The polish is very thin and chips within one day of wear. I have found excellent base and top coats and usually can have a regular manicure last 5 days without chipping. This chipped on the same day that I painted! And continued to chip. Overall, I would not buy this formula again... but I will probably use it again because I enjoy the shade. 

Size Received: 0.45 fl oz

Price: $9 full size 0.45 fl oz

Value: $9  I'm so happy with the value of these products!

Well, I'll be honest. I'm not a huge fan of hand lotion, so this was just not as exciting for me. The product packaging claims "Luxury Hand Cream" but it really is average to me. It smells like sweet lavender.  

The formula is nice - it absorbs quickly and it is hydrating. It's just not exceptional or anything, pretty standard hand cream here. 

Size Received: 1.1 fl oz/30 ml

Price: $34 full size 60 ml (found on Amazon.com because Mitchell and Peach's website lists pounds and I'm looking for dollars)

Value: $17   Another great value! (Side note: this hand lotion is way overpriced :D ) 

The last item here is the Nourish Organic Moisturizing Cream Face Cleanser. Unfortunately, the second ingredient is coconut oil. Coconut oil makes me break out so badly, so I'm not going to use this at all. I gave it to my husband to use because he has dry skin and never breaks out. Lucky man.

Size Received: 1 fl oz

Price: $13.99 full size 6 fl oz

Value: $2.33

Overall Thoughts: I am extremely happy with this month's Ipsy bag! Although I'm not really into the hand lotion or the face cleanser, the three full size products make up for that, plus I actually *love* the lipstick and the powder. The total value of the products is $53.33. Wow!! I can't wait to see what October brings us.

Did you receive the September Ipsy Bag?  What were your favorite products? 

Dove Pistachio Cream with Magnolia Nourishing Body Wash

Hi everyone! Now, I have to tell you... I *love* Dove body wash, so I was really excited to snatch up this new scent - pistachio cream with magnolia!  Doesn't it just sound delicious? Read more to find out how it worked for me!

Packaging: This comes in the standard Dove body wash bottle. 22 fl. oz. It has a lovely picture of pistachios and a magnolia flower. Flip-top cap. I personally love Dove body wash bottles - they're easy to grip, open and squeeze. 

Claims: "Dove Pistachio Cream and Magnolia blended with NutriumMoisture creates a cloud of creamy lather that will leave you and your skin comforted and nourished. The comforting scent fills your shower enveloping you with care, leaving you feeling relaxed." Dove markets their body washes as being very hydrating and nourishing, and this particular scent is no exception: "Dove makes your skin softer and smoother after just one shower with NutriumMoisture for more skin natural nourishment than most body washes." This information can be found on the back of the bottle.

Formula and Scent: The body wash is thick and creamy, and a light mint green color. It produces a creamy lather; this really feels indulgent! Like all Dove body washes, I find this hydrating and soothing. I don't have particularly dry skin, but my skin always feels softer when I use Dove. The scent is unique and lovely. The pistachio scent is a subtle creamy nutty-ness, and the magnolia smells fresh and slightly floral. Together, these scents mix into a delicious blend of cream, subtle nut spice, and fresh magnolia. It's a touch gourmand, a touch clean-fresh, and a touch floral. YUM! Pistachio Cream and Magnolia is one of the most interesting drug store body wash scents I've used!
Final Thoughts: I highly recommend this body wash, and I will purchase this again! I love the creamy, rich formula and the indulgent scent. Unfortunately, the scent does fade quickly, but I don't expect my body wash scent to linger. I would love to see deodorant and body lotion added to this line. This is a perfect scent as we transition into fall - still fresh and floral enough for those lingering summer days, but enough cream and spice to warm up the chilly mornings!

Have you tried the new Dove Pistachio Cream with Magnolia Nourishing Body Wash? Did you enjoy it, too? 

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner Review

Hi everyone! In my August Ipsy Bag I received the Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner. Check out everything else from my August Ipsy bag here! I've used this for the past few weeks... keep reading to find out how it worked for me!
Claims: "A cult favorite, pores no more pore refiner primer is Dr. Brandt’s quick fix for flawless, photo-ready skin. It is the miracle base to create the perfect skin canvas for long-lasting makeup and well-preserved skin. This velvety formula absorbs excess oil, minimizes pores, blurs fine lines and is resistant to sweat and humidity. Prime, touch-up and treat while perfecting your makeup."  Taken from Dr. Brandt Skincare's website.

Packaging: I was sent the sample size, however the packaging appears to be similar to the full-size tube. The tube feels very hygienic and easy to control. 

Formula: The first two things I noticed: The formula is peach colored but blends out colorless, and it smells very herbal, like tea tree oil and rosemary. The smell quickly fades. This has a smooth, slick texture similar to other primers formulated with dimethicone. I always apply primer under my foundation and then set everything lightly with powder. Unfortunately, this did not refine my pores at all. I have large pores and oily skin, and this primer did nothing for me. It did not absorb excess oil and my makeup just melted after about 3 hours.
Final Thoughts: This pore refiner primer did not help my skin at all. *sigh* I really wanted this to work because I have the skin type that needs a product like this. To make matters worse, after a few days I noticed new clogged pores and break outs which increased every day after using this... something in it made me break out. Once I stopped using this, my face cleared up within a week. I do not recommend this primer, but I would suggest trying Ulta's Matte Prime. 

It refines my large pores, gives me a solid 6-7 hours of a matte complexion AND keeps my makeup from fading. You can find Ulta's Matte Prime here. It's a way better price-point too - Ulta's $18 for 1 oz vs Dr. Brandt's $45 for 1 oz.  So if you're in the market for a primer which will help smooth out pores, control oil, and won't make you break out check out Ulta's Matte Prime!

Has anyone else tried Dr. Brandt's Pores No More Pore Refiner? How did it work for you? Are there any other primers which you would recommend? 

Urban Decay Electric Palette Swatches and Review

Hi everyone! I'm so excited to share Urban Decay's Electric Palette! I've wanted this since it first came out, but it's more money than I usually spend on makeup. So my wonderful husband surprised me with this for our first anniversary! Read on to find out more about this colorful palette...

Claims: "It's a color addict's ultimate fix: a mind-blowing palette filled with 10 of the brightest, most amazing shades you’ve ever laid eyes on—including eight never-before-seen shades you won't find anywhere else."  
There is a warning to be aware of: "(WARNING: Slowburn, Savage, Jilted and Urban contain a colorant that is not approved for the eye area in the US, Canada and Brazil.)" 
This information can be found on Urban Decay's website.

Packaging: There are ten round shadows in this palette with a dual-ended brush in the middle. The inside of the lid includes a large mirror. The palette is rectangular with a magnetic close.
Swatches: 
Let's start with the top row:

Revolt, Gonzo, Slowburn, Savage, Fringe

Revolt is a bright metallic silver shade packed with fine silver glitter. Great for inner corner of the eye.

Gonzo is a matte medium-colored bright blue. There is a bit of micro-fine glitter in the pan but when on the eye and swatched the glitter disappears. 

Slowburn is a matte bright medium orange shade with fine silver/pink glitter. 

Savage is a matte medium hot pink with a blue undertone. This has a Radiant Orchid vibe.

Fringe is medium-to-dark teal shade with a silver-toned satin finish.

Bottom Row:

Chaos, Jilted, Urban, Freak, Thrash

Chaos is a matte royal blue shade with micro-fine light blue glitter. 

Jilted is an iridescent shade showing both dark pink and blue, with micro-fine glitter in a light-purple color. This shows as a fuschia on the eye.

Urban is a deep purple shade with a subtle satin finish. 

Freak is a pale bright green with a satin finish, and soft yellow-gold colored micro-fine glitter.

Thrash is a chartreuse, which is a mix between yellow and green. Subtle satin finish (somewhere between a matte and satin) with bright gold micro-fine glitter. 

Color Pay-off: As you can see in the swatches, these colors are *so* pigmented. It is almost impossible to find bright, matte shades that actually wear bright, aren't chalky, and don't fallout everywhere. All of these shades are smooth and blend well, and the color is so vivid!

Lasting Power: These shades last 7-8 hour without creasing or fading when used with a primer. Almost all of the shades leave a stain on my eyelids at night but usually fade by the morning. The red and orange based shades stain more.

Brush: The brush is a nice addition to this palette. The smaller brush is wonderful as a smudger brush for packing on color in the crease, or smudging out color on the lower lash line. The larger brush works well at packing on color over the eyelid. I also recommend a very fluffy blending brush to use with this palette. 

Wear-ability and Tips: Now, nudes have been the thing for years and years, right?? I love a pretty nude eye look, too, but seriously let's bring back some color! Try using a liner brush to add a thin pop of color above black or brown eyeliner on the top lid (focus the color more on the outer part of the lid). Use the smaller end of the included brush to smudge out some color on the lower lash-line. On the lower lash-line you can try just one color, like Fringe, or use a lighter color like Freak on the inner part and blend into a darker shade like Fringe on the outer part. Also, try mixing in a little Urban next time you do a smokey eye for a bit of purple. I will do some looks with this palette and post them, so come back for some picture inspiration!

Final Thoughts: This palette is one of my favorite, best-performing makeup products I have ever owned. The shades are so pigmented, true-to-color, and long-lasting. The color range is spectacular with plenty of warm, neutral and cool shades to suit every skin tone. At first glance, this palette may seem a little overwhelming, but there are so many ways to add a pop of color in an everyday look. This palette just begs us to be creative and have some fun with color again! I would definitely recommend. 

Has anyone else tried the Urban Decay Electric Palette? Are you having fun putting some color back into your makeup routine, too?! Do you have any wear-ability ideas?  

Sally Hansen Maximum Growth Daily Nail Treatment Review

Hi everyone! I used the Maximum Growth treatment everyday this past week, and as promised here is the review! Read on to see if this helped my brittle, short nails...

Claims: From Sally Hansen's website "A growth treatment that fortifies and protects nails so they can grow. Triple-protein and silk formula instantly reinforces soft, bitten and weak nails."
Packaging: This comes in a nail polish bottle, with a rather narrow brush. The brush helps me apply this treatment precisely. The cap is a nice size and easy to grip. 
Formula: First thing to note - this is a bit thinner than most polishes and base/top coats. It applies evenly and isn't goopy. The treatment dries super quick, under five minutes! This is very convenient to use - the polish goes on smoothly and dries so fast. This treatment chips so much on my nails though. The next day or two and I had some huge peeling chips. I can usually go 5-6 days without chipping with a full manicure (base coat, polish and top coat) so I was disappointed with the lasting power.

Before: My nails tend to peel towards the tip. They are rather thin and the peeling makes it hard for my nails to grow.

After: This is my typical nail growth/length after a week. The Maximum Growth treatment did not result in faster growth. 

Results: Sally Hansen Maximum Growth Daily Nail Treatment did not work as a growth treatment for me. This really adds an extra layer to the nail, which may *help* growth because it could prevent peeling. However, this chips so quickly that my natural nail was almost always exposed. In the picture, you can see the layers of treatment and then my own thinner nail tip.
Final Thoughts: I don't dislike this product. It does add a layer of hardness to the nail which helps prevent peeling. However, it chips so quickly and leaves my thin nail tips exposed, you would probably have to re-apply up to two times a day. I like to wear color on my nails, so maybe I'll try this as base coat..  I would recommend this if you like to wear clear polish and need some help with peeling nails. Just be prepared for some chipping. 

Has anyone tried this Sally Hansen Nail Growth Treatment? Did it work for your nails? How do you think it compares to other growth treatments?