There's a New Box in Town! Memebox Special #28 All About Eyes - Review

My love of beauty boxes started a long time ago. First with Loose Button, then Glymm, Ipsy followed shortly after and has been my box of choice for some time now. However, lately I've been underwhelmed with what Ipsy has been providing. The samples and brands are starting to repeat and repeat and... you get my point. And when the free Ipsy point bonuses start wowing more then the actual subscription it is time to say goodbye. Which I did the other day...goodbye Ipsy...and hello Memebox!

Honestly, Memebox isn't a box I thought I would normally go for. Although, I've heard many great things about Korean beauty products, I've always been hesitant about using them, because safety and industry standards are so different there then here in Canada. Memebox sent me this box to try out and review, and after a couple weeks of testing I'm happy to say that I am loving these products and subscription! My bank account is already crying...

I received the Memebox Special #28 All About Eyes box that retails for $29 + $6.99 S&H.

About the Box

Shut your lips and let your eyes do the talking. Need a lift? Wrinkles, bags, crow's-feet - they don't stand a chance against this easy plan. Pamper and brighten eyes with eye treatments that work to diminish the look of dark circles, under eye shadows and fine lines. Go from daytime to lush evening eyes in a flash with versatile coloured shadows and easy glide-on liners! Enhance your eyes with a do-all mascara that promises lush, defined, mile-long layers with the swipe of a wand!

YniPicture-Esque 3 Dots Eyeliner 0.9ml

Retail Value: $9
The 3 Dots Eyeliner comes with a three-end brush which works to thoroughly fill in between your lashes and to offer a deeper high definition eye makeup while its specially formulated ink adheres to skin and dries quickly for a lasting finish. Plus, it's strong against water, sebum, and sweat but can be easily removed with warm water and there's no need for an intense makeup remover.

The concept of this eyeliner is so cool! On days when I don't want to wear much makeup I still like to define my eyes a bit by smudging a pencil liner in my water line. However, this liner normally slides to the corners of my eyes halfway through the day. This liner was super easy to use and looked very natural when just dotted between the lashes. Plus if you turn this liner and use the side you can achieve a normal liquid liner look.

Karadium Line Hero Auto Gel Liner Pencil 2.5g in Real Brown

Retail Value:$12
Softly gliding onto eyelid for featuring a deep eye makeup with subtle gold and silver pearls, the Line Hero Auto Gel Liner Pencil is an auto-type liner which only takes 10 seconds to dry after application and is entirely waterproof with its strong water-resistant formula.

The glitter in this liner is gorgeous, I just wish it was a bit more pigmented. Above is one swipe and it is quite faint. What is super impressive about this liner though is that when they say water-resistant they mean it. It would not budge! I used soap and water, makeup remover wipes, and eye makeup remover. It took an oil based makeup remover and lots of scrubbing and rubbing to remover this swatch from my hand. Ive yet to use it on my eyes because I don't want to have to rub my eyes that hard to remove it.

Cheek Room Eye Shadow 5g in Violet

Retail Value: $8
Velvety soft from its Art Pearl formula and rich in minerals from its pearl and coral powders, Cheek Room's popular Eye Shadow is highly resistant to sebum, water,or sweat and effective in maintaining its clean, natural pastel colour radiance all day long.

Gosh darn I love this colour! The deep purple defines my eyes, and makes the green of my eyes pop! Also the sheen and duo chrome that the pearl in it offers, just makes it so eye catching. And like with the Gel Liner Pencil it is super long wearing. One swipe of this eyeshadow is pigmented beyond belief and requires makeup remover to wash away.

MDaida Wonder Eye Volume Filler 2.7g

Retail Value: $41
MDaida's Wonder Eye Volume Filler is a highly-enriched serum for under the eyes. It works to both brighten and treat fine wrinkles and lines under your eyes with one quick click. Its formula is free of any parabens, mineral oil, TEA, benzophenon, artificial colouring and artificial fragrance, thus extremely gentle to skin,

Although, I don't think I need products like this yet, it it never to early to start using them. This slightly white cream didn't do much that was noticeable after one application, but Ill report back after continuous use.

MDaida Wonder Pen Concealer SPF45 PA++ 2.7g

Retail Value: $34
A concealer personally recommended by various makeup artists in Korea, the Wonder Pen Concealer actually works wonders with its easy-to-click and pen-like brush design. It's the perfect item to carry around in your pouch for quick fix-ups or a finishing touch to highlight your dull and darkened eye contours.

Just when I needed concealer this came and rocked my world! This concealer is the perfect shade for me and blends effortless into my skin to conceal and highlight areas of my face. What I love is that it works great for both under the eyes and on blemishes.

Sally's Box Friendly Collagen Eye Patch 4.5g x 2

Retail Value:$2
This is a hydro-gel type eye patch for delivering rich moisture and nutrition to dry, sensitive, or ageing eye contours. The collagen formula works to tighten up sagging skin and also to soothe, cool, and replenish the sensitive under-eye area.

So, Ive used a product like this before from Frownies, and really disliked it. I find they don't really do anything and are kind of a waste of time. This is definitely my least favourite item in the box and I probably wont ever use it.

Secret-Stargirl S-Style 2 set in Lovely Eye

Retail Value: $7
Add more definition and volume to your eyes with Secret-Stargirl's popular girl-group lashes that come in 5 different styles to match your mood and day!

My natural lashes are longer then these falsies, but I think I'm still going to try them out. I like the super points in these and just need to find an event to wear them too.

Cheek Room Curl & Volume Mascara 8g

Retail Value: $18
A lavishly long-lasting waterproof mascara that dramatically volumizes, for a sophisticated look. It gives plush, glam volume, uses micro-dispersion system that is perfectly waterproof and does not smudge.

This brush on this mascara is very intriguing and gives me quite the va va voom lashes. I get no flaking or transferring during the day, and it holds a curl all day long. The only downside is that it has a strong chemical smell.

If you would like to get your own Memebox I've got a code that will save you $5 on any Memebox order. Use code AFBIRH.

August 2014 "Beauty Schooled" Ipsy Glam Bag

August brought us a Glam Bag full of essential products to help us become "beauty schooled". My bag contained a wide variety of makeup samples in order to create a complete look. I loved everything is this bag, and can see myself buying replacements of a few of the samples. Ipsy keeps impressing me with their variety and brand procurement, and I anxiously await its arrival every month.

If you are interested in getting your own Glam Bag, full of samples and full size products every month, I would love if you used my referral link :) Click here to subscribe for your own Glam Bag!

About the Bag

Learn the rules, so that you can break them. This month, you'll discover that you'll never stop learning - especially, when it comes to the world of beauty. With everything from styling skills, application techniques, to channelling your inner confidence and uniqueness... With the help of Ipsy and your August Glam Bag, you're about to get "schooled." 

The Products

Absolute Lip Balm in Grape

Sample Value: $3.00
Treat your lips with this ultra-moisturizing lip balm from Absolute New York. This lightly tinted, creamy, conditioning formula softens, smoothes, and protects lips for a seriously kissable pout. Discover this must-have balm for sensationally soft and luscious lips!

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner

Sample Value: $11.25
A cult favourite 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 it resistant to sweat and humidity.

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

Sample Value: $5.50
Bigger. Blacker. Badder. Urban Decay's ultra-creamy, lengthening and voluminizing mascara features triple-black pigments and a deeply nourishing ingredient blend. Perversion mascara gets you sexy in one stroke, yet it wont quit until you say when.

Lord & Berry Silk Kajal Kohl Eye Pencil in Black

Sample Value: $4.00
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 opthalmologically-tested and gentle enough to be used on the inner eye. Also available in Nude and White.

Coastal Scents Forever Blush Sample Duo in Fresh and Elegant

Sample Value: $1.99
Coastal Scents Forever Blush boasts 18 perfectly pigmented, powder blushes with a long-lasting rush of colour. Complete with a mirror, these colour-packed compacts go a long way.

July 2014 Ipsy "Sensationally Sunkissed" Glam Bag

Here comes the Sun and a Glam Bag full of beauty products so good that even the Sun would worship it. There isn’t a gray cloud in sight this Summer as we give you an amazing selection of brands and products fit to help keep you looking your best during Summer’s brightest days and warm long nights.

Bare Minerals READY Eyeshadow 2.0 in The Inspiration

Value: $20

Provides vivid, pigment-packed colour with seamless blendability that lasts up to 12 hours. Powered by the proprietary Sea Nutritive Mineral Complex, it delivers skin-nourishing benefits including reduced appearance of fine liners, wrinkles, and puffiness plus boosted moisture levels.

Clear Clinic Laboratories Vanished Clear Spot Treatment

Value: $9.33

An on-the-go clear spot treatment specially formulate with menthol, glycolic and salicylic acids. Apply this potent spot treatment to quickly clear spots in record time. Thanks to its clear formulation, you can use Vanished during the day, under and over makeup. Its compact bottle makes it easy to take with you wherever you go.

Pur~lisse Pur-protect Essential Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

Value: $16.50

Stay protected with pure flower power. Pur~lisse's unique peptide complex, Lotus Lupine 5, and Hydra-Shield Complex offers superior full spectrum sun protection in a light weight nourishing moisturizer. Skin is pampered and protected against premature aging caused by the day’s rays.

Pixi Beauty Mini Tinted Brilliance Balm 

Value: $8.40

Packed with lip-loving ingredients, this glossy gel balm protects and hydrates lips instantly. After the balm wears off, lips are left tinted with a flattering, personalized hue just for you.

 

Models Own Nail Polish in Red Sea

Value: $9.50

The Models Own SPLASH collection dives straight into Summer. Revitalize your entire polish collection; wear alone for a wash effect or over your favourite colour polish for a glistening top coat. Inspired by the sea and distant shores this pretty collection will have you dreaming of Summer haze and tropical sun.

June 2014 Ipsy "Pretty in Paradise" Glam Bag

This month’s Ipsy bag was all about getting Pretty in Paradise. Warm white sand beaches or a café under a star filled night sky, being pretty in YOUR paradise is only a Glam Bag away. We picked products that are excellent for an extravagant getaway or a quintessential kit for a quick trip for some peace and quite. What paradise is on your bucket list?

My June Glam Bag came complete with 5 deluxe/full size products housed in a gorgeous Rebecca Minkoff designed makeup case. This has got to be my favourite makeup bag so far from Ipsy, and I already have it in my purse to hold my on the go makeup products. I absolutely adore everything I got in this month’s bag and can’t wait to use it all month. If you are interested in signing up for your own Glam Bag click here to sign up. Ipsy cost $10USD or $14.95CDN a month.

Be a Bombshell Lash Out Mascara

Sample Value – 9g/$15

A rich pigmented mascara with a lengthening formula that offers a multidimensional look.

I love getting this brand in my Ipsy bag and I have never been disappointed by anything I’ve received. This product is full size, and reasonable priced. The mascara wand looks somewhat plain, but I have high hopes for this product. I can’t wait to try this out!

NYX Butter Gloss in Éclair

Sample Value – 8mL/$4.99

Buttery soft and silky smooth, the scrumptious new NYX Butter Lip Gloss tastes as sweet as sugar cookies – and makes your lips look down right luscious. Swipe it on alone or over your favourite lipstick for creamy sheer to medium coverage that melts onto your lips and is never sticky.

Can there be a perfect lip gloss? Yes there can and NYX has created it with these Butter Glosses. These glosses go on smooth, last for hours, and provide immense moisture to the lips all without being sticky or slipping around the lips. It is the perfect consistency; just everything about it is perfect. I’m hooked and will be buying more of these in the near future.

Jesse’s Girl Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Sample Value – 0.017oz/$6.99

This true black liquid liner creates a bold, precise, ultra-fine liner that’s both waterproof and smudge-proof. The unique calligraphy-style brush allows you to create lines as thin as one millimeter.

I love the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, and the brush of this liner looks identical and also provides the same pigmentation. I need to test out this liner a bit more, but I think I have found a cost effective dupe for my Holy Grail liquid liner.

Olehenriksen Truth-To-Go Wipes

Sample Value – 10 wipes/$9

Cleanse, brighten and hydrate your skin with out best-selling truth to go wipes. Our thick gentle cloths remove dirt and makeup in one easy step while imparting anti-aging anti-oxidants.

I could always use more cleansing wipes, and these came in a convenient travel size package. I’ve heard great things about the Olehenriksen products so I can’t wait to try these out. They are fairly expensive at $1 per wipe so I hope they work wonders.

Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray

Sample Value – 1.52oz/$3.18

Create natural, effortless, beach hair worn loose, soft, and wavy. It adds body and texture to straight, fine strands or pumps up the curl in already wavy hair.

First of all this product smells amazing! Like they captured the essence of the beach in a bottle, with a mixture or coconut, sunscreen, sand, and salt water. It is absolutely divine and regardless of whether this product worked or not I would spray it in my hair just for the scent.  The good thing is that this product actually works and makes my hair look textured but not crispy. I’ve tried it on damp and dry hair, and prefer the effect it creates on damp hair. It amplifies curls and waviness without weighing down my hair or making it greasy. I will be repurchasing this product all year round.

Overall, I am really impressed with the products I got in this months bag. They are all generous sized samples of products that I have never tried, but so far have proved to be ones I will repurchase. The total value of my June 2014 Glam Bag is $39.16.

May 2014 Ipsy "Fresh Picks" Glam Bag Review

May's Glam Bag is all about "crisp air, vibrant flowers, and fresh Glam Bag products! Getting our beauty to bloom all month long will be easy as lying in the warm grass and basking in the sunshine."

This month there were 26 possible products, and each subscriber received a combination of 5. I ended up receiving 4 full size products and 1 deluxe sample in my bag. Although the products I got were great sizes, and all things I will need in the upcoming Summer months; I can't say I am overly excited about this bag. I prefer to get more makeup in my Ipsy bags, and this month it was a lot of non-makeup items.

If you are interested in signing up for your own Ipsy bag click here. Ipsy costs $10USD or $14.95CDN per month.

April 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag Review

It's that time of the month again! It's time for my Ipsy Glam Bag un-boxing and review. Ipsy has continued to wow me every month, and it is the beauty purchase I look forward to the most!

How It Works:
Each month subscribers will receive a Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products customized to your beauty profile. All for only $10USD or $14.95CDN a month.
If you would like to use my referral link click here to join Ipsy. Thank you!

April's Theme:
Beauty Rocks: Life is a dance floor, so why not live it up, sing out loud, and shake them hips?! This month, we're celebrating our unique beauty to the sound of tunes and festivals that fill the spring air. So, whether you're chilling in a campground or spinning in a ballroom, all of your April "Beauty Rocks!" products will help your lovely look become a hit!

Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant

Sample Value - $9.75
"The Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion gently sweeps away dead skin cells and softens skin texture, which enables better absorption of skincare products and helps diminish the appearance of fine lines, acne marks, and skin discolourations. A great at home alternative to professional clinical treatments. Safe for use on all skin types."


This is such an expensive scrub so it's nice to get such a generous sample. I found a previous microdermabrasion scrub that Ipsy sent out was too harsh for my skin, so only time will tell with this one. I have yet to try it because I have a few scrubs open already.

Demeter Roll on Perfume Oil in Jasmine

Sample Value - $10.00
"An exotic, sweet warm floral bouquet. Demeter's Jasmine is the experience of the living flowers picked on a beautiful Spring night. Wear alone or layer with your favourite Demeter Fragrance. With over 250 fragrances, the Demeter Fragrance Library is inspired by everyday objects and experiences."

I was really skeptical about this fragrance at first, but now having had a chance to smell it, I really like it. It is a subtle floral scent, that doesn't over-power. I cant see myself grabbing for this all the time, as a I prefer my floral scents to have a sweet/fruity aspect to them as well. However, I may bring this on vacation with me.

Rainbow Honey Nail Lacquer in Midnight Fountain

Sample Value - $5.00
"The central meeting place of our proverbial garden, Midnight Fountain brings it all together - full of shimmer, colour, and glitter, this colour stands out on its own and also pairs up well with the glitters and cremes in the Midnight Garden Collection."

I love Rainbow Honey! Their glitters always amaze me, and I am left with eye-catching, show-stopping nails all week. This polish is a navy blue jelly base, packed full with multi-sized glitter. You could definitely wear this on its own, but I cant wait to try it over top of a black polish.

Mary Kay At Play Jelly Lip Gloss in Teddy Bare

Sample Value - $10.00
"Turn up the volume with Mary Kay At Play colour! It's flirtatiously fun makeup you can remix-n-match to create your own colour playlist. The Mary Kay At Play Jelly Lip Gloss has a fun jelly texture that offers brilliant, intense shine with a sheer wash of colour."

This has got to be the worst lip gloss I have ever used! Firstly, the product is separated in the tube, so it kind of looks gross, and makes me question its expiration date. Next, the colour Teddy Bare is not a flattering neutral on me. It totally washes me out, and makes me look dead. And lastly, it is so freaking sticky! Like the stickiest gloss I have ever used, and it leaves such a sticky residue. Soap and water could not cut through the residue of this gloss, I had to take makeup remover to it. I will not be grabbing for this.

Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide On Eye Pencil in Black Velvet

Sample Value - $15.00
"A must for smoky-eye fanatics: an ultra-plush version of UD's creamy, waterproof 24/7 formula. Create perfectly blended-out or rich, precise lines that are blacker-than-black."

I love me some UD eyeliners! They are the only ones that I can get to stay on my waterline for the whole day. I didn't really notice a difference between this liner and my regular 24/7 liner in Zero. This one definitely didn't smudge any easier or better. I actually found that this one set quite quickly, and once it was set it didn't budge. Like the Mary Kay gloss, soap and water was not enough to wash this swatch away, makeup remover was required.

Total Value of April's Bag - $49.75

March 2014 Ipsy Overview

Seeing as it is the middle of April it's about time that I put up my Ipsy Review post for March. I haven't had a chance to really work many of these products into my daily routine yet, so this is going to be more of an overview of the products instead of a full review.

March brought the theme of Destination Beauty and each member received 4 products out of a possible 11. Normally we receive 5 products, however, this month the products were all bigger sizes and from really great brands. I am assuming that is why we only got 4. In my bag I received 3 full size products, and one deluxe sample. I was super impressed with everything I received and I cant wait to work it into my routine.

If you are interested in getting your own Ipsy Glam Bag I would love if you would use my referral link. Ipsy costs $10USD or $14.95CDN.

Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Body Butter

Sample Value: $7.00
"Smell incredible with our nourishing and anti-oxidant rich ingredients. Our body butter helps fight signs of aging while adding deep moisture and protection. Made with nature's best moisturizers - Shea butter, almond oil, and safflower oil - Pacifica's paraben-free body butter is a skin must-have. A warm blend of sultry fresh coconut, and delicate creamy vanilla."

Nicole by OPI Roughles Nail Lacquer in "On What Grounds"

Sample Value: $9.99
"Stop in the name of this textured turquoise beauty! Roughles go on like regular nail lacquer, but dry to a speckled, textured finish. No top coat needed!"

Bare Minerals Lipstick in "Get Ready"

Sample Value: $7.00
"Creamy, super-saturated, ultra-pigmented colour glides on like butter for full coverage in a rich satin finish. This lipstick is a warm rosy pink."

Be a Bombshell... Eyeshadow Quad in Bora Bora

Sample Value: $16.00
"A high pigmented long lasting formula for all day wear. Enjoy the convenience and versatility of creating many different looks from our eyeshadow quads."

Total Bag Value: $40.00 (roughly)

February 2014 "The Look of Love" Ipsy Review

For February, Ipsy brought us an assortment of products to achieve the look of love. My bag came complete with a cleanser to prep my skin, eye shadows to play up my green eyes, and flirty eyelashes to bat at my love. Once again Ipsy delivered an assortment of new brands and products for me to try, all in a convenient pink and leopard print makeup bag.

If you are interested in signing up for your own Ipsy bag, you can do so by clicking here. Each month, Ipsy will send you 5 full or sample size products in a cute fashion forward makeup bag; all for $10USD or $14.95CDN.

J.Cat Beauty Eyelashes in EL13

Value: $3.99
"Cause a ruckus as you bat your voluminous faux eyelashes! Take your pick from 30 styles that you won't be able to resist. Each includes an individual eyelash adhesive for endurance through a night on the town!"

These are the second pair of J.Cat lashes I have received through Ipsy. I gave the first pair to a friend and I might do the same with this pair. My eyelashes naturally look like falsies, so I don't really have a use for these. However, I do have a wedding next week, so I may use these then. 

Zoya Professional Lacquer in Dot

Value: $9.00
"Zoya nail polish in Dot can be best described as a full-coverage pink petal cream (originally released as Dot for fashion designer Zang Toi's SS14 Collection.)"

Of the two polishes available this month Dot wasn't my first choice, however, I am always happy to add another nail polish/Zoya to my collection. I found this polish to be somewhat sheer, with two coats being only slightly opaque. This polish is definitely going to be a 3 coater. The colour is very pretty, albeit somewhat boring, it is a very nice work appropriate pink polish. 

First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser with Red Clay

Value: $5.11
"Ideal for oily/combination or problem-prone skin, or anyone looking for an extra deep cleanse. Cleanses and detoxifies the skin. Unclogs and minimizes pores. Balances the skin and controls oil production."

I was so happy to receive this sample! I have been seeing/hearing great things about this brand on YouTube. Missglamorazzi raves about this line, so I cant wait to try it. I have been breaking out like crazy lately, and have had excess oil production out the wazoo! Although this cleanser is on the pricier side, if it works wonders I may consider purchasing it. 

POP Beauty Plump Pout in Peony Petal

Value: $7.53
"This plumping put perfector combines the high-shine of a lacquered gloss with the long wear of a stain, and is packed full of lip-plumping peptides and avocado & jojoba oils. Lightweight, creamy texture immediately merges with lips and delivers intense glossy colour for an extremely long-lasting finish."

I haven't loved the POP Beauty products I've received from Ipsy in the past, but I am totally digging this gloss! The muted rose colour is perfect for any day and will compliment any makeup look. The product applies smoothly and provides full colour coverage, that lasts all day. I don't get that painful plumping feeling which is nice, but my lips do look fuller. I am not a fan of the scent but it's something I can get over.

Jesse's Girl 9-Pan Palette in The Eyes Have It

Value: $3.99
"Nine coordinating eye shadows in a sleek plastic case."

This is my first experience with Jesse's Girl cosmetics, and I am neither wowed nor a I disappointed. Although this isn't my first choice colour selection wise, it's nice to add some variation to one's collection. The darker colours in this palette were more impressive than the lighter shades for sure. Overall though, the quality of these shadows are lacking compared to other drugstore alternatives. I will use this palette in conjunction with other shadows, however, I cant say I will be grabbing for this consistently over other shadows in my collection. 

L: Jesse's Girl Palette - Swatched L-R/ R: POP Lip Plumper

Beauty Blender & Mini Cleanser

Value: ????
"The Beauty Blender is the ultimate makeup sponge applicator that lets you look like a movie star without the pricey services of a makeup artist."

It's hard to put a value on this bonus, but I think it is totally worth 1000 Ipsy points. I could never allow myself to dole out the money or one of these, so it's great to try it out for free. I believe this is a mini blender, but I'm not thinking that will affect the results. I'm going to use this when I use my makeup for the wedding next week, and see what sort of results I get.

Total Bag Value: $29.62 w/o Beauty Blender

Although this isn't the highest value bag, I received 3 full size and 2 deluxe sample products. Again, Ipsy proves why they are the bomb dot com of the beauty box world. All of these products will last a long time and give me enough product to test whether I would really purchase the full size.