September 2013 Ipsy Glam Bag Review

Of all the beauty box subscriptions I've tried, Ipsy has been my favourite. They consistently impress me, and supply me with new and interesting products to try. I also enjoy the size of the samples that Ipsy gives to its subscribers. I can really get a sense if I am going to like the product enough to buy the full size. If you would like to sign up for your own Ipsy bag you can do so by clicking here. If you sign up for Ipsy you will receive a mix of 5 full and sample size products, for only $10USD or $14.95CDN.

In September, we received 5 items plus a bonus sample of Michelle's new EM Cosmetics line. The sample of the palette provided us with enough to get one eye look, but I don't think it will give me a true inspiration of the quality of her products. I actually forgot to take a picture of it for this post. There isn't a lot of product on the card or I would have swatched them.

Freeman Paper Masks

I've really been into masks lately, so I was excited to see these in my bag. I get to try 3 different masks, which is nice because a mask that works for one person doesn't always work for someone else. The brightening mask looks the most intriguing, but unfortunately I am allergic to roses so I wont be able to try it. Right now my skin is so dry so I think that it will benefit greatly from the Blue Agave mask. These masks are fairly affordable so If I end up liking them I wont have to break the bank.

Elizabeth Mott It's So Big Mascara

The last few mascara samples I've gotten from Ipsy have been truly disappointing. The Pixi one was so bad and hard to wash off that I lost at least 5 lashes per eye every time I used it. This mascara on the other hand is simply amazing. It has dark black colour payoff that really makes my lashes look fuller, and makes them pop against my makeup. This mascara lengthens more than volumizes, and I am left with a natural, yet defined, fan of lashes. I would definitely consider buying the full size.

Cailyn Tinted Lip Balm in Big Apple

I was so happy to receive this product because I absolutely loved the Cailyn eyeliner I got a few bags ago. Although the packaging is a little bulky, it is perfect for on the go, as it has a built in brush in the lid. I feel like this product is more of a stain then a balm. I found it somewhat drying on the lips, but it was extremely long lasting, and left a pretty pigmented stain to my lips after it wore away. The size of the brush comes in handy when trying to get a precise application. I can't wait to rock this colour all the way through Fall and Winter.

NYX Single Eyeshadow in Hot Crystal

I was looking forward to trying a NYX single eyeshadow because I've only ever used NYX palettes before, and I'm sure there is a quality variance. Although I am not happy with the colour I received, it does work well as a lid colour or inner eye highlight. Hot Crystal is a glittery, frosty, white shadow. I wont get much use out of this colour, but I now know that the quality of these shadows are much better then the shadows in NYX's palettes.

Starlooks Eyeliner in Obsidian

At first I was a little iffy about the quality of this liner. When I first swatched it (you will see below), there wasn't a lot of pigmentation. It took about 5 swipes to get the swatch that I did. However, after sharpening it slightly, it is like a completely different pencil. It is super pigmented, and creamy, and blends beautifully. The only downside is that because it is so creamy you need to set it with some black eyeshadow or it is smudge city on you eyelids. I'm really thinking of signing up for Starlooks Starbox based off this pencil alone.

Obsidian, Hot Crystal, Big Apple

Overall, I definitely think that the value is there with September's bag. I am happy with almost everything I received and cant wait to try other products from the brands that I received. Ipsy succeeded this month in delivering new and exciting products. Stay tuned for my October unboxing/review next week. I am trying to get caught up in time for Novembers box.

Colours of the Rainbow Tag!

I first saw this tag going around YouTube a few weeks ago, and knew that I wanted to get in on this tag action. No one specifically tagged me, but MissGlamorazzi did say that she tagged anyone watching her video so I'm taking that as I was. :)

I am going to tag a few specific people, however, if you are reading this and want to do this tag go ahead! Leave me you link in the comments, so that I can see your colourful picks!

Gen @ Beautiful Onyx & Mick

Cheryl @ The Creative Me and My McG

Sabina @ Beauty Blogs and More

Helen @ Beauty Delights

Jayne @ Cosmetic Proof

Aleksandra @ Plumpish Beauty

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Cherry Tart

I've always been wary about wearing a red lip. I'm afraid that the colour will bleed and I'll have it all over my face or all over my teeth. This was my first red lip product and it has been love ever since. This lip butter is very pigmented, I only need one layer for adequate colour payoff. It is moisturizing, especially when you put on a few layers, and the colour just intensifies with each swipe. It is a bright and vibrant red that can be worn everyday. Lately, I have been wearing this paired with black eyeliner and mascara, for a minimal, yet classic look.

Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara

This has been my go to mascara since I started wearing makeup, years and years ago. Although I have tried many others, I always seem to go back to this one. The brush separates my lashes and makes it so each lash is coated from root to tip. The formula isn't overly wet so application is easy. After using this I am always left with a perfect fan of lashes.

Cake Beauty Lemon Cupcake Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Bubble Bath

I can't tell you how much I love this shower gel! It is citrusy, and sugary, with a hint of vanilla. It awakens the senses and leaves me feeling clean, and smelling great. It reminds me of Bath & Body Works Shower Gel in Lemon Vanilla. It lathers extremely well and leaves the skin clean, but not dry. I feel moisturized after using this, and rarely need to use extra cream after. The smell lingers on my skin for a little while after which is something I really like in my shower gels. I want to try and find a lotion that smells like this so that I can layer. At first I was kind of skeptical about this product because most lemon shower gels smell like Lemon Pledge to me. But this is amazing and I would recommend it to anyone.

M. Asam Vino Gold Magic Fini

I couldn't really find a green product in my collection other than this one. I received this sample in a past Glymm bag, when they were still in business. I put off using it for the longest time, because it looks so dark and I'm always the palest shade when it comes to foundations. I've been using it for about a month now and only used half the pot. This feels like a primer when it goes on, but melts into your skin like a BB cream. It gives me light, even coverage, that on most days is enough. When I need more coverage I use this as a base and layer foundation on top. I am going to be really sad when this sample is empty. I would be willing to splurge on this product though, that's how much I love it.

Nivea Aqua Effect Refreshing Toner - Normal Skin

This is my Holy Grail toner. I was using Clean&Clear for the longest time, but found it so drying. This toner leaves me skin feeling clean, refreshed, and not dry. It smells really good too. I use this at night after I cleanse my skin, and in the morning to remove any excess oils. I have combination skin, but this toner for normal skin has been working so I am going to be sticking with it for now. I may switch to the one for combination skin in the future, however, I will continue to use Nivea for my toner needs from now on.

Marcelle Essentials Oil Free Eye Make-up Remover Lotion

Another Holy Grail product here! I love love love this stuff! It is so gentle on the eyes so I don't need a separate remover for face and eyes. It removes cream eye shadows, and waterproof mascara like a dream. There is no scent which I like and a little goes a long way. I really like that it says it is oil free and it really is. Most other makeup removers I've used that say oil free leave some sort of residue on my face, but not this one. I don't feel like I need to wash my face again after using this.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

I didn't really have a violet or purple product I've really been loving right now. But I have been using this primer everyday, so in the tag it goes. I bought this because it is so hyped up in the beauty community. I can say it is worth the hype. My eyeshadow has never looked better and it stays on all day without fading or creasing. I bought the little sample bottle in case I didn't like it, but next time I go shopping in the USofA I am going to splurge and pick up the full size.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey

I got on the bandwagon with this hyped up product as well. This stain is that "my lips but better" shade for me and I use it almost everyday. The pencil shape allows for easy application, and the twist up bottom eliminates the hassle of having to sharpen it. Honey is a dusty rose, light pink shade, that is mildly glossy. I usually put a gloss on top a few hours later when the initial glossiness is gone and just the stain is left. I will repurchase this stain again and again.


Hopefully you enjoyed reading this tag. I would love to see your picks, so leave a comment to your posts below. Have you tried any of my favourite colourful products? If so, what are your thoughts on them?

Shopping the Sales Haul

So I was bad again! I've had a talk with myself and I am not allowed to buy anything beauty related for the rest of March and all of April. The only exception is the Real Techniques Core Collection Brush Set, if I can find it in stock at my local Walmart.

Now I don't feel overly bad about these purchases because everything was on sale at least 50% off the regular retail price, but one of my goals is to save money for a house and I can't do that if I am buying more and more makeup. 

These purchases were from a few weeks ago so I don't think the same sales are still going on.

 

Revlon Minted - $2 at Dollarama. The perfect mint green polish.

Revlon Blue Lagoon - $2 at Dollarama. A light blue with silver micro shimmer. When I saw this I thought that if Cinderella was a nail polish this is what she would look like.

 

Revlon Star Attraction Pop Tart - $2 at Dollarama. This medium purple shade comes with a magnet on top to create a star pattern.

Revlon Stunning - $2 at Dollarama. This colour is as its name says STUNNING! It has silver micro glitter and holographic medium sized glitter.

Revlon Popular - $2 at Dollarama. A light milky pink with multi sized sliver glitter.

Joe Fresh Single Eye Shadows in Gold Rush and HoneyBell - $1.98 at The Real Canadian Superstore. These were on clearout marked down from $4 a piece. I have never tried Joe Fresh eyeshadows so I decided that now was a good time.

Revlon Shatter Nail Polish Duo - $3 at Dollarama. I have 4 of these Shatter Duos now and will be doing a review soon.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey - $4.99 on sale at RCSS.

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie - $4.99 on sale at RCSS.

Covergirl Clean Oil Control Foundation in 510 Classic Ivory - $5.87 on sale at RCSS + I had a $2 off coupon, so this was only $3.87!

Joe Fresh Nail Polish in Starry - $1.98 clearout price at RCSS. This is my first holographic polish and I am so excited to try it out!


Disclaimer - All products were bought with my own money. I am not being compensated for my showing or review of these products.

September Empties

September was a good month. I finished so many products and samples, and have to say I am very proud of myself. Slowly but surely I will be working through my hoard of beauty samples.

 

 

 

•  Sebastian Volupt Shampoo - I got this is my first GlossyBox. This was just an okay shampoo though. I felt like it left my hair dry and tangled. I got no volume from this shampoo and it smelt absolutely gross. The smell also lingered in my hair so I found I had to spritz some perfume in my hair or put in some other scented hair product to cover it up. Repurchase = NO.
• CO Bigelow Lemon Cream Body Wash - I picked this up on a whim during the last Bath & Body Works Sale. This is super moisturizing and my skin felt so hydrated after using it. I liked the lemon scent at first but after a while I didn't like smelling like a lemon  Repurchase = NO
• Clean & Clear Deep Cleaning Astringent - I found this very drying on my skin and it smelt like nail polish remover. Repurchase = NO.

•  NYC Lip Stain - The name of the color rubbed off so I don't know what it is, but I really liked this colour. It is a very soft, natural, light pink that is great for everyday wear. This stain wasn't overly drying, but I found myself reaching for a gloss or balm soon after applying. Repurchase = YES
• Smashbox Mini Lip Gloss in After Glow - I got this sample in one of my first Luxe Boxes. I loved everything about this gloss. It went on smooth and wasn't sticky at all. It isn't empty but I'm pretty sure it has gone bad cause it is starting to smell horrible. Repurchase = YES
• MAC Select Cover Up Concealer - Loved this! Hands down one of the best concealers I have ever used. Great coverage, isn't too heavy, and doesn't crease. Repurchase = YES
• Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes - I cant remember which subscription box I got these in but I am not a huge fan of them. They removed makeup like a dream but they were extremely oily and left a gross residue on my face. Repurchase = NO

•  Clinique Moisture Surge Sample - This is so hydrating. My skin in the summer is too oily for a moisturizer like this but as winter comes full force I can see myself needing a cream like this.
• Biotherm Aquasource Nuit Sample- This gel moisturizer was amazing. I am probably going to splurge and pick this up for winter season. After using this my skin felt so nice the next morning and it did not cause any extra oiliness.
• Annabelle BB Cream Sample - I liked this alot more than the Garnier BB Cream but I still have a love/hate relationship with BB. I don't like the thick consistency and like a product that feels lighter on the skin.

• Nivea Pure & Natural Day Cream Sample- This was really heavy, the scent was not something I liked, and I don't like creams that leave a residue.
• La Fresh Nail Polish Remover Wipe - I don't like these. They don't work and are oily.
• Nivea Day Care Cream - I cant really remember when I used this. So I cant really give much thoughts on it.

I Don't Haul...I Hoard Part 2

 Disclaimer - All products were bought with my own money.