Beauty Finds

1. Kylighter- Kylie Cosmetics- Salted Caramel $22.00
2. Flawless Finish Foundation- Elf Cosmetics- Sand $6.00
3. Perfect Eyebrow Styling Duo- Avon Cosmetics- Auburn $8.00
4. Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow- Stila Cosmetics- Next to Notte $24.00
5. True Color Smooth Minerals Powder Foundation- Avon- Sand Beige- $12.00
6. In Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash Mascara- Mac Cosmetics- $23.00
7. Naked 3 Eye Shadow Pallette- Urban Decay- $54.00
8. Poreless Face Primer- Elf Cosmetics- $10.00

These products are just some of the ones I’ve been using and loving. I’ve had the Naked 3 pallette for awhile now and I really like it. i also have the 2 and there’s a good mixture of colors in both. I can’t stay enough great things about the Stila Glitter and Glow eyeshadow. It’s easy to apply, stays on forever and doesn’t seem to crease. I have it in two colors and I wish I could afford to get all of them. Sephora also have some exclusive colors so check them out if you don’t see certain ones on the Stila site or at Ulta. I got the Next to Notte at Sephora and I believe it’s a color exclusive to their stores.

I also can’t say enough great things bout the Avon foundation. I know your thinking really? Avon? But it gives great coverage, isn’t expensive and blends really well.

What are some of your favorite beauty products?

The Kylie Lip Kit and Gloss

For months on Instagram I had seen the craziness that accompanied the Kylie Jenner lip kits. Since Kylie's launch of Kylie Cosmetics her products have sold out within minutes of going online. In the beginning she came out with several shades of Matte lipstick with a matching lip pencil making up her Lip Kit. Once she had success with the Matte lip kits she launched new shades and other products such as glosses and metals. All selling out within minutes of being available online.

During this time, I continued to watch the frenzy of people trying to get their hands on these kits and the amount of money people were paying for them on resell sites. I was completely grossed out and fathomed at the fact that people were paying 30+ dollars for used lip kits. I mean really... If I'm paying 30 dollars for makeup it better be brand new in the box. Plus the idea of using a lip product that a stranger used... Gross! For me there is no way I'd use a strangers lip product what if they've got a big ol' sore on their lip and used it right on it?!? Gag! 

In the midst of all this I stayed in the shadows and played with the idea of actually trying to get my hands on the shades I liked. I started watching and following her Kylie Cosmetic Instagram account and would get the alerts of restocks. So a few weeks ago when I got the alert that the restock was happening I pulled the trigger and bought a lip kit and gloss. Even with getting on the site almost instantly things were selling out fast! Two of the three shades I had been eyeing were Sold Out! But the number one gloss I wanted was in stock. Bam! Put that sucker in my cart and bought the lip kit of the third shade I had been eying. I figured I would give it a try and if I liked the quality I would know to purchase again in the future the other shades. 

 

I got my two items purchased and went on with my day. I promptly got my confirmation email and thought nothing else of it until... the news hit a few hours later saying Kyle Cosmetics had received an F from the better business bureau. I started reading some of the news articles and some of the top complaints were their items came half full, the pencil missing in their kit, waiting weeks to receive their items etc. that make me a little worried considering I had just paid but I tried not to worry. A few days later I got another email saying my items had shipped and then I patiently waited for my items to arrive. 

Once my items arrived I quickly tried them on. I'm also happy to report that my items came full and exactly what I ordered. First up was my Kylie Gloss that I purchased. I chose the shade So Cute.

From the images I had seen online this seemed to be a very neutral shade. Once out of the tube and on your lips it's very thick. The applicator is a brush and I wasn't prepared at how thick it would be. It also has a very strong smell. Not as in a floral or citrus smell, but a chemical makeup smell. The shade is nice and it does last several hours before needing a reapply. I would not repurchase this gloss in the future. It's too simple for the price tag and the smell for me really is a major flaw. I thought it was just ok and something you could find in an off brand at a Sephora.

Now for the lip kit. I had really thought this shade looked amazing in everyone's photos and reviews online. I purchased the Kylie Lip Kit in Dolce K.

Once I got the lip kit out and tried it on the shade it seemed way darker in real life. This shade is definitely not made for someone pale like me. It made me look entirely washed out or that I should be going to a 90s punk band concert in the actual 1990s. The matte goes on extremely easily and dries almost instantly. It does make your lips feel a little chalky. 

I used the pencil first to outline my lips and with one use the pencil already needs to be sharpened. While this matte didn't smell as strong as the gloss it did have that chemical makeup smell to it. All in all I would not buy this shade ever again. I also now see why others have stuck theirs on resell websites as they probably didn't work out well for them and wanted their money back. For me the gloss was a win but nothing too exciting to ever buy again and the matte was just awful for me personally.

Oh the best part... Kylie Cosmetics has a no returns, no refunds, no exchange policy. Happy Shopping! That's my final thought on her line.

A Real Life Rocket Racoon

A year ago I was introduced to paper masks by Ipsy. I had never thought of wearing paper masks, I had only ever thought of clay. I tried a paper mask and really liked it! I then kept applying one about every 3-4 weeks. A month ago, I was sent a multi pack of Freeman Beauty Masks. It was a mixture of clay and paper masks. Since we were moving and packing things up, time got away from me and I didn't try any of them until the night before we moved out of our old home. I tried this mask out of the stack...

I have very sensitive skin because of that I read skin care and makeup labels thoroughly. The mask was labeled for, "All skin types" and said that you could wear it 5-10 minutes. I cleaned my face, waited a few minutes for it to try and then applied my paper mask. I went and laid down on our couch while Beezy watched some television and told him to let me know when 10 minutes passed. Eight minutes later, I sat up and had to take the mask off. I thought I started to feel some tingling and maybe a little bit of heat. I knew it was labeled as an "energizing" so maybe that's why it was tingling?

When I got into the bathroom, I took the mask off and cue the freak out! The heat that I felt, it was completely burning my face. My face was red. It looked like I had laid outside all day long in the blazing sun with no sunscreen. Thank goodness, I didn't leave it on for the last two minutes. My face was burning, red and HOT to the touch. I had to immediately wash my face with cold water and continue to do so for 5 minutes before I felt like I wasn't on fire. The redness wasn't going away. It lasted so long that I went to bed and just prayed that it went away.

I know what you're thinking, It couldn't have been that bad. Oh really... well let me prove you wrong.

I will never use Freeman Beauty products again. I was completely freaked out. There wasn't a phone number on the package to call for an emergency. The package was also clearly labeled the wrong way because this mask was NOT for sensitive skin. Beezy was so shocked he said I looked like a real life rocket raccoon. I was so worried it had burned my skin so bad that it was going to peel the next morning. It felt like what I would image a chemical peel to feel like. BOO! So when I e-mailed Freeman Beauty to let them know they might want to put a warning on the packaging, I got a lame standard response. They need to take a lesson in customer service.

Has anyone else had a horrible reaction to a beauty product?

November Ipsy Bag

Ipsy is a monthly subscription bag that's filled with beauty products, skin and hair care products neatly packed into a cute travel size bag. Each month you never know what you're going to get. When you sign up for Ipsy you take a little quiz so they can find out what you do and don't like. You can let them know things like your chronic dry skin or sensitive to scented lotions. They'll send you 4-6 products and one is always full size. You can try them out and if you end up liking something in the bag they'll give you a discount code to get the full product for a cheaper rate. It's a great way to try out different brands and products you might not normally buy otherwise.

1. Be A Bombshell Eye Base

 

I've tried out a few products from this brand and I'm not too impressed by this eye base. Normally, I use the Urban Decay primer and then an eye shadow. Don't break a good tradition. Ya know?

2. Elizabeth Mott:You're So Fine Eyeliner

I've always ever used a pencil eye liner so this is something new for me. It has a really fine point so it's going to take awhile before my hand gets steady enough to draw like that.

3. J. Catt Beauty: Wonder Lip Paint

Hate. Hate. Hate. I seriously hate this product. I hardly ever wear anything on my lips. I have really sensitive lips and putting anything on them is iffy. I've told ipsy every month they've sent me something for my lips that I do not use them and they continue to ship them. STOP! Also this color is awful. I'm not 19 and in the club.

4. Marc Anthony: Oil of Morocco Volume Shine Hairspray

This stuff is amazing. The smell is perfect and it makes your hair shine without giving it that oily look. I think I've found a new hairspray.

5. TEMPTU S/B Highlighter

I have the benefit highlighter in a stick and it's really easy to use but hard to blend. This is a liquid and it goes on really smoothly. I'm use to a liquid foundation cover up so this was super easy to apply. It didn't have a weird smell either. So far I'm liking it!

 

If you've never heard of Ipsy or you want to give it a try, spend the 10.00 a month (and that includes shipping!) and try it out!

October Ipsy

The October Ipsy bag has finally arrived.

My October Ipsy finally made it's way to my door earlier this week. What's ipsy you might be asking? Ipsy is a monthly subscription that for the low price of $10.00 including shipping you can receive 5-6 beauty products. They send everything from hair care products to foot lotions. It's a great way to try out new things without paying the price of a full size product. Plus if you love getting real mail it's a nice little treat in the mailbox each month. Here's what I got this month...

 

1. ECRU New York: Acacia Protein BB Cream for Hair.

Lately Ipsy has been sending me one hair care item in each bag. While this product might be nice, I've got a few others to try first. I've been using the full size item they sent me a few months ago and I'm sticking with it. This does have a great smell to it.

 

2. Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser.

I had never heard of this brand but I'm excited to try it! The smell is amazing. It smells like fresh strawberries and seems to have good texture. I've read some reviews and everyone says it's great. Since my skin is really sensitive I get nervous about facial items but this one sounds like it could be a winner.

 

3. Noyah Lipstick: Deeply in Mauve shade.

 

There is absolutely nothing positive I could say about this lipstick. The packaging for the sample was cheap. The color was way to dark for my skin tone AND the fact that I do not wear lipstick and that I've told IPSY this every month they have sent me a lip product. When I see the lip products I get sad. It's a waste!

 

4. Figs & Rouge Hand Cream in Mango Mandarin.

This was one of two full size products that came in my bag. It's amazing. The smell is not too strong which I like and it feels like you are rubbing butter onto your hands. It makes them feel so soft! I'm going to have to get my mom some of this!

 

5. Jesse's Girl Eye Shadow in Graphite Frost.

This was the second full size product in my bag. I love eye shadows. I mean really. I have a small addiction to eye shadow. I had honestly never heard of the brand but it's nice. The packaging was appealing and it felt expensive. I wasn't sold on the color that I got but it's nice. I'm going to check them out and look for other colors.

 

Overall, I really liked this months bag!

 

If you want to try Ipsy use this link! You'll get a little gift and I will too!

September Ipsy Bag

Yay! It finally came! The September Ipsy bag has finally arrived. Ipsy combines two of my favorite things, getting real mail and new make up. Incase you haven't heard by now, Ipsy is a monthly subscription filled with anywhere from 4-6 products tucked into a cute bag that can be reused. The products range everywhere from lip gloss to skin care to eye shadows. Usually one product is a full size item while the others allow you to try them out to see if their good for you. I've been getting Ipsy for about a year now and I love every months bag.

So what was in my bag this month?

1. Alterna Haircare- Caviar CC Cream 10 in 1 Complete Correction.

The third month of Ipsy I got a really great hair care product so when I saw this in my bag I got excited! I haven't tried it out yet but it smells great. 

2. Pacifica- Natural Waterproof Eye Pencil- Brown Shade.

This is probably the 4th different eye pencil Ipsy has sent me. It's been a different brand each time and I'd have to say this is my least favorite. First of all I don't use brown. I have green eyes and blonde hair. I use black and only black. When I saw that it was brown I was completely confused. Who packed this one?

 



3. Be A Bombshell- Smooth Criminal Powder.

This is the product I was most excited about! I am really excited to try it. I've never had a finishing powder and I had been wanting to get one and try it out. It's also really silky smooth. I think the brand is pretty good too!

 

4. Cailyn- Art Touch Tinted Lip Gloss- Basic Instinct Shade.

Honestly, I was disappointed. I have told Ipsy every time they send me a lip product that I do not use them. I have really sensitive lips that will get a cold sore on them if I use a lip product. I was really hoping not to get another.

 

5. LeeAnni Eco- 3 in 1 Revolution Light.

I love a good face lotion and this one is very eco friendly. It doesn't have a strong smell so I can't wait to try this one out!

For $10.00 a month you can get your own bag catered to your specifications. So what are you waiting for? Go join!

August Ipsy

It's finally arrived! My August Ipsy bag is here!

 

If you don't know what Ipsy is you are missing out! It's a monthly subscription box that send your 4-6 beauty products every month. Each box is filled with great samples of make up, skin care items, nail products etc. in a cute little bag. It all comes right to your doorstop for 10 dollars and that includes shipping. This month I felt like the August bag was never going to get here! This month's theme was Beauty Schooled. Since this was the second fall that I've been with Ipsy I knew that it would have a school like theme to it. This month's bag was a pencil shaped orange and white polka dot bag filled with 5 products. Let's dive right in...

1. Urban Decay Perversion Mascara.

2. Coastal Scents Forever Blush: Fresh & Elegant.

3. Dr. Brandt Pores No More Primer.

4. Absolute New York You're the Balm: Grape.

5. Lord & Berry Eye Liner: Black Silk Kohl.

The Pros: I loved the bag that everything came in. Super cute and sturdy. I also loved the Urban Decay Mascara. Great brand and always a great product. I also love that they gave me the flavor grape for the lip balm. Dr. Brandt pore primer. I love a good primer!

The Cons: The sample blush. Super flimsy packaging and the tiniest blush samples ever. The mascara pencil is smaller than my pinky. I mean really it's probably worth a dollar if that. While I love that they gave me a grape flavor lip balm, I DO NOT use lip products. RARELY will I ever put anything on my lips. Maybe twice a year. They give me fever blisters. I have sensitive lips people. Come on Ipsy. Stop sending me these. I thought we had an understanding two bags ago.

So sign up! Let me know what you get! Tell me which products you love and which one's you'll be passing on to a friend. Get your best friend to sign up, if you don't love something you can swap it with her!

July Ipsy

Have you heard of Ipsy? It's a 10.00 a month subscription box that comes right to your door full of at least four sample size products and one full size products. That ten dollars gives you not only a chance to try to things but also supplies you with a cute new make up bag each month.

My July Ipsy bag did not disappoint! It's been three great months of products in a row. This month was no different. This month's bag was called Sensationally Sun kissed.

1. Jojoba Gel Cream by Lavilin.

 This stuff is a gel that you use on your face for when you've been doing extreme outdoor activities. It's suppose to hydrate your skin and it's fabulous. It doesn't have a weird smell and it doesn't leave your skin oily. I'm loving it for the summer months.

2. Dark Tanning Oil SPF 8 by Hang Ten.

I'm all about getting my tan on. Now this stuff helps speed up that process faster while protecting you from SPFs. It comes out in a fine spray and works just as well if not better than other greats like Australian Gold and Banana Boat. It doesn't have a weird smell so that's a major plus.

3. Tints ad Sass in Cherry by Elizabeth Mott.

This is the one product I was a little disappointed in. I'm not a big fan of anything that goes on my lips because their sensitive and break out easily. I also didn't love the color that I got. It's really bright and not something that I would ever wear. I'll probably gift this full size product to someone who really wants it.

4. They're real! Beyond Mascara by Benefit.

Now here's a product I absolutely love. I've bought this mascara before and it lasts forever. It goes on lashes smooth, doesn't cake on and doesn't flake off after wearing it a few hours. I got a trial size in my bag but it lasts a really long time. I'd say at least 3 weeks using it daily. It makes me want to buy another full size again. Maybe once mine runs out!

5. 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow in Divine Wine by Bare Minerals.

 I would say my biggest guilty pleasure when it comes to make up is buying eye shadow. So when Ipsy sent me a cream eye shadow I was intrigued. I mainly use powder eye shadows and every now and then I'll use the stick eye shadows or a pod cream. This Bare Minerals cream eye shadow comes with an applicator almost like a lip gloss. One quick stroke and you've got your eye shadow applied and starting to dry. I loved the product and I'm going to look for it in stores. I wasn't a big fan of the color I got but I can probably use it as a base or mix it with something.

So what are you waiting for? Try out Ipsy and I promise you won't be disappointed. They'll send you great products and maybe even some of your favorites. They'll listen to your input so items you don't like... they won't send them again!

June Ipsy Bag

June was a good Ipsy month! This month was called Pretty In Paradise! As always the items come in a use again pouch and this months was designed by Rebecca Minkoff.  It's so perfect to take to Hawaii. Out of the products that came inside,I got some products I can use now and a few I can save for later. I love that!

Now for the actual products...

 

Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray

I had never heard of this when I pulled it out of my bag. I mean I'd heard of the singer Marc Anthony but not this spray. I have yet to try it but I'm packing it for Hawaii because I think it's going to be great there since my hair will be wet most of the day and I'll need it dry in the evenings.

Nicka K New York Shimmer Eyeliner- Green

I have green eyes so for me to get the Nicka K Eyeliner in green, I was pretty excited. I also try to do my eye make-up in a different color other than green but to have the eyeliner in green works! This eyeliner has a built in glitter that makes it shimmer. I've used it once so far and it goes on smooth. The eyeliner is a liquid so I've got to get better at practicing it.

NYX Butter Gloss

This was probably the one item that I wasn't too thrilled about getting. I have very sensitive lips and rarely use a gloss, lipstick or tint on them. I love the NYX brand but this gloss won't get used for a long time or I'll gift it to someone else who will actually use it.

Laneige BB Cushion

This is a cover up/sunscreen! It makes your skin feel moisturized, look even, cover up imperfections and protect your skin from the sun. I'm saving this gem for Hawaii evenings. It came in three different shades so the darker I get, the more I can keep using this product. I'll have three options and I'll be able to keep picking a darker shade. If the sun dries my skin out this will help moisturize it in the evenings.

 

MD Solar Sciences Mineral Tinted Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

This brand is amazing. When I saw that it was included in my June bag I smiled. I've used this before but the full size bottles seem a little pricey to me. Since I'm going to Hawaii, I'm saving this sunscreen sample to take to the beach. It won't be a giant bottle that I'm lugging down to the sand. This will also be a good bottle to take on excursions and hiking.

That was my June bag! Are you an Ipsy subscriber? What did you get in your bag? I was hoping to get the new Bombshell mascara but sadly I did not. I had just bought the new Loreal Manga Mascara so it worked out that I didn't get it. I would have just had to wait to use it. I'm weird like that. I won't open up two mascaras at the same time.