December Birch Box

Hello everyone. Yes, I'm finally writing up that December Birch Box review. It's only taken me like two weeks. To be fair I did get this box really late in the month. But still, I should have written this earlier.

Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream - View Here

This shaving cream is very creamy and thick. I can feel it nourishing my skin, however this also leads to the razor blades getting clogged up super fast. So it's kind of a trade off. You can get really smooth legs, but you'll have to replace your razor blades much more frequently. The smell is pretty nice.


Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner Jaipur Gold - View here

Here you can see what the color looks like:

It looks goldish, but when when you apply it it looks more like a brownish black. It goes on very smoothly. However if I was going to buy an eyeliner, I would want it to look like the color I bought. I don't know if this is the same with other colors.

It looks like it has a slight goldish tint to it on the upper eyelid, but I think that's more the gold eyeshadow I used too. I do like the consistency. It's easy to apply and very creamy.


amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo - View here

I'm just starting to experiment with dry shampoo. I must say I like this one. It smells fabulous! I'm not sure I would pay $21 for a full sized can of dry shampoo, but who knows. I do like it.


Essentiel Elements Wake Up Rosemary Shower Gel - View here

I liked the rosemary smell. It smelled like real rosemary and not just a fake flavoring. I really liked it. Along with the smell it was very refreshing.


Acure Organics Lip Lush - View here

A nude moisturizing lip gloss. It's a pretty nice gloss, but it's nothing super special. I have tons of glosses like this. It's nice and handy to have around though. I'm sure I'll use it once I've run out of others.

So I just made this a quick post, I'm sure I'll write more on the next one. The January box promises to bring more exciting products to try. Apparently it's already in the mail, and I'm looking forward to it!


If you're interested in testing out Birch Box follow this link.
In the interest of full disclosure: While I don't get anything to write this review and pay the same $10 per month any US subscriber does, but if you sign up through my link I do receive points I can accumulate and trade in for free items.

December ipsy Bag

I received my ipsy bag this Saturday. I've been so exhausted and haven't felt up to reviewing it this weekend. I was hoping that my pimple the size of Mount Everest would leave my chin, and take up it's rightful home where it belongs. In other words, not my face! But, alas, now I have given up and I hope you will commiserate with me.
The items I received were:

NYX Cosmetics - Butter Lip Balm

Swissco - Electroplated Eyelash Curler

tarte - deluxe lights, camera, lashes™ 4-in-1 mascara

Pixi by Petra - Fairy Dust

Coolway - Boost Repair Treatment 

My bonus item I redeemed my ipsyPoints for:

L.A. Colors - Chunky Lip Pencil

And they were all  in this bag. I love that ipsy gives you a makeup bag each month. So useful!

 

Since there were no foundation items I decided to use my regular skin care routine so I would look relatively presentable. I used my MaryKay moisturizers etc, their concealer, foundation, setting powder, blush, and since I had heard that the Fairy Dust by Pixi was a challenge to apply I also used my eye primer.
So this first picture here is with only the aforementioned products on. Ha, I say "only" like that isn't already a ton of stuff.

I started with:
NYX Cosmetics - Butter Lip Balm View here

I have two lip glosses from them that my beautiful makeup goddess of a friend Meyggy gave me. I was expecting to like the lip balm. However the color wasn't really my cup of tea. This is a beige/brownish nude color.

Before applying the lip balm. Please don't judge me too harshly. The resolution of my phone camera may just be too high for me. I really need to learn photoshop. On the other hand, at least you can see what it really looks like on a real person without editing.

Ack! Oh, well.

Now here it is with the tinted lip balm:

You can see it looks almost a bit goldish in the picture. I rarely use such nude tones, but it goes on smoothly and feels like it is hydrating my lips. I may get it in a different color for myself. Not too bad for 4 bucks.

Next I used:
Swissco - Electroplated Eyelash Curler View here

And unpackaged:

To be fair, I never use an eyelash curler. So it is harder for me to review this item as I don't have much in comparison to go on.

Here is the picture before I used it:

Now while using it:

And after:

Honestly I don't see much of a difference myself. I may need to use it more often or learn how to really do it properly. I guess this is the reason I've never used it regularly. I'm hoping to do a beauty day with my friend Meyggy and have her teach me all her secrets.

Next we have:
tarte - deluxe lights, camera, lashes™ 4-in-1 mascara View here

It is a small sample sized tube.

The mascara gives more length and volume. I do quite like it. The only drawback preventing me from possibly purchasing this item is, that it doesn't do a good job of separating the lashes. I don't like them to clump and go all spiderweby. I will use this mascara until it runs out though.

Time for that:
Pixi by Petra - Fairy Dust View here

Reading the reviews many people complained about this sponge applicator:

In the reviews I read people complained it was very messy to apply and that the built in sponge applicator wasn't the best way to apply the eyeshadow. So I decided to use a tissue to catch any straying powder. My poor husband had to come and take a picture of the process.

I was surprised that I didn't really have a problem with the powder straying. It went on pretty well and provided a decent amount of coverage.

 I actually like the color. It is very understated.

Usually I would apply this before the mascara. Some of the dust sparkled onto my eyelashes. I just went back over it with mascara this time around. I would however suggest adding the eyeshadow before the mascara. That's a good rule of thumb anyway. Also I checked and even after a few hours I had no issue with creasing.
From looking at the reviews I was expecting to like this least, but it's actually turned into one of my favorite items from this grab bag.

I'm going to interject my bonus item now because this is kind of the order in which I applied them. I used 500 of my ipsyPoints to have this added to my bag:
L.A. Colors - Chunky Lip Pencil in the shade wine View here

 I wanted to see what this would look like, so I wiped off the tinted lip balm and applied the chunky lip pencil.

I like the color. I also like the feel. It does go on smoothly and feels moisturizing. However the downside is, that while the pencil is retractable it starts out being too far out and mine partially broke off. It got kind of bent. I wasn't terribly happy about that. It made me be hesitant when applying it. It did dry out after a while. Considering the price tag of $3.50 and how much I liked the intense color I would probably get it again.

Here is what the look looks like with all of these products:

Last and also least is this hair product:
Coolway - Boost Repair Treatment View here

This is a type of hair mask. You apply it after shampoo and have to let it sit for at least 4 minutes.

It did make my hair very soft, untangled, and smooth. It does the trick. However I couldn't get over the smell. It smelled like gingerbread with hair dye. Yuck. I did not enjoy smelling like a hair salon. I just couldn't do it. But I'm pretty sensitive to smells. I doubt I'll even use what's left in the tube.
Here you can see my hair though, it is really shiny:

And now we're done. I hope you can find some of this information useful. As always I welcome all input and thoughts from anyone reading.

Now I'm all dressed up with nowhere to go:

I don't make any money or receive anything in return for posting about the ipsy items. However if you choose to sign up at ipsy with my link I do get points I can redeem for additional products like the lip pencil. Everything I write here is my personal opinion.

November ipsy Bag

This month's glam bag was interesting. The items I thought I'd love didn't measure up, and those that didn't look as promising surprised me! At the same time I tested all my ipsy products, I also tested some Lancome products I was given by a friend who works at the Lancome counter at Macy's. I will be doing a write up on those separately though. I'll add a link to it in here when I'm done. :)

All of the products together.

 I love, love, love, the hot pink metallic bubble wrap bag!

So, here is my sparkly bag for the Girl Meets Glam edition.

So much sparkle!

Here was one of the first items I tested.

Be A Bombshell Cosmetics - Eye Base (Color: Submissive)

Full sized

This is a creamy eye shadow base that can be layered for color. It is a nice gold color. I was excited for it and thought I would love it. I actually have quite a few gold cream eye shadows and use them often. I'll admit, I also liked the brand name and thought it was cute and fun.
Here you can see it applied:

I applied one layer on the whole lid, and about three on the bottom lid. I like the color, I like how it looks, buuut. Yes, there's a but. I tried it again the next day and even used eye shadow primer and it still creased. It didn't last long. It was a bummer for me to see it all disappear in the eye lid creases and not keep the color on the rest of the lid.
I may use it on the future as a base when I apply other shadows above it, but other than that it was a bust. I was pretty disappointed.


Next Item
J. Cat Beauty - Wonder Lip Paint (Color: Red Potion)
Full sized

I was hoping I'd get the lighter shade Mad Splatter, but I got the darker Red Potion. I was not expecting to like this at all. I thought it would be waaay too dark, but, surprise, it was actually really nice. Beware, I didn't know what I was doing the first time around, and put it on with my finger. That was crazy messy and went everywhere! So you should definitely use a lip brush like I did now in these pics. I do need to get a better one. I definitely will continue using this!

It's darker here, and was a bit strong for me, so I blotted it some.

I like the color both ways. It stays on for quite a while. Once you blot it, it's very matte. I wore it the next day too, and then put some gloss on it which looked really nice. Keep some makeup remover handy with q-tips in case some goes awry.

Number 3

Starlooks - Gem Eye Pencil (Color: Ultra Orchid) 

Full sized

I was hoping I'd get this color, and not the Ultra Olive. I like purple, and purple and plum colors go really well with green eyes.

It went on really smooth. I was really happy at first, but then I saw the eye pencil was also really crumbly. I had crumbs of the color all over my cheeks and face. Because it's nice and creamy, it was hard to just brush it off without leaving streaks all over my face. That was kind of sad. But I like it enough to use it despite that. Possibly this was a one time thing, but I'll be careful to try and avoid it when I use it.

You can see it applied to my lower eye. I really like the color. I applied it to my eye lid over the bombshell eye shadow base. It doesn't show up terribly well in the picture, but it does add a hint of color.

And now you can see the effect on my eyes when they are open. I wish I had been able to take better pictures, but it's kind of hard. Perhaps next month I'll conscript someone else to take the pictures. :)

Hmm, I think I need to pluck my eyebrows. (I used the Lancome mascara, as I said, I'll post about that later on.)

Almost done.
TEMPTU - S/B Highlighter
Tiny tester size

This was different for me. I have a highlighter pen, and a highlighter powder. But it's still something I am learning about. This one is very liquid and shimmery.

I like the shimmer, but shimmer can easily turn to shine, which makes you look like you have greasy skin. I used this twice, and didn't notice much of a difference. Judge for yourself. I applied it to the tops of my cheekbones and from my forehead down over my nose bone.

Last but not least...
Marc Anthony - Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Volume Shine Hairspray
Travel sized

Apparently I forgot to take a picture, and since my sister is in town I lent her my camera and cell phone, so I can't take another one. I used a stock photo from the internet instead.
Now about the product: I'd like to preface this post by saying I very rarely use hair spray, so I might not be able to give you the most educated review. This is the first hairspray I've used that actually smells pleasant. I know that's super subjective, but it didn't stink. It made my hair feel a little crunchy, but not as much as others. It didn't give really good hold though. I tried to use it to set curls and they didn't hold well. This is unusual. My hair usually takes curls really well without having to use hair spray at all.
So all in all I'm undecided on this since it smelled nice and made my hair feel ok, but didn't hold the hold really well. Give it a try. I'd love to hear what others think about it.

And here the other side. It looks slightly frizzy, but my hair may have not been all the way dry.

So, using all of the products this was my look at the end of the day. I am pretty happy with the products I got. Considering I paid then bucks for all of it, I can't complain!

I am not getting paid anything by ipsy for posting about the items I receive. To be frank though, if you do sign up through my link I do get awarded points, that I can use towards getting free items. Just wanted to make sure I was upfront with you. I'm really happy with the service and can definitely recommend it!

 

 

My October Ipsy Goodies

I recently signed up for this service called ipsy. It's a service that will send you an assortment of full sized and sample beauty products every month for just 10 dollars including shipping. You fill out a profile and based on your answers there they will send you personalized items. All of the items come in an adorable little make up bag. Each month has a different bag and different items. You can then review your items and they will over time get items closer to what you would like. I do enjoy trying out the new things!
I do feel like it's a really good value too. This month for example I got a full sized mascara. I've paid 10 dollars or more in the past for a mascara. The bags are always super cute too!
Ok, I just want to let you know, I am not getting paid anything by ipsy for posting about them. To be frank though, if you do sign up through my link I do get awarded points, that I can use towards getting free items. Just wanted to make sure I was upfront with you.

So here is my review of the items I received this month:

I love this adorable little makeup bag I received!

 I love this super cute bag! The color matches a lot of my furniture and even the outside of my house. I love the cheerful color. The quality of the bag is also pretty good too! I love getting a new little bag each month. I might re-purpose them for things like little gift bags. Wouldn't that be a cute use for it once I've accumulated too many to keep. My husband already calls me a hoarder; I can't prove him right, can I now! But this little bag I'm certainly going to keep!

Ayres Patagonia Body Butter

The body butter was pretty regular for a body butter. My husband used it to give me a back rub, and he hated the smell of it. So while it felt nice on my skin, I wouldn't use a product that my husband hates the smell of. The ingredients say they used jasmine and rosemary essential oils. I love things that use essential oils, as a lot of the beauty products I make myself use essential oils. I love the natural items. But this body butter smells nothing like either scent. It's not bad. I'd just give it a smell before buying it, to see if you like it. :)

H2O+ Face Oasis™ Hydrating Treatment

I liked this face cream. It did really feel very hydrating. It has a minty citrusy scent to it. It does leave you feeling kind of refreshed. I'd try it again. I'd never heard of it before, so I'm enjoying trying out new things. This is also something I would recommend giving a smell before buying to see if you like it. The smell is semi-strong, so if you're sensitive to that sort of thing...

Revlon Bold Lacquer™ Length & Volume Mascara

I like the mascara per se, but I wouldn't buy it again. It doesn't really lengthen your lashes or add much volume. It was really great at not clumping though! I did like it. I will keep using it, I just won't replace it when I've used it up.

Skyn Iceland Mini Glacial Cleansing Cloths

I liked these! They left my face feeling nice and tingly clean! That's my favorite! They are very refreshing! But with a 15 dollar price tag I wouldn't buy them again. They did also really foam up and leave little foam bits on my face. I prefer either the BurtsBees ones, or the Ponds Exfoliating Renewal Makeup Removal Towelettes. Those two are both in the 5-7 dollar range, depending on where you shop.

Noyah Lipstick

I'm glad this little lipstick was only sample sized. The lipstick itself was ok. It didn't dry my lips out or anything, but it certainly is not my color! It's way to dark for someone as pale as me. Whoever can carry this color off, and wants it is totally welcome to it!

I mean look at this dark color! It looks absolutely crazy. I don't think I could ever carry this off. You might be able to see a little bit, that I am wearing the mascara too.  As you can see, not a ton of volume, but not bad for practically free. Eh.

Any way, I hope you enjoyed this, and maybe found some new tips.

If you think ipsy looks like fun and you wanna sign up, here's the link.