Ipsy July Glam Bag Review

July 22, 2015September 20, 20155 Comments

Teeez Cosmetics – Read My Lips Lipstick
teeezcosmetics.com

Full Size Retail Cost: $22

This lipstick was the item I was most excited to try in July’s Glam Bag. I confess it was mostly due to the awesome packaging that features a skull (I am super into skulls). Once I had the lipstick in my hand I realized the packaging wasn’t the only thing to get excited about. The shade “Killing Me Softly” is a satin matte finish and a beautiful red coral color. The coconut oil extract gives it a lovely scent while moisturizing your lips. This product compares well with other lipsticks like it, especially for the price.

Final Verdict: Worth a buy although the product currently only comes in the one shade.

Teeez Cosmetics – Read My Lips Lipstick

Read My Lips Lipstick in Killing Me Softly

Killing Me Softly Swatch

Jor’el Parker – Classico Perfume
harveyprince.com

8.8ml Retail Cost: $21

When it comes to scents I am a try them all kind of girl which is strange since I am pretty particular when it comes to smells. But I also get bored easily and like to change my scent up almost daily. So I am always happy to receive a new scent in my Ipsy bag. Scents can take you to places you haven’t been in years, or remind you of a fond memory or person from your past. In this case the Classico scent reminded my of my mom and I will probably end up giving it to her. It is sweet, spicy and calming in a way that perfectly describes my mother. Ipsy and Jor’el Parker really hit it out of the park with this one.

Final Verdict: Definite buy but its a bit pricey.

Jor’el Parker Classico EDP

Crown Brush – Professional Tweezers
crownbrush.us

Retail Cost: $17.49 (on sale for $6.99)

I will admit that I am biased when it comes to tweezers because the only tweezers I love are my mini Anastasia Beverly Hills brow tweezers and I only use tweezers for my brows. With that said these Crown Brush tweezers are just your typical tweezers, they are a bit bulky for my taste and would trust them to pluck the stray eye brow hairs I get. They would be good for attaching bling to nails or maybe applying eyelashes but I have little expertise in that area.

Final Verdict: Nothing special, too bulky for brows.

Crown Brush Professional Tweezers

Vasanti Cosmetics – Brighten Up! Exfoliating Cleanser
vasanticosmetics.com

Travel Size Retail Cost: $10

My skincare routine is extremely minimal. I barely ever wash my face with any time of face wash or cleanser. My skin is extremely sensitive as well so most cleansers tend to do more damage than anything else. So I am typically not excited when Ipsy sends me anything to do with cleansers for facial cleaners. The Brighten Up! was surprisingly gentle for an exfoliating cleanser and it also didn’t smell awful which is a major plus. This gentleness I attribute to it being natural, paraben free, and vegan and BONUS it is not tested on animals.

Final Verdict: A must try!

Vasanti Brighten Up! Exfoliating Cleanser

OFRA Cosmetics – Bliss Eyeshadow
ofracosmetics.com

Full Size Retail Cost: $10

Dear Ipsy: Please no more nude eyeshadows. Sincerely, Kassandra.

Anyway like all my shimmery nude shadows this Bliss shadow from OFRA is just as beautiful and long lasting as the next. It was nice to receive such a large sample (even though I have enough shimmery nudes to last me a lifetime) and the shimmer really is lovely. The shadow is also marketed as a highlighter which is what I ended up testing it as because it goes beautifully with my favorite bronzer.

Final Verdict: Worth the price, OFRA has several other beautiful shades so check them out!

OFRA Cosmetics Bliss Eyeshadow

Bliss Eyeshadow Swatch

5 Beauty Products I Can’t Stop Buying

July 15, 20158 Comments

Over the last four or five years my makeup collection has grown, especially during this past year. Though with all the new additions I find there are some products that I just can’t let go of. These are the products that if discontinued would drive me to tears.
Maybelline New York Dream Smooth Mousse – 200 Creamy Natural Foundation
This has been my foundation for the last eight years. Lately I have been finding it harder and harder to find which has me panicking a bit. For me foundation has always been a way to even my skin tone and cover up the occasional blemish. The Dream Smooth Mousse is perfect because it goes on light and smooth and doesn’t clog my pores.

Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse

Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion – Original
This is the only eye shadow primer I use. And if I could get everyone in the world to purchase it I would. I love the formula, it never creases and the 24-hour wear it promotes is completely legit. Urban Decay recently updated the packaging and applicator. I have not had to purchase a new bottle yet but have tried out the applicator in store and I am not a huge fan. I prefer and am used to applying my primer with the original squeeze application and my fingers. It will be hard to get used to the new applicators. The .33 oz retails for $20 and is totally worth every penny.

Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion

Sephora 24hr Waterproof Colorful Eyeliner – Black Lace
I remember going to purchase a replacement and accidentally buying the non-waterproof and the applicator is different so I freaked out thinking Sephora had changed their applicator. That is when I realized I was hooked. If you have ever attempted to apply liquid eyeliner than you understand why I had a meltdown. Once you learn how to apply with a specific applicator it is very hard to learn any other way. The 24hr waterproof eyeliner is amazing. It is fast drying when applying and lasts all day, but not really 24hrs. The best part is that removal is so easy all I have to use in a makeup remover wipe. No waterproof remover needed. It comes off in almost a stretchy glue like consistency. Which is why I don’t really refer to it as 24hr wear cause if you rub those eyes or jump in a pool that stuff is coming off. This product retails at $12 and lasts for at least 3 months which is a total bargain.

Sephora 24hr Waterproof Colorful Eyeliner

Benefit Watt’s Up Soft Focus Highlighter
I got hooked on this highlighter after I received it as a free sample from Sephora a few years ago. I managed to get buy for a couple years on two samples but then came the point when my samples ran out and there was no new one to replace them. I will be honest $30 is a lot to spend on a highlighter especially for me as I only use it on my under eye/cheekbone area but I figured it would last awhile. While I love the formula and the shade I wish the retail version came in a couple of sizes as I find it hard to use the large .33 oz stick on small areas of my face. This product only comes in a .33 oz (unless you are lucky enough to get a sample) and retails for $30.

Benefit Watt’s Up Soft Focus Highlighter

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick – N9
This obession also is due to a free Sephora sample. I do not remember why I received it but as soon as I put it on I knew it was MY everyday shade. It was like MUFE had created the shade just for my lips. It also helped that the formula was extremely moisturizing and of course its MUFE which means its instantly amazing. The only thing I would say is that it is not a long-lasting formula. That is reserved for the Aqua Rouge lippies that I love to wear matte. Those never come off! Anyway MUFE is my favorite brand so I am glad the have my favorite lipstick and I will buy this shade forever! As long as they let me.

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick

June Favorites

July 3, 2015July 3, 20158 Comments

Beauty: Too Faced Sugar Pop
This palette was given to me as a gift for my birthday after I had lusted over it when my friend purchased it for herself. This French macaroon-inspired palette contains nine shimmer and glitter eye shadows in vanilla, chocolate, and candy-inspired hues. Like all Too Faced shadows these are richly pigmented and easily blendable and the colors are perfect for summer. Plus, this palette includes step-by-step instructions, with three must-try eye looks.

Too Faced Sugar Pop packaging

Too Faced Sugar Pop palette shades

Fashion: Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C.
I had wanted this bag forever and finally had a reason to buy it, after upgrading to the iPhone 6 Plus my phone didn’t fit in my Micheal Kors MK Signature cross body that I typically used as my going out bag. As luck would have it I found it for a discount at Nordstrom Rack for $169.00, the original price on the retail tag was $295 but the Rebecca Minkoff website currently lists them for $195.00.

I haven’t had it long but other reviews indicate that the leather ages well without a lot of scratching or cracking if you take care of it. It is a great size for a cross body, night out bag, though it is a bit heavy but that is due to the luxury leather and hardware. The front zip/lock compartment is great for easy access to your phone, but when I over fill the bag it tends to be hard to open without two free hands.

Rebecca Minkoff Bag & Nordstrom Rack Haul

Bloggers: Julie from Hauteflashes – www.thehauteflashes.blogspot.com
I came across Julies Instagram account, which I am completely obsessed with, and that led me to her blog. She is a 23 year old Australian beauty blogger. Her photos are amazing, great quality and she always gets an up close shot so you really get to see the product she is reviewing. And her reviews are super informative and have helped me make many decisions on products I have wanted to try. If you haven’t checked her blog or Instagram account do it now!

Julie’s Instagram Account

Technology: iPhone 6 Plus
My new iPhone 6 Plus is like my child. I would protect it with my life. That may sound a bit dramatic to some but literally my phone is my lifeline. My day job has heavy security on their web usage so without it I would be stuck in a windowless room for 40 hours a week with no way to contact the outside world.

I purchased the 64g White Gold style and am in love with how classy it looks. It is my first time purchasing a white iPhone and I always thought they got kind of dirty but mine looks great. And as for those who think the 6 Plus is way too large I will tell you it’s not, especially if you spend as much time checking blogs, Instagram and Twitter as much as I do. I have found that my eyes hurt way less since they are no longer straining.

Anyway I know most people know everything about iPhones but basically I am in love. A few new features I was wicked excited about that my 5 didn’t have is the iMovie, Keynote, Pages, and Numbers apps. Great for productivity!

Food: Mango Creamy Frozen Fruit Bars by Chunks O’ Fruti
These are the best invention ever! It is like a frozen mango smoothie in bar form. They really are creamy and there are chunks of mango. For those health conscious folks they have no added color or flavors and are 120 calories per bar. I purchase them at Walmart for around $3 and they also have other flavors I just can’t list them all.

Mango Fruit Bars by Chunks O’ Fruti

Movies/T.V.: Supernatural
Seriously it would be impossible to accurately express my love for Supernatural. Because of moving and starting life in a new state my Fiance and I got ridiculously behind on Season 10 and so we are just watching it now but it just keeps getting better. Like how is that possible?

If you have never watched it, go to Netflix and do it now! Supernatural has something for everyone. The story follows two brothers, Sam & Dean, following in their families footsteps haunting monsters and saving the world. There are vampires, werewolves, monsters from legend, angels and demons. It is just amazing. Also Sam & Dean, played by Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles are seriously handsome so that is a plus if you’re not into monsters.

Music: Skipping Stones by Claire De Lune
This song helps me when I am feeling blogger angst, which is extremely similar to teenage angst but sounds more mature. Just go listen to it, especially if you are having a bad day and need a theme song. Its most notable accolades is that it was featured on an episode of Pretty Little Liars, PLL, although the first time I heard it was on iTunes radio.

Beauty Before Brunch | Sephora Event

April 13, 20158 Comments

As a VIB Rouge rewards member I received an invite to the Beauty Before Brunch event this past Sunday at Sephora. This was the first event I was eligible for and the first one I have attended.

Purchased Items

Sephora Green Tea Mask
Peter Thomas Roth Mini Masks
Tarte “the sculptor” face contour stick in “Park Ave Princess”
Tarte “Amazonian clay” concealer in “fair-light”
Sephora Collection waterproof liquid liner in “Black Lace”

Purchased Items | Sephora

Gifts/Samples

Living Proof night cap overnight perfector
Clarins Shaping Facial Lift
Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume
Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara (100 rewards points)
Tarte Flush cheek stain (gift after purchasing two Tarte products)

Samples/Gifts | Sephora

VIB Rouge Gift Bag

Fold-over Sephora pouch
Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume sample
Formula X Nail polish in “Paramount” (full size)
BUXOM Lip Cream in “Pink Lady” sample
Benefit Puff Off sample
Shiseido Ultimune sample
Caviar Repair Instant Recover Shampoo & Conditioner sample
Nude Omega treatment milk sample

VIB Rouge Gift | Sephora

As a new VIB Rouge member I was not sure what to expect as I had read reviews from other members that said Sephora events rarely happened and when they did they were disappointing. The Sephora I attended for this event was in Sarasota, FL at the new UTC Sarasota Mall. This mall opened back in October so it is still in its first year.

While the event was lovely and I received several sample gifts as well as the VIB Rouge gift bag. I felt a bit like the mini-makeovers and help I received was geared too much towards getting me to make a purchase. As a VIB member I have obviously spent a significant amount of money at Sephora. So I would really like to see the event be geared towards teaching me new beauty techniques, thanking me for my continued support of their store, etc. It felt more like I was at one of those at home jewelry parties that shove overpriced products down your throat while telling you how philantrophic the company is. That was my only suggestion but the event was fun, the associates were very friendly and welcoming. I cannot wait for the next event.

March Favorites

April 7, 2015Leave a comment

Beauty: Benefit Watt’s Up! Highlighter
This highlighter has been my every day highlighter for the past 3 years. I would recommend that everyone try it out. I use it on my under eye to hide dark circles and give me a dewy glow. Plus it has been doing great in this Florida heat. Find it at Sephora here.

Fashion: London Fog Purse
This bag is my new everyday handbag. I wasn’t sold on it in the store but I couldn’t beat the price for a medium sized well structured bag. I purchased it at the new DSW in Sarasota for a steal at $24! Checking out the London Fog website I realized my fabulous find as similar bags go for $150 retail. My best work friend loved it show much she went and bought the other one. It is not really a great spring color but I wear a lot of dark clothes at my job so it works for me.

Blogger(s): Daisy from weardaisywent
Been loving the weardaisywent blog since I started on WordPress this past November. She has amazing photos and I especially love how diverse her posts are. She is definitely an amazing lifestyle blogger so go check her page out.

Technology: Yelp App for iPhone
The Yelp app for iPhone has definitely saved the day/dinner more than once. I am one of those people who doesn’t think about eating until I am already hungry and then I can’t make a decision. During our anniversary weekend in Orlando we used the app to find some fun places to eat and so thankfully we did not go hungry.

Food(s): Skinny Pop Popcorn
If you are in need of a salty snack without the salt filled calories than buy Skinny Pop Original. Only 150 calories in 3-3/4 cups. I take a sandwich size bag to work with me everyday and it saves me from the unhealthy snacks my office stocks in our kitchen. Find Skinny Pop here.

Movie(s): The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
My fiance and I watched this over our weekend away for our anniversary. We stayed at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Orlando which provided HBO and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty came on one night. The movie is about Walter (Ben Stiller) who has found is simple life in danger when his job is in jeopardy. Walter sets out on a grand adventure learning things about himself he never knew before and finding is bravery. Definitely an A+ movie for any night in.

Music: Spring Break 2005 Radio on Pandora
Depending on your age this radio station needs no explanation. Go listen and you’re welcome.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Fifty Shades of Grey - Give In To Me

Dior & Fifty Shades of Grey

February 15, 20151 Comment

This particular work week has been the toughest since starting at this new company about 3 months ago. So last night I needed some serious retail therapy and that means Sephora! Also I was trying to kill some time as I had tickets to Fifty Shades of Grey at 11:05 p.m. After Sephora I ended up in the cosmetics section at Dillard’s.

At Dillard’s I was drawn in by the Dior displays. I have always admired the Dior cosmetics for their flawless packaging and designer heritage but had never sampled any of their products. Currently I have a sample size of the Miss Dior scent Blooming Bouquet which I love so I stopped to smell the other Miss Dior scents.

The lovely sales woman got me talking about what type of make-up I used and what I had recently purchased at Sephora as I had the bag in hand. She could tell that I was fully stocked on the most essential beauty items so she brought me over to show me the new Dior Cheek and Lip Glow. I was instantly hooked by the product as it was a two in one item that was a lip gloss stain as well as a cheek tint. I do not have anything like it in my current beauty collection so I new I had to have it and that it would be a great first Dior purchase. Currently it only comes in the one shade 001 which is described as a “blushing rosy tint” so it is very pink. I am not sure if Dior plans on coming out with other shades but I believe 001 is a fairly versatile shade although I recommend going into sample it before purchasing. And if you go to the Dillard’s at the UTC Mall in Sarasota, Florida ask for Marlein at Dior she is wonderful. Before I left she made sure to make me an appointment for the Dior Backstage Artists who are coming at the end of the month.

Dior Cheek and Lip Glow – Shade 001

Last Sephora Saturday I wrote about my purchase from the MAKE UP FOR EVER limited-edition Fifty Shades of Grey collection so if you haven’t read that post I would read it now before continuing.

I know I said I was having a hard time justifying the purchase of the additional MAKE UP FOR EVER limited-edition Fifty Shades of Grey items but with the movie finally here I lost all self control and went ahead and purchased both the Give In To Me Makeup Kit and the Tease Me Lip Set in the shade Innocent.

MAKE UP FOR EVER – Give In to Me (keepsake box)

The Give In To Me Makeup Kit comes with four Artist Shadow palette in I-514, ME-612, S-556, I-625; a Graphic eyeliner; a Smoky Extravagant mascara; a Rouge Artist Natural lipstick in N4; a Lab Shine lip gloss in D14; and an exclusive keepsake box. The shadow palette shades are my typical everyday neutrals so it was a perfect purchase which I know I will get a lot of use out of. The lip gloss is fabulous although I realized when I got home that I already own the shade D14 which I purchased on Black Friday as one of the $10 Sephora deals. The graphic eyeliner is so precise I may switch from my favorite Sephora brand. This eyeliner applicator is made for perfecting a winged look or cat eye. The mascara I currently have a sample size of so I new the full size would make a great addition to my growing mascara collection. I have been thinking about doing a review on all the mascaras I own, let me know in the comments if you are interested in a post like that in additional to weekly Sephora Saturday’s. And if you did what I suggested by going back and reading last weeks post you know how I feel about the Rouge Artist Natural lipsticks. I will not stop until I own them all.

Artist Shadow palette in I-514, ME-612, S-556, I-625; Graphic eyeliner; Smoky Extravagant mascara; and Rouge Artist Natural lipstick in N4.

Artist Shadow palette in I-514, ME-612, S-556, I-625

MAKE UP FOR EVER – Rouge Artist Natural lipstick in N4; a Lab Shine lip gloss in D14

The Tease Me Lip Set in the shade Innocent includes an Aqua Lip lip pencil in 3C, an Aqua Rouge lipstick in shade 3, Clear and a Lab Shine lip gloss in D16 which also came with the Black Friday $10 Sephora deal. Currently the Sephora website no longer has the two shades of the Tease Me Lip Set available for purchase so I would hurry to your local Sephora before they are gone. Especially for the passionate shade as it contains the Limited Edition Shade 50.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Tease Me Lip Set – Innocent

Tease Me Lip Set – Innocent – Aqua Lip lip pencil in 3C, an Aqua Rouge lipstick in shade 3, Clear and a Lab Shine lip gloss in D16

All of the items that are part of the MAKE UP FOR EVER limited-edition Fifty Shades of Grey collection come with pamphlets on how to re-create Anastasia’s looks from the movie. I cannot wait to sit down and start re-creating looks from the hottest movie of the year. There are sure to be some photos to follow.

Let me know what you think of these products and be sure to see Fifty Shades of Grey which is in theatre’s now!!! “Laters Baby!”

Fifty Shades of Sephora

February 8, 2015February 8, 20159 Comments

This Sephora Saturday is all about Fifty Shades of Grey. I recently picked up some items from the MAKE UP FOR EVER limited-edition Fifty Shades of Grey collection. If you knew me personally you would know all about my obsession with Fifty Shades of Grey, I have read each book so many times I’ve lost count. So when I saw these limited-edition pieces from MAKE UP FOR EVER I knew I had to have them. All the pieces were used on the set of the Fifty Shades of Grey movie by Victoria Down, Head of the Makeup Department for Fifty Shades of Grey. Definitely check out Sephora’s Glossy interview with Victoria Down where she spills all her secrets from the set.

The first item I picked up is the Tease Me Lip Set in the shade Passionate (it also comes in a nude shade called Innocent). This set includes an Aqua Lip lip pencil in Matte Raspberry 10C, an Aqua Rouge lipstick in Limited Edition Shade 50, Clear and a Lab Shine lip gloss in D4 Shimmering Grenadine. The set also includes a pamphlet on how to re-create the different looks from the movie.

MAKE UP FOREVER Tease Me Lip Set – Passionate

Now let me just say my favorite, and everyday, lipstick is MAKE UP FOR EVER’s Rouge Artist Natural in N9. I love the quality, the moisturizing formula and how it just gives a little pick-me-up to my natural lip color. So I was not surprised when I tried on the Aqua Rouge lipstick and was blown away by the quality and long lasting wear. The first time I wore it was to a party where I was constantly sipping a cocktail and not one spec of that lipstick came off on my glass the entire night. That was the night I also realized that limited-edition Shade 50 is MY color. It packed just the right punch of sass without making me look like I had tried on my mothers lipstick. So basically no one buy it so I can purchase every last set. Just kidding, but not really. I would recommend this set to all and especially the Aqua Rouge lipsticks from MAKE UP FOR EVER. It is the perfect lipstick for all day wear, and special events where you need long lasting coverage.

From left to right: Aqua Lip lip pencil in Matte Raspberry 10C; Aqua Rouge lipstick in Limited Edition Shade 50; Shade 50 with Clear; and Lab Shine lip gloss in D4 Shimmering Grenadine

The second item I picked up was the Desire Me Cheek Set. This set includes three Artist Shadow blushes in I-526, I-808, S-748, a Travel Precision blush brush in 150 and an exclusive keepsake pouch. The set also includes a pamphlet on techniques and backstage secrets from the set of Fifty Shades of Grey movie. The set is designed to let you go from a healthy innocent glow to seductive flush of desire and everything in between.

Desire Me Cheek Set – Three Artist Shadow blush in I-526, I-808, S-748; Travel Precision blush brush in 150; and Exclusive keepsake pouch.

My favorite shade has been I-808 which I like to use on my brow bone and then also mixed with the S-748 on my cheeks. The S-748 is a lovely color but on my skin tone it looks a bit orange by itself which is why I combine it with the I-808.

From left to right: I-526; I-808; and S-748.

The one set I have not yet purchase because firstly its pricey and second I have just not been able to justify it is the Give In To Me Makeup Kit. This set comes with four Artist Shadow palette in I-514, ME-612, S-556, I-625; a Graphic eyeliner; a Smoky Extravagant mascara; a Rouge Artist Natural lipstick in N4; a Lab Shine lip gloss in D14; and an exclusive keepsake box. As the movie release draws closer I find I have less and less self control and may cave in and buy it.

Please let me know your thoughts on these products and the MAKE UP FOR EVER brand in general. Also let me know if you decide to go out and purchase these items after reading this. I love to know that I am not alone in my Sephora or Fifty Shades obsession. Be sure to come back next Saturday for my next Sephora Saturday post.

Sephora Satur… I mean Sunday

February 1, 20159 Comments

While I planned on getting my first Sephora Saturday post up on time sometimes life just gets in the way. So the first Sephora Saturday post has turned into a Sephora Sunday post.

I went to my local Sephora on Friday night with a friend because she really needed to pick up a few new items. While I wasn’t really shopping for anything myself I always find something I must have. This week I was introduced to the Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow Custom Palette Case and MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes.

The SC Custom Palette case comes in a 3-shade palette and a 6-shade palette but I decided to go with the 3-shade. My everyday routine includes an eye shadow look that typically is 3 neutral shades as I have blue eyes. I like to try new shades but am not interested in the large palettes with multiple colors I know I will never use. This seemed like a great alternative and I get to choose my own shades and Sephora has many to chose from. Also Sephora has a deal where if you purchase 2 or more shadows you get the 3-shade palette for free (a $12 dollar savings) and if you purchase 4 or more shadows you the the 6-shade palette for free (a $14 dollar savings).

The shadow shades I chose were: Girl talk N45, Safari N95, Sirens charm N111. My plan is to use the Girl talk on the inner of my eye as a highlight since it is a beautiful champagne color with sparkles, then use the Safari across most of my eye lid, and finally blend the Sirens charm across the brow bone and into the eyelid.

The other item I picked up was the MAKE UP FOREVER Aqua Eyes waterproof eye liner in the shade Turquoise 7L. This turquoise is so stunning I won’t even try to describe it, GO SEE IT IN PERSON. It is a beautiful blue with some sparkle and I would recommend it to everyone. This eyeliner with set you back $19.00 but since it is MAKE UP FOREVER it is totally worth the price. This brand is very quickly becoming my go to as their products are truly professional, long lasting and come in many diverse shades.

So my recommendation at this point is for you all to head to Sephora right now and try these products for yourself. After all you can’t believe everything you read.