Ipsy Glam Bag June 2015 Unboxing

This post is about my June 2015 Ipsy Glam Bag. This is the last bag in my annual subscription and I have already opted to keep my subscription going. For $10 a month you get to get a cute pink bubble mailer in your mailbox, which almost makes it worth it because I like shiny things and presents. On top of that (but wait, there’s more) you get a different makeup bag each month. Some are heinous and some are adorable, but at least they’re different.  Plus,  they’re crazy useful.

As is the nature with beauty subscription service like Ipsy, some months are a disappointment and some months are fantastic. It’s all about trying new things, for me, though I admit it helps if I feel like I get a good monetary value from my bag as well. This month’s bag was out of the park as far as I’m concerned. Any bag where I’ll use everything is a win for me and this bag gets pretty close.

I want to talk about the bag for a minute. Their advertising made it seem like it would be waterproof, though I honestly wasn't expecting it to be. I guess it's supposed to be like a sporty swimsuit? The material it is made of is kind of thick and black which doesn't scream "summer" to me.  I think the orange zipper is cute and if the material had been navy instead of black the bag would have been much more attractive and season appropriate. Weird choice, Ipsy. 

LAVANILLA The Health Body Butter in Pure Vanilla (.85 oz value $2.35)

First of the samples is my biggest, which is The Healthy Body Butter by LAVANILA . I freaking love LAVANILA and was ecstatic to see this in my bag. It, of course, smells amazing. I was kind of confused to see such a heavy body cream in a summer bag, though. I’d save it for the winter but it smells too good. It’s almost all gone already.

Smashbox Iconic Photo Finish Foundation Primer (.25 oz value $9.00)

Next is a little Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. Meh. I remember trying this years ago and it breaking me out.  I’m not upset I got it though and it is supposed to be oil free. I’ll probably try it again. I’m a glutton for punishment.

JCat beauty Liptitude 24/7 Hydrating Lip Stain LLS117 Hikilcious (FULL SIZE $5.99)

I also got a  Hydrating Lip Stain by JCat Beauty. It’s a fun, bright pink, though I could not get a very color accurate picture. I do have a color accurate swatch below the review, however. I hate the name of the product and color. What is that name about? Seriously? And why is it so long? Google revealed no wisdom to me. I really like this product, though, and that's what counts. 

treStique Mini Shadow Crayon Kona Coffee (0.2 oz $10.66)

This month’s bag also had a mini shadow crayon by treStique. Based on their Instagram they seem like a new brand and they look promising. I received the color Kona Coffee, which is just too dark for me to get much use out of because I’m so fair. The color is pretty, but it’s just not the type of color I’m reaching for in the summer anyways. I do have to give a shout out to the packaging, though, because the lid is adorable as hell. Yes, what you see above is the lid. When I pulled it out of my bag, I thought the lid had fallen off and was digging around for it. Then I touched the tip very slowly and carefully. It was, of course, plastic. I am not the only person this happened to! I am not alone!

it Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil (.0025 oz $12.00)

Lastly I received a it Cosmetics brow pencil. I remember hearing a lot about this product a while ago on the internet and being skeptical. Any color cosmetic that claims to be universal sets off an alarm in my head. I gave it a good try anyways and this product definitely warrants a full review.

(Swatches: Left is the JCat Beauty Lipstain in LLS117 and right is the treStique shadow crayon in Kona Coffee)

Overall I’m really pleased by this month’s bag even though I felt the curation of products was kind of a miss for summer. Who gives out dark brown eyeshadow and heavy body butter when it starts to get hot? Ipsy apparently. While I don’t feel some of the the products are right for this time of year, I like the products and will use them, so it’s all good. The value of my bag is about $39, which is great for a $10 a month subscription. I continue to enjoy my Ipsy subscription. 

Do you subscribe to Ipsy? Did you like you bag this month? Anything you want to see a review of? let me know down below!

Lorac Pro Two Eye Shadow Palette: Review

            

            I’ll start this post off by confessing to a bit of an eye shadow palette addiction. I don’t think I have a problem, though, as I've managed to avoid owning a lot of repeat shades. I passed on the original Lorac Pro Eye Shadow Palette because it seemed like nothing new, but when I saw the Lorac Pro Eye Shadow Palette 2 I knew I was done for. The colors and beautiful, the quality is superb and if you want to bulk up your eye shadow collection with a fantastic, versatile palette, I would suggest this one.

            The Lorac Pro Eye Shadow Palette 2 is sleek grey cardboard that, somehow, doesn't look cheap. The palette name is embossed in silver on top. When you open it up there is a huge mirror and sixteen shades; 8 matte shades on the top row and 8 shimmery shades on the bottom row.

(L to R: Buff, Lt. Brown, Cool Gray, Nectar, Plum, Navy, Charcoal, Black)

            Buff is a pigmented, slightly yellow toned cream shade. It’s great for using as a subtle brow highlight. It pretty much matches my skin tone exactly, which makes it very difficult to catch a swatch on camera. 

            Lt. Brown is a medium warm toned brown. It’s a wonderful transition shade for fair skin.

           

            Cool Gray is actually a medium, gray with a slight bit of brown. It’s actually pretty neutral toned.

            Nectar is a medium, pink-peach color. It is also a good transition shade for lighter skin tones. I do think it will pull warm or cool on the skin depending on the wearer’s skin tone.

            Plum is a dark warm plum color. It looks exactly as you would expect it to.

            Navy is a pretty remarkable, brightened navy color. This is special because it is almost impossible to find a blue that actually looks navy on the skin. Usually it will pull too light or end up looking black, but this shadow is really special.

            Charcoal is a cool, medium-dark grey.

            Black is a warm, soft black. It’s pigmented, just not very dark.

(L to R: Snow, Beige, Rosé, Mocha, Chrome, Silver, Jade, Cocoa)

            Snow is a gorgeous shimmery white color with no glitter. I actually did not have a smooth, pigmented shimmery white in my collection yet, so this made me very happy. I’m sure that will not be the case with many, though, who probably have a shimmery white already.

            Beige is probably my favorite shade. It’s neutral, light beige that is super pigmented. It’s good for everything (all over the lid, inner corner highlight etc.) and mine already has a bit of a dent in it.

           

            Rosé is a light-medium copper shade. It’s probably my favorite copper eye shadow as it’s a bit lighter and brighter than most that I’ve seen.

            Mocha is a warm, medium brown. I have a lot of shades like this, but this one is nice because there is no glitter. For some reason eye shadow manufactures like to add gold glitter to colors like this, usually.

            Chrome is a medium silvery taupe. It has a lot of silver for a taupe shade.

            Silver is a light silver. I’m in love with this shade, since I’ve had a hard time finding a silver shade with no glitter, only shimmer. I found it and it’s beautiful.

            Jade is a medium-dark, dirty olive shade. It’s very warm and has some extraordinarily fine gold micro-sparkle. The sparkle isn't too apparent on the eye.

            Cocoa is a medium-dark warm brown with that same micro-sparkle.

            When I was swatching I thought I may have found a few dupes, so I went and looked and did some more swatching.

(L to R: UD Buck, Lorac Lt. Brown, UD Naked)

            I thought Urban Decay Naked and Urban Decay Buck might be dupes for Lt. Brown, but actually Lt. Brown is right in the middle (haha, pun).

(L to R: BM Spectacular, Lorac Jade, L'Oreal Golden Sage)

            Bare Minerals Spectacular is my favorite olive green shade and I though it may be similar to Jade, as well as the L’Oreal Infalliable in Golden Sage, but again, I was wrong. Spectacular is lighter and slightly bluer, while Golden Sage is lighter with a lot more gold.

(L to R: WNW Taupe, Lorac Chrome, UD Mushroom)

            Lastly I checked Chrome against Urban Decay Mushroom and Wet’N’Wild’s taupe shade from The Silent Treatment trio (which is said to be a dupe for Mac’s Satin Taupe). Chrome is darker and slightly cooler than Wet’N’Wild’s shade and quite a bit warmer than Urban Decay Mushroom

            All of these shades had a nice creamy texture, especially Beige, Rosé and Chrome. The matte shades were a little drier than the shimmers and all of the shadows tend to kick up some powder when used, so it’s very important to use a light hand and tap off excess. Fortunately, you don’t need to press the shadows hard to get lovely pigmentation. I also did not have issues with any of the shades blending away on the eye. Overall I really like this palette and think it’s a wonderful addition to any collection.

            This palette retails for $42 and is not limited edition to my knowledge. Owning it has kind of made me want the original pro palette, which I think says a lot about the quality.

            What do you think? Do you own this palette already? Thinking about it? Let me know down below!

September 2014 Beauty Box 5 Review

Beauty Box 5 Stats:

What is it: Beauty Box 5 (hereafter referred to as BB5) is a monthly beauty box subscription. Each month you’ll get a cute Tiffany blue box filled with about 5 skincare, haircare and makeup samples (sometimes full-sized).

Cost: It’s $12 a month, $30 for a quarterly subscription and $99 for a yearly subscription.

Shipping: BB5 ships through DHL, if I remember correctly.

Personalization: There is a beauty quiz, though I’m not sure it impacts what you get in your box at all. They do host a lot of giveaways on social media.

Points system: There is a referral system, but it’s still in the works. You can refer people at this point and get credit, but I’m not sure what you get.

Awesomely unique: The box is cute, it’s cheap for a subscription service, there is a good mix of skincare, haircare and makeup and it ships quickly.

Unfortunately unique: The products are usually from cheaper brands and you get a lot of tools/basics (nail files, makeup remover wipes, toe separators etc.)

Referral Link: http://www.beautybox5.com/?u=12918 OR www.beautybox5.com

            Alright, I got the Beauty Box 5 in the mail today so it’s time for a down and dirty unboxing blog. Oh yeah.

            This is my 3rd BB5 of a yearlong subscription, and I will admit, this is probably my least favorite box so far.

            First up are 2 foil packets of a deep conditioner ($0.41 each). It seems to be marketed to people of color, but has some good ingredients. Foil samples irk me, but at least we got 2.

            Next is a set of toe separators from Sally Hansen ($1.99). Really? Not impressed.

            The spoiler I was excited for was the Nicka K New York Eyelight Crayon ($4.49). I received it in the color Violet. It’s fairly pigmented, but blends away too easily. It lasts okay on its own, if you’re careful, though. I used it as a liner on my bottom lash line today and it functioned okay. I could have gotten a more practical color, but to me these subscription boxes are about collecting makeup, including things I may not use every day, but may use at some point.

            I also received a sample of Chrislie Formulations 3-in-1 Eye Bright ($13) It’s an overnight eye serum and I’m actually excited to try this. I’ve never heard of the brand, but will be excited if it improves my under eye circles and fine lines (which is what it says it does.) A full size is $40, and this is a pretty large sample.

            Lastly is the purple nail polish from My Beauty Spot ($4). The card they include with the box admits this is from a 6 piece set, which pissed me off. Yes, let’s really highlight the fact that this is an off-brand I would buy at Ross. Really making me feel special here, BB5. It’s a pretty color, though.

            I’ve never had any packaging issues with BB5 before, but my nail polish did leak a bit in transit and was dried around the cap by the time I pulled it out of my mailbox. It’s kind of annoying and made the whole box smell, but it didn’t get on any of the other products, so that’s okay.

            Overall, I don’t have any huge complaints for this box, but I’m slightly underwhelmed. I am excited to try a few of the products, though, and think it’s well worth the money.

            What do you think? Have the box already? What did you get? Any questions? Let me know!

Memebox x CutiePieMarzia Unboxing

Memebox Stats

What is it: Memebox is a South Korean store and site where you can purchase boxes filled with South Korean skincare and cosmetics, often exceeding the cost of the box. The contents of the box are secret (similar to subscription services), though spoilers are released. There is no recurring subscription.

Cost: They generally run $23-$34 a box before shipping.

Shipping: Shipping is $7.99 a box for standard(15-22 business days) or $22.99 for expedited (3-5 business days)

Personalization: There is no personalized quiz, but you can chose whatever boxes you want based on whatever themes appeal to you.

Points system: The points system here involves “memepoints.” Memepoints can be earned for certain purchases, won in contests or sometimes given out by the company. Their value is dollar for dollar (i.e. 3 memepoints is $3 in the shop). If you buy 5 individual boxes over a period of 3 months you become a VIP and get bonus perks.

Awesomely unique:

1. This gives access to Korean products that may be difficult to find otherwise.

2. You can choose what boxes you want to buy based on theme and you aren’t forced into a monthly subscription.

3. Value sets give you expedited shipping for purchasing multiple boxes in a set. You only have to pay $7.99 to ship all boxes in the set and it’s expedited.

4. There are coupon codes and Memebox often throws out memepoints.

Unfortunately unique:

1. The shipping charges are a huge downer.

2. Shipping takes forever.

3. If you find a product you love in a box, it may be difficult or costly to purchase again.

4. Since the company is South Korean it can be hard to communicate with them and they operate in a different time zone (emails are sent and boxes are put up while I’m sleeping).

5. They take a while to respond to emails (I’ve even had an email completely ignored).

Where: us.memebox.com or use my referral link http://us.memebox.com/user/magicofmascara

            Lately Memebox has been releasing boxes curated by popular bloggers and youtubers. This box was curated by Cutiepiemarzia. She did a video about the box here > http://youtu.be/pBmwd9lW3wg , you should check it out. Anyways, she hadn’t actually tried anything in the box herself, but I was enamored as soon as I saw it. For the blogger collaboration boxes, Memebox reveals everything in the box, from the get-go. No surprises here.

           On to the goodies. This box had 6 full size products with a total value of $88 and I paid $30.99 ($23 + $7.99 shipping). The value of this box wasn't as great as some others they've put out, but this is definitely more about curation than value.  

 

            First is the Beauty People Snow White Special Edition Season 2 set ($54). It includes mini size eyeliners in the colors, glimmer black, glimmer brown, glimmer bronze, glimmer gold and glimmer beige. I own two full sized Beauty People eyeliners, and those twist up. This need to be sharpened, but included in the box was a bonus sharpener, which is nice. I haven’t tried it out, though. As far as the eyeliners go, I freaking love these. The quality is awesome. They are super pigmented, glide on smoothly and do not budge. In fact, this set is why I bought this box. A set of my new favorite eyeliners, plus a cute-as-hell Snow White tin was irresistible. And it makes the value of the box. I found this same set on Amazon for $47 + $5 shipping.

            Next up is an adorable Tinted Balm by Petit Friend in PK01 Crown Pink ($8). It smells like strawberry candy! I just mix the two colors together when I apply it, because it would be way too much effort to keep the damn crown intact. It gives a cute bubblegum pink color that way, anyways. It’s also pretty moisturizing and doesn't settle into liplines.

(The outer packaging removes easily, but you could also leave it on and still be functional)

(Without the wing sleeves.)

(Left: Volumer Essense, Right: One Step Base)

            Included, as well, are two full-size products from It’s Skin. We have the Babyface One-Step Base in 01 Lavender Pink ($8) and Babyface Volumer Essense ($11). I don’t know exactly what “volumer” means, but after a while of buying these boxes, you get used to unique uses of the English language. Anyways, the volumer essence is super sticky. I’ve only used it once, because of that. It’s got a liquid-gel hybrid texture and smells like baby powder. It's supposed to brighten and reduce wrinkles so I may have to give it another go, though. I haven’t used the primer much, because it gives a white cast on it’s own and I don’t wear much foundation. It has a lotion-like texture and smells like Herbal Essences shampoo. 

            I wasn’t too excited about the L.vida Nail Polish in LC-34 Pink Orange ($6) until I got it. I applied it a few days ago (qithout a base coat) and didn’t have any chipping for at least 3 days, which is pretty good for me. On the fourth day the polish from my pinky nail popped off and so I peeled the rest off. I’m awful with nail polish. I hadn’t used a base coat and nail polish always pops off, so please don’t take my little review as characteristic of the wear. 

            I did like the finish. I had a jelly texture and I was able to do a successful jelly sandwich manicure with it, but with two coats it would appear to have a crème texture on the nail. Pretty versatile. The color is also adorable for spring and summer. Overall, I don’t think Korean nail polish has anything special to offer over American polish brands, but this polish was a  pretty good formula for only $6.

  

            I’m always excited to get a mask in a Memebox, since masks are hugely popular in Korea. I still haven’t tried this Pure Smile Gelee Labo Strawberry mask ($1), so I can’t testify about its smell, but I did get another Gelee Labo mask from this brand in another box and loved it. It smelled good, had the texture of jam (no joke) and left my skin really soft. It wasn’t sticky and was a lot of fun to use. I’m really excited to try this one.  Overall, probably the most fun I’ve had with a $1 mask.

            I really enjoy getting Memeboxes and this box was no exception. Let me know if you have questions about any of the products I mentioned.  I suggest you head over to Memebox’s website and click around. WARNING: once you buy a box you will get addicted. Have fun!

Tarte Rainforest After Dark Eye & Cheek Palette: Review

            

           I should probably preface this post by mentioning how much I love Tarte products. If for some, horrendous, tragic reason, I could only use makeup from one brand for the rest of my life, I would choose Tarte. Their Lipsurgence lip tints and cheek tints are my favorite lip and cheek products. Lately, though, I’ve begun to appreciate their eye shadows and powder blushes.

            The Tarte Rainforest After Dark Palette Eye and Cheek palette didn't appeal to me at first. And then I saw swatches. I was so excited when I got this home I couldn't even wait to take pictures before digging in. I had to have it on my face!

(See the mess? Told you I couldn't wait)

            Can we talk about the fact that this palette has a plastic, purple JEWEL on it? They already won me over. Pretty much. The gold foil snake is pretty cute too. The case looks like it's wood, but, of course, it's wood. I still like the look of the palette, but it feels pretty cheap. 

            I’m not much of a bronzer person, but for fair skin the bronzer is awesome. The highlighter is subtle and wonderful too. I love how they made the bronzer, blush and highlighter pans big enough to actually put a brush in, without overpowering the eye shadow pans. It’s a pretty well designed palette, despite the fact that it’s round. I store my palettes on their side, which doesn’t work for this. I like how it looks so much, though, that I plan on getting a picture frame stand to prop it up to use as décor on my vanity. For right now, though, it’s just laying around on my vanity.

            I love purple shadows and this palette has probably my favorite gold eye shadow ever. The shadows all have a lovely texture with barely any fallout. I will say Tarte has some of the most underrated matte shadows on the market. I find them very pigmented and, typically, smooth.  

(Left to Right: Amazonian Clay Blush in "Unleashed", Bronzer in "Park Ave. Princess #2", Eyeshadow in "Don't Turn A-Brown," "Tan-gled Up in You," "Up to No Gold," "Plum Away With Me," "Make a Mauve," "Bare to Explore" and Highlighter in "Champagne.")

"Unleashed" is a dusty rose (matte) and is very smooth. I find it easy to blend.

"Park Ave. Princess #2" is a warm tan color. also matte and easy to blend. 

Don't Turn A-Brown is a dark, cool-toned brown with some very fine silver sparkle that hardly translates on the lid. 

"Tan-gled Up in You" is a neutral, slightly warm, medium tan (matte.) 

"Up to No Gold" is a medium, slightly antiqued gold with plenty of shimmer. It's very creamy shade. I like how it's bright, without being too yellow.

"Plum Away With Me" is a warm medium-dark plum tone with a frosty finish and some fine silver sparkle. "Make a Mauve" is a light plum with some slight shimmer.

"Bare to Explore" is a matte, light, pinky-nude. This one is probably the hardest shade to blend, but it's by no means stiff. I still find it to be buttery and smooth, but it applies best if you already have a powder shadow down as a base.

"Champagne" is a light, shimmery, golden beige. It has some slight pigmentation issues, but is easy to build up.

            This palette is great for everyday looks with a kick. Think neutrals, with a twist. It's going to be great for fall. It retails for $38 dollars and limited edition, so if you want it, grab it. 

             Have you tried this palette already? What did you think? Let me know down below!