BH Cosmetics Splurge

I first tried BH Cosmetics when I received a custom-made sample featuring shades from their California Collection in my first Ipsy bag back in July. I wasn't thrilled upon initial receipt because I had already purchased so much eyeshadow during an Urban Decay sale, but despite this I tried out the colors anyway. I was pleased with the color selection, but not enough to purchase any of the full size palettes. However, when I heard about their new Galaxy Chic Baked Eyeshadow Palette, I changed my tune!! I have been a new converter to baked eyeshadow since I tried out the SEPHORA COLLECTION Izak Baked Eyeshadow Palette, and now I can't wait to try more!! But you know me, I couldn't just buy the one item that I had my eye on-I had to stock up on some other goodies!!

 

False Eyelashes "Foxy"

Retail $4.95 on sale for $2.95!

 

I'm trying to get into wearing false eyelashes more and figured these were worth a try at this price!

 

BH Party Girl Palette

Retail $17.95 on sale for $8.00!

 

I was interested in this limited edition palette-I don't know about you but anytime something is limited edition it makes me want to hurry up and buy it before it's no longer available!! I like the palette design-with 40 shades it holds enough colors to create any desired look, but is slim enough for easy carrying on the go.

 

Eyes On The '60s Eyeshadow Palette

Retail $19.95 on sale for $9.95!

 

I decided to purchase this palette after seeing the featured video and swatches on BH Cosmetics Facebook page. The palette design is pretty groovy and the shadow colors look so vibrant! These shades are definitely a bit out of my comfort zone, but I feel that they will help me expand my eye makeup techniques. I can't wait to replicate the two looks shown in the video!!

 

Galaxy Chic Baked Eyeshadow Palette

Retail $22.95 on sale for $14.00!

 

The whole reason I initially decided to place an order was because of this palette. After seeing the awesome palette design and gorgeous swatches online, I just had to have it!  I just love the whole idea of this palette-I think the theme is so cool and the palette very pretty! I can not wait to try these astronomical shades!!

 

Neons & Neutrals Steal (120 Color 2nd Edition + 12 Piece Berry Brush Set)

Retail $54.90 on sale for $20.00!

 

After seeing an emerald eye look on the BH Cosmetics Facebook page, I debated about purchasing the 120 Color Palette to recreate it. I figured I had enough eyeshadow and didn't really need an additional 120 shades, but also thought it would be the ultimate palette to enhance my makeup skills! If you couldn't tell, I love eyeshadow!!  In the end, I decided to purchase the 2nd Edition and Berry Brush Set combo. The palette alone was on sale for $16.95, so I figured for just $3 more I could get a complete brush set! These brushes are so pretty-I'm glad to have an extra set to leave at my Boyfriend's house!

 

I used coupon code ACESDEV which saved me an additional 12% off select items!

Plus I qualified for free shipping since my purchase was over $50.00!

 

Total Value: $120.71

Total Spent: $51.68!

 

I saved about 57% on my purchase!!

 

I am most excited to try the Galaxy Chic Baked Eyeshadow Palette!!

Are you a fan of BH Cosmetics? If so, what's your favorite palette?

 

 

 

 

 

The Birchbox Shop

Birchbox had sent me a welcome email with a promo code for 20% off my first purchase and I received 50 Birchbox Points for completing product reviews for all 5 of the products in my box this month. This brought my Birchbox Points total to 210 giving me $20 off anything in the Birchbox shop!! Since I was able to combine the discount with my Birchbox Points, I decided to splurge and purchase some products from the RUFFIAN line!

 

RUFFIAN Haul

 

 

RUFFIAN Manicure Stencil Kit

Retail $6.00

 

I thought this kit would help me create the perfect RUFFIAN manicure!!

 

RUFFIAN The Classics Collection
(Red, Ciré Noir, Naked)

Retail $24.00

 

I was somewhat indifferent to Naked since I'm not a big fan of neutral polish. But I was interested in trying Red since it seems to be all the rage. However, I was most excited for Ciré Noir given my love for black polish! I thought about just getting the later two polishes, but decided to purchase the entire collection since it was only an additional $3.20 for the third because of the discount! It seemed like a great deal since they are $10 a piece when sold separately. And who knows, maybe I'll end up really liking Naked!

 

RUFFIAN The Crowdsourced Collection
(Delirium, Fox Hunt, Hedge Fund)

Retail $24.00

 

I loved Hedge Fund so much that I had to try the other two shades in the collection! Both colors look gorgeous and I can't wait to try them together in a RUFFIAN manicure! I purchased the entire collection even though I only needed the other two colors because it was such a great value. I figure I can give away the extra bottle of Hedge Fund to a friend!

 

Total Value: $54.00

Saved $10.00 with promo code + $20.00 with Birchbox Points!

Total Spent: $24.00 plus sales tax!!

Plus I got free shipping since I purchased a product featured in September's box!

It's kind of like I bought one collection and got the other collection and manicure stencils for free!
 

The Crowdsourced Collection is my favorite. Which collection do you prefer?

Have you tried creating a RUFFIAN manicure?

 

 

NYX Cosmetics: Beauty Queen Single Eye Shadow

When I first received my Ipsy bag this month and saw the NYX eyeshadow, I instantly thought the shade resembled the Mica eyeshadow I got the month before. It was hard to see the shade correctly due to the dim lighting in my apartment, so it appeared to be a light brown shadow. But after further investigation, I found out I was wrong about this shade and had to share it with you!
 

 

Beauty Queen

 

After I had read online that some people were concerned that their eyeshadow color was expired or discontinued, I decided to look into the shade I received. NYX Cosmetics has said that the shades sent in the Ipsy bags are not expired in any way, but some of the colors are now completely sold out (Beauty Queen being one of them). After looking up the shade on the NYX Cosmetics website, I've come to find the color isn't a brown at all!

 

 

Beauty Queen is actually a deep plum red with silver glitter!!

You can see the gorgeous color quite easily in broad daylight!

 

The eye shadow felt silky, so I expect application to be smooth.

I can not wait to see how it looks on my lids with a bit of eye primer!

 

I am so glad that I got the chance to try out this eye shadow! Thank you NYX and Ipsy!!

 

Are you a fan of NYX Cosmetics?  What do you think of Beauty Queen? 

If you subscribe to Ipsy, which shade did you receive this month?


 

Ipsy Glam Bag September 2013

I'm a little late sharing my glam bag with you this month, but it showed up on the same day as my Birchbox! I was so excited about my first Birchbox that I've been busy testing out all the products in my box! But now I've gotten around to trying a couple items in my Ipsy bag and am excited to show you what I got!!

 

This month's theme is Classic Beauty!

I really like this month's glam bag! It's a similar style to last month's bag except it's blue with a lace/floral design!

 

 

Elizabeth Mott It's So Big Volumizing Mascara

Deluxe Sample (4ml)-$8 Value

 

Everyone got this mascara in their bag. I'm not thrilled to be getting more mascara since you all know that I have a huge stash. At this rate I'll never need to buy mascara ever again! But I do like that it's part of an Ipsy exclusive product launch!
 

 

NYX Single Eye Shadow (Beauty Queen)

Full Size (0.085 oz)-$4.50 Value

Everyone also got one of these in their bag, but the shades varied. I've heard really good things about NYX eyeshadow, so I'm interested in trying the brand out. However, I'm a bit disappointed that I got a shade resembling the Mica Eye Shadow from last month's bag. I was hoping for a more dramatic color like a dark shimmery blue for going out, so I will pass on trying this shadow for now. I am still very interested in trying NYX products in the future, but hope to try a color more to my liking.

This month Ipsy had 12 variation items which we were to receive three. The variation items included Cailyn Cosmetics Tinted Lip Balm, J.Cat Beauty Fantabulous Lipstick, Jesse's Girl Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, Butter London Nail Lacquer, Starlooks Obsidian Kohl Eye Pencil, Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil, Freeman Beauty Facial Paper Mask, John Frieda Full Repair Full Body Shampoo, John Frieda Full Repair Full Body Conditioner, Pop Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon, Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels, and Victoria Jackson Taupe Brow Pencil.

Cailyn Cosmetics Tinted Lip Balm (Big Apple)

Deluxe Sample (0.14 oz)-$16.63 Value

 

 I'm ecstatic that I got this in my bag! I've heard great things about their eyeliner, so I expected good things from this tinted lip balm! I'm more a pink lip girl than red, but I feel this shade was toned down enough for me. I also love the packaging since I'm use to balms in stick form! I really like that the little brush comes attached to the product making it easy for travel! I hate having to look for the  brush when trying to do a touch up on the go! This sample was also a good portion-it's slightly smaller than full size! This was my favorite product in this month's bag!!
 

 

J.Cat Beauty Fantabulous Lipstick (Honeycrisp)

Full Size-$2.49 Value

 

I'm not crazy about getting a lip stick in my bag since I still have a few in my inventory that I haven't even opened. But if I'm going to get a lipstick, I'm glad that it's a full size and a nude shade to add variety to my collection. However, with all the hype over last month's Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick, I'm not sure how this will compare.

 

Jesse's Girl Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Full Size (0.017 oz)-$6.99 Value

 

I am psyched to get this liquid eyeliner in my bag! I haven't used liquid eyeliner in a long time and this will be perfect to use with my new false eyelashes! I have been wanting to wear false lashes, but don't have much experience in applying them. I've watched a few YouTube videos recently and there's been a lot of suggestions of using liquid eyeliner to cover the band, so I can't wait to try it with my new eyelashes! So far I've only tested this product without my falsies and I was quite pleased-it was very easy to apply in creating the perfect cat eye!

Free Extra: EM by Michelle Phan Sample Card

Since Michelle Phan recently came out with her new EM Cosmetics line, it was cool of Ipsy to include a free sample in this month's bag! I think a lot of Ipsters will be super psyched to try it out!

 

 I like that the insert shows you the actual size of the palette, so you know exactly what to expect.

 

 

I also love that they have color by number instructions!

 

Total Paid: $10.00
Total Value: $38.61

I'm so happy to see I got a lot of full size products from Ipsy this month!
What did you think of all the variation items?
 What did you get in your glam bag?

 

If  you'd like to sign up for Ipsy, I'd love it if you'd use my referral link! 

By doing so I can earn credit towards receiving an additional product in my bag to review!

 

Birchbox: September 2013

I am so excited to show you guys my first Birchbox box! And this box is amazing!! Birchbox is celebrating it's 3 year anniversary, and their theme this month is Heritage.
 

I received 110 Birchbox Points when I purchased the annual subscription. I used the code GOLDENFIFTY during sign up to receive 50 extra Birchbox Points. You can earn Birchbox Points by purchasing full-size products in the Birchbox Shop, referring friends, or completing sample reviews. For every 100 points you earn you get $10 off a full-sized product!

 

September Birchbox

 

As the name suggests, your products come in a box instead of a bag!

 

 

Ruffian Nail Lacquer (Hedge Fund)
Full Size-$10.00 Value

 

This was a Birchbox Exclusive and the product that got me to sign up! This is Ruffian's first line of polish and I am so excited to try it out! Everyone received one of three colors from the Crowd Sourced Collection in their box. The other colors you could have received were Fox Hunt or Delirium. This is my fav product in the entire box!! The bottles are just too cute!!
 

 

Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45+

Deluxe Sample (0.17 fl oz)-$4.42 Value
 

I was really excited to see this product in my box-I love trying new BB and CC creams!! I've tried this product out a few times and absolutely love it! It contains sunscreen, is fragrance-free, and blends easily!!

 

 

Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips
Deluxe Sample (3ml)-$2.90 Value

 

I love lip balms, so I was intrigued by this item! So far I've only tried it as on my lips, but it can also be used on dry skin, nipples, and cuticles! I don't plan to use it for all intended purposes, but I might test it out on my cuticles! But thus far I am loving it as a lip balm-it's thick but not sticky!!

 

Amika Blow Up Spray
Deluxe Sample (2 fl oz)-$6.00

 

I love getting hair care samples and this one smells amazing! I love that I can use it on damp or dry hair and that it's suppose to provide heat protection as well as volume my hair! I've used this product before using a hair dryer and also on dry hair and it does help add texture and volume.

 

Eyeko Black Magic Mascara
Deluxe Sample (0.13 oz)-$10.76 Value 

 

I got yet another mascara, but at least the packaging on this one was intriguing. I tested it out and while I don't think it adds much drama or volume, it leaves my lashes soft hours later and doesn't clump.

Total Paid: $10.00
Total Value: $34.08!

I am quite happy with my first Birchbox! All these brands were new to me and I loved trying them!

 

Do you subscribe to Birchbox? If so, what did you get in your box this month?

If you aren't subscribed, you can sign up for Birchbox for $10/Month using my referral link here! 

 

Sephora Beauty Splurge Pt. VIII

Before starting Project 10 Pan I made one last Sephora purchase!

 

 

Sephora Beauty Haul #8

 

Urban Decay Ammo Eye Palette

Retail $38.00 on sale for $12.00!

 

Even though I already have the Ammo Palette in the new design, I could not resist purchasing this version. This looks to be an anniversary edition celebrating Urban Decay's 10th birthday! I couldn't go wrong at this price and it will be great to have a back up of their bestselling shades!

 

Shiseido Eyelash Curler

Retail $19.00

 

Even though I had already purchased an eyelash curler during Julep's Warehouse Sale, I thought it was time to really invest in a Shiseido curler since I've heard so many good things. I'll either give away the Julep one or keep it at my boyfriend's.

 

SEPHORA COLLECTION 3 In 1 Perfecting Base Coat

Retail $6.00

I can always use more base coat!
 

 

SEPHORA COLLECTION Mirror Shine Top Coat

Retail $6.00

Doesn't hurt to have more top coat either!

 

 

 

SEPHORA by OPI Nail Colour (Just a little Dangerous)

Retail $9.00 on sale for $4.50!

 

I picked up a few colors from this line when they originally went on sale and became a big fan. I absolutely love dark purple polishes, so this shade is perfect for me! It's a little dark to see the depth of the color indoors, but in direct sunlight you can see all the little pink flecks in the polish.

 

SEPHORA COLLECTION Flirt-It Lash Duo

Retail $10.00 on sale for $3.00!

 

I want to start getting into wearing false eyelashes more to add a bit of extra glam for nights out! I thought this set was a great value and it was rated highly.

 

Free Deluxe Sample: Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover

I can always use more makeup remover!

 

Free Samples: Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation Mattifying Oil Free, Cover FX Total Cover Cream Foundation, and Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation

There wasn't much variety in the samples offered, but free is free!

 

Reward Deluxe Sample (100 Points): Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick (Catfight)

 

If you haven't figured it out already, I'm officially addicted to Urban Decay! Even though I already got a deluxe sample of Anarchy and purchased a full size of Streak, I couldn't resist getting another baby lipstick! It was a bit of a gamble since Sephora didn't list the shade, so there was a chance I could have ended up with a duplicate. But I got lucky and got Catfight!

Spent: $50.50 plus sales tax. Total Savings: $37.50! I saved about 42%!
 

 

Sephora Mini Purchase

Prior to my mini Project 10 Pan, I made a small Sephora purchase.  I could not resist stocking up on more of these metallic eye shadows! I was ecstatic when I saw additional shades went on sale!

 

Sephora Mini Purchase

 

 

SEPHORA COLLECTION
Outrageous Prisma Chrome Metallic Eyeshadow (Taupe #6)

Retail $16.00 on sale for $7.00!

 I saw swatches of this online and was blown away by the pigmentation!
 

 

SEPHORA COLLECTION
Outrageous Prisma Chrome Metallic Eyeshadow (Lilac #10)

Retail $16.00 on sale for $7.00!

 

This shade is so pretty and original. Plus the price is amazing for the quality!

I used my Sephora Groupon which saved me $5.00 and my free shipping VIB code from my welcome package.

 

No free deluxe sample this time since my purchase was less than $25 (Sephora typically gives a code for a free deluxe sample when you make a $25 purchase) and also because I used my free shipping code (Sephora only allows you to use one code per order). I was wondering when I'd make use of my free shipping code since I usually spend enough to qualify for free shipping (Sephora offers free 3 day shipping on orders of $50 or more), and wouldn't want to pass up on a free deluxe sample with purchase. But because I was able to combine my VIB code with my Groupon, I was able to pick up just a couple of clearance items that wouldn't qualify for a free deluxe sample anyway! Plus, I still got my 3 free samples that you can get with any purchase!

 

 

Free Samples: Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation Mattifying Oil, MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation, and BECCA Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation  

 

I haven't tried a new foundation in quite some time, so I'm excited to check these out!

 

Extra Free Sample: Urban Decay Naked Skin

 

Total spent: $10.12 including the purchase price of the Groupon!!

Did you get the Sephora Groupon? If so, how do you plan to use it?