Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Zoya Mason

Hey everyone, today I'm going to show you my swatches from the Zoya polish I got in my Ipsy bag this month!
 
 
Mason
 
Mason is a satin shade from Zoya's Cashmeres & Satins Collection. I ended up really liking this color-the red violet shade is just gorgeous!! I love purple polishes and this one is unique with the red tones. I haven't tried any of the Cashmere polishes, but given my love of shimmer polishes, I think I'm a bigger fan of the Satins. I just love the bold jewel tones!!
 
What do you think of this color? Do you prefer the Cashmeres or Satins? 
What's your favorite shade from Zoya's Cashmeres & Satins Collection?
 

Friday, October 25, 2013

Sally Beauty Mini Purchase

Hey guys, today I wanted to show you a couple of things I got from Sally Beauty Supply! I signed up for their membership last month for $5 and in turn received a $5 coupon towards my next purchase. I had to use my coupon by the end of October, so I finally went back with a girlfriend and picked up a couple of items!
 
 
Sally Beauty Mini Purchase
 
 
Ardell Cirque Du Soleil Worlds Away Eyelashes (Daring)
Retail $4.99? On sale for $2.49!
 
With Halloween around the corner these would be a great for going out! I just love the pink glitter band!!

 
Femme Couture Mineral Effects Baked Eye Colour (Caribbean Blue)
Retail $4.99? On sale for $3.49!
 
I am obsessed with baked eye shadows and I spotted this the last time I was there. I just love the color and the price was right, so I finally picked it up.
 
Total Cost: $1.06 including tax after coupon!
 
Do you have a Sally Beauty Supply membership?
Where do you like to shop for your beauty needs?
 
 

 

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Urban Decay Splurge Pt. IV

Urban Decay was having a 20% off sale, so I finally splurged and got the Vice 2 palette that I've been wanting! And as always I picked up some other goodies as well!
 
 
Urban Decay Haul #4
 

Vice 2
Retail $59.00

It seems the original Vice palette was a big hit, so I was anxious to pick this one up!

 
This palette comes with 20 all-new eyeshadow shades! I love that there are no repeats since you usually get a couple of their most popular colors in these palettes. But I was also drawn to this palette due to the gorgeous packaging-I love that no two palettes are exactly alike since the design is applied by a special process.
 
 
Book of Shadows Vol III Redux
Retail $54.00? on sale for $39.00!
 
This palette is a remake of the original Book of Shadows Vol III. Since I didn't get the original, I was excited to be able to snatch this up!
 
 
The palette contains 16 Eye Shadows and comes with a  24/7 Glide-On Pencil in Zero and Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Original!

 
I've never had an eyeshadow palette like this one! When you open the top of the box a scene of NYC pops up! This is so cool-I can't wait to get more like this!


Eyeshadow in Freelove
Retail $18.00

I picked this shade because it's so unique. I have a lot of neutrals, blues, greens, and purples, but nothing like this!

 
Eyeshadow in Omen
Retail $18.00

I looked up swatches of this online and it's so pretty! I'm still one shadow short of being able to fill my Melt palette, so I'll be setting this aside for the time being.
 

Free Gift With Purchase: Build Your Own Palette
 
I don't really need another BYOP, but it was free with a purchase of 2 eye shadows. I prefer the design of my Melt palette, so I might regift this.

 
Free Sample: 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero

I already got one of these in my Book of Shadows, but I'm always happy to get freebies! Plus this is actually a really good size for a sample eyeliner. But according to the Cosmetics Cop these liners aren't worth buying, however, since so many people rave about them I'll give it a try!

As you probably can see I'm obsessed with eyeshadow and love collecting eye shadow palettes!
What's your favorite eye shadow palette from any brand?
 Is there a particular type of beauty product you love the most?

 

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Ipsy Glam Bag October 2013

I got my Ipsy bag in the mail last week and am finally ready to share it with you all!


October's theme is The Art Of Beauty!


October Glam Bag

I'm not in love with this month's bag. I like the type, which is similar to the last two months, but I'm not a fan of the writing in lieu of a design.

 
Zoya Nail Polish (Mason)
Full Size- $8.00 Value

This is red violet or "Fandango Pink" metallic from the new Cashmeres & Satins Collection!
Everyone got a polish in their bag but the other two Satin colors you could have received were Nerve (sapphire blue metallic) and Giovanna (emerald green metallic). I was initially drawn to Giovanna given my love for green anything, but I was kind of hoping to receive Nerve because I don't as many deeper blues. But I love Zoya and I think it's awesome that we got a full size bottle! Plus, this color will be an interesting addition to my collection!


Sexy Hair Blow Dry Gel
Deluxe Size (1.7 oz)-$3.39 Value

You know me-I'm loving these hair samples! But while I use Volumizing products often, I don't think I've tried one in a gel formula before. I really liked this product-it was easy to use and works well! Those who didn't receive this product got Sexy Hair Spray Clay Texturizing Spray Clay.
 
 
Buxom Full-On Lip Polish (Dolly)
Deluxe Size (0.07 oz)- $8.87 Value

I was excited to get this in my bag since it was expected to be in my Sephora VIB Celebration Bag, but was replaced with a Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie in Maverick. I don't particularly like the tingling sensation, but I suppose that's typical for a lip plumping gloss. However, I do like the color and would be open to trying other shades in the future.
 
 
H20 Plus Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment
Deluxe Size (0.34 oz) $7.20 Value

This was the one product I wasn't happy to see this in my bag. I already have a skincare regime that works well for me, so I'm not in need of any skin care samples. But mostly I'm not a fan of the jar packaging because all the beneficial ingredients will quickly degrade once the jar is open and repeatedly dipping your fingers in the jar is unsanitary!

 
be Delectable Hand Cream (Strawberry & Cream)
Deluxe Size (2 oz)-$5.00 Value

I was happy to see I got this item in my bag! I love to have a hand lotion to stash in my bag and the scent is definitely delectable as the name suggests! I love the smell-it reminds me of strawberry shortcake! I definitely plan to try other scents from this line in the future!

Other items you could have received were Bella Terra Mineral Cosmetics Mineral Shimmers, Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster, Coastal Scents Medium Shadow Brush, La Fresh Eco-Beauty Oil-Free Face Cleanser Wipes, Nourish Organic Deeply Nourishing Coconut & Argan Body Lotion, Ofra Sultry Lipgloss and Plumper, Ole Henriksen Truth Crème Advanced Hydration, Star Looks Lip Pencil, and Wet n Wild Photo Op Eyeshadow.
 
Total Paid: $10.00
Total Value: $32.46


What did you think of this month's bag?
Which product was your favorite this month?
 
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!

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Birchbox: October 2013

Hey everyone! I was so excited to see that my Birchbox came in the mail the other day! Even though I knew what was waiting for me because I peaked when Birchbox updated the website, I could not wait to come home to open it!!


Birchbox's theme this month is Beauty Buzz!!

 
The Balm Cosmetics Stainiac (Beauty Queen)
Deluxe Size (0.04 fl oz)-$3.40 Value

At first I had mixed feelings about this product. I've been wanting to try something from The Balm, but I haven't been the biggest fan of lip stains. However, I'm glad Birchbox sent this to me because I like it so much better than the Benetint I received in a previous Ipsy Bag.

I thought I was really going to like Benetint since so many people rave about it, but other than the lovely rose scent I didn't care for the product. I felt it was too sheer even with numerous applications and using it as a cheek tint was too messy.

While this stain isn't moisturizing I don't find it drying either. The color payout isn't very bold, but just enough to give my lips some color with a single application. I love that it has a wand applicator instead of a brush making application so much easier. I don't know if I'll use it as a cheek stain, but this product has definitely made me rethink disregarding lip stains.

 
Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum
Deluxe Size (5 ml)-$4.18 Value

This is the product I was most excited about. I have been wanting to try Supergoop! for a while now and am a big advocate for sun protection. This is one sample I will use up to completion pretty quickly.

 
12 Benefits Instant Healthy Hair Treatment
Deluxe Size (1.5 oz)-$4.75 Value

I was also thrilled to get this in my box since I love getting hair care samples! Even though I've recently purchased a few full size hair products, I still love trying new items and this will be great to stash in my gym bag. Plus any product that has 12 benefits is definitely a must-try!

 
Evologie Stay Clear Cream
Deluxe Size (10 ml)-$20.66 Value

I wasn't excited to get this in my box since I already have a skin care regime consisting of products that prevent and treat any blemishes that may arise. But I won't let this product go to waste as it is super expensive!! At least it'd be nice to have for travel-purposes.

 
ChapStick Hydration Lock (Vanilla Crème)
Full Size! Approximate Value:  $1.49 to $2.99

Sometimes Birchbox will throw in an extra product that doesn't count towards the number of products in your box. This was an extra product they threw in and I'm ecstatic since I can never have too many lip balms! And this one is amazing-it smells great and feels smooth on my lips.


Total Paid: $10.00
Total Value: $32.99 not including the free ChapStick!



 I am pretty content with this month's Birchbox! I'm so glad I didn't get any mascara this month!!
 
Do you have a Birchbox subscription? If so, what did you think of this month's box?
If you aren't subscribed, you can sign up for Birchbox for $10/Month using my referral link here!  
 
 

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Orly Nail Color

I picked up a couple of Orly polishes at my local CVS a few months ago. Orly retails them for $8.50 on their website, but CVS had them marked down to $4.00 a bottle! Since I've never tried Orly polish before I figured I'd give it a go!
 
 
Rage
 
Rage was part of Orly’s Spring 2010 FoilFx collection. I had seen some beautiful swatches of it online and was ecstatic to come across it on the clearance rack! It's a lovely rose gold metallic perfect for fall! It appears as a neutral shimmer indoors while a bolder metallic in direct sunlight.  
 
 
Close Your Eyes
 
 Close Your Eyes is from the 2005 Truth or Dare collection, which explains the name. This polish is suppose to be a fuchsia shimmer, but it look more like a deep rich looking plum!
 
I thought I was going to love Rage, but ended up liking Close Your Eyes more. I enjoyed trying these polishes so much that I picked up a set from T.J.Maxx that I can't wait to try out and share with you!!
 
Are you an Orly fan? What's your favorite shade or collection?
 


Friday, October 4, 2013

Urban Decay Limited Edition Nail Color

Today I am so excited to show you my swatches from a couple of polishes from Urban Decay! Urban Decay released two limited edition nail colors and I love them both so much!
I can't wait to see what they come out with next!

 
Addiction

These bottles are fabulous-I love the little skull on top of the polish cap! I also love the polish names-they are so fun!! And I am in love with this color-it's suppose to be a smoky metallic gunmetal, but it appears as though it's a gorgeous green with flecks of gold which might be due to its multidimensional shine.
 
 
Vice

 This color is absolutely gorgeous! I love rich deep purples and Vice was no exception!! This color is super rich and intense!!

I have a hard time choosing between these two shades because I like them both for different reasons. Which one is your favorite? What color would you like to see UD come out with next?

 

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

T.J.Maxx Hair Care Purchase

I was in T.J.Maxx a few weeks ago and while I was there I picked up a couple of hair care products. This was a couple of days before I completely finished my Project 10 Pan and while I have been so careful not to buy any makeup during this mini project, I didn't give much thought to hair products. I don't typically buy hair products often, so I guess it didn't really occur to me that they would also be excluded even though I had some in the project!! I'm not usually that tempted to buy any, but I recently got a new hair cut and wanted to get a couple of things to maintain my new style. I was so drawn in by the pretty turquoise and teal packaging that I didn't really think about the products I currently had sitting at home.

 
Hair Care Purchase
 
 
Biosilk Volumizing Therapy
Compare at $16.00 on sale for $7.99!
 
I like to use mouse to add volume to my hair before blow drying! I've used Biosilk products in the past but this particular one is new to me.

 
Aquelle Marine Therapy Spray
Compare at $14.95 on sale for $5.99!
 
I am not familiar with this brand at all, but was in love with the color! This product works well to create a light hold.
 
Technically I think I might have two similar products still in my stock, so do you think this counts as cheating? I will have to be more on guard during my next project. But I will say that while I've held back from shopping for cosmetics during this project, it didn't really prevent me from shopping so much as postpone my purchases. But I am still determined to try again. If for no other reason, this project has got me to finally use up some of my samples to make room for some new product!

What kind of hair care products do you typically use? Where do you like to shop for them?