Ipsy Glam Bag December 2013

Merry Christmas everyone!! I finally took my computer to Best Buy and it turns out it has a bad hard drive. They are sending my laptop back to the manufacture to replace the hard drive, so I'll be with out my computer for another 2 to 3 weeks! I'll be back to updating regularly in a few weeks, but today I'm here to show you the contents of this month's Ipsy bag!!

 

 

This month's theme is Celebration!

December Glam Bag
 

  I absolutely love this month's bag design-even more than last month's bag! It is the perfect evening clutch-definitely a bag I'll be taking with me on a night out!
 

 

Pop Beauty Bright Up Your Life Eye Shadow Trio (Naturally Bare)

Deluxe Sample (0.15 oz)-$9.23 Value!

 

 Everyone got one of these mini palettes in this month's bag, but some received it in Smokin Hot, a smoky eye trio. Each palette consists of three shades from one of their Bright Up Your Life palettes.
 

 

At first I was disappointed to see I got it in Naturally Bare, but after trying out the shades I was happy I didn't receive the other version. The neutral colors are so gorgeous-I especially love the middle shade. I know I will get a lot more use out of this set than I would have the other palette.

FYI: While some people based the value of this trio on the number of eye shadows in the trio compared to the full size palette, I based it off of the weight in product (ounces).

 

Be a Bombshell The One Stick (Sunset)

Full Size (2.5 g)-$16.00 Value!

 

 Everyone also received one of these in their bag, but some got it in Flustered or Girl Crush. While I'm usually an advocate of multi-use products, I'm not a huge fan of all-in-one eye, lip, and cheek products. Plus, I don't love the bulky packaging and this isn't a color I would have chosen for myself.

 

J.Cat Beauty The Big Lip Pencil (Carmel Mocha)

Full Size (0.3 oz)-$3.99 Value!

 

You could have also received this pencil in Red Rose or a NYX Extra Creamy Round Lipstick (B52, Sky Pink, Ceto, Iced Honey, Cream, Celene, Iris Sunflower, Goddess, Fusion, Hermes, Mute, Miracle, Hades, Muse, Rose, Hebe, Fortune Cookie, or Apollo). While I was glad to not have gotten another red lip pencil, I was really hoping to get one of the NYX lipsticks.
 

 

Ardell Natural Lash (120 Demi Black)

Full Size (0.026)-$3.99 Value!

 

 This was one of the two variation items I received. Ipsters could have instead received Andrea Strip Lash (#33), Salon Perfect Perfectly Natural Strip Lashes (#53), Nicka K New York Nail Color (Classic Taupe or Ripe Apple),  Jesse's Girl JulieG Holiday Frosted Gum Drops (Sugar Plum Fairy), Starrily Nail Polish (Bzzz Bzzz), Demeter Snow Perfume Oil Roll On, English Laundry Signature Fragrances, and Mirabella Eye Blender Brush.

I was happy to get lashes in this month's bag because I've been meaning to start adding them to my beauty routine for occasional wear. I really wanted to try an unfamiliar brand, but I am content with getting the Ardell ones because they are so well known for their lashes.
 

 

Starilly Nail Polish (Bzzz Bzzz)

Mini Size (0.17 oz)-$5.00 Value!

 

 I viewed some of the other shades on their website and they have some really gorgeous colors-I'd especially love to try Sea Glass. But while I normally love to get nail polish, I'm not crazy about this shade. I think the bottle is cute, but it's not a color from which I'd get much wear.

 

Total Paid: $10.00
Total Value: $38.21!

This was probably the most lackluster bag that I've received. While the bag itself is my favorite thus far, the items in it weren't as exciting as I was expecting. But last month's bag was so amazing, it would have been really hard to beat.

 

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 December 2013

Hey everyone! Sorry I haven't posted in so long! My friend wasn't able to fix my computer, so now I have to take it back to Best Buy to see what they can do for me. But today I want to show you what I got in this month's Birchbox!!

 

 

Deceber Birchbox

 

This month's theme is Sparkle and Shine or Holiday 2013.

They changed the packaging of the box slightly this month, which was a nice touch.

 

 

Atelier Cologne Vanille Insensee Cologne Absolue

Sample Size (0.05 fl oz?)-$1.33?

 

I had to estimate the cost of this sample since I couldn't find a size on the vial. I went with 0.05 since that seems to be the typical size for fragrance samples. I thought this had a nice scent, but I don't like it enough to purchase it. I definitely prefer the Viva La Juicy Noir sample I got in last month's box!

 

 

 

Number 4 Non-Aerosol Hairspray

Deluxe Size (30 ml)-$4.50 Value!

 

This was my favorite product in this month's box! This hairspray works well-it doesn't leave your hair crunchy at all! Plus it has a nice smell to it and the packaging is better for the environment!!

 

 

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré (24-Hour Miracle Cream)

Sample Size-$1.87

 

This product claims to be a primer, moisturizer, and makeup remover all in one. According to the Cosmetics Cop this just has a basic formula not worth the hype because many moisturizers containing it's ingredients also work as a primer and makeup remover.

 

 

LAQA & Co. Fat Lip Pencil (Ring of Fire)

Deluxe Size (0.07 oz)-$9.69 Value!

 

I think this lip pencil is pretty cute-they even called this small version Lil' Lip! But I would have been more excited if they sent me a different color since I just received a red lip crayon in my Ipsy bag last month. I won't swatch this for you guys because I'll save it for when I'm done using my other pencil.

 

 

Chuao Chocolatier Chocolate Bar (Orange-a-go-go)

Deluxe Size (0.39 oz)-$0.84 Value

 

I loved getting this in my box-who doesn't like getting chocolate? But orange chocolate isn't my favorite, so I would go for a different flavor if I were to ever purchase it in the future.

 

Total Paid: $10.00
Total Value: $18.23

 I thought this box was okay, but I was expecting a lot more for the holidays. This was by far my lowest valued box and the least exciting.
  

What did you think of this month's Birchbox?

If you would like to subscribe, please sign up using my referral link here!

 

 

 

Ipsy Glam Bag November 2013

Hey guys, Happy Thanksgiving!!
Today I'm so excited to finally show you what I received in this month's Ipsy bag!!

 

Ipsy's theme this month is Glam It Up!

 

November Glam Bag

 

This month's bag has been the best one yet! I absolutely love the gold snakeskin design with the pink trim along the top-it is absolutely gorgeous!! Plus, it's a wristlet, so I'll definitely be rocking this bag during the holidays! And to top it all off, we got 6 items in this month's bag!!!

 

Em Michele Phan Lip Gallery Creamy Color Lipstick (Violaceous)

Full Size (3.5 g)-$16.50!

 

If you haven't already heard, Michelle Phan recently came out with her own cosmetics line, Em Cosmetics! This month we all received one of four items from her new line in our Ispy bags. Ipsters could have instead received a Waterliner Intense Color Eyeliner, Pillow Plush Cushiony Lip Balm, or Lash Gallery Mascara from Em Cosmetics.

 

Those who received a lipstick got either the Lip Gallery Creamy Color Classic Lipstick or Lip Gallery Color Sheer Lipstick. I received one from the latter, though I was really hoping to get one of the waterliners. I really want to try Turquoise and Teal Tease!! But I do like that the lipstick I received is moisturizing with a buildable tint.
 

 

Be A Bombshell Lip Crayon (Hot Damn)

Full Size (2.5 g)-$14.00!
 

Everyone also received a lip crayon in their bag, but some received the color Shameless. I think lip crayons are fun, but they aren't always as moisturizing as I'd like. But this shade works well with a lip balm on top. I'm not usually a red-wearer, but I do think it's a great color for the holidays.

 

Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer (Caviar Cocktail)

Full Size (0.5 fl oz)-$13.00!

 

Everyone got a polish in their bag, but the other color you could have received was Champagne. I  have been wanting to try Nailtini for a few months now, so I'm excited to finally get one in my bag! The color I received resembles the one I got in my Birchbox this month, but unlike the Color Club polish I got, this one is a full size!! It sucks to get a dupe, but at least both subscription services are on trend for the holidays and picked a color I'd definitely rock!!

 

Pixi Beauty Bronzer (Subtly Suntouched)

Deluxe Size (0.11 oz)-$11.38

 

You could have also received this bronzer in the darker shade, Summertime. I wasn't psyched to get this in my bag, but I will say this is a pretty good sample size. I had a hard time finding the true value of this sample because the bronzer is only sold with a kabuki brush valuing $18 for the set. I saw that one Ipster based the sample cost on the cost per oz of Pixi blushes, so I'm going with that. I feel this color is too light to be a true bronzer, but it does make for a decent highlighter. Plus I think the smooth light green packaging is cute, so maybe I'll be giving Pixi a shot after all.

 

Starlooks Gem Eye Pencil (Amethyst)

Full Size (2.4 g)-$14.00!

 

Everyone got one of these in their bag, but some received this gem pencil in the color Topaz, a blue silver. I have heard so many good things about Starlooks, so I am ecstatic to finally try one of their products!! I love eyeliners and don't have any like this one, so it's a perfect addition to my collection!! I love the packaging and color-the purple silver shade will be perfect to use on my waterline or to line the inner corners of my eyes for the holidays!!

 

BH Cosmetics Galaxy Chic Baked Eyeshadow Sample (Eclipse)

Deluxe Size (0.89 oz)-$1.28

 

This was one of the variation items you could have received. The other items you could have received were HSI Professional Argan Oil, Kiss everEZlashes Lash Double Pack, TRESemme TRES Two Hold Hairspray Travel Size, Cailyn Built-In Sponge Tip Mineral Eye Shadow, and GLAMGLOW YOUTHMUD Tinglexfoliate Treatment.

 

This is a full size eye shadow from their new Galaxy Chic Baked Eyeshadow Palette. The other colors you could have received were Sun, Aphrodite, Neptune, or Asteroid. I swatched this sample shade from my palette to show you as I will be giving away this sample. I would have been really psyched to get this sample if I hadn't already owned the palette. But I have to tell you that I  love this palette so much that I will be doing a separate post with a complete set of swatches of this palette for you soon!!!! 

 

Total Paid: $10.00
Total Value: $70.16!

 This was the best Ipsy bag we have gotten by far! Not only did we get mostly full size products in a bag that's perfect to use for the holidays, but we got an extra item 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!

 

Birchbox: November 2013

Hey guys! My computer is still not fixed yet, so I'm a little late posting about my Birchbox. Hopefully, I'll have my computer back up and running soon, so I can post more regularly. But I'm excited to finally get to share with you what I received in this month's box! 

 

This month's theme is More Good!!

 

 

Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar (Toffee Crunch)

Full Size (3.32 oz)-Value $3.95!
 

This was their lifestyle extra, and one of my fav products in the box! I love Ghirardelli chocolate, so this was a nice treat! Now I can't wait to try other flavors!

 

Derma E Soothing Collection with Pycnogenol 67

Sample Size (0.36 oz)-Value $3.90
 

The much dreaded foil packets!! I wasn't thrilled to receive this, but I can always use it for travel purposes.

 

Mox Botanicals Bath Milk

Sample Size (0.35 oz)-Value $1.68

 

It was a nice change to see something like this in my box since I love taking baths. I tried this out first as the tea bag method, then later opened up the bag to empty out the contents in my bathwater. I wasn't impressed with this product, so I think I'll stick to my bubble bath and bath salt.

 

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Noir

Sample Size (0.05 fl oz)-Value $1.32

 

I was so excited to see this in my box! I was just telling my sister recently how I wanted to try this scent since I just purchased purse sprays of most of the other Juicy fragrances from work. I absolutely love Juicy Couture and would love to try more of their stuff!!
 

 

Chella Highlighter Pencil

Full Size-Value $18.00!
 

I am familiar with this brand since I received an eyebrow pencil from them in my Ipsy bag not too long ago. I really liked the brow pencil and wanted to try out other products from them. Some people received this in a previous Ipsy bag, but I had yet to get the chance to try it until now. So far am loving it-it glides on easily and highlights wonderfully! It's a great new addition to my eyebrow routine.

 

Color Club Cocktail Hour (Dark 'N Stormy)

Deluxe Size (0.25 fl oz)-Value $4.00!
 

I was happy to receive this in my box since I've always seen Color Club around, but have never tried it. I love dark polishes and this gunmetal was no exception-it's perfect for the holidays!

 

Total Paid: $10.00
Total Value: $32.85

I liked this Birchbox enough, but it doesn't compare to my Ipsy bag this month (Ipsy post to follow)!
 

Do you subscribe to Birchbox? If so, what was your favorite product in this month's box?

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

 

Kat Von D Splurge on Sephora.com

Hey everyone, sorry I haven't been posting much recently. My computer isn't working properly, so I haven't been able to update my blog. But I've been keeping busy swatching lots of new goodies to show you all once my computer is back up and running. In the meantime, I was able to use my boyfriend's computer to bring you this post! I just couldn't wait to show you my Kat Von D purchase!!

 

 

Kat Von D Autograph Pencil

(Eyegasm, Immortal Love, and Puro Amor)

Retail $18.00 on sale for $9.00 each!

 

 

Eyegasm

 

 

Immortal Love

 

Puro Amor

 

I love these pencils-especially Eyegasm and Puro Amor! The creamy formula glides on easily and has great color payoff! I was amazed by the quality of these after reading reviews from the Cosmetics Cop. I 100% trust her expert opinion on skincare, but since make up is a bit more subjective I feel we don't tend to always agree. The packaging on these pencils is gorgeous-I love the flower design. Plus the smudge tip is a bonus! I'm also not bothered that these pencils require sharpening since they come with their own sharpener. 

 

Kat Von D Triple Threat Tattoo Liners

Retail $39.00 on sale for $26.00!

 

This set comes with three tattoo liners-Poetica (bold chiseled tip), Saint (skinny tip), and Sinner (medium tip).

I don't use liquid liners often, I've been wanting to check out her tattoo liners for a while now and thought this set was a great way to try them out. I love that this set has multiple size tips to create any look you desire.
 

 

Free Gift With Purchase: Festive Cheery Endurance Sample Bag with 8 samples 
 

I actually kind of like this bag! I thought I wouldn't like the material and wasn't crazy about the pattern, but it's much nicer in person.

 

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion-Anti-Aging, Lancôme Tresor Eau de Parfum, Ojon Color Sustain Pro Fade-Fighter Weekly Conditioner Treatment, Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Genius Waterproof Topcoat, Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara, Kat Von D Painted Love Lipstick, Ren Hydra-Calm Cleansing Milk, and Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Dark Spot Correcting

 

This was one of four Holiday Sample Bags featuring 8 samples that VIBS could choose as their gift with a $25 purchase. I chose this set because it was the one set that I felt I'd get the most use of out of the products offered. However, I won't currently get use out the Ojon treatment since my hair isn't colored. But I've been thinking of going back to red, so maybe in the near future I can try it out! I've also been really wanting to try some products from Anastasia, Smashbox, and Kat Von D, so this will be a great chance to finally try some new items out.

 

 

Free Samples: Burberry Brit Rhythm Eau de Toilette Spray, Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme Eau de Toilette Spray, and Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme Libre Eau de Toilette

 

I didn't care for many of the samples offered this time around so I ended up getting some Men's cologne samples which I will have to pass on.

Are you a fan of Kat Von D? If so, what's your favorite product?
If not, what's your go-to brand?




 

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Clarisonic PLUS Review

I purchased the Clarisonic PLUS back in July, so I've been using it for 3 months now. I wanted to test it out for awhile before giving it a review. As you all know I had been debating between getting the PLUS model or the Mia2, but after much debate I ended up going with the PLUS. And I am so glad that I did!!

 

 

The Box

 

A sneak peak of the device!

 

 

Everything came packaged securely!

 

 

Body Brush Head

 

It came with one body brush head to get you started. So far I've only used it in body mode a handful of times. I find that after it's fully charged it works wonders in body mode. But the other few times I've tried to use this mode, the Clarisonic would shut off on me shortly into the cycle. So I've been mostly using it as a facial brush. While there are a few others who seem to have had this issue according to reviews online, multiple people have not had any problems with their Clarisonic.

 

You can choose from a variety of interchangeable facial brush heads, but this model came with a Sensitive Brush Head. Other brush types you can use include Normal, Delicate, Deep Pore, and Acne. The sensitive brush head is good for beginners who may be sensitive to other brushes. I really liked the brush head-it's nice and soft. I am looking forward to trying other brush heads and seeing how this one compares to the delicate brush head. 

 

Facial Cleansers: Refreshing Gel Cleanser, Gentle Hydro Cleanser, and Nourishing Care Cleanser

Body Cleanser: Refining Skin Polish

 

This set came with three facial cleansers and one body cleanser. I absolutely loved the Gentle Hydro Cleanser and Refining Skin Polish. And the Nourishing Care Cleanser smelled like Fruit Loops!! It was nice for them to include some sample cleansers, but you can use any non abrasive cleanser with your device. After I finished using all three trial cleansers, I've been using it with my own cleanser and they work well together.  

 

 

The Mia2 comes with a Universal Voltage Charger while the PLUS came with a Universal Voltage Charging Cradle. I like that mine came with a cradle to hold my Clarisonic instead of a wall plug-in because it's nice to have a place to store it when it's not in use. The Clarisonic will beep and flash to let you know it is time to charge your device. The Mia2 has a 20 minute battery life while the PLUS has a 30 minute battery life with the facial brush and 20 minute battery life for body brush. It's nice to know I get a little bit more power from my model!

 

 

Front View

 

One thing that I had a hard time with when deciding between the two models was knowing exactly how large the PLUS model would be. I had researched the models online, but it was hard to find a side by side comparison. I had heard that some people thought the Plus was bulky to hold, so they preferred the Mia2. But I actually found that it fit quite comfortably in my hand, making me wonder if the Mia2 would have been too small. Some time later I got to take a look at the different models at an Ulta, and it confirmed that I had made the right decision. I was happy that I went with the PLUS because the Mia2 definitely seemed more travel sized, a bit small for my taste.

 

 

Side and Back View

 

The two models have a slight difference in speed settings. While both contain a low and normal speed, the PLUS also contains an additional high speed. I really liked that this model has a T-Timer on it. You don't have to worry that you aren't spending enough time cleaning a particular area because it beeps and pulses momentarily to let you know when to move on to the next zone. The Mia2 also has a 1 Minute T-Timer.

 

For anyone looking for a recommendation on whether to buy a facial cleansing device, I'd definitely suggest getting the Clarisonic because it oscillates at a sonic frequency to give you a deeper clean. I personally prefer the Clarisonic Plus because it also has a body mode and you can purchase it online unlike the PRO model. I am quite happy with my Clarisonic device and highly recommend researching all your options to find the best one to suit your individual needs.

 

Do you own a Clarisonic? If so, which model do you use?

If you don't own a Clarisonic, would you purchase one or another facial cleansing device?