IPSY’S JULY GLAM BAG

August 2, 2016August 3, 2016Leave a comment

“We’ve cranked up the cool on Ipsy.com with new insider how-to tips, tricks and videos – everything you need to know to master your summer beauty.”

The heat is on with this month’s “Hot Summer Nights” glam bag. Below you will find all of this month’s products along with my reviews. Did you receive a glam bag this month? Be sure to leave me a comment and let me know what your favourite product was!

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The Balm Cosmetics Meet Matt(e) Trimony in Matt Kumar
I was thrilled to see another product by The Balm Cosmetics in my bag. I have previously received their lip colour (more here) and absolutely love it! My admiration for this product is no different – it’s a smooth and long wearing eye shadow that, although is a bit too dark for the eye looks I usually apply, makes a killer shade of blush.

Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer
Although this serum leaves my skin feeling smooth and fresh, there wasn’t enough in this sample to use it long enough to notice any major changes in my skin tone. But I will say that my foundation went on much smoother, and it was easier to blend over problem areas (where I have healing blemishes). I would definitely be interested in using this for longer to see the lasting effects.

Avene Thermal Spring Water
With temperatures soaring this month, seeing this thermal spray in my bag was a welcomed refreshment! This spray is made for sensitive skin which means no agitating, strong scents – just refreshing, pure thermal water. This product did wonders for my very thirsty, sunburnt skin.

BeFine Food Skin Care
I’ll be honest with you – I am not a huge fan of night creams even though I know they are great for your skin. Why? A lot of night creams tend to be thick and I don’t like the feeling of something heavy sitting on my face. But this cream was different. It absorbed nicely into my skin and didn’t leave behind a greasy film afterwards.

Vasanti Cosmetics Professional Eyeshadow Brush
What can I say? I love my make up brushes! This brush was a welcome addition to my ever-growing brush collection I have received from Ipsy. The bristles are super soft and my eyeshadow glides on with ease. I especially love the rounded tip – creating pretty eye looks with this brush is a cinch!

For more information on these products, or where to buy, visit the links above. To start receiving a monthly Ipsy glam back of your own, click here.

MY STYLE: TOP 5 LIPSTICKS

July 29, 2016July 29, 20161 Comment

After years of trying to avoid it, I had to give in. I finally bought something from Sephora! If you know me, I can probably guess what you’re thinking: how could a makeup junky like myself go her entire life without every buying something from Sephora? Easy. I knew if I stepped in there, I would be saying goodbye to my budget for essential things. That’s why I tend to favour fun, makeup subscriptions like Ipsy. You get beautiful brands at a budgeted price. But recently, there was an item I just HAD to get and it was only available at Sephora so I had to make the plunge (more on this magical makeup purchase in a later post).

All this talk about makeup got me thinking that I should really share some of my fave beauty items on the blog. Aside from my subscriptions, I haven’t posted much about makeup, despite it being something I love to get creative with and use every day. So with today being National Lipstick Day, I thought this would be the perfect post to start with. Without further ado, I give you my top 5 lipsticks:

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1. NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Pink Lust
I first tried this product after I received it in an Ipsy bag and was instantly drawn to the colour – it was bright and bold, and knew it would make a statement. And after using it just once, I was hooked! For a cream lipstick, this product has some serious staying power. Naturally, I went out and bought 3 more shades.

2. Covergirl Outlast Lip Stain in Everbloom Kiss
When lip stains were all the rage a few years ago, I jumped on the bandwagon and gave this brand a whirl. I thought it would be the perfect addition of colour when I wanted to keep my look more casual – and it was! It leaves me with the perfect hint of pink and doesn’t dry out my lips. Tip: Use this product as a base under lipsticks that fade easily.

3. Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Unapologetic
I picked up this colour on a whim while helping my mom choose some new makeup. She swatched this shade on her hand, didn’t like it for herself, but I couldn’t help thinking it would be a pretty hue for me! This balm glides on super smoothly, has a minty fresh scent, and is the perfect pink for summer.

4. Essence Cosmetics Longlasting Lipstick in Wearing Only A Smile
Essence Cosmetics is one of my latest and greatest finds. This brand originally caught my eye because of their fun nail polish shades, but it wasn’t long before I was moving onto other products in their line and ended up going home with a lipstick. This shade is my “I-want-to-wear-makeup-but-don’t-feel-like-putting-it-on” lipstick. It’s the perfect nude shade for a casual, everyday look, and with a price of only $2.99, you can’t go wrong!

5. The Balm Cosmetics Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Sincere
This product was yet another wonderful Ipsy find that I have grown to love. First of all, how cute is the name?! Based on that alone, I was already a fan. But in all seriousness, this lipstick is amazing! It goes on effortlessly and stays put for hours. I would call this shade a dark neutral (at least for my skin tone), so it’s one of my go-to choices in the fall and winter months.

Are any of these choices one of your faves, too? Or maybe you have a go-to shade that I haven’t mentioned. Let me know your top pick in the comments!

IPSY’S MAY GLAM BAG

June 5, 2016June 5, 20161 Comment

“Ready for an adventure, gorgeous? Whether you’re hitting the road or enjoying a staycation, we want to hear all about it!”

This month’s “Destination Chic” Ipsy Glam Bag is all about having fun and choosing your own adventure. Below you will find all of this month’s products along with my reviews. Did you receive a glam bag this month? Be sure to leave me a comment and let me know what your favourite product was!

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Peek Nom Nom Natural Plumping Balm in Miracle
I was skeptical at first, but this little container of lip balm packs a powerful tingle! Infused with chili pepper and ginger, my lips started warming up within minutes, and with that warmth came a nice, healthy glow – think of how your cheeks look when they’re flushed after working out. Did my lips plump up a-la Kylie Jenner? No. But this balm sure left them looking kissable.

Pacifica Shadow Trio in Skinny Dip/Crush/Lovely
Enriched with coconut, this shadow goes on with a shimmery, and velvety finish that lasts beautifully when paired with my favourite primer. This trio has become my go-to combo for work, as its neutral tones are perfect for a natural and professional look. Although I was hoping to get some brighter, summer colours in my Ipsy bag, it’s great to have a shadow handy that I can add to my morning routine and know that I will leave the house looking fabulous.

Bellapierre Gel Lip Liner in Nude
To be honest, I rarely use lip liner. And when I do, it’s always the drier, pencil style that pulls and tugs on my lips as I apply it. I was excited to try a gel style liner and see if I preferred they way it felt over liners I’ve used in the past. The verdict: I did! I loved the way this liner glided effortlessly over my lips.

Smashbox X-Rated Mascara
I have received mascaras in my previous Ipsy bags, including Smashbox’s Full Exposure Mascara, and have always been underwhelmed. This one was no different. Because I already have long lashes, I often don’t notice a dramatic difference that many mascaras promise. But I will say that I always enjoy the high quality of Smashbox’s products and will definitely keep this mascara handy.

Epice Hydrating Face Mask
Rich in antioxidants and aloe, this mask left my skin feeling super soft and hydrated, just as the name suggests. I threw it on while I painted my toes, and enjoyed the soft scent of apples radiating from my face.This was the perfect pick-me-up for my skin during these record breaking warm spring days.