Friday 26 December 2014

Christmas 2014 Haul

                               


          Clearly I am a spoiled child as I cleaned up for Christmas. I got face masks, hand soap, shampoo, body wash, deodorant, lotion, tooth past and brush, face wipes, shaving cream, a razor, bubble bath eye makeup re,over, lip balm, exfoliating shower gel, and:
   
                                              THE URBAN DECAY NAKED 3 PALLET !


 
                            


          Beautiful! I can not wait to play makeup! I have been drooling over the Naked Pallets but just could not justify paying that much for it. Thanks to Mommy and Daddy I don't have to!



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                                                           A.

 

      

December 2014 Ipsy - Thinking of You


          Originally I wasn't going to look at my Glam Room at all, wait until my cousin Em got here with her bag so we could do an unbagging video but she didn't get hers in time. A video may come along of her unbagging. I ended up looking the same day it got delivered. 

  


          I am happy with my bag this month, a variety of products and all things I have put it into my regular routine. 

         
        Beauty Without Cruelty Premium Aromatherapy Facial Cleanser 

          At first I was not overly excited to get a cleanser but figured it was a useful item, who can't use a travel-sized face wash? I have not used another cleanser since I tried this one. My regular cleanser is the Body Shop Tea Tree Foaming Facewash and it is very effective but a little drying for winter skin. BWC has a great, clean scent that almost smells like creamsicles somehow. The gel texture foams up and rinses clean. I will be looking into purchasing this in the future to alternate with my stronger cleanser. 



     
          Cailyn Just Mineral Eye Polish 


          Just look at that sparkle! I don't normally like loose powder eyeshadow but this is beautiful. It isn't so sparkley that I look like I'm about to go on stage and it stays on quite well with very little creasing. It looks great with the Be A Bombshell makeup base we got in a previous bag. This product also has many other uses depending in what base you get with it. You can use it as lip gloss, nail polish and other makeup items when combining it with the other products Cailyn you have. Check it out at Cailyn.com   


                                              NYX Butter Lip Balm in Marshmallow 


          This is a great product, a moisturizing balm with a hint of color. I was pleased with the color I received originally but it didn't have enough coverage for how red my lips are. Mrs. G received the Parfait color, a Barbie pink color and it works a lot better for me so we traded. 



           
       Sexy hair 450 Blow Out Heat Defense Blow Dry Spray 

          This. Is. Amazing. I have tried a million different heat sprays and protectors and they always weight my hair down, make it look greasy, or just do not work. This smells nice, makes my hair shiny, smooth, less frizzy, and it doesn't feel like I have a bunch of gunk in my hair. I will be buying this. 


Tarte Lights Camera Action Mascara 

          I was really excited to receive this product and I was not disappointed. It gives my lashes tones of length but it could provide more volume. As far as I am concerned you can not have enough sample marcaras. 


                        I am very happy with my December bag, I'm using everything. 




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A.




Sunday 14 December 2014

Haul - That time I won at shopping



          I was wandering around in Target as I do far too often and I came upon a display of hugely discounted make up items. I couldn't help myself, I went all out.



          
Regular Price: 16.99
Sale Price: 5.09

This foundation is the second best foundation I have ever used (Tarte being the #1) It goes on smooth and looks very natural. I will re-purchase once I use it up. I got it in 002 vanilla. 

Regular Price: 8.99
Sale Price: 2.69

These are the Maybelline New York Colorsational The Elixir lip glosses. They go on so creamy, thick and shiny. I would not pay the 8.99 for them but I am glad I picked them up on sale. 

Regular Price: 8.59
Sale Price: 2.57

These are the Covergirl LipPerfection lipsticks.  I love the "decadent" lip stick, It is just a beautiful peachy color. These go on smooth and last a decent amount of time. Again would not pay full price but I am glad I picked them up on sale.

Regular Price: 11.46
Sale Price: 3.29

These are the L'oreal Infallible 24 hour lip color and it is AMAZING. I applied it once in nine hours and just took it off with makeup remover. In the time I was wearing it i ate twice and was constantly drinking water. I would pay full price for this because it really does last all day. I went back and got a nice spice brown color for my mother. Go buy this.

Regular Price: 14.99
Sale Price: 4.49

This is a foot smoother and I have not really used it much but it seems like it would work well.



Regular Price: 8.99/6.99
Sale Price: 2.69/ 2.09

These are terrible mascaras. I never buy Maybelline mascara because it always seems like they are coming out with the best new mascara every other week. Make a good product and stick with it. Elizabeth Mott makes one mascara and stopped at that because it is perfect. 
The Falsies Big Eyes mascara is just clumpy and the brush is terrible. I do like the little brush for bottom lashes but I wont use this for anything but my bottom lashes.
The Volume Express is usable, it actually isn't too bad. It is in brown and I do not have any brown mascaras right now so that is useful. The formula seems really runny but it is nice for days when you want a more natural look.


Regular Price: 8.99
Sale Price: 2.69

These are the Maybelline Colorstay 14hr lipstick. Points for being more realistic by calling it 14hr instead of 24hr. It has excellent coverage and smells amazing. It goes on smoothly but is a little sticky, it gets better as you wear it. I have not worn it beyond trying it out and wearing it around the house but it does seem like it would last pretty long. 
Emily one of these is for you.


Total Regular Price: 159.58

Total Sale Price: 65.54

Savings: 94.04

So not a bad price to try out some new makeup, find some new favorites and gift some items.




Thanks for reading! Comment, share and spread the word. 
A.

Sunday 7 December 2014

Haul - Target, Black Friday, Cyber Monday.



Target





I bought this just because I do not have any gel eyeliners, I've never even tried any gel eyeliner. It goes on so smoothly and is just really easy to apply. It does rub off on my upper lid over the course of the day which is disappointing. I will keep using it but I will put some powder over it to set it and make sure to check my makeup, throughout the day. This isn't something that would survive summer heat. Will not repurchase.



I just needed new makeup remover and this was the first one I saw, it really worked out. I hate when makeup remover leaves an oily residue on your face and this one leaves very little behind. It is gentle, I got it right in my eye and it did not sting, yet it had no trouble removing all my heavy duty waterproof makeup. This will likely become my regular makeup remover.



Sonia Kashuk brush cleaner, it works well. It does not have much of a smell and I like that. I will repurchase this once I run out.




Sonia Kashuk No. 4 Brush. I love this brush, I have had a hard time finding a brush that I could use with my Tarte foundation because it is so thick. This brush is what I have been searching for, it works with thick or liquidy foundation perfectly. I hesitated to buy it because it was around $15 but it was well worth it and I will be taking a second look at other brushes from this line. Tasha, go to Target and buy this!
The e.l.f brushes are also amazing, the angled blush brush is my favorite beauty tool. 



I like trying masks in little packets, you get to try something new for a couple bucks but are not stuck with a big tube of something that turned your face tomato red. This mask is one of those paper masks that you just kind of unfold and hope the eye holes line up. I loved this. It fit well enough and just had a really natural, relaxing smell. My skin felt like it had all the yuckies sucked out of it but left with a light moisturizer. My face actually looked better for a couple days after this mask, less redness and a more even tone. I will be picking up some more of this on my next visit to Target.















I was quite excited about these little metal organizers, I have an unnatural obsession with organizing small areas. If I could apply that to my apartment on the whole maybe it would not look like I live in a sty. They were inexpensive and Target has all different types. They are perfect considering my desk and vanity are the same entity. It makes it easier to keep one passion from claiming the territory for itself.



I only picked up this soy candle because it was on sale for like $3.50 and who can't use a vintage linen scented candle? Really though. Then it was like mini Christmas when it rang up as $1.50. 
I would like to take a moment to share that while Target is my happy place, the ends of the isles on the wall side where they put all the clearance items is my happy area in my happy place. There is always some type of makeup or beauty product marked ridiculously down and I just can not pass that up.



I am not thrilled by this but it is not a bad product, I will use it but I think I just prefer pressed power with a bit of colour/coverage over loose white powder. I will use it but I won't likely repurchase. I have been trying a lot of e.l.f products lately and I have found some I really like, its great to be able to try a bunch of new things without breaking the bank. Everything I buy seems to be either $4 or $8.



I LOVE this. It is the Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer and it gives full coverage but still feels exactly like the original lip balm. I was so impressed that I went out and bought another one the next day. I only have Fig and Plum so I do not know how the lighter shades wear but I am sure come spring time I will be picking some of those up. It gives you the colour of lipstick but wears like lip balm and wears for a fair amount of time before it sort if just fades gradually without leaving weird lines on your lips. It is around $5 bucks and so worth it, perfect lip colour for winter.


Black Friday

Target





I was not exactly rolling in money for Black Friday so I had only planned on buying some gifts to finish up my Christmas shopping but when I saw that all the Pixi Cosmetics were 50% off I could not leave the store without this. I had looked at it a few times but just did not want to spend the money on it before. Super cute packaging and with 3 blushes, 2 bronzers, 1 highlighter, 4 eye shadow bases, and 16 eye shadows it is really just an all in one makeup palette. Going on a trip? Grab this, foundation, eyeliner and mascara and you are set. I will likely get more use out of this in the spring and summer but I have used it a few times and love it. Everything blends out quite well and the eye shadows are very buildable which is how I prefer them.



Cyber Monday


I had zero intention of doing any Cyber Monday shopping at all but since I am awake at 4am or so every Monday I got all the emails about the crazy sales. Coastal Scents had 50% off everything and I had been considering buying a full sized blush I had sampled through Ipsy, so with impaired judgement I shopped at 5am. 

I also got an email from Too Faced. I bought the Mystery Tin for $35, it says it contained $165 worth of product. I have yet to receive it because I had to send it to Mrs. G's P.O. Box because they do not ship to Canada (Jerks) so it has to go there and the next time the future Saint comes my way she will bring it, after going through it of course. Seriously though, may Baby Jesus, Budda and all other divine beings smile upon this woman for letting me ship things to her. Bless you.


Coastal Scents




This is my all time favorite blush and at $3.98 how could I not buy it? We got a sample of this and another beautiful colour in an Ipsy bag a few months back and I fell in love. It is from the Forever Blush collection in the colour Fresh. Just a nice nude blush that blends into foundation well, stays on all day and lives up to its name. Great for a simple, clean and fresh look or if you are wearing heavy eye makeup and do not want to look like a streetwalker or circus clown.





This 10 Blush Palette was $7.98. What a deal! Snatched that right up. I now have all the blush I will ever need, I am confident in saying the Coastal Scents has the best blush out there. It goes on really pigmented and blends out flawlessly. 



                         

I picked up a Brow Set, and I am quite excited about it. I hate my eyebrows, I struggle to shape them, I dye my hair so they never look right compared to my hair and this palette has made me happier with them. Still not loving my eyebrows but this is something I am really looking forward to playing with. The dark brown in the bottom left looks really nice with the red tint I have in my hair right now as well so super pumped about that. I never wanted to try anything product like this because I am so self conscious about my eyebrows I did not want to bring any attention to them but this makes me feel like they blend in better and work with my hair and face. For $4.48 why not try it out?





 The last things I bought from Coastal Scents are some brushes, all three came to $3.44. There are two small synthetic liner brushes and one classic precision synthetic brush. I have not actually used them yet but I am sure they will be good brushes just based on the feel. 







 Honestly my favorite part of ordering makeup online is probably the little samples they throw in with your order. I got a little sample quad of the Revealed palette which I assume is to compete with the Urban Decay Naked line. When I first saw this I figured I would use the bottom two and not bother with the blue shades but they all swatched out so beautifully. The white has a great little bit of sparkle. There is also a $5 off coupon code on the back, I would consider purchasing this if I had not just bought so much makeup and another palette. At $39.95 regular price I would buy this over the Urban Decay Naked Palette. 






I will post about the Too Faced Mystery Tin as soon as I get it, I can not wait. I am just too excited! 





Thanks for reading! Comment, share and spread the word. 
A.


To check out the products mentioned:




Tuesday 25 November 2014

Her Fitness Box - Spring Box

          So I was not expecting to get this box. I had signed up for Her Fitness Box right when they first started, then it was a monthly subscription which they soon changed to quarterly. I cancelled because there was very little communication and I wasn't even sure I would be getting this second box. Her Fitness Box is from Australia, hence the Spring Box in November. This one is definitely better that the first one I got, I am impressed by the improvement and would consider giving them a second chance after this if it wasn't $49.95 now. Ok, here we go:



          Her Fitness Box doesn't actually come in a box but rather a simple but always useful fabric tote.


Included are cards for a couple items, recipes, exercises and an information card on the contents. 


          The first item is a blue exercise ball, I didnt take a photo as its just a folded bunch of plastic at the moment. I am very excited about this, I have been considering buying one but putting it off. This is a $30 AUS value.


Slim Secrets Fit & Fab Protein Bar $2.70 Aus

          Next item is a Slim Secrets Fit & Fab Protein Bar. It is Creme Caramel flavour with 9.3 grams of protein and it was terrible. I really wanted to like this as protein bars a something I do eat and like to keep in my purse and desk at work. The texture was chalky and just kind of crumbled in my mouth. I wont even eat the rest of it.



 Emma Organics Hand & Nail Revive - 5gram sample $3.97 AUS for both


          Emma Organics Hand & Nail Revive is the next item. There were two 5 gram foil packets, it opened them up to put them into an empty jar. The first thing I noticed was that it smelled like a barn, an actual barn with cows, hay and feed. Luckily the smell does not linger because it is actually a very nice lotion. I will use it but I certainly will not take it anywhere or purchase simply because of the scent.



Woman's Health or Energy Booster 15/20 grams $30 for a 30 day pack so $1 AUS each. 

          This is an interesting product, something I am interested in trying for sure but it does not say if it is the Woman's Health or Energy Booster anywhere. The description on the card reads: "These natural vegan powders are designed to be added daily to your smoothies, and can help lower your cholesterol, reduce fatigue and anxiety and increase brain function." So it sounds like a good product, excited to try.


 Probiotic Solutions Fresh Feet - Odour Eater, 50ml Full Size $3.00 AUS

          This spray is scent free, chemical free, earth friendly, as well as family and pet friendly. I do not have any products like as I haven't had a need for it but it is something I will throw in my gym bag and use in my winter boots. 


 BX Earth - Bit Of A Soft Touch Body-wash 500ml Full size 7.99 AUS

          This smells amazing and sounds like it is going to be great for my skin. The card description: "Made with sweet smelling peach and Manuka honey with soothing goat's milk and jojoba oil, this nourishing body wash is full of botanical based ingredients, antioxidants, bio-active extracts and natural oils that benefit your body's well-being. It is environmentally friendly and free of harsh detergents." I normally am not a fan of peach scents but this is just so light and sweet, it almost smells like raspberries. I am very excited to try this in my next shower.

Naturals Crunch - Natural Sweetner 250grams Full Size $8.59 AUS

          This is from the makers of Equal, it is 100% natural. So just a natural sweetener so I am interested. By itself it doesn't taste like sugar but it would be good in coffee or tea, I will be replacing my sugar dish by the coffee maker with this.


Bare Blends - Native Whey Protein Isolate - 30 grams. $4.80 AUS for both.

          This is another product I will use, it came with two samples so I will give one to Beast to try. I prefer to use protein that isn't Whey Isolate, like the Carnivor line. Milk and I just aren't best friends so I try to avoid it. Both packets are Organic Vanilla Bean.



These were not listed on the card, a terry cloth headband and a pedometer.

     Overall this was a pretty great surprise in the mail. I wont resubscribe but I am glad I got the two bags I did. I would say it it worth what you pay for it but the price is a little steep. I will keep an eye on this subscription in case I change my mind about signing back up.


Total value: $62.05 AUS / $59.65 CAN          

Friday 21 November 2014

November Ipsy Bag - Girl Meets Glitter

           When I first heard November's theme I wasn't really feeling it; don't get me wrong I get distracted by all things glittery but I would rather not ADD shine to my face. Luckily most of the sparkles ended up on the bag, which is adorable. I am not sure how I feel about the contents.






          At first I was only really excited for the liquid eyeliner from Elizabeth Mott. The Its So Big mascara is my new favorite, with a light hand it is a great everyday black mascara, however, layers like you are getting ready to walk the streets. That is what I look for in a mascara, who doesn't really? Admit it. Back to my original point: not pumped. THEN I started seeing all the unbagging photos on Facebook so I am looking forward to trying out everything. Unfortunately I will be waiting a bit, for whatever reason my bag shipped seriously late this month. Can't win 'em all.




November 2014 Ipsy bag with bonus item Evian Facial Spray


          I will post a review video soon but right now I am hungover and look like hell, nobody needs to see this hot mess. Check back for my video!

And here it is: http://youtu.be/AK-JNhAFvjk




          Ok. So this just in: I hate editing and I suck at it. There is a buzzing noise and I have no idea how to make it stop. You probably shouldn't bother watching it. I didn't. I'm only posting it because my cousin wants it.




 Thanks for reading! Comment, share and spread the word. 
A.