Saturday 30 May 2015

Top 5 - May 2015



          Here are the five products I could not have lived without this month. Let's get to it,

Maybelline Super Stay 14hr Lipstick in Eternal Rose
          The staying power of this lipstick is amazing, it goes on quite thick and it could be more moisturizing but it really does last for hours without fading. I also love the shape of the actual product, the top is a fairly fine point so its easy to get clean lines. This is also the only lipstick I have that actually smells nice, floral almost. 

Sally Hansen Salon Gel Polish in Kook a Mango
          I only just bought this at the end of the month but I have been searching for a coral type colour since the first nice day of the year. Just look at it! Beautiful, it just screams Spring/Summer. I have three other Sally Hansen Salon Gel Polishes and at first I was not impressed but each time I use them I love them a little more.

Love. Love. Love.


Perlier Revitalizing Body Butter in White Almond
          I got this in my April Birchbox. I got two identical boxes that month due to a shipping error and I used up the first tube of this before the month was out. I prefer my lotions to be lightly scented or have a natural scent and this one fits that mold. I find it almost smells like goat's milk soap. I also love that it absorbs almost instantly and does not leave a greasy residue on the skin. 


Chella Eyebrow Color in Tantalizing Taupe 
          I got this in my May Ipsy and I am so glad I did because I could not bring myself to pay $18 for this. Unfortunately each time I use this it becomes more likely to happen. the colour and fine tip make for such a natural look in about four seconds.


Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Light
          I don't know if it is because i am so extremely pale or what but I have such a hard time finding concealers that are the right colour with enough coverage. I finally picked this up a couple months ago and will be repurchasing this since I use it everyday. I find it blends into any foundation I have perfectly, covers under eye circles,  and stays put pretty well. 





Thanks for reading!
A.

@dirty_cupcake



Tuesday 26 May 2015

Birchbox - May 2015

          This is my second Birchbox and so far so good. This box was curated by Emily Shuman, author of Cupcakes and Cashmere. Judging from quite a few online comments Canadians were not always getting the themed packaging but it seems like this month everyone got it, I would like if that continued as it is a nice little touch. When I watched unboxing videos I always thought having the product cards was a little over hyped but it is actually so handy. If the cards had the price of sample size they would be perfect. 



         Such a cute box, it had made its way to my desk as adorable storage.






Dr. Lip Original Nipple Balm for Lips     Full size $14.50     Sample $3.40
          What: originally made for nursing moms, this ultrahydrating balm is a makeup artist fave.
          How: dab onto parched lips, cuticles and elbows as needed.

          I have used this before, Princess got it in one of her boxes and could not get past the name so I gladly snatched that up. Out of nowhere I have been struggling with dry patches just above my eyelids and the thick, Vaseline type formula is perfect for hydrating and priming for makeup without becoming greasy throughout the day. I am not sure why, of all places, my eyelids are dry; just by the way. The sample looks tiny but you only need the smallest amount so it is actually a decent amount of product. 




W3LL PEOPLE The expressionist Bio Extreme Mascara    Full size $27  Sample $13.50 (I've read) 
          What: all-natural, pro-grade mascara that lifts and lengthens lashes without chemicals or dyes
          How: gently wiggle the wand back and forth from the roots to the tips of lashes

          I have never used an all natural, chemical free mascara, I am not actively searching for natural beauty products but I do like when I come across them and will substitute them into my routine. I love getting mascara samples, the size allows me to have many in use without them going bad or drying up before I can use them up. I liked this one more than I first thought, I usually prefer a larger brush, similar to the Too Faced Better than Sex mascara. 


         This brush, however, grabs lashes and has little bristles on the end that will get even your corner lashes. Very black, no clumps, drys fast, no flaking, I would put this in my top five mascaras. The price will prevent me from buying it but it is something I would consider using my Birchbox points on in the future and have marked it as a favourite. My one complaint is the packaging. The colour and texture of the tube grab onto any makeup on your hands and it just looks so dirty.





Whish Shaving Cream     Full size $22     Sample $3.23
          What: an ultrahydrating, Shea butter-packed shaving cream that helps prevent ingrown hairs.
          How: apply to legs, armpits, or bikini line before you shave. 

          I was fairly indifferent to this product when I saw my box, I use the Schick Intuition razors with the soap block around them so I do not have or use shave soap of any kind. They are like the Crayola safety scissors of hair removal, you can cut yourself but you really have to work at it. I took out my normal razor, Venus I think, and gave this a try. I ended up really liking this, I won't be giving up my safety shaver but I will put it away while I use this shaving cream. It leaves my legs soft and smooth while still getting a clean shave. I have the scent pomegranate and it is marvelous. 




Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer        Full size $79     Sample $10.86
          What: this organic hydrant or uses fruit stem cells to firm as it smooths fine lines and wrinkles
         How: morning and night, after using a serum, apply a thin layer to clean face and neck

          I am one of those twenty somethings that thinks it is never too early to use anti aging products. I do enjoy this moisturizer, you only need a small amount and isn't so thick that I can't use it under makeup. If you are someone with dry skin or at least less greasy than mine you could wear this under makeup no problem. It also has a great citrus smell. Would I pay $80 for it? Maybe once I have actual wrinkles to worry about. 





Not Soap, Radio The Stuff That Cupid Dips His Arrows In Bodywash     Full size $20     Sample $2.20
          What: rich cleanser infused with ginseng, said to kick up pheromones - and increase attraction
         How: massage generously into damp skin, rinse, and feel the love

          Before I rave about the smell lets just go over the description on the back of the bottle: 

                Love life not going according to plan? Whether you are interested 
                in a brief interlude or a longer-lasting coupling, after a dip in the 
                aphrodisiac-laden bubbles, they all will be playing by your rules of 
                attraction. You are in control of your romantic destiny.

                To activate: squeeze a generous dollop into warm, running water 
                or lather directly onto skin. Emerge from the water a femme fatale, 
                practically wearing an armour of highly-charged pheromones. You 
                exude health, sensuality and well-being. You are irresistible-lit from 
                within. Invest in a stick, as you will be fending off admirers right and 
                left. It's not magic; it just works. 

          If that is not the most entertaining product description and direction you have ever read I am buying the wrong bodywash. This smells amazing, I do not know how to describe the scent, maybe a fruity scent with raspberries and pomegranate. I prefer this as a body wash rather than putting it in the bath. In ten years when I actually need to buy bodywash I hope I think of this magical product. The smell, just yes.



Total value of the box: $33.19




Thanks for reading!
A.

@dirty_cupcake



Sunday 24 May 2015

Ipsy - May 2015

          Let's not waste any time and get right into my May 2015 Ipsy bag.



           There were different bag options this month, all similar but with different sayings and different coloured linings. I like my bag, it is one of the larger ones we have gotten so that is handy and it immediately became my purse makeup bag. I have included the value of each item but keep in mind these are approximations and I am bad at math. Just leave it alone, okay? Moving on:


Sorry for the shitty photo, I could not wait to use it
but I did not have the ipad for the photo.


Urban Decay Ozone 24/7 Glide on Lip Pencil   Full size 0.10oz $16     Sample 0.03oz $5
          This is a clear lip pencil which is just an amazing idea. I got one from Julep a while ago but I just do not really use lip liner, I usually forget. I am glad I got this and will start using both as they are pretty similar in formula. This is a perfect product for someone who does not use lip liner as a rule, you only have to own the one and it is clear therefore easy to put on. 
           This also came with two of the Revolution High-Color Lipgloss peel back type samples. I thought this was a fun little bonus, get to try out two fun colours, see if you like the formula, coverage, staying power etc. Some others had fits and were mad about the sample size or colour choice. People it was a bonus that didn't need to be there, gear down. The purple one did not work for me, the pink was super cute. I am currently not allowing myself to buy any more lip colours but these are interesting. They are not sticky but very glossy and pigmented, I will look for them on Hautelook or the next Sephora VIB sale. 





Bare Republic Natural Mineral Sunscreen, Face SPF30     Full size 1.7oz $14.99                                                                                                              Sample 0.34 $3
          Sunscreen is never a very exciting product, some people really hate getting it but I hate to buy sunscreen and the little bottles are perfect for purses or a beach bag. I am way more likely to use these samples than a full sized bottle. The sunscreens I have gotten in the past have been larger but this is specifically for your face so I suppose it is a pretty good size. I also like that it is 100% natural, chemical free, cruelty free, and reef friendly. I've never heard of that last one but this little sunscreen guy is going hella out of his way not to upset anyone. 




Klorane Smoothing and Relaxing Patches   Sample 2 pairs $5 * I could not find these online but I had read these were worth about $5 for the two pairs. 
          I have only tried the Skynn Iceland patches before and I preferred the Klorane ones much more. They are very thin and soft so it feels less uncomfortable to have something stuck on your face under your eyes. I felt they were quite relaxing, they are to be left on for twenty minutes and I had to set an alarm because I knew I was going to fall asleep with them on. I used the first set before I even took photos of my bag and I am hesitant to use the other set because I do not want them to be gone. I would pick these up if I saw them in store and I never thought I would enjoy this type of product. 




Chella Eyebrow Colour in Tantalizing Taupe   Received full size(I think)  0.09g $18
        I have gotten a highlighter pencil from Chella before and love it. I like getting products from this brand because they are so expensive and even though I love them I will not pay that much for them. I have long been struggling with my eyebrows, I hate them. Lately we have reconciled and I have been using a Coastal Scents brow quad to fill them in and match the colour to my current hair dye. This is the perfect colour and since it is so fine it looks very natural and does not make my eyebrows look like cartoons. Not a look I can pull off. 







Luxie Beauty 205 Tapered Blending Brush    $12
         I  received the 504 Large Angled Brush in a previous bag and I love it, it is the perfect brush for applying blush. I was very excited to receive another even though I just bought a brush set off Hautelook this one will still match it so it will make it into my frequently used jar. These brushes are just so soft and well made.






          I also used my points and got another item. I am glad Ipsy has stepped up their game in terms of available items for various amounts of points. 


Clarissa Sea Salt Solutiond Instant Glow Powder Exfoliant    1oz 500 points (or maybe 250 idk)
          I love exfoliating so this was a must when it became available. You can add it to any face wash you have to make it an exfoliant. Amazing, I have never used a powdered exfoliant before and now I know what I am missing. Even just adding this to water smooths your skin and leaves your face soft and free of dead skin. Love this. 




Total value of bag: $43 dollars



Want to try Ipsy out for your self? Sign up





Thanks for reading! 
A. 

@dirty_cupboards

Sunday 10 May 2015

Top 5 Favourites - April 2015

This may look like more than five items but it is a math illusion. I am counting the Marc Anthony collection as one item.



Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Shampoo, Conditioner, Treatment and Blow Dry Smoothing Cream
          I have never used so many products from one collection and I use each of these regularly. I do have some clarifying shampoos that I throw in the mix once in a while since I have hair that gets weighed down and greasy easily. That being said I can use all four of these for over a week and my hair still does not feel weighed down or like it has a lot of build up. This line says it rejuvenates, moisturizers, fights damage, breakage, dryness and dullness while it protects colour. I can not say enough good things about these products. I was having terrible static issues and the blow dry lotion fixed it immediately and my hair is much less tangled throughout the day. As an added bonus it smells great. 



Menchies It's Bananas Premium Lip Balm
           This is $2 lip balm that Beast bought me while we were getting frozen yogurt because I had a terrible day. It smells/tastes like those candy marshmallow bananas and really does a great job of conditioning my lips. It goes on light enough that I usually put it on under lipstick in the morning and over top for some extra conditioning in the afternoon. Normally $2 lip balm does not have the best ingredients but this one has things like soybean oil, beeswax, grape seed, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, vitamin E and rosemary extract. I am very impressed by this Fro-yo shop lip balm. 



Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 Combination Oily 
          This was suggested by a sales associate at Shoppers for my oily skin issues and she was so on point. I got a trial kit of this, a face wash and a lotion and I will link the haul below. I also love the face wash but I think the toner is what is really making the biggest difference. I was having issues with my skin being oily but flaky at the same time in some spots and I could not do anything with it. No matter what my makeup always looked horrible on top of such blotchy skin. Before this toner I had one that I had stopped using because it did nothing for me and I was not sure if I would ever bother with another one. I will be buying more of this before I run out so I do not have to live without it, I can really feel the difference once I use the Clinique Clarifying Lotion. My face feel clearer and the dead and dry skin just wipes right off. 



The Original Beauty Blender 
           I got this in my Birchbox and I only got that at the end of the month but it became a favorite instantly. With a damp beauty blender all of my makeup goes on so much better. My foundation looks more natural and any powder products I use blend seamlessly. I am beyond paranoid that my foundation or bronzer are not blended properly and I have that dreaded foundation line. I love to use the Beauty Blender to blend everything after I have finished my makeup. 



Maybelline Dream Wonder Liquid Touch Foundation in Porcelain Ivory 
          I have been using this for a while, recently I returned to it after using up some of the other foundations I had laying around and remembered how much I love it. It almost feels like a powder once you start putting it on your face, it give a natural matte look and stands up fairly well to oily skin. I also use the Dream Wonder Powder to set it and the combination really works for me. Anytime some asks me to recommend a foundation this is what I tell them to use.  






Thanks for Reading!
A.

@dirty_cupcake


Saturday 2 May 2015

Primer Showdown


          As I had mentioned in an earlier post I have declared war on my oily skin. I won my first battle when I picked up some Clinique skin care products, I will link that down below. My next mission is primers. I bought four to try out in hopes the would be able to help me fight my oily skin. I wanted to start with drugstore products in hopes of finding the perfect primer without making my wallet cry.


          In order we have Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Gosh Velvet Touch Foundation Primer in Classic, Hard Candy Sheer Envy Shine Free Primer, and Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer. I will give you some information about each one, the price, where I got it and why and then give a little review. At the end I will rank each of them 1-4, 1 being the best obviously. 



Smashbox Profinish Foundation Primer.  Full Size $40
          I decided to give this one a try because I have heard so many people on YouTube or different blogs talk about this like it is gelly gold. I did not want to drop forty bucks on it without trying it first so I bought a kit with a few different products from Smashbox in trial sizes. I will link that haul at the end of this post. It is oil free which is great because I have enough of that on my face already. The main focus of this primer is to reduce fine lines and reduce pores so it is not specifically for oil control but it is supposed to make your make up last longer. This primer has won tons of awards including the Sephora Award for Best Primer, one of Marie Claire's "25 Products That Will Change Your Life", an InStyle Best Beauty Buy and Martha Stewart Wedding Big-Day Beauty Awards Winner in 2013.

My Review: I am not one to go against Martha, she is a bad bitch who knows her shit, but this primer was complete crap. At least for me it was, my make up slid all around on my face to the point I could not even blot because it moved all my makeup around. I gave it many chances with different foundations, with and without lotion underneath and on days that required different makeup needs but it failed everyday. One day I wore it to work in the restaurant and near the end of my shift I just took all my makeup off because I looked terrible. I would say this actually made my makeup wear away faster and look worse while it was on my face. I will say that initially the clear gel went on really smooth, made my skin soft and my makeup went over it well. I gave this away to my sister I hope it will work for her, I mean it has won so many awards so it has to work for someone. 

Princess's Review: My sister said she did like it, that it was light and made her made her makeup last


Gosh Velvet Touch Foundation Primer in Classic   $25
          This was recommended to be by a woman in the Shoppers Boutique place, I told her I had oily skin and was considering trying the Smashbox primer but was not loving the price. I feel like she missed the part where I said I wanted a primer specifically for oily skin, this is the classic formula; maybe they have an oily skin formula. The bottle says "...is a perfect base for all makeup. It fills in fine lines and deep pores in the skin, creating a uniform, matt and silky soft surface" It is clear and about the of a gel consistency 

My Review: this was very similar to the Smashbox primer both in formula and effectiveness. The Gosh primer took a couple hours more to melt off my face but was still a disappointment. I did like how it felt going on and my skin looked smoother instantly. By the time I was halfway through my day my foundation was patchy and sliding around my face. I was going to just toss this but since it looked so nice by itself I think I will use it alone when I go to the gym to at least get some use out of it. 


Hard Candy Sheer Envy Shine Free Primer    $7.98
          I just saw this in Walmart and decided to give it a try since it said it will control shine for a matte finish. The back of the tube says : "Prevents oil build up and reduces sine while reducing the need for foundation touch ups. Lightweight primer is suggested for oily, sensitive or problem prone skin"

My Review: I had high hopes for this one since it was meant for oily skin, it had creamy texture and felt nice enough going on. My makeup did not slide around like the first two, it stayed put fairly well but I did have a lot of oil and shine, blotting was a must. Wearing a day lotion or serum underneath this one was impossible. I will use this but I will check to make sure to put blotting sheets in my bag.


 Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer    $9.99
           Another Walmart purchase, you can use this alone, under or over makeup to create a matte complexion that controls shine for eight hours.

My Review: I picked this up because I had tried the foundation from this line and found it was pretty decent for my oily skin. The formula was a little thicker, more like a cream. My foundation looked so natural on top of this. I did still have to blot a little after six or seven hours but there was not as much oil as the rest of the primers above. So while it did not solve all my problems it did perform a miracle: my foundation actually looked good under the fluorescent lights in the basement office! I will keep wearing it just for that. I did find that putting a little of the primer over top of my foundation but under powder did help control shine for a little bit of extra time.


The final standings:

4. SmashBox 
3. Gosh           
2. Hard Candy
1. Rimmel        


None of these were outstanding, I will keep using the Hard Candy and Rimmel primers under my foundation and the maybe the Gosh primer alone for the gym.

I will keep trying new primers and let you know what I think.

Thanks for reading!
A.

@dirty_cupcake







Birchbox April 2015 and How I Ended Up With Two Boxes

           I had gotten a couple gift subscriptions from Birchbox for Princess and when I bought her last one I decided to sign up for my very own Birchbox. I got my shipping notification email on April 10th, now I am the most patient person when it come to shipping and delivery times but when it had not updated at all by the 21st I emailed them. I really just wanted them to check to make sure my tracking link was working but a very helpful woman had another box sent out for me that same day. Of course that was the day my shipping information for the first box finally updated and I got both boxes on the same day. 


          I got the same items in each box. The box on the left is my original box and the pretty one is the box they sent out as a replacement. I guess no one or at least not everyone in Canada got the pretty boxes designed by Rifle Paper Co. I have read quite a few posts where people are saying the U.S.A versions of Birchbox have better samples, have special editions and designes that Canadians can not get. I am happy with most of the items and would call this an excellent box. Let's check it out:





          Most exciting thing first, a Beauty Blender! All new subscribers in April, and I think in March as well, got one. I was only considering signing up but when I saw this promotion it convinced me. I had wanted to try the Beauty Blender but was not will to pay that much for a sponge. I am hoping it turns out to be the magical device I have heard it is. It also came with a solid cleanser and a bottle of liquid cleanser, super handy.

UPDATE: it is magical! My foundation goes on so smooth without getting on my hands and it is so much easier to clean than brushes. I also use it to blend my bronzer, blush and highlighter when I am all finished with my makeup and it just looks so much better. The key is definitely to make sure the Beauty Blender is just a little damp. I told Princess she could have one but I should have kept my mouth shut haha


Harvey Prince, Hello. Full size is $62

           I am glad the perfume samples came packaged like this, with a little sprayer instead of a cap. The description says it has lemon, mandarin, grapefruit forsythia and plumeria. They combine to make a citrusy, fresh floral scent. It is a very springtime, uplifting scent. I know Princess loves this scent and has gotten other products from this line so I will pass one on to her.



Jelly Pong Pong, Glow Getter Highlighter. Full size is $16.50 

         The other thing in the little box was a highlighter gel. Jelly Pong Pong? Really? That is what you are going with. Moving on, I don't know how much I will use this but highlighters are probably the one makeup product I don't have many of so I am glad I will get to try another out. It is a little weird that it is so jelly and that it comes in a bottle with a brush like nail polish. 

          It is a little more shimmery than I think I would like but I will give it a shot. 

UPDATE: I ended up actually liking this quite a bit, use it under my eyes and along my cheeks to add a little light. I do not like it as a brow highlight but I rarely use a highlight there anyway.





Perlier Revitalizing Body Butter in White Almond. Full size $19.50-$29.50

          I love getting little lotions and this Italian lotion is just lovely. It is supposed to improve the tone and elasticity of your skin. It has a very light, natural scent almost like a goats milk soap. It absorbed quickly and does not leave any residue behind, I've already thrown one in my purse.




12 Benefits Instant Healthy Hair Treatment. Full size is $26 
          
         Double hair products? Yup, sounds good. According the the bottle this spray seals colour, smoothed, repairs, improves texture and manageability, prevents split ends, moisturizers, strengthens, protects from chlorine, wind and sun, prevents flat iron damage, adds shine and softness, protects from blow drying, anti-age formula. Well. Magic apparently. Also it smells nice. The directions say to use before blow drying or swimming which is kind of neat. 



          So other than some serious shipping delays my first box was a success. 


With a total value of almost $60 for one box I am looking forward to my next box but hopefully the shipping isn't as delayed. 

Thanks for reading!
A.