Ipsy November 2015

           Well this review is a little late eh? Work has gotten more than a little hectic so I basically had to walk away from blogging for a little while. I also was not thrilled by this bag so I was not motivated to share it. I decided I would go ahead and review it for anyone considering signing up or wanting to compare months. The them for this month was Beauty Blast and the bag has a great cosmic design to it. I also redeemed points items and I will talk about them at the end.

 

Sinful Colors Nail Polish in Kissy Full Size $1.98

             I never want nail polish in subscription boxes/bags, I only use gel polish or the Revlon Gel Envy. Very rarely do I use a regular polish and even if that was not the case this just isn't my colour so it will be passed on.

 

Cool Way Strong Hold Spray Full Size $19.95 Sample Value $3.02

          I have no strong feelings about this product either way. It is not super exciting but I will use it  so its just one of those "meh" products.

 

tre'StiQue Mini Matte Lip Crayon in Florence Fig Full Size 3 for $25 Sample Value $8.33

           This is probably the only item in the bag I was actually pleased with, it has a pinkish red undertone and I have discovered that is the type of nude shade that works for me. It is matte without being overly drying and is fairly long lasting. (Swatched below)

 

Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara Full Size $20 Sample Value $7.40

            I am not a fan of Smashbox products in general, a lot of them just do not work for me but this mascara is pretty decent. I passed it on to my mother since I already have a few mascaras to work though and it just is not amazing to me.

 

Beaute Basics Gel Eyeliner in Navy Full Size $9.99

          I am not sure if this is full sized or not but I don't care since I will not be using it. I am very pale and any blue eyeliner, no matter the shade just makes me look trashy. I might be able to pull off a blue that is so dark it almost looks black but I am not interested in even trying this out. I do like that they include a little brush with the product for application so half a point for that. (Swatched below)

 

     

 

 

          Like I said above I redeemed some points for a few items. How cute is the little bottle for the Jouer oil? I can not get over how precious it is. I have been using it fairly regularly and I love how soft and even my skin had become. I use this at night under my moisturizer and I think that this in combination with another product (review to come, hint: Urban Decay) have really helped even out my skin tone and reduce redness. I have not looked up the price to purchase this as I am afraid it will be expensive and that I will talk myself into it. I also picked up a couple lip balms, I have had others from Jersey Shore Cosmetics and they are excellent. I ended up getting really sick of the Pumpkin Spice so that has been put away until next fall when the madness begins again. The Peppermint is rather strong and I love it, it has not left my purse except to be applied multiple time a day.


       The total value of this bag, not including the points items, is $30 which isn't bad but I am only going to be using two of the items and one of them is just because it is there. This bag was a miss for me but the points items made up for the disappointment.

Thanks for reading!

A.

 

@dirty_cupcake

 

Check out last month!

 

Get a bag of your very own!

 

LOC - Love of Color with Tati Westbrook Ultimate Collection

             

            Tati Westbrook is a beauty YouTuber and has been for the last five years. She consistently posts five videos a week that range from tutorials, reviews, Hot or Not on new releases/products, and hauls for both high end and drugstore beauty products. Before starting you tube Tati was an Image Consultant which she describes as a 9-5 desk job putting together programs with makeup, health and fashion items. Tati is in her early thirties therefore a little older than most of the beauty YouTubers which I love. She has the knowledge and experience to recommend products that I know are going to work. I would love to have her makeup skills and her hair is just always perfect, Tati is easily in my top 3 YouTubers.  Recently Tati has collaborated with Birchbox to put out the first collection from the Birchbox line Love of Color. She was also a guest editor for the November 2015 Birchbox, curating both a US box and Canadian box.
             The LOC Ultimate Collection includes three vibrant matte lipsticks, five one & done shadow sticks and a sharpener for $57 Canadian.

            

      One & done shadow sticks in On Point, Day Trip, Impress Me, Nite Owl, Smoke Screen

           These shadows go on unbelievably creamy and blends beautifully but you have to be quick. Once these set they are there all day, honestly all day. They are completely smudge proof and water proof, I have even washed my hair with swatches on my hand and they barely budged. I have oily skin and often wear my makeup for upwards of 12-14 hours and at hour 14 there was barely a crease at all. My favourite use for them is on my waterline since I can apply it and know it will not move. When they set I can feel them drying on my eyelids but it is not enough to bother me.

             

                Vibrant matte lipstick in Wildest Dreams, First Kiss, Glam Life

          I am all about lip products and I am so happy to say I love these. I was surprised by how creamy and moisturizing they felt when I first applied them, they do dry down but not so much that my lips actually felt dry. These do not have the same staying power as the shadow sticks, certainly not transfer proof but after a cup of tea and lunch I still had a surprising amount of colour left on my lips without it being all over my face. The way in which these fade and wear really impressed me, they do so evenly and leave a little stain of colour behind. I love the red and purple shades but the nude does not really look right on me. It is a beautiful shade I just struggle to pull off nude shades, I have used it as a base for my nude or light pink glosses so I am still getting some use out of it.

            I love this collection and I wish it was permanent but at the same time I can't wait to see what comes next for LOC.

                                                      Thanks for reading!

                                                                   A.

                                                        @dirty_cupcake 

                                            Check out Tati's YouTube Channel

Birchbox Canada November 2015 GlamLifeGuru Box

                    

          Let me start by fangirling just a little bit. I adore Tati Westbrook and when I saw that she was curating a box there was no question, I was getting it. Tati is a beauty YouTuber and has been for the last five years. She consistently posts five videos a week that range from tutorials, reviews, Hot or Not on new releases/products, and hauls for both high end and drugstore beauty products. Before starting you tube Tati was an Image Consultant which she describes as a 9-5 desk job putting together programs with makeup, health and fashion items. Tati is in her early thirties and a little older than most of the beauty YouTubers, which I love. She has the knowledge and experience to recommend products that I know are going to work. I would love to have her makeup skills and her hair is just always perfect, Tati is easily in my top 3 YouTubers.  OK, embarrassing gushing done. If Tati was to read this, unlikely, I would probably die of embarrassment and hope to god I had my facts straight. Lets talk about the actual products in the box.

            

Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels Full Size 8 for $33, Sample Value $4.13
           These are not my favourite eye pads on the market but I can not deny that they work to reduce puffiness and are a great pampering item. I am currently on vacation so these will be great to help me unwind. I think I will take Tati's suggestion and put them in the fridge for a little bit first.


Living Proof Perfect hair Day PhD. Dry Shampoo Full Size $28, Sample Value $13.01
          I am not one of those lucky girls that can wash their hair every few days or even every other day. I have tried a few different dry shampoos without much luck, mostly I use them to make my hair less disgusting for the gym, to run quick errands or if I use too much product in my hair. I am not ready to give up on day two hair and based on the reviews from Tati and others this is an amazing dry shampoo. 


theBalm Cosmetics Frat Boy Blush/Shadow Full Size $27 Value $1.69ish
           I have tried a few things from theBalm and love everything I have tried. Check out this haul for more. Lately I have also been looking to expand my blush collection so I am quite excited to try this out. The only issue I can foresee is that my blush brush is much too large for the pan. Swatch below.


LOC One & Done Shadow Stick in Day Trip Full Size $12
            Love of Color is Birchbox's new makeup line and Tati collaborated with them to make this first collection. I bought the Ultimate Collection so I already have this but I am still glad to have another as it is not a permanent collection. These shadow sticks are amazing, I normally avoid cream shadows but these do not budge at all. For a full review of these and the the matte lipsticks check this out.

                           

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre (24 hour miricle cream) Full Size $28 Sample Value $1.87
          I received this in either my last Birchbox or Ipsy bag and I don't hate having another sample. I have very oily skin so finding a moisturizer to wear under my makeup can be a challenge. I find this one absorbs quickly and does not leave my face feeling any greasier than normal. The sample may look tiny but you need such a small amount that I have not even used half of the first sample I have and I use it at least five days a week.


           Overall this box has a value of $32.70, not huge but a good value for a $10/$15 box. A couple of items are not items I would choose myself but I am glad to receive them all the same. I think I am most excited about the blush and shadow stick. 

Check out Tati's YouTube Channel

Thanks for reading!

A.

@dirty_cupcake

Check out my last Birchbox

The Balm Haul - Hautelook

                     

          I was so excited when the Balm was on Hautelook, after I placed my order I wished I had ordered a few more things. 

                                             

Time Balm Flawless Face Primer $30 Hautelook Price $15

            I am always looking to try more primers especially when I can get them for half off. This is a clear primer similar in formula to the Smashbox primers and as such I was not expecting to like it very much. I am happy to say I am wrong, I noticed a huge difference in the appearance and size of pores and find myself reaching for this over my Clinique primer. It does well with my oily skin and I would recommend it to anyone looking into purchasing it but my primer search is not finished. I would buy this in a second if it was on Hautelook again. 

                       

Autobalm California Face Palette $18 Hautelook price: $10

            How cute is this little palette? The drivers license is actually a sleeve the fits over the palette, making it perfect to toss in your purse. There is a decent mirror, a blush, highlighter/shadow, brow/crease shade and a lid/liner shade. I have used this little palette to create complete looks and have not had any desire to use any other product. I especially love the blush and the How 'Bout Them Apples Lip and Cheek Cream Palette is not on my wish list. Check out the swatches below.

                        

                        

Time Balm Concealer in Light $18 Hautlook Price $10

           I had meant to order this in Lighter than Light but this shade is still light enough for me. I added this to my cart as an afterthought but I have really been loving it. I have used it to cover up some redness and imperfections then just used some powder for light coverage and I am out the door. It just blends like a dream and is certainly a full coverage concealer. My only issue is that it is not compatible with some of my foundations and as the day kills my makeup you can see where the concealer is underneath my foundation.

                              

The Balm Girl Lipstick in Mia Moore

            First, the packaging is adorable, very retro and classic. Second it is the perfect red lipstick, it doesn't make my teeth look yellow, it dries to a sort of satin matte look without over drying my lips and lasts for hours. Even through two cups of tea and a muffin! It isn't an all day wear but once it does start to wear off it does so somewhat evenly, not completely but more so than a lot of other dark lipsticks. 

                              

            I am very pleased with everything I have tried from the Balm, I have also received sample of eyeshadow, the Mary Loumanizer and a Frat Boy Blush. I already know I will go a little crazy next time it is on Hautelook.

                                                     Thanks for reading!

                                                                   A.

                                                      @dirty_cupcake

Top 5 - September and October 2015

**UNFAVORITE: Blogger will not let me format things to stay centered and it is severely pissing my off. ***

          This favourites post is pretty Clinique heavy, if you want to read about some more Clinique products check this out. The background is a bonus favourite item, it is an electric blanket that Beast got me from Walmart and it is AMAZING. I love fuzzy couch blankets and one that heats up can only be better. My cats also love it and at night I have two companions close by snuggling up to the warm.

Clinique Stay-Matte Oil Free Makeup in 02 Alabaster (VF-N) 

          I can say without hesitation that this is my favourite foundation to date and I have tried a foolish number of foundations. If you have oily skin give this a try. My t-zone does still get shiny but the makeup does not separate and it holds up well if I blot throughout the day. My makeup looks matte much longer then with any other foundation I have ever used. I was concerned about the colour range as this was one of the two palest shades and I did not think it would work for me. I had a woman at Shoppers colour match me and I decided to give it a shot. As long as I make sure to blend well it works perfectly. I would say this is right in the middle of drugstore vs high end makeup at about $30. I am not used up my first tube so my opinion may change but I hope this love stays true.

Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder in 01 Stay Buff (VF)

           Since I love the foundation so much it only seemed natural that I would love the powder and that is exactly the case. It does a great job of absorbing oil and keeping my skin shine free for hours longer then other powders. I don't carry it in my purse but I imagine it would be perfect for touch up when the oil starts to shine through. The green, marbled packaging is also gorgeous. 

Clinique High Impact Mascara in Black

          I got this as part of a gift with purchase from Sears and am a big fan. It lengthens, gives enough volume that it's not too much for everyday and does not flake or smudge. I use other mascaras I have and always come back to this one. 

L'Oreal Pop Balm in 518 Tender Mauve 

          I bought this and quickly went back to the store to buy five more L'Oreal Balm products. For a full review click here.

The Balm, Balm Girls Lipstick in Mia Moore 

          The Balm was recently on Hautelook and I picked up a few things. I am in the process of doing a review but I could not wait to talk about this lipstick. First, the packaging is adorable, very retro and classic. Second it is the perfect red lipstick, it doesn't make my teeth look yellow, it dries to a sort of satin matte look without over drying my lips and lasts for hours. Even through two cups of tea and a muffin! It isn't an all day wear but once it does start to wear off it does so somewhat evenly, not completely but more so than a lot of other dark lipsticks. 

          I really love all these products and have been talking about them to anyone that will listen. I've gotten numerous compliments on my foundation and the Mia Moore lipstick since I bought them. 

Thanks for reading!

A. 

@dirty_cupcake 

Check out my last favourites post. 

L'Oréal Pop Balm Collection Review + Bonus Nude Balm and Colour Riche

          I picked up one of the L'Oreal Pop Balm lip products as pick me up after a rough day and within the week I picked up three more and then a Nude Balm and Colour Riche Balm. I found them for a couple different prices but they were all under $10.

          I now own 518 Tender Mauve , 430 Fiery Red, 410 Wild Lily, 440 Electric Pink, from the Nude Balm line 318 Heavenly Berry, and from the Colour Riche line 819 Caramel Comfort. 

          The first swatch of each colour is one swipe and the second is with it built up a little bit. 

          The bottom swatches here are the originally swatches of Electric Pink and Heavenly Berry. At first I was disappointed because the pigmentation was so lacking but then I twisted up the product to see the tip was discoloured and dried out. I used a card to slice off the top portion and got the top swatches. I bought these two at Walmart and the rest at Shoppers so I think it is more of a commentary on the product control or whatever at Walmart then on L'Oreal. 

          The first one I bought was Tender Mauve and I loved it enough to go buy the whole Pop Balm collection. It really feels like a balm and moisturizers like one as well. I am a huge fan of lip products but not of maintaining the look throughout the day. With these you get a wash of colour that moisturizers, goes on like butter and you don't even need a mirror to apply. I get the most use out of Tender Mauve, Fiery Red and Caramel Comfort. I am ecstatic that I found a nude lip colour I am comfortable wearing. In writing this I realized I haven't really used Heavenly Berry so I will have to dig that one out (to return it and then get a new one). The other colours will be put into my lipstick organizer and come back out in the spring/summer. Overall I am a big fan of this line and will be looking into the Nude Balm and Colour Riche lines some more once my Christmas Shopping is done. 

Thanks for reading!

A.

Check out some other reviews! 

PS I do not know why the formatting is so off on this but it just wont fix.