IPSY BAG: December 2014

happy April Fools! i have never been a fan of lying since well, lies aren't usually nice. but harmless pranks on the other hand...
just a bit of fun in the office today, covering up the sensors on the bottom of the mouse on people's computers... teehee...
can you believe some property developer in BC posted on MARCH 31 that Disneyland purchased the rest of their land to develop a micro-park, the first in Canada?!
who in their right mind would play with the feelings of Disney enthusiasts like that!? on MARCH 31! not. funny.

ipsy's last 2014 bag was centered around being a "Creative Genius".

1) Cailyn : Just Mineral Eye Polish in "#5 Orchid"
Made with 100% raw mineral powder, this highly pigmented satiny powder not only colors your eyes with shimmery, gorgeous hues, but is also safe to wear long hours.
The easy to use built-in sponge tip allows smooth application and seamless blending of colors. Whether you want to give a subtle wash of color or go for dramatic smokey makeup, CAILYN Just Mineral Eye Polish will be a girl's best friend. size: 2.5 g (full size!)
retail value: $15.00

a few years ago, i would've been excited about a product like this but now all i see is a shimmery mess waiting to happen. the color "Orchid" (which i would have expected to be more a purple for some reason...) is a nice neutral shimmer.

2) Sexy Hair : 450° Blow Out Heat Defense Blow Dry Spray
Protect those tresses! Sexy Hair’s 450° Blow Out Heat Defense Blow Dry Spray protects hair from heat damage up to 450°F. In addition to outstanding thermal protection, it also conditions for smooth, sleek styles, detangles for improved manageability and strengthens hair. Helps to decrease blow dry time and adds weightless shine. size: 50 mL
retail value: $18.95 (125 mL)

i am horrible at remembering to put heat protectant prior to blow drying. i'm a fan of Sexy Hair though so i will try to incorporate this into my routine.

3) Tarte : Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara
Like a pushup bra for your lashes, tarte’s best-selling mascara lengthens, curls, volumizes and conditions to deliver a 330% increase in lash volume instantly. The high-performance formula is also infused with naturally-derived olive esters to help nourish and protect lashes. size: 3 mL
retail value: $20.00 (7 mL)

mascara!! can't use these babies fast enough.

4) BWC : Premium Aromatherapy Facial Cleanser 3% AHA Complex
Beauty Without Cruelty 3% A.H.A. Facial Cleanser is a lightly-foaming, soap-free cleanser that removes dead surface skin cells, daily impurities, and excess oil without over-cleaning your skin. Nature's own alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) gently and deeply clean and actively clarify your skin without disturbing it's natural balance. Pure premium Oshadhi aroma-therapeutic essential oils tone, condition, and calm, leaving your skin clean, clear, and refreshed.
size: 59 mL
retail value: $11.95 (250 mL)

this lightly scented (lavender?) clear gel cleanser is pH balanced and soap-free. my boyfriend always reaches for his bar of soap when washing his face. i always tell him that it is not good for his face since it dries out the skin. but he always says, 'what? it's soap!'. now i will just have to show him that 'soap-free' is a thing!

5) NYX : Butter Lip Balm in "BLB05 Marshmallow"
Dip your lips in a sheer wash of color with NYX Butter Lip Balm. One swipe leaves dry lips feeling supple and hydrated.
This Buttery Lip Balm is addictively soft and scrumptious and perfect for adding a subtle hint of color for a naturally flirtatious pout. Apply directly to bare lips or apply it over lip liner for more intense color.
size: 4 g (full size!)
retail value: $4.00

available in 8 shades but of course i get the one that will probably wash me out :/ it's too bad since i love NYX.

December's bag is sort of a fail for me - not interested in using the majority of these products... please check out the sale page instead :)

AT THIS MOMENT ...
currently listening: Often [Kygo Remix] - The Weeknd
just watched: Cinderella (2015 - lovely dresses and design, and of course a fairy tale but over the top corny at parts. and just not enough magic! the only magical part was the fairy godmother but that was so sudden that you don't really believe it...) ; The Impossible (again - but still so powerful. must watch!) ; More Than Blue (Korean - for most of the movie, i was getting a bit annoyed - yes it is touching that a terminally ill man loves a woman so much but won't tell her because he's going to die so he does all these things for her that hurts him at the same time... i was like JUST TELL HER!! but then there is a slight twist that makes things a hundred times more sad)
still watching: Doctor Who Season 5 (finished!) // Walking Dead Season 5 // Vampire Diaries Season 5 // Marco Polo Season 1 // Outlander Season 1 (oops starting too many..,)
now reading: - -

TOPBOX: November 2014

happy Chinese New Year everyone! i spent quality time with the fam, which included plenty of eating time. i must remember to not only request the actual day off work but also the day after, because i missed out on a lunch buffet. and we absolutely can't have that happening again.

for my Chinese New Year resolution (since the January 1st one didn't really work out...), i am going to cancel a number of beauty box subscriptions.
not just one. maybe two, perhaps three. i know i said something similar over a year ago but i have faith in myself this time. once morning comes (since it is 4 am right now and i do not know why i am still awake), i am pressing cancel cancel cancel!
stay tuned on my next post to witness my success!

recapping back to November - i don't recall selecting a Prive Topbox. 99% of the time, i miss the wishlist deadline altogether so i end up with the Regular Topbox.
but here, we have a MeMeMe Prive Topbox for November. with this Prive box, there were only 2 items instead of the usual four.

1) MeMeMe Cosmetics : Lash Attack Lengthening Mascara in "Black"
size: 8 mL (full size!) 
retail value: $14.00

can't say much since i try to finish my mascaras -completely- before opening a new one and that usually takes some time (ages actually). check the sale page please!

2) MeMeMe Cosmetics : Boho Balm Cheek & Lip Tint in "Pink Rouge"
size: 11 g (full size!) 
retail value: $11.00

i was hesitant to open this product seeing that i don't use cream blushes nor do i like using my fingers to dab on a lip product. but the cute tin and the fact that i haven't tried the MeMeMe brand made me go 'why not?'...

this duo purpose MeMeMe tint also comes in another set of dual colors - 'Coral Taupe' - but i got 'Pink Rouge'.
the swatches below include 1) pink, 2) rouge, and 3) a blend of pink and rouge.

pink on its own is a little too light on the lips and rouge by itself is too dark on my cheeks so i find myself using the blended version most often.
i lightly dab the rouge side and then blend upwards on my cheeks. then i swipe a bit of pink a little higher on my cheeks and blend that in as well which sort of highlights that area while toning down the red shade.

the balms feel a little tacky and the color tends to emphasize the lines in my lips. there is something in the formula that dries my lips right up. every evening after i used this balm on my lips, i find that my lips are peeling like crazy.
i much prefer to use this on the cheeks instead.

and that's it! in the end, i didn't mind the Cheek & Lip Tint, although it did not blow me away. the two products came in a blue organza bag instead of the ol' white and purple tube, along with a $10 coupon off a $30 purchase at London Drugs that expired way back at the end of November. did anyone else get the MeMeMe box for no reason?

AT THIS MOMENT ...
currently listening: Afire Love - Ed Sheeran (SO good! his entire album X is actually pretty awesome all around)
just watched: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (requires paying attention to the entire dialogue to understand what was going on; a little slow for my taste) // Paycheck (interesting idea but forgettable ) // Titanic (still the same question - why did Jack have to die?!)
still watching: Doctor Who Season 5 // Walking Dead Season 5 // Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 1 (done! i was skeptical of this series at first but the characters grow on you and are just freakin hilarious) // Vampire Diaries Season 5
now reading: "When God Was a Rabbit" by Sarah Winman (finally completed!!! it took too long to finish... i was never captivated enough nor invested in the characters so i wouldn't exactly recommend this)

IPSY BAG: July 2014

well would you look at this!

reviews for JULY beauty boxes in JULY!! say whaaaaaaaaaaat
i recently got my ipsy bag (July 15) and now i am posting about it. i hope i stay on track!! although it worked out better since i stayed in at lunch at work one day to blog. yaaaaye.

the fluorescent pink bag this month is quite adorable! i love the scallop edges!

July's ipsy bag is all about being "Sensationally Sunkissed" and to achieve this, you will need:

1) bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow 2.0 in "The Inspiration"
size: 1 g
retail value: $20.00 (2.7 g)
promotion: free shipping with bareMinerals purchase on ULTA.com with code 'IPSYBAREFS'; US only; expires Aug 10, 2014

bareMinerals READY® Eyeshadow 2.0 provides vivid, pigment-packed color with seamless blendability that lasts up to 12 hours. Powered by the proprietary SeaNutritive Mineral™ Complex, it delivers skin-nourishing benefits including reduced appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and puffiness plus boosted moisture levels.

"The Inspiration" includes the shades 'Muse' and 'Passion'. 'Muse' is described as a pink frost and it is a very light shade of pink. 'Passion' is a glimmering plum with golden flecks. both are very smooth to the touch. the pigmentation from these didn't blow me away - especially the pink shade.

2) derma e BB Crème in "Light Tint"
size: 14 g
retail value: $29.50 (60 mL)
promotion: 30% off purchase at dermae.com with code 'IPSY0714'; US only; expires Sept 30, 2014

Instantly erase the look of imperfections and turn back the clock on aging skin.
This multi-functional mineral beauty balm is an advanced skincare formula that also conceals with lightweight, color-correcting coverage. 

i was thinking this was not going to work out well as i blended the derma e BB creme onto my hand. it looked way too pink for my skin tone but surprisingly, it blended extremely easily and gave me some pretty decent coverage! BB creams are normally way too sheer and therefore not as appealing to me and my many sunspots. which makes me love the SPF 25 in it so much more :)
the texture is also different from other BB creams - this is very gel-like so it is super easy to smooth all over your face. the cream/gel combination leaves a dewy feeling on the skin.

3) Pixi Beauty Mini Tined Brilliance Balm in "Unique Pink"

size: 1.8 g
retail value: ~ $20.00 (3 g)
promotion: 25% off purchase at pixibeauty.com with code 'flawlesspixi'; US only; expires Aug 31, 2014

Packed with lip-loving ingredients, this glossy gel balm protects & hydates lips instantly. After the balm wears off, lips are left tinted with a flattering, personalized hue just for you (color & intensity depends on pH level of lips).

what an adorable size! at first look, it looks like a clear balm but the words 'tinted' caught my eye. upon application, i watch my lips turn a soft shade of pink. i find out from the ipsy site that this balm reacts with your pH level, so it's pretty much a mood lipstick - neat!

4) POP Beauty Sunkissed Bronzer in "Secret Sunshine" 

size: 6.95 g (full size!)
retail value: $10.00
promotion: 25% off purchase at popbeauty.co.uk with code 'POPIPSY'; US only; expires Aug 31, 2014

This radiance enhancing bronze glow delivers a soft honey beamed hue, adding warmth and a sun-kissed lift to your complexion. With added vitamin E.


the bronzer looks darker than most of the ones i have but i'm sure that blending, like always, will help. it has some shimmer in it. i'm not going to be able to use this for a while so it's going on the sale board (to be announced in the far future).

5) Pur~lisse Pur~Protect Essential Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 Sunscreen

size: 15 mL
retail value: $55.00 (50 mL)
promotion: 30% off purchase at purlisse.com with code 'IPSYSUMMER30'; US and Canada; expires Aug 15, 2014

Stay protected with pure flower power. Pur~lisse's unique peptide complex, Lotus Lupine 5, and Hydra-Shield Complex, offers superior full-spectrum sun protection in a light weight nourishing moisturizer. Skin is pampered and protected against premature aging caused by the day's rays.

i never complain about receiving moisturizers with SPF! this one is very nice too - feels light, non-greasy and has a soft scent.

tada!
these days, opening beauty boxes does not bring about the same excitement as it used to but ipsy still finds the ability to impress me! it's sometimes even hard to pick a favorite item!
this month, i'd have to say it's either the derma e BB creme or the Pixi Tinted Brilliance Balm. what did you think of "Sensationally Sunkissed"?

BEAUTY BOX 5: September 2012

i picked up my September BB5 on the first of October. it's another good month for Beauty Box 5 - seems like there were some different shades so it's exciting to read other people's posts (there's not enough of them though!)

recently, BB5 has decided to include tracking info for Canadians! this is great but the tracking number they gave me provided me absolutely no info.
i was missing a product from the July box and they also sent that out last month so using its tracking info, i could see when it was accepted and when it left Austin, Texas but that was as far as it went (head on over to the July box to see the updated post).  i am not sure how this new change will benefit us if there are no (or hardly) any updates available. was this the same for everyone else?

September's BB5 contained:

1) h.wood.beauty lip shine in "ruby" - did you know h.wood.beauty was created by the Hollywood nightclub h.wood? the line was inspired by h.wood.tea so the products are actually infused with tea. pretty cool.

i got "ruby" which looks like a startling red but these lip shines apply sheer. on my lips, it looks like a dark pink-red. i like how easy it is to apply. the formula is very moisturizing and the color is just right for a tinted lip balm - you can actually see that i am wearing a soft pretty color on my lips. the color does catch on any dry skin, making it more visible so having smooth lips is recommended. there is a slight scent to it but it's not a bad one. like other tinted lip balms, it comes off easily after eating.

ooo a 25% off code... slightly tempting but i currently have way too much makeup. i have a box full of stuff  awaiting its turn to be blogged about and hence, they are unopened and unused.

shipping is a flat rate of $5.95 - not bad! they don't ship to international addresses though. i always get confused when i read this since some sites have a separate page for "Canadian shipping" and "International shipping" but others consider Canada to be international. i thought that anything overseas was considered "international"... what do you think?

size: 4 g (full size!)

retail value: $16 

artificial light; natural light

2) Goat Haus Dairy Bath Melts in "Angel Kisses" - just looking at the package, i was thinking i got some cheese. hahaha phew! a bath melt! i haven't taken a bath in who knows how long but i'd like to get around to doing so. "Angel Kisses" is described as a "light vanilla with a hint of lavender, extremely relaxing". 

size: 50 g (full size!)

retail value: $2.50

3) Silk Naturals Eye Color in "Nekkid" - my mineral eyeshadow collection has been growing lately, thanks to BB5! Silk Naturals has 272 eyeshadows on their website and describes "Nekkid" as a shimmery pink that is supposedly a dupe for MAC's "Naked Lunch". i don't own any MAC eyeshadows so i can't do a comparison here.
looking at the jar, it looks more brown but once applied , it looks like a orange-y pink with all its' shimmer. on the shimmer scale, Silk Naturals rated it a 5 out of 6. i don't think this type of pink looks flattering on me - sort of gives me a swollen look - i should just apply it lightly next time. the wear time is impressive though. even without primer, the shimmer and the color lasts all day.
swatches above (under 1)) are only two swipes of the color. a deeper color can be achieved. it also appears more intense on my eyelids.
another promo code offer - 5% off.
size: N/A but < 1 g
retail value: $4 (for a 5 g jar)

4) Nastassja Enzyme Facial Peel - it looks like a wetter version of Vaseline and has a slight lemon scent. i will use this peel tonight and let you know how it goes!
a 25% off code was included.
size: 7.5 mL
retail value: $45 website says $40 (60 mL)

5) NuMe Hydro Punch Hydrating Shampoo - hmm got this already in my July Topbox as well as a conditioner version in my May Glymm. now i have another one missing a partner again! oh and plus - it is for dry or colored hair and i no longer have virgin hair!!
again, the same $100 off code for NuMe products that is really, not that special at all.
size: 20 mL
retail value: $24.99 (250 mL)

BB5 is great for trying brands i have never heard of before - 4/5 of this month's brands were unknown to me. i also enjoy how there are a couple of cosmetic items and then a variety of other types of products including skincare, bath and shower.

what colors did you get in your BB5? if you are interested in joining, i'd appreciate it if you used my link. thank you thank you!

REVIEW: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in "Charm"

check out my first post with swatches on Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain (2.7 g) with the color "Honey".

i really enjoyed the formula and the packaging of Revlon's latest success in lip products so i did not hesitate in getting another one. i picked up "035 Charm" at CVS for US$6.49 when i was in L.A.
if i lived in the states, i would shop at CVS ALL the time because by purchasing the Revlon Balm Stain which was already on sale (originally US$9.29), it came with a $4 coupon to be used on your next purchase. so in my funny way of calculations, the Balm Stain totally works out to be like $2.49! what a steal!
... come to think of it, why didn't i get more?!

"Charm" is sheerer than "Honey" was - it is a very soft peach color. when i checked out swatches online before purchasing this color, it seemed that it looked different on everyone, depending on how dark or light your lips are. on my pigmented lips, the peachy-ness is not really there but has the look of a nude gloss. again, it glides on so easily and is very moisturizing.

you can bring out the peach color a bit by putting a few more layers on. but if you choose to do so and then press your lips together, the product tends to move to the edges (due to its' gel formula) and then a visible line would form around your lips.
i definitely prefer "Charm" over "Honey" - i really like the soft touch of peach. since it seems so sheer, it was unexpected that a stain would remain after the balm part has faded but it did - just a pinch of rosiness. i feel like i can wear this anytime.

as you can see, the color is very sheer but is buildable.

so now i have two! look how pretty they are together!

how big is your Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain stash? :)

REVIEW: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in "Honey"

FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY
Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains (2.7 g; $7.97 at Superstore) have arrived in Canada!!!! yippee :)

i first saw them available at Superstore and over the weekend, they began popping up at Shopper's and Walmart.
i didn't even really think about what color i wanted. i just sort of grabbed one and that was it. usually there's a complex decision making system i go through but i already knew that i would be purchasing more so this was just a start!

i picked up "001 Honey" which looks like a dusty rose. i love the packaging. it looks like a super-sized crayon - which makes it so much more fun to apply since it actually looks like you're drawing on your lips :). to get more product, you just twist the bottom. once i work through the product, i do not think that pointed-end shape will be maintained - wouldn't it just flatten out? or become a slope like a lipstick?
it has a minty scent and applies incredibly smoothly. it is very moisturizing but this does fade by the hour. on the other hand, the color remains so really you can just touch up with a lip balm.

the shade in the tube is actually darker than what you expect so be warned when you are picking a color out.  the tube color is a better representation of what it will look like once it is applied. "Honey" is a dusty pink that is actually leaning towards purple. the color can be sheer if you prefer it that way but can also be layered. the following photos show the difference:

artificial light; natural light

one layer:

a few layers:

NOTE:
i will be in LAAAAAAAAAAA in a little over 12 hours (should start packing - it's so hard because a girl needs selection!!). i will be purchasing more of these since i think it will be cheaper there. but any suggestions to what else i should pick up while i'm there? let me know! i welcome any ideas regarding things i should buy, places i should visit or food i must eat.
if i have time tonight, i might try to throw together a quick Topbox post since i got one today. sadly, i can't show you July's BB5 just yet because i was missing a product. i have emailed them and am waiting for a response.

thank you for reading! what colors will you be picking up?

GLOSSYBOX: July 2012

ahhh.. Glossybox. why is it that you are so consistently late?

i got mine just yesterday but already plenty of posts from other bloggers were up. i resisted taking a peek until i got my box and after reading about it on Blogger as well as Facebook, it seems that a TON of people are unhappy this month. 

most of the complaints are regarding the different versions - apparently there is a major price difference between them. i am a V2 this month (there seems to be 3 variations).

so upon opening the box, i can automatically tell it is more deflated than usual. still there is one very large item, but you will see why it is not a huge deal:

July's samples (and fancy, fancy - the product card is glossy this month):

1) Zoya Nail Polish in "Shelby ZP616" - ooooo my first Zoya nail polish ever! i've seen these floating around many nail bloggers' websites but i have never actually seen one in real life. woooooaah. 

i'm not sure where they are even sold in Canada! "Shelby" is from the Summer 2012 Beach Collection. it is a bubblegum pink creme. when i look at my nails, it makes me feel super girly.

i needed 3 coats to get full coverage. it dries rather quickly but not quick enough for me to avoid denting it in the following pictures (i blame this on having to put on 3 coats)...

size: 15 mL (full size!)

retail value: $8

left to right: natural light; artificial light

2) Alessandro International Pedix Feet Heel Rescue Balm - this company is based in Germany so kudos to Glossybox for branching out. Alessandro International also sells other pedicure items as well as cosmetics such as lipsticks and nail polishes.
the Heel Rescue Balm is nice - i think i am starting to build a little collection of heel creams. this one in particular has a fruity but minty scent. 

size: 30 mL

retail value: $19.95 (100 mL)

3) John Frieda Frizz-Ease Sheer Solution - frizz has never been a major concern of mine so i have never tried such products. the solution needs to be shaken before use and the cap that it has does allow for shaking 10 drops into your palm and then rubbing into your hair (as per directions). i can say that my hair seems to be less tangled but that's it.

size: 10 mL

retail value: $14.99 (60 mL)

4) Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in "Strawberry" - this is the second lip product from Burt's Bees i have gotten from a beauty box. i am glad that this one has less packaging that the tinted lip balm had - if you have forgotten, click here. i am glad to get to try a different color since i find "Cherry" a bit similar to "Rose".

"Strawberry" is a sheer shimmery pink. it smells like peppermint and leaves a tingly feeling. i like that it is 100% natural and is moisturizing. the shimmer in addition to the pink doesn't work too well on my skin tone if i put on a few layers of it - it comes off as a bit too frosty so i need to stick with only a minimal amount.

size: 2.6 g (full size!)

retail value: $5.99

top to bottom: artificial light; natural light

5) Dove VisibleCare Softening Crème Body Wash - so here's the thing with Glossybox. i don't want to point the finger at Glossybox and say that this is exactly what they are doing, BUT it seems that Glossybox includes a full size drugstore item to create the illusion that there is a lot more value for your money. i hear plenty of people are unsubscribing this month because the drugstore products are turning them off. personally, i don't mind as much when it's something i can use but body washes aren't my thing. i can't blame Glossybox for that though.
the body wash smells nice but i don't understand why it is a "Limited Offer".

size: 200 mL (full size!)

retail value: $5.99

6) BeautySoClean Cosmetic Sanitizer Wipes - i missed the very first Canadian Glossybox that included the sanitizer mist so i am happy to get to try these wipes! i find the company's idea so simple but genius at the same time. i have a brush cleaner but hadn't thought of cleaning lipsticks or face powders before hearing about BeautySoClean. 

size: 4 wipes

retail value: $12.50 (48 pack of wipes)

so overall, it is a "good" box in that i will use mostly everything in here. i don't normally use body washes or frizz solutions unless they are given to me. i like being introduced to brands i haven't tried before like BeautySoClean and Alessandro International. my favorite item would be the Zoya polish though - it's hard to go wrong with nail polish!

NOTE:
i will be going to L.A, L.A, L L A, L.A (re: Bran Van 3000's Drinking in L.A.) in a few weeks!!! hooray hooray hooray! first time ever so i am asking all you lovely bloggers if you have any suggestions on things i need to see or do while i'm there. it would be fantastic if you know of any places i must visit for some awesome beauty deals (like CVS? or something haha) or any brands only available in the US? very excited! thank you thank you :)