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)

BEAUTY BOX 5: July 2014

oopsie daisies - looks like i somehow skipped a box from July!! i apologizeeeeee!

today, a Christmas tree popped up at our building so i am taking it as a sign that i need to start shopping. for the past few years, i have been that person running through the mall on Christmas Eve and begging them not to close yet. i hope i learn this year... where are you planning to get your shopping done? online or at a mall?

let's do a topic switcheroo here from Christmas to July - here's a quick recap on July 2014's "Defining Moments" box.

1) Revlon : Bold Lacquer Mascara in "001 Blackest Black"
size: 7 mL (full size!)
retail value: $7.99
promotion: $1.00 off any Revlon mascara with coupon

drug store brand but i'm not disappointed. my main mascara is starting to dry out so i am reaching for other tubes - i've forgotten how nice it is to use a fresh and new mascara! i've tried a Revlon Grow Luscious mascara before and i was not overly impressed but the idea is always appealing.

2) Hask : Argan Oil Intense Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment
size: 50 g (full size!)
retail value: $2.49

i need to get a plastic bottle to pour this sample in since now that my hair is much shorter, there is noooooo way i can use this all at once.

3) Body Drench : Candy Licious Moisturizing Lip Balm in "Lime Gumdrop"
size: 2.55 g (full size!)
retail value: $3.99

hmmm lime gumdrops sound like they could smell quite tasty... although i am not a huge fan of limes. up for sale on the blog sale page!

4) Anna Naturals : Glowing Mama Walnut Face & Body Scrub
size: NA (1 small tub)
retail value: $10.99 (118.3 mL)

reminds me of the St. Ives Apricot Scrub.

5) Starlooks : Lip Pencil in "K308 Bare"
size: 2.4 g (full size!)
retail value: $12.00

"Bare" is a matte shade that i thought would look like a nude color. looking at the pencil, the lip liner looks sort of like a dusty brown-grey. when applied, it is much darker than 'bare' should be. i look sort of zombie-ish with just the pencil but on a positive note, it is very pigmented. the color is not an issue once i apply a lipstick over it - or just anything to warm it up a notch.

tada! it is an alright box - nothing really notable. it was my first time trying a Starlooks lip liner and i am happy about how pigmented it is.

AT THIS MOMENT ...
currently listening: "The Heart Wants What It Wants" by Selena Gomez
just watched: Saving General Yang
still watching: Doctor Who Season 4 // Walking Dead Season 5 // Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 1
now reading: "When God Was a Rabbit" by Sarah Winman

LUXE BOX: September 2014 [Fall]

here are a few glimpses from last Tuesday night with Sarah McLachlan: 

she is so awesome live! her voice is amazing. i was a bit surprised by her rock side since all i really knew were her ballads. this is the second time i've been to the Jubilee (first was John Legend) and i am blown away by the acoustics there.  

1) Loose Button : Fan Brush

This brush is designed to dust, wipe, and redistribute powders along your features making it the perfect tool for all the finishing touches. The flat fan shape allows for even and soft definition, as well as, fanning away excess product, such as, eye makeup fallout.
size: 1 brush (full size!)
retail value: $18.00

i always forget about the fan brush but it is a great tool for brushing on highlighter. 

2) Jelly Pong Pong : Fairy Lashes Curl Mascara

Fairy Lashes Curl is a sculpting, curling mascara that continually curls lashes throughout the day with a unique synthesis of Moringa Seed resin that dries down and holds the curl of lashes for long-lasting results. The unique brush instantly creates dramatic volume and intense definition, while allowing eyelashes to remain spectacularly soft and light at the same time. This is a truly fabulous effect for the woman who wants to emphasize a deep, intense, seductive look.
size: 8 mL (full size!)
retail value: $24.00

i own the non-curl version from last year's Topbox... which i haven't actually used yet... so i can't exactly compare them. curl is definitely an appealing mascara feature for me though.

3) Blush : Body Wash
Blush Body Wash is handcrafted with a luxurious & nutrient rich blend of Coconut, Olive, Jojoba and Hempseed oils. A hopelessly romantic floral aroma with just a hint of citrus, Blush Body Wash will awaken your inner goddess and soothe your senses. Always created without the use of synthetic preservatives, sulfates or detergents of any kind...what you see is what you get...pure nourishment for your skin!
size: 60 mL (sample size)
retail value: $4.75 or $16.95 (240 mL)

beautiful label but the scent is not something i exactly want to lather all over my body. it reminds me of the Chinese oils used for sore muscles or even tummy aches... i don't know how it works but sometimes just the smell of the Chinese oil makes me feel better.

4) Vasanti : BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator Exfoliating Cleanser
Vasanti Brighten Up Face Rejuvenator is a triple action facial scrub that helps brighten, exfoliate, and
clean skin all at once.
size: 20 g
retail value: $34.00 (120 mL)

this was one of the first products i got in my Glymm and i recall the tiny crystals in the formula. great for exfoliating but those with sensitive skin might find it a bit harsh.

5) theBalm : En Root Hair Shine Serum
En Root Hair Shine Serum is infused with Green Tea, Bamboo, Rice Proteins and Vitamins A, C and E to give dry and damaged hair the gloss-over. Take fly-aways and frizz on a detour with this Paraben and Sulfate-free serum.
size: 30 mL
retail value: $15.00 (118 mL)

i have had enough of hair oils but maaaaaan, does this smell good! sooooooo gooooood, 

6) LVX : Nail Lacquer in "013 Tribute"
LVX brings you luxury and fashion without compromise. They are dedicated to launching the hottest collections for each season by translating the top runway colors based on emerging trends in high fashion.
size: 15 mL (full size!)
retail value: $17.00

Loose Button claims that the polishes are from the Winter Resort 2014 Collection but a quick Google search determines that this is not true. "Tribute" is a 'textured blue' from the 2013 collection. it is a dark sapphire with purple and green shimmers.

7) So Susan : Universal Blush
A micronized, jet-milled blush that works with your skin's natural chemistry to create a universal healthy flush that is flattering on all skintones. Made with Buriti Fruit Oil to repair the epidermis and improve skin elasticity.
size: 4 g (full size!)
retail value: $17.50

i was debating whether or not to keep this since i am not running out of blush anytime soon... and yet the color is quite beautiful. it is said to be flattering on all skin tones... and it has a sheen that is similar to the famous NARS Orgasm. 

so the total box value is $90.90... pretty impressive. about half the items are full size which is always nice. nothing in this box is a major standout for me, although theBalm's hair serum smells so good. check out the sale post for some of these items.

AT THIS MOMENT ...
currently listening: "In Your Shoes" by Sarah McLachlan
just watched: The Amazing Spider-Man 2
still watching: Doctor Who Season 4 // Walking Dead Season 5
now reading: "When God Was a Rabbit" by Sarah Winman

IPSY BAG: August 2014

i'm trying to fall back into routine but it's so difficult to settle back in after visiting the happiest place on Earth (as well as another magical place - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!). i took a two week trip to Florida mid-August and it was amazing!! 

hot hot hot but amazing. 8 days straight of theme parks (with a water park day thrown in the middle) which included plenty of eating, lineups, rides and merchandise but it was all fun. ALL of it. we did 4 days of Disney World and 3 Universal Studios. i hope i will get to doing a whole post on the trip!

August : Beauty Schooled

1) ABSOLUTE : You're the Balm Lip Balm in "Grape"
Treat your lips with this ultra-moisturizing lip balm from Absolute New York. This lightly tinted, creamy, conditioning formula softens, smooths, and protects lips for a seriously kissable pout. Discover this must-have balm for sensationally soft and luscious lips! 
size: 12 g
retail value: $5.99 (24 g - duo)
promotion: 30% off online purchase with code IPSY; US only; expires Sept 11, 2014

i love love love the smell of grape products... sooooo yummy! as much as i love grape, the glitter in this balm is a turnoff. i do not like putting just glitter on my lips - it's okay if there was some color in the product but i find it odd if it's just specks of glitter on my lips.

2) Dr. Brandt : Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer 
A cult favorite, Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer is Dr. Brandt’s quick fix for flawless, photo-ready skin. It is the miracle base to create the perfect skin canvas for long-lasting makeup and well-preserved skin. This velvety formula absorbs excess oil, minimizes pores, blurs fine lines and is resistant to sweat and humidity. Prime, touch-up and treat while perfecting your makeup.
size: 7.5 mL
retail value: $45.00 (30 mL)
promotion: 20% off online purchase & free travel size Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer & free shipping with code IPSY20; expires Oct 31, 2014

i wish i can actually see my pores minimizing but i have yet to encounter a product that does that. primer is always handy though.

3) Urban Decay : Perversion Mascara
Urban Decay's ultra-creamy, lengthening and volumizing mascara features triple-black pigments and a deeply nourishing ingredient blend. Perversion Mascara gets you sexy in one stroke, yet it won’t quit until you say when.
size: 3 mL
retail value: $22.00 (12mL)

this mascara boasts 'triple-black pigments' which sounds pretty interesting to me. i already have dark eyelashes (albeit being extremely sparse) so i am curious if this would make them even darker.

4) Coastal Scents : Forever Blush in "Fresh" and "Elegant"
Coastal Scents Forever Blush boasts 18 perfectly pigmented, powder blushes with a long-lasting rush of color. Complete with a mirror, these color-packed compacts go a long way.
size: 2.4 g
retail value: $7.95 (10 g)
promotion: 25% off online purchase with code blush25off; expires Oct 6, 2014

i decided not to swatch this because i have too much blush to use... the two shades in this sample are Fresh and Elegant. Fresh is a matte peach and Elegant is a satin pink - there's a bit of shimmer in this one.

5) Lord & Berry : Silk Kajal Kohl-Liner Eye Pencil in "#1001 Black"
Sensual and exotic, that's the effect that Silk Kajal Kohl Eye Pencil delivers. Just like the traditional Kohl, but with the modern ease and control of a pencil. Giving a semi-matte finish that is also smudgeable, Silk Kajal Kohl's soft tip is ophthalmologically-tested and gentle enough to be used on the inner eye. Also available in Nudo and White.
size: 0.6 g
retail value: $16.00 (1.44 g)
promotion: 25% off online purchase with code LAB@14091; expires Oct 15, 2014

this mini black eye liner goes on nice and dark but smudges easily. it is intended to be that way but i would advise against using it on your lower waterline if you do not wish to transform into a raccoon mid-day.

the August bag was a bit of a miss to me. there are some products i could have liked but there was always something missing (or in some cases like the lip balm - there's too much of...). i don't want such products to go to waste so i will be putting up a For Sale section. i will post the link up here once it's done!

LUXE BOX: December 2013 [Winter Edition]

gooooooooood evening!
i've swung by today to give you a mighty quick post on the... last... December box i have? i might be wrong. there could still be one more hiding.

this is getting ridiculous, i know i know!

here goes:

1) Clinique High Impact Mascara in "01 Black"
ho hum - i've seen plenty of these included in the gift sets during Clinique bonus time.

size: 3.5 mL

retail value: $9.50 (8 g)

2) COVERGIRL LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in "245 Ruby Twist"

i haven't dabbled with COVERGIRL for a while and i was surprised with how quickly i fell in love with this - the ease of application, the color, the moisturizing and light feel it has - all of it! it's so summery too which i am sure everyone is anticipating the change in weather.

size: 314 g (full size!)

retail value: $10

3) Essie Nail Lacquer in "728 Dive Bar"

most of the Essies in my collection are matte shades so this is something different. Essie calls this color "a mysterious blackest blue with shimmer". i love how it is dark with a blue-green shimmer. must try on my nails next week.

size: 13.5 mL (full size!)

retail value: $11

4) EVOLVh UltraShine Moisture Conditioner 

hmm something seems to be missing...

oh what's that? shampoo?

that's right! i don't know why Loose Button decided to cheap out on us and just give us the second step and not the first... 

but i must admit, i loved this when i received it in my Glymm bag who-knows-when (actually i do - it was September 2012!). it's natural, smells lovely and makes your hair feel super soft and light.

which is why i wish there was a shampoo to go with this!! aghhh 

size: 75 mL

retail value: $25 (250 mL)

5) Honibe Honey Lozenges in "Lemon"

whaaaaaaaaaaaat? 

size: 4 lozenges

retail value: $5.99 (10 pack); $9.99 (20 pack)

6) Loose Button Gel Eye Pads

i don't own a set of these so i was feeling okay about getting these. but if you scroll down a bit and see the value Loose Button slapped on these, your eyes might fall out of your head and you will no longer be able to use such expensive gel eye pads.

size: 2 pads

retail value: $30 (yaaaaaaaa right)

7) L'Occitane Pivoine Flora Eau de Toilette

the heart of this scent lies in peonies - which i like. it's not 'heavy' and the tiny bottle is adorbs. i actually haven't tried any L'Occittane eau de toilettes before (or even knew they had a fragrance line...).

size: 5 mL

retail value: $47 (80 mL)

8) Simple Pleasures Hand & Body Cream in "Vanilla Bloom"

the scent is nice and not overpowering but i can tell that creams like this one tend to be sold in clothing stores who throw all their body care items near the checkout i.e. F21, H&M. the lotion is watery so it does not do much for long-lasting moisture.

(oh wait! it is the same brand as the cream in last season's box - no wonder the quality felt the same...)

size: 237 mL (full size!)

retail value: $10

i sort of wish i could've cancelled when i was strong. but now there is another Luxe Box sitting in the corner, waiting for me to get around to it. i must say i am happy to try the COVERGIRL Jumbo Gloss Balm. the Honey Lozenges counted as 1 of my 8 items which is sort of silly... the cost of those eye pads were outrageous... conditioner, mascara, lotion - nothing really grabs me anymore.

maybe it's time.

are you still with Loose Button? and are you happy? 

thanks for reading!

TOPBOX: October 2013 [regular]

LET'S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS
...
 to defeat the Huns!

actually, i determined the problem behind my inability to post anything in October.

it's because i'm lazy/busy and since i was already so behind in posting about my boxes, i was not motivated to put them up since no one was going to read them... but i will still put them up. just at a later date when i am caught up.
for now, i will post about boxes i just got - which means i will start digging through the pile of unopened boxes in the corner of my room.

yippee - blogging and not wasting products! i had almost forgotten the feeling of excitement of opening boxes and trying out new products...

here i go!

Topbox! yes, almost a month old but i am making my way through October. i can do this!

October's Topbox (regular) was the Murale (Shopppers Drug Mart) box. speaking of SDM, i misplaced my Optimum card for like 3 months and i was completely at lost without it. i felt like i was missing out on a gazillion points but i would not give up on it. i'd have terrible thoughts about some stranger finding it and using up all my points! agh!! the horror!

but the story has a happy ending! apparently i threw it in a box of receipts i was supposed to go through months ago but of course, i did not get to that.

so.... Murale! products in this box include:

1) Darphin Predermine Densifying Anti-Wrinkle (Anti-Wrinkly) Cream for Normal Skin - this is quite the fancy packaging. everything about this makes me think of something my grandma used to have on her vanity table - the lid, the other lid, the color, the scent... the texture feels light to the touch but once you smooth it on your face, it feels slightly heavier. this product comes in two forms - for normal or for dry skin.

size: 15 mL
retail value: $200 (50 mL) - ay, caramba! i will treasure this $60 sample... 

2) Erno Laszlo Transphuse Eye Refiner - this tiny sample is another anti-aging product but targeted for your eyes. this white cream smells a little funny to me... sort of like beer or something. see below 3) for a swatch of the product.

size: 2 mL
retail value: $120 (15 mL)  - looks like this box is filled with luxury items. this sample alone is worth $16

3) Rivoli Le Visage Luminous Serum - the serum is more like a very liquid-y form of a cream to me than a serum. most serums i have are clear and feels sort of thick. this one is white and runny. it has a light scent. i can't quite comment on much else since i've used it twice and the second time, i already had to squeeze the tube with my entire hand.

size: 3 mL
retail value: $220 (50 mL) - this $13 sample barely lasted me 2 uses...

4) Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Baby Doll Mascara - there are different versions of this mascara to achieve different lash looks. this Baby Doll one is particularly great for a wide-eye look with long and separate lashes. the mascara comes in 4 different colors including a black, brown, blue and purple.

size: 2 mL
retail value: $36 (5 mL) ... $14.40 sample!

so looks like the trend with this Murale box is higher-end items... probably geared towards middle-aged women with all the anti-aging items as well as the fact that they are more likely to be able to afford such price tags.
in my opinion, this box was just alright. with my current financial position, i am not looking to spend $200 on a cream just yet... but i will gladly use up my sample.

i am a tad jealous of those that got the Elizabeth Arden lipstick sample... i really need to replace my missing lip brush... and a mini one? that would come in so handy!

other Topboxes that i was debating about for the month of October included the Dermalogica box or the Cosmetics Magazine Topbox (for an additional $5) - i was tempted mainly because of the Bio Oil but really, i could actually go out and buy it... i guess.

thanks for reading!!