Play! by Sephora | August 2016 Review

I am OBSESSED with Sephora.

Okay, maybe not. But I adore it more than I should. For just $10 a month, subscribers receive:

• Five deluxe samples (plus a fragrance bonus) from the same prestige brands we carry in our stores that are sized to use multiple times.
• A PLAY! BOOK packed with tips, tricks, and helpful advice.
• A PLAY! PASS to redeem in-store for a free one-on-one tutorial and 50 bonus Beauty Insider points with any product purchase during the same store visit.*
• A collectible makeup bag.
• An invitation by email to attend PLAY! DATE, a subscriber meetup held at select Sephora locations across the country.

This subscription is definitely worth $10. I understand that you can get a bunch of samples from the Sephora store or online, but I rarely shop there and the nearest store is miles and miles away. I also enjoy the fact that I can sample a bunch of high end products and discover new brands and products that I would have never thought to experiment with on my own.

This is my second box and this month’s theme was focused on The Eye Openers- Wink Outside the Box!

Lancôme
Énergie de Vie The Smoothing & Glow Boosting Liquid Moisturizer

Lancome is a very high-end brand and nothing this brand produces comes cheap. A full size of this liquid moisturizer retails for a whopping $55!!!

I have been using this liquid moisturizer for the past week and I love it so far.  It claims to be good for all skin types.  The moisturizer is infused with antioxidants and is very light and refreshing.  I use it in the morning as a day “moisturizer”.  The consistency itself is very watery and essence-like and a little goes a long way.  At first, it is very fragrant but doesn’t linger. I find that my face has a nice dewy glow after application. It’s also good to know that this moisturizer is formulated with parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. It’s way out of my budget when it comes to skincare, but I will definitely keep it in mind if I really feel like splurging on myself in the near future.

Algenist
Complete Eye Renewal Balm

I’m very excited to have received this product this month.  I have not been in the market for anti-aging products, but could always start as a way for prevention. I’ve never used an eye cream before so I was super excited to try it out.  The sample size is a very generous amount as you only need a pea-size amount for each use.

This eye balm is formulated with Alguronic Acid (encourages cell regeneration for smoother complexion), vitamin C (boosts radiance & reduces wrinkles), caffeine (reduces puffiness), cucumber (soothing and hydrating effects), aloe, and green tea extracts. This too is formulated without parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.  It is supposed to treat fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness.

 I’ve been using this balm every morning and in the evening before I go to bed.  It’s too soon to tell for immediate results.

MAKE UP FOR EVER
Artist Shadow Eyeshadow and Powder Blush in I544 Pink Granite (Iridescent)

This is a very nice shade that I’ve been using over my lids for a pop of color each morning.  It is very soft and creamy and blends nicely.  It is also a very buildable shadow.  (Swatched below). It pairs nicely with the eyeliner I received below.

SEPHORA COLLECTION
Contour Eye Pencil 12hr Wear Waterproof in 33 Love Affair – Plum

Surprisingly, I was very impressed by this eyeliner.  Again, I’m not a big fan of pencil liners, but this one is lovely.  It is definitely waterproof!  I swatched it about 9am along with the eyeshadow and it was still present later that evening (even after doing dishes and giving baby a bath!!).  I am in love with the shade and have been using it on weekends when I don’t have to be all dolled up. I’ve been browsing through their color selection and I definitely plan on purchasing this specific shade and others after I am out of this sample.

Urban Decay
Perversion Mascara

Everyone raves about this mascara…and I wasn’t impressed. The brush is nice and fluffy, but the mascara didn’t lengthen or volumize my lashes like it claimed it would do.

CLEAN
Reserve Warm Cotton

I love that this subscription includes a bonus fragrance each month.  This scent reminds me of fresh laundry. It’s not something I’d wear daily, but it’d be nice to spray around the house if it needs a bit of freshening up.

L to R: Make Up For Every Eyeshadow, Sephora Eyeliner. How amazing is this combo?!

Click here if you want to be added to their waitlist or if you want to check out Septhember’s box!

XO,
Tracy

IPSY GLAM BAG | JULY 2016 Review

Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription (make up, skin care, hair care, nail care).  Pricing is only $10 a month and shipping is free (in the US). Each glam bag will contain a mix of 4-5 full size or sample size products.  This subscription is perfect for anyone looking to sample new products before committing to them!

This month’s theme is Hot Summer Nights. The bag itself is very cute.  It’s silver/shimmery with a rainbow hue to it with little umbrella graphics all over it.  Personally, there is something very retro about it.

First up, we have not just 1 packet…but 4 packets (!!!) of  Anti-Frizz Sheets by Nunzio Saviano. Thank you Nunzio!!! I always feel special when I receive salon products and samples.  Can you believe that a box of 15 of these retails for $18?!

These little packets are perfect for on-the-go.  It’s supposed to control static, eliminate frizz, and tame flyaways.  This is perfect for me because I usually find random strays of hair that won’t stay put.  Each sheet is infused with coconut oil and will give your hair that summer shine.

I have yet to try this out because I’ve been keeping my hair up in a bun during this Arizona heat wave.  Monsoon season is upon us, and we’ve been getting a sprinkle here and there, but not enough to cool us off. I’m literally saving this for a rainy day for when it gets a little more humid out here and I can leave my hair down 🙂

Next up is a full size Banana Setting Powder from Bella Pierre Cosmetics.  First off, this retails for $35! Wow!!! Functions for this powder is to: set make up (mainly undereyes), color correct redness, spot correct, or used as a base for your eyeshadow.

I’m not one to “bake” my face, but I tried it out and was pretty impressed.  The powder is lightweight and gave my face and nice matte finish. It eliminated shine from my T-Zone and chin.  Although it’s supposed to work with all skin tones, I found that adding too much of it on my face made me look pasty.  I really had to work to dust a lot of it off. It’s too soon to tell if it made my make up last a little longer. I’ll let you know how well it is working once I get my technique down lol 😉

Here is another great full size product from Trust Fund Beauty. This nail polish is in the shade No Filter.  The shade is absolutely gorgeous and retails for $15! I really appreciate that this brand works to minimize the use of toxic ingredients and that they are vegan and cruelty free.

Although it claims that you don’t need to double coat, I found that I had to apply a second coat just to hide my uneven streaks.  Again, I am working on perfecting my technique!

L to R: 1 stroke vs. 3+ strokes

Next we have a Felt Tip Eyeliner in Emerald Isle from ML cosmetics.  I wanted so bad to love this product because it was different to me.  I’m a black eyeliner kinda gal and would love to venture out to different shades once in a while.  The green shade looked black on me.  The ink bled and as soon as it hit water, the ink disappeared.  I wish it were waterproof!

Lastly, we have a mascara from Make Up For Ever. This is my 3rd mascara I received in a row in my glam bag.  I had high expectations for this mascara just because it was made by MUFE.  To me, it felt like there was barely any product in the tube. My wand was barely covered in product the first time I pulled the wand out.  And when I tried to apply it to my lashes, I wasn’t even sure I was getting any on there because it seemed like the mascara was dried out.  It did absolutely nothing except klump my lashes together. I was hoping that the short bristles would evenly coat my lashes…but failed.

Overall, I was happy with my glam bag this month.  There were a couple of misses but I am definitely happy to sample products I never would have picked out for myself. Receiving more than one full size product is always a plus!  If you’re interested in getting yourself a glam bag, click here!

Fellow ipsters, what were your favorite products you received this month?

XO,
Tracy

IPSY GLAM BAG | July 2016 REVEAL

At last, Ipsy reveals are up! Not gonna lie…it was agonizing without early access lol I must say, I’m glad I didn’t go cray cray like some subscribers out there.  I was beginning to feel bad for Ipsy Care with the constant nagging from fellow subscribers.

On to the goodies! Not a great first impression for me this month.  This will be the 3rd time in a row I’ll be getting a mascara from Ipsy (Check out my May and June reveals).  The anti-frizz sheets probably won’t get used until it cools down here in AZ.  With this heat, you’ll rarely see me with my hair down! I’m in dire need of a new eyeliner so I’m glad to be receiving a new one this month!

Nunzio Saviano Anti-Frizz Sheets
Trust Fund Beauty Nail Polish in No Filter
ML Cosmetics Felt Tip Eyeliner in Emerald Isle
MAKE UP FOR EVER Excessive Lash
BelláPierre Cosmetics Banana Setting Powder

What are you getting in your glam bag this month? Is there anything in my bag I should be particularly excited for?

If you’re not a subscriber yet and would like to get a glam bag of your own, sign up here!

XO,
Tracy

IPSY GLAM BAG | June 2016 REVEAL

source: ipsy.com

Happy Monday, lovelies!!! Ipsy’s early access is here and I’m super stoked about this month’s glam bag! This month’s theme is REBEL REBEL and I am very, very happy with the goodies I’ll be getting in the mail soon 🙂

Elizabeth Mott Show Me Your Cheeks Blush in Peach Pink
BIODERMA Laboratoire Dermatologique Sensibio H2O
Urban DecayEyeshadow in Fireball or Lounge
Doucce Boombastic Lash Volumizer Mascara
clariSEA Deep Pore Detox Activated Charcoal Exfoliating Mask

Have you tried any of the products listed above? What are you getting in your glam bag this month?

If you’d like to join in on the Ipsy fun, click here to be added to their waitlist!

XO,
Tracy

Ipsy – Skip the Waitlist!!! [over]

Hurry!!! Click here or the image above to skip Ipsy’s waitlist!

Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription (make up, skin care, hair care, nail care).  Pricing is only $10 a month and shipping is free (in the US). Each glam bag will contain a mix of 4-5 full size or sample size products.  This subscription is perfect for anyone looking to sample new products before committing to them!

Still contemplating? Check out my April Bag and March Bag for the awesome products I received.  I have been very happy with this subscription and do not regret signing up! Look out for my May review!

XO,
Tracy

**This post contains my ipsy referral code and thanks in advance if you decide to use it  🙂

Kaia Naturals Juicy Bamboo Natural Facial Cleansing Oil Cloths

[Taken from instagram]

I’d like to thank@0.8l_usa  for the opportunity to review the @kaianaturals Juicy Bamboo Natural Cleansing Cloths!

These cloths are made from bamboo fibers and are soaked in ingredients that are beneficial to your skin like honey, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, eight pure plant based essential oils, and vitamins B12, C, and E. This is a cruelty-free and biodegradable product.

First off, how cute is the packaging! I tested this product as soon as I got home from work. Due to my job, I wear full coverage makeup on a daily basis and you can bet it’s such a relief wiping my “face” off each night. I’m always on the hunt for gentle make up removers. These cloths are a miracle product. They are so gentle on my skin! Each cloth is not large in size, but it sure gets the job done. I was able to remove my foundation, eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick in one go! It’s nice to know that I’m not just removing make up from my face and that the oils in the cloth are removing impurities and are working to cleanse my face. The cloths are cooling and my face was very moisturized afterwards. There is a unique smell to it. I can smell the honey and hint of citrus.
I think pricing is fairly reasonable as you get quality ingredients in each cloth that are beneficial to your skin and is also environmentally friendly. I am definitely interested in investing in these cloths after I run out!

P.S. I also had Mr. G test a cloth out.  Surprisingly, he enjoyed it.  He wasn’t too fond of the scent…but hey, he’s a non-fragrance kind of guy.  He said his face no longer felt greasy and was left nice and smooth. Don’t tell anyone, but he had asked to try another one out after he was out grilling steaks and cooking up some of his famous tacos 😉

XO,
Tracy

IPSY GLAM BAG | May 2016 REVEAL

Source: ipsy.com

Early access is here!!! It looks like I’ll be getting another great mix of make up products, a beauty tool, and a skin care product. Thumbs up Ipsy!

I’ll be receiving:

Smashbox X-Rated Mascara
Pacifica Natural Mineral Coconut Eye Shadow Trio
Hikari Cosmetics Shimmer Bronzer
Vera Mona Eye Smudger Brush
FORMULA 10.0.6 Pores Be Pure Skin-Clarifying Mud Mask

What products are you excited for this month? If you’d like to be added to Ipsy’s wait list, feel free to use my referral link here.

XO,
Tracy

 

IPSY GLAM BAG | APRIL 2016 Review

Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription (make up, skin care, hair care, nail care).  Pricing is only $10 a month and shipping is free (in the US). Each glam bag will contain a mix of 4-5 full size or sample size products.  This subscription is perfect for anyone looking to sample new products before committing to them!

This month’s theme is all about Dreamers!

Dream on! Create looks that celebrate every side of your unique beauty‒from natural and understated to high fashion and ultra-glam. — ipsy.com

I am in love with all of the contents of my bag! I was torn between which of the products I should try out first. Another great thing is that a few of these products are multifunctional…This mama on-the-go definitely needs it!

This bag definitely feels like it was inspired by Coachella and the transition of Spring to Summer! The design itself is dreamlike and embodies a free-spirit.

pur~lisse Beauty
Blue Lotus + White Tea Sheet Mask & Blue Lotus + Seaweed Sheet Mask

I was so excited to find that I’ll be receiving sheet masks this month! I’m pretty sure everyone knows about my sheet mask obsession by now.

I had sampled pur~lisse’s cleanser & make up remover a while back and was very impressed with how gentle it is.  I have very high expectations for these masks!

I received two masks in my glam bag:

The Blue Lotus + White Tea Treatment Sheet Mask is age-defying, nourishing, renewing, and intensely moisturizing. This natural fiber mask infused with Blue Lotus, Seaweed and restorative Asian botanicals delivers antioxidants and minerals to your skin.  This power blend fights soothes & nourishes while White Mulberry brightens and Anise fruit provides continuous moisture, leaving skin healthy, beautiful and radiant.

The Blue Lotus + Seaweed Treatment Sheet Mask is soothing & calming, balancing & restoring, and intensely moisturizing. This natural fiber mask infused with Blue Lotus, White Tea and restorative Asian botanicals delivers antioxidants and minerals to your skin.  This power blend fights free radicals, improves skin texture while White Mulberry brightens and Anise helps firm skin, leaving complexion healthy, beautiful and youthful-looking. — purlisse.com

I am so excited to try these masks out and will be posting up a review for Mask Monday!

REN Skincare
Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream

Ipsy always has great timing when they send me product types I need a refill on.  I had just ran out of face cream/moisturizer a little bit ago and had been meaning to buy more.

First off, this is a 100% natural product and does not contain harmful substances. It protects your skin from pollution. It also claims to be anti-aging and trains your skin to be less sensitive.  That is definitely a new claim for me!

This is a very lightweight cream and did a great job moisturizing. My skin absorbed the product nicely and did not feel greasy. My face felt hydrated all day.

tarte Cosmetics
LipSurgence™ lip creme in wonder

I am a fan of Tarte and have been impressed by products I have come across.  And this lip creme is one of them! It is such an adorable sample! I love that it is shaped like a crayon as I can apply the product with precision.  It is super creamy and it just glides onto my lips.  I got this in the shade Wonder.  It’s a great shade that enhances my natural lip color (which is my preference with lip products!).  Although I haven’t tried it yet, I love that this doubles as a cheek color! The only con I have is that the product transfers very easily.

Starlooks
Cream Eye Shadow in Rose Gold

I was kind of iffy about receiving a Starlooks product.  I have not had positive experiences with eyeliners I’ve received in the past.  They were always dried out and the eyeliners would always break on me.

As a result, I did not have high expectations for this product.  Turns out this is a lovely product! I got this in the shade Rose Gold and it is stunning! I had already read reviews and many people said this formula was clumpy and sticky.  I disagree.  It works well if you prime your lids first.  And you’re better off applying thin layers at a time to build up the shade while preventing any clumps from forming or your lids creasing.

Luxie Beauty
Dreamcatcher Tapered Highlighter Brush 522

Sweet! Another multi-use product! I love that this brush can be used for contouring, highlighting, blending, and setting under-eye concealer! The bristles are very soft and fluffy. I’ll definitely be using this everyday!

Again, each product in my glam bag has exceeded my expectations! What were your favorites this month?

XO,
Tracy

IPSY GLAM BAG | April 2016 REVEAL

Yay for early access! I’m definitely looking forward to this month’s bag. Everything looks gorgeous! I’m getting a great mix of make up products, skin care products, and a make up tool!

tarte Cosmetics LipSurgence™ lip creme in wonder
Luxie Beauty Dreamcatcher Tapered Highlighter Brush 522
Starlooks Cream Eye Shadow in Rose Gold
REN Skincare Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream
pur~lisse Beauty Blue Lotus + White Tea Sheet Mask & Blue Lotus + Seaweed Sheet Mask

What products are you receiving in your glam bag?

If you’d like your own glam bag, click here to be added to the wait list!

XO,
Tracy

IPSY GLAM BAG | MARCH 2016 Review

Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription (make up, skin care, hair care, nail care).  Pricing is only $10 a month and shipping is free (in the US). Each glam bag will contain a mix of 4-5 full size or sample size products.  This subscription is perfect for anyone looking to sample new products before committing to them!

Overall, I was very, very happy with this month’s bag. If you follow me on instagram, you’ll know that I had my March glam bag mailed to my office. And yes, you are seeing DOUBLES of 3 out of 5 of the products I received this month!!! Have you received anything more than you expected in any of your subscriptions?

This month, I believe there were 3 variations of the bag.  They all had the same design, but different colors.  I received a coral bag with mint green flowers.  It definitely screams “Hello, Spring!”

essence cosmetics
make me brow eyebrow gel mascara
Full Size Pricing: $2.99

I received two of these babies in my bag! I’ve never used an eyebrow gel before. Receiving this product motivated me to clean up my eyebrows a bit. It’s about time I step up my brow game!

I got this in the shade Browny Brows.  I really liked it.  I’ve read reviews of people complaining that it was too dark for them. I was a bit worried since my eyebrows are already BLACK and they definitely don’t need to be any darker than they are now.  The shade wasn’t dramatically dark on me. In fact, it was just right.  It’s buildable. I treat it as a clear gel to keep my brows in place.

The size of the brush was perfect.  It was small enough to brush the right amount of gel in gaps.  The formula also includes tiny little fibers to fill your brows to get the fuller look.

The price is great and I plan on buying more once I run out.

Beau Gâchis® Paris
Eyebrow Brush
Full Size Pricing: $15.00

This is was another product I received double of in my glam bag! That’s $30 right there…triple what I paid for!  I received my bag around St. Patty’s day, so I figured the luck of the Irish was with me lol

These brushes work great. The bristles are nice and soft and short enough to get precision to get defined brows or the perfect wing.  So far, I’ve used them on gel and powder products and they work great on application.

 

Marc Anthony
Nourishing Argan Oil of Morocco 3 Day Smooth Perfect Blow Dry Cream
Sample size: 1.69 oz
Full Size Pricing: $8.99

I’ve always had this infatuation with Mediterranean history and culture. To read that this product contains ultra-light Mediterranean Olive Oil and Argan Oil, I was all in! Bring on the Greek Goddess hair!  Other than the olive oil and argan oil, this hair product includes shea butter, keratin, and vitamin E. FYI: Keratin is known for keeping hair smooth and sleek!

I don’t use too many products in my hair.  Aside from shampoo and conditioner, I’ll occasionally use hairspray to keep any stray hairs at bay.  It’s been crazy windy here and my perfectly styled hair never stays in place  once I step out the door.

The cream itself was light and had a scent of…marshmallows. Did anyone else notice that? Or am I just crazy?

This is a great anti-frizz product! After applying a little product to my hair and blow drying, my hair was light, smooth, and sleek. And I even noticed an extra shine. This product claims to work with all hair types.  It also claims to strengthen and seal split ends.  I cut my hair a few months ago so I don’t really suffer from split ends.  Hopefully this cream will work to prevent split ends!

 

Warm Glow Bronzer
Sample size: .25 fl oz
Pricing for full size: ?

The sun is out, everyone! Who doesn’t want to look like they were relaxing on the beach all day?

I received two of these bronzers in my glam bag.  This product is very liquidy.  I wasn’t too sure what the best application would be.  I figure I should blend it with my fingers since my brushes would probably soak up all the product.

The product color is too light for my skintone. It really is a beautiful color though.

MAKE UP FOR EVER
Step 1 Skin Equalizer- Hydrating Primer
Sample size: .16 oz
Pricing for Full Size: $37
 

I am still a newbie with primers. I wasn’t too sure what to expect from this product…

I am in love!

This is such a great product! I’m really thinking about investing in the full size primer, but why does it have to be sooo expensive?!

This primer is very lightweight.  I really like the scent of it.  It’s kind of floraly. I received the hydrating formula which is absolutely perfect for my currently dry skin (darn you unpredictable Arizona weather!). I did notice my foundation applying nicely which gave my skin an evenly-toned appearance. My make up also held for a longer period of time. This gets two big fat thumbs ups from me!!

I love everything about my March glam bag and I can’t wait to receive this month’s bag! What were your favorite products?

XO,
Tracy