Ipsy Subscription Glam Bag - March 2017

Hello Beauties <3

If you subscribe to Ipsy, each month you will receive a cute Glam Bag filled with a mix of 5 full sized beauty products or deluxe samples all for just $10.

This month's theme is Make Everyday More Beautiful!

Here is a peek inside the March bag of goodies...........

Skone Cosmetics Luxe Pro Blending Brush - $18

Ofra Cosmetics Peach Blush - $14 for 0.14 oz

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer - $5 value 0.34 oz    full size $24 for 1.7 oz

City Color Photo Chic Dark Spot Color Corrector - $4 for 0.14 oz

Tarte Tarteist Lip Paint in Delish  - $3 value 0.034 oz        full size $20 for 0.20 oz

Approximate value - $44


Stacey <3

Play! by Sephora Subscription Box - July 2016

Hello Beauties <3

PLAY! by SEPHORA is a subscription box program. Each month you will receive five deluxe samples (plus a fragrance bonus) from the same prestige brands that you can find in Sephora stores, 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 (each ticket may only be used once and expires after 30 days), a collectible makeup bag and an invitation by email to attend PLAY! DATE, a subscriber meetup held at select Sephora locations across the country. All this for $10 a month!

This month's theme is Effortless Summer

Ouai Wave Spray - 1.7 oz $8 value  Full Size  $26 for 5.0 oz

Benefit Cosmetics Dew The Hoola Liquid Bronzer - 0.16 oz  $4.50 value Full Size $28 for 1.0 oz

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer - 0.25 oz  $9 value  Full Size $36 for 1.0 oz

Nest Fragrances Citrine eau de parfum sample

First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser - $5.50 for 1.0 oz  
Other available sizes  2 oz $10  5 oz $20  8 oz $30  

Blotterazzi by beauty blender 

Stacey <3

February Empties

Hello Beauties <3

Another month is behind us and it's time to share some products that were used during the month of February. Since I have so many perfume samples, I am trying to use a handful of them each month going forward.

Belif Witch Hazel Herbal Extract Toner - Retail price $28 for 6.75 oz

I was so excited to try more products from this Korean Skincare line ever since I tested their Aqua Bomb moisturizer. I needed a new toner so I decided to give this a try and I must say I was impressed. I liked that this toner had a thicker, more creamier consistency than other toners I tried. It definitely left my skin feeling clean, toned and hydrated.

Details from their site: A toner formulated with witch hazel to hydrate dry, dull skin, leaving it hydrated, soothed, and balanced after cleansing. This botanical toner is formulated to hydrate dry, dull skin, leaving it even and deeply moisturized after cleansing. It contains a blend of apothecary herbs, including witch hazel, to help clarify and hydrate skin by sealing in moisture. Skin appears supple and revitalized over time. 

Kate Somerville Age Arrest Anti Wrinkle Cream - Retail Price $90 for 1.7 oz

Like most skin care products, you have to use them over a period of time to see results. I don't always get that opportunity because I have so many different products in my stash waiting patiently to get used. With that said, I have one more deluxe sample to use but I'm not running to Sephora to buy the full size.

According to information found on their official website, here are the clinical results I found:

After 4 weeks:

• 90% of women showed highly significant improvement in skin firmness and elasticity
• 93% of women showed highly significant improvement in skin discoloration and skin tone evenness

After 6 weeks:

• 93% of women said their skin felt hydrated and moisturized
• Crow’s feet and fine lines are significantly improved

Clinically tested to be safe for sensitive skin. Clinical results based on an independent Clinical Study

First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Purifying Mask with Red Clay - Retail Price $30 for 3 oz

My skin really enjoys this mask. It is a peel off mask that is meant to stay on your face for 20 minutes but I leave it on for closer to 30 minutes. I can see an instant difference in my skin when I remove it. 
This mask treatment delivers immediately visible results akin to a professional treatment. In just 20 minutes the mask detoxifies and deeply purifies the complexion by drawing out skin impurities with a potent concentration of red clay. It regulates excess sebum, and eliminates clogged pores. In addition, mineral rich red clay reduces congestive pigmentation in problem areas where pimples previously formed and improves the skin’s texture. As the mask is peeled away, skin looks smoother, softer, and refreshed while pores appear visibly reduced. I would definitely buy the full size of this mask. 

Sephora Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover -  Retail price $14 for 6.76 oz

I have tried may different makeup removers and although most get the job done, this one removes my waterproof mascara the quickest and the easiest with very little tugging of my lashes. It does not sting or irritate my eyes at all. Give it a few shakes, pour a little onto a makeup wipe and you're good to go..... bye bye makeup. Oh and of course the price is a major plus.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Foundation - Retail price $38 for 1 oz

I wear Ivory Beige 3N1 which is described as ivory beige (that's a shocker :) ) with warm neutral undertones. Although I find this shade a little too light for my skin,  I have been wearing it for about two years mostly during the winter months with some bronzer. The formula is described as a 15-hour, flawless foundation that stays looking fresh and natural through heat, humidity, and nonstop activity. Estēe Lauder’s Double Wear Makeup delivers flawless, 15-hour staying power, and it is natural-looking for carefree coverage. A lightweight, oil-free, and buildable formula, it doesn’t change color, leaving your makeup looking as fresh as when you first applied it. 

Nars Audacious Mascara - Retail price $26 for 0.32 oz

I did a full review on this mascara back in August. Click here for the details: Nars Audacious Mascara Review

Ren Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial - Retail price $48 for 2.5 oz

A one-minute mask that firms, tones, and smooths the skin with 10 percent vitamin C that turns a dull complexion bright. Formulated with potent water-activated vitamin C, this one-minute mask instantly revitalizes and visibly rejuvenates the skin. It reduces signs of fatigue, photo-aging, and skin imperfections, and leaves skin looking firm, toned, and smoothed. Skin instantly glows with renewed health and radiance. 

Kirkland Signature Daily Facial Towelettes - Retail price $11.99 for 150 count

Included in this box are 4 - 30 count flip top recloseable lid packs and 2 - 15 count resealable travel packs. I absolutely love these makeup wipes from Costco. I use them every night to remove my makeup although I still pour a little makeup remover on them just to help remove my waterproof mascara with ease. I do not like tugging on my eyes and lashes if I don't have to.

Pamper yourself with an effective and complete skin care solution that offers a deep clean and will not irritate your skin. This mild formula has cucumber, chamomile flower extract and aloe and will remove all traces of makeup, dirt and oil leaving your skin glowing and refreshed, No need to rinse your face afterwards. A definite YAY for me. If you couldn't tell from my previous blog posts, I use these daily so they usually show up in my empties. Sadly this was my last package I need to get to Costco!

Peter Thomas Roth CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 - Retail price $48 for 1.7 oz

An all-in-one antiaging treatment, sunscreen, complexion corrector, moisturizer, and tint. This multifunctional complexion corrector is formulated with arbutin and camu camu, an Amazonian superfruit that has 30 times the vitamin C of an average orange. Vitamin C evens out the skintone and supports natural collagen, creating the appearance of firmer, brighter, younger-looking skin over time. It instantly minimizes the look of imperfections, while broad spectrum SPF 30 protects skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Antioxidant vitamins C and E help fight free radical attack and keep skin healthy, radiant, and beautiful. 

Chanel Chance eau de parfum - Retail price $94 for 1.7 oz or $124 for 3.4 oz

Floral notes merge with sweet and spicy elements to embody the most powerful, concentrated and long-lasting form of fragrance.For those who dare to dream, the decidedly young scent of CHANCE, an unexpected floral, pulls out all the stops.

Chanel Coco eau de parfum - Retail price $94 for 1.7 oz

An elegant, luxurious spray closest in strength and character to the parfum form. Spray lightly on pulse points morning and evening. The classic signature bottle is a sophisticated addition to any dressing table.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream eau de toilette - variety of sizes

 $25 for 0.33 oz rollerball

 $54 for 1.0 oz bottle

 $78 for 1.7 oz bottle

 $96 for 3.4 oz bottle

Inspired by the boundless spirit of daisies and blue skies, Daisy Dream reflects Marc Jacobs’ irresistible mix of intricate details, elegance, and femininity for a fresh interpretation of the iconic Daisy motif. The fruity-floral fragrance has a light and airy touch, bursting with top notes of blackberry, grapefruit, and pear. The heart notes are introduced with a bouquet of jasmine, lychee, and blue wisteria, and a medley of white woods, musks, and coconut water reveal the base notes. 

The glass bottle is enveloped in a shawl of laced daisies, topped with a silver cap, and adorned with gold hues and daisy accents. 

Notes: 
Blackberry, Grapefruit, Pear, Jasmine, Lychee, Blue Wisteria, White Woods, Musks, Coconut Water. 
Style: 
Ethereal. Free-spirited. Luminous.

Lancome La Vie Est Belle eau de parfum - variety of sizes

 $25 for 0.34 oz rollerball

 $66 for 1.0 oz bottle

 $86 for 1.7 oz bottle

 $110 for 2.5 oz bottle

 $198 for 6.76 oz bottle (never saw a bottle this big)

La vie est belle or life is beautiful—the expression of a new era. It represents a choice; the choice to break free from convention, the choice to create your own path to happiness. La vie est belle introduces a new story, the first ever iris gourmand. 

The juice is made with the most precious natural ingredients, a modern interpretation of an oriental fragrance with a twist of gourmand. It entwines the elegance of iris with the strength of patchouli and the sweetness of a gourmand blend for an incredible scent with depth and complexity. 

Notes:
Iris, Patchouli, Gourmand. 
Style:
Free. Happy. Deep.

Stacey <3

November Empties - Yay or Nay

Hello Beauties <3

Another month is behind us and that means more beauty products have been used and it's time to talk about the yays and nays of my November empties.

I can't believe we are in the last month of the year and with all the holiday beauty sales, I MUST use up more products to make room for those hauls!

Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser - Retail Price $30 for 7.0 oz

This creamy, foaming, antioxidant-rich cleanser gently cleanses, nourishes, and hydrates. It deeply purifies and pampers skin, infusing delicate nourishment with African red tea, a youth-restoring antioxidant to strengthen skin, vitamin C to brighten and firm, and borage seed oil to soothe and nourish. Bright and energizing citrus extracts of grapefruit, orange, and tangerine purify and intoxicate the skin senses.

When it comes to face cleansers, I prefer a foaming one for sure. I think it's all in my head, but when I see the "foam" all over my face, I feel my skin is getting the best cleanse. It has a wonderful citrus smell and makes my skin feel so refreshed.

Kate Somerville RetAsphere 2 in 1 Retinol Night Cream - Retail Price $85 for 1.0 oz

This was included in my October Empties Blog Post and because I loved it, I finished another deluxe sample of it. I always look forward to trying products that say "retinol" or "anti-aging" so I was excited to receive this night cream. This two-in-one night cream is designed to gently infuse the skin with pure Retinol and helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and evens out skin texture and tone. It increases your skin's elasticity and firmness making it look and feel smooth and firm. A definite YAY for me but I only have one more deluxe samples left.

Kate Somerville Age Arrest Anti Wrinkle Cream - Retail Price $90 for 1.7 oz

Like most skin care products, you have to use them over a period of time to see results. I don't always get that opportunity because I have so many different products in my stash waiting patiently to get used. With that said, I have one more deluxe sample to use but I'm not running to Sephora to buy the full size.

According to information found on their official website, here are the clinical results I found:

After 4 weeks:

• 90% of women showed highly significant improvement in skin firmness and elasticity
• 93% of women showed highly significant improvement in skin discoloration and skin tone evenness

After 6 weeks:

• 93% of women said their skin felt hydrated and moisturized
• Crow’s feet and fine lines are significantly improved

Clinically tested to be safe for sensitive skin. Clinical results based on an independent Clinical Study

Too Faced Primed & Poreless Skin Perfecting Face Primer - Retail Price $30 for 1.0 oz

This primer was also mentioned in my October Empties Blog Post and Sephora Haul Blog Post. It helps create a flawless canvas alone or under your foundation for a bright and fresh look that lasts all day. Vitamins A & C, Mulberry Extract and a powerful dose of Retinol virtually banish pores while tired skin is left hydrated, firmer, and detoxified.This is my HG face primer and I love it so much, I bought 2 more at the recent Sephora sale. A tremendous YAY for me!

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask
Retail Price $63 for a box of 12 packs (each pack contains 2 eye masks)

I love these eye masks, they are so concentrated and practically show visible results instantly. If you are looking for an eye treatment that reduces the appearance of fine lines, brightens your skin, minimizes the look of dark circle, plumps and hydrates the skin, then try these eye masks. Your skin will feel softer and look smoother and healthier. Of course it's a YAY for me. Here is the description:

Pure Retinol Micro-Infusion technology penetrates skin instantly to smooth away the look of wrinkles. The mask conforms to skin to seal in essence and refine texture for 24-hour hydration. It also features Benefiance’s powerful WrinkleResist technology to prevent new wrinkle formation and help treat existing wrinkles. This product addresses three types of eye area wrinkles: corner crinkling, under eye wrinkles, and crow’s feet. Pure Retinol Micro-Infusion Technology delivers ultra small particles of retinol in an essence, providing an easily-absorbed formula with a higher concentration of the active ingredient. Wrinkle-Retouching Sheet is thicker, more adherent, and more flexible. It stays in place on the skin while physically stretching wrinkles and smoothing them out. It holds 20 percent more essence than the previous version. Smoothness-holding polymers in the essence stay on the skin surface for hours after mask removal, maintaining skin’s smoothness. 

Origins Plantscription Anti Aging Power Serum - Retail Price $58 for 1 oz or $77 for 1.7 oz

I am a fan of anything that says "anti aging" and a serum that does not have a liquid-y formula. My one exception to that rule is the Ole Henriksen Truth Serum. I love how this serum melts into my skin and only takes a minute or so before drying so I can apply moisturizer. YAY I would continue using it.

Here is the description:
This power serum helps unlock a new path to visible wrinkle reduction. In just 2 weeks, this powerful age-fighting serum helps visibly improve lines and wrinkles. With continued use, it helps lift and firm to reveal a more youthful appearance. It’s clinically proven to help visibly reduce lines and wrinkles in just 2 weeks. Origins went around the world to power up our most potent anti-ager. It’s now formulated with a total of 20 targeted anti-aging plant extracts including Anogeissus from Ghana, Bamboo and Pea Extract from Australia, Crithmum from France and Commiphora from India to name a few. And we used them to create our newest anti-aging cocktail. Line-reducing cocktail helps rebuild a supportive network. Give skin resilient bounce to act like the box springs of a mattress. New plumping cocktails helps plump upper skin layers. Create a less wrinkled appearance at skin surface. Boost skin density to act like the pillow top of a mattress.

Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash - Retail Price $22 for 5 oz

This is my HG cleanser that I use with my Clarisonic. Frothy and foaming -YES, smells fantastic - YES, makes my skin feel awesome - YES. As the name implies, it is great for both dry and oily skin. It does a great job of balancing the two while never cancelling each other out. A definite YAY for me and you will see it in my next haul post.

This cleanser balances faces with dry and oily places. This gentle, frothy face wash with Broad Leaf Kelp Extract, Wheat Protein and Tourmaline discourages excess oil production while protecting dry prone zones. Plus the aroma of Bergamot, Spearmint and Lavender refreshes. Skin feels comfortably clean. Never tight, pulled or parched. 

First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Purifying Mask with Red Clay - Retail Price $30 for 3 oz

My skin really enjoys this mask. It is a peel off mask that is meant to stay on your face for 20 minutes but I leave it on for closer to 30 minutes. I can see an instant difference in my skin when I remove it. 
This mask treatment delivers immediately visible results akin to a professional treatment. In just 20 minutes the mask detoxifies and deeply purifies the complexion by drawing out skin impurities with a potent concentration of red clay. It regulates excess sebum, and eliminates clogged pores. In addition, mineral rich red clay reduces congestive pigmentation in problem areas where pimples previously formed and improves the skin’s texture. As the mask is peeled away, skin looks smoother, softer, and refreshed while pores appear visibly reduced. I would definitely buy the full size of this mask. YAY!

Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask - Retail Price $92 for 3.3 oz

This is another product that I like but will not be buying the full size (I have plenty of samples to hold me over for awhile). When I applied this mask, I noticed it had a slight hint of a tea smell, so if you like tea no worries. I did not particularly like the smell but it wasn't unbearable. My skin felt quite hydrated after I rinsed it off so that was a plus. For me, this mask is good for when I'm short on time because it's easy to apply and removes quickly. Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask with advanced antioxidants is a hydrating treatment that immediately reveals softer, firmer, healthier-looking skin. The innovative formula’s velvety whipped texture has an immediate cooling effect to refresh the skin and the senses.

Here's some results from their site:

• Proven to have a significant moisturizing effect for 6 hours
• 94% reported softer skin
• 84% noticed more supple skin
• 81% felt it smoothed and improved skin texture

Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti Aging Eye Cream - Retail Price $72 for .50 oz

A rich eye cream that reduces fine lines and wrinkles and can be applied all over the eye. A little goes a long way and it definitely hydrated my under eye area.

Key Benefits and Results according to the Algenist site:

Nourishes, smoothes and visibly reinforces skin resilience

Appearance of expression lines and wrinkles is reduced

Skin tone appears evened out for brighter-looking eyes

Skin texture is visibly improved

Under-eye sagging is visibly minimized

90% said skin looked more supple in 10 days

94% said it nourished their under eye area in 10 days

87% said eye contours were visibly smoother in 10 days

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb - Retail Price $38 for 1.68 oz

Aqua Bomb is an ultra-lightweight, mineral oil-free gel-cream that instantly cools and refreshes skin while providing intensive hydration. This formula contains a blend of apothecary herbs, including antioxidant-rich lady's mantle, which helps neutralize skin-damaging free radicals, improves skin elasticity, and minimizes the appearances of pores. This refreshing cream is formulated to 'burst' when applied, releasing a flood of weightless moisture onto skin, and then absorb completely for a healthy, smooth, supple appearance. This is a great summer time moisturizer.

Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb - Retail Price $38 for 1.68 oz

The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb is a comforting moisture cream that provides the skin with intense, soothing hydration. Clinically tested to provide up to 26 hours of moisture, this uniquely indulgent formula leaves skin soft, supple, and deeply moisturized. This formula contains a blend of apothecary herbs, including comfrey leaf, a powerful hydrating agent. The cushiony cream format is designed to 'burst' when applied, releasing a flood of moisture onto skin, and then absorb completely without stickiness for a healthy, smooth, supple appearance. This is a great winter time moisturizer.

Dermablend Professional Setting Powder - Retail Price $26 for 1.0 oz

This loose powder was just ok for me. I received it in one of my subscription boxes so of course I was going to use. It set my foundation with no issues and I did not notice any transfer of product throughout the day.

Kirkland Signature Daily Facial Towelettes - Retail price $11.99 for 150 count

Included in this box are 4 - 30 count flip top recloseable lid packs and 2 - 15 count resealable travel packs. I absolutely love these makeup wipes from Costco. I use them every night to remove my makeup although I still pour a little makeup remover on them just to help remove my waterproof mascara with ease. I do not like tugging on my eyes and lashes if I don't have to.

Pamper yourself with an effective and complete skin care solution that offers a deep clean and will not irritate your skin. This mild formula has cucumber, chamomile flower extract and aloe and will remove all traces of makeup, dirt and oil leaving your skin glowing and refreshed, No need to rinse your face afterwards. A definite YAY for me. If you couldn't tell from my previous blog posts, I use these daily so they usually show up in my empties.

Stacey <3

Ipsy Subscription Glam Bag Review - September 2015

Hello Beauties <3

If you subscribe to Ipsy, each month you will receive a cute Glam Bag filled with a mix of 5 full sized beauty products or deluxe samples all for just $10.

Here is a peek of the September Glam Bag

This NYX eyeshadow trio was made exclusively for Ipsy. Each shadow is 0.035 oz, compliment each other and can be worn together or separately. The colors do not have names but are referred to as color 1, 2 and 3.

Here are the swatches, Color 1 on top is very light and you may have to build it up to get good color payoff. It will work perfectly in the corner of your eyes or under your brow bone to add a pop of highlight. Color 2 was a nice all over the lid shadow and Color 3 works well for a smokey eye look.

Swatch of the TreStique Matte Lip Crayon in Nantucket Nude

NYX Trio Palette - Full Size 3 x 0.035 oz  $6 value

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream - 1.0 oz  $6 value

    (On their website they have -  2.0 oz for $12 and 6.0 oz $30)

Octavio Molina Hair Aceite De Argan Oil - 1.0 oz  $7 value

    Full Size - 4.0 oz  $29.50

Elizabeth Mott Queen of the Fill Tinted Brow Gel in Light Medium - Full Size 0.14 oz  $20

TreStique Mini Matte Lip Crayon in Nantucket Nude - 0.02 oz  $10 value ??

Approximate value of this Glam Bag - $49

Stacey <3