BoxyCharm Subscription Box Review - October 2015

Hello Beauties <3

BoxyCharm is a monthly subscription box that includes 5 full and luxury size beauty items for $21 a month.

Here is a peek at the October box of beauties........

This month's theme is Faces of the Moon - Let your light illuminate the darkness!

Every product in this box is Full Size and here's what was included:

Palmetto Derma Rejuvenating Antioxidant Mask - 1.75 oz  $64

Doucce Punk Volumizer Mascara - 0.45 oz  $24

Bellapierre Cheek and Lip Stain in Coral - 0.17 oz  $19.99

Lord & Berry Line/Shade Eyeliner/Shadow Pencil in Dark Black - 0.03 oz  $18

Cult Cosmetics Nail Polish in Boneyards - 0.50 oz  $12

Approximate value of this box is $137.99

I tried the mask last night and I must say it smelled pretty good and had a slight tingling feel to it. It applied easily and I left it on for 30 minutes. After washing it off with warm water, I continued with my normal nightly skin care routine.

Here's a description:

The soft clay of the mask gently purifies skin, by absorbing impurities and cleaning pores and skin. The advanced antioxidants defend against free radicals and reverse daily skin damage.  This mask is 

whipped-up to velvety perfection for luxurious and easy application.  The cooling effect refreshes and soothes the skin as the mask works its magic, leaving skin bright and smooth!

Today I tried the mascara and my first impression was "ehh". I did not like the applicator, it was a big and heavy making it a little difficult to apply mascara to my lower lashes with ease. 

It is described as defining lashes one by one making them thicker and adding spectacular volume. The short and long bristles help separate and lengthen lashes effortlessly. The intense volumization gives you instantly thicker and fuller lashes.

Until next month..............



Stacey <3

Ipsy Subscription Glam Bag Review - October 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.

This month's theme is Alter Ego. The Glam Bag is gold on one side and black on the other.

Here is a peek of the October Glam Bag:

Swatches of theBalm liquid lipstick and Mica Beauty cream shadow

Me wearing theBalm liquid lipstick

Royal & Langnickel Moda Medium Eyeshadow Shader Brush - $3.99

theBalm Cosmetics Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long-Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Committed (pinky nude)                  0.04 oz  $3.40 value  -  Full Size 0.25 oz  $17

Mica Beauty Cream Eyeshadow in Bronze - 0.14 oz  $14.95 Full Size - Ipsy Exclusive

Balanced Guru Scrub Me Body Scrub - 1.0 oz  $2.87 value  Full Size 8.0 oz  $22.99

Nourish Organic Pure Hydrating Argan Face Serum 0.50 oz $17 value  Full Size 0.70 oz $23.99

Approximate value of this month's Glam Bag is $42.21

Stacey <3

Bite Beauty Watercolor Lip Gloss Library Review

Hello Beauties <3

As I looked into my magic beauty box, otherwise known as my makeup collection that gets little attention, I pulled out this pretty lip gloss set from Bite Beauty. The Watercolor Library consists of 12 x 0.05 oz lip glosses ranging from a pale yellow to a deep purple and retails for $49.

You get a variety of pigmentation from a very sheer, barely there look to a full coverage opaque look. The lighter shades can be mixed and matched with your favorite lipstick to add a little shine.

My lip swatches above were #'s 9, 11 and 12. They look similar in color on my lips but a bit different in their respective tubes. They were pretty sheer so I had to apply a few layers to get any color payoff. They also felt a bit thick and not a smooth gliding application I normally look for in a lip gloss. Not a long lasting lip gloss by any means but I really like the subtle citrus flavor these glosses have. 

So......those 3 were my favorite picks of the set. Now unto my least favorite ones. They swatched nice on my arm but were totally lost on my lips.

Swatches of  #'s 3 and 4. Overall I do not think I will be wearing these glosses all by their lonesomes. I will definitely be pairing them with some of my favorite lipsticks.

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

GlossyBox Subscription Box Review - September 2015

Hello Beauties <3

GlossyBox is a monthly subscription box that includes 5 full and deluxe size beauty items for $21 a month.

Here is a peek at the September box of beauties........

  

12 Benefits Love At First Lather Foaming Hair Shampoo - 1.7 oz  $9 value

     (Their website offers 3 different sizes 2 oz $7.99 - 8 oz $24 - 32 oz $58)

Julep Luxe Up Your Lips Lip Gloss in Sheer Coral - Full Size 0.42 oz  $24 value 

Biossance The Revitalizer - 0.05 oz  $19 value

      Full Size 1.7 oz  $58

Emite Makeup Artist Colour Powder Blush in 108 - Full Size 0.35 oz  $22

Nails Inc Uptown Nail Polish (Dusty Pink) - Full Size 0.33 oz $14

       (GlossyBox listed this as 0.47 oz but it's really 0.33 oz)

Approximate value of this box - $88

Stacey <3

Hip Hip Hooray....another Sephora Haul

Hello Beauties <3

How fun is it to come home after a long day at the office and be welcomed by a bunch of Sephora boxes dropped off by the UPS guy for the umpteenth time. I often wonder what goes through his mind when he realizes he will be bringing my goodies to me once again in any given week.

First up is my eyeshadow palette haul. Like many other beauty addicts, I have more palettes that will last me a lifetime ten times over but........ I can't pass up palettes with gorgeous packaging especially when they are on sale.

Next up is some OCC goodies. Like the brand name suggests, I am obsessed with their lip tars, pencils and nail polish.

Lip Tar Mattes from left to right are: Lydia, Digitalis and Momento

Lip Tar Stained Gloss in Dekadent

Lydia is my favorite one from this haul. Here's a helpful hint when using lip tars.... shake well before applying and let the matte lip tars dry a few minutes before eating or drinking. They go on a little wet? liquid-y? but they dry to a nice matte finish and last a good 6 hours.

Until my next haul arrives.........

Stacey <3

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist + beautyblender = The Perfect Couple

Hello Beauties <3

We all love our beauty products and I bet we love them even more when they are multi-functional and serve many different purposes. Who wouldn't want more bang for their hard earned buck!

Pair these two products together and you have a match made in heaven!

Here is the secret beauty tip I discovered between this couple...........

Let's start off with my foundation routine. I apply my MUFE Ultra HD foundation with a Sigma F80 flat kabuki brush and then blend it out with a beautyblender. I do love the finished flawless look, however I do not like having to get up and go to the bathroom to wet the beautyblender. I know what you may be thinking, it's not a big deal, but once I'm sitting at my vanity I like to stay put. (I hope some of you understand the feeling)

Rewind a month.....I attended a Rouge event at Sephora and one of the brand reps I talked to was from Jurlique. The truth is, she came up to me with a free sample of a night cream and introduced herself so I was immediately reeled in -  hook, line and sinker! Free stuff, yes please!

She was giving away a free 3 piece deluxe sized set that included a day cream, face oil and a mask with any Jurlique purchase. Although I love free stuff I try and make sure the products I'm buying makes for a practical purchase. Doesn't always work out that way but one of the products that intrigued me was the Rosewater Balancing Mist because I love the smell of fresh roses. Its not overpowering by any means but you definitely get a quick whiff of roses.

Fast forward to today.....remember earlier when I mentioned about the benefits of having a product that is multi-functional, Not only does this product tone, hydrate and restore your skin, it can also be used with a beautyblender instead of plain boring tap water.

This revelation was gold to me....I no longer have to get up to wet my beautyblender and my skin is reaping the benefits of blending my foundation with rose water instead of tap water. Just give your beautybender a few spritzes and blend away. I also use this Rosewater Balancing Mist after cleansing my face and before my skin care routine for added hydration. Talk about serving multiple purposes...I'm a believer for sure!


Stacey <3

GlossyBox Subscription Box Review - August 2015

Hello Beauties <3

GlossyBox is a monthly subscription box that includes 5 full and deluxe size beauty items for $21 a month.

Here is a peek at the August box of beauties........

Sparitual (love the name Spa Ritual) Nail Lacquers are a Vegan product and come in a variety of colors. I received Authentically in my box, In the bottle the color looks like a light red but it's actually a medium shade of pink with a hint of shimmer.

Full Size .50 oz and retails for $12 

Pop Beauty Kajal Pen in Sooty Black. This liner is highly pigmented with a matte finish. You can create a smokey eye, cat eye or a classic line using the smudge tip to blend, diffuse and define your eyes. Although it glides on smoothly, I found it to smudge too much. I had to set it with black eyeshadow,

Full Size .03 oz and retails for $10

Manna Kadar Lash Primer acts as a base for your favorite mascara and nourishes your lashes to prevent flaking. Apply at night to clean lashes and wake up with fully conditioned lashes. I do not use lash primers everyday, but when I do I notice my lashes look a little thicker than normal.

Full Size 0.14 oz and retails for $24 

Lollipops Lip Balm is a paraben-free formula that protects lips against UV rays and keep them nourished.

Full Size .33 oz and retails for $5.50

And now for the gem in this box - GlamGlow YouthCleanse Daily Exfoliating Cleanser. If you are looking for a more youthful, glowing complication, then you should try this. It is a semi thick mud that turns to foaming lather and gently exfoliates and cleanses. Get ready for this cleanser to dissolve makeup and impurities while removing dead surface cells. Follow with your favorite skin care routine. We received a deluxe size in this box 1.0 oz  valued at $7.80

Full Size 5.0 oz and retails for $39

Total value of this box is $59.30

Stacey <3

Nars Audacious Mascara Review

Hello Beauties <3

I was excited to receive a sample of the new Nars Audacious mascara in Black Moon (actually it was 4 but who's counting) with my recent orders from Nordstroms. It was my first Nars mascara so I couldn't wait to dive right in and try it. First of all, the packaging caught my eye - black with a red top, kind of reminds me of a tube of lipstick. Good thing I love me some lippies!

Once I opened it and pulled out the wand, it hit me.....there really are "hooks" on the applicator as it was described on the Nars website. Over two hundred hooks to be exact.The lash catching brush grips and coats lashes from root to tip.  I won't lie, I was a little intimidated but I took the plunge anyway. Nars says this mascara builds to thrill. It is lightweight and long-wearing. 

According to the Nars website, Audacious Mascara lets you go to extremes - eye's the limit. Every layer multiplies and amplifies. Their statistics show after one coat users reported a dramatic effect in the appearance of their lashes.

• 100% say it lengthens
• 96% agree it defines
• 96% note it volumizes
• 93% report it doesn't smudge once dry

Claims based on Independent Consumer study after 4 weeks.

So here's the low down on my lashes: they are long so what I look for in a mascara is one that thickens them without the clumping. In my collection of mascara, the ones I reach for the most are Too Faced Better Than Sex and Josie Maran Argan Oil. 

I hope Nars Audacious is up for the challenge against these two heavy hitters.

Ok beauties, now for the pictures of how this mascara performed. On the left eye my lashes are bare naked. On the right I have applied 2 coats.

Once applied to both eyes, you will see how stubborn my right eyelashes are (left side when looking at the below picture) It definitely is not the mascara's fault, my lashes just have a mind of their own. My left eyelashes (right side when looking at the below picture) always cooperate and do not separate and clump together. I have been using one of my Nars Audacious mascara samples (0.12 oz) for a few weeks now and I am really enjoying it. The full size is 0.32 oz and retails for $26.

Overall, this mascara performed just as good as my 2 other favorite mascaras. It thickened my lashes and lasted all day with no smudging. I do not particularly like using this type of brush on my lower lashes but that's just a personal preference. I hope you all get the opportunity to try the new Nars Audacious mascara and love it as much as I do.

Stacey <3

              Beauty in Paradise's Overall Rating: 5 out of 5