Ipsy Glam Bag November 2016

Sorry that I am getting this up so late but I didn't want to skip it entirely. 

Another gorgeous bag with an amazing design. So cute, I just love the stars and makeup design, it makes me feel very festive for some reason.

Contour Stick on Right
Blush on Left

DoucceFreematic Blush in #49 Zen Orange
I was really excited when I saw that this was coming in my bag. I'm always looking for a great, easy to wear blush and peachy tones work great with my fair skin. After getting it and trying it I absolutely love it, it is smooth and blends easily and works with a lot of makeup looks. 

ModelCoContour Stick
I'm always down to try a new contour product. Unfortunately this is not the product for me. It is way to orange. I don't see this working as a contour shade on any one, maybe a bronzer on medium skin but this is definitely not for me. As for the formula it was nice, it blended out easily no patchiness its just a shade issue.

pur-lisseBlue Lotus Balancing Moisturizer
This is really nice! It is a light weight moisturizer and blends into the skin, no greasy residue. It moisturizes the skin and works amazing under makeup. I am really wanting to purchase the full size of this one. 

tarteCosmetics Maracuja Oil
I've wanted to try this oil out for quite a while but didn't want to purchase the full size in case it wasn't for me. So, I am absolutely thrilled to have this in my bag. Ipsy has had this product several times and every times I always cross my fingers that it will be mine... finally! lol So to answer the question... no its really not for me. Sadly, I like dry oils but this leaves too much of a residue for me so I just don't like it. But I am super happy that I got to try it out. 

theBalmCosmetics Mad Lash Mascara
I have heard that this was a really great mascara and I am always super excited to try out a new one. Too be honest while I was happy to receive it in my bag this mascara is not for me. I don't care for the brush, I find it a little painful. The bristles are a spikey plastic and it always touches the roots of my lashes, and maybe I'm just super sensitive but it hurts and then I blink and...mascara disaster. 

So even though only 2 of the products worked out for me this month I was still very happy to receive everything in the bag. It was a good sample bag, I got to try out products that I had my eyes on without paying full price. If you are interested in signing up just click HERE

L.A. Colors Luminous Shine & Luxurious Glow

I saw this little palette at Family Dollar and thought why not? If it's amazing SCORE, if not it's just $3.

I took the plunge now you don't have to. This is not worth the $3. The shades are so powdery, when you put a brush it it kicks up a ridiculous amount of powder in the pan. The shades are super shimmery not a good look IMO. It's not finely milled, actually its pretty dang chunky. So this is just a quick post to advise you to pass on this if you see it.

Even though these look decent in this swatch, it is a heavy finger swatch, when you apply it with a  brush it sheers out to mainly flaky glitter.

My Favorite Cheap & Cheerful Storage

I love a good yard sale/flea market, and here in my neck of the woods you can find something of the sort all year long. After a lot of perusing through Pinterest and seeing loads of beautiful vanities with different types of storage I started to think outside the box. Now every time I see a cut-glass dish, especially in the smaller sizes, I snatch them up. I'm going to share with you my 5 latest purchases (none of which were over $1) and how I am using them. Hope this gives you some inspiration if your looking for storage ideas, or just a cute way to spruce up a space.

There we have it 5 little trinkets that help keep me a little more organized and look super cute at the same time. If I remember correctly I paid a total of $1.70 all together. I actually have a storage container with loads of these types of things and I just rotate them out when the mood strikes. 

Kat Von D MetalMatte Palette Review and Swatches

The Kat Von D MetalMatte palette was my #1 holiday pick. I watched several reviews and they all were raving so I absolutely had to have it. Truth be told even if they weren't I probably still would have had to have it.

This palette is BIG. I think everyone has mentioned that but it really is, I mention it just if storage is an issue for you, something to keep in mind. The mirror in the palette is really nice, its an actual mirror, if that makes sense, not just one of those pieces of reflective plastic. No distorted images here. The packaging itself is the pressed cardboard, because the mirror is quiet heavy it does not stand on its own and you may find it awkward to hold since the palette is large itself. I personally just prop it up and it works great. Also the palette is made in the USA.

The price is $60 for 22 shadows. There are 13 (1.7g) matte and 9 (1.7g) metal crush shades. I'm not sure what the retail value of an individual matte shadow would be but the metal crush shades are $21 each for 2.8 g. So you are getting almost exactly 1 gram less, so they value at more than $10 each.  In terms of value the metal crush formulas alone well exceed the price of the palette. 

Now in saying that, the metal crush shadows really are the best thing about the palette.. with the exception of one shade. These are smooth and creamy, they blend with ease. There is virtually no fall out. Just absolutely stunning formulas.

The one metal crush shadow that is not the best IMO is the shade Tinsel. Its more of a glitter, it sort of reminds me of the Urban Decay Moondust shadows, in that there isn't a lot of pigment behind the sparkle. You can wet your brush to make it more intense but otherwise its just a glitter that does tend to fall down on my cheeks. However with a wet brush it works just fine.

The mattes on the other hand, I was a little disappointed. They are rather dry shadows and are quiet difficult to blend. They can go patchy and you have to work with them a lot to get an even blend, I tried several different brushes so I know its the formula. The pigmentation is spot on but they are just so hard to blend. I purchased the Kat Von D Mi Vida Loca Remix palette from last year and I haven't had this problem at all with those shades. Of course they are still usable but I did want to be sure an comment on that.

Never the less I am still happy with my purchase, even if I had known of that issue I know me and I still would have purchased the palette. But maybe your not a psycho like me and don't want shadows for the sake of just having them, like a prized possession. >.>

In conclusion, its totally worth the price tag alone for the metal crush eyeshadows and then you can count the other 12 as a bonus lol. I am honestly surprised that the palette is still in stock considering how fast last years went, but maybe they were prepared.

I do have a question for anyone who has both this palette and the Shade and Light palette, are the formulas the same? I've been wanting that but I'm a little put off now after trying these mattes... I'd love to know :)

October Favorites

Haven't done one of these posts in a while, even though they are my absolute favorite to read. I really enjoy favorites that include everything, not just beauty, so that's whats going on today. 

Beauty

Dr.Jart+ Water Drop Hydrating Moisturizer | This was in my September Play! by Sephora bag and I absolutely love it. It comes out as what you think would be a thick creamy formula but the moment you start to rub this into your skin it feels like it just melts into a water. It absorbs quickly but still leaves a very hydrated feel and look to the skin. The full size is on my shopping list and I have a feeling this will be my holy grail moisturizer. I'll see if it stands the test of winter but so far... perfection.

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer | I was going to hold off on putting this in here as I planned to do a full review, but it has definitely been a favorite this entire month. The coverage is fantastic, it blends beautifully on the skin. It doesn't cling to any of my dry patches or emphasize any fine lines or wrinkles. It gives me flawless, even coverage without feeling too heavy or cakey. Its just amazing! I first heard Kandee Johnson talk about this so I had to give it a go, no regrets. Actually I totally regret not getting it sooner.

Treat Marshmallow Cream Lip Scrub | Speaking of Kandee I actually first heard of this brand through her channel as well she raved about the lib balm and how she used it for lots of things. Since the weather is changing my lips are starting to get a little dry and flaky. This is a really easy to use scrub since it is in a tube, no need for fingers. It works really well to exfoliate but the balm left behind also give a little moisture back to the lips as well. Plus it tastes delicious and is organic.

Cherry Vanilla Perfume | This is my all time favorite fall scent. As soon as those leaves start changing and the nights get colder I pull this little gem out. It's just perfect, its sweet but the vanilla makes it warm. At this point it may be just be nostalgia but I absolutely love it.

Trim Tweezers | I went on vacation last month, when I came home I distinctly remember unpacking my tweezers but I could not find them any where. I went the rest of the month trying to make due with the other tweezers I had but they just did not cut it. So I finally went and picked up a new pair. These are just so good and they are only $3. Before I picked these up I was looking at other brands and their tweezers were so dang expensive, I just don't understand. These are amazing, they get even the smallest of hairs. I don't ever want to be without these again. 

Trim Brow Shaper | I have always had a mustache. Luckily its blonde so its never been that noticeable, except in the sun. But the more I've gotten in to makeup the more it really bothers me. Foundation emphasizes it, lip products emphasize it, I just was really bothered by it. So after seeing all about the facial shaving and how it doesn't actually grow back thicker I finally was like okay I'm just going to try it. I was nervous about how quickly it would grow back but its been over a week and I'm not seeing any grow back yet. 

Home

I've really been into fall scents this year, I am usually much more into the fresh scents or the 'manly' scents.. the ones that smell like cologne. This year I've really been into Pumpkin, I know that probably sounds 'typical', but for me..definitely not. 

Mainstays Pumpkin Spice Candle | I picked this up from Walmart for like $3. I've went through 2 this month, it would have been 3 but I was sick for a week and couldn't smell anything so I didn't want to waste it. I was pleasantly surprised by how much scent this kicks off. I have this in my bedroom and it feels the whole room and as soon as I open the door it just makes me feel all warm and cozy. 

Better Homes and Gardens Roasted Coconut Pumpkin Wax Cubes | Again these are from Walmart for $3. I find this to be just a little bit sweeter than the candle. I don't really notice the coconut as much, just a sweet pumpkin. Sometimes I use them in conjunction other times I'll use one or the other. I especially love this scent in my kitchen. Yum!

Youtube
In September I came across atleeeey on Youtube, immediately I subscribed. She does a ton of colorful bold looks which I find refreshing, I'm so tired of seeing "bronze goddess" looks. Also everyday in the month of October she uploaded a new Halloween tutorial, and everyday I sat waiting to watch it. She is super talented and you can tell she puts a lot of work into her videos and her editing is so cute.

Another gal I've been really loving to watch lately is thataylaa. I discovered her about 3 months ago while looking for pale foundations. Just a little bit after that she did a series called 15 days of foundation where she reviewed a new foundation every day for 15 days (as you might have guessed lol). That then turned into Foundation Fridays, and now shes gearing up for a second round of 15 days of foundation coming in November. If your a pale girl and like me are always on the lookout for an amazing foundation totally go check her out. Also her makeup skills in general are pretty amazing, she can make just about anything work. 

Movie
Friend Request I really didn't think I would watch this, mainly due to the name BUT it was really good! I love horror movies but I don't normally get scared, this one had me scared. There were quiet a few jump scares but I don't know something about it just had me on edge the whole way through. I'm no movie expert but if you need something to watch and like scary films, give it a go.

What have you been loving this month? I'm really trying to find new people to watch on Youtube so if you have any suggestions I'd love for you to leave them below. Hope your October was amazing!

IPSY GLAMBAG OCTOBER 2016

LOVE LOVE LOVE! I have absolutely no complaints this month, not that I really ever do, but I am SUPER pleased with my October Glambag!

First off, Halloween is my favorite holiday and this bag is seriously the cutest. Hands down my favorite Ipsy bag of all time, my mom kindly gave me hers too because it is so up my alley. But even more exciting than that are the products inside.

TATCHA PURE One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil 15 ml. IPSY15 for 15% off the full size
I've just recently got into cleansing oils so I am really excited to give this Tatcha one a go as it is a more premium brand.

Ciate London Fierce Flicks Eyeliner .03oz
I have given this a try and while the tip isn't my absolute favorite it was long lasting and I am happy to be able to try it out. Also this is a full size eyeliner and sells for $19!

Cosmoholic Liquid Lipstick in Mysterious Mocha 5.5ml ipsybogo Buy 1 get 1 FREE + free shipping
There website doesn't list how much product is in their liquid lipsticks so I'm not sure if this is full size or not. I would guess not, but I can't be positive. Anyway, I was really excited to see this in my bag and a little disappointed that it wasn't the type of liquid lip we have come to expect. It is more of a very pigmented gloss, but it does have good lasting power for a gloss and I will get use out of it so I'm still happy. 

Kokie Cosmetics Nail Polish in Heavenly 16ml ipsy25 25% Off
This is a gorgeous baby blue shade, the formula was a little streaky with one coat but looked perfect with too. The finish is also very shiny and while its not a very "fall" shade I can still see myself getting a lot of use out of it.Plus their logo is an elephant..so I'm kind of sold on that.

pur-lisse Daily Lip Nourisher with Mango and Shea Butters 4.5ml ipsylipsy30 30% Off Any Purchase
I have never disliked anything that I have gotten from this brand so I am very happy to get to try something new. Its not very thick and doesn't feel goopy on the lips, I've been using it quite often and it does moisturize my lips.

Holiday Sets 2016 – My Picks

It's that time of year again... well I guess it has been that since August, and things just keep coming in. There are so many holiday sets and palettes that sometimes, personally, it gets overwhelming. As much as I want to just snatch up everything I can get my hands on, I am on a budget and that's just not possible. I try to wait out as long as I possibly can to hear other peoples review before I make my purchase. I just thought I'd share what is currently on my list waiting to be narrowed down by the reviews. I really trust Emily Noel on YouTube so if she has done a review I will link it beside the product. As you will see number one on the list is the Kat Von D MetalMatte palette I have already seen the amazing rave reviews and this palette is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday! So excited! I would love to hear what is on your list or if you have tried any of these, what are your thoughts? 

Kat Von D MetalMatte $60 REVIEW | Kat Von D Everlasting Mini Liquid Lip Set $49

Urban Decay Full Spectrum $55 | Too Faced Grande Hotel Cafe $49 REVIEW

Sephora Give Me Some Lip $28 | Sephora Give Me Some Bold Lip $28 REVIEW

Stila Stay All Day Sparkle All Night Set $39 | The Balm Meet Matte Hughes Mini Lip Set $29

Tarte Tarteist Paint Palette Collector's Set $49 REVIEW

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush Palette Color Wheel $44  | Smashbox 3 Mini Palettes $45 REVIEW