ipsy December 2016

The December bag is very cute. I really thought it was going to be red. The pictures looked red to me anyways, haha. It's great for any holiday party you're headed to.

Check out my Pinterest ipsy board here.

Let's dive in.

MintPear Beauty Blending Sponge

I'm going to get right to it. This is terrible. It's hard, it doesn't absorb water, and it soaks up all your product. Stay away from this sponge. What's even worse is they have this on their website for $20 right now. Weird thing is I've seen it posted for three different prices on their site in the last two weeks. I keep going to their site to see if there are any reviews and there never is. So today the site says it is $60 with it marked out like so $60 and it shows $40. If you click to actually go to the page to purchase it...there is another price $20. (see the screenshots below) I don't get it. One thing I do get is how terrible this sponge it. I think using a jackhammer would be more gentle than this rock. Don't even think about trying this thing.

NYX Professional Makeup Prismatic Shadow

This is a lovely color. The first time I tried this it was nice and pigmented. However, it didn't last on my eyelids, even with a primer on. It faded so quickly. I'd say within two hours it had already faded and looked terrible. I'll keep trying it different ways and see what happens.

Ciaté London Liquid Velvet Matte Liquid Lipstick in Pin Up

This is lovely. The shade is darker than it looks, but I love it. It goes on so easily and creamy. It dries down and is a beautiful matte. It isn't transfer proof, but it hangs around for a long time on the lips. The applicator is a great shape. The image above shows a doe foot, but that isn't what it actually has. It's more of a flat brush that comes to a point. It is great for lining the edge of the lips and getting the cupids bow perfect. I definitely recommend this. 

tarte cosmetics deluxe maracuja oil

This has great reviews and I was super excited about getting this. Honestly, it isn't doing anything for me. It doesn't moisturize my face at all actually. It's okay on my hair, but I love the Ghost Oil I received last month a lot better. I will keep trying this because I'm not having any bad reaction or anything. Maybe it just takes a little bit of time to see some benefits of this oil. Oh, I really don't like the smell of this. It smells old, sorry that's a bad description but it's the only way I can explain it. It smells stale, haha. It's not very pleasant but I will keep giving it a try. 

Privai Aqua Gel Masque

This product came with the most vague instructions I have ever read. I had to go online to find out info on it. I mean really...how hard is it to put directions on your product? It's a little confusing. It is a masque and you leave it on or you can wash it off if you want. It doesn't really know what it wants you to do. It's a very cooling gel that feels great on your skin. It is a little sticky until it sinks in. After that my face feels bare. It isn't super moisturized or super soft. It feels like I didn't do anything to my face. I wouldn't purchase a full size. I have other products I like a lot more.

Sadly, I feel like my bags are slowly declining. I was loving everything for a while and then I wouldn't like maybe one product and now I'm really lucky if I like one at all. The indy brands are sometimes complete crap and there are products given out that are discontinued. I just feel like something has changed and my bags are telling the tale. I wish I was getting bags like I was a year ago. There may be a cancellation in my future. We will see.

Check out November's bag here. The theme last month was Rockstarlet.

Disclaimer: I purchase ipsy each month with my personal money. Any review is my personal opinion. All product pictures are from the ipsy website unless stated otherwise.

Also, here is my affiliate link for ipsy. Use my link to sign up and I get 250 ipsy points!https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=6vck

Merry Christmas!

Designed by Invisible_Studio / Freepik

ipsy December 2016 Early Access

Here is what I am getting this month. Did you get any of the same items? What are you excited about?

ipsy December 2016 Sneak Peeks

Another month has came and gone so that means new ipsy sneak peeks! I hope everyone is as excited as I am! Hello December!
Here we go. Spoilers ahead, of course.

ipsy November 2016

The theme this month is Rockstarlet. Ipsters received an adorable astronomy-like bag. It has beauty products as faux constellations which is cute. I'm very pleased with this design.

Check out my ipsy Pinterest board here.

Alright, here is what I received.

Luxie Beauty Luxie Rose Gold Small Duo Fiber Brush 524T

First off this brush is adorable. It's pink with a rose gold ferrel. Come on, it doesn't get more adorable. Sadly, that is the end of the pros of this brush. It is a duo fiber brush, however, it just lacks density. I feel like you can't really do anything with this brush. You can use it for maybe a highlight or a dusting of powder but it doesn't really do much more than that. It's crazy soft which is a plus. I just don't reach for this. It's fine for light powder applications. I wouldn't really try any liquids on this because it isn't dense enough to hold products. It kinda overpowers the brush really. 

FORMULA X Nail Polish in Huntress

I'm a little torn about this nail polish. When I first received one of the Formula X polishes I was really impressed. They are very pigmented and I loved that, however, this one just like the other two I have sampled. It just doesn't stay on my nails very long. It chips away really quickly. Even if i use a top coat this stuff just won't hang on that long. This is a very unique color. In the bottle there is a gold look to this. Once applied it looked like a blue shade on my nails. I've also seen swatches where it looks like a green shade as well. It is different than anything I've ever had. I'd recommend trying a small size before purchasing a full size. You may love the formula and you might not.

Verb Ghost Oil™

I was pleasantly surprised about this oil. I love a good hair oil and boy is this one fantastic. The first time I tried this out my co-worker said my hair looked amazing that day. She said it always looks great, but that day it looked amazing. I told her that what a coincidence I had tried a new oil in my hair. So, it makes my hair look fabulous and I really might purchase a full size. This is very affordable at $14. It really tames my frizz and adds a ton of shine. Overall my hair looked so healthy. 

Starlooks Cream Eye Shadow in Rose Gold

I'm just going to get right to it. This is a huge disappointment. I was so excited for this product and it is absolutely terrible. I tried every way possible to get this to work on my eyes. It doesn't work. Once applied it goes downhill. It is patchy and it doesn't blend at all. You also can't add a shadow on top or try to blend the edges with anything either. It causes the product to flake right off the eyelid. It is mind-blowing how bad this is. I just don't get it. I definitely don't recommend this to anyone. What a disaster this was.

theBalm Cosmetics Mad Lash® Mascara

I really like this mascara. I don't get too thrilled with mascara that comes packaged like this. It is difficult to open and close. Also, it's difficult to wipe excess product off the wand if you want to do that. However, it is just a sample size and the full size tube isn't like this. This makes my lashes look fantastic with a fanned out look. My lashes naturally have a good curl and this makes them look even better. This didn't smudge or anything on me, thank God. I have a hard time with non-waterproof mascara smudging. Overall, this is a great mascara. It gives a nice full flared lash look and the black is very dark. I would recommend trying this one out.

Check out October's bag here. The theme last month was Black Magic.

Disclaimer: I purchase ipsy each month with my personal money. Any review is my personal opinion. All product pictures are from the ipsy website unless stated otherwise.

Also, here is my affiliate link for ipsy. Use my link to sign up and I get 250 ipsy points!https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=6vck

Influenster Lancôme Voxbox

I was incredible lucky to be picked for the Lancôme Voxbox. This is the first time Influenster has collaborated with Lancôme. I should receive my box tomorrow! I will of course post updates/reviews. Make sure you are following me on Instagram. That is where I will post the first peek of the products. Here is an unboxing video from Influenster.

ipsy October 2016

October's bag is an adorable collaboration with artist and stylist Valfré. It is very cute. I really like it.

Check out my ipsy Pinterest board here.

Let's check out the products.

TATCHA PURE One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil

I was the most excited about this product. I love cleansing oils and who wouldn't want to get a Tatcha product in their ipsy bag. I mean come on...it's freaking Tatcha. I tried this out and I didn't really love it. It's a thicker oil and its easy to use and I just couldn't get it to take all my makeup off. I was showing my friend this oil online one day to show her the price and noticed they had videos up demonstrating how to use it. Well, I was using it incorrectly! Go figure. I wasn't rubbing my face with water to create the milky part to really clean my face. So, after trying again and using it correctly I have to say this stuff is, of course, amazing. If you have the money to splurge I'd definitely recommend this. My absolute favorite cleansing oil is from Garnier, however, they are discontinuing that I believe and I'm completely heartbroken.

Sally's Box Aqua Moist Gel Cream

This gel formula is very nice. It's actually my favorite type of cream. This worked wonderfully. After using this my skin looked very plump and moisturized. It's a nice cool feeling and it sinks into the skin making it very hydrated. I would recommend this for dry and normal skin types. This may be too much for someone with oily skin. If I didn't already have a favorite gel moisturizer I would look into purchasing this one.

NYX Professional Makeup Vivid Brights Liner in Vivid Gunmetal

I don't get it...I do not wear liquid liner and I have reviewed this a thousand times. I definitely won't be wearing this Gunmetal shade either. I will continue reviewing these in hopes of not receiving any more liquid liner.

Lottie London Perfectly Precise Eyeshadow Brush

This is a nice brush for packing color onto the lid. I really love getting tools in my ipsy bag. I wouldn't mind getting more actually. Out of all the tools I have received I think one was slightly scratchy and that was probably a year ago or more. Not only is this brush a good one, but it's very cute with the pink and black colors. I will definitely use this a lot. A thumbs up from me.

tre'StiQue Matte Lip Crayon in Belize Bordeaux or Florence Fig

I love this brand. I have had two of these Matte Lip Crayons and I loved them. I knew I'd love this one as well. I think the color is great especially for fall. I am so happy about getting this. It's very creamy and there is a lot of pigment. It's one swipe color. I'd recommend this for sure. The shade I received, Belize Bordeaux, is a beautiful berry color that really stains the lips. It's just stunning.

Check out September's bag here. The theme last month was Glamazon.

Disclaimer: I purchase ipsy each month with my personal money. Any review is my personal opinion. All product pictures are from the ipsy website unless stated otherwise.

Also, here is my affiliate link for ipsy. Use my link to sign up and I get 250 ipsy points!https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=6vck

SOL THEORY Subscription Service

I'm a SOL THEORY ambassador! If you don't know what I'm talking about I shall explain. SOL THEORY is a monthly subscription box for trendy eyewear, jewelry, and beauty products.

This is how it works:
1. Sign up.
-Create an account
2. Order
-Select your favorite box.
3. Discover
-Each month, unfold your eyewear and strut - All eyes on you. ;)

Simple, right? Click here to join with my affiliate link* and you'll receive 20% off your purchase (first box) or use code BMH90.

What to expect.
Members will receive in trend fashion eyewear without the designer price tag.

Subscriptions.
There are 10 subscription options to choose from. Boxes are flat rate plus shipping.
 1. HERS Single Pair + One Jewelry Accessory $19.99
 2. HERS Single Pair + Two Jewelry Accessories $26.99
 3. HERS Single Pair Box $12.99
 4. HERS Single Pair + Three Beauty Products $19.99
 5. HERS Three Pcs Jewelry Accessories $24.99
 6. HERS Two Pair Box $19.99
 7. HERS Elite Single Pair + Three Beauty Products $37.99**
 8. HIS Single Pair Box $12.99
 9. HIS Two Pair Box $19.99
10. HIS & HERS Box $19.99

Once you place your first order, you will be charged for that month’s box. Following months will be charged on the 1st of each month. Florida residents: 7% sales tax may apply to your order.
Shipping is $3.99 per month/box for the US and $9.99 for Canada. They do offer international shipping which is a flat rate of $11.99.
Deliveries are sent out on daily basis depending on the queue of your order. Once your box is shipped, you will receive an email with its tracking information. The carrier will deliver your box with no need of signature confirmation.

Members may cancel their subscription at any time by emailing a request to (info@soltheory.com).
Please note: the month you cancel, your subscription may have been already charged, may have already been placed, or the box may have already been shipped. In this case, cancellation will be effective as of the following month.

If you have any question please ask.
Enjoy your eyewear everyone!

*Post contains an affiliate link. Check out my disclaimer page for more information. Information in this post came from the SOL THEORY website. Image from SOL THEORY instagram.

**In the Elite Box "each month, you will receive a pair of trendy eyewear & three (full size!) makeup/beauty products that add style and glam to your daily look. What makes it Elite? The box includes higher end products and has a value of $60+." -SOL THEORY

ipsy November Sneak Peeks

It's a new month and that means new sneak peeks! I know I'm ready. Are you?

Spoilers ahead!

ipsy September 2016

The bag this month actually spells out ipsy. How cute is that? This material resembles a denim, however, that isn't what it's made of. The theme is Glamazon.

"Full-on glam is back. Put away your sweatpants, let down your ponytail and get glammed up just for the hell of it. Woke up like this? As if." -ipsy

Check out my ipsy Pinterest board here.

Alright, let's check out what I got.

Dirty Little Secret Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Teaser

Everyone needs a matte medium brown eyeshadow. This is a really good one. I will definitely use this. I need to really get a palette for all these single shadows ipsy sends me. I have them all over my beauty table, which really gets messy. I love eyeshadow, but I don't love all these damn individual shadows in there little packaging all over my desk.

AMIE New Leaf Deep Pore Exfoliating Polish

This smells great and it also works great. After using this my face felt amazing. It was smoother in texture and my pores were clearer as well. It did what it claims to do. It gently exfoliated my skin. I really like this and would recommend this. I would purchase the full size.

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme

Good golly this stuff really made the lips tingle. I have never used a lip plumper before and dear lort you feel this stuff working. I mean my lips felt very tingly. They became nearly red...not pink they were a shade of red. I didn't have any blistering or anything crazy but my lips sure plumped up. This worked very well in my opinion. I would recommend giving this a try. 

Naked Cosmetics Naked Advanced Aloe Cream

This actually feels great on my skin. It's very thick and creamy. A little goes a long way. I really dislike the scent of this, however, it does fade. I wouldn't go out of my way to purchase a full size product, however, it is a good face cream. After using this my face is very plump and hydrated.

Seraphine Botanicals Guava Butter

I have dry skin so I really liked getting this product. Sadly, as soon as I opened this I wasn't happy. It is very scented. I don't have sensitive skin so I wasn't worried about that part, however, I just didn't like the smell. If I don't like it I don't really want it lingering on my face. Thankfully, I tried this out and the scent fades very quickly once it's applied to your cheeks. I didn't try it on my lips or eyes as they suggest you can use it. Overall, it's a good cream blush. It's very pigmented. I swiped a brush over the product and then applied it to my cheeks.

Check out August's bag here. The theme last month was Sugar Highness.

Disclaimer: I purchase ipsy each month with my personal money. Any review is my personal opinion. All product pictures are from the ipsy website unless stated otherwise.

Also, here is my affiliate link for ipsy. Use my link to sign up and I get 250 ipsy points!https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=6vck

ipsy October Early Access

This is what I am getting for October. What are you getting this month? Do you look or wait for it to be a surprise?

ipsy October Sneak Peeks

Of course spoilers ahead!! October has arrived and with that is new ipsy items. Continue at your own risk.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask BzzCampaign

I was lucky to be chosen to get this BzzCampaign. I was sent three full sized Pure-Clay Masks from L'Oreal Paris. These are available at drugstores for as low as $10. You can use one or all three for a multimask to target specific areas of your face.

*The mineral clays in each of these masks were chosen for their specific skin benefits.

• Kaolinite is a soft mineral which absorbs unwanted impurities to remove excess shine without stripping away natural oils
• Montmorillonite comes from igneous rocks, is soft to the touch, swells when it comes into contact with water and is renowned for its purifying and rebalancing properties
• Ghassoul is gathered from volcanic regions of Morroco where it’s been used by women in face masks and compresses for years

Benefits of multimasking:

*"It’s the eucalyptus, charcoal or red algae that provides each L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Masks with a unique benefit for your skin. This allows you to wear multiple masks at once to address the specific, and often wildly different, needs of areas like your chin, cheeks and t-zone."

• Eucalyptus known for possessing purifying and soothing actions beneficial for women with oily skin
• Charcoal acts like a magnet on the skin to draw out impurities
• Red Algae nutritious in sugars that help to strengthen the skin. Extraordinarily fine natural volcanic particles act as a naturally effective exfoliant to gently remove dead skin cells

I really enjoy all three of these masks. I like to do a multimask as well as using just one all over the face. While doing this campaign I am battling strep throat. My face has been red and slightly irritated so I did use the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask Detox & Brighten as an all over mask. It helped clear out my pores and brighten my skin after.

Disclaimer: I was sent these items from BzzAgent to test out. Opinions are my own. Information and infographics are from the BzzAgent website. Sections marked by *.