BoxyCharm May 2019

I've been having major problem with my packages arriving lately. When UPS and FedEx use USPS's SurePost, it has an issue of not arrive and being lost in the mail. It's a fact I cannot stand Sure Post. I understand it's a way for UPS and FedEx to save money on lighter weighting products, but it's only causing the buying issues. Oh, did I mention it also takes 3x as long in shipment...awesome right? Not to get on a rant but my point was in the last couple months I've had 3-4 packages get lost by USPS. Thats a high percentage. When my BoxyCharm for May appeared to be lost and the tracking was not showing any movement I contacted customer service. Since, UPS and USPS couldn't locate the package BoxyCharm sent a "one time replacement." 10 days later both boxes showed up 1 day apart. What are the odds! Check out all the goodies below...

GlamGlow Gentlebubble Cleanser - The first thing I notice when I open May's box was this cleanser. The oil slick rainbow packaging is the same as the tube. The cleaner is a white pearl shade with no fragrance. It's not as effective as it's bubble sheet mask, but a good cleanser non the less. Retails for $28

Milk Makeup Blur Stick - I first saw Milk Makeup at Sephora over the holidays. I added that to the listed of companies to try out (after Fenty Beauty). As bloggers who dish out there own money on these products y'all know it can be hard to drop a few notes on collections. I was excixted to try out the Blur stick, ehich creates a shine free bases for your fondation to help with fine lines and mininmizing pores. I found it to give my skin a gorgeous luminous glow, which you can't tell in  the photo below. 😒 I love that you can blend it in easily and wear it on your bare face ---- and go out. Retails for $36

Alamar Blush Trio in Meduim Tan - It's rare I'm happy when my box contains a blush, but a palette of blushes? UGH. I looked through Alamar's website and checked out thier products; they do not have a vast selection at all but had some charming colors. I didn't swatch the palette since I'm gifting this to my cousin. (sorry!) Retails for $22

Ciate London Eye Lustre Creme Eye Shadow in Ice and Cupid - I've never used liquid eye shadow mainly due to the fact it's terribly difficult to blend and creases. But color me impressed! Oh and the color, the beautiful glittery and irradcent shades. Ciate's Lustre is the sure fire winner. Ice is a white, frosted with diamond sparkles. Cupid is a rose gold that I can't even with the shade. When I moved my hand with the swatch it changes color, truly a stunning tint. They are able to blend well or use them as liners - which I prefer. Retail for $22 each

Pur Pro Eyelash Curler - This curler has the rainbow oil slick coloring making it uber attractive. Most I've seen in various stores are black or just kind of...basic bitches. I never use eyelash curler due to the fact my flat lashes won't curl with or without mascara. But Pur's curler actually did the trick, as the picture shows. Looks like I'll be incorporating this puppy in my routine. Retails for $18

Luna by Luna in Alien - I'm surious why they choose the name 'alien' for this partly pigmented shimmery taupe lip gloss. I needed to use a few coats. Retails for $18

Vintage by Jessica Lip Pencil in Cashmere - When I checked out Vintage's website this product is not listed, whether it's sold out or absolete. The other lip pencil is a more upgrade version in different shades for $26.

Steve Laurant Lip Gloss in Posh - a thick, creamy lip gloss in taupe/deep pink color. Claims to be lightweight but I found it be a little sticky and heavy. Not something I would go for - I gave it to my mom, who actually enjoys it (she says it stays on all day). Retails for $22

FOTD: Sangria Party Makeup

Last weekend I was getting reading for my friends Sangria party downtown and decided to theme it up Sangria inspired makeup and I'll throw it on the blog. I somehow, even though had 4 hours to get ready, ended up running late and didn't have time to put on my lashes. *cries* My lashes need falsies. They are meant to be. hehe. Anyhoo, this was the first time I used my Morphe crayon and to quote Joey Lawrence, "whoa!" The color is stunning right? It also lasted over 10 hours.

*Dress is Riverdale Collection from Hot Topic in Veronica Lodge 

Face
Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in Shell Beige
Farsali’s Jelly Beam in Glow Up
Ofra highlighter in Rodeo Drive
Korres Wild Rose night cream
Artist Couture Diamond Glow Powder in Purple Dream

Eyes
Urban Decay eyeshadow Primer Potion in Anti-Aging
Suva Protegé eyeshadow Palette
Smashbox Always on Gel Liner in Fishnet
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper
Lancome Mon Sieur Big Mascara
Winky Lux Holographic highlighter in Charm
Urban Decay Double Down Brow in Brown Sugar

Lips
NYX Lip Liner in Red Tape
Morphe Lip Crayon in RSVP

Ipsy Glam Bag Plus - May 2019 (My First Box)

One lucky day I logged into my Ipsy app to check what would be inside my next months Glam Bag. I had a popup that stated I was of the Glambag Plus waitlist. YASSSS! I have been trying for so many, many months just to get ON the waitlist. Only 3 months later did I get that wonderful news.

Ipsy gives you the option to keep its Glambag of mini products for $10 or choose Glambag Plus for $25, which includes FULL SIZE products. You also get the choice to pick both. I went with...BOTH!!! For the time being, I enjoy collecting the Glam Bags, but I am growing tired of non-full sized products.


Go To Face Hero - Face oils have been rising up in popularity; however, it's a product I don't know much about. I generally stay away from oils (even coconut, now) due to the way it makes my face feel...greasy. The 1st day I used Face Hero I applied 10 drops. Too many! 2nd time, I applied 3-4 drops after my moisturizer and that was the perfect combo. My skin was brightened, hydrated all night and no greasy feeling. Time will tell if it revives my complexion. I appreciate how they use natural ingredients though. Retails for $34

Il Makiage Icon High Mascara - Il Makiage is a brand I've recently seen over Facebook ads. While now I have only tried the mascara, it's pretty epic. It drove me crazy when my regular Ipsy Glam Bag kept sending me mascara's I did not want. Today - I can say...I WANT! This mascara is fantastic. You wouldn't know by looking at the wand; it deceives you in a good way. It claims to curl and fan your lashes. While my lashes only curled a little that is more on me and the straight as board lashes of mine. They sell it in 3 colors: black, brown and blue. Blue? Yas, I approve! You can tell below with  my silly picture below, on the right is bare lashes and has the mascara. Retails for $25

Illamasqua Lip Coloring Pencil Due in Lust and Media - Illamasqua lip pencils surprised me. If you look at them closely, you can see how old school the pencil is. It's been ages since I've seen one of the original wood pencils. But I'm not judging yet; it doesn't prevent the company's quality. Illamasqua is a really fantastic, high-end brand. I fell in love with their liners after watching Xsparkage's Cheshire Cat makeup tutorial 6-8 years ago. I still never found that color, FYI. If you know the color, drop a note! 😍 I was pleasantly surprised when I opened my Glam Bag Plus and they provided BOTH liners. Usually, with Ipsy you only get 1 in the box. Lust is pink-ish coral and Media is lighter cranberry shade. Retails for $21 each

Yensa Tone Up Primer Essential Glow - Don't judge a book by its cover, applies here. When I read all about this primer and how it helps blur, correct, enhance your makeup and basically help you look flawless - I was not a believer. I tested it on my hand and there was no glow or color to it. It was like a basic primer on bare skin. However, in the end, the result was stellar. When I wear powder foundation during the week to work, it's kinda basic. Adding this primer before applying my foundation I can definitely tell the difference. My skin appeared even and less red with a little glow. I'm on board! Retails for $35

Wander Beauty Wanderess Seascape Palette - This palette has 6 shades total including 1 matte and 5 foils/shimmers. The shades are buttery and blend well. The color payoff is impressive; I am looking forward to playing with this palette. Retails for $25

Ipsy Glambag - May 2019

For May's Glambag, I'm more obsessed with the bag than the products! Are you looking? It's a glitterbomb of fantasticness spring colors. As for the items inside...not super impressed this month. FLOP. The lighting made the shots not so hot 😫

MAC's Prep + Prime Natural Radiance in Radiant Yellow - When I tested it on my hand, I didn't even notice a difference between the bare parts of my skin. I had no glow nor radiance as advertised. And this is MAC! It's hard to get disappointed from them. FAIL. Retails for $42

IBY BEAUTY's Radiant Glow Highlighter in 24k Magic - This highlighter is shimmery and buttery, so you can build it up for a beautiful glow. Retails for $14

HOLA NEON's Matte Liquid Lipstick in FOMO - When I picked this product of the bag and felt the sharp edges, I rolled my eyes thinking "not another terrible lip product packaging!" But if you ignore the case, everything else is impressive. The color payout is strong and vibrant with a clear red/berry. It dries almost instantly for a clean classy look. Retails for $17

PIXI by Petra's H20 Skindrink - lightweight, skin quenching gel that moisturizes your skin. My face felt a tad oily/greasy, I just wanted to wash it off. It claims the glycerin helps bind moisture into your skin...but my skin wasn't feeling this product. Retails for $22

Naked Cosmetics' Loose Pigment in Painted Canyon #6 - Unfortunately, my photography cannot capture the true color and essence of this product. I did find Naked Cometics' pigments hard to grab how beautiful and delicate it's colors are. #6 is metallic burgundy with flecks on iridescence. Retails for $15

 

BoxyCharm Limited: Skincare Box 2019

I found out about BoxyCharm's Limited Edition Skincare Box from this Facebook group I'm on for makeup junkies (we buy and sell). I really do have a problem! hehe. In April for or $50 you received 8 FULL SIZED skincare products. Besides makeup, skincare is my second love. I jumped on the offer for this box. YAAASSSSS SKINCASE. I loved everything except for 1 product, which is pretty damn impressive. 

Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow Sheet Mask Duo Set - This mask set is truly one of a kind! Made of hydro gel and watermelon rind. It comes in 2 pieces to apply to your face. They won Blink Beauty's Indie Award for Best Sheet Face Mask and I must say it's well deserved. Retail for $8 each

Farsali's Jelly Beam in Glow Up - JELLY BEAM! I didn't expect a illuminator to be in my skincare box, but I'm thrilled. It truly jiggles like jelly; so much that it almost plopped out of the container when I opened it. Glow Up is a gel like highlighter that dries on like powder. This can be mixed in with your foundation or applied before. I've even thrown it on after my moisturizer - then gone to work. Jelly Beam comes in 3 shades, Retails for $40

Caudalie Grape Water - When I first saw this in my box I thought it was similar to the Evian hydrate spray, that you use to cool you face down. But this is pretty neat. It works the same way; spray on your face then it'll evaporate into your skin. It truly did hydrate my face, but I didn't notice a difference for uneven skin. Retails for $10

Saturday Skin Rub-A-Dub Refining Peel Gel - First time I used this in the shower, I didn't think it was working. But reading instructions is helpful - it's important to wash your face, then pat dry and you can then apply the gel. My face was still  tad wet in the shower, so I couldn't see all the impurities peeling away on my skin like it claims. But examining my face afterward...boy could I tell the difference. My pores were 90% cleaned out! My skin was pretty red since I had come from LA Tan. I probably shouldn't have applied a scrub. OH WELL! Retails for $28

Kopari's Coconut Cleansing Oil - I was a little disappointed receiving this product. Wasn't it the equivalent to using coconut oil? Only more expensive? Being the last item to test out I found it QUITE effective. I had swatched a few lip and eye products on my hand, then sprayed Kopari over it. Taking a tissue I wiped it over my hand and it ALL came off. For reals? For reals! When I was low on funds over the years I would turn to coconut oil as a makeup remover, but the problem is that is makes my face greasy and it clogs your pores. I prefer makeup remover wipes, but I will be keeping this as a backup for sure. Retails for $32

Cosmedix Jade Roller - My second facial roller after the Professional Ice Roller (although I wanted this one and heard of it first) I was mega stoked to get this in my skincare box. It helps your skin boost circulation, minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and reduce the appearance of puffiness while providing some what like massage. Now, I need to be better at using both my rollers on a daily basis to get the results they claim. Even if it doesn't work like it says, I do enjoy the feeling it offers. Retails for $32

GlamGlow SuperSerum - I've really hopped on the GlamGlow train. I was worried I would get the  cleanser but I received the serum instead - YAS. I'll be honest; I've never heard of this Super 6 Acid Blend. To break it down, they use activated charcoal and the Super Six Acid Blend to help cell renewal, plump your skin and give you a glowing complexion. Retails for $65

Elemis' Superfood Night Cream - This night cream is a prebiotic, omega rich cream with super grain complex. It basically feeds into your dry skin. It doesn't take much to apply and doesn't feel thick or heavy, which is odd for a night cream. It has a unique scent of a plant based product. When I wake in the mornings I can tell the difference in my face; my skin is hydrated and plump. Retails for $55

EW Taylor Swift May 2019 Inspired Makeup

If you follow my blog, then you know over the last year it's mainly been Ipsy reviews. Ever since I moved back to Chicago I haven't really felt too much inspiration. The last 9 month I have been temping for this company - putting in the hard work until I was made permanent. Once it happened, a great weight lifted off my soul and this few weeks I've upped my social media game. Along with increasing my blog flow (not just Ipsy posts anymore. YAY!). 

When my Entertainment Weekly with Taylor Swift on the cover came last month, I KNEW that I NEEDED to recreated her look. It made me miss all the years I had neon colored hair; every color of the rainbow to be exact. 

I liked how this FOTD came out. With the exception of my lashes looking a little lopsided (time to get back into the falsie groove).

Products Used:

Face

Tarte base tape primer

Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation in Shell Beach
Urban Decay Baked Bronzer in Gilded
Ofra highlighter in Rodeo Drive

Lips 

Kat Von D's Painted Love Lipstick in Celebutard

Eyes

Urban Decay eyeshadow Primer Potion anti-aging
Pur Be Your Selfie palette in Pure and Charming
Pur Festival palette in Wild Child, Psychedelic and Free Spirit
Naked Cosmetics in Cotton Candy, and Twilight
Smashbox Always On Gel liner in Fishnet
Doucce's Punk Volumizer Mascara
Ardell fashion glamour lashes in 117
Urban Decay Double Down Brow in Brown Sugar