March 2018 Ipsy Unbagging

 

This was a fun bag to receive! March's theme is Create so the glam bag came along with some markers "so you can unleash your creativity all month long!" Mine arrive with pink and green markers, so I colored in one side pink and the other green. I forgot how much I love coloring, so this was a fun bonus.

The first item in the bag is City Color Cosmetics Glow Duo. This was my favorite item in the bag this month. One side is a pale cream highlight, and the other is a deeper champagne powder highlight. The cream highlight on it's own gives your skin a  "wet" look. And the other powder highlight on it's own give a soft natural glow. But both together are absolutely beautiful and that's how I prefer to wear them. 

The next item is this super cute SL41 Blusher Brush from SLMISSGLAM. I absolutely love when I can use brushes for more than one purpose, so I am very happy to add this to my collection. You can use for highlighting, blush, bronzing, and contouring. Multipurpose brushes, especially of this size are great for travel as well. I also am so glad the glitters on the handle don't come off so you don't need to worry about getting glitter all over your hands and face. 

This month I also received Labotica Transforming Liquid Foil Mask. It claims to brighten and firm up your skin, as well as remove dead skin cell and cleanse your pores. The mask is also formulated to calm inflammation (great for anyone with sensitive skin) and to boost collagen production. And because it is a peel off mask, it is so satisfying to remove.

Another product I loved receiving was this Eyeko Lash Alert Mascara in Carbon Black. My mascara routine is pretty involved, so I am extremely picky about what mascaras I use. I need them to make my lashes long, volumized, and defined. This helps achieve that. I get a ton of volume and definition from this mascara, and even more curl. My lashes are already curly to start off with, but someone with straighter lashes would enjoy this too. The formula claims to be infused with caffeine to help curl lashes, and also is infused with biotin to improve the health of lashes. I have noticed a difference for sure. My lashes aren't longer, but they do look fuller and more fluffy without mascara on. Of all the items that I've received this month, this one I would repurchase. 

The last item in March's Ipsy bag was Doucce Freematic Eyeshadow in Lola. I've received products from Doucce before, and even received a single eyeshadow from them as well. Their eyeshadows are nice. They don't last too long though, unless you have a budge-proof eye primer. Lola appeared more pink-y on my skin versus purple which was a little bit of a let down. Purple shadows look amazing with brown eyes, so I was hoping it would show up more of a vibrant purple like it claims. It's nice to use though for rosy looks, so it will still be used!

Even though it's only March, this month's glam bag is by far my favorite that I've received this year. And if you're not subscribed as well and I convinced you to give it a shot ($10 a month people!), I do have a referral link you are welcome to use: 
https://www.ipsy.com/new?cid=ppage_ref&sid=link&refer=xym9i 



January 2018 Ipsy Unbagging

I can't preach enough about how much I love Beauty Subscriptions. If boxes like Boxycharm are more than you want to spend on a beauty subscription, Ipsy is a very affordable alternative. For $10/month (billed the 1st of the month), you receive 5 items and a cute Glam Bag. The items aren't always full size, so you do often get deluxe samples. Which I think is nice to at least try the item prior to purchasing it full size. What is also nice is the fact that you can easily rate each product that you receive and Ipsy will personalize your future bags according to your feedback. 

Ipsy's January theme is Conquering 2018, so the bag is perfect for those who have any fitness resolutions. I love this bag and will use it in my gym bag for sure. It also comes with a cute "I will conquer" insert to help keep you motivated.

The first item was Nyx Lip Lingerie in Beauty Mark. I was not a fan of this. I look horrible with dark brown lips, so this color was not flattering. It's streaky, which you'll see in a swatch below. And there was something about the smell that was off-putting. It smells almost chemically. I do hear a lot of people love these though, so maybe a lighter shade will work for me.

The next item is Ciate Fierce Flicks Liquid Eyeliner. It comes with a felt tip, and claims to be "long-wearing, dries quickly, and won't smudge or transfer". The Fierce Flicks liner definitely lives up to those claims. It is not waterproof, though - so water will make it smudge/come-off. I like this eyeliner and it's pretty good, but I probably wouldn't repurchase since I prefer waterproof formulas.

One of my favorite items for January is Dirty Little Secrets eyeshadow in Bikini. This color is a gorgeous copper shade and is super pigmented. If used wet, it is even more stunning. And if you wanna be fancy, you could use this as a highlight. This shade is something I reach for often, so I would definitely repurchase!

 

The next item is Befine Skincare's Exfoliating Cleanser. It's made with brown sugar, almonds, and oats - and it smells like it! This is the most appetizing cleanser I've used in awhile. But if you use this, beware! If your face is not wet before you apply, this exfoliator is really rough. You need water to activate whatever is in it that makes it soapy. I made that mistake the first time I used it and irritated my skin. I love this cleanser but it is really difficult to get out of the tube. I might just cut it open and pour it in a jar. Because of that difficulty, I'm not sure if I'd repurchase, but I do think it's good.

Another of my favorites this month is City Color Cosmetics Contour Palette. This is so buttery and pigmented and blendable! I think City Color nailed it with the color selection, since you get a cool contour shade, a warm bronzer, and a beaming highlight. This shows up on my Tan-Olive skin so that is always awesome. I love this and was happy to receive it, so I'd definitely repurchase.

If you are looking to experiment with more makeup or add to your collection, subscription boxes are the way to go. Every month I find myself trying products that I would never chose for myself, and end up loving nearly everything. And for $10/month, you can't beat that.

Makeup Trends Getting Left Behind In 2017

2017 has taught me SO much about  makeup application and what formulas make a good product. YouTube and Instagram are where I find most of my inspiration. And ever since Instagram became super popular and a huge influence on the beauty industry, each recent year has had obvious trends in makeup. 

So here’s what I’m retiring in 2018:


(Photo: stylecaster.com) 

“Instagram Brows”
I am so bored of seeing the dark, boxy, angled brows that Instagram beauty junkies made famous. Are they fun for photos and dramatic looks? Sure. But they’re too overdone for my taste, and I love something softer. I’ve pretty much left my brow pomades to collect dust, as pomades give that dark sharp look. Pencils and brow powders have been my go-tos for a soft feathery brow. I want a more natural looking brow, so Buh Bye Insta-brows!



(Photo: gragemood.com)

“Full Cake”
If it’s heavy and full coverage, it’s probably being left in 2017. Instagram makeup is again to blame for flawless, artificial looking skin. I want to see some flaws, some freckles. I want my skin to look like skin, not necessarily like I’m wearing makeup. Dewy sheer-to-medium coverage foundations have my name on them. The “no makeup” makeup look is beautiful to me so full cakey foundation has to go. 



(Photo: zimbio.com)

“Super Bright Concealer” 
All over social media, especially YouTube, super bright concealers are the expectation. The reality is, it doesn’t look natural and it doesn’t photograph well. Ask any makeup artist: under-eye concealer should be 1-2, MAYBE 3 shades lighter than your skin tone. I’m seeing concealer applied that’s like 5 shades lighter! It looks cakey and dry, and it looks harsh. That look can stay in 2017. 



(Photo: becomegorgeous.com)

“Contouring”
Contouring can definitely stay in 2018, my face is round - I need it lol.  But the technique of layering on a dark stripe of powdery cool-toned contour should be buried. Now, cool-toned contours work for more fair or more deep skin tones than mine. But for my Medium-Deep skin, a warm (but not orange) contour is the most flattering and it doesn’t look muddy. I also find that cream contours look wayyy better than powder. I want my face slimmed, but not chiseled - so a warm cream contour will give it to me.



(Photo: ulta.com)

“Whispy Falsies”
Ardell Wispies and Demi Wispies had their moment, but it’s on to better things this next year. And that’s Faux Mink lashes. If you’re a falsies fiend like I am, you KNOW how essential they are to completing a makeup look. I am obsessed with how natural and comfortable Faux Mink lashes are. And because the band is thin (not “invisible” but thin) brands really get to be creative with different lengths and styles while still having the lash look pretty natural. My favorites right now are Ardell 811’s and Flutter Lashes Air Light Collection. 



(Photo: seventeen.com)

“Matte Liquid Lipstick”
2015 & 2016 were the years of the dry-matte liquid lips. Liquid lipsticks were revolutionary back then because they literally stayed on all day and didn’t transfer. But the drawback was we were left with parched cracked lips. Even though formulas have really improved, I was never the biggest fan, I usually stuck to a matte cream lipstick because it’s more comfortable. All around I can tell the beauty community is bored with matte lips, and glosses are making a huge comeback! I’ve always been a gloss girl, and I’m so happy juicy glossy lips are here again. 



(Photo: dailyrecord.co.uk)

“Baking”
The trend is a trick drag queens have been doing forever, but baking the under-eye with powder was a huge mainstream thing in 2016 & 2017. It’s a technique that’s used to prevent concealer (or foundation really) from creasing and helps it last all day. Maybe it’s because my eyes are big and I have the bags to match some days, but baking left my under-eyes very very powdery looking. I still set my concealer with a powder but I do a light sweep, instead of literally caking on powder, and it works just fine. Baking done wrong gives you the “raccoon” look and causes a white-cast in photos. So this technique isn’t joining me in 2018.



(Photo: glamourpage.com)

“Color Correcting”
This is another technique used by makeup artists since forever but got weirdly popular over the past year. If you’re like me and your skin tone is pretty even and your acne is minimal, you don’t need this step. Color correcting is for those with prominent discoloration, acne blemishes or scars, and dark circles or dark spots. If foundation and/or spot concealing hides any skin problems, you don’t need to color correct. If you feel you need it, by all means. But those with clearer skin don’t really benefit from this technique. 



(Photo: popsugar.com)

“Claws”
I hate long nails, always have. So in 2018 you’ll find me with short to medium length nails. Long claws is more of a Twitter trend than anything but it’s one I’m leaving alone. I am very rough on my hands so I just can’t be bothered about losing or chipping a nail. With that, unless I’m wearing (short) acrylics - I’m over nail art. Not much is original anymore so you’ll catch me in solid colors. 



(Still from An Knook video on YouTube)

“Harsh Eyes”
I’ll be the first to say, I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed with all the cut-creases, glitter eyeliner and halo eyes on social media right now. They’re relatively easy to achieve, but these eye trends are allll I’m seeing lately. That’s not to say I won’t be rocking these looks in 2018, but I have a feeling I’ll get sick of looking at them really fast. I’ve been drawn to “reinventing” the smokey eye. With all the warm toned and colorful eyeshadow palettes coming out, it’s fun to see a classic look done in new colors. But for day-to-day you won’t see me wearing an intense Insta-eye, I’ll be wearing something softer and more smoked out. 


A lot is being left in 2017 but trends are always changing so I’m sure everything will eventually be replaced. What makeup looks are you leaving in 2017, and what are you looking forward to seeing in 2108? 

Kyle Cosmetics | Haul

I'm pretty excited about this post, ladies and gents. I finally got my hands on the Royal Peach Palette by Kylie Cosmetics!

 The first thing at the top of the box was this cute insert with a sweet note on the back and Kylie's eyes (they wink!) on the other side.

The Royal Peach palette comes in a bomb case with Kylie's eyes on the front. Her eyeshadow look is too cool, and it's awesome that it can be re-created with the shadows in her palette.

So the eyeshadow palette itself is white with KYLIE on the front in a rose-gold chrome. 

Can we all just take a moment to admire these shadows? Kylie did a great job picking these out and formulating them. The shimmers feel uber creamy and the matte shadows are super blendable. The palette also has a huge mirror which is an improvement from her previous eyeshadow palettes (she hears us, guys!).

Also included in the palette is a medium-sized tapered blending brush. If you had no other brushes accessible to you, this could still do the job. This is another improvement from her Burgundy and Bronze palettes as they do not come with a brush. The Royal Peach palette (as I'm typing this post) is currently out of stock. But K.C. frequently restocks and keeps you updated on social media. If you can catch it before it sells out, the Royal Peach palette retails for $45.

From Top to Bottom: Royal, Peachy, Sandy, and Sorbet. All of these shadows are matte.

From Top to Bottom: North Star, Mojito, Seashell, and Duchess. These shades are all shimmers.

From Top to Bottom: Cinnamon, Duke, Queen Bee, and Crush. Cinnamon is a matte, Duke is a satin, Queen Bee is a shimmer, and Crush is a satin.

The next items I picked up were some glosses. I have a post up on another Kylie gloss if you want to check that out. I didn't ever have any problems with the hairs of the brush, and I think Kylie makes one of the best lip gloss formulas on the market. Each gloss retails for $15 each.

From Left to Right: Candy K, Damn Gina, Posie K glosses. I own Literally gloss, and instantly fell in love. I've been meaning to pick up Posie K and Candy K gloss since they came out. I figured now is a good time to grab them all since the KoKo collection is being sold as singles. I saw Damn Gina gloss and was obsessed. It's a given I purchased once it was available on it's own.

Kylie Cosmetics has a ton of matte lippies, in lip kits and singles. But I personally am over the matte lip trend. I am an avid lover of gloss and creaminess so I'm happy to have these lil babies in my collection. Damn Gina has a lot more sparkle/glitter than I was able to capture in photo so please keep that in mind. I highly highly HIGHLY recommend them all.

I am so pleased with my purchase and will be buying from Kylie Cosmetics in the future. My next goal is to score one (or a few) of Kylie's new highlighters she released. Kylie Cosmetics is a great brand and I have yet to be disappointed, so I think Kylie and her cosmetics deserve all the hype they get.

Wet N Wild | Queen of My Heart Collection

Stay royally wild and get ready to rule this spring with Wet n Wild's Spring (limited edition) Collection: Queen of My Heart. Right now on their webite, wetnwildbeauty.com, they have this entire set for $29 not including shipping. If you were to buy each item separately, it'd cost around $43 or more. Included in the set are: 3 eyeshadow palettes, 3 lip/cheek tints, 2 highlighters, a lip palette, and a kabuki brush.

I think Wet N Wild carries the absolute best drugstore highlighters. I don't think they've ever put out a highlighter that was just "meh". They are all amazing and high quality for a very affordable price. This is still true with their new Megaglo Highlighters in The Sweetest Bling (pink) and Lilac to Reality (purple). 

These highlighters are perfect for those who love color and love a beaming highlight. If you are more into subtle glow-from-within looking highlights, these may not be for you. As you can probably tell from the swatches, these highlighters are pretty metallic. I recommend these as they are perfect for spring and they'll have your cheekbones visible from space. Individually, the Megaglo highlighters retail for $4.99.

The next item is WNW's Kabuki brush. This is an update from their previous Kabuki brush, but now it is made with the same synthetic bristles as their ever-popular Cruelty-Free brushes. The hairs are extremely soft and densely packed. Plus, who doesn't love pink?? The Kabuki brush retails for $3.99. 

Wet N Wild also released 3 new Megaglo Cheek & Lip Tints. From Left to Right are: Crush Upon a Time, Kiss Me If You Can, and Flirt On The Street. These have a creamy, moisturizing formula that will leave a nice tint of color on your lips and cheeks. Monochromatic makeup is huge in 2017, so these are perfect to help acheive that look. 

Above are swatches of each Megaglo Cheek & Lip Tint. Each stick retails for $4.99.

Also included in the collection is a 16 piece lip gloss palette called From Heart to Finish. The Perfect Pout Palette gives you so many options, completing any makeup look will be a breeze. 

From Heart to Finish has a handy dual sided lip brush as well so there's no need to dip your fingers in the glosses. I love that! There's also a bit of space near the lip brush so if you wanted to mix and customize colors, you have space to do that. This lip palette retails for $5.99.

The last 3 items included in the Queen of My Heart collection are Color Icon eyeshadow trios. From Left to Right are: Heart and Heavy, Will You Marina Me, and Hieroglyphic Heart. Each trio retails for $2.99.

Will You Marina Me looks just like a beach. The eyelid and crease colors are a satin finish, with the browbone being a shimmer.

Heart and Heavy is a romantic trio of purple and pink. The browbone color is a shimmer, the crease color is overall matte with a few flecks of shimmer, and the eyelid color is a satin.

The last Color Icon trio, and my personal favorite is Heiroglyphic Heart. The browbone color is a  shimmer, the crease color is a soft matte, and the eyelid color is a surprisingly pigmented shimmer.

The Queen of My Heart collection is a beautiful one. I love each item included, and highly recommend. Especially since you can pick up the entire collection for under $30 bucks. Yes, Wet N Wild is a drugstore brand, but their products are of an amazing quality so don't overlook them!