alter ego: ipsy's October glam bag

Hey, all!

This post is late, late, late! There's been a ton going on lately and on top of that I've developed a crochet obsession. I had to force my self to put down the project I'm working on to type this post. Seriously. (Also, that's a major hint for the next blog post.) 

This month's ipsy glam bag theme is "alter ego". Cute. I love anything remotely Halloween-y. This bag came with some great stuff and some no-so-great stuff. In order of faves to not so much, here's what I got and what I thought.

1. theBalm Cosmetics Mary-Lou Manizer - I was sooooo hoping to get this in my bag. I've been wanting to try it out for ages. Being so pale, I have a hard time finding a good highlighter. They're usually too dark, too glittery, or just look like normal face powder on me. Bummer! This one, however, is ahhhh-mazing!

Can we take a moment for the packaging? the Balm does such cute packaging.

Mary-Lou Manizer is a fab champagne gold. It's shimmery but not at all glittery. It blends well and stays all day on me. I also tried this as an eyeshadow and loved it. I'm definitely picking up the full size when this little one runs out.
(Full size value $24.00. Sample size value $1.60)

2. tarte deluxe LipSurgence™ skintuitive lip gloss in energy - This is one of those fun products that changes color. I've loved "mood" lipsticks since the 80's and for my birthday this year I picked up Lipstick Queen's Frog Prince. So, I'm sure you can guess how tickled pink (geddit?) I was to get this in my glam bag.

This gloss smells like cotton candy, but it's subtle. Once it's on, I can't smell it at all. (Another bummer. I love cotton candy and wouldn't mind smelling it all day!) It goes on clear and develops into a pretty, sheer pink. It's slightly sticky, which helps it stay on longer. It's not as sticky as MAC's Lip Glass, but if you hate sticky altogether, be warned.
(Full size value $19.00. Sample size value $3.56)

3. AYRES Pampas Sunrise Hand Cream -  This is a really nice hand cream. I love lemongrass anything. The patchouli warms it up a bit. It absorbs quickly and is non-greasy. All good things.
(Full size value $12.50. Sample size value $6.25)

4. Nourish Organic Pure Hydrating Argan Face Serum - There were two products in my glam bag that I'm just not feeling. This is one of them. It made my skin warm. It didn't burn, per se. However, it felt warm. And thick. And it hated my foundation. This would probably work better at night, but with the warming (not quite burning), I'm kind of afraid to try it again. Also (this is stupid), since it was in a tube I thought it would be thick. Long story short, I spilled a bunch on my carpet. It's serum. Don't let the tube fool you. If you're interested, the full size comes in a bottle with a pump, which is a great idea. I do like the scent. It's apricot and rose hip. I mostly smell earthy citrus.
(Full size value $23.99. Sample size value $16.79)

5. Coastal Scents Xpress Line Cosmetic Pencil in Black - This is the other product in my bag that I did not enjoy. At all. It's going into the trash when I'm finished with this post because there's no one I dislike enough to pass this along to. There are so many excellent, inexpensive eyeliners out there that there's no need to waste time with something that is so hard and patchy. It literally hurt to apply this.

I tried this as a tight liner, on my waterline, on my upper eyelid, and on my lower eyelid. It didn't stick around. By lunchtime it was gone from my waterline and by dinnertime it was faded and smudged everywhere else. I've heard good things about the company, so I'd like to try other things from Coastal Scents, but not this. Never, ever, ever again.

*edit 10/29/15 - Oops! I had totally forgotten that I had a couple of blushes from them from my August 2014 glam bag. They're good blushes and I'm wearing them right now. Together. That's just how I roll.
(Value $2.95)

Rewards Bonus - Pixi by Petra Brow Powder Trio - I had some points burning a hole in my pocket, so I picked out this brow trio.

I really like this. The idea is that you can mix your perfect brow shade. I found myself using different shades depending on what part of my brow that I'm working on. I tended to go lighter on the inner and outer portions and darker near my arch. It's fun having options.

These are matte and also work well as eyeshadows. (Yes, I always try to find multiple uses for products.) I'd recommend using a primer if you're trying these on your lids. I forgot the first time and had some creasing by the evening. I really do enjoy this product. I'd consider buying the full palette when this one runs out.
(Full size value $12.00. Sample size value $3.00)

The bag - We need to discuss this bag. It's pretty cute. I'm getting a definite 80's vibe.

It's a very metallic yellow gold on one side and a black patent leather-like vinyl on the other.

The grand total for this bag is $31.15 ($34.15 with the bonus plus the bag). I'm a pretty happy camper. If you haven't heard, ipsy is a $10/month customizable beauty subscription service. If you use my referral link I get points. Points get me free things. I like free things. If you're not comfortable with that (I totally understand), then check out ipsy.com.

If you already subscribe, what did you get? If it was the same as me, what did you think of the serum and eyeliner? Any helpful tips on using them?

Love,

Transformation Glam with IAmGlamm

Hi, all!
I have a brand new subscription service to review today. IAmGlamm.com contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in checking out their new service. Of course I said yes. I am a beauty product addict. You've probably guessed that by now.

Let's get started with October's bag. This month's theme is "Transformation Glam", which would definitely explain a few of the items I received. (I'm looking at you, black lace mask!)

First off, the presentation is so stinkin' cute!

The mailer is black and then when I opened it, the whole package was secured with some adorable hot pink fringe and tissue paper. You all know I'm a craft hoarder, so of course I saved the fringe for a future project.

It comes with an info card...

...and a contents list. I felt everything was securely wrapped.

In no particular order let's see what I got and what I thought.

1. Hard Candy Crushed Chromes Nail Polish in Crush On Raisin - Makeup companies, can we get real for a minute? What's up with the names? This is clearly a coppery pink, not a raisin. Okay, rant over. Weird name aside, this is a gorgeous nail polish. I love Hard Candy in general and when they re-released Sky, I tracked it down. This particular polish gives great coverage in one coat and dries quickly. If you want it to last, use a base coat and a top coat. Otherwise, it'll start wearing down at the tips. Hard Candy is a cruelty free company and can be found at Walmart.
(Value $4.00)

2. Aimo Eyelashes - The next thing in my bag was this lovely pair of eyelashes. I had never heard of this brand before and had some trouble tracking them down. The link was for a set that is close to this one, but since no model numbers are given, I couldn't track down the exact set. This set flares out at the end, giving me some serious Disney Princess eyes. That's my favorite style to wear. They looked pretty natural on. The band was a bit stiff, but not totally uncomfortable. I'd definitely wear them again.
(Value $6.00)

3. Bottom Eyelashes - I've never tried bottom eyelashes before, so I was pretty excited to get these. These lashes are hand-knotted on a clear base. They went on pretty easily. It's definitely a bolder look than I go for, however these would be perfect for dressing up. Halloween is coming soon. I might wear these then.
(Full size $2.47. Sample size $0.25)

4. Black Lace Mask - My daughter has no idea I have this. I'm pretty sure she'll confiscate it the second she finds out. This mask is beautiful and comfortable. The laces are stretchy, so they'll fit pretty much everyone. I wish I had somewhere to wear this to. Somebody throw a masquerade party and invite me, m'kay?
(Value $3.99)

5. Klear Action Nails AR New Nail Polish Repair - This is a pretty neat idea. Basically, if you have a chip or smudge in your nail polish, this will fix it. You dot the product over the area that needs repaired and then you brush it over until the problem is gone. I tried it on the chipped polish on my toes (There's no pictures of that. You're welcome!) and it seemed to be working. I feel this would be best for small chips in nail polish that's not too dark. I want to play with this a bit more to see how it works in different circumstances.
(Value $3.55)  

The grand total for the value of this bag is $17.79. The subscription is $8.99 per month and they do have a rewards program. IAmGlamm.com ships to U.S. and Canada.

Much thanks to IAmGlamm.com for the opportunity to try out their subscription service.

Love,

Walmart's Autumn 2015 Beauty Box

Hi, all!
I've been getting the Walmart Beauty Box for a while now. It didn't occur to me to review it until now. It's only $5 per box and there's four boxes per year. It's almost all sample sizes and travel sizes. They also include coupons.

Here's what I got and what I thought about some of it. (I have a hard time trying out packet samples. They seriously annoy me.)

• Dove Advanced Care Deodorant - Pretty good. I didn't get gross and it didn't break me out. (Yes, my pits can break out. TMI?)
• Schick Hydro Silk Disposable Razor - Razors are expensive, so yay for this one!
• Crest 3D White Brilliance Deep Cleaning Toothpaste & Whitening Finisher - Haven't tried this one yet.
• Nivea Extended Moisture Body Lotion - Or this one.
• Bioré Self Heating One Minute Mask - This one, neither.
• ACT Advanced Care Clean Mint Mouthwash - Will take this while travelling.
• aussie mega hairspray - Will take this while travelling.
• Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer - Meant to try this one in the shower this morning. Forgot.
• Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara - This is way more natural looking than I feel comfortable with. I'm glad I got to try it in a beauty box rather than pay full price.
• Caress Body Wash in Adore Forever - Smells so pretty.
• aveeno positively radiant daily moisturizer - Thick formula, but it absorbs quickly. It didn't break me out.

I'm not going to wreck my head trying to figure out the value of sample packets, but I do feel this box is worth my $5. That's 11 products to try out. What do you think? Are you getting the Walmart Beauty Box? Did you get this same things if you do?

Love,

Sean's Oatmeal Soda Bread Recipe

That texture, though!

Hi, all!
My family has been so busy lately, that meals at home are a treat. I'll tell you what else is a treat - Sean's awesome bread. It's delicious and so quick to throw together. The recipe is below.

The ingredients (featuring my new chalk board fox).

Sean's Oatmeal Soda Bread

Ingredients:

• 2 cups instant oatmeal
• 1/4 coarsely crushed almonds
• 1/4 cup flax seed
• 1 tsp (heaped) baking soda
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 cup low fat plain yogurt

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350°.
• Combine ingredients.
• Pack loosely into a greased loaf tin, making sure the entire bottom is filled with no large air pockets.
• Carve a shallow line down the center with a knife. 
• Bake 30-40 minutes or until it's brown on the top. Poke it with a knife. It's finished when the knife comes out clean.
• Remove the loaf from the pan and wrap in a tea towel to cool.
• Bread should cut easily even shortly after cooling down.
• Nom!

Sean crushing almonds.

The mixture.

In the pan with the line carved.

The proper shade of oatmeal soda bread brown.

Getting ready for its wrap.

Not a towel burrito.

So pretty!

Mmmm! Buttery! (Also great with jam. And peanut butter. And honey. Need I go on?)

If you give this a try, let me know what you think.

Love,

Face Fashion - September's ipsy glam bag

Hi, all!
It's time to Face Fashion...or something. I dunno. Ipsy's glam bag of the month is all bronzey and gorgeous. Love! Love! Love!

1. Evelyn Iona Cosmetics Cream Blush in ASH - I love a good cream blush. It gives such a healthy, natural flush to the skin. This one is a really, really good one. It's a pinky, peachy shade. (I'm great at describing colors!)

It's organic, cruelty free, and $1 of every one sold is donated to YWCA Canada. All good things. This blends out beautifully and is so soft. It doesn't really smell like anything, and, because I'm weird, I tried this on my lips as well. Pretty!
(Full size $18.75. Sample size $10.71)

2. ACURE Argan Oil Cleansing Towelettes - These wipes are pretty good. They removed my makeup and didn't break me out. They're a bit smaller than most other wipes I've tried. They're also on the drier side of damp, if that makes any sense. However, they do work. They removed my eye makeup pretty easily. "Unscented" is a bit of a misnomer. It has a faint scent of something; maybe the argan oil? I dunno. It's not overpowering and I'm sure the "unscented" part is that there is no additional scent added. I guess. If you're interested, they're on sale for $3.50 at the time of this post.
(Value $6.99)

3. J. Cat Beauty #MOTD Waterproof Slide on Pencil for Eyes in Bronze - This eyeliner is So. Flipping. Awesome! It's so creamy. I really love bronze on my eyes. I love this eyeliner! (Can you tell?)

Look at that. Just look at it. Gorgeous!

I ran water over the swatch. It didn't budge. I rubbed it super hard and then it balled up. You can see that the liner is still there, but there are flakes. Never, ever, ever rub your eyes as hard as I did my hand. Ever!

This wore all day on my lash line, however it didn't last in my waterline. Bummer. I don't care though. That's how much I love this liner.
(Value $3.99)

4. Crown Brush Oval Concealer Brush (C224) - This brush is a good brush. It's a concealer brush, but it also does well applying cream eyeshadows. The bristles are synthetic and soft, but firm. I know that doesn't make sense at all, but it would if you could feel it for yourself. Trust me on this one.
(Value $2.98)

5. NYX Cosmetics ipsy Eye Shadow Trio - This particular trio was made just for ipsy. I love NYX. I love ipsy. I should love, love, love this palette. Yeah...

These colors in the palette are fabulous. There are two shimmers (a champagne and a bronze) and a matte (a charcoal). I was so excited!

Right up until I swatched them. The swatch below took three passes of layering and piling them on just to be able to photograph them. Meh.

I did get a couple of very pretty looks on the eye. They were both soft, natural looks. I'm thinking that if I pile the darkest shade on over top of a dark base, I could build up some drama. They're easy to work with and blend very well. I was just expecting more pigmentation.

As I mentioned, this is an ipsy exclusive. NYX does have many other trios. The closest one to this one would probably be the Voodoo Love Spells trio. And it's on sale for $3.00 right now. Yay!
(Value $6.00)

The bag - I really like this bag. In keeping with the bronze theme, it's bronze. Surprise! It's a textured metallic vinyl. I'd definitely carry this as a clutch.

The grand total is $30.67. I'm well pleased and feel like I got my ten dollar's worth. Ipsy is a beauty subscription service that is $10/month. If you're interested in subscribing to ipsy, check it out at ipsy.com or if you want to give me referral credit, click my link. I get points for referring people. Points get me free stuff. I love free stuff. Just sayin'.