Ipsy April 2014 bag (Review)

My Glam bag review/update~

Ello my sweet peas! I haven't been on here in a while I understand some of you are wondering where I have gone. I am still on the search for a good affordable school to get my Esthetician license, which is a lot harder then it seems here. Long story short HCC messed up pretty bad and then continued to disappoint my efforts. But my co-work AT MY NEW JOB!~ gave me a heads up on an even better school though it's farther away and would require me to brave the Hawaii traffic for a year 1/2. I am willing to fight for this dream.

On a lighter note I dyed my hair purple/indigo ombre! It is the first time that I have ever done this type of hair style, and so far I've notice it is an attention grabbing hair style. Sometimes it's annoying and sometimes it's just fabulous. It will also be a new challenge and comfort level pusher for me. Which I have been craving for some years now. Like 14 year craving. I've been at an all girl school for 7 of them and at a stress-filled dead end job with a ridiculous dress code. Here it is!

 

And now for the review...

 Ipsy April 2014 bag (Review):

Lets start off will the theme which is beauty rocks, because it does. I haven't personally been to a concert for a long time now though. Even when Bruno Mars came home, I found $300-$2000 ticket price which was sold out with in 2 hours utterly redonkulous! Damn scalpers. That's ok though, I only really like one song from the talented artist.
The bag I got was good, I liked it and even bought some of the products that I didn't get in my bag. Rainbow honey nail polish is the bee's knees, and for 20% it was a good deal. Bought two shades love em both. Now I also got products I didn't think they'd give me but I pretty much got all that I wanted.

List of products:
1. [Full sized] Cailyn, Tinted Lip Balm - Acid Pink.
2. [Sample sized] Benefit, Lollitint - Candy Orchid.
3. [Full sized] Kiss, Look so natural lashes - KFL01.
4. [Travel sized] Urban Decay, 24/7 Velvet Glide-on eye pencil - Black Velvet.
5. [Full sized] City Color, White Gold shadow & Highlight mousse.



Product photos:

My Ipsy April 2014 Glam bag.

I love how their bags have an inside lining now, and even more details like the logo on the zipper. They really have upped the game since they have started. I also like how they at least had more then just one full sized product even give you added discounts. Can't wait till next month, I just hope it doesn't get stuck in Richmond CA again.

Product photos and review time:

Cailyn, Tinted Lip Balm - Acid Pink.

Now I was hoping to get the Apple pink color, but I got Acid Pink instead. They have a tendency to send me fuchsia shades. But oddly enough this did not seems like a balm at all, it was richly pigmented when I expected sheer coverage. Is good it's a great product definitely moisturized and gave me a great rocking color. The brush is nice and soft which made it easy to apply and just over all is a great richly pigment balm (like a lipstick). It will match my hair now. ;)

 

Benefit, Lollitint - Candy Orchid.

This was something I could do without, even though when they gave me a sample Rose tint. Candy Orchid was not really my cup of tea, the stain is stronger then the Rose tint. Lasted longer too, so if you are looking for a light bright pinkish purple tint this is perfect. It does start out milky but quickly dissipates into a Orchid lip stain. Which is great if you want to have a nice lip product with the Pantone's color of the year.

 

Kiss, Look so natural lashes - KFL01.

Oh! I wanted these soo badly. This particular one as well, Kiss has a great way of making such affordable lashes with a natural light weight vibe. Haven't personally used these yet but I am ready when ever I decide to. They are feather tapered which makes batting your lashes twice as fluttery. I hope when these arrive in CVS stores I can grab one more and use them as demi lashes.

 

Urban Decay, 24/7 Velvet Glide-on eye pencil - Black Velvet.

Oh my~ this was amazing, I loved how it was easy to use and creamy soft. Have tried their Navy liner and this is just as smooth and manageable. Gave me a nice soft winged eyeliner and just worked even better when I tight lined as well. I did get a little flakiness in later hours on the bottom eye line. I wore this for about 8-9 hours with tiny fall out. A little did get into my eye and caused minor irritation but did not cause my eyes to freak out. This is great for a nice warm soft look.

 

City Color, White Gold shadow & Highlight mousse.

Exciting to try new products, I love how warm toned this shadow is. Did a simple eyeliner look with this and the Urban decay velvet pencil. Put this on the center of my lids and it just brought my whole look together. I did not expect this to be as creamy as it was. Because I did have to blend it so it wouldn't clump in areas. Next time I use this, it will be for a cheek bone highlighter to see how it would look on my pale skin tone. Not to sure if it has a tendency to crease because I used an eyelid primer.

Ok my sweets!

Thank you so much for still being interested in my blog which I haven't updated in a while. I am not going to lie I have been in a search for some direction in my life and when I realized I had stopped doing the things I love it just made me sad. I like to share my findings and read yours as well. Hope I can be a little more self-disciplined with my blog. And update it's look as well. 

Mahalo,

Val

IPSY November 2013 bag (Review)

I don't know how to apologize for this review for being so late. Been in a stressful rush lately to apply to get my Esthetician license with some hiccups and possibly missing the due date. I am glad to say I am back home in Hawaii and ready to work (preferably not in retail.) Then again to be honest with my readers the few that there are, I never planned to be 26 still living with my parents. They are amazing people don't get me wrong but sometimes when you fail at getting a job or anything career wise it can become disheartening. The last thing I want to be is a disappointment to them, I want to live on my own, and know what it's like to file my own taxes without help. Yet I am part of the percentage of Americans that don't get a job in their field right after they graduate College because it's competitive and they like this thing called experience (And they don't want to be the ones to give it to you.) All personal matters aside I love my interest in the cosmetic world and the fan base it creates. And I hope I can share my gathered knowledge and get paid for it one day. Yet for now I will just leave what I learned here or what I've found that I think would interest others as well. 

Thank you for being curious enough to see what I have to say about things that make us happy. Because options are like assholes, everyone's got one and this blog is mine. ;)

Ok now to the good stuff!

List of products:
1. [Full sized] Kiss, ever ez lashes - 03 (Came with glue and applicator)
2. [Full sized] Pixi beauty, bronzer - Subtly Suntouched
3. [Full sized] Nailtini - Caviar Cocktail
4. [Full sized] Be a Bombshell, lip crayon - Shameless
5. [Full sized] EM cosmetics, waterliner - Emerald
6. [Full sized] Starlooks, Gem eye pencil - Amethyst


Wow 6 full sized products for November that's redonkulous. Ipsy's reputation for being one of the best beauty subscriptions is undisputed. I used to compare them with Birchbox and let me tell you Ipsy always makes room for improvement while Birch just believes in their diehard fans. Which is ok, nothing wrong with it. I just need a better deal for my buck is all, cause well I am jobless for the moment. :/

Bag & Product photos:

My Ipsy November 2013 bag.

I am soooo happy they went with snake print this time, can't tell you how much I am a reptile print gal. The color is actually gold out of photo but I've notice that it changes with format or with different lighting. Needless to say I was blessed with an over abundance.


Product photos and reviews:

Kiss, ever ez lashes - 03

These were amazing lashes, they are light weight and on a clear band. The length is just enough to pass for a natural look. This was just crazy to receive because it's 2 pairs of false lashes with an applicator and glue. The glue was good, it did not irritate my eyes and did a decent job of staying on. Although it was clear glue that has a duo chrome hue which I thought was rather unusual for lash glue. But it dried clear and looked just fine after I lined it. If this doesn't get you to want to subscribe just wait.

Pixi beauty, bronzer - Subtly Suntouched

Now Pixi has some great stuff and for this bronzer I just loved the velvet finish of the case. Yet Ipsy kinda hit a miss with me on the color. When this could work for fair skin this just look like there was nothing on my face. The slight shimmer probably could be seen just the color was meh worthy. I do like a good bronzer, I just prefer to be able to see it and then blend it.

Nailtini - Caviar Cocktail

Now this wasn't the original color I was expecting to get, there was a copper-ish one. Yet I actually liked and worked with this shade better. The metallic dark gray color just popped in lights and complimented my skin tone rather well. The perfect transition color from fall to winter, in fact most metallic shades are best suited for this time. That won't stop me though from wearing this shade in the other seasons as well. This is the 3rd nailtini polish I've gotten over the year and this one I will keep for myself. (Not that I need anymore nail polish. Seriously I have a decent massive collection.)

Be a Bombshell, lip crayon - Shameless

Meh, is the word I've choose to describe this color. It's pretty sheer fuchsia color, can build up but the shimmer in it just turns me off. The formula is decent and might even be better then the Revlon lip crayons with out the minty smell. Shameless just didn't work for me at this moment, maybe later in a year I'll change my thoughts about it and heck this could work for you if you just love the color of the swatches. It just didn't get my goat.

EM cosmetics, waterliner - Emerald

Color predictable, but boy did this liner live up to the hype! Totally giggly that Michelle Phan decided to share her line with us this month and even more to come. I already have two of the lipsticks and just love love love them. The color always seems predictable since they know it's my favorite color. The formula is really exquisite, highly pigmented, easy to work with, and really is meant for that water line. I mean its semi-permanent once it drys, which means you need to be a little fast and precise. Has a built in sharpener and smudge tip as well.

Starlooks, Gem eye pencil - Amethyst

Did not expect to get two eyeliners in one bag, that is a first. They are different colors and brands which feels like a cop-out but a cop-out in my favor. I really wanted to try this shade to get me out of my purple shy. Shimmery enough to pass for a silver but purple undertone to give it a shy pop of color. This wasn't so water proof though, when I did try this with a primer it still creased. Though I think that was the primers fault. Pigmentation is fantastic and easy to work with.

So that is all she wrote, for last month's Ipsy bag, if you want me to review October let me know in the comments. Though personally I wasn't really that into what I got after I came home to see it. I will however show you my Halloween photo since it is a rather good Kabuki fox makeup look that Rose shock inspired me to do. The mouth is the same but I felt after the fact that I should have added more teeth. Contacts were from Pinkyparadise in Venus Bright red.

So whether your late in the game or ahead of the trend do it because it satisfies you.

-Val

Ipsy September 2013 bag review

Today I have my Ipsy September 2013 bag to review for you!

Now I am aware it's October but I must stress I am in Portland and my mail is being sent to the address in Hawaii so I have to have my lovely mother Fedex my subscriptions here. Which makes them late to review so be prepared for October to be the same. Now we all ready have seen Ipsy VS Birchbox and since I canceled the Birchbox there really is no reason to keep beating a dead horse. Personally I wanted to try Birchbox because some of the things in my past Ipsy bags were just not my cup of tea. But lately after they updated the personal quiz my bags have been tremendously better.

Lets get it on~ ohhh.

List of products:
1. Full sized, Skyn iceland: Hydro cool firming eye gels.
2. Full sized, Starlooks: Kohl eye pencil - K01 Obsidian.
3. Full sized, NYX: Single shadows - ES86 Lanikai.
4. Travel sized, Elizabeth Mott: It's so b!g volumizing mascara.
5. Full sized, Cailyn: Tinded lip balm - Big apple.

Woop woop!

Skyn Iceland: Hydro cool firming eye gels.

I have been wanting to try these for a while, since Michelle Phan had them in her travel video. It seemed like something I wanted to try so yay! Now when I read the reviews from other Ipsy fans they said it has a menthol burn on it. To reduce the puffy eye, which sadly I don't really care about. In fact an odd thing is I love it when I wake up to a puffy face just not a puffy nose. But if it takes care of dark circles I am all for it! Now if you have sensitive eyes like me it might not be the best because you will tear.

Starlooks: Kohl eye pencil - K01 Obsidian.

Now I have quite a few of eye liners just sitting in a pile, but you can never have enough eyeliner. This Kohl liner isn't my first, yet it's one of the better formulas I've tried. Not to dry but creamy enough to blend. Also I like the charcoal look, because it's a great base for a smokey eye. Even though I rarely do the smokey eye.

NYX: Single shadows - ES86 Lanikai.

Great job Ipsy for reading my mind! I just can't believe I finally have ONE of these. Yes just one, this one! Because I always see these in the drugstore but I never got one. I have been wanting to try them, yet never found a reason to get one mainly because some of the colors I can dupe with. The texture is smooth and just easy to blend. I would however use a primer or a base color under this since its pretty sheer coverage. What I like about this is that it's a simmer but looks matte in indoor lighting.

Elizabeth Mott: It's so b!g volumizing mascara.

Uuuggghhh, now when it comes to mascaras I just don't really care for the ones they send me in these bags. After the pixi fiasco I changed my beauty quiz so I won't get anymore. But I guess I was too late for this one. I have read some good and bad reviews on this, but since my sister interested in trying out a new mascara I'll just give this to her. The brush doesn't look like I'd be ok with the application process. So meh. That's my spheal on it.

Cailyn: Tinded lip balm - Big apple.

This lip balm seems more like a lipstick formula to me, yet really lip balm was the original form of lipstick before the bullet so. Breaking down that knowledge for ya, I really was happy to see this in my bag and surprised even more after I used it. It's actually a nice matte lip balm and nicely pigmented. The only problem I had with this was the brush I used for the application made it patchy. Yet when I used this as a base for another matte lipstick it gave a nice bright effect. For example I used MAC's retro matte lipstick in Dangerous on the center of my lips and this as a base. It made me look aaamazing. Just fabulous.

Alright so that's my review of last month's bag. I got to say even though I didn't get somethings I wanted I still got some really great products to try and most of them are full sized products! Now even though I didn't get the Butter London polish I might get one later this year or next year. This month though, they are giving some of the subscribers Zoya fall color nail polish. Unfortunately the colors they are giving away are colors I already have AGAIN. Ughhh. I can't help it that I am ahead on the ZOYA fandom, they are an amazing company and have the best sales. Any way, this bag was good and even greater then my first one so that's saying a lot.

So here is the link for Ipsy: Ipsy.com
I would have out the discount codes for the products on here afterwards but since it's already October they probably don't work anymore.

Whether you're late in the game or ahead of the trend do it because it makes you happy.
-Val

Ipsy V.S Birchbox August2013 round four *FIGHT!*

Helloo my grand masters of the passion. Today is the last, yes the last V.S blog post. I will be moving to Portland for a while just a month in a half to network and visiting animation studios. Plus I discontinued my Birchbox subscription after this month. I felt by many reasons that I was losing more money then I was getting and we all have seen in past posts why this is. Of course I will still blog about Ipsy subscriptions as well as try new beauty subscriptions out there. But for now lets just end the massacre that is this final battle of the beauty subscriptions.

Our final fight is now here lets begin:
 

Here is our champion Ippsssy<3!!!

Ipsy just blows Birchbox's 10 buck sample box out of the water and even with the extra deals added I can't see how Birchbox just doesn't care to step it up. Ipsy just has the most protective subscribers too, I mean ladies, gee's calm yo tits. Just cause one person didn't agree with something in there bag is NO reason to attack them and tell them to get off to let someone else who shares the SAME opinions you do to step in. If you don't agree just say so and stop being such a bitch. That might be the only reason I find Ipsy lacking on their online site. Protecting their subscribers from their subscribers. I hardly see that on Birchbox, if someone doesn't like it I don't see some crazy lady going off at them.


List of Products:
1.) Deluxe sample sized - Pacifica, Alight multi-mineral BB cream.
2.) Travel sample sized - Michael Todd, Jojoba charcoal facial scrub.
3.) Sample sized - Pixi, Lash booster mascara.
4.) Full sized - MICA, eyeshadow in Bronze.
5.) Sample sized - Urban Decay, Revolution lipstick in Anarchy.

Pacifica, Alight multi-mineral BB cream.

This was a nice sample to try and the fact I get more then one use lets you learn more about it and how this product works. It is a sheer illuminizer with sun protection but again is sheer and even though helps keep your tone even doesn't cover the already there sun spots, acne scares, etc. It is lightly scented and it's alright. It's probably best to use a BB powder on top to make it look more like a natural glow. Best to use concealer as well. (Ipsy 1)

Michael Todd, Jojoba charcoal facial scrub.

 

The Michael Todd true organic line has always been in the back of my mind. Especially for the pumpkin mask which has been raved over and over about. I was hoping to get the mask in my bag and when I got this instead yeah, I admit I was disappointed. But the reviews on the Jojoba charcoal scrub were good on the Ipsy site so I went with it. I used this twice and finally just gave in to love, it is a nice light non abrasive cleansing scrub. The Ipsy site gave all the subscribers a 30% off code for the Michael Todd site, so if I want to just buy the pumpkin mask I can get it at a more affordable price. Because the full price item is just what keeps me at bay. (Ipsy 2)

Pixi, Lash booster mascara.

I keep having a love hate with the mascaras that come in the Ipsy bags. This was another miss in more ways then one. When I read about it, it seems like a dream. A waterproof lash boosting mascara that keeps curl and makes them look full. Um no, the wand stopper pops out and the applicator it's self isn't the type that I like to work with. Because it's really messy I got mascara on the lashes and skin even when I tried to lightly use it. (Ipsy 0)

MICA, eyeshadow in Bronze.

 










MICA's bronze eyeshadow was much to be desired for those who don't have 2 just like it in their beauty collections. This color just pops in the sun and is great for that summer to fall change. For me it came off to shimmery and for someone who always sticks to shimmer. This doesn't get me out of my comfort zone which I was looking for. After I swatched it, just wasn't impressed as I thought I'd be. Highly pigmented as most loose shadows are. Has a great multi-versatile use as a illuminating bronzer (When used with a serious light touch.) So for those who got this and loved it that's great, but for me not so much. (Ipsy 0)

Urban Decay, Revolution lipstick in Anarchy.

I wasn't but was expecting this to be in my bag this month, even though I was looking forward to the 69 color I am happy with Anarchy. I know some of you are saying "OH you're so lucky." Not really but thanks, everybody will eventually get this product in the up and coming bags. It's probably because I've been a subscriber for a while. I actually passed on these when they came out, and told myself I'll get to it when I am fully interested in them. But now that Ipsy has beat me to it, I applaud you Ipsy for the knock out. The bullet of this fuchsia lipstick is beautiful because it has this warm metallic shine to it. But when you look at it on your lips the shine doesn't come out. This was a cute bright color that just pops in light. Not only that it has really good lasting power. There was still a good amount left at the end of the day, after drinking and eating. The formula is so divine and doesn't dry out my lips like most 12 hour lipsticks do. (Ipsy 3)








The challenger the B-brawler of the box! Birchbox~!!!

Oh Birchbox, it was nice while it lasted for 5 months but enough was enough. After that melted lipstick and tiny samples it just didn't seem like this would last. I did like to try all the great products but when you realize you CAN'T afford most of it. Nope...just no. The website is probably the best part because of the exclusive products and limited edition things. The also give great storage space for little nicknacks afterwards. So I just decided to save my 10 dollars for things I do need. But I hope these posts helped other Beauty explorers get a little more info about the differences between the two. So lets end this.

List of products:
1.) Sample size - Dr.Jart+, premium BB cream spf 45.
2.) Deluxe sample size - MIYU beauty, de-stress mi beauty essence & tea.
3.) 2 sample sized - OC8, professional mattifying gel.
4.) Travel sample sized - Whish, exfoliating body wash.
5.) Sample sized - Whish, hair inhibiting deodorant swipes. 

Dr.Jart+, premium BB cream spf 45.

The Dr.Jart+ BB cream was a tiny cute squeeze bottle. Like all the other BB creams Birchbox gives me it never matches my skin tone. I did let it oxidize and it match a little bit better, yet it's not something I wanted to try or ever buy. It's got great coverage, and doesn't feel too heavy on. It did give me a 'looks like your wearing sunscreen face.' Maybe though it's something you'd like to try. (Birchbox 0)

MIYU beauty, de-stress mi beauty essence & tea.

I really liked this, even though it wasn't getting the best reviews on the site. The de-stress mi beauty mist is really light and refreshing. I didn't think so at first since the licorice and peppermint ingredients sound rather harsh. Yet it is so delicate and comforting a great item to have. The tea I haven't tried yet but it has sugar pearls and chamomile. The full price bottles are out of my price range for this though. This was quite enjoyable, my mom liked this too so I might just give it to her for the office. (Birchbox 1)

OC8, professional mattifying gel.

I was pretty happy there were two of these and not just one. Still yet I get more samples then this for free at Sephora. This mattifying gel though from OC8 is great, it's light weight and soaks up quick. I still get oily depending on the foundation or BB cream I use but not as crazy as before. It doesn't really last up to 8 hours on a hot day in Hawaii, but it does it's job. (Birchbox 2)

Whish, exfoliating body wash.

I haven't tried this yet, but I can't wait to. I've had a bamboo body scrub before and it was nice. I guess so nice that the guys used it up. Guys = (Boyfriend's house and roommates.) This is a great sized product too, and in a great budget range. With sugar cane and bamboo powder, it's a nice body scrub to buff off dead skin for a healthy glow. (Birchbox 3)

Whish, hair inhibiting deodorant swipes.

Umm, what you try'na say Brichbox? Hahahaa, but no really I always wanted to try these because there have been times I ran out the door without deodorant. Luckily I work in a perfume heavy half naked store. Did you guess yet? Yeah but I work in the back so the cologne doesn't hide me. As for the hair inhibitor at first I had to ask myself what does that mean? The description says it's a deodorant wipe that slows hair growth. That's like a two for one, multi purpose, and take it with you amazballs. I would probably shell the 16 bucks for this on the website. But I will hold on to this when I really NEED it. (Birchbox 4)




And with a surprise turn around the winner is Birchbox!!!

Go figure right? The month I stop on is the box that actually beats Ipsy. Birchbox snuck(sneak) by with 4 points where Ipsy just got 3. I have to admit I was thinking I may regret this. In all honesty the overall products I was getting from Birchbox with the amount I was giving just left me with a ripped of sense. This box does add up to me, since the MIYU and the Whish body scrub were good sized products to try. That Dr.Jart+ though was a WTF moment. Over all I am glad Birch got to with this one, they actually won the first month that I didn't blog about. But 2 out of 3 just seems like a red flag for my money spending. So congrats Birchbox, own it, cause you did put up a great fight.


Birchbox                                                                                        Ipsy





So whether you're late in the game or ahead of the trend do it because it makes you happy.
-Val

Ipsy V.S Birchbox July2013 round three *FIGHT!*

Hello my savvy shoppers, I have a new V.S battle for you. I know by now you realize Ipsy will probably win this round also. Yet I figured I'd still do this post for you. Again my Birchbox came in late due to Richmond CA. That is a black hole for packaged if there ever was one. This makes it hard for me to post this during the month they are meant for. The wait can be a little daunting since I do live in Hawaii and no matter what. If the tracking ends in Richmond CA it's safe to say I am not getting it until the real end of the month or when it's already the next month. But without any more waiting here is round three.

Back for more abuse here are our fighters:

Here is our home contender~ Ipssssyy!

Alright let's not get our nickers in a twist. It's obvious by now that Ipsy is a tough beauty box to beat. You do get a hell of a lot better deals. Including promotion codes off every item in the bag even on the products you don't get in the bag. They have been really nice to their subscribers as well as nutorious for giving more then one full sized products or travel tester. Every month they just keep getting better and better. They even listen to their subscribers for constructive critisim. When they ship to me it never gets lost in Richmond CA now and comes as soon as it is shipped.

List of products:
1.) Full sized, POP beauty pouty pop crayon - Rose romance.
2.) Travel sized, CoolA - mineral face SPF 20 Rose Essence tinted moisturizer.
3.) Deluxe sample sized, BH Cosmetics - California Collection Eyeshadow Sample.
4.) Travel sized, Big Sexy Hair - Weather Proof Humidity Resistant Spray.
5.) Sample sized, Benefit - Rose benetint.

POP beauty pouty pop crayon - Rose romance.

 
When I saw a picture in the teaser post I was very ecstatic. Yay! A lip crayon to try and possibly fall in love it. Nope.. under shot my expectations. I was pretty disappointed in this first off was that I thought this color would be perfect for me. Then second it is just too creamy for my lips. It loves to sink into the cracks if you know what I mean. (Ipsy 0)

CoolA - mineral face SPF 20 Rose Essence tinted moisturizer.

When I got this I had a serious sense of dejavu. I almost felt that Ipsy was biting a bit off of Brichbox. Because in the Birchbox last month I received the Cumber sunscreen. Yet I was gun-ho about it after I actually used the Cumber face lotion. In the Ipsy bag you either got then unscented one or the rose essence. Thank the cosmetic God's they sent me the rose essence. This was the second Rose themed item I got. (Ipsy 1)

BH Cosmetics - California Collection Eyeshadow Sample.

Wow, just a high mark for Ipsy on this one. This BH Cosmetics sampler was really the cherry. It gave you one shadow per theme'd palette to test out. The only problem about this was trying to achieve the same amount of pigmentation of two of the shadows. I had to get these wet first before I could swatch them, because they are that sheer. Give or take you can build it up, but I expected the shadows to be rich in color. Well one was, Malibu pretty much held most of the easy pigment. (Ipsy 0)

Big Sexy Hair - Weather Proof Humidity Resistant Spray.

Surprised to receive this product. I never thought I needed a Humidity resistant spray. In fact I figured I never needed one with all the anti-frizz products I have. When Fossie came for a visit to Hawaii though I used this like a germaphobe uses sanitizer (Ok maybe not that much.) It was humid rain, and it felt like walking in a sauna, my hair should have been ugly. Yet I used this product and it kept my mane frizz free and calm. Now when you first spray this into your hair it leaves this really textured feel to it but it goes away rather quickly. (Ipsy 2)

Benefit - Rose benetint.

Yes! what is there to say about Benefits benetint that hasn't already been said. A beautiful natural supple glow to the cheeks and lips. With a delectable scent of rose. (Ipsy 3)



Are you ready ladies and gentle men for the notorious Biirrchbox!!!

G's sometimes I wonder why am I still subscribed or even did subscribe to them? They give you mostly testers and on occasion give you discounts on the items in the box but not all the items do you get discounts for. There is a reason I am letting you know right now that Birchbox has already lost and continue to find out why.

List of Products:
1.) Sample sized,  Juliette Has a Gun - Not a Perfume.
2.) Sample sized, Birchbox Bobby Pins - 1 Set.
3.) Sample sized, theBalm cosmetics InStain Long-Wearing Powder Staining Blush.
4.) Full sized, ModelCo - Party Proof Lipstick in Get naked.
5.) Sample sized, Vivant - Skin Care Green Tea Antioxidant Cleanser.

Juliette Has a Gun - Not a Perfume.

This was rather polite to send, the perfume sample was enjoyable and great for the end of summer scent. It smelled really familiar though as if I had a sample of a Dior perfume. It contains Cetalox which is a warm spicy amber smell. That's the reason why it's not a perfume. Yet on the store site it's $120 dollars without shipping.. wooah um thanks I love it just not that much for a Not a perfume. (Birchbox 1)

Birchbox Bobby Pins - 1 Set.

Ok I thought this was a good idea at the time. Until I actually got it, these hair pins were big for me. A little too big and even though they have an adorable pattern they were a miss for me. Like I said before they are too big, and hard @$$ metal pins it ripped my hair out while I was trying to take them out. (Birchbox 0)

theBalm cosmetics InStain Long-Wearing Powder Staining Blush.

theBalm cosmetics InStain Long-Wearing Powder Staining Blush.

This tangerine blush was cute, and small. A little to small for a blush brush to pick up, yet it's super pigmented and just latches on to your skin good. The color is perfect for my yellow undertones and is cool enough to balance out. (Birchbox 2)

ModelCo - Party Proof Lipstick in Get naked.

ModelCo - Party Proof Lipstick in Get naked.

Alright! The reason why Birchbox lost this battle so badly. Point and case this lipstick. Model Co has great nail polishes I'll give them that but what the hell was this? Let me start off with this product's arrival. It was melted in the tube and smashed against the cap. I figured I could work around that when plop! The bullet just fell out. Then I stuck the bullet back in and tossed it in the freezer to save it. After it was fixed I went to swatch it to find that it is NOT a matte color like it says on the case. It's more cream then anything. Birchbox...Shame. (Birchbox 0 and some hair strands.)

Vivant - Skin Care Green Tea Antioxidant Cleanser.

Now this seems good and nice. Something to clean the face and sounds like a product I'd get into. Haven't used it yet so I can't really say much about it. I was able to use their Lemon grass sugar face scrub and loved it. So I am going on a whim and give Birchbox this point even though it's clear they didn't win this round. (Birchbox 2)


AAAndthewinnerisIpsygofigure!



Haha oh well, it's safe to say Birchbox needs to seriously step up their game. I mean the Men's boxes are much more interesting the the women's. I seriously don't know what was up with the lipstick and hair pins. And I hope this gets a price savvy beauty wonder to go for the better deals. Ipsy I have to admit is a more price geared towards women who can't really break the bank. It also doesn't help when Brichbox offers a 15 dollar box for items you can get at the drugstore. Come on.


So whether your late in the game of ahead of the trend do it because it doesn't break your wallet.

-Val

Ipsy V.S Birchbox May2013 round one *FIGHT!*

This is a relative V.S category that has been around since beauty boxes/bags/sample packs have been around. Usually you sign up for a subscription to a beauty website or store which can cost 10-20 greens for about 4-6 products that are deluxe sample sizes, regular tiny samples, or full sized products. It's a great way to test if you like a product without having to buy a full size or go into a store for a sample. The provider ships one out to you every month and you get to do your own hits and misses moment. I've been curious about these subscriptions for a long time and was about to sign up for Birchbox when I heard about it two years ago. So I signed up for them and was put on the waiting list. But then Ipsy aka MyGlam at the time came out and I figured 10 bucks for urban decay full sized shadow? Ummm yeah! I've been with Ipsy for over a year now and even though they still have a long way to go, I still heard great things about Birchbox. I obviously was off the waiting list on to ORDER NOW, so I went for it. In April actually was my first Ipsy V.S Birchbox case, which Birchbox took the cake with. This time I decided to share my experience with you, in hopes you find which works best for you. 

 So lets get on with the battle royal shall we:

 

 

In this corner we have the new contender BIIIRCHBOX~

Ok, so Birchbox is not as flattering on the outside like Ipsy but it's whats on the inside that counts. Well lets hope Birchbox can deliver.

List of products:

1.) Travel sized, Laboratoires Klorane - Dry shampoo with oat milk

2.) Sample sized, folle de joie - eau de parfum

3.) Full sized, Acroball Pilot pen - Teal

4.) 3 day samples, Vitivia Pro vitamins for your face - Vitamin A & C

5.) Sample sized, Super goop! - CC cream

Laboratoires Klorane - Dry shampoo with oat milk

Haven't tried this yet but I am soooo happy I finally got to try a dry shampoo. I hated that Ipsy didn't give me the Big Sexy voluminous powder last month. Birchbox got it, plus it's travel size so I can take it with me. (Birchbox 1)

Folle de joie - eau de parfum

This is actually always nice to receive a perfume sample, but what made me really like it was that it smelled like Jasmine and rose with a nice warm hint in it. I loveed it UNTIL I looked at the price of the full sized bottle and understand why they only sent a sample. 98 greens...ummm no thanks. I'll just save it for a special occasion. (Birchbox 0)

Acroball Pilot pen - Teal

 

I like the randoms that Birchbox gives you, it sends a message that they aren't all ways about the make up but things you might actually use. I've noticed a lot of Birchbox subies were pretty ugly about this in their comments. I personally don't know when I'd use a teal pen that glides like buttah but I like having the option. Last month they gave Chocolate Macaroons, which I wasn't a fan of but found it interesting. (Birchbox 2)

Vitivia Pro vitamins for your face - Vitamin A & C

These were AMAZING!!!! I actually went ahead to try this product right after and today was the last trial day for me. My skin is going nuts with the sweat and humidity and these were a breath of fresh vitamins. I didn't see a great change in lightening up the dark spots but they soaked straight into my skin and it's never felt so healthy. Glad I got to try such an amazing product, not so much that it's 55 greens for 28 capsules on the website. They are a great product and it seems worth it. (Birchbox 3)

Veins!!!!

Super goop! - CC cream

Ok I know CC creams are making their way around the beauty industry and now DD cream. Just give me the ZZ cream that just makes my face look like I've had 8 hours of sleep and my 23 year old face. What I'm not great on is that it's mostly just BB cream but with the 'added' bonus of a primer and foundation. It's self adjusting to your skin tone, but when I tried to swatch it on my hand it did this yucky sunscreen thing where it tried to change my warm undertone to a cool tone. I wonder if AA cream is really just sunscreen then? Hmmm (Birchbox 0)

In the opposite corner we have our legendary IPPSSSY~

Ipsy got a great idea going with the packaging, a re-usable makeup bag you can take with you. That way you are also getting a random styled bag. Lets see if it can hit us with it's best shot. Fire away!

List of products:

1.) Full sized, Urban decay moondust eyeshadow - Zodiac

2.) Full sized, Zoya nail polish - Julie

3.) Full sized (refills), Yaby concealer - Buff 

4.) Full sized, Juice Beauty Relfecting Gloss - Pink

5.) Deluxe sample sized, NuMe finishing serum 

6.) Travel sized, St. Tropez - One night only instant glow body lotion

Urban decay moondust eyeshadow - Zodiac

Zodiac Swatches

I am just going out right with this. WHAT ON GOD'S GREEN EARTH thank you Ipsy. I was bummed out when I missed last years bag that had an Urban decay shadow in it. Muuahahaha now I've got one and it is soo pretty. Who ever made my bag this month needs to make my bag every month. This was a great pigmented shadow with great duo chrome flecks of glitter. Just ugh gorgeous. (Ipsy 1)

Zoya nail polish - Julie

 

I am so glad that Ipsy finally jumped on the Zoya fan base. There are so amazing with their discounts and promos, a fantastic company. I was a bit poop faced though when they decided to give us one of the Spring colors, because I already had three of them. I crossed my fingers to get a color from that collection that I didn't have. But as luck would have it, got a color I already had. What shocked me more was that it was a full sized product, incredible. So I guess if I make a blog sale I'll just add this to the list. I don't know how to rate this cause I already have it, if it was a color I didn't have I'd be more likely to give Ipsy the point. Because it's not like they call you and ask you if you already have this color. (Ipsy 1.5) 

Yaby concealer - Buff

Buff swatches

Totally stoked they finally gave me a concealer for once. Every time there was a chance you'd get a concealer they never put it in my bag. This time though, I got one and it was great for me. It's creamy and matches my skin just right. Blends well with a light cover, great for under the eyes. I have to put it in a magnet palette though cause it's a refill which is inconvenient, but good if you got subscribed a couple months ago when they gave us a tiny purse sized magnet palette with a mirror. (Ipsy 2.5)

Juice Beauty Relfecting Gloss - Pink

I was not at all happy about this, mainly because I am a lipstick girl. I do try lip glosses, just not often or at all mainly because my hair gets stuck in them all the damn time. I didn't want to swatch this either since I figured if I wasn't going to use it don't touch it so it might just go into a blog sale. I heard though they are great in the glitter reflecting department and looking at the swatches of it on Google yeah this is nice just not for me. (Ipsy 0)

NuMe finishing serum

  

Um I have a lot of these from Ipsy, mainly because they haven't updated their personal profile questionnaire in over a year. Every time I ask them they always tell me the same thing, they are working on it and it will be back on sometime this year. They said the same thing last year. Wah wah wah. This I haven't used yet but probably will if I have a sleep over or traveling which is never. Haha but I'll give it a shot my hair is starting to go nuts this summer season and would be nice to quench it's thirst. But again I have about 5 of these serums from Ipsy already and whats the point if I don't use them any way. (Ipsy 0)

St. Tropez swatch

St. Tropez - One night only instant glow body lotion

I am so happy about this, at first thought I didn't know it was a self tanner lotion. I have dabbled in a few and no matter what they left me streaky and a little more yellow then bronzed. Just have to know the trick to making it streak free with my hands not getting stained even when I use gloves. This is a nice step down to a one night glow then wash off tan so I don't have to commit to a week of tan streaks. This was a great have and glad Ipsy gave me a chance to use it. (Ipsy 3.5)

And the winner for this round is.......

Ipsy

To be honest I wasn't sure how this would pan out since Birchbox won last month. Now since I only started this battle of the beauty bags on Paintthatgreen this month, I guess it's fitting. I mean Ipsy gave Full sized products and great Travel sized products for just 10 bucks for 6 items. Birchbox gave 5 sample sized and a few travel sized products for 10 bucks. Ipsy took this month by a lot, Birchbox kinda was less gracious with it's products. I have to say this though, Brichbox's personal bio is always ready to update and change if you want to. Where as with Ipsy some months are a huge mistake, mainly cause I haven't been able to update my personal Bio quiz since the beginning of last year. Ipsy needs to get on that, but who ever made my bag this month I would loveee it if they could make my bags for a whole year. I've been with them for a little over a year and they are fairly new about a year and a few months old but they are ever evolving. The only thing I hate about it, is when you get a product you didn't like and they send you to this horrible Trade center. That has no organization at all and is like a bad sales forum where you do back alley trades with other members that you don't even know. Plus you have to hope that the person trading you has an honor system so that when you do trade, they will trade you the item. Plus Ipsy made it clear anything going on there is not their responsibility, so if someone steals your item your boned. Thing is I don't think Birch box has that feature. Well good luck and hope this helped, because what I didn't like could be something you really liked.

So have great one painters and remember even if you late in the game or ahead of the trend only do it cause it makes you feel good. Bye lovelies

-Val