Ipsy Box-October Review

I realize I’m a bit late to the show with writing this review, about three months late, however I wanted to go ahead and get these going so I can catch up and officially review the Ipsy products I receive each month. Without further ado, here’s October’s review!

First off, I want to show the bag that my products came in:



This lovely teal bag was a surprise when I opened my first Ipsy package. I use it for jewelry when traveling as it’s thin enough to slip in my bag, without my jewelry clumping down to the bottom of the bag. I would not say it’s practical for storing makeup, as it is rather small, however for jewelry, as mentioned..yes, it gets the job done.

The items that I found in my package were the following:
Ayres Patagonia Body Butter
Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser
Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquer
Noyah Lipstick
Skone Cosmetics TATTOOED Waterproof Eyeliner

Now, for the reviews.


The Ayres Patagonia Body Butter is a rich, creamy body butter that applies to the skin smoothly. It’s honestly silk in a bottle.



The smell reminds me of Lush’s Dream Cream, which, if you recall from one of my earlier posts, is a very good cream for helping eczema. I’m not sure if this would do the job, however, as I could not keep this on my body for too long…My skin did not appreciate the shea butter in its formula, which I’m allergic to. Otherwise, rosemary, lavender, bergamot, ylang-ylang, oakmoss, patchouli, and fir scent, along with its Vitamin E formula, make this a great jar of lotion for those who can actually wear it. (I’m not bitter whatsoever.)

The second product is the Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser. I admittedly did not use this, as I’m against using facial products that could potentially cause my very delicate face to break out, but here’s a picture of the sample:



(The item is on the left. The item on the right will be discussed in a couple posts.) If anyone has used this product and would like to give their insight, please feel free to! I’d be interested in hearing what others thought of the product and how efficient it was.

The third product, Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquer, was a dream to use during the holidays. This gold nail polish goes on like a pro, as do all of OPI’s nail polishes apply very well. As I said, this was a great nail polish for the holidays, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in purchasing it. The bottle itself was a different shape, however I am not sure if OPI is transitioning into a new bottle design or not. I say they should keep their classic design, because this was kind of funky.



The fourth product was Noyah Lipstick, which I ended up giving away to a friend. This very bright lipstick applied very..brightly. My skin tone is pale, and this just did not do either my lips or my face any favors. That being said, it is a gorgeous colored lipstick and I wish I had the skin tone to use it.
You can’t win them all.



(I “borrowed” the photo from Ipsy’s site as I’d given this away back in October upon receiving it.)
Regardless of color, let me say that it applied very well. Despite being a bit messy. Perhaps it should be avoided completely. (Actually, I don’t think I even received this product. I did receive a lip product, however. The website may be lying to me.)

Finally, I received what would be my first liquid eyeliner, the Skone Cosmetics TATTOOED Waterproof Eyeliner.



This beauty applies like a gem. I was ecstatic to receive it in my package and am still raving about it. Downside is that I don’t really wear eyeliner..ever. Ever. But, that being said, I think I will have to start trying it out again as I am very excited about this product. It is smooth and sharp and easy to apply. It’s a dream come true.



Ignore the smudges on my arm and the gold eyeliner; the latter will be in another review post, and the former are the ghost smudges from makeup products I will also review later on. The black line is, indeed, the liquid eyeliner.

Over all, I think I enjoyed this bag enough, considering I have given them three other chances since then and am eagerly looking forward to receiving February’s package.

Does anyone also order from Ipsy? If so, do any of our products match up? Were you satisfied or dissatisfied with the products? Feel free to leave a comment below!

Dry shampoo? What in the name is that?

I had heard of the dry shampoo product for a long, long while now, however just last month is when I finally caved to buy a can of the stuff.

I had no idea what it was or how it was applied. I was shocked when my hair stylist sprayed it on my roots and it came out with a hairspray-like consistency. I'd assumed it was literally what it sounds like..shampoo, liquid shampoo, that you massage into your scalp and is supposed to sink in or evaporate or dry up or something. Yeah, I had no clue!

After trying it out at the salon, I thought, what the heck, I'll buy a can and try this.

I. Am. In. Love.

The product I am using is Bed Head by TIGI, and although it is the first and only dry shampoo I have tried, I love it! It smells incredible and gets the job done. I have sort-of oily hair, and my hair is rather dark, so it shows even more so if it is oily, but this product sucks that stuff up and works its magic to give me a refreshed look. I have been washing my hair only every other day now for a couple years, and this is perfect for those days I don't feel like putting my hair up or in a braid (although that's pretty much every day, so what am I saying).

Guys, this is a great product, and I recommend it. The scent is sort of sweet and very summery; quite delicious, almost like candy! It's on sale on Amazon (I paid the full price, eugh) so I suggest you snatch it before it's gone (or before you pay that full, darn expensive price)!

Photo from here.

Favorites This Month

I have a modest post regarding favorites this month, as I do not wish to list off every single thing I have been loving; that being said, here we go!

Favorite products:

 
I am in love with Lush's products, what can I say? And this lip scrub is divine. It works like a charm.

This facial sunscreen works wonderfully and does wonders for my skin. It smells pretty nice, goes on smoothly, and definitely helps drier skin which, if you are like me, is needed.

Favorite snacks:

I always think it's pretty bizarre when beauty gurus share their favorite food and drinks, but I figured I'd have a go at it. I am in love with the V8 "Spicy Hot" brand. It isn't too spicy for my sensitive taste buds, and at 30 calories, plus a good serving of vegetables, you can't beat this tiny little guy!

I drink these up like soda, I swear. These are absolutely delicious, and they're full of protein and vitamins which help give me that boost when I don't normally get it during the day. They're fantastic in the morning and for lunch, and they really fill you up! They come in many other flavors, including chocolate and strawberry...highly recommended!

Favorite Shows, Books, and Accessories:

I have been obsessed with "Roommates," a new Korean reality show akin to "Big Brother," here in the U.S. It's hilarious, and the actors, actresses, musicians, and athletes are adorable! They're all so loveable, and they don't stir up drama like our American show does. They're all so polite! I love it. I'm on episode seven, and I have about six more episodes until I'm caught up. At about 2 hours long each episode, it has been difficult with my internship and being busy, to really catch up. Here's to more lovely episodes!

                                             

I am currently reading a historical non-fiction book, Rufus Wilmot Griswold, which is a biographical account of the infamous literary executor who destroyed Edgar Poe's reputation after Poe's death. Rufus has caught my fancy, so it is really rather interesting and keeps me anticipating the next chapter. Pretty good, pretty good. The purse is a vintage Coach bag my grandmother gave me, which was honestly incredibly sweet of her. I love the color, and I think it will be perfect for Fall. In fact, I am loving all of the colors in the above photo. They make me crave Fall and Halloween! Yikes!

What were some of your favorites this past month? Comment below, or write up a post and link it to me!

My Nightly Routine

I have made quite the nightly routine for myself before bed. I am both shocked and delighted to say I have kept to it for the most part, therefore I'd like to share it with you all!

can see, I have my routine laid out. There's a makeup bag that I keep my medication, tissues, toothbrush and toothpaste, a thermometer, throat spray, as well as various other little things like hair ties and bobby pins in. This is especially nice for traveling, and as I've been interning this summer, I have taken it with me. It's great, and I love the bag! I also have my facial wipes, floss, chapstick, lotion, little chocolates, and an eyemask. Now, all that being said..let's begin!

I first like to take my medication (after having changed into my pjs, of course), as well as vitamins and other things like such. I then floss, because that medication can be pretty gritty for my teeth (I crush my medication rather than swallow it).



As you can see, I use pretty much any generic brand the dentist gives me. This happens to be Johnson&Johnson, mint flavored floss. I really only started getting in the habit of flossing (it's such a pain!), so I've been going through all of my hoarded flosses-ha ha!

Afterwards, I brush my teeth. I have a couple different toothpastes...One toothpaste was prescribed to me by the dentist because my other toothpaste, the one below, does not have enough fluoride in it. As I just said, below is my other toothpaste.



I love Colgate Optic White toothpaste. It has whitened my teeth beyond belief, and it doesn't taste that bad. I highly recommend it. My only issue is that it dries my lips out pretty badly..which takes me to my next step in the nightly routine: applying chapstick and cleaning my face.



I have been using Burt's Bees chapstick for a few years now, and I am in love with their line! The chapstick I'm currently using is mango flavored. When I saw the company sold other, facial beauty products, I was delighted and immediately took to this kind. The white tea extract facial wipes are what I swear by, because they are so easy to use and do not bother my face. I don't even wash my face at night, only use the wipes to take my makeup off. They're magical! They're also very gentle for sensitive skin, which I certainly have, and the smell is to die for. They also come in cotton, however I have only used the white tea wipes. At $6.00 or so for one pack of 30 wipes, it can be pretty expensive once you add it all up, however they are definitely worth the spend, in my opinion.

After taking my makeup off, taking my medication, brushing my teeth, and applying chapstick, I apply lotion to my hands and sometimes to my legs and feet.



I am currently using Bath and Body Works' "Sun Ripened Raspberries," which, yes, is from their retired line. They sometimes bring the scent back for a limited time, so I recommend snatching a bottle of their body wash or lotion when this scent and the chance comes around. I recommend B&B's products because they are perfect for sensitive skin and smell delicious. What is also great is that, I am allergic to almonds, which are a major ingredient in most beauty products because it makes the product softer on skin, however B&B offers two versions of their lotions--one with almond, one without. Perfect!

After doing all of the above, I settle in to either read (I am currently reading Kenneth Silverman's biography about Edgar Allan Poe) or watch my latest Korean drama. Despite what the picture shows below (which is Boys Over Flowers), I am actually watching Heirs, and am already on episode thirteen after having just started the show three days ago. I am addicted!



I like to curl up with a cup of tea, this time in my Poe mug. I have been addicted to the sleepytime Jasmine and Lemon tea. I sometimes will snack on food, which constitutes as being either blueberries or chocolate or ice cream. (I'm so healthy, right?) I then will call my man and talk until bedtime.

And that is my nightly routine! I hope you enjoyed, and I would please love for you guys to comment below what your nightly routine is!



 Ha ha!
XOXO
(All pictures edited with the Iphone/Android app "Snapeee")

How I Like to Pamper Myself 2.0

Hello lovely ladies!

I would first like to apologize for not having posted in a long while. I have the blogging groove back in me, so I figure I will go with it while I have the chance!

Have you ever had one of those days where you just don't want to work and feel like staying inside all day? I understand you, sweetie. That's about every day for me. -College is exhausting!- So how do I like to wind down?

I feel that a good book is a great way to de-stress. For those dainty ladies, I recommend the classic that continues to capture endearing hearts, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. (Who I am loosely related to, by the way!) This book contains the perils and joys of love and is quite a romantic read!

I next to like to set the calming mood with lit candles and soothing music. Might I recommend the piano-stylings of Yiruma and lighted aromatherapy of Yankee Candle:

Yiruma Playlist

Yankee Candle

Next, grab those fuzzy slippers or socks, throw on some sweats with a sweater to keep warm from the encroaching chilly air, and sit back and relax. You are now on your way to a most comfortable evening. But wait! I have saved the best tip for last. 

Whenever I am settling for a cozy afternoon or evening, I like to brew a nice cup of coffee, make some hot cocoa, or warm up tea on the kettle. Below are some of my favorite brands and flavors of both teas and coffee blends:

-Caramel Chocolate Chai Tea

-Pumpkin Spice Tea

-Sugar Cookie Tea (looking greatly forward to Winter!)

-Spiced Chai Tea

-Camomile Tea 

-Mango Tea
-Pomegranate Tea

-Caramel Vanilla Coffee 

-Green Tea

And with this last note:

Have a lovely afternoon/evening of pampering. :)

Hip Hop Candy Review

(THIS STORE IS NO LONGER OPEN.)

Hello, my dearies! I apologize for not updating in what seems like an eternity. I have been incredibly busy with college classes and work, however my classes are over-for now.

I am taking this opportunity of free time to write a review for my latest Hip Hop Candy order.

As you all know, I am an immense fan of this gal's work-her beauty products are fantastic! In my recent purchase, I purchased the Earth Soy Candle, Rainy Days foaming body wash, Banana Cream Cupcake body lotion, and a compact mirror.

The Earth Soy candle is a lovely candle to add to my collection. Not only is it compacted in a cute, tiny tin with a lovely hand-designed drawing by the seller herself, but it smells wonderful. This candle has what it implies; an Earthy scent. It smells very organic and herbal to me, reminiscent of Lush's Dream herbal series. Because Lush does not carry a candle as such, I am happy to have found this little guy. He will definitely come in handy when I need those nice days of cooling off and relaxing.

Speaking of cooling off and relaxing, her Rainy Days foaming body wash does the same effect. This body wash smells like fresh, spring linen and fallen rain. As I smell it now, I am taken back to soothing nights with my friends, sitting out in the rain and soaking in the solitude and comfort of our own thoughts. A very nice body wash to add to one's collection, needless to say.

The Banana Cream Cupcake body lotion smells mouth-watering and absolutely yummy, I can't stand it. Well, I can, because quite frankly I love this too much. It smells just like fresh bananas and cream, tantalizing to the mind and teasing to the taste buds. The body lotion contains sunflower oil, which is a fantastic and healthy beauty substitute in place of harmful chemicals and such, which proves that Miss HHC knows what she is doing. The lotion is creamy and soaks well into dry hands, softening them for a bit. I would definitely recommend this.

And finally, the compact mirror. This mirror was purchased for my best friend, so I have yet to still give it to her, although I am positive she will adore it. The picture is absolutely adorable and quality of the mirror, grand. It is akin to one somebody might buy at the store, quite honestly!

In conclusion, another fantastic purchased made at Hip Hop Candy's store. I hope to buy more soon, and I also hope that you, my darlings, will soon check her out if you have not!

Her website is linked right here: Hip Hop Candy

Enjoy! (Also, watch out for any coupon codes she may have on her Deviant Art or Facebook page. She likes to give those out, which are great to catch when you can because you can purchase more products, and thus have more enjoyment.)

Oh, Honey!

Hello, my little bees! I hope you all have been working hard and working well!

I am here to share with you lovely-heads a topic I have wanted to blog about for a long while now-honey! In this blog post, I will discuss:

• the benefits of honey with beauty
• the benefits of honey with health
• the benefits of honey as health aides 
• honey products that I recommend to get your honey on Valentine's Day

First off, did you know that honey has many beauty benefits for your skin, face, anti-aging and hair?

According to Benefits of Honey, honey is great for anti-aging skin because it contains antibacterial agents such as antioxidants. Honey is popular for dry-skin use because it retains moisture well and gives back moisture, allowing for healthy skin. Just because it is stated that it works for dry-skin doesn't mean that all skin types can't use it; it is gentle enough for all skin types. The website above links to more information about the benefits of honey for anti-aging, as well as links to a DIY (do it yourself) facial mask.

The same goes for your hair, girls and gentlemen. Honey, because it contains moisture, is good for dry hair and preserving hair cuticles and strands from falling out. If you are suffering hair damage, or want to give your hair a healthy boost once more, try this home remedy: Voila!

Now getting back to the face, many may know already that honey is used in a lot of products, and I mean *a lot.* But do you understand what that honey is doing for your skin? We already know from the anti-aging description that honey is great for the face in that aspect because it contains all of that moisture which is great, but what else is it good for? It is wonderful for hydration and hydrating your face. Here is a link with lovely, delicious face masks to try out just for hydrating and rejuvenating your face: Voici!

Finally, I mentioned that honey is great for skin. As before, it contains a lot of moisturization, and although it may seem sticky at first, finding a great product pre-made containing honey will resolve all sticky doubts and give you smooth, tasty smelling skin.

On the subject of beauty products, Lush has a great line of honey soaps, bath bombs, etcetera. May I add, for Lush soaps, if you go into their store you can certainly ask for a small, free sample to try it out before buying the whole chunk.

 Now, what are the benefits of honey in consideration with health? Honey is great to eat because:

• it contains natural sugars which are great for a healthy boost
• honey, mixed with warm milk, is a great sleep aid before bed for sweet dreams and relaxing, restful hours
• it is a great laxative for digestion 
• it is a cough reliever
• honey never spoils
• and finally, among many others I could have chosen from, honey is great for healing open wounds and burns quickly-yes, you've heard me right. Girls, did you burn yourself with the straightener or curling iron? Put a dab of honey on it. Guys, did you..well, burn yourself somehow? Put some of that good stuff on. Honey, after five minutes, will immediately cool, heal and restore skin cells, healing the burn. 
• Here are some other great uses for honey: Follow this bad boy.

In the end, my lovelies, honey is fantastic. It can be eaten, has super healing powers, NEVER expires and is great for beauty products and softening skin. With the right honey, you can put it on toast, bagels, chicken, rice, the sky's the limit! If you have any great stories with honey, feel free to comment below and tell me! Just remember to keep your honey away from Winnie the Pooh, or he'll be knocking on your door begging for some of that golden treat.