Month: October 2019

Jeffree Star Mini-Breaker Palette | Did I waste my money?

On By Manda JanetteIn cruelty free, fotd, Hotornot, looks, makeup, Uncategorized4 Comments

*We all know J Star is a controversial character. We are focusing on the makeup for this post, not his antics. *

I caved a purchased a few of Jeffree’s palettes. I had been eyeing them for some time, and finally decided to just do it. But, were they all even worth purchasing? Though out different posts we are going to explore the different palettes, I thought it best to start off with his least expensive option. The Mini-Breaker Palette.

This 9 pan palette retails for $28. There are 5 mattes, one matte with some glitter in it, and 3 metallic shades.

Double Scoop: A light matte orange

Orange Crush: A matte orange with some glitter in it.

Foreplay: A matte mauvey pink

Oral: A metallic purple with a blue shift

Purple Punch: A matte blue based purple

Slice: A metallic orangey gold.

Bubble Gum: A matte Bubble Gum pink

Bite Me: A metallic true purple

Hot Fudge: A more brown based gray, matte.

  • With a fluffy blending brush I buffed Bubble Gum into my crease and a little bit over.
  • With a smaller crease brush, I blended Foreplay straight into my crease.
  • To add depth to my outer V I applied Purple Punch with a shading brush, that is a bit fluffier than normal.
  • With my finger I applied Oral over the remainder of my lid.
  • On my lower lash line I applied Purple Punch with a pencil brush right on the lash line.
  • I then repeated the same step, but with Foreplay.
  • To blend that all together I ran Bubble Gum on a small fluffy brush under my lash line.

Over all thoughts?

I think it is cool that Jeffree has a less expensive, less bulky option in his eyeshadow palette collection.

The mattes are very buttery and easy to blend. When applied with your fingers, the metallics really pack a punch.

You can do a variety of looks with just the nine shadows offered. I can even do more posts on this palette showing off some of the other looks that this palette inspires me to do.

I do think this palette is worth the $28, and I am happy to have it. Granted, I could get similar looks with other palettes in my collection. But, the quality of these shadows are so nice that I will be picking this one up over those.

If you have been thinking about picking up this palette, I say take the leap and do it!

What is your favorite Jeffree Star palette? Comment below!

Thank you for reading 💕

Find me on IG @_notan_alien

Found Active | Let’s play with some new-ness!

On By Manda JanetteIn cruelty free, drugstore, makeupLeave a comment

Recently the makeup gods blessed me with a little PR package from Found. Found is a 90-99% natural brand that you can get at the drugstore for amazing prices! How great is it that we can now walk in to Walmart and buy beauty products that aren’t full of damaging ingredients?!

If you have stuck around my blog for a while, you may remember a post where I raved about their blushes. I still love the blushes, and you bet I will be doing a full face of Found very soon.

Before we continue. Even though I received these products for review, for free, all opinions are my own and HONEST. I will never miss lead y’all. I want my blog to be a safe and honest place!

Now, let’s get into the products!

Active 1- Minuet Flash Cooling Sheet Mask. Pack of 3 $7.50 at Walmart.

“This is a cooling sheet mask that instantly hydrates, calms, and refreshes skin. Formulated with soothing avocado, aloe, and cucumber, this sheet mask helps calm and soothe redness while locking in essential moisture. ”

First off, a one minuet sheet mask is a dream to me. I’m busy. I work, I blog, I have a busy friend and family life. I don’t always have time for proper skin care. Now, I have no excuse. I can throw this mask on, do my hair real quick, massage it in, then out the door!

I also wanted to throw out a little tip. This mask is awesome for makeup prep. If you are going out and getting glam, this small step will help your skin feel and appear better- while helping your makeup last. I tested my theory, and I was right!

Active Coconut Exfoliating Cleanser Stick. $9.88 at Walmart

” An exfoliating stick that purifies pores, scrubs away fullness and effectively cleanses skin. This convenient stick sloughs away dry, dead skin while thoroughly removing dirt, oil, and impurities. Formulated with crushed coconut shell and Hibiscus extract, this product gently exfoliates skin for a smoother, brighter, more vibrant looking complexion.”

If I were a person who, let’s say, goes to the gym, I can see how this would be a super convenient format for a cleanser. However, I am not. Personally, I do not feel that the whole cleansing stick concept is too hygienic, so it really puts me off.

I do, however, REALLY love the product it self. My skin is so smooth after use, that I can almost excuses the product format. The exfoliation truly is gentle. I really wish that the product was in a more traditional format. Because if it was, I would always have it on hand.

If you don’t mind the cleansing stick format, I do recommend giving the exfoliating cleanser a try. Your face will feel like you have shiny brand new skin.

Active Universal Face Powder w/ Lemon Peel Oil $8.88 at Walmart.

“A color correcting powder that mattifies skin while neutralizing and concealing redness. Formulated with lemon peel oil, this lightweight powder helps brighten and promote healthier looking skin. Can be worn alone or over makeup to set. The universal shade works for all skin tones with no white cast or flash back.”

As you can see, the powder is really yellow. Which had me worried at first that my skin was going to be tinted yellow. It wasn’t! I would be a little cautious if you are much fairer than I am.

I have used the powder all over my face and it works great! I really love it under my eyes. I didn’t have a ton of creasing and there was no yellow cast. It also works very well all over my face. I have rather oily skin, and I do feel that this powder helped to keep my skin more mattified, than say the Extraordinary Powder from Ciaté did.

Here is a picture of my face, just to show that there is no yellow cast as far as I can tell. The Universal powder has not knocked my ELF HD pressed powder out of first place, but it is definitely one I will be using again and again.

Over all?

I think everything is great! I don’t like the format of the cleanser, but I do love the cleanser itself. I think calling the face powder “Universal” is a large claim, but I can’t knock it until I have seen it on other skin tones- but for me it’s wonderful. And the masks. Ugh. A makeup god send!

What products have you tried, or want to try from found? Comment below!

Thank you for reading 🐋

Find me on IG @_notan_alien

Petit Vour Unboxing | October 2019

On By Manda JanetteIn cruelty free, makeup, petit vour, UncategorizedLeave a comment

It is time for our monthly; clean, cruelty free, and vegan subscription box. Petit Vour!

Petit Vour is $19 a month with free US shipping. Shipping does vary to other countries.

Let’s see what we got this month!

Province Apothecary Moisturizing cleanser + Makeup Remover $20

I am always up for trying a new clean cleanser, especially if it’ll get all this makeup off my face. This cleanser is meant to restore natural radiance to your skin by gently cleansing without over drying, or destroying the skins natural pH.

Luxe Botanics Camu Brightening Moisturizer $10

This moisturizer is infused with vitamin C rich Camu Camu. This super fruit from the Amazon is meant to fade the appearances of dark spots and repair environmental change.

This moisturizer is thick. But, it sinks in to the skin quicker than you would think. And it feels amazing!

Akar Balance Toning Mist $12

I have heard some pretty good reviews about this toning mist, so I am excited to try it for myself.

It is meant to provide hydration, neutralize pH, and allow greater absorption of nutrients into the skin.

KVoss Shine on Stick “Sparkling Rosé” $28

This highlighter stick is made of capaçu butter to create a beautiful and blend able glow with an iridescent finish.

I am usually not one for stock highlights, it the roses glow to this one is really pretty. I could even see it as a beautiful lid and inner corner shade as well. I am going to have to test it out in all three ways.

That is it for me Petit Vour box. Over all, I am still really impressed. I will get use out of all of the items and all of the items are great for the colder weather we are starting to get in Missouri.

What is your favorite skin care or makeup product for the cold weather?

Thank you for reading 💕

Find me on IG @_notan_alien

Pusheen Box Unboxing | Fall 2019

On By Manda JanetteIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

It’s the best time of the year, fall, October, spooky season! And the only thing that could make it better is a box full of Pusheen!

The Pusheen Box is $50 a season and is packed full of Pusheen items. It includes clothing and even exclusive stuff!

Pusheen Bat Sticky Notes

These are super cute and quite a large pack. I wish I still worked at an office so I could use them there! But, I can use them at home, or save them for when I do have a new office job

Pusheen Dust Pan

This dust pan is super cute and will be great for little kitchen clean ups!

Pusheen Candy Corn Plush

This little guy is so cute! He is going to be displayed all year round.

Pusheen Draw String Bag

I am not sure what I am going to use this for. Maybe trips to six flags. I can probably use it a ton during this next summer. But, it is my favorite color and covered in Pusheen, so I will use it.

Pusheen Zombie Vinyl Figure

This figure is so cute! I can not wait to have it se out for decorations. I love zombies and I love Pusheen, perfect figure for the Halloween season!

Pusheen Candy Jar

I will be using this jar to hold my reuseable cotton rounds. It is so cute! It’s made of a blue acrylic plastic, and Pusheen looks so cute with her candy corn!

Pusheen Heat Changing Mug

This mug is precious. I am going to get a ton of coffee and tea use out of it!

Dragon Pusheen Hoodie

This hoodie is so cute and comfy! It is super soft inside. I placed my box size as a size larger than I am, so it fits so nice!

I am going to be wearing this a ton. It’s Pusheen, and purple and so cute! I can’t get over it!

Thoughts?

Another awesome Pusheen box! I don’t think they will ever be able to go wrong. This box was perfect for the season and I am very satisfied!

What are your thoughts? What is your favorite item in the box?

Thank you for reading 🦇

Find me on IG @_notan_alien

Tetris x Ipsy Game On Palette | is it better than Block Party?

On By Manda JanetteIn cruelty free, ipsy, makeupLeave a comment

If you follow my blog, you would know I have started a subscription box product win or whomp series. This is part of that series.

I really wanted to see if the Game On palette was any better than the Block Party palette. If you read that post you would know that little palette would left me with much to be desired.

Let’s get to applying and swatching and see if Game On is an improvement, the same, or some how even worse!

The Swatches

  • Game changer: a matte light orange. Appears better on the eye than swatched.
  • Game Day: A metallic light pink.
  • Game Night: A metallic green based gold

  • Stack it up: A matte cream shade
  • Block Party: A metallic rose gold
  • Game Over: A matte Navy

Thoughts?

The palette is slightly better than its counter part. I enjoy the metallic shades. The mattes really aren’t anything special. I may end up depoting the metallics. The packaging itself is cute with a nice sized mirror, so they did good again on that aspect. It could be a little smaller though. The palettes are pretty large for just 6 shadows.

For me this is still a whomp. It is only a 6 pan palette. I want to enjoy all the shades, not just half.

Have you tried this palette? What would you like me to review next?

Thanks for reading 📖

Find me on IG @_notan_alien

BoxyCharm Unboxing | October 2019

On By Manda JanetteIn boxy charm, makeupLeave a comment

It’s Boxy time guys!

Before we begin, BoxyCharm is making some changes next month. They are making a $35 premium box, which I will not be subbing to, well I’m going to try to stop my self. The regular BoxyCharm is going to go up to $25 a month rather than $21. But! You will get to pick one item in your box, and they are also going to be doing add ons like Ipsy does. The value of the box has also gone up to $125, but I feel like the boxes are usually worth more than that any way.

Now that the technical stuff is done, let’s get into the fun stuff!

Dose of Colors Eyeshadow Palette in Baked Browns $32

The box is already paid for plus some! I have been wanting to try these little palettes, but just never picked them up. I would have like to receive one of the other variations, but this is still a nice palette that I will get use out of. A super easy palette to reach for, for a quick grungy eye look.

The shadows are buttery and actually very easy to blend. They are pretty powdery though so be aware. I also wanted to mention that the little brush included is pretty useful, which is always a nice little extra!

Laura Geller Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator “Diamond Dust” $26

I have this highlighter in a little holiday trio, and it is the only shade I use. I am happy to have the full size so I can pass that trio along. Diamond Dust has a beautiful pink shift to it.

Iconic London Lip Pluming Gloss “Nearly Nude” $26

This gloss is a great my lips but better shade. You can feel the tingly sensation from the plumping ingredient, which I enjoy the feeling of. This gloss isn’t sticky, like at all. I can see myself getting quite a bit of use out of this gloss, which is not something I say often.

Touch In Sol Pretty Filter Glassy Skin Balm $32

I never understood or got into the glassy skin trend. So, I did not have high hopes for this product. However, I actually really like it. It reminds me a lot of the Unicorn primer I got in my Ipsy. It made my skin smooth and lit from within glowy.

Illuminati Cosmetics Sponge $21

Okay, this thing. It does expand with water and it worked really well with my setting powder. BUT, everything else was bad. It’s really hard and absorbs so much product. Maybe I will use it a few more times to see if I grow to enjoy it, but first impression- this is not a sponge that I enjoy. I don’t understand how it is $21.

Over all thoughts?

Besides the sponge, I really enjoyed my boxy this month. I got something I have been wanting, something I already know I love, and two surprise awesome items! For $21 I got $137 worth of beauty products. Not bad, not bad at all!

What was in your Boxy? Would you like in depth reviews of any of these products?

Thank you for reading 🦈

Find me on IG @_notan_alien

The first Ipsy Ultimate Box | October 2019

On By Manda JanetteIn ipsy, makeup1 Comment

Ipsy has made some big changes. With those changes came another subscription level I just couldn’t pass up. For $50 a month, you receive 12 beauty products. 8 full sized and 4 sample/ deluxe sample sizes.

Because I am spending $50 on one box, I will no longer be getting the regular Ipsy or Ipsy plus. But, let’s get into the box and see if the change is worth it!

The included bag.

I am not sure if this will occur every month, or we got a bag just because Ipsy came out with a Betty Boop collaboration. Either way, this double sided bag is super cute and nicely sized! It is different than the bag that regular Ipsy subbies will get.

Nanette Lenore Beautiful Times Perfume

This fragrance has notes of mandarin, violet, and caramelized sugar. I really enjoy the mixture of the floral and warm scents. The fragrance does linger quite a while. I think I have found my fall fragrance!

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm

This is a product I have actually talked about before. This so happens to be my favorite makeup melting balm. If I am correct, we were actually sent the limited editing jumbo size, which is awesome! I am so happy to have this balm back in my life. I just couldn’t bring myself to purchase it, when there are less expensive options that work almost as well.

The Saem Natural Avocado and Shea Butter Sheet Mask Set

I love sheet masks. I do them a few times a week. Can’t go wrong with some extra hydration! I may even use the avocado one today to prep for some poorly done FX makeup I am doing for a Halloween Costume tonight.

Papa Recipe Egg Plant Clearing Mud Cream Mask

This is a creamy mask with a slightly grainy texture. The egg plant extract is to soothe and exfoliate. Ipsy says it is setting your skin up for a bright and clear future. Sounds good to me. I’ll give it a try.

C’Est Moi Beauty Reflect lip gloss in Opulence

This gloss is made with natural and organic oils- which I love. The shade opulence gives your lips a really juicy sheen, and I am really enjoying it.

Coloured Rain Eyeshadow In Champagne Life

It’s no secret that I love the Coloured Rain shadow formula so I was happy to get this in my box. Ever since I did my singles cruise look, I have been reaching for my single shadows much more often!

The shade is a really pretty and pigmented champagne, just as you would expect. It really makes the inner corner pop. It also makes a beautiful lid shade.

Makeup Geek Highlighter In Midnight Sun

This is my first ever makeup geek highlight! Looking at the shade in the pan I was a little disappointed, because I thought it may end up too dark for my skin tone.

It actually turned out looking really nice on the skin. It kind of reminds me of how Becca Opal looks on me. The makeup geek highlight is buttery and pigmented. I’m stoked that i finally got to try one!

L.O.C.K Color Unicorn Glow Long Wear Primer

I really like this primer. It gave my that lit from with in glow, with out making my skin look glittery or oily. I am probably going to pick up the full size once I finish this sample.

Betty Boop x Ipsy Cheek to Cheek Blush Palette

I was initially hesitant about this product, because I wasn’t too impressed with Ipsy last colab. Fortunately, this is a great little blush palette. You get on matte blush and two toppers.

The shades are just a bit chalky. But, that isn’t a big deal to me, I can tap my brush off. The shades look beautiful on my fair skin. I can see my self reaching for this a ton. Good job Ipsy!

BioRace L’eau Hydrating Treatment Serum

This serum felt very moisturizing and I do feel that it helped improve my complexion. It didn’t not feel like too much either. It was gentle and sunk in to my skin quickly.

F.A.R.A.H Brushes Midnight Pro Trio

It wouldn’t be an Ipsy bag or box without som FARAH brushes. This trio actually feels like much better quality than the previous FARAH brushes I have gotten. This trio comes with a blush brush, a foundation brush, and a smaller stippling brush. They do their job well and there was no shedding. The shape of the handle makes them easy to hold as well.

Huda Beauty Warm Brown Obsessions Palette

Funny story. I used to have this palette. Then got rid of it and regretted it a week later. However, I wasn’t going to go buy it again. So, getting it in my box made me super happy!

The mattes are buttery and pigmented. The metallic really packs a punch. This is the perfect quick, easy and cohesive fall palette. I honesty prefer the smaller huda palettes to the larger ones.

My thoughts?

The one con I have with this box is that product prices are not included on the card. Other than that, I love it! There was a nice mix of skin care and makeup. Everything works for me, and it’s all stuff I will actually use. I have seen other people review their Ipsy Ultimate, and they didn’t seem to happy. I must be the weird one out, because I am excited about this box. I am totally okay with the $50 price tag. I do have to say, I miss the regular Ipsy. I may end up re subbing, just because I miss her.

Did you get Ipsy Ultimate? What are your thoughts on the box?

Thank you for reading 🔥

Find me on IG @_notan_alien

6 Drugstore Beauty Products I can’t Live Without

On By Manda JanetteIn cruelty free, drugstore, makeupLeave a comment

Makeup can get expensive. But, you don’t always have to break the bank to find some amazing products.

I am going to share with y’all, my beautiful readers 6 of the drugstore products that I just cannot live with out!

Ulta Beauty Brow Tint $10 mo Buy it here!

I have talked about this brow tint in a recent empties. I haven’t had time to run to Ulta to grab a new one, my brows are not the same. This product is great for quick brows, but I also love to set my brows with it. It gives great hold and more tint. I do like my bold brows!

ELF Acne Fighting Foundation $6 Buy it here!

In the beginning I did not have high hopes for this product. All my initial opinions were wrong. The foundation is infused with salicylic acid and witch hazel. My skin has never been so clear! It has definitely made a huge difference in my skin. The coverage isn’t full, but it is just right for me. It doesn’t wear off all gross and patchy through out the day. I would almost go as far as to say that, at this moment, the ELF Acne Fighting Foundation is my favorite foundation.

Makeup Revolution Renaissance Flick Liquid Liner $9 Get it here!

I initially tried this liner because of Soph Does Nails on YouTube. It’s great. She’s right. It’s pigmented, dries down matte. The tip is felt and flexible, which makes it easy to work with. There is also something about the shape that makes it so easy to hold and control. I prefer this liner over my higher end ones.

ELF Perfect Finish HD Powder $6 Get it here!

This is my favorite setting powder in general. It makes my under eye area so smooth, and really helps to set the rest of my face. It also does not cake when you reapply it through out the day to control shine.

ELF Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder Fiji Matte $4 Get it here!

I have gone through so many of these through out the year. The shades are perfect for my skin tone and really packs a punch.

Morphe Continuous Setting Spray $16 but the $3.50 off $15 ulta coupon does apply! Get it here!

This is another product that was in a recent empties. I love this setting spray. To me it works just like Urban Decay All Nighter, for like half the price!

Those are a few of my drugstore favorites! What are some of yours?

I want to apologize if all of the images do not upload. I am having some technical difficulties.

Thank you for reading 🐰

Find me on IG @_notan_alien

Singles Cruise Challenge | I am late to the band wagon

On By Manda JanetteIn makeupLeave a comment

I was browsing the old YouTube and found singles cruise videos. I decided, “hey, you have three drawers of single shadows. Get started on that!”

I took my inner selfs advice and picked one of my drawers and had my little brother pick 5 random numbers between 1 and 31.

He picked; 17, 6,11, 26, and 13.

The numbers he picked ended up making a super cohesive look, with fall vibes.

The first shade is Serious from Urban Decay. It’s a deep gray with some glitter, that looks purple to me. By the way, I got this for $6 at TJMaxx. Look around, don’t spend the $20.

The nest shade is strange and off putting from Notoriously Morbid. This is a made brown that pulls very orange. I would almost just call it terra-cotta. It’s a perfect fall pigment.

I have another really warm brown to work with. NYX Whipped Mocha. I believe my little sister got this in an advent calendar last year, and gave it to me. The formula of this shadow is actually super nice and makes me want to try more from NYX. I actually haven’t used many of their products!

The next shade is the Naked Cosmetics Pigment in Sierra Nevada. This is a pigment I reach for often for my inner corner or to add some glitter all over the lid. I really enjoy the Naked Cosmetics pigments and I am glad that I have gotten some from Ipsy in the past.

The last shade is a beautiful metallic copper from Medusa’s Makeup called Brown Sugar. This pigment is so pretty, and I don’t give it the use it deserves.

The Look

  • I started by priming my kid and setting it as usual.
  • With a fluffy crease brush I buffed Whipped Mocha in my crease and up almost to my brow bone.
  • Take a bit of a fluffy shader I packed Strange and off putting on the our part of my lid.
  • Using the same brush I packed Brown Sugar on the rest of my lid.
  • With a smaller crease brush a used Serious to deepen up my crease.

  • I popped Sierra Nevada on my inner corner.
  • I took an angled liner brush and placed Serious on my lower lash line.
  • I did the exact same step, using the same brush, with Whipped Mocha.
  • With a small fluffy brush I buffed everything out with Strange and Off Putting.

That is the look! I am happy with how it turned out and thought this was a ton of fun. I will definitely be doing more posts like this!

How do you get use of your single shadows? Do you have a single shadow you are in love with?

Thank you for reading 🦇

Find me on IG @_notan_alien

8 Recent Beauty Empties

On By Manda JanetteIn empties, makeupLeave a comment

I have been religiously saving my empties. I have found that splitting them up into smaller posts like this works best for me.

Enjoy a view at my trash!

Bath and Body Works Winter Candy Apple Candle

Winter Candy Apple is my favorite B&BW scent. I think I have other back ups of this candle, at least I hope.

RP? I don’t think BBW is cruelty free, I need to do more research on this topic. If it is cruelty free I will always repurchase multiples at a time.

Amika Soul Food Nourishing Mask

I got this sample in an Ipsy bag and I loved it. It smelled amazing and made my hair feel really soft and healthy.

RP? Yes! I have seen this mask at TJMaxx for like $13. So, I will probably pick it up there.

Fortune Cookie Soap Rosy Cheeks Twinkle Tonic

I love FCS. You all know this. These toning pads were great. They smelled very nice and made my skin look more glowy and feel fresh. I do wish that they made it in just a liquid so I could use reusable pads with it.

RP? Not unless they make it as just a liquid toner. I don’t like the waste of the pads.

Holika Holika Aloe Facial Cleansing Foam

This cleanser came from TJMaxx for like $4. It did its job, but didn’t make my skin feel super clean. It also had quite a strong scent for a facial cleanser.

RP? No, I also don’t think it is CF so I probably shouldn’t have gotten it in the first place.

Yes to Tomatoes Clear Skin Anti Pollution detoxifying charcoal bubble sheet mask

I love the regular yes to tomatoes detox mask. It works great for my skin. This one worked well too! However, I just don’t like bubble masks. It’s messy and I actually don’t like how it feels on my face when it bubbles up. Something about it makes me anxious.

RP? No, not this particular sheet mask from yes to.

Morphe Continuous Setting Mist

This is a setting spray I really enjoy. I do notice that it makes my makeup last longer, and helps powders to really melt into the skin.

RP? I already have! Plus a back up.

Burt’s Bees Rejuvenating Eye Masks

I did not notice any difference in my under eye after using this mask. Some thing in it also made my eyes sting.

RP? No, never.

Essence Make Me Brow

Just like the Ulta version, the Essence make me brow is a good dupe for the Benefit give me brow. I use the shade Blondy Brows. I think I have gone through two or three of this bad boy!

RP? Yes! It’s super inexpensive and works well.

That is it for my empties!

What is your opinion on any of these products?

Thank you for reading 🐰

Find me on IG @_notan_alien