Category: indie beauty

Fortune Cookie Soap Box August 2023

On By Manda JanetteIn cruelty free, Hotornot, indie beauty, makeup, skin care, UncategorizedLeave a comment

This months box is Breakfast Club themed!! And let me tell ya, everything smells amazing!

We’re All Pretty Bizarre Whipped Cream

With notes of pink jasmine, pineapple nectar, green apple and honeydew melon. It smells AMAZING, and I can’t wait to rotate it in my usage schedule.

Eat My Shorts Booty Scrub

With scents of warm amber, coconut milk, citrus and palm with a dark base of teakwood and musk. I’ll probably just use this all over the body. It smells too good to limit it to the booty.

Don’t Mess With the Bull Dry Shampoo

With notes of bergamot blossom, golden amber, and a sandalwood blend with peach nectar and whipped sugar. I am excited to give this a try, it’s a powder rather than an aerosol, so I’m curious to see how well it works.

What Ruckus!? Laundry scent booster

I have been wanting to test out a laundry scent booster, now is the perfect time. It’s an aromatic combination of floral and woodsy notes blend with rich, sweet. Patchouli and long lasting musk.

Sincerely Yours Shimmer Perfume

Yay! A perfume! A mix of ruby cassis, ripe pineapple, sweet rose blossoms and dewy fresh air. IT SMELLS SOO GOOD!

Saturday Detention Fortune Cookie Soap

A fruity floral blend is warmed with vanilla, amber, and smooth sandalwood.

It looks like a little chalk board!

Thoughts?

I love this months box! Not only is the theme one of my favorite movies, but each item smells wonderful! Everything is really practical and I just know I will get a ton of use out of everything.

Thank you for reading ❤️

Where Have I Been?

On By Manda JanetteIn declutter, drugstore, empties, food, fotd, freebie, Hotornot, indie beauty, inexpensivemakeup, ipsy, kawaii, kinder beauty box, looks, makeup, petit vour, skin care, Uncategorized, vegan, vegan cutsLeave a comment

Hello and I miss you all!

With work, life, and school my life has been extremely busy.

However, I have missed blogging and Instagraming so much! So I made it my New Year’s resolution to restart and revamp my blog and Instagram.

What kind of content would you like to see? Throw all your ideas in the comments!

Be on the look out for new posts from me.

Thank you 🐷

Midas Cosmetics Decaf Chocolate Raspberry Quad

On By Manda JanetteIn fotd, Hotornot, indie beauty, inexpensivemakeup, makeup2 Comments

Today, we are doing a little look and review with the Midas Cosmetics Decaf Chocolate Raspberry Quad. This quad retails for $12, though it is currently sold out. However, I still wanted to give it a little attention.

You get 3 mattes and a shimmer. All pinky berry shades.

  • Whole Bean- A pink matte
  • Soy Milk- A matte pink-berry
  • Drip- A shimmery Pink
  • Roasted- A deeper berry matte

For some reason the shades are showing up a bit more orange in the swatches than they actually are.

  • I primed my eyes and set it with a matte cream shadow.
  • I used a fluffy brush and worked Whole Bean into my crease and a bit on my lid.
  • I used a more tapered blending brush to work Soy Milk just into my crease.
  • I used a shaded brush to place Roasted on my outer corner and crease.
  • I placed Drip over the rest of my lid.

  • I used a more pointed pencil brush to place Roasted close to my lash line.
  • I buffed that out with a mixture of Soy Milk and Whole Bean.
  • I popped a random highlighter in my inner corner.

I am in love with this little quad and have been getting a ton of use out of it. $12 very well spent!

The formula is very buttery and the pigmentation is top notch.

I highly recommend keeping your eye out for this little guy!

Thank you for reading 😋

Find me on IG @_notan_alien

SC @manda_janette

Glamour Ghoul Unboxing | February 2020

On By Manda JanetteIn indie beauty, makeupLeave a comment

I bring you all another GG unboxing!

I am lost as to what the theme is this month, as a card is not included. If anyone can enlighten me, that would be much appreciated!

Let’s jump into the unboxing!

Strange Fire and Fumery Gersherms Incense Sticks

I love incense. And these smell amazing. I wish I had a card so I could list the notes. I can’t wait to use them!

Fairytale Bubbles Sweet Orange Bubble Bath

This bubble bath smells amazing. Sadly, my bathroom only contains a shower. However, the bottle is small enough that I could pack it when I go on a trip and really pamper myself!

Bookmark from the Risky Rabbit

This bookmark looks cool and is useful. To be honest there isn’t much I can say about a bookmark. But, I understand one of the points of this box is getting cool little things like this from Indie stores and showing your support of small businesses!

Enamel Pin from Tenth Dimension

I love pins. This one is very well made. I may not quite get what the reference is, but it will be going on one of my coats all the same!

Chirality Artisan Nail Polish “Slappy”

I don’t have a nail polish this color, and I am super into it. It is a grey brown with a lot of glitter. Very pretty! I am excited to try a formula from a smaller brand.

That is all for my box! This wasn’t my favorite Glamour Ghouls box, but I did still get some neat things. I am going to stay subscribed another month, but if I don’t feel better about it next month, that’ll be it.

What did you think about this months products?

Thank you for reading 🖤

Find me on IG @_notan_alien

Glamour Ghoul Unboxing | February 2020

On By Manda JanetteIn indie beauty, makeup2 Comments

I bring you all another GG unboxing!

I am lost as to what the theme is this month, as a card is not included. If anyone can enlighten me, that would be much appreciated!

Let’s jump into the unboxing!

Strange Fire and Fumery Gersherms Incense Sticks

I love incense. And these smell amazing. I wish I had a card so I could list the notes. I can’t wait to use them!

Fairytale Bubbles Sweet Orange Bubble Bath

This bubble bath smells amazing. Sadly, my bathroom only contains a shower. However, the bottle is small enough that I could pack it when I go on a trip and really pamper myself!

Bookmark from the Risky Rabbit

This bookmark looks cool and is useful. To be honest there isn’t much I can say about a bookmark. But, I understand one of the points of this box is getting cool little things like this from Indie stores and showing your support of small businesses!

Enamel Pin from Tenth Dimension

I love pins. This one is very well made. I may not quite get what the reference is, but it will be going on one of my coats all the same!

Chirality Artisan Nail Polish “Slappy”

I don’t have a nail polish this color, and I am super into it. It is a grey brown with a lot of glitter. Very pretty! I am excited to try a formula from a smaller brand.

That is all for my box! This wasn’t my favorite Glamour Ghouls box, but I did still get some neat things. I am going to stay subscribed another month, but if I don’t feel better about it next month, that’ll be it.

What did you think about this months products?

Thank you for reading 🖤

Find me on IG @_notan_alien

Glamour Ghouls Unboxing | Beatle Juice Theme

On By Manda JanetteIn indie beauty, makeup1 Comment

I am finally back on the Glamour Ghouls train! And I am very excited about it.

For around $35 a month you get 5-6 themed indie products. Any makeup is cruelty free!

I love this box because it morphs two of my most favorite things in the world, movies and creepy things- and makeup.

The first thing in the box was this small notebook and pen. I will be tossing both of these into my bag to write down reminders and such. The paper in the notebook is graph paper, so I may even turn it into a small bullet journal.

The next thing is this awesome Beetle Juice pin from Creep Cake’s play house. I love pins. I put them on my bags and leather jacket. This one will eventually find a home on one of them! It’s very well made and nicely sized.

The next thing is a perfume oil. It is from Dante’s Inferno Room. I believe the scent is called fire and funery. This perfume oil isn’t my type. To be honest, it smells just like fire ball, and it makes my stomach hurt. I am going to try to find someone to pass this along too- but it is pretty strong.

Our first makeup item in the box is a neon pigment from Rebel Rouge Labs. It is in the shade Bioexorcist. It is a beautiful neon green. I’m excited to see all the looks that I am able to create with this pigment!

Our last item in this box is a lipstick from Medusa’s Makeup. I do really enjoy their bullet lipstick formula. The shade is Lydia, and it is a nice lavender purple. Basing looks and outfits around this lipstick is going to be so fun!

That is it for this months glamour ghouls box! I love everything. This box is so fun, I highly recommend checking it out!

What is your favorite indie brand?

Thank you for reading 💚

Find me on IG @_notan_alien

Menagerie Feral Palette | A look and review

On By Manda JanetteIn cruelty free, Hotornot, indie beauty, Uncategorized4 Comments

It has been months since I have reviewed a palette!

What a better way to get back in the game than reviewing the cutest cruelty free palette ever?!

The Feral palette retails for $29. It is cruelty free, talc free and vegan!

Please note, I do have the newer version of this palette. I believe the first version had two different shades in the top row.

The Packaging

Of course the packaging is beautiful, but what else?

The palette is magnetic, I believe this is what makes the palette feel so weighted. The palette includes a mirror inside, which is great.

I would not travel with this palette, however. It did arrive to me with the shade “Wolfling” broken. No problem, it’s a pressed glitter, easy fix. But, it would be a mess if that happened during travel.

The shades

  • Harmonia- A matte robins egg blue
  • Wolfling- A rose gold pressed glitter
  • Canis Lupus- A very light matte brown. Warm undertones.
  • Alpha- A matte dark gray

  • Pack Leader- A hot pink pressed glitter
  • Allium- A matte purple
  • Mariposa-A matte orange
  • Night Eyes- A matte yellow

  • Wisteria- A matte pinky peach
  • Fenris- A matte green
  • Ivy- A darker matte green, almost a hunter green.
  • Huechera- A green pressed glitter.

The Look

I primed with the original Urban Decay Primed potion.

  • For my crease I started with Canis Lupus as my transition. I just used a big fluffy crease brush for this step.
  • Using a basic crease brush I placed Fenris all over my lid and blended it into my crease.
  • On my outer half of my lid I used the same brush as before and placed Ivy on that part of my lid and blended it up into my outer crease.
  • Of the inner half of my lid I placed Wolfling with a flat brush.

  • I started on my lower lash line with a pencil brush and the shade Ivy, getting it as close to my lash line as possible.
  • I then blended this out with Fenris.
  • I just took the first fluffy brush that I used and blended everything with the shade Canis Lupus.
  • For my inner corner I just popped in a random highlight, I can’t recall which one, but any light shade will work.

Over all thoughts?

I love this palette over all! The color story is beautiful and so fun. I want the packaging as a framed piece of art. Coty was even stunned with how pretty the art on the packaging is!

The formula for the matte shadows is probably one of the best, if not the best that I have ever tried. Each matte shade is pigmented and buttery. They are very easy to blend, and stay just a vibrant all day long.

Now, for the only think I dislike about this palette. The presses glitters.

I am not surprised by this.

I have yet to try any pressed glitter formula that I like. I also don’t use loose glitter. I guess glitter just isn’t my thing.

If I were to use up any of the matte shades in this palette, I would with out a doubt purchase the singles that Menagerie sells for $5 on their site.

If you have yet to try this palette, I highly recommend giving it a shot!

You can purchase it Here.

Have you tried this palette? What products from Menagerie do you love?

Thank you for reading 🕷

Find me on IG @_notan_alien

The Organic Skin Co. | Review and a Look

On By Manda JanetteIn cruelty free, fotd, Hotornot, indie beauty, Uncategorized, vegan3 Comments

For such a small blog, I receive quite a few PR samples. But, I only share the ones that I think deserve more attention. The Organic Skin Co is a company that I believe definitely deserves all the attention.

The beauty products are cruelty free and vegan, and with each product purchased a tree is planted. That isn’t each order, that’s each PRODUCT!

The products are also all natural!

This post will be long. So, let’s get into the products and my honest thoughts.

4 pan palette $28 Blush

The palette it’s self is extremely sturdy. It is made of a hard plastic, has a magnetic closure, and contains a nice mirror. For an empty palette, $28 is steep. With all of the options out there, I would not say this in particular is a must have. However, if you can spring it, I 100% recommend it!

The palette also comes in charcoal and stone. There is also an 8 pan option.

Check out the 4 pan palette Here.

The Pods

We are going to go in order from left to right.

The Eyes Have It Pod “Day Dreamer” $21

Cream shadow wasn’t my thing, until now. The formula is long wearing, easy to apply, and blended really nicely.

The shade I have “Day Dreamer” is the perfect one and done shade. There are also 9 other options to pick from.

“Day Dreamer” also makes a fantastic cream bronzer/contour.

If you enjoy cream shadows, or don’t I mean I didn’t, and enjoy easy and quick application, with a lasting formula… give the Eyes have it pods a try.

You can look at all the colors Here!

In the Spotlight Pod “Lunar” $21

If there was one product I could have skipped, it would be this one. It is still great quality and makes a great inner corner highlight. But, as a face highlighter it isn’t for me. I like that in your face highlight.

If you like a natural ethereal glow though, this highlight is amazing. It did not make my foundation patchy and it applies well with a finger or a sponge. It blended out effortlessly.

You can check out both shades Right here.

Hide and Seek Pod “Porcelain” $21

I did not go into this thinking I was going to find my new favorite concealer. I assumed this was going to be light coverage and hard to work with.

I was WRONG!

The Hide and Seek concealer covered blemishes, dark circles and scaring like a dream. Blends out well with a finger, sponge, or brush. Once the weather warms up here in Missouri I may just wear this concealer and go with out foundation!

I do have to say… the shade range leaves much to be desired. There are 8 shades, most of which are a shade of beige.

You can view all 8 shades Here.

Cheeky Lips Pod “First Blush” $21

This Pod is for your lips and cheeks.

Personal preference, I prefer a matte lip, but for quick easy days I always go glossy. Now, I don’t think I need any of my other glossy lip shades!

As a lip color the pigment is great! The formula is comfy and relatively long wearing. It will not last through food or drink. And no, it is not kiss proof. ( Sorry Coty 😂)

As a blush? I am in love! If used lightly it gives your cheeks that wind flushed look. Just like the other products, it blends out easily and lasts ages.

There are 7 shades that you can view Here.

Meet the Press Eye Shadow “Nutmeg” $31

Nutmeg is a matte cool dark brown. It isn’t unique to my collection, but what is anymore? The pigment is fantastic! The texture is buttery and it blended in like 3 seconds!!

There are 10 shades Here, and I really want more.

  • For my eyes I placed “Day Dreamer” all over my lids and blended it out with “Nutmeg”, then I took “Nutmeg” on my Lower lash line.
  • Lastly for my eyes I popped “Lunar” in my inner corner.
  • I applied “Day Dreamer” in the spots that I would bronze and contour.
  • I applied “First Blush” a little further back than the apples of my cheeks.
  • I applied “Lunar” on my Cupid’s bow, nose, brow bone, and cheek bones
  • I placed “First Blush” all over my lips.

That’s it! A quick and easy clean look!

I will never say you absolutely need something, because that just isn’t true. But, I will say I will pick up more of both shadows and repurchase the concealer and lip/cheek product when mine run out.

Personally, I am happy to pay a higher price if it is going to an ethical company that has the well being of our environment in mind.

Have your tried Organic Skin Co?

Thank you for reading🌙

Find me on IG @_notan_alien

Please note, all opinions are honest and I earn nothing from this post or the links.

Glamour Ghoul Box | Limited Edition Beetle Juice Makeup Box

On By Manda JanetteIn cruelty free, indie beauty, Uncategorized2 Comments

Glamour Ghoul Box is so cool. I buy their boxes every now and then. They are all themed, spooky themes, and cruelty free indie products. All of my favorite things!

I ordered this so long ago that I don’t remember the cost- the boxes sell out fast. The prices on the boxes seem to vary.

But, let’s get down to business and see what’s in side.

Apocalyptic Beauty Setting Spray for the Recently Deceased

Isn’t this the coolest setting spray you have ever seen!? I cannot wait to give it a try.

Apocalyptic Beauty Bio-Exorcism Pigment

I don’t think I have a lime green pigment! This one is really pretty.

This is going to make for the great focus point of an eye look.

Necromancy Cosmetics Mood Lipsticks “Mood Orange”

This is one of those heat activated color changing lipsticks. I never really saw the point of these. I get that it is cool seeing the color change, but after that, they all look pink.

Here it is changing to pink. I might use this, I might pass it on. We will see.

Flora and Aurora Infinity Lipcolor “Tea”

First and foremost, 10% of the company proceeds go to the ASPCA, which is fantastic.

The product itself looks like a pretty color and the formula feels really nice and hydrating.

I think I will get a lot of uses out of this lip color.

MGC Pigment “It’s Showtime “

I am pretty positive that this is a highlight, but there is no info card or info on the container.

It is pretty though. Peachy. I will put it on my eyes and face. I like it. Very pigmented. Definitely a POW kind of glow.

MGC Pigment “Moonlight Rendezvous”

This one is definitely a shadow.

It is a nice sparkly gray. I think I have a Pigment that looks like this. If I do I may pass one of them a long.

Have any of y’all heard of the brand MGC?

That is it for the box!

I am going to keep buying these every now and then. It’s a fun way to support indie brands.

Would you like to see any of these products reviewed?

Thank you for reading 🖤

Find me on IG and SC @manda_janette

Ace Beautē Grandiose Palette

On By Manda JanetteIn boxy charm, cruelty free, Hotornot, indie beauty, looks, UncategorizedLeave a comment

I have been so MIA lately. I have had no motivation. The Holidays are draining and I don’t particularly enjoy them.

But. I do have a review for you! Of a palette that arrived in last months Boxy Charm.

The Ace Beautē Grandiose Palette $24.99

I was really excited when I received this palette. It is a brand I have wanted to try and I mean, look at it….

It’s beautiful! So warm and pretty! A nice mix of mattes and metallics. All in shades I want all over my skin.

Row One

  • Jasmine- metallic light gold (white gold?)
  • Clove- the perfect matte peach
  • Myrtle- metallic copper
  • Cinnamon- warm matte brown

Row Two

  • Patchouli- a matte yellow-cream
  • Rose- a metallic pinky red
  • Poppy-a matte purple-pink. I know there is a name for this kind of shade, but it has currently escaped me.
  • Prime-rose – metallic gold

There are 4 mattes and 4 metallic/shimmer shades. All are very pigmented and buttery.

The Look

  • I set my primer with Patchouli. I also used this shade to buff rough edges out.
  • I then used Clove as my transition. And pretty far under my lower lash line. I just put it everywhere.
  • I defined my crease with Cinnamon.
  • I used Poppy to define my outer V and places it close to my lower las line.
  • I then places Rose all over my lid.
  • I placed Primerose on the center for a bit more pop.
  • For my inner corner and brow bone highlight I used Jasmine.

Over all thoughts

I really love the formula, but the packaging isn’t the best, one of my pans just fell out.

But that is an easy fix.

If I could buy this in a store I probably wouldn’t mind the price tag. But to be honest, I don’t trust online shopping and knowing one of my pans fell out of a lightly used palette- it makes me worry.

I would love to try more from the brand, but I can get the same look with ColourPop shades- and their small palettes are like $12 and just as nice.

Have you tried Ace Beatuē? What pallets should I get from them if I try another?

Thank you for reading!

Find me on IG and SC @manda_janette

On reddit u/mrsmandareedus