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 🐷
I forgot I was subscribed to this! So it was a nice little surprise today. It’s $5 a season and you get a random assortment of beauty and makeup samples. Sometimes you’ll even get a full sized product! I really want to sub to the cheap beauty boxes from other stores, lately I have an obsession with samples and deluxe sample sized products. Probably because I am doing a turn and burn project pan. Which is just making a point to use up samples, deluxe samples, and products that are almost empty.
Sample Packets
I’m not going to go into any detail with these. Here is just an assortment of one use packets. The L’Oréal Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Liquid IV flavor packet, and Not Your Mother’s Smooth Moves Anti-Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner.
Daily Concepts Exfoliating Dual Texture Scrubber
I am a bit iffy about this. It just makes me a bit nervous to use wipe something so textured all around my face. I am afraid of tears. I might try this, but I also might just give it to a friend to try.
Cera Ve Daily Moisturizing Lotion
I have heard really good things about this lotion so I am interested in trying it out. I think it will work really nicely on my legs which are much more sensitive than the rest of my body. This will be a nice way to see if I like it or not.
Chap Stick Total Hydration With Hemp Seed Oil
I am always happy to try a new lip balm. This one feels really hydrating on the lips and has a nice fresh scent. Into my purse it goes!
Lottie London Slay All Day Liquid Lipstick “Fleek”
I have not been big into liquid lips lately like I use to be. I just find them to be too drying on my lips and I don’t like how they just flake off. However, I do really like the shade of this one so I may make an exception.
It’s a brown-red shade. I just really enjoy it and think it will really complement some looks. I don’t think it screams spring by any means, but who cares. It’s not like I’m into bright springy colors.
What did you think of this Walmart beauty box? Not a bad little assortment for $5! Comment your thoughts below! What is your favorite product or brand from the drugstore?
Thank you for reading 😍
The Ipsy glam bag is $12 (?) a month and contains 5 deluxe sample sized (sometimes full sized) beauty products.
Benefit Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer “4- Can’t Stop Light Cool” $24 full size
I have been curious about the Benefit Boi-ing concealer in the past, so I’m excited to see it included in my Ipsy. I’m particularly interested to see how it will wear under my eyes. I think the shade I got will be a good match. I’m currently trying to use up a deluxe sample size of a Tarte concealer, but once that one is gone, this one will be in rotation.
Kokie Cosmetics Eyebrow Pencil and Brush “Blonde” $8
I have been wanting to try more from Kokie, but I never see their products in stores near me! I have used a concealer from them in the past ( also from Ipsy) and I used that sucker up I loved it so much. I really do just need to make an order from their site. I have high hopes for this brow product. It seems like it will be pretty precise and a good shade match.
MAAPILIM Exfoliating Solution $63 full size
“It’s formulated with AHAs and BHAs to help dissolve dead skin cells, degunk pores, and leave your skin super soft and smooth.” It’s always exciting to get to try out expensive skincare. I will have to throw this in my skincare rotation to see if it makes any difference.
SOROCI Low-Hyaluronic Tangerine Booster Serum $29 full size
This is meant to have the hydrating benefits of Hyaluronic Acid as well as the brightening and firming benefits of tangerine extract. Apparently if you put this on before the rest of your skincare routine it will boost absorption.
COSRX Inc. Master Patch Intensive $12
I have some of these from other brands that I need to go through. I have tried the mighty patch brand and didn’t think they worked, hopefully these will perform better.
The Balm The Balm and the Beautiful Vol 1
I am not sure why this was included in my bag. It isn’t in my card, I didn’t order any add ons and I don’t recall ordering anything separately. But this is a happy accident! Ever since I saw Emily Noel use it in a video I have wanted to try the palette for myself.
The colors seem right up my alley. They are pigmented and the color story itself is very nice.
I am really excited to give it a go on my eyes!
That is it for my April Ipsy! I really enjoyed this bag! I think it’s the best one I have gotten in a while. What was in your Ipsy? What is your favorite Kokie products? Comment below!
Thank you for reading🍀
The American Influencer Beauty Bundle retails for $38 a month and contains an assortment of products from a different beauty brand each month.
This months featured brand is NudeStix!
Citrus-C Mask and Daily Moisturizer $38
This moisturizer is meant to be a hydrating moisturizer, sleeping mask, and makeup primer all in one. I am interested to see how it would work as a primer for me, but I also want to just use it as a moisturizer. It is supposed to improve elasticity and tone, and renew skin texture for soft, smooth, hydrated and glowing skin.
Lash Lengthening Mascara $28
Now, I’ve said this before, but I prefer more voluminizing mascaras. I am going to give this one a try but my hopes aren’t too high. The formula seems pretty wet and the wand is rather basic.
Nudies Bronze In Sun kissed $34
I have been wanting to try some of the NudeStixs blushes and bronzers, so I am excited to give this product a try. It’s a nice shade and it blends out easily. I prefer more cream products during the warmer months, so this arrived at a good time.
Magnetic Matte Lip in Boho $26
I love this shade! I think I am going to get a lot of use out of it. In fact, it is already in my everyday makeup drawer.
Magnetic Eye Color in Dew WAP $26
I love shadow sticks! I have this product in a few other shades and I really enjoy it. I’m happy to have another. This shade would also work great as a highlight. I am going to be reaching for it a lot to highlight my inner corner. That’s for sure.
This months box was great! NudeStixs is a brand I’m really interested in, so it’ll be fun to try more products. What is your favorite NudeStixs product? Which product are you most interested in? Comment below!
Thank you for reading 🐇
The BoxyCharm base box retails for around $25 a month. It contains 5 full size (sometimes deluxe sample sized) beauty products.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation 130N $38
I have tried this foundation in the past and returned it. It was just too much for how oily my skin was when this first came out. I am going to give it another go, but if I still don’t like it I’ll pass it on to a friend. I do think the shade will be a good match. I do hope I enjoy the foundation now that my skin has changed a bit. I really want to get on the luminous foundation trend.
Be on the look out for a in depth review of the ABH Luminous Foundation!
Céla By Celine Tadrissi Glacier Clay Cleanser $45
My skin hasn’t been too finicky when trying new skincare products, so I am always up to try a new cleanser, especially one so pricey! It is supposed to remove makeup ( I always pre-cleanse), environmental pollutants, and dead facial skin cells.
Christophe Robin Instant Volume Mist with Rose Water $39
I do already own this, and I have yet to try it. I am going to give it a go, but if I’m not into it I am going to give the used one to my mom and try to sell the unused one on Mercari.
Item Beauty By Addison Rae Lash Slick Lengthening Mascara “Midnight Mood” $15
I usually go for more voluminizing mascaras. However, I am not against trying out one meant for length. Maybe I’ll pair Lash Slick with another mascara meant for volume.
On another note, I got the Ipsy X box curated by Addison Rae and I still have no clue who she is.
Lucky Chick Liquid Eyeshadow “Rose Quartz” $22
I have gotten some lip products from Lucky Chick in the past and they are fantastic! I am excited to try another product from them.
The shade is really pretty. The swatch set down quickly leading me to believe the shadow will be decently long lasting on the eye lids.
That’s everything that was in my box. This is a pretty decent box, I’m really excited to have received the ABH foundation. What was in your box? What product interests you the most? Comment below!
Thank you for reading 📖
It’s BoxyCharm time! I know sometimes you can get some stuff in this box that you will never use, I still get excited when it shows up on my door step.
BoxyCharm Premium retails for $38 and contains 5-6 full sized beauty products
Natasha Denona Cupid Cheek Duo $42
I always love getting Natasha Denona products in BoxyCharm. I get so hyped. This is a cream blush and powder highlight duo.
It seems like the cream blush may take a bit to build up and I’m not sure how I feel about the highlight. I am going to give this duo a try, but I may end up passing this on to a friend.
Herbivore Botanicals Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum $54
I’m looking forward to trying a product from Herbivore! I have never tried a retinol alternative, but I do have high hopes for this product.
“A naturally derived plant based serum that smooths the appearance of fine lines and winkles and visibly fights signs of aging without synthetics or irritating effects. Gentle enough for most sensitive skin types, Bakuchiol supports surface cell turnover with its retinoic effect.”
Murad Skin Smoothing Polish $39
This Polish is meant to be ideal for oily, combination, or acne prone skin. I have oily, acne prone skin, so I am hoping that this product makes a difference. If it does I may just have to purchase it outright myself.
Mitchell and Peach English Leaf Body Oil $68
I use a body oil after I shower and I’m running a bit low on my current oil, so this arrived with great timing. It has a sweet but earthy smell, and I’m super into it.
MyBeautyBrand ByMe Black Liquid Eyeliner $20
This seems like a basic felt tip liquid liner. I do prefer brush tips, but I’m sure this liner is fine. I will add it to my growing liquid liner collection.
Endota Hydrating Lip Balm $25
I don’t think I have ever owned such an expensive lip balm, so I am interested to see how well this one works.
I’m okay with this box! I wish the Natasha Denona Cheek Duo was of different quality, but I’m pretty happy about everything else.
What was in your BoxyCharm this month?? What product are you most interested in? Comment below!
Thank you for reading ☀️
Gripping primers are all the rage right now. While ELF does have some popular gripping primers under their belt, of course they had to come out with one that touts the gripping claim.
The ELF Power Grip Primer retails for $10. If I had to compare it to the Milk Hydro Grip Primer (the mini I have of the milk primer is lasting me ages!) I would say it is EXTREMELY comparable. I haven’t compared them side by side, but I have used them on alternating days and I haven’t noticed much of a difference. Honestly, I probably won’t pick up another Milk Hydro Grip Primer now that I have tried the ELF Power Grip Primer.
This day was my second time trying the Power Grip Primer.
On day one I learned that I don’t like using a brush with my coverage products when using this primer. It came out very patchy. (I forgot to take pictures!!)
Day two I used a sponge and all was well.
This was SIX HOURS into my day. Most of which I was wearing a mask. I noticed some wear down of my foundation on my nose, around my mouth, and cheeks, where my mask sits, but everywhere else looked fantastic! The ELF Power Grip primer really does increase the longevity of makeup.
This was the beginning of day three. I forgot to take pictures hours later, it’s allergy season so work is busy! But I noticed the same wear as the day before. I wish I would have taken pictures much later on either day to really showcase just how well the ELF Power Grip Primer improved the longevity of my makeup.
Over all thoughts?
BUY THIS! It will be $10 very well spent. Buy it from the ELF website, they always have great promotions going on and their rewards program is wonderful.
I would say the keys to really getting a “grip” on this primer is to use a sponge when applying your coverage products. As well as not using too much of the primer. A little really does go a long way.
I definitely think the ELF Power Grip Primer is a major win. Bye Bye Milk Hydro Grip.
Thank you for reading 🌻
The BoxyCharm Base Box retails for $28. It contains 5 full-size makeup and beauty items.
Let’s dig into this box!
Rare Beauty Always An Optimist Illuminating Primer $26
I think this is the product I am most excited for. I have heard great things about this primer and I’m ready to give it a go myself.
Generation Skin Hydrating Marine Algae Eye Patches $49
Another thing of eye masks. Thanks BoxyCharm, this is twice in one month. I have higher hopes for these eyepatch’s than I have of others I have received. I am going to pass on the others and keep these.
Luxie Florals Brush Set $40
I am always up for some Luxie brushes! I think Luxie makes my favorite brushes and I’m excited to add more to my collection. I probably will pass on the sponge though.
There is:
Eyeliner Brush
Tapered Blending Brush
Concealer Brush
Eye shading brush
Frank Body Brightening Vitamin C Mask $19.95
A brightening mask is always a good thing. I have collected a large amount of face masks and I really need to use them more.
Lauren Conrad The Eyeliner $20
I have tired this liner before and if I remember correctly it dried up pretty quickly. I will try it again because it was a decent liner and maybe the last one drying up was just a fluke?
This is a pretty decent box. Not my favorite by any means, but still good. What was in your BoxyCharm? What product are you most interested in? Comment below!!
Thank you for reading 🥰
BoxyCharm Premium retails for $38 a month and comes with five-six full sized makeup and beauty products.
Let’s dig into this box! I’ve got a busy day today, but I still wanted to get this post up sense it’s been a few days since my last post.
Somme Institute Transport Exfoliating Glycolic Acid Pads $65
This is a new brand to me. “Powered by MDT5, features saturated soft cotton pads designed to help improve skin tone, texture, and clarity, and an 8% buffered AHA to gently exfoliate dead cells on skin’s surface.”
Sounds good, but we will see how it goes.
Grace & Stella Everything Is Better In Pink Collagen Boosting Eye Masks $24.00
I feel like I got another box of eye masks in BoxyCharm not all that long ago. I will give them a try and see if they help my under eyes at all, but I have yet to find an eye mask that I like.
Keys Soulcare Skin Transformation Cream Fragrance Free W/ Bakuchiol $30
I have another box full of Keys products and I am excited to give them all a try. I have tried the Skin Transformation Cream and it feels so nice on the skin. It sinks in easy and makes it super soft.
Ciatè London Dewy Skin Vitamin C Glass Glow Primer $32
This will be my first time trying a primer that makes glass skin claims. To be honest, I don’t even know what glass skin is. But, I will give to primer a go and see how it affects the look and wear of my makeup.
Āthr Beauty The Big Bang Mascara $28
“The ultimate lash maximizing, black Diamond infused mascara that truly does it all for out of this world length, volume, curl, and definition.”
We will see about all those claims. The brush has short natural bristles and doesn’t look like it will add much volume, maybe length though.
Honest Beauty Magic Beauty Balm Stick $14.99
“ A multitasking balm stick that soothes and softens dry skin, while also creating a luminizing glow. Made with a blend of fruits and botanicals. Works on all skin types.”
*** please ignore how rough my hand looks. I’m two spots Carl got me and the bruise is from getting an IV in the ER
The balm gives a really pretty almost lit from with in look and I’m definitely going to be using it as a highlighter.
That’s my box. It’s pretty skincare heavy I think, but I’m okay with that. I’ve been on a skincare kick lately.
What was in your box? What was your favorite item or the item you are most interested in? Comment below!
Thank you for reading 🌞
I was very excited to try the L’Oréal Age Perfect Tinted Balm because I had heard some great things from YouTubers I really enjoy. So I had to pick it up for myself.
L’Oréal Age Perfect Tinted Balm retails for $12.97 at Walmart.
I picked up the shade 20 Fair. The balm is infused with a firming serum.
At first I thought it was going to be too orange on me.
But I think it actually ended up being a pretty decent color match for my face.
The texture of the balm is extremely creamy and does remind me of how it feels if you run your fingers over a cleansing balm.
The claims are:
1. Skin looks firmer
2. Smooths Lines
3. Conceals imperfections
4. Evens tones
Upon initial application I really enjoyed how the balm looked on my skin. I looked glowy and fresh. I can’t say my face looks firmer though. But I’m assuming that is more so going to happen after frequent use.
4 hours later I noticed my skin started to look more greasy, but not to the point it bothered me. I also noticed that the balm did transfer to my face mask. I also noticed the slightest oxidation.
At the end of the day 11 hours later, as you can see, everything has pretty much broken down and my face turned into an oil slick. I did not do any powdering through out the day, just to see how the balm held up on its own.
Final thoughts:
I think if I powder through out the day or only wear my makeup for 4-6 hours I would be in love with this balm. It is comfortable on the skin, I actually forgot I was wearing face product! I think this will be a go to product once the weather warms up. I am excited to see how my feelings about this balm evolve. I will be sure to do an update post when that happens.
What is your favorite base product? Leave a comment!
Thank you for reading 📖
Beauty & Tidbits 