Let’s try to get back to regularly posting! For this post I present you my Ipsy Bag from February 2023.
To start, the bag itself is really cute and seems to be of great quality.
Plum Color Affair “Be Good”
The first item is this cute little nail Polish. It’s a maybe with some glitter in it. I’m not big in glitter, but this could be a really good color for spring.
Lafco New York Body Lotion “Champagne “
I got a little body lotion that will be great to use in my turn and burn project pan! It has notes of ginger, grapefruit, and raspberry. It’s a thin consistency, but it smells amazing.
Marc Anthony Grow Long Super Fast Strength Leave in Conditioner
I have the shampoo and conditioner from this line and I don’t really like them. I am hoping I feel differently about the leave in conditioner. It has the same scent as the shampoo and conditioner, I just hope it lingers longer.
Ciaté Glow to Go Illuminating Blush “Matchmaker”
I have had one of these in the past, but the color was way way too light. This one seems like it will be better for my skin tone. I’m excited to give it a try.
Unfiltered Wake Up Call Quad “Morning Brew”
In this quad there are two mattes and two shimmers. I thought it looked really pretty and had high hopes, but after swatching the shadows those hopes are dashed. They just aren’t good quality. I will be passing this along.
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?
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!
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.
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.
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!
I have a lot of bronzer. No, I didn’t count them, I didn’t want to be confronted with that number. But, I am running out of room for bronzer, so I figured it was time to get rid of a few I don’t use. Compared to how many bronzers I own, I barely got rid of any.
As you can see, at this point I’m my decluttering journey, I only got rid of five bronzers. All of these bronzers I am getting rid of because I never reach for them. All decluttered products will be passed onto someone who will hopefully use them.
Covergirl Cheekers Cinnamon Toast
I’m pretty positive this is actually a blush. When it was with my blush it looked more like a bronzer to me. Then I never used it as a bronzer. I did contemplate using it as an eyeshadow, but I have enough brown eyeshadow this just needs to go.
ColourPop Sculpt Stix “Dove”
I bought this forever ago and only used it a handful of times. It is so so old. I think I should probably just toss this one.
The Balm Auto-Balm Grl Power Cheeks On The Go “Bleeker”
Looking at this now I see that it is actually definitely a blush. However I have so many blushes that I also need to declutter so I am just going to pass this along.
Kylie Pressed Bronzing Powder “Khaki”
I never use any of my Kylie products anymore. I just don’t support the brand so it’s time for this to go.
Love Craft Beauty Bronzer Trio
I got this is a subscription box ages ago and I don’t think I’ve ever actually used it. It’s time to stop taking up space. Goood bye.
This is a new to me box and I am pretty excited about it! It is $35 and it seems to include multiple products from one brand each month.
This month is Jason Wu. I have wanted to try this newer drugstore brand since I saw it featured in some YouTube videos. This box is a great way to try out a good assortment of products.
Jason Wu Magic Matte Oil $16
This product I am really looking forward to trying. I have pretty oily skin and I am interested to see how much of a difference this oil makes on my skin. Apparently it is supposed to be oily to matte instantly. It can be worn alone or as a primer. I’ll probably use it in both ways.
Jason Wu Saved By The Patch $12
I have some acne patches from another brand that I have been using and liking. I am glad to have more and hope they work just as well as the others.
Jason Wu The Bush $14
This is a vegan formula brow soap. I have been toying with the idea of giving soap brows a try and I guess this is my sign to take the plunge.
Jason Wu Stay In Line “Parisian Chic” and “Royal” $10
The Stay in Line lipliners are incredibly creamy pencil liners. The shades are pretty nice go to shades for me and I can see myself just wearing these all over the lips.
Jason Wu Flora 9 “Matte Agave” $15
I love the look of this little palette. I do t have a matte palette that is set up in quite the same way. The shadows are buttery and pigmented and seem like they will blend nicely. I will probably be doing a dedicated post for this palette (and many of the other products featured here) so keep an eye out for that!
Jason Wu Hot Fluff “Jelly Roll” and “Éclair” $12
These are both creamy matte lipsticks. They remind me a lot of the Milani Fetish Matte lipsticks formula wise. I will probably wear the more almost terracotta shade more than the bolder berry, but if I’m going to wear a berry now it will probably be this one.
As far as my first American Influencer Beauty Bundle goes this one was great to start off with! I got some great products from a brand I had really wanted to try. I am excited to see what the coming months bring.
Skincare is SUPER important. It helps your makeup lay better, it keeps your skin healthy and fresh, and certain components can protect your skin from damage.
Skincare is very personal. What works for me might not work for you. But, I thought I’d share my current AM skincare routine with you all!
I have combination and acne prone skin. I am also paying attention to anti-aging products now that I’m 26.
The only reason I have this product is because I received it in a BoxyCharm. $95 is way more than I would ever spend on a toner when the drugstore has some great ones. This toner has left my skin feeling more hydrated and my breakouts have decreased since I have been using it. However, I don’t think this is a staple in my routine and I will be purchasing an ELF toner once this one is finished.
I got this mist from influenster. I couldn’t find the orange fragrance to link, so I linked the lavender instead. I’m sure it’s lovely too and I might need to purchase it.
First off, this mist seems so good and it really helps to wake me up in the morning. I heard somewhere that using a facial mist helps to prep your skin for the rest of your skin care routine. I’m not sure if that’s true, but I have really enjoyed the addition of a face mist into my routine.
Another BoxyCharm item! I have no idea my routine was so pricey!
I really like this serum. It leaves my skin feeling very hydrated and gives it a beautiful glow. I will miss it when it’s gone. There’s no way I’m paying $90 for it.
This is my second bottle of the atmosphere protection cream. Both came from subscription boxes. I really like having the added protection from pollution. I think this is a product I will repurchase. I like the protection and think it’s a great moisturizer. It claims to be for normal, dry and combination skin.
My favorite lip exfoliator is currently on sale on the ELF website for $3.20! I have been using this product for years and I will always use it. It is the best and easiest to use lip exfoliator and it’s so affordable!
I couldn’t find my lip balms to link them because they are random ones from Ipsy. They work fine, but any lip balm or chapstick will do.
I have heard a lot about the Hard Candy Sheer Envy Hydrating Primer on YouTube and I just had to try it for myself.
The Hard Candy Sheer Envy Hydrating Primer retails for $6.96 at Walmart.
The primer comes out as a blue jelly and feels very cooling and hydrating when you spread it on your face. Once it dries down it does feel a little bit sticky to the touch, but it isn’t bothersome on the face. It reminds me a ton of the Milk Hydrogrip primer. So much so that I do t feel the need to repurchase the Milk Hydrogrip primer now.
This picture was taken right after I applied my makeup. Everything sat very well on my skin. I made sure to use a foundation and concealer that I trusted to give the primer a fair chance.
Here we are four hours later. Everything is still looking good! I did notice my pores looked a bit large, but nothing I had on claimed to be pore filling.
Here we are 8 hours after application. I noticed makeup had rubbed off on my nose and my chin thanks to my mask. I also noticed that there was much less creasing under my eyes and in my smile lines than normal.
I highly recommend this primer. It is a great drugstore alternative to the Milk Hydrogrip Primer and it works wonders. It won’t break the bank and it does it’s job nicely.
Beauty & Tidbits 