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 😍
BoxyCharm is $25 a month. It contains 5 sample – full-sized beauty products.
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Primer $20
I think I have tried this primer before and I liked it from what I can remember. An eye primer is useful, so there’s that.
MudMasky Blue Light Protection Mask $54
This is neat. This is a mask you leave on all day to protect you from the blue light that comes from electronics. I am in front of my lap top pretty much all day for classes, so this will be lovely.
Clarins Velvet Lip Perfector “Velvet Nude 01” $26
I have heard some pretty good things about this product, and the shade is pretty. However, I am unsure if Clarins is CF, so I will have to do abit of research before I use it.
Butter London Teddy Boy Eyeshadow Palette $28
This is a small cool toned eye palette. I usually don’t lean towards cool tones, but it will be nice to actually have a palette with that option.
Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Concealer “Pearl” $29
I selected this shade, and it was too dark for me. Which is sad, because it is one of my favorite concealers. I actually have the correct shade in right now! This shade will match my mom, so I hope she likes it!
I am pretty happy with this box. I am sad that I am so bad at shade matching though. I thought the concealer would be light enough. Oh well! My box came to a total of $157.
What was in your BoxyCharm this month?
Thank you for reading 🥰
From Mid- May til Mid- June I made a pretty big dent in my collection! I thought I would share some of my thoughts with you on the products that were this months highlights!
Earth Therapeutics Elixir of Dreams Pillow Mist $11.99
The packaging of this product has changed in the time it took to use up.
I love pillow sprays, I use them most nights. I really like the scent of this one. The price isn’t too bad either!
RP? Once I finish up my current one, I will be repurchasing Elixir of Dreams!
Botanics Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm $10.99
I love cleansing balms, and I have been trying to find an affordable dupe for the Farmacy Green Clean.
This balm is 97% organic, nicely priced, and readily available at Walgreens. It does work very well and has a nice light scent.
RP? No, you don’t get very much, so I went through this very fast. When you have to repurchase so much it defeats paying less. The Farmacy one comes with so much! I suppose my search continues.
Yes To Cotton Micellar Cleansing Water $7.43
I enjoy micellar waters and I’m not picky when it comes to them. I really enjoy the Yes To brand. They always seem to be on sale at Walgreens and Ulta, which is super nice!
RP? Probably! It cleanses well and actually seemed to soothe my skin.
Found Active Exfoliating Cleanser Stick with Coconut
The brand Found is sold at Walmart, however I couldn’t find this product actually for sale on their site. This product was sent to me in PR.
RP? No, I just do not like cleansing sticks, they seem really unhygienic to me.
Derma E Radiance Toner 1FLoz mini
I really enjoy the brand Derma E. They have some amazing products. This toner works very well and I did see an improvement in my skin while I was using it.
RP? Yes! But, the full-size.
Pure Heals Propolis Softening Toner 1 FLOz mini
I got this toner in an Ipsy bag. It was a nice toner, but I didn’t see much of a difference in my skin while I was using it.
RP? No, I prefer the Derma E one.
Illamasqua Hydra Veil Primer Mini $12.54 (£10)
This is another product I got in Ipsy. I do enjoy how my makeup wears over it. However, the scent is a little too strong for me.
RP? No, I have a full-size and once I use that up I think I’m done with this primer. I worry that what causes the scent is going to break me out.
Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth and Blur Primer Mini $15
I have had this since the holiday collection came out last year, maybe even the year before, and I finally got around to using it! I had had this primer previously so it’s nothing new. It works very well.
RP? Probably, but only during a sale.
This mini took me longer than I thought it would to get through. I love fix plus, I just really wish MAC was Cruelty Free.
RP? No, I have a million comparable sprays, none of which are $16 for a small size.
The infamous Tarte Shape Tape. I think a lot of people’s opinions on this product have been changing, but I for one, still love it.
RP? Yes, after I finish up a few of my current concealers, including a Shape Tape in another shade.
Ofra Cosmetics Laguna Beach Mini
If my memory serves me correct, I received this liquid lip in an Ipsy bag ages ago.
The shade is beautiful and I love the formula.
RP? Not yet. I have a few other identical shades. But, if I ever use those up, I think this is the one I would purchase again.
Over all, the past month I used up $194.67 worth of products. That is including the products I did not give an individual review of.
Not to shabby! I am happy to have made a nice little dent in my collection, but there is still a long way to go!
What is a product you used up this month? Have you tried any of these products? Comment below!
Thank you for reading 💚
Find me on IG @_notan_alien
SC @manda_janette
I have started following a lot of panning groups on Reddit ( u/mrsmandreedus) and decided to start my own project pan.
I will not solely use these products, but for work, and when I need a quick look. These are the products I will be reaching for.
I decided it would be fun to do a full face for y’all with the products, but I decided to add a twist. I listened to the “Sad Covers” play list on Spotify, and let the music help guide the look! Let’s just say, it turned out grungy.
Base products
For my primer I am using up the last little bit of my last Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. I love this primer, I just have so many and need to use them up.
For my concealer I am scraping out the last bits of my Tarte Shape Tape in Fair. This is my favorite concealer and I will repurchase it once this one is gone.
For my foundation I am trying to finish the Revolution Fast Base Stick Foundation in F1. I am not 100% on how I really feel about this foundation. Some days I love how it looks, but others– I HATE it.
The powder I am trying to pan is the Elf Tone Correcting Powder in Cool. I enjoy this powder, but it doesn’t do enough color correction for me to repurchase it. It does set well though.
Face color products
For my blush and bronzer I am using up the ELF Contouring Blush and Bronzer in Fiji Matte. I have gone through a few of these over the years. As you can see the bronzer is pretty much done for. I will probably be repurchasing this guy.
The highlighter I am trying to pan is Citrine from Jouer. I love this highlight and don’t want to see it go. But, I dropped it once and keep having to repress it. So I want to use it to get it out of the way. I probably won’t repurchase because I do have so many similar highlighters.
Brows
The pencil I am trying to use up is from Winky Luxe. I have had it so long that the packing design has rubbed away. It is a decent pencil, but nothing special.
For my brow gel, I am using up The Brow Gal Instant tinted brow gel in Brown 02. I actually really like this product. It really helps to make my brows look full and natural. I have another one to use up after this one. Then I will probably repurchase.
Eyeshadow
The primer I am trying to pan is the MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ocher. This stuff last forever. It works great, but it isn’t something I would spend the money on again.
The eyeshadow palette I am hoping to pan is the ABH Modern Renaissance palette. This is my all time favorite eyeshadow palette. If I pan a decent amount of it I will repurchase.
Eyeliner
For my water and tight line, I am trying to finish is the Covergirl Liquiline Blast in Black. I love this liner. I won’t repurchase it though, because I have so many black liners.
For liquid liner, I am trying to pan the never ending Revolution Renaissance Flick liner in Black. I really love this liner and will be repurchasing it. Even though I have like 15 black liquid liners, but whatever.
Mascara
I always use two mascaras at a time. It’s a weird habit, but I have always done it.
The first one I am trying to use up is Maybelline The Falsies Volume Express in Black. It’s an okay mascara, but nothing I would repurchase.
The second mascara I am trying to use up is the Tarte Big Ego mascara. To be honest, I was let down by this mascara. I usually love the Mascaras from Tarte, but this one is leaving much to be desired.
Lips
I have almost panned the KVD Liquid Lip and Lip Liner in Lolita. This is my go to lip shade and I will be repurchasing.
Setting Spray
For setting spray I am almost done with my second to last Mac Fix Plus. I actually do really like this stuff. However, I have others sprays that work just as well, for a lower price. As of right now, I probably will not repurchase.
The Look
What is a product you are trying to use up?
Thank you so much for reading, I hope you enjoyed it! 🐤
Find me on IG @_notan_alien
Find me on SC @manda_janette
I’m sure most of you are only around for the unboxing posts- so here’s a little Tuesday treat!
I bring you the March BoxyLuxe! This is a quarterly box, which will cost you $50 a quarter. It is meant to be filled 8 full-sized beauty products.
This months theme is pretty edgy. Let’s see what BC thinks is edgy.
Sutra Beauty Mini-Ceramic Curling Iron $50
This is a really cool tool to get. However, I literally NEVER curl my hair. I have one curling wand; I don’t really need another. But! I know my sister in law will love this!
Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum + CoCo Cabana Cream Duo $15
Unpopular opinion coming. I don’t like the way either of the scents of these creams smell. Let’s hope some one else I know does.
BoxyCharm Hello, Charmer Palette $39
First and foremost, BoxyCharm throwing in an in house branded product doesn’t really scream luxury or high end to me. BUT, the quality could prove me wrong.
But, maybe not.
I searched a few select shades. There are no actual mattes in this palette, my matte shades appear to have shimmer bits. The pigmentation is nice, and the formula is smooth. Those metallics though, Beautiful.
I will definitely be doing a look with this palette in the future to come to a final conclusion.
PMD Beauty Smart Facial Cleansing Device $99
This is exciting! You have the rubber bristle end for cleansing, and the other side is for applying serums. I am so excited to start using this.
NARS Power Matte Lip Pigment “Low Rider ” $25
I will be sweet and simple with this product. NARS is definitely not cruelty free, and the shade just isn’t for me. I will be passing this on.
Becca Skin Love Glow Glaze Stick $28
This stick highlight is much more sheer than the other ones I have, and I love it! Perfect for those light makeup days that will be coming with the hottest weather.
Spongelle Body Wash Infused Buffer “Freesia Pear” $16
The scent of this buffer is amazing! I am throwing it into my shower right after I finish writing this. It’s so floral. I cannot wait to see how the buffer itself makes my skin feel.
Appeal Cosmetics Gel Liner “Fancy” $21
This liner is smooth! The color payoff is great with one swipe. The shade will match my most worn lipsticks, so I know I will get use out of it.
That is it for my Boxy Luxe! Over all, I’m not super impressed this month. I always get so excited to get the Luxe box. The house brand palette, a small curling wand, a Becca product that I’ve literally never heard of. I have come to expect more from them.
What was in your box this month? Were you impressed? Comment below!
Thank you for reading 👋
Find me on IG @_notan_alien
Find me on SC @manda_janette
Welcome!
Today, we are going to look inside the, now, $25 a month basic BoxyCharm subscription. Specifically the November 2019 “Stellar” box.
Each month you will still receive 5 full sized, sometimes super deluxe sample sized beauty products. It appears that the over all value of the box is going to be high, but we will see if it is worth the price increase.
I did want to mention that I will not be purchasing the $35 a month BoxyCharm subscription. I already get BoxyLuxe, as well as Ipsy Ultimate and other boxes, so I just couldn’t justify it at this time.
Now, to what you are actually here for. The products!
Becca Ultimate Coverage Foundation sample packets.
I wanted to include this little addition, because it is neat. BC sent out sample cards so you could find your best shade match. This is so you can relay the findings to them, and they can send out the correct complexion products. I am excited about the possible new additions to the box.
Tula Skincare Star Power Nourishing and Brightening Cosmic Hydrogel Mask, set of 2. $22
These masks contain an acne gel with 2% salicylic acid. I do suffer from break outs, and I will be testing out these masks and reporting back to you all once I have a chance to try them.
Kypris Antioxidant Dew Quench and Glow Serum $90
I am very excited to see a product from Kypris. I have heard amazing things about this clean, and expensive beauty brand. This product is in collaboration with BC and has made a great addition to my skin care routine. It has really helped my cold dry skin not look as flaky and dry. It also serves well under makeup as a primer.
BoxyCharm 2 Piece Brush set $35
Here we have a foundation brush and a large oval brush, that they say is good for powders, creams, and minerals. The brushes are very soft and do their job well. I would not pay $35 for them, but I wouldn’t do that for just two brushes from any brand. I do enjoy the brushes and will continue to use them.
Dose of Colors Liquid Lip “New Mood” $18
The DOC liquid lip formula is one of my favorites. I am surprised that I didn’t already own this shade, because it is beautiful!
Nude mood is a peachy nude and wears very comfortably on the lips. Per the DOC usual!
Dominique Cosmetics Celestial Thunder Eyeshadow Palette (Mini Version) $35
Dominique Cosmetics recently came out with the Celestial Thunder palette. This is a smaller version of said palette, but just happens to have the shades that caught my eye.
Here are the shades swatched. I will not say much about the palette now, as I have an in depth Subscription Box Win or Whomp post coming up about it, which will include a different look than the one in this post!
I also wanted to include the sales that boxy included this month, Incase any of you were interested!
Over all thoughts and the products on my face!
Please disregard the bumps on my face. I am currently having an allergic reaction all over me. We tried a new detergent. My body did not like it. AT ALL.
over all, I am super happy with this boxy! The Kypris serum alone made the $25 price tag more than worth it!
My box came to a flat total of $200. I have to say. I see the price increase in my items. I mean come on, an amazing $90 skin care item was included! And it’s from a beautiful brand!
What was in your BoxyCharm this month? Would you like to see more reviews of any of these items?
Thank you for reading 🐠
Find me on IG @_notan_alien
If you read my Ipsy Plus post for this month, you would know that I sadly will no longer be getting the normal ipsy, because I opted in to their new level service and did not find it practical to still receive Glam Bag and Glam Bag Plus.
Ipsy Glam Bag is now $12 a month and you receive 5 deluxe samples sized, some times full sized beauty items.
The bag
This months Bag is beautiful. It is a dusty mauve color with a what appears to be rose quartz crystal on the zipper. The bag feels very nicely made! I will miss getting a bag each month.
What’s inside?
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask
I am not a big fan of sleeping masks. My skin never reacts well to them, so I am wary of trying this. I will probably throw it in as a freebie with a Mercari purchase.
IBY Beauty Highlighter in Private Jet
My next item is a cute little highlighter from IBY. It is the perfect size for travel, with sturdy packaging. It is also cruelty free and vegan!
I think the shade may be too gold for my fair skin tone, but I am willing to give it a try. Maybe more so for my inner corner and brow bone.
Ofra Cosmetics x Madison Miller Ollie need is love Blush
This is a really peach blush. I think it is really pretty and will appear nicely on my skin. It is very buttery, and there is the smallest bit on shimmer in the product. This did not transfer to the swatch.
Phase Zero Makeup Satin Eyeshadow In Velvet
If I remember correctly, Phase Zero is also a cruelty free brand!
The shade Velvet is a very pretty metallic burgundy. I cannot wait to just throw this shadow all over my lids!
Too Faced Damn Girl Mascara
I actually already own the full size of this mascara and love it. It really does give the false lash effect. The packaging is also adorable.
My Add-ons
With Ipsy’s add on program you can purchase a few extra products at some awesome prices!
Ofra x Madison Miller Highlighter In Moondance
This highlighter is beautiful and I got it for only $12, maybe even $9!
It is a light yellow gold- perfect for my fair skin!
Ofra x Madison Miller Liquid Lip In Oh My Ry Ry
This liquid lip is named after Madison’s daughter Riley, who is precious.
The shade is a really pretty mauve, so just my type. The Ofra Liquid Lip Formula is fantastic, I would try any Ofra shade thrown at me and probably love it.
Over all?
I think this was a great bag to go out on. I got some beautiful products and the bag itself is stunning.
What was in your Ipsy bag?
Thank you for reading 💙
Find me on IG @_nota _alien
Hey guys!
Today I bring you a BoxyLuxe un-boxing! BoxyLuxe is $49 every quarter and contains 7-8 full sized beauty products.
This months theme is “All Access” and it appears that I got version 8.
Violet Voss Essentials Eyeshadow Palette $29
If you have been following my blog for a while, you would know that I love Violet Voss shadows. In fact, they have one of my favorite shadow formulas.
I really enjoy the color story of these palette. For just a 10 pan palette, I find it very inspiring.
The shadows are pigmented and very easy to blend. This palette is so easy to create beautiful looks with.
Dr. Brandt Hydro Biotic Recovery Sleeping Mask $52
This is the only product from the box I will not be using. When I have used sleeping masks in the past, the next day my skin has been extremely broken out. I am a little wary of using them, and do not want to risk it. I do have a family member who will really enjoy this product, so I will be passing it on to her.
Hank & Henry Blickity Black Eye Liner $20
This is the first Hank and Henry product I have tried, and I am happy to finally have the chance.
This liner has a brush tip applicator and it very pigmented. It reminds me a lot of the Kat Von D tattoo liner upon application. After trying the liner some I really enjoy it. I think it may be my new favorite!
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick “Angelo” $22
Stila’s liquid lipstick formula is beautiful. It dries down quickly and is very comfortable to wear. I highly recommend giving the Stay All Day Liquid lipsticks a try if you have not already!
Angelo is a little peachy nude. I think it is very complimentary of my skin tone.
Tarte Park Avenue Princess Palette $45
I have wanted this palette since it came out, but never picked it up. I am super excited to finally own it! The shades are beautiful, and the palette smells like chocolate. The palette is very sturdy with a great mirror, perfect for travel!
Glow Recipe Pineapple C-Bright Serum $49
This is another product that I have had my eye on. The packaging is cute and it smells like dole canned pineapples. The scent does dissipate rather quickly. The serum sunk in to the skin quickly, and actually worked lovely as a primer.
Moda 8 Pc Brush Kit $69.99
In this brush kit you get close to a full face of brushes. They are well made, very soft, and I have yet to notice any shedding with use. However, there is no way I would pay $69.99 for these brushes. That price seems very steep for what is more of a drugstore brush line.
IGK Mistress Hydrating Balm $29
I am all about leave in conditioner. I have thinker frizzy hair, and boy does it need hydration. I am really enjoying this Balm so far. It seems to be helping maintain smoothness in my hair through out the day, and the scent reminds me of a salon.
Above is a look done with all of the products included in this seasons box. Over all I really love everything and I am super happy with the version that I received.
For $49 I got $315.99 worth of product! Needless to say, I highly recommend giving BoxyLuxe a go.
Have you tried BoxyLuxe? What was your favorite item that you received?
Thank you for reading 💙
Another late unboxing! Geeze, just another unboxing in general.
But, at least it is cute an inexpensive right? For the regular monthly Ipsy it is only $10. I don’t think I have ever had a month where I wouldn’t pay $10 for the products that I like, even if it is their value to me combined.
Every now and then they give us a bag I don’t like, but this one is super cute! It’s nice quality, I love Tetris, which is who it is in collaboration with! Oh, and mine has purple in it, which is my favorite color.
But, I am sure y’all care more about the products.
Half Caked Lip Fondant in Sweet Tooth
I wish I would have gotten a shade that I would actually use, because the packaging is so cute!!
However, a hot pink shade is not one I am into. Please ignore my crap swatch. They formula actually feels really nice. I just have hairy arms that made it look patchy. No shame.
Sugar Contour De Force Mini Blush in Peach Peak
If I remember correctly, this is the only Sugar product I have gotten in Ipsy. But, I have seen other people get their products. I fact those circumstances is the only time I have ever heard of this brand.
The shade is pretty. I love peach blushes. It sits really nice on the skin as well.
Ipsy x Tetris Detailed Blender
This brush is so stinking cute! The quality is nice. It feels rather cheap, but the brush it self is soft, and no shedding yet.
Farmacy Brightening And Hydrating Sheet Masks
I love the brand Farmacy. They have some awesome skin care! I also love sheet masks, so I am really excited to use this and give y’all my thoughts.
Delectable By Cake Beauty Triple Citrus Butter Wash Body Polish Triple Citrus Blend
Omg. This stuff smells amazing! Depending on how well it exfoliates, I may end up buying the full size.
Add Ons
I love the add on program. I literally have an alarm on my phone so I remember on the second of each month to see if I want any of the add ons.
I Dew Care Space Kitten Peel Off Masks
I had the brightening mask from them a fell in love with it. My sample is gone! I decided to try their T Zone Clearing mask, since my face has been so broke out lately. I believe this add on was only $3!
Ipsy x Tetris in Block Party
If you saw my Glam Bag plus post for this month, then you saw I got the other palette from their line, in that box.
This one appeals so much more to me, color scheme wise!
I love purples. And blues. This is a small palette, that I believe I can make a full eye look with.
Same formula as last time. Buttery, pigmented, some powder kick back. I got this add on for $12, but I still don’t think I would pay the full $24 for it. But $12? Worth it!
Smash Box Cover Shot Priam Eye Palette
Purples. 😘
I really love the formulas in the cover shot palettes. I got one as an Ipsy add on, I believe last month, and REALLY like it. When I saw this one as a $12 add on, I jumped at the chance!
My over all thoughts?
This months bag was more than worth my hard earned $10! Only one dud for me, but I have a friend who I know would love it, so is it really a dud if you can gift someone something?
I do really love Ipsy. Their social media. Their customer service team. How awesome their app is. If you are thinking of trying Ipsy, you totally should!
What was in your Ipsy bag this month?
Thank you for reading 💕
Beauty & Tidbits 