Ipsy January 2022

The Ipsy Glam Bag is around $11 a month and you get 5-6 deluxe sample sized makeup and beauty products.

Elaina Badro Blending Brush

The brush is very soft and doesn’t shed. It’s a nice addicting to my collection of too many eyeshadow bruhes.

Rose + Quartz Hair Mask

This seems like it will be a really good hair mask. It’s vegan, gluten free, and cruelty free. I am excited to give it a try once I finish my current hair mask.

IBY Sunkissed Glow Highlighter “Maldives”

This is a pretty highlighter. I don’t mind that it’s travel sized because highlighters are hard to get through. Maldives is a great color for me and I think I’ll get a lot of use out of it.

Tarte Ultra Creamy Shape Tape Concealer “Light Sand”

This is the item I picked out. I’m very excited to try it. It’s something I have wanted to give a try for a while now, this travel size will be perfect.

Purlisse Ageless Glow Serum BB Cream “light”

I am always up to trying a new BB cream. I have another Bb Cream from Purlisse that I really like, so I have high hopes for ageless glow.

Review/ 1st Impressions: Hard Candy Sheer Envy Hydrating Primer

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.

Thank you for reading 🎈

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Ipsy Plus July 2020 | Take a Break

*Ipsy plus is $25 a month. You will receive 5 full sized beauty products.

This is a little different than my regular Ipsy posting. I have down graded from Ultimate to plus. I was just accumulating too much skincare, and from past boxes it appears Plus contains more makeup. And it’s $25 cheaper.

The bag is cute. It’s a silicon like material, with cute palm trees on the front and a cute little airplane zipper.

Tula Protect and Glow Daily Sunscreen $36

To start us off, we have a sunscreen. It is 30 SPF and also protects against pollution and blue light. Pretty nice! (Cruelty Free and relatively clean)

Mid flower Hyaluronic Sheet masks $3.80 x3

Next we have some sheet masks that I’m actually going to pass along to my sister. I just have so many, and my skin isn’t really dry. So, she will benefit more from them. (CF status unknown to me)

Real Her Eye Am Amazing Eyeliner “Black” $16

We have a basic twist up black liner. This one claims to be waterproof and long wearing, I am hoping it’ll stay put in my waterline! (Cruelty and Paraben Free)

Tarte Surfer Curl Mascara “Black” $23

I love Tarte mascaras for the most part, so I am excited to try this newer one. I was actually going to purchase this myself. So this works out great! (Cruelty Free)

Il Makiage Color Boss Shadow “Eyes on the Prize” $29

Firstly, the packaging for this eyeshadow is spectacular. Very heavy and well made. The shade itself is a pretty copper, which is a shade I tend to reach for. (Cruelty Free)

Over all, I am happy with this box! I won’t use the sheet masks, but I love passing things like that on to my sisters.

The total value of my box was $99.40. Not bad for $25! I basically paid the price of the mascara I was going to buy any way, then for four more products for $2. Great box!

What was your favorite item in your July Ipsy? Comment below!

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Thank you for reading 💜

BoxyLuxe June 2020 | The Oasis

It’s a new season, which means it’s time for BoxyLuxe!

BoxyLuxe retails for $50 quarterly. You must have an active BoxyCharm base subscription.

Let’s dive right in!

Pürlisse Perfect Glow BB Cream “Light” $35

I have been looking for a BB cream to wear through out the summer, so this arrived at the perfect time. From a swatch I did the shade seems to be a pretty good match.

Kylie Skin Foaming Face Wash $24

I have tried this face wash before. It worked alright, but I only used it once, so I couldn’t gather my full thoughts on it. It is pretty neat to see Kylie products in a subscription box!

Hallmart Collectibles Satin pillow and mask set $50

This was one of the products that I picked. For some reason I have always wanted a satin pillow case, but never bought one. Please note! The insert card says this set costs $50, I found it online for $36.

Malin + Goetz Recovery Treatment Oil $82

A luxurious facial treatment that combines nine natural oils to help protect skin from free radical damage and renew skin’s appearance

I love oils and serums. I am excited to see how well this works. Especially for that price.

Bodyography Lip Pencil Set “Pouty and Rosewood” $28

For some strange reason I am really into lip pencils, so I am always happy to get more. I have an excessive amount, and my toxic trait is that I don’t care.

Lily Lashes Triple X Mascara $24

I picked this item as well. I have high hopes for this mascara, because of the brand name. I will update you all on rather or not it crushed my hopes.

Billion Dollar Brows 5-Piece Charcoal Brush Set $55

Brushes! I love getting brushes in subscriptions. I can never justify buying them anymore. The bristles of this set are very soft and the handles seem very sturdy and well made.

Tarte Tartiest Pro Amazonian Clay Palette $49

I am so glad I got this palette over the remix. I have always been curious of its quality and I’m excited to try it out.

I think this is the best Boxy Luxe that I have gotten. I am excited about every single product.

My box came to a total of $347. What a great value for $50!

What was in your BoxyCharm or BoxyLuxe this month? Leave a comment!

Thank you for reading 🪐

Find me on IG @_notan_alien

SC @manda_janette

Ipsy Ultimate June 2020 | Make Waves

Back to our regularly scheduled programming.

Today, I am going to Un-box my Ipsy Ultimate for June 2020 and give y’all my thoughts.

Ipsy ultimate is $50 a month. You get a larger makeup bag, 8 full sized products, and 4 deluxe sample sized products.

My Add Ons

This month I was a day late for add ons, so a lot of the cool stuff was gone. But I did get a few things I wanted!

Hanalie Full Face Sheet Masks pineapple, pear, lychee, and papaya

These masks came in a set of two, I bought both. They address a variety of skin concerns, and I’m sure I’m going to love them.

Luxie 640 Pro Precision Tapered

I already have one of these and love it for highlight. These was either $4 or $6 add on and I just couldn’t pass it up.

First Aid Beauty Pores be Gone Matte Primer

This is something else I have already tried and loved. This was a $4 add on. Just couldn’t pass it up!

Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30

A perfect day cream for the summer, can’t be mad about that!

Biorace Pore Tightening Pearl Clay Mask

The other day I noticed how bad the pores around my nose are looking. I am definitely going to use this mask to spot mask the area around my nose and cheeks.

Sunday Riley UFO Ultra Clarifying Acne Treatment Facial Oil

I have never tired an acne treatment in an oil form, I’m excited to give it a go. I hope it works. Lord knows I need it.

H2O+ Hydration Oasis Nourishing Gel Cream

And we have another face cream. I am probably going to pass this little one on to a friend. I have one that really likes gel creams and always asks if I have any I want to pass on.

Dr.Brandt Pores no More Luminizer Primer

I have one of these primers currently in my rotation and it’s almost empty, but I love it! This was the item I picked for my box this month.

Yensa Super 8 Lip Oil “Pink Shine”

I enjoy lip oils. They feel soooo nice. I’m excited to try a new one out. I just hope the color doesn’t show up much on the lips.

Verb Hydrating Mask

This is a hair mask I have already tried and love. It works very well and smells great. I am happy to have another sample of it. I get about two uses out of this sample size.

Pixi Fresh Face Blush “Beach Rose”

The formula of this blush is really buttery and nice. It’s a rosy brown, which is a color I have been leaning to a lot lately for blush. So this is perfect!

Ciaté London Dewy Stick Highlighting Balm “Glow”

I have had one of these before from boxy charm, and I hate it. It broke me out really badly. I am going to pass this along to one of my sisters.

Wander Beauty Frame your Face Precise Brow Gel “Clear”

I wish I would have gotten this in a tint so that it could be a one and done brow product. But, whatever, I can always use a clear brow gel- I fly through them.

Tarte Tarteist Double Take Eyeliner “Black”

I have been wanting to try this liner out of curiosity, but I can never justify purchasing eyeliner, because I get so much in sub-boxes. I am happy I get to try this one out!

The Balm Auto Balm Pic Perfect

At first glance and swatch, I am not too excited about this palette. It just isn’t one I think I will use. I am going to test it on my eyes before I make a decision. However; I’m pretty sure this is another product I am going to pass on to one of my sisters.

LaRuce Brush Set

I couldn’t find this specific set online to link. The set name isn’t on the packaging and ipsys included card is useless. I wish I could have found it through! The brushes are very soft and seem very sturdy and well made.

The set includes a flat foundation, angled contoured, small kabuki, tapered blending, and shadow brushes.

That is it for my Ipsy this month! It isn’t my favorite box of all time, but I definitely will use all but like two of the products, which isn’t bad for a subscription box to be honest.

What was in your Ipsy this month? Comment or link below!

Thank you for reading 🪐

Find me on IG @_notan_alien

SC @manda_janette

A full face of makeup I am panning | I let the music guide the look

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 othersI 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

BoxyLuxe Un-Boxing | September 2019

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 💙

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A very late BoxyLuxe Unboxing | June 2019

I am late. My bad. But, better late than never I guess?

Let’s just get into this BoxyLuxe unboxing!

Tarte Tarteist Pro Glow Cheek Palette V3 $45

This box started off strong! I have wanted one of the Tarte Pro Glow palettes for a while, but never bought one.

The shades all work well with my skin tone, and I have been using it a ton since I got it!

Touch In Sol No Poreblem Essence Primer $23

I haven’t notice as much pore filling qualities as I do with their original primer. But, I do really like this. It turned my skin in to a super smooth canvas, and I have yet to find a foundation or concealer that it doesn’t mesh with.

Dominique Cosmetics Lemonade Lip Glass “Strawberry Lemonade” $17

Spoiler alert, this is my only dud in the box. I don’t really use glosses, much less really pink glosses. However, I do have it listed on my Poshmark @mandajanette for $10 so maybe I will get some extra cash from it!

PYT Mini Turbo On The Go Dryer $85

This hair dryer is so cute! It works so much better than the cheap conair one I was using, despite its small size. I love that it is so easy to travel with, and also came with attachments.

Dr.Brandt Clean Biotic PH Balanced Yogurt Cleanser with Chlorophyll. $35

I love Dr Brandt. I don’t think I have ever tried a product that didn’t work wonders for me. I am excited to used up my current face wash so I can move on to this one.

Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum $58

Farmacy is another brand that has never done me wrong! This actually came at the perfect time, as my current night serum is on her last leg.

Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast $29

Who doesn’t want more volume in their hair? Lord knows I need it! I have already heard great things about this product, and when I tried it I was not disappointed.

Trestique Good Vibes Mascara $25

Let’s start with the little lash curler that is attached. It’s super small and I hate it. It’s just extra packaging. The mascara itself is awesome though! I have used it a ton since I got it.

Skin&Co Truffle Therapy Radiant Dew Mist $35

This stuff has been fantastic in the nasty humid weather we have been having. It is a really nice refresher through out the day, or to spray on before or after applying makeup.

Over all

I am blown away! This box was well worth the $49.95ish that it cost! BoxyLuxe is so exciting, I wish I could get It more often.

Here is my face after using all the products, but the lip gloss.

What is your favorite product from your BoxyCharm this month?

Thank you for reading💕

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Ipsy January 2019| First impressions!

With it being the beginning of the new year, I feel that I am hold my Subscriptions to higher standards. I am hoping the quality of them this month will set the standard for their quality for the rest of 2019.

Let’s get into Ipsy and see what kind of year it is going to be.

Ipsy is $10 a month. You receive 5 deluxe sample-full sized beauty products or makeup. It is supposed to be geared to your likes, based on their quiz.

The bag itself

The bag is cute, reminds me of spring. It is not something I will use though, passing it on to a friend. That is no big deal tough.

So Susan Dream Maker Light Shifting Highlighting Cream “POP Star”

I have wanted to play with cream products more, so I was pleased to receive this high light.

1st Impression: Blinding! Blends out best with your fingers or a beauty blender.

Illamasqua Coloring Pencil “Honour”

This is the first Illamasqua product I have ever tried! I am actually really excited about this, which is silly because it is just a brown eye liner.

1st impression: The product is creamy and lasted a long time in my water line. I think this is my new go to liner!

Hola Neon Velvet Liquid Lipstick “DF”

I have never heard of this brand. But, it was nice to receive a full sized liquid lip. I do love trying new to me brands.

1st Impression: The color is really pretty. It last quite a while, then I decided to drink some water. Then it came off patchy. So, don’t expected it to last through drinking or eating. But, what does last through it?

Akar Mini Care Lip Butter

I feel like I have heard of this brand before. Anyway, I have been in the market for a product to repair my winter worn lips.

1st Impression: The lip butter is super creamy. My lips actually felt really nice the rest of the day. I can see myself going through this rather quickly.

Jeju:en Sheet Masks

I will be honest, when I read the names I actually laughed out loud. I’m so mature.

I haven’t tried these masks yet, but I am anxious to see how well they work. Keep yours eyes out for an empties post, they may be in there with a mini review!

Ipsy Add Ons.

I took the opportunity this month to purchase two add ons. I really enjoy this new program!

Luxie Small Contour Brush added on for $3

I have said it a million times. I LOVE Luxie brushes.

1st Impression: I used the Wet n’ Wild contour duo and it blended out seamlessly extremely quickly. Great brush from Luxie as always.

Tarte Double Duty Beaty Make Every Moment Count Cheek Palette added on for $12

What a steal!!

I love Tarte blushes, so I jumped on this as soon as I saw it.

1st Impression: I used the shade “Love”. Must I say more besides Tarte Blush? They have my favorite blush formula. Love this palette, I am so glad I added it to my bag!

Here are all the products that I tried on my face! Please ignore my too bold brows.

Over all?

I am super happy with this bag! I am really looking forward to what Ipsy has to bring for 2019.

What was in your Ipsy bag?

Thank you for reading🦙

Find me on SC: @manda_janette

Find me on IG: _notan_alien

BoxyLuxe December 2018

I just could not resist BoxyLuxe it is $50 a month and seems really cool. This months theme is “‘Tis the season”.

Let’s open her up!

Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream $89

I have heard a lot of good things about Elemis. It is never to early to start trying to prevent wrinkles. I am excited to try out this fancy fave cream.

Tarte Glitter Lip Paint $20 “Insta-Famous”

I am not excited about this. I am not in to straight shimmer on the lips. This formula feels very gunky. I am going to see if a friend wants it.

It’s pretty but not for my lips.

Violet Voss Pro HG Palette $45

If you have follows my blog at all you would know this is my all time favorite palette. Pictured open is mine.

I was still excited to receive this palette, I am putting with a friends Christmas gift, she has tried mine and loved it!

There it is on my eyes the other night when we went to Garden Glow at the Botanical Gardens in St.Louis.

Suva Beauty Protégé Palette $34

I have wanted to try Suva Beauty shadows for quite some time. When given the choice between this palette and the little PYT straightener, the choice was easy for me.

6 pretty shadows and two highlights/shadows.

A warm and pretty color palette.

Luxie Rose Gold Complete Face Brush Set $65

I love Luxie brushes, they are my favorite! I am so excited for these, I got this cheaper than sale price plus seven other products essentially! These alone make the box worth it for me.

Spongelle Bodywash infused buffer $20

I used to have one of these from a dog company for my dog. It was useful then so I figure the human version is nice as well. The scent I got is blossom bliss. Is smells fantastic! Reminds me of spring.

Grande Cosmetics Grande Mascara $25

I am never mad to try a new mascara. I have actually made a dent in my mascara collection. This lovely gold tub is very welcome to live in my eye product drawer.

Pretty Vulagr The powder room translucent setting powder. “Matte about it.” $32

I guess pretty vulgar and body charm are a thing now because this is the 5th product we have gotten in a box and I haven’t seen them in Sephora in ages. This did come at a nice time, as I am almost out of my Ofra setting powder.

Crimes of Beauty Wristlet and Portable Charger $22

The wristlet is super cute. This is going to be my new going out bag. It seems to be nicely made. The portable charger will come in handy for when Coty and I go to Pokémon Go Community days.

This box was fantastic! I am very glad that I signed up! I can’t want for next quarter to get another one.

Would you guys like to see a make collection post?

Thank you for reading 💜

Find me on IG and SC @manda_janette