My Ipsy January 2015 Fresh Start Youtube Unboxing is Live!

Unboxing! Ipsy January 2015 Fresh Start!

What it is: Ipsy Glam Bag
Where to get it: Ipsy.com
How much is it?: $10.00 monthly + tax
Types of Products: Skin, hair, body, and beauty products and make up.
What are the Perks?!: By reviewing items and sharing Ipsy info on Facebook, rack up Ipsy points to redeem for free beauty products.

Ipsy January 2015 Fresh Start Unboxing and Review!

Let's hop right into my Ipsy January 2015 Fresh Start Unboxing!

Upon Opening:

The Bag:

The bag is blue on one side, white on the other, and orange on the inside. My fiance's favorite colors- Met's colors lol!

The Haul!

1. BellaPierre Shimmer Powder in Celebration:

FULL SIZED! Listed at 2.35 g for $14.99

I DO like this color. But, I am getting a little annoyed that Ipsy only sends me gold shadows. I'm inundated with them! I would have really liked getting the silver color. But hey, I'll look for it in a trade. The powder is very soft and nicely pigmented. And, I will most likely use it. So, I can dig it.

2. Elizabeth Mott All Over Shadow Brush:

FULL SIZED! Listed at $9.99

I will NEVER complain about getting a new make up brush! This brush is super soft and the pink is really cute. I will totally use this and love it!

3. Eco-Beauty by La Fresh Group Good Day. Day Moisturizer:

Sample sized at ..5 oz - no idea on price since the website doesn't even work. Maybe $1?

Sigh... a foil sample pack... I'll give them props at least for at least being able to reseal it. But, I'm not one to trust a company I have never heard when their website doesn't even work...

4. Pacifica Natural Mineral Coconut Eye Shadow in Ethereal:

FULL SIZED. Approx $5.00

I am IRRITATED by this product. First, I feel like I can't escape the Pacifica/Ipsy connection. Second- I ALREADY GOT THIS SHADOW! Wtf Ipsy? Sending out basically the same shadow twice is such garbage. But, my mom already called dibs on this- so I'll give it to her.

5. Probelle Nail Laquer in Into the Blue:

FULL SIZED! Listed at .5 oz for $6.00

I now officially own too many nail polishes! This is a cute color though, so I do like it!

The Final Verdict!

Box Value: Approx $37.00

 Box Score: 7/10

Final Thoughts: I was really impressed by the amount of full sized products in this month's bag. That being said, I'm irritated by the foil sample pack and basically getting a repeat product.

My Glossybox January 2015 Youtube Unboxing is live!

If you haven't stopped by my Youtube Channel- please do!

Unboxing: Glossybox January 2015!

What it is: GlossyBox is a monthly luxury beauty subscription box.
Where to get it: GlossyBox.com
How much is it?: $21.00 + tax monthly
Types of Products: Each box contains 5 luxury deluxe or full sized beauty products.
What are the Perks?!: Write reviews, refer friends, and take surveys to add up GlossyDots. 1000 GlossyDots earns you a free month of GlossyBox!


Sorry I've been away for a little while! Life got in the way of the blog. But, I'm back with a few unboxings for you! First up is...

Glossybox January 2015 Unboxing and Review!

I will post my video link shortly with my initial unboxing!

But, let's jump right in!

Upon Opening:

The Haul!:

1. Skin & Co Roma Truffle Therapy Serum:

Sample Sized at .17 oz (Approx $13.60). Full sized listed at 1 oz for $80.00

So, I am excited to try this. Normally, I would NEVER spend $80 (or even close to that) on a serum. Just being able to try this intrigues me. And I totally want to look into this whole truffle thing. That's kind of interesting. This is also a nice sized sample that I'll definitely be able to get a few uses out of! Good start for January 2015 Glossybox!

2. Teeez Trendy Cosmetics Beautiful Flat Brush Stiff:

FULL SIZED! Listed at $23.50

I LOVE eyeshadow brushes. I will never complain about getting them in a beauty box. This one is adorable and seems like it will hold up to my hardcore eyeshadow applications. Love it!

3. Kueshi Revitalizing Face Toner:

FULL SIZED! Listed at 6.76 fl oz for $13.40

In so far, this is the only toner I have ever received in a beauty box. And, it was the item I was most excited about getting in this month's Glossybox as I had never even heard of the company before. It's a nice sized bottle and has a very interesting smell. I'm actually really excited to use this!

4. Vichy Purete Termale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser:

Sample sized at 1 fl oz (Approx $2.90). Full sized listed at 6.7 fl oz for $19.50

Personally, I'm not too excited about this. I have so many cleansers that end up not working for me or drying me out too much. Also, I feel like they could have given a little bit larger/more substantial sample. Guess I can't win em all!

5. Lollipops Eye Pencil in Goodbye Moon:

FULL SIZED! Listed at $17.70 for .02 oz

Never one to complain about getting more black eyeliner- this is all adorable and swatches well. It's not as intense as liners like Perversion. But, it seems like it would be awesome for a nice smokey eye!

The Final Verdict!

Box Value: Approx $71.00

 Box Score:9/10

Final Thoughts: Realistically, this is a pretty strong box of a "few of my favorite things." But, with off brands I am unfamiliar with. I really liked everything I got and most likely will use everything. The only thing lacking was the Vichy sample size- which really isn't the end of the world tbh. Glossybox- once again, I am CRAZY impressed!

Product Review! Xtava Professional Infrared Flat Iron!

How awesome!

I just had the opportunity to try another product from Xtava.

I little while ago, I was able to try one of Xtava's Awesome Hair Dryers. I fell in love with it and was insanely happy to have the opportunity to try one of their flat irons. Like, I seriously JUMPED on this.

And just like the Rimini Hair Dryer, I am once again incredibly impressed and ADORE this flat iron!

Xtava Professional Infrared Flat Iron Review!

Let's start with the fact that I was TOTALLY impressed with how Xtava packaged this flat iron. I felt like I was unwrapping this crazy high end extravagant flat iron.

It came in this sleek box, wrapped in (what I think) is this amazing heat resistant storage bag. I've never had a flatiron come like this. I think this is an AMAZING extra and really impressive.

Although this awesome addition jumped out at me at first, there were a couple things that I really liked about the actual flat iron. First, I am really glad that it has a sturdy close/lock mechanism. I have had issues with other flat iron's locks breaking. But, this one seems like it's going to last for the long haul and shows to me that this is very high quality.

I also thought the digital thermometer was a really awesome element. You can clearly see and set the temperature that you want to use on your hair. My last flat iron (besides being complete crap) had a manual temperature setting and I could never really tell what temperature I was at. This is so user friendly for me. And I also really like that there is a pretty wide range of temperatures for different hair- 265-445F.

I also really like that the actual heating element lights up so you can actually see if the flat iron is on and heating up.

Maybe I was living in the stone age before using this flat iron- but the entire combination of packaging and additional features was insanely impressive to me and I felt like this was a flat iron from the future.

Now- getting to function. I have fine hair and I used the flat iron on both wet and dry hair. First, it starts heating up as soon as you turn it on and I personally keep it on a middle heat setting. But, I really did feel like it took less than a minute until it was heated enough to use. What? I've never had a flat iron heat nearly that quickly. My fiance knows that I normally have to take a break in my beauty routine to do something else while I wait for my flat iron to heat up. I didn't know what to do having the iron ready so quickly.

Another feature that completely floored me about this flat iron is that I normally need to use a serum to calm my hair after straightening. My hair normally feels so fried. But, TOTALLY not the case here. My hair was left silky - no frizz or extra breakage. 

I am able to straighten my hair in record time and there is no damage. Like I said- a flat iron from the future. My hair looks like I stepped out of a high end salon.

I have actually received a LOT of compliments on how my hair has looked since starting to use this flat iron. And I'm definitely happy about that!

I cannot recommend this enough!

If you are interested in trying one of Xtava's AWESOME hair products, please check out their website: http://xtava.com/

The flat iron is also on sale for an awesome price on Amazon:

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Product Review! Adeline Beauty Products!

I have just had the awesome opportunity to try 3 AWESOME Adeline Products!

And, I'm pretty sure that I'm hooked!

Although this is a sponsored post, I really REALLY do love the 3 items I have had the opportunity to try!

Look at these beauties!:

I feel so fancy using these products! The packaging is simple, yet gorgeous and incredibly sleek.

I was given the opportunity to try Adeline's Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Anti-Aging Moisturizer, and Organic Eye Serum. All three products work extremely well on their own. But, also amazing together. So, I feel the each deserve a review here!

Adeline Advanced Peptide Trio Anti-Aging Moisturizer with Matrixyl

Starting with my favorite of the three products, I am absolutely IN LOVE with this moisturizer. As you can probably see from the picture above, I cannot get enough of it. I am going through this moisturizer like it is going out of style.

For some reason, the biggest appeal to me about Adeline's moisturizer is it's amazing scent. Fresh, clean, refreshing peppermint. Immediately, I feel refreshed after a shower and cleansing my face due to the moisturizer's Peppermint Oil. Not overwhelming though- it is very soft, subtle and delicious smelling. I get excited to moisturize now! Never thought that would happen!

But, I don't want to discount the other thing I love the most about this moisturizer. This moisturizer is thick. Normally, that worries me. I'm not sure if this happens to anyone else- but sometimes when a moisturizer is too thick- it never absorbs and creates this weird film on my face that starts to flake off. I'm looking at you Aveeno... 

But, this absorbs so nicely! And, my face feels so fresh and soft. In the dead of winter, my face has been so dry and this is an amazing relief for me. As opposed to may thick moisturizers that I have tried- Adeline's Moisturizer actually delivers with the added bonus of being anti-aging. So far, it has been my overall favorite new product that I have tried since I've started blogging and it is forever part of my beauty routine!

Adeline Organic Eye Serum

In addition to the moisturizer, I have been using Adeline's Organic Eye Serum. In my quest to have more natural, organic products in my beauty routine- I am definitely pleased with this.

Ingredients include cucumber, chamomile, aloe, sunflower seed oil, and uva ursi leaf extracts. Awesome! The smell is very light and organic smelling.

Seriously, the greatest thing about this eye serum is the fact that you literally need the tiniest amount around your eyes for results. This 15 ml bottle is going to last me quite a while!

Immediately upon application, you get a little bit of tingling and actually a firming feeling. That was incredibly surprising and awesome- I've never had such immediate, strong results from an eye gel before. I'm kind of tempted to start using this on my whole face. 

Adeline Hyaluronic Acid Serum

As we all know my obsession with Lavender, the first thing I noticed when applying this serum to my hand was there was a very light lavender scent to the serum.

Checking the ingredients- there it was! So, I'm not sure if I love this serum for the fact that it is awesome on it's own. But, also excludes my favorite thing- lavender oil. The lavender scent is very subtle but an awesome addition.

But, it is still one of the best hyaluronic serums I have tried. Hands down- even beyond the scent.

I feel it is a little thicker than most hyaluronic acid serums. So, a very VERY little goes a long way- it is almost like a gel. I'm all for not making a mess and using too much of a product. 

The additional ingredients include Vitamins A, C, D, E, Retinol and Aloe and witch hazel- which are all things I use on my own to begin with. So, this makes it a lot easier to apply everything at once quickly!

I seriously loved having the opportunity to try all these awesome products from Adeline!

All these products are available on Amazon with a great "empty bottle" guarantee!

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Product Review! Vitamin C Challenge Contender #2: New Radiance Naturals Vitamin C Serum!

Ready for Round 2?

If you haven't checked out my other Vitamin C Serums I am trying right now, please check out my blog entry for Contender #1! 

I have another Vitamin C Serum for you! And, I am SUPER pleased!

New Radiance Naturals Professional Vitamin C 20% Serum 

Review!

So, I REALLY like this serum! This is a hardcore contender for me right now. 

The serum has a nice combination of Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E. And it's cruelty free!!

First, a huge surprise to me was the fact that although the serum looks incredibly thick, it is actually extremely nice and light. Not unlike it's contender:

Being so light, this so easy to apply and goes on quite smoothly! There is absolutely NO stickiness and I felt almost immediate absorption. 

I'm not sure the active ingredient that causes this, but I did feel a little tingling after application which felt interesting. 

And, I can't exactly place the scent- but I really like it. It's very herbal-esque and reminds me of a high end spa product. All, at a really affordable price!

I have only been using this serum for a short while and it definitely gives an immediate glow. But, that's not what impressed me so much with this serum. 

What I absolutely LOVE about this was just how soft it instantaneously look and feel. It's amazing!

Right now, this is contender #1 even though I've just started my Vitamin C Challenge journey.

I totally dig this!! 

New Radiance Naturals Vitamin C Serum is available on Amazon:

And, it's on sale for $19.99- so grab it up!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Unboxing: Beauty Box 5 January 2015: Hello!

What it is: Beauty Box 5
Where to get it: beautybox5.com
How much is it?: $12 monthly with 3 month and annual subscriptions available
Types of Products: Each box contains 5 luxury deluxe or full sized beauty products.
What are the Perks?!: Beauty Box 5 is relatively new, they are working on rolling out a referral program shortly!

I am THOROUGHLY bemused by this box. You can totally see why in my Youtube unboxing: **Coming Soon**


Let's jump right in!

Beauty Box 5 January 2015: Hello! Unboxing and Review!



Upon Opening:

Our Menu:

The Haul!:

1. Hard Candy Kal-Eye-Descope Baked Eyeshadow Duo in Make Believe:

Full Sized listed at $6.00!

Holy blast from the past batman!! This was such a nostalgia item for me. I haven't even THOUGHT about Hard Candy in a thousand years. I actually really like this item and these colors. Starting out strong Beauty Box 5!

2. Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips in French Mani Golden Caberet:

Full Sized listed at $9.99

I seriously love these things! Although I did just get a whole bunch from Glossybox, I still really like getting this! Another win!

3. Ultraflesh The Gold Standard in Mascara in Blackout:

Sample sized at .08 oz (Approx $6.00). Full sized listed at .27 oz for $21.00

Let's completely disregard that the name of this company reminds me of a horror film. This mascara actually looks pretty promising. I'm willing to give it a shot.

4. Softsoap Nutri Serums Vitamin E Body Wash:

Sample sized at 1.7 oz (Approx $1.00). Full sized listed at 15 oz for $8.00

At first, I was going to bitch about this. Then, I thought about it for a second. One, I always complain when subscription boxes send those stupid foil packets. Second, my fiance always fails to let me know when he is running low on body wash. This is a refreshing change. I appreciate it.

5. Hard Candy Take Me Out Liner in Sushi:

Full Sized listed at .036 oz for $5.00

Another Hard Candy! I totally dig this eyeliner. First, it's shaped like a chop stick- which is kind of adorable. It is also this awesome iridescent pink. I LOVE pink eyeliner. Awesomeness.

The Final Verdict!

Box Value: Approx $28.00

 Box Score: 9/10

Final Thoughts: Consider me easily amused. But, I thought this box was so much fun! It was really cool to get some Hard Candy items- that company hasn't been on my radar for years. I will legitimately use every item in this box. It was just such a feel good buy. Good start to the year Beauty Box 5!

PSA: New Ipsy Points Perks Are Available!

New Ipsy Points Perks Are Available!

I grabbed up the Eva NYC conditioner!

Grab yours before they sell out!!

http://www.ipsy.com/ipsyPoints/

Random Unboxing: My first Memebox: Boxing Day #1!

Yay! 

So, my first Memebox has finally arrived!

I've been holding off on Memebox for a while due to a few reasons that I explain in my video:

 

For my first Memebox I have no complaints. But, that could be because I have nothing to compare it to!

So let's take a look!

Upon Opening:

The little insert in the box didn't have a menu, so I did have to look everything!

You can find the link here: http://us.memebox.com/info-card/bdb-1

The Haul!

1. DR.G Actifirm Recovery Super Blemish Base SPF30 PA++ 45ml

Full size product: 45ml ($46)

Product DescriptionThis smart, 3-in-one BB cream protects against harmful UV rays while brightening up uneven skin tone and filling in fine lines and wrinkles to reveal firmer, healthier-looking complexion. Its gentle formula is free of skin-damaging ingredients such as benzophenone and alcohol and it glides smoothly on, creating a thin coat over the skin with high coverage and lasting power.

So, starting out strong with a $46 item. Really hope this matches my skin! I totally have to look this up.

2.  MISE EN SCENE Curling Essence 2X 150ml

Full size product: 150ml ($14)

Product DescriptionEnriched with argan oil and cedar wood oil, this two-in-one hair essence provides deep nutrition and helps define your curls all at once. It will instantly make your sagging curls bounce with luster and elasticity.

Welp, I totally can't use this. But, I guess that's ok. It's only one item from the box that won't work. Oh well!

3. HAIR+ Velvet Nutri-Injection 12ml

Full size product: 12ml ($5)

Product DescriptionFor all those damaged hairs out there, the Velvet Nutri-Injection is here to save the day! Simply apply it throughout your hair, especially the damaged ends, after towel drying, and experience results of a hair clinic program!

Wee! I will totally use this! Can't wait to try!

4. ZONSKIN Special Scalp Essence 20ml

Full size product: 50ml ($30)

Product DescriptionAn organic scalp essence formulated by Zonskin, a well-known hair clinic in Korea specializing in scalp care and hair loss prevention. This essence works to strengthen hair and scalp by effectively clearing away excessive sebum and dead skin cells. It can be applied on both wet and dried scalp.

This is my favorite from the box! I am really excited to try this! Another win!

5. BEAUTY PEOPLE Miss 100 Auto Gel Pencil Liner 0.5g

Full size product: 0.5g ($38)
in Glimmer Brown

Product DescriptionFeature a sophisticated point eye makeup with Beauty People’s gel liner pencils that come in 3 delicate pearl shades – coral, bronze, and brown – and can be used as both a liner and a shadow. They’re auto-type liners that easily glides onto your eyelids, making them easy to use for even makeup beginners. Plus, there’s an eye liner sharpener attached on the other end for convenience.

Although the liner is really pricey, it is SUPER pretty and I love it. I'm really happy with this box just for this and the scalp spray!

6. CHARMZONE Ginkgo Natural Foam Cleansing Cream 150g

Full size product: 150g ($16)

Product DescriptionCharmzone’s Ginkgo Natural Foam Cleansing Cream contains 1500 mg of gingko leaf extracts and other natural skin-perfecting ingredients to soften skin while gently removing makeup. An essential step in your daily skincare regimen to transform skin to a soft, healthy state, this phenomenal cleansing cream contains high concentrations of antioxidants and nourishments to condition skin for softness and greater absorbency of skincare products that follow. The velvety texture also allows a perfect glide to massage the skin and the facial muscles, supporting natural circulation.

So, this isn't wow exciting! But, I'm still interested in trying this!

So, for my first Memebox, that I had no idea the type of products I was getting- I'm pretty happy!

The total box value is $149.00- which is nuts to me!

Since this is my first time with Memebox, I'm not sure how this adds up in comparison. Would you be excited to get this stuff?