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ShopMissA Review 2.0! $1 Products- Worth It?

Alllllllllllllllll the way back in October 2014, I randomly stumbled upon a website called ShopMissA.com. It was basically an online dollar store for accessories, beauty products, nail accessories, and make up. 

I was really intrigued as everything on the site was $1 and there was a lot of fun stuff. So, I hauled away and wrote a review for everyone! 

I was marginally impressed with the items I received. But, this was never a favorite site of mine. So, I didn't pay too close attention to it. 

But, surprisingly, over the past month I have seen Shop Miss A pop up a lot more on social media and my old blog post has suddenly started getting views again. Crazy right?

So, I decided to do another haul to follow up on my last post to see what's up with the shop now! 

Let's Take A Look!

Here's what's up!

1. It appears that ShopMissA is leaning towards more makeup as opposed to accessories. Besides the cute sunglasses (which I'm sure are not UV safe), I was extremely underwhelmed with not only the selection- but the absolute abysmal quality of the accessories. It was actually hard to find items I wanted to buy for this haul. And when I got the items I was so "meh" on them. There's cheap jewelry and there's cheap, unwearable jewelry. I REALLY liked Shop Miss A for the accessories. But, this was a huge let down.

2. They have seriously expanded their make up selection. And the quality doesn't seem bad. They generally carry companies like Kleancolor and L.A. Colors. And, I actually was REALLY impressed with the items I got. I absolutely LOVE the 2 mini eyeshadow palettes I got. And was pleasantly surprised. I didn't buy any polishes this time. But, grabbed some nail decals.

3. Although a lot were sold out, they now have sheet masks! So, I grabbed 2 to try out:

4. And, as like like time, they had a vast, wide array of false eyelashes. But now, they've added on some more basics. So, I decided to grab some nail polish removing pads and make up sponges. That's kind of awesome.

5. They also have a lot of different types of accessories now that they didn't have before. They had a whole lot of gorgeous fans. But, most were sold out in the colors I wanted. I did however pick up 2 fans to experiment with for making my bridesmaids bouquets. So, these were kind of throw aways:

Overall, I've seen a lot of changes with Shop Miss A over the past year. For one, the shipping was much less expensive and EXTREMELY quicker than it was last time. It's exciting that they have gotten more and better quality make up items in as opposed to crusty nail polish. But, I was disappointed with how much of a drop in interesting and some what passable accessories they had.

I'm not going to lie to you or myself- I'll be back there this time. What's the loss at experimenting with items when they're only $1 each?

ShopMissA Review! $1 Products Review!

About a week ago, I posted a link to the Miss A Website that's been gaining popularity for it's $1.00 products. You can find all that info here!

I figured I would buy a couple things specifically for review for my blog!

I've been meaning to sit down and write a review. But, please bear with me, as this is a LONG one and has taken me a little while to sit and write.

To start, I tried to buy at least one item from a number of categories including jewelry and accessories, nail art and cosmetics. I was slightly disappointed that many of the items I liked and wanted were out of stock at the time I was trying to shop. To add to that, if something is out of stock, the site did not allow for me to add the item to my wish list. That was incredibly frustrating.

What I did to circumvent this was to create a Shop Miss A Wants Pinterest board with all the items that were "temporarily out of stock" that I would have considered buying.

To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised by the quick ordering and turn around- the whole process took about a week total and tracking was included with my order.

Everything came packaged nicely in a bright orange bag with lots of bubble wrap and tissue paper:

Upon open the package, I revealed a very nice stash!

1. KleanColor American Eyecon Wet/Dry Baked Shadow in Matte Purple:

From the make up section, I chose a wet/dry purple eyeshadow, I feel like my life goal is finding and sharing with the world every purple eyeshadow ever created. I'm extremely tentative about using an unknown product on my eyes. The eyeshadow is by KleanColor and is normally $2.99 as per the KleanColor website.

The color looked very vibrant. However, I did notice a chip on the right side of the shadow (by where it says Kleancolor). Ok, we're winning so far... Then I tried to swatch the shadow both wet and dry. I wasn't too too happy with the results...

Well. Ok then, I'm only out a $1 and I was wary about using $1 eyeshadow to begin with. I'm not going to have an emotional meltdown over this.

2. KleanColor Lavender Scented Nail Lacquer in Lavender Kiss.

I'm not sure if I mentioned this yet elsewhere on the blog, but lavender is one of the colors/themes of my wedding. So, OF course, I had to try this color. I've been looking for a nice (but inexpensive) polish to include in my bridesmaid's gift bags. The polish is $3.49 on the KleanColor website.

But, for the life of me, I couldn't get the top off!!!

So, I had to wait until my fiance got home, so he could give it a try. And I came to find this:

So, um. I got sent what is pretty obviously used nail polish. It was lightly scented. But more like bubble gum than lavender. I opted not to use the product because it seemed compromised.

Ok, $2.00 down the drain. But, I just started right?

3. 3 Sets of Kara Eyelashes (2 sets of Style #43 and Style #199).

I bought 2 sets of Style #43 by accident. But thought it would be nice to show try that pair to demonstrate here. I looked around and you can generally find these lashes for around $1.50

So, I took off all my eye make up before applying. How do I look? 

Had some eyelash glue at home. I'm not going to lie- with the nefarious shadow and polish- I did wipe down the lashes with some alcohol.

Waiting to dry...

Hey! The were easy to apply, took me about 2-3 minutes each eye and they were nicely shaped! 

5 minute make up...

Not too shabby! Ok. These lashes are win. I would definitely consider buying all types of styles if I ordered from Miss A again.

4. Michelle Hoop Earrings:

Meh, you can never go wrong with some cheap hoop earrings right? 

Website Picture: 

Here are mine!:

Ok. Looking pretty good.

5. Missy Pastel Pearl Necklace in Purple:

I was kind of bummed out that the actual pearl necklace I wanted was sold out. But, this one looked good to try. I was pleasantly surprised to find out it came with some cute earrings. And, for $1.00, I really can't complain but the necklace is very "stiff" and sits oddly on me. It is also tied at the base with an annoying little piece of plastic hanging off the decorative part.

Website Picture:

 

Here's mine plus the earrings:

And that annoying plastic piece that I can't stop playing with:

6. Elegant Pearl Hair Comb Cuff Pin in Gold:

I was also kind of bummed out that this was sold out in silver. But, I decided to opt for gold because I wanted to just see if I could pull it off. And, if I couldn't- whatever.

Website Picture: 

Here's Mine: 

Honestly, my hair is so fine that I couldn't even keep the clips in for more than 2 seconds. Maybe I'll play around with it to see if I can make it work!

7. 2 Flower Hair Combs:

I thought these were cute and could be added to my hair for the wedding. Just experimenting now.

Website Picture:

Here Are Mine: 

And, they actually stayed in my messy hair!!:

8. Chain Link Elastic Headband:

This is cute. I'll definitely use it in the future. But, I'm not sure how long it will last.

Website Picture:

Mine:

9. Luxe Nail Decor # 27

Ok. I have NO idea why I bought this thing. It is SO ridiculous. That being said, I was kind of just going nuts with the website at this point in time. It's just so silly

Website Picture:

What I got: 

Embracing my inner Dracula:

Yeh, I'm never going to use this thing. It's huge on my nail/finger and I.... I don't even know.

and FINALLY!

10. Vintage Cameo Pendant Necklace in Purple:

This was another consideration for my bridesmaids. But, truthfully, the chain is WAY too long. I do like the pendant though and may alter it to fit me better.

Website Picture:

Mine: 

It isn't too cheap looking and it's cute. I can dig it.

Overall, I would say my suspicions were confirmed. I will probably use Shop Miss A in the future for cute 1 or 2 time wear costume jewelry and to re-up on eyelashes. And, will forego the cosmetics.

Good stuff!

Will post if I buy more in the future!

Ipsy October 2014- Beauty Candy Unboxing!

So, Ipsy was my gateway drug into the world of Beauty Boxes, so it holds a special place in my heart.

As of recently, I had not been too happy with my Ispy bags. But, I am SO happy that my first blog write up for Ipsy is a good one!

Here's Ipsy's October 2014 Beauty Candy Unboxing!

1. My Ipsy Bag!

Normally, I'm not a huge fan of the make up bags that come with my Ipsy unboxings. But, I am totally feeling this one. I'm partially to the color, the bag seems easy to clean, and it has a nice simplicity to it.

2. City Color Be Matte Lipstick in Cappuccino

Listed at $5.00 on the City Color website.

Ok, I'll admit it. Here. I am NOT generally a lipstick person. And I have most certainly NOT been a fan of the lipstick products Ipsy has sent me in the past. But, this little guy right here is a winner. The color is a nice matte tan that actually compliments my skin. Goes on smooth and stays nicely. Plus, I always like getting a full sized sample. And, if I want another- it's only $5! Awesome!

3. Doll 10 H2Glo Highlighter in Champagne:

Half sized sample, full sized retails at $30.

Another win! Between this and the lipstick, Ipsy finally got my colors right! My picture is a bit on the orange side for some reason. So, I included the picture from the Doll 10 website as well. The cream highlighter goes on super smooth and has a very nice shimmer to it without over powering. Plus the cute little compact comes with a mirror. Always a plus!

4. Figs & Rouge Hand Cream in Mango Mandarin:

Retails at $6.50

Meh, another hand lotion. Normally I would complain because, as I have stated in the past- I'm overrun with hand creams. But, I do like this one. It comes in a cool, toothpaste like tube. I know a lot of lotions do- but I like the smaller, sleeker size of this and it can easily be popped into a tiny bag. The company is something I was unfamiliar with being that it is in the UK. The lotion goes on VERY lightly and definitely feels light and refreshing instead of oily. And, it absorbs well. The scent is definitely not overwhelming. But, still sweet enough that my dog did try to lick my hand. I still give one a win!

5. Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloths (Pack of 10):

Full Sized priced at $15.00 for Pack of 30

OMG. I LOVE cleansing cloths. I probably go through in an unhealthy amount. So, I'm definitely not going to complain about getting an extra pack of 10 in my Ipsy bag. I haven't tried them yet as I currently have 2 (oops!) open packs of cleansing cloths. So, I may come back to review them later. Still a win though!

As an aside, I have a beauty tip!: Sometimes, when I am done with a cleansing cloth and it isn't too gross- I rinse it with soap and water, put it aside to dry and use it as a nail polish removing cloth. For some reason, they work great!

6. Model Co VolumEyes Mascara in Black:

Full sized retails at $20.00

I had mentioned in another blog post that I am giving my eyes a break from extensions. So, I'm definitely not going to complain about some black mascara. I haven't tried the product yet. But, I did just buy some fiber lashes I planned to review tomorrow. I noticed Model Co has fiber lashes on their website as well. Maybe I'll keep them in mind for the future!

My October started out kind of rough with a disappointing Birch Box. But, I definitely feel like my Sample Society and Ipsy unboxings made up for that. And for all the disappointing Ipsy bags I have gotten in the past few months, I am SO happy that I get to write my first blog post giving this 

Ipsy October 2014 Beauty Candy Bag at 10/10!! 

Now, I don't want it to seem willy-nilly that I'm giving sub boxes 10/10's all the time. So, here is my reasoning. Now matter how many times I had changed my beauty profile or reviewed products negatively on the website, Ipsy felt compelled to keep sending me bright and bold red/pink lip products, blushes, and highlighers, and other products. I know I am blond and fair- but I have to be careful with the bold colors I choose. With the calibre of products Ipsy sends me, I don't normally end up channeling Gwen Stephani. It's more like I'm the reincarnation of Bette Davis in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane. Picture for reference:

I am SO happy that for ONCE Ipsy sent me appropriate colors AND products I will actually use. I promise I will use 100% of everything this month INCLUDING the make up bag (for once). In the past, I have never gotten full use out of my Ipsy bag and the products are normally too inexpensive to try to resell or to gift. 

All in all, I'm proudly displaying my 10/10 for Ipsy this month!

If you're interested in signing up for your very own Ipsy Subscription, feel free to use my referral link. It may help get past the wait-list! Enjoy!

http://www.ipsy.com/r/eq2q?sid=ipsypoints&cid=general