Ipsy - July 2014 - pics, mini reviews & value breakdown

Hello, Beautiful!

This is my July 2014 Ipsy bag! Check out below to see what I received, a little about each product and my thoughts, as well as a break-down of the value of this month's bag!

Spoiler Alert: I'm really disappointed with the item sizes (NO full size this time - first time ever!) and the value (lowest ever, I believe).

Sorry for the poor quality photo too -- I didn't have time to photograph this bag properly. 

Ipsy is just $10 a month! Each month you'll receive 4 to 6 deluxe or even full-sized products. If you want to sign-up for your own Ipsy bag, CLICK HERE (it's my referral link - you don't have to use my referral link; it only gives me points that I can save up to redeem for prizes in the future).

July 2014 Ipsy Bag

Shipment Quick Stats:

• Value of this month's Ipsy Bag: $25.52 (value is approximate & does not include value of actual bag)
• Total # of Items Received: 5
• # of FULL SIZED items: 0
• # of makeup items: 3
• # of nail items: 0
• # of hair care items: 1
• # of skin care items: 0
• # of body care items: 1
• # of fragrance items: 0

Now I'll talk about each product...

BareMinerals 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow Broad Spectrum SPF 15
Shade: Divine Wine

• MY THOUGHTS: I was really excited to get this product. Two shades were going around: Divine Wine and Barely Nude. Honestly, I was hoping for Barely Nude but super happy with Divine Wine, as it's not a wine shade at all. It's more of a taupe. Really pretty all over or as a base. Once it dries down (and it dries quickly) it doesn't budge! It's also extremely pigmented and has an amazing texture. Makes me want to check out more shades.
• FULL SIZE: 0.1 oz @ $18.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.03 oz
• VALUE: $5.40

Lord & Berry Silk Kajal Kohl-Liner
Shade: Black

• MY THOUGHTS: First, let's talk about how Ipsy called this the Kajal Stick -- which is a completely different product from Lord & Berry. This is in fact the Silk Kajal Kohl Liner. Second, the size of this sample is ridiculously small. This is the point of sharpening liners where I normally stop using them, so I couldn't imaging starting to use one at this size and how much use I'd actually get or how well I could hold this tiny pencil. Size aside, it is a creamy pencil and it's black - so I could always use it, but I have so many black liners in my makeup drawer that I wonder how often - or if I'd ever - reach for this.
• FULL SIZE: 0.48 oz @ $15.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.02 oz
• VALUE: $0.63

Hang Ten Dark Tanning Oil SPF 08

• MY THOUGHTS: I don't really lay out and tan (honestly, I just don't have the time), so a product like this isn't going to get much, if any, use from me. I'm actually going to pass this onto my nieces, who love to lay out.
• FULL SIZE: 8 fl oz @ $11.99
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 1 fl oz
• VALUE: $1.50

Marrakesh Hair Care Marrakesh Endz

• MY THOUGHTS: I was excited to get this in my bag because I knew I could use it. Haven't tried it yet, but looking forward to it.
• FULL SIZE: 1 oz @ $5.99 -- 4 oz @ $17.99
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 1 oz
• VALUE: $5.99

Pur Minerals Big Look Waterproof Mascara
Shade: Black

• MY THOUGHTS: I don't use waterproof mascara, because I never really have issues with my mascara not staying or smearing during anything where I'd really care - but I'm of course going to try this mascara at some point. I just won't open it yet because I have too many mascaras open at the moment.
• FULL SIZE: 0.12 oz @ $12.00 -- 0.17 oz @ $20.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 1 oz
• VALUE: $12.00

The actual bag everything comes in...
my thoughts:

• This bag is actually pretty cute. It's a bright neon pink; more square in shape with scalloped edges. Cute and for sure a bag I could see myself using.

My Thoughts On The Entire Bag...

• FULL SIZE/DELUXE SIZE: This bag contained 4 items - all deluxe sample size. NO full size items.
• VALUE: The value was approximately $25.52 -- a record low for my Ipsy shipments! 
• USAGE: I will use the Bare Minerals shadow -- I'm loving the formula, wear and shade! The liner will just get thrown into my liner drawer to be used (maybe) one day. The Hang Ten Tanning Oil is being passed onto my nieces. I will for sure try the Pur Minerals mascara, just not until I finish up some mascaras at the moment.
• FINAL THOUGHTS: Last month I wasn't that happy with my bag, and this month I'm also not happy. This was the first month on record, since way back to their 2nd bag ever (when they were still MyGlam) that I didn't receive a full sized product. Combined with the low bag value, I'm really hoping Ipsy hasn't caught the Birchbox flu..... you know, how Birchbox was amazing their first year (maybe even year and a half) and then slowly it got worse and worse. All I would get were small samples, foil packets, perfume, note cards and food. That's ultimately why I cancelled Birchbox. At the moment I couldn't imagine cancelling Ipsy, but two bag bags in a row?! Please Ipsy tell me things will get better.... please?

Let me know what you think...

What are your thoughts on this month's Ipsy bag? Did you receive an Ipsy bag this month? If so, what did you get in your bag? Discuss in the comments below.

Mehron Barrier Spray - pics & review

Hello, Beautiful!

Do you love setting sprays as much as I do? Or maybe you're just getting into them for the first try or two. I love makeup setting sprays, but find the good ones to be expensive (and even some expensive ones aren't that good). I have yet to find an affordable makeup setting spray that works - that is, until now! In this post I will share with you my review on the Mehron Barrier Spray! This spray is multi-purpose and I'll explain how I use it in my review below.

Mehron Barrier Spray
(This product is clear, but the pink background makes it appear pink.)

 

Mehron Barrier Spray Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $8.95 (1 fl oz full size)...$10.95 (2 fl oz full size)...$20.95 (9 fl oz full size). Available on the Mehron website, on the Camera Ready Cosmetics website, and everywhere else Mehron is sold (costume shops and some beauty supply stores will carry this brand). CLICK HERE to locate a store near you.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

Product Info...

Mehron Barrier Spray was developed as an under base for 3-D Gelatin appliances to increase durability. But, Barrier Spray is a "wonder spray" that also works to insulate sensitive skin from harsh adhesives, to set and preserve makeup, and also can be used under makeup to stop sweat!

It's a makeup sealer for all types of makeup applications - for the everyday woman to the fully body painted model. From stage to the catwalk, on camera, under heavy lights and everyday wear, Barrier Spray keeps your makeup looking perfect and fresh all day!

Barrier Spray is a clear, alcohol-based, cosmetic grade film that is designed to create a barrier between the skin and the makeup. When applied to clean, dry skin it reduces sweating from behind the makeup and provides protection from allergic reactions to makeup, latex and adhesives like spirit gum.

To Use: Hold the pump bottle at least 14 inches from the skin. Three sprays across the face is enough. Repeat if wanted, but not needed.



My Review...

I am in LOVE with the Mehron Barrier Spray! This is the ultimate in setting sprays, especially for these hot summer months! Not only is this great to use as a final step to set makeup, but I love using it before makeup to help prevent sweating and in turn, help prevent my makeup from melting off.

I will admit that I hate the sprayer; it sprays out too harshly - especially if you are anywhere near your face. They say to hold it 14 inches away for a reason; listen to that instruction. You could transfer this into another bottle with a sprayer that you prefer, if you find that you also don't like the way this liquid sprays out on your face. I did test it out in another bottle with a different sprayer (using an old mini Urban Decay All Nighter bottle) and I enjoyed the application process more.

It's really easy to over do it with this setting spray because of habit from using other setting sprays (which I sometimes liberally apply). You don't need to over do it with this product. Three sprays is enough. You can repeat if you want (after it's fully dry), but it's not necessary. I don't find that big of a difference repeating the process or just the three sprays - so stick with three so you don't waste extra product.

When you spray it, I suggest holding your hand up and above your head, and tilting your head back. Then spray three times, letting the setting spray fall onto your face. Please, KEEP YOUR EYES CLOSED! This is an alcohol based setting spray and if you have sensitive eyes it can burn. I always keep my eyes closed for any setting spray.

It does have a kind of strong alcohol scent, but that goes away completely after it is dry.

When it first applies it does feel a bit wet, and as it dries you will feel your skin kind of tighten. If you touch your skin it may feel sticky for a minute until it's fully dry. Once it's dry you will notice prolonged makeup wear and your makeup will look better and stay in place for longer.

If you want the ultimate stay-put routine with this product, then you'll want to use it before your makeup (to help prevent sweating and to protect your skin from the makeup), and then as a last step.

Also, with some setting sprays you can layer products on top of them without any issues. I find that with this product it creates such a good seal on your makeup that if you try to apply another liquid or cream on top, it may kind of disturb the makeup in a weird way. I don't find that problem with powders though.

You could use this as an eyeshadow transformer, the way you would use MAC Fix+, but honestly that's not what the intended use is for and I would not recommend it for that use since this is an alcohol based setting spray.

Overall, this is an amazing makeup setting spray that actually works! If you haven't tried this you need to go out and buy this. I don't say that about many products but this is one I highly recommend. I know that some places sell this for as low as $5.99 for the 1oz (and you'll still get plenty in that 1oz size), so go for it! I don't think you'll be disappointed! I know as soon as I'm out of the 2 oz size I'll be purchasing the 9 oz size for sure!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this setting spray? Have you tried this or is this on your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below.

Wantable Makeup Box - July 2014: pics, value breakdown & mini reviews

Hello, Beautiful!

This is my July 2014 Wantable Makeup Box! This month I'm just so-so about, especially after seeing some of the other July boxes. The value is really wonderful though! However, I may be sending this one back. Also - I apologize for the poor quality photo (it's actually the photo I posted on Instagram); this month was a bit busy and hectic (plus the multiple migraines that didn't allow me to get much done) so I didn't have time to photograph this month's shipment like I normally would like to. Check out everything in my box below!

Wantable is a monthly subscription service (you can also buy a one-time box) that gives you 4 to 5 FULL SIZED beauty products every month! They also have an accessories box and an intimates box. Of course being the makeup hoarder I am, I go for the Makeup Box!

If you want to sign up for Wantable just click here or follow the link below (it's my referral link). You can sign up without subscribing, just so you have an account waiting for you in case you ever want to start your subscription or buy a one-time box. Sign-up link: https://www.wantable.com/invite/wpHSNqQgXOs

Wantable is $36 a month with free shipping (as a subscription), or you can purchase a one-time only box for $40 in case you're not sure you want to fully commit (this price applies for any of their three box options). But with their happiness guarantee, there really is no reason to not go for the subscription! If for any reason you are not happy, you can send it back for a full refund; they even include a pre-paid return label! Plus, you can skip a shipment or cancel anytime. It really is hassle-free and worry-free, so why not try it out. And they have the best customization survey where you'll Love, Like, Or Dislike products -- even down to formula type and shades -- so you'll get the most customized box possible. That means you'll never receive something you say you Dislike and you're more likely to receive products you say you Love!

July 2014 Wantable Beauty Box

Shipment Quick Stats:

• Value of this month's Wantable Beauty Box: $113.45 (value is approximate)
• Total # of Items Received: 4

Now I'll talk about each product...

Tarina Tarantino - Pearl Glow Primer
Shade: Pearl

• MY THOUGHTS: I actually already used to own this product, and I still have one or two mini sizes of this primer in my primer drawer. I really liked this primer when I had it and haven't used it in awhile. I plan to save the full size un-touched for a little and see if I use the mini's I already have before opening the full size. I know Tarnina Tarantino offers this same primer, but in a Nude shade; I wish I would have received that one because then at least I would have been excited to try it out.
• FULL SIZE VALUE: $32.00

OFRA - 3D Roman Mosaic Blush/Bronzer

• MY THOUGHTS: I think this looks gorgeous, but not sure how often I'll reach for it. I haven't reached for it yet - and in fact, I haven't even swatched it. The colors in it look like, when blended together, would be a nice shade but not sure it's a good match for me, per say.
• FULL SIZE VALUE: $35.00

Vincent Longo - La Dolce Vita Lash Tips

• MY THOUGHTS: I love false lashes but love individuals and just ends even more - I feel like I can wear them more flawlessly. These look great and I look forward to trying them out. Do I think they're worth the $16.50 price tag? No - certainly not.
• FULL SIZE VALUE: $16.50

Mica Beauty - Felt Tip Eyeliner
Shade: Black

• MY THOUGHTS: I love felt tip liquid liners, and I have to admit that the tip on this one is very small - which can be a very good thing. I haven't used it yet because I have several other liquid liners open but I am hoping this will be a good one - especially considering this sells for $29.95 on its own. To me, that's kind of a crazy price for such a small liquid liner. I mean, $30?!! I'm in love with my L'Oreal Superslim Liquid Liner, so this would have to be pretty damn impressive for me to want to spend $30 on it!
• FULL SIZE VALUE: $29.95

My Thoughts On The Entire Box...

• VALUE: The value was approximately $113.45
• USAGE: I will use
• FINAL THOUGHTS: I'm not really that thrilled with this box. Sure, the value is fantastic - I love that about this box! I just wish it will filled with items that made me equally as excited. The primer is something I already owned/own - so to get another was just like eh. I know a lot of Tarina Tarantino products went out last month and this month, so luck of the draw and I received an item from the line I already had (I really wanted one of those shadow palettes). The liner seems nice (I haven't used it yet) but do I really need another liquid liner in my collection? Probably not - but I do like how small the felt tip is! The lashes will get used (if I keep this box) because they have a nice flare and will easily work into many eye looks. The OFRA bronzer/blush looks pretty in the compact but it's just not my style. I'm still debating if I want to send this one back or not. It's hard to decide but I do think this one is going back.

Let me know what you think...

Did you receive a Wantable.co shipment this month? If so, what are your thoughts on your box? If you don't receive a Wantable.co beauty box yet, click here to sign up! Discuss in the comments below.

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow - swatches & pics of ALL 30 Shades! Plus review!

Hello, Beautiful!

Milani has just launched their new Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow -- which start their life as a gel and then through a special process, are turned into the powder shadows you see in the pans. There are 30 shades in total, and I have all 30 to share with you in this post! Four different finishes (Satin Matte, Shimmer, Metallic, Highlighter/Shimmer), and an affordable price point of just $3.99 each (and don't forget you can often find sales).

Read my full review below to find out what I think of these, but first, check out all 30 shades!

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shades: 01 Bella Ivory, 02 Bella Sand, 03 Bella Cappuccino, 04 Bella Caffe, 05 Bella Taupe, 06 Bella Espresso, 07 Bella White, 08 Bella Sky, 09 Bella Navy, 10 Bella Gray, 11 Bella Charcoal, 12 Bella Black, 13 Bella Pink, 14 Bella Violet, 15 Bella Purple, 16 Bella Champagne, 17 Bella Khaki, 18 Bella Emerald, 19 Bella Rouge, 20 Bella Silver, 21 Bella Teal, 22 Bella Gold, 23 Bella Copper, 24 Bella Bronze, 25 Bella Colbalt, 26 Bella Fuchsia, 27 Bella Mandarin, 28 Bella Chiffon, 29 Bella Rose, 30 Bella Diamond
Continue scrolling down to see more pics of each individual shade.

To show how they have a dip in the center:

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 01 Bella Ivory -- satin matte finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 02 Bella Sand -- shimmer finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 03 Bella Cappuccino -- satin matte finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 04 Bella Caffe -- satin matte finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 05 Bella Taupe -- satin matte finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 06 Bella Espresso -- satin matte finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 07 Bella White -- satin matte finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 08 Bella Sky -- shimmer finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 09 Bella Navy -- satin matte finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 10 Bella Gray -- satin matte finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 11 Bella Charcoal -- shimmer finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 12 Bella Black -- satin matte finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 13 Bella Pink -- shimmer finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 14 Bella Violet -- shimmer finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 15 Bella Purple -- satin matte finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 16 Bella Champagne -- shimmer finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 17 Bella Khaki -- shimmer finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 18 Bella Emerald -- shimmer finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 19 Bella Rouge -- metallic finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 20 Bella Silver -- metallic finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 21 Bella Teal -- metallic finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 22 Bella Gold -- metallic finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 23 Bella Copper -- metallic finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 24 Bella Bronze -- metallic finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 25 Bella Cobalt -- satin matte finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 26 Bella Fuchsia -- satin matte finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 27 Bella Mandarin -- satin matte finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 28 Bella Chiffon -- highlighter/shimmer finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 29 Bella Rose -- highlighter/shimmer finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Shade: 30 Bella Diamond -- highlighter/shimmer finish

Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $3.99 (0.05 oz full size). Available on the Milani website, as well as drugstores nationwide that sell Milani - such as CVS, Walgreens, Kmart, etc.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Kisses

Product Info...

A gel powder - what would that even look like? We'll tell you: It looks like a rich, vibrant color that glides on in a single stroke, delivering a stunning multi-dimensional effect. What makes it a gel powder? Well, the formula starts as a gel and then is transformed into a stunning powder eyeshadow with pure color and power wear.

The unique process allows you to blend this incredibly innovative, weightless formula easily with your fingertips to light up your eyes. Even more to entice: it can be used wet or dry, resists creasing, and comes in four finishes. You just have to try this gel powder; it's that different.


My Review...

I have to start with the name of this product and the impression I thought I'd have on the texture. These are called Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow. Based on the name, and the way these look (there is a little indent in each), I was expecting a bouncy or even soft texture - maybe similar to the way the L'Oreal Infallible shadows feel or even the Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blushes feel. But instead, these feel like a powder shadow. Then I read these shadows start their life as a gel and get transformed into a powder -- now the name makes more sense.

These do have a nice texture - they creamy smooth and soft. Some shades did swatch a bit chalky but after getting through that initial layer they performed better. Most of these are very pigmented, but there are a couple that have less pigmentation. These blend beautifully too.

I will say that I prefer to apply these with my finger if I want to get full pigmentation pay off; I've used brushes but I prefer my fingers for the main lid colors. I'll use brushes for crease, outer-v and even liner. Nothing wrong with using brushes for everything, but I feel I get the most color intensity from using my fingers.

Out of the 30 shades, there are some shades I absolutely love and would recommend. The ones I have used the most are: Bella Sand, Bella Taupe, Bella Mandarin, Bella Charcoal, Bella Gray, Bella Champagne, Bella Black, Bella Espresso, Bella Copper, Bella Bronze, and Bella Caffe. There are some shades - like the greens: Bella Teal, Bella Khaki, and Bella Emerald - that are GORGEOUS, but I don't wear those shades as often and haven't played around with them much. But if you like those kind of shades, then those are must-haves for you. Out of the blues, Bella Navy is gorgeous!

Really they are all nicely pigmented - but I did find Bella White and Bella Sky to be two that applied with less intensity and even a bit more patchy or chalky feeling. Bella Fuchsia looks very intense at first glance but actually comes off a lot more sheer in intensity.

If you don't know where to start, check out my swatches on my hand where I show 5 shades at once. After swatching them just like that, I realized those sets of 5's would make good "5-pan palettes", as the shades really go with one another.

For the eyeshadow primer in the photos, I used Milani's Eyeshadow Primer. These perform great over primer, although some difference in intensity - for the most part primer doesn't change most of these all that much. They are more intense when applied wet - but I honestly am too lazy to get up to get water when I want to work with these wet so I'll just use them dry, over primer, or even use a setting spray or MAC's Fix+ to make these even more intense and vibrant!

Using them wet or with some kind of transformer (like a setting spray), is the perfect way to use these as a liner.

There are four different finishes these shadows come in. Here are the finishes and the number of shadows in those finishes:

• Satin Matte: 13
• Shimmer: 8
• Metallic: 6
• Highlighter/Shimmer: 3

Overall, I'm liking these a lot and think these are a great single shadow available at the drugstore!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of these eyeshadows? What shades do you like best? Have you tried them or they on your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below.