Ipsy - August 2014: pics, swatches and mini reviews!

Hello, Beautiful!

This is my August 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!

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).

August 2014 Ipsy Bag

Shipment Quick Stats:

• Value of this month's Ipsy Bag: $34.23 (value is approximate & does not include value of actual bag)
• Total # of Items Received: 5
• # of FULL SIZED items: 2
• # of makeup items: 4
• # of nail items: 0
• # of hair care items: 1
• # of skin care items: 0
• # of body care items: 0
• # of fragrance items: 0

Now I'll talk about each product...

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

• MY THOUGHTS: I was really hoping to get this sample in this month's bag, and I'm actually a big fan of this mascara. It is a nice rich, deep black shade and it provides great length and volume in just one coat -- two coats is the way I roll. Really happy with this mascara... might have to get this in full size when this sample runs out.
• FULL SIZE: 0.4 fl oz @ $22.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.1 fl oz
• VALUE: $5.50

Klorane Extra-Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

 

• MY THOUGHTS: This is my holy grail dry shampoo, so I was really excited to get this in my bag. I love, love, LOVE this dry shampoo. Far more than any I've tried. If you've been looking for a good dry shampoo then I highly recommend this!
• FULL SIZE: 50 ml @ $8.99
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 50 ml
• VALUE: $8.99

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer

 

• MY THOUGHTS: I am excited to try this, because it reminds me a lot of the Benefit Porefessional. I haven't tried it yet, but will absolutely put this to use!
• FULL SIZE: 1 oz @ $45.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.25 fl oz
• VALUE: $11.25

J. Cat Beauty Flying Solo Eye Shadow
Shade: Half Naked

• MY THOUGHTS: A nice champagne shade, nothing unique but certainly a usable shade. Good pigmentation and texture. I'll use this for sure!
• FULL SIZE: 0.09 oz @ $2.99
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.09 oz
• VALUE: $2.99

Jersey Shore Sun Mongongo Nutrient Dense Anti-Aging Lip Conditioner
Flavor: Mandarin Green Orange Ginger

• MY THOUGHTS: I really liked this... at first. I thought it smelled great and it does feel nice on the lips. However, what made me stop liking it is the flavor/scent. To me, it smells/tastes like the lemon lime Cold Eeze... and now I can't use this. They do have a Vanilla Coconut Creme flavor, which I think would be a much better option for me.
• FULL SIZE: 0.15 oz @ $5.50
• SIZE I RECEIVED: full size
• VALUE: $5.50

The actual bag everything comes in...

• This is cute in pattern, but I'm not a fan of the shape. They're okay for storing some makeup brushes or mascaras and liners, but not really totally practical. Smells like a pool inflatable.

My Thoughts On The Entire Bag...

• FULL SIZE/DELUXE SIZE: This bag contained 2 full size items and 3 deluxe sized items.
• VALUE: The value was approximately $34.23
• USAGE: I will everything, except the lip balm and if I was okay with the lip balm, I would have used EVERYTHING in this bag.
• FINAL THOUGHTS: This was a good bag; I loved it all and will use it all (minus the lip balm). Happy that Ipsy didn't give me a bad bag like the last two.

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.

Garnier Fructis Volume Extend Bodifier Dry Shampoo - pics, review

Hello, Beautiful!

I think I may have found another drugstore dry shampoo that I actually like - the Garnier Fructis Volume Extend Bodifier Dry Shampoo. This dry shampoo doesn't leave my hair white or gray, and does a nice job at soaking up excess oils while adding in volume with no sticky residue. Check out my full review below, including all the product info, after the pics!

Garnier Fructis
Volume Extend Bodifier Dry Shampoo

 

Garnier Fructis Volume Extend Bodifier Dry Shampoo Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $5.99 is the MSRP but of course price will vary depending where you shop (3.4 oz full size). Available at Walmart (only $4.97 at Walmart), Target, Walgreens, and other drugstores nationwide, as well as Drugstore.com. 

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Kisses

Garnier Fructis Volume Extend Bodifier Dry Shampoo is formulated with a blend of orange citrus and grape extract to refresh hair for volume you can see and feel. Excellent for adding va-va-voom or extending the time in between hair washes. This dry shampoo offers an amazing fruit fragrance you'll love with no white powdery residue.

This dry shampoo has a nice fruity scent that isn't overly powerful or overly fruity. I have a sensitive nose and I didn't mind the scent at all.

Doesn't leave any white or gray residue in my hair - which is hard to find, especially with a drugstore dry shampoo. Does a nice job at soaking up the excess oil in my hair on dirty hair days, and also adds some volume without any sticky residue. Made my hair look and feel clean and for an extended amount of time.

I have a lot of issues with dry shampoo working for maybe 30 minutes to an hour and then my hair is back to looking crazy. This dry shampoo seems to last for hours without me noticing any change at all.

Overall, I was pretty happy with this dry shampoo, especially for a drugstore brand. I'd recommend checking this out if you like fruity scents!

Now let me know what you think...

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

Moody Sisters Skincare Dry Powder Shampoo & Eye Makeup Remover - pics, reviews

Hello, Beautiful!

I recently tried out a couple products from the brand Moody Sisters Organic Skincare. I loved their Mocha Bean Lip Balm! In this post I'll show you two more products from their line: their Dry Powder Shampoo (which is vegan) and their Natural Eye Makeup Remover. Check out of my full review on each product, including all the product info, after each set of pics!

Moody Sisters Organic Skincare
Dry Powder Shampoo

Moody Sisters Organic Skincare Dry Powder Shampoo Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $10.95 (2 oz jar full size & puff). Available on the Moody Sisters Organic Skincare website or their Esty shop.

My Rating: 3 out of 5 Kisses

The Moody Sisters Organic Skincare Dry Powder Shampoo will instantly absorb oil. Your scalp will feel and look fresh and clean. Does NOT contain chemicals, dyes, fragrances, parabens or sulfates. 

Use the included puff and dip into the powder. Tap off the excess into the lid of the tin. Apply a small amount, as needed, with the puff. Then massage into your scalp with your fingers (or a towel) to absorb oil. Brush out when finished.

This dry shampoo comes in a round tin container, which is a bit messy but is workable. I much prefer a dry shampoo that sprays out, or if it is a powder formula, one I could sprinkle out of a bottle. The applicator, a puff, is also a bit odd to use - but it works to apply the product.

I'm not good at describing the scent,  but I wrote down it had an organic-fresh scent; maybe a bit lemon? Not really sure, but it was an okay scent to me. Nothing that was bothersome and nothing that was amazing. 

It does work to absorb excess oil, and it adds a little volume (as most dry shampoos do). If you have dark hair, like I do, some of the product can look noticeable in your hair. So I'd recommend using sparingly and really work it in and really comb it out if you have darker hair.

I think this is a nice, natural dry shampoo option that a lot of people will like, but for me it just wasn't my cup of tea; I love that it's natural and it works, but for me the packaging wasn't my style and the fact it can be noticeable in my hair - although I have that problem with a lot of dry shampoos, as most anyone with dark hair will have that problem with dry shampoos too. If you are looking for a natural dry shampoo option then I'd recommend checking this out.

Moody Sisters Organic Skincare
Eye Makeup Remover

 

Moody Sisters Organic Skincare Eye Makeup Remover Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $10.75 (4 fl oz full size). Available on the Moody Sisters Organic Skincare website or their Esty shop.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

The Moody Sisters Organic Skincare natural Eye Makeup Remover gently removes eyeliner, mascara and eye shadow around your eye area without having to worry about harsh chemicals.

Shake the bottle well before each use, and then soak a cotton ball (or washcloth) and hold it on your eye for a few seconds before wiping away.

One con that I want to point out is the packaging. It is in a metal bottle with a pop-top, but the eye makeup remover doesn't flow out the top and you can't squeeze the bottle, so you end up un-screwing the top and soaking a cotton ball - which is fine, I don't mind, but wish it was different packaging. I also like to see through my bottles of eye makeup remover so I know how much is left. Wish they would re-consider the packaging, but this is still a really great eye makeup remover!

I really liked this eye makeup remover. It effectively removed all my eye makeup, even my hard-to-remove waterproof eye makeup. It wasn't harsh or irritating around my eyes (no sting), there was no noticeable scent, and it got the job done. I even used this to take off eye makeup that another eye makeup remover would not remove. This took it off in seconds! Love this stuff, wish the packaging was different, but I'd still recommend!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this dry shampoo and the eye makeup remover? Have you tried either one or would you like to? Discuss in the comments below.

Batiste Dry Shampoo - A Hint of Color for Dark & Deep Brown hair - pics, review

Hello, Beautiful!

Yet another dry shampoo review for you all (I swear, I'm addicted lately). This one from Batiste - which by now most of you know they make great dry shampoos, but if you have darker hair you'll want to try their Hint Of Color Dry Shampoo - which I have in Dark & Deep Brown - so there is no white cast in your hair. Does a great job at soaking up excess oil. Read my full review below, including all the product info, after the pics.

Batiste Dry Shampoo - A Hint Of Color
Dark & Deep Brown

 

Batiste Dry Shampoo - A Hint Of Color Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $8.99 (6.73 oz full size). Check it out on the Batiste website, and purchase at Ulta, at Walgreens, and everywhere else Batiste is sold. Click here to find a retailer.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Kisses

Batiste Dry Shampoo revitalizes lifeless locks between washes with a hint of color to blend with your hair tone. Banishes oily roots and boosts body, giving dull, lifeless hair the makeover it needs without any water.

Available in three shades:

• Light & Blonde - great for blondes
• Medium & Brunette - great for rich brunettes and fiery auburns
• Dark & Deep Brown - great for darker haired beauties

I have the shade Dark & Deep Brown, which I feel works well with my hair color - but I also think the Medium & Brunette could work with my hair color as well.

This smells ok - I wasn't a huge fan of the scent but it didn't smell terrible (it just didn't have a fresh, clean scent I prefer from dry shampoos). It did a great job at soaking up all the excess oil and didn't look detectable in my hair.

Make sure you shake it really well before each use or you can have too much dark color come out, or even a gray cast could happen. For the most part, it works beautifully when you follow directions. One of the few dry shampoos that work with my hair. I'd recommend!

Now let me know what you think...

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

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo - pics, review

Hello, Beautiful!

I really like the Amika brand; I love their Obliphica Oil Treatment, their Color pHerfection Shampoo and Hydrate Conditioner, and their Straight Up Smoothing Balm (which I'll be reviewing soon). In this post I'll share with you their Perk Up Dry Shampoo, which is from their Obliphica line of hair care products. This dry shampoo is available in two sizes - the larger 5.3 fl oz size and the smaller 1 fl oz size. I suggest trying the smaller size if you like to try before you invest. So what did I think of this dry shampoo.... read my full review and all the product info below after the pics!

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo
  

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $21.00 (5.3 fl oz full size) - or - $8.00 (1 fl oz travel size). Available on the Amika website - (click here for the travel size) - and at professional salons. Click here to find an authorized salon near you (you'll need to email Amika - on the same page it does list that Beyond The Rack is NOT an authorized dealer and that you should be careful of counterfeit Amika products).

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Kisses

The Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo cleanses by absorbing excess oil and dirt that weighs down hair. The light-weight formula creates soft texture and removes odors to refresh hair between shampoos. Unlike other dry shampoos that use aluminium shavings, the Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo is enhanced with natural rice starch. Obliphica (Sea Buckthorn Berry) extract conditions hair leaving it soft and manageable. Free of talc. Safe for color treated hair.

Directions: Just shake the can before use, then hold 10 to 12 inches away from scalp and spray lightly for even coverage. Use fingertips to massage through hair and style as desired.

I love the smell of this - it smells just like the Obliphica Oil Treatment - so that is a nice bonus. The scent stays in your hair for a nice time so your hair smells nice after you use this. I do find it sprays out a bit off track - or maybe it's just the one I have - but it seems to spray at a higher angle than where I aim it, which is simple to work with (and probably just a fluke with mine).

What I do like is it doesn't make my brunette hair look white or gray; it seems invisible. It adds shine to my hair and does soak up most of the excess oil, but on some days - where my scalp seems to be really greasy - I don't find this to be all that effective on my hair, as the way it adds in shine makes my hair look greasier. But with that being said, on day 2 hair it works great but beyond that - for my hair - it doesn't work. Now keep in mind I have very fine, thin, hair and it gets oily by the end of the day, so most dry shampoos don't work for me past day 2 hair. Still, overall, I really like Amika products and do like this dry shampoo.

Now let me know what you think...

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

United 7Seconds Refresher Dry Shampoo - pics, review

Hello, Beautiful!

Another dry shampoo review to share with you - this one from the brand Unite. It's their 7Seconds Refresher Dry Shampoo. This has to be one of my favorite dry shampoos to date. It works beautifully at absorbing excess oil, smells fresh, and doesn't leave my brunette hair looking gray. Read my full review, and all the product info, after the pics.

Unite 7Seconds Refresher Dry Shampoo

 

Unite 7Seconds Refresher Dry Shampoo Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $28.75 (4 oz full size). Available on the Unite website, on Amazon, at salons, and everywhere else Unite products are sold. Click here to enter your zip code and find a salon near you that sells Unite products.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

Aids in preserving hair color. Removes excess oil and increases volume. No visible powder left behind. Refreshes hair without the use of water with a clean, fresh scent.

I fell in love with this dry shampoo from the first use! I must have really oily hair or something, because most dry shampoos just don't do the job for me - especially if I try to go more than a day or two without shampooing. This dry shampoo works, and it doesn't leave my brunette hair looking gray!

The scent is nice - just a fresh, clean scent. Soaks up all the excess oil and adds volume into the hair. Long lasting results too.

I have read some reviews that say the can clogs or stopped working after a couple uses. I personally haven't had that issue yet, but just in case I'd recommend wiping the nozzle after each use with some water to help prevent any build-up that could occur. It could also just be older cans that have that issue. Like I said, I haven't had that issue but I did want to mention it.

Overall, this is one of the few dry shampoos I've tried that truly works in my hair without any negatives. A bit pricey for a dry shampoo, but it is from the brand Unite and the quality and performance makes this dry shampoo worth every penny. Highly recommend to anyone who hasn't had luck with dry shampoos in the past.

Now let me know what you think...

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