Wednesday, December 30, 2015

December Empties (+ A SURPRISE!) | #21

It's always bittersweet to see December go. The rush of the holidays and all the excitement and togetherness is something I look forward to and enjoy every year. And at the same time, I think - okay, I'm happy to see the days getting longer and we're THAT much closer to spring. (Holler if you live in a place with cooooold winters like me!)

Alas, the end of the month = empties time. A perfect chance to reflect on how good a product was or was not after finishing it all up. Here's what I went through in December.

Oh and p.s. - stick around for a special surprise at the end!



  • The Seaweed Bath Co. Volumizing Argan Conditioner in Lavender (would repurchase) -  I'm still plugging away at the shampoo (conditioner ALWAYS runs out first for me), and I have to say I really enjoyed using this. It left my hair smelling refreshingly lavender-y and feeling very soft.
  • Kiss My Face Shower Gel in Peaceful Patchouli (would repurchase) - This lasted me ages. It smelled nice, but I have to admit I got a bit sick of it towards the end of the bottle. I'll probably still come back to it someday though, as I do love the scent of patchouli. 
  • Batiste Dry Shampoo in Floral Essences (would repurchase) - Batiste is my favorite dry shampoo. It just does the trick for me - it keeps my hair looking fresh and clean and oil-free. This scent was lovely and definitely ranks right up there with my favorite Wild scent from Batiste.


  • Secret Invisible Solid Antiperspirant in Eucalyptus Blossom (would not repurchase) - I hated this. I don't use antiperspirants anymore, but I do like to keep them around for particularly hot days or whenever the need arises. However, this stuff lingered. I could feel it warding off water when I showered and the scent stuck around. Not to mention, it didn't even smell like eucalyptus (which I love). Whatever the scent was, it was sickening. 
  • The Face Shop Calendula Essential Moisture Essence (would not repurchase) - As you can see, I didn't even finish this up. I really liked the feel of it, but every time I used it, I think it broke me out. I don't want to use anything that's going to make my face angry, so out it goes.
  • Elite Therapeutics Elite Creme (would repurchase) - This reminded me a lot of the Aveda Hand Relief lotion. It smelled lemony and was just thick enough to really deeply moisturize. I liked it.
  • Clarisonic Radiance Brush Heads (would repurchase) - These are fine. Do I notice my skin looking more radiant? Not really. But they do the job. Be mindful, these are quite abrasive. If you have sensitive skin, this brush head probably isn't for you.


  • Up & Up Latex Free Foam Sponges (would repurchase) - These used to be my go-to foundation applicators, however lately I've been using my beauty blender far more and really liking that. I'll probably go back to these at some point, but right now they've gotten sidelined.
  • Swisspers Cotton Rounds (would repurchase) - I have a mega-pack of these from Costco. As you can see, I fly through these... especially depending on the type of makeup remover I'm using. I like them. They're nice, and getting them in bulk packaging is far more cost effective for me.
  • Covergirl Flamed Out Mascara (would not repurchase) - This was just OK. It had a tendency to get a little clumpy for me. There are other drugstore mascaras I prefer over this one so I probably won't repurchase it again. 
  • Nourish Organic Avocado Eye Cream (would repurchase) - This was a nice eye cream. It was light weight and nourishing. I like that it's made with quality ingredients. 
  • Elizabeth & James Nirvana Black perfume (would repurchase) - I already have a full size of this perfume and I love it. It's musky and woodsy with hints of patchouli. Definitely a sultry night time scent, but will smell good even if you spritz it on before a day at the office.
  • Buxom Lash mascara (would not repurchase) - This was OK, nothing special. It's definitely not something I'd splurge on. It will separate your lashes, but it requires two or three coats to get the volume effect I like. 
  • Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous Foundation (would repurchase) - Duh, it's my absolute favorite foundation. I'll buy it until they stop making it because it's full coverage and makes my skin look flawless while lasting all day long. I've done a full review of it here
  • Montagne Jeunesse Manuka Honey Peel Off Mask (would not repurchase) - This mask smelled really good, but it just didn't do much for me. It also stung when I was peeling it off my face. I prefer masks that provide more benefits for my face, whether it be anti-aging or anti-blemish, I just want a little more from a mask. 
  • Hask Keratin Protein Smoothing Deep Conditioner (would repurchase) - I did a full review on this here
  • Eco-Beauty Good Day. Day Moisturizer (would repurchase) - This was a very gentle, light daily moisturizer. I liked using it and it didn't break me out.
  • Bobbi Brown Black Ink Long Wear Gel Eyeliner (would repurchase) - I got a little sample of this eyeliner and got a few uses before it dried up on me. This was an awesome gel liner. It was very matte black and definitely stayed put.
  • Peter Thomas Roth Wrinkle Preventer (would repurchase) - I have no idea if this did anything for my skin with just a small sample to use, but it was nice to try.
  • Britney Spears Curious Perfume (would repurchase) - This is a perfume I really enjoy. I know many people think that celebrity perfumes are hokey and tacky, but Curious is actually a pleasant, unique scent. It's not for everyone, but I like it. 
  • B&BW PocketBac in Graham Cracker Marshmallow (would repurchase) - I used to use these religiously before applying makeup, but I know it's not good to use antibacterial gel too much, so I've eased up. I liked this scent, it was fun. 
  • Burt's Bees Honey & Grapeseed Hand Cream (would not repurchase) - This lotion smells very strongly of honey. It has a rather odd consistency, too. It starts off easy to spread around your hands, and then turns almost tacky. I used it before bed because the scent was overbearing and it did a so-so job of moisturizing my hands.
  • Tom's Wicked Cool Toothpaste (would not repurchase) - I got a sample of this on Vitacost, my favorite natural discount website, but I was not a fan. It doesn't leave my mouth feeling fresh enough. It just seems to disappear when brushing. Glad to try it in a sample before I bought it in a full size.
  • Trader Joe's Peppermint Toothpaste (would not repurchase) - This stuff was disgusting. It tasted like baking soda with a hint of mint. It doesn't leave your mouth feeling fresh at all. We struggled through using this up and I was so glad when it was finally gone.

And finally..... the surprise you stuck around for! This past month I used up a bottle of MyKind Organics Prenatal Multis... so that can only mean one thing. Yes, I'm pregnant! It's a secret that's been tough to keep, and I'm so glad I can finally share! You can blame this kiddo for the lack of posts in November and December - there were some days I just didn't feel up to blogging after a long day at work. Baby is due in June and my husband and I are thrilled to be first time parents. I'm sure there will be more developments along the way, but for now - I'll leave it at that. :) 


Have you tried any of these products? Any advice for a first time mom? Let me know! 

Monday, December 28, 2015

December Ipsy Glam Bag



Sing it with me.... "It's the most wonderful time... of the month!" Ipsy time! My glam bags have been coming at the VERY end of the month for the last couple months. Anyone else getting theirs late, too? 

Anyway! If you're not familiar with Ipsy, it's a $10/month beauty subscription box. You'll receive deluxe sized samples and often times, one or two full size products, too! If you're interested in signing up, click here

Let's not waste any more time. Here's what came in my December Ipsy Glam Bag...


  • Marc Anthony Coconut Oil & Shea Butter Deep Conditioning Treatment: This is a weekly treatment for your hair. It's aimed at you ladies with super dry hair that needs an added boost of moisture. 
  • Pacifica Power of Love Natural Lipstick in Nudie Red: This matte lipstick is nearly a my lips but better shade. It's made with coconut oil, shea butter and vitamin E. It's vegan and cruelty-free!
  • Peony Cosmetics Shadow Trio: I'm pretty sure every shadow trio I get from Ipsy has these same three colors. (annoying) ANYWAY... these shadows are created with kaolin clay, which absorbs excess oil. They're paraben free and claim to last up to 8 hours.
  • Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eyeshadow Primer: This primer will help your eye shadow glide on smoother, last longer and stay on crease-free. You only need to use a pea sized amount.
  • RickyCare by Ricky's NYC Classic 3D Blender: This is a knock off of the beauty blender. It's latex free and can be used wet or dry to apply foundation. I tested it, and it's not nearly as good as the Beauty Blender, IMO. 

What did you get in your ipsy bag? Let me know! 

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Burnin' Up #10: Empties

'Tis the season for burning lots of candles and wax tarts! So much so that I devoted a whole post to it! Here's what's been making my home smell cozy and fantastic the last couple months.



  • Yankee Candle Cranberry Harvest - This fall, cranberry has been one of my favorite scents. This smelled like the perfect fall cranberry candle, but unfortunately the scent just didn't fill up a room. It was more for ambiance than anything.
  • Yankee Candle Witches Brew - Witches Brew is my favorite Yankee Candle scent. It's a sweet patchouli fall scent that always reminds me of Halloween. This will not be the last time a Witches Brew candle is burnt in my house - it's a seasonal must!
  • Bath & Body Works Raspberry Peach Macaron - This candle is old, from a past spring collection at B&BW. This scent was part of the best B&BW collection I think they've ever released. It's very sweet and has a slight tang of fruit. 
  • Yankee Candle Mulling Spices - This tiny Yankee Candle had a better scent throw than the large Cranberry one above! It smelled like fall... cinnamon, nutmeg and all good spicy things.

  • Better Homes & Garden Orange Clove Pomander tarts - These were very fragrant wax melts. A perfect blend of spices and orange that made my home smell ready for the holidays. 
  • Scentsationals Twilight tarts - This had a fresh, sort of perfumey smell. It's kind of hard to explain exactly what this smelled like. It was a nice scent to have filling the house, it wasn't offensive or overpowering.
  • Bath & Body Works Sundrenched Vineyard wallflower - Another perfect fall scent to have filling up my entire house. It smelled like woodsy fruit, and was surprisingly natural - a scent you might expect someone's house to smell like naturally.

What is your favorite scent to have burning in your home? Let me know! 

Monday, December 21, 2015

Last minute stocking stuffer: Algenist Kiss & Wink Collection





If you're a last minute shopper and still in need of one final stocking stuffer or two, I've got the perfect thing for your skincare and beauty loving pal. (pssst.... here's a couple other ideas if you need a little more help)

Algenist has a handful of affordably-priced and amazing gift options, one of which I have to show you today. If you're not familiar with the brand, Algenist offers anti-aging skincare products made from high quality ingredients. If you've heard rave reviews about Algenist, it's for good reason. 



The Kiss & Wink Collection ($25) comes with two anti-aging products that are formulated with patented Alguronic Acid and Microalgae Oil. These two ingredients help reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkes, restore firmness, and soothe and nourish the eyes and lips.

This set, which is a $45 value, comes with the Complete Eye Renewal Balm which hydrates the under-eyes, decreases puffiness and dark circles, and reduces fine lines. It also comes with the Lip Renewal Balm SPF 15, aimed at nourishing dry lips, minimizing the look of lip lines, and providing UV protection. 

This is a really nice set if you want to try out a couple Algenist products and give your skin some line-reducing encouragement. You can find this set at Sephora, Ulta, Sephora inside JCP, and online at sephora.com or algenist.com.

Friday, December 18, 2015

Proganix Volume Hair Care | Soy Protein + (Caffeine)





I recently got the most darling package in the mail from Proganix - it seriously made my day! In gorgeous packaging I received their new Volume Amplifying and Body Building line, in addition to a darling snowflake ornament and a STUNNING necklace that I posted on my instagram (if you're not following me - what are you waiting for?) 

I really enjoy using Proganix hair care products, and I had never tried the volume line before, so needless to say I was actually looking forward to my next hair wash! 

Both the shampoo and conditioner ($9.99 each for 8.5 oz) smell really nice, sort of floral, sort of hard to explain (I'm horrible at explaining scents - sorry!). They're made with caffeine and volumizing soy protein to give your hair a lift. God knows, I can always use some lift in my ever-flat hair. Added bonus: Proganix does not test on animals so you can feel good about your voluminous shiny locks! 



Also sent to me was the Root Boost Finish + Body Builder ($11.99 for 5.1 oz) and the Amplify Gel ($11.99 for 4 oz). The body building spray is to be used on damp hair, concentrating the spray on the roots. It works best to blow dry your hair after applying for extra oomph. 

Before blow drying, you can add in some amplify gel all over damp hair for even more volume! You can also skip the blow dry and let your hair air dry after applying the gel.



Excuse the horrible cell phone quality photo, but here's how my hair looked after using the shampoo and conditioner, the amplify gel and the finish spray and a good blow dry session. Va-va-volume! Admittedly my hair did fall flat within an hour or so, but I seemed to have more pep in my roots than normal all day long.

All in all, I really like this line! I think it helped amp up my roots and even if it doesn't keep my hair lifted all day, my hair still smelled good and felt soft and that's really all I can ask for when I have hair determined to sit flat on my head. 

I believe this Proganix Volume line is sold exclusively at Ulta (anyone seen it elsewhere?) - it's affordable and works quite nicely! I'd recommend it.

Have you tried Proganix? What's your favorite line? Let me know! 

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Target Her Holiday Beauty Box


I feel half bad making these posts, because by the time this goes live, these Target beauty boxes have been long sold out. However, I want you all to be aware of what a steal these boxes are - and lucky for you, new boxes come out many times a year. Make sure to follow Glazed Over on Facebook because I always post when these go on sale. 

Here's what came in the most recent Target Beauty Box, the "Her Holiday Beauty Box". It cost just $10, and if you have a red card, you get 5% off and free shipping on top of that! 



  • Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Moisturizer: A moisturizing cream formulated with hyaluronic acid, amino peptides and vitamin B3 to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
  • Goody Ouchless sweat stretch elastics: These hair ties are super soft and won't rip at your hair at all. 
  • Pacifica Natural Mineral Coconut Eye Shadow Trio in Breathless, Glowing, Sunset: Pacifica shadows are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, formulated without carmine, parabens, FD&C color, or petroleum. 
  • Covergirl Star Wars lipstick: This glittery red is a limited edition shade celebrating the new movie. Pick it up now if you like what you see!
  • Laneige Water Bank Moisture CreamHydro-ionized mineral water and Biogen technology give you 24 hours of hydration.
  • CeraVe Eye Repair Cream: A gentle eye cream with hyaluronic acid to hydrate the delicate skin around your eyes.
  • Maybelline The Falsies Push Up Drama: A new mascara creation from Maybelline aimed at providing voluminous plumped-up lashes.
  • Clairol Hair Food Dry Shampoo: A newer dry shampoo free of parabens and sulfates, allowing you to skip a day or two of hair washing. 

If you're interested in trying any of these products, they're all available at Target. Like I mentioned, keep an eye on the Glazed Over Facebook page to know when the next Target beauty box is released! 


Have you tried any of these products? Let me know! 

Monday, December 14, 2015

e.l.f. Holiday Stocking Stuffers!





If you're like me, stockings are the last thing I think about. Right around this time each year, when I'm feeling pretty good about how much Christmas shopping I've managed to get done, I catch myself and think "OH CRAP, I still need to fill a stocking, too!" If you're anything like me, I hope this post will help you fill your beauty-loving family or friends' stockings without breaking the bank, too! 

If you shop at Target or Walgreens, chances are you've seen e.l.f. cosmetics and maybe even picked some up, having been swayed by the super affordable prices. They have a TON of holiday sets this year and I have a few to tell you about. 

We're now at the week before Christmas, a.k.a. down to the wire!! So I'll waste no time... here are some fabulous e.l.f. stocking stuffer options: 



The e.l.f. Beautiful Brows Eyebrow Kit ($10) has all the tools you need for perfectly shaped, on fleek, eyebrows. It has four reusable stencils to get the perfect shape, one defining wax, two brow powders, a dual ended brow pencil and brush (in black?), a brow brush, and tweezers. The powders are very light. If you (or your secret santa) have blond hair, this will be perfect for you, but if you have dark hair, I don't think this will fly. You can always use these powders as eyeshadow crease shades if nothing else! 





The e.l.f. Subtle to Sulty Eyes set ($5) comes with three eyeshadow duos and a nice eyeshadow brush. For the price, you get a range of different shadows to play up a natural or dramatic look. The brush is also quite nice for the price. It's not amazing, but you'll be able to apply color to your lids as needed. The only thing not included that would be helpful is a blending brush. 





The e.l.f. Shimmering Eyes Eyeliner Set ($5) is not for the faint of makeup-hearted. It comes with five eyeliers, some pearlescent (the the white and the emerald) and some glittery (black, bronze and purple). The quality is what you'd expect for $5, but you can certainly make some gorgeous eye looks with these liners.





My most favorite stocking stuffer is the e.l.f. Mad for Matte set ($10). These lippies are awesome. They are more demi-matte than fully matte, and they're really comfortable on the lips. They don't feel dry and crusty like so many matte lippies often do. You are definitely getting your money's worth with this set.


Even if you bought all of these sets, you'd only be set back $30! That's an incredible value. Let me know if you get any of these sets this holiday season - I'd love to know what you think! 

Friday, December 11, 2015

Colourpop Forever Freshman eyeshadow set



Not too long ago I redeemed some Ipsy points for this Colourpop reward (it seems like decent Ipsy rewards are few and far between, or always sold out... anyone else feel me?!) which I'm pretty thrilled about. This set is available on the Colourpop website for $30 - if you're interested in purchasing it for yourself, you can find it here



If you've never used Colourpop eyeshadows, they are so unique. They have a cushioned cream feel, but they'll dry to a powder on your lids. They're best applied with your finger or a synthetic brush that can pick up the cream-like product. 

Just a tip: because of their unique texture, you have to make sure they're shut tight when you're done using them or they'll dry out and be unusable. If you're curious about the other Colourpop products I own and seeing even more swatches, you can check out old posts here and here. But first, check out the swatches of these pretties below...



From left to right:

  • Crimper: Soft gold with glitter 
  • As If: Cool taupe with a matte finish
  • Melrose: A matte rust shade
  • Koosh: A metallic silvery taupe
  • 90210: A satin brown with pink and gold glitter
  • Baby T: A matte blackened blue
I'm slightly intimidated by Melrose and Baby T, but I have to say I totally love the other more neutral colors. Crimper has already become a favorite every day wearable glitter. 

What are your favorite Colourpop shades? Let me know! 

Monday, December 7, 2015

Bath & Body Works Holiday Haul!

Black Friday rolled around and my home was in desperate need of some holiday soaps and candles, and I couldn't resist taking advantage of the sales Bath & Body Works had going on. The soaps I ended up getting for normal price (6 for $18 or something like that?) and the candles were buy 3, get 3 free. 

If you got the B&BW emails or if you saw my Facebook post, B&BW had a MAJOR sale this past weekend and all candles were $8.50... if you had a coupon, you could get them even cheaper. Sooo... this haul doesn't include what I went back for (#ridiculous, I know), but regardless, it'll give you some good ideas if you're looking for some fun seasonal scents for your home, too. Check out the haulage below:



  • Oh Snap Jolly Gingerbread: This soap smells lovely, just like you'd imagine gingerbread cookies to smell. I think this packaging is so cute, I had to snatch it up. 
  • London Tea Time Shortbread: As you can tell, I've already started using this one prior to taking pictures (oops!). This smell is "golden shortbread, candied bing cherries & toasted almonds." It reminds me a lot of the Cherry Almond Shortbread hand soap they had last year - it smells exactly the same. 
  • Honeyed Pineapple Pumpkin: Oh my word, this smells amazing. I tend to love pineapple scents, and I'm not sure how, but it really meshes well with the pumpkin! 

  • Frosted Cranberry: "Frosted cranberries sprinkled with iced peach," a classic wintry scent. Cranberry has been a favorite of mine this year.
  • Cranberry Citrus & Sage: This smells divine, especially if you're a lover of cranberry and sage - of which I am both. :)
  • Candy Cane Bliss: Adorable packaging, and who doesn't love their hands smelling pepperminty fresh? This has hints of vanilla and whipped cream to lighten it up, and it's quite divine.

  • Tis the Season: A classic holiday scent, smelling fruity like apples, pine and cider. I always love this candle around Christmas.
  • Winter Sun: A very fresh smell, comprised of citrus, vetiver and musk. This will be a nice one to burn even after the holidays as past.
  • Cheers Mulled Wine: Fruity like wine, smelling of apples and saffron. I like this far more than I expected to when I ordered it.
  • The Original: Hoooo boy, this is my new favorite candle (and I definitely bought a back up at the $8.50 sale). It has hints of pinewood, vetiver, and black pepper. It's how I wish my home would smell all on it's own! 
  • Snowflakes & Spruce: This smells exactly like it's described: spruce and vanilla. It's sweet without being overwhelming. 
  • Red Velvet Cheer: Super sweet and cakey, this smells like cake batter, apple, frosting and creamsicle. So yummy if you like bakery scents.

What holiday scents are your favorite? Let me know in the comments below! 

Friday, December 4, 2015

Holiday Gift Guide 2015



Now that Thanksgiving has passed, I am sure there is one stressful holiday thought on your mind: what do I get the beauty lover in my life?! Or, what do I get my beauty-loving wife/best friend/boss/sister etc! If you are wracking your brain for ideas, you've come to the right place. Some of these gifts are perfect for that lady friend in your life, regardless of whether or not she's a major beauty-lover. I know that I'd be happy to receive any of these in my stocking, and nearly all of them HAVE ended up in a gift box of my own. 

There's something for every price point in my list, so look carefully! Pick up any of the gifts shown up and listed below and I can guarantee you'll put a smile on the recipients face. Here's to a stress-free shopping season. 


  • Lush bath bombs ($5 - $10): Sadly, I don't have a Lush anywhere near me, so lushusa.com is my best friend! Their bath bombs are.... the bomb (ha.. ha...). They have adorable Christmas themed fizzies that smell amazing and will make any bath-owner super happy. If you're like me and don't have a Lush anywhere around you, you can find all their Christmas themed goodies here
  • Sephora Liquid Luxuries Perfume Sampler ($65): This is one of the coolest gifts for the perfume lover in your life. This gift set comes with 15 mini samples of perfume. You're thinking, "how lame, a bunch of mini samples I can get for free?" Well just hold your horses! This set also comes with a coupon to get any of the 15 perfume samples in a full size bottle! Some of my personal faves from this set include Chloe, Prada Candy, and both of the Elizabeth and James scents. 
  • Tangle Teezer ($15): If your gift recipient (or you) have long hair, he or she MUST posses a Tangle Teezer (and pick one up for yourself while you're at it!) Seriously, it's the greatest invention for long haired people since... well, detangler spray. I've done a whole review on this puppy, and I recommend it to everyone I know! 
  • Jack Black It's The Balm Lip Quartet ($25): Jack Black Lip Balms are.... the balm (HAHAHA I'm on a roll!). Okay okay, all bad jokes aside, I gave this balm a go last year and have been hooked every since. It's the best deal to get these in a gift set because you get more for your money. They actually moisturize your lips, they don't just sit on top doing nothing like vaseline. Plus, with four of these heavenly balms, your recipient will be set all year long! 
  • Beauty Blender with Mini Solid Cleanser ($25): Beauty Blenders are the "it" makeup applicator. Don't be fooled by all the knock offs in the drugstore, they don't compare. There is something magical about this pink sponge, and it makes any makeup application (beginner or expert!) look flawless and professional. They're normally $25 for just the sponge, but in this set you get a little cleaner, too! So good.
  • StriVectin Oxygen Infusion Smoothing Mask ($62): Oxygen masks are all the rage lately. This bubbles and foams up, making tickly bubbles all over your face. This removes dirt, gently exfoliates thanks to beta-hydroxy acids, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This would make a fun, unique mask to gift to any pamper-loving friend.
  • Bath & Body Works Candles ($12): So, actually, B&BW candles are like $22 but promise me you'll never spend that, OK? They ALWAYS... I repeat... ALWAYS go on sale. Candles may seem cliche, but these holiday scented candles are super nice and who doesn't appreciate getting a candle they didn't have to buy themselves? B&BW has a million different holiday scents, all with really adorable packaging. I recommend anything pine-y - it's never offensive and everyone loves the scent of pine at the holidays!
  • Elizabeth and James Nirvana Mini Rollerball Set ($25): These perfumes are amazing. They work alone, or combined together - take your pick! I own both and they've become my favorite scent combo. Nirvana Black is an evening scent, woodsy and musky. Nirvana White is fresh and crisp and fancy. I think just about everyone would like these scents. They're wearable for all seasons and these little rollerballs last longer than you'd think! 

What are you hoping to get in your stocking this year? Let me know in the comments below!

Monday, November 30, 2015

November Ipsy Glam Bag 2015


My Ipsy bag came at the very last second this month, hence the late post! But it was worth the wait because it came with some fun goodies! For those of you unaware of Ipsy, it's a monthly beauty subscription that costs just $10! It's my favorite subscription and I recommend it to anyone who likes to experiment with products before splurging on the full price. If you're interested in signing up or learning more, click here

November's theme is "Beauty Blast" and it came with the following...




  • China Glaze Nail Polish in Soft Sienna Silks - This is a full sized nail polish, which typically retails for $8 (nearly the entire cost of the bag itself! great value!). This is a beautiful sparkly reddish-brown color that's perfect for fall and winter. 
  • tre'Stique Mini Matte Lip Crayon in Chile Red - I enjoy getting lip colors in my Ipsy bags, and this seems like a bright color suitable for the holiday. It's formulated with Vitamin E and Monoi Tahiti Butter for moisture and antioxidant properties.
  • Crown Brush Oval Concealer Brush #C224 - Rarely do I use concealer brushes, but I am a fan of Crown Brush. This is a synthetic bristle brush, perfect for applying cream eyeshadows or concealer (of course!).
  • Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara - I've never tried this mascara, so I'm looking forward to using it. It's meant to be volumizing and lengthening. 
  • Coolway Strong Hold Spray - This brand is totally new to me. This is just a travel sized hair spray. It claims to fight humidity and  make big hair without frizz.

What did you get in your Ipsy bag this month? Let me know! 

Friday, November 27, 2015

November Empties (#20)

The month started out and I thought "gosh, I'm not going to have any empties this month." Funny how it always works out, my empties bin filled up like crazy towards the middle and end of the month and then I thought my bag might overflow! Here's what I used up, and a quick review of each product...



  • Kiss My Face Green Tea & Bamboo Shave Cream (would not repurchase) - I got sent this product to test out (shortly before they launched their shave creams in tube form like this -- such an improvement from the pump bottle they had before!) and I enjoyed it. This scent is so good. However, I have sensitive skin, and this wasn't nourishing enough when shaving my legs. My legs itched like crazy after I shaved and they didn't feel very moisturized. I've found something I like better, so I won't buy this again. 
  • Suave Refresh & Revive Dry Shampoo (would repurchase) - I really enjoyed this dry shampoo. It's cheap & affordable. Look for it in an upcoming Battle of the Dry shampoos!
  • Plantlife Patchouli Body Oil (would repurchase) - This is a lovely body oil, which I used to moisturize my skin right before I got out of the shower. It has a very strong patchouli scent, and the smell lingers all day long. Rarely did I wear this without someone noticing the scent. 
  • Carapex Botanical Facial Toner (would repurchase) - This toner is very gentle on the skin. It won't burn like some astringent toners. It's odorless, and it'll remove any lingering makeup or dirt on your face. 
  • Alba Botanical Dual Textured Exfoliating Towelettes (would repurchase) - This makeup removing wipe has one exfoliating scrubby side, and one normal smooth side. I primarily used the scrubby side to remove all my face makeup. I wasn't in love with them, but they are certainly unique in the world of makeup wipes.
  • Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser (would repurchase) - This cleanser smells like citrus and did a good job of cleaning my face. It didn't break me out, and didn't strip my skin. I'm not the biggest fan of foaming cleansers, but I'd get this again if I saw it for a good price.
  • Dove Go Fresh Mandarin & Tiare Flower Body Wash (would not repurchase) - I got this sample in a Walmart Beauty Box, and I don't think I'd bother purchasing the full size. While the wash itself is great -- I love how moisturizing these body washes are, I didn't care for the scent. 
  • Mogongtox Soda Bubble Sheet (would repurchase) - This is a sheet mask version of the recently popular oxygen carbonated masks. This bubbles up, and it looks like you have a beard from all the bubbles! It's refreshing and unique. I enjoyed it! You can purchase it on the Memebox website for cheap here
  • Taylor Swift Wonderstruck perfume (would not repurchase) - This scent is fruity and young... in fact, it's far too young of a scent for my taste. It smells great, but I prefer warmer, more mature perfumes. 
  • BareMinerals 5 in 1 BB Cream eyeshadow (would not repurchase) - This little sample isn't completely gone, but it dried up on me and now it's time for it to go. This wasn't anything special to me, so I wouldn't bother getting a full size. 
  • L'Occitane Marvelous Flowers hand cream (would not repurchase) - I enjoy L'Occitane hand creams, but I was happy to only have this scent in a small size. It's a very overpowering floral scent that it just too strong for me, and not a smell I particularly enjoyed with extended use. 
  • eva nyc Therapy Session Hair Mask (would repurchase) - This stuff smells so so good, very warm and salon-like. This tub lasted me ages, and I enjoyed using it. It's not intensely hydrating, it's more like a normal conditioner, and I'd probably use it as such if I purchased it again. 
  • Tree Hut Olive & Shea Sugar Body Scrub in Tropical Mango (would repurchase) - I love love love Tree Hut body scrubs. They've got super scrubby power, and they don't leave any oily residue behind (perfect if you self-tan or spray tan). They smell amazing, and they're so affordable! I will definitely buy more of these scrubs in the future
  • Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara (would not repurchase) - This is another sample I got in a Walmart Beauty Box, and I absolutely hated it. I used it once, and threw it promptly in the trash my empties bin. If you like very natural, barely there lashes, this is your mascara. I prefer way more volume and intensity than this! No thank you. 
  • Milani Brow Shaping Clear Gel (would repurchase) - I tried this brow gel on a whim, and fell head over heels for it! It's relatively cheap, and it keeps my brows in place without being sticky or clumpy. I've already got a backup of this! 
  • Urban Decay Perversion Mascara (would repurchase) - I heard so many negative reviews of this mascara, but I really loved it! The secret is to let it dry out a bit, and it performs far better than when you first open the tube. Urban Decay mascaras continue to be a hit in my book! I wish they were just a little cheaper. 
  • idee B Goodbye Oil compact (would not repurchase) - I got this ages ago in a Memebox, and just finally used it up. This powder is white, and it has a fragrance to it. It set my makeup just fine and erased shine, but I do not want unnecessary fragrance in my powder. 
  • Wet n Wild Mega Liner (would repurchase) - This is a tried and true favorite liner, you've seen it in many an empties post previously. It's one of the blackest liners I've ever used, and it dries totally matte. It's under $5, too. Love!
  • Tarte Maracuja Oil (would not repurchase) - You can tell this isn't completely gone, but it's OLD and I can just tell it's gone off. Time to throw it away. There are face oils I like much more than this one, so I won't bother purchasing this again. 
  • LaVanila Deodorant in Vanilla Lavender (would repurchase) - LaVanila deodorants are my favorite all-natural deodorants. This one smelled really nice, and kept me BO-free all day long. Do note, this is not an anti-antiperspirant so if you sweat a lot, this may not be the deodorant for you. 
  • Carapex Elastin & Collagen Day Cream (would repurchase) - This was a nice day cream. Find a full review here
  • Lush Celebrate Hand & Body Lotion (would not repurchase) - This was a limited edition body lotion last holiday season, and I bought it on their Boxing Day sale. This is super luxurious, and really really oily. Can you tell the packaging is greasy? I started using this just on my legs after shaving because it was so nourishing, but I found it too be too oily for my entire body. I also wasn't a fan of the smell, which smelled like a disgusting orange. (not to be confused with a good orange!)
  • Peter Thomas Roth Mega-Rich Body Lotion (would not repurchase) - This is actually a hotel sample... impressive, PTR at a hotel, amiright?! I used this just on my hands, and it actually wasn't very hydrating at all. My hands still felt slightly dry when I woke up in the morning! Quite disappointing. 

And that's all I got for the month! Have you tried any of these products? Let me know! 

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

MEMEBOX: Nooni Snowflake Cleanser + I'm Dual Pore Brush




I have to say, I was really excited when I got an email from Memebox saying - "oh hey, we sent you some fun stuff!" Mostly because I really love Korean cleansing balms, and I've been seeing the Nooni Snowflake Cleanser pop up in my social media feeds. And also, I was excited because I just plain love Memebox! They always send me unique items to try and I'm so appreciative of that, because it means I can share with all of you!

As I mentioned, they sent me the Nooni Snowflake Cleanser ($16), in addition to the I'm Dual Pore Brush -- two products meant to be used together! 

The Nooni Snowflake Cleanser is an oil cleansing balm, actually marketed as an oil, milk and balm all in one, as it's supposed to change texture with how you use it. (I really didn't notice any big shift between states). It's formulated with jeju water, a mineral-rich spring water that promotes vitality and elasticity in the skin. It's also got shea butter, citrus peel extract, and Lotus Flower extract among other good ingredients. 

This cleanser is fragranced, so if you're sensitive to fragrance, be wary of that. I prefer my cleansing balms to be fragrance free, so that's my one gripe with this product. But despite that, this product was nice! Massage it in to dry skin to remove your makeup, and then rinse of all grime with water. Simple! I liked using this little sample size, it worked well for me.



The I'm Dual Pore Brush ($12) is a super soft microfiber facial cleansing brush. It's made up of over 550,000 bristles that clean the skin without being irritating. It's so, so soft! I've never used a cleansing brush as gentle as this. 



The back side of the brush has silicone bristles aimed at removing stubborn facial impurities. It's a nice scrubby side to get your skin really clean.

Sadly, I wasn't a huge fan of this brush. Mostly because I prefer something more rigid, like a Clarisonic brush head, and this is way too gentle for my taste. If you have sensitive skin, I would highly recommend you try this brush out - I just happen to like really exfoliating treatments and tools for my own skin.


Have you tried either of these Korean skincare products? Let me know! 
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