Monday, September 28, 2015

Colourpop Haul #2!


Earlier this year I posted a Colourpop haul, and if you read that post, you probably aren't surprised that another order was made and lo and behold - it's time for haul #2! Colourpop products are super reasonably priced (drugstore pricing) and this brand is ALL the rage lately. You can only buy Colourpop online, and I'd highly recommend you place an order! They have lippies, eyeshadows, highlighters, and more in every color you can imagine and it won't break the bank! 

Here's what I just recently purchased...



The first product I got is one of Colourpop's Ultra Matte Lip colors in the shade Trap ($6). Trap is described as "greige", or a gray beige color. Greige is freakin' everywhere this fall. I've been intrigued since I saw this color, and it is quite a sight to behold. I'm still figuring out how to best wear it, as I feel like it kind of makes me looks sick?? It might be better on tanner skin than pale skin like mine - but I'm going to keep experimenting with it.

As the name suggests, this color is extremely matte and dries to a velvet look on the lips. It will dry your lips out like no other, but you can easily wear a gloss over it if you need a boost of moisture. 



Clueless is another Ultra Matte Lip color, described as a dusty mauve pink. This is a really beautiful neutral shade, perfect for work or a night out. Again, it'll dry your lips out, but top it with a gloss and you're good to go!



The last lip product I got is a Lippie Stix in the shade Lumiere ($5), a custom color created by YouTuber KathleenLights. Lumiere is my favorite shade of the three, more of a dusty mauve color that is so wearable for any occasion. I absolutely love this color! Lippie Stix are creamy, like a normal lipstick. They wear really well and won't dry your lips out.



Lastly, I got an eye shadow in the shade Mixed Tape ($5). Mixed Tape is a grey-ish taupe color with a pearl finish. If you have never tried ColourPop's eyeshadows, you totally should. They have the most interesting texture, very soft and kind of creamy (but not creamy?) -- it's so hard to explain! They do tend to crease on me, but I love the shades enough that I don't care. 



Have you tried anything from Colourpop? What should I buy next? Let me know!

Friday, September 25, 2015

Smile Brilliant | Customized Teeth Whitening Review





I am alllll about white teeth. I've tried many a teeth whitener, and am an every-other-year Crest Strip user. So, when Smile Brilliant reached out to me to to see if I wanted to try their customized, professional-grade whitening system, you can bet my answer was "YES PLEASE!" (especially after this so-so whitening experience earlier this year)

Smile Brilliant was created to offer professional whitening capabilities at a fraction of the cost of whitening at a dentist's office. 



When you purchase a Smile Brilliant kit, you get a package in the mail that looks like the one above. In it, you'll find two trays to make molds of your teeth, three base pastes and catalyst pastes which you'll use to make the molds of your teeth, and three vials of whitening gel, and of course an instruction manual to walk you through the whole process.



The process is simple. You start by flossing and brushing your teeth. Then, take one tub of base paste and one tub of catalyst paste and mix them together until the paste is only blue, and no white remains. Once mixed, set the paste evenly in one of the trays provided. Immediately make your impression by pushing your top teeth in to the tray; allow the mold to set for 2 minutes before removing. Do this whole process again for the bottom set of teeth. 

Once the impressions are made, let them sit for 30 minutes, then run them under cool water and them mail them back to Smile Brilliant so they can create your custom whitening trays. Your custom trays will be shipped to you within 5 days of them receiving your molds. It's a rather quick process. 



When you get the trays, the fun begins! Above are my trays, which fit my teeth perfectly! To whiten, open one of the vials of whitening gel, and squeeze a small amount along the front side of the tray, pop them in your mouth and keep them there for as long as you wish. Be warned, whitening your teeth can cause some sensitivity in your teeth or gums. I had very little sensitivity while using the Smile Brilliant system, but everyone is different. Discontinue use if it becomes painful or uncomfortable. 



I am really happy with the results I achieved using Smile Brilliant. My teeth were not horribly stained or yellowed to begin with, but I always noticed my teeth looking whiter with each use. What you see above are the results of 5 or so uses over the course of about 45 days.

The whole set can be purchased at Smilebrilliant.com for $119. I know, your first thought was probably "WHOA $119!!| But, you get 3 whole vials of whitener. After 5 uses, I'm not even through my first vial. I've got enough whitener to last me for ages! It's completely economical (considering you'll spend $50+ for a 2 week supply of Crest White Strips) and the results are real. I'd highly recommend SmileBrilliant - it's my new favorite way to whiten my teeth! 

Use coupon code "glazedoverbeauty" to save 5% on your Smile Brilliant purchase! 

What's your favorite way to whiten your teeth? Let me know in the comments!

  Teeth Whitening Cost

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

September Ipsy Glam Bag 2015


It's Ipsy time again! This month's bag has some goodies, and it actually has a product I've wanted to try (the Acure scrub) so I'm excited to get a sample before purchasing the full size.

If you're unfamiliar with Ipsy, it's a beauty subscription service that costs $10 per month and you get a nice reusable travel bag filled with beauty samples and full sized products. It's my favorite beauty subscription service and I recommend it to anyone who likes to try out new makeup and skincare products. To find out more or to sign up, click here

Here's what came in this month's bag:

  • NYX + Ipsy Eye Shadow Trio - This trio of shadows is a collaboration between NYX and Ipsy. The colors are perfect for fall. See swatches below.
  • Eyelyn Iona Cosmetics Cream Blush in Ash - First of all, I have to gripe about the horrible sample packaging. I can't get a brush in this little tub to save my life, and I can fit maybe one finger in. Not ideal! Anyway - the formula is organic, paraben-free and cruelty-free. $1 from every product sold is donated to various women's organizations. I can get behind that! 
  • Acure Brightening Facial Scrub - I'm really excited to get something from this brand in my Ipsy bag! This formula has organic chlorella and argan stem cells to repair the skin. It's vegan, gluten and cruelty free, as well as paraben, sulfate, silicone, phthalate and synthetic fragrance free.
  • J. Cat Beauty #MOTD Waterproof Slide on Pencil in Bronze - This stuff is really waterproof, and it's a beautiful bronze color that's totally wearable any day of the week. 
  • Naobay Oxygenating Moisturizing Cream - This brand is totally new to me. This moisturizer is made up of plant extracts and organic oils like sweet almond oil and rosehip oil. 


Swatches of products from left to right: Evelyn Iona blush, J.Cat eyeliner, NYX eyeshadow trio. 



Have you signed up for Ipsy? What are you waiting for! Sign up now

Monday, September 21, 2015

Lip List #2

Last week's lips were definitely inspired by fall. Cooler temps have rolled in to my neck of the woods, and I have been craving all of the fall colors. I did manage to sneak in some bright, bold colors, too - but I think you'll see a trend in what I wore last week.



  • Monday: MAC Ruby Woo, a classic MAC color and one of my favorite blue-toned matte reds. This is a permanent color in the MAC range, and for those of you who pay attention to the various formulas, this is a retro matte finish.
  • Tuesday: Maybelline Color Sensational lipstick in Mauve Me, a shimmering mauve that's not too shimmery. This color is still available for purchase at Ulta. 
  • Wednesday: Besame Cosmetics Exotic Pink, a creamy semi-matte flamingo pink. This lipstick is super pigmented and really comfortable to wear.
  • Thursday: NYX B52, a mauvey brown cream lipstick. Pigmented, easy to wear, and not too heavy on the lips. 
  • Friday: Stila Black Cherry lip glaze, a shimmery plum gloss that came in a holiday set. This formula is really sticky, which I am not the biggest fan of. (limited edition) 

Have you tried any of these colors? If you had to try just one I'd recommend the Besame Cosmetics lipsticks - they come in beautiful vintage packaging and the color payoff is exceptional.  Let me know your favorite in the comments!

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Proganix Quench Hair Care | Coconut H20 + (Electrolytes)




Shower time has gotten far more fragrantly appealing lately, all thanks to Proganix and the goodies they recently sent me. My shower has been taken over by the deliciously scented Coconut H20 + (Electrolytes) Quench line, and my hair and nose couldn't be more thankful. 


I've been putting the Moisturizing + Nourish shampoo and conditioner, as well as the Moisture Balm and the Leave In Moisture spray to the test over the last couple weeks. This line is formulated with three key ingredients that are moisturizing, rehydrating powerhouses: coconut water, coconut oil and electrolytes. These ingredients also provide nutrients for the hair like nourishing amino acids, Vitamin E, antioxidants and other vitamins and enzymes. 



The shampoo and conditioner combo is really lovely. As I mentioned, it smells amazing and I'm not one to be cuckoo for coconut. It's coconutty and slightly floral and fresh - it's a very refreshing scent. Aside from the smell, this combo works great as well. After washing my hair, it felt very soft and had a natural shine to it, which isn't always there. I have to say, I was impressed! 


There are two other products in the line - the Moisture Balm and the Leave-in Moisture spray. Both of these products do essentially the same thing, and they can be used together or separately. After washing my hair, I misted my hair with the Leave-in Moisture spray to help detangle my hair, and after brushing my hair, I took a small, dime-sized amount of the Moisture Balm and ran it through my hair from my ears on down to the ends. 

I was worried that the combination of the leave-in spray and the balm together would weigh my hair down or make it greasy, but I worried for nothing. It made my hair soft, touchable and shiny and not an ounce of greasy or heavy. I loved what these products did to my hair!

Proganix is available at a number of stores, with a variety of other scents and formulas to target your specific needs. Check out Target, Walgreens, CVS, Ulta and Rite Aid to purchase. Target sells the shampoo and conditioner for around $9.99 each, and the leave-in spray for around $11.99. If you're in the market for a new hair line, I'd definitely recommend Proganix.


Have you tried anything from Proganix? If you have, let me know what you thought! 

Monday, September 14, 2015

imPRESS Press On Manicures





I was short on time before an event recently, when I remembered the imPRESS Press-On Manicure sets that were sent to me. Figuring I needed something that wouldn't require a lengthy dry time, I opted to use the pretty fall brick color on the left called "Casting Call".

Not only is application mess-free and speedy, but imPRESS nails are marketed as damage-free with ultra-hold and mega-shine gel color. 



Using these press on nails is very easy, and requires no nail glue. On the back of each nail is an adhesive gel. You simply peel back the plastic backing, and press the nail down firmly and wa-lah. You're set! It's recommended you take it easy and keep pressing on the nails sporadically for about 30 minutes until they are set. It took me about 5 minutes to complete the whole process - finding the right sizes for each of my nails and applying. So simple!



The pros? There's literally no drying time involved. These stuck on, and stayed put far better than I expected them to. Also, the color is gorgeous and there are so many different options for fun designs. When you want to take them off, they come off easily without ruining your natural nails and there's no build-up of nail glue left behind like traditional press-on nails. 

The cons? I couldn't find shapes that matched all of my nails perfectly. And the most irritating thing was that the nails weren't flush with my real nails, so if I scratched my head, my hair would get stuck in between my real nails and the imPRESS nails, which I just found to be annoying. 

Overall though, I think these are a super easy, fun way to get a great looking manicure for under $10! You can purchase imPress Press On nail sets at Walgreens for $7.99! 


Have you tried imPRESS nails? Let me know in the comments and send me a photo of the pattern you chose!

Monday, September 7, 2015

August Empties (#17)

Another month, another batch of empties. I like empties posts because things that may not make the blog get their 2 seconds here, and heck -- once you've used a whole product up, you've got a pretty good idea about whether it's worth another purchase or not. 

Let's dig in....

  • Nexxus Pro-Mend Split End Binding Daily Conditioner (would not repurchase) - This conditioner had a really weird consistency, almost like lotion. It was super thick, and didn't do a whole lot for my hair.
  • Nubian Heritage Honey & Black Seed Heat Protect Keratin Spray (would repurchase) - I really loved the smell of this, but this bottle got old on me and the smell just wasn't right so it had to go.
  • Macadamia Healing Oil Spray (would repurchase) - I love everything in the Macadamia line. This spray made my best in beauty in 2013 and for good reason. This brand is super hyped in the beauty world, and I can assure you, the hype is totally worth it because their stuff is amazing. It smells so good and makes my hair silky smooth.
  • Fekkai Blowout Dry Shampoo (would not repurchase) - When I first reviewed this dry shampoo, I absolutely loved this stuff. I feel like my scalp has changed, and when I went to finish this off, it just didn't control oil in my hair like it used to.
  • Urban Decay All Nighter XL Makeup Setting Spray (would repurchase) - It took me ages to use up this setting spray, as you can tell by the outdated packaging! I like this stuff. It's expensive, but I'd buy it again.
  • Urban Decay b6 Vitamin-Infused Prep Spray (would not repurchase) - I'm not sure this prep spray did anything for my skin. I wouldn't buy this.
  • Covergirl Super Sizer Mascara (would repurchase) - I love this stuff. I did a full review here
  • Anastasia Clear Brow Gel (would repurchase) - This brow gel was fabulous. I got it on sale during one of Ulta's beauty steal sales, and I'd definitely get it again on sale because it ain't cheap.
  • Essence Liquid Eyeliner (would repurchase) - I purchased this on a whim, and it became an instant favorite. I love this stuff, and it costs under $5! 
  • Makeup Forever Smoky Extravagant Mascara (would not repurchase) - I wasn't overly impressed by this mascara. The wand was really big and it didn't do a whole lot for me. It retails for $24, which is a crazy price for a mascara.
  • Jergens BB Body Lotion (would not repurchase) - This lotion is supposed to make your skin look flawless, and honestly, I didn't notice a thing. I also didn't like the smell because it reminds me of the Jergens tanning lotion. Not a fan.
  • Caudalie Purifying Mask (would not repurchase) - This was an OK mask, but it didn't do anything radical for my skin. It was still nice to use though. 
  • Neutrogena Healthy Skin Boosters Facial Cleanser (would not repurchase) - If you're sensitive to fragrance, stay far away from this face wash. It is quite heavily fragranced but the smell is pleasant and fresh. It's a very basic, gentle cleanser, that didn't strip my skin or break me out, but I prefer a less fragranced, more natural cleanser on a day to day basis.
  • Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Sin (would not repurchase) - I know everyone loves the UD Primer Potion, but it just doesn't keep my shadows from creasing. I have oily eyelids, which is part of it, but I've found eye primers that work far better than this.
  • Versace Bright Crystal Perfume (would not repurchase) - This floral citrus-y scent is so not for me. I couldn't even get through this sample size vial. 
  • Agave Healing Oil Treatment (would repurchase) - I looooved this sample of agave oil, something I've wanted to try out forever. I actually just purchased a full size bottle and I can't wait to keep using it. It smells great and it will make your hair so soft.
  • OPI Avojuice in Cran & Berry (would not repurchase) - I really like the OPI Avojuices, they're lightweight and make my skin soft, but I wasn't crazy about this scent. 
  • CO Bigelow Raspberry Mentha Lip Shine (would repurchase) - I love the CO Bigelow lip shines. They have peppermint oil in them so they're pleasantly cooling, and they always soothe my dry or chapped lips. 
  • Blistex Five Star Lip Protection (would repurchase) - I really love the smell of this chapstick. It hydrates my lips and it's super cheap. 
  • Sierra Bees chapstick in Pomegranate (would repurchase) - Sierra Bees lippies are available exclusively on iHerb.com. They're really cheap and they are lovely to use, plus they're all natural and organic! Highly recommend. 
  • Equate Beauty Applicator Sponges (would repurchase) - Call me crazy, but makeup sponges are my favorite way to apply my foundation. 
  • Pikake Facial Mask (would repurchase) - I got this for fun at a Daiso in California, without much expectation. Turns out, it was really nice. It felt cooling on my skin, and didn't break me out. However, if you're sensitive to fragrance, keep away from this face mask as it's quite scented.
  • Vitacost Biotin Raspberry Quick Dots (would repurchase) - I take biotin for stronger, healthier hair, nails and skin. I like these easy to take chewables that don't taste disgusting. (Get $10 FREE to Vitacost at this link - one of my all time favorite websites)
  • Jason Powersmile Powerful Peppermint Toothpaste (would repurchase) - This is my favorite all natural toothpaste. I come back to it again and again, and I'll definitely buy it in the future. 
  • Listerine Woven Mint Floss (would repurchase) - The woven, rope-like floss is my absolute favorite. It gets in between my teeth to get any gunk out. I already have another in my bathroom.
  • Bella Organics Vanilla Mint Deodorant (would repurchase) - I liked this all natural deodorant. For a full review, click here
  • Crystal Essence Mineral Deodorant in Pomegranate (would not repurchase) - When I first started using this, I was in love. It kept me dry and it smells amazing, but towards the end of the bottle, it started to make my pits smell bad and it didn't control sweat at all. Plus, spray deodorants like this are a little fussy.
  • Yankee Candle in Queen Anne's Lace (would not repurchase) - This floral, spring scent was pleasant when smelled directly in the jar, but it had little to no scent throw, sadly.
  • TokyoMilk Candle in Cherry Bomb (would repurchase) - This candle says it has notes of vetiver, wild rose, osmanthus, and chocolate. It smelled really warm and I could definitely pick up on the vetiver. I loved it!

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

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Vita Liberata NKD SKN Tinted Tan Liquid





This summer has been the summer of self tanners for me. I've tried more tanning products than I even realized existed. One of my most recent finds is NKD SKN Tinted Tan Liquid, a line from popular tanning company Vita Liberata, clearly marketed to a younger demographic



NKD SKN Tinted Tan Liquid comes in a 2.54 fl oz spray bottle, and also comes conveniently with a mini tanning mitt. The formula boasts natural and organic ingredients that are good for the skin (it does claim to have aloe vera, lychee and licorice), and a completely odorless application. While I'm not 100% sure how natural and organic the ingredients truly are, I can vouch that it's an odorless tanning product. 

The NKD SKN tan liquid comes only in the shade dark (they have mousses that come in both medium and dark if you're looking for something lighter) and I will tell you - don't be frightened by the "dark" label, as I was. Being a fair-skinned girl, I was scared I'd end up an orange, or just plain too tan - but my fear was unwarranted. If you've ever gotten a spray tan (I typically get the medium shade spray tan), this is 2-3 shades lighter than that. It's just right, and will give you a perfect tan glow. I actually got told I look tan (for probably the first time ever?!) by someone after using this product 2 or 3 times. 

Application is easy. After exfoliating your skin, just spray some (scarily dark) product on to your tanning mitt and rub it in to the skin. This product does have a color guard, so you can see where you are applying it to your skin. It dries very fast, and the color lasts about 4 or so days on my skin (although it claims to last up to 7 days). It fades very naturally, not streaky or patchy. 



I have no idea why it looks like my right leg doesn't have any product on it - I tried and tried to get a picture to accurately show what I saw in person, but I couldn't capture it. In person, they both looked even. 

Overall, I really enjoy this product. It's totally affordable, ringing in at $19.50 per bottle (available at Ulta), and I have gotten 6 or 7 uses out of it and my bottle still has about 25% left. I think this is a fabulous option if you want to try out the Vita Liberata brand without spending $50 per bottle.


Have you tried NKD SKN? Let me know your thoughts! Also, what's your favorite tanner? I want to try them all!

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