Ipsy July Beach Beauty Bag Review

Beach Beauty was the theme for my July Ipsy bag and once again I really liked my samples! There was only one product this month that I didn't totally love. I'm so glad I made the switch from Birchbox and I won't be looking back. Here's what I got for July:
 

POP Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon in Coral Crush

 

From Ipsy: POP's Pouty Pop Crayon nourishes, treats, and adds that perfectly-plumped pop to lips. These extra-nourishing balms gently bounce onto lips creating a plumped & pillowy pout leaving them with luscious, long-lasting colour with a super-smooth texture. Available in six shades.

My review: I love this lip crayon! I absolutely love the color and I am so happy that the applicator has a twist dial that allows for much more product once it starts to get low. My Revlon lip crayon does not have that twist applicator and when my product got smashed in my bag, it was all gone. Needless to say, I was VERY happy with this product!

BH Cosmetics California Collection Eyeshadow Sample

From Ipsy: This BH Cosmetics makeup palette includes a shade from each of the California Collection palettes: Hollywood, San Francisco, and Malibu.

My review: I really liked these eyeshadow samples. I'm a sucker for anything purple so I was so happy to see that one of the shades was a beautiful plum color. I used all three to really play up my eyes and they looked great together.

Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray Conditioning & Texturizing Spray

From Ipsy: Creates beachy undone texture that looks and feels like you’ve spent a day at the beach. Contains argan oil which helps nourish, protect and heal hair damage.

My review: This was just okay for me. I really do love beach wavy hair (it brings me back to my childhood) but this product didn't give me more waves than I usually have. I liked that it didn't have a strong scent or make my hair feel sticky or weighed down, but it didn't do that much for me. Maybe if my hair was pin straight I would have noticed the difference it would make but for me it just didn't change the texture of my hair. I do love the Sexy Hair line so maybe this was just a fluke. Next time!

COOLA Mineral Face SPF 20 Unscented Moisturizer

From Ipsy: Keep the sun and environment at bay with this SPF 20 broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen; a clear, Titanium Dioxide based formula (for those who are Zinc sensitive) made with 98% natural ingredients.

My review: I actually received a COOLA face moisturizer in my May Birchbox but I really liked the sample so I was happy to get another moisturizer from the line. I really liked the mineral face SPF and again love the fact that 98% of this product is made from natural ingredients. I put it on before going out for 9 holes of golf and it kept the sun away from my face the entire time. Great product!

Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer In Mai Tai

 

From Ipsy: Beach-ready doesn't stop at your coverup! It goes all the way down to your toes! Nailtini is making sure your toes are nothing less than intoxicating this summer with our seasonal fave shade, Mai Tai. This rich creamy tangerine sunrise is the perfect complement to sandals and sun-kissed skin.

My review: With how active I am it's really hard to find nail polish that will actually stay on my hands and not chip. Even Essie and OPI nail polishes chip after a day on me! This stuff lasted DAYS longer and I really loved how it went on. It dried a little more orange coral than pink coral, but the color was bright and fun. I went to CrossFit twice with it on and it held up! I was very impressed!

 

 

Want to try out Ipsy for yourself? Sign up for your own glam bag here! Only $10 a month and SO worth it!
 

*disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I pay for Ipsy out of my own pocket and really enjoy my subscription every month. If you click the link above and sign up for  your own bag I get a few Ipsy points for the referral :)

 

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips Review

I decided to give these nail polish strips a try once I got back from my honeymoon. My mom got these for me a while back and I'm not sure what took me so long to try them. My nails were in need of some serious TLC and I was way too lazy to paint them. Perfect solution! 

Although there were several steps to follow, I thought the application was super easy and mess free. My nail polish usually chips a day or two after I put it on (even after a professional manicure) and these lasted days longer! I think the more I practice, the better I would be at applying these. I loved that there was no drying time and I could go about my day right after I put them on. 

I can't wait to try these out again in different colors and styles. Something fun to jazz up my normal colored polish. 

Have you tried out these nail polish strips before? What did you think? 

Amanda's May Birchbox

I can't believe it's already the middle of May! Let's take a look at what I got in my Birchbox this month.

1. Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner

According to the Birchbox Breakdown: The makeup experts at Sumita have created a versatile eyeliner that exceeds all our tough standards: sensational blending abilities, bold colors, and non-irritating formulas. The soft wax formula goes on smooth to create clean lines or can be smudged to smoky perfection. Plus, the long-lasting liner will hold up all day and night.

My Review: I really did not like this product. I loved the color (I got a sapphire blue one) but sadly this product fell short. Halfway through the workday it was running down my face -- not a good look. When I got home it was almost impossible to get off the rest with eye makeup remover. I figured it would be a piece of cake it get off since it had been running so much earlier but sadly it was not. I won't be using the rest of my sample.

2.  COOLA Classic SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face

According to the Birchbox Breakdown: This classic sunblock has everything we want in a daily SPF. The eco-friendly formula is made with 70 percent certified organic ingredients and protects from both UVA rays that lead to premature aging and UVB rays that cause painful burns. Plus, the refreshing cucumber scent gives us yet another reason to love the lightweight formula.

My review: I LOVED this sunscreen! I'm all about organic products (especially for my face and body) and was very excited to get this. I've been really taking extra care with my skin lately and as I've gotten older I now realize how important it is to protect my skin, especially my face. It's super light and non greasy. I easily can put this under my makeup and not notice the difference. I am seriously considering purchasing the full size when my sample runs out. 

3. Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle

According to the Birchbox Breakdown: We tend to gravitate toward products that have as many functions as Imelda Marcos has pairs of shoes. (Okay, that may be a slight exaggeration.) Beauty Protector’s leave-in mist is about as versatile as they come. It conditions, shields from heat and sun damage, and–of course–detangles, among other things. Plus, it’s 100% vegan and suitable for all hair types. 

My review: I wish the sample pump wasn't broken -- I couldn't give this a fair try because nothing would come out of the spray pump. It's really thick so it didn't work well to put some of the product in my hand. It made my hair too weighed down because of the amount of product that I put on it. Sadly I won't be trying the rest of my sample. 

4. Folle de Joie eau de parfum

According to the Birchbox Breakdown: There are two spots that feature prominently in our wanderlust-fueled daydreams: SoCal beaches and Parisian sidewalk cafés. Luckily, we can live vicariously through Joie’s refreshing new fragrance. Folle de Joie, which translates to “crazy with joy,” evokes both the relaxed and playful vibe of California and the seductiveness and refinement of the City of Light. 

My review: I really liked this perfume. The scent is amazing and it's not overpowering at all. I wish the full size was a little cheaper because I would seriously consider purchasing this!

5. Pilot Corporation of America Acroball PureWhite®

According to the Birchbox Breakdown: Jot down all your brilliant ideas with these colorful hybrid ink pens. Featuring gorgeous colors, a retractable tip and a comfy contoured grip, they make writing fashionable again. Choose between assorted 3, 4, or 5 packs.

My review: I didn't mind the pen -- I got a pink one and I've been using it at work for my to-do list and special notes. I wish this was a bonus or extra item instead of replacing a beauty item entirely. I felt like they ran out of samples and threw this one in there. I was expecting a little more from Birchbox this month. 

Overall I was disappointed in this month's box. Three products were major bummers and there was only one product this month that I would consider purchasing. Unless my June box is a major hit, I'm seriously considering canceling my subscription. We shall see! 

Beauty Review: NuMe Classic Curling Wand

I've seen curling wands all over the place but never tried one until recently. What rock have I been living under? My sister used her NuMe curling wand on me when she did my hair for my bachelorette party and I loved the way my hair looked. The curl stayed in all night and it still even held the next day. That never happens to my hair! I knew I had to get one of my own. 

I purchased the 25mm classic curling wand in black. Shipping was extremely quick and I had my wand in a matter of days! The wand also comes with a glove to protect the hand used to curl your hand. Don't be too cool for the glove -- it will save your life. I made the mistake of not using it once and after burning my hand really bad, I'll never make that mistake again. The iron gets really hot really fast so be careful when using the wand.

 

 

I thought it would take longer to curl my hair since you have to wrap each section and hold it for a few seconds but it's actually a lot faster than my other curling iron! I split my hair into three sections (top, middle and bottom) and start with the bottom layer moving up. After all the layers are done I brush out the curls with a paddle brush for a more relaxed wavy look. Finish off with some smoothing serum and hairspray and you're good to go!

I will never go back to my old iron after making this switch. I'm so glad my sister introduced me to this amazing curling wand! Need some help on how to use a wand? Check out these videos on their website!

Have you used a curling wand before? What other beauty tools have you been wanting to try? 

Beauty: Read This Before Purchasing Any New Products!

I recently used a gift certificate for a spa day from my groom. My morning of pampering included a body wrap, massage and a facial. When I was getting my facial she asked me a lot of questions about my current routine and what I wanted to improve about my skin. Not only did I walk away with some great tips but she let me in on an amazing secret: CosmeticsCop.com. 

This website is full of expert and customer reviews on any beauty product you can think of. You can search by brand, product or type of product. 

There is also a TON of advice about specific beauty questions. I'm already hooked and I know I will be using this as a great resource to educate myself on the best way to take care of my skin.  

Search all brands: 

 By a specific product line:

By type of product: 

The next time you're looking to invest in some new skincare or makeup products I highly recommend checking it out! 

Have you used this website or a similar one before purchasing your beauty products? Would negative reviews impact what you purchase?

Review: Benefit Cosmetics Brow Zings

I've loved almost every Benefit Cosmetics product I've tried. The price point is a little more than I typically like to spend, but the product you get is definitely worth it. I have dark thick eyebrows and I love filling them in to make them pop even more. I've tired different products over the years including the Benefit Instant Brow Pencil and have been happy with the results. I was almost out of the brow pencil and decided to give the Brow Zings a try. I knew I could always return it for the pencil if I didn't like it as much. 

My thoughts? I love the Brow Zings! The kit comes with a tinted wax that defines and shapes brows and a setting powder to fill in the gaps. It also comes with small tweezers for stray hairs, a hard angle brush, and a blending brush. You can decide how much product to apply so it can be as natural or dramatic as you want. The wax really helped to keep my brows in place and the setting powder filled them in perfectly. I purchased the medium shade which works perfectly with my brow color.

The price point of $30 is a little steep just for brows but a little product really goes a long way so it will last me a long time. As much as I loved the Instant Brow Pencil, the product was really soft and I would sometimes use a tad too much on my brows - making them much more dramatic and I was wasting a lot of product. I think the Brow Zings is the perfect solution to that problem!

Do you fill in your brows? What are your favorite brow products?

Beauty: Save Tons of Money Instantly!

 

Want to save up to hundreds of dollars a year? I've recently discovered a little trick that may save you a ton of money.

 

I was running out of my BB cream and thought I might be able to get a day more out of my product even though I couldn't squeeze any more out of the tube. I figured it wouldn't hurt anything if I cut the bottle open to see if a little more could be used. To my amazement there was a TON of product left. We're talking at least 2 weeks worth of product (I don't use a ton on my face so this amount will last me a while).

 

I was happy but then got a little upset -- I had been throwing out a ton of product in the past without even trying this easy trick to get more out of the packaging. How much would that even add up to? I know companies need to make money, but creating packaging that allows a ton of product to be trapped inside is such a waste.

 

 

 

I cut the very top off of the tube and scraped what I could reach out into a small clean jar I had laying around. After all of that product was out, I cut the bottle again further down so I could get even more out. I still can't believe how much would have been tossed if I didn't open the tube.

 

Think about it -- there are tons of things I use in liquid form that comes in packaging like that. Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, tons of makeup products, etc. If you did that every single time you could be saving hundreds of dollars a year. It's worth the effort if you ask me!

Have you ever cut open your beauty products to get more out of them? Do you have any other money saving tips to share? We'd love to hear all about it!

Review: Sultra The Seductress Flat Iron

Today I’ll be reviewing The Seductress Flat Iron by Sultra. Sultra is known for its high-tech hair styling tools that actually keep your hair healthy. Their line of hair dryers, curling and flat irons are energy saving tools that save hair from heat damage.

The Seductress is a one-inch flat iron that is capable of straightening, waving and curling hair. It has three different heat settings to accommodate various hair types. It comes with Kyocera® Ceramic Technology, which is designed to provide even heat from root to tip of the hair. Not only that, the technology helps repair and smooth the hair.

Is it possible to love a hair styling tool? If so, then I am loving The Seductress. There are so many great features to tell you about that I’m not sure where to begin. Here are a few things that make this iron great:

• Immediately heats up: after switching the iron on, you won’t wait more than 30 seconds until it’s completely heated up and ready to use. The iron will even beep to alert you when it’s ready. Gone are the days of plugging in your iron and doing your makeup while you wait. 
• Various heat settings: because I have fine hair, it’s great to have a heat styling tool that can be set at the perfect temperature for me. The three settings are designed for diverse hair types: fine (370°F), normal (380°F) or thick (395°F) hair. This helps prevent hair damage. 
• Swivel cord: there’s nothing more frustrating with hair styling tools than when the cord gets tangled so badly that you can’t undo it. The Seductress has a long cord, which means you’ll have plenty of slack when using the iron on all parts of your hair, and it comes with a swivel cord. The part of the cord that meets the base of the iron is capable of turning 360 degrees, so there’s never any risk of the cord becoming tangled.
• Auto shut off: have you ever accidentally left a heat styling tool on? No need to worry if you do—The Seductress will turn off if left alone for 30 minutes.
• Iron pad: the iron comes with a pad that can help protect your countertop from heat. It can also be used to wrap your iron to throw in your travel bag. 

These are some of the great features that make this flat iron special. But, what about the actual styling results? The iron really is capable of straightening, waving and curling hair. After styling, my hair feels extremely smooth and looks shiny and healthy. All it takes is one pass through each section of my hair to get a good result. I’ve also noticed that my hair holds whichever style I choose to do all day long.

Here are a few looks I’ve done on myself:

This iron comes with a hefty price tag ($210), but the results are spectacular! The Seductress is a versatile and quality product—I’ve been using it every day. Have you tried The Seductress? What’s your favorite heat styling tool? 

Beauty: Our BEST Drugstore Find Yet!

So, I feel like a complete fool. I've been paying 3 - 4 times as much as I should have been for under eye concealer. Yes. 3 - 4 TIMES more. I was skeptical that a inexpensive drugstore product would meet if not exceed  expensive designer brands until I tried the e.l.f Studio Under Eye Concealer & Highlighter. This product is AMAZING and ... only $3. Yes, seriously, $3.  

The consistency is very similar to more expensive brands, it doesn't dry me out or settle into my fine lines around my eyes. It blends perfectly into my skin and doesn't make it obvious that I'm trying to conceal major under eye issues.

I first use the highlighter after applying my tinted moisturizer or foundation and dab it in a triangle shape under my eye (read Adrianne's post here about how to apply under eye concealer correctly). Once that is blended I follow the same routine with the concealer. 

I blend both together and am left with a healthy glow and zero dark circles in sight. The highlighter works great on other areas of my face that I want to highlight too such as my nose, eyebrow arch and forehead.

I can't rave enough about this very inexpensive amazing product. Have $3? I urge you to check this out! I purchased mine at Target but you can also buy this brand on their website.

Do you have any inexpensive drugstore finds that you love? Leave them in the comments!