May Favorites!

I decided to do a post to chronicle some of my favorite beauty products each month, so here's my first! These are some of my favorite products right now. Some may not be make up related...but anyway.... I'll list the prices of everything at the end of each description.

MAC Pro Palette

I ordered a MAC Pro Palette this week. They've changed up their palettes and now how some that are bigger, but they are double sided (they have single sided ones, but they've been sold out) and there's a clear plastic thing that keeps each side separated. You order inserts for each side. You can order one eyeshadow/one blush, two eyeshadow, two blush....whatever combo you want. I ordered one of each. So one side has blush and the other has eyeshadow. I have never used MAC eyeshadow because I typically buy everything at Sephora and they don't carry MAC, but I am now a MAC junkie! I love love LOVE their eye shadow! It goes on so smoothly and just looks so well blended on my eyes! You have to order the pro palette and the eyeshadows/blushes from the MAC website because they are Pro products...unless you have a MAC store (not a counter in Dillards or Nordstrom...an actual store) near you. There aren't many that I know of. The closest to me is in Nashville. I ordered my stuff online and it got here a day earlier than what the UPS delivery notification said, so I was stoked! You can buy the pro palette in a smaller size (some that hold 4 shadows) but I went ahead and ordered the big one that holds shadows and  blushes. I haven't filled them up yet, but I'm getting there! This is my palette. Excuse the pic...I have shadow dust all over the compact...but I just wanted to show you what it looks like!

On the left I have (top to bottom) Emphasize, which I use under my eyes as a highlighter over my concealer. It is described as a "microfine shaping powder" which is more subtle than a highlighter. It is an "off white shade with fine pearl." I like it under my eyes to highlight without being shimmery. Under that is a new blush I bought called Melba. It is described as a "matte soft coral-peach." It is very subtle and summery! I have another MAC blush that is in a compact that I'm going to depot and put in here later.

On the right I have my (messy) shadows. I'm going to list the colors I have from left to right/top to bottom. Far left: Cork (muted golden brown), Swiss Chocolate (muted reddish-brown), Shroom (soft beige with shimmer), Wedge (soft muted beige taupe), Soft Brown (soft golden peachy-brown). Center: Coquette (muted greyish-taupe....looks like army green to me....). Far right: Sketch (burgundy with red shimmer), Satellite Dreams (plum with violet pearl), and Indian Ink (deep eggplant). I have a lot of browns....I know. I chose some colors that a youtube guru that I love, Jaclyn Hill, suggested you get when starting a palette. Her youtube channel is Jaclynhill1, and I suggest EVERYONE watch her videos! They are so awesome!

MAC Pro Palette Large Duo (empty) $25.00
MAC x15 Eyeshadow Insert $9.00
MAC x6 Blush Insert $9.00
MAC Eyeshadow Palette Refill Pans $12.00 each
MAC Powder Blush Palette Refill Pans $17.00 each 
MAC Shaping Powder Refill Pans $16.50 (the color Emphasize listed above)


MAC Paint Pot in Painterly

I also bought a MAC Paint Pot in Painterly ($18.50), which is like an nude beige eyeshadow base. I'm not sure if it will be as awesome as my Urban Decay Primer Potion, but I've heard awesome reviews so I decided to give it a try.

MAC Fix+

One last thing that I love from MAC is their Fix Plus (Fix+) ($21.50) make up setting spray. I spray it on after I have finished applying all of my make up other than my mascara, and it gives me a dewy finish. You can also spritz it throughout the day to freshen your makeup.  I really was skeptical at first, but I really think it's been setting my makeup well.

 On to other products....

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

I have seriously oily skin. Like oil trough oily. Like "rub your finger down my face and you will remove all of my makeup" nasty oily. I've tried many different moisturizer, some with a HEFTY price tag, but never saw results and my skin just kept getting oilier, so I quit using them. But unfortunately....what they say about oily skin not getting wrinkles is NOT TRUE. So I had to start using a moisturizer again. My friend Jolene told me about Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, ($14.00) and I decided to try it, and OMG THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Jolene! Not only has it help control my oily skin, but it has also helped my complexion so much! This is THE BEST moisturizer I've tried, and let me tell you, I've tried them ALL. I've used some that were $100 a bottle, recommended by Sephora workers (I've learned that they really don't know any more about ANYTHING than I do walking in that store, so they just sell you whatever the hell they want...) but none of them compare to this. I highly recommend it for my oily sistas! Make sure it is the GEL if you're oily. The other lotion is way too heavy.

Clinique Repair Wear Laser Focus Eye Cream

I've started getting those dreaded under eye wrinkles.....so I did some research for the "best" under eye cream, and this was what I found, Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus ($43.50). I really love it! It is pricey, but a little goes a long way. I have been using it for about 3 months and I've barely even used the surface. I don't know how much wrinkle correcting is going on, but I've noticed that my wrinkles aren't as noticeable as they were, so I guess it's doing something. It also helps some with my bags...but sleep actually helps those more. Ha.

Crossfit Natural State 

I told you it wouldn't be all makeup! My last May Favorite is the Crossfit box I've started going to here, Crossfit Natural State (see website for prices). I finished On Ramp last week, and I was THE ONLY ONE in my class to finish! Yay me! It is so hard, and sometimes so confusing, but I feel so much better, and after all the before/after pictures I've seen online, I knew I had to try it. My friend Melanie has been telling me to start for a year, and I'm so glad I finally did. Thanks, Mel!!! Not only do I get a great workout, the people there are great, too! After a not-so-awesome stint at another workout place where I got burnt out and also felt....well....I just won't go into that....this is such a great atmosphere! I love it! If you're in the area, you really should check it out!

So, these are my May Favorites. I should be getting my Birchbox, Ipsy Glam Bag, and my Julep Maven subscriptions in soon. I'm cancelling the Julep Maven though, because I really don't need any more nail polish. But it is a great subscription service. I just don't need it. I also signed up for GlossyBox, which is another sample box. Lots of my friends cancelled their Birchbox subscriptions because they've been sub par lately. I think GlossyBox has more high end items. It's a little more a month price wise, but if I get something other than a frickin tea bag or Luna Bar (I'm pointing to you, Birchbox) then I'll happily pay a little more.

Later, Lovelies! XOXO


On a

May 2013 Birchbox and May 2013 Ipsy Glam Bag Reviews

I received both my Birchbox and Glam Bag on the same day this month! (I love when that happens!!!) I was really pleased with both of them this month! I wasn't pleased with my Birchbox at first, but I have grown to love it after trying the products. Ipsy really came through this month after a disappointing April bag. I've tried all of these products, so let's start with Birchbox!  PS: I know my pictures are less than stellar this month....but with soccer, crossfit, work, home life, a family....etc, etc, etc....I really didn't have time to take pics of each product and edit them, post them, etc. It really takes a long time to do that. Longer than you probably think, especially since I have to have everything JUST RIGHT on here. LOL So forgive me this month. When school is out and I have more free time, I'll do better. Oh and a quick reminder....if you want to subscribe to any of these monthly boxes, just leave me a message with your email address and I'll refer you! Another reminder, if you do receive the Birchbox subscription, remember to go online to the website, log in, and click on the link that says "BOX" and review each of your products for points toward Birchbox bucks! Each review earns you 10 points, and each $1 you purchase from Birchbox receives a point. When you reach 100 points you will get $10 off your next purchase.

May Birchbox

1. Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner
I received this eyeliner in a dark blue color....I was like....what the heck??? I don't wear blue eyeliner or eyeshadow....but I decided to try it out anyway. It went on like a DREAM. It really (texture wise) gives my UD eyeliner a run for it's money. The blue that I received was called Raina, but it's not available for sale anymore for some reason. I guess it was really popular, because it was available a few days ago. Anyway....they have some basic colors like dark grey, black, and brown, but they really seem to love, LoVe, LOVE green. There are several green shades: lime green (yikes...), olive green, and dark green. I'm not sure if there are any other colors they make that just aren't available via Birchbox due to being sold out because I can't seem to find a direct website for this brand. These sell at Birchbox (link above) for $11. I was a little disappointed though that the point to the pencil was already broken when I opened it, so I had to sharpen it from the get go. Other than that, I like the texture of this and I might order the black to try out when I get enough Birchbox points.

2. Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle
I was excited to see this product, especially after my friend Jolene told me how wonderful it smelled...and she wasn't kidding! It smells like HEAVEN, just like she said! It also works, too!!! It not only makes my hair smell fantastic, it also makes it so soft. I swear that after I blow dry it my hair feels like cotton candy! (Kind of smells like it, too! I can't quite pinpoint the scent...marshmallow vanilla cotton candy deliciousness....) This product not only detangles, but it also protects your hair from heat, UV rays, sun damage, and did I mention it smell fantastic??? My pump bottle didn't work, so I'm having to open the lid and just put it in my hands and directly onto my hair, which isn't a big deal. I plan on purchasing this in the near future, when my other heat protectant/conditioning products are out! You can purchase it from Birchbox at the link above for $21.95.

3.  COOLA Classic SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face
I've tried lots of SPF products and usually use a Peter Thomas Roth one when I'm not using my BB Cream that already has SPF, but this one might be my new go to SPF product. It's light and doesn't feel like sunscreen, which is awesome since I have really oily skin that loves to break out into zits well into my 30s... Boo. This is really light and doesn't clog my pores....well, not yet at least. It contains evening primrose, which is one of my favorite scents/ingredients, so that's a plus. If you're looking for a light sunscreen for your face, you should try this one. It sells for $32.00, which seems steep, but a little goes a long way.

4.  Folle de Joie Eau de Parfum
The dreaded perfume sample....I hate perfume samples!!!!! However....this one actually smells really nice and I've used it several times! It didn't go into the perfume sample limbo box I have in the bathroom with all of my rejected perfume samples! It smells light and fresh and flowery. The only disappointing thing is the price...$98.00. Sheesh!!!

5.  Pilot Inkpen
This isn't available for purchase through Birchbox, but you can find them at Target or Walmart. I received the pink pen. I like it. I love pink, so that was pretty cool. There's a coupon for $1 off on the card that the pen came on, so if you want to buy the pens, don't forget that. I really have nothing else to say about it...it's a pink pen. The end.


May Ipsy Glam Bag

Look at that chevron bag!!! Super cute!!!  This one is going into my purse! I love this bag! Okay...products...This month was titled "Spring Fling." All things springy. I received an extra product this month for being a "loyal subscriber." YES!!! It was the Urban Decay Shadow. I'll get to that shortly.  I'm going to add all the coupon codes for the Ipsy products at the end of each entry...I never really thought about doing that before, but you may as well save some cash if you want to try these products! At the very end I will add coupon codes for products I didn't receive in my bag but were sent to other subscribers.

1.  Zoya Polish in Blu
I'm not a fan of Zoya polishes. I have several, and I really only like the sheer shades. The opaque shades, like the one I received, go on thick and rubbery to me. You know...the kind of polish that even after hours of drying can become dented if you press something against your nail. It's just like liquid rubber. These are also not very shiny and require a topcoat. I have even reapplied my topcoat daily to some shades because they just become so matte and rubbery. I love the sheer shades I have because they don't have that same formula as the rubbery shades, but they still require a really shiny topcoat. Zoya polishes are vegan, so I'm assuming that may be why the formula is whacky. But, if you're into vegan crap, then Zoya is for you. They sell for $8.00.  Oh...also...I didn't like this shade at all. Way too baby blue for me. Gross. Giving it away, so if you want it....holla. (If I have to mail it, you must pay shipping ahead of time....)

COUPON CODE: Buy any 2 polishes and get 1 free, plus a free polish remover and $5 shipping. Enter IPSYZ at checkout.

2.  NuMe Finishing Serum
I've seen a lot of YouTubers talking about NuMe hair products, especially their curling wands. I don't own any, but I'm considering purchasing one to try out. They have killer coupon codes, some saving over $100 when you purchase more than one wand at a time, so google that if interested. This hair serum helps with frizz and helps combat humidity, which is great in the south. It also really makes my hair shiny. However.....I just feel like I've been getting these hair serums left and right lately and they all seem to work the same way, so I honestly can't tell you if this is better than any of the others I use. It does smell pretty good, though. You can buy it directly from NuMe (link above) for $29.00.

COUPON CODE:  Receive 60% off any single product. Enter IPSY60 at checkout.

3. Mirabella Colour Sheers Lipstick
This lipstick says it is sheer, and it is very sheer. I received the color Daydream which is a purple/pink shade. I was skeptical at first, but it went on very sheer, so the color wasn't too crazy. It is smooth and lightweight, which also means it doesn't have much staying power. I wasn't overly impressed with it, probably because I have lots of lipsticks I already love. It's available for $22.00 at the above link.

COUPON CODE: Receive 50% off Colour Sheer Lipstick. Enter IPSY50 at chekcout.
COUPON CODE: Receive 30% off any other product. Enter IPSY30 at checkout.

4.  Juice Beauty Light Reflecting Gloss
This brand offers authentic organic makeup and skin care, so if you're looking for organic beauty products, you should definitely check them out. They're products are definitely organic and DEFINITELY smell organic. I am NOT a fan of this gloss. I received the shade Champagne which should have been called CLEAR with a hint of shimmer...I tried it out and I just can't get past the smell, especially since it was on my mouth. Blech. But, before you make up your mind, read the raving reviews on their website, because everyone else loves it. Maybe I just got an old gloss or something...I don't know. I just think it stinks. Their products smell like plants. Probably because they are made from plants...ha. These are available for $22.00, but I suggest finding a store and trying them out before purchasing them online. But as I said above, if you are into organic products, you will love this line! It's just not for me.  Alicia Silverstone is a big fan of these products and even has her own line within this brand, so you can wear these with confidence if you enjoy bird-feeding your baby. If you don't know what I'm talking about....lucky you. LOL

COUPON CODE: Receive 20% off any purchase of $30 or more. Enter IPSY20 at checkout.

5.  Yaby Concealer in Buff
I was really excited to get this tiny pan of concealer to put in my GlamRX Z-Palette I received a few bags ago, and I love the formula, but it is WAY TOO LIGHT for my skintone. Boo. These little refill pans are currently $5.06 (weird...) at Camera Ready Cosmetics. This site sells lots of different brands and products, such as Beauty Blender blending sponges, Yaby, Z-Palette (check those out via that link...they're really cool),
and many more. This little concealer refill would have been perfect if it had been in the right shade.

COUPON CODE: Receive 20% off your purchase. Enter ipsyluvsyabycc20 at checkout.

6.  Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow (bonus item)
I was super stoked for this bonus item!!! I love Urban Decay, so that made it even better! I received the shade Glitter Rock, which is a metallic pink with pink 3D sparkle (although I would call it purple...) Initially I was afraid to try this because it is an intense pink (again...I say purple) shade with intense glitter and I thought it would go on like BAM GLITTER IN YO FACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But it doesn't. It really doesn't give any color at all. It just gives a pretty glitter shimmer on the eye. I don't recommend using this product all over the eye, unless you like that sort of look or are in 6th grade, but I used it in the outer corner of my eyes over a deep purple shadow and over a black shadow, and it really turned out pretty. It does have a lot of fall out (glitter falls below your eye) so use a light hand when putting it on your brush and an even lighter hand when applying it to your eye. And, if you don't already, you should always put on your eyeshadow BEFORE you put on any foundation, that way if you have any fallout, you can wipe it away with a makeup wipe without risking ruining your foundation. You should make it a habit to put your shadow on first anyway, even if you don't use glitter. Also, with this glitter and with any shadow really, it's important to use an eyeshadow base to help prevent fallout and to prevent your shadow from creasing in the eyelid. Shadow primers also help the shadows look better and stay on all day. I have a previous entry about my favorite eyeshadow primers.

NO COUPON CODE for Urban Decay. Boo.

Other Coupon Codes:
Receive 20% off your entire purchase at Pacifica Perfume. Enter Beauty20 at checkout. (lotions, perfumes, etc)
Receive 20% off your entire purchase at St. Tropez Tan.  Enter Ipsy20 at checkout. (self tanning products...they're amazing by the way...)


Well, I hope you've enjoyed this entry. For some reason I feel like a Negative Nancy, even though overall I loved both of these this month. Please follow my blog via Blovlovin' or join this blog. Also, find me on Facebook and Instagram! (Currently my Instagram is private...I'm going to make a public Instagram for this blog soon.) XOXO, Jenni D

New Sample Subsctiption! Julep Maven~ May 2013 Box

I haven't posted in a long time! Sorry about that! I have been really busy with work, soccer, and I just started Crossfit, so I'm always on the run it seems. I wanted to share with you my newest subscription I'm receiving, which is Julep, a nail polish/nail care subscription that is $19.99 + 3.99 shipping/handling a month, which makes me what they call a Julep Maven. You get three full size products each month. FULL SIZE!!!!! Their nail color is toxin free, which is their trademark. I received a code from them, making my first box free, so I decided to try it out. When you sign up, you take a short quiz to help determine which nail polishes will best suit your personality, but if you don't like what they choose for you, you can elect a different box. Based on my quiz, I received the "Classic with a Twist" starter box, and I decided to keep that box rather than choose a different one. In this box I received two full size polishes, a sample of their nail polish remover, a nail file, and a full size Glycolic Hand Scrub. The polishes I received were Debra, a smokey taupe creme, and Natalie, a honeysuckle pink creme. The Glycolic Hand Scrub is described as a "double exfoliating treatment that will reveal softer and younger hands after one use." With your Maven subscription you can receive it yourself, send your monthly box to a friend for a birthday or special occasion, or even skip the month (and not pay) if you don't want to receive a box that month. You can also cancel at any time. I have not tried any of these products yet, so I can't give you a review, but I still wanted to share it with you tonight. I'm going to paint my nails with one of the colors tonight and I'll give a quick review tomorrow of application, formula, etc.

Julep

 The Pretty Packaging Inside

 

 Glycolic Hand Scrub

This is a full size product. It's formulated with apricot seeds. I can't wait to try it!

Natalie and Debra Polishes

I was having a hard time getting the true colors of these polishes, so I snatched a few pics of them from the internet, too, to help show you the colors.  The colors are Natalie and Debra, respectively.

Nail File and Sample of Polish Remover

I'm not sure why there's the black on the side of the polish bottles...maybe it's a trademark of some sort. I will post an actual review after I've tried the products out! I just was too excited not to share this with you!

I also wanted to say thanks to all my new followers on BlogLovin! Please pass on my page to your friends! 

XOXO, Jenni D