September 2016 Favorites

Hey y'all! It's finally time for another monthly favorites, and I'm so thrilled that it's time for some fall makeup/beauty looks. As I mentioned in my last favorites blog post, fall is quite possibly my most favorite season all of time. I just love deep, vampy makeup looks. My only complaint is that the weather hasn't been very "fall-like" yet. Here in Georgia, it will continue to feel like summer until around November. However, this will not stop me and my love for fall-time looks. Anyone else feel my pain? 

Anyways, enough with all this chit chat, let's get to the product I've been loving for the month of September!

1.) Morphe 35F Fall Into Frost Palette- $22.99

Does this palette not scream fall? I ordered this back in July, and I've been saving it for the start of fall, because I just knew that it would be perfect. It has 35 beautiful shades in it, with 28 shimmer shade and 7 matte shades. I can use just this palette to do any eye look, without having to supplement from another palette. It's mainly warm tone shadows, with a few cool toned ones thrown in there, as well. The shadows are highly pigmented, and easy to blend. I love it!!!

Here are a few of the shadows swatched above. I'm so in love!!

2.) Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash- $22

I adore this face wash. It's designed for combination skin, and even though I'm a oily skin girl, I love this stuff. It's cleanses my skin so well, without making it feel overly dry. I love how it has a nice lather to it, and the scent is amazing. My face feels squeaky clean after using it. I'm nearly out of it, which breaks my heart; however, I will definitely be purchasing more of it!

3.) CoverGirl The Super Sizer Mascara- $6.99

For a drugstore mascara, this stuff is the bomb.com! When you first look at the wand, you'll probably think, "This will definitely not do anything for my lashes!"; however, you're wrong. This stuff is like magic. I don't know how it does it, but it gives my lashes so much length and volume!! It doesn't flake through out the day either, which is a huge plus. Also, the price is fantastic! If you haven't tried this out, I would definitely do so.

See what I mean about the wand?! It's tiny, but it does such a great job of lengthening my lashes, and giving me the volume that I love!

4.) Lorac Color Source Buildable Blushes- $22/piece

I actually ordered these when Ulta had them on sale for their 21 days of beauty event. After receiving them in the mail, I fell in love with the colors and the formula! They are nice and pigmented; however, you can build them up to a perfect color. They blend easily onto the cheeks, too! I purchased 4 of them, and I love them all! These are the only blushes that I have used this month. 

Aren't these colors gorgeous?! I love how nice and creamy the formula is! These are swatches of the shades spectra, technicolor, prism, and tinge!

Alright everyone, those are my favorites for the month of September! Let me know in the comments section below if you have tried any of these products, and if you loved them just as much as I did. Also, let me know if you have discovered any favorites this month. I love trying out new products!

Lorac Mega PRO 3 Palette Swatch and Review

 Hey ya'll! I recently received the Lorac Mega PRO 3 Palette in the mail, and after posting about it online, numerous people asked for a swatch/review of it. So of course, I HAD to provide. When I saw that Lorac was coming out with this, I literally stalked the Ulta.com website until it was available. Luckily it was made available to platinum rewards members a few days before it officially launches. This product will be available on the Ulta website to all buyers on October 2, and after reading this, if you think you may want it, I would suggest getting it. These palettes ALWAYS sell out. Anyways, enough with all this rambling, let's get to the good stuff!

When I opened up the box, this was what I was presented with. I personally love the white packaging with rose gold detailing. It's classy and sophisticated! 

Upon opening up the palette, you'll note that there is a large mirror, with 32 matte/shimmer shadows. Keeping with the traditional layout of the other Lorac Mega PRO palettes, the Mega PRO 3 has two top areas of matte shades and two bottom areas of shimmer/metallic shades. I love eye shadow shades like the ones in this palette! You can achieve SO many different looks with it!

When I was doing swatches from this palette, I decided to do regular finger swatches, and then do swatches on top of a eye shadow primer. So let's get down to the nitty gritty, and see what this palette has to offer, shall we?

From bottom to top, the colors shown are:

Pink Cream (matte), Tan (matte), Pecan (matte), Walnut (matte), Dusty Mauve (matte), Violet Gray (matte), Eggplant (matte), Dark Navy (matte). These swatches are done with the Smashbox 24 Hours Photo Finish Eyeshadow Primer underneath. 

The picture shown above are the same shadows from the previous picture, but WITHOUT a eyeshadow primer underneath. 

From bottom to top the colors shown are:

Crépe (matte), Toffee (matte), Mist (matte), Vintage (matte), Hickory (matte), Maple (matte), Bark (matte), Jet Black (matte). Again, these swatches are done with the Smashbox primer underneath. 

The picture shown above are the same shadows from the previous picture, but WITHOUT a primer underneath. 

After swatching all of the matte shades, I did notice that they tended to "kick-up" the most fall-out, because they are so soft and buttery. I'm not usually the type of person that cares too much about that. I will simply do my eye makeup first, before doing the rest of my face. 

Now let's swatch the bottom two rows, which are all shimmers!

From bottom to top, the colors shown are:

Snow (shimmer), Cava (shimmer), Cider (shimmer), Bellini (shimmer), Brown Sugar (shimmer), Sequoia (shimmer), Glacier (shimmer), Deep Fog (shimmer). Again, these swatches are done with the Smashbox primer underneath.

The shadows shown above are the same from the previous picture, but WITHOUT a primer underneath.

From bottom to top, the colors shown are:

Tulle (shimmer), Pink Bronze (shimmer), Rust (shimmer), Rose Quartz (shimmer), Olive (shimmer), Dark Roast (shimmer), Pomegranate (shimmer), Licorice (shimmer). These swatches are shown with the Smashbox primer underneath. 

The colors shown above are the same from the previous picture, WITHOUT a shadow primer underneath. 

After swatching and playing with this palette, I've decided that I LOVE it just as I love the Mega PRO 2 palette. The Lorac shadows are some of the best ones out there right now, in my opinion. I did notice, especially with the top two matte rows, the shadows do have some fall-out. However, this is something that I can personally look past, since the colors are so pigmented, and easy to blend. There is still some fall-out with the shimmer shades, as well; however, I didn't feel as though it was as much, as with the matte shades. 

You will definitely want to use some sort of eyeshadow primer underneath these, as the color pay off will be even better; however, this is the case with just about every single eyeshadow out there. 

As I previously mentioned, these palettes sell out rather quickly every time they drop, so if the above swatches speak to you like they do me, I would hop on that makeup train, and snatch this beauty up. The official release date, once again, is October 2 on the Ulta.com website, and it will be available for $59.

I mentioned the Lorac Mega PRO 2 in my March favorites earlier this year, which can be found here. I, unfortunately, do not own the Lorac Mega PRO 1, so I am unable to provide any insight into how it is compared to the other two palettes. 

Alright everyone, that is it for this swatch and review. Let me know what you think in the comments section below. Also, let me know if there are any other palettes/beauty items that you would like to see featured here on my blog.

Boxycharm September 2016 Unboxing

Welcome back everyone! It's time, once again, for another Boxycharm unboxing. For those that don't know, Boxycharm is a $21/month beauty subscription service that sends 5-6  FULL SIZE beauty products each month. Nearly every box has a total value of over $100 worth of product in it. They also offer a rewards program where you can earn full sized products for free. This box does lean more towards the makeup side of beauty; however, they do include skincare/haircare, as well. Keep reading below to see what I received this month. This post does contain referral links. 

This was, hands down, the BEST Boxycharm that I have ever received. 

1.) Studio Makeup On-The-Go Eye Shadow Palette- $49.95

When I saw that subscribers would be receiving this item in their box this month, my inner eye shadow hoarder was doing some major cartwheels. I love this palette! It is absolutely gorgeous, and it's perfect for fall makeup looks. The shimmers are so soft and buttery, and the mattes are highly pigmented, as well. Many people are saying that it trumps the Ky-Shadow palette that just recently launched! Did y'all love this as much as I do? Let me know! 

Swatches of the Studio Makeup Palette.

2.) Pur Cosmetics Hydrating Lip Lacquer- $22

I received mine in the shade Fiery, and it's a beautiful, rich red color. While this isn't particular the first color I would have picked for myself, the formula on this is amazing! It's HIGHLY pigmented, and goes on the lips so easily. I applied it around 1 p.m., and it was still going strong around 7 p.m. And that was after having dinner!!! I definitely plan on purchasing the other colors available in this line! What color did you receive in your box this month?

Swatches of the Pur Lip Lacquer.

3.) Hikari Cosmetics Eyeliner in Raven- $13

While I have an already insane amount of eyeliners in my collection, I love when subscription services send them, because you can never have enough, in my opinion. Eyeliner is one of the items I go through the quickest, so I love having back-ups. This particular one is nice and creamy, and it glides on easily without tugging on my eyes. It didn't fade throughout the day either. 

Swatches of the Hikari eyeliner.

4.) Project Beauty Hairgurt- Smoothing Yogurt Hair Masque- $11

This was probably my least favorite item in this month's box, and that's saying something, because I still liked it. It claims it smells like strawberry banana, but to me, it smelled like cherry which is still nice. The scent lasted on my hair all day, and it did help smooth my hair; however, it wasn't as moisturizing as I would have liked. 

5.) Butter London Trend Nail Lacquer in Yummy Mummy- $15

This nail color is beautiful and perfect for fall! It's opaque with just two coats, and I love that it has a slight shimmer to it. It applied easily, and has held up well for the past two days with no chipping. 

Yummy Mummy on my nails.

The overall value of this month's box is $110.95!!! I say it every month, but I will say it again, I don't know how Boxycharm does it!! How did you like the box this month? Let me know in the comments section below. For those that aren't currently subscribed, there is still time to get this month's box. Just follow the link below to get started today!

https://boxycharm.com/refer/Katie-NXJHUJFS

October 2016 Ipsy FULL SPOILERS!!!

Full spoilers for the October 2016 Ipsy glam bag are now up everyone! Take a look at all the possibilities for next month!

Here is the bag for the month of October:

And here are the items you can expect to see!

What items are you hoping to get in your glam bag? Let me know in the comments below. If you aren't already subscribed, now is the time to sign up to ensure you get the October bag! Click the link below to get started today!

https://www.ipsy.com/new?cid=p_share_ref&sid=link&refer=vhsxq

Play! By Sephora October 2016 Theme Spoiler

Hello everyone! The Play! by Sephora October theme has finally been announced on their website! For those that don't know,  Play! by Sephora is a $10/month beauty and makeup subscription service. They send 6 samples each month, along with a PLAY! BOOK of tips and tricks and a PLAY! PASS for in-store learning. You can take the PLAY! PASS into any Sephora store, and use it to earn an additional 50 points with any purchases made. There is a waiting list to join; however, it does open up for everyone from time to time. Just continue to check in, and add your email address to be notified once it does!

The theme for the month of October is "Cool Cuts" and Play! By Sephora will be bringing innovative formulas and indie finds with a selection of the coolest must-have products to all subscribers. 

What products are you hoping for this month? Let me know in the comments section below. Also, continue to check in periodically, as I will post new spoilers here as they become available. 

Birchbox October 2016 Sample Choice Reveals

 Hello everyone! It's almost time to pick your sample for the October Birchbox.  The theme this month is "Revive and Restore". Continue reading below to find out what samples you can pick from. This post contains referral links.

The three sample choice options for October include: 

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask

Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant

Juice Beauty Cleansing Milk

The featured box for the month of October is shown below.

The items included in this box are:

Avene Hydrance Optimale Hydrating Cream RICH

GLAMGLOW POWERMUD Dualcleanse Treatment

Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

Make Silk Cream Lipstick in Magnolia

The Birchbox Plus Add-ons for the month of October are shown below:

You can continue to place Add-ons to your order until September 30th. Sample choice selection will be September 27th. What do you think of all these choices?

For new subscribers:

Uses code NATURALEYE to receive a free Well People Expressionist  Mascara with your first Birchbox!

 If you aren't already signed up for Birchbox, click the link below to get started today.

https://www.birchbox.com/invite/katiebb

Play! By Sephora September Unboxing

Hello everyone! It's finally time for my Play! by Sephora unboxing for the month of September. Play! by Sephora is a $10/month beauty and makeup subscription service. They send 6 samples each month, along with a PLAY! BOOK of tips and tricks, and a PLAY! PASS for in-store learning. You can take the PLAY! PASS into any Sephora store, and use it to earn an additional 50 points with any purchases made. There is a waiting list to join; however, it does open up for everyone from time to time. Just continue to check in, and add your email address to be notified once it does! 

The theme this month is "The Unbasic Basics". Continue reading below to find out what I received this month.

1.) Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper

I have used this liner in the past, and actually just featured it in my August beauty favorites (check it out here). I love this liner, because it makes doing a winged liner so simple. It's a nice, rich black, and it lasts all day long without fading. I'm happy to have received a back up! Swatches are below.

2.) Sephora Collection Rouge Shine Lipstick in Love Spell

I've used some of the Sephora Collection items in the past, but I had never tried their shine lipsticks before. At first glance, this is a color that I wouldn't normally reach for. I prefer more mauve, berry, or nude shades. This is more of a barbie pink color. It also took quite a bit to build it up to the opacity that I like. It is very shiny and moisturizing though. I may order some of these in different shades to try them out more. Swatches are below. 

Above are swatches of the Kat Von D liner, and the Sephora lipstick. 

3.) Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel

I have been wanting to try this for a while now, and I'm so happy to have received a sample in my Play! box this month. I've heard great things about this brow gel, and after trying it out for myself, I can see why everyone loves it. It holds my brow hairs in place all day, and it doesn't move around any product that I have on underneath it. It does have a strong smell to it, but it does fade after a few minutes. 

4.) Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation

This is another product that I have tried in the past. I received it in a Voxbox from Influenster which I reviewed here. I never noticed a difference in my skin after using it the first time; however, it didn't break me out like a lot of other moisturizers can do. I may actually pass this along to someone else, since I've tried it before and didn't love it. 

5.) Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Night Cap Overnight Perfector

I am really looking forward to using this product. The fact that it claims to give you a full five days of softness and shine, even when washing your hair, intrigues me. You apply it at night on damp or dry hair, and just wash your hair the next morning. It claims to be fast-absorbing, and safe for color-treated hair, too. Sounds pretty amazing to me. If you have used this before, let me know in the comments section below what you thought about it. 

6.) Atelier Cologne Sud Magnolia

I actually really like this perfume! It has top notes of bitter orange, pomelo, and blackcurrant. Middle notes of magnolia, bulgarian rose, and saffron. Base notes of cedarwood, sandalwood, and musk. I love perfumes with a citrus scent, and this one definitely does it for me. I just wish this sample would have come with a spray applicator. I hate it when perfume samples don't have that. 

That's everything that I received in my September Play! by Sephora box. Did we receive the same things? If so, how did you like the items this month? Let me know in the comments section below.