November 2016 Favorites

Hey y'all! It's once again time for another monthly favorites, and I have to say that for the month of November, I didn't have as many favorites as I normally do. Part of that is because I have been working on a Project Pan, and I'm trying to work through some of my beauty items that have been collecting dust.  If you are interested in learning more about what a Project Pan is, and what I'm panning, than let me know in the comments section below. Otherwise, keep on reading to find out what items I have been loving this month. 

1.) Chella Tantalizing Taupe Eyebrow Pencil -$18

I actually received this product in my March Boxycharm, and I have been using it off and on since receiving it; however, I really dedicated myself to using it this month. 

I was able to use it up completely this month, which I hate because I really do like this eyebrow pencil. It matches my brows perfectly and it's super easy to use. The formula isn't too hard or waxy either. My only complaint would be that it doesn't have a spoolie built into it; however, I recently found out that Chella sells a brow pencil with a spoolie, so I will definitely be checking that out!

There was just a little bit of product left for me to do a small swatch for y'all. 

2.) Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder -$23

This is by far the BEST setting powder out there. I had this little size sitting in my collection for a while now, because I have mainly been using the Kat Von D setting powder, but I decided to switch back to this one for a little bit. I have no idea why I ever stopped using this. I love it. 

This was another product that I used up this month, and it makes me so sad that I don't have it anymore. It makes my face look airbrushed and beautiful. My makeup stays in place all day when I set it with this. I will definitely be repurchasing this one!

3.) Sephora Collection Color Switch by Vera Mona Brush Cleaner -$18

I bought this on a whim, thinking that it sounded like a great idea, because I hate to say it, cleaning my brushes is a pain in the neck. This makes it so much easier for me. Especially if I want to use the same brush for different colors. It takes all of the powder off of my brushes, and it's actually really easy to clean. I would definitely recommend any makeup lover getting their hands on this!

4.) Anastasia Beverly Hills Master Palette by Mario

I reviewed this palette back in October, and at the time I said that it wasn't worth the money; however, it was in my rotation to use this month, and I ended up falling in love with it. 

The colors are all so beautiful and pigmented, and they blend so easily. A lot of the colors are very similar, but they are different in their own way. I believe this has sold out in most places, because I wasn't able to find it online. However, if you come across this in a local Ulta or Sephora, I would now say that you need to snatch this baby up. My full swatch and review of this palette can be found here. 

Alright everyone, those are all of my favorites for the month of November! What products were you loving this month? Let me know in the comments section below, and also be sure to follow me so you don't miss out on future posts!!

Play! by Sephora December 2016 Theme Spoiler

Hello everyone! The Play! by Sephora December 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 December is "The Partygoers". It will include makeup, skin care, and hair care for getting ready for a night out. What items/brands are you hoping to receive in next month's box? Let me know in the comments section below. Also, be sure to subscribe to my blog, as I will post more spoilers as they become available. 

Play! By Sephora November 2016 Unboxing

Hello everyone! It's finally time for my Play! by Sephora unboxing for the month of November. 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!

As I just mentioned, each box comes with a Play! pass, which you can take into stores to learn more about the products you received. If you make a purchase, and hand this card over at that time, you will receive 50 extra Sephora points added onto your total. 

When you open up the Play! book, it gives you a detailed look at all of the products that you received. I love this part of my box, because it tells you how to use each product, and even provides tips and tricks on how to make it work the best for you!

Also, each month, you will receive all of your goodies in a cute little bag!

Each month, there will be a variation in the items that subscribers receive. This month I received the box ending in 314.

1.) GlamGlow ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment

I have used the ThirstyMud cleanser in the past; however, I have never used the actual mask. This smells just like the cleanser, which is a delicious coconut scent. This supposedly will give your skin a nice boost of moisture when it's needed most. With the winter months upon us, my skin has definitely gotten more dry, so I cannot wait to use this!

2.) Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet

I have actually almost used this up since receiving it. I love that it is so light weight, and it doesn't leave my skin feeling or looking too oily. It absorbs quickly, and I haven't noticed any break-outs since using it. My only complaint is that my tube was half empty when I received it. I will definitely consider purchasing the full size once my sample runs out. 

3.) Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Rose Gold

I have never tried these eyeshadow pencils from Laura Mercier before; however, I have heard great things about them, so I was excited to receive one in my box this month. It is a creamy formula, that goes on easily, and lasts all day on the lid. It is perfect for those days when you want to throw on a quick makeup look, and get out the door. 

Here it is swatched.

4.) Cover FX Illuminating Primer

I'm normally a little hesitant about using illuminating primers or foundations on my skin, because they can end up making me look like a huge grease ball by the end of the day. Luckily this one didn't do that. It more so made my skin look nice and moisturized versus leaving my skin looking shimmery. It was also a fairly generous size, so it should last me quite a while. 

Even though the primer comes out with a slight tint to it, it doesn't come off on my skin that way after rubbing it in. 

5.) Maison Margiela 'Replica' Lipstick On Perfume

Play! does a fantastic job of sending fragrances out that I actually enjoy. I think there has only been one month where I wasn't impressed with the fragrance selection. I really like this perfume. It has a nice powdery vanilla scent to it. It's not too powdery to the point where it smells like baby powder, and it's not too sweet smelling either. It's a perfect mix. 

6.) Sephora Collection Ultra Shine Lip Gel in Pin Up Pink

When I first saw this color, I thought I was going to hate it, because I'm not usually a huge fan of bright pink lip colors, but this one surprised me. It has a pink sheen to it, but it's not too over-powering on the lips. It actually looks like my normal lip color, but just glossy. It's not too sticky of a formula either. 

Here is the lip gel swatched. 

That is everything that I received in my November Play! By Sephora box. What items did you receive this month? Let me know in the comments section below, and if you haven't already subscribed to my blog, please do, so you don't miss out on future reviews and unboxings. 

November 2016 Boxycharm 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. 

Each month, your box comes with a little card that details all of the items that you received, and lists the full retail value of each item. 

This is something that I wish all subscription boxes did. Whose with me?

1.) Bellapierre Kiss Proof Lip Creme in Antique Pink- $20

I love receiving lip products in my subscription boxes, because I have an obsession with them, plus they always send brands that I would never go out and buy on my own. 

This is a beautiful mauve color, that went on easily, and dried down completely matte. It wasn't uncomfortable on my lips either. Also this product did not budge! It lasted about 8 hours on my lips before I needed to touch it up!

Here is the liquid lipstick swatched.

2.) Skyn Icelend Icelandic Relief Eye Pen- $20

I'm so happy that I received this product in my box this month, because I have been on the hunt for a nice eye cream. 

This particular one says that it will help with under-eye puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles. I tried it out for the first time this morning, and it left behind a nice cooling sensation. I definitely saw an immediate decrease in the puffiness underneath my eyes, and it helped with my dark circles as well. If this continues to work for me, then I will definitely be repurchasing it. 

3.) Vintage Illuminating Face Highlighter- $32

I'm so happy that I received this highlighter. When the spoilers went live, and I saw this, I was hoping I would get it, and thankfully I did!

The packaging is gorgeous, and so is the color. I received the shade rose gold. It looks perfect on my fair complexion! The formula is nice and buttery, and it goes on so easily. It gives a nice shimmer to my skin, without looking chunky or glittery.

Here is the highlighter swatched.

4.) Crown Brush C513 Pro Detail Crease Brush- $12.99

I love getting brushes in my boxes! This brush works perfectly to blend shadows on the outer corner of the eye, or to blend out the lower lash line. You could also use it to highlight the brow bone or the inner corner. I've never tried Crown Brushes before, but this one works great! The bristles are nice and soft, and thankfully it doesn't shed. 

5.) Studio Makeup On-The-Go Eyeshadow Palette in Cool Down- $49.95

I absolutely loved the Studio Makeup palette that we received in the September Boxycharm, so when I saw that we were getting another palette from them this month, I almost did cart-wheels.

This palette is stunning, and it offers cool-toned pinky colors, whereas the previous palette had warm-toned neutral shades. 

Here are all of the shimmer shades swatches. They are all very pigmented, and blendable. There was a little bit of fall-out with these shades, but it wasn't too bad. These are finger swatches, which were done with ZERO primer underneath!

Here are all of the matte shades in the palette. These are once again finger swatches, done with ZERO primer on underneath. Some of the shades were a little patchy when I swatched them; however, they applied nicely to my lids. There was some fall-out with these shades, as well. 

Here are all of the shades in the palette swatched together. I have only used this palette once or twice, and I was definitely impressed with it. I can't wait to use it more, and I have a feeling that it may be featured in a monthly favorites soon :)

That is everything that I received in my Boxycharm this month! This was definitely the best box that I have ever received, and it had an overall value of $134.94!! How did you like the box this month, and did you receive something different? Let me know in the comments section below! Also be sure to subscribe to my blog, so you don't miss out on future spoilers and unboxings!

Here is a spoiler for the upcoming December Boxycharm!

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

December 2016 Boxycharm Full Spoilers!

I just love when it's time for more spoilers, and it looks like Boxycharm will be knocking it out of the park yet again next month!

All subscribers will be receiving the Pure Cosmetics Buff Collection Palette!!

It has a $50 value, and is highly reminiscent of the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette.

Subscribers will also be receiving a full-size Ofra Liquid Lipstick! I'm really hoping that they will be sending out shades from the new Vintage Vineyard Collection!

This month all subscribers will receiving ONE of the three items shown above:

Butter LONDON Nail Polish

Butter LONDON Eyeliner

ModelCo Cosmetics Bronzer

Subscribers will also be receiving the Beauty For Real Lip Revival Scrub, which has a value of $14. I love lip scrubs, especially during the winter months. 

All subscribers will also be receiving the Thrive Cosmetics Brilliant Eye Brightener, which has an overall value of $24. The website says that this product can be used anywhere on the eye area, to give a nice awake look. 

Please keep in mind that there will be variations for this box, so subscribers may receive items not shown above. 

That is everything that subscribers can look forward to receiving this month in Boxycharm. There is still time to sign up in order to receive this month's box. Let me know what you think of these spoilers in the comments section below, and also be sure to subscribe to my blog, so you don't miss out on future spoilers and unboxings.

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

November 2016 Ipsy Unbagging

Hello everyone! It's finally that time of the month where I share what I received in my Ipsy glam bag. Ipsy is a $10/month subscription service, that sends out 5 different beauty items per month. It is generally more makeup items; however, they also throw in some skin care and hair care items, as well. Each month subscribers will receive their items in a cute little makeup bag.  You can review the items you receive for points, which you can then redeem for items on their website. Continue reading below to find out what I received this month. This post contains referral links.

Each month subscribers receive a cute little makeup bag with all of their products tucked inside. I actually like the bag for this month!

1.) Ofra Banana Setting Powder- $12

I have actually received this item before in Boxycharm, and I love it! It does a wonderful job of setting my foundation/concealer. 

It keeps my makeup from creasing throughout the day. Plus it is a pretty big pan, that will last me for quite some time. My only complaint is that I wish I would have received an item that I hadn't previously tried before. 

2.) Elizabeth Mott Color Is Bae Lip Lacquer in Moxie Mauve~ $16

When I saw that I was getting this in my bag this month, I was hoping to receive this color!

It is a beautiful pinky mauve color! The pigmentation is great, and glides on easily. The color dries down to a satin finish, even though the website claims that it is a matte finish. It was also long-lasting on my lips. 

Here is the liquid lipstick swatched above. It really is beautiful, and because it's nice and comfortable on my lips, I definitely plan on purchasing the other shades in this range!

3.) Bonvivant Botanical Pure Masks Trio- $3 (Each mask is $1)

I love getting sheet masks in my subscription services. They are perfect for a spa night at home, or when I need something quick and easy for my skin. 

This mask is suitable for dry skin, and it is suppose to give your skin a quick hydration boost, and leave your skin looking nice and dewy. 

This mask is suppose to help improve elasticity, and brighten your skin. 

This mask is suitable for oily skin, and it is suppose to help reduce the size of your pores. I used this mask today, and it felt very nice! My skin does feel smoother, and a little bit tighter actually. It didn't make me feel oily after using it, which most sheet masks will. This is probably one of the first sheet masks that I have used where I did notice results after using it! I cannot wait to use the other ones!

4.) Formula X Nail Polish in Huntress~ $3.80

I have several nail polishes from the Formula X brand, and I love every single one of them. I love the formula of these polishes, and they have so many different colors and finishes to choose from. This particular polish is a beautiful deep hunter green color, with flecks of gold in it. 

I wasn't able to get a good picture of this polish on my nails. It appears to be black, but I promise it's not! It really is gorgeous in person, and it is a perfect color for fall! It is perfectly opaque with just one coat, and it applied nice and evenly to my nails!

5.) Benefit Cosmetics the POREfessional Face Primer~ $4.20

I have used this primer numerous times in the past, and I really do like it. It does a fantastic job of smoothing out and filling my pores. It keeps my makeup in place all day. 

I have never had to purchase a full-size of this, because I continuously receive it in various subscription services.  Even though I love this primer, I do wish I would have received something that I have never tried before. 

The overall value for my bag this month is $39! Having only paid $10, I would say that is pretty awesome!

What items did you receive this month? Let me know in the comments section below. Also be sure to subscribe to my blog, so you don't miss out on future reviews and unboxings. 

You can sign up for Ipsy here, if you haven't already: 

https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=vhsxq