March Favorites

I mixed up my usual makeup quite a bit in March. I've been really trying out some new products this month.

• Inglot Eye Shadows In love with the smokey eye palette I put together from my Inglot Mini Haul. Cool toned grays look great with my blue eyes and cool toned fair skin.
• e.l.f. Stipple Brush I've been using this for applying cream blush and I love the amount of control I have. I can go subtle or really build up layers for a bolder look. Soft synthetic bristles.
• Benefit POREfessional Primer My new favorite primer. It really minimizes the appearance of pores and is long lasting. If only it were unscented it would be the best primer ever.
• NYX Extreme Lip Cream in Bonfire I'm a big fan of this formula. This is a nice bright fuchsia for Spring.
• NYX Cream Blush in Boho Chic Applied lightly is a nice pink glow. Builds up nicely. Smooth and creamy. It lasts about eight hours before it starts to fade.

March Sample Society

I can't believe March is almost over and I forgot to post about my Sample Society box! Sample Society is a monthly subscription service that is a partnership between Allure magazine and BeautyBar. For $15 a month you get five deluxe sized samples and a one year subscription to Allure.  You also receive a $15 gift code towards the purchase of any of the brands in your box. It's nice that you have some flexiblility and don't have to buy the exact product. You can also use your gift code multiple times and it will stack with other codes. More on that later. The booklet also includes some tips on how to use the products. March was the first month. I believe subscriptions are closed right now but you may be able to get on a waiting list. It felt like mine took awhile to arrive. It was sent UPS Ground from the East Coast but I was able to track it.

First off, when they say deluxe samples, they mean deluxe samples unlike some other subscriptions. All of these samples you can get multiple uses out of so you can really test the products out.

• Fekkai Advanced Glossing Cream Deluxe Sample (Full size retail $22.50)  Having the kind of hair that makes heads turn ranks high on your list of must-haves. The kind that is actually as soft, smooth and supple as it looks. With Fekkai Advanced's Brilliant Glossing Cream and its tress-perfecting properties, you'll have hair that's the envy of everyone.   This can be used on damp or dry hair. You only need small amount of product. I really like this glossing cream. This sample will last me awhile.
• Ren Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask Deluxe Sample (Full size retail $55) Ren Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask peels away skin impurities to reveal a healthy and beautiful skin. It prevents blackheads and blemishes and energizes your skin to make it appear smooth and luminous.Removes dead cells. Combats fine lines and wrinkles. Makes skin healthy and radiant. This bio active peel mask works to reduce blackheads, fine lines, congestion and scarring to reveal improved skin tone. Use once a week and leave on for ten minutes. I'm in love with this mask! My skin looks so clear and radiant after using this. I barely wore any foundation this week. It has a slight citrus scent  and a thick texture.
• Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Pen Full Size (Retail Value $20)
Icelandic relief eye cream's lightweight yet powerful formula, in a portable pen, delivers immediate relief to delicate under-eye skin that's most vulnerable to the effects of stress. The look of puffiness and dark circles is minimized while fine lines appear softer. The result? Your eye area is brightened for a refreshed and wide-awake look.  I've been using this morning and night and I just can't decide if it's doing anything for me. I don't have much under eye puffiness but I do have some dark circles. My circles haven't been that bad lately in general. I think it does help some. Not sure if I'm completely sold on it.
• Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Deluxe Sample (Full size retail $ 40) Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is a unique rice-based formula that activates when in contact with water. It makes skin brighter and smother and can also balance uneven skin pigmentation. Micro-exfoliate dead cells. Balance uneven skin pigmentation. Gentle enough to be used on daily basis.  This is a powder that you add water to and form a paste. I don't really detect any scent. I've been using this a few times a week and I really notice a difference. It really helps with those pesky nose blackheads. 
• Oscar De La Renta Esprit d'Oscar Deluxe Sample (Full size retail $ 78) Floral-oriental fragrance which is a modern interpretation of Oscar de la Renta’s signature scent. Inspired by the chic and sophisticated women of today. Top Notes: Sicilian lemon, bergamot and citron. Middle notes: Egyptian jasmine, orange blossom and tuberose. Base notes: musk, heliotrope, tonka and vetiver.  If the chic and sophisticated woman of today is your grandma than this scent is perfect. I found it way too floral and powdery for my tastes. The only real disappointment for me in my March box.

Now on to the shopping! So I've used my $15 gift code twice.  The first time I stacked it with another coupon to get $30 off. I bought the Fekkai Advanced Salon Technician Color Care Advanced Travel Faves and the Borghese Bella Vita Color Set (which I pretty much got for $9 after my codes). On the second round I gave in and bought the Ren mask. I really love it!  BeautyBar offers free 2day shipping on orders over $39 and free samples with every order. 

Normally, I don't get this excited about skincare products but I've really enjoyed all (except the perfume) products this month.

My First Birchbox

After being on the waiting list about a month, I finally got my first Birchbox,  Birchbox is considered to be the original monthly beauty sample service and by many it is considered the best. A monthly subscription is $10 a month.  I received Box #19.

• AHAVA Essential Day Moisturizer - Normal to Dry Skin I used this moisturizer for a few days but even though it claims to sink right in making it safe to wear under makeup, my makeup definitely didn't last nearly as long as it does with my usual moisturizer. I've been using it before going to bed. I also wish it were unscented. I've also yet to be wowed by any moisturizer.
• Kusmi Tea Paris - I Love My Detox Tea Since I quit drinking coffee, I drink green tea every day. I enjoyed this tea but the lemongrass is just a touch too dominant for me to drink this every day. I actually love the "lifestyle" category of samples.
• Supergoop!Sunscreen Swipes I know some of you may faint when I say this but I don't wear sunscreen on a daily basis. I might see 15 minutes of sunlight on a good day and most of that time I'm in my car.  Not only that but a couple of years ago my doctor told me I was severely Vitamin D deficient. So I try to get at least a few minutes of exposure a day so I don't have to take Vitamin D daily. Now if I know I'm going to be out in the sunlight for any length of time, no one is more vigilant about sunscreen. I burn and I burn quickly. I like these because I can throw these in my bag in case of unexpected sun exposure and be ready to go.
• Color Club Neon Nail Polish  in Peace out Purple I know neon colors are all the rage this season. I'm just not a neon colors kind of girl. I might wear something this bright on my toenails but not on my fingernails.  Wouldn't mind trading for Jackie-Oh! or Mrs. Robinson. 
• Kérastase Elixir Ultime Can be used on wet or dry hair. I didn't notice much difference when I massaged it into my hair after washing it.  I noticed a slight difference using it dry. It definitely helps tame some frizziness too. My hair is freshly colored so it's hard to tell if this is really adding any shine. I do love that sample has a tiny little pump dispenser. Genius!  Not sold on the scent yet. I'm 50/50 on it.
• Harvey Prince Yogini - I'm in the market for a new fragrance so I'm actually seeking out perfume samples. This reminds of DKNY Pure which I've been testing for the last few weeks. I actually like it.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with my first box. I just wish shipping to the west coast didn't take FOREVER. I also love the reward points system on Birchbox. You get 1 point for every dollar you spend either in the store or for your subscription. You can also get 10 points for leaving feedback for the items in your box. It's really a quick and easy way to start racking up the points. I love that whatever is in your box is available for sale in their store. If you find a product you love, you don't have to scour the internet for it. I will definitely be keeping Birchbox for awhile.

Little Black Bag Second Month

March was my second month subscribed to Little Black Bag and I'm still very satisfied.  Little Black Bag  is a monthly subscriptions service for $49.95 . It's unlike other subscription services in that you can trade with other users for different items before your bag ships.   I go into the details a bit more in my review of last month's bag.

I had a bonus item from one of my friends using my referral link and someone traded me two items for one of mine.  So my total items wound up being five!

The item I had to have was the Steve Madden Owl Cuff Bracelet which retails for $55.  I wouldn't normally go for this but something about it just appealed to me. The wings are paved in rhinestones and the feathers are delicately etched. I've worn this once so far and I really enjoy it.

The Nica Celia Wallet is an item I had my eye on last month but wasn't really aggressive about trading for it.  It retails for around $10.  It's a good size for me and I really like the purple lining.

My sister really like the Kitson Buddha Charm Bracelet which retails for $15. It's a woven aqua colored bracelet with a rhinestone embellished Buddha. It's cute and playful and a perfect color for Spring.

I've been getting more into nail polish lately but it will never replace eyeshadow in my heart! This teal blue polish from Butter called Slapper (retail $14) caught my eye and I had to have it. Some furious trading ensued and I eventually snagged it. It's definitely more teal in person than in photos.

Really more green in person

Finally I got this earrings from Robert Rose which retail for $10.  They are a nice medium sized earring and could go with any outfit.  I haven't worn these yet. There is a nice texture to the finish that will catch the light nicely.

The retail value of my bag this month was $104 which is a little less than last month. I had a lot of items but I didn't have a big ticket item.  I'm really looking forward to my next bag.  I'd like to snag a handbag and some Cargo cosmetics.

MyGlam March Bag

March was second month for MyGlam and the end of their probationary period with me. I've been giving all my subscription services two months before I decide whether to cancel or continue. This month there were three standard samples and a mix of three items as deluxe sample. Those were the 3Lab cleanser, Pur-lisse Lip Comfort, and Murad Absolute Bronzing Boost.  I would have preferred the Pur-lisse but anything is better than the bronzing boost for me.

I had heard online that some people received bags that stunk. I thought last month's bag was stinky so I was somewhat prepared when I opened my package or so I thought..The smell was strong and noxious and somewhere between moth balls and gasoline. Maybe gasoline soaked moth balls? All of the samples inside were tainted by the smell but the bag itself was the worst! I took all the samples out and filled a bag with baking soda and left it to air out. The next day my samples had aired out enough to handle them but the bag was still awful. I couldn't get within two feet of it without being hit by the fumes. More on that later. First the samples.

• Keracolor Color Enhancing Leave In Treatment "This leave-in treatment is especially designed to enhance, protect, strengthen, and hydrate all hair types."  You mix the two sides together and work into damp hair. They also claim this sample will be enough for 2-4 applications. I'm pretty sure I'd get one use out of it.  I haven't tried this yet. Experimenting with skincare products is one thing. I'm not so sure I want to experiment with hair color treatments. If anyone has tried this, I'd like to know how it worked for you.
• Pur-lisse Pur-Protect SPF 30 Essential Daily Moisturizer " ... delivers reliable broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection plus rich hydration, thanks to a couple of exclusive complexes, vitamin E, soy protein and calming antioxidant white tea. Skin is left calm and smooth."  It's a moisturizer. I was neither wowed or disappointed by it. I did get about four uses out of this. I probably could have gotten five but I was tired of dealing with the foil packet. 
• Murad Eye Lift Perfector "Increase your skin's firmness by 50% in as little as 15 minutes with this revolutionary product, which relies on exclusive firming and luminating complexes to address dark circles, both instantly and long-term. A subtle tint adds just the right amount of coverage.  I tend to get dark circles. I used this once and didn't really notice a difference. I think I have enough left to give it another shot.
• MyGlam Classic Crease Brush & Case "Hand selected by Michelle from her recent trip to Hong Kong...Freshen up your spring makeup routine with this MyGlam exclusive classic crease brush and case."  This seems rather large for a crease brush. It also seems like a lower quality than even my e.l.f brushes. At first I suspected the brush case as the culprit for the horrible smell. So I threw it in the trash can beside my desk. I'm not a pink kind of girl. I think the only other pink item I own is my MAC Brush Cleaner. So no big loss.  I may give this brush a good wash and see how it holds up. Mine still smells and already looks a bit frayed. 
• DermStore $25 Gift Card On purchases over $50. Not a gift card. A coupon code.
• 3Lab Perfect Cleansing Foam "Using only the highest-grade botanicals and state of the art technologies, 3LAB aims to perfect skin by firming, smoothing and evening the complexion."  I tried this a few times. I liked the way my skin felt afterwards. I will have to use it more to see if it causes any issues with my skin. Do not get this anywhere near your eyes or it will sting! There are also several ingredients that are known pore clogging ingredients including the very first ingredient. So if your skin is prone to breaking out you may want to avoid this. 

So back to the mystery toxic cloud. Let me start of by saying I don't have any respiratory issues nor am I overly sensitive to chemicals. But I could still sit at my desk and smell the brush holder. If I sat here too long I would start to get a headache. I finally took the trash out. My bag itself has been airing out since Monday when I unpacked it and it smells just as bad as it did when I first took it out of the bag. MyGlam's official response has been that is the glue used to construct the brushes. 1. That makes me not want to use the brush at all 2. It's my actual bag that still reeks after being out for five days. I'm not buying it.  I've read about other ladies getting migraines from the smell or even those with respiratory issues needing breathing treatments. This is no exaggeration on how noxious this thing is. I couldn't get within two feet of my bag without being hit by the fumes for four days.

I was going to give MyGlam one more month because overall the samples in this month's bag are better than February's Bag even though there were no makeup samples. The longer it took my bag to air out, the more disenchanted I became. So I cancelled my account yesterday. I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. There just seems to be so much drama and disappointment surrounding this service.  I hope in the future they improve on quality. Until then I have my Sample Society and Birchbox.

e.l.f Haul and Leap Year Mystery Bag

e.l.f. was offering a Mystery Bag on Leap day valued at $20 with any purchase of $20 or more. Even though I was technically cut off for the rest of the month of February I let this one slide.  I mean it was Leap Day so really it was more like March anyway. Besides $20 of e.l.f products goes a long way! Some e.l.f products are really great finds and others are pretty much worth the $1-$3.

So first the stuff I bought:

Lip Tint in Berry $3
Contouring Blush & Bronzer Powder I don't contour or use bronzer but it's something I'm curious about. For $3 I can afford to experiment.
Makeup Mist and Set  $3 Can this live up to the standard set by my MAC Fix +?
Nourishing Cuticle Pen My cuticles aren't as bad now that I don't work with my hands everyday but they still need some lovin'. $1
Eyebrow Lifter & Filler in Ivory/Medium  I really don't pay as much attention to my brows as I should other than keeping a basic shape.$3
Studio Stipple Brush I don't have a stipple brush. $3
Mineral Angled Blush Brush No angled blush brush either. This is the big ticket item in my order...$5

Now the free stuff! So much stuff I wasn't quite sure how to arrange it to get it all in the picture.

Shimmer Palette These are all creams so you can use them on the eyes, lips or face. Retail value $3
Silver Box Duo Eyeshadow Collection  Four duo eyeshadows plus a brush. These look like some good color combos.Greenish Silver/Purple. Matte brown/bronze. Shimmer Pink/Matte Light Gray. Sparkly Black/Matte Silver Gray. Retail value $5
Minty Lip Gloss In Miami. This definitely smells minty. Retail value $3
Single Eyeshadow  in Butter Cream  This reminds me of a color I have but I can't quite put my finger on it right now.  Retail value $3
Mineral Concealer Brush  Feels soft Retail value $5
Hypershine Lip Gloss  in Sugar Plum Looks like a nice plum color. I'm not really into brush applicator lip glosses. Retail Value $1

So quite the mountain of stuff. I'm not even really sure where to start! e.l.f. usually has some good deals. It's worth it to sign up for their emails.

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FOTD: March 10, 2012

So I've been spending a lot of time at the office lately. Before spending another gorgeous Saturday in the office I decided to do something to make me feel better. If I'm going to work on Saturday, I'm going to look fabulous doing it.  This is based off of Marlena at MakeUp Geek's Sexy Christmas Makeup look. It's a bit more involved than I would usually wear to the office during the week but a girl has to make herself up sometimes to feel better.

Eyes:

Primer: Palladio Eyeshadow Primer Palladio

Eyeshadows: 

MUG Mocha MUG

Inglot # 337 Inglot
MUG Shimma Shimma MUG
MAC Pigment Naked MAC

Eyeliner: 
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Peversion Urban Decay
Maybelline Eye Studio Charcoal

Mascara: Maybelline Falsies

Face:
Primer: Too Faced Primed and Poreless Too Faced
Foundation: Revlon ColorStay Foundation Ivory #110
Concealer: Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer Ivory
Powder: e.l.f  High Definition Powder e.l.f.
MAC Fix+

Cheeks:
Blush: Milani Baked Blush Luminoso Milani
Highlight: Cover Girl Powder Natural Ivory


Lips: Inglot Cream Lipstick# 121 Inglot

Inglot Mini Haul

I bought an Inglot five slot palette on sale during Black Friday and then I was sick most of the winter so I never made it over to Town Square to pick out my shadows.  As much as I love Inglot products, their website sucks. So I'd much rather shop in person...even if it means going to Town Square.  It beats having to go the the Forum Shops or Fashion Show though.  Not that local Las Vegans don't like tourists. We appreciate your support of our economy. We just don't want to be anywhere near you or have to drive on the Strip more than absolutely necessary.

From Left to Right:

#324 M  Very light gray matte finish
AMC Shine #36 Medium gray sparkly
#387M Medium gray matte finish
#348M Dark gray matte finish
#391 black matte finish

These are 2.3g and retail for $5 each. You heard me right. $5 for a richly pigmented, great quality shadow. I'll try to swatch these at some point.

I love how the Inglot palette lids click on magnetically. They hold together tightly. I've traveled with my smaller three slot palette a lot and it has never shifted around.  I can't wait to use these shadows.  It was difficult but I managed not to buy anything else while I was in the store. It is dangerously close to my office though and there's a Sephora right around the corner!

Town Square Las Vegas

Inglot USA

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February Favorites

I know I'm a little late in doing this. The month of March crept up on me even with that extra day thrown in there!  I've been so busy at work that I've been neglecting my blog. boo.

February Favorites

• Ulta Nail Lacquer in Goddess Is a sheer pink/gold champagne color. It adds just the right amount of shimmer

• Maybelline DreamLumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in Ivory:  This is a pretty good color match for me. Applies smoothly and blends easily.  Just the right amount of brightness under the eyes.

• Milani Minerals Blush in Luminoous A soft pink/peach color. Looks great on the apples or the backs of the cheeks. The compact comes with a built in mirror and brush. I used the brush for the first time the other day. It's very soft and picks up a good deal of product. 

• NYX Xtreme Lip Cream in Buttery Nude:  I've already rave about this in my review.  I'm still reaching for this several times a week. 

NuMe Flat Iron Experience

So I used the NuMe "gift certificate" from the February MyGlam bag to purchase the Mini Flat Iron. It was the cheapest one. There were no specs in the description otherwise I wouldn't have been so surprised when I got my package. The term Mini is quit open to interpretation it seems. I would perhaps use the word "tiny."

Yes that's a quarter hanging off the heating element

This measures 5 1/2" L x 3/4"W (rounding up slightly). The actual heating element part is 2 1/2" x 1/2" (again rounding UP).  You may have noticed from my videos that I have a lot more hair than the average person..ok more hair than the average two people combined.  I decided to give it a whirl anyhoo. Luckily, it heats up quickly.It took me about forty minutes to do my entire head.  It should have taken a lot more but I was too impatient to section it out enough.  I did have some frizziness but overall it came out looking passable.

So I will be using this to depot eyeshadows mostly unless one of my shorter haired friends wants to give it a go. I was inspired to buy a full sized flat iron (not a NuMe) because I always like it when I get my hair done and they flat iron it.  I just don't see myself doing it all that often.  

Bat's Rating: 6 It's does an alright job but is too small to be practical for me.