Friday, July 17, 2015

Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes Review


Good morning lovelies! How can it already be the middle of July!?  I know, I know, everyone says that.  But, seriously?!  Where has time gone?  Before we know it, snow will be falling… Well, for those of us who get snow!

Ok, I know you’re not here to listen to me talk about how fast time is going … I had been planning to do a review of the Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes and with the launch of the new version, I figured this was a good week to do it!  I will continue the Get Ready With Me series next week.

A few weeks back I won a Younique Moodstruck 3d Fiber Lash Mascara set in a raffle.  I’m sure I’m not the only one who has seen Younique mascara everywhere.  I seem to be friends with a few people who are Younique representatives and have asked me a few times to try it out.  I’m not going to lie, I usually thought that it was either too expensive to justify purchasing because I have naturally fairly long lashes anyway.  However, winning it seemed like a good way to try it out!  

This is what Younique’s website (link) has to say

Go for up to 3x the wow factor with Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes that are water-resistant, yet wash off easily with Shine Eye Makeup Remover Cloths. This is quite possibly the most mood-altering, life-changing product in the cosmetics world!

And

Learn how Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes+, our enhanced formula, will increase your average lash volume by up to 400%*. To purchase your own 3D Fiber Lashes+, contact your Younique Presenter or go to www.youniqueproducts.com to find a Presenter.

Directions:

Three simple steps to long, sexy lashes
Apply an even coat of Transplanting Gel to lashes.
Immediately Apply Natural Fibers while Transplanting Gel is wet.
Seal the fibers with Transplanting Gel. Repeat until you've reached desired fullness.

Ingredients:

Transplanting Gel Ingredients: Water, Beeswax (Natural Propolis), Carnauba (Brazilian palm glue), Iron Oxide Cl 77499 (Black), Collagen, Acrylates Copolymer, Nylon, Stearic Acid, Propylene Glycol. .23 FL OZ / 7 ml

Natural Fibers Ingredients: 100% Natural Fibers taken from Green Tea. Net WT .02 OZ/ .5g.

Collagen is a type of protein that works with elastin to give skin its texture, structure, and appearance. It contains antioxidants, and may help add volume and shine to the appearance of eyelashes.

Water (Aqua) is the liquid of life! Hydrates and cleanses the skin, and works as a natural spreading component, helping to distribute other ingredients evenly over the skin.

Beeswax (Natural Propolis) is a brownish, resinous material collected by bees and believed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Carnauba (Brazilian Palm Glue) is extracted and refined through a pressing and crushing process that turns the palm glue into an oil, creating the sticky nature of the transplanting gel. It is also believed to act as a natural preservative.

Iron Oxide Cl 77499 (Black) is a technical name for Black Iron Oxide. This naturally-occurring mineral acts a colorant, giving the gel its striking black color.

Acrylates Copolymer is an adhesive and binder, as well as a suspending agent.

Nylon is a powder substance that is used as an absorbent and thickening agent.

Stearic Acid (also known as Palmitic Acid) is an organic nutrient derived from palm trees that is often used to soothe and soften the skin.

Propylene Glycol is a humidifying and delivery ingredient.

I browsed the website a bit to get any information I could about how to best use this product.  They have a link to a few videos that seem to help.  I also checked out a friend of mine’s facebook page, Younique by Robyn (link). She has amazing how to videos for many of the Younique products, including the Fiber Lashes.  If you're interested in ordering, you should also check out her site (link).

So, after doing a bit of research I started my trial and error session. I do have to say, this is both an easy product and a hard product to use.  I know, that doesn’t make much sense, but this is way.  The steps are pretty much common sense.  First apply the mascara, then the fibers, then the mascara to set it all.  Here’s the thing, the mascara is a super wet formula.  Which I half expected it would have to be to get the fibers to stick.  I, however, am use to using more of a dry formula.  So, I struggled a bit.


I tried this a few different ways.  I tried both with just the Fiber Lashes and then also with my normal mascara as a base.  You can see my results in the pictures below.


1 - No mascara

2 - Younique Fiber Lashes

3 -  Normal mascara routine

4 - Normal mascara routine with Younique Fiber Lashes on top.

This is my conclusion …. I’m not really sure what all the hype is.  Yes, you can see a difference when I use the Fiber Lashes with my normal mascara.  You can see longer and fuller lashes… but do I really want to pay for all that different types of mascara?!  Plus here’s two cons:

1 – Because of the wet formula, when I tried to build up the look, I really struggled with getting my lashes to separate.  No matter what, I always had to go back in with another mascara and use it to separate my lashes. I am not a fan of the clumpy lashes and really had to work at unclumping them.

2 – This may just be because I have fairly long lashes naturally, but I struggled with getting the transplanting gel on my eye lid.  This isn’t something I’m unfamiliar with, but the thing that makes this a con is, it is damn near impossible to get off without removing my eye make up!  With all other mascaras, I just go in with a a blending brush and that will remove it.  As you can see in the picture below, I wasn’t able to get it to blend away.  You can still see a bit of the black in my crease. 


Do I hate this product, no, definitely not and  I will probably keep using this until I use it up.  However, I probably won't repurchase it.  I can see how someone with no length to their lashes could get this to build up and create a nice look.  However,  for the price, this is definitely a look you can achieve but finding the right mascaras to use.  Heck, looking at the pictures, it’s almost hard to tell which picture I have the fibers on. For me, I’m not thinking this is something that I will get much use out of.

I must say, I am slightly disappointed.  I was so looking forward to this product and I was so sure that because of the way people rave that I would surely fall in love with it!  This definitely goes to show how a product doesn’t always work for everyone!  That’s what I love about trying out and reviewing new things.  You may find something that doesn’t work for you, but you also might find something that is a new holy grail item!

Now, I must mention.  Younique came out with a new version of their fiber lashes on Wednesday. After doing some research and watching some videos, it seems to me like the things that I found as cons, haven't been fixed.  Bummer! Although, my pocket book probably is happy with the fact that I'm more impressed with my cheap drug store mascara and not the expensive one! Ha!

Next week week we'll return

Until next week lovelies!

Xoxo,

Mikal-Anne

Friday, July 10, 2015

Get Ready With Me Series Part 2 & CoverGirl 3-in-1 Foundation


Welcome back! I hope you enjoyed last weeks blog! I am really enjoying doing a series of blogs that are linked together! If you missed it, last week I talked about the NYX HD Concealer, if you'd like to check that out, click here!



Now... onto today's product... I used the Covergirl 3-in-1 foundation in shade 820, creamy natural.. When I am doing a full face routine my foundation is actually my second step ... well, third, if you count primer.  I will apply primer, a concealer that matches my skin tone to cover up my dark circles and then I will apply foundation.  

The 3-in-1 is a glass bottle with a pump.  Can you say YAY!  I love products that have a pump.  I feel like they are less messy and that it's easier to get to the product.  

I will pump about 1.5 to 2 pumps to the back of my hand.  I will apply a little more on the days that I skip using concealer under my foundation. 

I have applied this foundation both with a brush and a beauty blender and it works well both ways.  However, right now I am leaning more towards applying with my beauty blender for one reason.  I am struggling with a little bit of dry skin on my nose.  When I apply foundation with the beauty blender, my foundation doesn't seem to stick to my dry spots.  I just end up with a better finished product.


Now, addressing the picture.  The picture on the left I have only applied my moisturizer and primer.  The picture on the right is after I've applied the concealer and then my foundation.  

Now, what do I think ... you can probably already tell :-)

I LOVE this product and have been using it for a long time.  This is probably my 4th or 5th bottle that I've purchased.  It's one of those products that when I notice that I'm starting to get a little low, I go buy another bottle! I don't want to run out!

I would say that this a a medium coverage foundation that is definitely build-able.  Because I have freckles, I can't really rock a true full coverage foundation because it looks weird if I completely cover up my freckles.  However, I do need a good foundation that will even out the way my skin looks and this product does this!

I do notice that I will get a little bit of break down around my chin but I think that's because I am a face toucher.  I find myself resting my chin on my hand throughout the day and I think this cause it to break down a bit.  I have not noticed a breakdown anywhere else.

Easy to apply, long lasting, and a drug store foundation... SCORE!!

Have you tried this foundation out? ... What do you think?

Make sure to come back next week for a review of Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes Review!!  This series will pick up the week after!

Until next time!

xoxo,
Mikal-Anne

Friday, July 3, 2015

Get Ready With Me Series Part 1 & NYX HD Concealers


Hello Lovelies! Today is going to be the first day of a series that I have never tried before.  This series will be a multi part blog, one each week, that follows along as I do a full face look.  It will essentially be a Get Ready With Me Post. But, the fun twist, I will be doing reviews along the way.

Below is a picture of my bare face look and then the finished look.  


This is such a simple look and is pretty close to the everyday smoke eye blog I posted a few posts ago (link), just a little bit lighter of an eye look. 


Let's get started!


So, a breakdown of the picture above.  The picture on the right is me with a bare face.  As you can see I have that traditional fair and freckled skin issues.  I struggle with some pretty intense under eye dark circles and my freckles tend to make my skin look a bit splotchy. All I have on in this picture would be my moisturizer and on this day I also had some extra sunscreen because I knew I was spending the day in the sun.  Many of my products already have SPF in them, but I like to add face specific sunscreen for some extra little punch of protection!  Gotta love being fair skinned! lol ... oh! I also have a foundation primer on.

I use two shades of the NYX HD Concealer.  I use the Beige shade very first. In the picture by the '1' I have applied the Beige shade in this step.  I have applied this in a few different ways.  I've used my beauty blender and also my Sigma flat top kabuki brush and i have found that I like to do a bit of a combination.  I use the little applicator to apply it under my eyes in a bit of a triangle shape to ensure I'm getting all of my dark circles covered.  I use my flat top kabuki brush to blend it in and then if I feel like I need to help it sink in a little more then I will use my beauty blender to kind of press it into my skin. This shade is a pretty good match for my skin tone already and definitely does a good job of covering those circles. 

After I apply the Beige shade I will then apply my foundation.  On this day I used the Covergirl 3-in-1 Foundation.  Next week's blog I will go over this and share my review of this product!  Stay tuned!

After I have applied my foundation, I will then use the Porcelain shade as an under eye highlight.  I apply this in the same way as the other shade.  I use the applicator to get the product on my face then then blend it out with the Sigma flat top kabuki brush.  I then go back in with my beauty blender to ensure that both the concealers and the foundation are blended well.

This may seem like a lot, but I promise it isn't!  I make sure to use my Tarte finishing powder to set my concealer.  Another important thing, when you are setting your foundation, try to stay away from where you've applied under eye concealer, this helps ensure you don't get a cakey look.

Now... what do I think...

I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!  Way to go NYX!  

If we're being honest, I'm not surprised at all because I don't think there is a NYX product that I've tried that I haven't liked.  The concealer does a good job of both covering up my dark circles, but it doesn't fade throughout the day or settle into any lines.  We all have those little lines around our eyes and in my opinion, nothing can age someone more than to have product settled into those lines.  

I know it seems like over kill that I use two shades of concealer and if I"m being honest, I don't always do this!  If I'm doing a quick look, I will apply my foundation and then just use the Porcelain shade to conceal and highlight and it works great!  

If you're interested in trying this out click here and you can head on over the the Ulta website to take a peek!

Make sure you come back next week to see the next etep and my review of the CoverGirl 3-in-1 Foundation!

I hope everyone has and amazing Independence Day weekend ahead!

Until next week!

xoxo,
Mikal-Anne

Thursday, June 25, 2015

No Bake Protein Balls

Well, today is a busy day!! I am currently in the process of getting ready to head to another softball tournament.  Yes.. I know.. Surprise, Surprise!  That is the name of our game during the summer months.  Fingers crossed for another great weekend.  We had an amazing weekend last year and I got to watch the BF win both the Men's and CoEd division at the tournament last weekend.  I'm sure you other girlfriends know what I mean when I say it is so fun to get to watch you're guy do what he loves to do!


Anyways, back to today's blog! ... I want to share with you one of the things that is becoming a staple for our out of town tournaments... No Bake Protein Balls.  I discovered one day when I was browsing Pinterest a few recipes for essentially no bake oatmeal cookies.  I found two recopies and have developed what has become a no bake protein oatmeal butterscotch/chocolate chip cookie.  They are amazing and so simple!  I will link at the end of the post the links to the two original recesses that I modified to create mine.  These can also be found on my "Softball Widow" Pinterest board!

Now... on to the recipe!!


Seriously, what you see above is pretty much all you need! I forgot to include the vanilla in this picture.  It's that simple!

Ingredients:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup honey
2 cups oatmeal
1 cup vanilla protein power
1/2 cup of each butterscotch and chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla
Coconut - I failed to actually measure this.  But at the last minute I just dumped a little in the bowl.  It probably ended up being about 1/4 of a cup.

Instructions:

I have found that the easiest way to get everything all mixed togheter
1 - Mix your oatmeal and protein together in a bowl and set it aside.
2 - Combine your honey and peanut butter together and then stick it in the microwave for about 30 or 45 seconds.  Essentially just long enough to make the peanut butter more runny and easier to combine with the other ingredients.  Keep in mind that if you have it too hot, when you add you chocolate and butterscotch chips they will melt!
3 - After you have completely mixed your peanut butter and honey, add in your vanilla and then slowly add in your oatmeal/protein mixture.
4 - Finally add in your chocolate/butterscotch chips and coconut.
5 - Create bit sized balls and place them on a baking sheet and place them in the fridge to cool.  After they have cooled the peanut butter and honey will act as the binding agent.


This makes about 28 bite sized balls. 



And that's it!  These have seriously been such a hit ... Your feel like you are getting a treat and there's not much to them!

Like I said, modified a few other recipes to come up with this one.  If you are interested in the original recipes, here are the links!

www.busybuthealthy.com - No Bake Chocolate chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars
mycrazygoodlife.com - Oatmeal Energy Clusters

Until next time!

xoxo,
Mikal-Anne

Friday, June 19, 2015

Easy Breakfast Casserole



Hi lovelies!  Today I want to talk about something a little different ... My parents stayed with me a few weekends ago.  They were on their way to my cousin's graduation party and on their way they stayed with me and I was searching for something that I could do quickly for breakfast before they hit the road again that was more than just putting a bowl of cereal in font of them.  So... I was on Pinterest.. because I really needed another reason to be wasting time on Pinterest! Ha! Anyway... I found this simple breakfast casserole that was great.  I will link to the website below...

Seriously, this is the easiest recipe!!




Ingredients:
12 eggs
1 cup of shredded cheese
3 cups of shredded hash browns
1 can of crescent roll dough
6 slices of bacon - I did way more! I just eyed it
optional: other toppings: veggies, other meats, cheeses, mushrooms etc.
salt and pepper to taste -- I just bought the frozen hash browns with peppers and onions already included

Instructions:
Fry up bacon and place on a paper towel to drain.
Roll out the crescent roll dough into a greased casserole dish.


Spread shredded hash browns on top of the dough.
Beat eggs in a bowl, salt and pepper to taste, and spread over the hash browns. -- I also did garlic
Crumble up bacon and sprinkle the bacon bits over the eggs.


Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes.
Remove casserole from oven and sprinkle cheese on top.
Place back in oven just until cheese melts.



The original recipe can be found at - www.freshdreamer.com

Until next time!

xoxo,
Mikal-Anne

Friday, June 5, 2015

Smokey Everyday Face of the Day


Howdy howdy!  As I mentioned in my previous blog, last weekend I had a busy Saturday, visiting our local farmer's market with a friend, working in my garden, and heading to a graduation party for the daughter of a family friend.  When I was getting ready that morning, I knew I needed to do a full face look that would last all day.  When I say last day, I mean without a ton of touch up.  Cause, girls, I am not someone who is good at doing touch ups.  With the exception of my lip color, I don't often apply much after the initial application...  This is what I came up with!



Face makeup:

  • Rimmel Fix & Perfect Pro Primer
  • CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous, 3-in-1 Foundation in 820 Creamy Natural
  • NYX HD Concealer in CW04 Beige - for covering up my dark circles
  • NYX HD Concealer in CW01 Porcelain - for additional coverage but mainly to highlight my under eye
  • Tarte Smooth Operator - to set my under eye concealer.  This is not picture above.  I got a small sample around the holidays with something I bought. It's perfect to set my concealer!
  • Revlon Nearly Nake Press Powerder in 010 Fair - to set my foundation.  I apply this lightly all over my face, being careful to not apply where my concealer is.  If it catches where my concealer is, sometimes it can settle into lines. 
  • NYX Matte Bronzer in Medium - I both bronze and contour  with this product.  
  • HIKARI blush in Tango - Love love love this shade.  It's super pigmented so I apply with with a stipling brush to ensure I have a light hand with it.  I got this in my April Ipsy bag, check out the post here!
  • Mary Kay highlight in Pink Stardust - I lightly apply this on the tops of my cheekbones.  Tango is a matte blush and sometimes I just want a little highlight on my cheeks!
Eye make up:
  • Mary Kay Eye primer
  • Ulta eye shadow in Bermuda Sand - I apply this all over my eye lid and all the way up to my eye brow.  I seriously love this shadow! I don't think I do a single eye look that doesn't start out with this shade.  It is great as a base and just as great all by it's self!  
  • Urban Decay eye shadow in Beware from the Oz Great & Powerful pallet - I take this on a big fluffy brush and apply it in my crease.  I use this as a base to start darkening up my outer corner.  But because I apply it with a big fluffy brush it also sets down the shade to work as a transition shade. 
  • Urban Decay eye shadow in West from the Oz Great & Powerful pallet - This is the dark shadow that I use to darken up my outer corner of my eye lid.  I place this from my outer corner inwards and start up into my crease.  This is a shade that can be really dramatic or an every day shade.  Just apply as much until you get the look you want.  I often time also bring this down onto my lower lash line to work as my eye liner on my lower lid.  It has a shimmer to it that is beautiful!
  • Mary Kay eye shadow in Cooper Glow - Ah! This is such a beautiful shade! It's great for just adding a little extra kick to your eye look.  I take a big fluffy brush and use this to buff out the colors already in my outer corner in and crease.  It adds a little extra without looking like you've put whole other color into the mix.
  • Ulta eye shadow in Au Naturel - This is another shadow that use in every look I do.  I take this on a big fluffy brush and I buff and blend out the edge of the other shadows up to my eye brow.  This is a good skin tone color that will make sure you don't have any harsh edges.
  • Revlon Color Stay eye liner in Brown - I apply this on my upper lash line and my lower lash line.  Then I use the built in smudger to smudge out my lower lash line.  I only place this from my outer corner to about 3/4 of the way in.  I find on my eye, it is too harsh of a look to go all the way to my inner corner.
  • Ulta eye shadow in a dark brown color - Sorry guys! I depotted this color and now I don't know what shade it is! This is a color that matches the eye liner I use on a daily basis.  I use this on an eye liner brush and use it to set the eye liner I have applied. This sets the pencil liner and also soften the edges.
Don't judge me, but I use three mascaras! Yes, three!  But the look I get, I just can't get with just one.  What I love is that with the three mascaras I get three different consistencies of mascara and brushes. This allows me to lengthen, built up volume, and ensure I don't end up with those spidery and clumpy lashes.  No girl has time for that!!
  • Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Lusious in Blackened Brown
  • L'Oreal Paris Extra Volume Collagen Mascara in Black Brown
  • Almay One Coat, Get Up & Grow in Black Brown

Lips and Eyebrow Makeup:
  • Chella Eyebrow Color Pencil in Tantalizing Taupe - I got this in my May Ipsy bag, read my blog about it here!
  • Jane Iredale Bitty Brow Kit - I use the powder in this kit to soften the edges of the pencil
  • Mary Key Eyebrow Gel
  • NYX lip liner in Nude Pink
  • Tarte LipSurgence in Romantic
  • Tarte LipSurgence Lipglass in Visionary
Now, how did it all last... below is a picture I took at the graduation party.  I put on my makeup that morning around 9 am and this picture below is taken probably around 8 pm... 
  • My my lip color has rubbed off.  We ate dinner and I never re-applied my lip color.  
  • My hair - I had taken out my bobby pins that had the front of my hair pinned up because they were bothering me.  It rained and so the curls in my hair fell a bit flat
  • My foundation and concealer has lasted, but my cheek color and bronzer has faded a bit..
Over all, I think this looks good figuring between applying it and this picture I had gone to the farmer's market, planted in my garden, and gone to the graduation party!  


What do you think!?  Would you want to try any of these products if you were looking for a long lasting look? .. I hope you enjoyed this look!  I wear this look often and these seem to be my go to products that I know I can count on!

xoxo,
Mikal-Anne

Monday, June 1, 2015

Monday Morning Coffee: May Ipsy


Good morning lovelies! I hope that everyone had a great weekend.  Of course, they always seem to go too fast!! I got to spend the weekend digging in the dirt! I wish I would have known how much I liked gardening a long time ago!  I find it so relaxing and wish I would have started way sooner.  I got to put my cucumbers, carrots, and peas in the ground!  I will have to do an updated blog to show you their progress.  It's amazing how fast the little seeds change!

I also spent a busy Saturday visiting our local Farmer's Market and heading to a graduation party for the daughter of family friends of my boyfriend's family.  The make up look I did will be featured in a face of the day that will be my next blog post.  I use some products I've gotten in Ipsy bags... keep an eye out for that!!

Now, lets get caught up on the Ipsy bags!  I am a bit behind on these and we're already into June and I am just discussing my May Ipsy bag! I know... I know... it am behind!  But, there's something about the months this time of year, they just seem to go faster!  If I'm being honest, it's probably just me trying to jam more into these months than other months!  I can't be the only who does this!


I don't usually discuss the actual make up bag that is included in these Ipsy boxes, but I have to talk about this one.  I love that it is a little bit bigger than the bags that are usually included.  I love to re-purpose these bags.  Don't let me fool you, the reason that I don't often use these for carrying make up is because they are just a bit too small. But! They work great for other things.  I do use one in my purse to carry the make up I carry around.  Which is mostly lip products :-| ... My boyfriend calls me a goo hoarder! Ha! ...

But I also have used a bag to carry all of my electronic cords.  I am one of those people who unfortunately have a different cord for each electronic..  I have a kindle, Iphone, and Ipod.  My Ipod is the older version, so it obnoxiously has a different cord than my Iphone.  Anyways, I love having all of my cards contained.  Ipsy bags are perfect for this.

Also, I find Ipsy bags are perfect for traveling.  I have one that I use to carry any medication when traveling.  I use those little travel pots that you can get like 3 for $.99 at Walmart or Target to put medication in that comes in a bigger bottle, like my over the counter allergy medicine or my motion sickness medicine.  Then I put everything in a bag.  Or, when traveling I will some times separate out my lip products.  That way I can just throw the whole bag into my purse.

I also have one at work in my desk.  it's a great way to disguise those feminine products.  I'm sure I'm not the only one who has some stashed at my desk for those 'just in case' moments.  I am also sure I'm not the only one that doesn't want a tampon just rolling around! So, I use one to hide those.

Another idea that I've done.. I had a friend who had a baby boy a little while ago.  For her shower I got her a diaper bag and stuffed it full of products.  I used one Ipsy bag that didn't scream 'Hey I'm a Makeup Bag!' and used it to organize some of the smaller stuff, like nail clippers.  It was perfect and she still uses it to organize her diaper bag.

I have been getting Ipsy for a long time, and that means a lot of little make up bags.  Since I have them, instead of them taking up space and gathering dust in my drawer, I try to find uses for them. Do you have an clever uses for them?  Let me know! I'd love to hear your ideas

Now on to the other products... Now I have to admit, there are more products in this bag that I haven't gotten to try than there are ones I have... I will have to do an update blog later when I finally get the chance to use them.


Balanced Guru - Style Me Hair Oil

What Ipsy says:

Style Me Hair Oil is a USDA Certified Organic lightweight formula that controls frizz, curls, and flyaways. The non-oily consistency can be used on all hair types.

Can be used alone or as a foundation for the layering of other styling products.

Sample size: 0.5 oz

What the website says:

Benefits: Even your scalp needs a break from time to time so give your tired roots the rest they need with this detoxifying scalp treatment. An astringent blend of Oregano, Tea Tree Oil and Rosemary essential oils begin the detox process, while algae, sea kelp and brahmi bring rejuvenation back to your roots. For best results, give your hair a break from styling products as well.

Essentials: Sea Kelp, Algae, Oregano Essential Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Rosemary Essential Oil, Brahmi extract.

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*, Alcohol Denat*, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract*, Aqua (Water), Cymbopogan Flexuosus (Lemongrass) Oil*, Ascophyllum Nodosum (Kelp) Extract*, Spirulina Platensis (Spirulina) Extract*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil*, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil*, Bacopa Monnieri (Brahmi) Powder*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Oil*, Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Oil*.
* Certified Organic Ingredients.

I haven’t tried this product out yet, but I am excited to do so.  I have been suffering from some skin issues on my scalp and let me tell you it hasn’t been fun.  Not to gross you out but essentially it is dry and itchy skin.  I’m hoping that I can add this product to what I’m already using to treat the issue. 

Full size is $23.00 for 1 fl oz


Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Lip Pencil + BONUS Revolution High-Color Lip-gloss

What Ipsy says:

Get primed and ready for action. Urban Decay's long-lasting, waterproof liner glides on smoothly to prime AND define—for long-lasting lip color and clean lines. Smooch. Pout. Smack. Nibble. Lick. 24/7 stays put through everything (yes, EVERYTHING) you do. When you use this liner to fill in your lips completely, it primes them for lipstick or gloss, grabbing on to color to help it last.

Next, finish the bad girl beautiful look with a sample of Urban Decay's brand new Revolution High-Color Lipgloss—insanely intense color with high shine. The high-coverage, ultra-pigmented formula lays down all the color you crave in one coat.

This lippie is also laced with Hilurlip™, which defines and hydrates lips while making them look plumper and fuller.

Sample size: 0.8 g

What Urban Decay’s website says:

Products Description: Prevent your most embarrassing beauty nightmares with our Ultimate Ozone Multipurpose Primer Pencil—the double-stick tape of the beauty world. This clear, THICK-barreled undercover wonder does it all. Hold lip color in place. Prevent feathering. Correct mistakes. Even fill in fine lines!

Inspired by our bestselling, slim-barreled Ozone 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil, Ultimate Ozone is an indispensable primer in pencil form. And its thick size makes it easy to get the job done in one quick swipe. No matter how you use Ultimate Ozone Pencil, our creamy, long-lasting formula glides on clear to save you from those dreaded (yet common) beauty disasters.

As if ALL that wasn’t enough, our moisturizing formula never feels dry or cakey. Jojoba oil nourishes the skin and ensures a smooth application.

The thick barrel of Ultimate Ozone Pencil makes it easy to spot in your bag. When the tip starts to get dull, just grind it back to a perfect point with our Grindhouse Double Barrel Sharpener.

Full size product $16.00 for 2.8 g

I haven't tried out this product.. but who wouldn't be interested in a product that moisturizes and promises to help the application and wear of your lip color?!


Chella - Eyebrow Color Pencil

What Ipsy says:

The fine tip on this sleek European-designed mechanical pencil has a creamy consistency that glides into place and can also be lightly smudged for a more natural look. Perfect for any color brow, especially blondes and greys.

ipsters who sample this Eyebrow Color Pencil will receive the shade Tantalizing Taupe.

Sample size: 0.09 g

What Chella’s website says:

The fine tip on this sleek European-designed mechanical pencil has a creamy consistency that glides into place and can also be lightly smudged for a more natural look (use the brush/comb attachment on Chella's razor, sold separately, to achieve this effect).

Eyebrow Pencils are also available in our Eyebrow Color Kits, along with our Eyebrow Defining Gel, Highlighter Pencil and Dual Size Pencil Sharpener.

Full size product: $18.00

Now, this is a product I have tried.  Shocker I know… that isn’t the trend with this blog.  I have tried this and I love it.  I was really surprised when I tested this out and it was a good match for  me.  My eyebrows are my weakness.  They aren’t out of control and don’t require that much grooming. I do have some sparce areas that I try to fill in, but I do so very infrequently.  I am afraid of being that person with the crazy drawn on eye brows.  Since it isn’t a technique I am very good at, but I am trying.  I will say I am impressed with this product.  I will do a review soon!  Also, keep a look out for a look of the day where I use this product!



NUXE - Rêve de Miel® Facial Cleansing and Make-Up Removing Gel

What Ipsy says:

This Face Cleansing & Make-Up Removing Gel with Honey is a gentle, soap-free gel that removes make-up, cleanses and soothes the skin with honey and sunflower. For dry and sensitive skin.

Use in the morning and/or evening on damp skin avoiding the eyes. Lather and rinse with clean water.

Paraben-free. 94% of ingredients are from natural origin.

Sample size: 15 ml

What NUXE’s website says:

Cleansing and Make-up removing Gel – Soothes and softens. For dry and sensitive skin

This gentle, soap-free make-up remover and cleanser with Honey and Sunflower cleanses, soothes and removes make-up in one go - whilst being kind to your skin.
Delights the senses and cleanses skin.

Full size product: $19.00 for 6.7 fl oz



Jesse's Girl - Pure Pigment Eye Dust

What Ipsy says:

These pure pigment eye dusts can be used alone as loose eye shadow, or over your Eyeshadow Primer for an all-day, crease-free look. Each container includes a sifter insert.

ipsters who sample Jesse's Girl will receive the shade Brown Sugar (matte brown).

Sample size: 1.8 g

What Jesse’s Girl’s website says:

Description: Our pure pigment eye dusts can be used alone as loose eye shadow, or over our Eyeshadow Primer for an all-day, crease-free look. Each container includes a sifter insert.

Full size: 2.5 grams for $4.99

Now, I haven’t tried this product other than to swatch it… but, I have to say when I first opened it and was playing with it, I was surprised when I saw it was an eyeshadow.  I honestly thought it was a small sample size of a loose bronzing powder.  The color looks to me like a beautiful warm bronzing color.

Total value of the bag:

Balanced Guru - Style Me Hair Oil (Link)- $11.50
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Lip Pencil (Link) - $4.57
Chella - Eyebrow Color Pencil (Link) - $18.00
NUXE - Rêve de Miel® Facial Cleansing and Make-Up Removing Gel (Link) - $1.50
Jesse's Girl - Pure Pigment Eye Dust (Link) - $3.60

Total: $39.17

This is probably the lowest total value bag I have and also the one that I am less excited about.  I am very excited about finding an eyebrow pencil that works and the hair treatment, but usually I am more excited about more products... However, the great thing, there is always another sample bag on the way!!

Until next time, I hope you all have a wonderful week!

xoxo,
Mikal-Anne