NYC HD Color Trio in Long Beach Sands - Influenster Jolly VoxBox

The NYC HD Color Trio in Long Beach Sands was featured in my Jolly Voxbox, complimentary of Influenster.

I love that it is a trio, and all three shades can be combined for a cohesive eye look.

The top shade is meant for the browbone, the middle shade is meant for the lid, and the bottom shade is meant for the crease. I personally would use the bottom shade on the lid and the middle shade in the crease, but that's just me.

Here is my eye with the middle shade all over my lid.

Here is my eye with the bottom shade added to my crease and the top shade added to my browbone. The colors are very neutral and don't show up very well on my eyes. They lack pigmentation.

I did a few quick swatches on my fingertips. As you can see, the brow highlight has decent pigmentation, as well as the darker brown color. However, the bottom shade, a tan color, lacks pigmentation and doesn't add much to your look.

Overall, I am impressed with two of the shades, but I thnk the third one needs some work. I would love to try some other products from NYC to compare the quality.

Ipsy December 2013 - "Celebrate"

I received my Ipsy bag a bit later than normal this month. I got it on the 17th as opposed to the 14th when I normally get it. I wasn't super happy with the contents when I saw my Glam Room, but I'll get into specifics about the products.

The contents:

POP Beauty eyeshadow trio: I received this trio in the neutral colors. Some other subscribers received a smoky eye trio. I haven't opened this because I have a trade set up for the Be a Bombshell lip crayon from last month in the color Shameless. I received Hot Damn (bright red), but Shameless is a beautiful pink berry color. This trio looks very nice, but I already have three other neutral palettes, and I'm getting Naked 3 for Christmas. 

Be a Bombshell The One Stick in Girl Crush: This is a stick for eyes, cheeks, and lips, but I will only use this as a cheek highlight or blush. On the lips, it's extremely chalky and has a horrible texture. I might try it on the eyes, but I don't think it would look that nice. 

English Laundry perfume samples: These samples came halfway gone because they spilled during shipping. After reading some other subscribers' blogs, I've noticed that almost everyone's spilled. I emailed Ipsy and they are sending me Benefit's Benetint as a replacement. 

Ardell natural lashes: I've heard this is a good brand. I don't use lashes often, but maybe I'll try them on New Year's!

J.Cat The Big Lip Pencil in Caramel Mocha: I love this lip pencil! I wish it were a twist-up, but instead I have to sharpen it. The other color option was red, so I'm extremely thankful I got this color. I have too many red lipsticks! This is a beautiful neutral color.

Overall, not a bad bag. The bag itself is classy and well-made (unlike previous bags) and I enjoyed it. I'm not sure how much longer I'll subscribe though. I usually don't end up with the variation that I want. 

Giveaway Prize from Mom's Got Mail

Today I received a giveaway prize from Jennifer at Mom's Got Mail! I won the November end of the month giveaway, consisting of hand cream, The Balm's Stainiac, and two pieces from BaubleBar. She even threw in a few extras, including the November 2013 Ipsy bag. 

Here is a peppermint hand cream from Ulta, an eyeshadow quad also from Ulta, Stainiac, and a lipstick from Ulta. 

My first BaubleBar pieces...

So pretty! I love them and I think they go together well without being over the top. I will definitely wear these for Christmas and New Year's Eve. 

Here is the bracelet on my arm! Ignore my crazy socks. ;)

A huge thanks goes out to Jennifer! I really appreciate the prize. It was like a Christmas present!

Influenster's Jolly VoxBox 2013 Review

Hurray! My second Influenster VoxBox has arrived, and I got a chance to check out each of the products before I wrote this review. I am very pleased with this box, especially considering it's my second box of freebies in two months! I previously received the Varsity VoxBox, which contained NYC lipgloss, Airheads Extreme Bites, Tide PODS, Clearasil face wash, and Kiss nail stickers.

This box was supposed to have a "Naughty and Nice" theme... I'm not sure I quite get that theme, but I am happy with these products nevertheless. 

And on to the contents...

Here's a closer look:

First up is duck tape from the Duck brand. This is a mini roll in a blue and white floral print. I used it to give my phone charger a makeover. I will also use it for packages and other craft projects.

Retail: $3

This single pack of Puffs tissues is a great addition to my purse. I always find myself in need of a tissue while I'm out, yet I don't have one on me. These will be great because they have lotion in the tissues themselves, so my nose won't get irritated.

Retail: $0.49

Next up is the Rimmel Show Off Lip Lacquer. This is basically a liquid lipstick. The color payoff is amazing and opaque. The color I received is Luna, and it is a beautiful peach color. I will definitely use this up. My only complaint is the weird cucumber smell and strange applicator.

Retail: $5.49

This is the NYC HD Color Trio eyeshadow in Long Beach Sands.This is one of those products that has instructions for where to use each shade, whether it's on the brow bone, crease, or lid. I already have so much neutral eyeshadow, but I really like the colors.

Retail: $2.99

Finally, my sweet tooth had something to be excited about! These Skinny Cow chocolates filled with peanut butter cream are delicious. I have tried the caramel version before, and these are just as good. The peanut butter is a bit salty for me, but I love them otherwise. This box contains 6 packs of 3 candies each. I've already eaten 3 packs... oops.

Retail: $3.99

Overall, the Jolly VoxBox was a great box, and I am very happy that I received it. I look forward to continuing to use these products and review them on my blog and other social networks.

Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary of Influenster. The opinions are my own.

The Jolly VoxBox is Coming!

Earlier today, I received an email from Influenster confirming my place in the Jolly VoxBox program! I had to send it to my parents' house because I will be on winter break until mid-January. I hope it comes before then. They are supposed to be shipping this week, I believe, so I should be getting a shipping notice soon.

I checked the "Cheat Sheet" section and here are the products that will be in the program.

Product
Rimmel London Show Off Lip Lacquer
NYC New York Color HD Color Trio Eye Shadow
Ducklings Mini Rolls
Puffs
Skinny Cow Candy

I think this will be a pretty good box. I am hoping the lip lacquer is in a color that is unique to my collection, because I have a lot of lip products. I also have a lot of eyeshadow, so hopefully those are some fun colors, too.

As far as the duck tape, I don't really use it, but I like to craft, so I'm sure I can find a use for it on Pinterest.

The Puffs tissues will be used up, obviously. They will be good for my purse.

And finally, the Skinny Cow candy. I am sure it will be pretty good because I've enjoyed the brand in the past.

Well, there you have it! The 2013 Holiday VoxBox! I will blog about it when I receive it.

Beauty Box 5 Review - November Review

I was recently given the opportunity to review Beauty Box 5, which is a $12/month beauty subscription. The November boxes that I have seen did not contain these products, but I am still excited to try everything out!

The contents:

Every Beauty Makeup Remover Pads:

This package contains 5 pads. You just add water and then they act like makeup/face wipes. I am looking forward to trying these out tonight.

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion:

I've used plenty of samples of this lotion, as well as several full size bottles. It is a basic moisturizer, and I will use it up.

H2O Oil-free Marine Moisturizer:

I have many face lotion samples, but I have been wanting to try this brand since it was featured in Ipsy and I didn't receive it.

BellaPierre Mineral Powder:

This powder came in Storm, which is a pretty light gray color. This is the only product that was actually featured in the official November Beauty Box 5. I saw many people get a blue color, and I'm so happy I didn't because I already have a blue loose eyeshadow from Ipsy. One blue mineral shadow is more than enough for me.

Nubar Nail Polish:

This nail polish is in the color White Tip. I really don't like it at all. It's white, but almost like an eggshell white... there is something off about it, like a grayish tinge. I don't like this, but I will give it a try anyway. It also appears to be free of any harmful ingredients.

Disclaimer: I received this box complimentary of Beauty Box 5 for review purposes. The opinions are my own.

NYX Eyeshadow

Let me say this first: NYX has amazing customer service! 

I got an eyeshadow shade I didn't like in my September Ipsy bag, like many others. NYX ran a promo where Ipsy subscribers could swap their eyeshadow for a different color.

The shipment came in a cute lace bag.

And look! They even included a little extra.

This Super NBR Round makeup puff is super nice! I normally use my fingers to put on foundation, but I'm going to try this out.

The shade I chose was Dark Brown. It's a beautiful matte chocolate color.

I chose this color because I wanted to use it as an eyebrow filler. So far, so good. 

Thanks, NYX! You earned a loyal customer with your great service.

Sample Society November 2013

This month, I received a free Sample Society box as a promotion for first-time subscribers. These boxes are distributed through Beauty Bar and Allure magazine for $15/month.

The box is smaller in person than I pictured it when reading other reviews! However, it is packaged nicely. The paper in the box reminds me of Glossybox's packaging.

Voila! The box contents are for Kit B. The theme is Winter Wonders.

Jane Iredale Lip Drink mini lip balm: $4

This product retails for $12 normally. This sample will last a while, but it's very tiny. It is pretty cute though, and I use lip balm constantly, so this product is a no-brainer for me.

Illume Balsam & Cedar mini candle: $3

The full size candle retails for $36 and comes in a beautiful jar. This "travel sized" candle (who travels with candles??) is in cute tin. I'm burning it right now, and it smells like winter to me. It's a great Christmastime scent.

Borghese Splendore Brightening Makeup: $15

This product retails for $29.50 in the full size. It is basically a liquid highlighter. I tried a bit on my cheekbones but wasn't impressed. I don't love looking really shimmery. Maybe I can find a way to use this, or try using just a small amount.

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisturizer: $10

The full size retails for $65. This is a brand that I recently received samples in the mail from, but I didn't get a sample of this, so I'm happy to try it. It comes with a decent amount in a cute little jar that I can reuse.

Annick Goutal Eau D'Hadrien perfume: $3

The full size is $92. I love the smell of this. I normally hate perfumes and only wear fruity body spray, but this smells light and citrusy.

According to the package, the scent is a tribute to Goutal's passion for Italy. It encorporates citrus fruit, cypress, basil, and rosemary. It smells very fresh.

This box has a value of $34. I will use all of these samples up, except maybe the brightening makeup. I will use it, but very slowly, because it is extremely shimmery.

I am not sure yet if I will keep this subscription next month. I hope a spoiler comes out that will help me decide.

Glossybox October 2013: The Byrdie Box

Imagine my surprise when I got a package in the mail from Glossybox. I had signed up for a 3-month Glossybox subscription on the last day of October, but cancelled the same day because I saw the spoiler for November (black eyeshadow) and wasn't impressed.

Well, after I cancelled, they accidentally shipped the box anyway, despite my account showing that it was cancelled. I also never got a shipping email so I figured it cancelled like normal. 

I can't say I'm disappointed... I do love this box, and I can't believe I got it for free. I feel a little guilty, but I didn't do anything wrong, so I'm not too worried about it.

This is my first time every receiving a Glossybox, and the packaging is to die for. The quality of the box itself is wonderful, and I love the pretty pink ribbon. It's like opening a fancy present.

And without further ado, here is what came in my October Glossybox.

I am in love with all of these products. They are all quality items that I will use up.

Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream by Fresh: $12

This is definitely a deluxe sample. The full size retails for $42.

I am excited to try this. I love face creams and this one smells fresh, like cucumbers. 

Bulgari Eau Parfumée Soap in Au Thé Blanc: $8

This is a cute little soap bar with a fresh smell. The full size retails for $30, so I wouldn't repurchase, but I will enjoy using this up.

Balance Me tinted lip salve in super soft beige: $16.50

This product is full size. It has an off-putting smell that I can't quite describe, but it does have a plumping effect and tingly feel. It is a pretty color. I don't know how often I'll use it, but I like it.

Sesha Renu Exfoliating Gel: $16.80

The full size retails for $42. This product claims to remove dead skin cells with papaya enzymes. I'm really excited to try this. I don't have any scrubs right now, so I am happy to have this on hand.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes mascara: $23

This full size mascara has been said to beat Benefit's They're Real mascara, which is a beauty blogger favorite. I haven't opened it yet because I already have three or four tubes open, but once I throw those out, I will open this one next. I love the extravagant gold packaging. It looks really luxe.

Overall, I am extremely pleased with this box, especially because I got it for FREE. It's crazy. This box is valued at about $76. I cannot believe the value in a box that is only $21. I am very impressed with Glossybox, so if any spoilers come out in the coming months that excite me, I'll definitely resubscribe. 

Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer

I recently receieved this sample of Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer in the mail. I had completely forgotten that I even requested this sample.

I honestly don't even remember where I ordered it from... either Target or directly from Simple.

I was thrilled when I opened the box. This is a great sample size (1.9 oz.) and will last me at least a month.

When I first felt this moisturizer on my hand, it seemed light and not "rich" at all. However, once I applied it to my face, I could feel how moisturizing it really is. My skin feels so refreshed after using this.

This is my new favorite nighttime moisturizer. After my sample runs out, I will definitely think about purchasing it.

NYC New York Color Big Bold Gloss Review

In my Varisty VoxBox from Influenster, I received this NYC Big Bold Gloss in Pleasantly Plump Pink.

As you can see, the gloss is a true pink color. 

The Good:

This lip gloss is not sticky at all. It goes on smoothly and feels nice on the lips. It does not have an unpleasant scent.

The Bad:

The wand is abnormally large, and I would prefer it to be smaller. The color doesn't show up on my lips very well becuase my lips are more pigmented than the gloss. It doesn't show any sign of plumping my lips.

Overally, this is a nice lip gloss that I will use up. I believe it retails for $3.99, so it's fairly cheap, but because of the huge wand, I think I would rather try a different gloss next time.

Disclaimer: I received this product complementary from Influenster.

Ipsy October 2013

 It's here! My October 2013 Ipsy Glambag arrived today.

I really love the pink packaging. It's fun to see it in my mailbox.

The theme this month is The Art of Beauty.

The bag is white with a pink lining and zipper. The quote on the front is by Ralph Waldo-Emerson and states, "Love of beauty is taste, The creation of beauty is art."

Here are all five products from my bag this month.

 The first is from Sexy Hair and the product is called Spray Clay. This product says it adds texture to a matte look. I am interested to see how this works and what matte hair looks like.

Deluxe sample

Retail: $6

Next up is the Coastal Scents medium eyeshadow brush. I am excited about this because I could always use another shadow brush.

Retail: $2.49

Bella Terra mineral powder in Navy. I don't like blue eyeshadow, as I've stated, but I'm going to give this a try as a liner. 

Deluxe sample

Retail: $12

I just used this and it is the most beautiful nail polish I've ever seen! It's a Zoya polish called Giovanna and it's an emerald green with blue undertones.

Full size

Retail: $8

Lastly is the Starlooks lip pencil in Tickle Me Pink. This swatched beautifully and I am happy to own my first lip liner!

Full size

Retail: $12

Bag value: $40.49

Not a bad value for $10. This isn't my favorite Ipsy bag, but I definitely enjoyed it and I think the products will all go to use.

What did you get in your bag?

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