Unboxing August 2014

IT'S UNBOXING DAY!

Sorry for the belated post (if anyone actually even reads this). Apparently the USPS decided that my package needed to see the whole continental U.S. ROAD TRIP!! I received Ipsy quickly but did not receive Boxycharm until today (8/20) after I already went to work :[ (I also already received my beauty blender from MakeupGeek and all of my Keurig K-Cups…which were from wayyyy farther away than Florida…way to fail USPS). 

Thankfully, Boxycharm is awesome and responded to my e-mail complaint and let me know that if any of the contents are damaged, they would replace it for me (yet another reason why Boxycharm is amazing). So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Ipsy:

Thank goodness this month was so much better than last month! I almost gave up on Ipsy due to them always sending me eyeshadows (that I have UNCHECKED on my beauty profile) and products that I cannot use. They redeemed themselves, thankfully.

The Bag

Sooooo, I was really looking forward to this bag because the pictures of the print looked really cute...and then I received it and I am not impressed. I thought it was going to be a cloth bag and it is an awful, stiff plastic bag :/ The print IS cute though. 

Products

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner. I will start off by saying that I am already a fan of Dr. Brandt; I received a microdermoabrasion from them and it was AMAZING and smelled like lemons. Dr. Brandt is very good for your skin. It has a velvety texture and makes you photo ready (it is also heat and humidity resistant). It really does minimize your pores without clogging them and increases the longevity of your makeup. If you would like to try this product, visit www.drbrandtskincare.com and use code IPSY20 for 20% off any purchase, a free travel size portion of the pores no more pore refiner, and free shipping (expires 10/31/14)! Great deal!

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara. I'm a HUGE fan of Urban Decay-- I just don't think they can go wrong with anything. Love this Mascara! I will have to alternate between this and the Benefit They're Real mascara that I received last month (one of the only two things I kept from last month). They are both really great mascara's. To purchase this item, visit www.urbandecay.com (sorry! They did not provide a promo code :[ )

Free Your Mane Reviving Spray. So far, I am really liking this. It is TECHNICALLY a "reviving" spray which means that if you used any products in your hair, this spray will "revive" it so you don't have to start over or add more product (almost as handy as Dry Shampoo...for those days when you roll over in bed and say "Eh. Not fixing my hair today."). The ingredients are Baobab Seed Oil (from Africa), Argan Oil (from Morocco), anti-oxidant-rich Pomegranate Seed Oil, and Sweet Almond Oil. I like to spray it on my hair just to simply nourish it and counteract the damages that build up during the day. To purchase this product, visit www.freeyourmane.com  and use code ipsyfriends4ever to receive 30% off any full priced item (expires 9/30/14). 

Jersey Shore Sun Mongongo Lip Conditioner. Another product from the Jersey Shore...although, this is much better than the tanning oil I received last month...I do like lip balms, so I'm sure that this will go into rotation (although I prefer the lip balms with Menthol because they make my lips tingle :D ). I was hoping to get one of the little tins of lip balm, but I got this one and it is okay. It has UV protection, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper and anti-oxidants so it's good for your lippies. To purchase this product, visit www.jerseyshoresun.com and use code IPSY50 for 50% off all Jersey Shore Sun Lip Conditioners (expires 9/30/14).

Lord & Berry Silk Kajal Kohl Eye Pencil. I've never tried Lord & Berry before, but it seems to be a pretty good pencil eyeliner (if you're into that). I typically use an eyeliner pen or cream/gel eyeliners, but it's always useful to have a pencil. It's a Kohl eyeliner so it goes on really well and is very smudge-able. Also, it is a very matte black finish. The only let down is that it is a REALLY tiny sample size...To purchase this product, go to www.lordandberry.com and use code LAB@14091 for 25% off any purchase (expires 10/15/14).

That's it for this month's Ipsy. I will be keeping all of these products, YAY IPSY! Moving on...

Boxycharm

Well, after waiting 2 weeks to receive this...I am so excited and relieved that nothing was damaged! The lipstick seemed to be leaning a little in the package, but I was able to straighten it, so all is well. Products in this box equal up to $111. Here we go!

Products

OFRA Cosmetics Americano Bronzer $35.00/10g. This color is swatched above (the bottom color). It is a pretty bronzer color that I will actually be able to wear!! Yayyyy! The compact is also really well made. Love! 

Tarina Tarantino Conditioning Lip Sheen $22.00/ 3.5g. Can I just say...OMG YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!! I got a shade that is pretty! This is shade Watermelon Wow (swatched above, middle color). It is pretty and hydrating. What more could you want?! Boxycharm seems to send out a lot of Tarina Tarantino and so far, I am impressed. Bring on more!

ModelCo CHEEK + LIPS Cheek & Lip Tint Rosey Red $22.00/.33 fl oz. The formula/texture seems to be close to the Tints & Sass I received from Ipsy last month, except this is a prettier color and DOESN'T SMELL LIKE CHERRIES! It's a pretty pinky color that I might rotate in with my Tarte...I don't know though...I REALLY love my Tarte. It's actually a pretty nice blush though. I did some research and saw that a lot of celebrities actually use this product, so heyyyy!

Morphe Brushes Powder Brush $19.99/1.3 oz. Never heard of this company before, but the brush seems to be very well made. Luckily, it came in the box with the bronzer so I will be using this brush with the bronzer. I have been looking for some new brushes recently, so I lucked out on this one. 

OFRA Cosmetics Eyeliner $13.00/.04 oz. Another OFRA product in this box. I was so glad that I didn't get the lip liner (which was the other option). This is in the shade Grapeful and is a really pretty purple color (and I HATE purple, so it really is a pretty color). The pencil is water resistant and good for sensitive eyes. This will be a wonderful fall color to use. 

Overall, I received two great subscriptions this month full of new products that I can't wait to use!! Can't wait to see what next month has in store (if they continue to keep up the good work!). So far, Boxycharm is one of the best things I've paid for...$111 worth of products for $21...winning. Until next time, stay bad to the bow!

Also, in case anyone is interested, here are the nails I am sporting at the moment (preparing for fall!). 

This look is created using shades Daria (gray), Greta (plum), and Joelle (glitter) from Julep. I really love this manicure and might redo it again before fall is over. 

Latest Obsessions

So, as the title states…this is a blog about my latest obsessions!

First off is the legendary, godly, amazing, fantastic, gorgeous, beautiful, extraordinary [insert 2384907234 more adjectives here], holiest of holies….the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette ($55); I bow to you, Urban Decay. This palette is just absolutely amazing and full of rose gold hues (which I’m also obsessed with right now; luckily, it’s the “it” color of the year). This is the first Naked palette I have purchased because the other two just did not have enough colors that I would actually use. The only perk of the first palette is Gunmetal (a GORGEOUS gray color); that is probably the only color I would use from that palette. Naked 2 had…maybe 2 colors I would use…but Naked 3 is where it’s at! I have used every single one of the colors (but of course, I do have my favorites). The other great thing about this palette is that it is the FIRST Naked palette that can be used as blushes as well as eyeshadows; I have even seen some people dust some of the colors over their lipstick. Below are swatches and descriptions of the colors.

(You will need real makeup brushes. The one that comes with it blends okay, but does not pack on color)

 (I'm too pale for Strange to show up on...)

Strange— A very light white/pink color, mostly used for highlighting the brow and blending out hard edges.

Dust—TOP 3 FAV. Dust is a metallic, light pink rose hue. It is soooo pretty. I use this in the inner corner of my eye. A lot of people say that they have a lot of trouble getting this color to show up on their skin. I have pale skin and it shows up on me, so if you are having trouble seeing it, try wetting your brush a little and then picking up the color.

Burnout— Another metallic, pale pink rose hue but has a warmer feel to it. This is another that I use in the inner corner of my eye.

Limit—This is a GREAT behind the scenes matte color. It is perfect for blending harsh edges above the crease. Like seriously amazing.

Buzz—ANTOHER TOP 3 FAV! Buzz is a metallic, dark rose hue. Another color used for the inner eye. I try to use this one with darker crease/outer eye colors since it is a darker rose hue.

Trick—Metallic orangey-brown rose hue. It is very pretty, but I haven’t really used it as much as the others. It can be used as a crease color or inner eye depending on what colors you pair it with.

Nooner—Matte…dark mauve is what I am going to call it. This is the best crease color from the whole palette. I use it every time pretty much. It is a really good color to build on as well.

Liar—I cannot tell a lie, I love this color! It is a darker metallic, rosy brown color. Very buildable and a great crease color for the lighter inner eyes.

Factory—Metallic brown color with hints of rose. Another great crease color that I like to build with Mugshot.

Mugshot—MY FINAL TOP 3 FAVORITE! I am a sucker for grey's, and a beautiful grey this is. It’s a metallic grey with a light brown hue to it. Gorgeous! One of my favorite colors to use for the crease OR the inner eye :]

Darkside—Metallic dark mauve color, like very dark mauve. I use this for the main outer eye on days that I just don’t feel like going as dark as Blackheart. Also, this is a REALLY great outer eye color if you’re going for a more romantic look instead of an edgy look.

Blackheart—Last, but not definitely not least. This is one of the most used colors of my palette because it is just perfect for creating that sexy, smoky eye. It is a…I wouldn't really call it black because it’s not that harsh, but it is very close. You can also see hints of a red/rosy hue in it. It is soooo pretty and just perfect for the outer eye.

So, that concludes my complete and total fan-girl babbling about this palette…seriously though, I do love it. If you could marry inanimate objects…I’m just sayin’.

Moving on to my new favorite blush, and quite possibly one of my new favorite makeup companies (if not THE favorite). Say “hello” to Tarte cheek stains ($30). They come in a cute little push tube that reminds of me of those ice creams I used to eat as a kid…you know what I’m talking about…the orange dreamsicle push pops. Ahhhhh. But I digress…this blush is AMAAAAAAAAAAZING (also has matching lip colors…which I need). Not only does it smell like a berry sorbet, but it blends so beautifully and doesn't make you look like a clown. Their products are really good for your skin and don’t use any of the awful chemicals and ingredients that other companies use. This cheek stain has BERRIES in it…I mean c’mon…I saw this product originally in a video review of Boxycharm by JAMbeauty89 (I absolutely adore her. I watch all of her videos. JAMbeauty89). I actually subscribed to Boxycharm just to GET this blush, but unfortunately I missed the deadline to get that box :[ But, that’s okay because I just went ahead and bought it anyways! I seriously just HAD to have this. I purchased the shade Blushing Bride (because that was what the review was on and what was in the Boxycharm box. See below).

 It is such a pretty, natural blush color; it looks like you are naturally blushing (the swatch above is without being blended). Remember the days when women used to pinch their cheeks to create the “blush” look? Yeah, this is much easier…and less painful…to get that natural look. They have a bunch of different colors ranging from dark raspberry to light coral. I need to hit the lottery so I can get more of these! I just cannot praise them enough. If you read my Ipsy unboxing you saw that I received a cheek stain from Tints & Sass that was an awful blood red color and smelled like CHERRIES…just no—go with Tarte and get a delicious berry smell and extremely blendable colors so you won’t look like Bozo the clown…I mean, unless you like that look of course.

This includes my latest obsessions, and I hope that you become obsessed with them as well (although, I hope you don’t break the bank…these are not cheap products). I would love to see any looks that you have made with the Naked 3 palette, so please feel free to share a link for me to view it. Thanks for reading and post any comments or questions you have and remember, keep it classy and stay bad to the bow!

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY!!

So let me just start off by saying…OMFG AMAZING!!! Also, GO SEE IT. IMMEDIATELY!

Warning: There is back story info and some small plot reveals but nothing that is really a “spoiler”…like at all…so read on!

The movie is about 5 misfits who are forced together to protect and recover a mysterious orb and ultimately save the galaxy [obviously]. They start off just banding together to split the money for the orb, but obviously they all become friends in the end [like in any movie]. So, the first thing I would like to start praising is the cast. I am not a big fan of “action” stars or wrestlers who decide to “act” but I didn't have a problem in this movie...at all.

The main character/hero is Peter Quill, or as he likes to be called…Star-Lord, played by Chris Pratt. He is originally from planet Earth but was abducted at a young age and is now a scrapper, which basically means that he goes around and finds valuable items for benefactors to make money. And let me just say…Chris got into shape and is looking good. I found myself just staring at the screen with my mouth open a few times—mmm mm good. Oh also, the only thing he has left from Earth is an old Walkman with GREAT music on it—the music from his Walkman is the soundtrack for the movie [which I will praise later].

Next up is Gamora, played by the beautiful Zoe Saldana. It doesn't matter what color they make Zoe in a movie, she is still GORGEOUS and in this movie, she is a lime greenish color. She is of the Zen Whoberi race, but was taken as a child, along with her sister Nebula [Karen Gillan], by Thanos [Josh Brolin] who basically mistreats them and turns them into weapons. Thanos gives Gamora and Nebula to Ronan the Accuser [Lee Pace] who uses them as weapons against other races and planets; in the movie, he uses her to retrieve the orb that Star-Lord has. She joins Star-Lord after attacking, and trying to kill him, for the orb.

Rocket….Rocket, Rocket, Rocket. Probably one of my favorite characters. He is a cute, cynical, smart ass raccoon voiced by the incredibly sexy Bradley Cooper [so sad that he wasn't actually IN the movie]. He is a bounty hunter and is partners with Groot [Vin Diesel]; Groot is a tree life-form who is basically the muscle of the duo. He only knows three words—I am Groot. He is also a favorite character of mine; he is so sweet and cute and only wants to make friends...oh yeah, and to pulverize a bad guy or two. Rocket and Groot meet Star-Lord at the same time as Gamora; they are on Xandar-Mall at the same time as Star-Lord and they get the notification that there is a bounty for him. This is a funny scene in which Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket, and Groot are all beating the crap out of each other; Gamora is trying to get the orb, but Rocket and Groot are just trying to get Star-Lord. Ultimately, all of this fighting lands them all in jail together [as seen in the previews for the movies].

In jail, Rocket, Groot, Star-Lord and Gamora all meet Drax the Destroyer [David Batista]; he is this super muscled badass who wants to kill Gamora to seek vengeance for the deaths of his wife and daughter [killed by Ronan]. Star-Lord is able to talk him out of it by promising that Ronan will come after Gamora and then he will be able to kill Ronan. After the team devises a plan to escape, Drax sees an opportunity and takes it—he joins the team.

Ronan, played by Lee Pace [plays Legolas’s father in The Hobbit], is a guy who thinks he is Billy Badass. He is a total baddie who is seeking revenge from the Nova Corps on Xandar-Mall for a peace treaty that he believes is unjust for his people. He is technically under the rule of Thanos, but as all villains do…he double crosses. He is a total a-hole douchebag.

I’m not going to say anything more about the plot because I’m not a spoiler, but things only get better from here. The soundtrack was probably one of my favorite things about the movie. It had a bunch of good oldies [songs from the 70’s] and I was singing along and dancing in my seat the entire time. Some songs featured are: Come and Get Your Love, Go All the Way, Hooked on a Feeling, Fooled Around and Fell in Love, Cherry Bomb, Escape [the Pina Colada Song], Ain't No Mountain High Enough, and I Want You Back; so basically just phenomenal and it really added to the movie. The movie is fast paced and action packed—there wasn't a dull or boring moment where you’re just sitting there like…”when is something going to happen again…” Also, despite it being a super awesome, epic, super hero action movie, there were some touching moments. But don’t worry, they were few and far between so you can still be super manly while you watch this movie. I’m not a huge action fan—pretty much the only action movies I watch are super hero movies [mostly X-Men –my favorite-, The Avengers, and Iron Man] or The Lord of the Rings/Hobbit movies…but let me just say, I was on the edge of my chair and will be watching this over and over again. I laughed hysterically the whole movie as well; it was one of the funniest movies I've seen…well…probably ever [the only thing that could make it MORE perfect would be if Will Ferrell were randomly in it, haha...although John C. Reilly was in it, so that was awesome]. To quote my friend who saw the movie with me “this movie makes so called ‘epic’ movies look like a puppet show.” Seriously, you need to go see this movie as soon as possible. Here is a link to watch previews: Click "Watch Trailer". If you've seen it, please comment and tell me what you thought! Also, if you'd like to see Guardians of the Galaxy nail art, please comment and let me know; I do a lot of nerdy nail art [if you'd like to see some pictures, let me know!]