Monthly Subscription Review ~ Play! by Sephora & Ipsy Glam Bag ~ February 2016

Figuring my March Ipsy bag has already shipped I thought I should probably get my ass in gear and get this post up! February's boxes came with a pretty even amount of hits and misses. I really hope March has some better stuff in store though.

What's Inside?!

Lancôme DRAMA LIQUI-PENCIL Longwear Eyeliner: I swear, if I get one more black eyeliner in any of my subscription boxes I am going to fucking rage! I am so damn sick of black eyeliner samples. I have enough to last an entire lifetime. There are a million other shades of eyeliner! Send one of those!

TOM FORD BLACK ORCHID: I'm sure I have said it a hundred times, I am really picky about perfume so I wasn't thrilled with this one. It actually gave me a headache so I will be passing it along.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick:  is a really pretty, everyday color. I'll probably throw it in my purse and get some good use out of it.

Bumble and bumble Prêt-à-Powder: This is my favorite product in the box! It's THE BEST dry shampoo I have ever tried. It gets rid of oil but it also gives a nice texture to my hair without making it feel nasty and grimy. A++++++!

bareMinerals Pop of Passion Lip Oil-Balm: Lovely spring shade. Gives a nice wash of color. Nice, smooth texture.

tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes™ 4-in-1 Mascara: I really like this mascara. It defines my lashes without looking too dramatic or clumpy. However, I have about 5 samples of this. I'd like to try something new.

Naked Cosmetics Mica Pigment: I love the color- a shimmery nude shade but I rarely use loose pigments. I get a ton of loose pigments from Ipsy. I'm over it.

Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Finish Primer Oil: I haven't attempted to put this on my face yet. I'm quite hesitant to do so as I am already an oily bitch on a good day. I plan to put it to the test soon, so keep an eye on my Instagram for a mini review.

Chella Lipstick Pencil: Pass. I hate this color.

Jersey Shore Cosmetics Vanilla Bean Anti-aging Lip & Hand Polish: This shit smells like I might "accidently" eat it. Seriously though, it smells good. I'm definitely a fan of scrubs and I like that you can use this for both lips and hands. 

Luxie Beauty Small Tapered Blending Eye Brush 231: I am slowly becoming a huge fan of Luxie brushes and at the rate Ipsy is going I might have an entire set soon. I ain't even mad about it.

Spit It Out! 

What are you hoping to find in your March subscription boxes? How many black eyeliners do you own?

Monthly Favorites~Jan/Feb

For the past few months I have been much more attracted to skincare than ever before in my life. It's slowing becoming a new addiction (like I need a new one) and my skin has never looked so good. I've acquired a few new things this year that I am really loving a lot and can't stop recommending to anyone who will listen.

What are they?!

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleasing Water: What is this sorcery?! I still don't really understand what the hell this actually is but I can tell you it is legitimately life changing. My skin is an asshole and it will break out if I wash it too much... or not enough... or look at it wrong. So, I have to be careful about what I use and how often I use it and it's kind of a pain in the ass. With the Micellar water I can wash my face multiple times a day without my skin drying out or throwing a shit fit and ruining my life for a week. It leaves my skin feeling super clean and silky. It also removes makeup like a champ!

Biore Charcoal Pore Minimizer: I like to use this guy a couple times a week or during breakouts. It keeps my pores from looking like giant, filthy craters but it also greatly reduces the lifespan of a face demon even with only a single use.

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pads: If you have issues with skin texture, hyper-pigmentation, acne or general dullness then I highly recommend these exfoliating pads. My skin just looks so fresh and bright and amazing. I know it's not just me because I keep getting compliments on my BARE skin! That has not happened since I was like 6 years old.

Acure Day Cream:  I don't know what the hell "gotu kola" is but I think it's my new best friend. This face cream feels so lovely when I'm slathering it on. It's not greasy, absorbs quickly and it smells sooooo good!

Shiseido Ibuki Quick Fix Mist: I think I thought this was a setting spray when I ordered it but it is actually much more than that. It claims to refresh your skin or makeup after wearing it all day. I tested this theory a few different times. While I did notice that I was a tad bit less oily, I can't say I noticed a significant difference. However, I tried using this to prep my skin before makeup application and I LOVE it. I can get pretty oily and for some reason I always lose makeup on my nose no matter what I do. I focused the mist on my T-zone after applying primer and I noticed a huge difference in the longevity of my makeup in that area. I was less oily throughout the day and my makeup actually stayed put on my nose. 

My Magic Mud Tooth Powder for Detoxifying & Whitening: I received a sample of this in the mail through a Facebook giveaway. I didn't really expect much from it and I was reluctant to willingly put this weird black crap in my mouth, but holy shit I am glad that I did! My mouth is so clean! And after only one use my teeth were much brighter. I've also noticed that my teeth consistently feel clean even after a couple days of not using it. Even my gums look healthier! Once this sample is gone I will be purchasing the full size and I am making everyone in my family order it too. 

Spit It Out!

What are your favorite products this month? Is there a product you didn't think you'd like but became a HG for you?

Monthly Subscription Review ~ Play! by Sephora & Ipsy Glam Bag ~ January 2016

December was a "no subscription box" month for me so I was excited for January to get here. Both subscriptions had some great products this month but Ipsy was actually my favorite box this time. I know, I'm shocked too!

What's Inside?!

Play! By Sephora

CLINIQUE Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight: This is a pretty big sample which is always a plus. Unfortunately, I am not big on cream/stick highlighters so I will be passing this one along. 

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel: I've tried these in the past and I am excited to use them again since my skin texture is shit these days. You definitely need a good moisturizer and SPF if you plan to leave your cave after using this.

Living Proof Prime Style Extender Spray: I've used this a couple of times in the past. It's okay. It works but I don't think it's anything special.

Dr. Brandt Skincare Needles No More: I have a sample of this that has been sitting in a drawer for a year waiting for me to get around to using it. I wonder if it's gone bad.....?

SEPHORA COLLECTION Eye Mask in Green Tea: I really enjoyed using this mask. It was very cooling and my skin felt amazing afterward. I'm just not sure I would spend $5 on one mask.  

Tocca Isabel Perfume: I haven't actually gotten around to trying this on yet. I am not a huge fan of perfume and I am very picky with the ones I do wear. I'm seriously over getting perfume samples in my subscription boxes.

Ipsy Glam Bag 

OFRA Cosmetics Universal Eyebrow Pencil: Claims to be a "universal color suitable for all skin tones." I seem to always have an issue with finding appropriate colored brow products that don't break the bank. I think this eyebrow pencil is a really good shade for me. I like the stiffness of the pencil as it creates a more hair-like effect.

Pixi by Petra Mesmerizing Mineral Duo in Lavender Bloom: I love these colors and the texture is quite nice. I like that you can use these wet or dry. Good neutral shades.

theBalm Cosmetics Mr. Write (Now): theBalm and I have had a sordid love affair for many years now and they still manage to get my rocks off. I received Scott B. Bordeaux which is a deep purple and I freakin' lurv it. 

Skone Cosmetics Smudger Brush: Makeup brushes are one thing I am never mad about getting in my Ipsy bag. They always manage to give great quality brushes. This one is no exception.

Lasting Smiles Lip Balm in Peppermint Creme: Meh. It's lip balm. However, I recently read that sniffing peppermint can ease migraines so I will be stashing this for easy access during my next suicidal (read: migraine) episode. 

So, all-in-all both boxes were packed with excellent products. For me, I will be getting more use out of the Ipsy bag this month. I can't wait to see what February has in store for both of these subscriptions!

Spit It Out!

What subscription services are you signed up for? What was your favorite product for January?

Influenster Spice VoxBox Review

Best. VoxBox. Yet. The Spice box had some great stuff in it that is definitely getting a lot of use. I'm looking forward to seeing what's in the future boxes.

What's Inside?!

Soapbox Coconut Shampoo & Conditioner: Great smelling, low foaming shampoo and I love their mission to help others.

Not Your Mother's Whip IT Up Styling Mousse: Are they trying to get me to eat this?! It smells like sugar cookies and looks/feels just like whipped cream! My hair smells Ahhhh-mazing! I added a dollop to wet hair and simply blow-dried it. It gave me a lot of volume and defined my natural curls. Loving this stuff.

SinfulColors SinfulShine 2-Step Manicure: Super shiny and long-lasting! I usually only get a good day or two of chip-free nails but this one lasted a full week and still looked great.

Good Health Veggie Stix: Delicious, kid-friendly snack. I thought they tasted a lot like french fries... #healthysnackwin

Yogi Tea: I received Sweet Tangerine Positive Energy (Supports Elevated Mood and Energy Levels) and Vanilla Spice Positive Energy (Energizes The Body & Focuses The Mind). Both of these teas tasted great and I did seem to notice that I was more focused after drinking them. I will definitely purchase more of these ones. I have always been a big fan of Yogi Tea.
 
Foot Petals Give 'Em The Boot: Soft and comfy, keeps feet nice and warm but not sweaty!


***Products were sent to Beauty of Apathy for review.***


Spit It Out! 

Did you get the Spice VoxBox? What was your favorite product?

Monthly Subscription Review ~ Play! by Sephora ~ November 2015

Holyfuckingshit. This is everything. I heard about Play! by Sephora somewhat late in the game so I had to jump on the waitlist. Luckily, I didn't have to stay there too long before I got the email saying that I was good to go. I was thrilled to see this pop up as I have been consistently disappointed with Ipsy. They are pretty hit or miss and even though it is only $10/month it is not worth getting black eyeliner and mascara over and over again. Not even fucking kidding. Let me tell you how thrilled I was to NOT receive any mascara in my Play! box.

Play! by Sephora is also only $10/month and the value is much greater than anything Ipsy has ever sent out. The thing I love most about this subscription is these are my favorite brands that I buy regularly. I have never-not once-purchased something that I received in my Ipsy bag. Most items that I received from Ipsy have gone into a drawer or were given away. I will use everything that came in the November box. Granted, this is my first box and that can easily change come next month, but my first impression is definitely a good one.

What's Inside?!

StellaMcCartney Stella
Full size: $72.00

MAKEUP FOR EVER Step 1 Skin Equalizer
Full size: $36.00
  
SEPHORACOLLECTION Contour Eye Pencil 12hr Wear Waterproof (My Boyfriend's Jeans)
Full size: $10.00

BuxomFull-On™ Lip Cream (Dolly)
Full size: $19.00

JosieMaran 100 percent Pure Argan Oil Light
Full size: $48.00

BiteBeauty High Pigment Pencil (Rhubarb)
Full size: $24.00

 

 

Spit It Out!

Have you signed up for Play! by Sephora? What is your favorite product so far?

 

Product Review ~ Missha Magic Cushion SPF50+/PA+++

I have been hearing a lot about "cushion" foundations (or BB creams) this year. After a bit of researching I was quite intrigued with the products that popped up but I am always hesitant to pull the trigger on trending products. I have such a hard time with drugstore/low-end foundations so often that I just stopped trying. However, I just so happened to receive a sample of the Laneige BB Cushion in a sample box (Target Beauty Box, I believe) and I was completely sold on the whole cushion thing. The only problem with the Laneige version was the horrendous smell that never went away. It gave me a headache and made me sick to my stomach and I ended up just tossing the rest of my sample.

A few months later I happened across a giveaway for the Missha Magic Cushion and I was beyond fucking stoked to enter! As per usual, I completely forgot about entering and was pleasantly surprised to find a mysterious package in my mailbox one day. I guess I was expecting to just get a sample or something because I was shocked to find a full-sized compact in the box, as well as a ton of foil packet samples.

The packaging itself is very sleek and sturdy. I have been looking for a good compact to stick in my bag but my skin doesn't do well with most powder foundations. This is the perfect thing for me to take on the go and I am not afraid that it will get destroyed in the black hole that is my purse.

The wear time on this was pretty decent for a BB cream. It wore more like a foundation for me. Coverage was about medium and easily buildable. Not only does it look amazing on first application but it's so easy to touch-up without giving me cake-face or looking out of place. It just blends together seamlessly. The sponge that comes with it actually works pretty well but I found that a damp Beauty Blender gave a more flawless finish (as Beauty Blender does).

I received shade No. 21 and it was only a tad bit light for me (Fair w/ Neutral Undertones). It will be a much better match the further into the winter we get and it is easily adjusted with bronzer. The smell is quite pleasant and dissipates after a few minutes of application.

Overall, the Missha Magic Cushion is a huge win for me. I don't have anything negative to say about it and at only $16 I am kind of surprised how good it actually is. I also love that it is REFILLABLE! Hell.Yes. I have been wanting to try some Missha products for the longest time and this has definitely got me wanting more.

Spit It Out! 

Have you tried any of the "cushion" products? What is your favorite? Am I the only one who hates smelly makeup?!

Product Review ~ Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Foundation

This foundation made its way into my life via the Influenster VoxBox. I was pretty excited to try it as I have seen it promoted *everywhere* lately. So, I did as I was told and I took the 3-Week Better Skin Challenge and I am no longer feeling so excited. I have severely mixed feelings about this stuff and I am going to try by best not to be overly negative. (I said I would try!)

When I first applied it I noticed how lightweight it felt. It almost felt like nothing on my skin! I had high hopes at this point. However, I then noticed their "Medium to Full Coverage" claim was a bit off. I was able to achieve semi-medium coverage after 2 coats but surprisingly it still didn't feel heavy on my skin. Unfortunately, it looked terrible as it accentuated every line, wrinkle, crevice, dry patch and pore. I applied it a few different ways hoping that it might help give it a more flawless appearance. I think the Beauty Blender looked the best. I also tried mixing it with CoverFX pigment drops and it helped tremendously with the coverage but only helped slightly with the look of it.

My other gripe is that it wore quite poorly. After only a couple of hours I was very oily and it had already started wearing off of my nose and around my mouth. I did notice that once I took it off, my skin felt very soft and supple. I also noticed a slight change in the overall tone of my skin after the three week wear test. I will keep trying different methods to see if I can make it work with my skin better. I hate to let it go to waste and since it seems to do good things for my skin I would like to keep at it.

Overall, I guess I'm pretty middle of the road on this one. I'd say if you don't have skin texture issues like I do then it might be worth a try.


Spit It Out! Have you tried this foundation? What are your thoughts? Would you recommend it to a friend?

***I received this product free from Influenster for review purposes but all thoughts and opinions are my own.***