Small Haul - Tarte, Tarina Tarantino, and More.

I've had a few of these things for about 2 weeks, but I wanted to do a collective haul because it isn't any fun to post about a single bronzer you just bought second hand from someone on Facebook. Anyway, here it is. Sorry the collective picture is a little dark. I forgot something in the picture and had to retake it and it got really dark out within the 10 minutes of picture taking. You get the jist, and you can still see everything anyway. 

First up are a pair of foundations. These are from Illamasqua and their Skin Base line. I bought these on LiveJournal from a blog sale. Shade 2 was a little light for me, so I went back and bought shade 3.5 from the same sale. I find that I like mixing both of these with my Face and Body Foundation for a little more coverage. Both together make a great shade, but I can wear 3.5 on its own and I'll continue to mix 2 into my other shades of foundation.

I bought a pair of Benefit Fake Up on ebay to try before comitting to the full size, which is like $20 and I don't want to hate something that expensive. I had one in the packaging and opened the other so you can see the little nubbin of a sample. So tiny. I feel like this is going to be used up quickly.

The gold liner in the middle is El Dorado from Urban Decay. I bought this new from another sale and I've been loving this on my lower lashline in conjuction with my Noir liner on my waterline. I already need to sharpen it, which is saying a lot.

The Voluminous Butterfly mascara was a cheap extra that I tossed in with the Illamasqua foundation, eyeliner, and something else that I forgot to photograph. I haven't tried it yet because I don't like to have too many mascaras open at once, but I'm pretty sure this has gotten fairly good reviews.

Starting from the top and going down are my Tarte blushes and bronzer. 

I've been really into more subdued blush colors, so I was excited to get Exposed from Tarte. It's a really nice nude blush and I have loved it everytime I've worn it so far.

Next in the square compact is the Park Avenue Princess bronzer from Tarte. After all the fabulous things I've heard about this bronzer, I knew I needed it in my collection. This is my only non-MAC bronzer and I haven't even touched those more than once since getting this one. I will definitely be putting this in my favorites. Although it does have a bit of sparkle, it isn't overkill and can definitely be sheered out.

I wasn't expecting Wonder from Tarte to be quite as shimmery as it is. That said, I think it resembles Nars Orgasm, which is a blush that I don't own. Wonder is a nice pink with a golden duochrome and shimmer. This is not a blush that I would wear every day, but I still really like it. 

On the other side are my Tarina Tarantino blushes. 

The top color is Neopolitan Lane, which does resemble both Tarte Exposed from above and also Estee Lauder's Nude Nuace. However, this comes off a little more pink on the skin and is an every day blush. This is a color that I would wear all the time, just like Exposed. I prefer a blush color like this when I know I'm going to wear a lipstick that would clash with a coral or bright pink blush.

The second color is called Feather, and it is shimmery pink. Even though this kicks up a bit of powder, it barely looks used in real life. I do feel like this is similar to Tarte Wonder, but I guess that's just the color blush I've been going for outside of the nude cheek color.

Leaving you with a few comparason swatch photos of my new blushes and bronzers paired with ones I already own. I guess I'm just not original and like the same thing over and over. 

From top: MAC Aprhodite's Shell, Tarte Park Ave Princess, MAC Golden.

Can I just point out how much darker Park Ave Princess is compared to both my MAC bronzers? I'll probably be switching back to those once my skin goes back to being winter pale, not that I have a tan or anything. Bronzer is my tan, and there's no need to be that tan in December.

From top: Estee Lauder Nude Nuance, Tarte Exposed, Tarina Tarantino Neopolitan Lane.

So maybe I was wrong. Exposed comes off pinker than Neopolitan Lane. They're all great blushes for when I don't want to pile on bronzer. I can't wait to use these even more in the winter for when it's okay to be a little pale.

From top: MAC Mighty Aphrodite, Tarina Tarantino Feather, Tarte Wonder.

Boom. I love this color, obviously. Can we talk about how much sparkle is in Wonder? I wasn't sure I was digging it at first, but now I am. I think it's my favorite of the three for now, but I don't know how much glitter I want to wear when we get into the winter months.

Empties! Products I've Used Up + Review

I've been hoarding my trash for the past month or so and today I decided to clean. I really just wanted to ditch this empty containers and packets, so I figured it was time to do this post. All of these products are skin care because those are easier to for me to finish up than makeup items. Also included are some sample packets because I'm finally starting to crack into extras that Ulta and Nordstrom send when you make an order.

Haus of Gloi Lassi Pumpkin Butter: Haus of Gloi is an indie bath and body company from which I own many, many body butters. I've been starting to use up some body butters because it doesn't make sense to have so many. This is one of their spring scents, but I have so many autumn scents that I'm sure I'll have more of these in my next empties. Being a butter, this is on the heavier side so I prefer to use this type of lotion when it starts getting colder. Definitely one of my three favorite brands for lotion. Would I repurchase? Not this scent. I have a 4oz jar waiting for me! But this type of lotion, yes!

Cocoa Pink Voluptuous Body Butter in Pineapple Cilantro: Another of my favorite indie bath and body companies that makes some of my favorite lotions. I have this formula and the Coco Mango formula, which I've found that I prefer. I used this up sometime in the beginning of September when I really wanted a fresh scent. I'm trying to hold out on a sale to stock up on autumn geared scents because shipping is so expensive. I really love these lotions. Would I repurchase? Eh. I like to try different scents, so I probably won't. I'll also probably purchase all my fall scents in the Coco Mango formula.

Paintbox Soapworks Clean Slate Emulsifying Facial Scrub: I included this in my September monthly favorites, which was my new jar. Since a little goes a long way with this scrub and I only use it two to three times a week, I don't exactly plow through this product. I really love that it is the perfect combination of scrubiness and moisture without being overkill. Definitely one of my go to products. Would I repurchase? Yes, and I already have! 

Baviphat Paprika Moisture Hand Cream: This is my cute little bell pepper container up in the picture and it used to be a lotion. Baviphat is one of my favorite Korean brands. This lotion smelled so good, but it wasn't exactly as moisturizing as I hoped it would be. I'll probably depot some scrub or lotion into this cute container for when I travel. Would I repurchase? Nah. I have what I wanted, which is the cute packaging.

Tony Moly Peach Hand Cream: Tony Moly is also one of my favorite Korean brands. This hand cream definitely not even met, but exceeded my expectations. It was one of my first Tony Moly products and I was so in love. This little peach container is adorable and I definitely will reuse it and put like shampoo in it for travel since it's big enough for that. It actually smells like a real peach and it really moisturising. Would I repurchase? I already had a backup waiting for me!

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge: I was getting my trash together when I realized I couldn't remember the last time I changed out my sponge. I do try to toss this every month or so because I don't want bacteria to collect. I also wash this every other time I use it, but the sponge just isn't as good after a certain period of time. I really love this for my foundation and I don't even use a brush anymore for foundation. Would I repurchase? I already have two backups and I try to buy them two at a time just in case they're out of stock.

Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream: I use retinol every night just because. It's easier to prevent than cure, I guess. I've just been using retinol for years. This just happened to be the one I was using and then forgot about and I figured I should use it up because I didn't want to waste it. It's comparable to everything else I've used, but nothing I would do cartwheels over. Would I repurchase? Maybe. It depends. I try to switch around retinols because I don't want my skin to get too accustomed to one concentration.

Alpha Hydrox AHA Souffle 12% Glycholic Acid: I use this every morning and night after toner, so it's no surprise that this is here. AHA supports cell turnover and works hand and hand with retinol. It's a chemical exfoliant. This is the only brand I've ever used and I think I'll stick with it. Would I repurchase? I'm already using another tube and I'd probably get even another one at some point.

Clinque All About Eyes Rich: This was my first high end eye cream and it was sort of on the pricey side. I did like it and I was sad to see it go. I love Clinique as a brand, so it's no wonder that I liked this eye cream. It was very moisturizing, but I don't know if I'd go back to it. Would I repurchase? I have so many eye creams I need to use that I can't even think about buying this again. I do already have another Clinique eye cream and a smaller jar of this one if that's any indication.

Etude House AC Clinic Daily Toner: This is a toner. I liked it. Like every other Korean toner, it's more moisturizing than American ones that strip your skin. I have so many other toners that are comparable, though. This was a sample size one that I got in a set with the cleanser. Would I repurchase? Maybe. I really like the cleanser, so if I can get them together I will.

Philosophy Hope in a Jar: I got this from Nordstom in a sample beauty bag for spending a certain amount of money when there was a more recent MAC collection that I purchased along with some skincare. This was just okay. I liked it more in the beginning. By the last use, I squeezed the tube and some milky liquid shot out, so I'm just calling it empty. It also had one of those strange smells skincare can have sometimes. Would I repurchase? Heck no. For something I wasn't super impressed with, this is wicked expensive. No thanks.

Sulwhasoo Essential Firming Cream: I absolutely love Sulwhasoo products, but they're so expensive. My favorite cream from them is the Ginseng Renewing one that costs a whopping $220 for a 2oz jar! Thankfully, whenever I make any Korean beauty order, sellers throw in a bunch of samples. This is another cream that I like now, which is a double edged sword because I like this one too. This one is only $90 for 2.5oz, but that's still a lot of money! I do have a few more samples of this and it's cheaper to buy the one or two use sample packets on eBay. Would I repurchase? Never the full size unless I hit the lottery, but I'd probably buy one of the sample sets on eBay because you can get 20 packets for cheaper.

Juara Candlenut Body Creme: I got this in my first Birchbox late last month. I'm still not sure what to think about this, especially because it's supposed to be soap and not lotion. I don't feel clean after using it though, so I ended up washing with soap after this. I guess it's moisturizing? I also don't really like the packaging, although I'm sure the full size is packed better. This was in a weird cardboard sample sachet that basically melted in my shower caddy. Would I repurchase? No. And I'm not sure I'd even use my second sample either.

NARS Total Replenishing Eye Cream: This is yet again another sample courtesy of Nordstrom. I really like this eye cream, which I hate to admit. It's $55 for a tube, which I think is ridiculously expensive. I think I'll stick to my combination of Clinique and Korean brands for eye creams. This was my first experience with Nars in general, not just their skincare, so I guess I'm pretty impressed. Would I repurchase? Probably not, unless the price goes down or the packaging changes.

Sephora Instant Moisturizer: I think it's funny that I have this sample from buying a lipstick from someone on Facebook and not directly from Sephora. That said, holy jesus I love this stuff. I even cut the sample packet up to scrape the rest of it out of the foil. It's super moisturizing and it worked so well in conjunction with my Clinique night cream. I actually don't know what I'm going to do without it now that it's gone. This was a huge sample and I got at least a week's worth out of the packet. Would I repurchase? I think I'm going to when I make another Sephora order. When I ordered my Tarte blush palette this past week, I rushed to check out and didn't even think about buying this cream. It's only $22 and I like it, so why not?

My Beauty Diary Chocolate Truffle and Strawberry Yogurt Sheet Masks: This is a brand from Taiwan that I discovered on Sasa when shopping for Korean brands. I bought the Strawberry Yogurt one after using the cleanser and the Chocolate Truffle one because why not? I love sheet masks, but I seriously can't do them when anyone is home because they look so weird and someone likes to make me laugh when I have one on and then I have to readjust the mask. My skin always feels nice and soft after wearing one because there's a lot of serum in these packets. Would I repurchase? I have a few different varieties of masks, including a box that I didn't buy too long ago. I'll definitely buy more, but I won't need to any time soon.

Favorites and Flops: September 2014

I had a few pictures for this post, but they turned out horrible and I don't feel like re-taking them. I'll edit them in later. Although it's not like anyone but Reggie reads this blog anyway, so she probably won't even care that I was too lazy to re-take them. ANYWHOO.

Favorites:

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair Hair Mask
I got this in my first Ipsy bag (which I haven't reviewed yet; I will, I swear, I've just been so far behind!), and I was really really impressed with it! It has a very very slight coconut smell to it, and it goes a long way for such a small jar. I've already used it three times and I have maybe two more uses in my original jar. I traded for a backup on eDivv because I loved it so much!

Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream (Acai Grapefruit)
Okay, so it's kind of weird that I love this shaving cream so much. I got it in my Birchbox and I have been so obsessed, I traded for a backup on eDivv for this one, too. First, it's really moisturizing. Compared to my standard Skintimate, it's ridiculously moisturizing. It smells incredible, and it really gets my legs smooth. I found that I didn't get cuts as often, either. I will say that it's tough to figure out if you've missed spots, but paired with a really nice razor? I'll take it. Any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Just Release Me Eye Makeup Remover by Philosophy
So I had some Sephora points I needed to use (from like, years ago. Years, you guys), and I was looking for something to spend a little bit of money on so I could also redeem some points. I didn't have an eye makeup remover, and decided to try this one out. I love Philosophy products, and this was no exception. It works incredibly well. I can fill up 5-6 cotton balls of eye makeup, on both sides, and still be getting eye makeup. When the cotton ball shows up clean, it's a pretty safe bet that my eyes don't have any makeup anymore. It's oil free, which is great, and it's huge for the price. I got mine on sale for $12, but Ulta sells it for $18. Not bad, not bad. I will recommend that if you use it, you should wash your face or take a shower right afterward because it can be a little... oily isn't the right word, but it leaves a residue. A makeup remover wipe would be better for touching up.

Benefit Gimme Brow
I've been getting my brows done at Ulta lately, through the Benefit brow bar. This introduced me to Benefit products, and Benefit gimme brow. I'm strawberry blonde with way, way light eyebrows. I've never done anything with them before other than shaping/waxing, but this is an awesome product. It's teeny tiny, but it will probably last me ages. I only need one dip to swipe both of my eyebrows (it's a mascara like wand for application) and I'm good to go. It's nothing dramatic or fancy, but it fills in my brows at a light spot and I really enjoy it.

Noir Cosmetics Long-Wear Eyeliner
The best eyeliner ever. Hands down. It legitimately stays on all day. It goes on smoothly. I don't feel like I'm poking myself in the eye when I put it on. It's a nice jet black. I don't know what else to say about it besides um, best eyeliner ever.


Flops:

Lush Honey Vanilla Lip Balm
Everything about this is kind of disappointing. My boyfriend hates the smell (that's half of my opinion, if he likes the smell), the texture is strange, and it tastes odd. I'll finish it, because it mildly helps my lips, but I'm disappointed with this purchase.

LAQA & Co Lip Lube
I got this in my Birchbox. The coral color was beautiful and I liked the texture of it! However, it left the worst colored patches on my lips in the dry areas. Maybe I need a lip primer underneath. I did try using a light lip balm underneath and the color wouldn't stick. I guess I just need to find the right combination of products to use with this lip color.

Wet n' Wild H20 Proof Liquid Eyeliner
I will give them this: It was H20 Proof. For sure. It was very hard to manipulate, however, You can read more about my frustrations in the Rosie the Riveter #TBT post, but I won't repurchase this. I will use it up, no doubt, but I won't repurchase it. Ugh.

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer
So, I have a confession. No, not the Usher style confession. But, I used to be really lax about moisturizing my face. I had dry skin to the extreme, and nothing seemed to make it better, so I just kind of gave up until I found something that worked for my face, which is the Benefit total moisture face cream. The whole Benefit line is much more gentle on my face than this crap was. I'd been using it for a long time, trying not to waste it even though I had something better. So, I took it to my boyfriend's place and used it there. Um, wow. The breakouts. I had a breakout after one day of using this. To be fair, it is on the older side, but for an acne-prevention moisturizer? Sucktastic.


I'm hoping October will bring more enjoyable favorites and less flops. But September was my first full month of makeup addiction, so I'm sure I'll have many more to post come November!

Subscription Addiction: September Ipsy Excitement!

This month was my first Ipsy bag! The bag itself is honestly something I couldn't care less about. It is a great organizational tool for my makeup, which I will eventually talk about in a future blog post, but... whatever. Everyone seemed to think the gunmetal bag with the studs on it was the greatest thing this month. Again, I was "meh" about the bag itself. But it does hold a lot.

Subscription Box: Ipsy

Description: With infinite beauty product combinations in the marketplace, choosing the best items for your needs can be a challenge! That was why Michelle created ipsy. Michelle and her team of stylists have selected products they love, for you to try. 

Each month, subscribers will receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using. All for only $10 a month. 

Pricing: $10/month.

Referral Link: Here

Product #1: Briogeo "Don't Despair, Repair" Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
I loved this so freakin' much. I've already used it three times, and traded on eDivv for a backup. It made my hair feel incredibly soft. You get a lot of use for the sample size, too, which is great. Definitely pleased with this.

Product #2: Cailyn Art Touch Tinted Lip Gloss
The shade on this is beautiful. It's a nude-y, peachy, pink color. And I love it. It's not too sticky, and it lasts a decent amount of time. It's one of my go-to glosses lately, and it's fun, and I love it.

Product #3: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish
I like the idea of this, a lot. I'm not so sure I'll use it, though. The problem is that the bright-ass red color is not one I normally go to when I'm painting my nails. Maybe a pretty pink color, or something? I don't know. But, I'm considering trying it to see if the gel manicure stays as long as a salon manicure. I still haven't actually had a gel manicure, which is the problem. I got myself a manicure recently as a "congrats on your last day in retail" present, and it lasted a good week and a half with products that were supposed to be similar to a gel manicure. So, I don't know. Will I use this? Maybe. I just don't like the bright, fire engine red.

Product #4: Pacifica Natural Waterproof Eye Pencil
I like this a lot! Apparently it can be used for brows or as an eyeliner, but I use it as an eyeliner. It's a pretty brown color, and it goes on smoothly. I use this and my noir eyeliner interchangeably depending on what kind of look I'm going for that day. They're both my go-to lately. And I love the Pacifica brand as well. I've received an eyeshadow from that brand and it works great. I also love that they're cruelty-free, which is a major plus.

Product #5: Be a Bombshell Smooth Criminal Powder
I just don't have a use for this? I use powder foundation... perhaps I don't understand its purpose at all, and maybe someday I could work something like this into my beauty routine, but for now, at my very basic level, it doesn't seem like something I need in my collection. I'm intrigued by the Be a Bombshell brand, though, and I'm not sure if that's because of YouTube or Ulta, but either way, it makes me want to try a few more things.


So, that was my ipsy bag for September. It's definitely worth the $10, unlike my BB5 disappointment. I'm not blown away by this month's bag, but I am excited and I do enjoy 3/5 of the products in it. I'll keep this one going for a few more months and see if it's truly worth my $10.

Subscription Addiction: BeautyBox5 should be BeautyBoxZero

First, let me tell you a tale. A tale of a broke graduate student attempting to purchase a gift for a friend. To make a long story short, I ordered some nail polish from the BeautyBox5 shop. Yes, it's cheap. $7 for 4 bottles, one of which they tried to stick in my August box and pass off as fabulous. Immediately after I ordered the set, I emailed customer service, asking if my order could be canceled. My friend already had a set very similar to it. Five days later, I receive a response saying that my order has already been processed, too bad, so sad.

Of course it's already been processed when you respond 5 days later...

With all my disappointment with BeautyBox5, that was the last straw. I emailed them to ask that my subscription be canceled. Another week or so later, I finally received a response. October's BeautyBox5 will be my last. Thank GOD. $12 for this shit? Nopetopus.gif. Allow me to show you what I received in my September BB5.

Product #1: Sally Hansen Toe Spacers

Are you freakin' kidding me? I can get these at CVS as an impulse buy when I'm getting cold medicine. I just think that's kind of a letdown, honestly. Toe. Separators. I sound selfish and whiny when I say that. While I'm not a makeup elitist by any stretch, and I don't mind getting beauty supplies, I'm completely bored by toe separators. They're a stocking stuffer, or something a clueless aunt gets you as part of a "manicure" package with bright green nail polish she thinks you'll like (because of that one manicure she gave you at age ten), even though you're in your mid twenties.

Product #2: Dr. Lin Acne Spot Corrector

I will give this product a thumbs up. One morning recently, I woke up late and didn't have time to do as much makeup as I normally do. I was PMSing pretty bad, and I had a few breakouts on my cheeks and chin area. My students kept asking me if I was sunburned or chemical burned. Ouch. So I used this spot corrector that night and the night after, and it cleared up a pretty big blemish that normally would have been uncomfortable and lingering. So I am pretty thankful for this product. I would say that it is a bit drying, but that's its purpose. Apparently you can use it up to thrice daily (um, what?), but once in the evening works just fine for me.

Product #3: Nicka K Eyelight Crayon

I'm sure as I become more versed in makeup and creative uses for different products, I will appreciate this. But for right now, it's a metallic silver stick that sits in the makeup container on my bathroom counter. I swatched it and it is some METALLIC SILVER stuff as opposed to a subtle sparkle or something like that. Again, it may be something I use in the future, but still. Meh.

Product #4: Natural Style by FUBU Deep Conditioner & Co Wash

So... FUBU? Like the clothing brand, FUBU? Daymond John-Shark Tank-Hip Hop clothing mogul-FUBU? Something is strange here. Who knows, maybe it's an incredible deep conditioner. Maybe it's the greatest conditioner known to man. But, when I think FUBU, I think Daymond John, LL Cool J, etc. I do not think hair care. And hey, maybe Daymond John has assembled a team of experts when it comes to hair care. But, the man is bald. Therefore I don't trust him. Kidding, kidding. I like Daymond John, for the most part. I think he's an innovator and an interesting guy. But with his hands in the hair care industry, I'm not so sure it's a fit. Who knows.

Product #5: My Beauty Spot Nail Polish

Yaaay, it's another nail polish from a set that we're supposed to be in awe of, since the whole set is $24.99! I'll say that the color on this one is pretty (it was a deep purple color), and I love it. I haven't tried it yet, because I have about four similar colors. Yes, it's a pretty color. Yes, purple is my favorite. But I bought a $2 nail polish on clearance at New York and Company the day before in a strikingly similar color, and I'm sure it will serve the same purpose.

Am I being too harsh? Too whiny? BB5 just isn't worth the money for me, especially compared to Ipsy, Birchbox, and Boxycharm. Thoughts?

Subscription Addiction: My First Boxycharm!

I'll be completely honest: this is probably just below Birchbox in terms of my favorite subscriptions at the moment. This was my first Boxycharm, and they killed it! I was so, so impressed with Boxycharm, especially for $21 a month! I'll explain my frustrations with different subscription boxes later, but right now, this is worth the money while others just... aren't.

Another great thing about Boxycharm is their customer service. I signed up in August, and when the end of September rolled around, I still didn't receive a box. I emailed to ask if I would be receiving a September box, and a few days later, they responded telling me they were sending out another box. If I ended up receiving the original box, I was welcome to keep it and pass it along to a friend. It has been promised to Reggie if it ever shows up, which as of today, it has not. However, that responsiveness and attentiveness from Boxycharm customer service is even more reason for me to like them. I've now dealt with customer service from three subscription box services, and it's incredible to see how much that sways my opinion.

I took some pictures as I unboxed, but they turned out crappy. I'll also say that I haven't had the chance to try a ton of products from this box, but I will be sure to update you on my experiences with the products I haven't tried yet. Anyway. ONWARD!

Subscription Box: Boxycharm

Description: BOXYCHARM is a $21 monthly beauty box subscription with the finest high-end, trendy and chic brands, curated by our beauty experts and delivered straight to your door! From the best hair products, to the hottest cosmetic picks and the latest nail trends, your beauty cravings are sure to be satisfied! After you subscribe we will send you a box complete with beauty products from our team's preferred brands... When you receive your BOXYCHARM, you will not only be amazed by our product selection but you will also be pleased to know that the retail value of the box contents is more than double the cost of your subscription!

Pricing: $21/month.

Referral Link: Here

Product #1: Harvey Prince "Hello" 
My obsession with Harvey Prince continues, ladies and gentlemen. This perfume smells mature, but not "old lady" mature. It's not light and fruity, but it smells flowery without being too overpowering. Honestly, half the battle is sticking my arm under my boyfriend's nose and saying "smell", and seeing his honest reaction. Before I could even say anything this time, he walked through the door, kissed me, and told me I smelled good. So, approval from both parties. The amount I got will last me an age. And I ended up getting a second from Yerdle, so that's a double bonus.

Product #2: Coastal Scents "Go" Palette | Beijing
This palette is gorgeous. I've used it a few times, and the pigmentation is great. It's got a mixture of nudes and bold colors, and there aren't any lime greens or baby blues that I won't be touching. Every shade is wearable. My picture came out crappy, but here is a link to the colors in the palette. I'm also impressed with the size of the palette. It's not a teeny tiny one, which is a bonus. The amount of eyeshadow will last me a long time.

Product #3: Tarte Lipsurgence Lip Gloss
Tarte is one of those brands I hear thrown around by YouTube beauty heavyweights all the time, but I know little to nothing about it. I've heard reviews saying this lip gloss is sticky, and I've heard reviews saying it's not sticky at all. I guess it will have to be something I try myself before blabbering on about here. Now that I have a little more time to organize my collection (ha! I say that like I have one) and figure out what I need to use/what I like to use, it will definitely get some wear, I'm sure.

Product #4: NCLA Nail Polish in Model Behavior
I hadn't painted my nails in a lifetime before I tried this last night. I attempted to give myself a trendy makeover with the ring-finger trend... and it was a fail. I don't think it's the polish in particular that made it a fail, but maybe everything put together. The shade is a deep brownish grey color, which is beautiful, but with two coats, it looks black. It also peeled really easily, even with a topcoat. Granted, perhaps two hours wasn't long enough to let it dry, but I was disappointed that it peeled with such little effort. And the two-coat issue was also a bummer. Like I said, the color was pretty, but if I have to get two coats for adequate coverage, and that two coats doesn't do the color justice, it's disappointing.

Product #5: Tarina Tarantino Fleur de Lash Mascara
Again, I haven't had a chance to try this. I'm currently trying to work through a Smashbox lash sample from a Smashbox starter kit I bought using Birchbox points. I also have three other mascaras to try. How does one even attempt to choose which mascara to try? Compared to the days where I had one Covergirl Exact Eyelights mascara, this is becoming complicated. Anyway. This is another name I hear dropped a lot in beauty circles. Tarina Tarantino has this... reputation. I'm not sure if it's a sponsorship thing, or just a quality thing, but we'll find out.

Overall, I'm really really impressed with this month's Boxycharm. According to the calculations, this box is worth about $96! For $21! I'm so pleased. I will most definitely be continuing with Boxycharm.

Lips of the Month - September

Here's my monthly lipstick post. I don't tend to wear lipstick every day, just the days I work. Since I've been working a shift in the kitchen, I've been wearing a lighter or nuder color to plow through my collection. It doesn't make sense to have colors that I don't wear, but I prefer bolder lips when I'm bartending. I'm going to try wearing something on my lips on some of my days off too when I'm out and about because I've been starting to hoard non MAC lip colors lately.

Lady at Play, Speak Louder, Toying Around, Candy Yum Yum, Show Orchid

From top: Lady at Play, Speak Louder, Toying Around, Candy Yum Yum, Show Orchid

You can definitely tell it was still warm in the beginning of September because I was really feeling my brights.

Lady at Play: Mineralize Rich formula. I like this one and the formula, but I guess it's nothing special. I'm glad I didn't spend the $22 on it, but I do like the color.

Speak Louder: Cremesheen formula. I really love this color. It's similar to Red Balloon, which is why I opted for that color in my pink lipstick favorites.

Toying Around: Amplified formula. Limited edition from the Playland Collection. This is one of my favorite lipsticks of all time. It is the perfect pink coral. This is one I have to try not to use often because I like to try using all my colors.

Candy Yum Yum: Matte formula. I like this a lot more than I thought I would. It doesn't lean as neon as I thought, so it's more wearable than the original release.

Show Orchid: Amplified formula. I really like that this is a pink that leans more purple. I only wish that I made the jump to this color sooner.

Heavenly Hybrid, 127, Fresh Salmon, Relentlessly Red, Yield to Love.

From top: Heavenly Hybrid, 127, Fresh Salmon, Relentlessly Red, Yield to Love.

This next batch is actually kind of lame, I think. My only real stand out is the only Inglot lipstick I wore this month and I guess Relentlessly Red, which is one of my favorites.

Heavenly Hybrid: Lustre formula. Limited edition from a Fantasy of Flowers collection. I only care for Lustres when I actually want something on the sheerer side. I do like that this is just a wash of purple.

127: This red is from Inglot and one of my favorite reds. I don't own too many lipsticks from Inglot because they're only available online and the website's swatches suck. There's a counter in Boston now, so I may eventually stock up.

Fresh Salmon: Lustre formula. Limited edition from the Spring Color Forecast collection. I guess this one is okay. I might eventually get rid of it because this color barely shows up on my lips.

Relentlessly Red: Retro Matte formula. I went over this one in my favorite pinks. This drags on my skin, but generally isn't as drying on my lips. I really love this color and the matte formula.

Yield to Love: Cremesheen formula. Limited edition from the Novel Romance collection. I feel like the only reason I bought this one was because it was a MAC online exclusive and I was worried I would want it after it was unavailable. Luckily, I actually really love this rosy color.

Morange, Marquise D', Giddy, Impassioned, Toxic Tale.

From top: Morange, Marquise D', Giddy, Impassioned, Toxic Tale.

I wore three of my most favorite lipsticks in this batch of swatches. I'm a huge fan of anything orange or coral and of course bright and deep pinks. 

Morange: Amplified formula. This would probably be near the top if I arranged my favorite lipsticks of all time. It's definitely my favorite orange lipstick and all I wanted Neon Orange to be, even if I love that one too. I love rocking this color.

Marquise D' Lustre formula. Limited edition from the Wonder Woman collection. This is sort of a shimmery my lips but better color and I decided to wear it after talking about it in an earlier post. I was just sad it didn't get enough love and I think I was wearing a nice shirt, so I tossed on some lipstick.

Giddy: Lustre formula. I wanted something low key and this was it. I don't know how I really feel about this color because it doesn't get much love. It's okay, I guess. I could live without it.

Impassioned: Amplified formula. Another one of my all time favorites. I also mentioned this in my favorite pinks post. I just really love the color and formula of this lipstick. I can't say enough good things.

Toxic Tale: Satin formula. Limited edition from the Venomous Villains collection. This is another one of my favorite lipsticks of all time, and a color that totally gets me going. I was so so so happy to get my hands on this color when the Venomous Villains collection came out and it's such a sought after color now. This is one that I try not to wear too much because I'm worried I'll run out of it, but I did read that they're finally repromoting it! This is probably one of the only ones I would ever buy a backup for just in case.

Roundup!

For MAC lipsticks, these are the formulas that got the most wear this month:

Amplified: 4

Lustre: 4

Matte: 2

Cremesheen: 2

Satin: 1

Mineralize: 1

Subscription Addiction: My First Birchbox!

Last week, I got my first Birchbox and I wanted to share my first impressions. This is more of a first impressions post than an unboxing, but I did take my initial first pictures before I opened everything.

The box was really nicely packaged. I think I might be able to use these to help organize my things, so I'm going to keep these little patterned boxes that I get each month.

I received six different product samples, one of which included a two sample pouches of the same thing. The majority of my box was skincare, but I don't mind because I enjoy trying out new skincare products.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum: Damn, this stuff is expensive. There isn't even that much in the little sample tube, so I can't imagine this is going to last that long. I guess it's okay. I've only used it a couple times, but not enough to make a difference. Even if I do like this serum, I would definitely not purchase a full size because of the price!

dr. brandt pores no more vacuum cleaner: This sample is probably three times the size of the Caudalie, which is great because I like it three times better. There's a possibility that I would repurchase this even though it's also expensive at $45. If this ends up working as well as it claims, I will end up doing a review on it.

Juara Candlenut Body Creme: This confused me at first. I though this was a lotion, not a cleanser. I have to say that it's really inconvenient sample packaging for the shower. Once I dropped it, I knew there was no going back as the water absorbs into the cardboard like package. It's also a weird texture for the shower. I definitely felt like I was washing myself with body butter and it didn't actually lather. There's also no way to reseal this and it's expensive.

Noir Cosmetics Long-Wear Eyeliner: If Birchbox sent me just this eyeliner and nothing else in the box, I would have been confused but happy. Within one use of this, I was in love. This eyeliner has completely replaced my Urban Decay liner in my makeup bag because it actually lasts all day. I will definitely be doing a review on this.

Whish Shave Crave - Acai Grapefruit: Hot damn. Jessica was telling me how much she liked her sample of this from last month's box but I didn't understand why she was lusting over a shaving cream. I actually really like this and it's much better than my cans of lathering shaving cream. I think my only downside to this product is that I couldn't tell where I had shaved because it's like spreading lotion on your legs...and it's $20 but I'm planning to use my Birchbox points on the full size.

ChapStick Hydration Lock Day & Night: This was another stand out in my first Birchbox, which is funny because I can't remember the last time I actually used an actual ChapStick. This was a Birchbox find, which is an additional sample. The day side has SPF 12 and the reason I love it is because the texture is similar to my MAC Prep+Prime lip primer which I'm almost out of. I've been using this as my lip primer and it's been working great. The night side isn't as moisturizing as I would like it to be, but I don't hate it and the day side more than makes up for it.

All in all, I'm really happy with my first Birchbox and I can't wait to get my next one! I'm going to try to get out some reviews on the products that really stood out to me and I think at least one, if not more, products will make it into my next favorites post.

My referral link if anyone else wants to try Birchbox!

September Monthly Favorites

I have no idea if this is a lot of products for the month because I've never really done a favorites post before, but these are all the things I've loved this month. There are a few more things I wanted to include, but since I just started using them within the last week or so, I didn't think it was fair. If I continue to like those things then they'll definitely be included next month.

First up, I have blushes and bronzers. 

MAC Aphrodite's Shell - I've used this bronzer almost every day this month. This was something I regretted not picking up from the Alluring Aquatic collection...and then I bought it for $10 less on a buy and sell group on facebook. This is by far one of the better bronzers that I've used and I've kind of gotten the hang of bronzing thanks to this.

MAC Sea Me, Hear Me - Once again, something I regretted not buying from Alluring Aquatic and then purchasing elsewhere. I used this the beginning of September and most of August. I love the color and sheen of this blush. It does have to share the spotlight since I have enough blushes to not use the same one every day.

MAC Pink Sprinkles - I bought this Simpsons blush after Sideshow You and ended up using it more than Sideshow You. Even though I did love both the Simpsons blushes, I feel like this one was a better color for the month. I love all my blushes, so it's hard to pick favorites since they can't all be in a post.

Estée Lauder Peach Nuance - Admittedly, I didn't use this too much this month but I love it so much. I loved it the minute I opened the package. Is love at first sight a thing for a blush? I realize I've only owned this for like, 2 weeks, so I'm completely jumping the gun on this one. But it needed to be here. Because it's fabulous.

Sigma F50 Stippling Brush - I'll be frank about this one. I got this brush for free. Sigma sent me it as a free when I ordered three eyeliners that I dislike so much and can only locate the most hated one. I don't own any other Sigma brushes, but I've always wanted to buy some. Anyway, this is the most perfect blush brush in my life. I had been using an angled blush brush, but I decided to go back to this one when using a super pigmented blush. It's great at diffusing out the color so that it's perfect. I want to buy a million or another one, but it's $26 so...no. I'll just wash this a bunch. It doesn't hold color since the hairs are so wispy.

MAC Face and Body Foundation in N1 - Let me first say this: I have not used another foundation since buying this. I've tried mixing it with other foundations and BB Creams, but I haven't used anything else. It's not heavy on the skin and it gives a nice, natural finish. Everything else I've use makes my face look like I have makeup on and it breaks up at some point during the day. I've currently been mixing in Illamasqua Skin Base, but I can't consider that I favorite since I've only used it three times. The only downside to this foundation is that I think I'm going to plow through it. It's on the watery side so I have to use a bit more to cover my face. But you get 1.7oz and the standard foundation is usually 1oz, so I think that will balance out.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser - This is the pink brightening shade. Sometimes I'll use this alone and other times I'll dab it over another under eye concealer. I don't think it really covers up, but it does a good job concealing darkness and brightening. It doesn't settle in my eye creases and if I'm feeling brave, I don't have to set it with powder. I also like the foam applicator. It's supposed to be antimicrobial and I prefer this to the brush style clicky pens. 

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer - This is what foundation dreams are made of. I also have a Maybelline version of this primer, but I feel like this is just better. The Maybelline one will pill up on my skin a little bit if I use it too close to when I applied moisturizer, but this one doesn't. I'll probably buy another or a larger size when I run out, but it seems like it's going to last a long time. I just love that it makes my face feel smooth and that smoothness translates into my foundation also feeling smooth.

Tony Moly Panda's Dream Goodbye Dark Eye Corrector - This isn't a concealer, although I thought it was when I purchased it online. It's a white lotion based primer, similar to the feeling of MAC's Prep+Prime. I do like using this under my eyes for a little more slip and moisture during the under eye concealer process. I feel like my concealer holds up better when I use this.

Innisfree Mineral Stick Concealer - This is something I rediscovered when I was going through my makeup organizer. I was starting to fall in love with MAC's Studio Finish concealer when I found this and I like it better. It's a perfect match for my skin and it covers dark spots really well. It's also less messy than a liquid concealer or a cream concealer. I also love this to carve out my uneven bottom lip when I wear a dark lipstick. 

It's Skin Babyface Soft Bright Eye Stick - This is another concealer I rediscovered by accident. I was rushing to pull my Innisfree stick from the organizer I have my concealers standing it and this one came out instead. I didn't really have time to look for the other one, so I just used this. It also covers up dark spots well and I think it's neck and neck with my Innisfree one because I can also use this to brighten. It isn't straight pink like the Maybelline, but it's just pink enough to match my skin.

MAC Dirty Blonde Brow Gelcreme - This is basically the only thing that I put on my brows every day. I'll comb my brows into shape with a spoolie, apply this with light strokes with my 208 or 266, and then comb out the extra product. Sometimes I'll top this with a red powder if my hair is really bright or with a tinted brow gel if I just need a little more hold. This is excellent. I'm surprised I hated it at first, but now I'm in love.

Baviphat White Grape Lifting Yogurt Cleansing Foam - I was going through a box of skincare when I rediscovered this cleanser. I really like using this with my Clarisonic because it's nice and creamy. I'll sometimes mix this with a light salicylic cleanser, but I mostly just use it on its own. I'm sad that it's almost gone, but I have so many cleansers I need to use up that I can't repurchase right now.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion - This is seriously my knight and shining armor. I just dab this on any breakouts I have at night and they're usually reduced in the morning. The only downside is that this is pink, like calamine lotion, so it's definitely not discrete at all. It also isn't a miracle worker, but it does help. 

Clinique Turnaround Overnight Radiance Moisturizer - I've used this every night since getting it and I love how moisturizing it is. I'm also wondering if this is what cleared my skin up this month since I haven't really been using any acne products, but I don't think that's what the purpose of this moisturizer is.

Paintbox Soapworks Clean Slate Emulsifying Facial Scrub - I only use this in the shower a couple times a week because it's a little rough and I don't like taking it off with a washcloth because of the sugar grains. It's basically a polish for your face and it leaves my skin nice and soft after I use it. It also has really great ingredients like tea tree, and I love tea tree.

Anosa Tea Tree Herbal Toner - Speaking of tea tree, here's another. I use toner twice a day and I prefer and recommend Asian style toners. American toners are drying and strip your skin. These toners just add that little bit of extra moisture and don't dry out my skin.

#TBT/OOTD/First Impression Extravaganza: We Can Do It!

This week is homecoming week at the high school where I work. Today was Throwback Thursday, a day where you can dress according to a decade. It was supposed to be from the '50s-'90s, but I cheated a little. This look is the Rosie The Riveter inspired look, and let me tell you, it was an absolute PITA to accomplish.

I have to say up front that I work at a low income school where gang activity is the norm. So bandannas or other possible gang symbols are out. I had some red tulle from a Robin Sparkles costume a few years back, and attempted the hair with that on Monday night.

The hair was a complete disaster, obviously. It wouldn't poof, and the tulle was definitely way too thick for my hair. So, I hopped over to Michael's and found some polka dotted red ribbon to put in my hair. I also knew that my deepest, brightest red lipstick wasn't sufficient:

I went to CVS and I bought some Wet n' Wild lip gloss in Red My Mind and some black liquid eyeliner. Why I decided to do that, when I have my precious Noir eyeliner, I'll never know. I guess I figured I would be able to get a more precise cat eye with it? But I was sorely mistaken.

I woke up at 6:00 AM, and things started off fabulously. My hair poof was poofing in all the right places. The ribbon was working wonders. The borrowed denim shirt fit perfectly. 

I tried to apply the liquid eyeliner first, and it was a total nightmare. I will never, ever try liquid eyeliner again. Thankfully, I only spent like $3 on it, but ugh. It was so tough to get a precise wing. It didn't blend well, being a waterproof liquid eyeliner, and the result was crappy. But by the time I realized I should have gone with the Noir, I would have been late to work. So I made do.

And let me tell you, that BRIGHT RED lipstick was a shock for me. I'm so neutral in my colors, especially on my lips, that it was almost like I was putting on clown makeup.

And it was a complete PITA to get off, too. I had to wash my face twice, use a makeup remover wipe, and then eventually resort to a shower to get it all. When I tried to wash it off, I looked like I was Fruit Punch Mouth from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I had red ALL OVER my face/cheeks.

I will say this, though: both of the Wet n' Wild products I used today had awesome staying power. The red lipstick lasted through lunch and four blocks of absolute chaos with ninth graders. The eyeliner did come off with my Just Release Me eye makeup remover by Philosophy, though. It clung at first, as it should, being waterproof, but it did its job.

All in all, I'm pretty pleased with my outfit for #TBT. The kids didn't know who I was (again, very low income school, you can do the math), but I was able to explain it to a few of them. My poof stayed poofy until about 1:10. I don't think I've had that much hairspray with those bold shades of makeup since ballet class in the '90s when bright blue eyeshadow, multiple bottles of extra hold hairspray, and red lipstick were part of the everyday routine. It does make me enjoy the performance art sort of thing, if you know what I mean. It's not often as an adult that I can be bold with the colors and go wild with a costume. It was worth getting up an hour before I had to leave, for sure.