November Ipsy Unboxing

I received my November Ipsy bag. For those who do not know, Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription service that is completely customized to you. Each month, they send you a themed cosmetic bag filled with  four to five make up items, tools, shampoo, conditioner etc. It is ten dollars American (For Canadians add 4.95 for shipping).

This month's theme is Beauty Blast and I am liking the galaxy bag.

Here is what I got

Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara

I'm pretty sure every ipsy subscriber received this mascara. I have tried this mascara before and it was okay, not great but not horrible.







An SLMissGlam Blush Brush

I have never heard of this brush brand before. The brush feels very soft and I am excited to try this because you can never have enough brushes. I really like the little crystals on the ferrule.



INSPR single eyeshadow in Carnival

This eyeshadow is a very pretty copper/bronze colour. It has some great pigmentation and it seems to blend out quite nicely. it does have some glitter in it but it doesn't over power the colour.


Model CO Highlighting Trio

L to R; Highlight Bronzer, Blush

This is a cream product that includes a highlighter (in the shade champagne), a blush (in the shade Peach Bellini) and a bronzer (in the shade Bronze). I have received the Model Co blush in Peach Bellini before so I was a little unhappy to see it included here again but I do enjoy that it is in a cream. I like that the products are clearly divided. The blush and bronzer have great pigmentation, the highlight does need to be built up a bit, but it does look great after that build up. There is some glitter in this product. All of the creams blend out nicely, easily and evenly.

Coolway Strong Hold Hairspray

By now we all know my dislike for hair products so I won't say to much about this product except for the fact I will be passing it along.





That is everything that came in my Ipsy bag. Overall, I am rating this bag 3 and a half stars out of five because I am excited about the eyeshadow, the blush brush and the Model Co trio. The half star is for the Smashbox mascara because I already know I feel about it. This bag lost the star because the hair product.

Are you a subscriber to Ipsy? What did you get in your November bag? Let me know in the comments below.

If you would like to sign up for Ipsy, you can use my link: http://www.ipsy.com/r/1ik8u?sid=ipsypoints&cid=general

Stay beautiful
Sarah

*NOTE: The Ipsy link is an affiliated link. It gets me points that I can redeem for an extra product. Thank you*

Avalai Unboxing + Review

This is a monthly subscription for that time of the month. I think these boxes are a great idea and they are always super fun.



A handwritten Card!

Nicely wrapped!

The first item I pulled out of the box was these gluten free pretzels. These pretzels are in garlic herb flavor and they don't taste too bad. Perfect snack for those who crave savory snacks.






                      I then pulled out two boxes of chocolate. The first box is Lindt Truffles in milk chocolate. These truffles are super delicious and always remind me of the holidays (AKA festive feast time at Swiss Chalet. Right Canadian readers?). The second box of chocolates are Godiva truffles. I haven't tried this box of chocolates yet. I really like that this box included chocolate.



The third item I pulled out was a box Jelly Belly Jelly Beans. These jelly beans are in different cocktail flavours (the box points out that there is no alcohol included). I personally don't enjoy jelly beans but these fit the sweet cravings.




The fourth item I pulled out of the box is a cucumber soap. This is a hydrating soap that can be used on the body or face. This soap was also made in Canada. This soap has an amazingly fresh scent to it and it is pretty strong. I was worried that the food items in the box would taste like the soap, since they were packed closely together, but I am very happy to report that this didn't happen.





There was also a variety of Higgins and Burke Tea in the box! Flavours included Green Tea, Peppermint and Camomile.




The final items in the box were a bag of tampons and a travel pouch. You do get a choice between tampons, pads or both.

The only negatives I found with this box is the travel pouch while a great idea, is a bit big for some purses. Also, this box is super huge so if you live in a condo or apartment this box won't fit in the mail box. This is a minor issue but can be a tad annoying to go to a post office to get this.

Overall, this box is great! I loved the variety and everything that was included. Also, a portion of the profits from each Avalai box sold is donated to the Canadian Women's Foundation which helps to empower women and girls in Canada to move out of poverty, violence and into confidence.

You can sign up for Avalai here.

Do you subscribe to boxes like this one? Do you get an Avalai box? Let me know in the comments below.

Stay beautiful,
Sarah

*NOTE: This box was provided to me. My opinion was NOT swayed because of this. Please see my disclaimer for more information.*

October Favorites

Hello everyone!! I am alive!!!

For those of you who don't know, I am a full time student who also works and I write this blog. Over the past couple weeks, school has been crazy crazy busy, but I survived and here I am.

It is never too late for monthly favorites right? Right.

Here is a list of everything I have been loving this month.

Foreo LUNA mini

My skin was going through a really bad phase and I decided to pull the trigger on this cleansing brush. This product is like the Clarisonic except it is more gentle and cheaper (you don't need to buy replacement heads). The LUNA is also smaller than the Clarisonic. Since using this, my skin has never looked better!!



Caudalie Beauty Elixier

As my skin was going through this phase, it was also very very dry. I would spritz this all over my skin at night before my moisturizer and/or throughout the day, if my skin needed some refreshing. To be honest, I'm not sure how what this product did but I know it made my skin feel better. Just a heads up, this product smells terrible.

Maybelline Fit Me for Dry and Sensitive Skin

I really fell in love with this foundation this month. I found it had great coverage and didn't cause my already dry skin to get any drier. I will have a Face Off post including this foundation up next week, so I will talk about it more there!




MAC Pro Longwear Concealer

This concealer is absolutely amazing. It covers pretty much anything ad it lasts all through the day. I don't use this under my eyes because it is quite heavy.

That is everything I have been loving during the month of October, it was a pretty slow beauty month because of how crazy busy I was, but I can't wait to share all my favorites for November.

What have you been loving this month?

Stay beautiful,
Sarah

Irresistible Me Hair Extensions Review

Let me start this post off by saying, I know ABSOLUTELY nothing about extensions. I have never really felt the need to wear them or even attempt to because I don't see the need for them.

I usually let my hair grow long and then refuse to cut more than the dead ends off but recently I have been loving my hair to be a little bit below my shoulders.

So when I was giving the opportunity to review the Irresistible Me extensions, I thought it might be fun to try them.

I go the clip in type. The extensions are 140 grams and 14 inches in length. I chose the colour Chocolate Brown.

I found choosing a colour from the online catalogue to be quite difficult, especially when you can't decide between two colours. After quizzing everyone close to me and watching numerous videos, I think I chose the right colour.

I like that this company offers free returns. When you get your extensions, there is one side of the package that you open first. This first side has a piece of clip in extensions so you can test the colour and the length.

Please don't mind the bite marks in the right corner, my cat decided that packaging need to be tasted. He approves.





The extensions came with 7 pieces;

- 1 - 4 clip
- 2 - 3 clip
- 2 - 2 clip
- 2 - 1 clip



Before

After

The first couple times that I wore the extensions, I found the extensions to be very difficult to clip in but the clip in process got easier and easier as I wore them! These extensions can be styled using heated tools and Irresistible Me recommends washing them every 10 to 20 wears.

Overall, I found these extensions to be easy to use once you got the hang of it. I found these extensions to be a good length, as it was too drastic and I found the weight to be good for me. I will say, I don't think the colour I chose was really my "perfect" match, so be careful about that.

I think these extensions are great if you want to wear extensions occasionally or if you are an extension newbie, like myself. However, I think if you wear extensions all the time, I don't think these extensions are for you.

Do you wear extensions? What do you think about them? Let me know in the comments below!

Stay beautiful
Sarah

* NOTE: These extensions were provided to me in exchange for a review. My opinion was NOT swayed because of this. Please see my disclaimer for more information.*

October Ipsy Unboxing

I received my October Ipsy bag. For those who do not know, Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription service that is completely customized to you. Each month, they send you a themed cosmetic bag filled with  four to five make up items, tools, shampoo, conditioner etc. It is ten dollars American (For Canadians add 4.95 for shipping).

This month's theme is Alter Ego. The other side of the bag is black.

Here is what I got

Nourish Organic Argan Face Serum

This is formulated with apricot and rose hip. This serum is supposed to be very hydrating and for normal to dry skin. I tried this on the back of my hand and I found it to be super liquidy, it felt like I poured half the bottle on my hand. This did have a nice scent but I won't be using it.




Beauty without Cruelty Lotion

This is a fragrance free hand and body lotion. This lotion is supposed to moisturize, soften and protect your skin. I don't typically use body lotions, so I will be passing this on to someone who will enjoy it.




The Balm Meet Matt(e) Hughes Liquid Lipstick in Committed

#awkwardswatch

I was super excited to see this in my bag because I have always wanted to try The Balm. This is a nice neutral color. I will say, I am a little disappointed with the size of this product.



Aurora Nail Polish in Inky Dinky


This is a gel effect nail polish. This polish claims to dry fast, is extra shiny and durable and it is supposed to last for two weeks! You get this gel effect without the use of a UV lamp. I really love this navy-purple color, perfect for fall!


Royal & Langnickel Moda Eyeshadow brush

This is just your standard eyeshadow shader brush. The brush handle is water resistant and has a soft grip. This eyeshadow brush has synthetic bristles and can be used for dry or wet eyeshadow application.



I then traded in some points and receive the Jouer Matte Moisture Tint and the Anti Blemish Primer.

That is everything that came in my Ipsy bag. Overall, I am rating this bag 2 and a half stars out of five because I am excited about the Matte Liquid Lipstick and the nail polish. The half star is for the eyeshadow brush because I honestly don't need another brush for eyeshadow. This bag lost the 2 stars because the serum and lotion are not things I will use. I didn't include the Jouer products because it was an extra I chose.

 Are you a subscriber to Ipsy? What did you get in your October bag? Let me know in the comments below.

If you would like to sign up for Ipsy, you can use my link: http://www.ipsy.com/r/1ik8u?sid=ipsypoints&cid=general

Stay beautiful
Sarah

*NOTE: The Ipsy link is an affiliated link. It gets me points that I can redeem for an extra product. Thank you*

Sephora Favorites Super Stars Kit

It's that time of the year again where Sephora releases all of their holiday kits. I happened to get my hands on my personal favorite, the Super Stars. This kit is filled with all of the most popular/ greatest products from the year. This year the kit is including 8 FULL SIZE products!!

For 90 dollars Canadian, this kit is kind of expensive, but I think this year, the kit might be worth the price tag! Here is what is included.





Beautyblender

We all know the Beautyblender is a HUGE favorite of mine. I was really excited to see it included in this kit because not everyone sees the hype behind it and if you already love it, it is great to have an extra. This product is full size.

Benefit They're Real! Mascara

This mascara is supposed to give the illusion of false eyelashes. I personally like this mascara because of the amazing length it gives. I know this mascara isn't for everyone but it is great to try it! This product is travel size.





Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight

This is an oil-free cream highlighting stick. This highlighting stick is also supposed to be long wearing and you can wear it with or without makeup. I've never tried this product before and I am pretty excited about it. This product is full size.


Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil Eyeliner in Noir Intense

This is a extremely longwearing eyeliner pencil. it is called a liquid-pencil because it is supposed to have the high intensity colour pay off of a liquid liner but the ease of use of a pencil liner. This product is full size.

Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Highlight

This is a matte highlighting powder. It is described as a golden nude. I already own this product (so this will be included in an upcoming giveaway). I love using this product as my brow bone highlight and my inner corner highlight. This product is travel size.


MAKE UP FOR EVER Step 1 Hydrating Primer

This primer is supposed to be for normal skin with the occasional dryness. All of these MUFE primers are supposed to balance the skin's texture an tone for smoother, more-even, and long lasting makeup application. I did get a sample of this primer and really liked it. This product is travel size.


NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in Himalia

This eyeshadow is supposed to be crease proof and last up to eight hours. You can use a dry or wet application with these shadows. This colour is described as a Shimmering Topaz. This product is full size.


Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water

This is a makeup primer spray that hydrates the skin. This product can also be used as a makeup setting spray and as a refresher to "wake up" your makeup. I am currently using this product and it is doing a pretty great job. This product is travel size.




Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner in Intense Black

Everyone raves about this product and I just couldn't fall in love with it. This liquid liner has a felt tip, which I found extremely hard to use. It is a great eyeliner; it stays put and is waterproof. The color payoff is great too. This product is full size.



Tarte Contouring Face slenderizer in Park Ave Princess

This product is a contouring pencil. This formula is supposed to make it very easy to blend. This is the lightest shade this product comes in. This product is travel size.

Tarte The slenderizer bamboo contouring brush

I'm in love with this tiny little contouring brush. This brush is supposed to be used with the Tarte contouring pencil. The full sized version of this brush is double ended. The dense side (the one included in this kit) is to be used to contour. The other side (not included in this kit) is used to blend away harsh lines. I am super sad we didn't get the full sized brush. This product is travel size.


Touch in Sol Stretchex Stretch Lash Effect Mascara

I have never heard of this brand before but I am really excited to try it. This mascara is supposed to be a super light elastic formula that is supposed to give buildable length that will last all day. Hey, I love lengthening mascaras. This product is full size.





Urban Decay Eye shadow in Lounge

I'm personally a huge fan of Urban Decay eyeshadows. However I am not really excited about this colour, I feel like Sephora could have picked a more neutral colour. This colour is describe as brick red with a green shift and it's currently sold out online. This product is full size.


Overall, I think this kit would make a great gift for a beauty addict in your life or fore yourself if you want to try some new products. However, I don't think this is a great kit to get if you just want to add products to your collection because you (like me) have probably tried most of them. I also don't get how Sephora is claiming there is 8 full size products. While writing this review, I counted 7 full size products, so I don't know what else they are counting as "fullsize". 

Would you buy this kit? Are you excited for any of the holiday kits? Any kits you would like to see reviewed?

Stay beautiful
Sarah