Category Archives: Ipsy

Ipsy May 2016

Posted in Acne, Ipsy, Lipstick, Make Up, Makeup, Mascara, Oily Skin, Skin Care, Subscription Boxes by

 


 

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Its that time!  Time to pop open the pretty pink package and see what Ipsy has for me this month.

 

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Love this bag!  It is so cute 🙂

 

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Hanalei Lip Treatment $25.00 (full size product) 

Ipsy Says::

WHY WE ❤ THIS BRAND: Bringing you the benefits of Hawaii’s rare Kukui Nut, Hanalei creates one-of-a-kind products to heal and protect against dryness.

WHY THIS PRODUCT’S FAB: This rejuvenating Lip Treatment will make your chapped lips a thing of the past. Using Kukui Nut oil, antioxidants, agave and grapeseed oil, your lips will be smooth and moisturized in no time!

Lara Says::

This is a new brand to me and I’m guessing by the name based in Hawaii as I’m pretty sure hanalei means to make a lei.  (Update:: I was right! ) This has a nice sweet scent and feels great on my lips!

** 30% off your online purchase with the code HANALEI30 **

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NoTS 28 Remedy Acne Pore Deep Cleanser $32.00 (full size) 

WHY WE ❤ THIS BRAND: We all know that Korea has some of the best kept skincare secrets. And now NoTS is bringing some of them to you with their line of natural products straight from the skincare mother-land!

WHY THIS PRODUCT’S FAB: Bubbles in this gentle cleanser burst to invigorate your skin, while cleaning out pores and hydrating skin. It works great on acne-prone skin and is gentle enough to use everyday.

Lara Says::

The main acne fighting ingredient in this cleanser is salicylic acid.  Apparently this is Koran brand and is available in North America via Amazon!  I’m curious to see what else they offer…

** 20% off your online purchase with the code nots20 **

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Smashbox X- Rated Mascara $22.00 (Full Size) 

Ispy Says::

WHY WE ❤ THIS BRAND: Created by pros for pros! Their innovative products leave you looking and feeling flawless, whether you’re on-the-go or on set.

WHY THIS PRODUCT’S FAB: Smashbox is back at it again! This triple threat brush isolates and magnifies each lash, while applying its fiber-loaded formula. The result? Sky-high and defined lashes in just one swipe. Bonus: the formula is clump, flake and smudge-proof!

Lara Says::

I have not tried this mascara before and if I’m remembering correctly when this first came out I read mixed reviews.  I will report back!

** 15% off your first online purchase on Smashbox.com with the code IPSY15 **

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Slmissglam Small Contour W07  Brush (unable to find this brush by itself on the site)

Ipsy Says::

WHY WE ❤ THIS BRAND: Makeup artist and beauty blogger turned makeup brush designer! SLMissGlam is our #WCW of makeup tools. She created a line of super cute brushes marked with her signature style.

WHY THIS PRODUCT’S FAB: This small rounded brush is the perfect size to bring anywhere and can be used in a million and one ways. Plus, it’s freakin’ ador2able!

Lara Says::

I love getting brushes from Ipsy because I’ve loved all of them!  This one is soft and I can’t wait to use it.  And I mean come on its pink and gold 🙂

** Use the code SLIPSY25 to receive 25% off your online shopping excursion ** 

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BellaPierre Cosmetics Nude Gel Lip Liner Pencil $18.00 

Ispy Says::

WHY WE ❤ THIS BRAND: Known for their mineral beauty products, BelláPierre Cosmetics enhances natural beauty with pure mineral products.

WHY THIS PRODUCT’S FAB: Prep your lips for spring parties with this waterproof, smooth gel lip liner pencil. This creamy liner’s versatile shade can be worn with your fave lippies or by itself.

Lara Says::

I have gotten a lip liner from this brand before and I really liked it so I’m very happy with this!

** Save your wallet some money with the code IPSYMAY2016 **

Join me on ipsy and subscribe to the Glam Bag! You get 4-5 beauty products every month delivered to your door, for just $10. Michelle Phan curates the bags! 

April 2016 Ipsy Bag

Posted in Highlight, Ipsy, Lipstick, Make Up, Makeup, Masks, Subscription Boxes by

 

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Its time for the familiar pink package!

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tarte LipSurgence™ lip crème in ‘Wonder’  Full size is $24.00 which is 0.01 oz of product.  The sample size is 0.056 oz which means value is at $1.34!

Price of Ipsy $10.00

Value of Sample $1.34

Value of Ipsy Bag $1.34

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** Get 20% off the tarte website with the code IPSYAPR

 

Trust Fund Beauty That Glo Tho Face Highlighter this is a full size product worth $20 so that is double the value paid right there!

Price of Ipsy $10.00

Value of Sample $20.00

Value of Ispy Bag $21.34

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 ** Get 35% off your online purchase with the code IPSY35 

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Luxie Beauty Dreamcatcher Tapered Highlighter Brush 522 this is a full size brush ( and ohh my gosh sooo soft!) the value is $24.00

Price of Ipsy $10.00

Value of Sample $24.00

Value of Ispy Bag $45.34

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** Use code IPSYDREAM for 30% off 

pur~lisse Beauty Blue Lotus + White Tea Sheet Mask & Blue Lotus + Seaweed Sheet Mask I love sheet masks and I got two! These retail on these are $8.00 each so that is $16.00

Price of Ipsy $10.00

Value of Sample $16.00

Value of Ispy Bag $61.34

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** 30% off with the code IPSYLOTUS30

 

REN Skincare Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream The full size product is $45.00 for 1.7 oz.  My sample size is 1.02 so I’m going to say this is worth 41.00

Price of Ipsy $10.00

Value of Sample $41.00

Value of Ispy Bag $102.34

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** Use the code IPSY20 to save 20% off your online buy 

 

This is buy far the most value for money return on a bag. I’ve most excited for the sheet masks and the brush but overall I will get use out of everything that I got!

Join me on ipsy and subscribe to the Glam Bag! You get 4-5 beauty products every month delivered to your door, for just $10. Michelle Phan curates the bags! 

Ipsy September 2014

Posted in Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Eyeliner, Hair, Hair Care, Ipsy, Lipstick, Make Up, Makeup, MIsses, Normal Skin, Oily Skin, Review, Skin Care by

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Its that time again… Monthly Subscrion box/bag time!  My Ipsy and Birchbox arrived on the same day so I played Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe and Ipsy won so that is the first subscription I’m sharing with you!

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LeeAnni Eco3-in-1 Revolution Light :: LIGHTER version of 3 in 1 Revolution. Great for normal to oily skin and during warmer weather. Toner, Serum, and Moisturizer in One. This Revolutionary Lotion will save you time during busy morning rush and moisturize your face all day long! Help tighten skin, reduce breakouts, relieve dark circles under eyes, moisturize, fight aging, treat sun damages, and calm irritated skin.

Lara Says:: I find the concept intriguing so I’m interested to try this.  And you all know that I’m all about multitasking! It smells nice, I will be giving this a review after a few uses.

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Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!™ Deep Conditioning Mask :: Repair and treat dry, damaged and breaking hair with Don’t Despair, Repair!™ deep conditioning mask. Fortified with ultra-hydrating avocado, sweet almond & argan oils, strengthening keratin protein, power-conditioning rosehip oil, soothing aloe, and super hair-essential vitamins B5, D, A, E and biotin. This unique complex of targeted ingredients helps increase hair elasticity and moisture to prevent breakage, promotes healthy shine and luster, and replenishes strength. Comprised of 95 percent naturally-derived ingredients. This product is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicones, artificial fragrances, artificial dyes, and gluten. It is cruelty-free and contains organic ingredients.

In lab studies, the use of Don’t Despair, Repair!™ resulted in 81% less hair breakage after just three uses.
Lara Says:: I love a good hair mask so I’m excited to try this and let you know my thoughts.  This is a nice sample size and it smells really good too!

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Pacifica Natural Water-Proof Eye Pencil in Fringe:: These rich water-proof, buttery smooth eye pencils glide on smooth and deliver big color pay off with every stroke. Long-lasting natural formula, provides hours of wear and contains beneficial ingredients great for the sensitive eye area.

Lara Says:: This was really strange.  I haven’t used it yet but as you can see in the picture I swatched it on my arm.  After a minute I rubbed it and while it did not smudge, it did fade… Weird!

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Crown Brush Infinity Shadow/Crease Duet Brush:: This dual-ended brush offers the best of both worlds. The shadow brush is perfect for applying eye shadow or contouring the eye, while the crease brush is designed to be used dry for defining the eye, or wet for precision concealing.

 Lara Says:: I’m usually not a fan of duel ended brushes as I store my brushes upright and this makes that difficult.  But I will give both ends a try and let you know.  At first touch the brushes are super soft so that is a good sign.

and lastly, I love this bag!  Much better then last months, I will not be re-gifting this one… 🙂

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And according to my Glamroom (which shows you what you are receiving) I should have received a Hikari Lipstick but I didn’t get one.  I emailed Ipsy to let them know so if I do end up getting it I will let you know!:

 

Products Mentioned—

 

LeeAnni Eco3-in-1 Revolution Light:: Full Size $29.98 (15% off with code IPSY9) 

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!™ Deep Conditioning Mask:: Full Size $26.00 (Free Shipping with code IPSYSEP14)

Pacifica Natural Water-Proof Eye Pencil::  $11.00 (20% off with code FallBeauty) 

 Crown Brush Infinity Shadow/Crease Duet Brush:: $6.99 (30% off purchase of $25 or more with code CROWNIPSY30) 

Join me on ipsy and subscribe to the Glam Bag! You get 4-5 beauty products every month delivered to your door, for just $10. Michelle Phan curates the bags! 

August 2014 Favorites

Posted in Benefit, Birchbox, Bronzer, Combination Skin, Dry Hair, Dry Skin, Eyeliner, Favorites, Foundation, Hair, Hair Care, Hits, Hits and Misses, Ipsy, Make Up, Makeup, Mascara, Normal Skin, Oily Hair, Oily Skin, Powder, Review, Skin Care, Subscription Boxes by

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First off, do you like my beach picture?  I took it at Keawakapu Beach last year when I visited my sister in Hawaii.  Also don’t forget to check out the giveaway all the info is on the contest page! 

Sigma F35 Tapered Highlighter Brush

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Sigma Says:: Unique Feature: Small and tapered with a precise tip
Function: Subtle highlighting
Recommended Use: Apply highlighting shades onto the upper contours of the face. Diffused finish gives skin a natural glow.

Lara Says:: I actually find this brush very useful in applying bronzer and for contouring.  I can get just the right amount of product on the brush put it right where I want and then take a bigger fluffy brush and blend out.  Try your brushes out in different areas of your face and the possibilities are endless!! And extra points for Multitasking products/supplies!!

Pop Beauty Aqua Lacquer in Flowering Fuchsia

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Pop Beauty Says:: This refreshing water-light luxe gloss will bathe your lips in hydration & protect with Vitamin E. We also added Jojoba oil, an exceptional moisturizer for maximum lip comfort. These sheer colour tints provide staying power as well as a cure for thirsty lips.

Lara Says:: I keep this is my purse so I always have it.  It has become my go to gloss and is great over any lipstick or just by itself.  It has a slight mint flavor and does tingle a bit when you apply it.  It has staying power with minimum stickiness.  If I ever use this up I will definitely be buying another!

Maybelline’s Dream Wonder Powder in Porcelain Ivory

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Maybelline Says:: Maybelline’s Dream Wonder Powder is 100% Second- Skin Powder Foundation Perfection. Creamy glide, smooth flawless finish, perfect skin. Feels like powderless powder.

Lara Says:: This is probably the most amazing pressed powder I have found at the drugstore.  And you know I love it because I have recommended it to no less than 10 people.  It goes on smooth and doesn’t look cakey whatsoever and the coverage is buildable. So you can use it as a powder over your foundation and for touchups throughout the day (as I typically do). Or you can build it up to full coverage and wear it alone.  This is my second time repurchasing and won’t be my last!

Mally Beauty Volumizing Mascara

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Mally Says:: This Volumizing Mascara has a unique formula that helps create the look of gorgeous, full, luxurious lashes. The combination of natural waxes and carefully chosen powders gives lashes an instant boost. The plush brush works with the powders in the formula to help thicken lashes without clumping, giving you gorgeous volume that lasts and lasts.

Lara Says:; I received this mascara in a birchbox and I love it! If you have been a reader of this blog for any length of time you know I call myself a mascara whore.  I cannot stay faithful to one and I feel  I am on an eternal quest to find the holy grail of mascara that curls, lengthens, separates and is volumizing… I know it exist and I will find it.  Until then this is pretty awesome.  I did a review which you can find here.

Herbal Essence ‘Naked Volume Dry Shampoo

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Herbal Essence Says:: The Herbal Essence Website:: refresh your strands, water not necessary. with natural tapioca, my formula absorbs oil and rejuvenates dirty hair for a clean feeling. invigorate your strands with the scent of white grapefruit and mint and feel naturally beautiful without parabens or dyes.

Lara Says:: Still my favorite after trying many. Clear application and it absorbs the oil and gives some volume and lift.  I did a review and comparison a few months ago, you can read it here.

 

And now for my one Un-Favorite/ Fail….

 

Benefit they’re real! push-up liner

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Benefit Says:: It’s the FIRST EVER lash-hugging gel liner in a pen! This matte black gel formula won’t smudge, budge or dry out, and the innovative soft AccuFlex™ Tip hugs your lashline from corner to corner. The closer the line, the bigger the eye!
91% said it was longwearing*
81% said it was waterproof*
88% said it hugged the lashline*
84% said eyes looked visibly larger*
*Results observed in a consumer panel survey on 32 women after 2 weeks

Lara Says:: I watched and read enough reviews that I was apprehensive to try this liner.  I received it in my last birchbox and I was not impressed.  First off, mine did dry out, as the cap didn’t want to stay on.  This may have only been an issue with the sample size I received and not the full size product but after about the third time the lid popped off after I put it on it finally stayed down.  And when applying I found that either I got nothing out or way too much came out.  For me I much prefer the use of a pencil or gel liner with a brush as I have more control.

Products Mentioned::

Sigma F35 Tapered Highlighter Brush $14.00

Pop Beauty Aqua Lacquer in Flowering Fuchsia $14.00

Maybelline’s Dream Wonder Powder $8.99

Mally Beauty Volumizing Mascara $20.00

Herbal Essence ‘Naked Volume Dry Shampoo $4.97

Benefit they’re real! push-up liner $24.00

 

What Were Your Favorites from the Month of August? 

Vanished Spot Treatment from Clear Clinics Laboratories

Posted in Acne, Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Ipsy, MIsses, Normal Skin, Oily Skin, Review, Skin Care by

I received a sample of this treatment in my July Ipsy bag and promised a review so here you go!

 

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Clear Clinics Says::  “vanished is an on-the-go, clear spot treatment specially formulated with menthol, glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Apply this potent spot treatment to quickly clear blemishes in record time. Thanks to its clear formulation, you can use vanished during the day, under and over makeup. Its travel-sized bottle makes it easy to take with you wherever you go.” 

 

Lara Says:: This product has a very strong alcohol smell, I mean really strong!  So that if very off putting for me.  I was not impressed with this treatment and at $35.00 this is a product I would recommend skipping.  I didn’t find that it dried out my breakouts or healed them any faster.  In fact I really like the e.l.f. Essentials Zit Zapper much better and it cost $1.00.  I would suggest giving that a try before you fork over $35.00

 

Products Mention::

Clear Clinics Vanished:: $35.00 

e.l.f. Essentials Zit Zapper $1.00

 

What do you use to zap your zits?  Let me know, I’m always looking for suggestions!! 

July Favorites 2014

Posted in Benefit, Favorites, Foundation, Highlight, Hits, Hits and Misses, Ipsy, July, Lipstick, Make Up, Makeup, Manicure, Nails, Normal Skin, Oily Skin, Primers, Review by

Its that time of month…

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Lips: NYX Butter Gloss in Peach Cobbler.  This is a gorgeous red orange color, but its totally wearable.  The Butter Gloss formula is amazing and it feels so good on the lips and it smells like sugar!

 

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Lovely By Sarah Jessica Parker I have wanted to try this perfume mostly because the bottle was pretty and I liked the name! I saw this at my local Ross deeply discounted and knew that the time was right!  This perfume smells heavenly!  My sister said it reminded her of a grandma perfume but I think it smells like a sophisticated  lady, so therefore I shall wear it. This is a blend of mandarin, rosewood, lavender, apple martini, and bergamot. Sooo Good!!

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High Beam by Benefit I’ve been mixing a little bit of this highlighter in with my foundation and it makes me look amazing!  When I use a heaver full coverage foundation I add just a few drops and it gives my skin a glowy effect but not shimmery.  You know the difference 🙂  perfect for late summer nights out! I’m recycling an old pictures but you can see High Beam below.

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Nellie and Bea from Julep

I’m loving this color combo!  I added it to my toes and I’ve gotten nothing but compliments!  These two colors are the perfect summer combo.

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http://www.julep.com/nellie.html

http://www.julep.com/bea.html

 

Melaleuca Lip Balm- in Sugar and Spice

The consistence of this balm reminds me of fresh Sugar balms.  Its super soft so I don’t recommending leaving them anywhere they will get overheated as they will melt.  I thought you could buy this product without being a member but I can seem to be able to directly order from their site.  I have seen this brand on ebay and amazon or you could find a distributor in your area.

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Stila One Step Correct  I’ve never been in love with a primer before I think this may be it!  I will be giving a full review this week so stay tuned!

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What were your favorites from the moth of July? Let me know! 

 

 

Ipsy July 2014

Posted in Acne, Blush, Eyeshadow, Ipsy, Make Up, Makeup, Manicure, Nails, Review, Skin Care, Subscription Boxes by

Today is Ipsy Day!  I actually got my Ipsy bag before I got my Birchbox, but Ipsy got lost under a pile of clothes…. #LifeProblems

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Alright first off, I’m really not impressed this month 😦  Usually Ipsy beats out Birchbox or its a tie but this month Birchbox beat Ipsy by quite a bit… So lets see what I was not impressed with…

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I have gotten quite a few Elizabeth Mott products from Ipsy, I feel like every month I get something from Be A Bombshell or Elizabeth Mott or both!  I like diversity… this is the Tints and Sass Fabulous Lip and Cheeks Stain in Cherry.  The color is nice and looks very similar to the Benefit Benetint in Rose.  I will have to swatch them side by side and see if they are similar.  Out of all of the products this is probably what I’m most excited to try and as a full size item it more then pays for the Ipsy monthly subscription so I guess I shouldn’t complain about not liking my bag that much…

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Up next is an acne spot treatment from Clear Clinics Laboratories called Vanished. This is a new brand for me, but I have sooo many acne spot treatments in my bathroom its ridiculous! I opened this up and was hit with a very strong odor of Alcohol, like super strong, not crazy about putting that on my face… But I will give it a try and let you know the results.

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This is probably what I’m least excited about.  This is a nail polish from the brand Models Own which is also new to me.  Looking at their website, I like a lot of the polishes they have but I’m not a fan of the one I was sent.  It is the shade called “Red Sea-Splash”  It is definitely something I would have to layer over another color as I think it looks a little weird on my bare nail in the picture.

imageUp next is a product from bareMinerals.  It is the 5 in 1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow Broad Spectrum SPF 15.  That is a mouthful and I’m surprised they were able to get that all on this teeny tiny tube! This Cream promises 5 benefits (so there for its a BB cream?!  I’m getting a little irritated with all the products with double letters, like they’re supposed to be better.  But that’s for another post however before I step off my soapbox I would like to say that I really feel for the letter A, we have BB, DD, CC…). The five benefits are  12-hour long-wearing color, Super-charged primer, Powerful brightening benefits, Smooths fine lines and Protects with SPF.  This product comes in 10 neutral shades and I can’t find a shade anywhere on my little sample.  According the Ipsy site, I would have gotten either Divine Wine or Barely Nude.  Looking online I think out of those two colors I have Divine Wine.

 

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Lastly is a Sunscreen from pur-lisse.  I have fair skin and I live in the sunny state of Florida so I use sunscreen on a daily basis.  That being said my face is very sensitive to sunscreen and I’ve only found a few that don’t sting my face or cause me to break out.  And according to this packaging this was developed for normal-dry skin.  I am not normal (skin or otherwise) and I am nowhere dry, I’m super oily.  So… I don’t think I will be able to use this at all.

Products Mentioned:: 

Ipsy Subscription for $10.00 a month 

Elizabeth Mott Tints and Sass Fabulous Lip and Cheek Stain in Cherry- $22.99

Benefit Benetint in Rose- $30.00

Clear Clinic Laboratories Vanished- $35.00

Models Own Nail Polish in “Red Sea-Splash”- $5.00

bareMinerals 5-In-1 BB Cream Shadow-$18.00

Pur-Lisse pur~protect spf 30-$55.00

 

Join me on ipsy and subscribe to the Glam Bag! You get 4-5 beauty products every month delivered to your door, for just $10. Michelle Phan curates the bags!