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Ipsy – October 2017

Happy Monday y’all! I know I haven’t blogged in a while, I’ve just been feeling a little uninspired lately and am trying to get out of this little funk. I have so much respect for all the bloggers out there who work full time and still find time to blog; I’m struggling with that right now and am trying to find a better balance so I can do both with ease.

But here’s to trying to get back into the swing of things. Let’s talk about my OCTOBER IPSY BAG. I review what comes in my bag every month and I never seem to get the brands that I’ve chosen in my preferences, but this month I was pleasantly surprised to find that I liked the brands that were chosen at random for me!

If I’m being completely honest, every month when my bag comes I go back and forth on whether or not I want to continue subscribing or not. This was one of those months that makes me want to keep receiving my bag every month.

With all that being said, I’ll share with you what I got in my pouch this month:

For starters, the theme of this month’s bag was SPELLBOUND. The bag was cute; it was made to look like crimson and lace.

The Products:

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Perversion Value for 0.8 g = $13.00

The full size liner retails for $20.00. This liner really does last all day! It glides on super smooth and I loved that it came in the black color (I hate when Ipsy gives you random colors like teal or purple). I normally only wear black liner so I loved that this was in my bag! I’ve also been wanting to try out other brands of eyeliner and have heard good things about Urban Decay. I look forward to getting more of this brand in my bag! This product can also be found at Sephora, Ulta Beauty and Nordstrom.

TARTE delux lights, camera, lashes 4-in-1 mascara Value for 3 ml = $9.86

The full size mascara retails for $23.00. Lengthening. Curling. Volumizing. Conditioning. This mascara seriously makes your lashes look longer, fatter, and lifted in just a few quick strokes. The awesome “MagniLASH” wand was designed to coat separate, and define every lash. This formula is cruelty-free and totally vegan. I normally use Tarte mascara but recently ran out, so now I’m good for just a little bit longer. I love getting mascara samples in my bags! This mascara can be found at Sephora and Ulta.

Furless Black Beauty Blending Crease Brush Value = $11.99

FULL SIZE PRODUCT! This brush has teal bristles! How cute is that!? The dome shape gets into hard-to-reach spots and blends out color seamlessly. It’s so soft and is hypoallergenic, vegan and cruelty-free. I’m not always a huge fan of getting brushes so I’m actually super disappointed in this one especially since I just bought a new blending brush (oh well). I do really like how soft the brush is, so maybe I’ll keep this one for future use.

BLAQ Mask Value for 15 ml = $7.25

The full size of this primer (60 ml) retails for $29.00. This is literally like detox for your skin. Activated charcoal gets rid of toxins and impurities deep in your pores. This mask gets rid of blackheads super-fast and peels off easily. It only takes 15 minutes to work its magic. LIFESAVER!!! I love this mask so much! Just put it on the sections of your face that you feel you need a detox on (for me it’s my nose!). I will definitely be buying this product once I’m done with the sample. BLAQ is an Australian skincare brand designed to take prime position on your bathroom vanity.

JM Solution Water Luminous Jelly Cleanser Value for 1 oz = $4.93

The full size of this primer (5.07 oz) retails for $25.00. This jelly-like formula felt so refreshing on our skin, and then bubbled up like crazy when we mixed it with water. It’s made with hyaluronic acid which helps keep your skin hydrated even after you wash it off. It deep cleans, but it’s way gentle so you can use it all the time – perf if you have sensitive skin. This cleanser can be found at GILT and is currently on sale for $18, but is sold out (so check back)! I really liked this product as well!

For the month of OCTOBER, the bag is worth about $47.03. There was only one full size product this month,but the $10 you pay for the bag is such a steal! This bag is actually lower than other bags I’ve received, but I’d rather have product I like for a lower value than things I don’t like at a higher value.

The cost of the box every month is $10 + tax and free shipping. So for 5 products (one of which should be full size, the low price is a pretty good bargain. The bag is great if you’re looking to try out different products that you may not currently use.

Another perk to the bag is that almost every product that comes in your bag also has a discount code for that brand! So not only do you get a great product, you can also buy the full size at a cheaper price.

To subscribe to Ipsy use my referral link to discover new brands/products that you might come to love that you wouldn’t otherwise try!

XOXO

p.s Let me know if you got anything different that you absolutely loved!

October 30, 2017
Shop Pink: Top 10 Products
Breast Cancer is something that affects so many people. Why not do the most we can to give back. Unfortunately, I think it’s safe to say that we all probably know someone who has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer and hopefully they have overcome their battle, but I know many have not. In any situation, you always wish there was something more you could do to help out.

I’ve rounded up a few items that I felt were good products that also give back during the month of October. We all know y’all were going to go out and shop anyway, so why not do it at a few places that donate back to Breast Cancer Awareness?
1. Pink beautyblender bubble – Price = $20.00
Throughout the month of October, 50% of all proceeds from this product (as well as the micro mini bubble) are donated to the Look Good Feel Better Foundation, a free program that helps support cancer patients with the side effects of treatment.
1. Kiehl’s Kiss For the Cure Butterstick Lip Treatment Duo – Price = $32.00
This lip treatment duo is proof that some of the best things come in pairs. One tube is packed with nourishing coconut oil (and a pretty, rosy tint) and the other with antioxidant-rich lemon butter. 100% of net profits benefit Bright Pink, a national non-profit focused on breast and ovarian cancer prevention and early detection, and breast cancer education programs.
1. June Jacobs Rapid Repair Healing Cream – Price = $60.00
This therapeutic cream was created by aesthetician June Jacobs, who experienced radiation dermatitis while undergoing breast cancer treatment. Not only does it address skin conditions caused by radiation, the multipurpose product is also a cult favorite for providing protection and all-day hydration. For the month of October, 25% of net proceeds for this cream will be donated to the Anne Moore Breast Cancer Research Fund no matter where you purchase this at. If you buy through the website, another 25% of the net proceeds with be donated to the Dublin Breast Center of the Tisch Cancer Institute. This product comes in 3 different sizes!
1. Note Cosmetics Long Wearing Lipstick – Price = $9.99
Now, I’ve never used this product, but all the reviews said great things and I’m all for companies who give back! These pink, pigment-rich options from Note Cosmetics are shades with a noteworthy cause. Choose any of their pink lipsticks or glosses marked with a breast cancer ribbon symbol, and 10% of your purchase will go towards the American Breast Cancer Foundation, a national charity dedicated to providing education and financial support to those affected by breast cancer.
1. Vera Wang Truly Pink Eau de Parfum Spray – Price = $33.00
This classic rose fragrance smells like fresh flower petals. When you purchase from fragrancenet.com, they’ll donate 15% of the proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, which fuels advances in prevention and finding a cure for breast cancer.
1. Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray – Price = $29.00
While bumble and bumble’s Thickening Spray bottle is dressed up in a limited-edition pink design this month, the beloved formula is still the same. A few spritzes create lasting lift and body for a voluminous blowout at home. When you buy this version of the bottle, the brand will donate 20% of the suggested retail price to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
1. Bobbi Brown Pink Peony Illuminating Bronzing Powder Set – Price = $55.00
Bobbi Brown makes some of our favorite beauty bag staples, and this one includes the brand’s iconic powder compact that leaves behind a sun-kissed glow. This year, when you purchase the set, Bobbi Brown will donate $11 from each purchase to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
1. ORIGINS Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask – Price = $27.00
Origins is committed to donating $50,000 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation this year. Their limited edition BCA mask will give you your best beauty sleep; your skin will drink up the emollient-rich avocado and apricot oils and deeply rehydrating Japanese seaweed.
1. Tory Burch Support Breast Cancer Research – Price = Varies
From October 1 – October 31, 2017, Tory Burch is donating 20% from this purchase (in pink color only) to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
1. Jack Rogers Exclusive Lauren Sandal – Price = $128
Now through October 31^st, Jack Rogers will donate 10% of sales of the Exclusive Lauren Sandal in Blush to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Happy shopping y’all! Let me know if you know of any other brands that are donating during the month of October.

XOXO

P.S Check out my Instagram Not Another LA Blonde and see my day to day life!
October 12, 2017
Wedding Wednesday: The Ring Boxes
Happy Wedding Wednesday! I got my September The Ring Boxes box in the mail last month and I know I’m super late on this, but let me tell you…there were a lot of super cute things in the box that any bride-to-be would love! So I decided that even though it’s October now, I still wanted to show y’all what I got in my box last month.

“Who doesn’t love flaunting that fiancé title and flashing your new fabulous bling! You always want to have all the newest and cutest bride to be goodies when you’re engaged and The Ring Boxes gives you just that, one big box full of all the most popular and fabulous bridal products each and every month leading to your special day! Each month we arrange a new box packed with full sized custom gifts, wedding décor, beauty and spa products as well as date night perks! Giving our brides the ultimate bridal experience.”

BACKGROUND: The Ring Boxes was created in January 2017 so it’s still pretty new. It features handpicked bridal items delivered right to your door each month. You can choose from monthly, 3 month, 6 month or 12 month packages. The price varies depending on which subscription you choose. Since my wedding is exactly a year away, I choose the 12 month package which brought my pricing to $35/month or $420 for the year. A single box costs $40. This box is the perfect subscription for the bride-to-be!

Here is a BREAKDOWN of the SEPTEMBER goodies in my box:
1. Rose Gold Bride Bracelet by With Love From Katie – Retail Value = $23.00
This custom rose gold bar bracelet has been hand stamped with love from Katie! You can check her out on her website for perfectly imperfect one of a kind jewelry! You can also find her on Instagram @With.love.from.katie Brides… use coupon code “IDO10” at checkout to save 10% off your whole order! Ok so how cute is this bracelet!? It’s super lightweight and dainty. It’s perfect for every bride-to-be and is easily worn. You know just by looking at it that it has been made with love. I love wearing mine and wish I knew someone getting married so I could get them one!
1. Couples Pillow Cases designed by Mush Made – Retail Value = $24.99
These sweet custom pillowcases are the perfect addition to any bed! I couldn’t find the exact ones that I got in my box, but I found this set on Etsy which is almost an exact match! Bed, Bath and Beyond also has two options you can get that are super cute as well! And of course Etsy has plenty of other options to find a look that you love! AHHH ok these are also super cute! They look great as décor pillows as I would definitely not sleep on them. They are perfect for decoration and look good on any bed! I can’t wait until the fiancé and I get our own place and I can put them on our bed!
1. I DO Candle by Lux Illume – Retail Value = $15.50
Third in its series the bright and bubbly floral blend of Magnolia and champagne captures the magic of the moment when you say “I do”. You can purchase this in the Illuminating Love Collection. This is the 3^rd candle in the series and the 3^rd one that I’ve received. These candles are great and really last a long time. This one smells great!
1. Satin Sleeping Mask – Retail Value = $18.00
I couldn’t find the exact sleeping mask I received but you can find similar ones on Etsy and, of course, on Amazon. Every bride needs her beauty sleep! Block out the sun with this elegant satin sleeping mask. While this is really cute, I’m not all that into sleeping masks. I’ve read all about the benefits, but I just don’t like something covering my eyes while I sleep. This might be the only thing that came in my box this month that I didn’t love.
1. Reasons I Want To Journal by JournalingJane – Retail Value = $6.50
I found this and so many other cute wedding themed journals on the JournalingJane etsy page. They range in price from about $5.50 to about $12.00. Write out the reasons you want to marry your sweetheart for a meaningful gift to give them the night before your wedding that they will treasure forever. This journal is sooo cute. I was already looking at the one that says “a journal of the last 100 days of our engagement”. I think this would be the perfect gift to give your future Mr. and something that you can both go back and look at forever.
1. Personalized Stroopwafel Wedding Favor – Retail Value = $1.50 each
Your wedding guests will love these unique treats so much! Give them away as a single or set of stroopies individually wrapped and personalized favors. Available as a circle or heart shape to add even more love to your wedding day. This item is from gourmetweddinggifts.com This is a super cute idea, I’m not sure if it’s the direction that we’re going in for our wedding, but they have a lot of options to choose from.

BONUS!!!

The box also came with 2 recipe cards. One was a recipe for the bride to be and the other was a recipe for the perfect date night. One was “Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta” and the other is for “Roasted Potatoes and Kielbasa”. They both come with a recommended wine pairing. I think that this is such a good idea for the soon to be bride to have a collection of recipes to make. I can’t wait to try out both of these recipes!

THE VALUE

The value of September’s box is $89.50! This is a little low compared to other months, but is still worth more than what you are paying for the box! While there are some items that I wouldn’t pay for or wouldn’t pay that high of a price for, I felt that the items in the September box were REALLY good. I was super pleased with my box last month and it just makes me even more excited for the big day in 8 months!

I think this box is a great for the bride-to-be and I can’t wait to see what the rest of my year subscription has in store for me! After my year is up and I’m married I will cancel my subscription but only because I will no longer need a bride-to-be box delivered to my door every month!

XOXO
October 11, 2017