Not Another LA Blonde

Tag: face wash

Ipsy – August 2017

Good Morning and happy Tuesday y’all! I got my Ipsy bag at the end of last week and I’m going to be real honest… I like about half of what I got (maybe I’m just being picky lately, but I haven’t been super impressed with the last few bags I got)!

I know we never talked about the July bag, but with everything going on last month I just ran out of time!

Here’s the deal, I’m going to share with y’all what I got in my pouch this month and what I did or didn’t like about each item in my bag:

For starters, the theme of August’s bag was GOOD VIBES ONLY. My bag said Peace Love Lipstick. I liked this bag more than some of the others because of its simplicity and is cute enough to throw into my work purse.

The Products:

theBalm Cosmetics Voyage Vol. 2 Eyeshadow in Willkommen – Value for 0.57 g= $5.50

You can get the Face Palette for $39.50 which includes 9 eyeshadows, 2 blushes, a bronzer, a highlighter, and 2 lip/cheek creams. Famous for their triple-milled pigments and anti-aging ingredients, theBalm is one of our fave go-tos for gorgeous, cruelty-free products. The Willkommen eyeshadow is a deep caramel shade, perfect for creating boho-inspired looks. I think this color is super cute and if I didn’t already have like 5 of the same color then this would def be a keeper in my book. I really like theBalm products and look forward to receiving it in my bag!

FORMULA 10.0.6 Pores Be Pure Skin-Clarifying Mud Mask – Value for 1 oz = $2.06

The full 3.4 oz mud mask retails for $6.99. You’ll instantly feel the tingle of this clarifying mask as it sucks the gunk out of clogged pores. AHHHH yes, I love masks that I can paint on my face! I prefer these over sheet masks any day of the week. This one smells really good and left my face feeling really clean but not all dried out like some masks make you feel. I can’t wait to use this again and with its inexpensive price I will definitely be buying this again!

sundays Nail Polish in No. 28 – Value for 14 ml = $18

This is a FULL size product!! Based in NYC, Sundays’ nail salons have spawned a cult following for their cruelty-free, non-toxic nail polishes! Sundays nail polish has an insanely shiny lacquer finish and a totally curated color selection. This color is a lavender grey and looks really nice on the nail. I normally do gel manicures, but sometimes a girl’s just gotta let the nails breath and use a regular ol’ polish. This color will be great when the weather gets a little bit cooler and we transition into Fall!

Make Up For Ever EXCESSIVE LASH Arresting Volume Mascara – Value for 2.5 ml = $7.35

The full size 8.5 ml mascara retails at $25. This mascara gives you the fanned-out lash look with its petite brush. The blend of soft and hard fibers on the brush allows you to layer on the formula and build up your lashes while combing through to nix clumps. I LOVE getting mascara in my bag!!! Personally, I love Make Up For Ever and was super excited to get this in my bag this month. I’ve been looking for a new mascara so this came at the perfect time. (side note: I haven’t purchased mascara for almost a year now!) I really like this mascara and it’s become my go-to in the morning.

Hey Honey Come Clean: Propolis & Minerals Facial Scrub – Value for 15 mL = $5.14

The full 70 mL cleanser retails for $24. The main ingredient in this scrub is Propolis extract (a healing and anti-inflammatory compound produced by bees). It helps dissolve residue, minimize the look of pores, hydrate, and brighten up your skin. It’s also packed with non-abrasive dissolving crystalline beads to help clear dead skin cells and blackheads for a smoother complexion. This is the perfect size to throw into my gym bag for when I shower after my workout during lunch. It has a nice feel to it because of the beads (I always feel like my face gets cleaner with them) and I am totally washing away all the sweat/makeup residue after my workout!

While I can’t guarantee an exact price of the products in the whole bag, I’ve estimated that the AUGUST bag is worth at least $38.05! While there was only 1 FULL size item in the bag, I think that the $10 you pay for the bag is such a steal compared to buying each item separately!

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.

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!

Also, if you see something that you like/want feel free to check out Mercari if you have it. If I can’t find friends that want any of the goodies I’m not a fan of, I try to sell it!

August 15, 2017
Ipsy: June 2017
Happy Tuesday y’all! I got my June Ipsy bag last week and I like about half of what I got!

Here’s the deal, I’m share with you what I got in my pouch this month and what I did or didn’t like about each item in my bag:

For starters, the theme of this month’s bag was VOLUME UP. The bag was cute with just lips on the front. I liked this bag more than some of the others because of its simplicity.

The Products:
1. NYX Whipped Lip & Cheek Soufflé in Cocoa Bean Value for 8ml= $6
This is a FULL size product. In my opinion, this is a pretty small item that NYX is considering to be full size. This product can be used for BOTH lips and cheek! The whipped formula is supper light so that it feels like you’re not even wearing anything. The Cocoa Bean color is a super versatile nude brown that also works great for contouring. I’m personally not a fan of this color and wish I had gotten one of the other colors offered. With that being said, it is super lightweight, but it isn’t a product that I’ll be buying on my own.
1. Skyn ICELAND Glacial Face Wash with White Willow Bark Value for 20ml = $4
The full 150ml tube retails for $30. This super foamy cleanser leaves your face feeling fresh and hydrated! It helps soothe, revitalize, and detoxify. The formula is also very mild so it’s perfect for any skin type! I always love trying new face washes, so this product was a win in my book. I like how it left my face feeling after washing it. Would I buy this product again? I’m not so sure; even though I liked it, I can’t imagine paying $30 for face wash!
1. City Color Cosmetics Bold Brow Eyebrow Powder in Medium Value for 0.8oz = $4
I think that this might be a FULL size product or pretty close to it because it retails for $4 online. This duo of matte powders creates soft, subtle definition without looking super harsh. With two colors, you can create the perfect blend to match your existing brows! I personally don’t use powder for my eyebrows and prefer Benefit’s Goof Proof Brow Pencil.
1. Doucce Maxlash Volumizer Mascara Value for 6ml =$10 (Super rough estimate as sample sizes are usually half of the full size)
The full size of this mascara retails at $22. This lash-fattening formula makes our fringe look insanely lush, fluttery, and fab. The chubby wand coats every last lash so none of them are left behind! I love trying out new mascaras and love getting them in my bag! I honestly haven’t bought mascara in about a year! I liked this mascara, and with it retailing at $22 (fairly normal for full mascara) I may purchase this in the future.
1. MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua XL Eye Pencil in M-10 Matte Black Value for 0.02oz = $10.50
The full 0.04oz eyeliner retails for $21 at Sephora. The cutting-edge formula is insanely creamy, so it glides on like butter with no tugging or dragging. This waterproof formula literally stays put until you decide it’s time for it to come off. I love pencil eyeliner so much more than liquid, so this was a pleasant surprise when I found it in my bag. I like the way it glides on and I’m also a fan of the brand! I would definitely buy this product again.

While I can’t pinpoint an exact price of the products in the whole bag, I’ve figured that the May bag is worth at least $34.50 (just a super rough estimate, not sure if the eyebrow powder was full size or not and couldn’t get an exact price on the mascara)! I think that it is fairly accurate, so the $10 you pay for the bag is such a steal compared to buying each item separately!

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.

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!
June 13, 2017
Target Beauty Box – April
I know, I know it’s not April anymore…but I wanted to share this with y’all anyway! I was unable to get my hands on the March Target Beauty Box, but I was able to snag an April one.

The Target Beauty Box is a one-time purchase monthly box that includes deluxe and full sized beauty products that you can find at Target and of course other retailers.

Here is a BREAKDOWN of the APRIL goodies:
1. SheaMoisture Kukui Nut Facial Cream Cleanser + Face & Neck Cream – Value for 5ml = $0.42
The full size bottle retails for $9.99 for 4 oz for the facial cleanser. The full size face and neck cream retails for $14.99 for a 2oz bottle. Delivers youth-infusing vitamins and antioxidants to help protect against aging.
1. Juice Organics Deluxe-Size Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner – Value for 1.2 oz each = $2.10
The full size, 10oz shampoo and conditioner retails for $9.99. Volumizes, thickens and promotes healthy hair growth. I can honestly say that I don’t think I’ve seen those results in my hair after using these, but they smell great and my hair stays smelling good long after I’m out of the shower. I’m pretty picky about my shampoo/conditioner routine to begin with and prefer to use items that enhance my blonde hair.
1. Burt’s Bees White Tea Extract Facial Cleansing Towelettes – Value for 10 count = $2.37
This is a full size item! Removes dirt, oil and makeup for all skin types. Ok, so I love Burt’s Bees to begin with, so the fact that this was in my box was a huge plus in my book! I really like these as they’re the perfect size to throw in my gym bag. I use them to give my face a little wipe down after my run at lunch time while I’m at work.
1. Hello Extra Whitening Pure Mint Flouride Toothpaste – Value for 0.85 oz = $0.91
A full, 4.2oz bottle retails for $4.49. Whitens teeth naturally; free of dyes, artificial sweeteners or flavors, microbeads, preservatives and gluten.
1. Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask – Value = $ 2.52
This is another full size item! Made with charcoal to naturally draw out impurities, help fight and prevent acne, and remove excess oil. I love getting masks in my boxes (as long as they’re not sheet masks!). I’ve never tried this one, and I can’t wait to try it out!
1. ACURE Pore Clarifying Red Clay Scrub –Value for 1 oz= $3.25
The 4oz bottle retails for $12.99. Moroccan red clay draws out impurities while black jojoba beads gently exfoliate to reveal clearer, smoother skin. I’ve never used this brand before, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that I liked this facial scrub and the way it left my face feeling after using it.
1. Raw Sugar Lemon Sugar Body Wash – Value for 2 oz= $0.56
A full size, 25oz bottle retails for $6.99. Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants and essential oils to cleanse and nourish skin. I’ve gotten this brand before and I absolutely love it. I was so excited to see it in the April box and couldn’t wait to use it. It smells great and leaves me feeling fresh and clean.

THE VALUE

The value of this April Beauty Box is about $12.13. Since this box was only $7 plus shipping (mine was free shipping + 5% off since I have a Target Debit Card) this is a great deal! For this particular box, I felt that the value was a little low seeing as it only had 2 full size items and the rest travel size. This is perfect for trying out a new product that you may not normally buy.

I think this box is a great deal for trying out new things and products every month! I love the excitement of opening my box every month! I can’t wait to post about my May box!

XOXO
May 12, 2017