Not Another LA Blonde

Tag: review

Ipsy – February 2018
Happy Wednesday! It’s a short week for me this week at work! I had no work on Monday because of President’s Day and then Friday is my day off! Thank goodness because I am already exhausted! I’ve been sooo busy; Robert and I found a condo to rent, so we’ve been doing a TON of prep (but more on that later).

Let’s get back to what I’m really talking about…my FEBRUARY IPSY bag. I review what comes in my bag every month and sometimes I get the brands that I’ve chosen in my preferences and other times I do not.

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 UNZIPPED. The bag was super cute; it’s a blush pink with black lace trim.

The Products:
1. Ofra Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick in ipsy Unzipped Value for 5 g= $16
The full size (6 g) tube retails for $20. This liquid lip color stays in check all day. One swipe in the A.M. lasted through breakfast, lunch, and happy hour. It’s really creamy and moisturizing, so you won’t have to keep applying balm over it to avoid that dreaded dry lip feeling. This shade is an exclusive ipsy shade, made just for this month’s bag. You can find a variety of other colors on the OFRA website. I’m not a huge fan of this shade, but I love that it’s an Ipsy exclusive which means not a lot of people will have this!
1. Trestique Mini Eye Pencil in Swiss ChocolateValue for 0.22 g = $9.50
The full size liner retails for $19. Liquid liner-phobe? No prob. This creamy gel formula glides on like a liquid, but its way easier to use. It lasts for 16 full hours – aka from your early A.M. meeting until your post-dinner cocktails (and then some). This ultra-versatile pencil’s possibilities are endless. Going for a super fine, subtle line? Done. Into creating a killer smokey eye? Smudge it out. Feeling something in the middle? Go for it! This liner comes in 3 different shades. I love a good eyeliner, the only thing I wish was different about this one is the color; I’m more of a black eyeliner gal. On another note, it glides on super smooth, but I don’t know if I would pay $19 for this eyeliner.
1. Eva NYC Freshen Up Dry ShampooValue for 0.75 oz = $4.50
The full size (5.3 oz) retails for $12, but you can also purchase the 1 oz can for $6 (perfect for your gym bag or travel). It does more than revive your blowout – it’s made with vitamin C and fatty acids that shine up your hair, nourish it from the inside out, and repair damage. Natural rice starch absorbs oils quickly without leaving any residue. I love trying out new dry shampoos! This one smells great and doesn’t leave my hair feeling heavy or sticky. I would definitely buy this one again and I love that it’s reasonably priced and that you can get it from a ton of different retailers. This is also available at:
- Amazon
- Target
- Ulta – Currently on sale for $8.99 and it’s buy 1, get 1 40% off!
- Walgreens
- Kohl’s
1. BLAQ Meteor Shower Value for 50 g =$12.50
The full size retails for $24.95, but is currently sold out. Ok guys, this grainy-textured scrub is made with actual meteorite powder. Yup, from space. We’ll let that sink in. curious about where your Meteor Shower landed? Track it using the code on the back of the package. Activated charcoal detoxifies your skin by drawing out impurities from your pores so you’ll feel squeaky clean after you use it. It leaves teeny little particles of shimmer on your skin, so you’ll have an otherworldly glow after you shower with it. I haven’t tried this one yet, but I love BLAQ products! This is also sold on Amazon, but is currently sold out as well.
1. Luxie Beauty Blending and Shading Eye Brush 249 Value = $24.00
FULL SIZE PRODUCT! One brush to get any eye look you dream up? You bet. This ipster-exclusive, double-sided beauty is tapered on one side (for packing down your powder shadows) and fluffy on the flip side (for oh-do-easy blending). It’s too cute to not show off. The rose gold handle is tres chic. The super soft bristles are synthetic, so no furry friends were harmed in the making of your fluffy new brush. Y’all know I’m not always a huge fan of brushes, and this was no exception. I honestly just don’t need any brushes right now and I’ve even rated them as “not interested” when I do my review. I couldn’t find the brush I got in my bag, but I’m linking a similar one here.

For the month of February, my bag was worth about $66.50 (I can’t be 100% sure since I guess on both the eyeliner and the body scrub). With almost 2 full size products, the $10 you pay for the bag is such a steal! This bag is actually super high compared to other bags I’ve received. Like I mentioned above, I was pleasantly surprised by my bag this month.

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 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!
February 21, 2018
12 DAYS OF BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR
Happy Monday!! Can y’all believe it’s almost Christmas!? Where did December go?? I got this advent calendar quite a while ago and I’m only just now getting around writing about it. With all the shopping and holiday party planning I’ve been doing, I just ran out of time to share this with y’all.

Get merry and bright with the 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar, a Target Exclusive! This unique curation is a great way to sample favorite items from some of our top brands to keep you looking and feeling festive all season long.

The box is an unbelievable value of $58 for ONLY $15! I’ve never gotten this Advent Calendar from Target before so I was super anxious to see it in person and try everything out! This box is still in stock and can be purchased here.

Here is a BREAKDOWN of the goodies:
1. Maybelline Great Last Mascara– Value for 0.15 oz = $1.56
A full size, 0.43 oz., tube retails for $4.49 in store. “This mascara features a lash-doubling formula that glides on to build great-looking lashes. The lash-building brush makes it easy to get a full-lash look.” This mascara was also in the November Beauty Box that Target offers once a month. I think that this mascara works well and is fairly inexpensive. I used to use this brand ALL the time, but somewhere along the way, strayed away but I think I may be making my way back to this mascara after testing this one out!
1. e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator– Value = $3.00
FULL SIZE!! “A sweet sugar and smoothing sensation, infused with Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Avocado, Grape and Jojoba Oils to nourish and protect.” This is not a product that I was particularly excited to receive, and did not actually try it out. I’m sure that the product is great, but it’s not something that I was interested in.
1. HASK Argan Oil Repairing Shine – Value for 0.625 oz. = $0.25
A regular 15 oz. bottle of this oil is $5.99 in the store. “This lightweight, alcohol-free oil absorbs instantly to provide frizz-free shine without leaving an oily residue. Argan oil is rich in essential fatty acids and penetrates hair to restore shine and provide soft, silky results in dry, damaged hair.” I have actually used this product before and liked it. With the weather in SoCal being so dry lately, I found this to be the perfect remedy to keep my hair healthy and shiny.
1. Acure Eye Cream–Value for 1 oz. = $8.99
This is a full size product!! “Edelweiss extract and chlorella provide deep hydration to protect the skin’s moisture barrier…you won’t believe your eyes.” Unfortunately, this was another product that I did not try. I really wanted to like/try everything in this box, but my eyes are sooo sensitive that I couldn’t risk having a reaction to this eye cream.
1. Pixi Glow Tonic–Value for 0.5 oz. = $2.20
A full 3.4 oz. bottle of this retails for $15 in store. “Original 5% Glyolic acid Formula with Aloe Vera and Ginseng. Gently exfoliates to remove dead skin cells, revealing healthy glowing skin. For all skin types. Clinically proven results.” This was such a life saver the last few weeks with all the wind/dry weather we’ve been getting. My face was soo dry and peely, I looked like I had powder all over that I didn’t know how to blend haha This was a great product and I highly recommend it.
1. Vichy Mineral 89 Face Moisturizer–Value for 0.15 oz. = $1.99
A full 1.69 oz bottle of this moisturizer retails for $22.49. “Mineral 89 combines the highest concentration of Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water enriched with 15 minerals and Hyaluroinc Acid to enhance long term hydration, essential for healthy skin.” It left my skin feeling super hydrated which was nice. This moisturizer is a little on the pricey side and I probably wouldn’t purchase on my own.
1. NYX Bright Idea Illuminating Stick– Value = $7.99
This is a full size product. “Get your glow on with the NYX Professional Makeup Bright Idea Stick. This glitzy, shimmering cream cosmetic is perfect for highlighting and strobing, and brings just the right amount of sparkle to your look.” This highlighting stick comes in 8 colors. This is another product that I didn’t try out. I’m not great with makeup as it is, so I don’t even try and get into the whole highlighting thing.
1. Nexxus New York Salon Care Humectress Ultimate Moisture Protein Complex Intensely Hydrating Masque– Value for 1.5 oz. = $3.99
This is a FULL size product! “Nexxus Humectress Hair Masque for Dry Hair works by binding moisture deep within each hair fiber, distributing Elastin Protein, and creating a protective barrier of moisture.” Hair masks can be such a life saver during the winter months. They’re also great if you get your hair colored on a regular basis as they keep your hair looking healthy and not all dried out! This one is inexpensive and can be used a few times!
1. Honest Beauty Everything Organic Facial Oil – Value for 0.03 oz. = $1.65
The full size 1 oz container of this facial oil retails for $55. “Replenish moisture-depleted skin by amplifying its natural defenses for a supple, smooth and youthful look. Think antioxidant-dense, pure seed and fruit oils — each drop rich in the same fatty acids and vitamins known to feed your body.” I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again…I am not a face oil kind of girl. I know, I know, there are sooo many benefits to using it, but I’m just not into it at the moment. Plus, the full size of this one is super expensive!
1. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge – Value = $5.99
“The rounded sides of the sponge help blend large areas of the face with a repeated dabbing or stippling motion. The precision tip helps cover blemishes and imperfections, and the flat edge helps contour around the eyes and nose.” These are perfect for blending your face makeup and my mom uses them all the time! You can get them pretty much anywhere, but this is a good price!
1. Eylure False Eyelashes Natural No.031 – Value = $3.74
“Eylure Naturals No.031 is a loosely woven, compact lash that delivers extra length & fullness. The unique ‘curve’ of Eylure’s lashes allows the lash to ‘hug’ the eye, making application easier and wear completely comfy. Handmade and reusable.” Ok, who doesn’t love a good pair of false lashes? I love putting them on and making it look like I actually have eyelashes for once. These are super inexpensive and go on easily and look super natural if you’re going for that look. I will definitely be purchasing these at a later date.
1. Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash – Value for 0.7 oz. = $3.99
“Harness the power of the ocean with marine extracts. Coconut water and natural actives come together in our gentle sulfate-free foaming cleanser that removes daily toxins and make-up.” Ok, this face wash smell sooo good. I threw it in my gym bag and the coconut scent really smells fresh after a nice workout. I would definitely buy this face wash!

THE VALUE

For only $15, this box is such a steal! It comes with quite a few full size items which is great! There were so many items that I had never used before that I loved and will be purchasing again. Of course there were a few that I was a little unsure of or wouldn’t pay that high of a price for, but it’s nice to have the option to try them out! This is perfect for trying out a new product that you may not normally buy. This would also make a great last minute Christmas gift for that beauty lover in your life!

Again, if you would like to purchase this box from Target, you can buy it here.

XOXO
December 18, 2017
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