As you may remember, I have been on a strict no buy for a while now. Reason being, my makeup collection was getting out of hand (is that even possible?) I was getting overwhelmed by all the wonder products that I have and yet never use. So many things get lost in the shuffle do to “out of sight, out of mind.”
Here is where I need your help…I need suggestions of makeup storage organizers. I don’t want something bulky that is going to take up a ton of room. I want something sleek and stylish, yet functional and manageable. If you have something that you store your makeup in that works well for you, I would love to hear about it! Links are welcomed and encouraged!
I don’t know, maybe something like this? I just don’t like to waste money or space!
I love a good makeup and I love a good deal on makeup!
The best part of getting makeup at the drugstore is you can get good makeup for a good deal. When you add in coupons and sales, you can get quit a great makeup collection without having to spending all your money.
~Here is a break down of my favorite drugstore makeup items~
Primers
Monistat Chaffing Gel* as primer $8.99
Wet n Wild Photo Focus Eyeshadow Primer $4.99
Wet n Wild Photo Focus Lash Primer $4.99
Foundation
Maybelline Fit Me $5.99
Milani Conceal + Perfect Foundation $9.99
L’oreal Infallible Matte Foundation $12.99
I have decided to take a look back at what I have received in my Glam Bags and see what I love and what I have hated! I think overall I have received a lot of great products!
In June 2015 I got my very first Glam Bag! I am not going to lie, I was sooooo excited! the tre’StiQue Mini Shadow Crayon in Kona Coffee is a favorite!
I don’t love liquid lipsticks, but the JCat Beauty had a nice cooling feel and peppermint scent that I do like.
July 2015was a great month for my Glam Bag 4 out of 5 items were great with 3 being favorites!
Jelly Pong Pong Cosmetics 2-in-1 Shadow/Liner
tarte deluxe Amazonian clay waterproof bronzer
Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance Gel Soapless Cleanser
August 2015
I loved the Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizer
I love the hounds tooth bag for the August is one of my favorite bags out of all the ones I received these last 12 months.
September 2015
Not Soap, Radio Revitalizing Hand/Body Lotion in the scent persimmon + plum (smells quite delightful) Favorite! tre’StiQue Mini Matte Lip Crayon Hate it! Unfortunately, the color is absolutely horrendous on my lips!
I also did not like the golden bag from this month.
This was the month that I didn’t get the things in my bags that I was showed in my preview. Once the mix up was cleared up, I also received a blush from Model Co that I use very often and love, it is a favorite.
October 2015 The gold bag for this month was very small. Not much can be put into this bag. I gave it to my daughter and she loves it, so I guess it turned into a winner even though I didn’t like it. Nourish Organic Pure Hydrating Argan Face Serum Favorite AURORA Gel Effect Nail Polish in Inky Dinky…While it is a perfect fall dark purple shade, this one is went into my give away pile. I get my toes done at the salon and never paint my finger nails at home. As I have mentioned before, I HATE getting nail polish samples, yet seem to get them almost every month, grrrrrr
November 2016 While the actual “Out of this world” bag is ugly so it is a Hate It, the products I got in it were overall awesome!
Be A Bombshell Cosmetics Mechanical Eye Liner This did not swatch too well, but I have to say that since I have been using it I have really enjoyed it. I got the color wild child which is kind of like an off black. I really like that it is a mechanical liner. I feel as if so much product gets wasted with the types that need to be sharpened. I have actually used up this entire product. Favorite!
LATHER honey moisture mask with propolis extract Favorite! I LOVE this mask! It has a great feel and my skin has been loving the extra moisture! I also love the honey scent! This is my favorite thing that I got in my glam bag this month.
January 2016 skyn ICELAND Travel Size Glacial Cleansing ClothsInfused with Icelandic glacial waters and beneficial natural extracts, they sweep away makeup, dirt, oil and other impurities while refreshing and soothing stressed skin. I really like these cloths.
theBalm Cosmetics Mr. Write (Now) Jack B. Bronze (rich bronze) Overall I like the brand the Balm. This eyeliner is no exception. I only wish that I had gotten the other color Scott B. Bordeaux (deep purple), but this is still a great eyeliner. I prefer these twist up liners over the type that need to be sharpened. I have worn this to work a few times already and it has lasted throughout the entire day well without any smudging or budging.
February 2016
I didn’t like anything in this months bag. The envelop design bag itself though was super cute and a Favorite!
March 2016
I love the bag that they sent. It is definitely a favorite! Otherwise, I was not overly impressed with the samples in March’s bag.
April 2016
For the first time ever I love everything that came in my ipsy bag.
May 2016 I really like this month’s bag. It has a cute pattern and feel to it. I also like that it has a different type of closure than the usual zipper.
INSPR Beauty Eye Fluff Brush Favorite Smashbox Cosmetics X-Rated Mascara Favorite
How about you? Did you get ipsy’s glam bags? How long have you been getting yours? Have you been happy with your samples? Do you get any other monthly subscription bags/boxes that are worth trying out? Let me know in the comments below.
If you don’t already subscribe and would like to try out ipsy you can use my referral link by clicking HERE! Also, if you are interested in seeing all my other posts about ipsy click HERE
I would love for you to follow me on Instagram and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on both. I would also love to follow you as well, so let me know your user name in the comment section below!
It’s that time of the month again! No, not that time of the month, but the time to receive another ipsy glam bag! I feel as if I have been getting them earlier and earlier every month!
This month’s theme is travel. “Destination Chic by ipsy” The card is a post card that is meant to be filled out and sent back, it says:
“Ready Set Adventure Whether you”re hitting the road or enjoying a staycation, we want to hear all about it! Fill out this card and send it back for a chance to be featured on ipsy social media.”
If you don’t know what ipsy is you can check out my previous post all about it by clicking HERE
This month’s glam bag is super cute! Instead of the usual zipper closure it has a fold over top with a center snap. Ipsters got a bag with either a blue, pink, or purple background with a icons of world travel themed pattern on it. I got a blue one. The bag itself is made of a smooth silky feeling fabric both inside and outside. The feel of it kinda reminds me of what a trench rain coat feel like.
If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook you have already seen what I received. If you don’t follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you totally should be 😉 !
Here’s what I got in my glam bag this month…
If you don’t already subscribe to ipsy but you are thinking about trying it out, I’d love for you to use my referral link https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=uqdkx
Épicé International Hydrating Mask Weight: 1 oz
“WHY THIS PRODUCT’S FAB: With warmer weather around the corner, you’ll need to keep yourself and your skin hydrated. This refreshing mask uses Kaolin Clay to absorb oil and impurities without stripping your skin of moisture!”
HanaleiLip Treatment Weight: 5 ml
This product has Hawaii’s rare Kukui Nut, that is supposed to heal and protect against dryness. I hate having dry lips, so I am interested to see how I like this lip treatment.
“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!”
INSPR Beauty Eye Fluff Brush
I can always use another eye shadow brush for blending and buffing. I both love and hate getting brushes in my ipsy glam bags. I have gotten some great brushes that I use daily and I have gotten some others that are just ok. This one is nice and soft. I hope that it is a good one that gets the job done!
Hikari Cosmetics Shimmer Bronzer Weight: .25 oz
I am not s huge fan of sparkly blushes and bronzers, maybe because, even thought it kills me to say, I’m a bit closer to 40 than I am 20. I can definitely use this this bronzer as an eye shadows or highlighter.
Smashbox X-Rated Mascara Weight: .10 fl oz
I have used Smashbox Mascaras before and have always liked them. I love mascaras and always like to try out new ones. Hopefully this one is as good as the other ones I have used. This mascara’s “fiber-loaded formula” is supposed to be clump, flake and smudge-proof! Sounds like a winner, I hope it lives up to the hype!
How about you? Did you get an ipsy’s glam bag? What did you get in yours? Were you happy with your samples? Do you get any other monthly subscription bags/boxes that are worth trying out? Let me know in the comments below.
If you don’t already subscribe and would like to try out ipsy you can use my referral link by clicking HERE! Also, if you are interested in seeing my other recent posts about ipsy click HERE!
I would love for you to follow me on Instagram and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on both. I would also love to follow you as well, so let me know your user name in the comment section below!
~Weekly Product Highlight~e.l.f. Eyeshadow Palette -Mad for Matte~
I had ordered this e.l.f. Eyeshadow Palette -Mad for Matte a long time ago, and it took so long to arrive that I had almost given up on it and then had I actually forgotten about it. Unfortunately, it is sold out on the elf website, but can usually be found at Target and CVS and Target.com.
I just love matte neutral shadows!
I purchased this matte palette on the recommendation of Tati from GlamLifeGuru on YouTube. She always give the best recommendations, so I knew that it was going to be a great palette.
Here is what I think about this palette…
Pros:
This 10 shade palette only cost $10!
The shadows are smooth and creamy.
They apply easily and blend like a dream.
You can easily get a complete eye look out of this one palette.
There are so many options for a great crease shade and several great transition shades.
Cons:
While there are 10 shades in this palette several of them are so similar that when used together they look like the same shade.
It can end up looking muddy if blended all together.
It is constantly “sold out” so it is not easy to get your hands on.
Yes, there are actually 10 shades swatched in this picture. I am just so ghostly pale that 3 blend right in rather than stand out!
What does the elf website have to say about the Mad for Matte Palette…
“details
Achieve both beautifully bold or subtle everyday eye looks with these perfectly curated 10 matte eyeshadow shades. This collection of hues is ideal for shading, highlighting, and defining the eyes. The satin matte shadows can be used as a liner, on the lid, and in the crease of the eye for an expertly contoured and blended look.
how to use
Apply dry all over the eyelid with a brush for a subtle wash of color or apply wet for a vibrant effect.
Start with a light color and apply the shade all over your eyelid as a base.
Next, apply a medium shade over the eyelid and the eye crease using the crease brush.
Finally, apply the darkest shade over your eyelid. ”
I love the packaging, it is so simple and sleek.
Have you tried this palette yet? What did you think? I think for an overall inexpensive brand, E.L.F. has some really great products!
I am a huge fan of the cosmetic brand Lorac. Every thing I have tried has been awesome. Here is sneak peak of the new @loraccosmetics Lorac Pro 3 palette!!! I can’t wait to get my hands on this! Should be available sometime at the beginning of the summer. (Photo credit goes to a screenshot of Tati Westbrook @glamlifeguru video today)
I cannot wait to get my hands on this gorgeous palette!
You need this in your life! I am telling you, stop what you are doing and go get this e.l.f. Powder Blush Palette! Ok, maybe that is a little dramatic, but these blushes are really awesome! They give the face such a beautifully pigmented glow! I am so impressed with the quality of these blushes.
They come in two different options: light and dark. I have the light palette, but the dark one is so beautiful, I think eventually I may get that one as well. For only $6 you get 4 beautiful different shades of blush.
Upside…each of the pans can be popped out. So if you want to rearrange or interchange the colors of this palette with one of their other palettes you can. It can also be interchanged with the products from the e.l.f. Total Face Palette as well.
Downside… these shades are only offered together in this palette and not sold individually. While they do not have the exact shades sold separately, they do have some similar shades such as the Studio Pressed Mineral Blush in Jet Setter and Cabo Cabana; or the Studio Blush in Blushing Rose or Berry Merry. Personally, I think the blushes from the palette are much better than the ones that are sold individually, imo.
I am going to be honest with you, the first time I applied this blush I wasn’t expecting it to be quite so pigmented and I may have ended up looking a little bit like a clown! That is ok, I love me some blushed cheeks, haha! Since then, I have found that applying the blush not only with a very light hand but also by applying it with a stippling brush. This gives me a much better, more natural look.
This beautiful blush palette holds 4 gorgeous shades to mix and match throughout the year for a custom blended color. Great for contouring, shading, sculpting, and highlighting, these silky smooth blushes create a beautiful pigmented glow. With a mixture of complimentary matte and shimmer finishes, you can achieve a professional look every time.
how to use
Choose your preferred blush shade and apply to the cheeks or area you wish to contour or highlight and blend in.
What about you? Have you tried any of these e.l.f. Powder Blush Palette? What do you think? I would love to hear your opinion!
PS: My sister is the one who first told me about this e.l.f. Powder Blush Palette (the same sister that told me about the oh sugar lip balms.) I love sharing things I love with people I love?!
Have you ever been watching a Beauty YouTube video and thought to yourself, “Wow, that sounds so great, I NEED to go get that!”? Yup, me too, I definitely have!
Sometimes these YouTube recommended items are “Winners”, and sometimes…”Not So Much”.
Here are a few things that YouTube Made Me Buy…
**Of course, just because some of these products didn’t work out for me doesn’t mean that they aren’t great products. Makeup is such a personal thing, and I still take recommendations from Beauty YouTubers.**
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle
I LOVE this! It really is a 3 minute miracle, it is awesome. I can’t quite place my finger on the scent to describe it, I don’t know, maybe a sweet citrus vanilla/orange creamsicle scent. I don’t know if that really describes it, but I really like it. It leaves my hair feeling super soft and healthy. I have already repurchased this three times since I originally tried this one back in September.
In my opinion, Aussie 3 Minute Miracle gets a rating of Winner!
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
Beauty YouTubers rave about this mascara! I am a big fan of Maybelline mascaras so I thought that with all the hype surrounding this one I was bound to love it. NOPE! I don’t like this mascara at all, not even one little bit. I hate the brush, I hate the formula and I hate that it smudged all over my upper lids. The few times that I wore it I looked like a hot mess!
For me, this mascara gets a rating of “Not so much”
Yup, it smells like your grandmother, but it’s been around since 1935 for a reason!
Coty Airspun powder
If you can get over the overly excessive perfume scent of this powder then you are in for a great product! I love the way this powder applies and how it lasts. I am very sensitive to the way things smell, and despite the scent, I love it. Now that I have been using it for a while, I don’t even notice the way that it smells.
Rating of Winner!
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
This is going way way back in my YouTube watching. The first beauty YouTuber that I ever consistently watched was Huda Katan of Huda Beauty. (I wrote a whole post about her, she’s awesome!) She has beautiful skin and she highly recommended this CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. I purchased it on her recommendation and have been a believer ever since!
Rating of Winner!
Wet n Wild Silk Finish Lipstick, Will You Be With Me? 503C
Look at that color! It is beautiful! I think that this shade will work beautifully on so many different skin tones and shades. So many Beauty YouTubers have talked about this shade of WnW lipstick, and for only $0.99 USD it is a real steal. On the down side this lipstick does tend to dry out the lips, but nothing a bit of balm can’t cure.
Rating of Winner!
Lorac Pro Palette
I could go on and on and on about this palette. I actually don’t think that YouTubers give enough love to the LORAC brand. Everything from Lorac that I have ever tried has been amazing. I LOVE my Lorac Pro Palette! If you are planning on splurging on something special I highly recommend this absolutely wonderfully beautiful palette. Read more about what I love about this palette by clicking HERE.
Rating of Double Extra Winner!
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
NOPE! I have given this concealer so many chances! I don’t know if I just got a bad one, but it has never worked for me! It is thin and watery yet it creases and just makes my under eye area look crepey. I definitely don’t want to bring more attention to the wrinkles under my eyes! I have heard so many YouTubers talk about how awesome this concealer is, so I am sad that it didn’t work out for me.
Rating of Not So Much.
On the other hand, that brings me to the next item that YouTube made me buy…
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer + Treatment in brightener-
I may not like the Fit Me concealer, but this Age Rewind concealer has never let me down! I love the smooth consistency and the easy application. I really love the way it just melts into my skin making my under eye area look smooth and fresh. I wrote a whole post about it that you can read by clicking HERE.
Rating of Winner!
Loreal Voluminous Volume Building Mascara Blackest Black
I hate this mascara! Possibly due to the fact that I got it in waterproof, I’m not sure. I don’t know if the regular formula is better, but considering how highly recommended this mascara is, I am guessing that must be the case. The waterproof one is terrible! It is clumpy and thick, it made my eyelashes look terrible!
Rating of Not So Much
eos Lip Balm in Vanilla Mint
I REALLY wanted to like this lip balm! The packaging is so cute and I love the idea of it. But it is just not good. Instead of moisturizing, it actually makes my lips feel dryer and also gives my daughter a rash around her mouth. I didn’t even finish this one, it was that bad.
Definitely a rating of Not So Much
What about you? Have you purchased things solely based on recommendations from YouTubers? I’d love to hear what you have bought and whether or not it worked out for you!
*I bought all of these with my own money. As always, all the opinions are all my own.
Ok, I have been trying really hard not to make any unnecessary beauty purchases. So far, so good. I have walked down the beauty rows several times and I have successfully left without buying anything!
So, as part of my strict no buy, I had decided to use samples that I have already received but have been neglecting. I have so many samples that I don’t even remember where I got all of them from originally. I know some are from ipsy bags, or Target boxes and others from Walmart beauty boxes. Here is the first group of what I have decided to try out…
I will let you know in a few weeks what I think of each thing and if I would purchase these items based on my thoughts from these samples.
And yes, that is a nail product in the picture, I know, I know, I completely complained about it when I got it in my ipsy bag. I am going to give it a try based on the high recommendations of Amy from The Makeup Case and Lizzie from lizzielovesbeauty.
I would love for you to follow me on Instagram and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on both. I would also love to follow you as well, so let me know your user name in the comment section below!
This month has flown by!!! I can’t believe that I completely forgot to post what I got in my ipsy glam bag! So, even though my May bag will be here soon, I am still going to show you all what I got because I always loving seeing what everyone else received in their bags.
(If you don’t know what ipsy is you can check out my previous post all about it by clicking HERE)
This month’s glam bag is super cute! Orange, yellow, and blue multicolored background with a tie dyed like pattern. I love the colors of this bag’s print, it is one of my favorites so far! The zipper is a pretty teal and it is across the top, a feature that I really like. The last several bags the past few moths have been great!
If you don’t already subscribe to ipsy but you are thinking about trying it out, I’d love for you to use my referral link https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=uqdkx
If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook you have already seen what I received. If you don’t follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you totally should! 😉
Here’s what I got in my glam bag this month…
tarte cosmetics LipSurgence™ lip crème in wonder Weight: .05 oz
This is a great little sample. I really enjoy these lipsurgence lip cremes. The color is beautiful, I have already worn this several times! It has a nice peperminty scent with a slight tingly feel. I love getting samples like this in my glam bag.
“Eco-chic, cruelty-free products full of good-for-you ingredients.
The super creamy formula is infused with their famous maracuja oil to leave lips feeling oh-so soft. And we’re beyond obsessed with the soft poppy pink shade. STYLIST TIP: Perfect your pout! Swipe once for a sheer wash of color, or build for more intensity.P.S. It also doubles as a cheek color! Apply to the apples of cheeks and blend for a radiant flush of color.”
REN Skincare Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream Weight: 1 oz I feel like for what it is 1 oz is a decent sized sample. It has a nice fresh scent and I really like the way this cream makes my skin feel. My foundation applies over it well. Supposedly it protects against free radicals and environmental aggression while combating the signs of premature aging. Trains skin to be less sensitive. That is a lot of claims for one product, but hey I am all for protection against environmental aggression, lol!
“WHY THIS PRODUCT IS FAB: They had us at anti-aging. Plus, the super lush formula absorbs instantly leaving your skin soft, silky and residue-free.
STYLIST TIP: Wear alone or blend with foundation for more hydrating coverage.”
Crown Brush C427 Duo Fiber Blush Brush
I both love and hate getting brushes in my ipsy glam bags. I have gotten some great brushes that I use daily and I have gotten some others that are just ok. This one is nice and soft. It gets the job done
“WHY WE ❤ THIS BRAND: Professional, champagne-quality brushes on a beer budget.
WHY THIS PRODUCT IS FAB: It multitasks as much as you do! Use with your fave foundation, blush, or highlight.
STYLIST TIP: Get glowing in just 2 steps!
Using one side of the brush, apply blush to the apples of your cheeks.
Flip the brush and use the other side to dust highlighter above your blush on cheekbones.”
pur~lisse Beauty Blue Lotus + White Tea Sheet Mask & Blue Lotus + Seaweed Sheet Mask Weight: .74 oz
I was happy that I received two of these masks, just one would have been a bit of a rip off. Overall I am not a huge fan of sheet masks. They tend to be a bit cumbersome and annoying and I find that they are usually sticky. Although, despite that opinion, I did enjoy using the Blue Lotus + White Tea Sheet Mask mask, it smells delightful and my skin felt smooth afterwards. I will probably use the Blue Lotus + Seaweed Sheet Mask some time soon.
“WHY THIS PRODUCT IS FAB: Think of these sheet masks as your skincare storm troopers! Each individually wrapped sheet traps a powerful solution of Asian botanicals, seaweed, white tea and antioxidant rich Blue Lotus in your skin. The result? A plumper, more radiant complexion.
STYLIST TIP: Master the art of the sheet mask! After removing the mask, don’t wash your face. Gently rub the extra serum into your skin and décollatage using upward circular motions — this helps to keep skin firmer!
ipsters who receive this product in their Glam Bag will receive two masks: Blue Lotus + White Tea Sheet Mask & Blue Lotus + Seaweed Sheet Mask.”
Jelly Pong Pong Cosmetics Neapolitan Palette Weight: .1 oz
I have received several Jelly Pong Pong items from ipsy over the last year. Some were hits and some were misses. At first I wasn’t overly impressed with this when I first saw it, but once I swatched it I realized that the color pay off is pretty good and the shine on the golden shade is beautiful! I have worn this a few times since I received it. Overall the color is beautiful, but the lasting power is not that great. Who wants to have to touch up their eyeshadow through out the day, not me!
“WHY WE ❤ THIS BRAND: It’s like your quirky, fashion-forward BFF in makeup form! P.S. All products are paraben-free, hypoallergenic, and won’t clog your pores.
WHY THIS PRODUCT IS FAB: 3 coordinated shadows to shade, line and define! This petite palette takes the guesswork out of choosing which shades go together.
STYLIST TIP: Sweep the lightest shade across entire lid up to brow bone. Apply the middle shade into crease and blend. Line upper lashline with the darkest shade to create definition.”
The gold really makes the vein in my hand pop! Lol! Spoken like a true IV nurse 😉
How about you? Did you get an ipsy’s glam bag? What did you get in yours? Were you happy with your samples? Do you get any other monthly subscription bags/boxes that are worth trying out? Let me know in the comments below.
If you don’t already subscribe and would like to try out ipsy you can use my referral link by clicking HERE! Also, if you are interested in seeing my other recent posts about ipsy click HERE
I would love for you to follow me on Instagram and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on both. I would also love to follow you as well, so let me know your user name in the comment section below!
They come in two different options: light and dark. I have the light palette, but the dark one is so beautiful, I think eventually I may get that one as well. For only $6 you get 4 beautiful different shades of blush.
I was happy that I received two of these masks, just one would have been a bit of a rip off. Overall I am not a huge fan of sheet masks. They tend to be a bit cumbersome and annoying and I find that they are usually sticky. Although, despite that opinion, I did enjoy using the Blue Lotus + White Tea Sheet Mask mask, it smells delightful and my skin felt smooth afterwards. I will probably use the Blue Lotus + Seaweed Sheet Mask some time soon.
I have received several Jelly Pong Pong items from ipsy over the last year. Some were hits and some were misses. At first I wasn’t overly impressed with this when I first saw it, but once I swatched it I realized that the color pay off is pretty good and the shine on the golden shade is beautiful! I have worn this a few times since I received it. Overall the color is beautiful, but the lasting power is not that great. Who wants to have to touch up their eyeshadow through out the day, not me!
Looking Joli Good 