December Ipsy Bag Review

My final Ipsy bag of the year arrived early this month - yay!! The past couple of months it's been coming the twenty-somethingth of the month so it was a nice surprise to receive it so early this time especially since I'll be leaving soon to visit home for the holidays and wouldn't want it sitting in my mailbox for 2 weeks.

If you are unfamiliar with Ipsy, it is a $10 beauty subscription service where you receive 4-6 deluxe sample and full-sized products inside a cute makeup bag each month. To learn more about Ipsy and/or sign up for your own bag, click HERE.

This month's bag isn't as creative as some of the recent past bags have been. It reminds me more of a pencil bag or a much earlier Ipsy bag I received. I do still think it's cute with its little heart charm and like the simplicity of it and will definitely use it! The front of the card inside said "You are a: Talented Being" which I thought was cute. Apparently, people received different sayings on theirs.

INSIDE THE BAG

Boost Repair Treatment by Cool Way

This hair serum is for repairing damaged hair. It's made of a non-toxic formula that contains no formaldehyde, sulfates, parabens, phthalates or synthetic color. Never heard of the brand before. It has a nice almost peppermint-like scent.

Butter Lip Balm by NYX in "Lady Fingers"

Yes! Love seeing full-sized products in my bag! Even more so when they have the word "butter" in them. This lip balm is very moisturizing and has a pleasant scent. It's sheer but has a nice hint of mauve color. Very pretty.

Fairy Dust by Pixi

Wasn't sure what this was at first, but it looks like it's a shimmery powdery pigment that you can use on your eyes/cheeks/wherever can use a little brightening/shimmer. I like the sponge tip that makes for easy application although it can still get a little messy.

lights, camera, lashes 4-in-1 mascara by tarte

Very excited to see this in my bag as I've heard SO many great things about this mascara! The 4-in-1 comes from the fact that it claims to lengthen, curl, volumize, and condition your lashes. I currently have far too many mascara so I've held off on buying any new ones, but this and the Manga mascara have been at the top of my "to try/buy" list - hoping it lives up to my expectations!

Infinity Shadow/Crease Duet Brush by Crown Brush

I can never have too many brushes! This is a dual sided brush made of synthetic fibers. One side is perfect for applying eyeshadow and the other for defining the eye. Nice, soft bristles. While I've heard of Crown Brush before, I've never actually used them.

CONCLUSION
Another great bag well worth it's price! I love the variety of products - they covered makeup (high end and drugstore, deluxe sample and full-sized), hair, and beauty tools!

What did you guys think of this bag?

October 2014 Ipsy Bag

Whoo!! I haven't done an Ipsy Unboxing/Unbagging video in a while!! I've been stalking my bag via tracking code really hoping I'd get it early this month, but it came late! :( Still wanted to do an unboxing video though so this was filmed, edited, and uploaded all in one day! Phew! Go me! That's something else I haven't done in a while! Hence also why I am wearing minimal makeup and my hair is a nightmare in this video >.< 

This is probably my favorite bag (the actual bag itself) that I've received thus far. What I particularly love about this bag is quite simple. I love it's color (this teal is probably my favorite color at the moment) and the chic quilted pattern. I love the Ipsy bags and save all of them using them to store things like pencils to chargers to, of course, makeup. When Ipsy first started, I remember thinking the bags were so tacky and cheap, but now I look forward to seeing what kind of bag I will get almost as much as what products are inside of it. I've really been impressed with the last few bags as they've all been so different and unique and nicely made. 

INSIDE THE BAG

"Deeply in Mauve" Lipstick by noyah

Really liked the noyah lip balm I had received previously so I was very happy to see this lipstick in it's oh so adorable mini packaging! The shade is perfect for fall and I love the creamy formula. Knowing that it's all-natural, synthetics-free, and never tested on animals makes it even better! Use FALLinLOVE at noyah.com to get 15% OFF + a FREE lip balm.

Mango Mandarin Hand Cream by Figs & Rouge

This pure and natural UK made hand cream smells great and feels wonderful! It also has the cutest colorful packaging!

Purifying Exfoliant by Épicé International

Can't say much about it at first glance without trying it, but SUPER RANDOM - this fancy-sounding product was made in my definitely-not-fancy-at-all small hometown. When I saw that I was like 'WUT?'

TATTOOED Waterproof Eyeliner by Skone Cosmetics 

I can already tell I'm going to get a lot of use out of this. I don't have a waterproof eyeliner or one with a felt tip at the moment so I already like that about it. Also, I swatched it and not only does it not smudge, it has MAJOR staying power. Definitely going to have to break out the makeup remover to get this stuff off.

"XX" Nail Lacquer by Cirque Colors

Not a fan of glitter polish since they are a PAIN to take off, but this one is indeed very pretty and festive. If a special occasion arises where festive polish is needed, I'm ready.

Sign up for your own Ipsy Bag!

What did you guys think of this bag?

Influenster VS Sport VoxBox Review

If you are familiar with my blog, you will be familiar with Influenster and their awesome "VoxBoxes." For those of you who are new, Influenster is this awesome site where you can complete surveys and tasks and submit your various social networks to determine how influential you are - the more influence you have, the more likely you'll qualify to receive VoxBoxes which consist of free sample size or full sized products for you to test and review. I've received some AMAZING things from them so if you aren't already, SIGN UP!

When I saw this box in front of my apartment door, I literally squealed. I was so shocked and happy. Shocked because I remember taking the survey for it and being told I didn't qualify (?) which I was super bummed about. Lo, and behold there it was though! 

The outer packaging wasn't pink as you might guess but instead a nice sleek black and white. Inside, however, contained the signature pink striped box we are so used to seeing. Among the meticulously packaged tissue paper were a bunch of 25% off coupons for any one VS Sport item (I've already given some to friends) and a booklet showing their new line of sports bras. I've got to say, these sport bras look amazing. My former main sports bra is one I bought years ago, but it wasn't anything special. It wasn't the most comfortable bra, and it pretty much just "strapped em down" while not giving much support.

What I received in this box wasn't just an awesome new sports bra, but they also included some workout pants for a complete outfit. I have been in dire need of new workout clothes since I've gained some weight over the last year so I couldn't have been more thrilled.

I received the Incredible Victoria's Secret Sport Bra and incredible it was! I've never really invested in a nice quality sports bra so this was definitely leaps and bounds better than any other sports bra I've ever owned or tried. Here are some of it's features:

Concealed wire for cushioned support

Padded straps and bonded, seamless technology that eliminates irritation

Super-soft elastic band for comfort and movement

Cushioned, adjustable back closure

Oh, where do I start? There's so much I loved about this bra. 

Okay, first off, it's SUPER comfortable! The material is very light and breathable, it almost feels like you're wearing nothing! I would totally wear this to just lounge around my apartment. It also lets air in and helps decrease sweating and keep you dry with it's wicking liner which is awesome during an intense workout. 

Second, the support is fantastic! I didn't feel like my chest was being strapped down at all! Instead, it just keeps everything in place while you exercise. I think this would be perfect for a high-intensity cardio workouts and things like running or boxing.

Third, the fit was amazing! I have a hard time finding bras that fit me perfectly but this seemed like it was custom made for me! I've also heard they're great for both smaller and larger chested women as well! 

That all being said, retailing at $54, this bra is an investment. Do I think it's worth it? YES. The quality is incredible and it will definitely last you a long time. If you are someone who works out a lot or even just looking for a good, comfortable, supportive bra, I HIGHLY recommend it.

I also received the Knockout by Victoria's Secret Sport Crop pants. They are a solid pair of workout pants that would be great for yoga or studio classes, but nothing too out of the ordinary. The description says it's made of a "nylon performance fabric with four-way stretch that creates a second-skin fit." The fit was good and I liked how the reinforced band sucked in my tummy making it look nice and flat haha. The day I took these photos was extremely hot outside (over 100 degrees) and the Body Wick fabric helped me stay cool and dry in the heat. This retails for $60 in stores.

Finally, here are some extra photos of me in these two pieces "in action" at the park. I wanted to make sure before I wrote this review that I got a good workout in them! I've been a bit out of the gym scene since I've moved to LA, but my awesome new workout gear definitely motivates me to exercise more!

Have you ever tried anything from VS Sport?

**This is a sponsored blog post. Influenster provided me with complimentary Victoria's Secret products to test and review as part of a contest. Opinions are 100% honest and mine :)