ipsy (formerly MyGlam) - May 2012

{Here's what was in this month's MyGlam bag}:

Philosophy Love Sweet Love spray fragrance
Studio Gear Complete Color lipstick
Miss Beauty Nail Bling
MyGlam Concealer brush & Defining eyeliner brush

Subscription purchased by me, affiliate links within post

Philosophy Love Sweet Love spray fragrance

I'm not too much of a scent girl, as I've said before, but this perfume sample was more along the lines of what I like. Yay! It's a bit in the middle of the strength of scent range, not too powerful but not too soft either. Love Sweet Love reminded me of a peachy, citrus-y shampoo, which I really enjoyed. I think it's a very nice scent!

Studio Gear Complete Color lipstick

I received the color Romance. The color is a bit darker and plummier than my lips. Romance is not a color I would have bought, so I'm pretty happy to have received it in this month's bag. I also LOVE that it smells like marshmallows. The scent is not overpowering or too sweet, but if you don't enjoy scented lipsticks, this may not be for you.

Miss Beauty Nail Bling

While I have been more of a nail polish fiend lately, this is not something I would use. Nail Bling is not my thing. I also didn't like the design too much.

MyGlam Concealer brush & Defining eyeliner brush 

The brushes are a bit of a toss up. I have used the eyeliner brush to further define my liner, but would not use it for applying the liner itself. I don't feel that the brush is the right texture; it is too soft. I have yet to use the concealer brush, because it's too small to be used for that purpose. I think it could make a good lip brush, however.

This month's bag was just OK. I wasn't blown away by any of the items, but I wasn't turned off by the bag either. I'm hoping the service keeps improving. I am glad to have received different items, like the nail bling, but hope next time it'll be a product I use.

You can purchase an ipsy subscription {here}.

What did you think of this month's bag? 

-Claudia

Birchbox - May 2012

I received the May Birchbox earlier this month, but I'm just now getting around to writing the review!

{Here's what was in this month's box}:

Caudalie hand and nail cream
FusionBeauty LipFusion balm conditioning stick
Ojon damage reverse Restorative Conditioner
Perfume sample, Arquiste Flor y Canto

Caudalie hand and nail cream

I've never been a 'nail person,' but it's something I've been exploring more lately. It may be a combination of this nail cream and Essie's protein base coat, but my nails have never felt more durable. I'm glad I received this item in the box. This is definitely a product I would never have purchased on my own.

FusionBeauty LipFusion balm conditioning stick 

I was initially intrigued by the inclusion of this lip balm, but it was a let down. I don't feel it does anything, honestly, and the taste is another put off. This is not a product I would ever use again or purchase.

Ojon damage reverse Restorative Conditioner

My hair has been noticeably softer lately, but I believe it's due to the hair products I received in previous Birchboxes. I don't know that this product is doing much to my hair at this point, but this is a review that could change when I've used it more.

Perfume sample, Arquiste Flor y Canto

I'm not a big fan of perfume samples, simply because (have I mentioned this before?) I don't like strong scents. It's just not my thing. This particular scent smells a bit like musky shower gel. It's not quite soft enough for my liking, so I don't think I'll get much use out of it.

I think my expectations were set a bit high for this month, because it was the Gossip Girl crossover box. I expected to see better items and meaning behind the selection of items. I don't see the tie-ins to the show and was so disappointed I briefly considered cancelling. What saved this sample service was the past hair products I've received, which I LOVE. So it gets another few months. Here we go...

You can purchase a Birchbox subscription through my referral link {here} or on Birchbox.com

What did you think of this month's box? What was in your box?

-Claudia

New Job News!

Great news! I got a job at a preschool! :) I've been working there for a few weeks, just getting used to the new rhythm. Woo, it's TOUGH but so much fun. I've been going a bit pinterest crazy and constantly looking into things that I could do with the kids. Most recently, I decided to make watercolors from scratch, because their watercolors aren't so great and are mostly running out.

Pictures to come later, as they are still drying!

Review: Laura Mercier Hydrating Primer

A few months ago, I purchased Laura Mercier's hydrating primer. After having tried LM's tinted moisturizer and LOVING it, I figured the primer would be win hands down as the best primer for me. Unfortunately (!!), this primer ended up being a regretted purchase. And I did end up exchanging it.

I had passed by the LM counter in Sephora quite a few times, always wondering whether to pick up this primer or not. It retails for $30, which for me is not easy to shell out. Well, I finally brought it home one day and tried it out. It was great! It didn't feel too heavy, like the other primers I'd been using. I was ecstatic to try it again the next day.

After a few uses, however, I noticed a change in consistency. The primer became a watery mess. I could not open the bottle without having it spill out onto my hands and floor. I thought shaking it might help, but even after shaking for minutes, nothing changed. I delayed the exchange process at Sephora, because I so wanted this to work, but it just did not.

I'm not sure if mine was a dud or if this is something that happens occasionally or often, but it was so disappointing that I just decided not to chance it again.


-Claudia

FOTD & Graduation 2012

Exciting news! Yesterday, I graduated from college! Although I've had my Associates degree for a few months, I decided to go back for the ceremony for my mom. I wasn't sure about it, because most of my classmates participated in last year's Spring ceremony, but I am so glad I did. Seeing my mom watching in the stands made me tear up. Although she was not supportive of my desire to go into Psychology, I know in the end she will be proud once I walk across the stage for my Bachelors and eventually Masters degrees.

Here are some pictures. :)

Face:

Korres Face Primer
Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in B50, Beige
Mary kay Concealer in Beige
MAC mineralized blush in Earth to Earth
NARS blush in Orgasm

Eyes: 

Urban Decay primer in Greed
Urban Decay Buck
MAC Expensive Pink
MAC Mulch
MAC Ricepaper
Urban Decay Demolition
All-Belle eyelashes - Yellow Haunt, Natural soft
MAC fluidline in Blacktrack
MAC Zoom Fast Black Lash mascara

Lips:

NYX lipliner in Natural
Sonia Kashuk Sheer Bronzey Nude

-Claudia

Target Sample Bag!

A month or so ago I signed up to receive a free sample bag from Target and today it arrived in the mail!

{Here's what was in the bag}:

Pantene Color Preserve Shine conditioner
Nivea Extended Moisture lotion
Neutrogena Visibly Bright facial cleanser
L'Oreal Magic Lumi primer, one use
Simple Cleansing facial wipes

I wasn't sure what to expect when I signed up, but I'm pretty happy with what was included. These are all everyday use items that I'm sure I'll find use for, if not now then later. While I'm probably not going to rush out and buy these after one use, who knows? Maybe I'll find one that fits more into my lifestyle than what I'm using now.

The bag itself is super cute and STURDY! Not something I was expecting to receive as a free item.

Heads up:

Apparently this is a promotion Target has run in past years, so if you are interested in receiving your own bag, look out for this next year and LIKE Target on Facebook. That's how I found out!

Also, I feel I should mention that I haven't been paid to promote Target (or anyone, for that matter). I just really love Target! :)

-Claudia