First Impression: Ipsy | May 2014

If you're familiar with my blog, you know that I've recently ventured into the "beauty" niche. It's actually a longtime love, but I've only been blogging about my makeup and beauty adventures since the springtime. May was my very first month with beauty box subscription services. And I have to say that I'm hooked! It's such a fun way to discover new products that I wouldn't typically buy on my own, get great discounts on the products I try and love, and an awesome way to build my makeup collection. 

Ipsy is a $10 monthly subscription service where members receive a Glam Bag filled with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty and makeup products. For me, the value of the boxes has exceeded the cost of the monthly service! Beauty Box 5 is another monthly beauty service I'm subscribed to.

May's theme was "Fresh Picks." Although I saw bad reviews from members disappointed with the items from this month's bag, I couldn't have been happier. Many ipsters received more skincare than makeup. But my bag actually had everything you'd expect from a beauty subscription service. A range of makeup, haircare, and skincare!

I know this post is a little late, but it has given me a chance to really use and review these products for you...

Here is what my bag included:

Avene Thermal Spring Water

$18- for 10.58oz / Sample: $6.01 for 1.76oz

This is one of those products that I wouldn't normally buy on my own. A can of French water? Thanks, ipsy! But after reading the little pamphlet that came with it and doing some research online, I decided to give it a try. It's amazing! I know, I know... what's so special about a can of water? It can be used as a makeup setting spray, to refresh your face after a workout, cool you down on a hot day, soothe underarm razor burn, offer your little one relief from diaper rash, hydrate the dry skin on your face, and so much more.

I'm not sure if I'll be repurchasing it because of the price, but this season it's a summer favorite and has a place in my everyday bag. It really makes my parched skin feel refreshed!

Balanced Guru No Frizz Oil

$25- for 1oz / Sample: $12.50 for .5oz

I really love searching for my next favorite hair product! And ipsy couldn't have picked a more perfect item for me to try. This lightweight oil contains organic ingredients that controls frizz and helps nourish and repair your hair. It does have a distinct scent of lemon and eucalyptus which may bother some people, but I think it smells fresh and clean! 

That $25 price tag is a reason I may not purchase this in the future, but I just love "green" beauty products! When it comes to my naturally curly hair, I do a weekly almond oil treatment, use a thermal protectant spray when flat ironing, and apply light creams or oils to define my tight curls on those natural hair days. A little bit of this product goes a long way; I just apply it to the ends where my hair needs the most help.

BOO-BOO COVER-UP

$19.99 for .34oz / Sample: Full Size!

Since I go for a more natural look, I hardly wear face makeup like foundation and concealer. I also have dry, sensitive skin, so although I do worry about a breakout from testing new products on my face, I'm always open to trying it at least once. At the moment, I only own a few drugstore foundations and concealers. I'm super excited about this brand!

It's a bit on the expensive side for my taste, so I'm happy to have a full-sized product to test. This is a special face and body concealer that was made to apply over scrapes, cuts, scars, or "boo-boos." I believe it helps with the healing process using some type of medicine. The Medium shade goes well with my olive skin tone.

HANG TEN Classic Sport Sunscreen

$12.99 for 6oz / Sample: $2.17 for 1oz

Sunscreen isn't something that I would choose to have in my beauty boxes, since I can easily buy it myself at any store. I'm familiar with the brand and like that this particular sunscreen has natural ingredients. It's also a sport version with SPF 50 making it perfect for outdoor family fun in and out of the water this summer! It's not a favorite product, but I'm happy to have it in my stash. I probably won't be purchasing this one in the future since I have more sunscreen than I need.

Pacifica Eye Shadow

$14- for Mystical Quad Palette / Sample: $[?] Duo Created for Ipsy

I first discovered Pacifica at my local grocery store while shopping the "natural" health & beauty aisles. Although I'm familiar with the brand, this eyeshadow is actually the first makeup item I own from them. The line uses natural ingredients and is cruelty-free. It's a little expensive, but if the quality is great I may need to purchase more products from Pacifica!

I really like the shades that came in Duo 2! There's a really pretty purple and a shimmery pinkish-white. The colors aren't extremely pigmented, but they are buildable. I think they provide you a subtle hint of color and shimmer perfect for light, natural summer makeup looks. 

Total Value of May's Bag: +$40.67

$10- Monthly Subscription

As you can see, the value of my bag was worth more than what I pay each month! I love ipsy! If this is a service you're curious about, I definitely think it's worth the money. You can also take a beauty survey that helps ipsy match products suited to what you use and like. And reviewing the items you receive each month helps ipsy personalize your Glam Bag even more! You'll also earn ipsy points that can be redeemed for free products!

Want to be an ipster? Please subscribe using my link.

Next week I'm planning to share my June Ipsy & BB5 boxes, so stay tuned! 

I really look forward to getting these awesome packages in the mail every month. It's a little way that I like to spoil myself. Can't wait to see what's coming this month and to share it here with you! 

Feel free to browse my other Beauty posts. You can also stay updated on my recent posts, projects, and photos by following me on instagram, or by "liking" my fan page on Facebook. So why not head over there now and show some love...

Are you addicted to beauty boxes? Which ones are you subscribed to? Any thoughts, questions, or comments about this post? I'd love to hear it! Your feedback is always welcome and much appreciated.

Thanks for stopping!

First Impression: Beauty Box 5 | May 2014

This year I've decided to expand my blog to include more of my many passions. My love for beauty, makeup, and skincare has been a longtime affair, but I thought it would be fun to start sharing my new adventures here with you all. 

The month of May was my first experience with beauty box subscription services, and I have to say that I am hooked! It's such a fun way to discover new products that I wouldn't typically purchase on my own, get great discounts on the products I try and love, and an awesome way to build your makeup collection.

Beauty Box 5 is a $12- subscription service, but I received my very first box FREE of charge. Each month you get 5 deluxe/full-size samples delivered right to your door. The value of your products usually exceeds the monthly cost of each box. So if this type of service is something you want to try, it's definitely worth it in my opinion! 

You'll find something special at the end of this post...

I was pleasantly surprised at the products I received this month. From what I've seen across different social media sites, most beauty box services mainly send either skincare or makeup. My Beauty Box 5 had a variety of different products ranging from hair care, skincare, and makeup. Everything you would expect from a beauty subscription service!

Here is what my box included:

Coolway Shampoo & Conditioner

$19.99 each for 8.6oz / Sample: $2.32 each for 1oz.

Although shampoo and conditioner isn't my favorite thing to get in a beauty box, I'm happy to give this set a try. I would've been bummed if I got just the shampoo or just the conditioner, so it is really nice to have both [even though this set counts as 2 of my 5 products]. And the 1 oz. sample size is a good amount to really give it a good test run.

LA Fresh Wipes

$19.99 for 48ct / Sample: 3@ $.42 each

This is one of those products that I wouldn't typically buy on my own. But I do have to say they are pretty handy to have! If you're a busy mom like me, there have been times that you forgot to put on deodorant. Yikes! These little wipe packets easily fit in your purse. Or stash some in your gym bag!

Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Soap

$18- for 4oz / Sample: $4.50 for 1oz.

I love anything organic, especially when it comes to skincare! So this bottle of 100% natural facial cleanser is definitely something that I would purchase if I was out shopping. Micro-dermabrasion in a bottle... Yes, please! I haven't had the chance to try it yet, but I will be sure to update this post with a review when I do.

Nicka K Lipstick in Concerto

$4.99 for .12oz - Full Size Sample

Lippies are one of my favorite makeup products, so I was extremely happy to get this in my Beauty Box 5. I've never tried the Nicka K brand before and I'm glad to have it in my collection. The formula is nice and this color looks great on my olive/tan skin tone.

Total Value of May's Box: $15.39

$12- Monthly Subscription Box

Overall, Beauty Box 5 is a really good beauty box subscription service. They ship boxes out on the 8th of every month, and I got mine super fast! Their customer service department is really friendly and they answer your questions in a timely manner. Although it's great, I've been wanting to try out other beauty boxes without breaking the bank. I'm not completely sure if this one will stay on my list. 

I also got my June BB5 box already! I'll be sure to post it this week...

If you're interested in subscribing to Beauty Box 5, please sign up using my link.

SPECIAL COUPON CODE

Enter FREE614 at checkout to:

- get a free introduction box

- or save $12 off a quarterly subscription

- or save $12 off a yearly subscription

*Code expires 6/30/14.

Have you checked out my First Impression: Ipsy? Feel free to browse the other Beauty posts on my blog. You can also stay updated on my recent posts, projects, and photos by following me on instagram, or by "liking" my fan page on Facebook.

Are you BB5 subscriber? How do you like it? Hooked on beauty boxes? Any thoughts, questions, or comments about this post? I'd love to hear it! Your feedback is always welcome and much appreciated.

Thanks for stopping by!

Influenster: Spring Fling VoxBox | May 2014

Hello June! 

This year I've decided to step out of my Scrapbooking, Planning, and Crafting niche to pursue another passion... Beauty. Don't get me wrong! I love Project Life, my Filofaxes, and Crafts, and you'll see a few posts about them here and there. But I felt it was time for something new... a change. 

I wouldn't call myself a "Beauty Guru." I'm just someone who's passionate about beauty, makeup, and skincare. Through my blog I'll be sharing my thoughts and experiences about new products, revealing the goodies from my beauty boxes, and giving product reviews for the awesome free Test Panels that I'm a part of.

It's a new month, and soon Spring will become Summer. You know what that means? Plenty of sunshine! I don't know about you, but I change up my makeup and beauty care routine when the warm weather comes. Feel free to check out my Spring Beauty Must-Haves for 2014. Being given the chance to test out some new Spring products courtesy of Influenster, means that I'll definitely have some new favorites!

If you're not familiar with Influenster, it's a community of consumers who like to share their opinions and experiences about different products they use everyday. Certain Influensters qualify for exclusive programs where members receive complimentary products to test and review. All they ask is to share your thoughts and opinions with friends and followers on social media.

I became a member in April and qualified for the Spring Fling VoxBox in May. It's my very first box, and I'm super excited to try out all of these new, fun products! 

Here is what I received:

Playtex Sport Fresh Balance: $3.99-$4.99

I haven't had the chance to use these tampons yet, but based on what I've seen advertised on TV, they look like they will be great for active women needing extra protection. I'll be sure to update this post with my review when I get the chance to test them out.

Kiss Everlasting French Nails: $6.49

I can't wait to give these false nails a try! I'm normally a polish girl and haven't used press-on nails since high school almost 20 years ago. Since shying away from acrylic nails a while back, I like the idea of these store-bought, not-so-permanent French nails. The directions seem easy enough, and the inexpensive price tag (compared to an acrylic/gel set from a salon) means I won't be breaking the bank. I'll be sure to update this post with my review when I test them out.

Softlips Cube: $3.49

I've been a user of Softlips for over a decade, so when I saw this new 5-in-1 Lip Care Cube I was super excited to try it out! Since it has SPF 15, it's perfect for Spring and Summer. It nourishes and hydrates my extremely dry lips, and the Pomegranate Berry scent is fresh and lovely. I really like this product and will definitely purchase it when I run out! I think I found a new favorite...

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara: $5.99

Since I'm currently working on a new tube of mascara already, I haven't yet had the chance to test out this one. I do love its "bold, wide-eyed, fanned-out volume" claims and am extremely tempted to use it with my current mascara. I will definitely update this post when I have the chance to test it out.

NIVEA Skin Firming Hydration Lotion: $2.49 for 2.5oz. / $10.99 for 13.5oz.

This product claims that in as little as 2 weeks you'll see firmer, more toned skin. I can't say that's true based on my own experience, since I haven't used it for two weeks. But I can say that the lightweight formula leaves my skin very hydrated and super soft. It also has a nice scent that isn't too strong or overpowering.

As you can see, Influenster is pretty awesome! I still can't believe that I received $25- worth of products for free. I hope you enjoyed my post and discovered a few new products along the way! You can find me at CLRoy2014 on Influenster. To see what I've been up to in my other Test Panel communities, check out all of my links here.

You can stay updated on my recent posts, projects, and photos by following me on instagram, or by "liking" my fan page on Facebook.

Are you an Influenster? Did you get a Spring Fling VoxBox too? Any thoughts, questions, or comments about this post? I'd love to hear it! Your feedback is always welcome and much appreciated.

Thanks for stopping by!

*I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Spring Beauty Must-Haves

I know.... it's been a while. Sorry about that. 

This is a new year. A time for change. Change is good. And today, I've decided to step outside of my typical niche here in blogger world. I'll be delving into another one of my passions... beauty and skincare. I haven't talked about it much since I started blogging back in February of last year. But it has always been something I wanted to share with people. I only write about what I know and love... and this stuff makes me smile.

I'm rekindling my love for makeup. For the last decade I've just been an all-natural, no makeup kind of girl. I used eyeliner, mascara, lippies [I love lip products!], and skincare stuff. I'm in no way a Beauty Guru. Far from it! I look to others for inspiration and love trying new things. I watch beauty videos on youtube like a junkie! I've been experimenting with foundation, playing with false lashes, trying out fun colors on my lips, eyes, and nails. And I've hauled some amazing budget friendly makeup and beauty goodies. You know how frugal I am ;)

I thought it would be fun to share this adventure in my life. I'm still up to my old ways with scrapbooking, Filofaxing, and crafting.... just not as intensely! This year, I've been focusing more on myself, my husband, and my family. Hence the hiatus.... But now I'm back. With plenty of new things to talk about too! So stay tuned...

Since it's Spring, I thought now is the perfect time to share my Beauty Must-Haves for the season. When the weather warms up here in the Pacific NW, I like to go for a minimalist [but pretty and fun] look when it comes to my beauty, makeup, and skincare routine. It's all about moisturized skin and lips, sunscreen, bright pops of color on the eyes, lips or nails, long flowy hair, and super fun accessories.

Here is what's in my Everyday Spring Bag:

• Jergens BB Body Lotion in Light Skin Types [I have Olive skin.] -- I bought the travel size at Target's Dollar Spot to test it out. It's pretty moisturizing, smells good, and is the perfect size to pop in my purse.
• Biore Pore Minimizing Lightweight Moisturizer with SPF 15 -- I received a small sample in a Target freebie makeup bag. It's perfect for everyday, especially when I'm out and about and going makeup-free and natural.
• Jordana Fabuliner in Black -- Easy to apply thick or thin lines and super black pigmentation. It stays on!
• Jordana 12HR Made to Last Liquid Eyeliner Pencil in Aqua Stone -- For days when I want to play up my eyes with a pop of color. Can be used on the upper and lower lash line! This is a brand new product that I haven't tried yet! Waiting for a sunny day...
• Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express Mascara in Very Black? [The darkest available.] -- This product curls my short, straight lashes and makes them full, long, and separated without an eyelash curler.
• Dr. Rescue Baby Lips (Medicated) in Pink -- It's perfect for the unpredictable weather we have here in the springtime, and it provides subtle color for those days that I don't feel like wearing lipstick. It can also be used under lipstick!
• EOS Lip Balm in Pink Lemonade -- An everyday moisturizing lip balm with natural ingredients. Great under lipstick!
• NYX Lipsmacking Fun Colors in Hot Pink -- I've been playing with color this season and I absolutely adore pink lips! This pink is the bright pop of color that I crave.
• Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain in Tropical Frenzy -- I sometimes layer this bright pink or wear it all alone. It provides a pretty pop of color with staying power! I use it on the days when I know I'll be too busy to reapply.
• MAC Satin Lipstick in Cherish -- The perfect nude for those days I don't feel like wearing a colorful lip, or if I'm doing a bold eye.
• Essence Kalinka Beauty Blush in East Side Story -- A pretty coral shade that goes great with my nude lip days.
• ELF Essential Blush in Blushing -- For when I'm wearing my pink lips, of course!
• Matrix Sleek.Look Lockdown Spray -- I purchased a kit of this line years ago, and it came with a travel size spray bottle perfect for my handbag. It smooths frizzies and leaves my hair feeling soft and shiny.
• Makeup Bag -- I received this cute little bag from a Target freebie. It holds all of my Spring goodies perfectly.
• Compact/Mirror -- I don't usually carry a compact during the Spring because I go face makeup-free most days... so that leaves me without a mirror! I found a pretty pink double-mirror compact at one of my favorite discount stores on clearance. Score!
• A Hair Tie -- You'll never know if you need to put your hair up.
• Sunglasses -- No matter where you live, you gotta protect your eyes! I found my authentic Dolce & Gabbana shades on Amazon for a steal!

What's in your Spring Beauty Bag?

That's all I have for you today! I hope you enjoyed my first "Beauty" post and decide to follow me on my adventure ;) Please let me know what you think or if you have any questions. Be sure to stick around because I have lots of other new things to share with you!

*I'm a new ipsy Glam Bag subscriber anxiously waiting for my first bag to arrive next month. Super excited! I'll be sharing my first impression here and posting future bag reveals from ipsy. Stay tuned for details. Interested in subscribing to ipsy? Please use my link!

Are you into makeup, beauty, and skincare too? Have a favorite blog to share? Are you a newbie or a guru? I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments!