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!

Filofax: Planning On-The-Go

Hello July!

Summer is here... which means lots of planning, day trips, and mini vacations. But if you're anything like me, you just want a simple way to store your Filofax supplies for traveling or everyday use. My  "To-Go" bag holds an A5 Original and a couple of travel pouches plus a purse organizer. It's portable, which means I can take it with me anywhere I go, even around the house when I'm working in different rooms.

I know Filofax posts are among the favorites on my blog, so I thought it would be fun to show you how I use my planner on-the-go. Keep in my mind that these are just the things I use the most on a day-to-day basis. I felt it was easier to keep them all together in one place. Instead of buying new supplies, I just change out the stickers, notepads, pens or stickies for the extra ones in my collection.

Figuring out what works for you and personalizing everything to suit your style is what makes "life planning" so much fun! Feel free to customize what I've done to make it more You...

*WARNING: This is a photo-heavy post! So bookmark it for later or kick back and relax. I hope it inspires you...

I use the same hot pink, see-through studded bag all year-round to hold my Filofax pouches and supplies. It's bright and fun for every season and the perfect size to hold everything I need. [Pink Shopping Bag by Penny Sue, $19.99 from Tuesday Morning] Inside I have my planner and pencil pouches, along with a purse organizer that holds lots of other fun goodies!

This is my most used pencil pouch that has all of my basic planning supplies. [Hot Pink Multi-Purpose Case by Cosmos, $2.99 from Amazon] I've had it for over a year and it is still in really good shape. I know that lots of people complain about these pouches ripping apart, but I haven't had that problem since I don't overstuff it. Jam-packing it until it's ripping at the seams will definitely cause it to fall apart easily!

A sequined patch [gifted to me] pulls double-duty, by adding a sweet personal touch and to cover up the lime green logo that was there.

This butterfly pouch has lots of different pockets to hold everything from pens to sticky notes. It's so easy to organize all of the little bits and pieces.

I tuck fun arrow flags, post-its, magnetic clips, notepaper and labels into the pockets on one side.

Here I have each of the pens I use for my color-coding system, along with florescent sticky flags in various shapes and sizes.

There's even a large zipper pocket where I keep random tags, labels, and stickers.

My second pencil pouch came courtesy of Cool Pencil Case. It's not too big and easily fits into my everyday handbag if I need to pack only a few planning essentials. I especially love the saying on the front... it always makes me smile.

Although it doesn't have as many pockets as my other one, it still comes in handy. I'm currently using this butterfly pouch to hold extra pens and supplies.

In the large zippered pocket I have a few sets of cute Hawaiian sticky tabs [gifted to me]. The tall pocket has some colorful Sharpies and pens, and the elastic strip holds a couple of adorable page marker sets [gifted to me].

I also use a cool little bag to hold my pencil pouches (or just a Filofax) and other fun goodies. It goes with all of my pink supplies and has a ton of pockets! [Nylon Handbag Insert in Pink, $3.44 from Amazon]

This bag organizer can easily slim down, if need be. When empty, the sides snap together on the top and bottom, taking up less space in your bag.

It was so much fun picking and choosing different items to fill the pockets! On the front and back, I have sticky note pads and sets, washi tape samples, and a multi-color pen.

Inside the bag, there are two large zipper pockets that can hold just about anything!

In one, I have super cute dimensional stickers plus a pouch full of even more stickers!

In the other zippered pocket I have extra diary/calendar stickers, page markers, and sticky flags.

You can really do anything you want with these different travel bags. Choose to fill them with items that work for you and ones that you use everyday. Mix things up when you need a change! What motivates you to stay on top of your planning? Fun stationery? Bright colors? Cute characters? I choose all of the above!

That's all I have for you today! I hope you enjoyed this and leave here feeling inspired :) Feel free to browse my other Filofax posts or my completed planner pages here. Or check out my SMASH* & Project Life Travel Bag! 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.

How do you plan on-the-go? Any thoughts, questions, or comments about this post? I'd love to hear it! Your feedback is always welcome and much appreciated.

Mahalo for stopping by!

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!

Simple. Summer. Beauty.

Do you switch up your makeup when the warmer weather comes? I like to go light and natural! For my everyday look, I just moisturize and skip the face makeup [like foundation and concealer] to let my skin... breathe. I also put my hot hair tools away and let my naturally curly hair do its thing.

I'm the type of person that NEEDS to do their eyebrows. [Mine are extremely sparse!] So I always include a good quality brow pencil in my everyday arsenal. Then it's just blush, 2 coats of mascara, and a favorite lippie! A BB body cream keeps my dry skin soft, smooth, and glowy all season long.

Going Natural for Summer

This is all I need to feel comfortable and beautiful during the summer. Even though it's a super simple look, you can still have lots of fun with bright pops of color. I love to rock hot pink lips! Need to kick it up a notch? Add some eyeliner!

If you're afraid to step out of the house with a bare naked face, try a BB cream. They provide you with the coverage you need, without the heavy feeling of foundation. I purchased a Korean brand online, which I'm currently testing out. Amazing! I'll be sharing a review of it soon, so stay tuned!

PRODUCTS USED:

- Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Brunette 

$21.00 from sephora.com

- L'Oreal Color Riche Extraordinaire Lip Color in Coral Encore 

FREEBIE Courtesy of Glamour Mag for Testing Purposes

- Essence Kalinka Beauty Blush in East Side Story

$3.99 from Fred Meyer

- Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express in Blackest Black

$4.00 [on sale] at Target

- Carol's Daughter Sacred Tiare Anti-Frizz Styling Cream

Sample from Ipsy's June Glam Bag [Value $2]

- Jergens BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream in Light Skin Tones

$.99 from Target

Want to subscribe to ipsy? Here's my code. 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.

What are your summer beauty essentials? Have you tried any of these products? 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.