Category: Face
TikTok Hair
I did a thing.
I saw an Instagram ad for this hair thingie that has supposedly gone viral on TikTok and I thought, why not? Even though I just bought a $550 hair vacuum, I went ahead and spent $16 on a Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set. I tried it fresh out of the shower and left it in for about 5 hours while I puttered around the house…but my hair is too long and thick and had not fully dried. It was still fairly wavy though. I need to try it overnight, on dry hair. I’m concerned I might strangle myself though, since I sleep on my side and flip 20 or 30 times a night…more to come. I don’t feel as bad about buying the stupid tghing since I had a $3 off $15 coupon.
I usually don’t get too excited about Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty Event, most of the products aren’t my cup of tea…but…on one of the final days…I saw Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser for half off ($22 instead of $44), I snagged two tubes – one for me and one for my son. He said it smells like a rosy fart – it’s the sulfur!
I also picked up a tube of NYX Lip Lingerie XXL Long-Lasting Matte Liquid Lipstick in “Bust Ed” ($9.50). It was very soft on my lips and VERY dark and vibrant. It is more purple than I was expecting, but it looks good on me.
$698 to Platinum in 2023.
March 2022 Ipsy Bag – Power Moves
“Power Moves”. Hmmm…that makes me think of a character’s special combo in Soul Caliber or Mortal Kombat. Makes me want to blind someone with razor sharp mascara…
Anyway…My product choice this month was Eleman Beauty Matte Liquid Lipstick in “Madrid”. I cannot sugarcoat it – the color looks like baby poop. Not newborn baby poop (greenish black) or breastfeed baby poop (stone ground mustard)…no, this is a baby already starting soft foods. Yeah, one of those NASTY poops. I really liked it and it had great staying power!
Also in this month’s bag: Araceli Beauty Tequila Highlighter in “Reposado” (are highlighters over yet? I’m SICK of them); First Aid Beauty Hydrating Eye Cream with Hyaluronic Acid (I haven’t tried it yet, but soon); Shaina B Miami B. Sultry Pressed Pigment Duo in “Vino & Bae Harbor” (this is my favorite item in the bag – not just because of the flamingos embossed in the pigment…the shimmery “Bae Harbor” is a perfect taupe gold shimmer); and Firma Beauty 202 Angled Blender Brush (I admit, I took this out of the package and used it with the pigment right away).
This month’s makeup bag is a little lame. It will probably end up full of Barbie shoes or something.
I subscribe to the basic ipsy bag for $13/month and Glam Bag X for an extra $43/quarterly. If you’d like to try Ipsy – click here. I’ll earn 250 points if you sign up through my referral link.
Black Honey
I’ve fallen in love with Clinique Almost Lipstick in “Black Honey” ($20) over the past year…but I couldn’t buy a full-size tube because the rest of the world is in love with it, too!
It finally came back into stock online, so I snatched it right up. Who even am I, spending $20 on a barely tinted lipstick?
I also picked up two new Freeman Beauty Exotic Blends Masks at BOGO 40% off – Detoxifying Japanese Matcha Cream (VERY similar in texture to the Canadian Hemp Seed mask) and Exfoliating Indonesian Coconut (VERY similar in texture to the Charcoal & Black Sugar Mask). I added a HASK Color Care Color Protection Deep Conditioner packette ($2.99) – why should my face have all the fun?
My Zoya Remove+ is now $12 – fuck inflation! Good thing I had that $3.50 off $15 coupon…
$765 to Diamond in 2023…
February Glam Bag X – Addison Rae
I’m sorry to be so late posting about my February Glam Bag X, but ipsy did not include one of my items in the original shipment (the black croc bag, which was one of my selections). I contacted ipsy Care and they were very helpful in getting the bag out to me – it took about a week. It is a lot smaller than I expected, but isn’t that ALWAYS how it is?
This quarter’s curator is Addison Rae. Her name sounds vaguely familiar to me, but I admit – I had to google her. She’s this super famous TikTok-er? Is that the correct term – TikTok-er? I get on TikTok occasionally to watch videos my kids send me – I’ve even made a few videos – but I’ve never been subjected to Addison Rae content. My kids are teenagers and they say she is “cringe”.
My other product choices (besides the black crock makeup bag that I obviously don’t need because I have over 5+ years worth of ipsy bags) were Quay Australia High Key Mini Sunglasses in “Black/Smoke” and Keys Soulcare Harmony Mask. I plan on trying the mask on Sunday.
Also in my Glam Bag X: Tula Skincare 24/7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night Cream (I just finished a sample that I received recently – I am excited to get a full size jar); Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel (I will literally NEVER use this); Aceology Multi-Vitamin Brightening Biodegradable Masks; Pat McGrath Labs Lust: Gloss in “Love Potion” and First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum.
I find it interesting that someone so young (21) is pushing skin products for us older ladies…but I’m not complaining! I’d much rather have high end skincare than fake tanner or false eyelashes or whatever else these young whippersnappers are into.
I subscribe to the basic ipsy bag for $12/month and Glam Bag X for an extra $43/quarterly. If you’d like to try Ipsy – click here. I’ll earn 250 points if you sign up through my referral link.
December 2021 Ipsy Bag – Time to Shine
After last month’s Glam Bag X, the regular ipsy bag is almost a let down. Almost…
My product selection this month is Skyn Iceland Glacial Face Wash in White Willow Bark. This is a nice, creamy face wash – I like it.
Also in this month’s bag: Codage Paris Moisturizing Mask; Complex Culture Get Set Nail Polish in “Hustle” (a nice orange leaning red); Tarte Surfer Curl Volumizing Mascara; and a Hipdot Contour Brush (I am about to fucking rage on all these makeup brushes – how do I make it stop?)
The rose gold bag is really nice. I want to put it in my big “mom purse”, but I feel like the glitter would flake off and end up in the bottom of my purse.
I subscribe to the basic ipsy bag for $12/month and Glam Bag X for an extra $43/quarterly. Oh wait, I just saw on the site that the price went up to $13 in October – I’d better check my credit card statement! If you’d like to try Ipsy – click here. I’ll earn 250 points if you sign up through my referral link.
Cyber Diamond
Here we go, here’s the haul that made me Ulta Diamond for 2022.
I’m sure it’s not shocking that finally bought the Urban Decay Cosmetics Naked Cyber Eyeshadow Palette ($49), but it might be shocking that I paid full price. (I am still saving my Ulta points for a Dyson Airwrap – I’m up to $312!) It’s a very versatile palette, although I am concerned about the quality. The shadows are not as buttery as the first several Naked palettes – a few of the shimmers are downright CHALKY. Ugh. Use a primer and you’ll be fine, but it’s an annoying extra step. Also, watch out for fallout – the glitters get everywhere. I do wish there was at least one more dark, saturated shade besides the burnt orange, but I can mix and match with another palette.
I recently got new bleached streaks in my hair (another Ulta trip) and decided to dye them turquoise when I get sick of blond. I decided to try Arctic Fox in “Aquamarine” ($17) – my kids SWEAR by it. I feel like I’m cheating on Overtone, but their turquoise didn’t take well on my hair. Holding out hope for Arctic Fox.
I had seen the Kitsch Leopard Print Towel Scrunchies ($10.50, on sale from $14) at full price in the store, but was thrilled to find them for 25% online. I also splurged on Kitsch Moisturizing Spa Socks ($12, on sale from $16). I feel like the open toe design will be more comfortable to sleep in – it’s hard for me sleep in regular socks. I also threw in some Ulta Exfoliating Cotton Pads ($2.09), because why not?
I DID use the $20 off $100 coupon code that was out before the holiday sales, and I still qualified for the Hello Holidays 23 piece More Glow Beauty Bag. Inside the bag: Clarins Re-Boost Refreshing Hydrating Cream; Megababe Antibacterial Wipes in “Squeaky Clean” (note to self: do NOT confuse with makeup remover wipes); Good Molecules Silicone-Free Priming Moisturizer; Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Intense; Ellis Brooklyn Sweet; Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris Eau de Parfum Intense (What are all these “intense” perfumes?); Lancome La Vie est Belle (2 samples of this one); Not Your Mother’s Naturals Activated Bamboo Charcoal & Purple Moonstone Shampoo and Conditioner (I’ve been wanting to try this one; Joico Defy Damage Protective Shampoo, Conditioner, Masque & Shield (4 packettes!); MAC Lipstick Samples in “Ruby Woo”, “M-A-C Red” and “Cockney”; Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream; The Body Shop Body Butter in “British Rose” (I think this sample is why I chose this particular bag); Living proof. Restore Repair Mask; Jack Black Performance Remedy Turbo Wash (will go to the husband or the son); Kate Somerville +Retinol Vita C Power Serum; tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer; Dear, Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream (I’m scared that the package says “For Nighttime Only” – will I burst into flames if I use it in the daytime?); Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream; Biosilk Silk Therapy Leave-In Treatment; Benefit Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer in “Light Cool”; and NYX The Marshmallow Primer (made with marshmallow root – weird). The bag is super cushy, made out of ski-suit material.
(There were also a few gifts (not shown) from this haul – shhhhh…)
November 2021 Glam Bag X – Huda
Okay, write this down – this quarter’s Glam Bag X is SO good that I’ve tried every single product in the box…that’s right, every single one!
First off, this quarter’s box was curated by Huda Kattan. Her beauty empire has grown significantly since the Allure Beauty Box she curated a few years ago, although not without a few controversies and product labelling mishaps…
The star of the box is the PMD Beauty Clean Smart Cleansing Device in “Warmth”. I’ll admit, when my husband saw it, he thought it was a totally different type of toy. (I’ll let you know if that pans out – so far, I’ve only used it on my FACE.) I was happy to get this device, if only as a replacement for my Clarisonic. RIP Clarisonic. I loved my Clarisonic, but I am on my last brush head, so I guess my love affair will end when it gets too nasty to use. The PMD device is entirely silicone – no replacement brushes to buy – AND runs on batteries. At ~$60, it’s also a much more affordable solution than the Clarisonic.
The other products that Huda curated for me were: Cela Masque De Glacier Clay Mask (a little goes a long way with this one; there’s a slight tingle as it dries, but nothing serious); Wishful Thirst Trap Juice HA3 Peptide Serum (Wishful is Huda’s skincare brand – this serum feels nice and has a slight tightening effect); Huda Beauty Legit Lashes in “Vanta Black” (this is a double ended mascara – one brush for volume and one brush for length – but spoiler alert – I cannot see any difference between either brush); and Rare Beauty With Gratitude Dewy Lip Balm in “Honor” (I was underwhelmed to receive another clear lip balm…until I tried it – how does this smell like a literal cloud? I LOVE it!)
I got to choose THREE products. I chose Huda Beauty Haze Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette in “Purple” (I wish I would have had this back in October, when I was wearing my purple “BAND MOM” T-shirt every weekend; quality is middling and not very blendable – hard pass on buying more of these); Ahava Dermud Intensive Foot Cream (my feet LOVE this); and First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads (remind my of the Stridex pads of my youth).
At a total value of $323, I am absolutely and totally happy with this quarter’s bag. Wait, since I did not get a bag this month, I guess it is just a box. Whatever.
I subscribe to the basic ipsy bag for $12/month and Glam Bag X for an extra $43/quarterly. If you’d like to try Ipsy – click here. I’ll earn 250 points if you sign up through my referral link.
Influenster Vox Box – L’Oreal Age Perfect Collagen
You know how I know I’m old? Because the type of products I now get from Influenster are Aleve PM, Stayfree Incontinence Pads and old lady skin creams.
You know what though, I am not even mad about this one. Influenster sent me the L’Oreal Age Perfect Collagen Vox Box (complimentary for review purposes), which included TWO full size products: L’Oreal Age Perfect Collagen Expert Day Moisturizer SPF 30 and L’Oreal Age Perfect Collagen Expert Night Moisturizer for Face. Each product ranges in price from $14.99 (Target) to $19.99 (Ulta).
I’ve been using the day moisturizer for about two weeks and I have to say I am really impressed. I know I am SUPPOSED to wear SPF every day, but I’ve always felt like my skin is too sensitive. I was expecting a massive breakout – but it never came. I haven’t had a single clogged pore! This stuff is the real deal. It does have a bit of a “sunscreen-y” smell, but I couldn’t tell if it was intentional?
The night cream is even better than the day cream. As with the day cream, it felt fantastic on my skin and did not clog my pores. I did not have a single breakout. I feel like the extra collagen helped my skin heal more quickly – I had a nasty scrap across the bridge of my nose that healed within DAYS. The fragrance is extra luxe as well.
Ultimately, I would be more likely to buy the night cream than the day cream, but they are both excellent products that worked well on my skin.
October 2021 Ipsy Bag – Pretty Wicked
I am in LOVE with this month’s ipsy bag. I like the contents, but I LOVE this bag. The vampy lips are like WHOA.
My product choice this month was Sugar Cosmetics Tipsy Lips Moisturizing Balm in “Mojito”. Yes, I am still on the lip balm kick.
Also in this month’s pretty wicked bag: Basic Beauty Hot Cocoa Bomb Eyeshadow Quad (I am amassing quite a collection of tiny eyeshadows); Chasin’ Rabbits Mindful Bubble Cleanse (It’s quite odd to foam up this face wash in my hands before using it); Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream; and Uoma by Sharon C Badder Boom Au Naturel Volumizing Mascara.
All in all, a nice selection of products this month!
I subscribe to the basic ipsy bag for $12/month and Glam Bag X for an extra $43/quarterly. Oh wait, I just saw on the site that the price went up to $13 in October – I’d better check my credit card statement! If you’d like to try Ipsy – click here. I’ll earn 250 points if you sign up through my referral link.
Pebbles Haul
A Makeup Revolution (or is it Revolution Makeup) collaboration with Fruity Pebbles AND Cocoa Pebbles? You son of a bitch, I’m in!
The I ❤ Revolution x Fruity Pebbles Palette ($22) is a bright palette, a Fruity Pebbles rainbow of colors. I’ve only used it once, but looking forward to figuring out how to make the colors work together. The I ❤ Revolution x Cocoa Pebbles Palette ($22) is a lot more versatile – I’ve used the warm shades several times now. The shadow quality is so smooth and blendable – I love them.
I picked the I ❤ Revolution x Fruity Pebbles Lip Oil in “Fred” ($8) – this stuff is great for removing liquid lipstick. I also picked up both the Fruity Pebbles AND the Cocoa Pebbles Body Butter ($10 each). My husband’s FAVORITE cereal is Fruity Pebbles, so I thought slathering the body butter all over myself before bed would drive him wild. Eh, not so much – The Fruity Pebbles scent is very vague. The Cocoa Pebbles Body Butter, on the other hand, is VERY heavily scented. According to my husband, it smells like chocolate ass. This may be my “not tonight, honey” body butter.
I didn’t buy the WHOLE collection, but close…There were also headbands (the Pebbles one with a bone sold out before I could grab it) and makeup bags, but I controlled myself a little…The only bummer is that I paid FULL PRICE when I ordered a few weeks ago, and now they’re half off…run – don’t walk to get this collection!
The rest of my order was a bunch of odds and ends. The wet n wild Coloricon Zodiac Lip Gloss in “Pisces” ($2.09) was for my daughter. The Punky Color Bleach ($9.99) – one of my kids will buy it off me. The Freeman Oil Absorbing Mint & Lemon Facial Clay Mask ($3, on sale from $4.29) and Ulta Pink Grapefruit Scented Foaming Hand Wash ($3.50, on sale from $7) are for me.
My purchase qualified me for TWO gifts with purchase. The free 15 piece gift with $65 purchase included Skinkick Daily Exfoliant Cleanser (new brand to me); L’Oreal Voluminous Primer/Base (I keep getting samples of this and NOT using it); Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum (1 oz – full sizer!); eva nyc Therapy Session Hair (I got this in a VOX BOX years ago – looking forward to using it again); The Body Shop Avocado Body Butter; Covergirl Creamy Eye Shadow Stick in “Dreamy Haze”; Ahava Deadsea Water Mineral Hand Cream; Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara in “Very Black”; Soap & Glory Fruit Force Refreshing Body Wash; Milani Make It Last Dewy Setting Spray; NYX Bare With Me Hydrating Jelly Primer; Love Wellness Call Me Collagen Dietary Supplement (EW); Hempz CBD Moisture Hit Ultra-Hydrating Shampoo (but no matching conditioner!); Derma E Thickening Shampoo (again, no matching conditioner – RUDE); and EcoTools Makeup Brush + Sponge Shampoo (looking forward to trying this out for sponges). I also got a free Step Up 5 piece gift with my $85 purchase: Kneipp Mineral Bath Salt in Dream Away (giving to the kids); Revlon Colorstay Satin Ink (it’s in red cellophane – I’m afraid to open it); Pyt Beauty Upcycle Eyeshadow in “Warm Lit Nude Mini”; Beast Gold Roll-On Oil (this .35oz bottle is $39 at Ulta! I think it’s for dudes); and noyah Organic Vanilla Lip Balm. I have so many samples now!
I am just $240 away from Diamond in 2022.