Allure Beauty Box September 2019

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Hi all!  I just received my September Allure Beauty Box.  The Allure Beauty Box is $15 a month.  And you receive deluxe and some full size products.  Not bad!

Here’s the September box:

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The Nutrafol Core For Women is a bonus item.

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These are the two makeup items I got in my box this month.  I’ve never tried a NARS lip product, so I’m excited to use this.  I really like the shade.

I’ve heard a lot about the Dewy Stick and it is really nice.  It gives a glow without shimmer and it doesn’t emphasize texture.

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Here’s a closeup of the skin and hair care.  The Nutrafol is a bonus.  I don’t take supplements so I will pass it along to someone.  I will keep the shampoo and conditioner for traveling.

I’m also going to try the Brightening Facial Scrub.  I don’t have a scrub right now and need one.  I’ll give the Eczema cream to my daughter.


This was a pretty good box.  I’ll use at least half of the products.  I liked getting two full sized makeup product, too! Do you get Allure Beauty Box?  What did you get this month?

 

Ipsy Glam Bag Plus Review — September 2019

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Hey all!  It’s time for my September Ipsy Glam Bag Plus review! This is a subscription box that will always include 5 full-sized items. And the items included are mostly luxe or higher end items. This is such a great value for the high quality items included.

I have pretty much enjoyed this subscription. I have been debating keeping it because a lot of times. Unless I get tired of it, I think I’ll keep it until at least the end of the year.

Here’s what I received for September:

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This is what I received in my main box:

Total — $138.  Pretty good for spending $25.  Last month my value was over $200, though…but I guess each month it varies.

I’m excited to try the Ciate powder.  I’m saving until I am out of my current powders.  I also am so happy about the Wander Beauty brow pencil because it’s in my shade!

I have tried the I Dew Care mask, but I don’t think I need a full sized one.

I also added on three products — the Too Faced Damn Girl Mascara mini, Ofra Cosmetics MADISON MILLER Smiley for Riley Lip Gloss, and a full sized Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara.  I added on a mini of the Thrive mascara last month and LOVE it!  So when I saw that the full size was available this month, I had to get it!

Here’s close ups of the palettes I received:

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I do follow You Tuber Madison Miller, and I’m happy to have received this from her collab with Ofra.  This is really pretty.  I love the blush, but wonder if the highlighters will be too dark for my fair skin tone.  I’m going to try it and see.  Here’s swatches:

IMG-1540.JPG     The highlighter on the left may work.  If not, they will make pretty eye shadows.

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This is a really cool palette, but I don’t know if I will keep it.  It’s mostly shimmers, and I like a few more mattes in my palettes.  I will either give this as a Christmas gift or a part of my next Instagram giveaway.

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I think this is a pretty good month. I’ll use the face palette, the powder and the eyebrow pencil.  I will probably give the mask and palette away.  I am really happy with my add-ons. Next month, I’ll be trying Ipsy’s new subscription, Glam Bag Ultimate instead of Glam Bag Plus, so stay tuned for that review!

Do you get Ipsy Glam Bag Plus?  What did you get in your box this month? Are you going to try the Ultimate next month?

 

 

BoxyCharm BoxyLuxe Subscription Box Review — September 2019

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Hi all! I received my September BoxyLuxe!  This is my fourth one. I’m so excited! I’ve been a subscriber of BoxyCharm for over two years. The regular BoxyCharm box is $21 a month. BoxyLuxe is a once-a-quarter upgrade option you can add to your existing $21-a-month Boxycharm subscription. So for an additional $28.99, you’ll get the Luxe items, and be paying a total of $49.99 for that quarterly box.

I saw the spoilers for this box, I just didn’t know what variations I would get.  I did get to pick some of the items I would receive, which I really liked.

The theme for this month is All Access. There’s a good mix of makeup, skincare and hair care this month.  Here’s what I received:

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Total — $317.95!  That’s so good for spending $49.99.

Here’s a closer look at the items I received:

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I’m not the biggest fan of sleeping masks because they can be heavy and sticky.  I’m not sure if I will keep this one or give it away.

The Pineapple-C Bright Serum was one of the items I chose.  I’m almost out of my current Vitamin C Serum so I’m excited to have a new one to try. I have tried this a couple of times already and it does give a nice glow.

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Everyone received the Mistress Hair Balm.  I’ve tried this and am enjoying it. It smooths my frizzies and leaves my hair soft and shiny.

I haven’t tried the curling iron yet.  This is an item I got to choose — it was between this and a brush set.  I’ve never tried a clipless curling iron before so I’m curious to see how it works.

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These two items were another variation I chose.  I have never tried an infuser water bottle before, so that will be interesting.  And, I love Spongelle products!

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Every charmer received the eyeliner in black and the lipstick in one of three shades.

I don’t wear liquid eyeliner, so I will pass this one along.  I love the lipstick shade. It will be pretty for fall.

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I know this palette has been around for a while.  It was a variation.  At first I wasn’t blown away by this, but I decided to keep it.  I’m recently starting to get into matte shadow looks and I like these shades a lot.  I think it will be perfect for fall.


I’m pretty happy with this box.  I will use almost every item.  The only products I probably won’t use is the eyeliner and the sleeping mask. As good as that is, I think the only item I am really thrilled about is the serum.  I really loved my June BoxyLuxe because I loved every item in the box.  I’m hoping I’m more excited about the December BoxyLuxe!

Do you get BoxyLuxe?  What did you get this month?

Shop My Stash — September 2019

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Hi all!  It’s  time for my September Shop My Stash! It’s a little late this month because I was away because of a family emergency.

I’m always excited to play with new (again to me) products that I either haven’t used in a while or haven’t used much at all! My goal is to get more use out of the products I have and to see if they are something I want to keep.

This month I have chosen products that will transition nicely from summer to fall. I took the eye shadows and powder/blush palette with me on my trip last week and I did a lot of looks with them.

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Urban Decay Naked Reloaded — I received this for review in April.  I used it in April and May, and then I purchased some new palettes in the summer and I haven’t used it in a while.  I really love the natural shades in the palette.  It’s so good for every day looks.

IMG_1399IMG_1401 Urban Decay On The Run Mini Palette in Shortcut — This is also a nice everyday palette, but is pinks and mauves, not neutral browns.  You can make a really pretty matte look, or I use a shimmer on the lids and darken the outer corner with Back Alley or Rendezvous for dimension. I have been using this a lot, too.

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IT Cosmetics Hello Cheekbones Contour Palette — I haven’t used this bronzey contour and highlighter palette a lot, so I’m happy to get some use out of it.  The shades are really nice on my skintone. It comes with a brush that sweeps across both products at once for an even application.

Jane Iredale Limited Edition Snap Happy Makeup Kit —  I’ve had this since last year.  I used it a bit when I received it, and really liked it. But it kind of got lost in my collection.  I used it all last week and found that I love the translucent powder and blush a lot.  It’s a really silky formula.  I used the shadows once and am going to use them more.

img_1396.jpgThe final two products are a lip gloss and lipstick.

Pur Cosmetics Light Up High Shine Lip Gloss in Focused — Unfortunately, I can’t find this on the website or Ulta.  It came out earlier in the year and must have sold out.  It’s a pretty shimmery gloss and it lights up and has a mirror! Fun!

MGS Accessories Matte Liquid Lipstick in Posh — I think fall is a great time for pigmented liquid lipsticks.  I don’t usually wear them, but I thought I’d give this a go since I love the shade and it looks amazing combined with the gloss.


I’m excited to use these products more this month.  Do you do a Shop your Stash?

 

 

 

August 2019 Beauty Favorites

Hi all!  It’s almost September, which means it’s time for my August favorites!

Below are my beauty faves for August. As usual, If I have reviewed them before, I will include the link, if not, I will link to where you can purchase:

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I have really been into skincare the last few months, and I have been continuing trying out new skincare and loving it!

I also have been loving a few makeup products, and some of them have been favorites before:

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These are the skincare products I’ve been enjoying this month.  I purchased the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice a few weeks ago. It’s so refreshing!  It’s a bit sticky, but works nicely under makeup.

The Skin & Co Truffle Therapy Face Toner is amazing!  It tones my skin and gives me a glow, but doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin.  I’m almost out of it. You can purchase it and other amazing items from Skin & Co here, and by using my code LORENA20, you’ll get 20% off your purchase!  It is an affiliate code, so I will get something if you do buy!

I am also loving the Pixi Beauty Retinol Eye Cream and the Emma Hardie Lift & Sculpt Firming Neck Treatment.  The eye cream smooths the area and really helps with fine lines, and the neck cream firms my neck!

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I believe I’ve had the beautyblender Bounce foundation in my favorites before this year.  I had a lighter shade. This is 2.5 and it’s my summer shade.  I have fallen in love with the foundation all over again! It’s so long wearing, even in the summer heat.

I have also had the Urban Decay Brow Blade and Brow Finish in past favorites, but have been using them again recently and love the look they give to my brows. I prefer more natural browns, but I can get a more dramatic look with the Brow Blade if I want.

The Em Cosmetics Infinate Lip Cloud in French Nude is in my August Shop My Stash   I don’t usually wear liquid lipsticks, but I really love the formula of this one.  It feels really light on, but it does dry down matte.  And luckily, it’s not drying on.  I really love the shade, too!

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I purchased the NARS Summer Lights Face Palette in June as a birthday gift to myself and have been enjoying using it. I have used all of the shades.  The bronzer is a little light, but it’s a gorgeous transition shade for the eyes.  The highlighter is very glowy and the eye shadows are very pretty.


That’s my August favorites.  Bring on September! What have you been loving this month?

Ipsy Glam Bag Plus Review — August 2019

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Hey all!  It’s time for my August Ipsy Glam Bag Plus review! This is a subscription box that will always include 5 full-sized items. And the items included are mostly luxe or higher end items. This is such a great value for the high quality items included.

I have pretty much enjoyed this subscription. I usually only use a couple of the items I receive each month, and so I’ve been debating keeping it. Unless I get tired of it, I think I’ll keep it until at least the end of the year.

Here’s what I received for August:

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I realize this is a lot of products for an Ipsy Glam Bag Plus — I got three add-ons this month.  Those are the top three products and I’ll talk about them later.  Here’s what I received in my basic box:

Total — $204.50 — Wow! That’s an amazing value for a $25 box.

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They usually have a little booklet, but this month it was a fold out card.  It does give details of all of the products I received.

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The product of these three I’m most excited about is the Purlisse Blue Lotus Moisturizer. I am almost out of my current SPF moisturizer, so this came at a great time!

I have quite a few peel off masks I’m not using, so I will probably gift this one away.  I do want to try other products from Hey Honey.  It looks like a great brand.

I have been wanting to try the foundation.  The shade is Light which might be a little dark one me normally, but it might be a good summer shade.

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These brushes are gorgeous!  I’m excited to use them. From top to bottom is 10F Concealer, 65EM Mini Shading, 105E Pencil, 15E Angled Brow and 35EM Mini Tapered.

I LOVE the handles!  It’s like a mermaid icicle!  LOL!IMG-1328IMG-1329

I am so glad I received this gorgeous palette! I’ve used it a couple of times already and love it.  I’ve never tried a palette from TheBalm, I’ve only had a small sample of the Mary-Lou Manizer highlighter.  I was going to swatch it, but forgot, so I’ll do a palette review for it.IMG-1327

These are my three add-ons this month!  I usually don’t do add-ons, but these were $3 each and I have been wanting to try the Coco Cabana Cream and the Thrive Causemetics Mascara. So far, I am LOVING the mascara. It’s a fiber mascara so it doesn’t smudge.

I might try the gorgeous Pixi blush or I might save it for a giveaway…we’ll see!

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I’m really happy with this month! Last month’s box was also good, so I’m on a roll!

I’ll use the palette, the brushes and the moisturizer.  I might try out the foundation and will probably give the mask away.  I am also happy with my add-ons.

Do you get Ipsy Glam Bag Plus?  What did you get in your box this month?

 

Morgan Taylor’s Illusions Nail Polish Collection

Hi all! I hope your Sunday is off to a great start!

I’m back with a nail polish collection review.  I was sent this for my honest review:

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This is the Morgan Taylor Illusions 2019 collection, adding to the brand’s luxurious Platinum range! All six shades have a reflective color shift to them.

“We are so excited to be bringing out the newest installment in the Platinum line!” say namesakes Morgan Haile and Taylor Daniel. “The Illusions collection has a fun and unique duo-chrome finish offering shades that can be worn in the Summer and even into the Fall and Winter!”

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Here’s a more close-up photo of the shades.  They are so pretty! Morgan Taylor Lacquers apply smoothly and last a few days without chipping.

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Illusions 2019 includes:

  • Can You See My Aura? – White Duo-chrome
  • Don’t Jump to Illusions – Silver Duo-chrome
  • Seeing Double – Purple Duo-chrome
  • Oh So Shifty – Green Duo-chrome
  • Morph with Me – Bronze Duo-chrome
  • Vanished Before My Eyes – Amber Duo-chrome

The Illusions 2019 Platinum Collection is available for a limited time at Ulta.com and SaltEarthSpa.com.  Retail price is $11.99 per bottle and $17.50 for the mini 4-pack. All Morgan Taylor Lacquers are fast-drying, 5-free, easy to apply, and are loved by top nail techs who cater to celebrities such as Rihanna, Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Lopez, and Jessica Biel.


What do you think about these polishes?  Have you tried Morgan Taylor?

BoxyCharm Subscription Box Review — August 2019

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Hey all! I recently received my August BoxyCharm! I always watch for the spoilers so I basically knew what I am getting. There were a couple of different variations this month. Read on to find out what I got (and if I got the variation I wanted)!

I’ve been subscribed to BoxyCharm for almost two years now and really enjoy it. BoxyCharm is just $21 a month for 4-5 beauty items, most of them full-sized.  It is a nice way to try new makeup and beauty tools.

My version is 2. This month I received:

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The total of this box is $144.  Not bad for only paying $21!

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I have been wanting to try this since it came out!  It’s a powder that contains water.  A lot of people say that it feels wet when you apply it.  To me it just feels really cooling.  I have tired it.  I find that it’s not great for under the eyes, it cakes up.  But a light layer can set the rest of my makeup and it looks really natural.   I’m going to continue testing it out, it’s so much fun to use!

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This oil and the powder were two items I think everyone will get this month.  I already have a few oils I’m not using, so I will probably give this away. Plus, I think it has shimmer or glitter in it and I don’t enjoy that in my skincare.

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So the big variation this month was either this mascara or the Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum (which is what I wanted).  I did get a deluxe size of this mascara with the tarte Unleashed palette I recently purchased.  It’s okay.  It gives a lot of volume, but it smeared badly under my eyes.  So I will be giving this away and I am envious of those who received the serum!

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The top photo is the nude lip liner and the bottom are shimmery shadows.  I’ve used the lip liner a couple of times.  It’s pretty hard, so I hope it will soften up.  I do like the shade.

The shadows I received are in the shades Iced Latte and Cotton Candy.  They remind me of Colourpop Super Shock Shadows.  The texture is the same.  Here are swatches of these products: IMG-1284

The shades of these eye shadows are so pretty!  My only issue is that there is a lot of glitter in them.  I don’t know if you can see that, but here are specks of glitter in each one.  While I love metallic eye shadows, I’m not the biggest fan of glitter in my shadows.  I’ve worn the pink one (Cotton Candy) and it is gorgeous on.  My only issue is that I have glitter all over my face.  Next time I wear them, I’ll put on a glitter glue first and see if that helps.  If not, I’ll pass them along to my daughter.


This was an okay box for me.  Not as good as the last few BoxyCharm’s I received.  But I will use the powder — it kinds of makes the box for me.  I also will use the lipliner and hope it gets softer and I might continue to use the eye shadows.  The face oil and mascara will be given away.

What did you get in your BoxyCharm this month.  If you got the serum — lucky dog!!!

I’m really looking forward to my BoxyLuxe in September.  I hope it’s as good as the June one.

Beautyblender Essentials for Summer

Hi all!  How’s your summer going?  Mine is going well.  It has cooled down a bit in Kansas City, which is so nice!

I was recently sent some amazing summer beauty products from Beautyblender for my honest review.  I love this brand and the original Beautyblender is one of my favorite beauty tools!

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RE-DEW Set & Refresh Spray ($30 USD) — This do-it-all mist refreshes makeup, extends versatility to existing formulas and easily adds a boost of hydration whenever needed. This has a very fine mist nozzle, and it doesn’t disturb makeup. I like how it blends my powders into my makeup so I look really natural.

The Original Beautblender ($20 USD) —  Get a flawless blend with the award-winning, premier edgeless, reusable, high-definition cosmetic sponge applicator, in classic pink. The exclusive aqua-activated™ material provides an airbrushed application and absorbs minimal product, so your favorite formula lands on your complexion, not your sponge.

Selfie Shield™ Broad Spectrum SPF 38, Dry Oil Primer ($32 USD) — This totally invisible, quick-absorbing dry oil helps both protect and prep skin with no residue or cast–no matter your skin tone. The feel-good formula offers multi-spectrum protection from UVA, UVB and HEV (high energy visible) light to help fend off damage from both the sun and your tech devices. I love how quickly this absorbs in, but it also gives an extra layer of hydration when that helps when I wear a more matte foundation.  It’s really nice under the BOUNCE foundation.

BOUNCE Liquid Whip Longwear Foundation ($40 USD) — Available in 40 blends. The shade above is what I’m wearing since I have a bit of a tan (I’m pretty fair normally) is 2.50.  My normal shade is 1.50.  This is full coverage.  It’s not supposed to look heavy on, but I need to make sure I am well hydrated before I use it.  I have combination skin.  It does look very natural on when I am moisturized and use a light layer.  It has a pretty soft matte finish.


Have you tried any of these Beautyblender products?  What do you think?

 

Shop My Stash — August 2019

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Hi all!  It’s August! It’s time for a new month and a new Shop My Stash! I’m always excited to play with new (again to me) products that I either haven’t used in a while or haven’t used much at all! My goal is to get more use out of the products I have and to see if they are something I want to keep.

Here are the palettes opened:

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I chose eyeshadow palettes that are very summery and shimmery! I have a little bit of a tan now and love bronzes, corals and golds!  Plus, I think my skin tone is tanned enough for  deeper bronzer!

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BH Cosmetics Desert Oasis – 19 Color Shadow & Highlighter Palette is so beautiful for summer!  I bought it last fall and need to use it more.  It’s mostly shimmers, but I like how two of the mattes are larger sized, since those are shade that are used a lot.  On the right hand side are highlighters.  They also make gorgeous eye shadow shades!

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Huda Beauty Coral Obsessions palette.  I received this in March from Ipsy Glam Bag Plus and I think I’ve used it once.  So, it’s time to give it a go! The shades are gorgeous and I’m excited to try it out.

IMG-1238IMG-1239 Both of these are from Benefit, the Galifornia blush and Hoola bronzer.  These are both perfect summer products.  I’m usually too fair for the bronzer, but I think it will work now that I have a tan.   The blush is really summery, too!

IMG-1240 Em Cosmetics Infinite Lip Cloud in French Nude.  I recently reviewed these.  I really like this shade.  I don’t wear matte lipsticks that much, so I though I would give this more use.


I’m excited for this August Shop My Stash!  I can hardly wait to get going on creating some new looks!