This month will be the first that Ipsy and Birchbox don't battle it out, because I cancelled my Birchbox.  I just wasn't happy with the samples lately.  Ipsy isn't on my naughty list though and I have continued to subscribe.

 Ipsy is a $10.00 per month subscription bag.  You do earn points be reviewing the products and getting your friends to join, this is my referral code if you ever want to use it.

Cute Bag!!!!

This month had a cute bag that was blue with a soft texture and had silver cosmetic constellations.  The zipper even had a little star.  It is a keeper. The theme was Ipsy Rockstarlet.

Doucce

I'm getting more into blush, so I was happy I got a blush.  This is from Doucce, the full size is $28.00.  The Doucce blushes are supposed to be good on all skin tones, but this is in Zen Orange and isn't a shade I can wear without looking like I've started the zombie apocalypse.  These are supposed to be long wearing, have a silky texture, and blend well.  I'll probably give this away, because it would look much prettier on someone that isn't me.  This is made in China.

 I really was disappointed to get another red lipstick, but after I swatched it, I got over that feeling.  This is from Absolute New York and is in the shade Dark Red.  This was a full size and sells for $5.99.  I love how the top displays the color inside, it should be something more companies do as it would make it easy to store products right side up and see what color it is.  What I didn't like is the top, because it's a firmer formula and has a big top, it can be harder to get a precise application.  I would definitely use a lip brush with this, which I did not do in the pic.  However, I sometimes don't wear foundation in lip swatches, doesn't the Marc Jacobs Remarcable foundation make it look way better?  This is also made in China and smells deliciously synthetic fruity.

Nuxe

We have received Nuxe products before and I have enjoyed them, so I was excited by this.  The Nuxe Nuxellence Detox Detoxifying and Youth Revealing Anti-Aging Care is a night serum that is normally $75.00 for the full size 1.5 oz pump bottle.  Right now they have it on sale for $39.00.  Skin doesn't really detox, so I'm taking that claim with a grain of salt.  It is supposed to revive your complexion while you sleep.  Again, a product I am excited to try.  This is made in France.

Benefit

Who doesn't like receiving Benefit products?  Well, there may be those people out there, but I am not one of them!  The Benefit POREfessional is a YouTube Vlogger favorite and I'm excited to try it.  It comes in several sizes at Sephora, you can get a travel sized .25 oz for $12.00, the middle ground .75 oz for $31.00, or the jumbo 1.5 oz for $44.00.  It contains vitamin E, has a silky formula, and is supposed to help prolong your makeup and reduce the look of pores.  I have heard that this isn't wonderful on dry skin, but winter dry hasn't hit me yet, so I still get to be excited.  This was made in the USA.

I have received the Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner in a previous box, I want to say Birchbox.  It has a felt tip and it does create a nice, black line.  It is $18.00 for the improved (it says "new" but this isn't a new product, so I'm deducting the "new") 2 gram eye liner.  I didn't open this one to create the swatch, so this is the previous one I had, going strong.  It has been stored upside down.  This brand is against animal testing.  It is supposed to have a smudge proof finish and dry fast.  I don't remember why I wasn't completely thrilled with this, but it may be the tip?  I know the Kat Von D is still my favorite.





I was very happy with this bag.  Seriously, Ipsy, good job.

* I pay for my own subscription bags.  No one knows who I am, nor cares to send me free stuff and things.

Hi friends!  Glossybox came before Boxycharm this month!  I know, *gasp.*  I'm not sure if I've even put up a Glossybox yet. 😲  Glossybox is a $21.00 a month subscription box.  This is my referral link, you don't have to use it.  They have a "Glossydots" point system.  You do surveys on your box for 20 points each and referring a friend is 1000 points.  You can get a free box for 1k points.

Glossybox

Glossybox comes in a pretty pink box that is fairly sturdy and good to reuse.

It is usually well packaged and comes with a card that not only lists the items you receive, but gives their full size prices and a good description of each item.

Psssst!

First in the box was the Psssst! Instant Dry Shampoo.  The full size is 5.3 oz and is $6.99.  There are three scents and I got the original scent.  It smells like a typical cheap dry shampoo, so not awesome, but not quite bug spray.  I have dark hair and it didn't leave a white cast, but I also took the time to work it in.  It did refresh my 2nd day old hair quite well.

Borghese

Next was the Borghese Fango Body Refining Polish, the full size is 8 oz for $49.00.  This is a sugar based scrub with Jojoba butter in it.  It has a green, earthy scent that reminds me of a spa.  It is supposed to be slightly moisturizing.  I like to use a scrub on my legs before shaving, so I am definitely looking forward to trying this.

Palmetto

So, a while back Boxycharm sent us the full size of this.  It's the Palmetto Derma Rejuventating Antioxidant Mask.  The full size is 1.75 oz and is a whopping $64.00.  Some people had some issues with feeling like this burned their skin, so I would definitely do a spot test if you haven't had this before.  I like it.  I usually use this in my T Zone or on blemishes and it seems to pull up whatever gunk lurks below.  This is vegan and cruelty free and made in the US.

Lycopene

Up next was a sample of the Lycopene Crema Rinnovante which is formulated in Italy.  A 30 ml full size is usally $85.25 but right now is on sale for $44.25.  It is supposed to nourish and hydrate your skin with lycopene and astaxanthin.  It also has 19 other botanicals including: sweet almond oil, witch hazel, rosemary, burdock root etc.  It is supposed to offer protection against UVA rays, which at my altitude, I definitely appreciate.  It is paraben free and not tested on animals.

De Bruyère

The last item was from De Bruyère Beauté, it's a jumbo eyeshadow pencil that is made in Spain.  It is a full size 1.7 grams and is $17.00.  It has a very emollient feel to it.  So, while it might feel good when you put this on, I have to wonder if it creases or would slide off oily skin.  I would definitely use a primer with this and maybe another color powder over it.  It might work out really well for people with dry eye lids though.

Overall, I was happy with this box.  It didn't knock my socks off, but I still like what I received and am looking forward to trying the products.

* I bought my own box with my own dried up bank account.

Now, I have said for a long time that I like a firmer brow pencil as they tend to look more natural and last longer.  ColourPop just had to go throw a wrench in that.  Just so you know, I have been trying these out for about seven months.  I kinda forgot to review these and my former job had me in an unhappy place, so I didn't write as much, also I went on vacation not long after purchasing these.

Kings Row Cave

Glenwood Springs

Deer from Iron Mt. Tramway

Taylor on Alpine Coaster

See!  Proof that I wasn't just making excuses.  Okay, I probably mostly forgot to write about these.

Previously, my brow HG has been the Anastasia dip Brow Pomade in Dark Brown.  I have fine eyebrows and they need some help.  I am envious of people with those beautiful full brows that they can make dramatic and gorgeous.  I giggle when those people say they wish they had brows like mine because you can "create any shape" with mine.  Yes, if you draw them in and they look fake and weird.  I would rather pluck on the daily.

3 Shades of Brow Fun

I bought three shades to play with and give you some idea of how they look.  I got the pencil in Blondie because I had heard blonde brows can be tough to match and some are too warm or look strangely green.  I also got Dope Taupe because it's fairly middle ground and taupes can often be universal.  The last color I got was Bangin' Brunette because I figured it would look the best on me, as I have dark hair and brows.

All of these are $5.00 each for .003 oz of product.  For comparison, everyone's favorite brow pencil, Anastasia Brow Wiz is $21.00 for .003 oz.

The brow pencils are made in the USA, not tested on animals, vegan, and gluten free.  They ship everywhere except: China, Turkey, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cote D’Ivoire, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, the Crimean region of the Ukraine, Sudan and Syria.

The package is white with holographic lettering that rubs off easily.  One end has a roll up pencil that can break if you roll too far.

The other end has a stiff spooly that works well to blend out the product.

All 3 colors

If you're used to Brow Wiz this might be a little different for you as ABH Brow Wiz is a stiffer product.  The ColourPop Brow Pencil is creamy, but instead of being the fail I expected, it allowed me to blend well with the spooly and get a fairly natural look.

As you can see, Blondie is cool toned and light. It definitely doesn't pull green and I think would look very flattering on people with light brows.   Dope Taupe is a little warm but is a great for most people.  If you have very ashy hair, these may not work.  Bangin' Brunette is quite dark and also feels quite cool.

Dope Taupe

Bangin' Brunette

The down fall of being so creamy is that they definitely benefit from a brow gel to help hold the color and your brows in place.  As you can see, I don't have that on my brows (nor am I wearing eyeshadow).  In person, Bangin' Brunette is a little more dramatic and I actually find myself wearing Dope Taupe on a daily basis.  I am on my second Dope Taupe already.

Overall, the price is good and that really helps because people often go through brow products.  A nice brow can help even a no makeup look.  The Colourpop Brow Pencils have good pigmentation and they last quite a while, but could last longer.  Additional product can help prolong the longevity (creme products, powder, or gel). Maybe Colourpop will come out with a brow gel.  ColourPop also has a wide range of colors, which can make it easier to match your own brows and to get multiple colors to customize your look.

* I browed down and purchased my own brow products, some more than others.

If you remember my posts from the original releases of ColourPop Crème Gel Liners, the pots can be hit or miss while the pencil liners tend to be fairly good.  I had the ColourPop Crème Gel Liner Pencil in No Shame for a long time before I took the plunge and bought the No Shame Crème Gel Pot. To be honest, I liked the liner and I was scared that the gel liner would be crumbly or not very pigmented.  I've had that experience with several of the gel pots.

No Shame is made in the USA, not tested on animals, and gluten free.  They ship everywhere except: China, Turkey, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cote D’Ivoire, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, the Crimean region of the Ukraine, Sudan and Syria.  I have heard that shipping can still be pretty expensive and some people prefer to use Shipitto.

Most items from ColourPop are vegan, however both the liner and the pot are not vegan.  If you ever want to know if the item you like is vegan, just visit ColourPop's FAQ.  They are very open about it.  Also, I have written ColourPop because I saw carmine in a product that was not vegan and was all confuzzled.  They use a generic list of ingredients for most products, so the product I was confused about did not actually contain carmine.

They were also very quick about replying and super nice about it.  After working in customer service and retail, I truly appreciate good customer service (and can be somewhat critical of it) and ColourPop has been great with any issue I have had.

 So, let's break this down.  First off, we have the liner pencil.  This is .2 grams of product for a whopping $5.00.  I know, it seems super cheap.  My former love liner was the Urban Decay 24/7 liner which is $20.00.  However that is 1.2 grams.  So, the price doesn't end up being that big a breaking point, unless you figure that you usually don't end up using a whole color.  This is also a roll up liner.  No sharpening needed.

The gel liner is $6.00 for a 3 gram pot.  The other gel pot liner I use the most is the Maybelline New York Eye Studio which is also 3 grams but for about $9.00 (this can depend on where you buy and if you have a coupon).

No Shame Pencil

I have green eyes and I have to admit, I love my black liner.  But I adore purples.  This blacken violet with a cool undertone seemed like a no brainer.  It truly was.  The pencil liner is creamy, but not too creamy.  It builds well and lasts about seven and a half hours.  It adds a nice dark pigment, but it's subtly different from black and adds a little brightening to my eyes.  With brown or green eyes this is amazing and looks pretty on blue eyes too.  I wear this almost daily and am still on my first one.  Oh no.  I may need another soon.

Another bonus is that it is very comfortable to wear with contacts.  I haven't had any irritation, nor does it make my eyes watery or film over.  It can break if rolled up too far, so use caution at that point.

As I said before, this made me nervous because I really love the pencil liner but the pots have not been overly awesome.  I decided to bite the bullet and purchase a pot.

No Shame, again

To my surprise, this gel liner was actually really good.  It has good pigment, is creamy, and it lasts for about ten hours.  It is a little deeper and richer than the pencil liner.  It doesn't skip on the skin and dries quickly.  So, if you're planning to smudge it, do it one eye at a time, otherwise, you aren't moving this.  This is a matte color as well, so those who hate shiny liners will be happy with this.

It also doesn't lift off when I go back in to curl my eyelashes once this is dry, which my Maybelline is extremely guilty of.

In the end, I was very surprised by the pot and I have the pencil in HG status.  This color isn't going to be in your face or wild.  But it is a staple that would be beautiful with every eye color.

* I have no shame in admitting I purchased this myself.

Lastly in my lineup of ColourPop Ultra Metallic Lips, Mug Shot is probably my favorite.  When ColourPop, my favorite Indie Brand, reached 3 million Instagram subscribers they announced that they would be releasing three new metallic shades, one of them was my new buddy.

ColourPop

 Mug Shot is made in the USA, not tested on animals, vegan, and gluten free.  They ship everywhere except: China, Turkey, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cote D’Ivoire, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, the Crimean region of the Ukraine, Sudan and Syria.  I have heard that shipping can still be pretty expensive and some people still prefer to use Shipitto.

ColourPop is well known for its amazing pricing.  It is only $6.00 for 2.85 grams of product.

Ultra Metallic Lip

Mug Shot comes in the same packaging as their other liquid formulas.  The main body of the package is clear, allowing you to see into this package of bottled autumn.  The brand is printed on the package with holographic lettering that will rub off in a few months.  Unlike the majority of ColourPop lip products, this has no scent.  There is a faint chemical smell, but it is not nearly as pronounced as some other liquid lipsticks I've huffed.  The cap is silver with a silver band on the main body right next to it.

Mug Shot

Drops mic.  That's all folks.






Umm, okay, not really.  Mug Shot is a gorgeous garnet red.  It has some rusty tones that really makes one feel the autumn vibe when wearing it.  It does have a doe foot applicator that somehow feels a little fluffier than the one for Salt.  Unfortunately, for some reason, I didn't take a picture of it.  My bad.

Too many swatches today, colors outside the lines.

 In case I haven't been totally obvious so far, I love this shade.  It is red enough to be classy, but has a burnt metallic feel that makes it different.  It is opaque and has a semi mousse feel, but not thick by any means.  It will feel tacky for quite a while but does dry down to a similar feel to the Ultra Satin Lips.  It is very comfortable and while it isn't moisturizing, it doesn't settle into the lines like their other metallics do. It does transfer, but not so much that your bartender will give you that look while they run your last glass of Riesling through the wash.  It lasts about five hours.  It does wear off patchily but doesn't fade in a horrific way that will leave you embarrassed after sauntering home from said bar.

For $6.00 this one is a winner.  I think it would work on so many skin tones and while it is warm, I still slather it on.

P.S. Totally off topic, but I'm thinking of getting holographic with my nails, does anyone have any recommendations of good ones?

Kisses, my friend!

* I totally purchased my own Mug Shot with my own money.  No need to steal this, even though the irony of having this in a mug shot does not escape me.

You know how when you order from ColourPop, you never just order one thing?  You had to know when I put up the post for J.I.C, there would be more.  I'm fairly certain no one was surprised.  So, after binge watching YouTube for ideas on which colors to purchase, this one fairly marched itself into my shopping bag.

ColourPop

ColourPop's Ultra Metallic Lip in Salt is made in the USA, not tested on animals, vegan, and gluten free.  They ship to the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, and APOs.  It is an Indie brand started in 2014 by Seed Beauty.

Ultra Metallic

 Salt was part of the second release of metallic shades.  This color is a cool toned golden taupe.  It is supposed to have "high impact metallic pearls."  It is $6.00 for .10 oz.

Unlike the first release of the Ultra Metallic Lips, Salt has a nice doe foot applicator that is fairly easy to use.

Salt

It is a thinner formula but applies nearly opaque.  It's fairly unique and very comfortable.  The formula is most similar to the Ultra Satin Lips.  When it dries down it still transfers, but it does last quite a while.  It can settle into lines, so exfoliating and moisturizing prior to use is a good idea.

Artificial Light

Day Light

They will be a little tacky after first application but overall, they are quite comfortable.  I think this would look best on fair to medium skin tones but may also look good on certain dark tones of skin.  It is a fun color to wear that is different without being a pure gold metallic or a deep purple or something.  I think this would be a stunning addition in an ombré lip look.

It can also be your secret code that you're feeling salty that day, what ever. I do enjoy this color, but it may not be for everyone.

*I purchased this with my own money, unfortunately salarium argentum was not accepted.

I own more ColourPop products than is probably necessary for any one person.  When I got my first taste of metallic lips, I wanted more.  I think the first one I got was the Jouer Lip Crème in Fairy, which was sadly Limited Edition.  I was on the "Ack, I have no money" part of life when ColourPop's Ultra Metallic Lips were released, so obviously I couldn't just pop out cash for them.  However, when ShanShortcakeBeauty did her video on them, I drooled onto my cute but functional boots.

Ultra Metallic Lip

I did pick up a few of the colors a few months ago and have been wearing them.  One of the shades I purchased was ColourPop Ultra Metallic Lip in J.I.C. I am pale and cool toned, so I figured if this shade could work on anyone, it would be me.  It is listed as a "light cool-toned ivory sprinkled with a ton of pink and silver glitter."

JIC

If you're new to ColourPop, this product is made in the USA, not tested on animals, and gluten free.  They ship to the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, and APOs.  Most ColourPop products are Vegan, however, J.I.C is not.  If you ever want to know which products are not vegan, take a little scroll to the bottom of their page and go to "FAQs."  That always has a list.

J.I.C is 2.85 grams of product for $6.00.

It has a typical doe foot applicator, which is easy enough to use.

The color is a sheer pink and is quite sparkly.  I can see a hint of gold in it, but it may be a hallucination brought on by my inhaling too much liquid lipstick (this one lacks their usual scent).

It is very comfortable, but it can dry down into lip lines and the shimmer will make them more pronounced.  It also is very pale and is even almost too pale on me, which means if you have any melanin in your skin, this may not be a good color for you.  The formula of this is most similar to ColourPop's Ultra Satin Lip formula.  It dries down but can transfer.  By itself, it lasts about four hours.  For some reason this color often makes my lips look thinner, which isn't always the look I go for.

It does work as a lip topper.  I used it over Marshmallow for this rather interesting color.  It does tend to feel a little sticky when applied over a lip color.  But it remains quite comfortable.

Overall, it's a pretty color that can be ever so slightly streaky.  However, its pale color will not work for everyone.  It is a cool lip topper, so that may be what sells it for you.

On a quick note that relates to absolutely nothing, in a lot of my lip swatches, I'm not wearing foundation.  However, in the mix of Marshmallow and J.I.C, I was wearing the Marc Jacobs Remarcable Foundation and...hmm... I like how that photographed!

* I purchased this with my own money.