August Ipsy Glambag

Check out my Ipsy Glambag review! 

Want to subscribe? - Use my link please Join me on ipsy and subscribe to the Glam Bag! You get 4-5 beauty products every month delivered to your door, for just $10. Michelle Phan curates the bags! Check it out here: http://www.ipsy.com/r/2d9v?sid=ipsypoints&cid=email

Erth Minerals Makeup review and giveaway

I'm so excited to tell y'all about a new Vegan makeup company I discovered Erth Minerals! I received a full face of make up to review for y'all. I can't wait to share it with you.  I will tell you about the products in the order I applied them.  Of course as with all makeup I applied to a clean moisturized face. For this review I did not use my traditional primer.

The first thing I want to talk about is the bronzer. I used the bronzer, in the form of a medium grain mineral powder, for contouring. The color is very pretty it is not too dark just enough to give color. I applied with a brush and it was the perfect amount. I don't know how to explain it but the powder feels almost silky, It felt great when I applied it to my face and it blended beautifully.

The next thing I applied (after concealer) is the foundation. Now I've told y'all before I' m not a huge fan of  powder foundation and I will stick to that conviction. That being said I was taught a trick --  Take a little of your favorite moisturizer and mix in the powder foundation. WOW this trick works perfectly. It made a perfect consistency for foundation and it was very easy to apply. It also puts you in complete control the more moisturizer you add the lighter the coverage. The mixture blended perfectly and spread evenly. I had the perfect amount of light weight coverage. It was not cakey nor did it flake or peal. The coverage lasted all day I was without letting the shine on my forehead come through. I was super impressed.

So done with the foundation what would you apply next?  I did my eyeshadow but first I applied the Shadowlast eye primer. I was slightly thrown off because is white and looks a little like glue but it does not feel like glue so don't be afraid. It smooths evenly and disappears in seconds so you have no white residue on your eyelids.  I used the primer under another brand eyeshadow and I was very happy to see LONG after  a 10 hour work day my eyeshadow was still there. Super impressive.

The send me FIVE eye shadows that's right five beautiful colors to choose from. Now of course I had a hard time deciding which one to try first but the Purple won, not surprising right? This too is a mineral fine/medium grain powder that has a silky feel to it. The color is a deep purple with a matte shade which I love. I applied it to my lid and topped it with Truffle an almost translucent shimmer. They went on perfectly with a brush and a little goes a very long way.  Combined with the primer this shadow also lasted all day. The other shades are just as pretty Twilight which is a a blue shimmer. Olives which is a green semi-shimmer,and Silt a peachy shimmer. I do really want to point out the shimmer is NOT extremely shiny, just enough not to be matte.

Purple

Truffle

Olives 

Twilight 

Silt

The eyeliner pencil is called Blue Yonder I'm sure no explanation needed but it is a pretty shade of navy blue.  The pencil is soft enough to go on smooth without breaks without falling apart or smashing. I prefer gel or liquid liner but it this one is easy to control so you can draw the size line you desire.

Now follow with blush the color I got was Primrose a beautiful mauve. The blush is no different from the other powders it is a medium grain and feels very silky.  The blush is not a deep shade but a it only takes a little to give the perfect "glow" to your cheeks. It blends perfectly and although powder has very little fall out.

Last be certainly not least a lip gloss in Dahlia a pretty neutral color that goes on with a beautiful shine. The lip gloss feels amazingly silky and has staying power. It is not sticky or goey so it wears easily without irritation.

I am very impressed with Erth Minerals and would purchase makeup from them once these run out. I have to say I was most surprised by the foundation because I truly expected not to like it.  Another thing I want to share is a I love the foundation, bronzer, and blush containers they are have a little slide "door" with holes you shake out what you want and close it. I LOVE this because it prevents mess, I can't tell you how many times when using powder I have dumped it everywhere.

Erth Minerals is kind enough to offer y'all 15% off of any online purchase just use code Amber15 at check out. They have tons of colors and sample kits to help you find your perfect shade.

But wait that's not all. Erth Minerals is giving one of you a chance to win a $50.00 gift card!! That's a lot of makeup with their great prices but you know that means I have go over the rules.

Go show Erth Minerals some love by liking them on FaceBook and Twitter 

Entries will be accepted from 3/31/14 - 4/14/14

Good luck remember one winner will be randomly chosen through the RaffleCopter. You MUST be following me on Twitter or GFC or like alwaysblabbing on FaceBook to be eligible to win. This giveaway is open to US residence only Winners will have 48 hours to contact me with their mailing information. alwaysblabbing is not responsible for shipping prize.

Don't forget to come back once a day and share for extra entries.

Click here if the RaffleCopter widget doesn't load

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received the products reviewed complimentary in exchange for an honest uncompensated review but the opinion expressed in all mine.

March's Glambag from Ipsy

So I got my Ipsy Glambag early this month and I wanted to share it with you. I can say I don't think I have been so excited about a glambag in quite a while. I know people are upset that there is only 4 items but I like/love and will use 3 out of the 4 so I think that's great.

Not to mention one of the items I like sells for $16.00 so if I would have purchased it I would have spent more than I did on my bag. So enough rambling, let me show you what I'm so excited about.

The first thing I SUPER excited about is the Vita Liberata Luxury Tan 2 - 3 week tan lotion in medium .I have never used a tan lotion but have been shopping for one. I was going to get one with my Sephora gift cards but didn't want to waste my money if I wouldn't like it.  Now I get to try one thanks to Ispy, It's a decent size sample that will probably be enough for 2 - 3 applications.  Full size sells for $37.50

The next thing I got is a deluxe size sample of Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie lipstick in get ready. And guess what!! It's a mauve/pink color that I love and will wear. I don't care if it is a sample, I can't remember the last time I used a full tube of lipstick before it expired. Full size sells for $18.00 and there are lots of other colors to choose from. Second winner in my glambag!

The third thing I got is a full size BeABombshell eye shadow quad in Bora Bora I LOVE three of the colors (I'm a little skeptical of the teal) and will wear them. The other are neutral colors with a slight shine. Don't get me wrong the teal is gorgeous and if I can make it look, right I will wear that color too. Love Be A Bombshell from previous Ipsy bags, love the colors. Another winner! Sells for $16.00 so by itself my Ipsy bag was worth it. I just happen to have 2 other things I'm super excited about.

The last thing I'm so crazy about the color but the product appears very nice.  Its' a Chella eyeliner pen BUT it is Bleu Indigo. The point is great I swatched it, provides perfect drawing precision and dries in seconds. I'm not sure what I'm missing but I have not got into the blue eyeliner craze. So I'm not so pleased with this. It will go in my swap/giveaway bag so maybe soon you'll have a chance to win it. If you have something you want to swap with me for it, let me know.  This sells for $24.00

This month I also think the bags is REALLY pretty so I will probably hold on to this one. Without figuring the total I want to say Well done Ipsy! This is one bag I'm very happy about and can't wait to dig in and start using the products. So what are they worth all together? So had I purchased all four products it would have cost me a whooping $95.50! Not bad for $10/m with no shipping right?!?

If you're not an Ipster and want to sign up because of this fabulous (haha) post please use my link I get referral points. If you are an Ipster please let me know if you are as excited about your glam bag as I am.

Starlooks January 2014 Starbox

It's no secret that I love monthly subscription boxes. I've said it time and time again it's like opening presents every month.  Only these presents are beauty related so that makes it even better.  When I got to review a Starbox I was super excited this one is filled with Starlooks makeup.  I have gotten Starlooks before and love it.  I was SOOOO happy when I saw what was in my box, it is filled with amazingness and for the price wow!!

The first thing I got was Starlooks FasionLashes professional, the box includes lashes and the glue. They look very full and natural. I have not mastered application so I only use lashes on special occasions. These sell for $13.00

A full size tube of Starlooks Tender Gloss in Puzzy which is a light shade of pink. Tender Gloss combines the property of lipgloss and lipstick. It's a very smooth application that leaves a soft shine. Sells for $13.00

A full size pot of Infinity EyeLiner in Orion which is a STUNNING shade of teal. it is so vibrant that all I want to do is look at it. This sells for $13.00

A full size Lip Gloss in Pearl Necklace which like the name insinuates is very shiny and sheer but leaves beautiful shine. This sells for $12.00

As an added bonus I got a mini zebra print nail file, priceless.

So let's see how much everything is full size and sells for $51.00 all together. All for only $15.00 with $2.68 shipping that is amazing. I also saw that in December subscribers got a 15 color eyeshadow pallet in their boxes along with other products, how amazing is that!!??  I give this box 2 thumbs up I can't wait to try everything.

Starlooks is 100% cruelty free so that is a huge plus. They are not only US based which is excited because I know other subscription boxes are US only. If you sign up it's delivered straight to your door every month, and they bill you monthly. You can cancel at any time also there is a note if you get a duplicate item in your box contact customer service and they will take care of you, which ensures you will get to try something new every month.

Do you subscribe to any monthly subscription boxes? What's your favorite? Leave a comment and let me know.

If any of you are interested in signing up for a Starbox because of this post please ONLY use my link. This will show support for my reviews and blog, which is really appreciated. If you sign up let me know.

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I received this amazing Starbox complimentary in exchange for an honest uncompensated review but the opinion expressed is all mine 

Studio Gear Cosmetics

I was recently introduced to Studio Gear, and I'm so glad I discovered them. I have shared a few products from Studio Gear with ya'll. Here is a link to the amazing holiday palette and CC Cream review.  I'm sharing the Cake eyeliner, Concealer, and lipstick with ya'll today.

I like to use gel or liquid eyeliner I find it gives me better control. When I first saw the Cake Eyeliner I thought it was an interesting concept. I have used eye shadow as liner and that is what it reminds me of. I can wear black with a lot of colors so I was happy that the shade I tried was black. It also comes in Forest (green) and brown. I applied it with one of my liner brushes. I was very impressed by the control I had when applying. It doesn't go on dark but you can put a couple of coats to make it the color you want.  I love how it looked when applied under my eyes. With some liners I have a hard time getting the control that I want and not look like a raccoon. 

                                                

The next product I want to tell you about is the Studio Gear Hidden Agenda concealer. It comes in five colors including Mint.  Lately I've been experimenting with concealers and this one is great. It is a great consistency and provides great coverage.  It's easy to apply, I use my fingers sometimes an eye shadow sponge to get in the creases under my eyes and blends perfectly. It doesn't flake nor can you see the concealer but the coverage is very noticeable. As tempted as I am to use a lot, it takes very little to provide the coverage I need. 

The last product I want to tell you about is the Studio Gear Luxury Lipstick Lately I have been wearing lots of gloss instead of lipstick. I save the lipstick for special occasions but I still love them.  The color I chose was Repentance and it is a pretty shade of pink. I stick to the mauve and pink family but red lips is very pretty some times. This lipstick goes on great without being sticky or gooey. It wears great, is long lasting, and leaves your lips feeling great with it's built in moisturizing spheres. 

I am now a huge fan of StudioGear Cosmetics they have lots of amazing make-up, brushes, and skin care products at great prices. I have been impressed with the quality and wear of all the products I have tried so far. Use code BLABBING13 at check out for 10% off your purchase!

                                         In this picture I have on the Cake Eyeliner and concealer. 

 

I received these products complimentary in exchange for an honest uncompensated review but the opinion is all mine. Rest assured I would only recommend products that I feel are good for my readers. 

September's Ipsy Glambag

So it's that time again.. Ipsy Glambag time. I hope I'm not the only one that feels like a child during Christmas when my Ipsy bag comes in. I can look at every picture on FaceBook or Instragram and never know exactly what bag I'm getting.  I was never good with anticipation but I'm really starting to get into surprises. This month the bag was BEAUTIFUL, I'm totally smitten with it. I hope the pics do it justice. So when I opened it up, this is what I found.

Full size Cailyn Titnted LipBalm in Big Apple sells for $19.00 so I got my money's worth right there. I was a huge fan of the Cailyn eyeliner so I have high expectations for the lip liner.  

Deluxe Size sample of Elizabeth Mott's It's so Big Volumizing Mascara it's a nice size the full size sells for $19.99. I have never heard of this brand but I can never have enough mascaras. I have never figured out why that is because I doubt I really need as many as I have, but it's true. 

Full size NYX  Cosmetics Single Eye shadow in Lanikai sells for $4.50. I'm not sure about the color it is a light blue,we shall see. 

Full size Starlooks  Kohl Pencil in Obsidian which sells for $12.00. From the website the shade looks black. Can't go wrong with black eyeliner. I prefer gel but I'm excited to try this. The lip liner I got in another glam bag was very nice. 

2 sets of Skyn Iceland  Hyrdo Cool Firming Eye Gels they sell for $30.00 for 8 pairs. I have never heard of these or seen these before but I almost jumped for joy when I saw what they are. They are little cooling pads that you stick under your eyes to help get rid of bags and firm the skin under your eye.  I suffer terribly with allergies so I'm always carrying a set of luggage under my eyes. I can't wait to try these out. 

As a bonus I got a sheet sample of EM Cosmetics  The Life Pallete Out to Lunch. The Life Pallette is really awesome but it's $75.00. There are other pallettes to chose from as well. Maybe one day but that's a little much for me. You do get a lot in it so you might want to judge for yourself. 

So lets see how Ipsy adds up this month full size products add up to $35.50 so and that is not including the trial sizes. In my opinion Ipsy is the best subscription service out there. I have not TRIED others but I do see lots of pics and this one is amazing for ONLY $10.00. If you interested in joining please click here. I get referral points towards more make up. 

Stay tuned for reviews of my favs, and maybe my not so favs. Are you an Ipster? What did you get in your Glambag?  Leave me a comment and let me know. 

Gel, Pencil, or Liquid which liner are you using

I was never a huge fan of eyeliner I always thought it was pretty but too much trouble for me. I could never get it right, when I tired I thought I looked like a raccoon. On those SPECIAL occasions where I did use liner I would use a pencil because I was oblivious to the other options out there for a long time.  My pencil worked perfectly until I had to sharpen it then I NEVER got the point the way I wanted it. It seemed like it was never the same no matter how new my sharpener was. Once the point was ruined the line was not as easy to control. I tried the ones that were in the tube and raised when you turn it but they would go flat on me. 

When I started getting back into makeup I started trying to learn eyeliner again. I saw they had liquid eyeliner and thought that would be terrible for me and super messy. I'm glad I didn't listen to myself because when I tried liquid I learned it is easier to apply and provides a more precise line than pencil. You can control it very nicely and it is not as messy as it sounds. I have made a mess on my face once or twice but that was from rushing to get it done. I don't know what I was thinking, you shouldn't rush beauty!  It is easy to control the thickness the line but the thicker the line, the higher the tendency to run. The color is very vibrant and it wears a long time but I have one complaint. Sometimes it runs, I see little dots of it under my eyes and sometimes worse. This is not all of the time and I'm not sure of the reason. I can say I do have allergies and maybe my eyes water and cause this.  

Then I discovered gel eyeliner as you can see it comes in a little pot and you apply with a brush. Most of the ones I have seen come with the brush. You won't hear me say this often but this is the HOLY GRAIL of eyeliner. It is by far the easiest to apply, wears the longest, doesn't smudge.  It goes on in a smooth unbroken line with usually one dip in the pot. You can easily control the thickness of the line as well and the color is great. What else can you ask for in a liner?  I have used three different brands, Lancome, L'Oreal and Cailyn. I liked them all and they all worked very well but I can't vouch for other brands. 

I am still not an expert at applying eyeliner but using gel and liquid have made it easier and less frustrating for me to apply. I sit down all of the time and "play" a lot to get better. From the pics you can see I'm a little boring right now with basic black (I have browns too) but I will start experimenting with colors like purple and teal because I think they are beautiful.