Primer/ Corrector -Pixi - Flawless and Poreless Primer
SparkleBunny37 6/18/2013 11:36:00 PM
Pixi calls their Flawless&Poreless Primer a "miracle in a tube that smooths out fine lines and hydrates while making pores instantly disappear. Primer creates a seamless, silky canvas with a beautiful no shine, cashmere finish. The formula's skin loving ingredients clear and unblock pores to allow for utterly flawless, long lasting makeup application. It is the perfect skin primer for all complexions and all skin types. Pore minimizing, shine controlling, hydrating, oil free, hypoallergenic." Pixi's Flawless&Poreless primer contains beneficial ingredients like Willow Bark for natural shine control, Salicylic Acid to clear and unblock pores, Shea Butter to nourish the skin, Titanium Dioxide to protect skin's surface, and Enantia Chlorantha Bark for medicinal and anti-viral properties. I received a 15ml (.5 fl oz) sample of this primer in my March Ipsy Bag. The full size contains 30ml (1 fl oz) and retails for $29. Pixi Beauty, a brand created by makeup artist Petra Strand, is based in the UK. In America, the products are exclusively available at Target and the brand's website. Pixi is a cruelty free brand. The Flawless&Poreless Primer is made in America. Pixi's Flawless&Poreless Primer comes in the brand's signature light green squeeze tube. The front of the tube features the product name and Pixi logo, printed in brown lettering. The back of the tube offers a product description and full ingredient list. I believe the full sized packaging is quite similar. Pixi's Flawless&Poreless Primer is a huge upgrade from the Flawless Beauty Primer I tried last year. This primer is a creamy light beige that blends away to a translucent finish. This primer gives the slightest glowy sheen to the skin. Despite the mild sheen, Pixi's primer give a mattified feel to the skin. The Flawless&Poreless primer really evens out the texture of the skin, it smooths over minor imperfections and blurs the look of pores, all while evening out my skin tone. This primer makes my skin look pretty good even without foundation over it. Pixi's Flawless&Poreless primer is an excellent base for foundation, it makes application super smooth, and it promotes blendability. I don't feel like this primer prolongs foundation wear at all, but that's ok, this primer does enough on it's own. I like Pixi's Flawless&Poreless Primer way more than I expected! This primer provides a healthy glow and an even tone and texture. Honestly, I like wearing Flawless&Poreless on it's own. I feel like this primer is similar to Benefit's That Gal Brightening Primer, a product that I love. They sell for the exact same primer, and shockingly, if I had to choose one to buy full size, I'd go for Pixi's primer. If you want a primer to improve the look of your skin with out without other makeup, Pixi's Flawless&Poreless primer is a great but pricey option. I'll consider purchasing a full size of this primer, but I'm a primer junkie, always trying samples, so I may not need to for quite a while.
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Lotions/ Creams -Fruits & Passion - Cucina Regenerating Hand Creme (any scent)
SparkleBunny37 6/17/2013 10:31:00 PM
Fruits&Passion, a Canadian bath&body brand, is a company that was introduced to me when my friend Stephanie sent me a few of their products in a swap. I previously raved about the Grapefruit&Guava Body Cream. Today I'm back with the with the Cucina Oregano&Green Citrus Regenerating Hand Cream, and I'm equally excited. Fruits&Passion says their Cucina line of hand creams "unite all the benefits of the olive tree. It contains three olive tree extracts, which help rejuvenate skin, leaving it soft and smooth. First cold pressed olive oil and olive unsaponifiables restore moisture to dishpan hands. Olive leaf extracts tone and protects. Its simply delightful, kitchen-friendly hand care." I really love that this is marketed as specifically kitchen friendly. I received a tiny 25ml (.85 fl oz) tube in our swap. The smallest size currently available is 1.35 fl oz and sells for $5. An 8.4 fl oz size is also available for $22.50. Fruits&Passion is a cruelty free brand. This hand cream is vegan and made in Canada. Fruits&Passion products can be bought through the brand's website, at Fruits&Passion stores in Canada, Switzerland, UAE, and Korea, and e-tailers like soap.com. I really like the packaging for this pocket sized hand cream, its somewhat reminiscent of L'Occitane's hand creams. The Oregano&Green Citrus Regenerating Hand Cream comes in a squeeze tube with a black cap. The front of the tube features the product name and herb leaves. The back of the tube offers and ingredient list, directions, and a declaration of this product's veganism. Fruits&Passion's Cucina Regenerating Hand Cream is a thin, white lotion. This cream is instantly hydrating and has a cooling feel, which is pretty refreshing after having your hands in latex gloves all day long. For those that don't know, I'm the head cook at a restaurant, so my hands take quite a beating. Cuts, burns, chemical exposure, and lots of washing and sanitizing. As you can imagine, I have almost unreasonably high standards for hand creams. Surprisingly, Fruits&Passion's lives up to those super high expectations! Not greasy at all, very quick to absorb, with the perfect amount of long lasting moisture. Best of all, it seems to help treat and heal rough patches and little burns. The Cucina Regenerating Hand Cream actually makes my hands look good. The scent of Fruits&Passion's Oregano&Green Citrus is neutral, bland, but fresh. It mainly has a generic lotion scent with a very mild herbal scent. The scent doesn't really matter though, it fades immediately. Fruits&Passion's Cucina Regenrating Hand Cream is really good! No, it doesn't quite beat out the Garnier 7 Day Intensive Cream, but it's a close second. The formula is excellent; light but very hydrating and soothing. My hands go through a lot, and Fruits&Passion's hand cream helps them forget about a rough day. Would I repurchase it? Probably not, for a hand cream its kinda pricey; Garnier's is cheaper for a lot more product and it performs marginally better. However, if you like to splurge, I definitely recommend Fruits&Passion's Cucina Regenerating Hand Cream, especially if you work in the food industry.
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Eye Shadow -Urban Decay - Moondust - Glitter Rock
SparkleBunny37 6/14/2013 10:14:00 PM
Urban Decay's new Moondust Eyeshadows are "dazzelingly sparkly but with a super refined, incredibly sophisticated feel (and not a single speck of chunky glitter). Microfine bits of iridescent sparkle collide with intense, dreamy hues and lush 3D metallics for an effect that's out of this world. New technology gives Moondust an amazing effect not found in traditional pressed powder shadows. It feels like a cream but goes on like a powder to create a smooth, brilliantly reflective look. The result? Sexy, twinkling sparkle with a ton of depth and movement. (And a lot of questions about what you're wearing!)." Urban Decay offers seven shades of Moondust shadows, I have Glitter Rock. Six of the seven shades are vegan (Intergalactic is the only exception). Each Moondust eyeshadow contains 1.5g (.05 oz) and retails for $20. I received my Moondust Eyeshadow as a bonus in my May Ipsy Bag. Urban Decay products can be bought through the brand's website, at Urban Decay counters, Sephora, and Ulta. Urban Decay is a cruelty free brand, but it was recently purchased by L'Oreal, a company that continues to test on animals. Urban Decay Moon Dust Eyeshadows are made in Canada. Urban Decay's eyeshadows come in a round, silver, plastic pot meant to resemble New York City subway tokens. Urban Decay redesigned their eyeshadow packaging about a year ago. The overall look of the packaging hasn't changed that much, but now the pan can be easily popped out and placed into palettes. The packaging is well designed and fairly compact, making Urban Decay eyeshadows easy to store whether you de-pot them or not. I've seen so many mixed reviews for Urban Decay's Moondust shadows, so I couldn't wait to put Glitter Rock to the test. Before anything else, I just want to know how Urban Decay can say this shadow feels like a cream? It's a very hard eyeshadow! Urban Decay recommends applying this eyeshadow with your fingers or perhaps a sponge tip applicator. Personally, I've been packing and patting this shadow on with a dense eyeshadow brush. The Moondust Eyeshadows can be used wet or dry. Glitter Rock doesn't have a lot of impact when used dry, but it does cause a heck of a lot of stubborn fallout. I only use this eyeshadow wet, and the results are fantastic. Though there's still some fallout, it's greatly reduced when I use Glitter Rock wet (I use Hard Candy's Show Girl's Secret). Applied damp, this shadow is opaque, metallic, and so dimensional. I've worn Glitter Rock for 12 hours on a hot day and it was still perfect when I removed it. This eyeshadow is quite hard to remove, even with a great eye makeup remover like Maybelline's Clean Express. Urban Decay's Glitter Rock Moondust Eyeshadow is very pretty. If I'm going to be honest, I was really disappointed to receive this shade, I was hoping for Zodiac, Diamond Dog, or Stargazer. Urban Decay describes Glitter Rock as a "metallic pink with 3D pink sparkle". To me, this shade is a mauvey pink with brighter pink glitters. The dimension of this shade is really mind blowing, yet also surprisingly subtle. It never looks like I'm wearing an eyeful of glitter. There's really something special about Urban Decay's Moondust Eyeshadows. They're really spectacular in both formula and finish. If you apply these shadows wet, the pigmentation, application, and wear will not let you down. The shade Glitter Rock will appeal to anyone who loves pinks and glitter, and its a surprisingly wearable shade. I still would've preferred a different shade. That being said, I'll be wearing Glitter Rock much more often than I expected. Urban Decay's Moondusts are totally worth the $20 price tag. I'm so glad I received this shadow!
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Polishes -Essie - Shine of the Times
SparkleBunny37 6/14/2013 3:30:00 PM
Essie's Shine of the Times is one of the coveted nail polishes on the drugstore level. I'm, not even sure if this was limited edition, discontinued, or just rare. This polish is a flaky glitter top coat meant for layering. Essie describes Shine of the Times as a "scintillating opalescent aura". Damn, Essie, look at that vocabulary. I'm not very familiar with Essie polishes, this is actually my very first one, sent to me in a swap with my friend Stephanie. Essie polishes are DBP, Toluene, and Formaldehyde free. Essie nail lacquers contain 13.5 ml (.46 oz) and retail for between $5-9, depending on where you buy them. I'm unsure if Essie is cruelty free or not, I see a lot of conflicting information, so please do your own research before buying. Essie nail lacquers come in a square glass bottle topped with a white plastic cap. The Essie logo is embossed on two sides of the bottle. The logo makes a third appearance on the label, along with the product name. It's a weird thing to mention, but the two ball bearings in this polish's bottle seem twice the size of the ones in your average polish. I've always been partial to Essie's packaging. The brush is pretty average in length, flat, with no splayed bristles. Shine of the Times is a pretty thin nail polish, which surprised me because it's completely packed with glitter. I was kinda doubtful about this polish, I've previously had a bad experience with flaky polishes. The other one I tried was awful,I had to fish out each glitter flake, which didn't lay flat on the nail and eventually fell off. Shine of the Times applies very smoothly, the glitters are plentiful in each coat and they stick to the nail. Shine of the Times dries in about a minute, maybe a little less. This polish suffers from shrinkage, so it doesn't wear quite as long as I'd like. Essie's Luxe Effect in Shine of the Times is kinda beautiful. Essie hit the nail on the head when they called it "scintillating" and "opalescent". Each flake of the multi-chromatic glitter catches the light so well. Shine of the Times looks different over every polish it's layered over and in every angle its viewed from. The flakes in Shine of the Times (the base is clear by the way), mainly flash red and gold, but it'll also show green, pink, orange, and blue. This reflective top coat looks best over dark colors with cream finishes, but let's be honest, a polish this prismatic looks beautiful no matter how its used. I love Essie's Shine of the Times! This truly is the most gorgeous of all glitter polishes. I urge Essie to put this shade back on the shelves. I'm kinda rationing my bottle, hoping to find another somewhere. If I could repurchase it this polish, I would without question. I can't recommend Shine of the Times enough, if you see it, you have to get it! I imagine most fans of flaky polishes already have it; it definitely changed my mind about flakies. I would pair this top coat with any polish in my collection.
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Lip Treatments -Julep - Sugar Smooch Lip Scrub 
SparkleBunny37 6/13/2013 3:23:00 PM
As a long term user and lover of Lush's Bubblegum Lip Scrub, I had my doubts about Julep's Sugar Smooch Lip Scrub when I received it in my May Julep Maven Box. Julep says this "scrumptious blend of brown sugar, molasses, conditioning oils, Vitamin E, and shea butter will leave your lips soft, smooth, and ready for color (or kisses!). This lip scrub contains 12.5g and retails for a very pricey $14 ($11.20 with the Maven discount). Julep products are cruelty free and made in America. Julep products can be bough through the brand's website, at the four Julep Nail Parlors located in Washington State, and in a limited selection at Sephora. Julep also offers a monthly subscription box for $19.99/month, which is the most affordable way to sample their products. The Sugar Smooch Lip Scrub has interesting packaging. This scrub comes housed in a gold plastic sphere with grooves engraved all around it. The sphere twists open to reveal the product. I don't really like the packaging. Julep says it's inspired by the 20's, but it looks more like a cheap knockoff of a vintage item and than legit one. I'm sure the packaging also bumped up the price a buck or two. Julep's Sugar Smooch Lip Scrub is a sticky, slightly grainy mixture. The main exfoliate seems to be granules of brown sugar suspended in a Vaseline like base. I feel like the texture of this lip scrub is far too sticky for it to be an effective exfoliate. As soon as it's out of the container and on the lips, the Sugar Smooch Lip Scrub bunches up and refuses to spread over the lips. After I rub that one clump of scrub over my lips, I have to wipe it off with a towel, because the stickiness only increases when Julep's lip scrub gets wet. The Sugar Smooch Lip Scrub barely exfoliates, but the base of this scrub is very moisturizing and makes my lips feel amazingly smooth. I seal that moisture in with my favorite lip balm - the Julep Strawberry Mint Lip Balm, and my lips stay smooth for a couple days. Unlike Lush's lip scrubs, Julep's shouldn't be ingested, it tastes gross and contains inedible ingredients. It does smell delicious though - just like brown sugar. Julep's Sugar Smooch Lip Scrub was pretty disappointing. The consistency is a bit too gooey for it to thoroughly scrub the lips. This scrub is surprisingly moisturizing though. I'll continue to use Julep's lip scrub but I can't recommend it. Fourteen dollars for a sub-par lip scrub is truly ridiculous; Julep seriously needs to get their prices in check. Save yourself a few bucks and buy a Lush lip scrub instead, they're a sweet, edible treat that's much more effective.
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Treatments -Juice Beauty - Antioxidant Serum
SparkleBunny37 6/12/2013 10:36:00 PM
Juice Beauty's Antioxidant Serum is "clinically proven to prevent free radical skin cell damage up to 87%, this lightweight serum feeds your skin with vitamins and antioxidants from certified organic juices, moisturizes with fatty acid packed plant oils and smooth fine lines with peptides, alpha lipoic acid, and CoQ10. The perfect daily vitamin to use after cleansing and before moisturizer. A daily essential for all skin types." I got a tiny 5ml (.17 oz) tube of Juice Beauty's Antioxidant Serum in the Organics to Go Kit, which I purchased at Ulta for $29. The full size of this serum contains 60ml (2 fl oz) and retails for $45. This, and all Juice Beauty products, contains a lot of organic, natural, and beneficial ingredients with a minimal amount of questionable chemicals. All Juice Beauty products are suitable for vegetarians, the brand is transitioning into veganism. Juice Beauty products are made in America. Juice Beauty products can be bought through the brand's website, Ulta, select salons and spas, and Whole Foods Grocery Stores. My little sample of Juice Beauty's Antioxidant Serum comes in a recyclable white squeeze tube. The Juice Beauty logo and product name are printed on the front of the tube, directions can be found on the back. The full size of the serum comes in a glass bottle with a dropper dispenser. The full size is poorly packaged, some of the active ingredients are sensitive to light and will break down in clear glass packaging. Ideally, Juice Beauty's Antioxidant Serum should be packaged in an opaque bottle. This serum is not my friend. Thick, slimy, and a milky yellow in color - it looks gross. Might I add that it smells gross as well? This serum has an icky musty scent to it. When I first apply Juice Beauty's Antioxidant Serum, everything seems fine, but as it sinks in my skin becomes a little bit tight and itchy. This serum hasn't benefited my skin at all, but I have noticed a handful of negative effects. Increased blackheads, dry, flaky, rough skin on my forehead, and three cystic pimples - a problem I've never experienced before. I'm still trying to smooth out these issues. I don't know what it is about this serum - if it's an allergy to an ingredient or what, but it really messed up my skin, so I'm discontinuing use right away. Its wear that Juice Beauty's serum made my skin react this way, all the other Juice Beauty products I've tried have agreed with my skin and seemed quite gentle. I haven't loved all of the Juice Beauty products I've tried, in fact I've felt pretty neutral about most of them. The Antioxidant Serum was absolutely awful for me. Cystic acne, dry patches, and itching; I really cannot take this product. The musty scent leads me to believe that my sample may have gone off. I'll be tossing out the remainder of the tube. I definitely do not recommend Juice Beauty's Antioxidant Serum, I had an awful experience with it.
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Highlighters -BeneFit Cosmetics - Watt's Up!
SparkleBunny37 6/12/2013 4:12:00 PM
Benefit's Watt's Up? is a "soft focus highlighter that turns on watt ya got with a delicate champagne glow that's gorgeous. With a cream to powder finish, it's a switch on 'wow' for all complexions. You'll adore the smooth application and luminous sheen." Watt's Up? is one of the few Benefit highlighters I hadn't tried, so I was thrilled to receive a mini version of it in my Sephora Beauty Insider birthday gift. The full size of Watt's Up? contains 9.4g (.33 oz) of product and retails for $30. Benefit does not test on animals. This product was made in Italy. Benefit products can be bought through the brand's website, at Benefit boutiques and counters, Ulta, and Sephora. My mini Watt's Up? comes in a purple metallic tube similar to a lipstick's packaging. The product name is written on the cap in darker purple cursive. Several light bulbs encircle the cap. The full size of Watt's Up? comes in a similar styled packaging, but it features a sponge tip on one end to assist with blending. Full or sample sized, Benefit's Watt's Up? has cute packaging. My only fear is that I'll accidentally snap the product out of the tube. I've tried just about all of Benefit's highlighters, most of which are liquid. I don't think I've ever tried a stick highlighter before Watt's Up?, but me and Benefit's products have a good track record, so I expected it to be awesome. Watt's Up? is pretty creamy and glides right on to the skin. Blending is a little bit of a chore, Watt's Up? is kinda stubborn and really needs to be patted into the skin. Once Watt's Up? is sufficiently blended in, it looks pretty great. This isn't a subtle illuminator, Watt's Up? is a very warm champagne shade, so it gives that candlelit effect. Watt's Up? is moderately shimmery, not exactly glittery, but it has a lot of dimension to it. I think most skin tones can pull off Watt's Up?, though I think it has the potential to be too warm for those with the pinkest undertones. I think this champagne hue would look lovely on very olive toned skins. This highlighter lasts for about 5-6 hours on me. Benefit's Watt's Up? isn't my favorite highlighter from Benefit, but its still a good product. Packaging is as cute as anything you'd expect from Benefit. I find this highlighter a little difficult, but otherwise I have no complaints. The strong champagne tone may be too much for some, really its a matter of personal preference. I wouldn't purchase a full size of Benefit's Watt's Up?, but I will continue to use my little version. Swatch Watt's Up? next time you're browsing Benefit's offers, it may be worth your while.
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Bath Treatments -LUSH - Creamy Candy Bubble Bar
SparkleBunny37 6/10/2013 4:32:00 PM
Lush's Cream Candy is a product I've heard a lot about on the various Lush blogs I follow. This is actually my very first Bubble Bar. Lush describes Creamy Bandy as "sweet, frothy, and fluffy bubbles that smell like delicate vanilla candies and cotton candy. In fact, you'll feel like you were bathing in your favorite sweet shop. Our sweetest bubble selection, Creamy Candy is for those who love their bubbles bright pink and delightfully sugary. Its a combination of a luxury bath melt and bubble bar, loaded with generous chunks of cocoa butter to melt and softly moisturize your entire body while you bath." The Creamy Candy Bubble Bar was sent to me as a gift by my friend Rae. This Bubble Bar weighs approximately 3.5 oz and sells for $7.40, which is pretty pricey for what it is. (Rae's lucky, Lush is so cheap in the UK!) Creamy Candy is hand made and vegan friendly. I assume this bubble bar was made in the UK. Lush products can be bought through the brand's website, and at Lush shops and kiosks. Because Creamy Candy is hand made, there's some variance in appearance, but for the most part this bubble bar is a light pink rectangle with a small candy flower pressed into the top. Compared to other Lush Bubble Bars, Creamy Candy is quite small and is only good for 2-3 baths. The texture of Creamy Candy is very soft and crumbly, making it easy to cut into smaller portions and crumble into the water. I wasn't really sure what to expect from the Creamy Candy Bubble Bar, they're such a strange concept. I read that they create mounds of bubbles and are best when used through a strainer or old stocking. I cut this bubble bar into thirds. The first two chunks left me very underwhelmed. I crumbled them under running water, and they made barely any bubbles. Today, I used my final chunk and decided to try the stocking method. I stuffed my last bit of Creamy Candy into the stocking - an unneeded relic from my Catholic school days - and smashed it, tying the stocking to the faucet. Wow, what a difference an old sock can make! This Bubble Bar produced a fair bit of bubbles and tinged the water a light pink. Creamy Candy's bubbles lasted decently, about twenty minutes. I can see why Lush named this product Creamy Candy, because it imparts a good deal of moisturizing properties into the water; not as much as Loova's Bath Blasters, and not so much that I don't feel like I need a lotion after my bath, but it makes a difference. Creamy Candy shares the same scent as some of Lush's other best sellers; Rockstar Soap, Snow Fairy Shower Gel, and Bubblegum Lip Scrub. The scent is great, it really smells like a vanilla candy or frosting, but with a musky base. The scent of Creamy Candy fills the room, but doesn't linger on the skin. I liked Lush's Creamy Candy Bubble Bar. I wish I'd tried the stocking method sooner, and definitely recommend trying it for any other Bubble Bar Noobz. I say it about all products like this, but I wouldn't purchase Creamy Candy for myself, it's frivolous and expensive, but they make nice gifts, so thanks Rae for this little treat, I really enjoyed it, especially because it isn't something I would've tried on my own. If you're planning to indulge in a sweet, bubbly treat from Lush sometime soon, Creamy Candy Bubble Bar is a good choice.
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Lip Treatments -Too Faced - Lip Insurance
SparkleBunny37 6/7/2013 4:35:00 PM
Too Faced Lip Insurance Lip Primer is a "unique, creamy formulation created for application all over the lips to promote suppleness and lock in lip color so it will not feather, fade, or transfer. Our paraben free, Vitamin E enriched formula pampers lips while powerful pigment binders protect colors in the most challenging lip conditions and from pout imperfections." On top of being paraben free, this lip primer is also vegan friendly. I got a 3.5g (.12 oz) sample of Lip Insurance in the Beauty Editors Darlings value kit, which I bought at Ulta for $19. The full size of this lip product contains 4.4g (.15 oz) and sells for $19. Too Faced products can be bought through the brand's website, Sephora, and Ulta. Too Faced does not test on animals. This product was made in the USA. Too Faced Lip Insurance comes in a pretty Tiffany blue tube. The front of the tube features the Too Faced logo and product name. The cap twists off to reveal a regular doe foot applicator. I really adore the color of the tube. I believe the full size has similar to identical packaging. Too Faced Lip Insurance is a clear to off-white balm like lip primer. Application is like that of any product with a doe foot applicator. At first, Lip Insurance feels very thin, light, and moisturizing on the lips; almost like a watered down Vaseline. As this lip primer sets, it takes on more of a velvety feel. Lip colors apply with slightly more ease. While I can't really speak for how well this primer prevents feathering (not really a problem I experience),I can say for sure that Too Faced Lip Insurance significantly increases the wear time of lip products. For longer wearing lip products, this primer barely extends wear, but for creamy, moisturizing products like Maybelline Color Whispers or Revlon Lip Butters, the wear is doubled. Lip products seem to stay on my lips shorter than average, so I find Lip Insurance really helpful. Too Faced Lip Insurance Lip Primer is really good. I had my doubts about a lip primer, but if you have products keeping your lip products on like I do, they might be something worth looking into. Too Faced's lip primer helps keep on even the most fleeting of lipsticks. This product also feels awesome on the lips. I likely won't purchase the full size of Lip Insurance, $19 is a bit much for an unnecessary (but nice to have) product like a lip primer. If you need help keeping your lipstick put and don't mind a bit of a splurge, but all means check out Too Faced Lip Insurance.
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Mascara -Pop Beauty - Smokey Lash Kapow!!!
SparkleBunny37 6/6/2013 7:03:00 PM
Pop Beauty is a UK beauty brand that made it's way to the States a couple years ago. I received a sample of their new Smokey Lash Kapow mascara in my March Ipsy Bag. Pop Beauty says their Smokey Lash Kapow "fattens each lash to give a maximum volumizing end result. It delivers an ultra black, extra glossy finish that is tear (from crying, of course!), swim (go on, just jump in!), rub (well, you never know), and sweat proof (dancing is such good exercise!). This mascara is fragrance and fiber free, ophthalmologist tested, and safe for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes. I was super excited when I saw this mascara in my Ipsy bag, as yinz know I'm a total mascara addict. The full size of Pop Beauty's Smokey Lash Kapow mascara retails for $18.50 (£10.50 in the UK). Pop Beauty is sold at Ulta in the United States. This mascara was made in China. I'm unsure if Pop Beauty tests on animals or not. Packaging for Pop Beauty's Smokey Lash Kapow is cute. A black tube with silver flowers and the brand logo printed on it. The product name can be found on the bottom label. I believe the full size tube is different. The brush for this mascara is pretty basic. A classic bristle brush, the bristles are short and even in length, spiraling around the wand. Smokey Lash Kapow's brush tapers into a very slight point. Overall this brush is easy to work with, but nothing innovative. I'm just gonna be straight forward and say it -its been a long time since I've used a mascara as bad as Pop Beauty's Smokey Lash Kapow Mascara. This is a truly awful mascara. As promised, it "fattens" the lashes, by clumping them together. While Smokey Lash Kapow does a decent job at lengthening the lashes, the length is canceled out when the heavy, wet formula weighs my lashes down and uncurls them. If that isn't enough of a negative, the wear for Pop Beauty's mascara is atrocious. Just sitting here writing posts it was flaking and smearing on my face and glasses. This mascara can barely stay on for an hour. I don't know how Pop Beauty can bill their Smokey Lash Kapow as waterproof when it only only flakes and smudges for no reason, but also wipes right away with water or a makeup wipe. Pop Beauty Smokey Lash Kapow is a pathetic excuse for a mascara. It clumps, can't hold a curl, and it'll turn you into a raccoon (and not a cute one). The brush is so plain, which isn't exactly a bad thing, I just think for $18.50 it could be a little more interesting. I'm sorely disappointed by Pop Beauty's Smokey Lash Kapow mascara and now I'm kinda put off of the brand. I've previous browsed Pop Beauty's display at Ulta with a moderate amount of interest, the brand seems fun, but now I seriously doubt their quality. I'd go as far as to say this is one of the worst product I've received from Ipsy. I'm going to toss this mascara right out. I certainly do not recommend Pop Beauty's Smokey Lash Kapow.
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Fragrances -Marc Jacobs - Daisy Eau So Fresh
SparkleBunny37 6/6/2013 12:43:00 PM
Marc Jacobs' Daisy Eau So Fresh is "a whimsical interpretation of the original Daisy fragrance, this scent is more fruity, more bubbly, more fun! Open the bottle and you'll be transported to a field of sunshine that bursts with the flirty scent of flowers and the cheerful sweetness of fruits. It's light, woody base infuses a subtle but sharp glimmer of musk for an unexpected twist of radiance." I received a sample of Daisy Eau So Fresh in a swap with my friend Stephanie. Three sizes of Daisy Eau so Fresh are offered, a .24 fl oz rollerball ($20), 2.5 fl oz ($78), and 4.25 fl oz ($90). Marc Jacobs fragrances can be bought through the brand's website, at Sephora, Ulta, and fine department stores. Marc Jacobs fragrances are produced by Coty Prestige, a company with an unclear animal testing policy. This perfume was made in France. Marc Jacobs' Daisy Eau So Fresh has very feminine packaging. The full size bottle is described as "fun to look at, touch, and open. The gold top of the weighted glass bottle is covered in six soft-to-the-touch daisies with petals in white, pink, and yellow." The sample I received came in a pink cardboard folder adorned with white and yellow flowers. Inside the folder is an image of the full size bottle, a description of the scent. The sample comes in a small vial with a spray top. The name of the scent is printed on the vial in black lettering. Notes: Natural Raspberry, Grapefruit, Pear, Violet, Wild Rose, Apple Blossom, Musk, Cedarwood, Plum The first time I sprayed on Daisy Eau So Fresh, I fell in love. It smelled amazing, sweet but tart, with a great balance of fruit and floral notes. Upon second sniff, I realized that Daisy Eau So Fresh reminded me of one of my treats - a blue raspberry lollipop. I'm not quite sure why. This fragrance incorporates many of my favorite scents notes; violet, grapefruit, pear, and raspberry. I definitely pick up the violet most strongly, which is what sold me on this scent. After the violet I pick up a blend of musk and rose, the warm almost spicy quality of cedarwood, sweet raspberries, and just a hint of grapefruit. Daisy Eau So Fresh dries down to be a slightly woodier version of it's self. For an eau de toilette, the lasting power is pretty good. Marc Jacobs' Daisy Eau So Fresh lingers on the skin for about 4-5 hours. I kinda love Daisy Eau So Fresh. This is my favorite fragrance at the moment. I really love the strong violet base in it. I'm considering buying the rollerball, or asking for it for a gift (#hintdean). If you love fruit florals and violet based scents like I do, Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh is an excellent but expensive choice. I definitely recommend sampling this scent as soon as you can!
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Treatments (Eye) -Rimmel - Lash Accelerator Serum
SparkleBunny37 6/5/2013 3:37:00 PM
Rimmel says their Lash Accelerator Serum with Grow Lash Complex will "help to support the natural growth of beautifully long, remarkably strong lashes. With a unique hybrid applicator for precise application to lashes, lash line, or brows. Around the clock conditioning and fortifying gel helps to support healthy lash and brow growth. Shapes, separates, and sets lashes and brows into place. Improves the look of lashes, making them look longer and fuller." I'd been meaning to try this lash growth serum for quite a while, I finally bought it after an accident at work that caused me to lose a significant chunk of lashes on my left eye. I bought this serum at Ulta in a value pack that included this product and a kohl eyeliner. This duo cost $9.99, which is the regular retail price of Lash Accelerator Serum. This product contains 11ml (.37 fl oz). Rimmel's Lash Accelerator Serum is ophthalmologist tested and safe for contact lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes. This serum was made in America. Rimmel products are tested on animals. I don't have a lot to say about Lash Accelerator's packaging. This lash enhancing serum comes in a clear tube, with a metallic yellow cap. The tube features the product name as well as a description and directions. The applicator for Rimmel's lash serum certainly is interesting. Its a white plastic spoolie with no actual bristles, just spiraling grooves that catch the lashes. On top of the spoolie, if you want to call it that, is a small brush like you'd find in a liquid eyeliner. While I like the option of how to apply this product, I feel like the applicator is a little awkward to use, but I got the hang of it after a few applications. Rimmel's Lash Accelerator Serum is a clear get that dries white. Rimmel says this serum can be worn as an overnight treatment or as a base for mascaras, I suggest only using it as an overnight treatment. Though Rimmel says this serum is fine for sensitive eyes, I found it kinda burny and irritating the first couple times I used it. I guess I've developed a tolerance to it or something though, but it still burns if it gets directly in the eye. I've been using Rimmel's Lash Accelerator Serum for about 6 weeks now and I've noticed some good (but not amazing) results. I've applied this serum to both my lashes and brows just about every night, and it took about a week for it to kick in. I don't think this serum directly makes your lashes longer so much as it fortifies and nourishes them, preventing premature lash loss and allowing them to grow longer on their own. Sadly, this serum has barely helped my injured lashes as much as my healthy ones. I feel like this serum thickened my lashes a fair amount. My lashes are also stronger and seem to hold a curl better lately. The enhancement is slight, but makes a difference. Rimmel's Lash Accelerator Serum was very effective for my brows. I don't really need any help in that department, I have very full brows naturally, but I was curious. This serum seems to have thickened my brows, I have to pluck way more often now, so I'm going to discontinue use on the brows except in areas I may over pluck. Rimmel's Lash Accelerator Serum is good! For the most part it's non-irritating and has no negative side effects. Though the results aren't anything to be in awe of, this serum does what it promises. It definitely promotes brow growth better than it works for lashes, at least for me, but I feel like the results are definitely noticeable in both areas. It doesn't take too long to kick in either, which is great. I won't keep applying this serum to my brows, but Lash Accelerator has become part of my nightly routine. I'm not sure if I'll need to repurchase this serum or not, but I would. I do recommend Rimmel's Lash Accelerator Serum if you're looking for a product to subtly enhance your lashes and brows.
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Lip Gloss -New York Color - Liquid Lipshine in City's Clear
SparkleBunny37 6/3/2013 4:55:00 PM
Late last year NYC (New York Color) reformulated their Liquid Lipshine glosses. NYC claims that these new and improved glosses will deliver "high drama color at a seriously low price. Pure pigments give a 3D effect that's off the charts glossy. Tons of hot new shades from preppy nudes to bold statement hues - all for less than your weekly fashion magazine!" New York Color offers a total of ten shades, I have City's Clear, which obviously is colorless. Reviewing a clear lip gloss seems kinda silly to me. This lip gloss contains 7.2ml (.24 fl oz). The SRP for these glosses is $2.49. NYC products can be bought at drugstores in a handful of countries (America, Canada, and England for sure, not sure where else). I received this lip gloss from Influenster as a reward in one of their brand challenges. This lip gloss was made in China. NYC says that they don't test on animals, but the brand is owned by Coty Inc, a company with a questionable testing policy. Packaging for this gloss is plain but the shape of the tube makes it interesting. The clear tube and black plastic cap are rounded, but also flat. The NYC logo is written on the tube in bubble letters, flanked by the product name, which is printed on the tube in silver lettering. Twisting off the black cap reveals a very interesting applicator. This certainly isn't your average doe foot, NYC's Liquid Lipshine's applicator is blunt and about 3/4" long. The wand is also super flexible. The way I'm describing it may make it sound cumbersome to use, but I actually find it to be pretty user friendly, especially if you have fuller lips like I do. Obviously I don't have anything to say about City's Clear's color, so lets move right along to the formula. NYC's Liquid Lipshine is a thin, non-sticky gloss with a shiny, but not "off the charts glossy" finish. I don't really reach for clear glosses regularly, I don't see the point of them. I wear NYC's City's Clear on days that I don't really want a lip color but feel like it would look strange if I had entirely bare lips. This gloss has decent lasting power, roughly 60-90 minutes. NYC's Liquid Lipshine gloss is comfortable to wear. This lip gloss has a strange, sweet scent that barely transfers onto the lips NYC's City's Clear Liquid Lipshine is a decent gloss. If you're looking for a basic, clear lip gloss, there's no reason to splurge, grab this affordable gloss instead. The price is extremely fair for what it is. I feel like this review was really short, but how much I can say about a clear gloss? Anyway, NYC's City's Clear Liquid Lipshine is good, but nothing amazing. I wouldn't buy this gloss in the clear shade, but I'd consider trying one of the colors.
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Eye Shadow -NYX - Ultra Pearl Mania - Charcoal Pearl
SparkleBunny37 5/31/2013 7:27:00 PM
NYX Ultra Pearl Mania pigments make it "hard not to sparkle with our ultra shimmering loose shadow powders that can be used on eyes, cheeks, even lips. These finely milled eyeshadows are high impact, long lasting, and a little addictive." NYX offers a total of thirty shades, this review will be featuring Charcoal, which NYX calls a "shimmering dark grey." NYX' Ultra Pearl Mania pigments contain 5ml (.06 oz) and sell for a super cheap $3. I received this pigment in my December Ipsy Bag. NYX is a cruelty free brand. Their pigments are made in China. NYX products can be bought through the brand's website, e-tailers like Cherry Culture, and at Target and Ulta. I've previously expressed my disdain for NYX' pigment packaging. These pigments come in little plsatic ars with a screw on cap. The product name and NYX logo grace the front of the jar. A silver label was previously affixed to the back of the jar, offering the shade name and number and an ingredient list. The jar has a very narrow opening, which is annoying because you need the littlest brush to work with this pigment. Such a pain to use. Like all pigments, NYX's Ultra Pearl Manias can be used for anything your little heart desires, but for the purpose of reviewing them, I'm considering them as an eyeshadow. NYX Charcoal pigment is on the chunkier side, so it causes a moderate amount of fallout during application. The color payoff is decent, but it can be built up, for maximum payoff Charcoal should be foiled. NYX Ultra Pearl Mania in Charcoal wears really poorly, it falls down throughout the day, leaving me with raccoon eyes. No only does the color migrate around my face, whats left on my eyes creases pretty significantly, even with primer. NYX Charcoal is an interesting color. In the jar it looks like a greyed olive. Once applied it shows it's true color - a silvery grey with a somewhat duochromatic blue aspect to it. Charcoal is pretty shimmery, though the individual flecks of shimmer are small and subtle, giving it a pearlescent finish. Charcoal is a great smokey eye shade. I'm not impressed with NYX' Charcoal Ultra Pearl Mania pigment. I mean we all know how much I hate the packaging, but the product this stupid little jar contains is equally bad. The pigment isn't refined enough, so it suffers from problematic application. NYX' Charcoal pigment seems to be able to adhere to skin or primer. The color is a nice, useful, dimensional grey. If you love the color of Charcoal Ultra Pearl Mania, but want a more reliable product I suggest spending and extra buck or two and taking a look at NYX' extensive selection of pressed eyeshadows, there's bound to be one that's similar.
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Lotions/ Creams -Pacifica - Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter
SparkleBunny37 5/30/2013 3:20:00 PM
Pacifica says their Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter will help you "smell incredible with our nourishing and antioxidant rich ingredients. Our body butter helps fight signs of aging while adding deep moisture and protection. Made with nature's best moisturizers - shea butter, almond oil, and safflower oil. Pacifica offers two sizes of their body butters, an 8 oz ($15) and a travel size 2.5 oz ($7). I have the travel sized tube, which I received in an Ipsy Bag. Pacifica is a cruelty free, vegan friendly brand that specializes in fragrance, so these body butters are available in a variety of naturally inspired scents. Pacifica products can be purchased on the brand's website, at Target, and select Whole Foods grocery stores. This product was made in the USA. Pacifica's Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter comes in a yellow squeeze tube with a flip top cap. The front of the tube features the product name, Pacifica logo, and slides of blood oranges. The back of the tube offers a scent description and a full ingredient list. This product's packaging is recyclable. Pacifica's Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter is a thick white cream. Despite it's thick texture, Pacifica's body butter melts right into the skin and isn't greasy in the slightest. This body butter is one of the most effective moisturizers I've ever used. Lately my elbows have been falling apart, they're red, cracked, and so, so dry. Pacifica's Body Butter has nearly fixed the problem in just two days. That's really impressive. The moisture this product delivers is long lasting and very softening. I also feel like Pacifica's Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter really gives the skin a smooth, healthy appearance. The scent of Pacifica's Tuscan Blood Orange Body butter is described as a "delicate blend, juicy and spicy blood orange is offset with subtle strawberry and raspberry notes and grounded in fleshy mandarin and Italian oranges. An orange connoisseur's dream!". Normally I hate oranges, the scent of them makes me nauseated, so I was really wary of trying this body butter. Luckily, that doesn't happen at all when I smell Pacifica's Tuscan Blood Orange scent. Its a surprisingly realistic fragrance, it smells just like a fresh peeled orange; sweet, juicy, and kinda tart, but at the same time there's more to this scent than just orange, but what? I can't quite place my finger on it. Pacifica's Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter is an excellent product! The packaging is attractive. The price point is a little high, about on par with or slightly more expensive than Bath&BodyWorks body butters. The quality of this body butter is great, it really seems to benefit my skin and it leaves behind a natural, delicious, citrus scent. If you're a body butter fanatic, or a lover of vegan lotions, you need to try Pacifica's Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter.
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