September Ipsy Unboxing

I must say when I opened my mail box and saw this super cute pink package, I was super excited.  I know, I know, I was super excited to receive my first Ipsy package, but when I saw cute the packaging was, it was like the cherry on top!

For those of you who don't know, Ipsy is a subscription service.  Which means, once a month for $10.00 you receive in the mail a package of fun products! It's like Christmas ever month! Ipsy has a fun little twist to it, it also comes with a make up bag!! Which, to be honest, the last thing I probably need is another make up bag, but I love the idea!!

Every month there is a group of items that your products are chosen from.  You will only receive a couple items.  On the Ipsy website they then offer discounts on all of the items that were potential products.  Which is great if there was a product you wanted and didn't get, you can get it for a cheaper!! Who doesn't love a discount!! 

Ok! On to this month's bag!! 

NYX eye shadow in Cryptonite

"Punch it up. Thanks to our high-fashion, high-intensity pigments, our signature pressed shadows pack a punch of color, yet are incredibly easy to blend. Go edgy or understated effortlessly, and enjoy the luscious, long-wearing color from sunrise to sunset...and beyond. Collect and create with 50 shades in shimmer, sheer, glitter, frosty, metallic and matte formulations!"

J.cat Lipstick in Honeycrisp 

 Elizabeth Mott - It's So Big Mascara (black)

"Why you need it - A unique formula that lengthens and curls your lashes without smudging! Maintains mega volume for the whole day, and is easily removed.

Why was it created? – After years of disappointing mascaras, that failed to deliver wat they were supposed to do. I searched all over the world to create a mascara that gives me BIG volume. Working with the top cosmetics laboratories, I formulated the perfect volumizing mascara that didn’t smudge and can be worn all day. I wear this mascara to the gym (shhh, it’s a secret!), and it will not budge even after a long run or a spinning class!

The secret weapon – The hourglass brush shape, with its long and short bristle pattern, delivers just the right amount of mascara to each lash (like magic!), watch your lashes grow BIGGER with each layer."

Starlooks Eye Liner Pencil in Obsidian (black)

"Dramatically emphasize your eyes with Starlooks' intensely-pigmented Kohl Eye pencils! These ultra-soft liners glide across delicate lids without pulling. Try a smokey effect by blending outwards with a fluffy brush! Each extremely creamy Kohl Liner can also be used as a base on the entire lid. Impossible to choose between 10 stunning and super saturated shades!"

Freeman Paper Masks (sorry guys, I know they are upside down, technical difficulties and this time the computer won!)

Rose Brightening Facial Paper Mask (pink package) - "Be on the bright side! Serum-infused paper facial mask with Rose Extract, rich in skin-brightening Vitamin C, illuminates dull skin. Reveal a smoother surface with Lactic and Glycolic alpha hydroxy acids. White Tea and Licorice antioxidants help reduce age spots for more even-toned skin. Lift the paper and press serum into skin to prep for moisturizer and prime for make-up. Perfect for dull skin types."

Star Fruit Purifying Facial Paper Mask (green package) - "Breakouts? Irritation? Skin needs serious soothing. This serum-infused paper facial mask with Star Fruit helps calm skin stressed by flare-ups. Lavender and Niacinamide help balance oil production. Tea Tree soothes breakout-stressed skin. Witch Hazel refreshes and minimizes the appearance of pores. Lift the paper and press serum into skin to prep for moisturizer and prime for make-up. Perfect for combination to oily skin types."

Blue Agave Hydrating Facial Paper Mask (blue package) - "Transform skin from dry to dewy! Serum-enriched paper facial mask contains soothing Blue Agave to soften and rehydrate. Ultra-hydrating Hyaluronic Acid and Allantoin help give skin a refreshed look and feel for a smoother finish. Lift the paper and press serum into skin to prep for moisturizer and prime for make-up. Perfect for dry skin types."

Ok, time to break down the prices!!

NYX eye shadow in Cryptonite - $4.50
J.cat Lipstick in Honeycrisp - $2.49
Elizabeth Mott - It's So Big Mascara - $19.99
Starlooks Eye Liner Pencil in Obsidian - $12.99
Freeman Paper Masks - $1.99 a package 

September total = $45.94 ... and I only paid $10!!!!!

Prices were all taken from the websites Ipsy linked to for purchase.  In addition to the prices, all the descriptions of the products were also taken from those websites.


Ipsy website - Ipsy.com

About Ipsy (taken from their website)

"Michelle Phan has inspired countless women around the world through her beauty video tutorials on YouTube. Every day, the question Michelle gets asked the most is: "What are the right products for me?" 

With infinite beauty product combinations in the marketplace, choosing the best items for your needs can be a challenge! That was why Michelle created ipsy. Michelle and her team of stylists have selected products they love, for you to try. 

Each month, subscribers will receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using. All for only $10 a month. 

So go ahead, take the beauty quiz, get your first Glam Bag, watch the videos, and create your own!"

Now - the only down side to Ipsy, is there is a slight waiting list at the beginning.  I believe i signed up at the end of July and was off the waiting list and a member in time to receive the September bag ... Not too bad of a wait!!


**Disclaimer - I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.” **

Look of the Day - FOTD and HOTD

Face of the Day and Hair of the Day!!

Ok - I have finally fallen into a trend and have tried a sock bun!  I must say, it was so easy and can't believe I hadn't tried it sooner.  The nice thing is this can be done with wet hair!  The very first day I tried this was a day that I was running late for work and thought I would try it.  Not sure what part of me thought running late = try something new.  Luckily it was simple and I was able to get out the door and to work on time!!

Products used:

Hair:

• Conair Hair Bun System and lots of bobbi pins

Face:

• Mary Kay Daytime Solution
• Mary Kay Moisturizer in Normal to Dry Skin
• Smashbox Photo Finish Light Primer
• CoverGirl 3in1 Foundation in Creamy  Natural
• Mary Kay Powder Foundation in Beige 2
• NYX Matte Bronzer in Light
• NYX Blush in Mocha
• NYX Jumbo Pencil in Yogurt - all over the eyelid up to under the brow
• Ulta Eye Shadow in Bermuda Sand - all over the eyelid up to under the brow
• Urban Decay Broke (from the Great and Powerful Palette) - on the inner half of my eye lid
• Urban Decay Beware with just a little Bewitch (from the Great and Powerful Palette) - on the outer corner of my eye lid to form the outer "v". 
• Revlon Color Stay Eyeliner in Black Brown - just on the upper lid
• Mary Kay Brow Setting Gel
• Revlon Lash Potion in Black Brown on top lashes
• Power Volume Collagen on bottom and top lashes
• I use two mascaras because it helps me achieve both length an volume.  These two are my current favorite combination

**Disclaimer - I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”**

Easy Entertaining

Crescent Roll Pizzas

I love to entertain and being able to find dishes that everyone likes is awesome. On top of that, when they are easy to do, it's like finding a pot of gold!!  These have been a hit every time I make them, plus it only 4 ingredients!!

Refrigerated crescent rolls (If you have an option, but the bigger ones, most cans have about 8 rolls in each can)

Pepperoni

Mozzarella string cheese, cut in half

Garlic powder (optional)

Pizza sauce

Preheat oven to what the package on the crescent rolls calls for, usually about 350-375.

Unroll crescent roll, and place slices of pepperoni on each crescent roll, usually about 3 fit and don't overload the roll. Make sure you are placing this on the bigger size of the roll.  Place the string cheese half on top of the pepperoni and starting from the big side roll up.  You can then put a little garlic powder on the outside of the rolls.  Put the finished rolls on a baking sheet and cook to the instructions the rolls call for.  Usually about 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown. 

While I am making the rolls, I have the pizza sauce warming in my small dip warming crockpot.  This way people can use the amount of sauce they want.  I use the crockpot because it will keep the sauce warm and I want have to worry about watching a pot on the stove. 

Easy, simple and so good!! Another bonus, if you happen to make too much and have left overs (rarely ever happens!!), you can refrigerate and then just place back in the oven to warm up the rolls and make the crescent roll crispy again.