October BoxyCharm Unboxing and Review! | Worth over $140

Hi Guys!

Today I am unboxing my first every Boxycharm box! This is a beauty subscription service that sends you 5 full sized products for $21 a month! I always watch these unboxings on Youtube and get jealous because it seems like the sizes are always full sized and the value is always high! Boxycharm seems to send out the same products to everyone with at least 1 product variation.

The first item I received was a full sized Ofra Beverly Hills Highlighter valued at $39.95. At first I wasn’t excited about this since I never use highlighter but it has turned into my favorite of the box! This product has 5 different colors in the pan ranging from gold, to champagne, to lavender. They are all super pigmented individually and super shiny when mixed together. I won’t be using this on my face to highlight but I think these would make great eye shadow toppers and inner corner highlighters. They are super beautiful and I highly recommend trying it out. Check it out HERE.

Next I received a full sized Temptu Shimmer Bronzer valued at $29.50. This can be used with their airbrush system or on its own using a stippling brush. You can stipple this on the places on your face where you naturally contour or you can do what I do and drop a few drops into your lotion and make a slightly tinted bronzer lotion. I also love the subtle shimmer inside. Check it out HERE.

Next I received the Luxie Beauty Eye Blender Brush Pack. I would have been happy with 1 since I like their brushes but we got 3! This pack retails for $36. I love having 3 different sized blender brushes to really help detail the eye and blend everything together! Luxie brushes are super nice and I love the pink color. Check them out HERE.

I also received a full sized Briogeo Rosarco Blow Dry Perfection Heat Protectant Crème valued at $24.00. This stuff smells so good! I put it on my damp hair before blow drying and it leaves my strands super soft, shiny, and smelling great! I love that it has build in heat protection as well so I don’t have to worry about forgetting to add it into my routine. Check it out HERE.

The final item is the IBY Beauty Three’s Company Eyeshadow Trio valued at $19.00. The pan sizes for these shadows is pretty big and the colors are super soft and pigmented. It comes with a matte cream, a matte brown and shimmery gold. Perfect for day or night looks on the go. I love this but also have similar things to it in my collection. I am still on the fence on whether I will keep it or pass it along. Check it out HERE.

Overall the value of my first Boxycharm is $140+! I love that every product is full sized and super high quality. I HIGHLY recommend trying out Boxycharm or giving it to someone as a gift! Sign up HERE.

 

 

September Battle of the Boxes | Ipsy Vs. Play by Sephora

Hey Guys!

Today I have my September Battle of the Boxes to share with you. Ipsy Vs. Play by Sephora.

Both are $10 a month and are full of makeup and skincare samples. Ipsy guarantees 4-5 deluxe sized samples with at least 1 being full sized while Play by Sephora gives about 6 samples sizes with 1 always being a fragrance sample. Check out my unboxing video above as well as details about each item with coupon codes and links!

Ipsy theme: Glamazon. Bag: Dark Gray with Gold accents. Items: 5 Full sized: 1

The first item I received was a sample of the Amie New Leaf Deep Pore Exfoliating Polish. This has natural rice exfoliators meant to be better and more gentle to the skin. It also smells like mango and oranges. I found this to be a bit too abrasive for me. I use it on my chest and back and feel that it wouldn’t be good on sensitive facial skin. It is more abrasive then the St. Ives Apricot scrub. It smells delicious and works well on my chest and back though. Get 50% off HERE with code Ipsy50.

Next I got a sample of the Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme. This is a plumping gloss that is supposed to give you fuller lips in seconds and has jojoba oil to help moisturize and nourish lips. I saw a couple people use this and claim it hurt and stung really bad but when I used it I only felt a little tingle and then it went away. It gives my lips instant pout and keeps them moisturized and shiny for about 4 hours. I recommend this product. Get a deluxe sized Melted Lipstick HERE with code IPSYGWP.

Next I received a full sized Coastal Scents Elite Bamboo collection Medium Shadow Brush which retails for about $5. I haven’t used this yet but it seems super dense and soft at the same time. I like the bamboo handle as well. Check it out HERE.

Next I got a sample of the naked cosmetics Advanced Aloe Cream. This helps moisturize, smooth and replenish the skin with aloe instead of water. I use this as a night moisturizer because it doesn’t have SPF. It feels really light and refreshing on the skin. Get 30% off HERE with code IPSY30.

The final item I received was a tre’stique Mini Highlighter Stick in the color Luminescent. I don’t use highlighters very often but I like using this on under my brow bone. It has the perfect lit from within glow and glides on super effortlessly. The shimmer isn’t too chunky and catches the light perfectly with out being too in your face. Get 30% off your order of $40+ HERE with code IPSYSEPT30.

Overall I thought this bag was OK. I am used to Ipsy sending out at least 2 full sized items so I was a bit disappointed in the sizes this month. They are all usable sizes but lately Ipsy has been KILLING it with the large sizes so this month seemed like a step back. I did like the variety of items as always and the bag was cute.

Subscribe to Ipsy HERE

Theme: Unbasic Basics Items: 6 Full size: 0

This was the first month where Sephora sent out slight variations in boxes.

The first item I received was a sample of the Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel. I have not used this yet but I am excited to. Anastasia is known for their brow products so I hope this one works great. I wish they would have sent a different brow item though such as a pencil or pomade. I feel like brow gel is a simple product that should work relatively the same as any other one. But the packaging is upper sleek and sophisticated looking. Check it out HERE.

The next item I received was a sample size of the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper. I LOVE this liner! It looks like a felt tip but is actually a bunch of tiny bristles together. It has a perfect point and is really great at drawing cat eyes. The tip is more flexible than a felt tip so I have had to get used to that. The formula is super opaque and lasts all day. I HIGHLY recommend this. Check it out HERE.

The next product is a sample size of the Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation face cream. I actuallyreceived this in an Influenster Vox Box (See blog post here) and really like it! It feels nice on my oily skin. I like that it isn’t too heavy or greasy and melts right in to my skin at night. I love this stuff and want to buy the full size! Check it out HERE.

Next I got a deluxe size sample of the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Night Cap Overnight perfecter. This size is amazing and I can get at least 2-3 uses out of it easily. This product can be put onto damp or dry hair and left in overnight to sink it. It doesn’t leave any residue on your pillow and you can either wash it out or leave it in your hair in the morning. I really enjoy living proof hair products so I am excited to try this one out. Check it out HERE.

Next I pulled out a sample of the Sephora Collection Rouge Shine Lipstick in Love Spell. The packaging of this is super sleek and the formula is super shiny and moisturizing which I like. Unfortunately I didn’t enjoy the color. It is too light and frosty for my liking. I wish they would have sent out a nice vampy fall color. I am interested in trying out other colors from this collection as I really enjoyed the formula. Check it out HERE.

The fragrance this month is the Atelier Cologne in Sud Magnolia. This is very floral with a hint of sweetness. Not my favorite but also not the worst scent that has been sent out. I won’t be picking this one up. Check it out HERE.

Overall I think Play by Sephora was OK this month. I really enjoyed the moisturizer, hair sample, and eyeliner but would have liked a different brow product, different lipstick color and and different fragrance sample. The sizes were pretty great this month as well. Subscribe to Play by Sephora HERE.

 

 

Fall BeautyCon Unboxing and Review| MakeupShayla & Mac_Daddy!

Hey Guys!

I recently received my fall Beautycon box and I wanted to show you all the fun goodies I got inside!


Beautycon is a seasonal/quarterly box that comes every 3 months and costs $29.99 plus shipping. Each box is curated by a Youtube/Social media guru. My past boxes have been curated by Bethany Mota, Kandee Johnson, and Graveyard girl. This season’s box is curated by 2 stars: Angel Merino (MAC_Daddy) and MakeupShayla. I follow Angel on Instagram but not MakeupShayla but I have heard of her. Check out my unboxing video below as well as detailed reviews with links to all the products inside.

The first item I pulled out was the Browgal Double Ended Highlighter Pencil in Gold/Nude. This is full sized and retails for $20. I love the size of this and the fact that it is double sided since it is like getting 2 products in 1! The gold side is a bit too deep of a gold for my skin tone to use under my brow bone so I will use it as an all over eyeshadow or just on my inner corner. The other side is a matte flesh toned stick that is still a bit dark for my skin tone. I am not sure if I will use this side. I wish this would have come in a lighter more champagne color for me. Check it out HERE.

Next we got a pair of MakeupShayla lashes from Flutter lashes. These are full size and retail for $11. We also got a sample of duo lash glue to go with them. The lashes are a stacked style meaning they are supposed to give the look of 2 pairs on top of each other. This creates a full almost 3D effect. These are definitely a statement maker which I will be wearing at my next special event. I know duo glue isn’t expensive so I wish they would have given us a full size. Check out the lashes HERE. Check out the glue HERE.

The next item was the Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer. This is a sample size. I received this product in a Birchbox a while back and I really like it. I am almost out of my other one so this came at the perfect time. This is basically a hybrid of a lip balm and gloss in one. It leaves a shiny moisturized finish packed with vitamins. It also smells delicious like roses. I will be throwing this in my desk at work to put on during the winter. I also like to top matte lipsticks with this for some added hydration and shine. Check it out HERE.

The next item is a fashion item. It is a Laser Kitten Sweetheart Lipstick Pin and retails for $12. Pins are super trendy at the moment and I love this one. It is a tiny tube of red lipstick that will go perfectly on my new jean jacket. You can also stick it on a lanyard, blazer, or tote bag! I love pins because they can add a cool new element to any look at a relatively inexpensive price. Check it out HERE.

The next item is a full sized Luxie Beauty Large Angled 504 Brush. This retails for $16 and has a pretty pink handle with super soft brushes. I own a couple Luxie brushes already and the quality and feel is amazing. I will be using this to brush on blush and maybe even highlighter on the rare occasion that I wear it. I wish they would have included another brush as well. Check it out HERE.

The next item was a Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow in the color Bella Café. This is full sized and retails for $5. I actually just bought 3 of these Bella Eyes at the Dollar Tree and love how they feel! This color is a light taupey brown that unfortunately doesn’t have a lot of color payoff. This is a bummer because the 3 colors that I got at the Dollar Tree were super pigmented. Check it out HERE.

Next we got a sample the Mystic Tan Mocha Kyssed Bronze lotion. This is a self tanner that has instant color payoff and also build a deeper color over time. It isn’t supposed to have a strong self tanner scent and is good for all skin tones. I haven’t used this yet but I am excited too. I have never used a product from Mystic Tan but I have heard great things about their products. I am hoping this one doesn’t have a strong self tanner scent as this bothers me. I feel like there is enough product in the tube to get at least 2 full body uses out of it. Check it out HERE.

The next item is my favorite in the whole box. It is a sample of the OFRA Long lasting liquid lipstick in Mocha. This color is beautiful! It is a perfect nude for many skin tones and feels amazing on the lips. It goes on opaque, stays on all day and doesn’t dry out the lips. I am hooked! I highly recommend picking one of these up. Get 30% off HERE with code Beautycon.

Next we got a sample pack of Simple Facial Cleansing wipes. This pack contains 7 wipes. Simple is not an expensive brand so I wish they would have sent out a full size bag. In previous boxes they have sent out full sized makeup wipes so I think they could have done that this time. Check it out HERE.

We also got 5 lipstick sour gummies from Sugarfina. These were super yummy but again I wish we would have gotten a few more. But the lip shape was super cute!

The final item was a sheet of stickers with fun sayings and fashion items on them. This would be perfect to put in a planner.

Overall I think this box was OK. This on was more makeup focused versus the last couple boxes which had both makeup and skincare. Compared to other boxes I feel like this one was lacking in sizes, and quantities. I wish the samples were bigger and there were more products in them. I can’t wait to see who curates the next box! Usually holiday boxes are the best! Subscribe to Beautycon HERE.

What box should I try out next? XOX Chan

Influenster Endless Summer Voxbox| Unboxing and Product Review!

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Hey Guys!

Today I have another fun Influenster Voxbox Unboxing to share with you. Influenster is a free site where you sign up and fill out surveys based on what your interests are and they send you free products to test and try out! In order to keep getting the products you must post about them on social media. Here is my Playlist of past VoxBoxes if you want to see all the fun things they send. It is 100% FREE ! Sign up HERE.

 

This VoxBox contains a great variety of items from health, beauty and tea. The items are always either full sized or great sample sizes that way you can truly get a feel for the products.

The first product I received was a travel size of the Not Your Mother’s Way to Grow Leave-In-Conditioner Spray. This is a spray meant to help long hair stay strong and resist breakage. It is also formulated to stimulate hair growth so your hair grows longer quicker. I really like this stuff. It left my hair super shiny, feeling strong and smelling great! It also detangles which is an added bonus. Check it out HERE.

The next item was a sample package of the Iron Tek protein powder. I have recently gotten back in to working out and I love my protein smoothies. I like to take frozen fruit, a banana, water, and protein and blend it all together in my Magic Bullet. I find that this protein was super smooth, blended well, and tasted delicious! I will definitely pick some up in the store with the added coupon. Check it out HERE.

We also received 3 samples of Numi Tea. The flavors are; Jasmine Green, Turmeric Root, and Black. He tried the Jasmine Green tea and loved it! He even set aside the included coupon so we could buy more at the store. He is excited to try the other flavors as well. Check them out HERE.

Next I received 2 full sized products from Maxx Factor. The first was the Masterpiece Maxx Mascara. This is a non clumping no smudge high impact voluminous mascara. I love this stuff! The formula is right in the middle of wet and dry and the brush is great at grabbing onto every lash and giving them volume and length. I have bad allergies and constantly sneeze but this didn’t flake or transfer all day. It also removes easily at night. I highly recommend! Check it out HERE.

The other full sized Maxx Factor item was the Masterpiece High Precision Liquid Eyeliner. This has a paddle shaped tip that can be used to create thick and dramatic lines or think and pointed. Sadly I did not enjoy this. The formula was too dry for me and I found the paddle shape hard to control for my precise think wings. I enjoy a traditional felted tip eyeliner much more. Check it out HERE.

The final items I received were 2 polishes from Seche. The first was a full sized bottle of the Seche in the color Intrepid. This is a beautiful raspberry color with a hint of a purple duochrome. This is my perfect pedicure color and I can’t wait to put it on my toes. I know I will wear this all year long and into next year. The formula seems to be super opaque and high quality as well. Check it out HERE.

We also received a baby size of the cult favorite Seche Vite top coat. This top coat dries your nails in seconds and leaves them super shiny and durable. Check out my photo below. I love to use this over all my polishes and might pick up the full size. Check it out HERE.

If you haven’t signed up for Influenster what are you waiting for! They have boxes for Moms, Students, Gamers, Pet Lovers, and Beauty Addicts! Sign up HERE.

August Battle of the Boxes | Ipsy Vs. Play by Sephora

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Hey Guys!

Today I have my August Battle of the Boxes Ipsy vs. Play by Sephora for you. Both are $10 a month subscription services that let you try out the latest makeup and skincare products. Ipsy guarantees 4-5 deluxe sized samples with at least 1 being full sized while Sephora usually has 5-6 sample sizes with 1 always being a fragrance.

Ipsy’s theme this month was Sugar Highness and you could get 2 different bag designs. Both were designed by Ipsy co-founder Michelle Phan which is really awesome! I got 6 items with 4 being full sized! I will also have coupon codes for the brands in this months bag. The codes don’t have to be used on the items I mention.

The first item I received was a full sized Dermelect 'ME' Peptide Infused Lacquer in UNSCRIPTED nail polish. This retails for $14 and is infused with ingredients to help weak brittle nails stay strong and healthy. Here are some of the other claims from their site:

·         strengthens weak, brittle nails

·         restores flexibility

·         helps resist chipping and splitting

·         superior extended wear

·         water and detergent resistant

·         UV protected

·         DBP, Toluene & Formaldehyde free

·         cruelty free- no animal testing, ever!

 The color I got is a beautiful medium toned Lilac! I actually have a similar color to this that I love! I think it is perfect for spring/summer so I will be holding on to this till next season. If I didn’t just wear this color I would have put it one! Get 20% off HERE with code Ipsy-20.

The next items I received were 2 Sally's Box Secret Garden Ampoule Masks. One of the things I love about Ipsy is they not only count sending 2 of the same thing as 1 product but the fact that they send multiples of things that need more than one try before you can see if it works or not. These retail for $6 each and the 2 I got were the Olive Oil Mask which nourishes skin and helps diminish the look of fine lines and the Camellia Oil Mask which gives you a radiant glow. These masks are cool because they are 2 step sheet masks. You first rip the top open and pat the serum all over your face. Then you put the sheet mask that is also damp with ingredients over your face to help really seal in the skincare benefits. After you take it off you pat the remaining products into your skin and you’re done! I used the Olive Oil one and my skin instantly felt soft, smooth and radiant! Check them out HERE.

The next item I received was a travel size of the Sympan Beauty ONE Moisture Cream which retails for $20. According to their site, these are tested on every skin type, is great at wrinkle reduction, increases skin firmness and brightens! Check out the other benefits below:

·         Bendable with all foundations, powders and primers

·         Instantly evens skin tone

·         Chocked-full of super succulent aloe–ultra moisturizing and calming

I use this cream at night because it doesn’t have SPF in it. It has an interesting scent that is neither good nor bad. It is a super rich cream that just melts into my skin. I feel like it is super moisturizing but as someone with oily skin I do notice my skin feeling a little greasier in the morning after I have used it. This doesn’t bother me too much as I wash my face off in the morning but if you have oily skin I wouldn’t recommend using this during the day. I also haven’t seen any improvement with my skin tone yet. Fingers crossed! Get 30% off HERE with the code IPSY30.

The next product I received was a sample size of the IT Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Mini Gel Eyeliner in black. As someone who suffers from year round allergies and sneezes a lot I have been on the hunt for an eyeliner that I can tight line my top lashes without it smudging to my bottom ones. Their website says it is a smooth formula that glides on without damaging delicate lids. I would have to agree that this glides on so smooth and is super pigmented! I usually find that super creamy formulas tend to move around on my eyes but this one stays put! It only transfers to my lower lash line a tiny bit but if you don’t sneeze a million times a day like I do I think you will find that it stays put all day! It also removes easily with waterproof eye makeup remover. Check it out HERE.

The final product in my Ipsy bag this month was a full sized Beau Gachis Paris Pro Series Applicator Sponge. This retails for $12 and is comparable to the BeautyBlender. I recently got into using my beloved BeautyBlender for foundation so I was excited to try this one out and see how they compare. Here are some of their claims from their website: This latex-free wonder is stiff enough for precise application of cream blushes and highlighters, as well as foundation. It is also safe for anyone allergic or sensitive to latex, blends better than a brush or your fingers and has a unique teardrop shape is easy to hold and maneuver. I found that this does apply foundation great but not as great as my BeautyBlender. What I actually find this perfect for is patting powder on my face. I cover one side in powder then press it on my skin and I find this makes my large pores smaller and helps set everything nicely. It also cleans easily and can be used damp or dry. Get 25% off HERE with code beautifulipster25.

Overall my Ipsy this month had a great variety. One of my favorite things about Ipsy is all the different items you try out are so diverse and at many different price points. My favorite item is the sponge. Subscribe to Ipsy HERE

This month’s Play by Sephora theme was The Eye Openers and we receive 6 samples. None are full sized which is OK with me. I know that Sephora has higher priced items so as long as the samples are big enough to try I don’t mind them being smaller.

The first item was the Lancôme Énergie de Vie The Smoothing & Glow Boosting Liquid Moisturizer. The website claims this is good for all skin types and refreshes, protects and hydrates skin to get rid of uneven skin tone and dryness. I like to pat this on in the evenings as my serum before moisturizer so it can really sink in over time. I don’t use it during the day because I don’t like to add more products to my oily skin during the day. I find that when I wake up after using this I have a glow! A little goes along way with this as well. It smells clean and fresh and feels luxurious on the skin. Check it out HERE.

 

The next item was a sample of the Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Eye Lifting Balm. For an expensive eye cream sample I must say this is a great size! I use this eye cream at night and find that it sinks in really well and doesn’t leave a heavy sticky feeling behind that I find a lot of other eye creams do. This one is supposed to quickly reduce dark circles, puffiness, and smooth the appearance of wrinkles. This sinks in quickly and has a nice pleasant scent. I haven’t seen results yet but I know with skincare it can take a while. Check it out HERE.

The next item was a sample size of the SEPHORA COLLECTION Contour Eye Pencil 12hr Wear Waterproof in the color flirting game. This is a super creamy eye pencil and the color is a purplely taupe color. Super beautiful! I am excited to use it to create a smokey eye which I learned how to do in my latest FREE Sephora class! Check out my write up HERE. I find that this is super long wearing and highly pigmented. The color also goes perfectly with the next item from the box. Check it out HERE.

The next item was a sample size of the MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Shadow Eye shadowin the color I-544. This can be depotted an put into a Z pallet which I plan to do. It is a perfect brownish purple that goes perfectly with the liner above. I think both would create an amazing smokey eye together. I also like wearing this lighting on my lip during the day. It blends out beautifully and doesn’t crease when using a primer! This formula comes in a ton of different shades so check them out HERE.

To finish off the look I received a baby sample of the Urban Decay Perversion mascara in black. I have tried this mascara before and honestly love it! It has a medium dry/wet formula and grabs on and plumps up every lash creating volume and length. It is also a super black color and doesn’t flake off during the day. It also removed easily at night. It gives the perfect false lash effect as well. Check it out HERE.

The fragrance we received this month was CLEAN Reserve Blonde Rose. This is a very classic feminine scent that leans a bit too mature for me. I wasn’t a fan of this scent because it was too heavy. If you are into mature rose scents you might like this! Check it out HERE.

Overall I feel the sample sizes in Play by Sephora were great and I loved all the items. I liked the focus on the eyes this month especially after going to my Sephora makeup class. Check my review out HERE. My favorite item is the eye shadow. Sign up for Play by Sephora HERE. 

Overall I think both boxes/bags were great. I wasn’t disappointed in anything except the fragrance. Both had such a great variety and I got to try out some awesome things!

Subscribe to Ipsy HERE and Play by Sephora HERE 

What is your favorite Subscription Service? XOX Chan

 

 

 

 

 

Scenteor monthly perfume subscription Review| Tips on making fragrance last all day long!

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Hey Guys!

Today I have a new monthly subscription to share with you from Scenteor. Scenteor is a Canadian based company that ships their boxes worldwide. I have converted the prices to US dollars the best I can. To get a more accurate price please check out their website here.

Scenteor has hundreds of brand name and designer perfumes that you can try before you buy! I love fragrances and perfumes but they are so expensive! I like that I get to choose my scent and try it out for a month before I either decide to purchase the full size or move on to the next.

Each month you get to choose a travel size spray of perfume. All the perfumes are brand name and there are no imitations. Once you choose your perfume Scenteor sends you the spray along with a travel compartment and sleeve. Check out my video above to see what I mean.

Each month you get a new spray that pops easily into the black cartridge to keep it from spraying at random times. The scent I chose my first month is Viva La Juicy from Juicy Couture. I have always wanted to try this perfume but never wanted to spend the money on it just in case I didn’t like it. This smells so warm and sweet. It’s the perfect fall/winter scent. Get your first month 25% off HERE with code "channingcouture". 

Scenteor also has a new VIP box which sends you 3 different designer fragrances in your choice of 9 different cases. Get 20% off your VIP box with code "channing20" HERE. 

If you fall in love with a scent you can get 15% off plus FREE SHIPPING here with code   This is so great because I feel like most places that sell fragrances rarely have sales and if they do they definitely don’t ship them worldwide for free!

I think Scenteor is a great gift for anyone! I can see teenagers and adults liking it. If you like to switch up your scent often I think this is the perfect way to do it without buying bottle after bottle of $60+ perfume!

Now for my scent boosting tips:

1. Moisturize! If I can get a body wash, body lotion and perfume in the same scent I do! Body washes are harder to find but usually perfumes or body sprays have a lotion that goes with them. I personally only buy lotions with perfumes I wear a lot! Otherwise my vanity would be littered with lotions and perfumes. If you change up your scent a lot like me I either go with an unscented lotion or a fresh scented one. That way it doesn’t compete or alter your perfume on top. Scents stick to moisturized skin better then dry skin and let’s be honest, skin looks and feels better with a bit of moisture.

 

2. I also like to spray my scent into my hair especially if I am wearing my hair down. I usually spray a little cloud in front of me and walk through in order to evenly disperse the scent in my hair. I also like to do this before an event where I might be hugging people that way they get a sniff when they go in for the hug. Scents seem to grasp onto hair better then clothing for whatever reason. I also find that you might not be able to smell your scent as the day goes on but I always smell it when it is in my hair and my hair is moving or blowing around.

3. I wear fragrance 2 ways. I usually mist a body spray all over my body since it isn’t as heavy or over whelming as a perfume. If I am wearing a heavy perfume I like to put it on my pulse points. Putting a scent on your pulse points allows the body to naturally disperse it into the air. Popular pulse points for fragrance are the wrists, backs of the knees, and behind the ears. Don't rub your wrists together though! This can crush the notes and alter the scent. Sometimes I add a little Vaseline to these areas beforehand to make the scent really stick.

4. And the #1 rule is don’t go overboard! Scent is such a personal thing and many people can be sensitive to it. I know that we all want to smell nice but there is a line between smelling good and smelling like you fell into your perfume bottle. Remember, less is more.

 

What is your favorite scent? Let me know down below! XOX Chan

 

 

Free Sephora Classes| Bold Smokey Eyes Review and TIps and Tricks

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Hey Guys!
I went to another FREE Sephora class over the weekend and wanted to give you all the details and tips I learned. If you didn’t know, Sephora has free makeup classes a couple times a month (Check them out HERE) that are either before or after the store opens. You get one on one time with the makeup artists, get personalized tips and get to request what products you want to use. The first one I went to was the foundation class (Check out my post HERE). This current one was the Bold Smokey eyes class and I have already signed up for my next one which is Winged Eyeliner! I HIGHLY recommend these classes whether you are a beginner or an expert. They are an hour long and you learn so much!

The Bold Smokey eye class starts out by color matching you to a concealer. You then sit down at your station which consists of a mirror, multiple eye brushes, and other tools. The instructors then ask what your main under eye concerns are so they can give you an eye cream that is right for you. It is very important to put on eye cream at night and during the day. My main concern is dark circles so they gave me this one. It felt nice and lightweight and not sticky or heavy. You can also use it on your lips! Do you ever get little white bumps under your eyes or on top of the lid? Well I learned that this is a clogged pore that is caused by heavy eye cream or an irritating concealer. Try switching products and see if they clear up.

After we put our eye cream on we primed our eyes. I used the Two Faced Shadow Insurance which is one of my favorites. The instructors then ask what color smokey eye you want to create. Half of the class chose black and the other brown. I chose brown. They then handed out pallets to each person to use. Mine was the Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Contour Quad. It had an orange in it which scared me at first but turned out to be beautiful. It did have a ton of fall out and powder when everywhere when I dipped my brushes into it though so be warned. 

To start our smokey eye we took a fluffy blending brush (HERE) and took a shade slightly darker then our natural lid color. I mixed a light beige with a tiny bit of brown (all mattes) and put it into my crease using a windshield wiper motion and tiny circles on the outside corner. This really darkens up the crease and adds some soft dimension. You can do this for an everyday look if you just want to add some shadows to your eye. My instructor told me I have smaller eye lid space so to create the illusion of a larger eye to go slightly above my natural crease when filling in. I tried it and it worked! It didn’t look over done or over drawn but it naturally opened up my eye.

We then went in with eyeliner. The instructors emphasized that for this step we use a non waterproof coal based eyeliner. These will blend out the best and not dry down quickly like a waterproof one would. They gave us all the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil which are waterproof so we had to work quickly. They also gave use a smudge brush (HERE) to blend it out. They told us a smokey eye is like smoke from a fire, it is thicker at the bottom and gradually gets dispersed as it gets higher. I thought this was a really great visual to give. We took the eye liner and really darkened the lash line since this is at the bottom of the look. We then colored our eye about halfway up with the liner and looked a bit crazy! Then taking your smudge brush you want to work the upper part out and up toward the crease by used tiny upwards strokes. You don’t want to blend out the lash line since it needs to stay dark but focus on blending to the crease. Try to work one eye at a time so you can really focus on blending the liner out. This can take some time so be patient. Once it is all blended out you will look like a raccoon but it’s OK! It will be fixed soon. After liner you want to set it with eye shadow in the same color as the liner. This is important because it will take any shine away from the liner and also make the liner last longer. It’s like setting your foundation with powder.

Once you are done doing that you want to take that first color you used in your crease and go into the crease again using those same windshield wiper motions and tiny circles. This will help to blend out the harsh eyeliner lines into the crease and create that smokey effect. Blend really well, the more the better! After that is blended take a medium shade with a flat shadow brush (HERE) and pat it along the center of the eye and into the outer corner. This will create dimension and more color. I chose a mix of a burnt orange and dark brown. Once this is on take your blender brush and blend it all out. The key to a great smokey eye is no harsh lines and a smooth transition between colors. You want each color to blend perfectly into the next.

If your smokey eye is black the instructor recommend using eyeliner and shadow on the lower lashes. If it is brown or another lighter color she recommended to just used shadow. Using your smudge brush take your dark color and push it right into your lash liner. You don’t want to put it too far away from the line as this can weigh the look down. It is important to push that color right into the lashes. After that you can apply your favorite mascara! I tried out the Diorshow Mascara and loved it!. I do recommend using false lashes with a look this bold though since your lashes can get a bit lost against the heavy background.

For an added bonus the instructors pulled out the new Urban Decay Moondust cream eyeshadows to put on top of our eyes. I gasped out loud! The colors are so beautiful and pigmented. I chose the color Recharged which is a peach duochrome and bought it after! It is a beautiful sunset duo chrome that is super metallic and beautiful with a bronze eye. If you don’t want to use a cream they suggest either keeping the look matte or going in with a tiny shimmer shade right in the center of the eye and blend. I highly recommend the Urban Decay liquids if you are into metallic eyes.

After we were done they recommend going in with concealer to clean up any fall out from all the eye shadows. And then your look is complete! I didn’t realize how easy a smokey eye is!

Again I really recommend checking out your local classes. They are super personal, let you try out the latest products and are FREE!

Let me know down below what class you would attend? XOX Chan

Battle of the Boxes: Ipsy vs. Play by Sephora | July 2016

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Hey Guys!

Today I have my July Battle of the Boxes to share with you. Both are $10 a month and are full of makeup, skincare, and other beauty goodies.

Ipsy promises 4-5 deluxe sized samples with at least 1 being full sized. It also comes in a cute cosmetic bag. This month we received 5 items with 3 being full sized!

The theme for this month was Hot Summer nights and the bag was silver holographic with beach umbrellas printed on the front.

The first item I received was a full sized nail polish from Trust Fund Beauty in the color No Filter. This item retails for $15. This is a nice greige neutral color. I don't normally wear nudes but I like this one! It is sophisticated and super opaque. It is free of harsh chemicals and covers in 1 coat. Get 35% off HERE with code IPSY35. 

The next item was also full sized and it is the Perfect Duo Brow Pencil from J. Cat Beauty. It retails for $3.99. I like this because it has the spooly on the back. I think this color is too dark for me though. It also transfers a bit. I wish it was a bit lighter but I will still use it. Use code ipsy716 HERE and get 25% off a purchase of $30. 

The next full sized item was a Baked Eyeshadow from Mellow in the color Coco. This retails for $8. This is beautiful! It is super buttery and pigmented and has a slight shimmer. I love it and highly recommend it. Get 15% off of any order of $40+ HERE with code Ipsy15. 

The next item was a small sample of the Get Glossed Hair Serum from Eva NYC. This smells amazing and a little goes along way. This helps to strengthen the hair, instantly adds shine, tames frizz, and protects against heat! Get 15% off HERE with code GetGlossedIpsy15. 

The final item was a sample of the Make up Forever Excessive Lash Mascara. I love this mascara! The brush isn't very bushy but it coats each lashI  and gives it volume, length and definition! It doesn't clump and lasts all day! I am addicted! Get it HERE. 

Overall this month had an AMAZING value and variety of items! Sign up HERE.

This month's Play by Sephora contained 6 products. Unlike Ipsy, Sephora always contains 1 fragrance sample. This is the one thing I don't like about it. 

This month's theme was Effortless Summer and came in a cute white bag with a Popsicles on the front. 

The fragrance this month was the Nest Fragrance in the scent Citrine. This smells fresh and fruity. The description of this is lotus flower, freesia, and sparkling citrus notes. I really like this and the packaging looks really cool! To keep your fragrance lasting longer on the skin make sure you are freshly moisturized with either an unscented lotion or one in the same scent. Check it out HERE. 

The next item was the Wave Spray from OUAI. This is a weightless texture mist that is supposed to add volume, texture, and shape to the hair. This stuff smells DELICIOUS! I want to get it in a body spray! Not sure how it works as a wave spray since I don't usually have luck with these but I might use it as a body spray hahah. Check it out HERE. 

Next was the Bloterazzi from Beautyblender. I actually own this already but I was happy to get another one. The full sized one has 2 sponges and a case. The sample just had one full sized facial sponge. I am keeping this as a backup in case any of my sponges gets torn or worn out. This item is designed to be like blotting sheets but instead of being disposable you can wash it and keep using it. Since it is made of the same spongy material as a BeautyBlender it doesn't disturb your makeup and soaks up oil. I love it. I highly recommend. Check it out HERE. 

Next up was the First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser with Red Clay. This is a foaming cleanser that uses red clay to purify and cleanse the skin and get rid of oil. I only use Proactiv so I won't be using this. I might try it once. Check it out HERE. 

The next time was my favorite! It is the Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer. This is a mattifying and smooth primer for combo and oily skin. This is supposed to minimize shine, and pores and help makeup last. It feels like the Porefessional by Benefit. It smooths out my large pores on my cheeks and makes my skin so soft. I highly recommend!! Check it out HERE. 

The final product is the Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer in Chocolate. This is a matte bronzer that smells like delicious chocolate. This bronzer build able and perfect for contouring. I don't contour so I will be adding this to my giveaway pile. Check it out HERE. 

Overall I loved my Play by Sephora! The Primer is amazing and I am thinking about buying the full size! Sign up HERE. 

What is your favorite monthly subscription? XOX Chan

Ole Henriksen Unboxing+ Review | Influenster VoxBox

Hey Guys!

Today I have a VoxBox Unboxing from Influenster to share with you. To find out more information about Influenster check out my video below. I did receive these products for free in exchange for my honest review.

The products are from the new Ole Henriksen Power Bright line. This line promises brighter, more illuminated skin. I am always on the hunt for brightening products as I feel they can help diminish my post acne scars. We received 3 generous products to try out in this VoxBox. 

The first item was Truth Serum Vitamin C Collagen Booster Serum. This is a serum that is supposed to be good for Normal, Combination or Dry skin. It is supposed to help brighten the complexion, reduce lines and wrinkles and help with uneven skin tone. It smells like yummy oranges and goes on well. I like to rub this on at night after my toner and before my moisturizer. I gently rub it all over my face, neck and decollete and then pat it in so it absorbs better. It does have a slight tacky feel but that goes away once you apply moisturizer over it. Overall I like this and find that it has helped me look "glowy". Check it out HERE.

The next product was the Sheer Transformation moisturizer. This is supposed to be good for normal, combination, and dry skin and promises to help with dryness, uneven skin tone, and uneven texture. I use this product nightly after the serum. It has a lightweight creamy formula and goes on really well. I put it on my face, neck and decollete and my skin just drinks it in. Check it out HERE.

The final thing I was sent to test out was the Power Bright 3 Step System. This is good for all skin types and promises to reduce uneven skin tone, get rid of dullness, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The kit comes with a mask, a concentrate, a cleanser, and 2 facial sponges. The first step is the Truth Sugar Glow Polishing Mask. You apply it to your face for 10 minutes then while rinsing it off you want to massage it into the skin. The next step is the Truth 25% Vitamin C Concentrate. You apply this after the mask to dry skin and let it soak in for 2-3 minutes. You don't want to rinse it off after. The final step was the Pure Truth Melting Cleanser. This is to be applied straight over the concentrate and left on for 10-15 minutes. To remove this you dampen one of the complexion sponges and wipe off. You should follow with a moisturizer and expect a glowy complexion.

Check it out HERE: 

Overall I loved all the products! I felt like I was at a spa and people have actually been telling me how glowy I look lately! If I had to recommend 1 thing it would be the 3 step system. The results are amazing!

Check out Influenster HERE.

Free Sephora Classes | Flawless Foundation with ColorIQ Tips+ Tricks!

Hey Guys!

I recently attended a Free makeup class at my local Sephora. Check out and schedule a class HERE. They have different ones all the time but the one I tried out was the Flawless Foundation Class with ColorIQ matching. I didn't know what to expect so before I went I did my morning skincare routine and went to the store without any makeup.

Since the class was on a Sunday we got to go into the store 2 hours before it was open which was amazing. This helps the staff focus only on you and it is also nice and quiet. When I went in they took me over to their ColorIQ station to color match me to a foundation. The ColorIQ is a little gadget that scans certain parts of your face and then tells you what shade you match with in every brand of the store. It's amazing! The associate also asked what my skin concerns are and what kind of foundations I like to wear. I told her I have oily skin and I like a medium to full coverage foundation. 

My associate then told me to try the Laura Mercier Silk Creme Oil Free Photo Edition Foundation. It is a Long wearing photo ready matte foundation and retails for $48. Check it out HERE.  She then took me over to our set up. We each had our own station that included a mirror, foundation brush, concealer brush, Beauty Blender and other makeup tools. I was really impressed. Everything was clean and the staff was super friendly.

While we waited for everyone else she brought me over the Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Moisturizer which retails for $38. Check it out HERE. This moisturizer is good for all skin types and is a lightweight gel cream texture. She then brought over the Kate Somerville Goat Milk De- Puffing Eye Balm which retails for $38. Check it out HERE . This Eye cream is cool because it comes in a balm like stick. It is super cooling and felt amazing! Next she brought me the Cover FX Mattifying Primer With Anti Acne Treatment which retails for $38. Check it out HERE.  This went on super creamy and is long lasting. She then got me the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer which retails for $29. Check it out HERE. The final product she got for me was the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder which retails fro $38. Check it out HERE. This powder is silky and lightweight with a matte finish. 

Once I sat down we got to work. They first showed us how to apply our moisturizer. They said to work it from the center moving hands in a butterfly wings motion and then working it into our forehead. The moisturizer I tried was super lightweight and hydrating. I wish it had SPF in it though since I only like to use day moisturizers with SPF. They told us to make sure that we not put the moisturizer too close to the eye area because it will interfere with our eye cream. Next we put on our eye cream. I usually only put eye cream on at night but they said it is important to put on during the day to help with under eye concealers. They said to not apply it too close to the lash line because this can cause irritation. You want to use a half pea sized and your ring fingers to apply. Ring fingers have the lightest touch so this is perfect for your delicate eye area. The Eye Balm I used was amazing and felt so cooling and refreshing. It also sank in super fast and didn't feel heavy under my eyes.

After skincare we moved on to priming. They told us to focus the primer on the center of the face and move outwards. I liked this primer because it didn't feel super slippery. I also learned that you can use more than one primer depending on your skin concerns. So if you have an oily T zone and large pores on your cheeks you can use a mattifying primer on the T zone and a pore smoothing one on the cheeks. You want to make sure that your foundation and primer both have the same base as well. This meaning if you use an oil based primer you must use an oil based foundation or a water based primer with a water based foundation. Water and Oil repel each other so if you mix them the foundation separates and melts off. I never knew this and I thought this was a great tip!
 

We then moved on to the foundation application. They dampened our BeautyBlenders and taught us how to apply foundation with it. I have never used my BeautyBlender for foundation or damp so I was super excited to learn. They told us to apply a small amount of foundation on the backs of our hands and dip the blender into it with the wide side and work from the center outwards. This will help you get coverage where you need it most and avoid the harsh neckline we sometimes get. She said to dot and roll the blender. Since it is wet it sheers out the coverage a bit giving a more natural finish and helps the sponge not soak up excess product so you don't waste it. I tried this and loved it! It did take a bit longer than using a brush but the results were so natural and not cakey at all! I would have preferred a little more coverage but I just used concealer and that helped alot. The damp BeautyBlender also felt really cool and refreshing on the face. 

After foundation we took our concealer and dotted it under the eyes and around the nose. When applying the concealer you don't want to apply it too close to the lash line because it will cake and crease up. Application of concealer depends on the formula. I was told the NARS one can be applied with a blender, a brush or the fingers. I chose to use the blender. It did crease a tiny bit but it might be because I didn't set it right away. It was super creamy and blended out great. 

We then learned to set our face. They taught us there are 2 types of powders, Setting and Finishing. Finishing powders contain an ingredient that has silica so nothing moves. So if you try to add any product over top it won't work. It also can have a white cast in pictures. Setting powder is what we used because it can be used at any time and doesn't cause a white cast. They told us to use a big fluffy brush and instead of brushing it all over the face we should pat it. This gives more coverage, helps diminish pores and smooths out any uneven foundation lines. 

Since our class size was smaller they let us try out the new Becca x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Splits Shimmering Perfecter Mineral Blush Duo which retails for $38. Check it out HERE.  One side had a blush and the other was a highlighter. I don't normally wear blush or highlighter because I never really learned how to apply them. They told us to use our powder brush for the blush and only take a small amount and tap off the excess. They told us to smile and apply to the apples of our cheeks and up our temples for a more natural blush. They said a good rule is to put 2 fingers between your nose and mouth and don't apply blush this close. If you apply too much blush or get a harsh line use your blender to smooth it out and sheer it out. Next for highlighter they told us to use a smaller fluffy brush to apply on top of the cheekbones. Mine was a bit streaky and looked like a straight line so I am not sure what happened.

After the class we received a bag of samples and were aloud to shop in the store till it opened. This was great because I had a chance to ask the employees about other classes and other products. I want to go to the brow class next month.

Overall I LOVED the class! I learned so much and can't wait to use the tricks I learned with my own makeup.  I didn't purchase any of the things I used because I wanted to try the techniques that I learned on the foundations that I already own to see if it worked. 

Sign up HERE

Have you ever attended a Sephora Class? Which one? 

XOX Chan

June Battle of the Boxes| Ipsy Vs. Play by Sephora 2016

Hey Guys!

June was a great month of Unboxings and Unbaggings! I received a ton of new and great products to try so continue reading to find out what I thought about products and use coupon codes I have!

Ipsy: Ipsy is $10 a month beauty subscription that promises 4-5 deluxe sized samples and always guarantees at least 1 full sized product. Sometimes my bags are ALL full-sized which is awesome!

Theme: Rebel Rebel | Bag: Graffiti Print

The first item I pulled out was a sample sized eyeshadow from Urban Decay in the Color Fireball. This is a beautiful duo chrome pinky, lilac, coral eyeshadow. It is highly pigmented and super buttery. I actually have a $6 Makeup Geek Dupe called Mai Tai that I received in my Aspyn Ovard Subscription box. They are the same in feel, color and pigmentation. I recommend both as they are such a unique shade. I like to wear them all over the lid or lightly patted into the center and smoked out with a brozey shade. Purchase HERE

The next item was a sample full sized blush from Seraphine Botanicals in the color Happy Hibiscus. This is a darker coralish brown blush that feels really soft and pigmented. I am not sure if this works for my skin tone as I haven't used it yet. I am afraid it will make my cheeks look ruddy. I heard a little goes along way so I will get up the courage on of these days to wear it. Get 25% off HERE with code IPSY25.

Next was the Deep Pore Detox Activated Charcoal Exfoliating Mask from clariSea. This mask can be used as a cleanser or mask. It is a powder that you mix with water to create a paste. I only use this ask a mask and I use other products as cleansers. I find that it leaves my skin feeling purified and clean. The only con is that it is a bit messy since you do have to mix it yourself. Get 30% off HERE with code IPSY30.

Next was a baby sample of the Formula X nailpolish in the color Wingwoman. I LOVE this color! It is my go to pedicure color. It is a warm raspberry magenta that flatters my skin tone so well. I have tried other polishes from this brand before and they are super opaque and last long. Purchase HERE

The final item was the full sized Crease/Smudge brush from Royal & Langnickel MODA. This is in a beautiful teal color that was my wedding color. The bristles are soft and are great for buffing and smudging. I love it! Get 40% off HERE with code IPSY4016.

Overall the bag was awesome! I loved the variety as always and thought all of the sizes were great! My favorite is the nailpolish. I might buy a full size! Get Ipsy HERE

Play by Sephora: $10 a month with 4-5 high end deluxe sized samples +1 perfume sample

Theme: The Minimalists

The first item was a sample size of They're Real mascara from Benefit. I have tried this before and love it! I wish Benefit would send out other products to test out though since I feel like I only get this mascara. This mascara gives great, volume, length and sepereation. I love the brush. It is a bit difficult to remove but it doesn't flake or smudge during the day. Get the product HERE

The perfume this month was the Florence fragrance from Tocca. This does not come in a roller or spray which I don't like. It smells nice and fresh though. It is a very sophisticated smell that would work well in the evening. Purchase HERE

The next item is a sample size of the Don't Blow it cream from Bumble and Bumble. This stuff smells delicious! It is a blow dry cream to help style hair and tame frizz. I haven't used it yet but it will be in my travel bag to take with me on vacation. It is a decent size and I can get a few uses out of it. Purchase HERE

Next was a sample size of the Becca Backlight Priming Filter. I have always wanted to try a Becca product to see what all the hype is about. This is a great sample size where you could get a month's worth of product from. Unfortunatly this product is illuminating and I have oily skin. I didn't think it would work for me but I tried it anyway. It left a great glow and was super soft and moisturizing but by the end of the day Ijust looked like a grease pit. I think this products is beautiful and recommend it for dry and more mature skin. It was lightweight but still moisturizing. Purchase HERE

Next was the BareMinerals Bareskin Bronzer. This is a liquid bronzer that can be used multiple ways. It can be used to darken foundation, add color to lotions. or asa cream bronzer. I haven't used this yet but I can't wait to mix it with foundation as I get a tan. I like this idea because than I don't have to buy a new bronzer that would go bad before I use the whole thing. Purchase HERE

The final item was a sample size of the Tarte Tarteguard SPF 30 sunscreen. The packaging is super adorable as it is a bright neon purple and pink. I was disappointed in this because there was no product! The bottle was so small I figured I would only get a bit to try out on my upper body but I didn't even get 1 full pump! Oh well. I still like the packaging. Purchase HERE

I think Play by Sephora is a great box to try out higher end products. I love it and look forward to it every month. Subscribe HERE

What is your favorite subscription service? XOX Chan

Kandee Johnson Beautycon BFF Unboxing and Review| Summer 2016

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Hey Guys!

Today I am unboxing the Summer 2016 Beautycon box curated by Kandee Johnson. Beautycon is a seasonal/quarterly box and it is $29.99. This box is jam packed with Kandee Johnson's favorite skincare and makeup products to keep your skin summer ready. She has oily skin like me so I was excited to get products geared toward my skin type. This box has a value of over $160!

The first item was the Redken Fashion Waves Sea Salt Spray valued at $19.50.  This is a full sized bottle of texturizing spray to give your hair that sexy beachy look. I have such long thick hair that these kinds of products never seem to work in my hair. I am going to be putting this in my Giveaway stash. 

The next item is the Neutrogena Ultra Light Cleansing Oil valued at $10. This is a full sized bottle of oil that you use to remove your eye and face makeup before you cleanse. I have really been getting into using products like this lately and I love that it also removes waterproof eye makeup. You use it on a dry face too which I found interesting. I like this because it isn't heavy and it is great at removing eye makeup quickly. I recommend. 

Next up was the Cover Fx Contour brush valued at $38. This is a dual ended brush made for contouring the cheeks and smaller areas like the nose. I do not contour so I won't be using this for that. It is a really nice soft brush that I feel would be great for concealer or foundation. It doesn't look like any contour brush that I have ever seen. I will be putting this in my Giveaway pile. 

Next was a baby sample of the VersaSpa Gradual Tan Face Moisturizer.  This is a tanning face moisturizer that you can use day or night. It is always good to use a moisturizer or tanner that is made for the face because it is more delicate and doesn't clog your pores as easily. I do fake tan my body so I am excited to try this out and hope it doens't break me out.

The next item I received was the Smashbox Eye Brow Tech Shaping Powder valued at $25. This is a full sized brow powder that uses a felt tip liner applicator. It is cool because you basically just line your eyes with this powder to get a soft look. The only thing I don't like about this is that it doesn't draw on the skin very well so I have to go in with a brow pencil to fill in the front part of my brows. Overall it is a really cool product to try. 

The next item is a Nyx Jumbo eye pencil in the color Cashemere and it is valued at $8. This is a full sized eye pencil that can be used as an eye shadow base or all over the eyes as a shadow. It is super creamy and pigmented and I love the soft shimmer look it gives. 

Another item from Nyx I received was the Ombre Lip duo in Peaches & Cream and it is valued at $12. This has a darker orange shade on one end that you use to line to lips and a lighter color on the other end that you use to fill in and create an ombre effect. I have pictures down below showing the different colors. Both colors are pretty drying. The darker shade is opaque and I put it on alone with a gloss overtop  and this helped make it wearable. The lighter shade was patchy, dry, and not flattering on me on it's own. The ombre lip I created was cool but not something I would wear alot.

The first shot below is the ombre, second is the dark color, third is the light color and the final is the dark shade with lip gloss over it. 

Next was the Benzac Clearing Hydrator Treatment valued at $10. This is a hydrating acne treatment that also controls oil. I use this after I cleanse and tone my face and then use a mosturizer after that has SPF in it. I feel like this does control my oil a bit but the smell is so strong! It actually makes me gag when I use it. I like what it does for my face and the scent goes away once it is dry but it is pretty potent. 

Next up was the Garnier Clearly Brighter Day Moistruizer valued at $12. This is a full sized bottle with SPF 15 that I use every morning before I put on makeup. It is lightweight which is perfect for my oily skin and as a nice clean scent. It helps to brighten and smooth out skin tone for a more even complexion. I am hoping this helps with post acne scarring that I always get. I am liking it so far and it doesn't seem to make my skin any more oily. 

We also received a deluxe sized sample of the Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof mascara. I love the original Better Than Sex so I can't wait to use this when I go swimming or to the beach and I am glad I get to try it. 

The final items were little samples of the LA Fresh Face Cleanser Towelettes and the LA Fresh Instant Cooling Body Towelettes. 

This box was such a great value for $29.99! I always look forward to my Beautycon box and can't wait to see who picks the products for the next one.

Sign up HERE: http://fbuy.me/c9pCV

What was your favorite item that I received? XOX Chan

May Battle of the Boxes| Ipsy Vs. Play by Sephora+ Mary Kay GIVEAWAY!

Hey Guys!

This month is my first Battle of the Boxes where I battle Ipsy Vs. Play by Sephora. I recently canceled my Birchbox because I wasn't happy with it. Play by Sephora is a new subscription service from Sephora and it is $10 a month!

Play by Sephora offers 5 samples of products in their stores and always includes 1 fragrance. I am not too excited about getting a fragrance vile every month but I guess they can't please everyone. Unlike Ipsy, who does a great job at mixing high and low priced products, Play by Sephora's items are a higher price point so I don't expect many full sized or giant sized products. Honestly I don't mind because I already am aware that products in Sephora are higher priced to begin with.

This month's Play by Sephora theme is Forces of Nature. Sign up HERE

We received 5 items. They are all sample sized.

The first was from Bite Beauty. It is their Amuse lipstick in the color KimChi. I have always wanted to try Bite Beauty and was very excited to see this in the box. It is a beautiful magenta color perfect for Spring/Summer. It is a very bold color and has a rich and creamy consistency that I enjoy. Now I see what all the hype is about their products. The bullet has a unique shape as well and there is enough product in this sample to last a while.

The next lip product was a Tartest Lip Crayon from Tarte in the color Latergram. This is a perfect "Your Lips But Better" Color. This is actually my least favorite item in the box unfortunately. The product itself is very dry so when it is applied to lips it breaks off easily. The packaging also is not my favorite because you can't retract the liner so beware! If the full size was more creamy than I would recommend this. The color was great!

We received a 3 sample pack from Orgins. Usually I don't like foil packets but because this one had us try out 3 different products I didn't mind. The first was a spray tube of the Maskimizer. This is a spray you apply after cleansing and before applying a face mask. It is supposed to help prepare the skin for masks and help the skin to absorb the ingredients better. I think this is a cool concept but I didn't see results right away. It was still fun to try out! The first mask was the Charcoal Mask. I liked this because I love masks that draw out impurities and toxins. The next was an overnight hydrating mask that is great to do after a Charcoal mask as it helps re balance the skin. My husband said this one made my face smell like Fruit Loops! I loved the texture and woke up to glowing skin!

The next product was from Korres and it is their Wild Rose Overnight sleeping facial. This one is a rose serum that helps hydrate and balance the skin. I apply this nightly in the place of my moisturizer and it is so soft and buttery! It smells like Roses too but not in an overly perfumey way. I wake up and my skin is glowing and so soft!

Next I got a deluxe sized sample of the Don't Despair Repair Hair mask from Briogeo.  This is a hair mask that you put on after shampooing and leave in for a few minutes. I like to leave it in for as long as possible so I usually use it when I am showering and shaving. It has a nice consistency and smells great! It left my hair feeling soft and hydrated!

The final item was a fragrance. It is the Orange Sanguine Cologne. I was not a fan of this fragrance.

Overall I am happy with my first Play by Sephora box. I love that I get to try higher end items for $10 a month!

This month's Ipsy theme was Destination Chic. Sign up HERE

We received 5 samples with 3 being full sized!

The first was the Acne Pore Deep Cleanser from NoTS. This is a great deluxe sized sample that is perfect for travel. I haven't had a chance to use this yet but I will be throwing it into my travel bag to take on vacations with me. I would use this as my chest and back cleanser.

Next I received a Full Sized Small Contour W07 Brush from Slmissglam. This brush is so cute and so soft! I love it! It has a white handle, 2 diamonds on the gold base and pink bristles. I don't contour but I found that it is perfect for setting my under eyes since it is so soft! Get 25% off your purchase HERE with code "Slipsy25:.

The next full sized item I received was the Lavender Moisture Rich Balm from Jersey shore Cosmetics. I am not a huge fan of getting lip balms in subscription services. I will use this product but I would rather try out something new and exciting! This balm is super moisturizing and the lavender scent is great to put on to calm the senses. Get 50% off HERE with code "ipsy50".

The next full sized item is the Gel Effect Nail Polish from Aurora in the color Safety Orange. It is a true neon safety cone orange color! I have gotten a navy polish from this brand before and love the formula! I might try this on my toes this summer! Get 10% off HERE with code "IPSYJUNE16".

The final product is a sample size of the new X-Rated Mascara from Smashbox. I love getting Smashbox items to try out because the price point is a bit higher. This is a decent mascara that doesn't' smudge throughout the day. It has a middle of the road formula where it is not too wet and not too dry. It didn't really wow me in volume or length though. Get 15% off HERE with code "IPSY15".

Overall I thought Ipsy was great this month in terms of size and variety of products.

Sign up for Ipsy HERE

Let me know down below: What is your FAVORITE subscription service and why? Feel free to leave your referral links and share this with your friends! See below for GIVEAWAY info!

XOX Chan

***GIVEAWAY***

Erin from Mary Kay was kind enough to send us a Goodie bag full of fun things! 

Fill out forms above! There are also BONUS ways to enter!

GOODLUCK!

Ends June 30

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Perfectly Posh Review| How to Become a Seller+ GIVEAWAY!

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Hey Guys!

Today I have an exciting post to share with you. Recently Abby from Perfectly Posh reached out to me to try some products from the brand. I had never heard of it before so she also passed along some information about the company.

She was kind enough to send me a couple full sized products as well as a ton of samples! I was blown away by her generosity. She also gave me a beauty bundle to share with one of you so stay tuned to find out how you can win!

Perfectly Posh is a beauty company that uses the best natural ingredients in their products and nothing is over $25! The products are also free of fillers, sulfates, parabens, and parrafins.  You guys know I love bargains so when I heard this I had to let you know! Also everything is made in the USA.

There are a wide range of items from skin care to bath products. The 2 full sized products I wanted to try out were the Under Wonder Matte Pore Primer ($20) and Daily Grind Coffee Scrub ($17). As summer approaches and my oily skin gets even oilier I wanted to find something that would control it under my makeup while giving me a smooth canvas. Bonus points for being inexpensive! It also smells like yummy watermelon!

I also chose to try the Coffee Scrub because I have been seeing them EVERYWHERE and wanted to try one for myself. Other coffee scrubs seem to come in bags and are expensive but this one is $17 and comes in the cutest Starbuckequese container! To see my full reviews of these prodcuts and more check out my video.

Every time you buy 5 products you get the 6th item free! Also if you buy from my party (HERE) you get a free gift. If you are not sure if you will like a product feel free to reach out to Abby and she will send you some free samples!

If you are interested in joining Abby's team to earn extra money for yourself and your family JOIN HERE

To find out more information about the company and its products click HERE

Here are Abby's Links: Go Check her out!

Youtube

Instagram: @mrs.hankins

Facebook

Now for the GIVEAWAY!

1 lucky reader will win a goodie bag full of Perfectly Posh products to try out! All you have to do be a subscriber to my Youtube, sign up for my Blog emails and Subscribe to Abby's Youtube (link is above). That's it!

Once you are done please leave a comment below this post telling me what type of product you would like to try out. Each comment equals 1 entry.

***Bonus Entries***

To earn Bonus Entries you can share the video, share this post, or comment and like on my Instagram photo featuring Perfecly Posh products! Who knows I might throw in a couple extra goodies to the bag :P

Good luck! XOX Chan

My Holy Grail Drugstore/Inexpensive Beauty Products! | 2016

Hey Guys!

Check out my video below where I show you my Holy Grail favorite makeup/ beauty products! 

Check out links below to purchase:

The Wet Brush:  http://amzn.to/1N3RHcL 

Bath and Body Works Spray: http://goo.gl/WnQglf 

Self Tanner: http://amzn.to/25DnbSF 

Nyx Matte Spray: http://amzn.to/1ZUJij9 

Elf Lip Exfoliator: http://goo.gl/ZOJ3gc 

Elf Eyebrow Pencil: http://goo.gl/XLOm1e 

Elf Undereye Concealer: http://goo.gl/VWk0qZ

Elf Lip Lock Pencil: http://goo.gl/BLNZYQ

Elf Liquid Eyeliner: http://goo.gl/0LFY9Y

Loreal Blow Dry Spray: http://amzn.to/1V1vyUe

Wet n Wild Foundation: http://goo.gl/hbsk5W

Overnight Lip Balm: http://goo.gl/ZKzcQj

Nyx Butter Lipstick: http://goo.gl/O4beVg

Rimmel Bronzer: http://goo.gl/n53u5G

Let me know if you guys have/will try out some of the items above! 

What is your #1 Holy Grail beauty item??? XOX Chan

 

 

Milani 2-in-1 Foundation+Concealer Review!

Hi Guys! Spring is coming so that means makeup companies are launching new products. Most of the time I see that the spring brings luminous/dewy products and bright colored eye shadows, blushes, and lipsticks. I love my bright lips but I prefer a matte face. Partly because I have oily skin and the other part because I just like the flawless matte skin look.

I saw this foundation in my CVS and was instantly intrigued. It boasted that it was a 2-in-1 meaning it has enough coverage where you wouldn't need a concealer. It also claims to be medium to full coverage, oil-free, long lasting, sweat proof, and water resistant. Sign me up! I chose my shade which is 01 Creamy Vanilla and went to work.

This retails for around $9.99 at 1 fl. oz.,which is normal for most foundations. The packaging is high end looking with gold and black. It also has a pump which is a must have for me when it comes to foundations. I use about a pump and a half for my entire face. The foundation's consistency is pretty thick. A little definitely goes a long way. It has a yellow base which was a bit too yellow on me. My skin leans more on the warm neutral side so it worked but if you have a pink undertone this wouldn't be for you. I used an angled top kabuki brush to apply it few times and a softer blending brush others. Both gave me the same coverage.

Check out my video below for a more in depth review.

Overall this foundation didn't wow me. I would say it is medium coverage. If you put too much on to try and get it to be full coverage it gets very cakey especially around the eyebrow/eye area. It also isn't long lasting, at least on me. I do have oily skin but since it is winter I only get slightly oily throughout the day. I also work a desk job so I don't move around a lot. By the end of my 8 hours the foundation has caked up and gone "goopy" around my nose, eyes, and brows. It transfers like crazy and if I wear sunglasses they leave a line where they "pushed" the foundation out of the way.

I do set my face with a powder and spray but this still happens. I also blow my nose a few times throughout the day and it transfers onto the tissue instantly. I know it doesn't say that it is oil controlling or for oily skin but I would assume if it is water resistant and sweat proof it would at least have some staying power on oily skin. It gave decent coverage but I still had to go in with concealer on red spots. Check out my pictures above to see it in action. It does look great in photos once it is on but as the day goes on it get shinier and shinier.

Sadly I will be returning this. That is a perk at purchasing from CVS. Let me know if you have tried this and what your thoughts on it were.

XOX Chan

Target Beauty Box Unboxing and Review!

Hey guys! Target released another Beauty Box and I was lucky enough to snag one before they were sold out!

Target releases beauty boxes at random but usually there is a new one every month. Sometimes they release multiple different kinds, sometimes a men's one, and sometimes just one. The prices for the boxes also usually range between $5 and $15. This current box was $7 and has over $30 worth of products that can be found at Target.

 

The only other budget friendly store that I know of that has Beauty Boxes is Walmart. Walmart's is different because it is a subscription service and comes out every season, so about 4 times a year. It is also $5. I wish Target would have an automatic sign up for their boxes so that you don't have to scramble to get the box before it is sold out. I post on my Instagram when new boxes come out so make sure you follow me there. Link is below.

This box had a great variety of items and everything was the perfect size to try out. My favorite item is the Skinfix lip balm. I love these types of lip balms to wear on their own or over lipstick.

Check out the items below to buy them individually:

 

Loofah: http://goo.gl/5KLcLG

BB cushion foundation: http://goo.gl/rMM9JT

Lip Balm: http://goo.gl/BllWUp

Shampoo and Conditioner: http://goo.gl/yFsdh4

Perfume: http://goo.gl/btVdaH

Night Cream: http://goo.gl/3ueJzN

Hand Cream: http://goo.gl/1hU1jd

Nail Strips: http://goo.gl/svj9gc

L'Oreal Spray: http://goo.gl/Nxr2Wg