Beauty Bargains! Eco Tools BOGO 50% Off at Ulta

Stopped by Ulta with 2 intentions.  Check out if they had any Eco Tools Pure Complexion Facial Sponges and Tea Tree Oil Shampoo & Conditioner.  And that is all I left with. Ha!  Surprise, surprise.  

I picked up both the Sensitive Skin and Deep Cleansing sponges because it was Buy One, Get One 50% off and if you have the Coupon Sherpa App you can get an additional $3.50 off your purchase of $10 or more.

Cost of sponge: $5.99
50% off BOGO: -$1.50
$3.50 off $10: -$0.63
Total cost: $3.86

I'll have a separate review on these sponges after I've been able to use them for a bit.  If you're looking for a good deal on konjac sponges, head to Ulta!  I have seen some good reviews and some not good reviews on using these sponges and wanted to try it out for myself.

Price comparisons:
Sephora - Boscia Konjac Cleansing Sponge $15
Julep - Konjac Cleansing Sponge $12
Dr. Sponge - Facial Cleansing Sponge $8.50

New Fall Coat? Secure The Buttons With Topcoat!

Don't let your buttons go loose or worse, missing, by securing with a dab of topcoat. I've done this to several coats and no buttons lost! 

Unboxing: September Ipsy Glam Bag - Street Style

I'll admit it, I peeked in my Glam Room to see what I got. Ha! I couldn't help it, when I logged on it was right there!  This month is dedicated to Street Style and from the looks of the Ipsy Stylists, they're rocking a lot of black and plaid.

I love this style of bag. Flat with a top zipper. I am still using the pink bag from July in my daily purse. I haven't used the cylindrical bag from August yet.  I thought it would fit my full sized brushes and be used for travel, but they don't fit.  Its kind of an awkward design to be carrying around in my purse.

What I got:

• Crown Brush Infinity Shadow/Crease Duet Brush
• NYX Hot Singles Eye Shadow in Rehab
• Pacifica Natural Water-Proof Eye Pencil in Fringe
• Briogeo Don't Despair Repair Deep Conditioning Mask
• Cailyn Air Touch Tinted Lip Gloss in 09 Basic Instinct

Top-Bottom: Pacifica Liner, NYX Eyeshadow, Cailyn Lip Gloss

I swatched the shadow again on my middle finger, that is straight from the pan.

Products I loved: Cailyn Lip Gloss was like a soft, creamy lipstick that went on smooth.  The Crown Brush is great with the dual end.  Although I'm not a fan of storing dual ended brushes upright.  Which side do you choose to store downwards?  Ick. 

Products that were ok: Pacifica Eyeliner - the color is a nice deep brown, but wasn't something that wowed me.  

Products I didn't like: NYX shadow - it just wasn't as pigmented as I thought it was going to be.  I am going to try and layer over a shadow stick to make the color pop.

Haven't tried yet: Briogeo Deep Conditioning Mask.  I will soon!  After I get my hair done.

Overall:  3 full size items and 2 deluxe sample items.  Not bad!  I really do love the bag this month and will be switching out one of my bags in my purse for this one!

Looking at what else was offered this month, I would have liked the Alterna CC Cream or the LeeAnni 3-in-1 Revolution Light. 

What did you get in your September Glam Bag?

Beauty Mail: September Glam Bag

Yay it's here! Two things I heart showed up in my mail, Nordy's catalog & my Glam Bag! Unboxing soon!

Julep Mask Noir

Do you mask weekly?  I have to honestly say that I don't and it shows.  While my skin is relatively clear, I do get clogged pores, blemishes and my complexion has been lacking luster.  These have been attributed to the "lack of" in my life...better diet, exercise and enough rest.  Self-care is important and I try to do when I can on a weekly basis.

I have had Julep's Mask Noir just waiting for me to use and finally got the chance to try it a couple times.  The Beeb has tried it and I am having my Soul Sista try it out too because its fun!

What the website says:

Peel to reveal brighter, softer skin.

What it is:
An antioxidant-rich peel-off black mask that leaves skin smoother, brighter, and deeply hydrated.

What it does:

• Kaolin clay absorbs excess oil.
• Hectorite (a derivative of black volcanic ash) lifts away pore-clogging debris and dead skin cells.
• Julep's exclusive Power Cell Complex blends the benefits of three age-defying, skin-boosting, ultra hydrating ingredients.
• Rosehip seed oil delivers essential nutrients to soothe and repair.
• Malvaceae Lipid Extract improves barrier function so skin retains moisture.
• Green coffee bean oil invigorates skin & promotes cell turnover.

To use:

Apply generously in an even layer to clean, dry skin.  Avoid eyes, eyebrows, hairline, and lips.  Leave on for 15-20 minutes or until completely dry. Gently peel mask from outer edges, chin to forehead.  Rinse off any residue with warm water.  Follow with your favorite skin care routine.  Use 1-2 times per week.

Here is the routine:

Started off by cleansing with my Clarisonic Mia2, then applied the mask.  It is super thick and sticky.  You have to work fast to get it applied.

I let it dry for over 20 minutes.

Scary!

What was left after I peeled it off.  LOL at the soul patch.

I then followed up with my usual eye cream and moisturizer and mixed in some Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Oil.

This was after the 2nd time trying the mask. Looking a little greazy, but my skin felt so good!

Cost: $32.00 ($26.50 Maven price)

Pros:

-Easy to use

-Skin felt so soft after

Cons:

-EXPENSIVE!

Would I recommend this to a friend:  No.  For such a small amount, it is an expensive purchase.  There were mixed reviews on the website and most said they would recommend.  I would like to test out some other masks that are similar and revisit if they compare, maybe at a different price point.  

Yup, same product!

LOL! Looking at the back of the package and right there it says Nail Savers. Well, looks like I'll have 2 sets if I find the other pair.

Older product, different concept? Nailmates & Nail Savers

Came across this review for Nailmates on Manic Talons and thought these looked similar to these Nail Savers nail protectors I used to use while tanning.  Not sure about the size difference, but I'm curious to compare the two.  I will be ordering the Nailmates and will find my old Nail Savers for size difference.

The concept of using the caps to remove gel polish looks easier and less messy than the foil method and you can reuse Nailmates for several uses, that includes the caps and the nail pads.  Saving time and money, I'm sold.  Think of all the waste every time you use the foil method to remove polish.

Images from shopnailmates.net & nailsavers.com

NOTW: DIY Hard Nails Color Changing Gel Polish in Pink Frost

This post on Chickettes.com sold me on wanting to try DIY Hard Nails Color Changing Gel Polish.  I was torn between Pink Frost and Pink Galaxy since both are so pretty and I love pink!  I decided on Pink Frost, I loved the subtle color change in her swatch.

From the bottle, the polish is a dark magenta, but as you apply on warm fingers, it changes to the frosty white.  I used Gelish Foundation for the base and Gelish Top It Off for the top coat after applying 3 coats of Pink Frost.  I wanted to get the color as opaque as possible and this leveled nicely leaving a smooth surface.  The color change mainly happens when my hands are exposed to cold water or cold air like in the car with the a/c on.  Pink Frost remains mostly the sheer white on me since my nails are short and there is not a lot of length  that would show the ombre effect.  After wearing for a week, there were no chips to the tips that were in good shape.  I had a finger with the nail peeling and that had a chip. Overall first impression, my nails are lovely and sparkly!

You can purchase DIY Hard Nails Gel Polishes from Amazon.  You can join their VIP Program after you have purchased and tried the polish & left an honest review on Amazon, they will send you a promo code for your next purchase and other products.

My next DIY Hard Nails purchase will be Heartbreaker.  Look at this gorgeous swatch!  Maybe if I grow my nails out a bit, you'll see the transition better.

Memebox: #23 Girls Night Out

Memebox is a Korean beauty retailer that carries non-subscription beauty boxes and has an online Memeshop to purchase full size items that come in their beauty boxes.  You can choose a theme or type of box and the description will give you an idea of what you will get in your box as well as a few spoilers. You can bundle up boxes and receive a promotional discount.  Currently for September, it is $5 off when you buy 3 and $8 off when you buy 4 or more.  Depending on if you are purchasing a box from Korea or one that ships from the US, shipping times will vary.  I ordered on 8/20 and received on 9/5, so just a little over 2 weeks.  They note that it can take 10-20 business days to receive if you utilize standard shipping.

For my first Memebox, I chose #23 Girls Night Out.  Lipstick, high heel and martini in pink sold me!

From the website:

Whether you’re dressing up for a sophisticated lounge party with your girlies or glamming for a clubbing night on the town with the crowd, this box is guaranteed to get you a double-take (or maybe 5!)

Nothing beats spending time with your besties! Who else is going to be there for you through your ups and downs, from your most unlovable moments to your most silliest. Now, glam up and make unforgettable Instagram-worthy memories with your best girlies with our Girls’ Night Out Box! Save the muted nude makeup for the office, and add some pizzazz to your look with bold look-at-me lashes, drama queen cheeks, and red carpet worthy lips for a never-ending clubbing night! Complete your clubing look with your favorite party dress and killer heels for an unforgettable night!

Spoiler #1 KEPACLUB Maxi Lip Tint Glow 3.5g Full Size -$23
Randomly selected from 01. Classic Pink, 02. Pure Pink, 03. Cherry Pink

Maxi Lip Tint Glow goes beyond simple lip coloring. It moisturizes, removes dead skin, and plumps up dry, chapped lips! With a long-lasting, silky finish, it glides onto your lips smoothly for long-lasting color.

Here's what I got:

These are definitely for going out.  I would not wear these to a daytime event since they look quite vampy!

Secret Star Girl Angel Lash - FULL SIZE!

This smelled like a light musk and roses.  I liked it and it worked well with my chemistry!

Kskin Bulgarian Rose Pheromone Perfume Pink Angel 10 ml - FULLSIZE!

This had a strong fragrance.  Even though it is a soap scent, a couple of spritzes in my hair was more than enough.  I wouldn't use this everyday, maybe on a non-hair washing day or after a workout if I can't wash my hair right away.

Forest Story Water Essence Hair Perfume in Soft Soap Fragrance - FULL SIZE!

Prettiest of pinks that may be more suited for summer looks.  I would try this with the Laura Geller Cool Lids Cream Eyeshadow in Rose Gold that I received from the Ulta Summer Glam Beauty Essentials box.  I wonder if this is meant to say "mousse" rather than "moose," like the animal?

A.m.oK Cosmetics N.S.M. Soft Moose Waterproof Liquid Line in Roco Queen-FULL SIZE!

A dual concealer with different applicators.  You apply the anti-wrinkle concealer over fine lines and wrinkles and the spot concealer over imperfections.  This color is light for me right now, so maybe I'll give this a try in the winter.

Croquis Dual Concealer -FULL SIZE!

Two full size polishes in a peachy nude and orangey red.  Both are neutral shades that are seasonless in my opinion.  I will have to do a wear test and see how these go!  The card didn't list the colors I received so I had to look them up on other blogs to see what colors I got YL308 which is Oaky Sand.  The other one OR245 I couldn't find, but it is an orange based red.

A.m.oK Cosmetics N.S.M Special Nail Lacquer-FULL SIZE!

The packaging of this lip tint is reminiscent of Dior's Addict Lip Glow.  A pretty, creamy pink lipstick.

Kepaclub Maxi Lip Tint Glow in Pure Pink-FULL SIZE!

Cost: Varies by box. This one was $23 and is currently sold out.

Pros:
-Choose from a variety of products
-4-7 full size products in each box! (All of the items I received in this box were full sized!)
-Introduces you to brands not easily found in the US
-Memeshop allows you to purchase full size products of the items you find in your box.

Cons:
-Shipping can take 10-20 business days if selecting standard shipping ($6.99)
-Ingredients not listed (or if they are, it is in Korean).  I am not able to scan into the Think Dirty app to see how these products rate.
-Color matching for skin tone is not available.

Would I recommend this to a friend?  YAS! Goodies that are unique and from Korea/Asia, loves!  If you're interested in picking up your own Memebox click below for a deal!  These would also be great gifts as well!  Just be sure to order in advance since shipping does take awhile.

Sephora Favorites Summer Stash

*sigh* Summer is coming to a close here in Seattle.  The temps have cooled down, but I still want to feel the summer heat.  As a birthday treat, I ordered Sephora Favorites Summer Stash.

What the website says:
Get set on summer: From sun-kissed skin to popsicle-stained lips, this collection packs all your warm-weather must-haves in one place.

What you get:
-Buxom Divine Goddess Luminzer in Venus
-Deborah Lipmann Nail Lacquer in Mermaid's Dream
-Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee-
-Marc Jacobs Beauty Mini Lash Lifter in Blacquer
-Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in 12L
-Nars Travel Size Laguna Bronzing Powder
-Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Stained Gloss in New Wave w/lip brush
-Stila Cosmetics Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eye Shadow in Kitten
-Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray

Nine deluxe sized goodies in a cute metallic burlap make up pouch.  Not a bad deal for $45 and I get to try out items I've had my eye on before committing to a full size like the Marc Jacobs mascara, OCC Stained Gloss and UD setting spray.  I have 2 weeks until the official first day of Fall and to continue with shimmery, sparkly, sunny make up looks.

I did notice that the top seam on my bag is coming apart.  :(  I have a feeling that this will need repair later on.

Cost: $45 US

Pros:
-Great price for deluxe sample sized items
-Variety of products
-Cute, reusable bag

Cons:
-Just that my bag wasn't in good condition.

Would I recommend this to a friend?  Yes!  If you're looking to try any of these products, this is a great set to purchase.  Also, if these are products and shades you would use, its great to try.  This is limited edition, so if you have the chance to purchase, do so soon!

Beauty Mail: Memebox

Just arrived yesterday from Korea!  My first Memebox!  I was hoping to snag the Collaboration Box #3 Memebox x Coffee Break with Dani, but those sold out quick!  I choose another box to see what this service was all about.  1 word, dangerous.  I'll have a review soon! In the mean time you can check out Memebox via my link and see for yourself!

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Mani/Pedi

Beauty time saving solutions - all about it.  The last gel manicure I did took me over an hour to do with the cleaning up and curing time, not something I can commit to all the time.  I was excited to see Sally Hansen Miracle Gel polish system and hunted down for the set with Birthday Suit.  The set is a good deal for both items, but most of the sets that were left in stores were colors I was not feeling and waited until I was able to snag the last one with Birthday Suit at my neighborhood Walgreen's.

After removing my current gel manicure and polish on my toes, I applied 3 coats of the color allowing each layer to dry for about 5 minutes.  Maybe this color was just too streaky, but I still wasn't pleased with how this didn't level after 3 coats.  Then I applied a layer of the top coat and was out in the sun for 5 minutes. Even after the top coat, it didn't level off and the brush dragged on a nail during top coat application.  These were semi-dry to the touch after curing and was still careful throughout the rest of the day.

I can't wear the same polish for just over a week, so this test shows my nails over the course of  a week which was tough because it started to lift/chip.  Not too noticeable when its a nude color, but it still bugged me!

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

You can see a dent/mark on my index finger where the top coat brush dragged.

Day 6 This was when I really couldn't stand it because the nail growth was becoming more apparent and the edge lifted on the thumb.  Still pretty much intact, but not perfect.

Day 7 Barely made it 7 days, but I was so happy to take this off.  This was post shower, so the heat and water made it peel more.  This was an easy removal, just acetone and a cotton pad.

What the website says:

• Up to 14 Days of Color & Shine
• Easy Removal
• No light needed

The ONLY TRUE 2-STEP GEL Manicure with no light needed.  Over 45 shades that wow! And its only from Sally Hansen.

Pros:  -Easy 2 steps
          -No curing time needed
          -Great colors selection
          -Durable polish

Cons:  -Took 3 coats for desired opacity. Even then, it was still streaky, but I didn't want to put another coat             of color.
           -Dented & nicked - Day 2 I already had some dents and nicks.
           -Top coat not that shiny

Cost: $15.99 @ Walgreen's - I found a $2 coupon in the mail

Would I recommend this to a friend:  Sadly, no. :(  For the first time impression, I was not too pleased with the results.  I would like to try another color of Miracle Gel to see if that makes a difference and also see how the top coat pairs with other brands of color.

What was your impression of Sally Hansen's Miracle Gel polish?  Did it work for you?

I did enjoy these other reviews on Miracle Gel:

The PolishAholic: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Wine Stock Swatch, Review & Wear Test
This didn't work for her as well.  In a short amount of time, the wear was terrible.  On day 3, the top coat was extremely dull and you could see the nail bed lines.

beautygeeks: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel + Color Collection Swatches
This review kept me on the hunt for the Birthday Suit set, even though the swatch isn't there, this is a very complete write up of how the polish system works, tests she has done with other polishes and feedback from other testers.