Ipsy: April Glam Bag

Big Sexy Hair Root Plump volumizing spray mousse
(travel size)
Retail price: $17.95

Anything that claims to add volume, I'm excited to try.  This spray mousse seems to work best when applied to wet hair.  It adds some texture and volume to my roots without making my hair look greasy.  I like it!

Cailyn Tinted Lip Balm
Shade: Apple Pink
Retail price: $19

Lip color is probably the aspect of makeup in which I'm the laziest.  Once I find a product that I like, I wear it every day.  This isn't one of those every day products for me, but I've worn it a few times.  My favorite part is the brush that it comes with- it makes the application very precise!

Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion
Retail price: $78

This is definitely my favorite product from this month.  I've tried different scrubs and microdermabrasion treatments before, but this completely outweighs anything else I've used.  It leaves my skin feeling soft and refreshed for days!

Elizabeth Mott pop! goes the shadow
Shade: Champagne
Retail price: $12.99

The color of this shadow is very nice for spring and summer.  I've been wearing it on my lids without any other additional color, but I think it would also work very nice for a highlighter.  It's slightly shimmery, but not over the top.

Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Eye Pencil
(travel size)
Shade: Black Velvet
Retail price: $20

I very rarely wear eyeliner.  Normally I blend a dark shadow around my eyes instead of using an actual eyeliner.  I get very frustrated applying eyeliner often because it never turns out even.  This liner glides so wonderfully!  It's not something I would wear every day, but on those occasions that I want to look a little more made up, this liner is perfect for me.  No fuss, and easy to apply.

Bloom

Via http://susatalan.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/188-SAINT-FRANCIS-PLANTED.png

Pinterest has been showing me this saying quite often.  (Coincidence?  I'm not so sure.)  After being hired as a paraprofessional in December after applying for a teaching job, I must admit that I had mixed feelings.  Content that I had a job, that I had much less to get ready for over Christmas break, that I would have less responsibility than a teacher.  A tad disappointed that I wouldn't have the job that I earned a college degree in preparation for.  (And a lower pay.)  But that is where God had planted me for the time being; time to grow.

Via http://saff-rron.tumblr.com/post/65350890785

As we are nearing the end of the year, I have been reflecting on how so very grateful I am for where He planted me.  I have gotten to know some really great teachers.  DD, CM, and AR have taught me so much, perhaps without even knowing it.  Having the opportunity to observe how they solve conflicts with students, handle problems with parents, cure lack of motivation, and celebrate accomplishments with their precious fifth graders is impacting me as a future teacher.  I wouldn't trade these last few months as a para for anything in the world!

Via http://www.bobbiblogs.com/2013/03/free-spring-art-print.html

"Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.  For He Himself hath said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"
Hebrews 13:5

Ipsy: March Glam Bag

March's theme: Destination Beauty

bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick
Shade: Get Ready
yes. Yes. YES.  I have literally worn this lipstick every single day since I received it.  I'd never used any bareMinerals products before this, and I am in love.  This shade is the perfect nude for my skin tone.  It matches the color of my lips wonderfully.  It's an easy-to-wear essential.  The texture is buttery and moisturizing, exactly how I prefer my lipsticks.  And, come on, Marvelous Moxie.  That's an awesome name.
Price of full-size product: $18

Be A Bombshell Eyeshadow Quad
Shade: Bora Bora
I have been loving two of the four colors in this quad.  If you don't already know this about me, I love my neutrals and nudes.  That teal is a wonderful color... for a summery top.  I have no idea how to apply a color that bold, but I know some people that could rock it!  The top left color is my favorite.  You can't tell it from the picture, but it has a purpley tint to it.  I would recommend these shadows to be worn over a primer for extended wear.
Price of full-size product: $16

Nicole by O.P.I. Roughles textured nail lacquer

Shade: On What Grounds?

The color- gorgeous.  It could be interpreted as a springy turquoise or a wintery cool blue.  What you can't tell from the bottle: after applied, this nail polish has a rough, pebbly texture.  (BTW, the name is pronounced like "ruffles".  I was reading it "rough-less" in my head.  It has a much cuter name now that I know how to pronounce it.)  I thought the texture would bother me- it feels almost like sandpaper- but it didn't catch onto my tights or anything.  The texture takes getting used to, but isn't as annoying as you'd think it would be!

Price of full-size product: $9

Pixi Flawless Beauty Primer

I can't decide which is my favorite from this glam bag- the bareMinerals lipstick, or this Pixi primer.  It makes my foundation go on flawlessly!  I have tried a couple of other primers in the past, but this one is definitely my favorite.  It adds a touch of shimmer underneath your foundation as well.  Just the right amount.  The only thing that would make it better would be SPF.  It smells like it has a touch of sunscreen in it to me, but since it doesn't make that claim, I'll have to assume that it doesn't.

Price of full-size product: $9

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Ipsy: February Glam Bag

As I mentioned in my last post, Josie got me interested in Ipsy a couple of months back.  Disclaimer: I haven't tried any other subscription boxes myself.  I can only compare between subscription box services from the information I've read online from other users.  I just think the general idea of subscription boxes is super exciting.  After browsing for hours in Ulta or Sephora, (or even the makeup section of Wal-Mart!) it is very likely that I will leave empty-handed, just because I can't decide what product I need the most.  Okay, okay, it's more likely that I end up buying a whole lot more than intended, in turn, spending a whole lot more money than intended.  Whichever the case may be, a subscription service picks products that you would be interested in for a very reasonable price.  It's so exciting when the package arrives in the mail, too!

This is what I received in my February glam bag:

Eyetini Cordial Cream Shadow + Base
Shade: Spiced Rum
I was skeptical of this product at first.  I've never used an eyeshadow with a doe-foot applicator!
The pros:
- I like the color a lot.  The shimmery bronze color is just the right amount of sparkle for me.  I'm not a glittery person, but I am fond of this metallic color.
- Easy application.  The thin formula makes it easy to apply a small amount and blend for a more casual day look.
Cons:
- Requires primer.  Even the name of this product says that it includes base, but when I applied it directly to my eye, it collected in the crease of my lid throughout the day.  With a nice primer underneath, the shadow stays in place much better.
Price of full-size product: $18

J. Cat Beauty Eyelashes + Eyelash Glue
I'll be honest and tell you that I have never ever worn false lashes.  I bought a pair for a dance recital one time, and they are still sitting in my dresser drawer, eight years later.  I want to hang on to these in case I can give them to someone who has an occasion to wear them.
Price of full-size product: $3.99

POP Beauty Plump Pout Mini

Shade: Fuchsia Freesia 

Pros:
- The color.  This gloss is PINK.  Bright pink.  This shade would normally not attract my attention, but I actually liked it after I applied it.  Valentine's Day was the perfect occasion for a more bold pink lip color
Cons:
- It's a gloss.  This is completely my preference, but I don't like sticky lip glosses.  I prefer the texture of a lip butter.  Ipsy couldn't have known that, though.  If you like lip glosses, I would give this one a try!
Price of full-size product: $16

Zoya Nail Polish
Shade: Odette
Pros:
- The color.  This dusty lavender color is unlike anything I currently owned in my polish collection.  It's very wearable all year long.  I love it!
- The quality.  I had never used this brand before, or even heard of it.  But after trying it, I fell in love.  The color goes on smoothly and lasts a fairly long time.  I will definitely repurchase this brand!
Cons:
- I have none.
Price of full-size product: $9.00

Overall, I was happy with my glam bag.  Ipsy sent me a few products that I would have never purchased on my own, but ended up quite fond of after giving them a whirl.  At only $10 a month, I love that subscribers receive full-sized products.  I tend to use full-size products more than samples.  Sample sizes get pushed aside and forgotten for some reason.  The bags that they send your products in are cute too, and I put them to good use when I travel!

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Home Ec Girl

You may not be able to tell it by my appearance, but I love all things beauty related.  Though I'm not always great at applying it, I love reading about and browsing makeup, skincare, hair, and nail products.  So much fun!

Another thing I love posting about my loved ones' endeavors.  Josie, my sister-in-law has me completely sucked into her blog, Home Ec Girl.  She reviews products/subscription boxes that she has tried, denotes her experiences as a teacher, and shares other hobbies that she is interested in.  As a fellow (almost) teacher and beauty lover, I can relate to a lot that she has to say.  Never mind that she's my sister-in-law as well. ;)  There are several products she has me dying to try.  I'm thinking these labels need to endorse her for her advertisement!

One of my favorite posts is "How to Make People Think You Woke Up Early and Loved It."  Because who doesn't need to know how to do that?!  Take a look around her page and see what you think.

P.S.  Because of Josie's recommendation, I subscribed to Ipsy, a monthly beauty box.  (More about that later.)