october 2017: sephora play!

hi guys! this month's sephora play arrived today! (theme: complexion companions) ~Lin-chan ^.~

1. makeup forever ultra hd invisible cover foundation in Y245 -- previously i received samples in Y225, which i think was too light for me and i didn't really use it aside from the first try. based on swatches, i think this may fit me better and i'll have to update later with color match and thoughts. if i remember though, i did like this foundation and didn't have any issues with it aside from the color.
   repurchase? undecided
2. makeup forever ultra hd skin booster -- mufe serum? hmm, this sounds interesting. so is it like a primer? i'll have to try this out!
   repurchase? undecided
3. urban decay optical illusion complexion primer -- i don't remember what it was about this primer that i didn't like, but i didn't like it and gave it away. this one will be going too.
   repurchase? no
4. dr. brandt poreDermabrasion -- i think gotten one of these in the past? i don't remember all of their scrubs are packaged the same >.< either way, i do like their scrubs and will be using this.
   repurchase? probably not for the cost
5. tarte rainforest of the sea marine boosting mist -- i got one of these in a 500 point perk or something way back when and never used it. i guess i should give one away and use the other at some point....
   repurchase? probably not
6. tory burch bel azur perfume sample -- not a huge fan of this, but i haven't come across a tory burch fragrance that i've liked.
   repurchase? no
7. 'coupon' for an extra 50 points on the next in-store purchase

january 2016: sephora play!

hi guys! here's part two of things that came to my mailbox today: january's sephora play box! (theme: no appointment necessary) ~Lin-chan ^.~

1. clinique chubby stick sculpting highlight in hefty highlight (.12oz--mini, $22 for .21oz [$12.57]) -- i still haven't used the one i got in a previous sephora favorites box...so i'll be passing this along, but this is really pretty.
   repurchase? probably not
2. dr. brandt needles no more (.085oz--mini, ret. $89 for .5oz [$15.13]) -- i don't need something like this...yet...so this is getting passed along.
   repurchase? no
3. sephora collection green tea eye mask (1 pair, ret. $5) -- i've been interested in trying their eye masks, but was not so keen on the price.... i'll have to get back to you guys on this one.
   repurchase? nah
4. dr. dennis gross alpha beta peel (3 treatments, ret. $148 for 60 treatments [$7.40]) -- i had samples of these in the past and never got around to using them, and i recently went through all of my samples and tossed them..because who knows how old some of them were............. anyway, i'm interested in trying these out, but these are super expensive! maybe they're worth it. i don't know.
   repurchase? nah
5. living proof prime style extender spray (.5oz--mini, ret. $20 for 3.4oz [$2.94]) -- i have other samples from this line that i still have not gotten around to use. maybe since this is a spray, i'll be more inclined..? anyway, the scent isn't too bad. a slightly chemically light floral-ish.
   repurchase? probably not
6. tocca isabel (sample, ret. $68 for 1.7oz) -- i'll just tell you the notes...and you can figure out if i like it or not.. sangria, mediterranean orange, spanish ROSE and leather
   repurchase? no
7. 'coupon' for an extra 50 points on the next in-store purchase

approximate product value: ~$43

december 2015: sephora play!

hi guys! guess what arrived today? my december sephora play! box, yay!! (theme: oh what fun) most of the items in this box are out of my price range as far as repurchasing, but i'm interested in trying them out nonetheless. ~Lin-chan ^.~

1. fresh seaberry moisturizing face oil (5ml--mini, $18.50 for 15ml [$6.17]) -- i still haven't fully gotten over the fact that face oils are ok for combo-oily skintypes. but i will try to give this a go. the scent is very interesting. no one oil in this blend stands above the others.
   repurchase? probably not
2. dr. brandt poreDermabrasion (.25oz--mini, ret. $58 for 2oz [$7.25]) -- you guys know, i'm all about the face scrubs. can't wait to try it!
   repurchase? probably not ($$$!)
3. smashbox full exposure shadow mini with S3 & M3 (.06oz--mini, ret. $52 for palette [$7.43]) -- i actually already have these two shades from the travel full exposure palette ($24), so i will be passing this one along.
   repurchase? nah
4. makeup forever aqua eyes pencil in 0L (matte black) (.025oz--mini, ret. $19 for .04oz [$11.88]) -- i'm not totally sure why but i never really liked these. i'll give this another go, but it might get passed on.
   repurchase? nah
5. nude advanced renewal serum (7 sample cards (7ml), ret. $78 for 30ml [$18.20]) -- i'm so lazy with serums. if i do end up trying this out, i'll have to update this post later.
   [weight was not listed on the packaging. so weighed with a food scale, it said about 1ml]
   repurchase? probably not
6. viktor & rolf flowerbomb (sample, ret. $80 for 1oz) -- i have never tried this perfume before. i knew it was widely popular and "everyone" loves it, but the flower part kind of kept me away..not to mention the fragrance and migraines thing. BUT this actually does smell really nice, and i'm interested in trying this one out!
   repurchase? probably not
7. 'coupon' for an extra 50 points on the next in-store purchase

approximate product value: ~$51

march 2015 ipsy bag

hi guys! it's march IPSY BAG* time!! (theme: floral fantasy) it only took usps for. freaking. ever. to deliver this. for some reason they thought that louisiana and north carolina were the same place. uhh. no. anyway, it's ok because i got it in the mail today and there won't be a further delay in my making this post....and no i didn't really mean to rhyme there, it just came out like that... >.< ... ~Lin-chan ^.~

anyway! here's my impressions:

1. nyx butter lipstick in hunk (.16oz--full size, ret. $6) -- relative to pops, which i already have and enjoy, this one definitely shows any dry patches i may have (as shown in photo; this is probably because pops is pretty close to my natural lip color, and this isn't). otherwise, this is a really nice color. it's kinda sad that it was melty and stuff when we got it from the mailbox....like buttuh!
• likelihood to repurchase: nah
2. pur-lisse pur-delicate gentle soymilk cleanser & makeup remover (1oz--mini, ret. $36 for 5.6oz [$6.43]) -- for a facial wash of sorts, this smells like a light sunscreen scent to me. idk. i'll try it out and report back, but i'm not sure about this one.
• likelihood to repurchase: no
3. boo-boo cover-up concealer in medium (.13oz--mini, ret. $20 for .34oz [$7.65]) -- i'm going to have to pass this off to T, this is way too dark and slightly orange for me. coverage and consistency wise, this seems pretty full-cover and a happy gelly-medium between thick and liquid.
• likelihood to repurchase: nah
4. dr. brand pores no more anti-aging mattifying lotion (.26oz--mini, ret. $60 for 1.7oz [$9.18]) -- not too happy about this one, considering i'm not a huge fan of their regular one...and i said so on my profile. so wtf. ...anyway, the scent is very strange, it's like an aromatherapy scent. it goes on very wet feeling and then dries down to a kind of but not really matte. i don't really see a difference on my hand.
• likelihood to repurchase: no
5. vintage by jessica liebeskind illuminating face highlighter (.07oz--mini, ret. $26 for ??oz) -- this is so pretteh. omg. the texture is reminiscent of lorac shadows, nice and buttery. and i think i'd prefer this as an inner corner highlight than a face highlight because it's slightly too pink for me, but i'll try and make it work.
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
6. floral ipsy bag -- ish really pretteh and water-color-y and blue! the backside is a slightly darker, solid blue.
7. card with company info/discount codes
1. nyxcosmetics.com: 25% off butter lipsticks, code: nyxbutter (exp. 4/30/15)
2. purlisse.com: 30% off purchase + free samples, code: ipsymarch30 (exp. 4/30/15)
3. vintagecosmetics.com: 20% off blush & brighten face palette, code: loveipsy (exp. 4/30/15)
4. coolwayhair.com: 35% off purchase + free knotty girl brush, code: ipsy15 (exp. 4/30/15)
5. sexyhair.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 4/30/15) OR text ipsy to 33233 "for an even better code"
6. crownbrush.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipcrown30 (exp. 4/30/15)
7. equitance-us.com: 20% off full size brightening serum & spot corrector, code: ipsy (exp. 5/31/15)
8. pixibeauty.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsymar15 (exp. 4/30/15)
9. chella.com: 25% off purchase, code: ipsy2015 (exp. 4/30/15)
10. lashem.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy30 (exp. 4/30/15)
11. milanicosmetics.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy2015 (exp. 4/30/15)
12. gilchristsoames.com: 25% off purchase, code: ipsy25gs (exp. 5/31/15)
13. leeanni.com: 15% off purchase, code: ipsy15 (exp. 4/30/15)
14. acureorganics.com: 20% off purchase + free shipping, code: ipsyapril20 (exp. 4/30/15)
15. evelyniona.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy2015 (exp. 4/30/15)
16. marskcosmetics.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy2015 (exp. 4/30/15)

approximate product value: ~$29.26 + hightligher

hunk -- sorreh, i'm sick and i'm still lookin and feelin like hell.

concealer, hunk, crystal pink

*Affiliate Link.

august 2014 ipsy bag

hi guys, lookie what came in yesterday! my august IPSY BAG*! (theme: beauty schooled) ~Lin-chan ^.~

here's my impressions:

1. urban decay perversion mascara (.1oz--mini, ret. $22 for .4oz [$5.50]) -- i already like this mascara and have already repurchased it. see my review here. 
• likelihood to repurchase: yes
2. nicka k absolute lip balm in grape (12g--full size, ret. $5.99 for set of 2 [$3]) 
• initial thoughts: yay another lip balm.... >.< hoard all the lip balms! i'm not complaining about ipsy sending me a few. more like in general, i buy lip balms all the time and never get around to using them. and if i ever finish one, it's because it's some crazy miracle amazing product. *cough..lypsyl*
• first impression: it's very thin and doesn't last very long. has a grape jolly rancher type scent to it. there's also blue glitter in there, but it's not much and it doesn't seem to translate onto the lips. otherwise, it's a thin glossy looking balm.
• likelihood to repurchase: no
3. dr. brandt pores no more primer (.25oz--mini, ret. $45 for 1oz [$11.25]) -- this is a silicone-y primer. i think i've tried this a long time ago. it's similar to my beloved too faced primed & poreless, but something about it's scent is slightly off-putting. it's not a bad or strong scent, i just don't care for it.
• likelihood to repurchase: no. this is crazy expensive.
4. coastal scents forever blush duo in fresh & elegant (2.5g total--minis, ret. $7.95 for 10g each [$1.99]) -- these are soooo teeny tiny! but boy do they pack a punch. i only swatched them once, like one layer. crazyyyy pigmentation. fresh is a peachy-bronzer type shade, and elegant is a medium pink with some sparkle.
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe elegant
5. lord & berry silk kajal kohl eye pencil in black (.02oz--mini, ret. $16 for .1oz [~$3.20])
• first impression: this liner is ok. it goes on nice and black, but it can smudge pretty easily. i think i'll primarily use this on my waterline.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not
6. white ipsy bag with orange polka dots -- the pattern is cute, but i don't particularly like this vinyl material..
7. card with company info/discount codes
1. nickak.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 9/11/14)
2. drbrandtskincare.com: 20% off purchase & free samples & free shipping, code: ipsy20 (exp. 10/31/14)
3. coastalscents.com: 25% off purchase, code: blush25off (exp. 10/6/14)
4. pixibeauty.com: 30% off any purchase, code: flawlesspixi (exp. 8/31/14)
5. lordandberry.com: 25% off purchase, code: lab@14091 (exp. 10/15/14)
6. glamglowmud.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy30 (exp. 9/30/14)
7. beeallnatural.com: 10% off purchase, code: ipsy10 (exp. 9/30/14)
8. calicosmetics.com: 25% off purchase, code: ipsy25 (exp. 9/30/14)
9. freeyourmane.com: 30% off any full priced item, code: ipsyfriends4ever (exp. 9/30/14)
10. jcatbeauty.com: 25% off purchase, code: ipsy25 (exp. 9/30/14)
11. jerseyshoresun.com: 50% off all lip conditioners, code: ipsy50 (exp. 9/30/14)
12. dermstore.com: 15% off klorane purchase, code: ipsyaug (exp. 9/30/14)
13. mannakadarcosmetics.com: 20% off purchase + free sample of liplocked, code: ipsy20 (exp. 9/30/14)
14. paulaschoice.com: 20% off purchase, code: pripsy20 (exp. 9/30/14)
15. strivectin.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipster20 (exp. 9/15/14)

approximate product value: ~$24.94

elegant, fresh, liner, primer

*Affiliate Link.

[finally!] april 2014 ipsy bag

i finally haz teh precious.

hi guys, so april's IPSY BAG* (theme: beauty rocks) post is just a teeny bit late. but it's not my fault. somehow, my original bag got lost in the mail... around the 16th or so, i got my tracking code but all the way through to the end of april, my tracking code never activated and i never got the package. so i had to email them to request a new one, and i was surprised that my email was answered within about two hours or so. awesome! only problem though was that they decided to ship it to my billing address (my mom's, aka an hour's drive away) and not to my shipping address (our apartment)... ಠ_ಠ they're different for a reason, people. ~Lin-chan ^.~

here's my impressions:

1. urban decay 24/7 glide-on pencil in black velvet (.03oz--travel size, ret. $20 for .04 oz [$15]) -- i'm so excited about this pencil, you can't believe. i'm a huge black pencil liner fan and this is no exception. i wanted it when they were first released, but i was good and held off! ^___^
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe, but not anytime soon--i've got too many liners in the rotation
2. dr. brandt mircrodermabrasion skin exfoliant (.26oz--mini, ret. $78 for 2oz [$10.14]) -- i recently redeemed 100 sephora points for one of these >.< this stuff feels very nice and has an orangey scent. i've mentioned several times on here that i typically prefer more abrasive scrubs, and this is definitely it. the feeling is similar to laura mercier flawless skin face polish or kate somerville exfolikate.
• likelihood to repurchase: no, it's sooooo expensive!
3. elizabeth mott pop goes the shadow in champagne (.07oz--full size, ret. $12.99) -- this is really pretty. i was surprised. again, about elizabeth mott stuff: it's not worth me ordering from them when i can easily obtain similar products locally.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not
4. sexy hair root pump volumizing spray (1.6oz--mini, ret. $17.95 for 10.6oz [$2.71]) -- i'll have to leave an impression later. i honestly don't really care about having voluminous hair, so this is a meh product for me, but we'll see. the scent is a weird mix of citrus and hairspray.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not
• update: product has been given away
5. mary kay jelly lip gloss in teddy bare (.32oz-- full size, ret. $10) -- this gloss is ok. it's kinda on the thicker, slightly tackier side of the spectrum. it's fairly pigmented so i think it looks weird on me, but if i sheer it out, it's not too bad.
• likelihood to repurchase: no
• product has been given away
6. blue ipsy bag with record player design -- it's cute and very fitting with this month's theme
7. card with company info/discount codes
1. urbandecay.com: free mini b6 spray with $35 purchase, code: udipsy (exp. 4/18/14 or until supplies last)
2. drbrandtskincare.com: 20% off full size microdermabrasion + free mini pores no more pore refiner for the first 10k purchases, code: micro20 (exp. 9/31/14)
3. elizabethmott.com: 50% off any purchase, free ship after $30, code: ipsypop (exp. 6/1/14)
4. benefitcosmetics.com: free mini high beam with $30 purchase, code: aprilglam (exp. 5/15/14)
5. cailyncosmetics.com: 20% off & free gift, code: ipsygift (exp. 5/31/14)
6. demeterfragrance.com: 20% off purchase, code: 20ipsydfl (exp. 5/31/14)
7. sttropeztan.com/ipsy: 25% off purchase, code: glow25 (exp. 7/5/14)
8. starlooks.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 5/31/14)
9. suchateasebeauty.com: 20% off purchase ($2.50 shipping on orders <$25, free shipping after $25), code: ipsy20 (exp. 5/25/14)

approximate product value: ~$50.84

champagne shadow (swatched dry), black velvet, teddy bare, mircrodermabrasion scrub

*Affiliate Link.