small nail haul and recent notd's

hi guys! i got a few new polishes this summer and wore two of them in anticipation of making posts about them...and never did, nor did i swatch the third polish..... and now i've had acrylics for the past two months. hmm.. anyway, here ya go. and oldie but goodie and two new prettehs. ~Lindsay ^.~

finger paints lore collection: lost in wonderland, fairy tale, fantasy world

lost in wonderland, fairy tale

formula x victory lap

november 2016 ipsy bag!

hi guys! life happened, go live for my project happened... things have been happening and i've been behind on my posts... not only that, my ipsy bag arrived about a week after it was supposed to... it does not take a week to send something from texas to louisiana...through tennessee. just saying. anyway, i'm excited to finally bring you my november IPSY BAG* (theme: rockstarlet) which has a lot of stuff to try! ~Lin-chan ^.~

here's my impressions:

1. ofra cosmetics brightening banana powder (4g--full size?, ret. $12) -- haven't tried it on the face yet, but swatching, it's a bit chunky powdery. it does look like it'll be brightening on my skintone, so i'm excited to try since i haven't tried a 'banana powder' yet.
• likelihood to repurchase: undecided
2. benefit cosmetics the porefessional (3ml--mini, ret. $31 for 22ml [$4.23]) -- while i like this primer, the cost is not something i'm totally into.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not
3. elizabeth mott color is bae in moxie mauve (.14oz--mini, ret. $20 for 5g [$12]) -- this is a very strange product. it's like a matte liquid lipstick, but it goes on pretty patchy. if you rub your lips together while it's wet, it gives you those streaky lines... then when it does dry down, it's tacky. it's very weird, but i'll try it a bit more before really coming to a final decision. but i'm not into it. annnd this color is not mauve to me. this leans pinky.
• likelihood to repurchase: no
4. formula x polish in huntress (4ml--mini, ret. $10.50 for 12ml [$3.50]) -- this is such a pretty color! it's like a green with a dark goldeny shift...? maybe? anyway, correct me if i'm wrong, but it's looking like formula x is on its way out, because the entire line is on the sephora sale page. major sadface, because i love the system (set).
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
5. delectable by cake beauty sweet mint & cream hand cream (2oz--mini, ret. $12 for 4oz [$6]) -- this hand cream smells soo good. it's not exactly like a mint chocolate type of scent, but so good!
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
6. blue constellation themed ipsy bag -- the idea was pretty cute, and i love the plush material and star-shaped zipper pull they used!
7. card with company info/discount codes (some codes are case sensitive)
1. elizabethmott.com: 30% off purchase, code: bae30 (exp. 12/31/16)
2. ofracosmetics.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy30 (exp. 12/31/16)
3. cakebeauty.com: 25% off $50 purchase, code: ipsymint (exp. 12/31/16)
4. leaderscosmeticsusa.com: 20% off purchase, code: IPSY20 (exp. 12/31/16)
5. purlisse.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsynov30 (exp. 12/31/16)
6. besamecosmetics.com: 20% off purchase full size only, some exclusions, code: ipsy20 (exp. 12/31/16)
7. modelcocosmetics.com: 20% off purchase + free shipping at $49, code: IPSY20 (12/31/16 to 1/31/17)
8. skonecosmetics.com: 10% off purchase, code: skone10 (exp. 12/31/16)
9. thebalm.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 12/31/16)
10. elemis.com: 20% off purchase, excludes travel size, code: IPSY20 (exp. 1/1/17)
11. heathermarianna.tv: $10 off $50 purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 12/31/16)
12. heyhoney.com: 20% off purchase, code: Ipsy20 (exp. 12/31/16)
13. adesseny.com: 20% off purchase + free shipping, code: IPSY20 (exp. 12/31/16)
14. starlooks.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 12/31/16)
15. skinandcoroma.com: 20% off purchase, code: truf2ipsy (exp. 12/31/16)
16. doucee.com: 30% off purchase, code: blush30 (exp. 12/31/16)
17. nymbrands.com: 25% off purchase, code: nymtease (exp. 12/31/16)
18. ciatelondon.com: 30% off purchase, code: IPSTER (exp. 12/31/16)
19. luxiebeauty.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsytravel (exp. 12/31/16)
20. comprarcosmetica.es: gift with purchase, code: IPSYNAOBAY (exp. 12/31/16)
21. eyeko.com: 20% off purchase, code: EYEKO20 (exp. 12/31/16)
22. us.nuxe.com: 20% off $50 purchase, code: nuxe2016 (exp. 12/31/16)
23. absolutenewyork.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 12/31/16)
24. verbproducts.com: 10% off purchase, code: ipsy10 (exp. 12/31/16)
25. slmissglam.com: 30% off purchase, code: slipster (exp. 12/31/16)
26. toofaced.com: 20% off purchase + free shipping, code: IPSTERLOVE2016 (exp. 12/31/16)
27. tinibeauty.com: 40% off $20 purchase + free eyeliner, code: IPSYONFIRE (exp. 12/31/16)
28. us.memebox.com: 30% off bonvivant purchase for new customers, code: ipsyxbonvivant16 (excludes 11/21-28, exp. 1/7/17)
29. osmotics.com: 20% off $75 purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 12/31/16)
30. bhcosmetics.com: 10% off purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 12/31/16)
31. indielee.com: 20% off purchase, code: IPSYCQ20 (exp. 12/31/16)
32. laqaandco.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsters (exp. 12/31/16)

approximate product value: ~$38

*Affiliate Link.

july favorites!

hi guys! i have only a few things this month too. been super busy with my work project that i haven't really been trying out much new stuff. ~Lin-chan ^.~
favorites:

1. makeup mat -- sorry that it's a bit dirty.. i found this at walmart for like $3-4, and it's great! it's definitely helped with the mess on my dresser! and it's machine washable!
2. royal & langnickel moda powder & complexion brushes -- this is a really nice fluffy powder brush, and i liked the complexion brush for foundation so much, i bought a second! i really like the weight and feel of these brushes, as well as the bright colors they come in!
3. kiesque liquid palisade -- got this in my ipsy bag this month and it was like an instant favorite. nail polish mess cleaned up in an instant! i'm not sure i necessarily appreciate the cost and size of this exact product, so i'm interested in trying out brands that sell larger bottles for a better price.
4. formula x for sephora in victory lap -- this is such a gorgeous color! i'm super sad that it was limited edition and sold out pretty quickly! my original swatch post got a ton of hits too since i was among the first to post about it!
5. covergirl nail polish in teal on fire -- such a pretty duochrome, i love it! unfortunately i don't have nail swatches of this because..well blue's not acceptable at my office, so it's been on my toes.. 
6. treat lip balm in marshmallow cream -- this is such a great lip balm. i don't remember if i ever mentioned it in a favorites before or not. i got this for christmas and have been using it once or twice daily since, and i'm only halfway down the tube! 

random favorites:

1. green tea kit kats -- omg, my mom found these at a local chinese grocery story and they are amazing! my picky grandmother even liked these! previously, i saw them in the mall for like $9 for 12 mini bars. that's crazy! but she got them for about $5 a bag. anyway, these are super good, the cream is a bit different from what they use for pocky, this is a little bit more granular in texture.

june hauls

hi guys! can you believe the year is already halfway gone!? anyway here's some of the stuffs i got this month. made a few trips to sephora because they decided to make like 4 of the sephora play! bonus points coupon things expire this month..... ~Lin-chan ^.~

tarte: swamp queen palette
ulta: lorac pro 3 palette, covergirl clean matte bb cream in light

target: wet n wild color icon blush in rose champagne
walmart: wet n wild 1 step wonder gel polish in stay classy, royal and langnickel moda powder brush, makeup mat (only $3!), kiss salon color nails in bonita
sephora: jack black the stick lip balm in fresh mint

bonus review! this polish lasted me less than 12 hours before chipping. at least it was only $2!

bonus review! these lasted me about 5-6 days before popping off, using the included glue. the glue included is the same in their gel fantasy nail sets.

sephora: formula x in victory lap (see notd post), sephora collection green tea sheet mask & rose lip mask, freebie clinique almost lipstick in pink honey

target: nyx tinted brow mascara in espresso

sally's: renewed my membership with a half off coupon, got a membership renewal freebie product - ion thickening shampoo, and i bought volumedic volumizing shampoo. i got both of these because they no longer sell folicure, and i thought these'll be worth a try to start growin my hair back!
walmart: royal & langnickel moda complexion brush, maybelline color tattoo eye chrome in beige luster

maybelline beige luster, clinique pink honey

ulta: last week, they had a 4-hour deal thing where if you spent $40, you got 5 extra items. so i went ahead and placed my order, since the items appealed to me, and i got: nyx high voltage lipstick in flutter kiss and wine & dine, clinique clarifying lotion 3, secret ph balanced deodorant, tree hut sugar scrubs, and the freebies in the 5 piece set: maybelline vivid matte liquid lip in berry boost, master precise skinny in defining black, and lash sensational luscious mascara in blackest black, garnier micellar water and miracle anti-fatigue sleeping cream.

master precise skinny pencil, flutter kiss, wine & dine, berry boost

flutter kiss

wine & dine

berry boost

target: pantene bb shampoo

sam's club: garnier whole blends shampoo, conditioner, and mask set in honey treasures

amazon: zero time dilemma -- zero escape is one of my favorite game series! can't wait to playyy!!

june 2016 ipsy bag

hi guys! today, i got my june IPSY BAG*! (theme: rebel rebel) can't wait to try everything! ~Lin-chan ^.~

here's my impressions:

1. urban decay eyeshadow in fireball (.85g--mini, ret. $19 for 1.5g [$10.77]) -- i am sooo excited that i got the fireball sample, considering that i have a full size of lounge and a few dupes of it. this pan is the same size as ones in other smaller palettes or sample palettes.
• likelihood to repurchase: no need to
2. formula x nail polish in wingwoman (4ml--mini, ret. $10.50 for 12ml [$3.50]) -- i love formula x polishes. they're great and they don't chip as quickly on me as most other brands. i think i've mentioned it on here before, but i'm not a huge fan of cream polishes since they tend to have visible streaks, and i'm not into coraly reds either.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably other colors
3. seraphine botanicals happy hibiscus blush (2g--full size, ret. $18) -- first off, this lil itty bitty thing is $18??? this is about the size of a silver dollar, and for whatever reason, they were compelled to include a tiny mirror inside this compact. after swatching it, i was pretty surprised. it's a really pretty pinky terracotta color. i'm not sure, but it might get more use as an eyeshadow than a blush, but i'll try it out and see how i like it.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not
4. royal & langnickel moda crease/smudge brush (full size?, ret. $5.99) -- not too sure about this brush. the smudger is not quite as stiff as i'd like it, but i think it'll work well. rubbing the crease side on my hand feels like it might be the tiniest bit scratchy and has maybe a slight bit more flex that i like as well. i'll give this a try and let you know.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not, but maybe others from the brand
5. delectable by cake beauty everything balm (7ml--mini, ret. $16 for 20ml [$5.60]) -- not sure how i feel about this stuff. it's like vaseline in a tube, with faint plasticy sweet fragrance. swatching a tiny amount on my hand, it absorbed fairly quickly but now my skin's slightly shiny but also feels soft...? very strange. i'll have to keep you posted.
• likelihood to repurchase: undecided
6. points freebie: benjabelle brush cleansing balm (1.5oz--full size, ret. $14.95) -- i love my benjabelle brush daisy brush tree, it's the best! not that that says anything about this brush cleanser, but that's what made me interested in redeeming points for it. it smells like it might be goats milk based, but otherwise has no fragrance.
• likelihood to repurchase? probably not
7. graffiti ipsy bag -- this is a very cute bag. i'm not huge on how much brown is on it, but whatever.
8. card with company info/discount codes (some codes are case sensitive)
1. seraphinebotanicals.com: 25% off purchase, code: ipsy25 (exp. 7/31/16)
2. royalbrush.com: 40% off purchase, code: ipsy4016 (exp. 7/31/16)
3. cakebeauty.com: 25% off purchase, code: IPSYEVERYTHING (exp. 7/31/16)
4. elizabethmott.com: $10 off $35 purchase, code: ipsy35 (exp. 7/31/16)
5. dermae.com: 30% off purchase some exclusions, code: ipsy16 (exp. 12/31/16)
6. juicebeauty.com: free mini phyto-pigments liquid lip in gwyneth with purchase & free shipping on $30+, code: ipsymini (exp. 7/31/16)
7. peterlamas.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsyj16 (exp. 7/15/16)
8. booboocoverup.com: 30% off purchase, code: IPSTER30 (exp. 7/31/16)
9. timelesstruthcosmetics.com: 40% off purchase & free shipping over $50, code: ipsy40 (exp. 7/31/16)
10. tinibeauty.com: 40% off purchase + free nailtini lacquer with $20+ purchase, code: IPSYREBEL (exp. 7/31/16)
11. jouercocsmetics.com: 25% off purchase some exclusions, code: 25off (exp. 7/31/16)
12. crownbrush.us: 30% off purchase, code: crownipsy30 (exp. 7/31/16)
13. doucee.com: 30% off purchase, code: mascara30 (exp. 7/31/16)
14. clarisea.com: 30% off purchase, code: IPSY30 (exp. 7/31/16)
15. kloraneusa.com: 20% off purchase some exclusions, code: ipsyeyes20 (exp. 7/31/16)
16. jessesgirlcosmetics.com: 20% off purchase + free shipping on $20+, code: 2016JUNEIPSY (exp. 7/31/16)
17. vasanticosmetics.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsysummer30 (exp. 7/31/16)
18. mirabellabeauty.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy2016 (exp. 7/31/16)
19. biorepublic.com: 40% off purchase + free shipping on $5+ (USA) or $40 (CAN), code: ipsy4016 (exp. 7/31/16)
20. us.frankbody.com: 10% off purchase, code: IPSYBABE (exp. 7/31/16)
21. rodial.co.uk: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy4020 (exp. 8/15/16)
22. thebalm.com: 20% off purchase, code: IPSY20 (exp. 7/31/16)
23. beabombshellcosmetics.com: 25% off purchase, code: ipsy25 (exp. 7/31/16)
24. dirty-little-secret.com: 20% off purchase, code: Ipsy20 (exp. 7/31/16)

approximate product value: ~$44 + $15 (points freebie)

everything balm, happy hibiscus blush, ud fireball & lounge (swatched dry), 1 coat wingwoman (sorry it's not focused!)

possible dupes for urban decay lounge & fireball:

top: ud lounge; left to right: makeup geek havoc, prestige total intensity hocus pocus, wet n wild comfort zone palette;
ud fireball, makeup geek maitai (all swatched without primer)

*Affiliate Link.

notd: formula x victory lap

hi guys! long time no nail of the day post! i recently bought this formula x polish on a whim and after being unable to find any swatches, aside from barely seeing it in the promotional video on sephora. this polish was made in collaboration with sanya richards ross, a track and field olympic athlete. anyway this shade, victory lap, is a super pretty pinky rose gold. >w< enjoy! ~Lin-chan ^.~
this is two coats of victory lap, with formula x the system.

notd: formula x asap 3D nail appliques

hi guys! this will be the first of a series of posts tonight! because i've got time!! anyway, a while back, i bought this pack of nail appliques (i think it's still on sephora clearance), and never got the opportunity to wear them..because i work and have to be a business professional. *insert snooty businessperson here* lol, anyway, the set i got is in too deep, and here's how they turned out and what i thought of them. ~Lin-chan ^.~

application: this is similar to the sally hansen nail strips. you clean your nails with acetone or alcohol, peel the backing and place it on the nail it best fits. take the provided file and file off the excess length.
[edit] removal: this came off just like regular nail polish...except where the silver bubbly 3D thingies were. those needed a little more work to remove, but they eventually came off.

impressions: when you first open it, omg it smells like nail polish. and it lingered a long time. as the package says.."real nail lacquer"..yeah. the only thing i didn't totally like was that there were three sheets and each had the same shapes and sizes. so some of them, i had to trim the sides of the nails off, as well as the length because they didn't quite fit right. but, they do give you 18 of them to choose from, so not too bad. the 3D-ness is kind of cool. for this particular set, it's the silver parts that are slightly bubbled on the nails. but overall, i like how these turned out. i'm not sure how long they'll last, but they're still looking pretty good after about 20 hours.

as a bonus, here's my notd from earlier this week that kind of chipped really bad after about two days... china glaze fireside glow and covergirl being blonde.

september 2015 ipsy bag

hi guys! it's september IPSY BAG* time!! (theme: face fashion) ~Lin-chan ^.~

here's my impressions:

1. nyx x ipsy eyeshadow trio (0.105oz--full size, ret. $6) -- i'm not so sure how i feel about the black, it's a bit chalky and i'm not huge into using something so dark; but the other two shades (particularly the middle one) are pretty nice.
• likelihood to repurchase: this trio is limited to the ipsy subscription; but maybe their love in rio sets.
2. thebalm put a lid on it eye primer (3.7ml--mini, ret. $18 for 11.8ml [$5.64]) -- i've always wanted to try this primer but never wanted to commit to buying a full size tube of something i couldn't buy locally and test out. testing this for my shadow swatches--it looks similar to urban decay's or too faced's but it's very wet and takes a bit longer to dry down.
• likelihood to repurchase: will update later
3. formula x for sephora nail color in ignite (4ml--mini, ret. $10.50 for 12ml [$3.50]) -- i really like how the color looks in the different lighting--bright red in sunlight, and oxblood in darker lighting. i actually already have a full-size of this polish, so i'll probably save this as a gift. see notd swatch below.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not this shade again
4. glamglow flashmud (.5oz--mini, ret. $69 for 1.7oz [$20.29]) -- try all of the glamglow! i'm excited to try this one out!
• likelihood to repurchase: will update later
5. not soap, radio the phoenix hand/body lotion (persimmon & plum scented) (1.25oz--mini, ret. $18 for 12.7oz [$1.77]) -- this smells sooo freaking good! feels nice and light, yet moisturizing.
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
6. points: la fresh hello. lip treat lip balm (.08oz--, ret. $10 for .08oz) -- this is really nice feeling. i like how it has a super fresh peppermint gum type scent.
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
7. rose gold ipsy bag -- meh, it's ok. i'm not a huge fan of the patterned part.
8. card with company info/discount codes
1. nyxcosmetics.com: 50% off eyeshadow primer & base, code: nyxbasescvrd (exp. 10/31/15)
2. notsoapradio.com: 20% off purchase & free gift, code: ipsy20 (exp. 10/31/15)
3. clarisea.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 10/31/15)
4. tresemme.com: $1.50 off any tresemme perfectly (un)done product, click link for printable coupon (exp. 10/7/15)
5. octaviomolinahair.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy&octavio (exp. 10/31/15)
6. citycolorcosmetics.com: 50% off city chic lipsticks, code: ipsy50cc (exp. 10/31/15)
7. jcatbeauty.com: 25% off purchase, code: 915ipsy (exp. 10/31/15)
8. bayberrynaturals.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 10/31/15)
9. acureorganics.com: 20% off purchase & free shipping, code: ipsysept20 (exp. 10/31/15)
10. vasanticosmetics.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy30 (exp. 10/31/15)
11. pixibeauty.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsyoct15 (exp. 10/31/15)
12. tinibeauty.com: 40% off $20+ purchase & free full size nail lacquer in kir royale, code: ipsyfashion (exp. 10/31/15)
13. trestique.com: 20% off $50+ purchase & free shipping, code: ipsyinsider20 (exp. 10/31/15)
14. trustfundbeauty.com: 35% off purchase (UK limit 4 bottles/package), code: ipsygirl (exp. 10/31/15)
15. firstaidbeauty.com: 20% off $50+ purchase & free shipping, code: ipsy20 (exp. 10/31/15)
16. evelyniona.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy2015 (exp. 10/31/15)
17. drugstore.com: 15% off eau thermale avene products, code: ipsy15 (exp. 11/15/15)
18. elizabethmott.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsyqueen (exp. 10/31/15)
19. comprarcosmetica.es: $5 off purchase, code: ipsynaobay (exp. 10/31/15)
20. temptu.com: 20% off select products, code: ipsytemtpu (exp. 10/31/15)
21. juviasplace.com: 10% off purchase / 4 pairs of "annabella" lashes for $16 (excludes sale items), code: ipsy (exp. 10/31/15)

approximate product value: ~$37.20 + $10 lip balm

nyx x ipsy eyeshadow trio swatched over theBalm put a lid on it; formula x ignite

*Affiliate Link.

notd: formula x wondrous

hi guys! this mini was included in the goodie bag at sunday's beauty before brunch event at sephora. it's formula x sheer strength nail color in wondrous. i used 2 coats with hairspray and highheels' diy "gel" mani. ~Lin-chan ^.~

july hauls

here's a few things i bought this past month! and teh paul came back from europe with some foreign lindt goodies! ~Lin-chan ^.~

germany somewhere....lindt yogurt strawberry rhubarb & strawberry panna cotta

makeupgeek: they were having 10% off mug products so i went ahead. marlena's always raving about the gel liner in immortal, so i got one. then i wanted a second soft dome brush, and i've been wanting to get baby face eyeshadow. also, i've been wanting to get a vera mona colorswitch, so i bought a solo from them as well.

babyface, immortal

ulta: urban decay naked smoky palette -- i was good and waited for it to become available on the ulta side...because i had over 1000 points ($50 off) accumulated..and so this palette was basically free =D

sephora (multiple orders): bite beauty limited lab release lipstick for july (snapdragon), becca x jacklynhill highlight in champagne pop, kat von d tattoo liner in trooper (5th anniversary limited edition packaging), ardency inn modster eyeshadow in rose gold, boscia luminizing black mask, [not pictured shiseido facial cloths], [freebies with codes or points: boscia pore purifying black magic set, too faced born this way in vanilla, formula x minis in white matter & riotous, alterna caviar repair heat protection spray, becca shimmering skin perfector poured in opal], and i renewed my vib status! eeeeeep!

champagne pop, rose gold, trooper, snapdragon, so rouge

bite snapdragon

marc jacobs so rouge -- is it bad that i really like the color and fomula of this? 买到所有的东西！

1. beyond the rack*: they sent me a $15 off $30 code..so i had to use it, and they just so happened to have michael todd on sale at the time, so i got: tropical fruit enzyme exfoliant scrub, charcoal detox deep pore gel cleanser, and wild berry exfoliating peel
2. ulta: essence gel-look plumping gel topcoat & lip liner in soft berry
3. walmart: burt's bees targeted spot treatment
4. amazon: l.a. girl matte pigment lip gloss in dreamy

becca opal--poured, dreamy, soft berry

la girl dreamy--it sticks to your teeth at first (as shown). but once it's dry, it's great!

essence soft berry--can you tell i'm tired after a long day at work. yep......

colourpop (2 orders): lippie stix & pencils in button and frida, shadows in nillionaire, on the rocks, to-a-t, and summer lovin, ultra matte liquid lipsticks in solow & midi

solow, midi; button and frida; summer lovin, nillionaire, on the rocks, to-a-t

solow

midi

button pencil, button lippie stix over button pencil

frida pencil, frida lippie stix over frida pencil

aromaleigh cosmetics: ok, so after courtney (phyrra) posted this amazingness, i had to try. yall know i'm not a pigment girl, but these were too beautiful. so i got: theodora (full size), this is my design (sampler) set, sample baggies of krampus & hydra, and a mini jar of phylira. she also threw in a few freebies in sample baggies (including one blush) and a mini jar of shadow (grazie mille). swatches to come later, because holy &!@#$^ that's a ton of baggies! [see swatch post here]

photo with size comparisons; plus freebies

this is my design set