Ipsy July 2014

My July Ipsy bag is here and I think for the first time, I don't like the bag. It's super bright, pink, (more fluorescent than the photo shows) and was quickly taken by my teen. I guess she liked it! The skinny on Ipsy is it is a monthly subscription service. For $10 a month, you get a (usually) cute little bag and 4-5 deluxe size makeup samples. Ipsy usually has pretty generously sized samples.

This month was the Sensationally Sunkissed bag. Inside was a Benefit They're Real Mascara, Elizabeth Mott Tints & Sass, Hang Ten Dark Tanning Oil SPF 08, Lavilin Jojoba Gel Cream and Bare Minerals 5-n-1 Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow Broad Spectrum SPF 15.

The Elizabeth Mott Tint & Sass is like Benefit Cosmetics tint line. Since I already own those, my teen snagged this one. I am super pale by choice so I doubt I'll be using the Tanning Oil, though when I smelled it it brought back fond memories of my youth. The Lavilin Gel Cream says that it hydrates skin following intensive physical activity. My teen is a cheerleader in high school so she snagged this as well. That leaves me with the Benefit They're Real Mascara, which I absolutely love and can always use extra of these, and the product I was the most excited for (and actually made me squeal like a little girl) and that's the Bare Minerals Cream Eyeshadow. It claims to be be long wearing (12 hour), priming (stays in place and won't budge, smudge or crease), brightening (brightens dull, discolored eyelids for a wide-awake, youthful look), smoothing (smooths delicate eyelids while diffusing the look of lines and wrinkles) and protecting (broad spectrum SPF 15). I had just added this to my list of beauty things I wanted to try the day before so I was super excited to get this. I got the shade Divine Wine. I'll have to see if it does all the things it claims.

And that's that. If you want to see my past Ipsy Bags you can click here. If you would like to try Ipsy yourself you can click here to sign up.

Wantable Unboxing June

My June Wantable box arrived. Wantable is like other monthly subscription services except instead of samples you get 4-5 full size products for $36 or you can just get one box for $40. They also have a jewelry box and an intimates box neither of which I have tried yet. Wantable also has awesome customer service and you can return any box you are not satisfied with for a full refund.

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This month's box contained a Mariabella Eye Shadow Duo with a nifty palette to put them in with shades I can actually use, a Mirabella Lip Colour (my list says the shade should've been coral but it was actually Heat. I was a little disappointed but maybe they ran out? I would much rather have had coral but it wasn't worth returning the box.), Pla Beauty Glam Lip Gloss in Coral (it was actually the coral) and a Chromographic Lip Color in the color Kiki by Eddie Funkhouser which if you have read my blog you know I love love love Eddie Funkhouser. I did a review of the line here. I was super excited to see one of his products that I didn't own in my box and the color is gorgeous. I was a little disappointed however that I got THREE lip products this month. I mean a girl loves lippies but I think Wantable and I got our wires crossed. I will have to check that connection lol. Overall, it was a good box and I will use everything in it. What did you get in your box?

If you would like to try Wantable you can sign up here. If you want to see what was in my previous Wantable box you can here.  The value of this month's box by the way was 85.99 so not terrible for $36.

Glossy Box Unboxing June the Stars & Stripes Edition

It's a few days late, but its GlossyBox time! Every month, I love these more and more. The boxes are good quality and gorgeous and the products inside are good size samples. So the skinny on Glossybox, it's $21 a month and you get 5-6 deluxe samples. This month gearing up for Independence Day was a Stars and Stripes theme. On a side note, I don't know why I get my boxes at the end of the month. It must be when I initially signed up for the service. I need to look into it because I would much prefer getting them at the beginning of the month that way I can give you these posts much sooner!

In this month's box there was Strangebeautiful Colorbloc nail polish which I used on July 4th and I don't always review these products, but these polishes were vibrant and the formula was so smooth and lasting. There was also Rusk Texture Dry Finishing Spray, Ayres Patagonia Body Butter, Camille Beckman Platinume Gold Imperial Repair Hand Therapy (which to me smells just like the Bath and Body Works Lemon Mint Leaf Candles) and a Sumita Beauty Champagne Eye Shadow Pencil which is also amazing. It goes on smooth, it's pigmented, doesn't crease on me, lasts forever and the color is perfect with my brown eyes. If you want to give Glossybox a try you can sign up through this link. 

If you would like to see my previous Glossybox you can click here.

The One on Independence Day 2014

One of the great things about living in military communities over these many years are the celebrations. And it's not just Independence Day. We've been at Fort Riley a few months now and already there have been several occasions to celebrate and the Army does it in style as always, but the real fun is the way they involve the surrounding community and seeing the community embrace them. This Fourth of July parade was even more special because it was the first time my youngest had ever seen a parade that she remembers, and it was also the first parade my oldest was in. She is a cheerleader at Junction City High School and they marched in the parade. It turned out to be an absolute gorgeous day and I remembered what I use to love about small towns. Even if I am still a city girl at heart. Maybe this Kansas business won't be so bad. I think we really loved the horses! Hope you had a fantastic Fourth of July. Happy Birthday America!

Beauty Favorites - June

1. Sunscreen - Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 50 with PureScreen  is my goto SPF. It doubles as a pretty decent moisturizer. It absorbs quickly and is broad spectrum. I use the sensitive skin version not because I'm prone to breakouts but because as I age I've noticed my skin  is just becoming more sensitive and fragile. I don't use this every day but I use it when I know I'm going to be out in the sun for a prolonged period of time. 

2. Moisturizer - I have dry skin so most of my skin care routine contains products for dry skin. Sometimes it is an hour or more between when I put on moisturizer and when I do my makeup. I love to use Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream For Dry Skin right before I apply makeup on those areas that are more prone to dryness. It absorbs super fast and helps my skin be more prepared for product application. If you have dry skin, I recommend trying this. I would not recommend it as a stand alone moisturizer for dry skin though but I love it for a little extra moisture.

3. Serum - I was looking for something to work with my skin's natural rejuvenation at night and decided to try Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate. I had never tried it before mostly because it's fairly expensive, but I had heard lots of glowing reviews. I used my gift card to Bergdorf Goodman that I got in my Glossybox and finally bought it. This stuff is amazing. My skin looks more plump and fresh in the morning. It is a staple in my nighttime routine now and I will forever repurchase it. 

4. Eye Shadow - It's summer (in case you didn't know) and that means heat, humidity, sweat and swimming none of which play well with makeup. I love using my Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Eyeshadows in the summer. They are pretty inexpensive, great quality, blends well, doesn't crease (on me), looks gorgeous and lasts forever. There are matte and shimmer shades. Both wear well alone or as a base. My favorite shade is Bad to the Bronze.

5. Cleansing Tool - If you wear makeup daily, then you know how important cleaning your face is cause let's be honest. I don't care how much makeup you put on you must, must, must take care of the skin underneath. I love my Clarisonic Mia 2 . I use the sensitive skin brush heads. It doesn't irritate my skin, deep cleans, gently exfoliates and I can use it in the shower. If you have super sensitive skin, I wouldn't suggest using this every day but every couple of days. I use it usually 3-4 times a week. 

6. BB Cream - Because it's summer, I don't like to wear heavy foundation during the day but alot of tinted moisturizers and BB creams are just too sheer. I picked up Physicians Formula Super BB All-in-1 Beauty Balm Cream in the shade Light/Medium on a whim and I just love it. It claims to have 10 beauty benefits which are smoothing, moisturizing, protecting, firming, priming and filling, perfecting, concealing, brightening, line-softening and long-wearing. It does most of those things. I still use an undereye concealer and I'm not sure how much brighter my skin is. But it does last most of the day. It is more coverage than I anticipated and I think you could go too far really easy with it but if you watch how much you use, then it is awesome.

7. Bronzer - I am super pale, mostly by choice. Because of that, most bronzers look orange or muddy on me. I found the Honey Bronzer by The Body Shop and it's basically my favorite bronzer of life because it does none of those things. It warms my skin, it's not shimmery, and I love it. I use the shade 01 Light Matte but if you have any hint of color to your natural skin tone or you self tan, it would be too light for you. I'm not sure how the darker colors translate but for fair skin this bronzer is terrific. 

8. Setting Spray - You know how scents and sounds can bring back memories? For me using this is like hearing a song on the radio that reminds you of the first time you wore a bra. No, but seriously. One of the first things I bought from MAC was the Fix + spray. I've tried other setting sprays and I use them but I always come back to this one. It just makes me feel like I am spraying luxe all over my face. I can't explain it. But the product is nice for setting your makeup, spritzing a bit of moisture onto brushes for a wet application and let me tell you, it is fantastic during the summer for removing that look of powder on your face. 

9. Lip Gloss - I'm on a 'makeup that stays on my face even though this heat tries like crazy to melt it all off' kick. The Revlon ColorStay Moisture Stain lip glosses are my new favorite. I have some lip glosses that even if they manage to stay on for more than 5 minutes, your lips start looking like a snake that is shedding. My lips don't do it with these. It is moisturizing, long-er lasting than some and the colors are vibrant. It's definitely a favorite this month and you can usually get them at your local drugstore on sale. 

10. Hair Product - My hair is naturally very frizzy and curly/wavy. There is no taming the mess that is my hair unless I use a straightener which I do every couple of days when I wash it. Using the high heat on my hair makes the ends of my hair very dry. I use deep conditioners and hair oils after I wash it or at night but most of those are too heavy for daily use or repeated use. I got a sample of Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendi Dry Oil Mist and it is amazing. I can spritz it on the ends of my hair, it tames the frizz and leaves my hair smooth without being oily or greasy. I purchased a full size and can not be without it. 

Life Favorites - June

1. Organization/Planner - Last year I was introduced to Erin Condren Life Planners. I had no idea what to expect but it was just so pretty. I was blown away. It is so fun and such good quality. EC just released the 2014-2015 Life Planners and of course I had to get a fresh shiny one. This year they also introduced changeable covers which is cool because last year I spent like four agonizing hours trying to decide which cover I wanted lol. Now you don't have to. They are a bit pricey but you can get them for 18 months so it will last a while. I have never wanted to be so organized! It inspires and motivates me. I am going to do an entire blog (and maybe a video) on my new one but if you want to get one for yourself before then you can sign up through my referral link and save $10 off your first order. They will send you a code through the email I believe.

2. Earphones - I picked up these Coral Urbanears in-ear headphones before we left Washington. I knew nothing about them. I just liked the color and thought it would be fun for spring and summer. Who knew they would sound amazing and the quality would be awesome. I went back and picked up the over the head ear phones too. In the same color of course.


3. Beverage - I find myself under my favorite rock alot. From there I miss things. Like Teavana. I came super late to the party when we were in Washington. Now I am hooked though there are no stores close to us here in Kansas but I can buy it online (thank goodness). My favorite blend is the Youthberry Wild Orange Blossom. I like it hot and cold with a little sweetener.

4. TV Show - Remember that rock? I was hitting the summertime blues. I had come down from my 'it's summer' high and found boredom so I went browsing around on Netflix and saw One Tree Hill. I think I never watched it because I was under the assumption it was all about basketball and this girl doesn't like basketball really. I looked and it had 9 seasons (Nine? Really? And I didn't watch it once while it was on the air. Impressive really) but since it was long, I figured I'd give it a chance and hope that it would just entertain me enough. I got hooked. I may or may not have watched all 9 seasons in less than a month. Time for round 2. By the way, you can get a 30 day free trial of Netflix if you are a first time user (or use a new email). Watch One Tree Hill. And Pretty Little Liars. And Orange is the New Black. You'll thank me.

5. Electronic - Which brings me to Number 5. My iPad mini. I watch Netflix on it (aka I watch One Tree Hill all day) and now I have discovered new an wondrous things I can also do on my iPad. We have DishNetwork now and it's connected to my system. I can watch live TV and not sit in front of the TV, I can watch anything on my DVR (and not be tied to my couch) and I can even download shows from my DVR and watch it offline aka while I'm waiting for cheer practices and swim lessons to be done. My other favorite uses are my Kindle app and my Audible app.

6. Book - One of my favorite youtubers recommended Panic by Lauren Oliver. I honestly started reading it without even bothering to see what it was about because I was that bored. It's a good one. I don't wanna spoil it but if you are looking for a Hunger games type Young Adult book to read then I highly recommend it. From Booklist: Oliver brings the survivalist competition of the Hunger Games series to present day New York State, where newly graduated seniors can take part in an annual game called Panic. In a small town where factory closures laid off 40 percent of the population, students are understandably concerned about financial security, and Panic awards the ultimate winner a sizable cash jackpot gathered from mandatory contributions from all high-school students. Participants are judged on physically and mentally challenging dares that culminate in a game of chicken called The Joust. The game’s genesis, organizers, and judges are carefully kept secrets, and participants work hard to keep the police in the dark, as dangerous stunts have resulted in deaths in years past. Told in alternating chapters by Heather and Dodge, two players with siblings to protect and avenge, Oliver’s novel is a wholly believable and compulsively readable tale of friendship, loyalty, survival, and courage. Although loose ends are tied together a little too neatly, the depressing yet realistic picture of new high-school graduates facing a bleak future balances unlikely heroism and happy endings.

7. Game - Anyone who knows me, knows I like to game. Specifically MMORPG type games (Massively Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Game) like World of Warcraft and Guild Wars 2. Wildstar is a newly released game in this genre that my best friend and I started playing on release. It's good enough that I've managed to get a toon to max level and started leveling another one. I don't have any opinion on the end game yet because I haven't really experienced much of it but the graphics are intense and gorgeous, the playstyle is different and unique, and the fun is enough that is has held my attention so far. If you are looking for something to try and like these type of games, it's worth a look. (Note: alot of times you can get it at a 20-25% discount on Green Man Gaming. If you are interested and can't find a discount code send me an email and I'll find one for you. Or at least try)

8. Online Shopping - Ok one drawback of living in Kansas is well...there is nothing. I feel like I moved back to 1995. My saving grace has been online shopping. I usually can find a coupon code for whatever I want to buy and free shipping programs like Amazon Prime gets it too me fairly quickly. My favorite and MUST HAVE service is Ebates. Alot of retailers are listed on Ebates and basically you shop through their links and you earn cash back for your purchases that is deposited to you quarterly. They have their own promotions as well like recently there was a 15% cashback promotion for tons of retailers. I mean you shop, get the things you want and need and they give you part of your purchase back in cash just for using their shopping links. It's a no brainer. If you want to try Ebates  you can sign up through my referral link. I mean honestly, why would you NOT use Ebates if you are going to shop online? Just since we moved here I have gotten 43 dollars in cash back on my purchases. Without using Ebates I would have gotten..uhmm nothing? Do it! Run! Now!

DIY How to Clean a Candle Jar

I have a slight addiction to Bath and Body Works Candles. I am slightly embarrassed at the stash I have. Ok, not really. But I do love them and usually have at least one lit all the time. The strength of the scent depends on the candle of course. My favorites (right now) are the Garden Strawberry, the Lemon Mint Leaf and Summer Boardwalk which smells vaguely like Cinnamon Sugared Donuts. A lot of their candles are seasonal so I have my favorites for each season. Because I burn through a lot I end up with a lot of empty candle jars so I've been re-purposing them for awhile now and thought I'd share with you not only how I do it but some ideas for the empty jars. Now I should point out that I do not keep them all but I do empty out the wax at the bottom to save and I do recycle the ones I don't use. I am actually saving up a few right now in order to make some crafty holiday containers. I am not a very crafty person (though I can fake it really well) so it'll be interesting to see how it goes. 

To clean the candles I start with a candle that has burned the wax to the bottom of the Jar. Now you could make removing the old wax easier if you pop the candle in the freezer for a few hours and let the wax harden. I usually decide at the last minute to clean my candle jars so I usually skip that step. Next, I use a dull utensil, usually a kitchen butter knife to break up the wax and remove it. I add the wax to a another jar because I don't want to be wasteful and it's perfectly good wax. Once the jar is full, I set the jar in a pot of slightly almost not boiling water (not covering the top obviously) and soften the wax just enough to put a few wicks in the wax. I take it out, let it harden and presto I have a new candle that is uniquely layered and scented. 

Once you have removed the wax, these candles have wicks attached at the bottom with a glue. A little hot water will loosen that right up and you can easily remove them. The labels come off easy enough and any residue can be removed with warm water and a kitchen sponge. I hear vinegar works well to remove the sticky residue but I haven't actually tried it. Rinse, dry and voila! As detailed as those instructions were (sarcasm intended), I actually made a little video to show you quickly how to do what I just described. I would suggest checking it out because my instructions are terrible. 

(Note: since the video is fairly new, I can't embed it here. To see it click on the image below and it will take you to YouTube. Once it has been updated I will come back and embed for your viewing pleasure!

The possibilities for what you can put in the jars are endless. Pictured below left to right, top to bottom: Eyeliner pencils, perfume samples, lipgloss, makeup brushes. 

Pictured below left to right, top to bottom: Hand creams, Lip Balms, Cotton Rounds, Pens.