February Ipsy Bag!

I finally decided to jump on the Ipsy Bag review train!

Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription service created by famous YouTube star Michelle Phan. For only $10 a month, subscribers receive a cleverly designed cosmetic bag filled with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products.

The month of February was all about love, of course, and the Glam Bag theme was “The Look of Love;” how adorable! The items I received in this month’s Ipsy bag were:

 

Plump Pout Mini by POP Beauty

Color: Peony Petal

Full Size: $16.00 (0.3 oz.)

Size Received: $1.88 (4 g.)

This plumping pout perfector combines the high-shine of a lacquered glass with the long wear of a stain and is packed full of lip-plumping peptides and avocado and jojoba oils. Lightweight, creamy texture immediately merges with lips and delivers intense glossy color for an extremely long-lasting finish!

My Thoughts

I loved this gloss! It was extremely moisturizing and glided on with ease! The color I received was perfect for my complexion and the size of the mini was adorably convenient! It provided long lasting color and gave a nice shine to my lips without turning them into a hot mess. I didn’t really notice any plumping-like qualities, but I still give this product two thumbs up!
 

 

Zoya Nail Polish

Color: Odette (light lilac)

Full Size: $9.00 (0.5 fl. oz.)

Size Received: $9.00 (0.5 fl. oz.)

 

This season’s Zoya Nail are full of pure pigment, intense color and modern complexity that are a perfect transition into Spring. Odette can be best described as full-coverage, sultry orchid maroon cream.

My Thoughts

When I first opened my bag and saw that famous Zoya nail polish box I was so excited to finally try Zoya! But my excitement was quickly deflated when I saw the color. It’s a pleasant tone, but just not for me. I ended up putting this on eDivv (a beauty swamping website) and am expecting a nice Ruby Red toned Julep polish in return; my first Julep ever!

 

 

With Flash

 

Without Flash

 

Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner by Mally Beauty

Color: Starlight (silver)

Full Size: $15.00 (0.04 oz.)

Size Received: $15.00 (0.04 oz.)

This creamy formula glides effortlessly onto the lid and locks into lower rim to beautifully define your eyes. Create a fine line or a thicker line with no pulling or tugging. Wear it as a shadow by applying to the lid and smudge. Rich and full, this liver will give a strong coverage that lasts all day.

My Thoughts

I was ecstatic to see a Mally Beauty product in this month’s bag. I’m an avid QVC shopper and love Mally’s products; especially her bullet-proof eyeliners. I wasn’t too keen on the color, at first, but after applying it to my waterline I was impressed! It gave me a nice pop of color and brightened my eyes. I would recommend any Mally Beauty products; especially her eyeliners. I’m a newb when it comes to makeup and Mally makes her products fool proof!

 

 

Be Matte Blush by City Color

Color: Fresh Melon (coral-like)

Full Size: $2.99 (8.9 g.)

Size Received: $2.99 (8.9 g.)

This silky-smooth, highly pigmented matte blush compliments and blends evenly with your skin’s natural glow. Extremely buildable to create a subtle or dramatic look.

My Thoughts

I was delighted to see that I received a nice coral-like color. I’ve been dying to see if coral looks good with my skin tone and it does! I do have to warn those who wish to purchase this blush that a little goes a loooooooong way. When I first applied this blush I picked up a LOT of powder on my brush and once I applied it to my face… holy clown-face, Batman! I had to blend it in like crazy and cover it up with foundation because it was so pigmented and bright. Now that I know how to properly apply the blush, it goes on beautifully and lasts all day. I think this compact will last me years!

  

Eyelashes + Eyelash Glue by J. Cat Beauty

Style: EL 15

Full Size: $3.99 (1 set)

Size Received: $3.99 (1 set)

Cause a ruckus as you bat your voluminous faux eyelashes! Each includes an individual eyelash adhesive for endurance through a night on the town! Eyelash glue is latex free, perfect for sensitive eyes, lashes can be used up to 10 times, creates the perfect natural look.

My Thoughts

I was born with obnoxiously long eyelashes; don’t get me wrong, I love them and they’re gorgeous, but when you’re a newbie trying to apply mascara… things can get a little bit tricky. I’ve now mastered the art of applying mascara without getting it on my lid, most of the time, but I will probably never need fake eyelashes. I considered giving this product a try, just for fun, but figured another girl would get more out of them than I would; so I listed it on eDivv. I am happy to say that I am expecting a purple twist tie, one of those fancy knotted hair ties, in exchange.

Cost of Bag: $10.00

Value of Bag: $32.86

 

Overall

This bag definitely had some hits for me, but it also had a couple of misses. I was really only able to use three out of the five products, but all three were fantastic! I cannot complain because the value of the bag was over three times the cost + I received the adorable cosmetic bag; you can’t argue with that value!

What did you receive in this month’s Ipsy bag? Did you have any favorites?

If you’re interested in trying Ipsy yourself, here’s my referral link!

 

Numi Organics SAVORY Tea!

Hello my lovelies!

I recently decided to actually start using some of the very different items that I received in a “Conscious Box” before the holidays. I never recorded an unboxing video or wrote a blog about the box because it was just too different for me at the time. However, after taking a second look at the items I received, the contents of the box were actually quite usable and wholesome; but I digress. This post is about Numi Organics Savory Tea.

 

YES, “savory tea”! Thank goodness I read the label on this adorable tea sample as I was about to enjoy it for breakfast with sugar; yuck! After taking a closer look at the tea, I realized it was meant as a savory snack alternative; therefore, I decided to save it for before my lunch hour.

 

 

The sample that I enjoyed was “Fennel Spice”. It is described by Numi Organics as follows:

“Coaxed by the soothing scents of freshly cut fennel, this crisp concoction will transport you to the enchanting European countryside. The soaring flavors of sweet licorice envelope the earthy fullness of celery root while slivers of orange peel and decaf green tea delight the palate.”

YUM!!! I was especially intrigued by this tea because I’ve been on a diet for about two weeks now and thought this would be a perfect “snack” for when I was craving something earthy and salty; without adding a ton of extra calories! Plus, it gives me an additional cup of water – score!

ALL of the ingredients in “Fennel Spice” are organic and as follows:

• Fennel
• Celery Root
• Orange Peel
• Onion
• Dill
• Decaf Green Tea
• Honeybush
• Black Pepper

Numi Organics offers much more than just savory tea, but since I had never even heard of savory tea before, I was eager to learn more! They offer a total of six flavors:

• Beet Cabbage
• Broccoli Cilantro
• Carrot Curry
• Fennel Spice (the one I tried today)
• Spinach Chive
• Tomato Mint

 

I enjoyed my first, and definitely not last, cup of Numi Tea before my lunch hour and instantly fell in love. In fact, I already ordered a box of their “Garden Sampler” for $7.99. The Garden Sampler includes 12 bags of their 6 savory tea flavors; 2 of each. I am most excited to try the “Tomato Mint” and “Carrot Curry;” they sound divine!

TIP: If you sign up for their newsletter online, you receive 10% off your first order!

The moment the bag began to steep, I could smell each ingredient. My office cubicle smells amazing; like I’ve been working in the kitchen for hours over a delectable broth base. I could totally see myself enjoying this before lunch and as a late night snack. I love that the tea contains no caffeine, it is extremely satisfying and tastes delicious!

 

 

Overall, the “Fennel Spice” is probably not my favorite flavor out of their options (only because I’m not a huge fan of fennel), but I cannot WAIT to try the other 5 savory treats!

On the back of my tea sample, Numi provides several examples of when to drink their savory tea:

• As a satisfying snack alternative to hold you over
• As a great compliment to a light lunch
• As a savory way to mix-up your tea routine
• As a comforting cup when you’re under the weather
• As a snack on your next hike or camping trip
• As a delicious brew for cooking rice or noodles
• As a tasty addition to your next cleanse
• As a great companion to keep at your desk or take on the road

Have you ever tried Numi Organic Tea? Would you be tempted to try something as bold as savory tea?

 

 

 

Feeling Great with Fiber One Protein Cereal!

 

Hello my lovelies!

I thought that I would post one more review of my new favorite breakfast cereal; Fiber One Protein! I was lucky enough to receive two free boxes from General Mills along with a handful of great $1.00 off one box coupons! I actually have 3 coupons left and will mail them to the first three comments on this post; just message me your address on Facebook or send it to me via email (a.eyler06@gmail.com).

I used to HATE eating breakfast. I know it’s the most important meal of the day, but I just didn’t like eating it and when I did, it was very minimal and probably lacking a lot of key nutrients. When I was first introduced to Fiber One Protein Cereal, I ate it like any person would eat cereal; with milk.

 

This is the delicious Maple Brown Sugar flavor; my favorite!

Then, I decided to get a little crafty and add this deliciously crunchy cereal to other breakfast-y items.

 

They make an excellent crunchy topper to pancakes and waffles!

 

The PERFECT crunch to my favorite Greek yogurt!

The other flavor option to this brand of cereal is Cranberry Almond. It is delicious as well, but disappointed me in the lack of actual “berries”. I decided to amp things up a bit and add a nice little mixture of dried berries myself.

 

Blueberries, green raisins, goji berries, and cranberries… oh, my!

Have you tried the new Fiber One Protein Cereal or any other Fiber One products?

"Shine On" Blogger Award!

 
I was recently nominated for the “Shine On” blogger award by Angela Watkins, creative author of I am the MakeupWhisperer and I Take Photos! I’ve seen these types of awards floating around the digital world here and there but never in a million years thought I would be nominated; especially since I am such a newbie to the blogging community.

 

Before I dive into the “Shine On” award rules, I want to sincerely thank Angela for considering me as one of her 15 nominees. I’ve always enjoyed writing and expressing my opinion, but never really dedicated any time to this craft since grade school. One of my many “when I grow up” dreams was to become an author. Not necessarily a literary author, but a journalist who would write about food, entertainment, and exciting up-and-coming events; nothing too serious, mostly fluff.

However, money was my top priority and I chose to seek a degree in business. In fact, I graduated with my Bachelors of Science in Business Administration, with an emphasis in General Management, this last December. I recently made several life changing decisions that diverted me off my previous path and am working on building a new and improved me. Surprisingly, I am not at all intimidated, but rather excited and eager to discover what lies ahead.

I am beyond blessed for discovering a new friend, Michelle, author of Beautiful Goodies, and her invitation to join the Beauty and Fashion Blog Community on Facebook. I was welcomed into the group with open arms and feel like I am part of something amazing. As I am starting a new chapter in life, it is a wonderful feeling to be able to have a group of like-minded individuals who are able to show such compassion and friendship toward complete strangers.

 

 

Okay, enough rambling…

 

The “Shine On” award rules are as follows:

1. Display the award logo in your blog post: Check!
2. Show appreciation by acknowledging the blogger who nominated you and link back to them in your post: Check!
3. Share 7 random, interesting facts about yourself: Listed below.
4. Nominate 15 bloggers you admire and happily pass on this award, making sure to link their blog into your post: Listed below.
5. Contact your chosen bloggers to let them know: Check!

My 7 Random Facts Are:

 

• I have two different colored eyes. My right eye is ¾ blue and ¼ grey, and my left eye is ½ brown, ¼ blue, and ¼ grey.

 

 
 

• I am obsessed with taking looooooong bubble baths. I recently relocated back home to my dear mother’s house and she has an AMAZINGLY deep soaking tub. Let’s just say that she’s happy to have me home, but her water bill has significantly increased since I returned. I love anything for baths: bubbles, bath oil, fizzies, beads, salts, etc. The more the merrier!

 

• Last summer I adopted a Chihuahua / Pomeranian dog from our local Humane Society. Her name is Roxie and she is my pride and joy. I don’t have any human children, but she’s my baby girl. I spoil her rotten and she brightens my day. I do not think that I would have been able to make certain decisions about my life without her in my corner.

 

 

 

  

• If I could, I would live in pajamas.

 

• This may be TMI, but I’m obsessed with panties. NO, not in a weird fetish sort of way, but as in, I can never have enough! I love getting different designs, patterns, etc. The more fun, the better. And when I go on trips, I over pack; as in a 3 day vacation = 10+ panties. I NEVER want to be caught without them, so I’d rather be safe than sorry!

 

• I had jaw surgery in high school, to help prevent future dental problems, and ever since then my entire right side of my face has been numb. I can feel pressure being applied to my face, but that’s about it; it makes chewing gum on that side of my mouth an interesting escapade!

 

• I absolutely, positively hate crying; regardless if they are happy or sad tears. Therefore, I avoid all things overly emotional: anything Nicholas Sparks, animal cruelty commercials, touching stories, etc.

 

The 15 Bloggers That I Nominate for the “Shine On” Award Are:
 

Michelle at Beautiful Goodies

Rachel at Harlot Beauty
Kristy at Nail of a Tale
Caitlyn at Beauty Budget
Jennifer at JenLikesPolish
Kimberly at The Rantings of a Drama Queen’s Mum
Kristina at The Feminine Files
Amy at Ilewsoba
Amy at The Perks of Being Amy
Michelle at Pretty in the East
Andriana at Beauty by Andriana
Jeni at Gracious Luck
Anna at The Anna Belle Blog
Karen at Unpack the Box!
Kimberly at Socially Awkward Fashionista

The Valentine's Day Tag

Hello my lovelies! I recently spotted this fantabulous Valentine’s Day Tag post on The Perks of Being Amy: The Day-to-Day Ramblings of an Aspiring Journalist. She has an amazing blog and I encourage all of my readers to check her out!
 

I’ve been under the weather the last two weeks and have 100% neglected my online life; tré tragic! So, in the spirit Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d jump on the V-Day Train theme and answer the following fun-filled questions. If you’re itching for something to do, TAG you’re it! Comment down below your blog URL as I’d love to read my fellow lovelies responses to these heart-filled questions.

 

Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone!

 
What is your favorite Valentine's Day treat?
I don’t have a specific Valentine’s Day treat that I adore above all others, but you can never go wrong with anything chocolate related!


Sweethearts of chocolate covered strawberries?
YUCK! I absolutely hate Sweethearts candy. They’re a cute novelty gift and I may have a few here and there, but they remind me of antacid tablets. Therefore, I would most definitely have to go with chocolate covered strawberries!


What was your favorite Valentine's Day memory?
Hmmm…. My favorite Valentine’s Day memory would have to be when I was in elementary school. Every Valentine’s Day was celebrated by making a kick-bum mailbox at home, bringing it to school, and then walking around the room delivering Valentine’s to each student.

Every student would receive a list of names of their classmates. We were to make a Valentine’s Day Card / gift for each student and then deliver them (via their cute mailboxes) on Valentine’s Day. There was always goodies and music. It was such a fun tradition and made everyone feel loved. I think I had the most fun making the mailboxes.


What movie would you rather watch on Valentine's Day: "Pretty Woman" or "You've Got Mail"?
I’ve seen both movies and they’re equally good, but I’d have to go with “Pretty Woman”. It has more drama! :)


What celeb would you not mind having as your Valentine?
Oh, la, la! So many options….  Bradley Cooper, Daniel DiTomasso, Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, I don’t think I could pick just one! I think the winner would have to be…. *drumroll* Daniel DiTomasso (with the facial hair)!

What would you do on your perfect Valentine's Day date?
I’m a sucker for fancy dinners. If I was going out, I’d want to hit the Melting Pot (amazing experience, delicious food, but pricey). If staying in, I’d either want my love to cook the entire meal for me (as a surprise) or for us to cook together; finishing the night off with a fun chocolate-y dessert! And of course, movies + massive cuddling.

 

Red or pink lips on Valentine's Day?
I haven’t been able to find a rockin’ red that suits me, so I’m going to have to say an in-between color. Definitely more red, but with a hint of pink.


What is your ideal Valentine's Day date outfit?
My ideal outfit would be a solid colored skirt (probably black) with a sparkly / show-stopper blouse; probably pink or red. Decked out in bling: rings, necklace, earrings, bracelet, etc. Killer shoes and a small clutch to match my top (all three items the same color) and fully painted fingernails and toenails to match! :)  


Homemade or store-bought gifts?
Hands down, homemade gifts! Gifts that come from the heart and require time / effort mean 100x more to almost any girl than a store bought gift.


Would you wear your hair up or hair down for a date night?
I always wear my hair up in a messy bun, but if I was going somewhere special or doing something to celebrate something special, I would wear it mostly down but gathered up in loose curls to pull the hair out of my face.

 

My Skin Care Routine Blog Hop

 

DAY-TIME ROUTINE

 

Step #1: Cleanse that purdy face!

 

Features & Benefits

• Deep cleans pores and eliminates makeup build-up
• Natural oil extracts help condition skin
• Fragrance-free formula

I am absolutely addicted to all things Philosophy; especially my holy grail of facial cleansers… *drum roll* Purity Made Simple. This stuff must be made with the tear drops of unicorns! It is the most moisturizing and effective cleanser that I have ever used.

It gently removes ALL makeup and cleanses your face; all-in-one! If you’re running short on time, you do not even have to moisturize as this cleanser leaves your skin feeling supple and smooth. I purchased mine through QVC and have it on auto-delivery. I have the mondiferously large bottle with a pump. The pump works great as a measuring tool; one pump gets the job done!  

 
Step #2: Facial Time!
 

 

Features & Benefits

• Fast-acting results
• Mineral-packed purifying paste
• Leaves a beautifully clean feel

This is such an amazing product! The Great Mystery is gentle enough to use daily (but I use it every other day) and it leaves your skin feeling as though you just visited the spa. The best part…. It only takes one-minute to reap the benefits of this awesome product! It contains sea salt, which provides a nice light exfoliation and when this accidentally gets into your mouth when showering (oops!) you can actually taste the sea salt! I also have this product on auto-delivery from QVC.

 
Step #3A: Moisturize, baby! On the “high-end”…
 

 

Features & Benefits

• Helps diffuse energizing oxygen for glowing skin
• Blend of antioxidants helps protect skin against environmental attack
• Provides oil-free, lightweight hydration

I absolutely LOVE moisturizing and enjoy trying all different products designed to make your face silky smooth. However, being a smexy fluffy-lady tends to produce unwanted perspiration on my face when I’m rushing around working or getting ready to leave the house. Therefore, I always use a gel-like moisturizer on these occasions; just like Take a Deep Breath.

This moisturizer is amazing! It is super lightweight and oil-free, but still provides you with a great deal of moisture. The name is perfect… it literally feels as though your face is taking a breath of fresh air when you apply this moisturizer.

 

Step #3B: Moisturize, baby! On the discount end…

 

 

Features & Benefits

• Oil-free
• Water-based to rehydrate your skin
• Blend of cucumber and green mango extract

I thought that I would use Take a Deep Breath until the day that I died, but I was lucky enough to receive a sample of Clean & Clear: Morning Burst Hydrating Gel Moisturizer in one of my monthly Beauty Box 5 boxes and instantly fell in love! Not only do I receive the SAME exact results from this gem as I did with Take a Deep Breath, but it’s 1/5 of the price! Can you say hallelujah discounts?!

This a.m. moisturizer is super lightweight, refreshing, gives you a nice little wake-up in the morning, and is not greasy. It allows my face to breathe and leaves me feeling silky smooth all day long.

 NIGHT-TIME ROUTINE

 
Repeat step #1… cleanse that purdy face!

The Purity Made Simple is so gentle that you could literally wash your face 3 times in one day (morning, afternoon, and evening) and it will NOT dry you out; trust me, I’ve done this!

 

Step #2: Moisturize, baby!

 

Features & Benefits

• Created for the medical market
• Unique Soufflé texture
• Healthy-looking glow

Being a Philosophy girl, I wanted to try Hope in a Jar for the loooooongest time, but it is crazy expensive! $117 for an 8 oz. jar! I waited until QVC had it on special and was able to purchase the jar for $108 and on easy-pay (LOVE easy-pay). Now, I’m locked in forever and have it on auto-delivery, but… I continually push back my future shipment date because the 8 oz. jar is like an everlasting gobstopper!

You only need a smidgen of this moisturizer for your entire face and neck. It too is ultra-lightweight, but provides a much more intense moisture than a gel moisturizer. It’s so fluffy and luxurious; it’s like applying a soufflé to your face! It’s my go-to cream at night and for the days when I’m feeling extra dry.

 

Questions for My Lovely Ladies

1. Are there any other Philosophy girls out there?
2. What products do you swear by for your purdy face?

 
Want to check out other lovely ladies and their skin care routine? Check out these amazing blogs listed below for this month's "BLOG HOP" theme: My Skin Care Routine!

Michelle at Pretty in the East 
Brittany at The Beauty Deputy
Kristina at The Feminine Files
Jeni at Gracious Luck
Heather at Coconut & Cotton
Jenn at Little Bit of Girl Geekery
Etta of Etta's Threads
Kristy from Nailofatale
Vivienne of Jolie Pagaille
Tess at Plastic Bows
Brittany at Lipstick & Yarn
Nancy at Jumping Mouse 9
Michelle at Beautiful Goodies
Angela at The Makeup / Photography Whisperer
Bernice at Dark Beauty Makeup
Christine at Simply Stine (Beauty / Fashion / Lifestyle)
Sam at College Beauty Buff