 OMILAND SO CUUUTE!! AUTHOR'S NOTE: JUST TO CLARIFY- THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL REVIEW! RATHER, A FIRST IMPRESSIONS; A SHOW AND TELL. Yesterday afternoon, I was quite antsy after reading the tracking information online said my first Ipsy bag was to arrive any minute. I waited for the mail man to rap on the door like he normally does with a box, but after a few hours I decided to check the mail, regardless. To my sheer delight, I was greeted by a gorgeous, metallic pink parcel in front of my door. In a mad dash, I threw my hair to the side, up out of my way, and grabbed my equipment to record my open reveal, so I could see what I was sent. For those of you who do not know, Ipsy is a ten dollar monthly subscription, where Ipsy sends you products to try out and keep. The value of the products far exceeds the ten dollar monthly fee. Shipping is free, however in some states, tax is being charged, also. I was told extensively about this program from my dear friend Honey (at http://www.youtube.com/desnte146 and http://www.honeygirlsworld.com), and was excited to give it a go. I signed up a few weeks ago, and luckily made it in right before they started up the waiting list again. I believe I picked a good time to sign up. I saw some of the sneak peeks released on Ipsy's fan page, and then some of the products were even leaked on other blogs. This month's theme is "Pretty in Pink." Which I find most appropriate, being that pastels often are the trend in the spring season. I love pastels; thus it is lovely they were showcasing some products that I would more than likely use and wear.
What I got in this months bag...
I was a little apprehensive when I saw a picture of a blush, that was posted on a blog for a possible product. I am very fair, and while I do have some pink blushes, I have to be careful as to how deep the shade is, so I don't look like a painted clown. I was very pleased to find that the one sent could be carefully be built . In their photo, it looked as if there was a possibility it was too dark for me.
 I love the cute packaging! It is so compact, and fits nicely in my hand. I received, in full size, Be A Bombshell Cosmetics Blush in the shade Sweet Cheeks. After swatching it on my hand, I believed when used lightly it will work well with my skin tone. But this is a gorgeous hue, and I am looking forward to incorporating it in some tutorials I have planned for my youtube channel (http://www.youtube.com/pearlznlacebybeth). On the website it is described as being a "medium rosie pink with shimmer." This particular blush can be found at be a bombshell's website and is sold for sixteen dollars (!). So, with this product alone, I more than got my money's worth!!  Loose eye shadow pigment from Mica Beauty.  Swatches: On the left is a swatch of the blush, and the right the eyeshadow.
I originally thought the beauty above was a full sized eyeshadow, however after checking Ipsy's site, I found that it is actually a generous deluxe sample from Mica Beauty Cosmetics. I was sent this stunning rose gold shadow in the shade Earth. While it is a shimmer eyeshadow, it can be functional in many uses such as being mixed with a clear lipgloss (I want to try that out!), mixed with a clear mascara, and even clear nail polish (as noted by Ipsy on their website in regards to this product). Mica Beauty Cosmetics not only sells natural makeup but even more products ranging from skin to hair care. If I was to buy this eye shadow in a full size it would cost me $14.95; so I am guessing that the deluxe sample maybe worth around about seven dollars. You can find this shadow and others at Mica Beauty's website. They are said on the website to be "extremely gentle, free of preservatives, chemicals, dyes, talc, oils, and other fillers."
 I have one oil product I have been using for years; it will be nice to switch things up a bit. Also enclosed in this bag, is the Sexy Hair Soy Renewal in sample/travel size. It has argon oil in it, and reminds me of some oils that you use as leave-in serums. It is supposed to help with frizziness, and to help speed up the drying process if you are using a hair dryer. I don't blow dry my hair. However, after washing my hair last night, my hair became quite frizzy, as it does after being washed on the first day, and I did try it. It worked very well, my only complaint thus far, is that if I squeeze out the product it does hurt my hands. The plastic isn't very pliable and is hard. I will have to take the top off and shake out the product. I might add, this is not a formal review; just a first impression. This product can be found at Ulta online and at some drugstores. I am not not really sure how much this would sell for, but the full size at Ulta is going for $21.95
 This was supposed to be a peachy pink, but in the bottle it looks a bit more on the peach side... I love nude polishes. They are classic and can go with just about any outfit, and are the safest fit for all occasions. I am delighted to take this beauty for a spin. This nail polish from Sation is in the shade Love at First Byte, and it is a full size product. I am very pleased it is a three free formula (Formaldehyde, DBP & Toluene Free)! This polish can be found at their website and is sold for five dollars. I did try applying it today, and the formula seems more runny than other polishes I am used to. I will play with it some more, and see what I can do with it.  The bag the products and the offers came in is just darling! It seems pretty sturdy. It has a white exterior with a hot pink stripe near the base of the zipper. The inside was designed with white and pink stripes and the Ipsy logo. I will have to keep an attentive eye, being that it is white and white bags seem to display more dirt and residue than other colors.
This month's bag is a very exciting one for me. Thank you for checking out this blog post, and feel free to leave any questions or comments!
<3 Beth.
FTC: I RECEIVED THESE PRODUCTS FROM A SUBSCRIPTION THAT I PAID FOR WITH MY OWN MONEY. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN UNBIASED. I AM NOT BEING COMPENSATED BY IPSY OR ANY OF SAID COMPANIES FOR THIS VIDEO AND/OR BLOG POST.
 So exciting! I got some more goodies to try for the Spring season! I was very disappointed when I had to pass up on Elf cosmetics winter sale. Their cube of nail polish, at that time, was half off, and I had really wanted to try it out. I thought it was such a cute idea for trying different colors, from just one purchase-one set.
The reader can only imagine my delight, when my friend Honey (CHECK HER OUT LADIES- at http://www.youtube.com/destne146 and http://www.honeygirlsworld.com/) contacted me via facebook, to let me know that not only was their nail cubes half off, but they were having a fifty percent off sale on their new Spring items. I decided to buy some other things as well, keeping to budget.
I had also wondered about their "beauty books." Once I spoke with my hubby's cousin about them, as she has one. She had some complaints, but I have still wanted to try them. They look to me, so perfect for those still learning makeup; and I love nothing more than a quick how-to if I am going somewhere, to take the guess work out of trying new colors. Thus, I was ecstatic to see a few of them in the Spring line.  The pink and purple hues look beautiful for soft day looks, and I love how they included some dark shades to smoke it out for evenings. There were two beautybooks to choose from: Nude and Classic. I purchased the Nude.
 The elf polishes I got in the cube sit perfectly on top of my makeshift nail polish shelf! :)  Also in the Spring Sale were a set of four shimmer lipglosses. As many of you know I am obsessed with lip glosses, and I was dazzled by the beautiful nudes and pinks in this set. Truth be told, when I saw the glittery deep pink on the right in person, I was reminded of the first and only time I went to a makeup counter. For my fourteenth birthday, some ladies at our church decide to treat us (I and another lady-we share the same birth month) to a girls day out. We walked around the mall, ate at Hacienda, and got our makeup done for free at a makeup counter (I cannot recall the name of the place we had our makeup done). Point being, when the lady at the counter did my makeup she used a similar colored gloss. It was beautiful; I wish I had written down the brand and the name she used. However, this has been the closest I have seen to it. After this set arrived today, I opened the glosses, to see if they had a scent; they do smell very delicious sweet.
Though it wasn't on sale, I also purchased a new bronzing brush. The one I have been using--I HATE IT. I would imagine the one I use, is what it would feel like using the tail of a donkey on your face. It is so harsh, and it looks like someone took some bad, dull scissors to it; all choppy. I will be more than happy to dispose of it now. The elf brush, I had bought is much more soft. It doesn't seem as full as other brushes I have tried, but I am sure it will the do the job amply and will not be so abrasive as the one I had been using.
I am really looking forward to trying everything out. If any of my readers want to see reviews or tutorials using this products please let me know! All items mentioned can be found on elf cosmetic's website and in certain drugstores.
Thanks again, Honey for letting me know about their sale!! :)
<3Beth.
FCT: I AM IN NO WAY AFFILIATED WITH WWW.EYESLIPSFACE.COM. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN UNBIASED; I PAID FOR SAID PRODUCTS WITH MY OWN MONEY. I AM NOT BEING PAID OR COMPENSATED BY SAID COMPANY FOR THIS POST.
Another Shoplately purchase just arrived today! When I saw these beauties for sale, I just couldn't help myself. The large white frames remind me of the style that came out when I was a teen (which I am sure they were a comeback then, too). I am not really into large sunglasses, but with a big high messy bun, I think they do work well. I first fell in love with the swirly arms, having not seen that particular design before, and I love white. It was well they did not have a light baby pink one, or I would have had a hard time choosing between the two.
Again, for those of my new readers that do not know, Shoplately is a website that showcases businesses both big and small, and has sale events for all sorts of styles from accessories to jewelry to cosmetics. These sunglasses, if you were to buy them now, would cost sixteen dollars (plus shipping); when I bought them on sale I paid $9.50 for the sunglasses and only $2.99 for the shipping.
The shipping was very fast! I ordered them March 22nd, and they have arrived only six days later via USPS. They came in a bubble mailer envelope, were placed in a soft pink pouch, and wrapped nice and neat in bubble wrap. Enclosed also was a tab of paper with the inscription Lily Wang (the name of the showcased online shop) and their contact information on the back.
I did make note of a slight scuff on one of the arms of the sunglasses, but hardly noticeable. Regardless, I do love them. It was a nice change to see the sunglasses come in their own cute case, as most businesses and stores I have received sunglasses from only offer a clear thin plastic sleeve to protect them.
Shoplately is always adding new products on discount in their Sale section almost daily. It is so interesting to see new items from all different styles.
<3Beth.
I'd like to thank my dear friend, Honey (at honeygirlsworld) for telling me about Shoplately! It has been so great checking out the newest trends at such affordable prices!!
FTC: I DID BUY THIS PRODUCT WITH MY OWN MONEY. AND AM NOT AFFILIATED IN ANY WAY WITH THE SAID COMPANIES. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN UNBIASED.
 Not long after Nyx Cosmetics came out with the Nyx lipgloss butters, I decided to purchase four shades. I read reviews, and looked up swatches, to make a final decision on whether or not to buy them. The more I researched, the more excited I became. I love lipglosses; in fact, I consider myself quite the addict. Lip glosses have been a weakness since my high school years.
After I had received my order from Ulta, I immediately began opening them to see if they gave off a nice scent, which is something I find very desirable in a lipgloss. Now I cannot say they smell similar to their name. However, they do give off a lovely, sugary aroma which I find tantalizing. I have had these lipglosses about a month now.
The color payoff is perfect! For a sheer glaze of color, one can apply a coat, and for more build on another. I didn't notice too much of a stickiness that people often find with different lipglosses.
I find each shade favorable to my skin tone (I am very fair) . I have no complaints for any of these four. I do tend to use Creme Brulee and Cherry Cheese Cake more, at the moment. Creme Brulee is a sweet nude; perfect for my everyday brown neutral looks. Likewise, when I want a pop of color with those looks I will use the Cherry Cheese Cake.
What I really love about Cherry Cheese Cake and even the Peaches and Cream, is that they offer the bright color impact, which is in trend right now for spring. Though bright, they can be applied sparingly, so they aren't so "loud." It is a perfect way to slowly get used to pulling off brighter shades without fully committing, if you are a little apprehensive about taking the plunge.
I love these lip butters, and I am so glad I took them for a test run. I hope to replace them as I run out, for I do use them often!! You can find Nyx products at many drugstores, at Ulta, and on Nyx's website.
<3 Beth.
FTC: I AM IN NO WAY BEING PAID BY NYX COSMETICS FOR THIS REVIEW. I BOUGHT THESE PRODUCTS WITH MY OWN MONEY. MY THOUGHTS ARE MY OWN A 100%, UNBIASED.
Note: When I have it up, I will link my youtube review for this product.
 Swatches for my Nyx Lipgloss Butters: From Left to Right: Peaches and Cream, Apple Strudel, Creme Brulee, and Cherry Cheese Cake
 After seeing many promotions on television, last month, for this product, I decided to purchase it at my local Walmart. I bought the color One Size Fits Pearl. I love baby pink tones, and it looked like something that would go with any look easily.
When I first applied it, I didn't see very much color, unless I added more layers-a lot more. I am pale so the pale pink just kind of faded in. As the day wore on, I kept feeling the need to apply, and reapply more than I usually do than with my other lip products. By the evening, I realized my lips were continually becoming more dry, and starting to hurt a bit. When I removed the product I almost started crying. My lips felt so raw and cracked. I don't know if it was any of the ingredients or what, but I had a bad reaction. I have tried many lip products over the years and have NEVER had a problem like this before. I am surprised of the outcome, considering I love Maybelline's Baby Lips and their Vivids lipsticks, and have had no issues with either. I did return this product for a refund, and do not plan to try their Whispers again. Even weeks after using the product that one day, I still had dryness to combat, which was never an issue before. It was like peeling dander on my lips all the time!!!
I would highly recommend doing further research for more reviews before wasting money on this product. After my friend Honey (honeygirlsworld) and I discussed it at length we agreed that it is too much money for an over-hyped lip balm (that's pretty much all it is, being that it lacks pigmentation at all). If anything you are really just paying extra for adorable packaging. Which it is a crying shame it doesn't deliver, as they did get that part right. I will stick to my baby lips, Eos, and Smackers lip products if I want a lip balm, thank you much!
<3 Beth.
 Lol, as you can see, my palette has gone through a lot of use! :) Last summer, I was watching many youtube reviews and tutorials based on the Too Faced Natural Eye Palette. I, at the time, considered it out of my price range, but loved how it looked on other girls with a similar skin tone and hair color as myself. It was perfect for everyday. And I wanted it badly. Then a different type of video caught my eye...wait, could it be?
I cannot remember her name, or her channel's name, because it has been some time since I have watched this review, but I found a video discussing at great length of a dupe out there for the palette I so desperately wanted to get my hands on.
It can only be found at Rue21. For those of you in a mad dash to pull up their website to find it, don't bother. You can only go to their actual stores to pick it up. So last summer, I went with my hubby and sister-n-law to Ft. Wayne, quite a drive from where I live, to go shopping. Since Rue21 was one of the stops, I really wanted to check this out this dupe.
I was amazed at the price; sure enough, just as the lady had raved about, it was only $6.99! A steal compared to the Too Face's thirty-six dollar palette. Now, since then I was fortunate enough to have the play money to buy an actual Too Faced Eye Kit. I did purchase the Too Faced Romantic Eye, and I will say I still prefer my Rue Beaute dupe to it. Naturally, they are different shades, but the pigmentation, and consistency are very different between the two.
I love my dupe. In fact it is one of my top three palettes I will absolutely replace when I run out. I use almost daily. I can switch it up very easily, with a different colored blush, a bronzer, and eyeliners. I normally like to add some bronzer and coral hues to my look for summer and even spring.
I have tried many cheap makeup brands, and the pigmentation for the price is INCREDIBLE! I don't even have to use that much of the product for a good build up of color. Since then, I have wondered about the quality other Rue Beaute palettes. If I ever get the chance to test them, I will be more than happy to share my findings with the reader.
<3 Beth.
FTC: I AM IN NO WAY BEING PAID BY SAID COMPANIES FOR THIS BLOG POST. ALL THOUGHTS ARE MY OWN, UNBIASED. I PAID FOR PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN THE ABOVE BLOG POST WITH MY OWN MONEY.
My day went off at a lovely start. Because we had to be here when the tech for Mediacom arrived to set up our phone and internet, our entire morning was tied up at home. I didn't think much of it at first. They told us between nine and noon they would be here. That's fine, I told myself, That will give us an hour to go to the store for groceries way before hubby goes to work. Well, noon came and went. Hubby even started feeling a little apprehensive. "I bet they don't even come today," he groaned.
"I confirmed on the phone twice," I answered with equal aggravation. "They have been calling almost everyday."
Over an hour later, the tech arrives. By the time he left, there was barely enough time for Jarod to make a mad dash by himself to the store for a few things.
Despite the alteration in my plans for today, I still managed to get some of my to-do's completed. Our bedroom is straightened up, our load of laundry washed and put away, I sifted through some of baby doll's old clothes (some to keep for the baby on the way as she gets older, and some to giveaway), and vacuumed the hallway. Next I'll be finishing the kitchen, vacuuming our room, and hopefully cleaning and vacuuming Tori's room.
Tori has this cute habit of taking most of her toys, blankets and pillows, and creating a little nest in front of the gate in her room. I have never seen anything like it. In fact, she would much rather sleep in that heap of chaos, than in her own bed. While it's an adorable quirk of hers, it is quite hazardous to my own health. I have to watch it when I try to get in her room, already being off balance from my baby bump. We are constantly trying to coax her back into her own bed when she sleeps. But then, sure enough, the next morning we find her curled up among her little treasures.
<3 Beth.
 Thank you Honey for telling me about Shoplately! I absolutely LOVE this site!!
Not too long ago, a dear friend of mine Honey, (honeygirlsworld)
recommended to me a website that show cases business, both big and small, and major sales. I have since then, been watching their jewelry in the SALE section. I am not knocking Walmart's costume jewelry, but I will say, that I do like to find things that are more unique--statement pieces, if you will. With a price range in mind, I happened to be browsing their sales section again last week, when a tan, gold bangle caught my eye. It was called a coral reef bracelet (in cowboy tan). The design was different, and looked like it could go with about any outfit. I had been on the lookout for summer accessories for this year, and this looked like it would be perfect for a casual tee and jeans, or even a maxi dress and sandals. And the price was as equally inviting, being marked down from $12.99 to $7.99; even with shipping, it was a bargain. The actual business that sold me this bracelet is called JYJZ, they are located in San Francisco; and their forte is apparel and accessories of an Asian European flair.
Shortly after I made my purchase, I was surprised that the bracelet I ordered was then marked as sold out. I must have ordered just in time. There is a waiting list now for the one I bought and another shade in a teal turquoise. It must be a very popular item to have sold out so quickly. I was fortunate to get my order in soon enough.
I received my order only in four days. It was sent by USPS and arrived very quickly. I found this a plus, as I hate waiting long on orders. I found everything put together, nice and neat in plastic. The bracelet was a lot heavier than I had imagined. It has a good weight to it. I love how it fits my small wrist already. It's perfect. I was also sent a gift-a kitty badge pin, which was really sweet of them to send. It is cute, and I have plans to put it on my book bag. A handwritten note transcribed on a business card, was included as well. Considering in this day and age, the art of letter writing by hand seems to wane, I found this very refreshing.
<3 Beth.
 It is so unusual; I LOVE IT! FTC: I BOUGHT THIS PRODUCT WITH MY OWN MONEY. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN UNBIASED.
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