Ipsy June 2014

A couple of days ago, as posted on instagram, I received the June ipsy glam bag. I had initially subscribed to ipsy last June/July but after a few months cancelled due to my growing makeup collection. First world problems, right? I decided after watching a couple of videos on what some subscribers received in their May bags and decided I wanted in, if only for one month.

I must admit, very rarely have I been disapointed in any month that I received a bag. The products are more often than not full sized makeup, haircare or tools. For $10/month, you tend to receive items that total more than that amount. 

Be A Bombshell Lashout Mascara (full size)

Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray (large travel sized sample)

NYX Buttler Lipgloss in Apple Strudel (full size)

Essence of Beauty Body Mist in Forever Paris (travel sized sample)

NickaK Shimmer Eyeliner in Green (full size)

Very cute tropical flower print nylon bag with fabric designed by Rebecca Minkoff, renowned handbag designer.

Each of the products I have received, including the bag, I could definitely pop in my beach bag for touch ups after a long day by the pool or on the sand.

So if you've ever been on the fence about whether or not to try this subscription service out, I say give it a go! If you are not into experimenting with different beauty brands but know someone who is, this would be a great gift.

For more information on ipsy, click here.

Talk to you soon...

xoxo bd

Summer Inspiration

A little inspiration from my tumblr to start the day off well...

With the first day of summer being this Saturday I have found myself dreaming of vacationing to Italian beaches, reading a captivating novel and jumping into crystal blue waters. Needless to say, I'm counting down until vacation days in July. 

xoxo bd

*all photos via lovelylittleplace*

Current Skincare Favorites

For a couple of years I was in serious makeup mode but decided this year that I wanted to focus on skincare. 

I have invested more money and time into the care of my skin and have noticed a difference.

A couple of years ago I could have gone to bed with makeup on and may not have felt a kick back the following morning but now my skin reacts for a couple of days. If I want to wake up blemish free, I must put the time into properly cleansing and moisturizing. 

Bosica Little Black Book

About a month and half ago I purchased the Bosica Little Black Book Skincare sampler. Never having used the Bosica brand before I was slightly hesitant to try it out due to my sensitive skin. Oh me of little faith. That entire line is wonderful and has even received rave reviews from Adam. 

I have used the Detoxifying Black Cleanser and the Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel the most.  The sizes as you can see are quite small, far from being the full size, but after almost daily use of the cleanser and twice daily use of the hydration gel, I still have plenty to use.

 For more info, click here.

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre

This creme is a cult favorite for many makeup artists. It can be used as a moisturizer which has been my prime use or it can be used as a primer for your makeup. That tube above is the second one I have purchased. I tried to use another daily moisturizer but powered through it so that I could purchase this one.

As you can see Embryolisse is a french brand and the beauty of using French skincare and makeup products is that they are much more regulated than American brands. Far less chemicals and unnecessary additives can be placed in their products. It has a lovely scent and feels light on the skin. In my case a little goes a long way so one tube will last you for roughly 4-6 months.  

For more info, click here.

Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream

First and foremost I must give Benefit 5 stars for their branding. They make products that are so pretty you hate to place them in your drawers after each use. They deserve a little spot on your vanity, don't you think?

Cute packaging aside, this eye cream has been a wonderful addition to my nightly skincare routine. It is lightly scented and very creamy. A little goes a long way as I will tap the tip of my ring finger into the cream and can use what was picked up on both eyes. The packaging may be small but it will last you for ages. Case in point, I checked on my Sephora account and this item was purchased on 7/28/13. We are going on almost 1 full year later of using it every night! As you can see in the photo below I have now reached the end but have probably one month's use left. 

For more info, click here.

 

It may or may not be obvious that I have many other products in rotation but the above featured ones are my daily go to favorites. 

I hope you have found these recommendations to be helpful especially if you've been on the look out for a new cleanser or moisturizer.

I'll talk to you soon, friends...   xoxo bd