Wednesday, March 13, 2019

ipsy | February 2019 | Review (AKA Redemption Bag!)


It's no secret that I was less than enthused about ipsy's January glam bag products (read my disappointed review here).
So, I was hoping that February's ipsy bag would convince me to stay with ipsy and that January was just a fluke with products. 
Here is what I received for February:


I was very pleased! A mascara, liquid liner, eyeshadow, lipstick!
It was reassuring to see products that I will actually use in this bag.
Now I refer to ipsy's February glam bag as their "redemption" bag πŸ˜‰



You can check out my video review here




Quick Stats:

Number of Product I'll Use Regularly: 4
My Overall Star Rating for February's Glam Bag: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⋆ (4 out of 5) 
Thoughts on February's Glam Bag: Love! Not only are these the type of products I love, but they are such high quality!


February's bag design was a clean white background with a bunch of pretty pink lipstick kisses 


One new feature ipsy has implemented this year is a "cheat sheet" with a little description of each product and how to use it.


Now for an individual review of each product that came in my February glam bag:


1. MEECH N MIA: Pressed Eye Shadow in Taupe




Brand: Meech N Mia
Product: Eyeshadow 
Name of Shade: Taupe
Color: Mauve-y Brown
Finish: Matte
Formula: Pressed Powder
Fallout: Very little
Blendable: Yes

Pros: Soft and blendable eyeshadow that glides on like butter. The matte texture is smooth, not chalky, for comfortable wear. This shade works well in the crease of the eye to contour and add depth. It is also a nice all-over shade on the lid (see makeup look below).

Cons: Not many drawbacks on this shadow, but there is a little bit of fallout under the eyes when applying.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⋆ (4 out of 5)
Would I Repurchase: Very likely

Final Thoughts: An excellent eyeshadow with fabulous texture that blends like a dream.


2. DOUCCE: Fierce and Fine Graphic Pen in Black




Brand: Doucce
Product: Eyeliner
Size: Full size!
Name of Shade: Black
Color: Black
Finish: Matte
Formula: Liquid/Pen
Waterproof: Yes
Smudge/Streaks/Runs: No/No/No
Lasts for: 15+ hours

Pros: This is the holy grail of eyeliners! It applies smooth, true black and lasts forever. I had it on for 15+ hours and it didn't budge or smudge. It is also waterproof and tear-proof (don't ask lol), no streaking or running. 
I may not be able to pronounce the name of the brand (see video), but I love this eyeliner!

Cons: I honestly haven't noticed any cons!

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5)
Would I Repurchase: Yes

Final Thoughts: Intense black eyeliner, long lasting, and it could stay in place through a tornado (don't test that theory) πŸ‘



3. EYEKO: Lash Alert Mascara in Carbon Black




Brand: Eyeko
Size: Trial
Product: Mascara
Name of Shade: Carbon Black
Color: Black
Formula: Volumizing/Curling
Wand Shape: Curved
Waterproof: Yes, so far
Lasts for: 10+ hours

Pros: The formula gives crazy length and volume from base to tip of lashes. The squeeze tube makes it easier to get enough product on the wand. The fanned out effect you get gives an almost false lash appearance.

Cons:  The formula is a little runnier than most mascaras, it's more liquid so when you are applying it to your lashes it can easily get on your browbone or undereye. 
Along with the formula, the curve at the end of the wand makes the mascara clump where it hits on the lashes and you will need to use an eyelash brush to separate lashes.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⋆⋆ (3 out 5)
Would I Purchase a Full Size: Undecided

Final Thoughts: There are definitely pros and cons to this mascara. But I think there are more good points than bad. In my video I said I liked this mascara but I didn't love it. 
I've used it a couple more times since then and now I would say I "like-like" it (no, were not Facebook official). 
If you don't mind taking a little extra time with this mascara it can be very nice.


4. SUGAR COSMETICS: It's A-Pout Time! Vivid Lipstick in Better Call Salmon





Brand: Sugar Cosmetics
Product: Lipstick
Size: Mini
Name of Shade: 09 Better Call Salmon
Color: Salmon
Finish: Matte
Smudges/Drying: No/A little drying
Last for: 8 hours

Pros: This mini lipstick glides on smooth and creamy and finishes to a comfortable matte. It lasts for several hours and fades to a nice natural color. It doesn't bleed or smudge. And the color is pretty universally flattering.  

Cons: It can be a bit drying, which isn't surprising for a matte lipstick. The shade is not my favorite.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⋆⋆ (3 out of 5)
Would I Purchase a Full Size: Probably not

Final Thoughts: It is a typical matte lipstick; it stays put for many hours but can be drying.



5. PURLISSE: Coconut Oil + Coffee Body Butter



Brand: Purlisse
Product: Body Butter
Size: Mini
Formula: Lotion
Scent: Coconut Coffee
Lasts for: 4+ hours

Pros: If you've read or watched any of my past reviews you know that I am not a fan of body lotions in my ipsy bag. But when I tried this body butter (the coffee scent suckered me in) I was quite pleased. It is incredibly moisturizing. It's been perfect for my hands that have been wrecked by the cold weather. The best part in my opinion: non greasy. It sinks right into skin and hydrates.

Cons: Not really any, I just wish it was a bigger sample πŸ˜€

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⋆ (4 out of 5)
Would I Purchase a Full Size: Very likely

Final Thoughts: A great body lotion, super hydrating, not at all greasy. Perfect for fixing winter dry skin.


Here is one of the looks I created with my February glam bag products:


DOUCCE: Fierce And Fine Graphic Pen in Black
MEECH AND MIA: Pressed Eye Shadow in Taupe
EYEKO: Lash Alert Mascara in Carbon Black


Don't forget you can check out the video review here


Thanks for checking out my review of ipsy's February glam bag (AKA redemption bag!)
Remember to subscribe via email to stay up-to-date on all of my upcoming posts 
(hint: next one is very "unfortunate" 😭 πŸ˜‰)

XOXO

Ultima Beauty


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Friday, February 15, 2019

ipsy | January 2019 | Review


New year, new ipsy products!
 And I was stoked to see what my first ipsy bag of 2019 contained.
I ripped open the shiny, metallic pink packaging, removed the glam bag, unzipped it and...
*gasp* 😲
Whaaaaat?



My hype quickly faded to disappointment, confusion, and, the way I would describe this bag overall: "Eh".


You can check out my video review here




Quick Stats:

Number of Products I'll Use Regularly: 1
Overall Star Rating of Bag: ⭐⭐⋆⋆⋆ (2 out of 5)
Thoughts on this Month's Bag: I'm rather disappointed. I'm usually pretty pleased with my products, but this month's products were lackluster.


The theme for January was fittingly: Recharge. 
The products came in this cute striped bag, however, most of them left me uninspired.

 So, here we go with my very honest review of ipsy's January glam bag:

1. FLUIDE: Lip Gloss in Elsewhere






Brand: Fluide
Product: Lip Gloss
Size: Mini
Name of Shade: Elsewhere
Color: Clear
Finish: Glossy
Sticky/Moisturizing/Drying: Sticky
Lasts for: Approximately 1 hour

Pros: It's a typical gloss, no worse, no better. There is a light blue cast that makes teeth appear slightly whiter.

Cons: Very sticky. There is nothing particularly wrong with this product; it's just a plain, clear gloss. 

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⋆⋆⋆ (2 out of 5)
Would I Purchase a Full Size: No

Final Thoughts: There is nothing special about this lip gloss. It's not a special color, or different formula than most glosses. 
I have no use for a clear gloss, and if I did, I could easily get one from any brand. 
Not a bad product, but not at all what I would want.



2. TARTE: Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15 in Fair Sand





Brand: Tarte
Product: Foundation
Size: Mini
Name of Shade: Fair Sand
Color: Light Sand
Finish: Natural Matte
Formula: Liquid
Coverage: Full Coverage
Lasts for: 8+ hours

Pros: This is a really nice foundation. It goes on smooth and is easy to blend, with buildable coverage. Although the finish is supposed to be matte, it's a more natural matte, which gives a natural-skin finish.

Cons: The only real drawback on this product for me is the shade. It's slightly too dark and the undertones are yellow (foundations with pink undertones work better for me). 
When I use it I have to mix it with another foundation to achieve my shade, a bit of work.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⋆ (4 out of 5)
Would I Purchase a Full Size: Yes, but in a different shade (maybe porcelain beige πŸ˜€ )

Final Thoughts: This is a really nice foundation, with many shade options. The finish is so wearable and doesn't weigh skin down.




3. OUAI: Leave In Conditioner




Brand: OUAI
Product: Conditioner
Size: Mini
Formula: Mist/Cream

Pros: It's an interesting conditioner. It is a cream conditioner but it works like a spray mist. 
It works fairly well to keep hair shiny with less frizz, although the concept of it is still confusing to me
 (cream conditioner = spray mist?? It's witchcraft! JK JK πŸ˜…)
  .  

Cons: The scent is strong and a little overpowering, which makes me less likely to use it. 

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⋆⋆⋆ (2 out of 5)
Would I Purchase a Full Size: Unlikely

Final thoughts: Not a bad product, but not the best either. 
This company really likes to combine product formulas (remember foaming dry shampoo).
It's a decent leave in conditioner. However, anything is better than their "foaming" dry shampoo.



4. COLOR CLUB: Nail Polish in Feverish 





Product: Nail Polish
Brand: Color Club
Name of Shade: Feverish
Color: Deep Red
Finish: Glossy
Number of Coats to Get Bottle Shade: 2
Lasts for: Approximately 2 Weeks

Pros: Excellent pigment, no streaks, and the polish stays on for quite a while.

Cons: This isn't truly a con, but if you forget to use a base coat before applying this polish (like I did the first time 🀦) it will stain your nails a faint red shade that looks a little unsettling until it wears off.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⋆⋆ (3 out of 5)
Would I Purchase a Full Size: Maybe

Final Thoughts: This polish goes on smooth, has strong pigment, and has good staying power. Always use a base coat πŸ˜‹



5. SLMISSGLAM: SB68 Eye Brush




Brand: SLMISSGLAM
Name of Brush: SB68 Eye Brush
Made for: Eyes
Finish it Gives: Seamless/Blended
Formula it Works Best With: Any
Bristle Splay: None

Pros: This brush redeemed the whole bag for me. It's perfect for blending eyeshadow. 
It is lovely, soft but strong enough for blending. I love the glittery handle, and the brush colors remind me of cotton candy!

Cons: None!

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5!)
Would I Purchase Another: Yes!

Final Thoughts: I really love this brush, I have loved all the brushes I've tried from SLMISSGLAM. It blends like a dream, and it is esthetically pleasing as well.



This is the part where I usually add a pic of a makeup look I created with some of the products from the glam bag I'm reviewing.
But, I was so underwhelmed by the majority of the products in January's glam bag, that I did not do one and decided to put my energy into more worthwhile makeup products, so stay tuned πŸ˜‰ 



Again video review here



Thanks for checking out my (brutally) honest review of my January ipsy glam bag.
For more reviews and makeup creations, subscribe via email πŸ‘




XOXO


Ultima Beauty


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Saturday, February 2, 2019

LA Rams | Super Bowl | Makeup Tutorial



It's game time!
In honor of Super Bowl LVI (56) I have updated my LA Rams inspired makeup post!


Check out the video tutorial here

I originally created this makeup tutorial in 2019 for Super Bowl LIII when the LA Rams took on the New England Patriots .


Cover photo from 2019's Rams post:


Rams makeup means lots of blues and golds!
I have updated this Rams post with better pictures and product dupes, so you can create your own LA Rams inspired makeup look!


What Will You Need For Game Day?




1. Primer and Gold Eyeshadow: To make sure the colors would go on smooth and opaque I put an eyeshadow primer all over the eye. Then I used a metallic gold shadow and ran it through the crease, wrapping it around and under the eye, kind of like a ram's horn (haha).

I used the gold shade Twisted from Urban Decay's Heavy Metals palette.
Other shadows that are similar:

🌟MAC eyeshadow in If It Ain't Baroque (closest match)

ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in Tankini 

ColourPop Pressed Powder Shadow in Tiki 
(Same shade but a matte finish, not metallic or shimmer)

NYX Prismatic Shadow in Gilded 




2. Blue and More Blue Eyeshadow: I didn't have the exact shade I needed to match the Rams' jersey so I layered and blended two blue shadows, one from NYX Avant Pop Art Throb palette and one from their Ultimate Edit petite palette in Ash. I blended these all over the lid.

You don't have to mix a custom shade because I got you 😘
Blue shadows:

🌟MAC eyeshadow in In the Shadows (closest match)

ColourPop Pressed Powder shadow in Backstage 

NYX Hot Singles Eye Shadow in Electroshock



3. Gold Eyeliner Pencil: I took a blendable eyeliner and ran it along my upper lash line. Then I used a thin, angled brush to blend it out a tiny bit.

This eyeliner is still available from Beauty For Real πŸ˜‰



4. White Eyeliner and Shadow: I took a white eyeliner pencil and applied it to the lower water line. I added white eyeshadow (also from the Avant Pop palette) and put it on the browbone, inner corner of the eye, and about 1/2 way along the lower lash line.

I used white liner from N.Y.C Color but a couple good alternatives are:

ColourPop CrΓ¨me Gel Liner in Exit Liner  

NYX Retraceable Eye Liner in White

A good white shadow option:

ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in Tassel



5. Mascara, Concealer, Blue Liquid Lipstick: I used lengthening mascara in black so it would contrast against the blue and gold. I put concealer over my lips so the blue lipstick would go on more vibrantly. I mixed two NYX Liquid Suede blues, Little Denim Dress and Jet Set, to get a similar shade to the Rams' uniforms. 
Oh! And don't forget to add some loose gold glitter to the upper lip πŸ˜‰

Both NYX Liquid Suedes are still available, or you could try:

MAC Lipmix in Blue

Wet n Wild Color Icon Multi-Stick in Blue Lah Lah 

For the loose gold glitter:

MAC Glitter in 3D Brass Gold

NYX Face & Body Glitter Loose Glitter in Gold


And voila! We're Super Bowl ready!


A 2019 OG 🀣


If I re-created this look today, I don't think I'd use glitter on the upper lip. 
It looked cool in person, but it looks weird in pictures (maybe I just needed a better camera).





Again, you can check out the step-by-step tutorial here


Products for LA Rams makeup:

Elizabeth Mott: Thank Me Later Eye Primer
Urban Decay: Heavy Metals Metallic Eyeshadow Palette – Twisted
Vasanti: Contour Eyeshadow Brush 4
NYX: Avant Pop! Shadow Palette in Art Throb Collection
Slmissglam: N15 Eyeshadow Brush
NYX: Ultimate Edit Petite Shadow Palette – Ash
Beauty For Real: Waterproof I-Line Eyeliner in 24 Karat
Beau GΓ’chis: Eyebrow Brush
N.Y.C Color Cosmetics: White Eyeliner Pencil
Coastal Scents: Ipsy Pearl Medium Shadow Brush
Real Techniques: Accent Brush
CiatΓ© London: Wonderwand Mascara in Black Magic
NYX: Highlight & Contour Pro Palette
Beaute Basics: C405 Contour Blush Brush
Beau Gachis: Illuminator (Highlighting Brush)
NYX: Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Little Denim Dress
NYX: Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Jet Set
MAC: Studio Finish Concealer in NW15
Sally Girl: Sparkle Effects Loose Glitter in Gold


Thanks for checking out my 'game day' look!
"May the odds be ever in your favor" πŸ˜†

I'm currently working on a Cincinnati Bengals inspired makeup look.
I'll add a link to it here once I finish editing the post.
Better yet, why not subscribe so you will get my Bengals post delivered straight to your inbox πŸ“§ 





You also might like:



Thanks again for reading!


XOXO



Ultima Beauty 




Want more makeup fun between blog posts?  Check out my social media pages!

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