January Ipsy Bag

Ah, I am a bit late with this, but nevertheless, here it is! Here's what I got in my Ipsy bag last month:

*Excuse the terrible photos, I had to use my phone.*

1. Elizabeth Mott Smooth Shadow in Penny

What they say:
The ultimate gel pencil that’s smooth like butter and packed with deliciously creamy colors. These velvety pencils glide on with ease, and contain just enough shimmer. They’re also waterproof and perfect to wear all day and night, a must have for all color lovers! Use a cosmetics sharpener for best results.

What I say: I can definitely attest that this is waterproof. I swatched it on my hand early in the day, and after several hand washes later, it was did not budge by 11pm that night. In fact, when I went to use a makeup remover, there was still a faint line! I love the color I received and will use it both as a shadow base and as an eyeliner!

2. Soothing and Smoothing Eye Cream by skin

What they say:
The skiin Soothing and Smoothing Eye Cream is a full spectrum eye cream that instantly improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while working hard to reduce dark circles and puffiness. Helps reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, stimulates collagen production and whitens for a uniform complexion. 

What I say:
I don't really use eye creams as often as I should, but I threw this one in my drawer to remind myself to use it. It's nice and smooth, but I can't really say that it depuffed and helped my dark circles. Either way, it's a great moisturizer for under the eye.

3. Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner by Sexy Hair

What they say:
The Sexy Hair Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner is a powerful combination of Soy and Cocoa work synergistically to perfectly care for your hair! A conditioner that is both a nourishing moisturizer and mild protein reconstructor and safe to use on color-treated hair. This truly amazing conditioner reconstructs, moisturizes and combats environmental stress on all types of hair. 

What I say:I like this product! I've been spraying it in my hair after showering before combing and it really makes my hair soft and smooth. It smells great and leaves my hair feeling even better.

4. Proactive + Mark Fading Pads

What they say:
The Proactiv+ Mark Fading Pads are a convenient, single-use, no-rinse peel pad that can instantly boost your skin’s glow and radiance. The pads help remove dead skin cells to unclog pores and remove dull layers to reveal newer, smoother, more even toned skin. With just a few quick swipes you can help fade away post acne dark marks, reduce the appearance of fine lines and enlarged pores.

What I say:
I've never been a "proactiv girl" so I just kinda turned my nose up to these and hadn't used them. But as I was reading the claims above, I think I will give them a chance. I don't really suffer from discoloration or dark spots, but I do have enormous pores, so I'd be intrigued to see if these really help that!

5. Mojito Lip Balm by MALIN+GOETZ

What they say:
The (MALIN+GOETZ) Mojito Lip Balm is as soothing to the lips as it is to the senses. Flavored with (MALIN+GOETZ) Mojito, this lip balm is scientifically blended to restore and replenish. The hydrating lip gel easily integrates for daily maintenance, prevention and treatment of dry, irritated lips. Color and Paraben free.

What I say:
This has become a product that I use in my routine daily! I would hardly call this a lip balm, as it's more of a clear gel like a gloss but I love it because it doesn't feel like a lip gloss (There's nothing I hate more than putting sticky gel on one's lips) It gives me great shine and also helps my dry cracked lips. I only wished it smelled like mint like the name implies!

That's all I got this month... overall I am really impressed with everything I got.
Sign up for Ipsy here!

January Update and February Goals and Bucket List

Wow! Where did January go?

I cannot believe that it's already over.

Get ready for this ginormous post...

Here were my goals for the month of January along with how I did:

January's 5 Goals:

1. Go to a class at my gym at least 3 times.

I should've planned better for this. I was bummed that every week the gym class was scheduled at the exact times I had work.

So, unfortunately, I did not make it 3 times to class at the gym, but I did make it once!!

It was definitely an interesting experience, and I want to go back!

2.Walk Sydney (my dog) everyday

Rain or Shine, I did it!

I honestly enjoyed doing it everyday.

She is a ball of energy, so moving into an apartment has been hard on her.

Walking her, and letting her run around everyday has made her break her bad habits (Chewing on walls and shoes!) and has also cut down on her hyper-ness. (yes, I just made that word up)

3.Spend absolutely nothing on myself (that's not necessary) all month. 

Things like clothes, makeup, books and sadly goodwill :'( 

I really should've been more specific on this.

It was hard for me to differentiate between spending money on needs and wants.

Yes, I spent money on things that were necessary.

(things like books for school, shampoo, and groceries)

In terms of wants, I did a really good job. Not perfect, but good.

Ultimately, I succeeded in my goal of saving over spending.

4. Start up my coupon binder/couponing again but still stick with #3

Yep, couponing is in full swing again around here!

I honestly love it, mostly because I know I have time to devote to it.

It takes a TON of time

but I save even more.

I'll have to write a couple posts on a few of my hauls!

5. Finish The Little Bee and begin a new book.

This was a huge fail.

but if you read this post you'll understand why.

I really do want to read it! It sounds so interesting and intriguing. 

but I didn't. oops.

I did however re-read one of my favorites, which I do every winter.

(because I'm weird like that)

and now for a bucket list update

2013 Bucket List:

-Cut out processed foods 

-buy local produce/go to local farmer's market more

-volunteer somewhere

-have my first giveaway on my blog

-figure out my college plan

-save my money up for something big (don't have a clue what that will be...yet    I have a few ideas of what I want to save for, now just to narrow it down)

-bake a blackberry cobbler from scratch

-eat better and be active-working on this! I've been eating my "green" smoothies, and obviously walking everyday has helped!

-make new friends-yay! I've met a couple new people this semester in school that I really like!

-work on my scrapbook- it took me a while to figure out where I put it, but I found it and even finished it! I am now working on my next one!

-go on a road trip
-write a letter to myself to open in 10 years
-go camping
-read at least 8 books
-teach myself how to sew

Now, onto February:

February's Goals:

1. exercise and continue to walk my dog everyday

2.read this book

3. Organize, organize, organize

4. Put finishing touches on my room and do a room tour!

5. Do more Random Acts of Kindness.

and that's it!

I'll check back in with you at the end of February (**shutter**) and tell ya how I did!

January MyGlam Bag Reveal

I'm so excited to start this new "series" here on my blog!

For Christmas, my mom gave me a monthly subscription to Ipsy's My Glam Bag.

If you have never heard of it, here is a brief run down:

"Each month, subscribers will receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using. All for only $10 a month"

I was so thankful to receive this gift because it is perfect for me! I love all things beauty and makeup related, so the idea that I could try new products each month is simply amazing!

Thanks Mom!

So each month I will show you what I received in my bag and give you a brief review of my opinion on the products. 

Oh, you know this wouldn't be complete with a thumbnail

This is my very fist bag to receive, and I loved it!

The first thing I fell in love with was the package itself!

My bag was shipped in this metallic pink padded envelope!

How cute!

The actual bag is huge! It's navy on the outside....

and blue with white stars on the inside.

I love how edgy it is

I guess the theme of this month is "Stars will shine"

This card just explains everything that is in the bag.

and drumroll please...

too dramatic? okay.... fine. 

Here is everything!

The first item was too big to fit in the bag, so it was just on the inside of the envelope. 

Concealer Brush by SoHo

They say:

 SOHO “Get a Grip” Concealer Brush

Cover up little flaws and dark circles using the Get a Grip Concealer Brush. Start with the inner eye area, working down around the eye, dabbing lightly until completely blended.· Silky Nylon Bristles – Hide & Defy· Tri-Grip Handle – Fits Perfectly in Hand

I say: I love this brush! It is really tightly packed, perfect for getting in those hard to reach areas (like around your nose). The bristles are really soft. I will definitely be using this.

Next is the nail polish:

Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer by Nailtini

They say:  You can’t go wrong with a classic, all the way to your fingertips. These two are the all-time best selling Nailtini nail lacquers. Whether the glossy true-red of bloody mary or the hint-of-pink of frappe, your tips and toes are classic perfection anytime. 

No makeup cabinet is complete without an all-star nail lacquer and Nailtini stocks top-shelf, 3-free nail lacquer in dozens of shades, textures and finishes. Wear them alone or layered to create custom looks and effects, each one a cocktail unto itself. Cheers to beauty, and as always, apply responsibly! 

I say: I liked the color. It is a pale peachy color that is the perfect transition shade into spring. I liked how the brush was wide and flat, compared to the traditional nail polish brush.

Josie Maran 100% Argan Oil

They say:

This 100% Pure Argan Oil is a legendary oil that's rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, and grown organically in Morocco. With its multitasking benefits, Argan Oil can be used for many areas including hydrating and nourishing skin as a daily moisturizer, skin treatment, treating spilt ends, and softening cuticles. It's gentle enough to use on all skin types and is known to help with skin conditions including acne, eczema and rosacea. Argan Oil easily absorbs into skin to give you a youthful, dewy glow, and has astonishing healing, conditioning, and antiaging properties to keep your skin and hair nourished and revitalized and to keep you looking beautiful from head to toe. 

I say: I have to say that I was most excited to try this. I had heard about the wonderful effects of Argan oil to your skin and hair, but it has been out my my budget to try it. I've used it in my hair for split ends and it's great. I'm excited to try it as a moisturizer. Also, I love that it's organic!

Big Sexy Hair Spray and Play Volumizing Hairspray

They say:

Your everyday spray for BIG volume! Spray & Play is a humidity resistant, flexible hold hairspray that provides fullness, lift and incredible shine! Perfect for all hair types. 

I say: I was out of hair spray, so the timing of this was perfect.

So far, I like it!

and finally, 

Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter from Pacifica

They say:

 Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter is not only a highly effective antioxidant rich moisturizer that nourishes the driest of skin and helps fight off the signs of aging; it nourishes your other senses as well. The infusion of sparkling, juicy blood oranges that are highlighted with notes of red raspberry and spicy sweet Italian Mandarins take you to the beaches of the Mediterranean. Made with nature’s best moisturizers - Shea butter, almond oil and safflower oil - Pacifica’s vegan, paraben and gluten free Body Butter is a skin must have. 

I say: I have to admit, I was initially turned off by this. I normally hate citrus smells, and especially blood orange. However, I was pleasantly surprised. It doesn't have a strong scent at all! It actually smells more sweet than anything (not at all Citrus-y).  It's thick and really moisturizes. 

That's all! I have to say, I really liked this month's bag.

I was worried that I would receive a bunch of stuff I'd never use.

But man! I was wrong!

I loved and will use everything.

Another cool aspect of ipsy's my glam bags is that they give you a coupon or discount for every product! It's nice because if you end up liking the product enough to buy it full sized, you can save a few bucks! (you know I love savings!!!!)

So, if this is something you think you'd like, sign up and take their beauty quiz (they send you colors and products based on what you like!) 

 There are several different packages you can choose from (month to month, 3 months, 6 months, and even a full year!)

And, in my opinion, it's similar to a magazine subscription, but you actually get something out of it!

****Disclaimer****

I am NOT affiliated with Ipsy or My glam 

They have no idea who I am.

I just thought it would be fun to share with you by bag!