Luxie Beauty

Ipsy Glam Bag Unboxing & First Impressions – Sept 2017

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

This month’s Ipsy Glam Bag arrived a little later than usual, but it was well worth the wait! This month’s theme was “Like A Boss”, and I love the bag design – black faux leather with its embossed stud pattern and bright blue lining. Info in italics taken from the Ipsy website.

Let’s take a look at what was inside:

Adesse New York Organic Infused Gel Effect Nail Lacquer in Deception

  • This futuristic formula is super opaque, seriously shiny, and looks suspiciously like a gel.
  • Daunted by the DIY mani? Don’t be! The brush dispenses the perfect amount of polish on each nail, so it’s pretty much foolproof.
  • We’re not into playing faves, but this no-nonsense, steely gray shade comes pretty darn close.
  • This varnish is vegan, cruelty free, and totes non-toxic.

This is my second product from Adesse New York. I am so happy with this one, the shade is totally something that I would wear, and I don’t already have something similar. Plus it is cruelty free!

E Nature Birch Juice Hydro Sleeping Pack

Ipsy Glam Bag Sept 2017

  • SOKO GLAM COLLAB: Chosen for ipsters by boss babe/Soko Glam co-founder Charlotte Cho
  • Hard work can happen after hours, too. This boss formula takes the night shift, so you wake up with refreshed, hydrated skin.
  • It’s made with 74% birch juice (AKA birch tree sap) which helps quench your skin while you sleep.
  • Our friends at Soko Glam say: “After using it for the first time, I noticed my face felt very soft and looked beautiful and plumped in the morning.”

I’m looking forward to trying this cruelty free sleeping mask out. It barely has a scent – they only use natural fragrances, so it should not irritate my sensitive skin. Review to follow once I’ve tested it out.

LUXIE ROSE GOLD MEDIUM ANGLED SHADING EYE BRUSH 207

Ipsy Glam Bag Sept 2017

  • We wish we were as good at multitasking as this genius eye brush. Not only does the angled shape help you blend any eye look like a boss, but you can *also* use it for all your fave cream and powder shadows.
  • We’re suckers for anything rose gold, and the pretty handle on this guy looks amaaaazing on our vanity.
  • Have a brush with kindness! This fluffy, synthetic bristled beauty is 100% cruelty-free.

I love getting brushes in my Ipsy Glam Bag, especially ones from Luxie. It is super soft and cruelty free.

Elizabeth Mott Pop! Goes The Shadow in Gunmetal

  • Streaks? Creases? #unsubscribe. This velvety baby blends like a dream.
  • Your eye look will be on lockdown. We tested it on an epic errands day and our smoky eye stayed put.
  • Gunmetal is a smoldery, steely gray that *also* looks rad as a liner.

This is a beautiful gunmetal – a shade that I will definitely wear. And it is cruelty free! My only complaint is that it is TINY.

ColourPop Cosmetics Lippie Stix in Glam Bag

  • You voted, and here’s the winner! This exclusive matte shade was created in collab with our favorite peeps (ipsters like you).
  • The velvety formula is majorly pigmented, which means you get totally opaque, full-coverage color.
  • Even though it’s matte, it’s super comfy and non-drying thanks to moisturizing shea butter and Vitamin E.
Overall verdict:
Ipsy Glam Bag Sept 2017
Ipsy did a fantastic job this month! All five products are cruelty free, and all are products
that I will definitely use.
What did you get this month?
Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!
Disclosure: I pay for this subscription.

Ipsy Glam Bag April 2017 Unboxing and First Impressions

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

This was supposed to go up yesterday, oops! Oh well, better late than never.

This month’s theme is “side show” – hence this month’s bag is a ticket to the “side show”. It’s a cute bag this month, and I’m fairly happy with everything that I received. (Descriptions in italics taken from the Ipsy website)

Onto the contents! First up is the Soothing Aloe Gel from Hanalei (a cruelty free brand):

  • Have you ever used aloe beyond sunburn season? We hadn’t either. But now we can’t live without it.

  • It’s cooling, refreshing, smoothing, and it feels ahhhh-mayyyy-zing.

  • Aloe is naturally regenerative, so it will help balance out any redness or uneven skin tone.

  • The gel texture also makes a killer makeup primer.

Ipsy Glam Bag April 2017

I’m kind of happy to get this one, it is always good to have some aloe gel on hand in the summer time in case of sunburn – even though I am pretty good at always wearing SPF and taking a travel sized one with me to top up. I’ll be saving this one for the summer months.

Next is a Highlighting Powder from Mica Beauty in shade #3 (cruelty free):

  • Get all candlelit and dreamy in seconds. Just sweep across your face and chest with a big fluffy brush.
  • Sure, it’s makeup, but it’s also packed with antioxidants to protect and nourish your complexion (almost like skincare).
  • You can use it as an eyeshadow, too. Just apply with a damp brush for added intensity.
  • Skin kinda sensitive? Prefer chemical-free makeup? This highlighter is for you! Only pure mica and minerals are used in this all-natural powder.

I didn’t have a gold toned highlighter in my collection, so I’m pretty happy about this one – plus it will make a great eye shadow!

Ipsy Glam Bag April 2017

Next is a lip balm – Bésame Mucho from Hey Honey (cruelty free):

  • When a product name translates to “kiss me a lot,” you know it’s going to work wonders for your lips.

  • Heard of propolis? We hadn’t either. It’s an extract from beehives that both hydrates and is antibacterial. This balm has loads of it, plus shea butter.

  • Lips feeling parched? Slather on a super thick coat to turn this into an overnight lip mask.

Ipsy Glam Bag April 2017

You all know that I’m a lip balm addict, so I’ll make use of this one as soon as I finish up one of the ones currently in use!

Next is the Luxie Dreamcatcher Precision Foundation Brush #660 (cruelty free):

  • We wish we were as good at multitasking as this genius brush! You can use it for all your liquid, cream, or powder foundations, concealers, highlighters AND bronzers. NBD.

  • Earn brush bragging rights. The pretty periwinkle handle looks amazing in your kit, but even better on your vanity.

  • Pssst! We think we know why it’s called “dreamcatcher.” (It’s because it makes all our makeup application dreams come true!)

  • Have a brush with kindness! This fluffy beauty is 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

Ipsy Glam Bag April 2017

So there you have it, my April Ipsy Glam Bag! What do you think? Did you like yours this month?

Ipsy Glam Bag April 2017

If you want to subscribe, here’s my referral code: here (no pressure, just if you want to, I’ll get points not cash if you do).

Supposedly my replacement March bag might arrive this week, it is FINALLY tracking.

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: I pay for this subscription. Post contains referral code.

 

Weekly Re-cap (Feb 20th to 26th)

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Just a re-cap of the past week’s blog posts in case you’ve missed anything!

Monday, Feb 20th – Cougar Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Facial Oil Review

cougar-ha5

Wednesday, Feb 22nd – Cougar Beauty Snake Superfood Booster Serum Review

Cougar Beauty Snake Superfood Booster Serum

Friday, Feb 24th – Ipsy Glam Bag February 2017 Unboxing and First Impressions

So there you have it, the week’s blog posts!

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: Please see original posts.

ipsy Glam Bag February 2017 Unboxing & First Impressions

| jodi - a brash attitude

hello, hello!

This month’s ipsy Glam Bag arrived a little later than usual this month, but better late than never! Especially since I think that this month’s bag was a good one!

The bag itself is a cute little denim number with bright orange trim. Not overly Valentine themed as I was expecting, but it is still cute.

Ipsy Glam Bag Feb 2017

So what did I get? This post is just an unboxing and first impressions full reviews to come later.

First up is a Nyx Butter Lipstick in shade Ripe Berry:

  • Right now this satin finish is our goldilocks texture. Glossy is too much. Matte isn’t doing the trick. But this is just right!

  • These are so insanely creamy that there’s no need to use lip balm beforehand.

  • Ripe Berry is a totally appropos name; the hue (which has cool, purple undertones) reminds us of crushed raspberries.

Ipsy Glam Bag Feb 2017

This is a great creamy lipstick, in a nice sheer berry shade. I love the Nyx Butter Lipsticks, so I was happy to get this one. A cruelty free brand, yay!

Up next is a Hikari Cream Pigment Eye Shadow in Latte:

  • Don’t be fooled by the name, there’s nothing milky about this metallic copper.

  • It’s so richly pigmented that even a tiny bit makes your eyes pop.

  • You can use it three ways: Brush it on for a bold metallic shadow, swipe on with your fingertips for a messier smoky look, or use a liner brush and create a gleaming cat eye.

Ipsy Glam Bag Feb 2017

This is a beautiful coppery shadow. I love copper tones, and it is a cruelty free brand, so I’m super happy with this one as well. The packaging though is terrible – flimsy plastic – I’m going to depot this once I buy a z-palette (or something similar).

Swatches of the Nyx Butter Lipstick and Hikari Cream Pigment Eye Shadow:

ipsy-feb17-11

Up next is a True Botanicals Resurfacing Moisture Mask:

  • Go from a dull complexion to one that’s insanely glowy in five minutes, flat.

  • It both exfoliates (with lactic acid) and hydrates (with avocado butter), the ultimate dream team for scoring radiant skin.

  • This is totally splurge-worthy. The full size tub costs $$$ at high end department stores. (But you get to try it for like….nada.)

Ipsy Glam Bag Feb 17

Ipsy Glam Bag Feb 17

I am unsure if this brand is cruelty free or not. I was initially excited about this facial mask, but it is really strongly scented – to my nose it is very jasmine – one of my most hated scents, so I will be passing this onto someone who doesn’t mind scented products.

Up next is a Bellapierre Cosmetics VolumeLash Waterproof Mascara:

  • You could be watching The Notebook while taking a swim on the most humid of summer days, and this smudge-free formula wouldn’t run.

  • The flexible brush perfectly separates and coats every single lash, so your fringe looks completely full and defined.  

  • Even though it’s waterproof, a makeup removing wipe will take it right off, no tugging or rubbing (or lash damage) required.

ipsy-feb17-8

Finally a waterproof mascara! I’m super excited to try this one out! Another cruelty free brand!

The final product is a Luxie Beauty Rose Gold Blush Brush 514:

  • The bristles are vegan, synthetic, and cruelty-free.

  • Soft and fluffy bristles combined with the small domed shape make this great for dusting on highlighter.

  • Is it just us, or does rose gold make everything look dreamy?

Ipsy Glam Bag Feb 17

I have a few Luxie brushes, they’re really great, and they’re cruelty free and vegan. I love getting brushes from Ipsy.

All in all, I think this month’s bag was a good one! What did you get in your ipsy glam bag?

Ipsy Glam Bag Feb 17

I cashed in a few of my Ipsy points to get the Briogeo Curl Carisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Crème (description taken from the Briogeo website):

Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Crème hydrates, defines, and weather-proofs curls while maintaining touchable movement and light, flexible hold. Mollis leaf and tomato fruit ferments smooth and seal the hair cuticle to lock out frizz-causing environmental moisture to promote consistent curl formation. Ultra-hydrating avocado oil helps hair retain moisture and increases elasticity to protect against damage. For added hold, cocktail with Curl Charisma Frizz Control Gel to create the perfect blend of hydration and hold custom-suited for your hair type. 

Ipsy Glam Bag Feb 17

This was on my wishlist so I jumped at the chance to get it with my points! Can’t wait to test it out. Another cruelty brand!

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: Monthly subscription that I pay for!

Ipsy Glam Bag November 2016 Unboxing & First Impressions

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

This month’s Glam Bag theme was Rockstarlette, and the bag design this month is pretty cute – with constellations in the shape of makeup products, available in silver and in gold. The outer fabric is neoprene (aka scuba) with the inside lined with a metallic fabric. I especially like the star zipper pull.

First up is the Adesse New York Brightening Base Coat (description from the Ipsy page):

  • Protect and serve. Antioxidants keep nails safe from damage caused by the environment and any heavy colors or glitters applied on top.

  • White tea and bamboo extracts help give tips natural-looking shine and luster

  • Tough love. Keratin proteins and vitamin E make nails stronger.
I was happy to get this, as it is 5 Free (free of the nasties – toluene, DBP, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and camphor) AND cruelty free.
Second up is the Elizabeth Mott Color is Bae Lip Lacquer in Moxie Mauve (description from Ipsy):
the formula dries as a satin finish, but doesn’t leave lips parched.

Despite the unfortunate name, I was initially excited about this liquid lipstick as it is a satin finish. The colour is great, but it applies streaky and when the liquid lipstick dries down, it feels tacky / sticky on my lips. This is a cruelty free brand!

Third up is the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara (description from Ipsy):

Big. Bigger. Biggest. The hourglass-shaped wand grabs onto every single lash while the collagen-infused formula gives us a dramatic va-va-va volume effect.

  • Back in black. Unique peptides produce the deepest noir-worthy shade.

  • One-swipe wonder. A single coat creates both length and curl.

  • Long-distance winner. Film-forming polymers ensure smudge-proof, all-day wear.
I was happy to finally try this mascara. It is a nice deep dark mascara and does give pretty good but not amazing volume to my lashes. ANd definitely not 1944% more volume – where do they come up with these numbers? However, it does smudge on me after a few hours. I’d like to try out the waterproof version of this mascara at some point. Too Faced is cruelty free – and will supposedly remain so after being purchased by Estée Lauder.
Fourthly is the pur~lisse Blue Lotus Balancing Moisturizer (description from Ipsy):

  • The anti-inflammatory properties of the Blue Lotus date back to Ancient Greece and Homer’s Lotus Eaters (who lived off of the tranquil plants).  

  • White tea and vitamin E help prevent fine lines and wrinkles

  • Absorbs and hydrates quickly, so we look dewy in an instant
I haven’t gotten around to trying this one out yet, but I’ve tried the eye cream and sheet mask from the Blue Lotus line and both agreed with my skin, so I’m looking to trying this one out in a few weeks. Another cruelty-free brand!
The fifth and final product is the Luxie Beauty Luxie Rose Gold Small Duo Fiber Brush 524T (description from Ipsy):

  • Double down. Duo fibers give us greater control over how we apply.

  • Lighten up. Synthetic white fibers on the end of the brush lay down pigments more gently than a denser brush would (which means zero risk of overdoing it).

  • Friends with everyone. Plays well with powders, creams and liquids.

I really like Luxie’s brushes AND they are vegan and cruelty free. I haven’t had a chance to play with this brush yet, but it is super soft to the touch.

All in all, I thought that this this month’s Ipsy Glam Bag was way better than last month! Were you happy with what you got?

Ipsy Glam Bag Nov 2016

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: I pay for this subscription. And as always, my opinions are very much my own!

Makeup Brushes & Tools – Generation Beauty

| jodi - a brash attitude

Tarte –  Powder Player Bamboo Pressed Powder Brush ($34 USD) *Generation Beauty Gift Bag Swag*

Tarte Powder Player

Product performance: Introducing the other half of tarte’s next-generation “powder couple.” Designed to complement the newly re-launched smooth operator™ Amazonian clay tinted pressed finishing powder, this professional quality bamboo brush balances lightweight design with the ultimate in luxury. Achieve a seamless, natural-looking complexion with this goofproof, eco-chic tool made with sustainable bamboo and supremely soft, synthetic bristles. The unique, dense design allows you to expertly buff on just the right amount of whisperlight powder to achieve flawless coverage and a smooth, soft focus effect – it’s like airbrushing without the air™!

Tarte2

This brush is so incredibly soft and it works amazingly well for applying powder. The handle has a nice weight and it is a gorgeous addition to my brush collection.

Tarte3

Luxie Beauty – Luxie Rose Gold Medium Fan Brush #560 ($18 USD) *I purchased this for just under $15 CAD*

Luxie Beauty

Our Luxie Rose Gold Medium Fan Face brush has been handcrafted with ultra soft vegan synthetic bristles to allow a soft touch to the skin when swiping back and forth. This uniquely shaped brush gives you the easiest and precise application of highlighter and bronzer when you need it. It helps enhance and sculpt your cheekbones while also allowing you to swipe away any excess powder from the cheekbones and undereye area.

I’ve been wanting to get a fan brush for several months now. The synthetic bristles are super soft. I’ve been using it for applying highlighter all week.

Luxie Beauty

Luxie Beauty – Luxie Rose Gold Tapered Highlighting Brush # 522 ($24 USD) *Generation Beauty Freebie*

Luxie Beauty

A testament to cruelty-free and vegan beauty, this Luxie highlighting brush features a sleek pink handle and rose gold ferrule. The makeup brush has antibacterial synthetic bristles that are clean and soft as silk on the skin. Without needing a lot of makeup product, the brush size makes it ideal for an easy and simple makeup application. Perfect as an everyday highlight brush.

Luxie Beauty

Another super soft synthetic brush from cruelty-free and vegan brand Luxie Beauty. I think that I will be using this one mainly for bronzer.

Luxie Beauty

Royal & Langnickel –  MODA Smoky Eye Brush #BMD-421 ($6.99 USD) *Generation Beauty Freebie*

Royal & Langnickel

Synthetic Filament. Apply shadow with precision in the crease and close to the lash line for a dramatic eye look. This beautifully bold, 100% vegan line includes water-resistant acrylic handles with a Silk-Touch™ coating for ultimate durability and ease of care.

These MODA brushes are ridiculously soft. I’ve used this brush a couple of times for a subtle day version of a smoky eye.

Royal & Langnickel

Royal & Langnickel –  MODA EZglam Duo – Luscious Lips #BMD-EGLL ($5.99 USD) *Generation Beauty Gift Bag Swag*

Nude or dramatic, get full luscious lips with the Pointed Lip and Flat Lip brushes.

Royal & Langnickel

These brushes are great for applying darker shades of liquid lipsticks as I find that the doe foot applicator that most liquid lipsticks have is not precise enough.

Royal & Langnickel

Crown Brush – Flawless Face Blender #DP1-O ($24.99 USD) *I purchased this for $6.00 CAD*

Crown Brush

I got this to test out and replace my Real Techniques sponge as it is starting to wear out. The flawless face blender sponge is really soft, and I found it to be easy to use for applying foundation or BB cream.

The photo on the left shows the blender dry, and the photo on the right shows how it looks when dampened.

Crown Brush – Brow Duo #C413 ($8.20 USD) *Generation Beauty Gift Bag Swag*

Crown Brush

I use brow pencils right now, so the brow brush end hasn’t been tested out. The bristles are pretty hard though. The spoolie brush end is a spoolie – I think that they are all pretty much the same.

Crown Brush

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: I received some of these items from the Generation Beauty by IPSY event. I paid for my ticket to the event with my own money and am under no obligation to review any of these things. I purchased some of these items. Refer to each individual product for this information.