My June Ipsy Glam Bag

Hey everyone! I am very excited to get back to blogging after my two weeks away! I came back from my vacation on June 22^nd, posted about the entire trip on my blog, and now I’m ready to come back with some fresh content for you all. Since it is the final day of June, I thought I would get this blog up today, and that is my June ipsy glam bag! I will be going over each product I received and sharing my honest thoughts and opinions on them as well.

This month, the glam bags are inspired by sunshine and rainbows! Ipsy wanted their members to feel positivity all around, and to feel encouraged to be themselves. They hoped to achieve this with new beauty and the playful design of the bags! I personally am not a big fan of the bags this month. I prefer bags that have more feminine and chic designs, and this one feels a bit young to me. Other than that, I really like the color and the multicolored zipper is really fun!

Inside the glam bag:

• Dermatologists Choice Skincare – pH Balanced Cleanser

I am always looking for new cleansers to try! I use a cleanser in the morning, at night, and when I remove my makeup. I was really glad that this product did not have a scent and that it simply felt like a true moisturizer. The texture was smooth (though a tiny bit sticky). This product claims to remove dirt and excess oil, while still being gentle on the skin. It is meant to cleanse the pores and exfoliate the skin (though there are no rough pieces or ingredients that you can see or feel in the cleanser).  This product is cruelty free and is made with all natural ingredients. Overall, I really like this cleanser! It removed my makeup really well, and made my skin feel clean after using it. I will continue incorporating this cleanser into my daily routine, and I think that it is absolutely worth a try! I rated this cleanser 4/5 stars. I would need to use it a bit more to really test it out over time.

• F.A.R.A.H – Lilac Z-Tweeze Dual-Ended Tweezers

I really did not want or need a new pair of tweezers, however I thought it could be great that this one is dual-ended. Sadly, this did not work out for me. I have some tweezers that I already own and love, so I struggle when using new ones. I tried both ends, but it was not easy to pluck any of the hairs. I’m not sure why; maybe I just need to get used to this tweezer, however it seems somewhat pointless when I have a perfectly fine pair already. I rated this 2/5 stars (but I will try to use it again).

• Glamglow – SUPERMUD INSTANT CLEARING TREATMENT MASK

This is a best-selling mask from this brand, and I was glad to see that it was in my bag. This mask is great for anyone with normal, combination, or acne-prone skin, so many people can feel and see the benefits from this product! The ingredients in the mask include charcoal (meant to absorb any dirt and build-up), exfoliating acids (to get rid of dead skin cells), and eucalyptus leaf extract (meant to balance oil on the skin). When I began applying this mask, I immediately noticed the strong scent. It smelled very similar to black licorice, which I am not a fan of. I think I could get past the scent, but I don’t prefer it. After applying a thin layer to the skin, you leave it on until it is fully dry. Then you will simply remove it with warm water. I really like that it is a wash-off mask rather than a peel-off. I don’t feel like I have used this enough to really have a say on if it is worth it or not, however I will be using it again. From what I did, I do think this may be a great product! I will hold off on rating it for now.

• Tanaïs – Lip Oil in Mahina Moon

I have only tried one other lip oil before, but I have to say, I’ve really fallen in love with them! I always apply chapstick before putting on any lipstick, gloss, or oil (but with this product, it is not necessary). It is infused with coconut oil and pomegranate seed oil, and this helps to plump and hydrate the lips. I liked that this is clear, but that it had gold shimmer in it. The only complaint I have is that at times, the shimmer can be just a bit too much. Maybe there is a time and a place for this, but if you don’t go overboard, it can look really beautiful with a clean and natural makeup look! Or, if you’re wanting to go glam, you can always apply a little extra! I like that this lip oil made my lips feel soft and hydrated. I rated this product 4/5 stars.

• YC Collection – Liquid Blush in Papaya (my pick)

This is the product I chose to receive this month, and I am so glad I did! I had never tried a liquid blush previously, but I think I’ve just found my new obsession!  I fell head over heels for this liquid blush! I think that the coral/orange color is gorgeous for summer, and I like the application brush; it looks like a lip gloss. When I first applied this product, I put three dots right along my cheekbones. I immediately thought to myself that I definitely overdid it! The color is extremely pigmented, so I was nervous to blend it out. It took a very little bit of work, but I was able to blend it out with a beauty blender, and it ended up looking so stunning! I would say that a little goes a long way with this, so you don’t have to use too much. This is my new favorite beauty find, and I am so excited to use it more often over the summer. I highly recommend checking this out! I rated this liquid blush 5/5 stars.

Thank you so much for reading today’s blog post! I really appreciate your time and support! If you are an ipsy member, leave a comment and let me know what you received for the month of June!

If you would like to become an ipsy member, click here!

Review: Sugar Cosmetics Matte As Hell Crayon Lipstick

Hey beauty lovers! It’s been a little while since I did a full review on one specific product/brand, so today I will be discussing something I have fallen in love with recently! I am a member of ipsy, which is a beauty subscription service, so I am frequently receiving and trying new beauty products. The items I am sharing in today’s post were sent to me in my ipsy glam bags, and they are considered deluxe sample sizes.

About the Brand:

SUGAR Cosmetics is a brand that stands for and believes in empowerment. They sell beauty and skincare products, and they are 100% cruelty free and not tested on animals. Their products have safe ingredients and they are dermatologically tested. They support beauty in many different forms. According to SUGAR Cosmetics, “Our aim is to celebrate every aspect of you, no matter what your style is.”

Review:

I did not own or try very many lip crayons previously, however these have become favorites of mine for so many reasons. Let’s dive into the review!

Before trying these lip crayons, I had only ever tried one other product from this brand. I own three different shades of the Matte as Hell Lip Crayons: Scarlett O’Hara, Stephanie Plum, and Honey Rider. After exploring this product on the SUGAR Cosmetics website, I realized that each shade is named after a fictional character. I really like it when beauty brands stick to a theme when naming certain products (ex: colors in an eyeshadow palette or a new line of lipglosses). For those of you who have a favorite fictional character, you can purchase a shade named after them! These lip crayons are available in 36 shades, which I think is amazing. It gives customers a chance to explore what colors they like, and there truly is something for everyone!

I was very impressed by the color pay-off with these lip crayons! Just a couple swipes and you will see gorgeous pigmentation and a full coverage look for your lips! Each shade is vibrant and beautiful.

 I absolutely love the bright matte red of the shade Scarlett O’Hara; it is versatile and can be worn for a day in the office, a night out with friends, or even for a simple and relaxed day when you need a boost of confidence. It is the perfect red; not too deep and dark, but not super bright either. Stephanie Plum is a great shade for a bold and striking makeup look. It is a gorgeous dark purple, and it is perfect for those days when you want to make a statement with your lips! This color would look very nice for fall and winter. Honey Rider is a pretty peachy shade that is perfect for spring and summer! The color is chic and bold, and it looks stunning with a simple eye look! Out of these three shades, I think that Scarlett O’Hara is my favorite! You can never go wrong with a red lip, and this is the one that I will always reach for when I want to achieve that classic look.

Sometimes, when people see that a lip product is labeled as “matte”, they may equate that to being drying. Well, I can safely say that all of these crayons are definitely matte, however they feel hydrating on the lips. They are creamy and due to the fact that they are lip crayons, they are much easier to use when filling in your lips, leaving no mistakes behind. I always recommend applying some chapstick before using any lip color. Even though this is not a necessary step, I still like to include it every time I do my makeup (and even more so when using a matte lip product).

SUGAR Cosmetics claims that these crayons are meant to be long-lasting, so you won’t need to constantly reapply! I do think that a few touch ups throughout the day will be needed because this will transfer a bit, however it won’t be a hassle. Also, it is likely to leave a slight stain behind, however it is very easy to remove with a makeup wipe, or you can grab your go-to shade out of your purse and easily reapply!

Overall, I would absolutely recommend the SUGAR Cosmetics Crayon Lipsticks. They live up their name, and they are the perfect matte lip colors! These crayons are super easy to wear, they are available in a variety of gorgeous colors, and you can throw them in your bag and reapply at any time with ease! If you are interested in purchasing this product, check out the SUGAR Cosmetics website where they sell for $20.99. (At the moment, many of the shades are sold out, however they are sold on Amazon as well. Most shades are available here.)

Thank you so much for reading! I hope that you enjoyed today’s blog post! Let me know if you have tried or are planning on trying the Matte as Hell Crayon Lipsticks from SUGAR. Be sure to check out my Instagram @sacchere14 to see a video I created showing swatches of each shade mentioned above, as well as how they look on my skin tone.

My May Ipsy Glam Bag

This month, Ipsy wanted their members to be inspired by Mother Nature and May flowers! I think that this month’s bag is simple yet very pretty, and it goes so well with the theme! I love the pink, and the custom peony design is perfect for spring. I rated my overall glam bag 3/5 stars. There are a couple products that I loved and others that simply did not work for me.

• Hanalei Company – Kona Peptide Eye Cream

When it comes to trying new eye creams, I am never extremely thrilled. I was looking forward to testing this one out, however it is difficult for me to review eye creams due to the fact that seeing results can take some time. I don’t think I have been using it long enough to say that it works or it doesn’t. This eye cream has many beneficial ingredients such as peptides (reducing fine lines), caffeine (reducing puffiness), oat extract (soothes and smooths), hyaluronic acid (boosts moisture), as well as Hawaiian super-botanicals used to restore delicate skin. This product has a thick consistency, which is different from other eye creams I have tried previously. I found it just a tad bit difficult to blend in gently. I normally like using eye creams that are lighter and more hydrating, however I still plan on using this regularly to see if it ends up working well! I will hold off on rating this product for now!

• PYT Beauty – Upcycle Eyeshadow Palette / Warm Lit Nude Mini in Sand Dune, Slow Burn, Bonfire, and Golden Hour  (my choice)

This is the product that I chose to receive for my May glam bag! I love trying out new eyeshadows, and I ended up really liking this quad. I frequently go for more neutral eye makeup, and the colors in this quad are exactly what I like to wear! There are two mattes and two shimmers. The shades go so well together; I created an entire eye look using each color in the quad, and they blended so beautifully together. You can create many different looks using just this product! The shades are very pigmented, and each one is infused with vitamin E to keep the skin on the eyes hydrated. There may be some fallout when applying, but definitely not an extreme amount at all. I rated this eyeshadow quad 4/5 stars.

• Skin&Co Roma – Citrus Amaro Hand Cream

I did not exactly need another hand cream, so I wasn’t all that pleased when receiving this, however I wanted to try it out.  This product is made with shea butter and sweet almond oil and it has a citrus scent. I normally really enjoy fruity scents, however I do not really care for this one; it didn’t smell like citrus to me. I love how soft hand creams make my hands, however I will not be reaching for this one all that often. Besides the scent, I think it is a decent hand cream and worth trying out for yourself. I rated this product 3/5 stars.

• Undone Beauty – Unfoundation Mattetint in Cream Light

I rarely receive foundations in my glam bags so I was excited to test this one out! I did not change my skin tone in my beauty quiz after winter since my skin hasn’t really changed, however this foundation was sadly way too light for me. I have since updated my beauty quiz, however I understand that Ipsy may not always get it 100% right when it comes to products like this. This foundation can be great for those with oil skin because it gives you a matte finish. It is infused with tea tree oil and it is a lightweight formula which is perfect for summer. I wish this product worked out for me, however due to the shade, I don’t see myself wearing it, even in the winter. I do not believe that I can properly rate this product.

• NARS Cosmetics – Lipstick in Tolede

I am the biggest fan of lipsticks, and I have recently tried another lip product from Nars, so I was really eager to try this one out! When I first opened it up, I thought that the color might be a bit darker than what I typically like to go for, however I ended up really loving it (never judge a lipstick by the bullet)! It may seem like a dark pink but it is actually a beautiful rosy pink color, which is stunning for this time of year! It is satiny, creamy, and easy to apply. My lips felt hydrated and smooth while wearing this lipstick due to the moringa and passion fruit seed oils. The color is stunning and very flattering! This is the perfect lipstick to throw in your bag and you can reach for it any day! I may have found a new favorite to add to the collection! I rated this product 5/5 stars.

Thank you all so much for reading today’s post! What was in your May glam bag? I would love to know!

If you would like to become an Ipsy member, click here!

My Glow-To Beauty Products

Hey everyone! After graduating from college, I have even more time to focus on my blogging, so I am very excited to write more frequently! In today’s post, I am sharing my absolute favorite beauty products! Some are more recent finds, whereas others have been favorites for a while now. Almost every product I am sharing today is perfect for the spring and summer time! They are great for glowy and natural makeup looks, which I have been a big fan of for quite some time. I used to be all about the bold and dramatic makeup looks (liquid eyeliner and all)! Things have definitely changed over the last few years! Trends come and go, but I think you can never go wrong with glowy natural makeup! Each product will be linked as well, so you can purchase anything right from this post!

_{A full face of my favorite beauty products}

Let’s start off with the eyes…

Eyeshadow

This eyeshadow duo has been my absolute favorite for almost a year now! It is the Jules Smith Beauty Power Duo Palette in Wise Guy and Gold Mine. It is a product I received from ipsy, and I completely fell in love with it. The colors are pigmented and beautiful, and both are shimmer shades as well. I thought that this duo was perfect for spring and summer, and I still reach for it so often! The colors go so well together, and I love that you could build up the darker shade, or keep it a bit lighter. They are also very blendable! I had previously never heard of this brand before, but I highly recommend checking out this product!

Mascara

I love trying out new mascaras, however there are a few that I will always come back to. First, my all time favorite: the Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara. I was blown away when first trying this product! It truly does give me all of the length and volume that I want and need! When applying this mascara, it does not clump my lashes together, and it is also extremely easy to remove! You are left with clean eyes and no black residue. Next up is the L’oréal Telescopic Mascara. I recently tried this for the first time and loved it! I really like the wand of this mascara, and this one does a fantastic job of lengthening my lashes. The same can be said for my other favorite, the Maybelline Lash Sensational Curvitude Mascara. The curved wand makes it so easy to apply, and I love the way it lengthens my lashes. Both of these are perfect for more natural makeup looks, which I tend to go for most often!

Eyeliner

I honestly haven’t been into liquid eyeliners in quite some time. I used to use it with every makeup look, but over the past few years I’ve loved creating makeup looks without it. Instead, I always reach for my go-to eyeliner pencil. This is by the brand Essence and it is called the Longlasting Eye Pencil. It is waterproof and it says that it lasts for at least 18 hours. Although it is waterproof, it is not too hard to remove by the end of the day! I have always loved applying black eyeliner to my waterline and tightline, and this one does the job! It adds a bit of drama to the eyes, even with simple makeup looks.

And now for the face…

Face Primer

I have been trying quite a few new face primers lately and I recently tried a new one thanks to ipsy! My current favorite is the Ciaté London Watermelon Burst Hydrating Primer. This product definitely lives up to its name! It smells fruity and delicious, and it feels so very hydrating on the skin! It is a great base for my foundation, and I really love the brand as well.

Foundation

Finding the right foundation that works for you can be a challenge! Everyone’s skin type and tone differs, and I know that for me, I used to struggle to find my perfect match. One day I decided to try the Maybelline Fit Me foundation, and I haven’t turned back. This product has been my go-to for around five years now! I have tried both the matte and poreless and the dewy and smooth, however I prefer the latter. This foundation is not too heavy or too light; it is pretty full coverage, and it lasts throughout the day. I do like to try different foundations, however I feel most confident with this one because I know which shades work for me! If there is ever an important event going on, I like to steer clear of trying new products, especially foundation. I also really like that this one is so affordable! Maybelline has always been a favorite brand of mine!

Blush

As someone with acne prone skin, I used to avoid blush at all costs. I felt that it made my skin look even more red and irritated. However, my skin has been clearing up lately, and for about a year now, I’ve really enjoyed wearing blush again! I love the way that it adds color as well as a beautiful glow to my face. I typically like to stick with light pinks. I have been obsessed with the Lottie London Ombre Blush in Serene. This blush has become a staple in my everyday makeup routine! It is a gorgeous light pink shade, and it does have a tiny bit of shimmer in it, which is great for the warmer months! (I also enjoy wearing matte shades on my cheeks; it just depends on the look I am going for!) This blush is also very easy to blend, though I always recommend applying little by little so you can build it up if you need to! It is perfect for so many makeup looks!

Highlighter

You may have heard of this highlighter before because everyone online has been hyping it up like crazy! It is the Wet n Wild Megaglo Highlighting Powder in Precious Petals. I actually discovered this highlighter a few years ago, and it has remained my all time favorite! The color is a stunning rose gold, and any time I apply this to my cheekbones, it gives me all of the glow I am looking for! It is extremely pigmented, though because of how gorgeous it is, it makes you want to apply more and more! In reality, a couple swipes of this highlighter and you will be blinding everyone who walks past you! There are other shades of the megaglo highlighters, but this is by far my favorite, and I highly encourage you to try it out (you won’t regret it)!

Bronzer

Bronzer is another thing that I used to avoid (partly because I did not know how to apply it correctly). At times, I think bronzer can look a bit muddy, that is until I found this one! My favorite is by the brand Estate Cosmetics and it is the Going Nutty Bronzer in Coco. First of all, it smells heavenly! It reminds me of a warm summer day, and it smells like coconut! I really like the shade as well because it is not too dark or too light for my skin tone, and it adds some warmth to my face. I especially love wearing this in the summer, however it looks great any time of the year! I think that the key to wearing bronzer is to find the right shade for your skin tone, and to apply a little at a time. I use an angled brush to apply this into the hollows right underneath my cheekbones, and I like to bring a little bit up to my forehead as well. I start at my ear and bring it forward and up from there. It’s safe to say that I have changed my mind when it comes to wearing bronzer! Now maybe I can try contouring…

And now for the lips…

Lip Balm

I always like to apply chapstick because it makes it so much easier to apply a lip color on top. It keeps my lips smooth and soft throughout the day. I’ve tried many different chapsticks over the years, however I just found my favorite! It is the Clearly Balanced Days “It’s the (Lip) Balm”. It smells like peppermint and it has CBD in it as well. I have never raved about a lip balm before, but this one is definitely deserving! It keeps my lips smooth for a long period of time, and reapplying does not have to occur so often. While I would prefer a more fruity or sweet scent, I am not complaining when it does such a great job!

Lip Oil

Another new find! Once again, I am a fan of this brand and I had never tried a lip oil until I received this one in an ipsy glam bag! It is the Ciaté London Lychee and Acai Burst Conditioning Lip Oil. What I love so much about this product is that it is like a lip oil and lipgloss in one! Since it is tinted, it is going to look like you are wearing a pink gloss, all while it conditions your lips! This lip oil is not sticky, and it makes my lips so soft! When I wear this, I don’t even have to apply a chapstick underneath! It also has a nice subtle fruity scent to it, which I enjoy!

Lipgloss

My sister recently bought this lipgloss and she ended up giving it to me because she did not like the way it looked on her. This did not give me much hope because we are the same skin tone with the same hair and eye color. Well, I was surprised to find that I absolutely loved it! It is the NYX Cosmetics Butter Gloss in Bit of Honey. This gloss is not sticky at all, and it is the perfect peach/nude shade that goes with literally any makeup look! I normally prefer lipsticks over glosses, but this one has won me over! I’ve always liked the brand, and I already own a few lipglosses by them, but this one is just amazing overall! I highly recommend trying it out for yourself!

Lipstick

I was difficult for me to narrow down my favorite lipsticks because I own quite a few, and I love so many! I decided to share a couple that I tend to wear most often! First, the Adesse All Day Lip Crème in Beverly Blvd. It is somewhat difficult to explain the color of this product. It is a mix of pink, purple, and nude. It works so well for an everyday makeup look, and it is not too bold or too neutral; it is the perfect in between! It is very creamy and easy to apply, and it does not make my lips look dry at all! Next is the Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Naturally Chic. This is a favorite for many reasons! First, I think it is such a gorgeous pink shade! Every time I wear it, it makes me feel so confident and classy. It is not extremely bright, but it does add a nice pop of color to your lips! It also applies smoothly, and it even smells like candy! I change up my lip colors pretty frequently, but these are two favorites!

There are a couple products I did not mention in this post, however I still use them (such as powder or concealer). I just haven’t found one to absolutely rave about!

I really hope that you enjoyed reading about my all time favorite beauty finds! What are some of your go-to beauty products? I’d love to know! Thank you for reading! Check out my Instagram for more: @sacchere14

BH Cosmetics “Hangin’ in Hawaii” Eyeshadow Palette Review + Makeup Tutorial

Hey everyone! I am very excited for today’s blog post because I am doing a review of one of my favorite beauty products! Last year, I discovered the travel series collection by BH Cosmetics, and I fell in love! I first bought the “Love in London” palette, and I did a review and tutorial with this last year so click here to check that out! Since then, I have been dreaming of purchasing the other palettes in this collection. Within this collection, there are a variety of eyeshadow and highlight palettes relating to different travel destinations! Some of the names of these pallets are: “Glowing in Greece”, “Illuminating in Ireland”, and “Blushing in Bali”. I’m hoping to purchase the “Beautiful in Barcelona” palette next!

For today’s review and tutorial, I will be sharing the “Hangin’ in Hawaii” eyeshadow palette. I really wanted this one in particular because I absolutely love the colors! There is a perfect mixture of shimmer shades and matte shades, and a variety of browns, golds, pinks, and oranges. I also feel that these colors look really great on brown eyes which I have. Since I adore the “Love in London” palette, I knew that this one wouldn’t disappoint, but I still wanted to take the time to review it for those of you looking to buy it! 

Review:

I am such a big fan of the travel series collection and this palette is definitely a favorite of mine! There is such a wide variety of shades and you can create so many different makeup looks with this one palette! If you are like me and you tend to go for more neutral makeup looks, then I would definitely recommend purchasing this palette out of all the others in the collection; I believe that you will get more use out of this one. I really like that there are so many shades of brown and gold because these are the colors I go for most often, but then you have the fun pops of color within the palette as well (in case you decide to go bold). There are 16 stunning shades! A few of my favorites are: Pineapple, Sandy, Lei, Mahalo, and Honolulu. I love that the names all relate to Hawaii (each palette names the colors after certain things within that destination, which I think is so fun)! 

All of the shades in this palette are extremely pigmented and so beautiful on the eyes! I was very impressed with the color payoff, even with the shimmer shades (because often times these are much less pigmented). It is good to keep in mind that the shimmer shades are very sparkly. While I happen to love this look, I am aware that not everyone does. Luckily, there are plenty of matte shades to try! None of the colors are very chalky or difficult to apply. When applying the shadows, you really don’t need to pack it on; a little goes a long way! You can always add more because these shadows are very buildable. Many reviews I have read said that there can be a lot of fallout with these shadows, but I really didn’t notice that. Either way, I always recommend doing your eye makeup before your face makeup (that way if you make a mistake or you do have some fallout, you won’t be ruining your fresh face makeup). One important characteristic of eyeshadows for me is blendability. I enjoy creating makeup looks using multiple shades, and I never like my eye makeup to look harsh. The shadows are very easy to blend out, so you’ll never have to worry about harsh lines or difficulty with blending! If you grab a fluffy crease brush you should be good to go! 

Overall I highly recommend purchasing this palette! It is perfect for an everyday natural look or a look for a night out, and it screams summer to me! Also, this product is extremely affordable, and the fact that you’re getting 16 different shades in this one palette is amazing! You can purchase this palette here!

Makeup tutorial:

Lately, I haven’t been doing any crazy makeup. I used to go full glam almost every time I did my makeup but for a little over a year now, I’ve really loved the look of natural, glowy makeup. Well, today I decided to do something a bit different and get out of my comfort zone. I normally do not wear very much color on my eyes, but I wanted to have some fun with this look! 

•  To start, I gently applied an eye primer all over my lids. This will not only help to keep the shadows on all day, but it will also make the colors pop. I always use my ring ringer and tap rather than rub (keep in mind the skin around the eyes is very sensitive, so you should never be rough with it). 
• Then I took my “Hangin’ in Hawaii” palette by BH Cosmetics, and used my first shade, “Waikiki”. I used a shadow brush and decided to apply this shade all over my lids. It looks like a subtle gold shade in the palette, but on the eyes it is more of a bright, almost yellow gold.
• Next, I took the shade “Lei” which is a gorgeous coral/orange color, and with a fluffy crease brush, I applied this into my crease, bringing it up a bit closer to my brow bone for a smokey effect. I noticed that this color was overpowering the gold, so I decided to add more of the color “Lei” to my inner and outer lids. I took “Waikiki” and only applied it right at the center of my lids for a pop of shimmer. This made the transition of colors look a lot less harsh, but you could still see each color I was using.
• I wanted to add another pop of color, so I chose to go with the shade “Paradise”, which is a gorgeous bright pink. I took a smaller and more defined crease brush and applied this right into my crease. I chose to keep this color in my crease rather than blending it up to my brow bone like I did with the previous shade. Then I blended all of the colors together to create a smooth and smokey look.
• I then took a liner brush and applied that same bright pink shade on the outer corner of my lower lash line, as well as a shade “Luau” on the inner part of my lower lash line.
• The last step for eyeshadow was to apply a highlight shade to my brow bones and inner corners of my eyes. I decided to go with the shade “Hula” because it is a light shimmer shade, perfect for this exact step.
• After, I curled my lashes and went in with my favorite mascara at the moment, and that is the L’Oréal Telescopic mascara. I always go for black because I love how it adds some drama to my eyes. This mascara does a great job of lengthening and separating my lashes! Then I took my Long-Lasting Eye Pencil by Essence in “Black Fever”, and used this to line my waterline and tightline, bringing even more drama to the eyes. 
• Once I completed my eye makeup I moved on to my face. I used my Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base and gently massaged this into my skin. Then I took my favorite foundation which is the Maybelline Fit Me, and I used a beauty blender to dab this into my skin. I always like to use extra foundation under my eyes since I don’t always use concealer.  I used my Banana Setting Powder by Bellapierre Cosmetics to set my foundation.
• Next I took my bronzer by the brand Estate in the shade “Coco” and using an angled contour brush, I applied a little bit of this right along my cheekbones and hairline, up to my forehead to give my face a bit more definition and color.
• To brighten up my complexion I used a blush by Lottie London in the shade “Serene”. I love this blush because it isn’t too bright or bold but it adds a beautiful natural glow to my face. Is the perfect light pink shade for this time of year. After, I used a highlighter by Kaleido Cosmetics in the shade “Goddess”, and applied it right above my cheekbones to give me the glow that I am always after! 
• Then I applied the “It’s the (Lip) Balm” by the brand Clearly Balanced Days. I always like to apply chapstick before applying any other lip product because it helps other products go on smoothly and it keeps my lips hydrated underneath. I decided to go with my current favorite lipgloss by NYX cosmetics in the shade “Bit of Honey”. This is such a perfect nude gloss, and it can go so well with any makeup look! Since the eye makeup is so busy, I decided to keep the rest of my makeup (face and lips) a bit more natural.
• The last step was to simply brush my eyebrows (but if you like to apply brow gel or fill them in, you definitely can).

When I sat down to do my makeup, I wasn’t exactly sure where I was going with it. I had a plan but I wasn’t sure that it would turn out great. In the end, I was very pleased with the look that I created, and I fell in love with the fun and bright eye makeup! I’ve missed playing around with makeup and trying out new looks, so I really wanted to share this one with you today because it’s a bit different for me! It took me a while to get used to seeing bright orange shades on my eyes, but I think it looked pretty with my eye color!

I hope you enjoyed reading today’s post and that it gave you some beauty inspo! Be sure to check out the “Hangin’ in Hawaii” palette by BH cosmetics (the brand has made some changes to the packaging)! Or, you can take a look at the other items in the travel series collection! Thank you so much for reading!

My February Ipsy Glam Bag

Hey everyone! I hope you are all having a fabulous day! Any time the end of the month comes around, I begin to write my ipsy blog posts! I typically receive my glam bags in the mail early in the month, but I like to have some time to test out the products I receive. This way, I can truly review the items and give my honest opinion on them!

For almost a year now, I really haven’t been out and about too much, so I haven’t been wearing much makeup (unless it’s for a blog and sometimes for photos). It’s actually been very nice to give my skin time to breathe, and wearing makeup every day is probably not the best thing you could do for your skin. However, once in a while, it is very fun for me to apply! It gives me confidence, and I always enjoy creating new makeup looks!

For the month of February, Ipsy wanted their members to show themselves some love and indulge in some new beauty products! Also, Ipsy celebrated Black History Month by highlighting some black owned beauty brands! This month, glam bag members could have received one of two bags! I was hoping to receive a specific one and luckily I got the one I wanted! I think this bag is just so adorable! It is a gorgeous shade of red; perfect for the month of love! On one side, it has a design that looks as if the bag itself is a letter in the mail, and on the other side, it is “sealed with a kiss”! I rated the overall bag 4/5 stars! It wasn’t my absolute favorite bag ever, but for the most part, I really liked what I received.

Inside the bag:

• Balance Me – Wonder Eye Cream

This eye cream is meant to brighten and hydrate the under-eye area, while relieving puffiness. It is made with aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, chamomile, and cucumber. These are all great ingredients, and I was hopeful that it could help me. I’ve had dark under-eye circles for the longest time (partially because I don’t think I get enough sleep, but I also feel that my big eyes play role in making them look dark). When using this eye cream, I immediately knew that I did not care for the smell. I am not sure why or what it is exactly, but I typically prefer skincare that is unscented or very mild. While it does say that this product is lightweight, it was very watery. This made it very easy to apply and blend in, but I am not sure I like the consistency for an eye cream. This is the kind of product that I need to be using for a while to see a difference, so I really can’t say too much about it! I will continue to use it, and maybe it will work for me. I will hold off on rating it for now.

• F.A.R.A.H – Eye Contour Brush 635E

When asked if I like receiving makeup brushes on my beauty quiz, I have always said “rarely”, so I am never too pleased to see a makeup brush in my bag. I already have quite a few, and I did not need another. I did use it a couple times to create different makeup looks, and it is a very nice brush. I own another by this brand, and I enjoy that one as well. Although I did not need this brush, I think it could be a very nice option for those of you looking for an eye contour brush! I rated it 3/5 stars.

• Love You First – Stunning Eyeshadow Duo – Lilac & Blackberry

I was excited when I saw that this was in my glam bag this month, because I thought it was perfect for Valentine’s Day! However, I would have preferred the duo with neutral colors. I do not typically wear colorful shadows because I enjoy more natural makeup looks most of the time. I do find that purple looks great on brown eyes, so I was not super unhappy. The colors are very beautiful, and in this duo, there is a shimmer shade and a matte shade. The shadows are very pigmented, and I was impressed (especially with the shimmer shade, because these tend to be less pigmented). I felt that they were pretty easy to blend as well. There is a greater chance that I will use these colors within a neutral makeup look, rather than creating an entire purple look, so I will not be reaching for this compact all that often. I do really like the product as a whole, but I would have preferred different colors such as browns, golds, taupes, champagnes etc. I rated this duo 4/5 stars.

• Maëlle Beauty – Sunkissed Blush Single in Sun Down

When I first got into makeup, I would wear blush all the time. Well, I do have acne-prone skin, so for this reason, there were quite a few years when I did not care to wear blush. When my skin is clear, I absolutely love how blush can add color to my face and make me look like I’m glowing. I love this rose color, and I think it is perfect for the spring and summer time! It is a matte shade, which is nice, but I really enjoy a little bit of sparkle. I would say that this blush is mostly easy to blend out, and it is very flattering on my skin tone. I would rate this 4/5 stars.

• NARS Cosmetics – Powermatte Lip Pigment in Starwoman (my pick)

When I saw that this was one of the products that I could pick for this month’s glam bag, I was thrilled! I had never tried any NARS items before, and this matte lip pigment just looked stunning! I also thought that it was very fitting for Valentine’s Day! Apparently, this is an award-winning liquid lipstick, so I was eager to test it out for myself! A classic red lip always looks beautiful, and it is something that anyone can pull off! The packaging is super cute as well! It has blue undertones rather than orange, making it a deeper shade of red. It is a very pigmented full-coverage liquid lipstick. The formula is made to be moisturizing, and it is said to be weightless, long-lasting, and smudge-proof. It does take a few minutes for it to fully dry (and in that time, it may bleed a bit), but once it dried down, it looked beautiful! I found that it was actually a bit easy to smudge, at least soon after putting it on. I would have to do an all day test to see how long-lasting it really is! I would rate this product 4/5 stars!

That is all for my February Ipsy glam bag! I hope you enjoyed today’s beauty post! If you are an Ipsy member, leave me a comment and tell me what you received in your glam bag! Thank you so much for reading! Be sure to check out my Instagram, @sacchere14 to see a video I created using each of these products!

If you would like to become an Ipsy member, click here!

My January Ipsy Glam Bag

Hey everyone! I normally start out my ipsy posts by saying “I can’t believe how fast the month flew by” but honestly, January always seems to go by so slowly! It’s safe to say that I am ready for February, but first, I have to share this month’s ipsy glam bag with you all! If you are familiar with my ipsy posts, you already know what’s ahead, but if not, today I will be sharing and reviewing the products I received!

This month, Ipsy encouraged its members to dream, and to dream big! I like that this was the theme to start off the new year because it is a positive and uplifting message! Although I liked the theme, I did not really care for the design on the bag. It is see-through and it has the word “dream” all over it. When rating my overall bag, I gave it 3/5 stars. I only cared for a couple of the products I received, but for the most part, it wasn’t my favorite bag.

Inside the bag:

• Foxybae – 12-in-1 Magic Daily Leave In Hair Mask (my pick)

I love using different hair masks, and I have actually tried one by this brand before and loved it! The mask smells so good, and I used it after washing my hair a few times. This product is meant to strengthen hair, prevent breakage, fight frizz, and make your hair shine. I wouldn’t say I noticed any major differences, but I do think that it made my hair a bit softer. I also felt that my hair was not as frizzy as it normally is. I am going to continue using this hair mask, but for now I will rate it 3/5 stars.

• Glow on 5^th – HYDRATE + RENEW Replenishing Night Cream

I am always a bit hesitant to try new skincare products because of my acne prone skin. I used this product a few nights in a row to see how I liked it. The cream is actually pretty thick on the skin. I did not like this because when I apply skincare, I like it to feel light and almost weightless. This product didn’t have much of a scent, which was good, but overall this night cream didn’t impress me. I would say that my skin did feel hydrated, but because of the consistency of the cream, I didn’t think it would work for me. Maybe I can try it out a few more times, but I don’t think I will be reaching for it very often. I would rate this 2/5 stars.

• Sugar Cosmetics – Matte As Hell Lip Crayon in Stephanie Plum

I own another lip crayon by Sugar Cosmetics and I love it! I was pleased to see that this was in my bag, however the color is not something I would go for very often. It is the perfect shade for fall and winter, and while it is very bold and beautiful, I enjoy wearing pinks and nudes more. The product is very creamy and so easy to apply! I would say that although it is matte, it doesn’t dry out my lips, however it is quite easy to smudge. I would rate this 4/5 stars.

• Uoma – Drama Bomb Extreme Volume Mascara in Black

I absolutely love trying out new mascaras, and I had never heard of this brand before, so I was hopeful. The shape of the wand is not exactly my favorite, but I went along and applied a couple coats of this mascara. The product is meant to make your lashes full and fluttery. It did not do the best job of separating or lengthening my lashes. It was just so-so. It is a decent mascara for very casual makeup looks, but I love the look of long and voluminous lashes. I rated this 3/5 stars.

• YC Collection – Let Me First Primer – Mini

I didn’t really need another primer, but I tried it out anyway. This product felt light and hydrating, and it seemed like a very nice base for my foundation. I like having a few different primers so that there is something for my foundation to stick to, and so that my makeup is long-lasting. I only used this product a couple times this month, but I would rate it 4/5 stars.

Thank you all so much for reading today’s beauty blog post! I would love to know what you received in your January glam bag in a comment below! Check out my Instagram @sacchere14, to see a video I created using each product I received!

If you would like to become an ipsy member, click here!

Review: Maybelline City Mini Palette + Eye Makeup Tutorial

Hey beauty lovers! I recently purchased some new makeup items that I had never tried before, and I wanted to share one of them with you today! I am a big lover of makeup, and I can confidently say that Maybelline is my favorite drugstore brand. I love Maybelline because it is an affordable brand that is always releasing new beauty products, and I would say that most of their products are made with great quality for the price! I mostly purchase the mascaras, and I would say that the “Lash Sensational Curvitude” and the “Falsies Lash Lift” mascaras are my favorites! I’ve heard great things about the new “Sky High” mascara, so I am hoping to try it out soon!  Today, however, I will be reviewing the Maybelline “City Mini Palette” in ”Chill Brunch Neutrals”. I am also sharing an eye makeup tutorial to go along with it!

This product has been around for a few years now, but I finally decided to purchase it. I found it at my local Target for $7.59, however you can buy these palettes from Amazon, the drugstore, or even the Maybelline website itself! The prices can vary slightly, but you’re going to pay about $8 for it. There are many different options when it comes to the City Mini Palette, so I did have trouble deciding on which one I wanted to buy! I loved that the names all related to New York City! For example, there was “Downtown Sunrise”, “Matte About Town”, and “Rooftop Bronzes”. There are palettes with neutral shades or bright shades, shimmers or mattes, and some even have a combination!

I ultimately chose the “Chill Brunch Neutrals” palette! I decided to go with this one in particular because it seemed to have the perfect mix of matte and shimmer shades, and the colors are absolutely stunning! While anyone can rock these colors, I do think that they would look perfect on people with brown eyes! I liked that this palette included colors that I may not always wear, such as the plum purple and the light pink. I also really like that this palette is small (hence the name), so you can literally bring it anywhere and everywhere with you! It is great for the girl on-the-go! You can create so many different makeup looks with just this palette alone, and you can make it as dramatic or as simple as you want! There is a look for any and all occasions!

As you will see in the makeup tutorial, I went for a more dramatic eye look. I wanted to incorporate multiple colors into the look, and I wanted it to be bold and unlike my go-to makeup. The palette includes six gorgeous shades; a cream, a light pink, a champagne, a taupe, a silver purple, and a plum. When trying out new eyeshadows, there are two main things that I look for: pigmentation and how blendable they are. For this palette, I would say that the shadows are pretty pigmented, but nothing too outstanding. The shimmer shades were maybe a bit less pigmented, which can be common. Out of all of the shadows, the cream, the light pink, and the plum were not as shimmery as the others.

Something that I noticed about these shadows is that they all looked very different and beautiful in the palette, however when applying them, they all just seemed to be a different shade of brown. I wasn’t sure if it was the way I applied them, or if it was the combination of colors that I used, but it didn’t turn out the way I was hoping it would. I wanted a look that included a bit more color (in this case purple), but you can’t really tell from looking at my eyes. Although it wasn’t exactly what I pictured, I went along with it to see how it would turn out. When it came time to blend, it was a tiny bit tricky with the darker shades (the plum color, for example). For the most part it was easy to blend though, just make sure to apply a little bit at a time, and blend as you go!

If I am being honest, this palette did not exactly exceed my expectations. For me personally, I think that I may have to use it a few more times, and try to create some different looks with it. Maybe the colors just don’t exactly work well together, but I may have to try it out again! If I created a simple makeup look using the lighter colors, maybe it could have turned out differently, but as I mentioned, the colors just seemed to blend together, creating different shades of brown. The sparkles also seemed to disappear a bit once I applied the shadows, so the look turned out to be a bit more matte. To my surprise, I ended up really liking the look I created! It was not what I had in mind in the beginning, but it was still bold, dramatic, and beautiful; just in a different way.

Overall, I didn’t fall in love with this palette, and I am not sure if it is a product that I will reach for often. Like I said, I may try to create a different look, and maybe then I’d rave about it, but for now I would rate this product 3/5 stars.

And now for the eye makeup tutorial!

• First, it is so important to prime your eyelids. I like using a primer that is almost white because it can make the shadows pop a bit more! I gently apply this all over my lids, and even onto my lower lashline.
• Next, I took the second shade from the right (on top) and applied this all over my lids with a shadow brush. Keep in mind that these shadows are not the easiest to blend, so don’t go overboard on the colors straight away. Build up to it!
• I then took the silver/purple shade (top right corner) and with a light hand and a crease brush, I applied it to my crease. To add a bit of drama to the look, I decided to use the dark plum shade (bottom right) and a fluffy crease brush to apply this to the outer corners of my eyes, and blending it throughout my entire crease. Since this is the darkest shade in the palette, I want to restate that you should definitely build up the color, because I struggled to blend this one especially!
• After all of the blending, the color on my lids seemed a bit dull, so I went back in with my shadow brush, but this time, adding some of the purple/silver shade to the center of my lids.
• Next, I used the light pink shade and a liner brush to apply this to the inner part of my lower lashline. Using the plum shade once more, I applied this to the outer part of my lower lashline.
• The last step for the eyeshadow was highlight, so I went in with the cream white color. I used another crease brush to apply this to my browbones and the inner corners of my eyes. This is always great to do because it makes you look more awake, and you need something to make the look a little brighter since it is a bit dark.
• Then I moved onto mascara. I recently bought the “L’Oréal Telescopic Mascara” in “Blackest Black” and coated my top and bottom lashes. I am absolutely obsessed with this mascara and the length that it gives my lashes! Since the eye makeup is bold, you can choose a mascara that will add even more drama to your look, however, I really liked the telescopic for today!
• The next step was eyeliner! I used my go-to black eyeliner by Essence, and applied this to my waterline and tightline for that final touch.
• And lastly, I simply brushed my brows up and over and I was good to go! (If you fill in your brows, you can definitely do that! I prefer to leave mine as they are, so this is a step that I don’t mind skipping!)

Let me know if you own this palette (or any of the City Minis) and tell me your thoughts on it in a comment below! Thank you so much for reading!

My December Ipsy Glam Bag

Hey everyone! This will be my final beauty post for the year, and I’m sharing and reviewing my December Ipsy glam bag with you all! 

This month, Ipsy wanted their members to get all of the warm and fuzzy feels with the teddy inspired glam bag! While I like the cozy feel of the bag, it isn’t my favorite. I wish it was a bit more festive! I rated my overall bag 3/5 stars because I felt that I received a couple products I didn’t really need/like.

Inside the bag:

• Benefit Cosmetics – Precisely, My Brow Warm Light Brown 3 Eyebrow Pencil

 I’ve tried a few products by Benefit Cosmetics and I love the brand! I have heard some great things about their brow products, but I never tried any until now. My eyebrows have always been pretty full, so I never cared to do anything to them (other than brushing through them). When using this product, I felt that the lines were not too harsh, and it seemed easy to blend. The color is a bit light for me though. I’ve always heard that you should go one shade darker when it comes to brow products, so if I were to purchase this, that is what I would do. I don’t see myself using this often, however that’s not to say it is a bad product, it just isn’t for me! It could be helpful to fill in some sparse areas! I rated this 3/5 stars.

• Hey Honey – 24Seven Honey Day & Night Cream

I am currently trying out something new to help with my acne, and it is drying out my skin a bit. Plus, the cold weather isn’t helping, so I was in need of a new moisturizer! This one is nice because it does not have a strong scent, and it feels smooth on the skin. I wouldn’t say it is a favorite of mine, but I do plan on using it frequently. It is a nice everyday moisturizer. I rated this 4/5 stars.

• Maëlle Beauty – Dawn to Dusk Eyeshadow Collection Single in Sunkissed 

When I first saw this shade, I was somewhat disappointed. It is a nice matte brown shade, however I felt that it was a bit boring for me. I really like golds, champagnes, and taupes. I also enjoy wearing shimmer shades. When trying out this shadow, I was pleasantly surprised! This is a great base shade for most eye looks, and I actually liked that the color is matte. I don’t think that this is a shadow that I would reach for too often, but I have been going for natural makeup looks lately, so maybe it will become my go-to! It is very pigmented, and perfect for an everyday look! I would rate this 3/5 stars.

• Purlisse Beauty – BLUE LOTUS 4-IN-1 Eye Adore Serum

I am always excited to try eye serums and creams because I have dark under eye circles. I try to be very careful about the skin around my eyes because I know that it is sensitive and I would like to avoid premature wrinkles and bags. I’m not sure why, but applying this product feels luxurious. The consistency feels a bit thicker than I would have expected for a serum, but I actually really like it! I haven’t used it long enough to see results though, so I don’t think I can give it a fair rating right now! 

• Sunday Riley – A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum (my pick)

I only started using retinol serums in my skincare routine this year, but I’ve really noticed a difference in my skin when I do! This is the product I chose for this month, and I am not quite sure how I feel about it just yet. As soon as I opened the product, it began leaking all over the cap. This was upsetting because it is already a small sample.  I really dislike the scent of this serum as well. Other than that, I can’t tell if it has been helping my skin. Retinol is known to help reduce wrinkles, lines, and acne, so I’m going to continue using it. I’m hoping for the best! For now, I’ll rate this 2/5 stars, but this may change as I continue to use it.

Thank you all so much for reading today’s blog post! Let me know what you received in your December glam bag in a comment below! I also created a video using each of these products, and you can check it out on my Instagram, @sacchere14. I have one last post I would like to share with you before the year comes to a close! It is personal and honest, and I hope that you will take the time to read it at the end of the month!

If you would like to become an Ipsy member, click here!