Review: Pūrlisse Radiant Glow Illuminating BB Cream

It isn’t incredibly often that I find myself raving about a beauty product, but once in a while, I come across some amazing brands and products that deserve to be talked about and shared! In today’s blog post, I will be reviewing the Radiant Glow Illuminating BB Cream from the brand Pūrlisse (pronounced: pure-lease). Before diving into the actual review of the product, I wanted to start by telling you a little bit about the brand and its founder.

Pūrlisse (Beauty Through Asian Wisdom) is all about celebrating being different. The brand aspires to promote healthy skin while helping every customer find their confidence. This brand is unique in that they combine science and Asian botanicals to create formulas that are truly effective and beneficial. What I absolutely love about this brand is that it is not just about the makeup; it is about having healthy skin. I also admire their mission to bring confidence to every person who uses their products. The brand sells both makeup and skincare, so you can find all of your new go-to’s from Pūrlisse! All products are free of GMO ingredients, mineral oil, paraben preservatives, propylene-glycol, petrochemicals, phthalates, triclosan, sulfates, and animal testing, and this is not always easy to find. The brand is also incredibly supportive of the “Look Good Feel Better” Foundation, which helps to support women who are struggling with cancer.

The Founder of Pūrlisse is Jennifer Yen, and she created the brand to celebrate her heritage and to appreciate just how beautiful it is. As a young Chinese-American girl living in Alabama, she struggled to feel comfortable in her own skin. She found it difficult to appreciate her culture and the beauty of being different. As time went on, she learned to embrace her heritage once again, and this is when she discovered part of her purpose: “To help give women a reason to believe in their own beauty” – Jennifer Yen.

Jennifer is a former actress, and she has experience wearing heavy makeup under harsh, bright lights. Of course, this is not the best thing for the skin, so she rediscovered her grandmother’s Asian beauty secrets, and this ultimately led to Pūrlisse. I found this story to be very inspirational, and I think many can relate to Jennifer’s situation growing up. Sometimes, we have to reach a certain point in life to truly feel confident in who we are and where we come from. It is amazing that what she failed to see and appreciate as a child is what launched her career in the beauty industry. I am very close with my family and I am so proud of who we are, so it means so much to see someone bring their heritage into their career, and to make it such an important part as well.

Now let’s get into the review!

I first discovered this product through Ipsy, which is a beauty subscription service that I frequently use. One month, I received a sample size of the Radiant Glow Illuminating BB Cream from Pūrlisse. I wasn’t sure what to expect; normally I struggle to find a foundation/bb cream that I like.

I was absolutely blown away when I first used this product! This bb cream is super light weight, which I love. Over time, I’ve started to really dislike the feeling of heavy/thick foundation on my face throughout the day. I really wanted to find a great base product that is perfect for everyday, and I definitely found it in this bb cream! When I apply this product, I like to use a beauty blender and gently dab it into my skin. The end result is stunning! My skin is literally glowing, and I love that it looks so natural as well. I almost feel as if I am not wearing anything on my face with this bb cream, which is so impressive! The bb cream does not have a scent, which I think it great because sometimes this can turn people away from using certain products. I am no skincare expert, but I think scented skincare/makeup can cause irritations for some people as well. I try to avoid scented products if I can, so if you’re like me, this bb cream won’t be an issue!

Although this bb cream is not exactly full coverage, it is perfect for everyday glam and that is perfect for me! It works best for those with normal-dry skin and even sensitive skin. You can also build this up quite a bit if you prefer more of a medium coverage. It also has SPF 30 in it, which is really great for the skin, whether you’ll be indoors or outdoors, and it is oil-free! The formula contains: Goji Berry, Hawthorn Berry, and Jasmine. It even contains light reflecting pigments which will help to moisturize and brighten the skin; leaving the skin to look naturally radiant! With daily use, you will even start to notice improvements with your skin texture, which is something that I struggle with. I’ve struggled with acne since my early teens, and although I’ve somewhat got it under control, spots still tend to come up. When I use this bb cream, I never feel as if it makes my skin worse or that it irritates any spots. If anything, I think that it does a pretty good job at covering small spots and redness. The benefits of the product include: improves skin complexion, softens and evens the skin tone, hydrates the skin, reduces fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and dullness, and prevents UVA/UVB damage.

It is recommended that you apply one of the Pūrlisse moisturizers before using this bb cream. This will allow your skin to absorb all of the beneficial ingredients. Then go in with the Silk Glow BB Base Primer; this will give the skin a soft and smooth finish. Now it is finally time to apply your Radiant Glow Illuminating BB Cream! While the first two steps aren’t necessary, it will most likely give you the best results. I always like to apply moisturizer and a primer before any kind of foundation or bb cream, and I can definitely see the benefit of doing so!

The only downfall for this product that I can see is that the shade range is very limited. I am not sure why this is, and it is quite unfortunate. I love this product and want to recommend it to everyone, but anyone with a darker skin tone wouldn’t be able to try it for themselves. I wear the shade “Light Medium” in winter and spring and I wear the shade “Medium” in summer and fall. If you have a darker skin tone, there are a few products from Pūrlisse that you can still try, such as their new Ageless Glow Serum BB Cream, which seems to be extremely popular, or the Perfect Glow BB Cream. The shade range is much more broad with these products for some reason. Another important thing to mention is that as the day goes on, my skin does not look as perfect as it did when first applying the product. While this is true for many foundations and bb creams, it is something that you may want to keep in mind. As I’ve said, my skin is a bit textured, so I just notice that the texture is more noticeable after wearing this for a few hours, but maybe this won’t be a problem for you. Remember: all skin is different, and the only way you’ll know how this product affects you is to try it for yourself.

If you are interested in purchasing the Radiant Glow Illuminating BB Cream, I will link it here. If you want to purchase any other product from Pūrlisse, I will link their website here. Since these products are higher quality, the prices will reflect this. For example, a typical drugstore foundation or bb cream could cost anywhere between $5-$10, whereas the Radiant Glow Illuminating BB Cream is $37 (at the time of writing this post). While it is quite a bit of money, I do believe that it is worth it. I don’t wear makeup every day, but when I do, I always reach for this product and I never regret it! Plus, it seems to last a while too, so you won’t need to buy it too frequently unless you wear makeup every day. I would recommend signing up to their newsletter on their website. You will then receive emails from the brand, and you’ll also be notified of any sales going on! The full size of this bb cream is 1.4 fl. oz. / 40 mL. The travel size is 0.24 fl. oz. / 7 mL. If after reading this review, you are still undecided on whether or not you want to purchase this item, you may want to try the travel size first (linked here). Plus, they’re just good to have for trips and getaways. (At the time of writing, the travel size is $10).

There is also a Rewards Program that you can join. Once you sign up, you can earn points to redeem products. For example, you can redeem points by simply creating an account, purchasing items, following Pūrlisse on social media platforms, etc. You can even refer a friend for money off a purchase. You can give your friends $10 off a purchase of $35+, and you’ll get $10 for each successful referral. You can find this under the “Rewards” tab.

If you are unsure if this product is for you or not, the Pūrlisse website can be very helpful. You may want to take advantage of their tools, such as the “Skincare Quiz” option and the “Build My Routine” option. These can help you figure out what products will be best for your skin. When using Pūrlisse products, particularly the makeup, you really won’t have to worry about it negatively affecting your skin. This is not only a relief to know, but it will bring you confidence when buying, applying, and wearing the product!

Overall, I think this product truly stands out and is so worth buying! I also think it’s important to support a brand that has an inspirational message to share with the world. You really can’t go wrong when buying from Pūrlisse, and I couldn’t recommend their Radiant Glow Illuminating BB Cream more! I am looking forward to trying out more from the brand, and when I do, I’ll be sharing my thoughts right here on Compass to Confidence (.com). Thanks so much for reading! Until next time!

My Ipsy Glam Bag: september 2021

Hey everyone! It’s been a couple months since I last reviewed or discussed by ipsy glam bags, so I thought I would get back to it! Fall is now here and it is always exciting to receive new beauty right on my doorstep. Lately, I have not been completely in love with my glam bags; the products just haven’t been the best for me and they aren’t exactly what I need, however this month was different!

First of all, I just adore this month’s bag! It is so perfect for fall due to the yellow and black plaid pattern and the brown flap. It immediately reminded me of Cher from Clueless, and then I looked on the Ipsy app and that is exactly what inspired the bag for September! The colors are perfect for fall and it is definitely 90s-inspired. I believe that they were going for a back-to-school vibe as well, and it is very fitting. I would rate my overall bag a 4/5 stars! I was very happy with a few of the products!

Inside the bag:

  • Purlisse Beauty – Radiant Glow Illuminating BB Cream SPF 30 in Medium

I really like BB Creams, however I never really used them and I’m not sure why! I guess I just always had my favorite/go-to foundation that I reached for daily. Nevertheless, I was looking forward to testing this out because a lot of the time, I like wearing minimal makeup, and BB/CC creams are perfect for achieving that look! They are great for days when you are in a hurry, wanting a natural makeup look, or when it is too hot outside. This product is meant to give you dewy, natural-looking coverage all while protecting from those harmful UV rays (with SPF 30) as well as pollution. It is supposed to leave you looking soft and luminous. It is also made with skin-friendly antioxidants (goji berry for brightening and jasmine for moisturizing). I wasn’t expecting to completely fall in love with this product, but that is exactly what happened! I just love how soft this BB cream is, and applying it feels so effortless and easy. Luckily, the color that I was sent matches me perfectly too! This looks so soft and beautiful on the skin, and it feels so light; almost as if you are not wearing anything! I highly recommend checking out this product! I know I’ll be buying the full size soon! I may even do a review on this sometime in the near future! I rated this 5/5 stars!

  • Sophia + Mabelle – Wet Blush in Bubbly

I was really intrigued by this product because I had never tried a wet blush before, and to be honest, I didn’t exactly know what that meant, or how it being wet could benefit my beauty routine. This blush is meant to make you look naturally flushed. The wet texture will melt into the skin to create a soft, colorful glow. I really love the rose color, and I think it is the perfect shade to go with many different makeup looks (especially natural/neutral looks). I ended up loving this blush! It looks very natural on the skin, and it is easy to build up the color to your liking. If you prefer a more natural look, you won’t have to apply a ton. A simple swipe on the high points of your cheeks and you will look radiant! The color is pigmented, however I did have to keep dipping my brush back in to really see it on my skin. I rated this 4/5 stars.

  • Tarte Sugar Rush – Lash Smoothie Volumizing Hemp Mascara

This product is unique to anything I’ve ever owned because it is a two-in-one product! Not only is it a mascara, but it is also a lash treatment. It is meant to give you instant volume and length, and it even helps to deep-condition your lashes (with a blend of avocado, baobab, and plant oils). The shorter bristles on the wand will help to separate and define the lashes and the longer bristles will bring on the volume and curl. I really wanted to love this mascara, however it just isn’t a favorite. It is very nice for natural makeup, however it did not do the best job of lengthening my lashes. It gave them some volume, but overall it is not the product for me. I love the look of long, voluminous lashes because mine are not naturally like this, and I do not prefer to wear fake lashes. I rated this 2/5 stars.

  • IBY Beauty Carry On Eyeshadow Duo in Auberge and Bon Voyage

This eyeshadow duo could not be any more perfect for fall! I am obsessed with the beautiful and pigmented shades. These shadows were made with rosehip oil and vitamin E (for skin-protecting properties). I really love the combination of shimmer and matte shades, but I love the fact that with this duo, you don’t have to choose! The matte mauve color is stunning for this season, and the shimmer shade will give you a bit of a glow (which I always appreciate)! As I started applying these shades to my eyes, I noticed that they were a bit difficult to blend out. I used the lighter shimmer shade on my lid, and the darker mauve shade in my crease. It took quite a bit of effort to create a blended and smokey look, which I did not care for. The colors looked beautiful together, but I just wish they were easier to blend and softer to apply. I rated this 3/5 stars.

  • BRTC Vitamin B5 Velvet & Vitamin A Velvet Mask Duo

I am not the biggest fan of sheet masks (if I am going to use a mask, I prefer wash-off ones), however I thought I would give it a try anyway. I was a bit surprised to see two masks, but I like that they both have different benefits for the skin. For example, the vitamin B5 mask is great if your goal is to calm redness or sensitivity. The vitamin A mask is best for moisturizing and soothing the skin. Having both of these is very nice because it gives me the option depending on what my skin needs. When I was taking these out of the packaging, they felt very slimy, which I did not really like. I had it on for a while (you are supposed to leave this on for 10-20 min.), and when I took it off, my skin was truly glowing! I really loved the look of this, however it did not feel so great. After patting the remaining liquid into my skin, my face just felt sticky. I am not sure where I stand with these masks, however for now I would rate them 3/5 stars.

Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed, and if you are an ipsy member too, I would love to know what you received for the month of September! What would you rate your bag?

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

I also just wanted to share that tomorrow I will be heading back to England again to visit my boyfriend Tom! I will do my best to continue blogging while I am away, but it may be once a week! I am excited to share more blog posts with you all soon.

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 22nd, 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!

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 March Ipsy Glam Bag

Hey beauty lovers! I am very excited to share yet another glam bag with you all! I will be sharing and reviewing each product I received from Ipsy for the month of March.

This month, Ipsy wanted their members to celebrate Women’s History Month with some new beauty products that would make us feel strong and empowered. I absolutely loved the theme and bag! I really like that Ipsy recognizes the importance of equality among genders, and that they always focus on important events/issues all while giving members a chance to try new beauty products! The bag is a nude color with four different women holding hands on it, which I think is a powerful design choice. The lining of the bag is a bright red, and on the inside, there is an important message: “Confidence comes from within”. My overall rating for this month’s bag would be 3/5 stars because I felt that I was given a couple products that I really did not want or need.

Inside the bag:

  • Belle En Argent – 8 Free Nail Polish in Like A Grape

In my beauty quiz, I stated that I would rarely like to receive nail polishes, and I haven’t gotten one in a bag in a long time. I do not really like receiving nail polishes because I don’t typically paint my own fingernails (I either leave them natural or go get them done at a salon). I do however, paint my toenails, so I will be using this for that! I think that the color is really beautiful  for the spring time and the packaging is very sleek. It is a very pigmented nail polish, and I would only need a couple coats. I would rate this nail polish 4/5 stars, but I prefer to receive other beauty products!

  • Ciate London – Fruit Burst Lip Oil in Lychee & Acai

I have tried multiple products by this brand, and I really like the ones I own! I had never tried a lip oil before, so I was curious as to how it would help and if I would like it. This product is made with acai oil, avocado oil, and lychee extract, and it is meant to deeply hydrate the lips. This is the perfect combination of a lip oil and a gloss because it will hydrate your lips while giving them a glossy and pink tinted finish. I really liked the scent and the subtle and natural sheen that it added to my lips. It also was not sticky, and it has a nice, subtle scent! I do wish it lasted a tiny bit longer before drying though! I would rate this product 4/5 stars.

  • Clearly Balanced Days – Its the (Lip) Blam with CBD in Peppermint

I was sort of surprised that I received two lip products this month; both picked by Ipsy. I did not need a chapstick, so I was not too pleased to see this. I have been using it multiple times, and I was actually surprised to find that I really liked it! I would have preferred a scent that was more sweet or fruity rather than peppermint, however this chapstick keeps my lips smooth for long periods of time, and it is exactly what my lips needed after winter! This product is infused with essential oils, and it leaves my lips feeling smooth and hydrated. I always like to apply chapstick underneath my lipsticks/glosses, so I will be reaching for this one quite often. I would rate this product 5/5 stars.

  • Lottie London – Ombre blush in Serene (my pick)

This was the product that I chose to receive for this month. Although I haven’t been wearing a ton makeup lately, one thing that can completely change up any makeup look is blush! It just adds some color to your face, and I think it completes a look beautifully. I fell in love with the color of this blush. It is a peach/pink shade with some glitter in there as well. I think it is perfect for the spring time, and it is pretty and pigmented. While applying it, I did find that it was slightly difficult to blend out, so this is a product that you should try to build up, rather than applying too much all at once. I would rate this blush 4/5 stars.

  • Purlisse Beauty – Matcha Green Tea Antioxidant Priming Moisturizer

I really did not need another face primer, however I wanted to try this one out. I liked that the consistency was smooth and that it was lightweight on my skin. It is oil-free, and it is made with antioxidant-rich matcha green tea, soothing white tea, and vitamin E to nourish the skin. I do feel that it hydrated my skin, and I also really liked the scent; it wasn’t too powerful. Overall, I would rate this product 4/5 stars.

  • Naked Cosmetics – Pressed Pigments Eye Shadow in Desert Sunset (extra product)

Since I had enough points (due to rating my bags and products for months), I decided to get an extra item for free! I always enjoy receiving new eyeshadows, and this one looked absolutely gorgeous! I couldn’t have picked a better name for this shadow because it describes the color perfectly. It is a champagne/dusky pink shade, and I think it would look great for any spring or summer makeup looks. You can center an entire look around it or you can add some finishing touches with it. While this product is very pigmented, I noticed that it almost applied like a cream shadow, which I thought was a bit strange. It was a little blotchy in a couple areas, so I had to continue applying and making sure that I covered my entire lid and crease. For the most part, I really loved how it looked in the end. The rose gold was absolutely stunning, and this is a color that I adore wearing during the warmer months and when I am tan!

That is all for my March Ipsy glam bag! I really hope that you enjoyed this post! I am very excited for the content that I plan to share in April! I am hoping to stick with my blogging schedule, however April is my last month of college, and I will be graduating in May, so life is a bit stressful at the moment. I will do my absolute best to continue posting for you all. Thank you for reading!

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

My November Ipsy Glam Bag

Hey everyone! I am so happy to be back with a new blog post today! It’s the end of the month, which means that it is time to share and review what I received in my November Ipsy glam bag! I’ve always loved experimenting with new beauty products, and I was looking forward to this month’s bag!

This month, Ipsy reminded their members that it’s ok to indulge this holiday season, and to treat themselves with some new beauty! I really liked the #BePresent theme, and I absolutely loved the bag! I love the three different shades as well as the pop of color on the zipper! I felt that it was the perfect bag for November! I rated my overall bag 4/5 stars because I was very happy with the products I received.

Inside the bag:

  • 111SKIN – Y Theorem Day Cream NAC Y2 (my pick)

This is the product I chose to receive this month, and I am sad to say that it was not my favorite. When I tried this day cream, I first noticed how strong the scent was. I think it is probably best to avoid overpowering scents in facial products because it can irritate sensitive skin. I also have acne prone skin, so I try to be careful with this. The cream felt a little bit thick on the skin. The product includes anti-aging ingredients, vitamins, and antioxidants. I may need to try it again, but for now, I am not sure what I would rate this product.

  • Avette – Fresh Clean Coconut Mild Foam Cleanser

I was in need of a new cleanser, so I was happy to see that this was in my bag! I’ve used it a few times, and I have to say, I really enjoy foam cleansers! This one felt light, and I felt like it truly was cleansing my skin. It did have a somewhat strong scent, but this one smelled more fresh than the day cream. I plan to continue using this product, especially after wearing makeup or after long days. I rated this cleanser 4/5 stars.

  • Bobbi Brown Cosmetics – Vitamin Enriched Face Base

I haven’t had too much of a chance to try this out, but I was able to use it a couple times. I was really excited because I had never tried any Bobbi Brown products before! This primer made my skin soft, and it made applying foundation a smooth and easy process. I was able to blend out my foundation beautifully! This product doubles as a moisturizer, and my skin did feel hydrated after applying it. The ingredients are very beneficial for the skin as well (it includes: shea butter and vitamins B, C, and E). I rated this product 4/5 stars.

  • CONTEXT SKIN – Matte Lipstick in Sweet Emotion

I was thrilled to see that I would be able to try out a new lipstick! What can I say? I am a lover of lipsticks! The shade is something I normally would not go for, but it is absolutely perfect for fall! It is more of a rusty nude color, and it can be worn with a variety of makeup looks. It is creamy and applies easily as well, but I wouldn’t say that this is a matte shade! For me personally, I would recommend keeping the eyes very simple and natural and adding some color with this lipstick! I rated this 5/5 stars.

  • Eyeko – Rock Out and Lash Out Mascara in Carbon Black

I did not have high hopes for this mascara, but I was pleasantly surprised when trying it out! The wand is a unique shape, and it did make the product just a little bit difficult to apply. I really loved the way that this mascara made my lashes looked fanned out and it lengthened them pretty well. I had to apply a couple coats, and there was a moment when I thought it was beginning to clump my lashes, but it actually separated them well! I think this is the perfect everyday mascara! I rated this 4/5 stars.

Thank you so much for reading today’s blog post! Let me know what you received in your November glam bag in a comment below! I would love it if you would check out my Instagram, @sacchere14 to see a video I put together where I create a makeup look using these products!

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What’s in my May Ipsy Glam Bag

Hey everyone! I’m excited to share my May glam bag with you all today! I feel like lately my glam bags haven’t been that great but I did enjoy this one a bit more, so let’s get into it!

This month, Ipsy wanted its members to glow for magic hour, and I think that this is the perfect theme to start off the summer! I really love the bag this month. It is a beautiful ombré of pink, yellow, and orange, reminding me of a summer sunset. I rated the overall bag 4/5 stars. If there was a half star system I would have given it 3 ½ stars!

Inside the glam bag:

  • Thebalm Cosmetics – AUTOBALM ® Day 2 NITE in Wall St

I always love receiving eyeshadows in my glam bags and this one did not disappoint! I tend to go for browns, golds, and taupes when it comes to eyeshadows, so this one is perfect for me. I love doing very natural, glowy makeup looks. This shadow is a gorgeous champagne/gold color and it is very pigmented. This is the perfect everyday color. I rated this shadow 5/5 stars (though I would like to receive more browns in the future).

  • SLMISSGLAM – SS57 Brush

I never really care to receive makeup brushes because I already have quite a few. Though this was not needed, it is a cute makeup brush. I like that the handle is sparkly and pink with 2 small diamonds at the top. I’ve been using this brush to add shadows in my crease and it blends the colors beautifully. I rated this 2/5 stars (simply because I didn’t want the product but if you’re looking for a new crease/blending brush this one is great).

  • Pure Brazilian – Daily Anti-Frizz Serum

I was happy to see that this was in my glam bag because I always struggle with frizzy hair, but especially in the hotter months! I have a leave-in conditioner by Pure Brazilian and I love how smooth and shiny it makes my hair, so I was hopeful when trying this. The directions say to apply a quarter size amount onto towel dried hair from root to tip. I think I applied it while my hair was still too wet because it made my hair even more frizzy when I woke up the next morning! I tried using it again, but this time I waited until my hair was a bit more dry, and it still made my hair pretty frizzy. The only good thing about this serum is that it makes my hair softer.  I’m not sure if it didn’t work for me because of my hair type (wavy/curly) but I was disappointed in this product overall. I rated this 2/5 stars.

  • Purlisse Beauty – Matcha Green Tea + Lemon Detoxifying Charcoal Mask

I prefer wash-off masks over sheet masks (which I have a lot of), so I was ok with receiving this product. I like that it is a detoxifying charcoal mask because I have found that using products containing charcoal works pretty great for my skin.  As I was applying this face mask, I realized that it included tiny beads meant to exfoliate the skin.  I am always hesitant to try exfoliants because I had a bad experience when I tried exfoliating my skin a while ago. I don’t know if I was being too rough, or if I just wasn’t using the right products, but ever since, I’ve been a bit nervous to exfoliate. I tried to be super careful when applying this onto my face. I let it sit for around 10 minutes, and then I washed it off with warm water. I’d say that I didn’t really care for the smell, and I would like it even more if it were just a face mask and not a combination of a face mask and exfoliant! I rated this 3/5 stars.

  • Tarte – SEA H2O Gloss Lip Gloss in Below Deck (my pick)

I absolutely LOVE the brand Tarte, so when I saw that I could choose this item for myself, I was excited! The color is absolutely stunning, and it is perfect for summer. The gloss is not too sticky, and it doesn’t have an incredibly strong scent. I typically go for lipsticks over glosses but because I love the brand, I wanted to try it out! The one downside to this product is the fact that it is a pretty small sample size! I rated this 4/5 stars.

Let me know what you received in your May glam bags in a comment below! As always, thank you so much for reading!

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What’s In My April Ipsy Glam Bag

I always look forward to receiving my glam bags, however this is especially true lately. Being stuck at home all the time due to the COVID-19 pandemic is difficult some days. Not going to lie, online shopping and beauty subscriptions like Ipsy have been boosting my mood a lot lately!

So, this month, the theme was “full bloom”. Ipsy wanted its members to get glam for the spring time, and I am all about it! I absolutely adore this months bag! The floral design is perfect for spring, and the lilac and pink are gorgeous. I also love the circular wooden zipper. While I do love the design, I did not really love the products I received this month. I rated my overall bag a 2/5 stars. As usual, I did not peek at what I was going to receive until I actually got the bag in the mail (I like to be surprised)!

Inside the glam bag:

So, this is the product I chose to receive this month! I was in need of a new setting powder, so when I saw this I knew I needed to try it. I never feel like I have much to say when it comes to setting powders, but I do like this one a lot! With loose powders, I feel like I am never applying too much, which is good. I rated this 4/5 stars.

I had a VERY bad experience using a face scrub in the past. As someone who has struggled with acne, I have learned that facial scrubs are NOT my friend. I once tried using a facial scrub and brush to exfoliate and well, it made my acne flare up and spread. I was hesitant to use this product, so I applied a tiny bit to my fingers and very gently applied this on my face. I don’t plan on using it often, though it is gentle compared to other exfoliants I’ve tried. I rated this 2/5 stars (mostly because I am not a fan of face scrubs).

I do not really use face masks very often, but when I do, I definitely prefer the kind you can wash off! I love the fact that this one is gold! I haven’t really had a chance to use it, but I don’t think that I will have an issue with it. I will hold off on rating this for now.

I was really excited to try out this mascara because I have heard great things about this brand. I really like the wand of this mascara, however the product itself is not my favorite. I found that it gave my lashes a very natural look. It did lengthen them a bit, but it really did not give me the volume I like. I think this mascara is perfect for a more natural/everyday makeup look. I will continue to use this product, but it is not a favorite of mine. I rated this 3/5 stars.

I used to use liquid eyeliner ALL THE TIME. Now, I rarely ever use it; partly because I still struggle to create the perfect wings, but also because it can be really difficult to take off. I didn’t really want to use this product, but I did swatch it on my hand. It appeared to be very pigmented, though I am not sure how long it would last. I tried a mascara by this brand last month and it was not the best. If I do decide to use liquid eyeliner soon, I will try this one out, however I was not thrilled to receive this. I rated this 3/5 stars.

Sadly, this months bag was not the best for me, however I am excited to see what I get in my May glam bag! Let me know what you received in your April glam bags in a comment below! Thank you for reading!

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Fresh Face for Spring: My Skincare + Everyday Makeup Routine

It has taken me quite a while to get a solid skincare routine down. Even now, my routine is not perfect (so don’t judge too harshly). I have found quite a few products that I have fallen in love with and I wanted to share them with you today! I am not only going to be sharing my skincare routine with you, but also a very simple and fresh makeup look for the spring time!

Since I have been staying home due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, I rarely wear makeup. I like to get glammed up once a week for fun (and for pictures). What I’ve noticed is just how clear my skin is getting! I think that it is a combination of not wearing makeup and using the right products for my skin. I have struggled with acne since I was about 12 years old, and I am 20 now. While in school or working, I like to wear a bit of makeup because I feel that I look more presentable and it gives me a bit of confidence. I also do it to cover up my blemishes. I think I’ve finally realized what part of the problem is… my skin HATES makeup. For someone who loves makeup so much, this realization has been frustrating, to say the least!

I’ve been taking much better care of my skin now. I change my pillow case frequently, I clean my makeup brushes once a week, I try not to touch my face, and I’ve been using some amazing skincare products.

My skincare routine:

If I am wearing makeup, I normally take it off once I am home for the day (this is usually earlier than when I do my full skincare routine). Anytime I see people rubbing their skin harshly to either remove or apply their makeup, a part of me is cringing! Honestly though, I used to do this too. Now I try to be super careful. After removing my makeup, I will usually cleanse my face quickly because I feel like it helps to remove whatever makeup is left on my skin. Then, if I feel like my skin needs it, I’ll apply a bit of moisturizer or hydrating cream.

Now onto my daily routine! As I mentioned, my skincare routine is not perfect, and I am still learning. This is just what I like to do!

At night, after washing my face in the shower, I like to use an acne cleanser. My favorite is the Bioré Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser. This does dry out my skin a bit, so it is important that I hydrate!

 Next, I use my new favorite cleanser by Youth to the People. It is the Kale and Green Tea Spinach Vitamins Superfood Cleanser. I have been loving this product lately, so I wanted to share it with you! This product smells so good (the best way I can describe it is fresh), and I truly feel that it does an amazing job of deeply cleansing my skin. I highly recommend trying this product out for yourself!

The next step is serum. I got this serum trio from Artnaturals. I have spoken about this brand on my blog before, but I had never tried their skincare products! I was excited to try these out and they did NOT disappoint! This trio comes with a Vitamin C serum (reduces wrinkles, fine lines and dark circles), a Retinol Serum (age defying), and a hydrating serum (moisturizing). I wasn’t sure what to expect , and to be honest I did not have high hopes. It is safe to say that I have fallen head over heels with this trio. My blemishes are disappearing, the texture of my skin has improved, and I truly feel like my skin is glowing. And this is after only 2 weeks of using the serums! I believe that the retinol serum has helped me the most, but I enjoy using the other 2 as well. I use the retinol serum at night. I absolutely love these products, and I would recommend them to everyone!

Occasionally, I will apply face oil next (I do not do this too often though). I have been using the face oil by Go-To Skincare. Typically, after this I will apply a moisturizer. My favorite one at the moment is the Dr. Frog Water Fullcharge All In One. This moisturizer is amazing, and it has quickly become a part of my everyday routine. I gently blend this into my skin and I bring it down to my neck as well. This does not have a very strong scent, but it is subtle and it smells nice. This product makes my skin INCREDIBLY soft, and it feels refreshing and hydrating. This is another product I would recommend!

After, I will move onto my eyes. Lately, I have been using both an eye serum as well as an eye cream (sometimes I’ll use one or the other). I have pretty dark under eye circles, but because of my big eyes, I feel like I have always had them! I don’t believe that anything can necessarily get rid of under eye circles, but there are products that may lessen the appearance. I have been using the Dermadeli Nourishing Eye Serum. I don’t have much to say about this product because I have not seen a difference yet. I apply a tiny drop of this and very gently dab this under and around my eyes. Then I go in with my Murad Renewing Eye Cream and once again, gently dab this under my eyes.

In the morning, I don’t like to go too crazy. I will first wash my face with my Bioré acne cleanser. Then I use the Artnaturals Vitamin C Serum, and follow up with the Moisturizing serum!

My fresh face makeup routine:

Now, I know I said that my skin has been clearing up and I really do believe not wearing makeup has been a major help! However, I did want to share a simple, fresh makeup look today. This look is perfect for those warm spring days.

  • First, I like to prime my eyelids to keep the shadow on all day long. On days when I am doing a natural look, I will either not apply eyeshadow, or I’ll apply a very neutral color. Today, I decided to wear a single eyeshadow by Phase Zero, in the shade “Banana Beige”. This is the perfect color to brighten up the eyes without overdoing it, and it adds a bit of sparkle! I simply applied this all over my lids, and lightly blended it up into my crease.
  • Then, I curled my lashes and I took one of my absolute favorite mascaras, the Maybelline Lash Sensational Curvitude mascara in black. I applied this to my top and bottom lashes. What I love about this mascara is the fact that it makes my lashes very long, but it does not give me too much volume. It appears very natural, and I love the look of long, natural lashes.
  • Next, I used my Hydra Veil face primer by the brand Illamasqua. I applied my go-to foundation, the Maybelline Fit Me foundation, with a sponge. If you have a BB Cream or a Tinted Moisturizer, I would actually recommend this. It is much lighter than foundation, so If I had one, that is what I would use instead! I then applied my loose setting powder by YC Collection, and I sweeped this across my face.
  • I have been obsessed with cream highlighters lately, and this was my next step. I love nothing more than a blinding highlighter, and this one does the job perfectly in my opinion. I used my highlighter by the brand Flesh, in the shade “Pinky” and applied it right above my cheekbones, my brow bones, the inner corners of my eyes, and the tip of my nose.
  • I then took a blush by Kaleido Cosmetics in the shade “Primadonna” and brushed this onto the apples of my cheeks. I love this shade because it is the most beautiful pink. It is not too light or too dark, and it gives me glowing, rosy cheeks.
  • I applied some chapstick, and then took one of my favorite glosses by Vasanti Cosmetics in the shade “Super Mom”. I love doing a glossy lip when I do natural makeup looks. It also added to the glow that I was going for!
  • Lastly, I sprayed my Pixi by Petra Glow Mist to complete the look!

That is it for the fresh, glowy makeup look! It is very simple, and it literally took me 5 minutes to do!

Thank you so much for reading! If you try any of the skincare or makeup products, let me know what you think! Until next time!