Monthly Must Haves - June

Hey Beauty Gems -

It's me, AngBeauty411, here with another monthly wrap up of my "can't do without em'" products of the month. Time is flying....just when the weather is getting good! I just don't understand. I'm trying to hold on to summer with every ounce of my being. Just a tad late on getting this posted.  I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July!!

Urban Decay Naked Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Foundation - Lately I've been going back and forth with foundations.  It's been a struggle trying to find the "one" for summer. UD Naked Foundation has been my fav for the month of June.  If you want a foundation that's not heavy, gives you light to medium coverage and has a natural look...this is a perfect pick.  Although I'm more of a full coverage girl, summer heat quickly dictates that less is more. UD Naked foundation is a great for everyday wear and for days your going to battle warm temperatures.  It stands true with giving you great coverage and lasting power throughout the day.

NYX Slim Lip Pencil in Purple Rain & Orange - With all the bright colors I've been rocking this summer, lip pencils are a must have.  Nothing curbs lip color running amuck than some lip liner.  Organizing my lip products, I started using my NYX pencils I brought this spring.

The colors immediately jumped out at me. They're vibrant, long lasting and blend well with many lip colors. Did I mention that they're also relatively inexpensive as well????

Revlon ColorStay Moisture Stain in Shaghai Sizzle - Just can't enough of orange this summer.  My new love is Revlon's Shaghai sizzle. It's moisturizing, non-drying, great color and leaves a beautiful color stain.  I love it, one of my go to lip colors for summer so far.

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Extreme Wear Nail Color in Pacific Blue -  I was watching a Friday Favorites and Flops video by You Tube's own MsLolaLynn and she was talking about SH polish in Pacific Blue (2 nails have the Sephora Formula X Top Coat in Chaotic).  I brought this a while back and it was just sitting on my shelf for months. This inspired me to pull it out. I've been rockin it every since.

This color looks great with indoor lighting and has amazing brightness outdoors.  I literally just fell in love with this all over again. Perfect for all skin tones.  The picture makes the polish look alot darker than it actually is.  NOTE:  Sally Hansen has changed the color of this polish; the new shade is a metallic dark blue. If you find this in stores, be sure to grab the ORIGINAL color and not the new one.  Sally Hansen....please go back to the original formula(color)...the new one is not even close to the original.

Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Nourishing Styling Treatment -  For my course, dry hair, this treatment is amazing. A versatile product that can be used  to soften, moisturize and tame unruly hair.  I primarily use this on my damp hair after washing and before using my hair tools to style. This treatment is infused with Argan and Sunflower oils to smooth and protect hair from dryness and frizz. I purchased this protect during Ulta's Love My Hair Event.  From first use, it blew me away with the captivating smell and softness it gave my hair.  I love it so much that I want to try out the shampoo and conditioner from this product line.

Bath and Body Works Semi Annual Sale - You've seen my recent hauls and know I'm head over heels for this sale.  Some of the best times of year to shop till you drop. Unfortunately, the sale has ended....whaaaaaa!!!  Look on the bright side, you can begin preparing yourself for the next semi-annual sale (end of the year).  If you want to cash in on some last minute deals, do it ASAP cause time is running out!!!

That concludes my list of monthly must haves for June.  Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend and as always....happy shopping!!!

ikatehouse Haul

Hello Beauty Gems!!

It's another start to a new work week. Fortunately, this is a holiday week so many of you have short weeks or are on vacation. Either way, be sure to get out to enjoy the beautiful weather and holiday festivities. Just wanted to quickly share a mini haul from ikatehouse.  My package just arrived today and I'm so so excited. Specifically, I was able to get my hands on a new product that's getting alot of buzz.  So let's dig into it.

I probably should have called this the "L.A. Girl Haul". Most of the items purchased are from this brand. What I was dying to get my hands on were the L.A. Girl Glazed Lip Paints. I've seen a few reviews on this product and heard great things so far.  I'll be sure to test these out over the holiday weekend. I purchased the full set of all shades (6 total) for $15.99. Individually, each lip paint is $2.99 each.

While checking my collection, I noticed that I didn't have alot of bright colored lip pencils.  I decided to pick up the S.he Waterproof Eye & Lip Pencils.  I purchased the lip pencils in purple, orange, violet, rose and purple glitter. Each pencil retails for $1.00 each.

I was running low on my L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer in Fawn and picked up a new one.  This is my every day go-to undereye concealer (which I love).  These concealers are only $1.99 each.

I was also running low on drugstore foundations.  This time, I wanted to try something new. Since I love the concealer so much, I decided to give the L.A. Girl Perfecting Liquid Foundation a try.  I wasn't sure about the color so I purchased 2 (Mahogany and Cocoa). Another new product I can test this weekend. The foundation are $4.99 each.

To wrap up my mini haul, I also purchased the L.A. Girl Ultimate Pressed Powder.  Again, unsure how the colors would look I purchased 2 (Espresso and  Warn Bronze). When I opened the compact, the colors look a little too light for my skin tone.  However, I'll incorporate them in with my liquid foundation (to set) and see how it works out. Each compact is only $4.99.

I'll be sure to get a full review of products up as soon as I can.  If you've tried any of these products, let me know your thoughts.  Share your comments below.  Enjoy the rest of your day beauties.  Until next time....happy shopping!!!

It's GlossyBox Time!!! - May/June Edition

Hey Beauty Gems!!

I'm way overdue with this post.. Soo I jumped on the bandwagon and subscribed to GlossyBox. Since I temporarily cancelled my Birchbox subscription, I wanted to try something new. When I checked out the website, I saw that Bergdorf Goodman was being featured in one the monthly boxes.  My fingers were crossed that it would be my first box....it so it was...ahhhhhhh!

So first and foremost here's what the box looked like when I received it.....I love the beautiful lavender color. Overall, the box and packaging has a very clean and classic look.  For me, the smallest touches make for the best packaging. So let's get into it shall we.......

First I opened the Bergdorf Goodman $25 gift card.  All of the subscription boxes for this month only included a $25 gift card for Bergdorf Goodman.  Things are starting off great!!! Next I immediately focused on the Revive Insensite Voluminizing Eye Serum. The description of this product says...."This advanced formula helps visibly plump, rebuild volume and re-contour the delicate eye area. Significantly diminishes the look of dark circles and under-eye bags, making eyes look younger, brighter and illuminated." Wow, that was a mouthful.

I must say, I'm always a little skeptical of products that "claim" to do so many things.  However, with high-end products, the expectation to do just that is there. And might I add for the full size (a 2.5 oz. container), this product retails for a whopping $350.00!!! Yes, all those zeros was not a typing error.  I'm glad to have the opportunity to try a high-end product.  However, I can say without doubt that I will not be purchasing the full-size (even if I won the lottery or some cash sweepstakes winnings).

The next product I noticed was the Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer.  

The claim is..."Scientifically formulated to allow your makeup to "automatically" glide over the skin. Auto Pilot helps to prime and soothe the complexion for that flawless finish and helps makeup last even longer. The box contained 7 individual packets of primer.  The regular retail price is $45 for 1.7 oz.  Again, something I would only considering purchasing full-size if amazing results were seen and received.

Also included was the Lancer Lift Serum Intense Stem Cell Recovery Complex.  

The serum claims to "Utilize pure gold and stem cell recovery complex, as exclusive plant cell compound that delivers firming and lifting effects to the skin." Regular retail prices if $275.00/ .85 oz. bottle.

One product I am very excited to try is the Hourglass Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara. 

This mascara claims to volumize, lenghten, separates and conditions lashes. Hourglass has been in the spotlight over the last year for their incredible luminizing blushes and face powders. I've been trying out alot of mascaras and interested to see how this stands out.

Nothing completes a monthly subscription box without hair care products.  

Alterna Cavier CC Cream claims to deliver the following benefits (moisturize, shine, smoothness, softness, UV protection, manageability, strength, anti-breakage, heat protection, and light hold). That's alot to hold up to. I can say that if this product stands true to this claim, I will be interested in purchasing it (regular retail price $25/2.5 oz size).

We'll round out this box with the Atelier Rose Anonyme Cologne Absolue.  

I'm not a fan of this fragrance however, others may like it.  The description of this scent is "notes of spicy ginger, enwrapped in sultry veil of velvet oud, Indonesian patchouli, mystic papyrus and Somalian incense." The full size of this cologne is 3.4 oz for $140.00.

So far I'm really liking the Revive Eye Serum and NP Skin Primer.  The verdict is still out on the other products.  Overall I'm very impressed with my first glossy box.   I skipped the current month to try a few other subscription boxes.  I'm anxiously awaiting my July box.

If you're interested in learning more about GlossyBox, visit their website at www.glossybox.com .

I'll keep you gems posted if there's any spectacular products in this box.  Until next time, take care and happy shopping!!!

My Two Cents: Kat Von D Monarch Palette

Hello Beauty Gems -

Happy Tuesday!  Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Welcome to another edition of My Two Cents. For those of you that are new to my blog...WELCOME!!! Any in-depth reviews I post about various products I refer to as "My Two Cents".  Basically, I give you the good, bad and ugly about products I've used.

A while back, I posted a My Two Cents review for the KVD Chrysalis palette (if you haven't seen it, check it out here). As promised, here's my review on the sister palette.... the Monarch. The Monarch palette contains warm colors versus the Chrysalis palette which contains mostly cool tone colors.
Similar to the Chrysalis, you have the same beautiful and intricate palette design.  One thing I absolutely love is how much precision KVD puts into the product design.  It's make the product that more attractive and unique. Many of the KVD palettes are little works of art, I think.

Inside the palette you have a nice size mirror with detailed bordering.  The palette also has a magnetic closure for ease with storage and travel.  The palette has a little weight and thickness to it but not too much. With this palette, you receive a total of 12 colors.  The description on the back of the palette says "Keep your look ever-changing, highlight eyes with 3 textural bases and accentuate with 9 transformative colors." That description couldn't be more accurate.  The 9 eye shadows can be used with other colors to create new color variations.  Alot of KVD palettes contain colors that are transitional shades which I love.   This gives you the option to create numerous looks within one palette.

Let's get started with the first set of shades (from left to right): Wrath (deep pearl orange), Papilio (pearl chocolate), Summerfly (glitter gold) and Entomology (matte cream).  Wrath is a beautiful, burnt orange color with flecks of gold. It's perfect as a crease color or on the eyelid. Papilio is gorgeous chocolate color that works wells a crease color and on the outer lid. Summerfly is one of those colors that can pair perfectly with other colors however, it's amazing on it's own. While it's described as a glitter gold, it's just enough glitter that a little can give you a great effect.

The next set of shades (from left to right): Killing Jar (pearl copper), Delaney (pearl silver), Vanish (matte taupe) and Telepathy (pearl gold). In the palette, Killing Jar looks more like a shimmery peach color.  While it does have peachy color effect, it's shows more like a light wash of peachy-pink pearl. Delaney is more like an brownish silver. Vanish is a great all over or crease color to blend out harsh lines. Telepathy can make any eye pop.  This beautiful gold can be used in so many ways.  What I love most is that you can utilize it with a number of different color combinations. 

Here are the last set of shades (left to right): Disintegration (pearl brown), Shadow box (matte chocolate), Deadhead (matte black) and Tiny Death (glitter cream). Disintegration is more of a muted pearl brown.  It's versatile in that you can wear this color as a light wash or more dramatically with added color. Shadow box is a gorgeous matte brown.  A great alternative if you want a dark color (outer "V" or lining the eyes) but not necessarily black.  What can I say about Deadhead? It's just a full punch black (deep and truly pigmented). Last but no least is Tiny Death.  Tiny Death reminds me more of a matte (as a swatch) but creamy when applied to the eye.     

What I love about this palette:

• Beautiful warm tone colors that will compliment any skin complexion. This is also a palette with colors you can wear year round.
• Quality and pigmentation is superb.  Using a eye shadow base with these colors is optional.  Alone they are just as vibrant and long-lasting. Shadow bases only give these colors even more vibrancy and life. 
• Creamy smooth texture -  These shadows apply like butter.  The lightest hand can apply great color coverage with little to no effort.
• Very little fallout....the texture is so buttery soft that there is some fallout but very little. 

I'm very happy that I purchased both the Chrysalis and Monarch palettes. However, for those of you trying to decide and want a palette that can be used for many looks, warm toned based and great quality...KVD Monarch palette is a great option.  

The KVD Monarch retails for $46 and is available online at Sephora and in Sephora stores. That concludes My Two Cents for now.  If you have both or either one of the KVD palettes, let me know your thoughts? How does it compare to some of your other high end palettes.

As always, stay in the know by following me via Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest @AngBeauty411.  Enjoy the rest of your day and as always...happy shopping!

Bath & Body Works Semi Annual Sale - Mega Haul

Hello Beauty Gems -

So as some of you may have seen last week....I posted a picture on Twitter my first B&BW haul...I was so excited to post my haul that I started a blog post right away.  Had everything ready to post and guess what??? I deleted the draft......uuugghhhhh!!  So suffice it to say, I was extremely frustrated. However, it worked out for the best.

I actually put in an order online and received my shipment a few days ago. I've been doing some serious shopping. I really only do my biggest shopping at B&BW during the semi annual sales.  It's the best times of the year to stock up on all your favorite B&BW products. I'm going to list all the products I purchased below with pricing and links to the B&BW website.

Let's get into it.....

I purchased the following from my in-store trip to B&BW (shown in the pic above):

London Tulips and Raspberry Tea Triple Moisture Body Cream  - Regular price $12.50; Sale price $3.12

London Tulips and Raspberry Tea Shower Gel - Regular price $12.50; Sale price $3.13

London Tulips and Raspberry Tea Fine Fragrance Mist - Regular price $14.00; Sale price $3.50

Violet Lily Sky Triple Moisture Body Cream - Regular price $12.50; Sale price $3.13

Violet Lily Sky Fine Fragrance Mist - Regular price $14.00; Sale price $3.50

Violet Lily Sky Shower Gel - Regular price $12.50; Sale price $3.12

Pear Blossom Air Triple Moisture Body Cream - Regular price $12.50; Sale price $3.13

Pear Blossom Shower Gel - Regular price $12.50; Sale price $3.13

Morocco Orchid & Pink Amber Eau de Parfum- Regular price $8.50; Sale price $2.13

Morocco Orchid & Pink Amber Fragrance Mist - Regular price $6.00; Sale price $1.50

Morocco Orchid & Pink Amber Shower Gel - Regular price $12.50; Sale price $3.12

I also purchased the Peach Bellini candle and a few hand soaps.

Here's a list of what I purchased online:

Hawaii Passionfruit Kiss Fine Fragrance Mist - Regular Price $14.00; Sale price $5.60

Hawaii Passionfruit Kiss Triple Moisture Body Cream - Regular price $12.50; Sale price $5.00

Hawaii Passionfruit Kiss Shower Gel - Regular price $12.50; Sale price $3.20

Paris Amour Shower Gel - Regular price $11.00; Sale price $4.40

Citrus Orchid Chill Shower Gel -  Regular price $11.00; Sale price $3.20

Citrus Orchid Chill Body Lotion - Regular price $11.00; Sale price $3.20

Wild Citrus Sunflower Shower Gel - Regular price $11.00; Sale price $3.20

Wild Citrus Sunflower Body Lotion -  Regular price $0.00; Sale price $3.20

Malibu Heat Shower Gel - Regular price $11.00; Sale price $3.20

Malibu Heat Body Lotion  - Regular price $11.00; Sale price $3.20

Mango Mandarin Shower Gel - Regular price $0.00; Sale price $2.20

Mango Mandarin Triple Moisture Body Cream - Regular price $12.50; Sale price $2.40

Mango Mandarin Fragrance Mist - Regular price $0.00; Sale price $2.40

So as you can see, I cashed in on some great deals. The semi annual sales usually run for about 2 weeks (or while supplies last). If you're going to take advantage of this sale, a few things to keep in mind:

• Shopping online....check out EBates -  While your cashing in on deals, why not get some cash back.  EBates offers cash back just by shopping with hundreds of various merchants. All it takes is just signing up for an account, searching for your favorite store, follow the store link and start shopping (right now, EBates is offering 1.5% cash back on all purchases from Bath & Body Works)

• Coupons, Coupons, Coupons - Each time you make a purchase from B&BW, you receive coupons. Those coupons add up (some you can use right away).  Make sure you keep track of all your coupons and don't leave home without them!!

• Daily Deals - During the sale, B&BW will offer 24 hr deals.  If you don't want to sign up for the daily email alerts, check the B&BW website daily before you shop.  

That's a wrap for me for now gems.  Be sure to stay tuned for the latest and greatest in all things beauty by following me via Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook @AngBeauty411.  Enjoy the rest of your evening and as always....happy shopping!!

It's Ipsy Time - June Edition

Hello Beauty Gems -

Welcome Back!!!  Can you believe how fast time is flying???  June is a little more than halfway over so you. I'm a little late with my post.  I received my bag in the mail a week ago. So let's dig into it....

So as you've seen in my previous post, Ipsy is featuring different artist with the Ipsy bag design.  This month's bag is designed by Rebecca Minkoff.  I love the design of this bag...perfect for summer.  I think this is one of my favorite bags so far.

The first item I spotted in my bag was the NYX Butter Gloss in Apple Strudel.  If you haven't already heard the hype about NYX butter glosses, listen up now.  These glosses are smooth, non-sticky, have great color (not too pigmented; a medium wash of color), and smell so so good.  Adding this to my collection, I think I have 4 of them.

NYX offers butter glosses in a range of 22 different shades.  I'm really into the orange/coral trend lately so this will pair perfectly with some of my summer looks. NYX butter glosses retail for approximately $4.99 each.

My bag also included a full size Be a Bombshell Lash Out Mascara. Ipsy seems to include Be a Bombshell products in almost every one of their monthly subscriptions. I've liked some of their products. However, sometimes I just want to switch it up.

Perfect timing because I've been on a mascara kick lately. The product description says " A rich pigmented mascara with a lengthening formula that offers a multidimensional look."  This product retails for $15.

The one product I was really interested in trying was the Clarisea Sea Salt Solutions Face Rapid Detox Charcoal Exfoliant.  This is probably by far one of the most unique skincare products I've ever used.

The instructions say to mix with your favorite facial cleanser for extra blackhead clearing kick. Primary benefits of this product are:

• Blackhead control
• Natural Exfoliation
• Pore purging & minimizing
• Daily cleansing & light exfoliation

This product retails for $18.

Next, we have the NickaK Shimmer Eyeliner in Blue (NF004).  This liquid eyeliner is a beautiful, metallic teal color.

With just the swatch on my hand, I noticed the applicator (more firm than most; not sure if it's actually plastic or not). For most, that may work well allowing for a more precise application.  I allowed the color to set. When I tried to remove the liner with a small drop of water, it did come off but still left some color (shown in the picture below). So we know it's not waterproof.

However, I'm still impressed by the pigmentation.  I'll definitely be trying this out very soon. This eyeliner comes in 14 colors and retails for $4.99.

Last but not least is the Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray.  I used this for the first time yesterday and really liked it.

The product description says "Create sexy, tousled beach waves all year long".  The spray smells amazing (fresh coconut scent) and gives great results.  I only used a little (on my hair dry) and used my fingers to scrunch up my hair.  I could feel the hold it gave to my waves (which scared me at first).  However, I was able to easily run a hairbrush through my hair with ease. The full size bottle (which is 4.25 fl oz), retails for $8.99.  Ulta's website currently has this item on sale (Buy one get one free).


Overall, I was very pleased with this month's bag. Most of these items will go to good use.  Keep your eyes peeled for the latest and greatest with all things beauty via Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest @AngBeauty411.  Have a wonderful day and as always....happy shopping!!!

What I'm Loving....Lorac Tantalizer Baked Bronzer

Hey Hey Hey Beauty Gems -

How are my lovely gems doing today?  Hope your week has been a good one so far. I've been busy as usual but not too crazy. So it's that time of the week again. Here's another edition of "What I'm Loving". This week I've been loving the Lorac Tantalizer Baked Bronzer.  Here's the 411 on why I love it:

This baked bronzer is superb for giving you that extra glow. It's summer and most of us want to have that sun kissed glow.  This baked bronzer gives you just that.  I purchased this product as part of a set.  I've had it for months and just recently started using it.  What a hidden treasure this was. Another plus for this product is the pigmentation. Although baked products are more pigmented than most, there are a few that just don't measure up.  However, this does with just the smallest amount of product. Here's a few more things to note:

• Versatility -  Since I'm a darker complexion, I solely use this product as a highlight.  Let me tell you, it's wonderful.  With just a little amount of product applied to my cheekbones, I get an instant glow. The pictures below don't even do it justice.  

 

• Quality - Most of your makeup will wear down throughout the day. This baked bronzer has great staying power....(usually last 6-8 hours on me even on the hottest days).

The product itself retails for $32. However, you can get the travel-size baked bronzer as part of the Back to Bronze Collection (which includes 4 other stellar products and a cute travel bag) for only $36.  Give this product a good test run before investing in the larger size. 

I've used a few different bronzer/highlighters.  Gems, this is my "golden goodness" this summer. Both the Tantalizer Baked Bronzer and Back to Bronze Collection are available on the Lorac and Ulta websites as well as Ulta stores.  

What are some of your favorite bronzers this season?  Have any of you tried the Lorac Tantalizer Baked Bronzer?  If so, what did you think?  Share your 411 in the comments section. 

Well gems that concludes this week's segment.  Don't forget to stay tuned for the latest and greatest by following me via Twitter, Pinterest and now Facebook @AngBeauty411.