Review: Ardency Inn Modster Manuka Honey Enriched Pigments in Heaven & Hell

Hello everyone! I'm sorry it's been a little while since I posted anything. I had work throughout the whole Memorial Day weekend and was just too tired to do anything else really. My last day at work is this Saturday (YAY!) so expect a ton more posts from me starting next week! Today's review is going to be on the Adrency Inn Manuka Honey Pigments in the shades Heaven and Hell. I've been really intrigued by this brand lately and was really excited to try these out.

Here is a bit of information about these pigments, taken from Sephora:

What it is:
A collection of organic and mineral pressed pigments enriched with mānuka honey.

What it does:
MODSTER Mānuka Honey Enriched Pigments come in a beautiful assortment of everyday and editorial shades with finishes ranging from matte to metallic. Each shade was inspired by the lifestyle of music artists who use makeup as a way of expression on stage and look effortlessly beautiful off stage.

Superior color payoff is achieved through sky-high levels of pigments reaching up to 78 percent depending on the shade. High-grade silicon waxes provide ultralong-lasting wear, even without an eye primer.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Phthalates

What else you need to know
Mānuka Honey, a mono-floral honey produced in New Zealand and Australia from the nectar of the mānuka tree, was used for the first time in a color cosmetic formulation to provide unmatched creaminess and glide-on application.  

These pigments seem like they're really tiny and in each pan you get 0.06 ounces of product. I compared them to an Urban Decay single shadow and was shocked to see that you get 0.05 ounces of product from UD, as it looks bigger in the little compact. The price of each of these Ardency Inn singles is $21 while UD is $20, so it's comparable. 

Heaven is described as a metallic champagne with silver and bronze undertones. I think this color is really beautiful all over the lid and it's super pigmented.

Hell is described as a grey pearl with a slight red undertone. The red undertone is barely noticeable to me, but when it catches the light a certain way, it does stand out a bit more. Again, this is very pigmented and beautiful on the lid. 

While I'm a fan of these shadows and want a few more shades, I don't find the colors to be that unique. You can probably find cheaper dupes of these somewhere. I do really love how pigmented these are and they apply nicely on the eyes, which is the main reason I want more. I've read reviews that say there is lots of fallout, but for me, that was not the case. I find these have a slightly creamy feel and they also last quite a while on my lids, but I do use a primer. You can also dampen whatever brush you're using, and that makes the shadows pop even more. I find these to be a bit pricey for what they are, but since these are neutral shades, I will get use out of them for sure. They have a beautiful rose gold shade that I've been dying to get my hands on for months now, but they're always sold out!

Have you tried these pigments before, or anything else from Ardency Inn?

Review: Boscia Charcoal Pore-Minimizing Hydrogel Mask

Hey guys! Today I have a review of one of Boscia's new peel-off gel sheet masks, the Charcoal Pore-Minimizing Mask. I was out shopping with my husband and naturally we took a trip to Sephora and he let me treat myself (again) before I leave my job on May 30th. So stayed tuned for yet another haul post coming very soon! Anyways, lets see if I liked this mask!

Here is a bit of info taken from the Sephora site:

What it is:
A pore-minimizing hydrogel mask blended with bamboo charcoal, a natural element with deep-cleansing properties.

What it is formulated to do:
This hydrogel mask cleanses the skin—reducing the appearance of pores as it removes blackheads and whiteheads—giving the complexion a renewed look. Enriched with bamboo charcoal to help draw out blackheads, it expels toxins and minimizes the appearance of pores to leave the skin soft, refined, and revived.  

What else you need to know:
This product is pH-balanced, naturally-deep cleaning, and contains 100 percent vegetable fiber. It is free of preservatives, artificial fragrance, color, ethanol alcohol, and gluten. It is dermatologist tested and vegan-friendly.

Sorry for scaring ya'll with my face!

I was so intrigued with these masks when I first saw them. I was never one for those sheet masks that you peel off your face after you use them, but this one is in gel form, which makes it a bit easier to use. It also comes in two separate pieces, one for your forehead and nose area, and the other is for the bottom half of your face. I definitely liked that concept because I always have issues with sheet masks not fitting properly and I end up having to take it off and do it over. I opened the package and it was really goopy with product so I figured it would actually do something. It was really easy to apply onto the skin, thanks to it being in those two pieces. It also fit my face pretty well, which never really happens. After it's applied, you leave it on for 15-20 minutes. In those minutes I had it on, it was sliding all over the damn place, especially the bottom half. The part between my nose and upper lip kept falling onto my lips and I'd have to constantly move it back into place. I was even laying down on the couch to try and make it stay, but that didn't work for some reason. The one plus side is that it feels really nice on your skin. It's cooling and a bit tingly, but not irritating. After you take it off, you're supposed to rub whatever serum is on your face into your skin completely. I did follow up with another serum and moisturizer, and was happy to have it off my face. I didn't really notice any results from this mask, even when I woke up in the morning after using this. For $8 per mask, I do find that to be quite pricey. I say save your money on this and spend a bit more on the Origins Clear Improvement mask, which does have charcoal in it. 

Have you tried this particular mask, or other masks like it?

Review: Amara Organics Retinol Serum

*Disclosure* This product was provided complimentary for review thanks to BrandBacker. All opinions are 100% honest and my own, like always!

Hello everyone! Today is the third and last review of the trio of skincare products I was given to try out from Amara Organics, and it's their Retinol Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E. 

Here is a bit about the product, taken from the Amara Organics site:

Retinol is the #1 dermatologist-recommended anti-aging ingredient for a reason, because it works! One dermatologist revealed she can always tell when patients have been using Retinol because their face has that telltale glow.

Retinol is clinically proven to not only work, but continue to work, providing better results the longer you use it. Extensive testing has shown significant improvement in fine lines and wrinkles as well as pigmentation in as little as 12 weeks. Skin continued to improve at the 6, 9, and 12 month marks.

Retinol = Results!

A tried and true age-fighting ingredient that actually works, Retinol is by the far the best thing you can do for your skin to combat the signs of aging. Retinol works on a molecular level to repair skin and stimulate collagen, resulting in firmer, smoother, wrinkle-free skin. Speeds up skin cell turnover, fading discoloration and improving texture to give your skin a healthy glow.

Our advanced blend of 2.5% retinol with moisturizing Hyaluronic Acid and Organic Jojoba Oil offers superior results with less irritation. Safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and can even be used around the eyes.

Also Great For Acne & Acne Scars

Retinol is an extremely effective acne treatment. It unclogs pores to clear up blemishes, reduce blackheads, and minimize pores. Prevents future breakouts by preventing dead skin cells from clogging pores. Also repairs elastin and stimulates collagen to fade acne scars.

Our Powerful Yet Gentle Retinol Serum Provides The Best Results:

-Repairs skin on a molecular level to erase fine lines and wrinkles
-Stimulates collagen for firmer, smoother skin
-Speeds up skin cell turnover to fade brown spots, discoloration, and acne scars
-Improves texture and tone for a smoother, softer, more radiant complexion
-Unclogs pores to clear up acne and prevent future breakouts

This has the consistency of a thin gel, that spreads evenly into the skin and sinks in completely after about 30 seconds. I didn't notice much after a couple days of use, but after about a week is when I noticed my skin looked brighter and more even. I don't have wrinkles but I can say that this has helped with some breakouts I've been having by making their life alot shorter. I still have large pores, but they seem more clear and don't get clogged up as fast. This serum only costs $19.95 for a 1 ounce bottle on the Amara Organics website. I think it's a very fair price because you only need one, maybe two pumps to get the job done.

Have you tried retinol serums/products before? What do you think of them?

May 2015 Ipsy Bag

Hello everyone! I received my Ipsy bag in the mail yesterday, which for me seems late. I usually get them pretty early and have it in my mailbox before I get the tracking code email. This time was different, but I'm actually happy with what I got, so that makes up for it!

The theme this month is called Jetsetter, so I guess it's based off travel-friendly products. I'm not a big travel person, but I will probably get use out of everything here. I think the bag is adorable this month! Ipsy sent out different designs on this canvas style bag, and mine says, VIP: Very Important Products. So cute, and I will most likely use this if I ever go anywhere, or just keep it in my purse. 

The first product I got is the Chella Eyebrow Color Pencil in the color Tantalizing Taupe. The color seems a little bit dark, but I think I can work with it. I don't typically use brow pencils, just clear gel to keep them in place, but I will give this a go and see if I like it. 

Next up is the Luxie Beauty Tapered Blending Eye Brush 205. I can never get enough of blending brushes, and this one feels so stinking soft! I can't wait to wash this and see if it's good. 

The Tarte Amazonian Clay Double Detox Facial Mask was a product I redeemed my points for. For such a tiny container, this cost me 500 points. I will probably only get 1 use out of this, so it better be a miracle worker for my skin!

Next is The Organic Pharmacy Double Rose Rejuvenating Face Cream. You all know I'm a skincare freak, so I can always use a good moisturizer. It says it's for all skin types but with it having shea butter and jojoba oil, it may be greasy for my oily skin. I will use it for sure, but probably only at night. 

The Not Your Mother's De Ja Vu 'Do Style Extender didn't seem that interesting at first. However, it comes in a red apple and berry scent, which is heavenly and I think I can just use it as a leave-in conditioner. It says it's supposed to block humidity and repel dirt and oil, so I'm definitely intrigued to see if it actually does that. 

The last product I received is the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Lip Pencil with 2 bonus samples of the Revolution High-Color Lipgloss. I love Urban Decay as a brand, but never really got into lining my lips. I'm definitely curious to try it out and I'm a lipgloss girl, so the little bonus samples were a nice surprise. 

Overall, I'm incredibly happy with this month's bag, even when I thought I wouldn't be. I can't wait to try everything and see what next month's bag will be like! If you're not subscribed to Ipsy, you can do so here with my referral link. You get 4-5 deluxe sized samples, with the occasional full-sized product, for only $10 a month plus shipping for some. Like I said, I'm surprisingly really happy with what I got, and I think Ipsy is just great. There are some months that are meh, but they typically make up for it at some point! 

If you're already subscribed to Ipsy, what did you get in your bag?

Review: Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Contour Palette

Hello everyone! Today I'm going to be reviewing the much talked about Kat Von D Shade + Light Eyeshadow palette. This has gotten so much buzz and has some great reviews. I had wanted it since before it came out and was able to snag it during the Sephora VIB sale back in April. 

The packaging is made of cardboard and has a magnetic closure set-up like the Monarch, Chrysalis and Innerstellar palettes. I have the Monarch and Innerstellar palettes, but honestly haven't used them nearly as much as this one. 

Here is a description of the palette from the Sephora site:

What it is:
An eye contouring palette featuring three color quads in neutral, cool, and warm shades.

What it does:
Transform your eyes through the art of contouring. After tapping into makeup pro secrets, Kat Von D created this first-of-its-kind eye shadow palette. It’s specially-designed for eye contouring, a groundbreaking technique once used only by beauty experts to define and enhance eyes. This palette features a gorgeous, versatile array of true contouring shades, arranged into three color quads—neutral, cool, and warm—to flatter every skintone.

Three large base shadows are arranged above three coordinating powders for contouring, defining, and highlighting. The palette includes an easy-to-follow contouring guide with step-by-step instructions for creating three different eye-opening techniques. Each velvety powder is blendable and buildable, and it features Kat Von D’s signature high-pigment, long-wear eye shadow formula, created to deliver rich color that lasts all day and all night.  

This is the neutral quad. The top large color is called Laetus which is a creamy nude. The other three colors are called Samael, a dusty fawn, Solas, an espresso brown, and Lucius, a soft beige. These are the colors I tend to use the most since they seem the most flattering for my fair skin. I'm in love with the shade Samael for my crease, and the two lightest shades are so close to my skin tone, so they're great for either highlighting or as an all over lid shade for a base. 

This is the middle, cool quad. The top color is called Lazarus, a cool taupe and the other colors are Saleos, a smoky brown, Shax, a jet black, and Liberatus, a pinkish ivory. I have yet to use Saleos and Shax, but I'm completely obsessed with using Lazarus as a transition shade. It's perfect for my skintone and I use it in conjunction with some of the warmer and neutral shades in this palette. 

This is the warm quad. I have to be careful using these shades because they can make me look sick if I don't use the colors right. The top color is Ludwin, a peachy bronze, and the other colors are Succubus, a rich rust, Sytry, a chocolate brown, and Latinus, a golden bisque. I'm surprised I like these colors! I really like using the color Succubus as an accent color on the outer third of my eyes, and Latinus is a good all over lid shade for me. 

Overall, I'm extremely happy I purchased this palette! It does cost $46 at Sephora which is pretty expensive, but I think it's completely worth it. There are endless combinations you can do using this and you don't have to stick with just using the cool tones or warm tones. Mix it up! That's what playing with makeup is about! These shades are pretty darn pigmented and I find them easy to work with and blend. There isn't much fallout either, which is a big bonus. I have to use a primer on my eyes, but these shadows last all day on me and still look good at the end of the day. I've been a huge fan of Kat Von D's makeup for years and she just keeps coming out with better products.

Have you tried this palette? What do you think of it?

Review: Covergirl The Super Sizer Mascara & Intensify Me! Liquid Liner

*Disclosure* I am a Brand Ambassador for Covergirl and was sent these products for review purposes. All opinions are 100% honest and my own, like always!

Hello everyone! I'm so excited to be a Brand Ambassador for Covergirl, and have some new products to share with you. They came out with The Super Sizer Mascara and the Intensify Me! Liquid Liner. Lets see if I liked the products!

Here is a description of the mascara taken from the Covergirl website:

The Super Sizer by LashBlast Mascara gives you 400% more corner-to-corner volume for full, fanned out lashes. Our amazing Lash Styler transforms even small lashes— just twirl as you apply it to your lashes for an instantly Super Sized lash look. Opthalmologically tested, suitable for those who wear contact lenses.  

This comes in Black/Brown, Black and Very Black (which is what I received)

These are my lashes with just one coat of the mascara. I like how it lengthens my lashes and it's good with separation. The wand is definitely interesting with it being thin on the inside and getting wider and more fanned out at the end of the wand. The wand is super flexible, which for me makes it easier getting to the base of my lashes. Some people don't like flexible wands, but I personally do. The concept of having to twirl the wand as you move it up your lashes can be pretty difficult to get used to. I can be really clumsy, and a few times ended up with mascara on my eyebrows trying to twirl the wand. Once I got the hang of it, I really liked the end result. It doesn't clump up easily, and I haven't noticed any smudging or flaking throughout the day when I wear this. This isn't waterproof, but it does come in a waterproof version. I do find it easy to remove at the end of the day with just a cleanser and some water. The website says this costs $6.85 but prices vary depending on where you buy it.

Here is a description of the eyeliner from the Covergirl website:

Get the control of a pencil with the intensity of a liquid eyeliner for beautifully defined eyes every time. Our all-new paddle-shaped tip gives you two looks in one—thick and dramatic or thin and elegant. The intense black formula glides on smoothly and dries quickly for instant drama. Clinically tested, suitable for sensitive eyes.

This looks like it only comes in one shade, Intense Black. 

I have to be honest, I do not like this eyeliner! It could just be me because I still am not good at applying eyeliner, but this is just too darn difficult for me to use. I get the concept of the paddle shape and how you can use it either way, but I could never get a straight line, and forget doing any kind of wing. It looked like a little kid put on my eyeliner. The only thing I really did like is how pigmented it was and it's really long lasting as well. There was no flaking or smudging, and I never ended up with liner on my eyelids, which I can have problems with due to my eyelids being so oily. This costs $8, but again, prices vary depending on where you buy this.

Overall, I'm a fan of the mascara, but I say pass on the eyeliner. I do like how the mascara makes my lashes look, but I just can't get used to the liner!

Will you give this eyeliner or mascara a try?

Review: Amara Organics Hyaluronic Acid Serum

*Disclosure* I was sent this product for review thanks to BrandBacker. All opinions are 100% honest and my own, like always!

Hey guys! Today is going to be a review on the Amara Organics Hyaluronic Acid Serum. In my last Amara Organics review, I did mention I was lucky to be given more products to try and this was one of them. I have one more product to review after this, which should be up next week sometime. 

Here is a description of the product taken from the Amara Organics website:

Forget about expensive, invasive procedures. Our powerful anti-aging Hyaluronic Acid Serum plumps and fills in fine lines and wrinkles, making you look and feel 10 years younger!

Say goodbye to dry, flaky skin. This intense hydration formula locks in moisture, giving skin a soft, dewy glow.

Infused with powerful antioxidants Vitamins C & E to protect skin from free radicals and reverse the signs of aging.

Treat yourself to this refreshing serum that instantly hydrates skin and leaves you feeling vibrant and beautiful!

Our 100% Pure Vegan Hyaluronic Acid provides these incredible results:

- Plumps and hydrates skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles
- Locks in moisture, giving skin a dewy, supple glow
- Boosts collagen production, restoring skin's natural elasticity
- Softens and smooths for a more even skin tone
- Leaves skin looking radiant and youthful

Natural, Vegan, & Cruelty-Free

If you haven't noticed already, I've been on a hyaluronic acid kick with my skincare lately, so I was really excited to try this out. It's got a really nice consistency that only requires 1 or 2 pumps, it spreads evenly into the skin and dries fairly quickly so you can add moisturizer right on top. I don't really notice any immediate results, but after a few hours, I do notice my skin looks better and feels more hydrated. I've been using this in the morning as my skin occasionally feels dehydrated during the day, even though it's oily. I feel like this has helped my skin look and feel more plump. I don't have wrinkles, but I have a feeling this serum would help make them less pronounced. This retails for $17.95 on the Amara Organics website, and I think that's a great price considering you don't need a ton of product. I may consider buying this myself once I use up the serums and treatments I have.  

Do you like serums with hyaluronic acid in them?