Favorites - May 2016

There’s not a lot of variety this month, but what made the list I really liked!

TiZO AM Replenish – I have been using this product every day, and it’s essentially replaced both my face sunscreen and my foundation primer.  It plays well with all of the other products I’ve used it with, and plan to get more once my tube runs out.  Check out my full review here.

Bare Minerals Ready Foundation in R170 – I have been using this a ton this month.  It’s worked great with the TiZO AM Replenish, and has also worked out well with the weather changing every day.  It provides great coverage with just a light application, and an extra layer of sunscreen which I always appreciate with how fair I am and how easily I burn.  I apply with an Elf Kabuki brush, and generally use 4 taps to cover my whole face, neck, and chest.

The Balm Nude Dude Eyeshadow Palette – Now, I am not usually a nude eyeshadow girl.  For my go-to everyday look, I actually stick primarily with purples, mixing in some light golds and skintones to balance things out.  However, I have been able to get so many great looks out of these shadows!  This palette works great alone or in conjunction with other shadows.  They are so creamy and smooth, and provide great pigmentation.  I haven’t used too many Balm shadows, but everything I have used I’ve liked.

L’Oreal Infallible 24hr Eyeshadow – These pressed powder eyeshadows are like nothing I’ve ever used before.  They are so rich and creamy, and cover instantly.  The trick is to apply using your fingers.  The metallic are very shiny, so watch out and choose carefully if you don’t like shimmery or metallic shadows.

Lose It! – I’ve really been watching what I eat this month, and Lose It! Has helped me tremendously.  After signing up, you have access to both the website and the app, and you can sync other apps and fitness gear to it as well.  With it, you can set goals, log your daily food intake, and input your exercise.  If you’re looking to be healthier, I recommend you check out this site.  Do you use anything to track your food or exercise?

What were your favorites this month?

Ipsy - May 2016

I love that Ipsy changed up the style of the bag this month.  The envelope style is so unique!  However, because it is open under the flap, I worry that things may fall out if it gets tipped the wrong way.  It would be perfect if there had been a zipper inside in addition to the envelope flap, essentially making the flap for decorative purposes only.  Also, I found it very difficult to snap shut if it had anything in it.

On to the samples.  I thought they were OK this month, but I don’t think it was the best month Ipsy's ever had.

• Vera Mona Eye Smudger Brush – What can I say; I’m a fan of getting brushes from Ipsy.  While I haven’t used any brushes from this brand before, I’m looking forward to trying this out.  It is a rather small brush though, so it might make a good travel brush.  Have you tried any brushes from Vera Mona?
• It Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner in Black – I’ve tried this eyeliner before and wasn’t a fan.  That time, I thought it was dry and actually did tug like crazy.  I’m also not a huge fan of black pencil eyeliner.  If I’m going to use black eyeliner, I’ve found that liquid works better for me.  In the end, I’m going to be passing this on.
• Jelly Pong Pong Caribbean Sun Bronzer Duo (likely in Aruba shade) – I found this beautiful.  I’ve been using bronzer more lately, so I’m looking forward to using this.
• Eva NYC Hungry Hair Oil Treatment – I haven’t been using too many hair oils lately, but have used them routinely in the past.  These work really well on my hair when it’s frizzy, and I’ve had good luck with other products from this brand in the past.
• Aurora Gel Effect Nail Lacquer in Safety Orange – This is a really bright nail polish.  I will use loud and vibrant polishes, but this is not usually the type of color I’d go for.  It could be fun as a toenail color for the summer, but I probably won’t be reaching for this one too often.  What’s your go-to summer toenail color?

So, a mixed review for Ipsy this month.  I’m definitely looking forward to using the brush and bronzer, and may find some use for the nail polish and hair oil eventually.  The bag may make a nice purse if you’re careful with how you hold it.

Let me know how your Ipsy was this month.  Did you have better luck than I did?

Note: Ipsy link is my referral link.