BA STAR Stardust Mineral Eye Shadow

Today I will be reviewing another product from BA STAR. Like all of the others, I received this as being part of Brand Backer. Brand Backer is a website that connects bloggers and companies. These mineral eye shadows are available in 9 different shades, that come with their signature glitter glue. Each combo costs $8.75, or if you buy 6 or more you get them at a discount price of $5.00. If you are interested in buying some of these mineral shadows for yourself, visit the website here.

Now I'm normally not a fan of loose eye shadows. They are messy, take so much time to work with, and can take quite a few layers to build up pigmentation, but this shadow is one I will be reaching for a lot.

Alone with no primer, this shadow is pretty sheer, just a wash of shimmery bronze. However, it really comes alive when you use it with the glitter glue base. I've come to realize that this glue is really more of a super primer, as it is not sticky at all. The shadow foils over the primer and becomes an opaque, gorgeous bronze. I can see myself using this by itself as a wash of colour over the lid, or in conjunction with some other shadows to create a smoky eye.

If you want to buy some of these shadows BA STAR has offered a 50% off code for all of my readers. Just enter BBDUST at the checkout. This code is valid through September 30th, 2013.

 Disclaimer: Products in this post were provided by PR in exchange for a review.

August 2013 Bondi Box Review

Hey girls! Today's post is going to be a review of what I received in my August Bondi Box. Bondi is a brand new subscription box, that gives you 3 full size nail polishes and a beauty extra for $19.99 per month.(Mine with exchange rate came to $21.23) Also, subscribers receive a 25% off code every month to use towards purchases of their other polishes. If you would like a whole breakdown of what to expect with Bondi, please see my brand review here.

If you would like to sign up for your own Bondi Box, you can do so by visiting their website www.bondinewyork.com. Also, don't forget to check out their Facebook page.

In August subscribers received 1 of 8 different Mystery Boxes, that contained polishes from their current debut collection. Subscribers could also purchase additional boxes for $15 each, in order to build up their own collection of Bondi polishes. If you ordered extra boxes Bondi made sure that you did not receive duplicates. Because I received my August Box for free, in exchange for a review, I wasn't eligible to receive the extra boxes at a discounted rate.

In my box I got NYPD, Fuschia-istic, and Brick Road, and my beauty extra was a Suki To Go sampler kit.

NYPD

Is a true blue polish. It is opaque in one coat, however I like to use two coats in order to get the true colour. It dries to a glossy finish on its own, with no streaking. I love blue polishes so I was really excited to see this colour in my box. It is going to be perfect for anytime of the year, as it is bright but not too bright. I cant wait to do some nail art using this colour. I think the first thing I am going to try is stamping with it. I can see myself wearing this a lot.

Fuschia-istic

Is a bright fuchsia pink that is perfect for summer. I found this polish semi-opaque in one coat. I definitely needed two coats for full opacity, and true to bottle colour. As soon as I saw this colour I knew I needed to do a pedicure with it. It is so bright and beautiful, and I smile every time I look at my toes. There was minimal streaking and quick drying times for this polish as well.

Brick Road

Is a golden yellow. I love the name of this polish as it is from the Wizard of Oz, which is my favourite movie, however, I don't really love this colour. Don't get me wrong it is a beautiful colour in the bottle, and I could stare at it all day, but with my skin tone yellow polish never looks good on me. I traded this polish with a fellow Bondi lover for Uptown Girl. This is a purple polish, and I will add a swatch when I receive it.

My bonus item was a sample kit of Suki To Go products. This sample came at the perfect time as I am going away this weekend and need some sample size products. Compared to what some other girls got I am kinda underwhelmed with this product. I like that in September we will all be receiving the same beauty gift.

Overall, I am extremely impressed with the Bondi nail polishes and customer service so far! The quality of these polishes are amazing and I would definitely recommend them. Right now they have 10 polishes on sale for $8 so hop on over and check them out. I purchased Blue Skies and The Limelight.

**September Spoilers**

• This box will be supporting a specific charitable cause and be co-branded.
• Subscribers will be able to pick 3 colours from the Fall Collection.
• Everyone will get the same beauty gift in their box.
• The box will be tied into a bigger transformation of the Bondi brand, supporting this charitable organization throughout the month of September with contests, etc.

Disclaimer: I received this box as a PR sample in exchange for a review. I am not being compensated for this review. My opinions are 100% honest and my own and are no way influenced because I received this box for free.

NAFB: Straw Manicure #2

This Nail Art for Beginners wasn't supposed to be what it turned out to be. I was trying to do a splatter nail art manicure and it just was not working. The instructions off Pinterest said to "dip a straw into nail polish then blow out the other end of the straw so that it will splatter all over the nail." I just couldn't get it to work. I was getting either nothing or just a glob of nail polish falling out of the straw onto my nails.

So I changed tactics and tried something off the top of my head. I started with a white base, two coats of Sally Hansen Polar Bare, then used different Kozmic Colours nails lacquers for the accent colours. I would put a small drop of the colour onto the nail, and then blow through a straw to spread the colour out onto the nail. This caused the polish to thin and dry almost instantly. I tried to put the dots at different corners of the nails and blow in different directions so that they would all semi-overlap. I then topped it off with some blue glitter and a top coat.

I didn't love this manicure, maybe if I had worn it for longer then a day it would have grown on me. I liked it a lot more before I put the glitter on, so I might attempt it again without glitter. I still want to try and achieve the splatter manicure, so if you have any tips on how to do that manicure, I would love to hear them!

August 2013 Ipsy Glam Bag Review

Unlike July's Glam Bag, I am getting the review of my August Bag up as soon as possible. I love everything I got in this months bag! I received Glam Bag #13 (you can find your bag # on the tracking email next to the reference number). At first I was a little disappointed that I did not receive the Urban Decay lipstick, but after trying out all of the products that I did receive, I am so so happy with everything. I might have even found some new loves.

The design of the bag this month is my favourite so far. I love the purple colour and how it looks with the gold accents. I also like how the Ipsy part isn't so big and noticeable on the bag. This is going right into my purse, to replace the blue Glymm Nylon bag that I am currently using for my makeup. We got 5 products again this month, and I received a bonus nail polish from Lime Crime for referring two people. Overall, I received 3 full size products, and 3 deluxe samples.

If you are interested in signing up for your own Ipsy Glam Bag I would love if you would use my referral link!

Nailtini Nail Polish in Mai Tai

Sample Size: Full Size - 0.5fl.oz
Sample Value: $13

This polish is described as a "vibrant sunrise coral". It is opaque in two coats, and is the perfect coral colour for Summer. I've heard mixed reviews about Nailtini polishes,but after swatching this, I am impressed with the pigmentation and formula. It goes on smoothly, with no streaking, and has a glossy finish that doesn't require a top coat. In the future I may pick up a few more polishes from this line.

Lime Crime Nail Polish in Crema de Limon

Sample Size: Full Size
Sample Value: $8

I received this polish as a referral gift for having two people join Ipsy using my special link. I was really hoping for the Urban Decay eyeshadow, so I was kinda disappointed when I saw that I would be receiving this. I am extremely pale, and yellow just isn't a colour I think that I can pull off. However, upon swatching this polish I think that I can make it work for me. Especially as an accent colour paired up with another colour. Like the Nailtini polish, this one was smooth and streak free, and opaque in two coats.

Noya Natural Lip Balm in Vanilla

Sample Size: Full Size
Sample Value: $3.99

According to Noya there is "a cupcake packed into every balm." This lip balm smells amazing! I am tempted to eat it off my lips whenever I wear it, and because it is all natural I actually can. This balm goes on so smooth and leaves my lips feeling hydrated and soft for hours. This went right into my purse, and due to its affordable price tag I will absolutely be buying this in the future.

Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream

Sample Size: 0.34fl.oz
Sample Value: $5.44

"Think sheer moisturizing tint with benefits.  A true multitasking miracle that hydrates, primes, illuminates, and perfects leaving a sheer bare skin finish.  Specialized mineral pigments that instantly adjust to your skin shade allows one color to work for many.  The sheer application can be built up for just the right amount of coverage.  In addition, this amazing BB Cream formula contains high performance anti-aging botanical ingredients that revive and re-mineralize skin for a natural glow. Your skin will look natural, dewy, youthful and radiant without looking like you are wearing heavy make-up."

This is the product I am most excited about trying! It is in the perfect shade for me, and the shade matching technology gives me a flawless application. The size of this sample is also good, as there is enough in the tube in order for me to accurately gauge if I like it enough to buy the full size. The price for the full size is only $16 so if I do like it then I wont have to break the bank to buy it.

Pixi Lash Booster Mascara

Sample Size: 0.105oz
Sample Value: $7.14

Pixi claims that this mascara gives lashes a "push-up effect that lasts all day." I love getting mascara samples, as I have not found that HG mascara yet. I like that it claims that it will last all day as I hate getting panda eyes halfway through the day. I feel like this mascara is a little pricey at $17 a tube, but if it is a really good mascara I may buy the full size which I can easily find at Target.

Michael Todd True Organics Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub

Sample Size: 1fl.oz
Sample Value: $5.40

This scrub is good for all skin types, with jojoba beads that limit the amount of skin lacerations, and charcoal that helps draw out impurities. I have heard a lot about this brand and product on YouTube, and I am excited to try it out. My skin loves exfoliation and I think the price of this scrub is very reasonable for how much you get. If my skin loves this scrub I will be ordering the full size.

Overall, this months Glam Bag has a value of $42.97, and is chuck full of new and exciting products for me to try. I know I will be finding some new loves in these products. I have been with Ipsy for three months now and have been continually impressed with the service and products I have received. I will be staying subscribed for the time being. Again if you are interested in subscribing I would love if you would consider using my referral link, which you can find at the top of this post. I will send heaps of good thoughts and karma your way if you do!

The One & Only Tag!!

Angelica over at One Little Vice created this tag using inspiration from "travel make-up bag" posts. If you could only have one of every beauty product what products would you end up with? The point of this tag is to get an insight into your absolute beauty staples.  There can be no wavering, only one product from each category can be chosen and the result should be a capsule collection that you could live with if you had to.

The Question: If you could only have one _________ what would it be? And, in a few words, why?

Primer

Benefit's The Porefessional Primer - This primer leaves my pores looking smaller and my skin feeling smooth and even. My foundation also stays on longer when I use this compared to when I don't.

Base Product

Covergirl Clean Oil Control Foundation - This has been my go to foundation for years. It gives me medium coverage, that is buildable when needed, and I find myself becoming less oily, compared to when I use other products.

Concealer

Garnier Anti-Dark Circle Roller & Maybelline Fit Me Concealer - I like to use different concealers for beneath my eyes and on blemishes. The Garnier Roller gives me light coverage, and the caffeine helps with puffiness and bags. The Maybelline is a new found love for me. It covers very well, is buildable, and easy to blend.

Powder

Physician's Formula Cover Tox Ten 50 - I heard about this powder from GlamLifeGuru and hoped it would live up to her claims. I get great coverage out of this powder, and it absorbs oil like crazy! I don't really need it for the wrinkle reducing properties but it is never to early to start fighting wrinkles.

Highlighter

Benefit's Highbeam - I like this highlighter because it is easy to work with and gives me a natural glow. This highlighter can make you look like you are glowing from within. I have a sample size of this product and can see it lasting a really long time.

Makeup Brush (single)

Real Techniques Multi Task Brush - This brush is good for powder, blush, or bronzer application. I have even used it for powder highlighters as well. My main use for this brush is to apply my blush.

Eyebrow Product

Caryl Baker Visage Divaderme Brow Extender - I never cared about filling in my brows until I found this product. It is seriously the easiest thing to use. It is fibers made out of natural ingredients that you apply using a doe foot applicator. You just swipe it on and run a brush through your brows, and voila! Done!

Eyeshadow (single)

MAC Charcoal Brown - This eyeshadow is very multi purpose for me. I can use it as an all over wash of colour on the lid, I can use it in the crease, I can use it to fill in my brows, I can use it as a contour, etc.

Blush

Elf Studio Blush in Tickled Pink - Although this blush has a lot of fallout, I think the quality is very good, especially for its price. Tickled Pink gives a nice flush to the cheeks, that starts sheer, and builds without making you look like a clown. I've almost hit pan and will be buying a backup next time I am in the States.

Bronzer

I don't use bronzer so I don't have one I would choose to use on a daily basis.

Eyeliner

Cailyn Cream Liner in Iron - Ever since getting this in my June Ipsy Bag I have been using it non-stop. It goes on smoothly, and is opaque in one layer. The brush built in the lid makes it perfect for on the go. I love this eyeliner because the charcoal grey colour is less harsh then black liner, but a little more defining than brown.

Mascara

Revlon Lash Potion - I received this from Revlon to test and review, and it has become my go-to mascara. There is no clumping, only a long, full, lush fan of lashes. I only need one coat for perfect lashes all day.

Lip Balm

Nivea Essential - This lip balm is unscented, has a thick formula, and leaves my lips feeling moisturized. It is essentially everything a lip balm is supposed to be in my book. It is good for use during the day and if you put it on thicker at night you will wake up with perfectly unchapped lips.

Lipstick, Gloss, or Stain

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey - This lip stain is the my lips but better colour. It is extremely moisturizing and long lasting. The shape of the product makes application easy and its perfect for on the go. I hoping to pick up a few more colours in the future. Maybe something a bit brighter then this neutral colour.

Lip Liner

Starlooks Lip Liner in Tipsy - I am not normally one for lip liner, but every since getting this in my June Ipsy bag I have been converted. The formula of this lip liner is extremely creamy, smooth, and pigmented. It kind of reminds me more of a lipstick then a lip liner. I like to fill in my lips with this liner and then put a clear gloss over top.

Nail Polish

My go to nail polish will always be any brand and any shade of purple. I think that it looks good with my skin tone and it goes with everything.

From left to right:

Essie Nice is Nice

Nubar Elegant Indigo

OPI Glow-Ink in the Dark

LA Colours BCC582

Kozmic Colours HD Sparkle

OPI Ink

Revlon Cloud

Klean Colour Sheer Lilac

From left to right:
Icing Lily
Joe Fresh Faded Violet
OPI Into the Night
Rimmel Climax
Orly You're Blushing
Revlon Grape
Revlon Orbit
Revlon Vincent Van Gold
Revlon Facets of Fuchsia
Essence A Lovely Secret

I thought this tag was really fun and it really makes you realize what you love in your collection, what your most repeat products are. If you are interested in doing this tag, then go ahead and do so! I tag everyone reading this! If you do decide to do this tag then leave me a comment and link below. I would love to see what your One & Only products are.

July 2013 Ipsy Glam Bag

I wasn't sure if I was going to put up this review as it is a little late, but I figured what the hell, better late than never. Although this hasn't been my favourite Glam Bag to date, I was really impressed with the contents. And I really like the bag this month. It is perfect for carrying products in your purse or beach bag, because it is waterproof and easy to clean.

This month I received 5 products, plus a bonus nail polish for making 2 referrals. I have decided to stay subscribed for now because next months bag looks really good. There is a possibility that next month you could get a Urban Decay lipstick. If you are interested in signing up for Ipsy you can do so by clicking HERE. (contains referral link)

Big Sexy Hair Weather Proof Humidity Resistant Spray

Sample Size: 1.4oz
Sample Value: $7.80

At first I was disappointed when I saw this product because I really wanted the Soy Beach Spray. However, after using this I am really happy I got it. I used it a few Saturdays ago to set my hair for a wedding I was attending. It was crazy hot and humid outside and my hair was going to frizz in seconds. I did a light spray all over and it kept me flyaway and frizz free all night. I can see myself purchasing the full size for Summer months.

Coola Mineral Sunscreen Unscented Moisturizer SPF 20

Sample Size: 0.23oz
Sample Value: $4.87

This sample is so tiny! And when I squeeze the tube there is a lot more air than product in there. Kinda disappointed about the size, but I understand that not everything is going to be full size every month. I'm excited to try a mineral sunscreen as most other sunscreens make my face extremely oily. I'm saving this sample until I use up a few things I have open right now.

Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub

Sample Size: 1oz
Sample Value: $16.25

So happy I got this! I adore face scrubs and love getting samples of them. Once my current sample runs out I will be trying this one. I will probably do a review post on it once I try it. This sample also smells amazing. It has a lemony citrus scent that will be very refreshing.

POP Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon in Coral Crush

Sample Size: 3g
Sample Value: $4.17

I love love love lip crayon products. They are easy to apply, and great for on the go. My favourite one right now is from Revlon, I am hoping I like this one just as much. The colour is perfect for this time of year, and will look great paired with a neutral eye.

BH Cosmetics California Palette

Sample Size: 3 eye shadows, 1 from each palette
Sample Value: $0.62 roughly

This palette is so flippin' cute! The size is perfect to carry in my purse for touch ups, and the colours look gorgeous in the pan. The purple is a little less pigmented but it is still workable, and I will probably use it wet as an eyeliner. I've never tried BH eye shadows before so its exciting to receive a product you've never tried.

Bonus: Nicole by OPI Selena Gomez Polish in Pretty in Plum

I received this bonus for referring two people to Ipsy. The colour is gorgeous and this is my first NOPI polish. I was hesitant to buy these because I was uncertain of the quality. However, after trying it I am super impressed. I will be going to see if my Dollarama still has some in stock for $3 and getting them all!

Nail Art for Beginners: The Scrapbook Scissor Manicure

Hey Ladies! If you didn't see my guest post over at Beauty Full Lacquer, then click the link and head over there now. I did a nail art tutorial, and decided to start a series on here called "Nail Art for Beginners." These are going to be my attempts at nail art that I see on Pinterest or other blogs. Some might be successes and others might be complete failures, but I will share the process either way. Hopefully, other beginners like me will find some new techniques to try!

Today's manicure is my attempt at the Pin below. The picture is pretty straight forward. They used scrapbook scissors with a detailed edge to cut Scotch tape, thus getting an effortless design.

Credit

For my manicure I chose to use green painters tape, as I was worried that the Scotch tape would stick to the bottom nail polish too much. I used Joe Fresh Hula as my base colour, and Nubar Elegant Indigo as the accent colour. I was surprised that I actually liked how this colour combination looked.

The execution of the manicure worked okay. I was worried that the painters tape would wreck the base colour so I didn't push it down very hard. This caused the detailed edge to not be crisp and clean in some areas. Next time I attempt this I will wait to make sure the base colour is dry, and will try to use scissors with a less detailed pattern.