Trial Tonight of....

Hello!
So, tonight, I tested three of the products: the Briogeo Curl Charisma finishing creme, Clark's Botanicals Deep Moisture Mask, and the Julie Nail Color.

*Disclaimer: I wanted to be sure I am using these products correctly, so I'm going to follow directions on how to apply exactly the way the products specify.

The Deep Moisture Mask: First thing I noticed was how it felt more like a lotion than a mask. I guess that is why it says it can also be used sparingly as a moisturizer. It felt smooth going on, but burned slightly within a few seconds of it sitting on my face - mostly on my cheeks and sides of face. About five minutes in, my cheeks felt warm (not necessarily in the good way - more like my skin does not like what I put on it. But they are an area of sensitivity for me, so maybe they were just being picky. ;) As far as I can tell, this mask does not have a smell.
The Mask washed off like I feel like a lotion would have come off. Not too sure about this product. It will probably just be a weekly something I try.

While I was masking, I decided to apply the nail color to my toes. I took my previous color off last night so I would have a blank canvas tonight.

Julie Nail Color: Okay, so I LOVE this color. I didn't think I would, but it is a beautiful jewel tone called "Pin-up-girl". It looks like someone took the very best hues of red, purple, and pink and mixed them together. The polish went on very nicely and what I like the most is that the color is so thick and vibrant, that I don't need to apply two coats! I appreciate that since two layers often means having to worry about it drying slower and attaching itself to socks and blankets (well, hello fuzz getting stuck to my toenails!).
Now, sorry to disappoint you, but I won't be applying this to my fingernails because I will chip it five minutes after I'm done. I only do color on my toes - I just use very light neutrals/opaque or clear on my fingers.
It's first drying "phase" was pretty quick (maybe roughly 10 minutes?)! But I don't know if I would go as far to put on socks within 10 minutes. The color is still gorgeous. It really does look like they tried to match the Glam Bag mailer it came in.

After washing off the mask, I put in the...
Finishing Creme: I was put off at first because it says to put 1-2 quarter sized amounts from root to tip. The Creme is on the thinner side (which is good for me - heavier cremes tend to weigh my hair down and make it feel and look greasy), but it felt like it would take a lot more than 1-2 quarter sized amounts. I ended up putting a little over 1 quarter amount....I feel like I could have put more. I'm not sure I got "everything" covered, but we shall see! This product is supposed to help control frizz and define waves/curls. We shall see in the morning! One of the variables here might be that I sleep my hair dry so not sure if that will have an effect on the results. OH the product does smell pretty good!

Alrightie, that's it for initial review. Let's see if I can remember to pay attention to results tomorrow morning AND remember to let you know what I think!

Signing up for my first bag!

I don't know when my mind officially decided I needed one of these bags. I guess maybe I started seeing their advertisements on Facebook and the concept really intrigued me. I like getting things in the mail and something that brings me surprises every month for a reasonable $10?....why not?? 

Let me first tell you a bit about me. I am a female/girl/woman, though my "make-up bag" looks like that of a 5 year old. In fact, I am pretty sure my first Glam Bag was bigger. Not saying that your woman percentage has anything to do with make-up, I just have never really been into it. I am a nature girl and I work in a park setting so make-up never really made sense for me in that environment. Sundays, date nights with hubby, and other notable days/events are Make-up aisles scare/intimidate me, and I've found some basic stuff that seems to work okay for me and I am content with that. 

BUT lately, I've been feeling the desire to try new things and embrace more aspects of femininity. I really am not knowledgeable about make-up and what goes good with what skin tone and eye color, etc. So, this whole monthly subscription thing, since it removes the guesswork for me, I liked the concept! 

I started investigating which $10 bag to get - Birchbox or Ipsy. I asked friends and the vote seemed to lean towards Ipsy. So, I signed up in early October. Signing up entails giving Ipsy your basic information as well as details about you (hair (brown) and eye color (hazel) as well as skin tone (neutral/light)). Soon after I gave my info, I received notification that I was placed on the waitlist. WAITLIST? I finally made this decision (very indecisive person here) and now I have to wait? I considered switching to Birchbox, but I decided to hang in there. 

About two months later, I received an email telling me my December Glam Bag was getting put together. I got excited! A couple days later, I got another email telling me that my bag was on its way! The next day, my mailbox greeted me with a bright, shiny, pink puffy mailer envelope. 

I immediately took everything out and wanted to try each and every one. BUT I wanted to wait until I could take a photo of all the neato samples and actually test them out. Check out the photos of what I received below. Tomorrow is test day! :) 

This is how the Glam Bag arrives! Very exciting to see this shiny piece of awesome in the mailbox!

The mailer opens very easily to reveal an awesome make-up bag - this month it is a very nice Santa red! Inside are five goodies!

Briogeo Curl Charisma Leave-in Creme. I'm excited to try this on my wavy hair!

Pacifica Power of Love Natural Lipstick. I peeked at the color and it is a really nice earth tone brown with a small hint of red. I'm not normally a lipstick person (#teamchapstick), but since it is natural, I will give it a good try!

While I already have a wonderful tube mascara that I swear by, I will try this lengthening and volumizing mascara from Benefit Cosmetics. 

This may be what I am most excited about. One girly thing I enjoy doing is painting my nails. This color is awesome - almost matches the Glam Bag mailer! Perfect for the holidays, but also, IMO, a nice color for year round!

Stay tuned! Reviews are coming! Interested in a Glam Bag of your own? Check out the website, and then use my referral link! https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=w88se

See ya soon!

\\\\