Monday, July 23, 2018

Ipsy Glam Bag July 2018 Dive Into Summer


They say the third time is a charm and no doubt about it, this is my third Ipsy Glam Bag and I am very pleased with the mix of full and sample sized products! When compared to Birchbox at the same price, I'd say the amount of deluxe and full-sized products has been more rewarding with Ipsy. I'm ready to dive in and share with you everything I received this month with an in-depth review of the July Ipsy Glam Bag!

What's inside /
1. MELLOW COSMETICS Creamy Matte Lipstick / Candy Floss
2. SUNDAYS / No. 45
3. SUGAR COSMETICS Stroke of Genius Heavy-Duty Kohl 
/ 03 Green Light
4. OFRA COSMETICS Eyeshadow / Exquisite
5. Z SKIN COSMETICS Acne Spot Treatment


1. MELLOW COSMETICS
Creamy Matte Lipstick / Candy Floss
I was excited to try out Mellow Cosmetics Creamy Matte Lipstick since I’ve also had sample of their liquid lipstick before in a different subscription box. The shade provided in this month’s Ipsy Glam Bag is Candy Floss, a vibrant, Barbie-style hot pink.



This shade is pretty far outside my usual comfort zone, to the point that I wasn’t sure if I could pull it off. However, I found it best complimented a full face of neutral makeup with this pop of color as the focal point.



The formula goes on very creamy while moisturizing and I was convinced this wasn’t a total matte, yet when it started to set on my lips it became less satin looking and turned into a soft matte. There was no streakiness or cracking, and the lipstick was highly pigmented. It’s not a transfer-proof lipstick as to be expected with a creamy formula, but it feels weightless on the lips without any dryness.



It also doubles down as a lip stain if you remove the top coat with a wipe or cloth, which is a great way to avoid stains on cups and get a softer pink look on your lips. As I mentioned with the staining, it does take a good makeup wipe to fully remove the color at the end of the day.


Overall, I love trying new shades rather than the typical nudes sent in subscription boxes, because you never know how it will look on you until you try. Plus, this is a full-sized product, worth $15, which easily covers the price of the $10 Ipsy Glam Bag. If you are unhappy with the shade, just pass it along.


Price $15
Full Size
Purchase here



2. SUNDAYS / No. 45
Sundays nail polish is made with the goal of being non-toxic, cruelty-free and vegan. The shade No. 45 is a soft powdery sky-blue hue that is absolutely dreamy.




Oddly enough, when I opened my Ipsy bag, it had a strong scent of nail polish, so my fear was that the polish had somehow spilled everywhere. Thankfully that wasn’t the case and the smell wasn’t even emitting from the bottle, but instead just the box it was housed in. Nothing had spilled from what I could see, but it was certainly odd.



I love the look of the overlapping, simple design on the bottle. It’s very sleek and the color truly matches from bottle to nail. Just like the box, the nail polish has a strong scent as most polishes do, and the formula was a little bit thick and streaky when applied.


I took my time though, making it a mindful self-care activity and applied three layers to cover the streaks and get full coverage. Each layer dried fairly quickly and wasn’t left tacky like other polishes, so I was able to build it up quickly. By the third and final layer, I was satisfied with the coverage and let it set.



Let me tell you though, just a little bit more effort pays off significantly! The color is beyond beautiful and the polish is thick and sturdy enough that I can work with my hands and not worry! I saw other reviews with people complaining, but adding a few extra layers gives me the longevity and durability I am looking for in a polish. I’ve used many other polishes that go on beautifully in one swipe, but by the next day half of it is chipped and gone, rendering it useless, so I appreciate Sundays polish!

Price $18
Full Size
Purchase here



3. SUGAR COSMETICS
Stroke of Genius Heavy-Duty Kohl / 03 Green Light
The next item I received is Sugar Cosmetics Stroke of Genius Heavy-Duty Kohl (now that’s a mouthful of a name!) eyeliner. There was a 50/50 chance that I would get the shade 02 Purple Rain or 03 Green Light, the latter of which arrived in my bag.



The formula is velvety soft and no pressure is needed to easily apply the product with just one swipe. The liner is waterproof and is claimed to last up to 8 hours, and the only budging I saw if I accidentally touched it, even with water. Even during hot days and sweating the liner barley moved, leaving no rings in undereye area.


Since I have mastered and prefer liquid liners, I have strayed away from crayon eyeliners. However, these are fun to use on the waterline, especially with a great color like this. The shade is like a metallic forest green that compliments my blue eyes nicely.


It’s a super blendable, high quality liner made with safe ingredients, and cruelty-free. When looking to purchase more, I was unable to successfully find where to get either this shade (03 Green Light) and 02 Purple Rain, and even their staple Back to Black is sold out on their website and Ispy alike. My guess is that these are brand new shades, so we’ll just have to wait and see if they become available at a later date.

Price $13.99 (based on Back To Black)
Full Size
Find All Eye Products here



4. OFRA COSMETICS Eyeshadow / Exquisite
Next on the list is the Ofra Cosmetics single pot eyeshadow in the shade Exquisite. The eye shadow arrived ready to be placed in a magnetic palette, which I unfortunately do not own. I wish it would have just arrived in the little plastic casing as sold on their website since they are giving you the full-sized eyeshadow.



I’ve seen this brand before, mainly on Instagram, so I am happy to give it a go. The shade Exquisite is a metallic, glimmering black, that has a significant amount of sliver glitter.



I was expecting it to be a lot bolder and pigmented than it initially turned out when swatched. I don’t mind that it’s a more muted black; in fact, it’s perfect for building a more natural smokey eye and pair wonderfully with dark browns.



The shadow is buildable, but you are not going to get blackest of blacks with it. Ofra even carries other black shades such as Triple Black that might be more saturated. The formula is amazing though, and I found it easy to build the shade with no fall out, while smoothing and blending easily over the lids.



It’s like an everyday sheer smokey black with a nice glimmer. The lack of saturated black isn’t enough for me to throw out the brand and I would love to try other shades since the formula is amazing.

Price $15 here
Refill $9 here
Full Size



5. Z SKIN COSMETICS Acne Spot Treatment
I love getting acne treatments! Since even over 30 my skin continues to break out like crazy, I was happy to see this Acne Spot Treatment from Z Skin Cosmetics. It’s made with a perfect blend of exotic herbs and oils to heal and effectively treat acne allowing for an even complexion.



Z Skin uses all-natural ingredients like Apple Cider Vinegar to deep clean pores and prevent acne, Tea Tree Oil to disinfect pores and remove all dirt, debris and sebum along with extra absorbent Almond Oil that easily gets right down to base of the pores to prevent future breakouts. The formula smells mainly of tea tree oil and goes on smoothly with a very brief and slight tingle before it settles matte without any notice of product on your face. There’s no greasy texture or residue left behind whatsoever.



Go ahead and use this anywhere you get breakouts, including the face, neck, chest. I’d advise to always apply to clean skin, typically before bed and after your skin care regimen dab a little cream to problem areas and let it do its magic. I’ve also used Z Skin in the AM before makeup, so you can always do whatever works for you and still get results. So far I’ve noticed less irritation, redness and reduction of pore size after using for a couple of nights and will with continued use know it’s full potential. 

Price $17
Sample Size
Purchase here




Overall, July's Ipsy Glam Bag included 4/5 full-sized items! Sign up here to join the fun for only $10! Plus, earn rewards, cashback's and discounts at their store.


Thank you for reading!

This post is NOT sponsored by Ipsy. All products were given as part of a paid subscription to Allure Beauty Box. Just wanted to share my experience. This post contains affiliate links. Please read the disclosure + thank you for supporting Cuppy Cakes!

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Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Elizabeth Mott / Thank Me Later Eye Primer

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Lock in your look with Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Primer! The simple pink bottle is a cute design and quite a decent size since you only need a small amount for each eye.


Getting right down to business, the primer goes on smooth with its lightweight formula and soft pink shade. Based on past experience, I was surprised to find that there was no sticky or tacky feeling at all, and the product moves smoothly without clumping.


There’s also an instant silky and nourishing feeling once applied, but after settling, you can barely feel it and it takes on a nice matte texture. After just 15 seconds or so, everything is dry to the touch and you’re ready to play!



In use, I found Thank Me Later to be long lasting, and it definitely won’t smudge or budge. I noticed a considerable amount of color staying power and was easily able to build and blend my shadows out over the primer.


Six hours later, I hadn’t noticed any creasing, fading, or fallout. I typically skip eye primer in my routine, since most I’ve tried have been terrible, but thanks to Elizabeth Mott it’s a necessity now.


That’s especially true on hot summer days, when everything likes to melt and shift, but not with this! Don’t let the rain, sweat or tears stop you either since it’s highly waterproof and won’t budge a bit. This is by far the best eye primer I’ve ever come across and has completely changed the game for me.

Purchase Thank Me Later here.
Palette Used / Elf Cosmetics Mad for Matte - Nude Mood find it here.


Thank you 0.8Liter
This post was sponsored by 0.8Liter. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.

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Monday, July 16, 2018

Bellon Gate Solution Frozen Mask


Bellon’s Gate Solution Frozen Mask couldn’t have arrived at a better time! It’s perfect for the summer, since it is literally a cooling mask that you pull out from the freezer to help soothe, calm and moisturize your skin.


The science behind the mask is that the gel-like essence is able to change depending on the temperature. At room temperature, the gel has a soft and squishy texture, but after being frozen the formula is a like thin layer of ice (or creamy sherbet!).



I loved the idea of freezing thesheet mask and using it after a long hot day in the sun, so that’s exactly what I did. Using the recommended instructions, I pulled it out of the freezer and let it sit for 30 seconds, then fitted on my face. Of course, the initial application from the freezer was a shocking cold sensation, but it quickly began adjusting to my skin temperature while providing a constant cooling sensation.



I found the two-part mask easy to apply without any sliding issues or repositioning needed, which is refreshing considering that the bottom slides off of many masks that I’ve used. The recommended masking time was 10-20 minutes, but I went a little over after getting caught up in other tasks since I like to stay busy while I wait. It gave off a barely-there lemon scent that wasn’t offensive at all.


After removing, I gently padded the remaining essence from the mask and packet on my face and neck. I can safely say that this mask is amazing; I could noticeably see the reduction of my pores, a soft glow and smoothness all around. I also can’t say enough about the refreshment I got from using this mask out of the freezer, which makes it a must-have during the summer months.

Find it on 0.8Liter here.
Bellon website (Korean) here.
Full Ingredient List here.


Thank you 0.8Liter
This post was sponsored by 0.8Liter. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.

@0.8l_usa @0.8l_korea #08L #08Liter #skincare #beauty #instabeauty #sponsored #masking #mask #facemask #bblogger #koreanbeauty #beautyaddict #maskoff #beautygram #sheetmask #GateSolution #frozenmask #Bellon #naturalskincare #Kbeauty #morningroutine #beforemakeup #poreminimizer #literite #abcommunity #skincareobsessed #skincareroutine #acneproblems #kskincare #skincarereview



Sunday, July 15, 2018

Daily Goodie Box July 2018


Salutations Cuppies! Summer is a state of mind, so let's take advantage of the good vibes and have a look at July's Daily Goodie Box! Inside it's positively packed with goodies, including a few brands I know and some that are brand new to me. As you may know, Daily Goodie Box likes to showcase small businesses and provide healthy products made from natural ingredients.


Goodies:
1. Svelte - Banana Creme Organic Protein Shake
2. Oogie’s Snacks - Gourmet Popcorn
3. Herbal Zap - Party Detox Herbal Supplement
4. Glee Gum - Natural Chewing Gum
5. Bakery On Main - Double Chocolate Granola Bars
6. Curoxen - First Aid Ointment
7. Fix - Signature Sriracha Hot Sauce
8. Tiger Balm - Pain Relieving Patch


Svelte Protein shakes are great for pre- or post-workout drink or make a great on-the-go snack that revitalizes your body with 11grams of protein and only 180 calories. Its nutritious ingredients are all selected to be free of gluten and dairy. Each of their shakes are also made with non-GMO organic soy that provides 20% of your daily fiber intake with only 6 grams of stevia sugar.


I received the Banana Crème flavor, but others include Chocolate, French Vanilla, Cappuccino, and Spiced Chai. The shake was thick, creamy and tasted like a decadent banana crème pudding without being too sweet. Very delicious!
 

Created with the right blend of organic soy milk, complex carbohydrates and banana puree makes it rich in flavor and nutrition for pure, tasty enjoyment. No chalky or protein taste like with other protein shakes! The texture of Svelte was smooth with no grittiness at all.
 

I found it easy to take with me on the go and tasted best after being refrigerated for a bit. I even added ice shavings to mine to cool it off on a hot day. It’s hands-down an amazing organic shake that leaves me wanting to try all the other flavors.

Find Svelte protein shakes at a retailer near you, here!


YUMMY! Oogie’s Snacks Gourmet Popcorn was so good that it was hard not to eat the entire bag, but I made sure to leave just a little bit for my boyfriend to try.


I couldn’t find a thing not to love about Oogie’s popcorn; they are all natural, gluten and cholesterol free, made with 100% whole grain and only contain 43 calories per cup.


I received the Wisconsin Cheddar 1848 flavor, and it was definitely a full-flavored experience for all those cheese lovers out there. The only problem I had was that the bag was too small for my newfound appetite!
 

You can purchase online or use their store locator to find where to buy them locally. It’s kind of a bummer that they aren’t yet sold in Michigan, but they do offer a coupon code WELCOME15 to save 15% on your first on-line order. You can also purchase the seasoning by itself, so you can make a great snack to enjoy at home or take to the movie theater!

Other flavors:



Late Nights. Summer Fun. Bonfires. Craft Beer. What better way to recover from summer fun than with Herbal Zap Party Detox Herbal Supplement. It’s an easy and tasty way to replenish my body with helpful herbs to soothe and detox.
 

Although this says “party,” that doesn’t just mean alcohol, but even if you just eat too much or don’t get enough sleep, this will help alleviate your stomach and stress. Ingredients like ginger and black pepper are included to support digestion and detoxification, with turmeric to provide antioxidants.


Simply pour the packet into hot or cold water, stir and let natural remedies take effect. It tasted like ginger tea with a spicy kick and subtle sweetness, but only being 6 ounces, I was able to easily take it down. Since I’ve already tried Herbal Zap Party Detox before, I knew that within an hour I’d start feeling better, and the sluggishness and slight headache were gone as expected. I can see taking this not only after drinking, but also gruesome nights of homework and no sleep.

Purchase here



Glee Gum is a naturally made gum that contains no preservatives, artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners and is sweetened withFair Trade sugar and brown rice syrup. Also, it’s made with 100% xylitol from American birch and beech trees for added dental benefits. Another great point is that the company itself is solely created and owned by women!


The gum base is made from sustainably harvested chicle, the sap of the sapodilla tree found in central America, which gives Glee it’s great chew. The tree is not harmed and it’s compared to harvesting maple syrup. Then, the chicle is mixed with rice syrup, sugar and natural flavors to smooth the texture and sweeten the taste. Finally, it’s coated with specific flavorings such as peppermint, spearmint and bubble gum to name a few. The use of these trees helps to conserve the rainforest and giving them a greater value than being chopped down for lumber. See the entire journey here.


Kudos to the environmentally conscious packaging as well, with no wasteful plastic blister sleeve and even the little cardboard box is made from recycled materials. I love the little old-timey cartoon, in reference to when gum used to be made with only chicle rather than the synthetic ingredients we have today.


Inside the little Glee box is 16 pieces of gum, at 2 pieces per serving, making it around $1 per 8 servings in a box. The moment that you pop one into your mouth there is an instant boost of peppermint flavor. There is also a nice cooling sensation from the peppermint and it has a nice chew. Over time the chew stays consistent and does not get hard like big brand gums, that eventually hurt your mouth if you are a constant chewer like I am. All-in-all, I find it to be a delicious, long-lasting gum that is not only great for our bodies, but for the environment.

All Flavors of Glee Gum:




Bakery On Main has created a new recipe for their chewy granola bars that’s now gluten-free and Non-GMO. In addition, they come loaded with 4 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber and just 8 grams of sugar.


The flavor I received was the Double Chocolate and let me say that despite the new recipe and low sugar, it’s delicious!


The oats and rice give it a nice texture and it has just the right amount of sweetness from the cocoa and chocolate chips.


I would go so far as to say that these granola bars are better than alternatives that I find at the grocery store (like Nature Valley). If they ever become available at my local Meijer store, I definitely will give them another go. 

Other Flavors:
I was really excited to receive another Curoxen First Aid Ointment sample in my box, being that it's the second time trying the brand. I always like to try all-natural remedies and this is the first alternative I have seen to typical ointments that you find in the drugstore. Last time my boyfriend used the sample for a cut while working outdoors and it healed nicely.


Curoxen First Aid Ointment is made with all natural and safe ingredients to help heal wounds and effectively fight off bacteria that happen along the way. Unlike other major brands (i.e. Neosporin), Curoxen does not contain synthetic antibiotics that can cause an allergic reaction in 10% of people. It can also kills 5x more germs than leading brands.


The formula is non-greasy, does not burn and I experienced no adverse reactions. I also applied it on a razor cut and it seemed to help heal it quite a bit quicker than just letting it be. I love that Curoxen is easily available at my local Meijer making it the safe, effective, and convenient choice when it comes to treating wounds.

Purchase here / Store Locator 




Get your spice fix with Fix Signature Sriracha Hot Sauce, made from all-natural ingredients with no extra fillers or preservatives. Unlike other sriracha sauces, Fix is packed full of flavor to enhance your dishes with the right amount of heat.


The first time I tried it, I was expecting my tongue to sizzle off, however it had just the right amount of kick. Having already used it on veggie nuggets already, I can’t wait to try them on other foods like our veggie burgers, chicken and tacos!


It’s simple; Fix Signature Sriracha Hot Sauce provides well balanced heat to any meal with ingredients you can count on one hand.

Purchase Packets here
Purchase Bottle here



There is nothing more annoying than the discomfort of muscle pain, whether it’s in your arms, back, neck or anywhere else. Tiger Balm is a patch infused with herbal ingredients to tackle those aches and pains naturally.
 

The patch I tried is a decent size to target problem areas, but they also offer even larger sizes for larger body parts. This is our second time receiving Tiger Balm Pain Relieving patches, and since my boyfriend has only used them post workouts when he pulled something, when in my opinion he was going a little too “ham”.


However, I wanted to give them a try this time. I usually get painful muscle cramps in my lower back during my menstrual cycle, so I thought it would be the perfect time for me to fully try out the patch.


Once I applied the patch, it was cool to touch, but once it started doing its magic, I felt a tingling and a warm sensation that lasted as long as I wore it. It worked quickly and effectively at relieving my pain and stayed in place the entire time without repositioning. Overall, Tiger Balm patches comfortably relieves muscle pain without leaving any sticky residue or overwhelming scent.

Find out more here



As always you can find individual links to the products by clicking the titles! 

Thank you Daily Goodie Box

This post was sponsored by Daily Goodie Box. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.

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