Ipsy (My Glam) Review- April 2014

I know I am very late to the April Ipsy party, and I am SO SO sorry, y'all.  All I can say is that my non-internet life is very, very busy right now, and we have been working on a "family project" for the last four weeks or so, and although the end isn't quite in sight yet, we are working very hard to get there.  No, I'm not pregnant, my husband is still employed, and all of us are generally healthy.  Please don't worry about us, but know that I have been spending ALL of my "offline" time working on something that will be really awesome when it is done, and that it means a pretty large change for my family :)

Ok, enough with the apologies.  On to the good stuff!

Not familiar with Ipsy?  Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription service, and for $10 a month (plus tax is a couple states, $14.95 in Canada) they send out 4-5 full sized items or deluxe samples in a cute makeup bag.  If you would like to subscribe, and want to send some love my way, here is my referral link- thank you!

 

The Pink Envelope

Seriously, this is the best mail that I receive on a regular basis- seeing this pink envelope in my post box always makes me smile- I love knowing that something special is inside, just for me!

First Peek

Here is a quick look inside the pink envelope of goodness- I spy a purple bag!

Insert Card

Ipsy always includes lovely insert cards in our bags each month.  As always, the theme of the bag is announced on them- April's theme is "Beauty Rocks".  Yes, Ipsy, I think that beauty rocks, too!

Reverse

The back of the card announces a contest on Instagram, and lists all of the brands that will be featured in the bags this month.  I spy some great brands, and I hope I get to try out the brands that I'm lusting over!

The Bag

This month's them is Beauty Rocks, and the bag was designed to compliment that theme.  While I love the purple and the record player design, and the size; I'm still not crazy about this bag.  I think it's just okay.

Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Volumizing Spray Mousse, travel size (1.6 oz/47 g), retails for $6.00; full size is 10.6 oz/300 g, and retails for $17.95, available HERE (full size) or HERE (travel size).  Receive a 25% off code when you text the keyword IPSTER to 33233 and provide an email to use on purchases, at sexyhair.com, until 5/31/14, not valid at retail locations, or other websites, limit one per customer, not valid on prior purchases, only one promo code per purchase, valid only in US.

The first item in my bag this month is Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Volumizing Spray Mousse.  I just love the Big Sexy brand, and tend to really love their products.  This spray mousse is no exception- it definitely did a nice job or giving my hair more volume.  I love me some Big Sexy Hair!

Grade: 4/5

 

Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Pencil in Black Velvet, deluxe sample size (0.8 g/0.03 oz), retail value $13.33; full size is 1.2 g/0.04 oz. and retails for $20.00; available HERE.  Discount code UDIPSY will get you a free gift on any purchase of $35 or more, until 4/18/14, while supplies last, free gift is a deluxe sample of B6 Vitamin Infused Complexion Prep Spray, cannot be combined with other offers, not valid on past purchases, one time use only.

It's no secret that Urban Decay is my favorite makeup brand.  Seriously, I use at least one UD product, every day, and my makeup kit is chock full of their awesomely logo'd products.  I was very excited to try out their new Black Velvet eyeliners, and was thrilled to hear that everyone would receive one in their April bags!

Swatch of Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Pencil in Black Velvet

I gave this pencil a try, and found it to be a nice, quality black eyeliner. It applied very smoothly, was smudgeable for a short time, and was very long lasting.  I don't really see a difference between this and the quality of my other 24/7 eye pencils, but it's definitely a keeper, even if I do already own a mountain of black eye pencils.

Grade: 4.5/5

Cailyn Tinted Lip Balm, in Apple Pink, full size (according to Ipsy’s page, no info on packaging) (0.14 oz/4.0 g), retails for $19.00; available HERE.  Discount code IPSYGIFT will get you 20% off any purchase, and a free gift, until 5/31/14, valid only in the US and Canada, can’t be combined with other offers.

Ipsy has sent out Cailyn items several times, but has never thought that I would like to try them.  Oh, how wrong Ipsy has been, and I can't tell you how happy I am to FINALLY receive a Cailyn item in my April bag!  I love the design of this lip balm!

Cailyn Lip balm packaging

Each balm comes packed with its own little brush, tucked inside the handle of the lid.  

Swatch of Cailyn Tinted Lip Balm in Apple Pink

Ipsy sent this balm out in two shades this month: Apple Pink and Acid Pink.  Apple Pink is definitely the more "wearable" shade, and looks lovely on my lips.  I love the shade, but I found the formula to be a bit drying.  I wouldn't call this a lip balm as much as I would call it a lip tint, personally.  I do love the shade and it was very long lasting, and am SO happy to FINALLY add something from Cailyn to my collection!
Grade: 3/5

dr. brandt Microdermabrasion, deluxe sample size (7.5 g), retail value $9.75; full size is 2 oz/60 g and retails for $78.00; available HERE.  Discount code MICRO20 will get you 20% off the full size microdermabrasion and a free gift on the first 10,000 purchases, until 9/31/14, free gift is a travel size pores no more refiner and is automatically added to the cart with code while supplies last, one per customer, not valid with any other offer.

Microdermabrasion is a treatment that I do very rarely- I have very sensitive skin, and prefer to use a scrub wash, as apposed to microdermabrasion.  Microdermabrasion uses miniscule granules in a base to remove a fine layer of skin from your face, giving your skin a soft and fresh appearance.  For you, my readers, I gave dr. brandt a try, and found it to be about the same as every other microderm product that I have ever used.  I will say, that my tube, while sealed, didn't seem to be all the way filled.  I think I will get about three uses out of my little tube.

Grade: 3/5 

Elizabeth Mott Pop! Goes the Shadow in Champagne, full size (0.07 oz/2 g), retails for $12.99, available HERE.  Discount code IPSYPOP will get you 50% off any purchase, until 6/1/14, free shipping on US orders over $30, valid in US only.

Elizabeth Mott has recently launched this eye shadow line, and I am excited to give it a try!  Pop! Goes the Shadow are packaged in clear plastic, with a pan inside.  My pan sits a bit crooked in the packaging, but still works just the same as if it were in its packaging perfectly straight.

Swatch of Pop! Goes the Shadow in Champagne, by Elizabeth Mott

Champagne is a very lovely highlighting shade.  I really love this shadow, as I have been looking for a new go-to highlighter.  I'll be adding this shade to my regular rotation.

Grade: 4/5

That's all of the items that *I* received this month; here's a list of other items that Ipsy sent out,  that you may have received, even though I didn't get them:

 KISS Looks So Natural Lashes in Flirty, full size (lashes plus adhesive), retails for $3.99, available HERE.  Discount code IPSY1 will get you 25% off KISS or iEnvy lashes until 5/15/14, not valid on stock prices or clearance items, cannot be combined with other offers, valid in the US only.

Benefit Lollitint, deluxe sample size/travel size (2.5 ml/0.08 Fl oz), retails for $8.00, full size is 12.5 ml/ 0.42 fl oz and retails for $30.0; available HERE (full size) or HERE.  Discount code APRILGLAM will get you a free sample of High Beam with a minimum $30 order, until 5/15/14 or while supplies last, cannot combine with other offers except for standard shipping, not valid on purchase of Nice Package custom kits, not valid at boutiques, brow bars, counters or other websites.

 Cover FX Mattifying Primer with Anti-Acne Treatment, 15 ml/0.5 oz, retail value $19.00; full size is 30 ml/1.0 fl oz and retails for $38.00, available HERE.  Discount code IPSY20 will get you 20% off any purchase of $50 or more, until 6/30/14, valid only in the continental US, free shipping plus two free samples with every $50 order.

Rainbow Honey nail polish in Midnight Fountain, 5 ml (deluxe sample size), retail value $3.13; full size is 16 ml and retails for $10.00, available HERE.  Discount code IPSY25 will get you 25% off your order until 5/31/14, cannot be combined with other offers, valid only in the US and Canada. 

City Color White Gold Shadow & Highlighting Mousse, 0.092 oz/2.6 g (full size), retails for $3.99, available HERE.  Discount code14IPSY20WG will get you 20% off any purchase, until 6/15/14, one time use only, can't be combined with other offers, valid only in the US and Canada. 

Coastal Scents Medium Shadow brush, full size, retails for $2.49, available HERE.  Discount code BRUSH25OFF will get you 25% off your purchase, until 5/31/14, can't be applied to past or future orders, or combined with other offers.

Demeter Jasmine Roll-On Perfume Oil, full size (0.29 fl oz/8.8 ml) retails for $10.00, available HERE.  Discount code 20ipsydfl will get you 20% off any purchase, until 5/31/14, one time use only, only valid in continental US and Canada.

 Mary Kay at Play Jelly Lip Gloss in Teddy Bare or Berry Me, full size (0.32 fl oz/9.5 ml) retails for $10.00, available HERE. No discount code this time, maybe next time!      

St. Tropez Gradual Tan Plus Anti-Aging Multi-Action Face, deluxe sample size (15 ml/0.5 fl oz) retail value $10.50; full size is 50 ml/1.6 fl oz and retails for $35.00 at Sephora (couldn’t find this exact product at St. Tropez’s site- possibly it’s sold out?), available HERE.   Discount code GLOW25 will get you 25% off any purchase, until 7/5/14, valid only in the US.

Starlooks Luscious Longwear Lip Pencil in Naked, full size (0.2 oz), retails for $14.00 , available HERE.  Discount code IPSY20 will get you 20% off any purchase until 5/31/14, unlimited uses, valid worldwide.

Just a Tease So Seductive Lashes, full size, retails for $3.99; available HERE.  Discount code IPSY20 will get you 20% off any purchase until 5/25/14, $2.50 flat rate shipping on all orders or free shipping on orders $25 or over, shipping available worldwide.

Here is everything that I received in my April Ipsy Bag:

Ipsy Glam Bag, April 2014

And here is my unbagging video from April, featuring my beautiful daughter :)

Here's the part of my post where I break down this month's Ipsy bag, financially speaking.  I'll recap all of the items with their estimated retail value, to make it a little easier for you to figure out what the value of your bag is:

Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Pencil in Black Velvet, deluxe sample size, $13.33

Cailyn Tinted Lip Balm, in Apple Pink or Acid Pink, full size, $19.00

Mary Kay at Play Jelly Lip Gloss in Teddy Bare or Berry Me, full size, $10.00

Starlooks Luscious Longwear Lip Pencil in Naked, full size, $14.00

Elizabeth Mott Pop! Goes the Shadow in Champagne, full size, $12.99

City Color White Gold Shadow and Highlight Mousse, full size, $3.99

Rainbow Honey Nail Polish in Midnight Fountain, deluxe sample size, $3.13

dr, brandt Microdermabrasion, deluxe sample size, $9.75

Cover FX Mattifying Primer with Anti-Acne Treatment, deluxe sample size, $19.00

Benefit Lollitint, deluxe sample size/travel size, $8.00 (value calculated from full size version is $6.00)

St. Tropez Gradual Tan Plus Anti-Aging Multi-Action Face, deluxe sample size, $10.50

Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Volumizing Spray Mousse, travel size, $6.00

Coastal Scents Classic Medium Shadow Natural Brush, full size, $2.49

Demeter Jasmine Roll-On Perfume Oil, full size, $10.00

KISS Looks So Natural Lashes in either Shy, Pretty, Flirty, Sultry or Vamp, full size (lashes plus adhesive), $3.99

Just a Tease So Seductive Lashes, full size, retails for $3.99

Total retail value of MY bag: $61.07- this is definitely a higher valued bag, and I'm so happy with pretty much everything that I received this month.  To me, value isn't so much about dollars, as it is about whether or not I like an item, or already own it.  I'm very happy with this month's Ipsy bag, and can't wait to see what next month brings!

Tell me- what did YOU receive in your April Ipsy bag?

Until next time, my lovelies- stay Average!

Disclaimer: I purchased these items with my own money my husband's money.  I was neither requested nor required to review these items, and all links in this post are NOT referral links, except the Ipsy link.  I totally want the referral points.  I strive for honesty.

Product Review: Urban Decay Book of Shadows IV Redux

I'm doing the walk of shame today my lovelies- I'm finally getting around to reviewing some of my amazing Christmas presents!  I know I haven't posted much lately, and I again apologize- life has yet again gotten the best of me.

On to the pretties, shall we?

When I opened this on Christmas morning, I let out a little squeal.  I love butterflies, and always have- this is the perfect packaging for my tastes and my BFF Tonja chose this gift very wisely.  The colorful smoky starburst mixed with the iridescent white butterflies are just perfect, in my opinion.  I love that purple ribbon is used for the drawer and to secure the lid.  My drawer fits quite snugly, and it's a bit of a pain, but honestly I love this palette so much I don't even really care.

Book Of Shadows Inside

When I opened the Book of Shadows IV, I was even more impressed with this palette- before I even made it to the makeup!  I am most definitely a sucker for beautiful packaging, and this palette delivers to my tastes perfectly!  The butterflies are printed on clear plastic, so it seems that they are fluttering just in front of you and the medium-sized mirror.  The phone holder on the left is just the right size for my iPod Touch, and I've enjoyed popping it in and listening to music while I get ready.  

"Steal the Look" Card

"Steal the Look" Card

Also included on this first tier is a hole for the included speaker, and a two sided "Steal the Look" Card.  The looks included on the card are Purple Cat (a pretty cat-eye look) and Crystalized (a simple shadow look).  While I haven't used the card to create a look yet, these would be wonderful for anyone who is new-ish to makeup and are an excellent guide.

Inside the Drawer

Once you pull out the drawer, the fun really begins.  16 pans of eyeshadow, liquid eyeliner, mascara, original primer potion, and a portable speaker with connecter and charger make this a wonderful set for the beginner, experienced, and collector.  All of the removable products have a flap beneath them, with a ribbon pull, making them easy to remove.

Eye Shadows: Top row: Kiddie Pool, Gunmetal, Creep, Baked; Second row: Grifter, Psychedelic Sister, Lost, hijack; Third row: Midnight Cowgirl, Sin, Sidecar, Strip; Bottom row: Stray Dog, Missionary Virgin, Polyester Bride

It's really no secret that Urban Decay is my favorite eye shadow brand. The range of colors and texture, paired with the soft, buttery feel and awesome blendability just makes Urban Decay stand out in the crowd.  Some of the shades in this palette are repeats for me, as none are unique to this palette, but I don't mind that- you can never have too many of your favorite eye shadows)  The shades in this set have some differences from the original Book of Shadows IV; they are NOT exact duplicates of one another.  The shadows are all the Vintage shadow formula, and not the currently used one, but again, I really don't mind as most of my UD shadows are the vintage formula.  The shades included in the palette are Kiddie Pool (light blue shimmer with iridescent sparkle), Gunmetal (grey metallic with micro sparkle), Creep (grey/black metallic with micro sparkle), Baked (bronze shimmery metallic), Grifter (pinky/purple with micro sparkle), Psychedelic Sister (dark purple shimmer), Lost (darkish brown metallic), Hijack (dark teal shimmery metallic), Midnight Cowgirl (yellow toned cream with lots of sparkle), Sin (pale pink shimmer), Sidecar (light brown/beige sparkle), Strip (blue-silver metallic), Stray Dog (medium brown metallic), Missionary (pale pink-grey shimmer), Virgin (pale beige satin), and Polyester Bride (white with white sparkle glitter bomb).  Each shadow pan is 0.8 g/0.03 oz, for a total weight of 12.8 g/0.48 oz.

Swatches of Book of Shadows IV Redux Shadows: left to right- Kiddie Pool, Gunmetal, Creep, Baked, Grifter, Psychedelic Sister, Lost, Hijack.  Swatched with no primer (top row), and over NYX Jumbo Eye pencil in Milk (bottom row)

Swatches of Book of Shadows IV Redux Shadows; left to right- Midnight Cowgirl, Sin, Sidecar, Strip, Stray Dog, Missionary, Virgin, Polyester Bride.  Swatched with no primer (top row), and over NYX Jumbo Eye pencil in Milk (bottom row)

The shadows in this set are super pigmented, and blend like a dream.  I've tried lots of combinations, and always love my look, and the staying power.  

24/7 Waterproof Liquid Liner in Perversion

I seriously love me some liquid eyeliner, especially when it is waterproof.  This liner does not disappoint- long lasting, blackest black, and so easy to apply.  While eyeliner pens are my personal favorite, this liner is definitely up there on my "love" list.  

Swatch of 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Liner in Perversion

The extra long wand handle sets this apart from the rest- when I first opened this, I thought that the smaller end of the liner would be the cap,and the longer end contain the product , but it is just the opposite.  I was kind of sad about the perceived smaller amount of product, but the fact that the handle is the longer end actually makes much for sense- in my experience, longer handle=more control!  The eyeliner included in this box is 1.7 ml/0.05 fl oz. (full size), and retails for $19.00, available HERE, in 11 shades.

Supercurl Curling Mascara

I've received samples of the Supercurl Curling Mascara before, and was happy to see this lovely product again in this box.  The Supercurl mascara is long lasting, doesn't flake, and didn't create raccoon eyes for me.  The wand is a traditional curved wand, and works well to make my lashes look amazing.  The tube included is 5.4 ml/0.18 fl oz, deluxe sample/travel size, retails for $10.00, and is available HERE.

Original Primer Potion

Urban Decay's Primer Potion is a great primer, and makes my shadows stay put all day long.  The original shade dries to an invisible finish, and goes on silky smooth.  Only a little dab is necessary for all day staying power.  I absolutely love this primer!  

 Urban Decay Primer Potion in Original; left is blended in, right is straight from the tube.

Since UD redesigned the packaging (the original packaging looks like a potion bottle), it is much easier to use- just squeeze out a little bit, and you are good to go!  The tube included in this set is 3.7 ml/0.13 fl oz (deluxe sample/travel size); full size retails for $20, is 11 ml/0.37 fl oz, and is available HERE. 

Speaker

This is my favorite "extra" in this set- I love that they thought to include a mini speaker!  The speaker connects to your device using the headphones jack, with an included 2 tipped wire.  The speaker battery is rechargeable, using the included USB wire.  It's awesome to have this with my makeup, so I can turn up some tunes while getting ready.  Love it!

If you are in love with this set and haven't picked it up yet, it's currently available at Ulta and is priced at $32.

Until next time, my lovelies- stay Average!

Disclaimer: I received this item as a gift from a good friend, that she purchased for me with her own money.  I was neither requested nor required to review these items, and all links in this post are NOT referral links (except the clearly marked one at the end of the post).  I strive for honesty.

My MEGA Birthday Makeup Haul!!!

Hello, my lovelies!  As some of you know, my birthday is early in November, and my daddy sent me a very generous birthday check!  What's an average girl to do with birthday money?  Buy MAKEUP, of course!
Ok, so I had birthday cash and I went a little nuts.  When my mother (hi, mom!) heard me say how much I spent on makeup, she couldn't believe that it was possible to spend that much on cosmetics, but I assure you, it was pretty easy (and really, not all THAT much money).

Here's my birthday haul, and hopefully you will see some awesome deals that you can pick up to treat yourself with for Christmas gifts.

The first order I placed, was with EM Cosmetics.  I purchased the "Get Started with EM" kit, which includes a sampler of The Life Palette, and a full size Waterliner and Lipstick for $27.50, free shipping.kj k7ijuytu yuru6u 46 7tyyy7uyggftgyhhyhnhnhnhxrttr7

Em Cosmetics The Love Life Palette Sampler

EM Cosmetics The Life Palette- Love Life Sampler, look 1- Warm Fuzzies, net weight 2.26g (0.079 oz), available HERE; retails for $10.

The mini Life Palettes are super cute- I received a clear plastic with a card backing sample (the plastic closes to protect the product inside), that contains 3 eye shadow pans and a lip shades.  The front of the sampler reads: "inspired by michelle's favorite things, from looks she always wears to colors she can never live without."  The lack of capitalization honestly makes me cringe.

Swatch of The Life Palette- Love Life Warm Fuzzies sampler

The eye shadows seem to be of acceptable quality, and are moderately pigmented.  The blue shade, specifically, is super silky to the touch.  The shadows swatch nicely on my fingers, but not as nicely to my hand.  The lipstick sample is a very pretty shade with just a touch of shimmer,  has a pleasant taste, and is almost not sticky.  What I don't like about the sampler (and the Life Palettes) is mixing cream and powder products in the same palette- shadow fallout is inevitably going to get into the lip gloss and ruin it.  This palette is cute, the shades are lovely (just had to work to get the look I wanted), but I won't be purchasing the full size palette.  I have had fun playing with this palette- it creates a really pretty, autumn look.  Pictures of it are in my Instagram :)

EM Cosmetics Waterliner in Ro's Gold, full size (280mg/0.01 oz), available HERE, retails for $20.

This eyeliner is the star of the show.  Seriously, this gorgeous rose gold shade is so complimentary, and the formula is superb.  I love that this eyeliner has a smudger in the back, and although it's a twist up pencil, it has a built in sharpener, beneath the smudger.  The side of the packaging reads: "inspired by the die-hard eye liner girl who would take only her favorite eye liner to a deserted island.  a unique, rich pigment eye liner grabs everywhere including your waterline- without budging or smudging."  I think a word is missing there somewhere in that second sentence, but that's just the Grammar Nazi in me rearing its ugly head. 

Swatch of Waterliner in Ro's Gold (sorry for the crappy pic- it was a rainy day)

Rose gold is the hot trend this fall, and in all honesty, I cannot believe how amazing this color looks on my eyes!  This waterliner doesn't budge from my eyes, and I looked as amazing when I was ready for bed, as I did when I first applied my makeup.  I absolutely recommend this eyeliner- the only drawback for me is the price- $20 is a bit much for a 0.01 eyeliner for this budget conscious beauty, but hey, if you can justify it, go for it!

EM Cosmetics Lip Gallery Creamy Color Classic Lipstick in Be Mine, full size (3.5g/0.123 oz), available HERE, retails for $16.50

I'm not a HUGE fan of lipstick, but I am trying to wear it more.  I picked out this shade based on the swatches on EM's site, but when it arrived, it doesn't match the picture.  This isn't actually a problem for me, though, in this case- the shade this lippie arrived in, is exactly the shade I was originally looking for!  Seriously, this lipstick is gorgeous!

Swatch of Creamy Color Classic Lipstick in Be Mine

I think this might be my favorite fall lipstick shade.  I'm not crazy about the packaging on this- the words behind the "em" logo is a bit juvenile for me, but I will definitely be using this because I love the shade.  The side of the packaging reads; "inspired by the girl who loves to draw attention.  this rich, creamy lipcolor is infused with conditioning oils.  em tip: lipcolor adds extra wow to your face-pick your perfect shade for a special pop!"  Um, duh.  I already know lipstick adds some color to my face.  That's why I wear it, EM.  

My order also arrived with a cute insert card, with a thank you message from Michelle Phan herself. I thought this was a nice touch, as was the pink tissue paper that everything was wrapped in.

TOTAL PURCHASE: $27.50, free shipping

My second order comes from my favorite company, Urban Decay.  UD creates amazing products, and I'm never disappointed with what they have on sale on their website!

Glinda Palette, full size (includes 6 full size eyeshadows, each 1.5g/0.05 oz, 24/7 glide-on eye pencil, 0.8g/0.03 oz, and a super-saturated lip pencil, 2.8g/0.1 oz), available HERE; sale price is $24.

Tiny Love is OBSESSED with Oz the Great and Powerful right now, and while her favorite is the China Doll, my favorite is Glinda.  Seriously, her light and beautiful look is absolute perfection.  This palette is a no-brainer.

Get the look :)

Included in the palette is an insert card (with "get the look" directions on the back), a super saturated lip crayon in Glinda, a 24/7 glide on eye pencil in Rockstar, and six full size eye shadows: Tornado, Aura (pink and purple pastels, split pan), Magic, Illusion, Oz (silver and gold metallic, split pan), and South.

Left to right, top to bottom: Tornado, Aura (duo shadow), Magic, Illusion, Oz (duo shadow) and South.

 I love this palette- and the coolest part is, once a shadow is used up, I can replace it with another UD shadow single!

Swatches of Tornado, Aura and Magic

Swatches of Illusion, Oz and South

This is seriously my new favorite look!  I love love love the eyeshadows shades- they are absolute pretty perfection!  I tend to want to wear dramatic eye makeup, and this palette takes me away from that, and offers a beautiful, bright and light look that is amazing.

UD 24/7 Glide on Eye pencil in Rockstar, from the Glinda palette

Swatch of Rockstar

I love this dark purple eyeliner with my blue eyes.  The 24/7 formula is a favorite of mine, and I'm so excited to grab this sweet deal!

UD Super Saturated lip crayon in Glinda

Swatch of Glinda

This lip pencil is soft, and glides on smoothly, leaving lips beautifully tinted and just a touch glossy.  The shade Glinda looks fab on my lips- it's just a shade darker than my natural color- this is an awesome "nude lip" look for me!

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Greed, full size (11ml/0.37 fl oz), available HERE; sale price is $10

 Like most beauty junkies, I love me some UDPP.  I've only ever tried the original formula, though, so I was excited to see that the Greed shade was on sale.

Swatch of Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Greed

This golden tinted primer seriously locks in shadows all day long, and goes on silky smooth.  If you love the original formula, and are looking for something with a tad more glam, pick this up.  You won't be disappointed.

Urban Decay Lip Envy in Envious, full size (8.5 ml/0.29 fl oz), available HERE; sale price is $4.

I love love love the packaging of this lip product- it's almost like an alchemist's bottle!  This deep red stain smells like vanilla, and adds a bit of color to your lips.  You can layer the color to get a darker shade, but for me and my pale self, I love it with just one sheer layer.  

Swatch of Lip Envy in Envious

This is a product similar to Benefit's Benetint- it pulls double duty as a cheek stain, too!  Lip Envy is just a tad bit sticky until it dries, and then there is no stick at all.  I found this to be just a bit dry, so I added lip balm on top, and my lips are absolutely gorgeous!

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray, deluxe sample size (15ml/0.5 fl oz), retail value $3.63 , full size (118ml/4.0 fl oz) is available HERE; retails for $29

This setting spray was a free gift with my order.  I love how UD sends me a deluxe sized sample with all of my orders- it's such a nice touch!  I've tried the de-slick mattifying spray, and loved it- I'm sure that I will love this spray, too!

Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm foil pack sample, no retail value, as no size is listed.  Full size (35 ml/1.18 fl oz) is available HERE, and retails for $34.

I received a deluxe sample of UD's beauty balm in January, and I absolutely loved it.  I can't justify purchasing the full size of this, but I will definitely be using this sample.  I absolutely love it!

Total purchase price (including a second Glinda palette that I purchased for Tween Angel's Christmas gift): $62, free shipping ($38 for just my birthday haul).

Next, I cruised on over to BH Cosmetics. I received an email that their 36 brush set (in a case) was on a special sale!  I've been wanting new brushes, so you know I snapped these up!

BH Cosmetics Ultimate Brush Steal- 36 brushes plus storage case, $29, plus $7.95 shipping, currently on sale for $39.95, available HERE.

Seriously, this thing is HUGE!

I couldn't fit the whole thing in a picture!

I pulled on bristles, and twisted the brush heads, and these appear to be of very good quality.  I haven't put them all through the wringer yet, but I definitely will very soon!

bh Cosmetics 36 Ultimate Brush Set

Brushes 1-6, left to right: eyebrow, spoolie, small fan, shadow sponge, eyeliner smudger, bent eyeliner

Brushes 7-12, left to right: rounded liner, eyeliner, angled liner, small smudger, lip brush, small angled liner

Brushes 13-18, left to right: small rounded liner, round angled smudge, flat liner, small concealer, small smudge, angled shadow

Brushes 19-24, left to right: concealer, crease, eyeshadow, round flat shader,  short shadow, short smudger

Brushes 25-30, left to right: smudge, flat shadow, blending, angled blending, large shadow, foundation

Brushes 31-36, left to right: small blush, large angled blush, highlight & contour, duo fiber stippling, powder, large fan

Total cost of this haul, including shipping: $36.95, which works out to be about $1.03 per brush!

I used to be really into nail polish, and lately I've become more conscientious of how my nails look.  Zoya polish has some amazing shades to offer, and with the special offer from Ipsy (buy 2 get 1 free), I was able to score an amazing deal!  Zoya polishes are big 5 free, which I seriously love!

Zoya catalog

This color catalog is pretty handy- I can check off the shades I have, and what I have dupes for, so that I don't rebuy the same shades again and again!

Zoya Pixiedust in Carter, full size (0.5 fl oz/15ml), retails for $9; available HERE.

I received this polish in a prize pack that I won on a blog, and gave it to my BFF T, because she loves purple, and the Ravens.  I loved this shade, and the pixiedust finish, that I HAD to repurchase this!

Swatch of Zoya's Carter

Isn't this absolutely gorgeous??  This is the perfect autumn/winter purple, and the matte finish with sparkles is absolutely fabulous.

Zoya Pixiedust in Miranda, full size (0.5 fl oz/15ml), retails for $9; available HERE.

Since I already knew that I loved the pixiedust collection, it was hard to NOT buy every single shade.  I settled on this pretty deep rose shade, at least for now.

Swatch of Zoya's Miranda

I love this polish!  The pixiedust polish isn't the longest wearing polish that I have ever worn, but this is definitely my new favorite!  I can't wait for the next Zoya sale, so that I can get more pixiedust!

Zoya polish in Dream, full size (0.5 fl oz/15ml), retails for $8, available HERE.

I've been lusting over holographic polish for a while now, but this is the first time I've found it for sale, at least in my random searchings.  This gorgeous blue simply dances in the light- perfection in a bottle.

Swatch of Zoya's Dream

In all seriousness, if I could only choose one polish to wear the rest of my life, it would be this shade.  I think I'm in love!

Zoya polish in Payton, full size (0.5 fl oz/15ml), retails for $8, available HERE.

Another holo polish, Payton is a dark cranberry shade, and perfect for the winter months.

Swatch of Payton

This polish takes a grown up reddish purple, and adds a touch of elegance with the holographic glitter.  Love, love, love!  I couldn't be happier with my new Zoyas!

Zoya Remove +, deluxe sample (1 fl oz/15ml), retail value $1.25.  Full size is available HERE, and retails for $9.99, 8 oz container, with spill-proof lid.

I received the Zoya color lock system with the prize I recieved earlier this month, and I absolutely love it!  This polish remover is step one of the set, and I love that I have a little more to fill my large bottle with, or to throw in my travel case!

Total cost from Zoya: $31, including shipping.  I can't believe I spent that much money on nail polish, but I'm so happy with what I received, I think it was money well spent.

You all know that I'm an Ulta kind of girl.  I love that store and recently made Platinum status.  I don't have a brick and mortar Sephora in my area, and I really do prefer to do shopping in person, so I have never ordered from them before.  One of my Instagram friends posted an extra code for 20% off anything, and I snatched that code up- it was like it was meant to be!  Here's what I ordered for the first time with Sephora:

Obsessive Complusive Cosmetics Lip Tar All Star Mini set with brush, each 0.08 oz, contains the shades Memento, NSFW, Anime, and Black Dahlia, set retails for $20 (advertised as a $34 value), available HERE.

Ok, my beauty obsessed friends.  I have to have words with you.  First off, I thought y'all were my FRIENDS.  I share tips with you, you share tips with me.  WHY DID NO ONE TELL ME ABOUT THESE??!!  

In all seriousness, these lip tints are amazing!  The name "lip tar" is very misleading- I expected thick, sticky gloss.  These liquid lipsticks are none of the above!

Swatch of  OCC's lip tars: left to right: Memento, NSFW, Anime and Black Dahlia

These are amazing, and the assortment of shades in this set is fantastic.  I love that the set included a mini lip brush- that is vital for application of these lippies!  One thing I will say- only the tiniest drop is needed for application- these are super pigmented!  On my lips, these lippies lasted for hours- a rarity for me; but they bled a bit unless I used a lip liner.  The fact that they are vegan and cruelty free is just one more nail in the coffin that seals my newfound love for OCC!

Bare Minerals Original SPF 15 Foundation in Light (W15), full size (8g/0.28 oz), retails for $27, available HERE.

I love Bare Minerals foundation, and have used every last bit of what I have here at the house!  I typically purchase samples, but I think ounce for ounce, it's a better value to buy the larger container, especially since this is a product I use every day.  I love how flawless this makes my skin look, and the added bonus is that my skin isn't sensitive to this formulation.  I'm one happy customer :)

Samples!!

Sephora advertises that each order ships with three free samples.  They must be happy to have me as a customer, because I received FOUR!  I'm sending some of these on to a good friend :)

Sephora offers a birthday gift to all of their Beauty Insider customers.  Joining the Beauty Insider program is free, so I signed myself up months ago.  I was super excited to receive a birthday email, letting me know that I could pick out my gift!

Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Mascara, deluxe sample size (3.0g/0.1 oz), retails for $10 (via Benefit Cosmetics), full size is 0.3 oz, retails for $23 and is available HERE.  Benefit Cosmetics Watt's Up!, deluxe sample size (25g/0.08 oz), retails for $8 (via Benefit Cosmetics); full size is 0.33 oz , retails for $30 and is available HERE. (Side note: the deluxe sample size is cheaper, ounce for ounce than the full size.  If you are looking for this, I suggest the deluxe size, because it's a better price!)

I own full sizes of both of these products and use them very frequently.  These mini's will have a happy home in my stash, anxiously awaiting the day when I run out of their full size doppelgangers!  Watt's Up! is a gorgeous highlighter- I love this mini size because it is perfect for the browbone.  They're Real! is my absolute favorite prestige brand of mascara, and always makes me look gorgeous.  What an awesome birthday gift!

I also picked up a little Christmas gift for a friend, to bump me over the free shipping threshold of $50.  Total cost of this order, after my friends and family code, and including the little gift (gift was $5 before the discount), was $46; $42, not including the little gift.

My last purchase (at this point, anyhow), was at Glamour Doll Eyes.  GDE makes amazing pigments in fantastic colors, and I just HAD to add to my collection!

Glamour Doll Eyes offers a "blogger's special", where bloggers get to choose 6 shades at a discounted price.  I snapped up this deal, and am so happy that I did!  I'll post a full review later, but here's swatches of what I received:

Glamour Doll Eyes Tattooed, Mushroom, and Celestial Crow, full size

 These shades are seriously gorgeous.  I plan to use Tattooed as a liner, Mushroom looks like it's going to be the perfect blending shade, and Celestial Crow is simply...midnight goddess perfection.

Swatches of Tattooed, Mushroom, and Celestial Crow

Glamour Doll Eyes What's my Name? Mannequin and Island Chic, full size

I have yet to find a GDE shade that I DON'T like, and these are joining the "I LOVE YOU!" crowd!  Simple perfection.  The key to using these pigments with minimal fallout is to put a tiny bit in the lid, gently dip your brush, and tap off the excess.  I've had a bit of fallout, but not at all what I usually get from loose pigments.

Swatches of What's my Name?, Mannequin and Island Chic

I seriously love these three shades- What's my Name is a beautiful light pink, Mannequin is a great neutral, and Island Chick is a fantastic teal.  
 
GDE always includes two sample baggies in each order- which is very, very cool!
 

The samples I received are for After Prom and Corrode.

I really love these shades- After Prom is a pretty pastel pink, and Corrode is a gorgeous golden shade. 

Swatches of After Prom and Corrode

Sadly, I have misplaced the baggie sample of Corrode after I took swatch pictures, but hopefully it will turn up soon!

Glamour Doll Eyes offers their loose eyeshadows for sale for $6 a jar.  Customers can choose between sifter jars (I don't actually like these, but they can prevent spills) with 1 1/2-2g of product, and no-sifter jars with 2-2 1/2g of product. 

It's hard to choose colors over the internet- everyone's monitor's aren't calibrated the same, and it's sometimes difficult to get makeup to photograph true to life.  Plus, just because something looks awesome in the jar doesn't mean that it will look awesome on your face.  GDE understands this, and offers sample baggies ($1.50 for 0.5g) and sample jars ($2.50 for 1g) for sale.  Samples come with free shipping (to the US), and (here's the best part!) if you choose to order the full size of a sample that you ordered, GDE will deduct the cost of the sample from your purchase of the full size shadow!  Tell me- who else does this because I've never heard of such an awesome perk!

I'm totally in love with my purchase from GDE, and it was very affordable, at $25.81, shipping included- because of the blogger's special, it works out to $4.30 per shadow!

My total cost of my birthday haul: EM Cosmetics: $27.50
Urban Decay: $38
BH Cosmetics: $36.95
Zoya: $31
Sephora: $42
Glamour Doll Eyes: $25.81
Grand total: $201.26
Ok, so I went over my budget by $1.26, but I'm going to say that it doesn't count!  I am so happy with everything I purchased, I can't even begin to tell you.  I don't think I could pick a favorite item if I tried!

My 2013 Birthday mega haul

Until next time, my lovelies- stay Average!

Disclaimer: The items featured in this post were purchased with my birthday money, and not by my husband.  Any free gifts were given as a promotion available to the public and not for PR purposes.  I was not asked nor required by any company to review products, and all opinions are my own.  There are referral links in this post- the Glamour Doll Eyes links are referrals because GDE is awesome and lets bloggers refer people and try to make a buck.  Feed my beauty obsession and yours at the same time- shop at GDE.