Ipsy (My Glam) November 2013 Review

Hello lovelies!

Ipsy is my favorite thing to blog about, because who doesn't love getting a big ol' bag of surprise makeup items in the mail, for only $10?!

For those of you NOT familiar with Ipsy, Ipsy is a makeup subscription program that sends out 4-5 full size or deluxe sample size items out to subscribers, plus a cute cosmetics bag, each month for just $10 (plus $5 shipping if you are in Canada, and tax in NY, NC, and CA).  Bags have different values, but I've never had one that disappointed- I love my Ipsy subscription!  If you would like to try Ipsy out, please consider using my referral link- I get point towards goodies and you get good karma (and then your own link to share)!  I also wrote a fun post HERE, that shows what 10 months and $100 of Ipsy subscriptions has brought me, what I used, gave away, and don't use.

Ok, enough chit chat- on to the goodies!

Pretty Pink Mailer

I seriously love seeing these pink envelopes in the mailbox.  I stalk my tacking numbers like a sparkly teenage vampire, and love love love that flash of pink!

First Peek

I know, I'm SUCH a tease!  Here's a first look inside my November Ipsy bag- I spy gold...

The Insert Card

This month's theme is "Glam It Up".  Bring it on, Ipsy- November is my birthday month, and I want to glam it up with lots and lots of color!

The Brands

I love getting lots of discount codes from Ipsy each month, and then sharing them with you all!  Looks like there's potential for lots of great deals this month!  Plus, a contest to win a year's subscription to Ipsy?!  I'm totally in for that!

EM Cosmetics insert card

I think that it's sweet that Michelle Phan included a little thank you note in the bags this month, that explains that Ipsy subscribers are the first to receive full size products as a trial (I'm assuming the first to receive them in a subscription service, because big YouTubers and Bloggers have been given products for review purposes).

The Bag

Ipsy bags have come in many shapes and sizes, and this one is unique.  A gold wristlet?  Hmm.  Not quite my style, but this will be added to someone's Christmas package, and make a friend a happy girl.  Or make them question my taste.  Really, that could go either way.


This month, I was EXTRA excited to receive my bag, because of the usual 4-5 items, we are getting SIX!!  I'll start with items that everyone is slated to receive, and then move on to the "variables".

Be A Bombshell Lip Crayon in Hot Damn, full size (2.5g/0.09 oz), $14 retail, available HERE.  Discount code IPSY40 will get you 40% off any purchase, plus a free Coco Delight Lip Gloss, until 12/15/13, US only, can't be combined with other offers.

I gotta hand it to Be A Bombshell Cosmetics- I look at this shade and I say, "Hot Damn" is most definitely an appropriate name! This bright red lip crayon is super creamy and glides on with perfection. Ipsy sent out this lip crayon to all subscribers, in both this shade and the color Shameless.

Swatch of Hot Damn

This looks like it would be a true red in the tube, but swatches more like an orange-red.  I don't usually wear lip products this bright, but in the fall and winter months, I am sure I can find several occasions to rock a red lip!  I gave this a try, and it applies very nicely, twists up (as apposed to needing to be sharpened), and is very long lasting.  All good things, right?  The only thing I don't like about this pencil is the shade.  This particular shade of orangey red makes my lips look really small.  I'm going to try layering another color over or under it so that I can make it work, because the formula is seriously great!

GRADE: 4/5 (The only thing I don't like is...the color!)

Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer in Caviar Cocktail, full size (15ml/0.5 fl oz), $13 retail, available HERE.  Discount code ipsy4glam will get you 50% off plus a free eyeliner, your purchase of $25 or more, until 12/31/13, US only, can't be combined with other offers.

I love me some nail polish, and I find that the Nailtini brand is very long lasting (as well it should be, at $13 a bottle!).  The shade I received is Caviar Cocktail, which is a gunmetal grey, sort of a pewter color.  There is minimal shimmer and no glitter, which is unusual, in my experience, in a silvery shade.

Swatch of Caviar Cocktail

I used this shade as an accent color on a pretty blue mani, and I absolutely love it! I don't think I would ever wear this shade alone, but I don't have anything similar to it in my collection.  I'm happy to try it out!
GRADE: 5/5

Pixi Beauty Bronzer in Subtly Sunkissed, deluxe sample size  (3.2g/0.11 0z), $4.88 approx. retail value; full size is 10.21g/0.36 oz and includes a kabuki brush, retails for $18, available HERE.  Discount code BronzePixi will get you 25% off any purchase, until 12/15/13, US only.

My favorite thing about Pixi is the adorable packaging.  I love this pale green, the flowering vines and the Pixi logo.  It was difficult to figure out the retail value for this item, because the full size comes with a kabuki brush (only in my dreams, Ipsy doesn't seem to think I want/need brushes!), so the price above is my best guess- I took $2 off the full size price to account for the brush.  I received the shade Subtly Sunkissed, and I have to say that it is aptly named.

Swatch of Subtly Sunkissed

This bronzer has just a touch of color- perfect for those that are very fair, or who are just beginning to bronze. I'm totally in love with my Hoola bronzer, but I'm always open to trying new things.  I gave this a try, and it is a little too light for my current skin tone.  Give me another month of no sun, and this will work nicely for me.  It is very natural looking, and applied nicely for me.  This shade does have a hint of shimmer, as you can see in the photo above, so if you only like matte bronzers, then this is not for you.
GRADE: 4/5 (I wish it were just a hair darker, and maybe less shimmery.)

Starlooks Gem Eye Pencil in Topaz, full size (2.4g), $14 retail, available HERE.  Discount code IPSY will get you 40% off any purchase, until 12/15/13, valid worldwide, unlimited usage.

I've receive an eye pencil from Starlooks before, and it was just okay for me.  Ipsy sent the Gem Eye Pencil out in two shades this month, Topaz and Amethyst.  While I would have liked to try amethyst (I heart purples!), I was happy to receive Topaz because it's my birthstone!

Swatch of Topaz Gem Eye Pencil

I was very surprised when I swatched this pencil- when I think "topaz", I think of a gorgeous golden brown shade.  This pencil swatched metallic silver, with a faint blue tint to it.  I would almost call this straight up silver. That being said, I don't have an eyeliner in this shade, so I'm happy to add this to my collection, just was surprised by the name!  I gave this eyeliner a try, and I absolutely loved it on my face!  I had a hint of glitter fallout during the day, but as I used a light hand, it was not very noticeable.  I received several compliments while wearing this, so it will definitely make it to my train case.
GRADE: 4.5/5

Each subscribe also received an item from the new cosmetic line, em Cosmetics.  Subscribers could receive either a Waterliner intense color eyeliner ($20 retail value); Lash Gallery mascara in either lengthening, clean volume, dramatic volume or waterproof dramatic volume ($20 retail value), Pillow Plush cushiony lip balm ($15 retail value), or Lip Gallery Creamy Color lipstick in either classic or sheer ($16.50 retail value), and all items sent out are full size. I received the lengthening mascara.

EM Lash Gallery lengthening mascara in black, full size (7ml/0.236 fl oz), retails for $20, available HERE.  Discount code ipsy30 will get you 30% off your order, until 11/30/13, can't be combined with other offers, US only.

I'm excited to try out more of Michelle Phan's line (I picked some up as part of my birthday haul), but honestly I am swimming in mascara. EM offers 4 different types of mascara, and all four were sent to subscribers to test: lash gallery clean volume, lash gallery dramatic volume, lash gallery dramatic volume waterproof, and lash gallery lengthening mascaras.  If I HAD to receive mascara, I think I received the one I would have liked the most: lengthening, as my lashes are stubby and nearly invisible.  The little blurb on the box reads: "inspired by the girl who loves to tease with her eyes.  create instant lash extensions with built in micro-fibers, extend, without clumps, remove easily with warm water."  Most of the mascaras I've been loving have HUGE wands- this is much smaller, and has a gentle curve.  I gave this a try, and it really does add amazing length to my lashes.  However, it adds zero volume, and that is something that I need as well.  I had no flaking, no raccoon eyes, and it applied virtually clump free.  It's a very nice mascara.  How does it compare to Benefit's They're Real! and Rimmel London's Retroglam?  I like them both better- but that only has to do with the fact that they both add a little volume, in addition to length.  If you have full lashes that need length- this is definitely something to check out- my lashes got crazy long with just two or three coats!  I'll be adding this to my mascara rotation!
GRADE: 5/5

Subscribers also received one item, from an assortment.  I received the BH Cosmetics Galaxy Chic Eyeshadow single.  Items other subscribers received are: GlamGlow YouthMud (deluxe sample), Cailyn mineral eyeshadow with built-in sponge tip applicator (full size), HSI Professional Argan Oil (deluxe sample), Kiss EverEZlashes double pack (full size), and Tresemme Tres Two Extra Hold Hairspray (travel size).

bhCosmetics baked eyeshadow single, from the Galaxy Chic collection, in Asteroid, deluxe sample (1 full size appearing pan), retail value $0.83 (or if you go off the regular price, $1.28); full size palette contains 18 pans (couldn't find a size), and is currently on sale for $14.95 (regularly $22.95, but bh always has sales), available HERE.  Discount code IPSY20 will get you 20% off the full Galaxy Chic palette (which is gorgeous), until 12/31/13, can't be combined with any other offers, valid internationally (yay!).

First and foremost, how adorable is this packaging?  Seriously, this is so cute!

I love me some eyeshadow, but you probably all know that.  I was excited to try out the new BH line, because I hadn't had a lot of luck with them in the past (not terribly pigmented). I received the eyeshadow singe in the shade Asteroid, which is a gorgeous brown and blue blend.

Swatch of Asteroid

I gave this a try, and was really impressed!  I own two bh palettes, and received a sample from their California Collection in the summer; and on all of these, I had to work to get decent color payoff.  This shadow is super pigmented, and is absolutely gorgeous.  I trying to talk myself out of wanting the full palette right now, but only because I KNOW what my BFF bought me for Christmas (UD's BOS IV Redux and Lorac Pro Palette)...If I see an amazing deal on this, I might have a weak moment and purchase it.  Should I get this, or the Urban Decay Naked 3???  Hmm..decisions, decisions...
GRADE: 5/5

Other items from the assortment that I didn't receive, but you might have:

Glamglow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment, deluxe sample size (0.5 oz); retail value $20.29, available HERE.  Full size is 1.7 fl oz/50g and retails for $69. Discount code IPSY will get you 30% off any purchase, until 12/13/13; not valid on samples, US only.

Cailyn Built-in Sponge Tip Mineral Eye Shadow in Champagne, full size (2.5g); retails for $15, available HERE.  Discount code IPSY30 will get you 30% off any purchase, until 12/15/13, can't be combined with other offers, international shipping available (yay!).

HSI Professional Argan Oil, deluxe sample size (5mL); retail value $2.54, available HERE.  Full size is 2 oz/59.15mL (smaller full size) and retails for $29.99.  Discount code IPSY50SS will get you 50% off any purchase, until 12/20/13, valid in the US and Canada.

Kiss EverEzLashes Lash Double Pack (with glue and tweezers), full size, retails for $5.99, available HERE.  Discount code IPSY will get you 30% off any purchase of Kiss or iEnvy lashes, until 12/15/23; can't be combined with other offers, not vaild on clearance or shock prices, US only.

TRESemme Tres Two Extra Hold Hairspray, deluxe sample size (1.5 oz/42.5g), retail value $0.54, available HERE.  Full size is 11 oz, and retails for $3.99.  No discount code this month!

November 2013 Ipsy Glam Bag

Now for the financial breakdown.  As always, value isn't always determined by money- an expensive item that I know I hate has no value at all to me; while an inexpensive, easily found item that is absolutely amazing would be a priceless find!  Here's what's in the bags this month, so you can calculate how much YOUR bag is worth, along with what MINE is worth.
Items sent to subscribers this month:

Be A Bombshell Lip Crayon (full size)- $14
Pixi Bronzer (deluxe sample)- $4.88 (est.)
Nailtini polish (full size)- $13
Starlooks gem eye pencil (full size)- $14

em Lash Gallery mascara in either lengthening, clean volume, dramatic volume
em Waterliner intense color eyeliner (full size)- $20
em Pillow Plush cushiony lip balm (full size)- $15
em Lip Gallery creamy color lipstick in either classic or sheer (full size)- $16.50

bh Cosmetics Galaxy Chic eyeshadow pan (deluxe sample)- $0.83 ($1.28 nonsale price)
Glamglow Youthmud (deluxe sample)- $20.29
Cailyn Mineral Eye Shadow (full size)- $15
HSI Professional Argan oil (deluxe sample)- $2.54
Kiss EverEzLashes double pack (full size)- $5.99
TRESemme Tres Two Extra Hold Hairspray (deluxe sample)- $0.54

Total amount spent: $10, shipping included
Total value of *MY* bag": $66.71 (or if you count the full price value of the bh eyeshadow, $67.16!
My bag had one of the LOWEST possible retail values, and you know what- I don't EVEN care!  A retail value of almost $70 is pretty fanfreakingtastic for a $10 gamble!  Plus, I found a couple of new favorites- this is DEFINTELY worth the $10!

Here's a crappy instagram pic of the look I created with my Ipsy bag, minus the lip pencil (it's just too red, haven't found a way to make it work...yet):

I used both shades of the bh Cosmetics Galaxy Chic Asteroid shadow separately, the Starlooks gem liner in topaz,  em cosmetics lash gallery lengthening mascara, and Pixi bronzer in subtly sunkissed.  The lip pencil from BaB was too dark for this look, so I used Urban Dacay's lip crayon in Glinda.

Here is a video of Missy and me, unbagging our Ipsy bags together :)

 

Until next time, my lovelies- stay Average!

Disclaimer: I paid for these items with my own my husband's money.  The opinions in this post are my true and honest reviews of these items.  No company requested nor required this review.  The links are NOT referral links, except the Ipsy link.  That's totally a referral link because I like free things.

Living with RSD/CRPS- Guest post by Amy Jenkins

***Today's very special post was written by my friend Amy. Amy suffers from a disease called RSD, and it's very likely that someone you know suffers from it too (and possibly doesn't even know it yet).  November is RSD/CRPS awareness month, and I asked Amy to write a guest post.  Amy's story is a sad one, but there is hope in sight.  She won't give up fighting and refuses to let RSD win!  I hope you enjoy this post, and a HUGE thanks to Amy for writing it!***

First of all, I would like to take a minute to thank Jamie, for allowing me make this post in her group.  Thank You so much. 

Living with RSD/CRPS ( Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy aka Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)

 by Amy Jenkins

 This is me, and my life.  I was injured in a work related accident.  I was a welder.  I got injured on December 27, 2007.  I was taking a weld I had done and was opening a door to get it off the stand.  The door latch was so hard I couldn’t undo it, so I had to use both of my hands.  As I was prying it loose I felt a pop in my shoulder, and an immediate burning and pain running down my arm into my hand.  The hand was stuck mid-air.  I was sent directly to the ER.   This was beginning of many tears, many tests, loss of sleep, and crying.  Now, if you have ever been to the Dr. and they ask you, “What is your pain on a scale of 1-10?”, you know what I am talking about when I say my pain is about a 12.  There was nothing in this world that would have compared with what I had felt then.  This pain level kept up with me for about the next 6 months, as I endured Physical Therapy, Occupational therapy and a medical massage.  None of which would help, but would leave me vomiting as I left therapy, every. single. time.    Between being pushed from Dr. to Dr., finally about 18 months into this, I was sent to a different Dr. who at that time diagnosed me with CRPS.   This was the beginning of finally getting somewhere.   After that, an endless supply of medications, blocks and treatments were started.  I am now looking at getting a spinal cord stimulator, surgery and possibly more surgery.  Any time you have surgery it gives the RSD a chance to spread. 

A few things to know about RSD

You can get RSD just from stubbing a toe, a sprain, break.  Surgery is another way of getting RSD. 

RSD has been around since World War 2 and there still are doctors that do not know or have not ever heard of this. 

RSD is a fight or flight type of disease.

You get discoloration, swelling, cold, burning, bee stinging feelings with this, as if someone has taken your veins and removed the blood and replace them with 400 degree oil from a vat. 

1 out of every 5 people have this disease.

There is no cure and no cure in sight.

November is Awareness Month.  My facebook page has been covered in facts based on RSD/CRPS.

It can be debilitating (very).

If I can make a difference by sharing this with you all, I am spreading awareness.

There are children as young as 2 years old that have this disease.

Our memories tend to fade in and out.  As we try to speak, the words come out as they want to, and sometimes it takes time to actually spit out what we want to say.  They call this the “brain fog” of the disease. 

Many times, Fibromyalgia comes along after the diagnosis of RSD/CRPS. 

I have met many people online and would have never imagined them having this disease.  I met 2 tonight: one with a mother that has it and has since mid-80’s. and I also met a single mom tonight that has a daughter that is now 13, but she has had RSD since she was 8.  The 13 year old is bedridden and has not been able to find a Dr. in her area that will see her, due to Dr.’s lack of knowledge.  She will be traveling to MN to see if any of the specialists there can help them.   It just kills my heart to hear that children suffer through this. 

Another tough thing to deal with is the fact that this disease is at the highest pain on the McGill Pain Index chart- our pain is even higher then those with most types of Cancer.  

If you have any questions, please ask… I am going to include a website I use to help me understand a little more clearly.

www.rsdhope.org

On Thanksgiving Day, along with being thankful for our family and friends, we are also doing a balloon release that will light up the sky with some ORANGE LOVE.   If any of you would like to support us, grab some orange balloons and write anything on them you wish about RSD… “Someone I love has RSD”, Find a cure,  RSD SUCKS,  (yes that was my son’s last year)- anything just to show your support.  We are being thankful to our friends that support us.  J

Again, thank you so much Jamie, for allowing me to post this on your blog.  It means so much to me. 

Peace, love and prayers to all that suffer, have family or friends that suffer.. May none of you reading this ever have to deal with this Monster.

Sending Peace to you,

Amy

***I hope you enjoyed this special post! If you would like to help spread awareness, please join in on the balloon release on Thanksgiving (November 29 for those not in the States)- release an orange balloon in honor of those suffering, and we can fill the sky with orange awareness! Leave a comment below for Amy, letting her know your plans to release balloons, or who you know that suffers from RSD/CRPS.
Until next time, my lovelies- stay Average!***

I Won a Prize on Another Blog- Here's my First Impressions

I'm a pretty lucky girl.  I have two awesome and beautiful children, a pretty great husband who (mostly and modestly) indulges my beauty obsession, and a wonderfully crazy and fantastic group of family and friends.  

I also won a HUGE giveaway on another blog, and I would love to tell you all about the prize I won, with my first impressions!

Prize from Undisclosed Blog Contest.  Baby feet and doggies not included.

I'll give an in-depth review of most of these items (not all at once), over the next few weeks, so if you see a favorite item here, or something that you've had your eye on, fear not because OnlyAverageMom has got your back and will tell it all- the good, the bad, and the average. Let me know which products you want me to review first- I aim to please!

Are you ready for some awesomeness?

Zoya Pixie Dust nail polish in Carter, 0.5 oz, $9 retail, available HERE.

This nail polish is the most awesome of all nail polishes.  Seriously, it's gorgeous, and it's texture is amazing.  Carter is a gorgeous purple, and perfect for my friends who are Ravens fans. I gave this to my  best friend T, because it was perfect for her.

 

Swatch of Zoya Pixie Dust in Carter

See?  Absolutely gorgeous.  I think I need to order this for myself, now. I will say, that this didn't last more than a couple days on my nails, but I don't care- I love this shade! I must get more pixie dusts right away.

Zoya Color Lock System, includes two base coats (anchor and get even), top coat (armor), quick dry drops (fast drops), polish thinner (renew), and remover (Remove +); each bottle is 0.5 oz and retails for $9 each; the remover is 8 oz and retails for $9.99 separately.  The set retails for $48, and is available HERE.

Oh my gosh, y'all- THIS is the item I was MOST excited about! I've been eyeing the color lock system for quite a while, but couldn't justify the expense.  I have to say, this set is ABSOLUTELY awesome!! The remover is fantastic- it has a tap-top that twists on- what this does is dose out a perfect amount, and since it locks, it doesn't spill, even if held upside down!  What? I have kids.  Plus I'm super klutzy.  The quick drops are awesome too- these suckers seriously cut down on dry time!  The whole set is awesome, and now I'm sorry I tossed all of my gloopy polishes- I want to try out the Renew as well!

Waxelene Flip Top Tubes, 26g, $4.99 retail each, available HERE. 

I received two of these tubes, and was only expecting one, so that was cool.  If you are wondering (like I was) WHAT exactly Waxelene is, it is basically a petroleum jelly alternative, using soy and beeswax instead of petroleum derivatives.  Waxelene has a sweet smell to it, and applies very creamily.  If you are looking for a natural alternative to petroleum jelly, this might become your next go-to product!

Elegant Touch Nail Art Kit, Iridessa (includes 2 puff bottles of glitter in pink and blue, 50 nail studs, nail art applicator, and 0.17 fl oz of protectant sealant), $9.99 retail value (est)- I could not find this for sale in the US anywhere!; Elegant Touch Envy Wraps, Leopard Pinks (includes 18 wraps and a buffer), $6.99 retail, available HERE; and Elegant Touch French Manicure American Bare Press-On Nails in 144, XS (includes 24 nails, glue and buffer), $6.99 retail, available HERE (except pink instead of bare- couldn't find this exact one anywhere!).  

I love me some nail art, and I was super excited to see these in my box.  I knew the nail art kit was coming, and was happily surprised to see that I was getting the Iridessa kit (I thought it would be a gold and silver kit). This kit is super cute, and Tiny Love had a blast playing with it!  It seems  that this kit has been discontinued, which is a shame.  These are super cute!  

Leopard print is adorable in small doses, and I am excited to try these Envy Wrap nail wraps.  I love how this pack has different shades of pink, and I will definitely give these a try! My one comment on these is, that they are wraps "for fingers and toes", and yet there are only 18 wraps in the package.  One might think that including 2 more wraps would be a better sell...I'm not one who matches my fingers to my toes, but I have a lot of friends who do!
  I've used press on nails before, and have pretty good luck with them.  These, however, are extra short, and are too short for my fingers.  I'll give these to KTweenAngel, and she'll have fun with them.  I've always had long fingers, and I guess that means I have slightly longer nails, too!

Seche Clear basecoat, .5 fl oz, $4.25 retail, available HERE; China Glaze nail lacquer in VIII, .5 fl oz, $4.30 retail, available HERE; Orly Cuticle Therapy Creme, .5 oz, $4.49, available HERE; Tweezerman Tweezerette Tweezers, $5.99 retail, available HERE (except mine are red).

I have heard so many good things about the Seche line, I was seriously excited to see this basecoat in my package.   This base coat is crystal clear and I can't wait to try this out.  I've had some issues with polishes staining my nails, so I'm hoping to find the perfect base coat to help that stop happening.

I have never tried out China Glaze polish before.  I know, I know, it's a crime.  I've heard of the brand- great things, actually, but I've just never purchased a polish from them.  The shade I received, VIII, is an absolutely gorgeous fall color- a deep, blackened purple.  

Swatch of China Glaze in VIII

I've never put a lot of thought into my cuticles before, really.  The Orly Cuticle Therapy Creme is meant to be massaged into cuticles to help promote nail growth, as well as moisturize the skin.  I'll definitely give this a try- my thin, flaky nails can use all the help that they can get!

I'm kind of finicky about my tweezers.  I probably own five or six pairs, and only really use one of them.  I'm excited to try these out, because I am always losing tweezers, and have yet to find the perfect, perfect set to clean up my brows.  I love how these come in a little tube- it's perfect for storage and hopefully will help me to NOT lose these!

Almar Lip Gloss assortment: Dippin' Dots tubs (each are 0.15 oz) in Banana Split, Bubble Gum, and Mint Chocolate; $3.75 retail value for all 3; sets available HERE- $9.99 for 8 glosses; Laffy Taffy Lip gloss (0.09 oz) in Grape; $1.67 retail value; sets available HERE- $9.99 for 6 glosses.

Oh my gosh, these little glosses are SO cute!  The kids immediately swooped in on these, and I'm so happy for them!  We are big suckers for cute packaging here, and these are just too cute!  The little Dippin' Dots tubs are adorable, twist up, and smell great (but taste not so great), and the Laffy Taffy grape gloss smells amazing and is packed full of sparkly glitter.  So, so cute!



Exceptional...because you are perfume samples, 1 mL vial, $0.55 retail value, each.  Full size is available HERE: 3.4 fl oz is $54.99 (and coupon code VCW2T will get you $20 off this item).  Foot file, from fragrancenet.com; no retail value.

I received two of these samples, and was skeptical because fragrances and me just don't get along.  I have such strange allergies, it makes perfume samples an interesting experience, to say the least! The description of Exceptional... Because You Are is "a distinctly feminine fragrance featuring a crisp and elegant introduction, a lightly spiced floral heart and sensual dry down." I'm horrible at describing fragrances  so I'll just say that I don't THINK I am allergic to this, and will give it a try!
  I love foot files, and have an awesome one from OPI.  Tiny Love had so much fun playing with this one, that I gave it to her.  It's cute how the little ones copy the grownups!

Yves Rocher shower gel with organic argan oil, 200 ml, $ 4.00 retail, available HERE; Yves Rocher Intense Color Single Eye Shadow in Peche (Peach) and Bleu Scintillant (Sparkling Blue), each 0.08 oz, $8.00 retail each, available HERE; Yves Rocher Eye Crayon in Mauve ancien (Ancient Mauve) and Anthracite profond (Deep Charcoal), each 0.11 oz, $ 6.00 retail each, available HERE.

I'm excited to check out the Yves Rocher shower gel- I love Argan oil, and what it does for my skin!  This smells super good- I can't wait to see how it feels! 

I love eye shadow, and haven't tried the Yves Rocher line before.  I'll give these a try and let you all know how I like them!

Swatch of Yves Rocher Intense Color Single Eyeshadows in Sparkling Blue and Peach and Eye Pencils in Ancient Mauve and Deep Charcoal

I've recently fallen in LOVE with eye pencils, and have two that I use frequently.  I'm excited to put these to the test!  Unfortunately, both pencils were broken when I received them (the entire tips were broken off, inside the plastic sealed lid), but it was no trouble, really- I just sharpened them to a perfect point!

 Acure Organics Brightening Facial Scrub, 4 oz, $14.99 retail , available HERE; Acure Organics Marula Oil, 1 oz, $15.99 retail, available HERE. 

I love me some facial scrubs, and I am super excited to have this to try out!  I tried this once, quickly, to test it out, and my skin felt SO fresh after using it!  I've done a TINY amount of research on this company, and from what I'm seeing, I LOVE what they stand for- organic, vegan, cruelty and gluten free- plus fair trade certified!  I will be checking their site out and seeing what other goodies I can try!

I've tried Argan oil in my hair, and absolutely loved it.  I'm excited to receive the Marula oil, and see if it does good things to my split dead ends.  This product is supposed to help with dry skin and stretch marks- I will DEFINITELY be testing this out and let you all know what my results are!

Chella Tweezers, $20.00 retail, available HERE; Chella Scissors, $20.00 retail, available HERE; Chella two size sharpener, $5.00 retail, available HERE.

I have been so excited to try these tweezers out, and this was the FIRST thing that I used from my prize box. I've never tried tweezers with this design, and I had high hopes that these would make my brows beautiful...and I was right!  Seriously, I LOVE these tweezers.  Easy to grip, accurate, and beautiful results.
  I have never used brow scissors before, because my brows don't really grow overly long (and the two or three hairs that do aren't unruly or noticeable. I'm either giving these to my husband, or will give them away here.  I'm not sure yet.

 I recently bought a new eye pencil sharpener from Benefit, and I liked it ok.  It gave pencils a rounded point, and I tend to prefer a sharper point on some pencils.  One thing that I wished my Benefit sharpener had, was a lid to catch all of the little shavings!  This sharpener has fulfilled my every wish, and is absolutely perfect!  It sharpens very smoothly, gives a great point on pencils, and contains the mess!  What more could a girl ask for?!

Tiziano wine bottle topper, no retail value.  Visit Tiziano's site HERE.

I'm not a big drinker, but I do like the occasional glass of wine.  This topper is super cute, and will look awesome on my next wine bottle.

MicaBeauty Shimmer Powder in Bronze, 0.1 oz, $14.95 retail, available HERE.

  I already have this shade of the shimmer powder, so I'll be giving this away.  It's a pretty shade, and I'm sure someone will want this!  Because I'm not keeping it, I'll post a swatch from when I reviewed this in the past.

Swatch of MicaBeauty Shimmer Powder in Bronze
 Beautiful color, and great staying power.  You just can't go wrong with that!

Kiss Ever EZ Lashes in 03, with tweezers, $5.99 retail, available HERE.

I love me some lashes, and I'm excited to give these a try.  I don't have lash tweezers that are shaped like this, so I'll definitely be giving these a try!

Puff's Fresh Faces light lavender scent nose & face wipes, 15 pack (2 of them), $1.99 retail each, available HERE.

I saw these in my box, and was excited to try them.  They made my face feel fresh, but didn't remove my eye makeup completely.  I will say, they did NOT burn my eyes when I accidentally caught the edge of my eye with them.  These wipes are made with saline, and the light lavender scent is absolutely perfect.  I use these for Tiny Love's face, and she loves them too!

Sally Hansen Maximum Strength nail treatment, 0.45 fl oz, $5.49 retail, available HERE.

My nails are thin and flaky.  It's a sad fact, and the reason why I used to get my nails professionally done for years and years.  Since I stopped going to the salon (it's been a year now), my nails are short, thin and flaky. I can't wait to try this out and see if it makes a difference!  I would love to have beautiful nails again!

Le Couvent des Minimes Hiker's Foot Healer, 25 ml (0.8 oz), $5.87 retail value.  Full size is 2.6 oz, $19 retail and is available HERE.

I have never heard of this brand before, but I'm excited to give this a try this winter.  I get majorly dry skin on my feet in the winter (likely from my love of flip flops), so this will definitely be put to the test!  I had to google this brand to find the directions- I wish more manufacturers put them on the tubes!

Ahava DeadSea Osmoter Concentrate, 5 ml, $10 retail value.  Full size is 30 ml, retails for $60.00, and is available HERE.

I haven't given this even a cursory try yet, to be honest, because I wasn't exactly sure WHAT this product was for.  I googled it, and I think it's a facial moisturizer, that also can make the skin look younger.  I've give this a try and let you all know what I think!

Flawless Face Blender by Crown Brush, $9.99 retail, available HERE.

I was excited to try this because I had misplaced my Ulta beauty blender.  I tried it out, and it did well for me, although it isn't very dense.  I washed this (as usual!), and it broke immediately while washing.  I wasn't very rough with it, and at the middle where the two bumps come together, it ripped apart.  I guess now I have TWO smaller blenders!
 She also included 3 Tootsie pops in the package, that the kids immediately ate and I was NOT able to photograph.  Tootsie pops are a favorite of mine, so this was very sweet of her.  Pun totally intended.

Total value of my package is $279.65!

I debated a lot before writing this post, because I don't want to start any trouble.  Why would there be trouble, you ask?  The answer is because I'm going to do what I do best- tell the truth.  But, while telling the truth I'm leaving out names and details, because I don't want anyone upset, or sending angry emails/comments because of the potential can of worms I might or might not be opening.  When you are Only Average, you never really know.  If I didn't write this post, I would feel like I was lying to you all, and I don't want to do that either.

The truth is, I won this prize exactly a month before I received it.  If this was from a company, I wouldn't have minded. What bothered me, was that the communication between the contest host and I was...sparse. I am sure she was just very busy, and her kids probably got into the box, and other life stuff happened.  Life happens.  It just does.  I would have just liked to receive an e-mail along the lines of "I haven't forgotten you, it's just crazy here"; this would have been better than telling me that a package was being sent, when, in fact, it wasn't (this happened two or three times).  Maybe it's just me, but I think communication is very important in the blogging business.  This is why I try to reply to every comment, and take reader's suggestions to heart, and send out contest prizes the day after I receive a confirmed address.  The blogger DID apologize for the delay, and said she was sending some extra goodies to make up for it. She was very nice in her emails, and said that this was not the way things normally go for her, and even texted me tracking right from the post office.  Please, don't judge her for MY experience- I'm only telling my side of the story, and what I experienced won't necessarily be YOUR experience.

The truth is, the blog post that listed the prize was edited AFTER the winner was announced.  Items were removed from the prize list.  Things I KNOW were in the prize list (there could be more, but this is what I remember): Skinny Pop popcorn, a half dozen of Bart's cookies, and a They're Real! Mascara from Benefit.  By the time the package was shipped out to me, it's possible the food items would have expired.  The truth is, these items aren't why I entered this contest, but their removal from the blog post seems...shady.  Sadly, I didn't think to screenshot this in time.  Please learn from my mistake, friends.

The truth is, the prize I DID receive isn't what I was supposed to get, exactly.  I'm fine with the substitutions, and I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE my prize.  I'm not complaining, and I don't want any of you to complain about it either.  My only feedback on substitutions is that if you are hosting a giveaway on a blog, and you are going to sub items out (especially if you choose to edit the post, and then still don't send what is on the newly edited list), tell the gift recipient that there was a need for a substitution.  They will likely understand. Items the edited blog post said I would receive, that I didn't are:
IQueen CCC Cream and Portable Vibrating Makeup Puff (I was just kind of curious what this would look like!)
Mineral Hygenics $15 gift card
Acure Organics Oil Control Moisturizer
Acure Organics Lip Balm
Chella Highlighter
Yves Rocher lipstick
It's *possible* that these items were excluded because the box was SO full, but again, just a quick note in the box even would have been nice.  The fact is, I would have given away almost all of these items to a friend- I have a couple who are going through some hard times and this would have given them a smile or two.  

The truth is, even with adding on the extras that were included, this prize pack is not near the advertised value of over $350.  It's *possible* the value of the package was based on the full price, and not "sale" prices, but the pricing I used was what any person could purchase them for, mostly direct from the manufacturer at their regularly advertised price, and not any "special sales".  I know that I won a prize, and that the blogger was doing me a favor in sending me the prize, but then I did her a favor too- I advertised her blog, and helped get her publicity.  That's one of the points of contests, right? Exposure?  It just doesn't sit well with me, and I would not personally enter another contest posted by her again.

Truth is, I'm honored and happy to win a contest, and we have been having a fan-FREAKING-tastic time playing with all of the new goodies!  The girls and I LOVE this prize, and are absolutely thrilled.  I did NOT email the blogger and ask about the substitutions, nor did I mention that I noticed that she edited the blog post.  I just didn't see the point, as I am VERY happy with my prize and I don't want to start any trouble.  I'm not naming the blogger, nor her blog, because I don't want anyone to feel encouraged to contact her about this.  If you DO happen to know of whom I speak, please don't mention it in the comments. Trolls are a fact of the blogging world, and I'd hate for one of my trolls (I do get them, sometimes.  Their comments make me laugh.) or a well-meaning friend to head over there and bring up what is now old news.  I know what happened.  She knows what happened.  In the end, it's all that really matters.

If you would like to see the unboxing of this prize pack, an uncut and unedited video is on my daily vlog, you can see it below (it's pretty early on, and pretty long):

Until next time, my lovelies- stay Average!

Disclaimer: The items in this post were a prize that I won, that was hosted by another blogger.  I did not pay anything for these items, and the links included are not referral links.  I was not asked nor required to review these items by any company, and the opinions in this post are true and my own.  Nothing will ever change that.