Goodbye 2015!

     Another year has gone by and as always it doesn’t feel like it. I’m not really one to reflect on the past too much but to look forward to the future. I can’t however neglect what an amazing year it was despite the fact I remember being sick as dog on my birthday this past year. I can’t put into word how 2015 meant to me but maybe I can describe some of those feelings in pictures, after all as the saying goes ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’. Hope you had a great 2015. Here’s to next year!

My Grandmother turned 90

The Chew

Mall of America

Mall of America

-Melissa

Best Products of 2015

     There are a few products that stood out and therefore made it to the ‘Best of 2015’ post. I maybe late to the game with a few of these but at least I arrived to the party.

Almay Smart Shade Lipbutter- What made this product amazing is that it was really easy to find your ‘perfect’ shade. They are split into four colors for three skin tones. I find it difficult to pick the right red or pink but this made it easy. The pigment is also really good. The staying power isn’t that long but otherwise a good product.

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Fresh- This specific scent won me over. I am not a fan of scents other than perfume but this was so settle I hardly noticed it. What I also liked about it is that it didn’t make my scalp itch and the residue was invisible when used properly.

Boots Botanics Soothe Eye Make Up Remover- This is product is an oil-based product so you have to shake very well. This removed waterproof mascara easily. Need I say more?

GLAMGLOW Supercleanse Daily Clearing Cleaner- When I breakout I place a little bit of this product on the ‘target zone’ and by the next day it has shrunken. It also helps with oil.

Boscia Makeup Breakup Cleaning Oil- Good bye makeup wipes! This product doesn’t just remove makeup it removes waterproof makeup.

Play by Sephora- Every box I have found something I wanted to try or I currently use. Unlike Ipsy, Sephora carries brands I’ve either heard of or are high end. It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good product but for the most part the size of the items are able to give you a proper try. 

-Melissa

December Ipsy Bag

     This month’s Ipsy bag was my last bag. I’ll have a post in the upcoming weeks why I cancelled my subscription but in the mean time… 

Be a Bombshell Eyeliner in Wildchild- A brand that I feel is synonymous with Ipsy.

Befine Exfoliating Cleanser with Brown Sugar, Sweet Almonds & Oats- I love anything having to do with the skin.

Skinn Dimitri James Sugar Lip, Polishing Scrub for Dry & Lined Lips – I love a good lip scrub but this product made my lips burn! I’m not sure what’s in this product but I placed it on my lips and basically instantly my lips started to burn. I threw this one away.

Pacifica Natural Lipstick in Tender Heart- This lipstick is very creamy. Unfortunately I was unable to give this one a proper try.

Formula X in Revved up- I own two shades from this brand (which I’m a quite surprised about). The polishes are not only pigmented but the staying power can last for days.

-Melissa

December Play by Sephora

            This months box was a bit of mixed emotions. On one end I was a little disappointed in one sample and on the other hand surprised by another. (I really shouldn’t be disappointed). The items in the box are not only good types of products but also good brands.

Dr. Brandt Skincare Pore Dermabrasion Pore Perfecting Exfoliator- I love pretty much anything that helps the skin. Although I have sensitive skin, I’m not opposed to trying new products.

Smashbox Full Exposure Palette- The packaging of this product blew me away. The colors that were sent are great for a New Year’s party and a great size for travel.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Eye’s in Black- I am not a fan of MUFE eyeliner but this is a good size sample.

 

FRESH Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil- I was a little disappointed in the size of the product but I know I need to consider how much this product cost.

 

Nude Skincre Advances Renewal Serum- I received seven samples of this product. My mom has tried a few products from this brand and loves it. I must admit, I’m a little excited to try it and with seven samples I feel I can get a ‘proper’ try.

 

Viktor & Ruff Flowerbomb- Sample size

A card for an additional 50 points with purchase. 

 

In my opinion it was decent box. I could have used a bigger sample of FRESH but the Smashbox eye shadow makes up for it. I’m still in awe by the tiny shadow that has not just one but two colors!

-Melissa

Gift Idea’s for the Traveler

      I enjoy traveling. I consider my self-lucky that I have the opportunity to visit places some people have yet to see and may never see. If you have a friend who loves to travel these are a couple of ideas that I feel would make a great gift.  

Purse: I love a small cross body purse that I can carry with me everywhere. This one is from Dooney & Burke that was on sale at Macy’s. I not only bought one for my mom but my best friend.

Passport Holder: I think a cute passport holder can be fun and beneficial to keep your passport protected.

Travel/Makeup Bag: I love a good travel bag to carry any makeup, facial or body products I may need on a trip. The Container Store as well as places like Target and Ulta has some nice bags. (Not Pictured)

Makeup/Mask: Mini’s or facial/eye mask are a great gift for a traveler. Not everyone wants to carry a full size product when they travel. Masks are a great idea especially when you’re about to exit the plane. You’re skin dries out due to cabin pressure and a mask is a great way to help your skin.

Mini Tools: I found this little set at Ulta. Tweezerman products are pretty pricey but also very good products.

Hope this helped!

-Melissa