february 2015 favorites & regrets

all righty! two in a row! let's keep these monthly posts a-goin'! ~Lin-chan ^.~
some february haul items are included in this post, but the hauls post won't be up for a few days or so depending on when one last package arrives.

favorites:

pop idol (swatched over elf essential eye primer), bite february lipstick

1. sephora collection eyeshadow in pop idol -- i got this in the sephora beauty closet set. this is such a gorgeous color. and yes, it makes me think of like a jpop girls group... the biggest issue with this shadow is the major fallout..sometimes i get a lot on my under eyes and i'm super glitter-tastic. 
2. bite limited lab release february lipstick -- as i mentioned in my haul post, this is suuuch a fun color. it lasts pretty long and it scares teh paul away. ^.~
3. benefit roller lash mascara -- i got a sample from sephora and i've been loving it. i'm not sure that i'll buy the full size though, because--as i've said a gazillion times now--i'm not as inclined to pay the premium price for a mascara. i'll use up high-end samples, etc., but i usually stick to buying drugstore mascaras.
4. elizabeth & james nirvana black perfume -- when i got the sephora beauty closet, i was a bit skeptical about having another perfume sample. but i actually really like it. it's funny to me that people who like the white and black combined, typically prefer the white if they wanted to wear one alone. but i'm not a huge fan of the white. and i'm still iffy on how i feel about black and white combined on me.

random favorites:

current apartment

two apartment options

1. sims4: not necessarily the gameplay, because it is most definitely not up to par with sims3 yet, but i've been using it to render our apartment. due to some circumstances, we're moving into a larger apartment at our complex when our current lease ends. so it's been nice using it to kinda design and get an idea of how much space we'll have, etc. again, the above photos are definitely not to scale, particularly because of the fact that i vaguely remember what each of those apartment styles look like, after visiting friends who lived in both styles once, and long ago.
2. club nintendo/3DS virtual console -- this is a kinda sad one. since club nintendo is closing, i decided to redeem my points for two gameboy games, super mario land (b&w) and link's awakening (color). i loooved super mario land for some bizarre reason (i'd never beaten it..sadly), and i never played link's awakening. it really reminds me of the graphics and music from ages and seasons, so the controls are pretty familiar and i likes it so far.
3. mr. selfridge -- this show was more than i expected it to be. it's a bbc drama about the beginnings of selfridge's department store, the family, and a few select employees..of which are probably fictional accounts, but it's still a really great show. i can't wait for season 3!

mehs:

1. olay ultra moisture body wash -- we actually ended up buying two bottles of this stuff because of one of those winn dixie hygiene deals. between what was offered, i liked how this one smelled..from the bottle. now, when i use it..it's a totally different story. it is like old lady smell.. the good thing though is that the scent doesn't linger on the skin for very long, so it's ok. but yeah, no bueno. i brought the other bottle to my in-laws', so my sister in-law and i can use it up. the bottle that i've got here, i've been alternating with other body washes that i already like.
2. katsuo fumi furikake -- i think i'm not a huge fan because of the bonito flakes. or i'd rather it have a higher seaweed & sesame seed to bonito ratio, but i'll finish it regardless.

regrets:

1. loreal smokissime powder eyeliner in taupe -- i understand that this is supposed to be like a smoked out liner pen device tool thing..but it's not that good. you may as well use these as smudgy eyeshadow, because it is too fat to make a thin line for eyeliner. this also applies kinda patchy. for example, i applied it to my entire lid and tried to smudge or smoke out the crease, and i could see my skin color in some areas still.
2. acure organics argan oil cleansing wipes -- these actually work decently well at removing makeup, but it does burn my eyes a bit if i use them there. a big issue that i have is that the wipes are not thick enough. basically if you stretch it at all, particularly when you go to unfold it, it will begin to separate and tear... >.>

february 2015 empties

it's empties time! ~Lin-chan ^.~

1. sonia kashuk eye makeup remover
2. makeup forever instant brush cleanser
3. simple oil balancing wipes
4. tree hut island kiwi sugar scrub -- i wasn't a huge fan of this scent. i like eating kiwis, but this scent just wasn't doing it for me. i think i'll stick with coconut lime, almond and honey, and mango.
   repurchase? not this scent
5. urban decay big fatty mascara mini -- this sample was kinda sad. the wiper thing would always come out with the wand, so it always had too much on the wand. but it's easy to wipe off. i really enjoyed this mascara, particularly the thickening/volumizing aspect.
   repurchase? yes
6. loreal oleo therapy shampoo and conditioner minis -- this shampoo was awful. it was super thick (thicker than honey) and difficult to lather once applied to my hair. the conditioner was pretty normal, no problems.
   repurchase? no
7. sephora solid brush cleanser -- this is a really good one. it's a bit pricey, but for the money it is better than beauty blender blender cleanser solid, and it comes with a brush agitator.
   repurchase? yes
8. maybelline fit me matte + poreless foundation -- i can't believe i finished this bottle in a month and a half! and i even scraped out the bottle!
   repurchase? yes!
9. loreal one sweep shadow in natural for brown eyes -- this one needs to be retired now, since it's difficult to pick up all three colors at once. but it's ok, because i've already opened up #4!

[not pictured]

1. cbv bath and body tiffany d 2.0 soap -- i wasn't sure about this scent when i first got it, but i really liked how woodsy and perfume-y this scent is!
   repurchase? yes!

notd: probelle into the blue

hi guys! i've finally gotten around to the nail polish that was in my january ipsy bag. i used 2ish coats of into the blue (i say ish, because i didn't do a full third coat to cover patchiness), and 2 coats of julep freedom polymer topcoat. ~Lin-chan ^.~

review:
into the blue -- this applies really nicely for the first coat. when i felt like it was time for a second coat, i think that they were still tacky or wet, because they started streaking and getting really patchy and bubbling up for no apparent reason. i can't really speak for the other shades in the range, but i definitely do not recommend this one.

freedom topcoat -- i got this in the sephora beauty closet set. i think that this is one of those shrinking types of topcoats, kinda like seche vite. i feel like the mistakes on the edges or sides of my nails that i accidentally got with my cleanup brush became even more apparent after this topcoat dried. boo. i'll try this topcoat out again later.

february 2015 ipsy bag

hi guys! it's february IPSY BAG* time!! (theme: #ipsylove) ~Lin-chan ^.~

ps. next month's ipsy bag and spring walmart beauty box posts might be late. it depends on when they ship, but i'm having them sent to the in-laws' in case we're out of town when they arrive. so if they come by the time we're back from our trip, cool. if not, the posts won't be up until the end of march or early april, whenever we go back to their house.

here's my impressions:

1. modelco blush in cosmopolitan (.12oz--mini, ret. $22 for .28oz [$9.43]) -- this is a really soft, easy to blend blush. i like the color, but it might be a little too bright for my taste, we'll have to try it more and see.
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
2. mitchell and peach fine radiance face oil (10ml--mini, ret. £30 for 20ml [~$23.05]) -- holy crap expensive face oil..batman. uhm yeah. the packaging for this product was a good idea, it's kinda the same style of filter dropper thing as soy sauce bottles, so that you don't dispense more than you need. it smells very aromatherapy-like, almost like the scent when you go to the aveda institute. we'll have to see how my face reacts to this, but it's really expensive.
• likelihood to repurchase: no
3. eva nyc up all night volumizing spray (1oz--mini, ret. $24 for 8oz [$3]) -- oh yay, another hair product. i guess at the very least, this is something that supposedly works with wet hair too, so i'll have to try that. in dry hair, it does feel volumizing but it also has a sticky feel, which i don't really like. the scent is interesting, i like it. it's a salon or shampoo type scent and it lingers for a while.
• likelihood to repurchase: no
4. emite make up professional eye lash curler (ret. $25) -- $25 for a freaking lash curler?! i kinda was into using lash curlers a long time ago, and then i got super lazy. but since i have this, i guess i'll use it. i'm impressed though that they included several replacement pads. buuut. the construction and design of this curler doesn't feel like anything special to me, like the handles feel sturdier but you could probably be ok with one from the drugstore.
• likelihood to repurchase: no
• annnnd then this happens..after less than a day.. i contacted ipsyCare and they're sending me a new one.
  
  
5. city color cosmetics creamy lip stain in flirtini (.078oz--full size, ret. $4.99) -- this is an ok stain product. it's very different from benefit posie tint. posie tint is very creamy when you apply it, and it dries within a few minutes. this product stays wet until it wears off (i.e. eating, drinking, etc.). granted it is nice and balmy feeling, it is only ok. the stain it leaves behind is meh and pretty patchy.
• likelihood to repurchase: no
6. extra: figs and rouge hand cream in mango mandarin -- i redeemed more points! i actually was hoping to get this hand cream in my october ipsy bag instead of the rose berry. the scent of this one is weird. like weird in that it almost smells like the rose berry yet it's supposed to be a different scent......... idk. between the two, maybe go for the rose berry.
7. pink ipsy bag -- i like the color choices and this pattern! >w<
8. card with company info/discount codes
1. modelcocosmetics.com: 20% off purchase & free shipping after $39+, code: ipsy20 (exp. 3/31/15)
2. mitchellandpeach.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy30 (exp. 3/31/15)
3. eva-nyc.com: 65% off purchase, code: evanyc65 (exp. 3/31/15)
4. emitemakeup.com: 20% off purchase, code: IPSY20 (code is case sensitive, exp. 3/31/15)
5. citycolorcosmetics.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20cl (exp. unknown)
6. demeterfragrance.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 3/31/15)
7. glamglowmud.com: 30% off purchase (excludes: cleansers, kits/sets), code: ipsy (exp. 3/31/15)
8. heyhoney.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 3/31/15)
9. luxiebeauty.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy30 (exp. 3/31/15)
10. medusasmakeup.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 3/31/15)
11. nyxcosmetics.com: 30% off purchase, code: nyxbemine (exp. 3/31/15)
12. pencilmeincosmetics.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 3/31/15)
13. tinibeauty.com: 40% off $20 purchase + $5 shipping + free nail polish, code: ipsyeyes (exp. 3/31/15)

approximate product value: ~$65.47 + $6.12 (hand cream) = $71.59

flirtini, cosmopolitan

flirtini; right: remaining stain after blotting 10 minutes after application

*Affiliate Link.

impressions: influenster calvin klein reveal cologne

 

hi guys! today, i got a sample from influenster*! it's a sample of calvin klein reveal cologne, which is exclusively available at macy's for now, and nation-wide starting in april. ~Lindsay-chan ^.~

1. calvin klein reveal cologne -- this smells great! i'm not totally sure if paul's sold on it, but he does like it. i'm awful at describing scents... it's definitely woodsy, but i also smell a hint of like licorice or something too.. it's not my favorite, but i do like it a lot.
1. the card says
• magnetic and sensual, reveal men is a woody oriental. a vibrant freshness wrapped in an addictive woody signature.
2. card case (free gift) -- i'm not sure if we'll use this because it's so small, but it's cute. it has two slots for cards, and if you squeeze it, there's a pocket on the inside for cash i guess?
1. the tag says that this comes free with any large spray purchase from the reveal fragrance collection, excluding gift sets.

#revealmore
disclosure: I WAS NOT COMPENSATED FOR THIS POST, HOWEVER I DID RECEIVE A SAMPLE FOR MY REVIEW. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN AND NOT INFLUENCED IN ANY WAY.

*Affiliate Link.

notd: formula x fahrenheit

hi guys! happy v-day! we went out to dinner with the grandparents to impastato's. yuuum. teh paul got me some tea..and i got him a spring-form pan so he can make smaller cheesecakes. >w<

anyway, today i bring you formula x fahrenheit, which was included in the sephora beauty closet set. enjoy! ~Lindsay-chan ^.~
also used: formual x the system, 2 coats of fahrenheit

soft shell marcello

notd: formula x impeccable

hi guys! last month, i redeemed 500 sephora points for their formula x the system + impeccable set. and i've now finally gotten around to trying it out. impeccable is interesting. i actually wasn't totally sure i'd like it, but on me, it's a gorgeous rosy nude, not dead-hands or anything. anyway onto the photos! ~Lin-chan ^.~
ps, sorry for the horrid state of my hands. i'm not consistent with moisturizing and this wonky louisiana weather (and work) is killing my nails..

review: influenster #FrostyVoxBox

 

hi guys! today, i bring you my review of my influenster* #frostyvoxbox! ~Lindsay-chan ^.~ [click here for the impressions post]

coupons also included in the box, but not photographed below:
$0.55 off a celestial seasonings box of tea
$2 off boots no7 protect & perfect advanced or intense advanced serum at target

 
black liner, sugar plum lipstick
 
left: black liner (waterline) & sugar plum lipstick
 

• beauty
1. rimmel london (see review post)
1. gentle eye makeup remover -- this isn't the worst product i've ever tried, but it's pretty sad when a product cannot remove makeup from the same brand.
   repurchase? hells no.
2. scandalEyes kohl kajal eye liner in black -- this is still my favorite pencil for the waterline!
   repurchase? absolutely
2. nyc color expert last lip color in sugar plum -- i actually enjoyed this lipstick. the formula is nice and i love the color on me. lasting power is kinda meh, but that's to be expected. it didn't transfer onto my teeth when i talked or smiled. i still don't like the cherry-ish scent, but it is forgiven, and i might look into purchasing more.
   repurchase? probably
3. boots no7 protect & perfect advanced serum -- i really enjoyed using this serum. compared to most serums i've tried, my face feels super sticky and looks shiny after using them. this one applies more like a lotion and dries matte. i think it's great for using under makeup in that respect. i'm not super keen on the scent, but it's bearable and dissipates within a few minutes.
   repurchase? maybe
4. ecotools styler+ shine finisher hair brush -- this brush sucks at its job. yeah it's winter and its dryer outside..but this is nola and it's humid. this brush did not "fight" static, it created it! it was awful. this brush didn't feel all that special or particularly gentle. and it was kinda annoying and painful when a few strands of hair got caught in the ferrule (metal piece connecting the handle to the paddle).
• i typically air dry my hair so i'm not sure, but i think the ecovent design thingy is something beneficial while blow drying? i'm not sure.
  recommended? absolutely not!
• food:
1. celestial seasonings candy cane lane decaf green tea -- this tea is so yums. every time i've gone to the grocery store (here and back home), i have not found it. i'm soo sad. i may have to amazon some......... anyway, just opening the packet and smelling the dry tea, it was super yummy. i love not straight green tea. like all the blends, yes. straight-up green tea, blehhh. you can't tell it's green tea because of the near overwhelming peppermint taste. but that's ok, because that's how i likes it!
   repurchase? yes!
2. mccormick gourmet all natural thyme -- i still think thyme is thyme. and apparently i've already been using this brand and variety of thyme for some time --hah, see what i did there?!-- but dried herbs are dried herbs..?
   repurchase? well i use thyme..and mccormick seems to be the only brand of thyme that is sold here...
3. red vines fruit vines bites in strawberry -- this were only ok. they're pretty terrible for your teeth and they're the worst choice for those with braces. this stuff got stuck in my permanent retainer and ugh was it annoying. they are "super soft" but the texture's still really weird. it's not like a gummy and it's not like a usual licorice that you can buy in the grocery stores. this is more like a european style licorice that you can get at like world market or something (haribo-esque?). the flavor was ok. it wasn't your typical artificial strawberry--i'm not really sure how to explain it... anyway, i didn't like these at all.
   repurchase? no

#rimmel #sugarplum #sweetside #getadvanced #celestialtea #mccormickgourmet #lovemyecohairbrush #frostyvoxbox

disclosure:
I WAS NOT COMPENSATED FOR THIS POST, HOWEVER I DID RECEIVE A SAMPLE FOR MY REVIEW. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN AND NOT INFLUENCED IN ANY WAY.

*Affiliate Link.