September Empties!

I figured I'd do a post for my September empties, and give you brief reviews of what I liked and didn't like. Side note: If I finish a project pan/finish 6 by Christmas item, it will not be shown here until after I have posted my progress. That way those posts are still surprises! (I love surprises! Maybe that's why I like my subscription boxes so much). Lets get started

This is the Bath & Body Works Deep Cleansing Hand Soap in Honolulu Sun. I started using this at the end of summer (Early August/Late July), and thankfully finished it just in time for a more transitional scent. [Just like lotions, I have a stockpile of soap...] The scent of this reminded me of going to pool, like that chlorinated water smell (but in a good way). It was perfect for summer, and brought back pleasant memories every time I used it. I really enjoy these hand soaps so after I'm done with my stockpile, I will buy more. (but I'm not a fan of their foaming cleansers - I just don't like foam soap).

This is the Purpose Gentle Cleansing Face Wash. This is the face wash that I use everyday after my makeup removing cleanser. (You are supposed to remove makeup, then cleanse your pores). I like it because it's really gentle (as advertised), which I need when I'm washing my face back to back. I already have another one of these that is half gone. (Both me and the fiance use this cleanser so it goes fast. This one we finished the first week Sept/Last week of Aug). Side note: This is not a sudsy face wash, so if you like that, don't get this one!

This is the "Oil-Free" Eye Makeup Remover by Neutrogena. It advertises: effective and gentle, removed even waterproof mascara, no oily residue. Now, This cleanser does NOT feel oil-free. It even appears that the oil in it separates from the liquid on a half-half basis (I have to shake this before putting it on a cotton ball). I will give it to this product, it can remove ANYTHING from my eyes without me having to scrub hard, but there is definitely an oily residue behind. I feel that's why I have a love, hate relationship with this product. I've tried other makeup removers, and they just don't work as effectively as this one.  I will say that since I use it at night mostly, I do wash my face after using it, so I don't feel the oily residue for very long. 

This is my TRESemme Freshstart Volumizing Dry Shampoo. I really enjoy using this dry shampoo. It does volumize my hair without making it look like it has tons of tangles, and helps keep it from looking greasy on those day 2 hair days. I did attempt to repurchase this, but they didn't have it at the store (sold out), so I'm trying a two new ones to see what I think of those. 

This is the Travel-Sized Bath & Body Works Lotion is Beautiful Day. This was one of my Project 10 pan items that I finished (which you saw in the last update). It was very satisfying to chuck this in my empties box! I really enjoy this scent for spring and summer, it fresh a little floral with a little clean mixed in! I do have another bottle of this lotion that I'll go through at some point next spring/summer. This would probably be a scent I'd repurchase after the craziness of lotion/bodymist hoarding stops.

This is the L'Oreal go 360 Clean Face Wash. (This is a sudsy face wash). I use this face wash every time I'm in the shower. The bottle also came with a rubbery scrubber (which is why that indent is there). I did really enjoy this face wash. It did get the gunk off my face (nothing came off when using my toner). This was slightly drying, but my face feels that way with almost every face wash. (this is predominately in my dryer patches - I have 'slightly dry'/oily combo skin). The fiance really loved this on his skin (And we both enjoyed the scrubby, which we are keeping) So this will be a repurchase somewhere down the road (I already purchased the deep cleansing scrub version to try).

The LORAC Breakthrough Performance Foundation in SMS 1 really was wonderful. It had a light coverage so it was great for summer. This stuff literally feels like nothing is on your face, it's so light. It does have an SPF of 14, which I liked as I hate many sunscreens on my face. The evened out my very splotchy skin (I have yellow undertones, but pink/red patches on certain areas of my face). It made my face look all one skin tone, and the skin tone that matched my skin! (A hard find there!). This foundation has a very dewy finish, so I did set it with a powder. I might repurchase if they still sell it and I'm done with the three other foundations I have. Side note: This does not cover blemishes well, as it is a light coverage. This is mostly for evening skin tone.

This is the dr. brandt pores no more pore refining primer. I had a trial size of .25 oz from my ipsy bag in August. After seeing the $45.00 price tag of the full size, I convinced myself that I wouldn't like this nor would buy it. But after using it several weeks I fell in love and splurged to get the full size (which I am using now). This really makes my skin feel soft and goes on so silky. I find that it makes my chin, cheek, and nose pores all go away (which is lovely). This does have a slight herbally scent, but I got used to it after a few times and it doesn't bother me. I just really love the formulation and what it does for my skin. 

This is a sample of the Victoria by Victoria Secret Perfume. (This is not part of my finish 6 by Christmas, I finished this one and the two perfume samples below before that post). Victoria Secret lists this fragrance as "a sparkling blend of red berries, Victoria rose and crème brûlée". I did smell the berries with a subtle sugary floral scent in there. While I enjoy this scent there are others I enjoy more so I wont purchase this one in the full size. This has about a 4 hour wear time, so it's one I'd have to reapply frequently. (But I do recommend you smell it, because it smelled lovely). 

This is a sample of the Flora by Gucci Perfume. Again, I really enjoyed wearing this perfume but there are others I enjoyed more from my samplings so I wont be getting this one. The sites lists its notes as: Citrus Accord, Peony, Rose, Osmanthus Flower, Pink Pepper, Sandalwood. I definitely smell the floral notes and the sandalwood, I didn't smell any citrus at all. This has a 4-5 hour wear time on me. (But again, smell it is a lovely scent)

This is the ever popular Juicy Couture 'couture La La' Perfume. Now don't get mad at me; I really don't like this. When I spray it it smells peppery and the alcohol, pepper mixture never dissipates until the scent is just gone (about 4 hours). I don't think this works on my body chemistry at all. I won't purchase this scent.

After Finishing all my perfume samples, I may make a post with my opinions on each and ranking them in order of which ones I want to buy. (This will be as much for me as it will be for you lol)

Project 10 Pan - Update 2

It's week two with this project 10 pan, so here's yet another update.

1. Love & Beauty (by Forever 21) Sheer Lip Color (there is no shade on it)

9-17-14                                                                      9-24-14

Amount Left: About 3/4

Use: I have been using this everyday as a lip conditioner and/or lip primer.I was excited seeing this go down even further this week. The side is messed up from where the product isn't centered in the packaging, so it hits the plastic rim.
Opinion: My opinion hasn't changed really. I do like the formula, it makes my lips smooth and silky. It works well for what I'm doing with it. However, that packaging is really flimsy. I can't twist it up very high when using it or the stick will fall right off. (This is because it is unevenly placed in the tube.)

2. L'Oreal True Match Blush in Baby Blossom

9-17-14                                                                      9-24-14

Amount Left: The pan has continued to grow! The edges though still have a lot to them.

Use: I've been applying this everyday with my Sonia Kashuk no. 29 brush. I mostly place this on the back of my cheeks and lightly on the bottom half of my apples.

Opinion: I love how quick and easy this is to apply. This a nice build-able color with just enough pigmentation. I find this is slightly versatile because I can make it super natural, or I can have a stronger blush (without looking cakey) depending on my look that day

3. Therapy Systems Perfect Concealer in the shade 2

9-17-14                                                                      9-24-14

Amount Left: Another section on the pan is showing; I kwwp working my way around the rim.

Use: I'm using this everyday as both my under-eye concealer and my blemish concealer. I apply this on my blemish with clean fingertips and my under-eye area with a Sonia Kashuk no. 110 brush (just a regular concealer brush).

Opinion: I really don't like this concealer. I find it to be too slippery; it moves and/or dissipates quickly. It also creases within about 5-15 minutes of wearing it under my eyes. I'm just ready to be done with it. (This is even with a setting powder. This concealer just doesn't want to stay on face, or likes to sit in my fine lines.)

4. Benefit's "It's Potent!" Eye Cream

9-17-14                                                                      9-24-14

Amount Left: Probably around the same as last time (3/4 of the container). The dip is a little deeper, but this product will take a little while to finsh.

Use: I apply this under my eyes every night after I wash my face. On occasion, I used this in the morning as well.

Opinion: I'm still enjoying this eye cream. No noticeable changes to my eye bags yet, but hopefully in the next few weeks there will be!

5. Lorac's Breakthrough Performance Foundation in Shade "SMS 1" 

09-10-14                                              09-16-14 (FINISHED)

Amount Left: FINISHED 09-16-14
Even though the picture shows a little product left, the bottle won't pump any more product out.

Opinion: I love this foundation. It evens out my skin tone perfectly and feels like nothing when its on. I don't normally go for a dewy finish, but I could powder it and be okay. I believe once I go through the rest of my foundations, it may be a contender for a re-purchase. (Just a note, this doesn't cover blemishes well)

6. Maybelline  Color Sensational Lipcolor in "Born With It"

9-17-14                                                                      9-24-14

Amount Left: Almost done. (1/8th?)

Use: I have been applying and reapplying this everyday with Bath & Body Works Honey Sweetheart Lipgloss (number 9 of my project 10 pan). With this lipgloss on top, the shimmer flecks don't sit as weird on my lips. It actually creates a very nice nude pink. This combination has made wearing this lipstick a new favorite (which is good because I really need to finish it!).

Opinion: I really enjoy the color, however, on it's own this lipstick has chunky glitter/frosty aspects to it (I can feel the shimmer as I apply this lipstick). When I pair it with a lipgloss I do really enjoy it. 

7. MAC's Zoom Fast Black Lash 

Amount Left: I don't know for sure, but I have definitely made progress! I don't have to scrape off excess mascara on the base and tip of the wand anymore.

Use: I apply 2 coats of this to my lashes everyday.

Opinion: Using this frequently after trying out some different mascaras just makes me love this product more. It's so black and gives me noticeably longer thicker and fuller lashes. It also curls my lashes and holds them there all day. I seriously love this mascara and once I've used up my mascaras that are opened I'm going to get another one!

8. L'Oreal Lineur Intense in Carbon Black  

Amount Left: Absolutely no idea. (Same as my mascara, another picture would be useless here).

Use: I apply a thin line along my upper lash line and wing it out ever-so-slightly at the very base.

Opinion: I am really enjoying this liquid liner. I remember not liking how thick the brush was on this item. However, I think the brush is great now. I'm not sure if I changed in my liner preferences, or if I just became more skilled at applying liquid liner since using this. 

9. Bath & Body Works' Honey Sweetheart Lip Gloss 

9-17-14                                                                      9-24-14

Amount Left: About 3/4-ish to go! (I marked the last two weeks with a sharpie)

Use: I use this everyday on top of my Maybelline lipstick in "Born With It". This smooths out the lipstick and provides a wonderful sheen to my lips. It also smells/taste nice. (My fiance loves when I wear this gloss)

Opinion: I'm going to miss this lipgloss like crazy once it's gone. I feel like it makes any lipstick look fantastic. Plus I am in love with the smell of this!

10. Bath & Body Works' Travel-sized Body Lotion in Beautiful Day 

9-17-14                                                                      9-20-14

Amount Left: FINISHED 9-20-14

Use: I was applying this to my arms and legs every night before I go to bed.

Opinion: I really enjoy this scent and formula. However, I probably wont buy any more lotions for a while because I have way too many right now. (I was going to replace this spot with a new lotion, but since I have one that I'm working on for Finish 6 by Christmas, I'm going til after that.)

So this my progress! I'm really excited by the lipstick. I love seeing just how close I am every couple of days. I'm worried about the eye cream. I feel like that one is going to take forever. Plus I have no idea just where I am with both the liner and the mascara. It's going to be a surprise just how long those will take.

~Rachel

Finish 6 By Christmas!

I was waiting anxiously ever since Amber F mentioned doing a 6 by Christmas challenge (mirrored after the Finish 5 by Fall, which I missed out on). Basically, the goal of this challenge is to finish 6 products by Christmas (Dec. 25). Below I have my six products that I am going to attempt to use up:

My first product I'm going to try to finish by Christmas is the Rimmel Scandaleyes eye pencil in Black. I do really enjoy this pencil. I find it's staying power is fantastic and the color is very pigmented. I'm not sure how far I'll get on this project, by I'll get as far as I can :)

My Second product that I'm going to try and use is the Rimmel retractable lip liner in Eastend Snob. I've used this a little bit, and like it just fine, but I want to try some more liners so this needs to make its way out.

My third "item" is actually 9 perfumes samples. I am trying to use these up currently and thought I would include the amount of them here :) I have: Desire by Dolce&Gabbana , Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black, NY DKNY, Clean skin, Atelier Cologne "Cedrat Enivrant Cologne Absolue", Tocca Beauty "Margaux", Calvin Klein "Down Town", Balenciaga Paris "Florabotanica", Hanae Mori Eau de Toilette. The first one I'm working on is Desire. I have been using this for a few days so only the bottom fourth is left.

My fourth item is my Bath and Body Works body lotion in the scent "Moonlight Path", a long time favorite. I just have WAY TOO MUCH lotion! Like, I went on a "I need every scent of lotion that exists in this store" kind of shopping spree over the course of 3 years... So, they need to make their way out to a more reasonable number. I did draw a line to make it more evident where my starting progress was.

My fifth item to use up is my little bottle of "It's a 10!" leave-in hair treatment. I really love what this product does to my hair. It makes it look healthy, shiny, and helps with my weird kinky waves. I have another bottle of this that my fiance's mother bought for me, so I want to use this little one up since I have a backup. As with my lotion, I draw a black line on the corner to help distinguish where I was.

My sixth, and final, item is the Be a Bombshell Smooth Criminal Powder. This is a brand new deluxe sample I received in my ipsy bag. I'm putting in here to really give it a fair test to see if I like it or not. After my first use this morning, I think it works really well at controlling my oily spots and makes my skin feel really smooth. It is really powder though, I had to back away from the puff cloud as I was applying it.

So this is my Finish 6 by Christmas Challenge. I'll probably update this one on a monthly basis.

Wish me luck guys! And if you're reading this, I challenge you to do it too! :)

~Rachel

Boxycharm: Sept 2014

A few days ago, I got my boxy charm in the mail!! (It was an exciting day at the mailbox, because I got both my Boxycharm box and my ipsy bag on the same day!!)

Boxycharm is another subscription service. However, they provide mostly full-sized items. It is more expensive than my ipsy bag (a monthly subscription to Boxycharm is $21.00 a month, while ipsy is $10), but the value is more than doubled as well. Subscribe to Boxycharm here. (I am not affiliated with Boxycharm; I purchase this subscription myself.)

If you want to see my September ipsy bag unbagging go ahead and click here.

The Boxycharm box packaging is so adorable. Its a white box with a gold ribbon and the Boxycharm logo in the center.

Inside the boxy is a card with the theme. This month's theme was "Fashion Week Fabulous". On the back of this card (which I forgot to photograph) lists the products you receive, a description of the product, the price or each objects, and tips on how to use that product.

Also in the box were two coupon codes. One was for 20% off a tarte.com purchase (use code FALLBOXY) and the other was a 10% code for a personalized necklace from MyNameNecklace.com (use code BOXYCHARM).

After removing the cards, you can see the products displayed in the box. Just from first glance I was super excited!It may look like I only received 4 items, but the bubble-wrapped item is hiding a 5th. (It was an extra surprise!)

In this box I received Coastal Scents Go Pallette in "Beijing", Tarina Tarantino Eye Dream Hyperlight, NCLA Nail Lacquer in "Call My Agent", Hello by Harvey Prince Perfume (this is the item wrapped in bubble-wrap), and the hidden item is tarte's LipSurgence lip gloss in "exposed".

My Coastal Scents Go Pallette is slightly damaged (one shadow shattered). After taking this picture, I just repressed the shadow using rubbing alcohol, it doesn't look as pretty as the rest of the shadows, but it functions just fine. These shadows are very small, about dime-sized. But the size of this palette is very "on-the-go" as it is about the size of my palm. I LOVE the color selection I received The pinks and purples will really compliment my brown eyes. This palette normally retails for $12.95, however the coastal scents website has the product on sale for $8.95 currently.

The NCLA polish in "Call My Agent" is a very true fire-engine red color. I tested this polish the night I received it, and two days later (right now) it only has very subtle chipping on the tip (barely noticeable). This is with no base or top coat, and only one coat of the polish. (Keep in mind that I work at a school so I wash my hands frequently, which diminishes the wear of my polishes). Overall, I am very happy with the quality of this product and the color is spectacular for this fall/winter season. The value of this polish is $16.00

This polish is listed as 5 free and on the product description is states "100% free of DBP, toulene, and formaldehyde, but also of camphor and animal testing"

The tarte LipSurgence lip gloss I received was in the shade exposed. These lip glosses retail for $19.00 on the tarte website. The shade exposed is a really beautiful deep rosy nude. The formula feels very smooth and adds shine to my lips. It is a sticky formula, but that doesn't bother me. I like that sticky formulas normally have better longevity. I am loving this deep nude for the upcoming season!

I photographed the Harvey Prince "Hello" perfume beside the tarte lip gloss container just to give some idea as to size. This is a 10ml spray bottle of the perfume and is valued at $29.00. The notes listed are : Meyer Lemon, White Grapfruit, and Satsuma Mandarin. I did smell this and I enjoyed the scent. I'm just working through some perfume samples currently so I ahvn't been able to test the longevity of the scent.

The last item I received was the Tarina Tarantino Eye Dream Hyperlight which is $22.00. This is an undereye brightener with a pinkish tint. I'm really excited to try this item, but I'm waiting until I'm done with my current concealer first (I know if I use this and really like it, I wont want to reach for the concealer which I'm trying to hurry and use up)

Overall the value of my BoxyCharm box was $94.95 (counting the discounted price of the Go Palette).

I'm pretty happy with my BoxyCharm box and I'm looking forward to trying the rest of the products I received!!

Feel free to subscribe and get your own box! 

Project 10 Pan - Update 1

Well, It's been one week since I started my Project 10 pan! So far so good, on that front. Not everything has visible progress, but I promise I've been on top of it!

1. Love & Beauty (by Forever 21) Sheer Lip Color (there is no shade on it)

9-10-14                                                                           9-17-14

Amount Left: Still Practically all of it

Use: I have been using this everyday as a lip conditioner and/or lip primer. It has gone down a little, but not a lot. The side is messed up from where the product isn't centered in the packaging, so it hits the plastic rim. I'm going to use the cap to mark where I am this week, so that hopefully I can see my progress better next week.

Opinion: My opinion hasn't changed really. I so like the formula, it makes my lips smooth and silky. It works well for what I'm doing with it.

2. L'Oreal True Match Blush in Baby Blossom

9-10-14                                              9-17-14

Amount Left: The pan showing has grown, but there's still a lot of product left in this blush.

Use: I've been applying this everyday with my Sonia Kashuk no. 29 brush. I mostly place this on the back of my cheeks and lightly on the bottom half of my apples.

Opinion: I love how quick and easy this is to apply. I feel like I've re-fallen in love with it. It such a nice natural pink. It's also pigmented enough so I'm not applying tons of product so it'll show up. But it not too pigmented so that I have to be careful of "blush-face" when applying.

3. Therapy Systems Perfect Concealer in the shade 2

9-10-14                                              9-17-14

Amount Left: A little more than half. I can see about half the pan, plus there's a significant dip in the middle of the other side.

Use: I'm using this everyday as both my under-eye concealer and my blemish concealer. I aplly this on my blemish with clean fingertips and my under-eye area with a Sonia Kashuk no. 110 brush (just a regular concealer brush).

Opinion: I really don't like this concealer. I find it to be too slippery; it moves and/or dissipates quickly. It also creases within about 30 minutes of wearing it under my eyes. I'm just ready to be done with it.

4. Benefit's "It's Potent!" Eye Cream

9-10-14                                                          9-17-14

Amount Left: Probably around the same as last time (3/4 of the container). I took a different angle so that you could see the dip I have in the middle.

Use: I apply this under my eyes every night after I wash my face. On occasion, I used this in the morning as well.

Opinion: I'm still enjoying this eye cream. No noticeable changes to my eye bags yet, but hopefully in the next few weeks there will be!

5. Lorac's Breakthrough Performance Foundation in Shade "SMS 1" 

09-10-14                                              09-16-14 (FINISHED)

Amount Left: FINISHED 09-16-14
Even though the picture shows a little product left, the bottle won't pump any more product out.

Use: I applied this everyday until it was gone with either my beauty blender or a standard foundation brush.

Opinion: I love this foundation. It evens out my skin tone perfectly and feels like nothing when its on. I don't normally go for a dewy finish, but I could powder it and be okay. I believe once I go through the rest of my foundations, it may be a contender for a re-purchase.

6. Maybelline  Color Sensational Lipcolor in "Born With It"

09-10-14                                                09-17-14

Amount Left: About 1/4 of the tube

Use: I have been applying and reapplying this everyday with Bath & Body Works Honey Sweetheart Lipgloss (number 9 of my project 10 pan). With this lipgloss on top, the shimmer flecks don't sit as weird on my lips. It actually creates a very nice nude pink. This combination has made wearing this lipstick a new favorite (which is good because I really need to finish it!).

Opinion: I really enjoy the color, however, on it's own this lipstick has chunky glitter/frosty aspects to it (I can feel the shimmer as I apply this lipstick). When I pair it with a lipgloss I do really enjoy it. I'm considering re-purchasing this, but I've got to use more of the lipsticks and lip crayons I have first.

7. MAC's Zoom Fast Black Lash 

Amount Left: I have absolutely no idea, still. (No point in showing an updated picture as you can't see a difference.)

Use: I apply 2 coats of this to my lashes everyday.

Opinion: Using this frequently after trying out some different mascaras just makes me love this product more. It's so black and gives me noticeably longer thicker and fuller lashes. It also curls my lashes and holds them there all day. I seriously love this mascara and once I've used up my others that are opened (And this gone) I'm going to get another one!

8. L'Oreal Lineur Intense in Carbon Black  

Amount Left: Absolutely no idea. (Same as my mascara, another picture would be useless here).

Use: I apply a thin line along my upper lash line and wing it out ever-so-slightly at the very base.

Opinion: I don't know why, but going back to this has been so enjoyable. I love the sharp small winged look I can create with this product. Winged liner is hard for my eyes because I have a very prominent crease that goes down almost as far as my eye does. With this liner I am able to go just below the crease and make a thin wing that looks so beautiful! Maybe I'll have to switch back to liquid liner after using this!

9. Bath & Body Works' Honey Sweetheart Lip Gloss 

9-10-14                                        9-17-14

Amount Left: About 3/4 to go! (I marked where I was last week and this week with a sharpie)

Use: I use this everyday on top of my Maybelline lipstick in "Born With It". This smooths out the lipstick and provides a wonderful sheen to my lips. It also smells/taste nice. (My fiance loves when I wear this gloss)

Opinion: I'm going to miss this lipgloss like crazy once it's gone. I feel like it makes any lipstick look fantastic. Plus I am in love with the smell of this!

10. Bath & Body Works' Travel-sized Body Lotion in Beautiful Day 

9-10-14                                                  9-17-14

Amount Left: Just a little bit at the bottom (I was so amazed by this progress! The black line on the more recent picture is where I was last week.)

Use: I have been applying this to my arms and legs every night before I go to bed.

Opinion: I really enjoy this scent and formula. However, I probably wont buy any more lotions for a while because I have way too many right now. (This spot will replaced with another lotion after I'm done with this one)

This is all for my update now. I'm glad I can see progress in most of the items! I'll post another update in a week!

Ipsy Bag: Sept 2014

I just received my ipsy bag in the mail, and wanted to share it here. I was super excited and kept checking my shipping status all week (I like getting packages in the mail; just in case you can't tell). If you haven't heard of ipsy, it a makeup subscription bag that you get sent every month. It's $10.00 a month, but if you pay for an annual substitution you get a month free (12 months for $110). You receive 4-5 beauty/skincare items per bag. If you want to get your own ipsy bag go ahead an click here (I am not affiliated with this company; I purchase this product myself)

This is how the ipsy package comes each week. It's in a metallic pink bubble wrap envelope.

After opening the package, I pulled out the ipsy card and little makeup bag that my 4-5 makeup products come in. The bag is a really cute faux-leather type material in a metallic gray with studs at the top. The zipper at the top is black and seems sturdy.

The month the theme was "Street Style. The four girls on the card are the stylists from ispy.

This week inside my bag of "Street Style" was (from left to right), Nourish Organic Moisturizing Cream Face Cleanser, Pacifica 7 Free Nail Polish in the color "Red Red Wine", Be A Bombshell Smooth Criminal Powder, Hikari Lipstick in the color "Cabernet", and Mitchell and Peach Luxury Hand Cream.

Here we go!:

The Nourish Organic Moisturizing Cream Face Cleanser has 1 fl oz of product. I looked up the item and the full size is $13.99 for 6 fl oz. That makes this sample worth $2.33. I'm so glad I received this product, I was just running out of my current face wash! This product is listed as fragrance-free, and does hold up to that. There was no scent I could detect. Some other notable information on this product: it is leaping bunny approved (does not test on animals), it is gluten free, it is vegan, it is Oregon Tilth Certified Organic, it also has the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) organic seal.  

The Mitchell and Peach Luxury Hand Cream has 30 ml. (This sample bottle was filled to the brim!) I looked up the full size of this product and it is 60 ml for $34.00. That makes this sample worth $17.00. This sample is worth more than the box, but from what I can tell it's more hit or miss. It has a very distinct herbal scent to it which many people either lover or hate. Fortunately, I'm a weirdo and I'm in the middle. No matter what though, I can still use a hand cream. Though for that price, it probably won't be one I re-purchase.

The Pacifica 7 Free Nail Polish in the color "Red Red Wine" is a full sized item that retails for $9.00. This is a very deep burgundy red color. The picture above is with only one coat applied. I found the brush to be just the right size to paint my nails quickly, but not have it be crazy messy from a larger brush. The "7 free is formulated without parabens, phthalates (dibutyl phthalate), toluene, xylene, camphor, formaldehyde, resin, and animals". The site also states the brush is 100% vegan. So far i really like the formulation, but I'll have to see what the wear time is like.

The Hikari Lipstick in the color "Cabernet". This is a full-sized item that retails for $13.00. The website lists this color as a rich red wine (I sense a wine theme here!). I like this red is more on the pink side because I can pull of pinker shades over orangey shades. I did notice that this dragged a little on the back of my hand as I was swatching, but I'll try it on the lips and see how it applies/wears. This is advertised as a long-lasting lip color

Last item is the Be A Bombshell Smooth Criminal Powder. This appears to be a sample size product which is worth about $5.00 (no way to know for sure because the full size oz amount wasn't listed). I am looking forward to using this to help set my foundation as I have combination/oily skin. I havn't felt or used it yet, but I'll update as I use it.

Overall the value of my ipsy bag was $46.33, not including the cute makeup bag. Over 4 times what I paid.

I'm pretty satisfied with my selections :)

I'll post reviews over the items on here as I use them more so you know if they're any good.

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