Review: Bite Beauty Lipstick

You know when you go to Sephora and just beeline for a certain brand? For me, one of those brands is Bite Beauty. I've loved their lipsticks for a few years now because they're so creamy, smell so good, last a long time, and come in a ton of colors. My first Bite lipstick was Vouray, a rosy pink, and the next was the 2014 Color of the Year in Radiant Orchard, so I was thrilled to get a box from Influenster with two Bite lipsticks in Honeycomb (a beige nude) and Whiskey (a rich mahogany with red) as well as two lip pencils (in 020 and 044) and a pencil sharpener.

What I like: the formula is fantastic, they're super creamy, they can be worn as a stain if you dab it on or as a true lipstick, they're very pigmented, and they smell amazing, like a subtle mix of mint and floral. The same goes for the lip pencils, which really helped when applying the dark color.

What I don't like: I'm just not in love with either of these colors on me. I personally don't like nude lipsticks, so the Honeycomb is a no, and I think the Whiskey is a little too brown and I was hoping for more of a berry color. I also have to warn you that Bite lipsticks are really drying when worn for long periods of time. Lip balm will be needed.

So while I love Bite Beauty lipstick and always want more of them, I just don't find these two colors particularly wearable for every day. I'm more of a pink and berry girl I tried mixing Vouray and Whiskey and it turns into the prettiest purple-berry color! Do you like Bite lipsticks?

**Bite Beauty products received from Influenster. All opinions are my own.**

Have you tried Bite Beauty lipstick?

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Review: Influenster's Maybelline Super Stay 24 Lip Color Vox Box

Who doesn't want lipstick that stays put through talking and eating and drinking? Most days I forget to put on any kind of lip color, but on the days that I do I want it to last as long as it can. I got two Maybelline SuperStay 24-Hour Lip Color from Influenster to test out to see if they really do stay put. The two colors I received are a beautiful neutral red called Keep Up The Flame and a pale, frosted pink called Constant Toast. 

I really loved the red color on me because it's the perfect neutral red, but sadly I absolutely hated the pink. Frosted pink lipsticks don't look good on me and remind me too much of the early 2000s. 

What I Like: The lip colors are easy to apply with the curved doe-foot applicator and the lip balm on the other side is very moisturizing. Once you put on these colors these colors on they DO NOT BUDGE. I mean it. I didn't keep them on for 24 hours, but I have no doubt that it would last for that long. Also, you do have to reapply the lip balm now and then, but that's not a big deal. There are matte colors, like the red, and frosted colors, like the pink, and there are a ton of color options. 

What I Didn't Like: Because the lip color stays so well, it is really, really hard to get off. You're supposed to use an oil-based make up remover, but since I don't have any because I prefer to use Simple's Micellar Cleansing Water I wouldn't come off. I pretty much rubbed my lips raw to get this stuff off. 

I love the red lipstick and how well they stay on, but pro tip: get an oil-based makeup remover if you don't have one!

*I received these lipsticks from Influenster. All opinions are my own.*

What lipsticks do you wear?

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Review: Kat Von D Lock-It Vox Box

I've been using the same Maybelline Fit Me concealer for over a year now. It's a great concealer, but it can get cakey and doesn't stay well when I sweat, so when I got this Influenster vox box of Kat Von D Lock-It concealers I was so excited to try something new and hopefully better. And oh my god, these are much, much better!

In the box, I got:

♥ Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer in Ligh1 and Light3 ($26)

♥ Kat Von D Lock-It Edge Concealer Brush ($26)

♥ Kat Von D Lock-It Setting Powder ($38)

♥ Kat Von D Lock-It Setting Powder Brush ($38)

I got the Lock-It Concealer in two colors, but mostly use the Light3 since it fits my skin tone best. This concealer goes on smoothly, covers blemishes and redness to perfection, doesn't wipe away when I got a drop of sweat, and stays put for hours. I really like the wide doe foot applicator because it picks up just enough concealer and makes applying very easy. A tube of this is a little expensive for me, but a little goes a long way. 

The Lock-It Setting Powder feels like air it's so light. Just a swipe or two on my face and my skin feels flawless and smooth. It's lightweight, reduces shine, and keeps the oil at bay, though not forever. 

The concealer brush and the setting powder brush are amazing. The concealer brush is short and thick and blends the concealer so well. I also like using it to put eyeshadow on. The setting powder brush is the softest thing on the planet! It's perfect for dabbing on the powder and also for putting on blush too. Who says brushes are just for one thing? 

What kind of concealer do you use?

**I received these beauty products to review from Influenster.**

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Influenster Marc Jacobs Vox Box

Is anyone else completely obsessed with highlighters right now? I must have about six different highlighters in my makeup collection right now. I justify having a bunch because some are champagne-colored, some are bronzey, some are liquid, some are powder, and some are sticks. The latest one added to my ever-growing collection is this Marc Jacobs Glow Stick that I got from Influenster. 

Let's start with what I like about this illuminator:

• The packing: it's like a smooth white capsule and it's ever so chic.
• The cream stick form: I find it so easy to use. Just a swipe and you're done! And since it's a cream rather than a powder or a liquid, it's great for all skin types.
• The color: this champagne color is beautiful, and when it's blended it's subtle and not overly sparkly, but still reflects the light perfectly. 

What don't I like? Absolutely nothing! Well, the price could be a little cheaper in my opinion. It's currently $42, but this is something you'd only have to buy every few years anyway, so splurge away. So we have a winner! This Marc Jacobs Glow Stick is even a rival for the one I usually use every day: Benefit's Watt's Up. 

What highlighter do you use?

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Influnster SK-II Skincare Vox Box

I've gotten several boxes from Influenster now and I've loved all of the products I've gotten. But I'm going to be honest, this box was kind of a dud for me. 

In this box, I got the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence ($99) and the SK-II Facial Treatment Mask ($17 for one mask). The SK-II Facial Treatment products replenish skin's moisture, prevents skin dryness, smooths skin, helps moderate skin's renewal cycle, and penetrates better than a cream. 

I got this box several weeks ago and have been using the SK-II Essence every night before bed exactly as they said by putting a few drops into my hands and then lightly pressing the liquid onto my face and neck. It's like slightly thicker water and has a very light, almost unnoticeable scent. To be honest, I haven't seen any change in my skin. It hasn't improved my skin as far as I can see, but it also hasn't damaged my skin either (no breakouts, no dry spots). I was kind of hoping my skin would be a little less oily at least, but no luck. I'll probably keep using it since it hasn't harmed my skin, so why not? But at that price point, I won't be purchasing it again. 

I also tried the SK-II Mask and I'm just personally not a fan of those paper masks, no matter what company they're from. I find unravelling them annoying and I'd rather put on masks with my fingers (like a cucumber mask or a mud mask). I also found this mask too goopy for my taste. 

P.S. -- See my previous Influenster boxes reviews.

**I received these products from Influenster for free. All opinions are my own.**

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Spring Beauty Wishlist

So after two years, I'm thinking of stopping my Ipsy subscription. While I've loved getting cute bags full of make up every month and discovering a lot of great brands and products, I seem to get stuff from the same companies over and over. Obviously you can't beat getting five products for a mere $10, but there's always one or two in each bag that I don't like or don't use or would prefer in a different color. Besides, if there's a product I really, really want then I'll just fork over the money. So it seems my time with Ipsy is coming to an end. 

Below are some drugstore beauty products on my wishlist.

{Spring Beauty Wishlist}

Spring Beauty Wishlist:

• Revlon Ultra Volume Mascara
• Maybelline Eyeshadow Palette 
• Haute Nail Polish in Jealousy
• Milani Rose Blush
• EcoTools Brush Duo
• Revlon Ultra Matte Lipcolor in Devotion
• CoverGirl Star Wars Lipstick 
• CoverGirl Oh Sugar! Lip Balm
• Maybelline Matte Liquid Lipstick

Any beauty products you want to try this spring? 

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Influenster Marc Jacobs #VelvetNoir Mascara

If you saw me after I opened this Influenster box, I would've been really embarrassed because I ripped open this box and then jumped up and down like a crazy person. I was so excited to get a Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir mascara ever since I got my email saying that I would be a part of this campaign. And let me tell you: this mascara does not disappoint! 

The packaging is so classy and cool; it almost looks like a long onyx gemstone. I like that the only words on the tube are "Marc Jacobs" in silver (there is a tiny sticker at one end that says it's the Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara). 

So what about the actual mascara? I got this mascara about a month ago and ever since then I've been using it almost every single day. It's the mascara I reach for the most right now because it's lengthening, thickening, and perfect for every day. But with an extra coat or two, it's super dramatic for a night out. You can see in the pictures below that my lashes look much better with a few swipes of this mascara.

It's definitely on the pricey side ($26), but if you feel like splurging I'd say go for it!


**I received this mascara from Influenster for free. All opinions are my own.**

What mascara do you use?

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Ipsy Glam Bag {December 2015}

This bright red, quilted bag is so cute! I like that the color is festive, but it works as a nice accessory all year round. So this month I got some products that I'm really happy with and one that I'm disappointed with. 

What I got:
♥ Elizabeth Mott Eye Shadow Primer ($20)
♥ Pacifica Natural Lipstick in Nudie Red ($10)
♥ Klorane Floral Water Make Up Remover ($23)
♥ Formula X Nail Polish in Revved Up ($10.50)
♥ ACURE Cell Stimulating Face Mask ($13)

MINI REVIEWS

Elizabeth Mott Eye Shadow Primer 

Of all the items in my Ipsy bag, you wouldn't think this would be my favorite, but it is! My Holy Grail eye primer has always been the Urban Decay Original one, but this one rivals it. It has the same consistancy and works just as well. No oily eye lids by the end of the day. And it's the same price as the Urban Decay one. I call this a winner. 

Pacifica Natural Lipstick in Nudie Red

I had high hopes for this lipstick, but it fell short. The nude-brick red color is nice, though not my favorite, but the real problem is that this lipstick is really dry and not very moisturizing. I think it's cool that it's packed with vitamins and antioxidants and it is pigmented, but I didn't like having it on my lips. 

Klorane Floral Water Make Up Remover 

This is the prettiest smelling make up remover I've ever smelled. According to the website, it's a 3-in-1 micellar cleanser, toner, and eye make up remover, which is really neat. I've only used it to take off my eye make up and it works just as you would expect it too. It doesn't leave any residue or make my skin feel oily. In fact my skin felt really clean after and it didn't sting my eyes. I would recommend this.

Formula X Nail Polish in Revved Up 

Well, hello pretty nail polish! This metallic color goes on so smoothly and it only took one layer to get the ideal opacity. Plus the champagne-gold color is bright and oh so pretty. I would recommend this. 

ACURE Cell Stimulating Face Mask 

This face mask is interesting. It stimulates new cell growth, French Green Clay draws out impurities, and it's vegan, gluten, and cruelty-free. The scent is a mix between seaweed and mint, the mask itself is on the thinner side, and it's green (which is fun for scaring people!). I haven't used it enough to see a real difference, but I like it enough to keep using it. 

P.S. -- I also started getting a ComicBlock subscription and so far I'm loving it! I got one Batgirl t-shirt, a Thor hammer keychain, and four comics (Vader Down #1, Star Wars #1, Pacific Rim #1, and Howard the Duck #1). 

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Inspiration: Holiday Glam

My company holiday party is this Friday, so it's the perfect occasion to go a little overboard with the glam. I'm still deciding what to wear, but there's obviously going to be something sparkly or lacey involved. And I'll probably break out the red lipstick (or lip stain, so I can actually eat without getting it all over my face). 

Hopefully this unseasonably warm weather will continue so I don't have to wear tights to the party. #fingerscrossed 

{via Something Turquoise, Stephanie Sterjovski, Living After Midnite, 

Pinterest, Trendy Curvy, Katie Elwood & Pinterest}

What are you wearing to your work holiday party?

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Ipsy Glam Bag {November 2015}

How cool is this galaxy print bag?! So in love with it! I have to find cool things to keep in it now. This month's bag had a really great collection of things that I've already been using ever since I got them. 

What I got:

♥ treStique Mini Matte Lip Crayon in Florence Fig ($28)

♥ ModelCo Highlighting Trio ($22)

♥ Luxie Beauty Eyeshadow in No. 290 ($6)

♥ Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara ($20)

♥ Coolway Stronghold Spray ($20)

MINI REVIEWS

treStique Mini Matte Lip Crayon 

It's called a matte lipstick, but I would really call it more of a satin finish. It goes on smoothly and opaquely. I like this Florence Fig color because it's a like a dark my-lips-but-better color with a hint of brown. It's a great everyday color. I would recommend it. 

ModelCo Highlighting Trio

I'm not a huge fan of cream shadows because they tend to crease on me, but I'm going to use this trio anyway. The colors are SO pretty. The bronze and rose colors especially are lovely. I would recommend this. 

Luxie Beauty Eyeshadow in No. 290

While I like this color in theory, because it's a nice muted purple, but when I put it on it makes me look like I have a bruise on my eyelids. Not cute. I think I would prefer to try some other colors instead, especially for only $6. 

Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara

Let me sing the praises of this mascara: I love the wand, it makes my lashes super long, and it doesn't clump! It gives me doll-like lashes and I would totally recommend it. 

Coolway Stronghold Spray

To be honest, I haven't tried this yet because I don't use sprays all that often, but oh my god it smells amazing! Like fruit and florals mixed together. 

What kind of mascara do you use?

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Inspiration: Dark Beauty

There are a few things I do when winter is on the horizon: take out my scarves and boots, put all of my dark nail polishes front and center on my armoire, and switch the pink lipsticks for the berry ones in my bag. Yep, the time has come for dark lipstick, moody nail polish colors, and dramatic smokey eyes! And now I wish I had those cool moon decals like in one of the images below. So cool. 

{via College Fashion, Fashion Enzyme, I Spy DIY, Black Hair Information, 

Brit + Co, Rissie Blog, Style Craze & Be Modish}

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Ipsy Glam Bag {October 2015}

1. I love October's Ipsy bag! It's gold on one side and black patent on the other. Very chic. 2. I love the products I unzipped from the pouch! While the theme this month is alter ego, my beauty products aren't very Halloween-y, except for the dark nail polish, but that won't stop me from using them. What's a beauty product you got recently that you really love?

What I got:
♥ Aurora Gel Effects Nail Polish in Inky Dinky (full size $12)
♥ The Balm Matte Liquid Lipstick in Committed (full size $17, sample $5)
♥ Beauty Without Cruelty Lotion (full size $12, sample $4)
♥ Nourish Organic Argan Face Serum (full size $24, sample $17)
♥ Emite Slant Tweezers

This bag is worth almost $38!

MINI REVIEWS

Aurora Gel Effects Nail Polish in Inky Dinky 

A+ nail polish, guys! I was a little wary of the color since it's so dark, but I really like this midnight purple color. But what I really, really love about this nail polish is how fast it dries. Because of that I'll for sure be getting more. Plus, I've been wearing it for several days now and no chips at all. 

The Balm Matte Liquid Lipstick in Committed 

The vintage-style packaging is so cute! I like the pinky-nude my-lips-but-better color and that it's matte. It goes on smooth and for a few minutes it's a little sticky, but then feels like any other lipstick, though maybe not as smooth feeling on the lips. I even ate with it on and it stayed put. 

Beauty Without Cruelty Lotion 

This is a great lotion; it's fragrance-free and cruelty-free and not tested on animals and not oily. It really sinks into the skin, leaving your skin smooth, rather than sitting on top. I'll definitely keep using this during the winter. 

Nourish Organic Argan Face Serum 

Seeing as this is for normal to dry skin, this isn't made for my oily skin. It's a very oily serum that smells wonderful (like apricot and roses), but I don't like how messy it is. I might use it now and then on my dry patches, but I wouldn't buy this on my own. 

Emite Slant Tweezers

I mean, it's tweezers. What can I really say? It does its job and I like that it's pink.

♥ ♥ ♥ 

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The pieces in her shop are beautifully crafted! These butterfly earrings are amazing. 

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