Dazzling Perspectives Review

Ipsy August 2013

2013-08-22T15:46:00.001-07:00

"This month's August Glam Bag is perfect for the professional or student. It's full of beauty essentials that are perfect for stashing in your school bag or when you're prepping for your next big party!"- Ipsy

Hi there lovelies! Have you guys seen or gotten your Ipsy bag this month? What did you think?

Although most of the items I received were sample size, I still am loving it. Take a look at what I got....

I am unfortunately missing my Mica shimmer powder in the photo above. When I opened my package, I somehow placed the Mica in my purse and placed the rest of the products back in the envelope. Haha.

Mica Beauty Cosmetics Shimmer Powder in 17 Bronze

The bag is a simple zip top with cosmetic images inside a coat of arms type of emblem. Adorable!

Urban Decay Revolutionary Lipstick in Anarchy

Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub

Pixi Lash Booster Mascara in black

Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream

Ipsy July 2013

2013-07-27T21:49:00.000-07:00

If you follow my monthly Ipsy bags, you'll know that I have a favorable regard for the company as of lately. For the price, I feel that the products are worth it. I did find a slight letdown for the month of July with a specific product (not Ipsy though). Read on...

Cute pink see thru bag

Sexy hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray

Nailtini Nail Lacquer in Mai Tai

BH Cosmetics California Collection Eyeshadows

Pop Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon in Coral Crush

Coola Mineral Sunscreen

Here it is, my hang-up about this month's bag. The Coola Sunscreen came in a 7 ml tube that felt a bit too light for me. While trying out new photo lighting, I was able to see actually how much was in the tube! Come on Coola...

Birchbox July 2013: GOODBYE!

2013-07-27T19:42:00.001-07:00

It has finally come to the point that I had to get rid of my Birchbox subscription. Month after month I become very hopeful that my Birchbox contents would be better than the previous month but each month is another disappointment. I’ve had my Birchbox sub for over a year and it has gone downhill since late last year. Paying $10 per month to get foil packets that I can pick up from my make up counter or find attached inside a magazine is not justifiable for me. I think Birchbox needs to take a cue from Ipsy and do a huge overhaul. In the meantime, I'll bow out until I see improvements.

July’s box theme is inspired by the series SUITS.

“This month’s box is dedicated to helping you take control of any situation…”

Beauty Protector Protect & Condition

Beauty Protector Protect & Shampoo

Caldrea Body Lotion in Coconut Fig Leaf

The Balm Cosmetics InStain Long Wearing Powder Staining Blush in Sweet Dot

Tan Towel Classic Formula Self- Tan Towelettes....
Well I would show a photo if there were any tan towels in my box. Tsk tsk Birchbox! I guess throwing in a different lotion foil is their substitute.

Benefit Sugarlicious Kit

2013-07-08T05:48:00.001-07:00

I was browsing in Sephora a couple months ago and came across several Benefit kits. I personally like to buy trial sizes and kits when it comes to most cosmetics because I can sample various products for the price of what may be one product. I also like to be on the safe side when it comes to trying new items: I would rather try out a small sample than to buy a full size that I may not like and can not return. Lastly, the smaller sizes can guarantee that I will use up the product than to let it go to waste by expiring.

Amongst all the Benefit kit available, it was the Sugarlicious kit that I thought was most was most suitable for me. The other kits had foundations or powders that were too light or too dark for me while Sugarlicious has different face variation that can work for my complexion.

What?
Benefit Sugarlicious Lip & Cheek Kit

This kit includes Benetint Lip and Cheek Stain(4ml), High Beam Luminescent Complexion Enhancer (4ml), Sugarbomb "Sugar Rush Flush" Face Powder (3g) with brush, and Ultra Plush Sugarbomb Lip Gloss.

Included is a mirror and a couple tips and tricks card. At $28, you can't beat this!

*stay tuned for swatches and reviews on each item*

Birchbox June 2013

2013-07-08T00:13:00.001-07:00

Birchbox comes to us this month with their revamped website and box design. Now let's see if there are any improvements with the box contents.

Theme: Wanderlust.

"this month's box is filled with samples from near and far that will serve you well on all your summer adventures".

Davines Lovely Smoothing Shampoo

Davines Love Smoothing Conditioner

Davines Oil Absolute Beautifying Potion

LAQA & Co. Lil' Lip Duo

I believe this color is Ring of Fire

Color Club + Birchbox Nail Polish in London Calling

Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser

And lastly, several postcards...

I hoped that along with their site and box redesign, the contents of the box would have slight improvement as well. The only improvement in this month's box is the absence of perfume samples. Now if only they can cut down on the foil samples and actually send us the right color products that compliments our skin tone. Although mint green colors have been a hit lately, that is one color that does not go well with my skin.

Ipsy June 2013

2013-07-07T22:52:00.002-07:00

Ipsy did it again! Month after month, I am just loving the bags and they have yet to disappoint (knock on wood). Check it out.

Theme: On the Wild Side

June 2013 bag

Leopard Print bag

J. Cat Beauty Sparkling Cream Palette in Suzie

Starlooks Pencil Lipliner in Tipsy

Oops... my camera had focusing problems when it came to taking this photo

NYX Rouge Cream Blush in Tickled

Speck included!

Cailyn Line-Fix Gel Eyeliner in purple

Psssst! Instant Dry Shampoo

Nume coupon

2013-06-19T13:08:00.003-07:00

Does anyone ever use the coupon codes that come in the Birchbox or Ipsy bags? I have yet to take advantage of these coupons/promotions and I feel bad that it’s going to waste. If you are interested in snagging the coupon code for any offers I post, please email me at Dazzlingperspectives@gmail.com and I will send you the code.

This month’s offer:

$110 off Hair Styling Tools and Hair Extensions + free thermal pouch with purchase on www.Numeproducts.com

This offer expires on November 30, 2013

Ipsy May 2013

2013-06-19T12:56:00.000-07:00

Of the several packages I get each month, Ipsy has been one of my favorite packages to receive. So far my bags have been satisfactory and (I feel like) each month it just gets better. Let’s take a look at May’s bag and see what goodies are in there.

This month’s theme: Spring fling!!!

The pouch for May’s bag is of a multicolor chevron design on the outside and a plain teal green on the inside.

Yaby Concealer refill in Vanilla.

At first sight I thought this was a Coastal Scents cream eyeshadow refill until looked closely and saw that it was slightly melted on the side.

Zoya Nail Lacquer in Blu

NuMe Finishing Serum

Pacifica Roll On Perfume in Tahitian Gardenia

I’m beyond ecstatic to get this scent. Many, many years ago I was smelling their solid perfumes and fell in love with the gardenia. I didn't buy it that day and thought I'd go back later to buy it, only to find that it was gone.

Juice Beauty Reflecting Lip Gloss in Fig

Oh! I also received my white bag with pink zipper lining from my April bag.

Not bad at all! What do you think?

Birchbox May 2013

2013-06-19T01:05:00.005-07:00

Theme: Beauty Diaries.

Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle

COOLA Classic Face SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face

Joie Folle de Joie eau de parfum

Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner in Raina (Navy Blue)

And the joke of all jokes…. A Pilot acroball pen.

Really, Birchbox? A pen? I can find this in my office for free!

Also included is a one year subscription to Women’s Health Magazine. I was going to take up the offer until I read the fine print: “If for some reason you do not want the magazine, you can obtain a $9.99 refund by completing this card and sending it….”

I think I want my refund and it’s time for me to reconsider Birchbox.

Ipsy April 2013

2013-06-19T00:10:00.001-07:00

For all the pink lovers, this month is yours. Well, kind of. The theme is pretty in pink, and as you can assume, at least one of the products should be pink in color.

My items came in a white canvas flower bag. Ipsy sent several subscribers different bags, stating that the bag of the month was not up to standard and there would be a replacement included in May’s bag.

Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Styling Treatment

Be A Bombshell blush in beach please

MICA Beauty Cosmetics Shimmer Powder in Earth

Sation Nail Lacquer in Of Corset I’ll Call You

With only four items in this month’s bag, I can say that I’m satisfied with the fact that 1) there are actual cosmetics included and 2) half of the products are full sized! Good job Ipsy!

Birchbox April 2013

2013-06-18T23:57:00.000-07:00

Theme: Tiny Rewards, Big Results

Simple Revitalizing Eye Roll-On

Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream

Caudalie Divine Oil

Nexxus Youth Renewal Rejuvenating Elixir

Ruby Wing Color Changing Nail Polish in Poppy

True color with sunlight and no flash

This is a slightly better box than previous ones.

Birchbox March 2013

2013-05-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

March Birchbox theme: March Madness.

Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow

Madewell Emery Board

Pink on one side

Floral on the other

Supergoop! SPF 30+ Everyday UV Lotion for Face and Body

Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Treatment

Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque

Stella Cadente Miss Me Discrete? Eau de toilette

Ipsy March 2013

2013-05-26T18:36:00.002-07:00

No March Ipsy bag!

I missed out on Ipsy’s March bag due to my absent-mindedness (and procrastination) when it came to updating my credit card. If only I had done so, this would be my bag:

Darn it, I really like that bag and wanted the GlamRX palette

Birchbox February 2013

2013-05-26T18:26:00.001-07:00

Both Ipsy and Birchbox chose the red carpet as their theme for the month of February. Birchbox's official theme is Red Carpet Ready.

I peaked again before I got my February box and I instantly became disappointed in the selections for the month. I was under impression that we had no full size product this month until I got my box.

Ghirardelli Milk and Chocolate Square

Really?

Dermablend Professional Quick-Fix Concealer in Tan

Quick-Fix concealer is a full coverage, long wearability concealer with an SPF of 30. This tube alone carries a $24 price tag.

Votivo candle in Pink Mimosa Scent

Pink Mimosa smells wonderful but why are we starting to get home products in our boxes now? What happened to it being a beauty box?

Juicy Couture Couture La La

More perfume samples! :/

Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator

Packed with papaya enzymes and micro-crystals, this cleanser is suppose to exfoliate your skin and rid of dead skin cells to help brighten your complexion.

Twistband Headband

The only product I was happy to get in this box was the Dermablend concealer. What was yours?

Ipsy February 2013

2013-05-26T18:01:00.005-07:00

Hi all! So I'm playing catch up with all my previous boxes. Normally, I would take a photo of my new products before I used them, so as soon as I received my February Ipsy bag, I took photos of my products and now it's nowhere to be found. Therefore I will be posting the photos from My Glam Room instead. I apologize for not making this personable.

So the theme was Red Carpet Ready. Considering it was the month of Valentine's Day, I actually expected something of the sorts.

Ipsy January 2013

2013-05-26T17:22:00.000-07:00

I was very satisfied with my previous Ipsy box that I was looking forward to this month’s box. The theme: Super Stars!

This month’s make up bag is a solid navy blue color on the outside and a starry night look on the inside. I don't know how it could have happened, but I've misplaced the bag and have yet to find it.

Photo is from my Ipsy My Glam Room

January’s contents:

Sexy Hair Bigsexyhair Spray and Play volumizing hairspray.

London SoHo New York Crease Brush

This is another back up item to add to my stash.

Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter

Mmh! This smells wonderful. It’s been ages since I’ve been able to find any Pacifica products in my local stores so I am glad this is part of our box.

Nailtini Nail Lacquer in Frappe

Josie Maran Argan Oil

All I can say is “yes!”, Josie Maran Argan Oil just made my bag extra special this month.

I’m definitely loving my January bag!

Beauty Army February 2013

2013-03-04T23:09:00.002-08:00

Today I am bringing you my last Beauty Army box. I’ve held out cancelling my subscription to Beauty Army since last year and this last box is what broke the camel’s back. For those unfamiliar with Beauty Army, you get to choose up to 6 items for your monthly box. If you forget to do so or skip the month’s box before the closing window date, they will automatically pick 6 samples for you.

Unfortunately, I forgot to skip the month of February and they chose my products for me.

As you can see, my beautiful, reusable, pink box came smashed up on the side. Boohoo.

Yes To Tomatoes Acne Daily Pore Scrub

Gatsby Ooh La La Volume conditioner

Mark Glow Baby Glow Hook Up Lip Gloss in Honey

Mark Hook Up Connector

Glow Baby Glow Lip Gloss with the connector

This connector’s purpose is to have the user customize a dual-ended lipstick/lipgloss. Not only do I not have a need for a connecter, but I can’t find any of my lip gloss tubes to fit the connecter. I think it may have been made just to fit their hook up lip glosses.

Lash Card

Enspri Ultra Collagen 5 minute-anti aging facial treatment

Mark Mascara

Sorry guys, there will be no photo of a Mark mascara because I didn’t get one! As part of their anniversary, Beauty Army was giving a ‘birthday gift’ in each box but they forgot mine. I contacted them about it and they said to let them know to when I choose my next box so that they can add a replacement item. Yeah, that’s not happening.

As much as I like Beauty Army’s concept of choosing your own items, the selections were not abundant and there were lots of repeats each month. I don’t feel that my box was worth $12.

Birchbox January 2013

2013-03-03T20:23:00.001-08:00

It’s a New Year along with new themes, and Birchbox’s January theme is Best Year Ever. I was so curious if Birchbox’s January box will redeem itself from the previous few months’ disappointment that I looked online to see what was coming in my box.

January 2013 box

N.4 Clarifying Shampoo

A highly concentrated formula for deep cleansing.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentre

Aerie Shimmer Fragrance

The Balm Hot Mama! Shadow & Blush

As soon as I opened this up, I noticed that there was a smudge on it as if someone laid their finger in there. Anyone have the same issue?

Deborah Lippmann The Stripper to go

The packaging looks like a piece of cloth nailpolish remover but it's actually finger mitts. Nice!

The only item I was looking forward to trying was the Hot Mama! Shadow/blush. I wish Birchbox could switch things up a bit for the new year. At least incorporate one full size item or introduce more makeup options. All these perfume samples are getting old and boring.

Birchbox February 2013

2013-03-03T20:16:00.000-08:00

Birchbox February 2013

I peaked again before I got my February box and I instantly became disappointed in the selections for the month. I was under impression that we had no full size product this month until I got my box.

Ghirardelli Milk and Chocolate Square

Really?

Twistband Headband

Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator

Packed with papaya enzymes and micro-crystals, this cleanser is suppose to exfoliate your skin and rid of dead skin cells to help brighten your complexion.

Votivo candle in Pink Mimosa Scent

Pink Mimosa smells wonderful but why are we starting to get home products in our boxes now? What happened to it being a beauty box?

Juicy Couture Couture La La

Here's another sample perfume from Juicy Couture. Is it just me or does it feel like Juicy Couture is rolling out one new perfume after another? Didn't they just realize a new scent last spring? I admit, I haven't been keeping up with their line of perfumes anymore. I'm actually liking the new Couture La La... and maybe it's because it smells so much like Jessica McClintock's original perfume? Ahhh, anyone else pick up on that scent?

Dermablend Professional Quick-Fix Concealer in Tan

FULL SIZE! Thank goodness, this made my box feel worthwhile! I am a long time user of the brand Dermablend (over 10 years) and I always turn to their concealers for this moments when I want to look as close to flawless as possible. Quick-Fix concealer is a full coverage, long wearability concealer with an SPF of 30. This tube alone carries a $24 price tag.

Leave me a comment and let me know what you got in your box.

Ipsy December 2012

2013-02-11T02:50:00.000-08:00

I finally am a member of Ipsy! The first time it launched under the MyGlam name, I had planned on signing up. After seeing reviews month after month, I decided to hold off. After MyGlam revamped itself as Ipsy, the raves and reviews finally reeled me in.

My first Ipsy box was December 2012, themed Haute Holiday.

Mai Couture Highlighter paper

Mirabella Prime for Face and Eyes.

This is my first introduction to this brand so I am looking forward to trying it out and reviewing.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Pencil in Zero.

I already own this product in the same shade. I don’t mind having a back up now.

NYX Loose Pearl Shadow in Charcoal Pearl.

Be A Bombshell lipgloss in Hot Mess.

All of these products came in a lovely, slim, grey makeup bag. For $10 a month, all these products from Ipsy are totally worth it.

Birchbox December 2012

2012-12-27T02:29:00.000-08:00

Hey beauties! This past month has been a very busy one for me and it has kept me from blogging. Instead of skipping any blogs intended for this month, I will be doing lots of late blogging. Now let’s get on with it…

December Birchbox’s theme is ‘All Wrapped Up’, obviously corresponding to this month’s tradition of gift giving.

The contents of my box are:

*Emily’s Chocolate Peppermint Fortune Cookie

*Amika Nourishing Hair Mask

*Juicy Couture Perfume sample

*ModelCo. Shine Ultra Lip Gloss in Strip Tease

Strip Tease

It comes with a mirror too!

* Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair CC Cream.

This month’s box was not bad at all. I actually have been using one of the products for about 2 weeks now and love it. That review will be coming up pretty soon.

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think about this month’s products or what you received in your box. XOXO!

Merry Christmas!

2012-12-24T23:34:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to one and all! I would like to say thank you to everyone who has stopped by and supported my blog. I hope that your holiday is shared with loving friends and family.

With love,

Lynn

Sonia Kashuk Limited Edition Lip and Nail Color

2012-11-30T02:14:00.000-08:00

I was browsing inside Target a few weeks ago and came across this Sonia Kashuk Limited Edition lip and nail color set.

As part of their fall 2012 collection, this set comes with 2 mini nail polish and 2 mini lip gloss.

What got my attention was the violet lip gloss and I decided I was going to own this set. At first I was a bit weary about the color, thinking that it would be a highly pigmented violet. To my surprise, it was not what I thought it would be.

Left to right: Sealed With A Kiss, Undercover Lover, Shrinking Violet, and Lacquered Lilac

The colors in this set are Shrinking Violet and Sealed With A Kiss. The consistency is quite nice as it could be used alone to provide a hint of color or used on top of another color to add a nice shine. Most colors are too sheer that when used on my lips which then is barely shown, but not this. I made a mistake by not putting a dab of the color on my hand for a swatch. As you'll see in the swatch photo below, it looks very sheer because it I only did 1 swipe of the applicator.

The texture feels smooth, light, and has a slight, SLIGHT tackiness feel in the beginning which will then fade away once it has the chance to absorb onto your lips. Do not fret about this because it will disappear. This is NOT one of those lip glosses that will feel tacky throughout the whole length of use. Both colors are quite beautiful and are the type of lip gloss that I can have in my pocket for an easy, quick, and no-fuss touch ups throughout the day.

Shrinking Violet lip gloss

Sealed With A Kiss lip gloss

The nail polishes included are Lacquered Lilac and Undercover Lover. I will be featuring the nail polish in a nail of the day post soon so hold tight for that.

Beauty Army November 2012

2012-11-27T06:30:00.002-08:00

I bring you another monthly subscription service which is Beauty Army. Believe it or not, I am not a new subscriber to Beauty Army. The whole premise to Beauty Army is that you get to choose up to 6 deluxe size samples a month for $12. If the products featured per month aren’t appealing to you, you can choose to skip that month. The reason that I’ve yet to feature this service on my site is that my last shipment was around April. For each month I log in to pick my samples, I would be faced with the same repeat products that I wasn’t interested in. This month I finally saw 2 cosmetic items that I wanted and I placed my order.

All your products come in a black, sturdy, flip top box. Here are the samples I chose this month:

*Macadamia Deep Repair Masque

*Jonathan Dirt Texturizing Paste

*Nelson J Beverly Hills Argan Oil 7 in 1 Non-Foaming Shampoo

*Dermisa Skin Fade Cream

*Skinn Twin Set Collagen Boost Lipstick and Wet Lips Gloss in Coral Poppy

2 in 1!

*Whip Hand Limited Edition Loose Eyeshadow

I will be reviewing some of these products pretty soon so stay tuned!

If you are interested in Beauty Army, just go to their site, beautyarmy.com and sign up. There may be a waiting list but if you are interested in this kind of service that allows you to choose your own samples, then I do recommend that you at least give it a try.

Cyber Monday sale: e.l.f.!

2012-11-25T15:11:00.001-08:00

The holiday season is upon us now! I hope all my fellow readers had a wonderful Thanksgiving day with their family and friends. I’m sorry if you had to work on Thanksgiving day as I was rooting for you guys to spend that day with friends and family. *sigh*

Well, now that Black Friday and Small Business Saturday is over with, we have Cyber Monday!!!! I just wanted to let everyone know that e.l.f. is having a 50% sitewide sale starting today and ending Monday night. For those who like e.l.f. brushes like I do, this is the chance to take advantage of the savings. Use code 50WIDE during checkout to apply the discount. The catch: must spend over $25. That’s not bad considering you’re really spending $50 worth. Happy cyber Monday!