December edition of Ipsy...

I am a sucker for monthly beauty subscription boxes. The only one I've consistently stayed with is Ipsy (formerly My Glam Bag)

One of the best parts of an Ipsy bag is the cosmetic pouch the products come in. Who couldn't use an extra pouch for something or other? I have one that I use for electronic chargers when traveling. I use one lip products in my purse and another for first aid stuff in my purse. 

Take a look inside my December Ipsy bag.

(Oh! I forgot to mention the adorable pink bubble mailer! Too perfect!)

This month's cosmetic pouch is a black patent-leather like material. The inside is bright red, perfect for the holidays. At least I'm sure that's what they were thinking.

I'll start with the nail polish. I definitely see the Holiday theme in this one. It's by the brand NICKAK New York, which I've never heard of until now. I'm guessing the color is NY139?

It is a beautiful, creamy, Christmas red. Definitely no hint of shimmer in this one.

The lipstick is my first ever from NYX Cosmetics. I have a few of their eyeshadows and lip grosses, which I enjoy.

This is from their round lipsticks collection. I do love that the bottom of the tube is clear, so that you can see the color 

It is in the color Iris or LSS501. I would describe this color as a peach with gold shimmer. NYX describes the lipstick as "non-smudging" and "moisturizing". I'll get back to you on that one, once I try it out. 

I'm loving the looks of this Pop Beauty eyeshadow trio. I am a natural eye lover, so it's not a shocker that I can't wait to use this. The color on this one is Naturally Bare. 

(Taken outside in the shade)

L-R

The first color is a gorgeous champagne beige. At certain angles I'm catching slight golden shimmer. 

In the middle is a bronzed gold that reminds me so much of Mac's Woodwinked eyeshadow.

Rounding out the trio is a lovely taupey-grey (greige as I like to call it), that will make a nice crease color with this look. 

The product I'm least excited about has to be this Bomshell Cosmetics beauty stick in the color Girl Crush. It's a pale, shimmery, baby pink. With no description on the package, I can only assume its a multiple use type product. Cheek, lip, and eye? I don't know..I'm not sure about this one yet.

Lastly, the perfume roll-on. It smells like Mr. Clean. Again, with no description I'm not sure what they were going for. 

Overall, I like this month's bag. Enough so, that my subscription will live to see another month. 

Perfumes that compliment the winter weather...

While I am not a fan of cold weather, I really love being able to use my "winter" perfumes. I have a few perfumes that I reserve specifically for the colder months. 

Jessica Simpson Fancy is my all time favorite winter perfume.

It smells of sweet vanilla sugar, with some caramel mixed in. I reserve this perfume for very cold winter days. For me the sweetness is overpowering in warmer weather. Fancy reminds me a lot of Bath and Bodyworks' Sensual Amber. I don't like that body spray on its own, but I do find that both scents layer very nicely together.

Michael Kors Very Hollywood is the only other perfume I wear this time of the year.

It's a warmer floral scent that smells mostly of gardenia with some slight amber to it. The actual description adds that it has mandarin, raspberry, white moss, and bergamot (a citrus fruit). While I cannot confirm that it does smell like those, I promise that if you like gardenia, you will love this scent.

Do you switch your perfumes with the seasons? What are you favorite winter scents?

Shopping off the beaten path...

It's no secret that I love shopping online. I especially love finding websites and boutiques that offer unique products and gift ideas.

Sevenly is on of my favorite places to "shop for a cause". Each Monday Sevenly.org showcases a charity that will benefit from that week's sales. I own a few of their tees and even a sweatshirt. Recently Sevenly has branched out and now offers jewelry, beanies, children's toys and blankets, and even some pet products.
They are currently offering FREE shipping to the US and Canada on all orders.

Noonday Collections  is a company that is based out of Austin. They sell fair trade goods, including jewelry and accessories, made by artisans in Uganda, Ethiopia, India, and many other countries, as well as the USA. The fair trade principles assure that the artisans receive a fair wage and good working conditions.
Proceeds also help to place orphans in their forever homes.
Shop these beautiful creations at www.noondaycollection.com

Bella Vita is an online boutique I found quite accidentally. I was trying to locate Lily & Laura bracelets after becoming obsessed with them. They offer beautiful gifts for weddings, housewarmings, and yourself. Because we all deserve those every now and then. I love their selection of jewelry and home decor. Bella Vita Gifts & Interiors is located in Tennessee and I hope to visit it one day. But for now I enjoy shopping their website https://shopbellavita.com/


Let me know if you shop one of these fabulous websites :)

And so it begins...

I really have no idea what I'm doing. There, I said it! I read blogs daily. I love to use them as a source for beauty reviews when deciding on new products to purchase. I use them as "fashion" inspiration when I'm trying to dress myself.  Although I admit, I do not consider myself to be very fashionable. And I'm no makeup artist by any means. 

Basically, I'm a girl who loves all things girly, and I'd love to share my thoughts and ideas which anyone who's wiling to listen to me ramble. So...WELCOME!