Thursday, December 31, 2015

Top 10 Beauty Products of 2015

After making the list for my most loved beauty products of 2015, one theme kept presenting itself. The fact that DRUG STORE MAKEUP has taken over in my life. I switched from a $34 foundation to a drug store concealer. A high end mascara to a drug store one.  I began using a drug store powder. Let's face it guys, drug store products are really stepping up their game! Not one product from my 2015 favorite's is over $10. Let's dive right in cupcakes.



1. Dove dry shampoo. If you are a bi-weekly hair washer like me, you can't find a better product for your dollar. The product smells amazing, doesn't leave a white build up, and does the job for under $5!

2. Fortune Cookie Soap "Shower Oil". This one has actually been a life changer in my family. My daughter suffers from extreme dry skin and this has completely changed all that. You spray it on after your shower and it absorbs into your skin and leaves your skin hydrated and you smelling great!

3. Colour Pop Ultra Mattes. This is going to be weird coming from a beauty blogger, but here it goes...I hate lipsticks. I almost always wear tinted balms...but this product has finally gave me a lip stick I can wear. It dries completely matte and is "kiss proof." (And only $6!)

4. Colour Pop shadows. I don't think any amount of money could buy more beautiful, pigmented eye shadow but the fact that these sell for $5 definitely doesn't hurt! I don't wear anything else.

5. Wet hair brush. Another life changer in my house. My daughter has extraordinarily thick hair but is extremely tender headed. A little pricey at $10, but if you or someone in your house is tender headed, I can't recommend this enough.

6. Hard Candy "Glamoflauge" concealer. My holy grail face product! I'm in the pale girl club and never could find anything light enough. My previous foundation was $34 and this is under $10 and I like it as much if not more.

7. Cover Girl "The Super Sizer" mascara. Here's another drug store product that blew me away and saved me a lot of money from the high end I was using. Previously I was using Tarte's lights camera lashes. My Mom gave me the Cover Girl mascara she had got in a sub box, and I LOVE it. I believe it retails for $7.

8. Model Co highlighter trio. I got this one in my Ipsy and it's become a product I use every day. It gives you that POP and it's very user friendly and convenient.

9. Wet N Wild Coverall powder. To be honest, it's not the best powder I've ever used but it comes in a shade light enough for me (shade "Fair") and it's under $4! It's a great product for the price and a saviour for us pale girls.

10. E.L.F Makeup mist & set spray. Another cheapie but goodie! $3 and leaves your skin feeling smooth and fresh, and your make up on. Highly recommend it.

Feel free to share your favorites in the comments below and don't forget to follow for the great beauty posts of 2016! Happy New Years, cupcakes. Thanks for making this year a great one.

-Sammi Cupcake

Monday, December 21, 2015

Colour Pop Puppy Love

Puppy Love



Oh my goodness, you guys! I FINALLLLLLLY got my Colour Pop "Puppy Love" shadow today. It. is. EVERYTHING. I don't even know how to describe it. It reminds me of the gemstone, Opal. It's a peachy ivory but it reflects so many colors!


^ See what I mean? Anyways, not only is this shade amazing but it supports an amazing cause, Best Friends Animal Society. BFAS is an organization focused on ending the killing of dogs and cats in America's shelters. 100% of proceeds from this shadow goes to the organization and best of all, it is still available you guys!

CLICK HERE  to be redirected to the ColourPop page where you can purchase this gorgeous shadow for a good cause!

-Sammi Cupcake



Thursday, December 17, 2015

Day four//Dec 17 NBC box

Fortune Cookie Soap Day Three Unboxing

 

Hey cupcakes. Day FOUR! (December 17th) Let's jump right in and see what we got!


Jack Bath Bomb

Day four brings us a product featuring the star of the Nightmare Before Christmas series, the pumpkin king himself-JACK! I have never smelled "Jack" before, but this product is TOO CUTE and the scent is really pleasant. The menthol, lemon, cranberries, and moss work very well together. The retail value for this product is $5.99 , bringing the product value up to $18.37 so far!

 That's all for today, comment below and let me know what you think of the product/scent, and I will see you tomorrow with product four for December 17th.

-Sammi Cupcake

***CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN: 8 DAYS*** 

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Day three//Dec 16 NBC Box


Fortune Cookie Soap Day Three Unboxing


Happy hump day cupcakes! DAY THREE (December 16th) is here! And it is.....*drum roll please* 


 Halloween Town whipped cream


Day three brings us what is probably Fortune Cookie Soap's best selling product-their "whipped cream" (which is a thicker, luxurious lotion.) The scent is "Halloween town." This is a very cute scent for Halloween town, because it smells as if you stuck your head in a trick or treat bag at the end of Halloween. It's very sweet and the bubble gum is the top note. The retail value for this product would be about $5.50 , bringing the product value up to $12.38 so far!

That's all for today, comment below and let me know what you think of the product/scent, and I will see you tomorrow with product four for December 17th.

-Sammi Cupcake

***CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN: 9 DAYS***

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Day two//Dec 15 NBC box (Giveaway winner)

Fortune Cookie Soap Day Two Unboxing


Good morning cupcakes! Here we are for the day two December 15th reveal (complete with Christmas countdown!) And it is.....*drum roll please* 


Oogie Boogie Fortune Cookie Soap

Another strong choice!  I've had this scent in an OCD before, but in the soap it is so much more sophisticated. The cinnamon isn't as present, and it just smells like yummy winter berries. While the product is what the company is named after, and adorably cute, I never end up using these little guys. The retail value for this product is $3.99 , bringing the product value up to $6.88 so far!


That's all for today, comment below and let me know what you think of the product/scent, and I will see you tomorrow with product three for December 16th. Today is the day to announce the winner of the NBC give away...annnnnd the winner is...


Nikki Valdez
(Please email me at SammiCupcake479@gmail.com with your address and proof you shared the blog link so I can mail out your prize! Congratulations!)


-Sammi Cupcake

Monday, December 14, 2015

Day one//Dec 14 NBC box

Fortune Cookie Soap Day One Unboxing


Hey cupcakes! I had a request to do a daily unboxing so those of you who are more patient than I am, and want to open the Fortune Cookie Soap NBC box day by day, and you want to follow along without spoilers-here it is!


 This is the day one product for December 14th. And it is.....*drum roll please*


EASTER TOWN OCD HAND SANITIZER

A great way to begin the box! One of my favorite products in an almost sickeningly sweet scent. It's very close to another fragrance called "Sugar High" but with a hint of black licorice. The retail value for this product would be $2.89. 

That's all for today, comment below and let me know what you think of the product/scent, and I will see you tomorrow with product two for December 15th. If you don't mind spoilers, scroll down to my previous post to enter a contest for a NBC item give away. 

WARNING...Do not scroll any further if you do not want to see spoilers!!!

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Sunday, December 6, 2015

FCS 12 days of Christmas unboxing [SPOILERS]

Hey guys, my Fortune Cookie Soap 12 days of soap box came in today and I just couldn't wait until December 14th to open it all! So warning to you all...this post is nothing but spoilers! But for those of you who didn't order the box or have no patience like me...enjoy!!



Now let's tear into this amazing Nightmare Before Christmas themed box! As you can see, each day was wrapped SUPER CUTE so if you did want to use the box as intended, each day remains a surprise!


The scents chosen for this box are found on the scent card below:


And here is a shot of all the products unwrapped! What an amazing value. If my memory serves me correctly, the box was $49.99 including free shipping, a FCS t-shirt, AND a $10.00 discount code to be used in their e-store. That makes each product only about $2.77. Seriously...you can't beat that deal.


Let's start where you would if you were going day by day, with December 14 and 15.

Dec. 14th:
"Christmas Town" perfume oil. This is in my top two favourite scents of the box. Patchouli is definitely the predominate note, but you can absolutely smell the "Christmas tree floating around in the background.

Dec. 15th:
"Oogie Boogie" fortune cookie soap. I've had this scent in an OCD before, but in the soap it is so much more sophisticated. The cinnamon isn't as present, and it just smells like yummy winter berries.


Dec. 16th:
"Halloween Town" whipped cream. This is a very cute fragrance for Halloween town, because it smells as if you stuck your head in a trick or treat bag at the end of Halloween. It's very sweet and the bubble gum is the top note.

Dec. 17th:
"Lock, Shock, and Barrel" personal space. This one is another of my favorite scents from the box. It's a very mature Christmas smell. Like your pine scented air freshener grew up to become a successful business air freshener. haha

Dec. 18th:
"Sally" bubble bath. A very light, airy fragrance, reminiscent of the very Sally herself. I can't pick out any top notes but it does smell really calming and light.

Dec. 19th:
"Sandy Claws" salve. It smells like a drink you would get at a fancy coffee shop. The foodies will love it, but I'm not too keen on the scent or product in this one.

Dec. 20th:
"Jack" bath bomb. I have never smelled "Jack" before, but this product is TOO CUTE and the scent is really pleasant. The menthol, lemon, cranberries, and moss work very well together.

Dec. 21st:
"Thanksgiving Town" hair oil. This smells like a dessert that I would definitely eat too much of. If you didn't know what you were smelling, your mind would paint a picture of a yummy cake sitting in front of you.

Dec. 22nd:
"What's This?" lip scrub. This is not a scent I would normally reach for, but I think in the lip scrub it works. I get pear flavored bubble gum out of it.

Dec. 23rd:
"Easter Town" OCD. This one is almost sickeningly sweet. It's very close to another fragrance called "Sugar High" but with a hint of black licorice.

Dec. 24th:
"Zero" dry shampoo. I ADORE this scent, unfortunately FCS dry shampoos do not work well with my hair. I never thought peppermint and pumpkin would work well together, but this product left me with zero doubts. Get it?? Zero...cause it's the product name...and...I'll see myself out.

Dec. 25th:
THE SHIRT! Oh my gosh you guys, this shirt is seriously the cutest. It features Jack holding a fortune cookie soap with the company name above it. I can already tell, I'm going to wear this shirt entirely too much. lol

So if you made it through this whole blog post, you deserve a reward right? Share my blog link ( Blog.SammiCupcake.com), become a subscriber if you aren't already, and comment on this post and you will be entered to win one surprise product from my 12 days of Christmas box. Winner will be chosen December 15th.

CLICK HERE to check out Fortune Cookie Soap (and get $5 off your first time purchase) and don't forget to hit the "follow" button to become a cupcake and stay up to date on all future blog posts and giveaways!

-Sammi Cupcake



Thursday, November 26, 2015

I'm thankful for YOU!

Happy, happy, happy Thanksgiving to all my cupcakes! Today I just wanted to express that I am so thankful for all of you! For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a writer "when I grow up." (Still waiting for that day to come! haha) I even went to college briefly for a writing degree. However, when I got married and became a Mom, my priorities changed.

I don't address this too much on my blog, but I have two daughters. One is seven and the other is two. My seven year old has Autism and my two year old was very premature and has severe asthma. Because of all of that, going back to work was never really an option.

This blog, however, has given me the best of both worlds. I can write and interact with all of you about something we enjoy (the world of beauty!) and stay home and be there for my girls.

So all that being said, THANK YOU! Thank you for allowing me all the amazing opportunities I've been afforded thanks to this blog and thank you for supporting me. I am so thankful for you guys and I hope you have the most amazing Thanksgiving thus far.

-Sammi Cupcake

P.S. Comment below and tell me your favorite Thanksgiving food! I am so anxious for my Mom's dressing and my pumpkin cupcakes! MMM.

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Hard Candy "Glamoflauge" review

Hard Candy Glamoflauge

Hey cupcakes! I am a 29 year old mother of two, who is a morning person with a night owl husband. Needless to say, sleep is sometimes hard to come by and my genetics betrayed me in the under eye area from the get go. My adult life wearing make up has been a constant search for something that would actually make me look my age and convince the world I got more sleep than I actually did.

I have been looking at concealers, brands like Kat Von D, Too Faced, and Urban Decay...but let's be honest. Those prices really aren't one income stay at home Mom friendly. At several points in time in the online beauty community, I have heard about Hard Candy's Glamoflauge. It's drug store available and under $10, so I thought it would be a good place to start before breaking the bank on the more expensive products. It absolutely blew my expectations out of the water.


 I purchased the Glamoflauge concealer in the shade "Ultra light" and much to my surprise, it was light enough for my pale skin (#palebeforetwilightmadeitcool) and the coverage is nothing short of AMAZING. It's a heavy duty coverage without being cakey. And SIX DOLLARS you guys. I am blown away. Here is a before and after shot:


These photos are completely untouched. It took me from deep blue/purple under eye circles, to completely smooth, young, and awake under eyes. 

After I fell in love with the concealer, I went out and got the matching foundation. While the color is a good match, the consistency is not comparable to the concealer at all. It's thin and streaky. I probably would not purchase it in the future, which is sad because I have such a hard time finding foundations light enough.  I wouldn't recommend the foundation, but the concealer more than makes up for the Glamoflauge line of products.

I'll leave you with my finished makeup look that day, using the Glamoflauge concealer and foundation. Let me know what you think and if you guys have tried any of the Glamoflauge products! Cupakes, vodka, and hakuna matata!


-Sammi Cupcake


 

Monday, November 16, 2015

November Ipsy Review

It's that time again, cupcakes! My Ipsy arrived today and it is by far the best "fall bag" this year. It definitely gives me hope heading into the winter bag months. So the theme this month was "Beauty Blast," and was a nod to the galaxy print that has been so popular this year.

Here was my bag this month:

  • SL Miss Glam Boutique Blusher Brush [$14.50] FULL SIZE
I hadn't heard of this brand before so I did a little research. They are famous for their vegan mink lashes, but they also sell brushes and candles. It's a really soft, luxurious feeling synthetic brush. I can't wait to use it. [Use code SLIPSY for 20% off any purchase]

  • Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara [$7.38 appx] SAMPLE
I only got the chance to try the mascara once before writing this review, but I love the large brush and it is very volumizing.  Also, it has been given 4 out of 5 stars by users on Sephora.com. Good pick, Ipsy.

  • ModelCo Highlighting Trio [$22] FULL SIZE
In the shades Champagne peach, bellini, and bronze- a must have! I was in a rush today to get ready for an appointment and this kit was a life saver. It's definitely going in my "on the go" makeup bag. [Use code Ipsy20 for 20% off and free shipping]

  • INSPR Beauty eye shadow [$13] FULL SIZE
All Ipsters received the shade "Carnival." While I am a Colour Pop fanatic, I really love this product. It's soft and the color is beautiful. It's a shimmery champagne with a touch of pale neutral brown. I'm really happy I got it in my bag. [Use code Ipsy2015 for 50% off your purchase]

  • Coolway Stronghold spray [$3 appx] SAMPLE
The one product in my bag that was a bummer, I can't tell you how over Coolway products I am. Definitely won't be using this one. [Use code only4Ipsy to get 35% off and a free gift]

Bonus
I cashed in some of my Ipsy points for this yummy product, Jersey Shore's pumpkin spice balm. As amazing as it smells and feels, this will be my only one. These bad boys retail for $10. Holy. crap. That is legitimately the most expensive lip balm I have ever heard of.


Total bag value: $62.88 (with $3 figured in for the bag, which is what they normally sell for, and not counting my points reward)
This is the last "fall bag" of 2015 and Ipsy definitely stepped up their game! I am totally throwing an adult temper tantrum they partnered with ColourPop and I didn't get any...but over all it was a great month! Three full size products and the actual bag itself? TOO CUTE. Let me know what you guys think this month. Was your Ipsy bag awesome this month too? I love hearing from you guys! See you for next month's WINTER Ipsy bag review :) Also please let me know if you like that I've started adding promo codes for all the products I got. They are good through November at least.
 
-Sammi Cupcake

P.S. Don't miss out on next month's Ipsy bag! I got $72 worth of product for $10! CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR IPSY BAG!




Friday, November 13, 2015

FCS Winter Box "Welcome Santa"

Buddy the elf...what's your favorite color? OH how I love the Elf movie and Fortune Cookie Soap. For me, it's a match made in Heaven. Since the collection launch is tonight, let's jump right in!


Buddy Fortune Cookie Soap: Holiday fruits, candy, crushed vanilla, and a hint of mint.
First of, the fact that it looks like Buddy's Elf costume is SO CUTE! The smell is a lot like another FCS scent I can't place but with, as the description says, a hint of mint. It's a real nice muted candy scent. (Oh, and my fortune says "Son of a nut cracker!")

World's Best Cup of Coffee whipped cream: Vermont maple syrup, fresh brewed coffee.
This one is seriously amazing and the most fragrant of the entire box. I rubbed a tiny amount on my arm just to test the sample, then took my daughter to therapy and a woman there starting looking around saying "OKAY! Who has the amazing smelling coffee and why aren't you sharing?" I think that's the best compliment Fortune Cookie Soap could ever get. 

Yellow snow bath bomb: Ripe plums, caramel, vanilla jasmine, and exotic woods.
A really fresh, fruity smell that is really hard to put my finger on. All I can say is, it smells SO good and it would rock your world in a body wash, whipped cream, or even shampoo bar. 


Swirly Twirly Gum Drops OCD hand sanitizer: cotton candy, lemon drops, pear nectar, cranberries, black currant. 
If the game "Candy Land" had a scent, this would be it. It is sticky sweet with a hint of citrus.

Christmas Gram face plant: air, lavender, sea salt spray, woody earthiness, sage, dark vanilla. 
I don't love the scent of this one, it is almost overwhelmingly lavender. I imagine if used as intended it would be very relaxing however.

Cotton Headed Ninny Muggins dry shampoo: lilies, jasmine, bayberry, blackberries, plums, and a sprig of peppermint. 
This is a really light, pleasant floral scent that is perfect for a dry shampoo. I'm unsure about the shimmer in it, but I am 100% sold on the smell. 


FCS Cheer perfume oil: Rich, buttery pound cake, dark frankincense, patchouli, and cedar.
My daughter describes this one as "CUPCAKES!" but I'd describe it as the vanilla cake perfume from our childhood that grew up, became ultra sophisticated perfume oil. 

Shower Duet shave oil: Spruce, vanilla, fir, fruits, hyacinth, and mint.
While I love the product itself, the scent comes off fairly manly to me. I think it would smell amazing on my hubby though!




So that's the winter box! If any of this sounds like something you would enjoy, be sure to check out the winter launch party tonight. Here's all the info you need :)

Join us TONIGHT(!!!!) for our LIVE STREAMING Launch Party! Come chat with us!! Meet the FCS crafters and get a peek at some behind the scenes! To save yourself some time, you may want to sign up early for an account.
If you're on mobile, there's an app you can download, so you don't miss a thing! 
WHEN: Tonight 6pm CST
WHERE: We start out on our Facebook Page
Who: YOU!

What: Bring your $10 soap box code! 


-Sammi Cupcake



Thursday, November 12, 2015

"You get what you get" FCS

Fortune Cookie Soap "grab bags"

For the first time ever, Fortune Cookie Soap offered grab bags entitled "Get what ya get," where loyal fans were guaranteed $30 worth of product straight from the shelf for only $10. There was no limit to the amount you could buy, but quantities were limited in the amount they had available for purchase. Because Fortune Cookie Soap has recently become exclusively online, I believe the items offered are odds and ends from previous collections that were sold in their physical store prior to closing.

Surprisingly, the promotion was able to run it's full 48 hour course. Often times Fortune Cookie Soap's promos/collections sell out quickly due to their huge fan base. (Over 54,000 people have "liked" their Facebook page, and their fan group has over 1,000 members.) Their amazing product and limited quantities have created many a "ninja shopper" as it is commonly referred to on their fan group.

So without further delay, let's get into my two "Get what ya get" bags.

Bag one:


Contains:
Lost Boys body wash, Nature's Chill Pill fortune cookie soap, Windy Bird whipped cream (4 oz), The Captain Aloe Me, Moose Mug cuticle butter, Mele Kalikima OCD (1oz)

Approximate value: $47.10


Bag two:

Contains:
Raspberry Creme fortune cookie soap, "I'm pleasant damn it!" hair oil, Glitz & Glamour cuticle butter, Scandal body wash, (another) Wendy Bird whipped cream, Porn Stache mustache wax.

Approximate value: $56.20

For a grand total of $103.30 and I only spent $20 on the bags! What a great deal. I am in Fortune Cookie Soap heaven. I really hope we have another chance in the future for some more of these awesome grab bags. Fortune Cookie Soap is great at thinking outside of the box. Oh, and I had to take a picture of this cute lollipop. I mean really...adorable.


-Sammi Cupcake




Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Exciting news!

Hey cupcakes! December is quickly approaching and I have been thinking about what I could do to give back to you guys, and finally came up with something. Here will be my gift to you...for the month of December, I will bring back weekly freebie posts! It is by far the most viewed blog series I have done so far, so I hope everyone really likes it :)

Also, I will be doing a big Christmas give away with details to be announced that will include COLOUR POP items!

That's all for today guys, I can't wait for all December has in store for us.

-Sammi Cupcake

Monday, November 2, 2015

Ipsy November sneak peeks

So here we are, the last "fall Ipsy bag" of 2015. I have been pretty unimpressed with the last two months so I'm hoping they really knock it out of the park for November. I will update this post as Ipsy releases new sneak peeks. Let me know down below in the comment section what you are hoping to get, and don't forget to hit that "follow" button so you never miss out on the insider info!

Sneak peek #1:

So it looks like for the month of November, everyone will be getting a sample size of Smashbox's "Full Exposure" mascara.

Sneak peek #2: The cover photo/theme
The theme for this month is "Beauty Blast." According to Ipsy, "See beyond the stars. Get ready to explore a universe of brilliant beauties in your November Glam Bag." I believe this is going to be a "galaxy" bag and that makes me super excited.


More to come as they are posted, stay tuned!

-Sammi Cupcake

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Fall Favorites Tag

Hey guys! It's been awhile. My laptop met it's match in the form of my 4lb kitten, RIP laptop. You are missed. But anyways, my favorite Youtuber of all time ever, Shan Shortcake did a "fall favorites tag" created by Jacylyn Hill and I couldn't resist. So here it goes!



Favorite fall candle: I don't actually use candles, I burn wax cubes in my Scentsy warmer so I'll share with you my favorite wax cube scent right now. My favorite smell for fall is Mainway's "Mulled Cider" found at Walmart. It smells non-traditionally fall. I love it.

Favorite lip color: Color Pop's Ultra Matte in the shade "Midi." I adore this shade. It's a perfect nude and for only $6...get out of my face right now. Amazing.


Favorite drink: This one is kind of boring since I'm enduring a "healthy life style change" but I've been drinking a lot of cranberry grape juice. It has a fall vibe to me without the thousands of calories I would tack on with my normal fall favorites.

Favorite fall blush: Another Colour Pop product...it's in the shade "Prenup". I haven't worn anything else since in about a month. It's a plum pink, perfect for us pale girls! (Say that three times fast)

Favorite clothing item: Hands down, my light wash denim shirt. The first time I feel a cool breeze, my denim shirt, black leggings, and boots come out and are a staple in my fall wardrobe. 

Favorite fall movie: Hocus Pocus! This movie is my childhood. "Another glorious morning...makes me SICK!" Winifred is my spirit animal. 

Favorite fall tv show: A thousand times...WALKING DEAD. Darryl Dixon...motorcycle...I'm just saying. YES. 

Favorite Thanksgiving food: My Mom's dressing. No one makes it like Mom. 

Favorite Halloween Costume: A couple years ago, my husband and I dressed up as "Zombie Scene Kids" (a nod to "The scene is dead") It was pretty awesome, if I do say so myself.


So that's it for the fall favorites tag. Comment below your fall favorites in the format listed (AND make sure you are following the blog) and I will choose a winner November 1st to get a surprise package of some of my fall favorites! Good luck cupcakes and happy fall yall!

Favorite fall candle:
Favorite lip color:
Favorite drink:
Favorite fall blush:
Favorite clothing item:
Favorite fall movie:
Favorite fall tv show:
Favorite Thanksgiving food:
Favorite Halloween costume:

-Sammi Cupcake

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

October Ipsy Review

Another unimpressive month for Ipsy. This is the third or fourth bag in a row that was just kind of..."meh." The only product I was super stoked about in this bag legitimately says "Free sample-not for sale" on the back of it. Not cool, Ipsy. Not cool.

First off, the theme this month was "Alter Ego" and shows an image of a woman in conservative makeup and style, and then another image of the same woman rocking a bold blue lip with matching blue eye shadow in a furry coat and pink hair. Thing is...Ipsy didn't even offer any "different" makeup products that would be outside the norm for most people. I got a non-colored lip gloss and a black eye liner...but some of the other products offered were bronze eye shadow, brown brow pencil, a "pinky nude" lip gloss. Whoa there, Ipsy. Don't get too crazy now. (Can you just taste the sarcasm?)

Here is my bag for the month:

  • Mary-Lou Manizer [Technically a free sample, but appx retail value, $1.60] SAMPLE
    • So this is the one product in my bag I was really looking forward to and it is small guys. I mean like, SMALL. The entire sample could be hidden by a dime. Not to mention it says free sample, not for sale on the back-which is kind of shady of Ipsy if you ask me.

    • Ayres hand cream [$1.35] SAMPLE
    • It smells nice and all, but seriously...who do I need to pay off to get Ipsy to stop sending me lotions??

      • Nourish Organic argan face serum [$14.80] SAMPLE
      See statement above but for skincare.

      • Tarte Lipsurgence lipgloss in "Energy" [$3.56] SAMPLE
      The gloss is thick and sticky and colorless. Not a fan.

      • Coastal Scents Xpress liner [$4.95] FULL SIZE
      Not even going to open this one, but I'll share the code I got with you guys. Go to coastalscents.com and use the code PENCIL25OFF for 25% off through December 8th.
      Total bag value: $29.26 (with $3 figured in for the bag, which is what they normally sell for)

      Fall Ipsy bags are usually my favorite but these fast few bags have just been dreadful. Not to mention my bag value has gone from $66 in August and steadily declined to $29 now. Tell me what you got this month and how you felt about your Ipsy bag as a whole. I love hearing from you guys, and I hope you had a way better Ipsy month than I did.


    Wednesday, October 7, 2015

    Fortune Cookie Soap fall items

    Hey cupcakes! I've got items from three of Fortune Cookie Soap's fall collections AND a couple extras not currently available for purchase. The items we will be taking a peek at today are from the following collections: Basic Pumpkin, Zombie Survival, and Third Times The Charm. Let's jump right in!



    Basic Pumpkin
    • "Ah-mazing" Linen Spray (Spicy pumpkin and violets) This scent is very interesting. A sophisticated floral smell with a hint of pumpkin. I also love this smell as a linen spray. It's a really cozy scent to fall asleep to.
    • "Yoga Booty" Whipped Cream (pumpkin pie, graham cracker crust, whipped cream, and cinnamon) This one is true to description. You can actually smell the graham cracker mixed in with the pumpkin.
    Zombie Survival
    • "Weapons of Choice" OCD (white wine, peaches, and citrus) This is slap you in the face mandarin orange/peach. It actually gives me a headache it's so strong.
    • "Airborn" Shower Steamer. (coffee, caramel, and chocolate) I get straight up espresso from this one. Yummy. 
    Third Times The Charm
    • "Recently Deceased" OCD (candy corn and campfire marshmallows) Another one true to description! It has a smokey candy corn smell. A very "outside of the box" fall scent. I love it.
    • "It's Showtime" bar soap (strawberry, candy, vanilla, and bubble gum) I can't pin point any predominant scents in this one but if I had to describe it in one word-SWEET. 
    Extras
    • Whipped cream marked "Sample" only. I believe we will see this product in an upcoming collection. I really like it, it's a clean "baby powder" scent. Could be in the same family as "Sally."
    • "Fortune Freak" whipped cream. This one was a fan group exclusive. It's a very muted blue color and smells SUPER fruity. Almost like "Juicy Fruit" gum, or a more citrusy version of their "sugar high."
    I hope you all enjoyed this look at some of the newer Fortune Cookie Soap products available and that you are enjoying the fall so far! Even though it is still in the mid to upper 80's here, I am in full on fall mode. Pumpkin all the things...leggings...boots. Love it. Until next time...Happy fall yall!


    -Sammi Cupcake

    Saturday, October 3, 2015

    Rock this look: fall inspired


    Hey cupcakes! Back with the second edition of "Rock this look." This week, my makeup was inspired by the colors of autumn leaves. Lots of purplish cranberry, golds, browns, and nudes. (SO STOKED that it is officially fall!) So here are the products I used in case you want to recreate this look...

    Eyes
    • Avon eye shadow ink "Always Merlot" (outter eye lid and lower lash line)
    • Colour Pop "Get Lucky" (inner eye lid and lower lash line)
    • Coastal Scents: Revealed 2 matte brown (crease color)
    Eyebrows
    • It Cosmetics brow powder "Universal taupe"
    • Chella Highlighter "Ivory Lace" (to clean up and lightly highlight the brows)
    Cheeks/Highlight
    • Blush: Colour Pop "Prenup"
    • Highlight: Colour Pop "Lunch Money"
    Lips
    • Tre'Stique matte lip crayon "Nantucket Nude"
    That's it for this week, dolls. I hope you enjoyed this weeks "Rock this look" and I hope you are enjoying playing with your fall makeup as much as I am! Comment below and tell me what "fall makeup trend/color" you are looking forward to most. 

    -Sammi Cupcake


    Friday, October 2, 2015

    October Avon Review

    Hey cupcakes! In case you weren't aware, October is breast cancer awareness month and that is a cause I absolutely stand behind. As most of you probably know by now, I have partnered up with Avon with the goal of preventing, fighting, and hopefully eventually curing breast cancer. 20% of all purchases made will be donated to breast cancer awareness. During this partnership, I am also reviewing Avon products monthly and you will receive my honest opinion about cosmetics items offered by Avon. Below are the products I received this month.





    Avon Extra Lasting Eyeshadow Ink


























    This is a beautiful shade and my favorite Avon product I have received so far! It's a beautiful bronze wine color and they hit the nail on the head with the "extra lasting" part. After allowing it to set for less than a minute, this product won't budge!  These normally retail for $7, but are on sale for $3.99 right now. Definitely check this product out!


    Avon "Silicone Glove" hand cream
























    There are things I love and things I dislike about this product. It is described as "a skin-softening formula that helps protect against dryness." The things I like about the product are first off, the scent. It smells really pleasant and clean, without being overwhelming. I also think the product does as it claims, as it is very hydrating. My only complaint about the product is that it makes my hands feel quite wet and/or greasy, but that may be because my hands aren't naturally dry.

    Overall, it was a great month for Avon products! If either of the above items interest you, please feel free to click on the photos of the products and it will take you to the e-store where it can be purchased. Also, click on the image below to check out many of the other great products Avon has to offer while simultaneously donating to breast cancer awareness. Until next time... go pink for October.


    -Sammi Cupcake