Ipsy Glam Bag

My First Glam Bag!!!

I was extremely excited to collect my first Glam Bag from ipsy. 

Ipsy is a monthly subscription service at where you pay $10US /month to receive sample products for you to try. Every moth there is a different theme and a cute make up bag to reflect it. 

Just like my Birchbox, on the first of the month I was billed $10US or $64.82TT, my confirmation email for the shipment came on the 14th of April and I got the package in hand on 22nd April for which I paid Websource $38.47. Average cost of my ipsy Glam Bag - $105.00TT

Ipsy doesn't send the cost of each product - but u can see this via their website. You also usually receive some full size items in your bag from time to time. Like Birchbox, you can earn point by referral and reviews.

Now for what's inside:

The Products:

The ipsy Glam Bag for April 2014: Beauty Rocks

This month celebrated beauty 'to the sound of tunes and festivals that fill the spring air'. The ipsy crew spoke of the music festival Coachella - a music and arts festival which saw some big names artist like Pharrell Williams, Skrillex, Lorde, Kid Cudi and Ellie Goulding to name a few.     

Coastal Scents Medium Shadow Brush

Full Size Cost: $2.49US

Umm... nice brush, looking forward to building a collection (maybe). As a novice, I'm still on the learning curve here. I typically will use my fingers to apply eye-shadow if I do use.

Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Eye Pencil Travel Size

Full Size Cost: $20US

Eyeliner! ...I automatically love it cause it black eyeliner!

I may have a slight obsession with black eyeliner cause it's an easy make up. This pencile is really nice - smooth and goes on dark

Love this product from my first Glam Bag :D

Elizabeth Mott pop! goes the shadow

Full Size Cost: $12.99

Glam Bag subscribers got this on Champagne. This is an awesome color for a newbie like me - it goes with everything an a little goes a long way

Starlooks Luscious Longwear Lip Pencil

Full Size Cost: $14US

Well this isn't for me... The shade I got was naked, but it doesn't match my skin tone. I don't use lip-liner, but maybe I'll try with lip gloss to see what it creates. 

dr. brandt® microdermabrasion

Full Size Cost: $78US (2oz/60g) 

Honestly, I've never used this type of product - I can see the beauty of the Glam Bag at work now! Quite an expensive product, working out to be about $10US

*****

The cost of all the products came up to approximately $45US or $295TT 

The excitement of the bag it self is overshadowing the products - lol. I hope to do a 'Glam Bag' look and post a pic here. 

If you wanna join in the madness, use my referral link

My First DSLR - Canon T1i

I bough my DSLR 'package' around March 2011 second hand from some one who decided to upgrade. Here's what I got:

• Canon Rebel T1i
• Tamron 70-300mm zoom lens
• Original Canon backpack
• Holster bag
• Canon grip with 2 extra batteries
• Canon T1i field guide
• ...the entire package even came in a huge coca-cola plastic bag (which I still have!)

I bought a 18-55mm lens later that month for about $135US on Amazon. Later on, I got a tripod from my sister who didn't have much use for it.  

Group Shot! ...with iPhone 5

I was originally gonna purchase the Canon T3i at the time but was scare that I would't fully commit. I still haven't fully committed to my DSLR in hand *sad face*. I was able to do some photos for a few work functions - but at a very small scale. I even did some pictures for a small fast food place that opened up in the neighborhood. I did manage to have some photos up on my tumblr and my flickr, but they were few. I did go to a PhotoWalk and met a few amateur and professional photographers back in January 2013. But, I must admit - I have been obsessed with taking pictures with my iPhone 5 since I got it Christmas of 2012. The quality so far has been amazing on this lil beauty, and my Instagram account makes it so easy to share, encouraging the act.

A little blast from the past - my first camera was a Sony Cyber Shot ...it actually fell and I purchased another - the updated version of the same. I used it quite often with my first blog 'TriniAngie' (a blogspot I lost unfortunately). I then passed the Cyber Shot to my friend when I got my Canon to encourage me to use my old/new DSLR.

Blast from the past!

..pieces :(

I will like to get back into photography - possibly get into it professionally. I have been caught up with the 'world of work' that I forgot how happy some of my creations made me. I still watch in envy at times of some great shots I see from others, but time to translate it into motivation. 

I picked up a few gadgets from Amazon - honestly because I've been thinking about it for so long (...storing items in my Amazon wish list), jus waiting for the right time, or until I really pick up the camera again. I made the order last Sunday (4/20) as I was buying a quick birthday present for a friend, telling myself - self! you're gonna put this into good use! (plus - with the total order I got free shipping). It should arrive this week *excited*

These items are to server as the motivators *fingers crossed*:

• Amazon Basics Wireless Remote Control 
• 58MM Lens Filter and Close-Up Macro Accessory Kit (Vivitar)
• Cleaning Kit
• Extra Battery

As I explore and try to find the best method of learning and understanding,  hope you will join in. I hope to do tutorials and share my creations with you. 

Birchbox - April 2014

Well this one took forever! The Easter holidays may have been the reason for the delay for my package, but I was never the less excited to get it! 

Here's a little break down of how it all went down: I was billed for the Birchbox on the first of the month ($10US or $64.82TT)and my package made it's journey to my shipping address which arrived on the 15th April. I actually got the package in my hands on the 22nd. In Trinidad, we have some options when it come to shipping from USA. I use WebSource - it is the first and  only company I used. According to how things goes, I may try others. Most of the staff at the company I work for use this company; we're even on a first name basis with the driver! It cost me $38.47 TT in shipping

This time around, I used my Canon to take some shots. Truth be told - I do need the practice, and subscription boxes will give me an great opportunity to practice on a monthly bases. 

Now for the reveal:

The theme for April 2014:

My tip #18:

I was surprised that the tip involved coffee! Buying a single cup coffee maker was on my mind for a while (not really applicable to the tip, I know)- but I also need to cut down my caffeine intake!

I was surprised to see this item for sale in the Birchbox Shop for $10US. 52 cards with tips for a rainy day - they suggested that you can use it for 'sprucing up your cubicle, displaying on the fridge, or gifting to a friend'. Cute idea ...but it's easy to say I wont be buying this, seems like a nice DYI idea using the box it came in if you have enough. Didn't even realize it was a 'product' 

Here's a list of the products received with the full size prices:

*Lifestyle Extra*

KIND Healthy Grain Bars

After reading the ingredients, I was like: ...burr. But I tried it and it was delicious! I can see myself having this as a healthy snack. But I won't buy it on line...

Number 4™ Reconstructing Masque

Ummm ...I wasn't excited about this ...the packaging actually. I rather have something I can seal and use later if the sample enough for more than one use. This promises to infuse moister & protein... For the price $58US ($375TT) for a full size - nuh! ah good. 

Nice smell and texture, however for the price of the full size - too expensive for me to commit to

Number 4™ Clarifying Shampoo

Nice smell, nice texture, but it's a low lather formula (I like bubbles). It didn't excite me ...it's shampoo ...for $32US ($200TT?!?!) ...I'm happy to receive the sample :|

Harvey Prince Yogini

Too strong for my liking. I do prefer sweet fruity scents. This was quite different to my taste, so I gave it to my mother since she seems to take a linking to it.

Color Club Gals's Gem Collection

I was excited to get nail polish to add to my collection - but I was quickly disappointed when I opened this up. It didn't apply smoothly, the brush seemed ...off somehow. As a result, my nails didn't have that lovely finish I like (sample color received: Heirloom Perls). I'll use this for patterns or designs... 

Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner

Eyeliner! Yay!

I got this sample in Jamun (Deep Purple) - I would have never bought this color for myself, but I'm glad I got it. It goes on very nice - smooth and deep.

******

Here's the loot:

Overall, this month was an ok-ish one; considering the total cost is approximately $105TT. The KIND bar and the eyeliner were the highlights this month. 

If you want to join in the fun, this is my referral link you can use to sign up. You earn points for referring other as well as for reviewing the products. Here's what I received last month: March 2014

It is a great way of trying new tings :)

Finally! ipsy and Birchbox is here!!!

After waiting on what seemed like forever - it's finally here! 

A few of us at work were anticipating packages via Websource ...we were basically stalking the courier after the long Easter vacation jus added to the wait time. And then finally - my second Birchbox and my first ever ipsy bag!

Can't wait to show more!!!

...for 2014

PCOTM - Phone Case Of The Month

So I discovered a new monthly subscription that jus grabbed my attention *big grin*:

 PCOTM or Phone Case Of The Month

It's basically what it sounds like - sign up and enjoy a new phone case for either the iPhone or Samsung every month for $10US per month. (You can enjoy a $5US off by using my link.) Every month you will get a new limited edition phone case in a cute draw string bag branded with the company's logo, a card with a description for the design of the month and a cute little surprise (a pin/button, sticker or I've seen some people receive candy!)

The cases are made of Poly Carbonate and ABS (Acrylonitrile butadine styrene) with a silicone coating for a soft to the touch feel. Printing - via water transfer printing technology. The designs are one of a kind and according to the website, they only print 200. They currently have cases for the following phones:

• iPhone 4
• iPhone 4s
• iPhone 5
• iPhone 5s
• iPhone 5c
• Samsung Galaxy S3
• Samsung Galaxy S4

The neat thing about this is that you have the option to Update, Pause or Cancel your subscription. How is this great? Let's say you don't think you want to have a case because you're short on cash, or you had enough for a while - you can pause your subscription. By updating your subscription, you can also change the type of phone.This can be a great cute way of sharing the love by getting a different case for a friend or family member for a special occasion! And if it's jus not for you, you can easily cancel.

Image from the website, past cases from PCOTH

The reason I decide to subscribe is easy - I have been using my iPhone 5 case-less for about 2 years. I have enough dings and chips all over this beauty. I have dropped this phone so many times, I've lost count. This gives me a nice way to change it up a bit and hide the little imperfections. I jus need to see how shipping to Trinidad works out before I speak of the total dollar value of this subscription and how long I'll continue. The past cases are beautiful! And I can't wait to receive my first case!

My phone ...dings and all :(

Blood Moon Eclipse - 15 April 2014

Blood Moon Eclipse - Canon T1i ...and blurry :(

Blood Moon Eclipse happened tonight/this morning and this is the shot I got when I decided to head outside...

Maybe I will try more moon shots and I'd share the 'how to' here as well as I lean how to perfect the art. But for now, work is just a few hours away and I need to clear up my bed. Jus FYI, this is what it currently looks like at 4:10 am 

Good Night/Morning :)

Michelle Phan and ipsy

Woo Hoo!

I get so excited by these subscriptions!

This is ipsy - "... discovering and sharing beauty finds" and co-founded by Michelle Phan. I first really heard of Michelle Phan when I saw her Dr Pepper ad. I didn't quite understand this online 'beauty community' where anyone will upload videos of unique creations open for all to criticism. I mean, it's the internet! With the biggest bunch of e-bullies around! But after looking at some of Phan's videos, I began to see the allure...

Beautiful creations and encouraging words - this to me captures essence of the community, and I wanted in! What a great way to build confidence and comprotable with public speaking - try it!

I found ipsy on my Birchbox explorations. Similar in some ways, they both are based in the USA and both cost $10.00US a month to subscribe. The main difference is ipsy is more focused on make up.

As a monthly subscriber to ipsy, you will receive a Glam Bag with your goodies - usually 5 products for you to try in an awesome reusable make up bag. There are challenges to create new looks with your products - but sadly its only opened to US and Canadian citizens.  

*The How*

The short story: subscribe, avoid the wait list by using links like my referral link here (and share your own to earn points!). The next thing to do ...or maybe the first ting to do - look at all the past reviews on youtube or look for blogs!

April is my first month and Im so excited! Can't wait get my products!

Nail Art Collection

I was going through my pictures on my phone and decide to make this a post!

Some nails are a bit messy - but I think that's ok, I'm still learning. The easiest way is to start looking at some pictures online for inspiration to get you started, then let your creativity run wild! YouTube videos teach you the basics to expert level. Some of the items used are easy to make at home and unnecessary in my opinion. For example; a 'dotter tool' is easy to reciprocate - a bobby pin, a straight pin or tooth picks. My main issues is/was smudging. There are some product you can buy (I'm still looking for one) but many DYI options. Here are some links or you can google some other options:

• DYI Nail Dotting Tool
• DYI Drying Nail Polish

What do you think of my creations so far?