November 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag

Let's take a look at what I received in my Ipsy glam Bag for this month! This month's theme is 'Girl Meets Glitter'

The bag itself is from Forever 21 Cosmetics for Ipsy. Super glittery - perfect for the holidays :)

First item I pulled out of the bag was the Be A Bombshell Eye Base in the shade Submissive. I can definitely see myself using this as a base for a brown smokey eye look. I'm curious to see how good the staying power is...

Next item is the Star Looks Gem Pencil in Ultra Olive - it's a glittery, pretty olive colored eye liner.

This is such cute little sample size of Temptu highlighter in Pink Pearl. It looks a little scary in the tube, since it looks straight up white with just a hint of pink, but once swatched it definitely looks just as the name of it says - like a pearlized pink, but it's very faint.

I received the Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Hairspray. It has a very pleasant smell to it. I hope it lives up to it's claim of it being flexible and non flaking!

When I first saw the J.Cat Wonder Lip Paint, I would have sworn it was an OCC Lip Tar! The shade given to me is in Mad Splatter. The packaging definitely fooled me, but the color is gorgeous! Right up my alley.

I'm looking forward to testing these month's items in the next few days! What did you receive in your glam bag for this month? If you aren't subscribed, and you want to check it out, click here!

Ola Tropical Apothecary Pikake Body Butter and Body Lotion Review

Living in New York, I know how harsh the long winter months can be to my skin. Moisturizing every chance you get is essential in keeping skin nice and smooth - cracked and dry skin is not sexy!

I was given the opportunity to try out Ola Tropical Apothecary Pikake Body Lotion, as well as the Body Butter. I just want to point out that Ola Hawaiian Body Products are handcrafted and made at the source - all ingredients are locally grown, indigenous to the land, organic, and cruelty free! According to Ola, the lotions are made with organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Avocado, Mango, locally harvested Macadamia and Kukui nut oils, as well as other signature blends.

A closer look at the ingredients.

As soon as I opened the bottles, I was in love- the smell is heavenly (the Pikake scent is from Jasmine flower)! Pikake leaves you smelling sweet and fresh, and I found that the scent lasts for hours after I have applied the product on my skin. From my experience, body butters have left my skin feeling heavy, and greasy, not really soaking into my skin. After using the Pikake Body Butter, I found that the consistency is thick, but yet it glides right onto my skin and absorbs rather quickly. The moisturizing effects lasts all day! The body lotion is thinner in consistency compared to the body butter, but still works just as great on my skin.

The Body Butter

The Body Lotion

I am very pleased with these lotions, and I am definitely looking forward to continue using them throughout the cold weather, and beyond. Learn more about the company by visiting the Ola Tropical Apothecary official website, and while you're there treat yourself to something! Use coupon code junkiibeautique for 15% off your purchase! You can also check out their Facebook and Instagram pages.

Do you have any favorite moisturizers for the winter?

*Disclaimer- These products were sent to me in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% honest and entirely my own.

My Beauty Wishlist

Yep, the title is pretty self explanatory. Oh, how I wish I had an abundance of money to buy the things my family and I need! I didn't want to label this as a holiday wishlist, although the season is upon us, because I feel this list goes beyond that. Just a general list of things I will be able to get in the near future, and things that are a little beyond my reach for a while, but not impossible. Not all of it is an actual beauty product, but it relates to it.  Here they are, in no particular order:

1. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette ($58) - I love the hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders, and I'm sure this palette won't disappoint. The colors look so pretty!
2. Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment ($69) - This stuff is supposed to work miracles on blackheads. I've read nothing but good things about this.
3. Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint ($55) - I love me some dewey, radiant skin. This foundation is supposed to deliver just that, along with helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and tightens skin.
4. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecter in Moonstone ($41) - Because I need more highlighters in my life.
5. Diva Ring Light NOVA ($189) - I don't have the best lighting at home, this would help me out tremendously!
6. Clarisonic Mia2 Winter Hydration Set ($149) - I have been eyeing the Clarisonic brush for some time now, I recently noticed that Sephora has this limited edition set available.
7. Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask in Champagne Pearl ($26) - Hydrating lip mask
8. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation ($62) - Curious to try this!
9. Simplehuman 5x Magnifying Lighted Makeup Vanity Mirror ($199) - Huge splurge, especially for a mirror. It simulates natural light, and turns on on its own when it senses your face approaching. Its completely cordless and one charge can last you up to 5 weeks!
10. Origins A Perfect World SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturizer ($41) - I'm in need of a good anti aging moisturizer!
11. Zuca Artist Pro ($305) - Would make my life easier when I have my kit together!
12. Soap & Glory Sit Tight Intense XS Special Super Strength Body Firming Serum ($38) - A serum that will help tighten? Yes please!
13. Canon EOS Rebel T5i Digital Camera ($699) - For better quality pictures, and perhaps YouTube in the future? Hmmm..
14. Versace Bright Crystal Absolu ($84) - Smells absolutely divine!

Is there anything on this list that you have been eyeing as well? What's on your wish list?

Artist Couture Diamond Glow Powders by Angel Merino

Hello beauties!

As I have mentioned in the past, I am a total highlight whore - anything from a subtle glow for daytime to give you that healthy radiance, or an intense in your face disco ball glow for nighttime. It's just something about highlighted skin that really helps bring a look together.

Angel Merino, better known as Mac_daddy on Instagram is a celebrity makeup artist that has come out with his own makeup brand called Artist Couture. I was really happy to hear that he was going to be releasing some products, and coming from Angel, I knew it would be nothing but the best! As of now Artist Couture consists of 6 permanent Diamond Glow Powder shades (all cruelty free), a fan brush for the application of the highlighters, and a brush belt.

As soon as I received my package in the mail I tore it open to find it wrapped up in gold foil and sealed with an Artist Couture sticker, I thought it was a nice touch - I had to show you guys.

Now onto the unwrapping!

I am so happy that the jar comes with a swivel sifter! Since this is a powder product, it has the potential to get very messy very fast, and having that swivel not only helps contain the product in its place, but you can also control how much product you want to use at a time. 

Yasss! is a light pink highlighter, and Conceited is more rose gold. Both very beautiful and would complement any skin tone very nicely. They are finely milled, and the amount of shine it has is definitely NOT for the faint of heart! Very little product goes a long way! I quickly swatched the colors and was amazed by their glow! 

 I really need to invest in better lighting. It DOES NOT do the swatches I did on my face ANY justice!   

So in love with these diamond powders. They are versatile enough to not only be used on your cheekbones, but on the inner corner of your eye, mix it with your favorite moisturizer for an all over glow, etc. The Diamond Powders retail for $26 and you can purchase your own by clicking here.