This past Christmas, my boyfriend bought me two tickets to the 2016 IMATS show in NYC (bless his soul). I’ve been waiting for months to attend this event, and finally, it’s just around the corner!

Because IMATS can get really crowded and a bit hectic, I put together a list of products I’ll be looking out for at the event. Below, you’ll find the list I put together of products I either need for my kit or have had my eye on for a really long time. I’ll obviously be visiting other brands’ booths, because how can a girl resist discovering new products and companies? Before I dive into my list, I’d also like to mention that I will not be purchasing anything listed below that is not on discount. Part of the fun of going to IMATS is coming across great deals!

So, without further ado, here’s my IMATS 2016 wish list!

Ardell
I’ll be checking out all of the lashes Ardell has to offer at this year’s IMATS. Ideally, I’ll be able to snatch up a few for both myself and my kit. Ardell’s lash quality never disappoints!

Anastasia Liquid Lipsticks
These have been all the rage for a while now, so if they’re being sold at IMATS, I am definitely checking them out!

Beauty Blender Sponges
I absolutely love stocking up on Beauty Blender sponges whenever I get the chance! In my past experiences at IMATS, Beauty Blender has sold package deals of their sponges, so I’m hoping they do the same this year!

Cailyn Cosmetics Cocoon Lip Stain
I’ve actually heard about this product a couple of years ago, and it’s been on my mind ever since. I’m super excited that Cailyn Cosmetics will be at IMATS this year, and I’m really hoping they’ll be selling their lip stains!

Esqido Stephanie Lash
Esqido lashes aren’t your average lashes–they’re made of mink, which means they’re much higher quality than most other lashes on the market. I’ll be checking out all of the lashes they have to offer, but I’m really hoping I come across their Stephanie Lash!

Lady Moss KoKo Lashes
These lashes are affordable and great quality, which makes them perfect for my kit. Lady Moss also has great organizers, so I hope they’ll be selling those as well!

Beautylish – Jeffree Star Liquid Lipsticks
So Beautylish isn’t a cosmetics brand itself–it’s a shop that sells other cosmetics brands, sort of like a Sephora or an Ulta. I checked out their website and noticed that they sell Jeffree Star Liquid Lipsticks, so I’m hoping they’ll have those at their booth at IMATS because I’ve been dying to try them! I also hope they have the Natasha Denona Eyeshadow Palettes–not because I want to purchase one (they’re over $200 each!), but because I’d love to see what the quality of her eyeshadows are like!

Dose of Colors Liquid Lipsticks
These liquid lipsticks are super hot these days, so I think it’ll be impossible to find these at IMATS. But if I do come across them, I’d love to pick up the colors Sand and Stone. Hopefully I get lucky this time around!

Tarte – Rainforest of the Sea Water Foundation & Empowered Hybrid Gel Foundation
I’ve been lusting over these foundations lately, so if I find them at IMATS, I’ll definitely be picking them up!

If you think there are any other brands worth looking out for during the Saturday IMATS, let me know in the comments below!

*clears throat* I know I’ve been gone for months…does that surprise anybody? I would say I’m back for good and I’m going to be consistent this time around, but let’s be real…I don’t know what the future holds and I don’t know if I can keep up with this as much as I would like to. Since this is the last Ipsy Glam Bag for the summer, I decided it would be fun to share what I got. Oh, and I will be having a “Where Have I Been” post shortly to explain my disappearance from the blogging world.

For August, Ipsy Glam Bag members were lucky enough to get one of two customized drawings by the beautiful Michelle Phan on their Glam Bag. Just look at this amazing art work! This is definitely my favorite bag from Ipsy thus far.

Luseta Beauty Argan Oil Hair Masque

This bag started off with a pretty big sample. While I haven’t tried this out yet, I am super excited to give my hair some TLC with this product. If you want to know what I think about it, definitely follow my Snapchat where I give updates on the products I use daily.

Beaute Basics 3 Tone Bronzer

I’m not too big of a fan of this and here’s why. I like my bronzers to be matte…plain and simple. I wouldn’t use this as a bronzer, but I think this would make a beautiful eyeshadow. The packaging of this product seems to be rather cheap. The plastic is very…uhm how do I say this…plastic-y? There is no sticker on the back of it explaining what the product is, so I had to actually look it up online.

Nomad Makeup Eyeshadow 

This eyeshadow in Spice Market is the perfect cranberry shade. The pigment on this product is pretty good and I think it would be the perfect shade for my fall makeup looks.

IT Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner

Simply put…I’ve used better eyeliners. I really wanted to love this eyeliner, but it just didn’t work for me. This IT Cosmetics eyeliner is pigmented, but it drags the pigment all over my waterline, so I can never can an even coverage of the black pigment and let’s be honest…that’s not a cute look!

Lord & Berry 20100 Maxi Matte Crayon Lipstick

This shade in Intimacy is gorgeous, but the scent…deadly! It smells like this lip product was thrown in a fire pit for hours. The scent is seriously unbearable. Since the color isn’t too unique, I’m going to definitely pass up on this lip product.

Overall, this Glam Bag wasn’t too impressive in terms of the products I received. The bag itself though…absolutely stunning (I think it made up for the okay products).

If you receive Ipsy Glam Bags monthly, I would love to know what you got in August’s bag!

If you would like to subscribe to this monthly subscription for only $10/month, click here.

I have been subscribed to the Play! by Sephora box since February and I have loved each box so much. I’ve decided to share August’s box with all of you. This post is for those of you who are simply interested in seeing what’s inside and also for those of you who are thinking about subscribing to this monthly subscription box.

Sephora Collection Contour Eye Pencil 12hr Wear Waterproof

This eyeliner in Love Affair is the perfect plum shade. I was really hoping that it would be super pigmented, but unfortunately, it’s not the best eyeliner I’ve used. Every time I come across a beautiful eyeliner that doesn’t perform as expected, I layer a shadow on top of it that is close to the original shade. This not only amplifies the color, but it also keeps it in place all day!

Lancôme The Smoothing & Glow Boosting Liquid Care

This product is described as a moisturizer, so I was expecting a creamy, white formula to come out of the tube. To my surprise, it actually resembled a serum! This product is a clear, extremely runny “moisturizer”. Once I applied it on my face, it still felt like a serum, so I’m just going to consider this a serum. After getting a good night’s rest, I woke up with extremely soft skin!

Clean Reserve

So if you didn’t know, every Play! by Sephora box comes with a scent. I’m not the type of person who likes to use perfume samples. I like to stick to one scent for long periods of time. However, this scent is amazing and I’ve been using it non-stop since I got the box! This scent in Warm Cotton smells exactly like it’s name…warm cotton!

Make Up For Ever Artist Shadow

So MUFE is one of my favorite brands, but let’s be honest, it’s pricey. I was extremely excited to get the eyeshadow in I-544 because now I get to wear their amazing eyeshadow without breaking the bank. This gorgeous gray, purple shade is awesome because it adds some color to the eye look without it being too dramatic.

Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm

I just ran out of my eye cream, so this sample came at the perfect time! I have been using this eye cream for about a week straight and I have been loving it. It has a thicker, creamier formula than what I have used in the past. This eye cream is extremely moisturizing and leaves a cooling feeling around the eyes, which is very soothing.

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

The reason why I love subscribing to monthly boxes is because I usually get a sample of mascara every couple of months. I haven’t bought a full size mascara in about a year thanks to all of the samples I receive! I’ve used this mascara before and I’m glad I got another sample of it because I love how it works. It effectively separates the lashes, while also adding length and thickness.

Overall, I really enjoyed August’s Play! by Sephora box. If you are interested in subscribing to this amazing subscription, click here to find out more about it!

As many of you may already know, the NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Creams are my absolute favorite lip products. Although I almost have the complete collection (only 9 shades more to go!), I just couldn’t wait and had to share swatches of my current stash.

(Top-Bottom) Cairo, Stockholm, Cannes, Milan

(Top-Bottom) Istanbul, Sydney, Tokyo, Antwerp, Prague

(Top-Bottom) Manila, Morocco, Amsterdam, Monte Carlo

(Top-Bottom) Rome, Berlin, Dubai, Madrid

(Top-Bottom) Copenhagen, Vancouver, Transylvania

(Top-Bottom) Seoul, Havana, Moscow

And you guessed it! All I have left is London, San Paulo, Buenos Aires, Zurich, Athens, Ibiza, Paris, Budapest, and San Juan.

Let me know what your favorite Soft Matte Lip Cream from NYX Professional Makeup is down below! 

It’s that time of month again…

Play! by Sephora is a monthly subscription service for $10/month. Each box comes with 6 samples from Sephora. In each box, you are guaranteed one scent, skincare item, and makeup item. The other 3 products can vary from brushes, more makeup, etc.

Here is what came in the October box:

Skin Inc. Pure Revival Peel

Nudestix Intense Matte Lip + Cheek Pencil

Tom Ford Eau de Parfum in Orchid Soleil

TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL Egg Mellow Cream

Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick in Driver’s Seat

VERB Leave-In-Mist

Do you receive the Play! by Sephora subscription box? Let me know what your favorite product was!

I am subscribed to two monthly subscription services, Play! by Sephora and Ipsy Glam Bag and each month I share what I received in each box (check out my October Play! by Sephora box here).

Ipsy Glam Bag is a monthly subscription service for $10/month. In each bag, you receive 5 samples from various brands such as theBalm, Colourpop, NYX Professional Makeup, and more!

Here is what came in the October bag:

ModelCo INSTANT BROWS Brow Pencil in Medium/Dark

theBalm Cosmetics Hot Mama Blush

Ciaté London Fierce Flicks Eyeliner

tre’StiQue Matte Lip Crayon in Belize Bordeaux

pūr~lisse Daily Lip Nourisher with Mango and Shea Butters

Disclaimer: I had to pull the pūr~lisse Daily Lip Nourisher photo from the pūr~lisse website because I unfortunately lost the product.

Do you receive the Ipsy Glam Bag subscription? Let me know what you got in this month’s bag!

L’Oréal Paris recently came out with three different masks that make a perfect trio. These three masks, each targeting different skin concerns, are the perfect masks to multi-mask with, so I wanted to share how I multi-mask with this amazing set.

L’Oréal Paris Exfoliate & Refine Clay Mask

This mask specifically targets clogged pores, so I like to focus this on my nose. The Exfoliate & Refine Clay Mask has Red Algae Extract in it, which acts like a soft exfoliator. One of my main skin concerns is dry patches on and around my nose. This mask not only minimizes the appearance of my pores, but it also scrubs off any dead skin cells and dry patches when I wash it off.

L’Oréal Paris Purify & Mattify Clay Mask

This mask is perfect for the t-zone because like the previous mask, it gets rid of any dirt that is deep inside the pores, but also mattifies the area. The t-zone is the most common area people experience excess oil, so I like to apply this on the middle of my forehead and chin.

L’Oréal Paris Detox & Brighten Clay Mask

I suffer from dull and discolored skin, so this mask from L’Oréal Paris is the perfect fit for the rest of my face. I apply this mask on the outer perimeters of my face, mainly focusing on my cheeks and outer areas of my forehead.

Multi-masking is extremely important because each section of the face comes with different skin concerns. While many people usually apply one mask onto their entire face, I find it much more effective to apply different masks to ensure that I am targeting all of my concerns (plus, it’s way more fun to apply when there are multiple colors on your face!).

I let this mask combination sit for about 15 minutes and then look into the mirror to see all of the magic each mask has done.

The Detox & Brighten Clay Mask has visibly sucked out all of the excess oil my skin had after cleansing it.

The Purify & Mattify Clay Mask also has sucked out any excess oil and dirt, but left my t-zone looking matte.

The Exfoliate & Refine Clay Mask has cleaned out all of the dirt and pollution from my pores.

Have you multi-masked before? Do you think it works better or worse than when using just one mask? Let me know in the comments!

I want to share all of the trips I take during my 20’s, so sharing my trip to D.C. is a must. I took this trip with John way back in August. It was our last summer hoorah before I started my job at L’Oréal.

Washington Monument

How we see the monument

How the monument sees us

National Mall

Lincoln Memorial

Art piece made out of books at the Ford’s Theatre

Baseball game at the Nationals Park

Fun fact: John and I have to go to a baseball game in every state we visit.

Fun fun fact: I don’t even watch baseball, but I love seeing all of the different stadiums!

Tea at Ching Ching Cha

Coconut cupcake at Baked and Wired

This trip was a short, 3 day adventure. I truly enjoyed Washington, D.C. and I would definitely go back to explore more.

Have you ever visited Washington, D.C.? How did you like it? Let me know in the comments!

I honestly had no intention of purchasing the Master Palette by Mario from Anastasia Beverly Hills, but since Sephora is holding a 20% off sale for VIB Rouge members, from November 4th until November 7th,  I decided to pick it up. Plus, it’s a collectable for any makeup junkie’s collection!

(Top-Bottom) Hollywood, NYC, Kim, Muse, Marina, Claudia

(Top-Bottom) Lula, Isabel, Violeta, 5th Ave, Bronx, Paris

Transition: Lula

Crease: Isabel

Outer V: Violeta

Lid: 5th Ave

Outer Half & Lower Lash Line: Claudia

Have you picked up the Master Palette by Mario? What do you think about it? Let me know in the comments!

I’ll be honest, I have never tried a lip palette before, but I was lucky enough to receive the L’Oréal Paris La Palette Lip courtesy of working at L’Oréal USA. This palette, in shade Plum 02, comes with a great range of pink to purple shades.

Have you tried any lip palettes before? Let me know in the comments below!

Violet Voss makes some amazing palettes, so I recently picked up the Drenched Metal Palette to see if their metallic shades work just as well as all of the other shadows I own from them.

This palette comes with gorgeous metallic shades (only one matte eyeshadow) that comes in a great range of colors.

(Top-Bottom) Secret, Crushed It, Confession, Kisses, Poppin

(Top-Bottom) Squad Goals, Minx, Grunge, Mermaid Vixen, I’m So Fancy

(Top-Bottom) Livin, Come Thru, Slaycation, Dark Desires, Frisky

(Top-Bottom) Midnight Tryst, Forbidden, Huntress, Bliss, Shade

Have you tried out any Violet Voss Palettes? What do you think about them? Let me know in the comments!

I was lucky enough to get chosen for the e.l.f Voxbox from Influenster! Influesnter is a website where anyone can sign up, write reviews of products, and be potential candidates for Voxboxes, which are packages filled with beauty and lifestyle products. Here is what I got in this box:

Hydrating Bubble Mask

Lip Exfoliator

Baked Highlighter & Bronzer

Matte Lip Color

Mineral Infused Face Primer

Do you see a product you’d like to know more about? Let me know down below and I’ll write up a review on it!

It feels like just yesterday that I shared my October Ipsy Glam Bag, but alas, it’s time to share November’s bag. This month’s theme was Rock Starlet, but the bag just screamed Harry Potter to me!

Starlooks Cream Eye Shadow in Rose Gold

Luxie Beauty Luxie Rose Gold Small Duo Fiber Brush

FORMULA X Nail Polish in Huntress

Verb Ghost Oil

theBalm Cosmetics Mad Lash Mascara

Are you subscribed to Ipsy Glam Bag? What did you receive this month? Let me know in the comments!

I hope you’re not getting sick of my subscription box posts! Play! by Sephora recently came in the mail, so I had to share it with you as soon as possible. This month’s theme is Glow-Getters. When I first saw the theme, I thought “Yes! This is exactly what I need right now.” Now that the colder weather is officially here, my skin hasn’t been the happiest. I’m experiencing more dry patches and definitely more dullness. Let’s see what came in this month’s box:

Glamglow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment

Stella McCartney Pop Perfume

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet

Sephora Collection Ultra Shine Lip Gel in Pin Up Pink

Cover FX Illuminating Primer

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Rose Gold

I was really impressed with this month’s box! This box featured the perfect amount of glowy products without it being summery or bronzy. Having tried half of the products today, I can say that they helped me look naturally glowy, as if I’m glowing from within.

Do you receive Play! by Sephora? Let me know what you received in November’s box down below!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

2 weeks ago, I shared a post about what I received in my e.l.f Voxbox from Influenster. One of the products was the Hydrating Bubble Mask…one of the most talked about masks in the beauty world right now. The second I saw it, I knew I had to write up a review on this product. 

Unlike every other mask I own, this mask comes with a pump technology that releases a small amount of product each time you push down on the cap. I believe it is packaged this way because once this formula touches the air, it starts to foam up.

The easiest and quickest way to apply this mask is with your fingers. I would recommend moving fast when applying this mask, so that you can have an even coverage of bubbles all over your face.

The bubbles begin to appear almost instantly. As it starts to foam up, the mask gets extremely ticklish. It’s not the most comfortable feeling in the world and you can’t really itch your face or you would ruin the fun, foamy look.

After the mask completely foams up, the directions state to rub in all of the foam. While the foam appears very light and airy, it actually turns into a thick cream as you rub it into your face. After you rub it in, you are supposed to wash it off with warm water.

This was definitely the most unique mask I have ever used. I wouldn’t say I saw a big difference in my skin after using it. I just think that this mask is really fun and perfect for a girls’ night in…it’s also totally Instagram worthy!

At such an inexpensive price point, I would definitely recommend you trying it out. It won’t break the bank, but it’ll always be around for some fun mask time.

Have you tried the e.l.f. Hydrating Bubble Mask? What did you think about it? Let me know down below!

To start off 2017 right, I wanted my first post to be about my favorite subscription service, Play! by Sephora. This month’s theme is “Beauty, Set, Go.” Inspired by post-workout makeup, it features quick fixes that can be done at the gym after a very successful workout.

Tarte Cosmetics Frxxxtion Stick

Ouai Treatment Masque

Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Face Lifting Moisturizer

Boscia B.B. Cream

Pinrose Wild Child

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey

Overall, I was extremely impressed with the first box of 2017. With many changes having recently occurred in my life, I started going to the gym as much as I can. Now, after finishing a great workout, I have a great set of products I can bring to the gym for a quick fix me up. Also, the bag that was featured for this month is so cute and will definitely be added to my gym bag!

Do you receive the Play! by Sephora box? Let me know what you thought about the products down below!

As if I didn’t have enough subscription boxes already, I decided to try out the Ricky’s NYC monthly box, Cult Crushes. Each box features items that are surrounded by one theme. This month’s theme: Lock in Moisture. This box comes with an information card, listing all of the products featured with a small description of the product and how to use it.

Nugg Soothing Face Mask

This breakthrough mask features a powerful blend of natural oils and extracts to calm, balance and hydrate skin. Apply it to your face for 10 minutes before rinsing or use it as an overnight skin-booster and rinse in the morning.

Skyn Iceland Pure Cloud Cream

Winter weather can ravage your skin, which is why this anti-aging moisturizer is formulated to nurture, pamper and hydrate the face’s skin to return it to its natural, healthy state.

Lipsmart

A little goes a long way with this antioxidant-rich, hydrating lip moisturizer. Lipsmart retains moisture to fight dry, chapped and deflated lips so that your mouth looks fuller, longer.

Phyocitrus Hair Mask

This invigorating hair mask delivers a blend of citrus fruits and proteins that effectively lock in color, reconstruct the hair fiber and boost radiance and shine.

RickyCare No-Crease Bow Clips

These adorable little bows are perfect for holding back hair while applying a face mask, putting on makeup, styling hair, or to rock as an added accessory!

Overall, I am super happy with this box! I definitely struggle with dry skin and lips during the winter season, so I will definitely benefit from most of the products in this box. I plan on keeping this box to see how it goes for the next few months, so keep an eye out for upcoming unboxings!

Are you subscribed to Ricky’s Cult Crushes? Let me know what you think about the subscription service down below!