Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription that sends 4-5 deluxe size samples or full size products and a makeup bag for $10 per month. Beauty products range anywhere from makeup, haircare, skincare, and fragrance. There are some months when I love what I receive and some months when none of the products excite me but I have never felt like I didn't get my $10 worth. I think this is a great subscription for beauty product lovers or for someone who wants to try new products without breaking the bank. Here's the link to get your own subscription to start receiving an Ipsy Glambag every month: http://www.ipsy.com/r/81ue?sid=ipsypoints&cid=general.

The theme for this month's Ipsy Glam bag was Girl Meets Glitter. Ipsy described the theme so perfectly that I'll just share it here: "Why wait for festive fetes and fancy galas to take things up a sparkle or two? Just add glitter, or a generous pinch of shimmer and shine, to elevate your everyday routine and keep you looking and feeling brilliant. That's why we packed this month's Glam Bag with everything you need to leave a little sparkle wherever YOU go. Get ready for your daily grind to "glitterly" dazzle and daze this November!"

Just in case you don't already know what Birchbox is: For just $10 a month, Birchbox delivers high-end beauty, grooming, and lifestyle samples once a month, customized just for you.
Every month, you'll receive a box filled with 4-5 samples from up-and-coming and well known brands. Each delivery will include a mix of categories. Samples are generously sized, with enough product to allow you to figure out if they're right for you. Sign up here to get 50 Birchbox points (For every 100 points you earn, you get $10 off a full-size product order) and start receiving samples every month!

The theme for this month's Birchbox has less to do with beauty products and focuses more on the act of GIVING. We often get lost in the craziness of holidays and forget to spend time being thankful for being able to experience the craziness. While we are busy planning out a Thanksgiving feast or stressing out about buying gifts that no one really needs, it would be nice to find a way to help others who don't have the luxury of experiencing these first world problems. So in the spirit of giving back, Birchbox has partnered with (RED) to raise money and awareness for the global fight against AIDS by donating $15,000 plus $1 each time someone shares the facts of their Birchbox with #shaRED on Instagram or Twitter. With this act, hopefully Birchbox has inspired others to find their own way to give back to their community.


Moving on to the products that I received this month... I was pleasantly surprised! The last couple of Birchboxes have not impressed me but this one has. I've already used (or eaten) every product at least once within the first few days of receiving my Birchbox (which I admit is pretty rare)! Keep reading for details of each item.

WOW, October has flown by and we started off November with the earliest recorded snowfall ever. That is a big deal in the South since we hardly get to see a single snowflake. I'm sipping on some s'mores flavored hot cocoa as I'm writing this blog post. Here are my current favorite makeup products that I always reach for on days that I take the extra time to actually do my makeup (I've had some lazy days lately).