Mikasa Beauty Brush Review + Coupon Code

Photo provided by Mikasa

About the Brand

Mikasa Beauty is a new makeup brush company that is located in the heart of Vancouver, British Columbia. As a new brand, we are focused in delivering essential brushes with the finest quality. In order for us to compete with established brand names, we limit our marketing and product line extensions. We are fully committed in mastering our craft for essential makeup brushes, and to retain very affordable pricing.

By working with beauty industry experts, and professional makeup artists, our makeup brushes undergo demanding quality tests. Our brush hair, handles, and ferrules are all using top of the line materials to ensure professional quality. It is our mission to provide the right tools, for a flawless experience.

Mikasa Beauty contacted me with an offer for a discount code and an invitation to become an affiliate. I agreed to try some of their brushes and if I loved them I would become an affiliate. I ordered the Lemon Drop sponge and Large Blending Brush and they were kind enough to send me their Concealer Brush. It was perfect timing because my Real Techniques sponge needed to be replaced and I needed new brushes for wedding makeup.

The Lemon Drop sponge does an amazing job blending my foundation. It is also really soft and it doesn't absorb all of my foundation. My skin looks flawless when I use it. Even when I use a brush I go back in with the sponge. I am so happy I bought it. It is $11 and I think that is completely reasonable especially since the Beauty Blender is $20.

The Large Blending Brush also quickly became a new favorite. I don't know how but I didn't have any large blending brushes before this one. It does a beautiful job of blending out my shadows I also use it to apply my base shade. The quality is amazing and I think it will last a long time. This brush cost $12 and once again it's cheaper than most professional brushes. 

I don't use the Concealer Brush very often or for concealer, but it's so nice to have when I do need it. I have used it to blend the hard to reach areas and even just getting products out of samples so I don't make a huge mess. If you are looking for a brush like this you won't be disappointed. This brush is $12.

I enjoyed testing these brushes and I plan on getting more. They are such great quality and I know they will last for a while. If you would like to try Mikasa Beauty you can use my coupon code for 25% off. The code is KARAELIZABIZ25

Morphe 35O Review + Swatches

This review is LONG overdue. But hey it gave me more time to use the palette and improve my blog so it will look way better than it would have. Silver linings am I right? And yes I bought this palette because of Jaclyn Hill.

It is the Morphe 35O Eyeshadow Palette

There are 35 shadows in the palette hence 35O. It cost $23 and if you do the math it's about $1.50 a pan. The individual pans on their website are $2.50.

There are no shade names so I numbered each one. When I mention my favorites and whenever I do a tutorial you will know exactly which shadow I am talking about. 

The packaging is about the same size as an ipad. It's not too bulky it's just not the most travel friendly palette. If I had something I could put it in that would cushion it I would travel with it more often. Have you seen the way airline workers toss bags around? My palette would be shattered. 

Before getting this palette I always thought about how much I wanted a palette with every shade of brown possible. Every palette I owned didn't have the right shade of brown I needed. So when Jaclyn Hill mentioned it in a video I knew I needed to try it. I also loved having warm shades to experiment without committing to a warm palette. I am now obsessed with warm shades. 

It's a wonderful everyday palette. As you can probably tell by some of the swatches down below some of the mattes aren't as pigmented but most are buildable. The rest of the shades are beautiful especially the shimmers. I keep looking at the pictures of the swatches I love them so much. Everything blends beautifully and I love the looks I can create with this palette. I used it along with the Naked Smoky palette for wedding makeup. 

Some of my favorite shades are 5, 11, 18, 20, 21 and 23. Overall it is a really nice palette and if you are looking for something like it you should try it. 

Perfectly Posh Foot Peel Kit Review

* Pictures of my skin peeling after the review                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
Kit includes:

• Foot Peel Gel
• Booties
• Socks

Cost $25

This kit comes with everything you need. The socks are super cute and it's nice to have something I can use again. I prepared my feet by soaking them for a few minutes. It wasn't necessary but they recommended it for better results. When applying the "gel" I noticed it was super watery. I wasn't sure if it was due to the fact I had it for over a year before using it and it was expired. 

Since it was so watery it wasn't easy to apply so I just squeezed it into each bootie. Then I put the socks on and went to relax on my bed since it has to be on for about an hour. Have a towel with you just in case. One of the booties tore so it was leaking onto my comforter. I started to notice a cooling sensation on my feet which lasted a couple of hours after rinsing. 

After rinsing my feet I just had to wait for the peeling to begin. About two days later (2nd picture) I noticed some peeling. I made sure I didn't peel anything and just let it do it's thing. There were two days I took a bath after exercising and the skin really loosened up. After that nothing really happened the peeling stopped and my feet looked a little better. 

I was kind of disappointed and wondered if the one I used was bad considering it was supposed to be a gel but it was so watery. I also wished I could have seen better results. I would love to try another brand sometime so I can compare. When looking at the Perfectly Posh website to link it I couldn't find the kit. I'm not sure if it's seasonal or if it was retired but I will update if they bring it back.   

Valentia Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer Review

About the product

Valentia Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer - A lightweight fast absorbing cream that illuminates skin while providing all-day hydration.

This Brightening Moisturizer Will:
- Lighten dark spots
- Restore skin radiance
- Even skin tone
- Diminish fine lines
- Provide all-day hydration

Specially selected ingredients work together to achieve optimum results.

KEY INGREDIENTS:

- Botanical Hyaluronic Acid: Floods skin with moisture, supports skin elasticity, and plumps skin from within.

- Kojic Acid: Controls melanin production and prevents dark spots.

- Ginseng: Boosts skin firming collagen, fights wrinkles, and gives the skin a brighter and more energized look.

- Safflower Oil: Repairs skin's natural moisture barrier and provide superior skin protection.

- Shea Butter: Infuses skin with a myriad of vitamins and nutrients for superior skin hydration and nourishment.

Review

It's in a nice glass bottle with a pump. All of my other moisturizers are either in a tube or jar so I really like the pump because I can control how much product comes out. You get 4 fl. oz. so you get a great amount of product. I think it's the same as my Perfectly Posh moisturizer. 

If you've never read my blog before I have combo/oily skin and I am 24 so I don't have any wrinkles or dark spots. I use two pumps and it's the perfect amount for me. It is definitely lightweight and fast absorbing. It feels really nice on my skin and it leaves it extremely soft. I love that it has Hyaluronic Acid in it. It is an amazing ingredient that really helps my skin. The Ginseng really brightens and energizes my skin.  

I think it is just as good as the Perfectly Posh Moisturize 911. It doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy and I think it's a great price. It's $25 for 4 fl. oz. which doesn't seem bad at all. If you want to try it you can go to their website or Amazon. Also Check out their Facebook and Instagram to see all of their amazing products. 

Also if you purchase anything from their website use my code KARA15 for 15% off your order! 

*This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. Some links may contain affiliate links.  

Valentia Night Revive Retinol Serum Review

About the Product

 Valentia Night Revive Retinol Serum - A transformative retinol serum that fights wrinkles and provides hydration, for visibly smoother, rejuvenated skin.
This Retinol Serum Will:
- Diminishes wrinkles
- Stimulates collagen
- Improves skin tone
- Manages breakouts
- Conditions skin
Specially selected ingredients work together to achieve optimum results.

KEY INGREDIENTS:
- Retinol (Vitamin A): Works at the cellular level to stop winkles, manage breakouts, and evens out skin discoloration.
- Vitamin C: Guards skin against environmental free-radicals to prevent premature aging.
- Vitamin E: Provides intense hydration to diminish the drying effects of retinol.
- Squalane: Derived for pure olive oil to soften and condition delicate skin.

Review

Like all of their other products the packaging is white with gold trim. The container is glass and it has a dropper so you can get the perfect amount. This is the only Valentia product I have used so far that doesn't have a citrus or floral scent. It has a slight scent but once it's on your skin you shouldn't notice it.

Before applying it shake lightly. Apply it nightly to your cleansed face and décolleté before moisturizer. It might irritate your skin so apply it every 2-3 nights so your skin can adjust. I did notice when I used it too much my skin was irritated. Use an SPF moisturizer during the day and for best results they recommend using the night revive retinol cream. 

I had my mom use it with me since she has mature skin. Even though I don't have wrinkles I did enjoy using it and my skin did feel more hydrated and smoother. My mom didn't hate it but she already has a product she likes and I had to constantly remind her to use it so I never got to see any results. 

If you are looking for a product to help with wrinkles I recommend giving it a try. The great thing about this product is it is made with natural ingredients so you don't have to worry about what you are putting on your skin. It is 1.18 fl. oz. for $35. You can purchase it from their website or Amazon. Also check out their Instagram and Facebook so you know when they release new products! 

For 15% off your Valentia purchase use my code KARA15 here is the link!

* This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 

Beauty Brawl '17: Bronzer

Today is the last day of the Beauty Brawl. I really hope you enjoyed it and if you read every day thank you! We all know I am bad about posting reviews so it's a nice challenge for me to post every day for ten days. Today we are reviewing bronzers and I chose ColourPop's Super Shock Cheek in Skinny Dip. This color was discontinued because they added the pressed powders so I am happy I was able to get it.

• Product - 90
• Packaging - 90
• Price - 100

I don't own a lot of bronzer it's hard to find a shade that works with my skin tone, but this bronzer is really nice. It's like a beautiful summer glow instead of an Oompa Loompa. It's the same type of formula as their super shock eyeshadows so it feels amazing! Now the foundation I am currently using is matte so it doesn't work as well. I am going to get a BB cream because I think that would be perfect! I think this type of bronzer is perfect for days when you don't want a lot of makeup on and just want some warmth in your face. 

I think the packaging is nice. It's a twist off cap and since it's the super shock formula you really have to make sure it is on tight so the formula doesn't dry out. It was $8 so it's budget friendly and better than most drugstore bronzers I've tried. I should mention it's lighter than it appears in the picture.

Check out Rachel's blog to see her choice. Our hashtag is #BeautyBrawl.

*All Beauty Brawl graphics were designed by Emma Drury. Thanks girl!

Beauty Brawl '17: Hand Cream

Welcome to day nine of the Beauty Brawl! I can't believe tomorrow is the last day. Today we are reviewing hand creams and I chose the Skinfix Hand Repair Cream.

• Product - 50
• Packaging - 80
• Price - 90

I got a sample in a PinchMe box so it's not something I would have picked for myself. I don't have dry skin or eczema but I thought I would still try it. I compared it to my favourite hand cream and this one just felt like it was coating my skin and made my hands feel greasy. I also don't love the smell I prefer vanilla or something citrusy.

The packaging is nice. I like the flip top which is something my preferred hand cream doesn't have. The full size is 3 oz. for $9.99 which is a reasonable price if it works WAY better for others. 

Check out Rachel's blog to see her choice. Our hashtag is #BeautyBrawl.

*All Beauty Brawl graphics designed by Emma Drury.    

Beauty Brawl '17: False Lashes

Welcome to day eight of the Beauty Brawl! There are only two days left which is a bummer but I have been working on a review that I am really excited to share. Today we are reviewing false lashes and I chose the Ardell Demi Wispies.

• Product - 100
• Packaging - 90
• Price - 100

I bought these lashes for the wedding and I was happy we were reviewing fake lashes for the brawl because I needed to try them and make sure they would work. They are beautiful! I only wear false lashes for Halloween or special occasions so I'm not the best at applying them but it wasn't to difficult. It takes some time to get used to wearing them but they looked so good it made me want to wear them more often. 

The packaging isn't fancy but I like that they have the type of lash in bold letters and different colors so it helps to find what you are looking for. It's also a budget friendly brand so obviously it won't be as beautiful as some of the high end brands. I got these lashes for $3.99 at Ulta. I definitely want to go back and get more styles like the faux mink. 

Check out Rachel's blog to see her choice. Our hashtag is #BeautyBrawl. 


*All Beauty Brawl graphics designed by Emma Drury.

Beauty Brawl '17: Primer

Welcome to day seven of the Beauty Brawl! Today we are reviewing primers. I chose the Hanalei Aloe Soothing Gel. I got a sample in my ipsy and it's skincare and a primer so I thought that was really interesting.

• Product - 85
• Packaging - 85
• Price - 80

Aloe Vera is naturally regenerative so it helps to balance out any redness or uneven skin tone. This product also helps to cool and moisturize the skin. The crazy thing is they say it is also perfect for a makeup base. I used it with my matte foundation and I really didn't notice a difference but it did last all day. I think it works best as skincare but if you want to also use it as a primer I suggest trying it with a BB cream. It would be nice for natural summer makeup. I don't like the aloe smell. I have a headache after smelling it so much.

The packaging is nice. It's a pretty green ombre with just the Brand and name of the product. It is $30 so it's not budget friendly and I have to remind myself it's also skincare. I think it is a good product but I don't see a big difference so I'm not sure it's worth the price.

Check out Rachel's blog to see her choice. Our hashtag is #BeautyBrawl. 

*All graphics designed by Emma Drury. 

Beauty Brawl '17: Face Mask

Welcome to day six of the Beauty Brawl!! This was the day I was looking forward to the most because I finally got to buy a mask I've been wanting to try for a while. I was planning on getting it before my brothers wedding so I was happy to have an excuse to buy it a couple of months early. It is the Elizavecca Milkypiggy Hell-Pore Clean Up Mask.

• Product - 95
• Packaging - 100
• Price - 100

This mask lifts away dull tired skin and helps remove dirt and oil which causes blackheads. I've been wanting to try this mask for a while and when I saw Tati's review I kind of reconsidered because it looked so painful. The first time I used it I only put it on my nose and a little bit on my forehead and honestly it didn't hurt at all. And when I removed it I could see some blackheads and my skin felt really soft. Don't get it expecting it to remove every blackhead it won't but it will help prevent them.

The packaging is adorable! I love the cartoon blackheads trying to run away. A part of me definitely wanted it just because of the packaging. You will probably want to save the box because all of the instructions on the tube are in Korean. It's currently $10.43 on Amazon and you get a decent amount of product. 

Check out Rachel's blog to see her choice. Don't forget our hashtag is #BeautyBrawl.

*All Beauty Brawl graphics designed by Emma Drury. 

Beauty Brawl '17: Nail Polish

Welcome to day five of the Beauty Brawl! Today is one of my favorite days because we are talking about nail polish! I chose Essie in Color Binge. We are halfway through the Beauty Brawl and I hope you are enjoying it as much as I am.

• Product - 95
• Packaging - 95
• Price - 95 

Color Binge is a beautiful orange red. It applies nicely and it's opaque. It is the perfect summer color when you have a tan. I really like Essie packaging the only thing I don't love is the brush. It's a bit small I prefer OPI's. I can't wait to work on my tan so I can use it this summer.

Essie polishes are usually $8.50 but I managed to get this polish at Ulta on Clearance for about $4. That is how I buy most of my nail polishes. I actually bought some more yesterday so the nail polish addiction is very real!

Check out Rachel's blog to see her choice. Don't forget our hashtag is #BeautyBrawl so you can check out all our social media posts.

*All Beauty Brawl graphics designed by Emma Drury.

Beauty Brawl '17: Makeup Remover

Welcome to day four of the Beauty Brawl! Tomorrow we will be halfway through the brawl which seems really crazy. Today we are reviewing makeup removers and I chose the Caudalie Micellar Cleansing Water.

• Product - 75
• Packaging - 85
• Price - 75

The first time I used it it didn't seem to work as well as I had hoped but once I soaked my cotton pad it worked a lot better. I just don't LOVE it. I think I will always prefer the Ponds Cold Cream Cleanser because of how budget friendly it is. This micellar water is $28 for 6.7 fl. oz. which is a decent amount of product but I think $28 for a micellar water is ridiculous. 

I do like the packaging. It looks like something you would find at a spa. It kind of feels like NARS packaging. 


Check out Rachel's blog to see what she chose. Don't forget our hashtag is #BeautyBrawl.

*All graphics designed by Emma Drury.

Beauty Brawl '17: Eyeliner

Welcome to day three of the Beauty Brawl! Today we are reviewing eyeliners. I chose ColourPop in Best O.

• Product - 80
• Packaging - 95
• Price - 85

Best O is a beautiful deep burgundy. It is perfect for a smoky eye or adding some subtle color to a neutral look. The only disappointing thing about it is the formula is a bit dry. I have swerve and it goes on really smooth and pigmented whereas Best O is kind of dry and slightly patchy. I will definitely still use it I like it on my lower lash line. 

ColourPop packaging isn't fancy but every time I see it I get super excited. I love the silver logo and that they show the color of the liner on the bottom. ColourPop is known for being budget friendly but I don't know if I would pay $5 for this eyeliner if it wasn't just a bad batch. The creme gel colour is a dollar more and has better reviews so I would like to try it. 

Don't forget our hashtag is #BeautyBrawl

*All Beauty Brawl graphics designed by Emma Drury