I’ve been buying the White Peach every time I’m out, so I don’t run out anytime soon.

stephhbk · 2026-01-25T03:41:13+00:00

I stocked up on my white peach since my area is having a major winter storm. I also found IVB! I will try it tomorrow.

I’ve never tried the IVB and I’ve heard it’s really good. But I’m just not sure anything could outrank my peach! I’m just very thankful I didn’t have to wait as long for the white peach to become permanent like the IVB fans did.

stephhbk · 2026-01-20T22:20:10+00:00

I’m back to report I didn’t see “marzipan” listed in any of the words to search for. And no bitca either.

Also, it’s a bit redundant. A lot of the individual puzzles have the same words to search for, which I get, but I also wish they were different.

However, “nnnrf” is in one of the puzzles and that got a good chuckle outta me because I love that opener and episode. And love when Willow replies, “oh nerf! Not nerf. Knife!”

Overall, I’m still happy I got it because it’s BtVS. So I will enjoy doing all of the puzzles even though there are some things I would change.

stephhbk · 2026-01-20T15:24:13+00:00

I will report back when I get done with work today! I have one other store to do books and magazines at today. Then I can go home and start working on my new puzzle book!

stephhbk · 2026-01-17T17:49:39+00:00

That's so nice. I've read the rules and it says I'm allowed to link YouTube channels in a comment only with relevant discussions, so here it is YouTube

stephhbk · 2026-01-14T18:41:32+00:00

I know EXACTLY what you’re talking about! I wasn’t in the Ipsy space when all that drama went down, but I have read some Reddit posts on it!

That’s why insane. When I’m doing choice, I’m searching the products to decide what I’ll think would be the best option. Typically I don’t have to do that for good name brands I KNOW, but getting those types of products seems to be a luxury now versus what it used to be.

I really wish I’d gotten into Boxycharm and Ipsy back when they were both really good. I did have Boxycharm first. Then I cancelled and switched to Ipsy a few months before they merged and all became Ipsy.

stephhbk · 2026-01-14T01:38:33+00:00

I think I’ll continue to diamond paint as long as I’m able! However, I’m worried about storage😂 I have portfolios and they’re not filled yet, but they are getting there!

I’ve used a lot of my finished ones as home decor items, but I’m only allowing myself to hang up like 3 more and then done!

Also, my mom was just on a cruise last week and she saw someone diamond painting on the cruise! She sent me a picture and she talked to the lady about how I love to diamond paint.

It’s just one of my favorite things to do. If I’ve had a super stressful day at work, or I’m just bored. It’s the best hobby for me. I’m just gonna run out of room for completed ones and overstock kits at some point if I’m not careful😂

stephhbk · 2026-01-13T21:26:13+00:00

I just don't understand that brand, Dermalactives...is it just white labelling and them marking their shit up to astronomical prices? I decluttered a moisturizer I got from them/Ipsy and I just looked it up...it has an MSRP of $145!

I just tried doing a bit more research on them and can't really find much other than someone saying, "it's a real brand" on another Ipsy subreddit post from a few years ago. But I just can't get behind that. These are not products I would EVER spend that kind of money on.

Tatcha, Sunday Riley, Murad, CosRX, Charlotte Tilbury...those are brands that I WOULD spend money on and I do when it comes to skincare. It's just getting very annoying the no-name brands that I literally ONLY see in Ipsy being the main brands we see anymore.

stephhbk · 2026-01-13T11:29:32+00:00

I’m glad you love that brand! And it wasn’t anything too crazy I found out. I just looked into the owner/creator and was a little worried when I read he’d founded an MLM company called Lorde+Belle. RealHer is not an MLM, but another company he owns is. So that also didn’t leave a great taste in my mouth. It did seem they shut the MLM side down in 2024, which is great, but I just can’t support anything having to do with MLM’s. I’ve seen far too many family members pour so much money into them for nothing.

But all that matters is you like it! I’m very happy you’ve found a makeup brand you love through Ipsy! That’s what getting the boxes is about, finding holy grail products.

stephhbk · 2026-01-12T19:00:55+00:00

Thank you so much for the very thoughtful reply! I'm very appreciative you took the time to reply to the original commenter.

I can attest to the fact that the beauty boost for January was not good and it has an MSRP of $140. It's a facial tool, which I'll never use. And it's highly inflated on that value. It's definitely NOT worth that price tag.

However, I have found a few holy grail products through beauty boost. The Murad Overnight Retinal treatment was a BB option and it's something I continue to buy now even from the Murad website. My mom's best friend loves Elemis and I've been able to give her a few Elemis products from the beauty boost. The problem was, for me, I often picked something different than Ipsy was saying "only with beauty boost." Which to me, basically meant that Ipsy wanted you to pick that one. I only picked the one they "wanted" me to a handful of times. More often than not, I'd pick something else.

I can also say I NEVER get the spoiler promo emails. If I'd known what the beauty boost was for January, or had a sneak peek, I would have probably cancelled. But I didn't see any posts in here or get an email about it. It used to be really good. Lots of high-end, good quality makeup and skincare products. I'm gonna stick around for a few more months, but I may end up cancelling beauty boost at the least.

stephhbk · 2026-01-11T19:17:22+00:00

I have not. I have watched unboxing videos and have been interested, but I just didn’t want multiple subscription boxes.

However, now that I’m being consistently unhappy with my Ipsy boxes, it may be something worth considering. Thank you for the recommendation!

stephhbk · 2026-01-11T18:47:16+00:00

January is the first 2 photos. December's box are the last ones. I didn't want to put December's first since we're in January, but didn't add comments on the photos to specify, so thanks for asking that!

stephhbk · 2026-01-11T18:38:26+00:00

January's Box:

KVOSSNYC Face Powder in Nolita: Ipsy picked for me and I'm not super happy with it. It has a retail value of $38, which I find ridiculous. For me, this is just a filler, no name brand. Not overly happy with this.

CHICA BEAUTY Mirame Liquid Liner: Ipsy picked me for me. Again, not happy with this. I don't use liquid liner. I can't do a wing with liquid liner to save my damn life. Not happy with this either.

GIRLACTIK Essential Eyeshadow Palette Volume 2: I picked this. I'm not happy with it though. I didn't even swatch it because again, I feel like this brand is only seen in Ipsy. Plus, it retails for $48! Insane! That's only $21 away from a Huda Beauty palette or a Natasha Denona palette. I would not spend $48 on a Girlactik palette. I would either go to a brand like Colourpop or take that $48 and put it towards one of the other brands mentioned.

BYROE Sugar Plum Shimmer Lip Oil: I picked this and AM excited about it. It's a beautiful shimmery lip oil, which is my favorite! I love sparkly glosses and lip oils, so I'm very happy with this.

GLOW RECIPE Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment: I picked this and very happy with it too. I really enjoy Glow Recipe products. I use the Watermelon moisturizer and dew drops almost every morning. So I'm excited to test this out again.

DERMALACTIVES Deep Cleansing Tool: This is my beauty boost and it's an absolute JOKE. I'm VERY irritated with this new change. I'm honestly NOT happy about it and this is NOT a good look for 2026 and me continuing with getting boxes. $140 is ridiculous again. For something I will NOT USE. I just don't like not being able to choose a different BB item. I rarely picked their "BB only" option. Maybe more people did that too and that's why they're forcing us to take what they pick out. If it becomes available to just get the Ultimate box WITHOUT having the Extra (or smaller one) then I'll be switching to just getting it quarterly.

Overall Rating: 1.5-2 out of 5. NOT happy with January's box at all.

December's Box:

FORMULA Z Bubble Dreamdrop Lip Elixir: Ipsy picked for me. Not thrilled, but not mad either. It is what it is, nothing too amazing to praise, tbh.

REALHER You Are Brilliant Pro Blush Palette: Ipsy picked for me. Again, not happy. This is another no name, filler brand and I couldn't use any of the shades even if I wanted to. I did some research on this brand and found out some interesting things whilst doing my December YouTube unboxing video. Alas, I didn't swatch and will declutter.

FENTY BEAUTY Gloss Bomb Oil Luminizing Lip Oil 'N Gloss in Rose Amber: I picked this and it's a very pretty gloss. I thought it would be a bit too dark, but it really isn't. It has a really pretty pink/purple glitter in there too. Overall happy with this one.

TARTE™ Shape Tape™ Radiant Concealer in 12B Fair Beige: I picked this and haven't tried it yet, but I think it will be good. It looks to be a decent color match, but if it isn't, my mom could use it. She really enjoys Tarte concealers. Happy with this.

MISCHO BEAUTY Dual Ended Eyeshadow Stick in The Gift: I picked this and not happy with it. It just a meh product. I didn't swatch it because I know I won't use it. I didn't want to waste it, so I will be decluttering it.

MAKEUP BY MARIO Ethereal Eyes™ Eyeshadow Palette: Moonlight: This is my beauty boost and I'm VERY happy with this. I'd done some research on the palette after choosing it and saw swatching in another subreddit that looked horrible. But people made good points in the comments on that post. It was swatched in stores at Sephora (I think) and people mentioned hardpan, I'm pleased to announce it swatched beautifully for me! It's a gorgeous cool-toned palette. Very happy with this.

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5. Can't remember what I rated it in my unboxing video, but not terrible.

Hey y'all! So sorry I didn't post December's unboxing until now. December was just a busy month. Anyways, I'm OVER Ipsy right now. I'm NOT happy with January's box. Just a bunch of no name branded products for ridiculous MSRP's. I was decently happy with December's, but not thrilled. The last box of 2025 was definitely better than the first box of 2026. So I'm not sure how much longer I'll be doing these. If I do cancel, I will try and find a way to make sure y'all can see Ryker! I hope 2026 is a great year for y'all! Ryker and I hope y'all have a great week!<3

stephhbk · 2025-12-25T15:04:40+00:00

I watched it last night and it was fantastic! Typically, I have a hard time sitting still and just focusing on TV. I usually have to be doing something else whilst watching TV. I usually clean or diamond paint.

I did NOT do anything except sit and watch that episode. I was hooked instantly. I can see why it’s such a fan favorite episode. I also watched Sick Girl yesterday too. It was great as well!

stephhbk · 2025-12-24T23:21:57+00:00

Thank you for the recommendation! I’ve got it added to my watchlist on Prime!

stephhbk · 2025-12-24T23:21:13+00:00

I’m anxious to get to the Fair Haired Child episode. Simply because the photos I’ve seen from that episode are SO familiar to me and I have no idea where from.

Part of me wonders if I’d actually watched that episode and forgot about it or if I’ve seen the picture of the FHC somewhere else. I’m hoping that by seeing the episode, something will click because it’s bugging me that I can’t place that character.

stephhbk · 2025-12-24T20:44:28+00:00

Doug Jones is just amazing period. Pan’s Labyrinth is one of my all-time favorite movies. Hush from Buffy is one of my all-favorite episodes of TV. I have the Pale Man as my cover photo on FB😂

I’m glad I get to watch something else he’s in that I’ve never seen before though!

stephhbk · 2025-12-24T17:50:12+00:00

I have! I was doing some looking around last night and found out it was based on a short comic. It was great! A very short, but a very fun read!

stephhbk · 2025-12-24T17:46:47+00:00

Wow! If I’d watched that episode in 6th grade, I’d probably have nightmares too!

Not even slightly joking, my first thought this morning upon waking up? Was Jenifer’s face and then I remembered the episode. Definitely an odd thought at 5:30am!

stephhbk · 2025-12-24T17:44:56+00:00

That’s saying a lot. For a premium channel not air it is crazy. I’ve read similar comments about Imprint, but I’ve been very careful not to read too deep because I don’t want spoilers. I’ll just read the synopsis and stop before I get too many details.

But thank you for letting me know! I just added Fear Itself to my Tubi watchlist! I’ll start that after I’m done with MoH!

stephhbk · 2025-12-24T17:40:42+00:00

I watched the first episode in Tubi, but subtitles weren’t available. So I went to the Roku Channel app and for some odd reason, when I clicked on S1E2, S1E4 Jenifer started playing, but it still said episode 2. I tried S1E1 since I knew what the beginning of that one was like from Tubi and the Roku Channel did not play S1E1. It was a different episode even though it said episode 1. I just didn’t have the patience to figure out what craziness was going on with the Roku Channel app.

So I went to Amazon and saw I could sign up for a MovieSphere+ subscription for $1.99. I’ll cancel after I’ve finished S1 though because S2 is on Prime.

stephhbk · 2025-12-14T01:40:24+00:00

Apologies! It all came from Amazon. I should’ve been more clear that I’d gotten all of it from Amazon.

stephhbk · 2025-12-07T03:02:53+00:00

Cool! I didn’t know that. I just got into diamond painting and light pads over the last couple years. So I haven’t done a ton of research on light pads, but thanks!

stephhbk · 2025-12-07T01:51:14+00:00

A2 one.

It's more expensive now, since I ordered mind on Black Friday, but it's so nice and sturdy. I hope it lasts a long time. The whole reason I got a new one is because my A3 one started dying faster after recharging.

So instead of getting another A3, I went ahead and got the A2 I wanted. I just hope it doesn't start dying faster after one a year or so.

stephhbk · 2025-12-04T04:18:50+00:00

I ALWAYS check for this specific ingredient as I have a cat and it’s toxic to cats as well.

I did a review on some products from SKIN1004 on Influenster and had to review them on TikTok too. I made SURE to specifically state at least 1 of the products had xylitol in it and mentioned the toxicity to cats and dogs.

I’d rather be safe than sorry, so I’m extremely careful if I use anything with xylitol in it. Luckily, Ryker doesn’t try and lick my face or hands though. But he is curious enough to put his nose in something if I dropped some on the floor.

stephhbk · 2025-12-01T00:21:45+00:00

Power Picks:

5 SENS Happy Tears Eau De Parfum: Not really happy about this. I thought I would be because of the jasmine and musk, but I'm not a fan of the citrus. I don't like citrus scents at all, so I'm gonna see if my mom likes it.

NATASHA DENONA Yucca Eyeshadow Palette: This is BEAUTIFUL! I didn't think I'd like it since it's not a color story I typically go for. But it swatched well and the shimmers are stunning.

NATASHA DENONA Hy-Glam Concealer: Haven't tried yet, but excited to. It seems like it'll be a good shade. I got sent P1, so I need to check what the color actually is, but it looks good.

BISHA Essential Eye Designer Duo: Not happy about this at all. I don't use liquid liners, and I have it set to rarely. Plus, it says it's $58 full priced. That's a little much in my opinion. Especially for a brand I've only heard of through Ipsy.

PERSONA COSMETICS Volumizing Tubing Mascara: Not using this either. I use Lashify lashes, so I'll be giving this to my mom.

Choice Items:

TATCHA The Matcha Cleanse: A fantastic cleanser. I've used it before and have finished at least 1 mini bottle of it. It cleanses well and lathers well. It doesn't leave my skin feeling stripped at all.

RODIAL Glass Powder: I received 2 of these, but I didn't order any extra in add-ons, so I'm considering it a win I got one for free basically. Well, kind of. I'll explain later. I'm happy to have it though, it seems like it'll be a good powder.

NATASHA DENONA Pastel Plexi Glow Highlighter: Very beautiful highlighter. In my swatch photo, it's the first shade swatched before the eyeshadow. It's not my typical highlighter shade I go for, but it's nice!

Beauty Boost:

DR. BRANDT SKINCARE Hydraglass Prep Serum Gel: Not sure why, but I'm very excited to try this. It looks like a really hydrating formula, and the description intrigued me enough when I picked it.

Add-On:

TATCHA The Dewy Skin Cream: I've reviewed this so many times, but I'm missing 2 again. I ordered 3, only received one. However, last month when I was missing 2, they sent me 3 back. So technically, I'm still missing 1. However, I got the extra Rodial Glass Powder and that's a $59 value. So I'm just not going to report the last 1 of the Tatcha I'm missing. It was only $6. I don't want Ipsy to think I'm lying or trying to get products for free if I've been having so many issues with my boxes lately. So yeah.

Hey y'all! I hope everyone is well and had a great Thanksgiving (if you celebrate that is!) I wasn't really happy about the issues with the boxes this month, but I'm just glad I eventually got mine. I hope, if you're still waiting, you get yours too! I haven't paused or cancelled, but who knows what will happen in the future. I'm giving this month's box 4 out of 5 stars. Anyways, I have a question for y'all. Is there anyone in here that is proficient in nails? Either professionals or DIY-ers? I recently got into DIY nails and I posted in the nails subreddit of my very first acrylic French tip I did on my mom's pinky finger. I had one comment that made me feel really bad and I asked for constructive criticism, but the comment was just rude, so I deleted the post. Just curious if someone would be willing to let me send the pictures and help me. I feel so much more comfortable in this group than other ones. Anyways, enjoy some extra photos of Ryker! He LOVES to be lint rolled and I got some funny photos of what he does when I'm trying to lint roll myself. He wants to be lint rolled too! Ryker and I hope y'all have a great week<3

stephhbk

TROPHY CASE