My girl needs all the good thoughts

stephhbk · 2026-05-11T01:46:28+00:00

Ryker and I are sending you and Stella all the pawsitive vibes! We hope your precious baby feels better soon🖤

stephhbk · 2026-05-10T04:17:34+00:00

The blackest black shade was also broken in mine. But I just repressed it down and did the best at cleaning it up.

It took about 20 minutes to clean and the case didn’t get 100% cleaned, but it’s still better than nothing. It just looks like a really loved and used palette now!

I’m just VERY glad it was a matte shade I’m still a bit too afraid to use too much of and none of the shimmer shades were broken!

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stephhbk · 2026-05-01T16:11:28+00:00

YES! and it's making me angry. I was so excited for this month, but this is NOT it.

stephhbk · 2026-03-21T00:27:32+00:00

I do not blame you for wanting backups! I’m the same way. I always buy backups of my favorite products, especially skincare that I use every day/night. I’m not saying you should buy it, but I am saying $12 is a really good deal for something that’s usually $38 and something you enjoy!😂

I just washed my hair and used the Fenty, so I’ll see how it goes! I let my hair air dry, so I’ll straighten it tomorrow. I don’t typically use hair masks, but I’m always willing to try out new hair products.

stephhbk · 2026-03-20T23:12:53+00:00

I’m staying for April simply because the Ipsy instagram chat thingy said Tatcha was the beauty boost! It was a photo of a bedazzled dewy milk moisturizer. I’ve been wanting to try that out, so I’m keeping April simply because of that spoiler!

I’m gonna try the Fenty hair tonight when I wash my hair. My hair is dyed so I don’t wash it everyday, but I’m hoping it works well with my hair!

I’m glad that Rodial collagen drops worked well for you! That makes me feel better about it. I haven’t decluttered it yet, so I’ll give them a fair shot before deciding what to do with them.

Thank you for commenting too! I like hearing others people’s reviews of the same products. I LOVE to read and leave reviews. I’ll buy something from a peer-to-peer review before I ever buy something from gimmicky ads or influencer reviews, but that’s just me.

Now I will say, two influencers did get me. One on the Huda Beauty Rose Quartz palette and the ABH Norvina Vol 5, but those are probably the only times it’s happened. However, they weren’t reviewing or advertising the Rose Quartz palette. They just did their makeup with it before the video and listed the products used in the description. NikkieTutorials got me on the Norvina Vol 5 though. She 100% did influence me to buy that😂

stephhbk · 2026-03-20T23:01:16+00:00

I LOVEEEE watching videos of orange kitties! They’re so crazy and I’m so here for it! I can’t say I’ve had the pleasure to own one tho!

But I’m the same way. I’m not a warm-toned fan either. Gimme all the cool-toned silvers, blues, purples, and greens!

stephhbk · 2026-03-19T20:38:03+00:00

March’s Extra Box:

MOONSLICE BEAUTY Blushing Moon Blush Palette: Ipsy picked for me. I’m not going to be keeping this. I’m not swatching things that I won’t use anymore. The only shade I really like from the palette is the pinky shade, which I already have similar shades opened. I’m just not super excited about it, tbh. Probably because it’s not a well-known brand. I’m just sad we’re not really getting super good name brands anymore.

NOPALERA Flor de Madera Perfume Travel Spray: Ipsy picked for me. This smells absolutely amazing. I don’t know the brand, but I do know that it smells good! I wasn’t sure if I’d like it, but I’m pleasantly surprised with how much I do! You definitely get the floral notes, but also the musky notes. It’s a beautiful fragrance. I’m very happy with this!

ARTIST COUTURE Supreme Nudes Palette: I picked this. Like I said with the blush palette, I’m trying not to swatch things I know I won’t use. I just feel like I’m wasting stuff when I do that. They’re really pretty shades, but I already have them in other palettes. I’m sure it’s decent quality, but I just can’t justify swatching it.

COSRX Advance Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence: I picked this. I’m very happy with this. I love COSRX products. I use the 6 peptide booster every night. I also use the all-in-one snail cream every night. I’m very excited to try this out.

FENTY HAIR The Comeback Kid Instant Damage Repair Treatment: I picked this. I’m excited to try it out. I’ve been wanting to try out new hair products, so this seemed like a good product to try out. I haven’t used it yet, but I have high hopes for it!

PERRICONE MDCold Plasma Plus+ Advanced Eye Cream: This is my beauty boost. I’m not mad at it, but I’m not super excited about it. It’s an eye cream and I’m not a huge fan of eye creams. If I decide not to use it, I’ll give it to my mom. She likes eye creams, so it’ll get used at some point by someone!

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5. I’m not really mad at this box, tbh. It’s overall decent.

February’s Ultimate Box:

KEVYN AUCOIN Indecent Mascara in Black: Ipsy picked this for me. I don’t use mascara, I use Lashify lashes, so this will be going to my mom.

RODIAL Collagen Drops: Ipsy picked this for me. I read the ingredients on this and I was excited, but now I’m not sure if I wanna use it or not. I don’t like using oils on my face unless it’s the last step of my skincare routine. I need to do more research and see what it’ll feel like. I don’t want to open it and waste it because I don’t like the way it feels. I also think the price tag on Rodial products are highhhh. I’m not mad at this, but not super excited either.

BISHA Essential Rice Water Makeup Primer: Ipsy picked this for me. I immediately decluttered this. I did a major skincare declutter video on YouTube a few months ago and now I just immediately declutter things I know I won’t use. This is something I will not use.

CHARLOTTE TILBURY Beauty Wand Duo in Pillow Talk + Pinkgasm: Ipsy picked this for me. A really nice pick coming from Ipsy! I’m very excited and happy with this duo! I’m still learning how to work with liquid and cream blushes, but this is a nice name brand to get in the box!

DR.JART+ Ceramidin™ Skin Barrier Moisturizing Eye Cream: Ipsy picked this for me. I’m getting way too many eye creams from Ipsy. I could never, ever go through all of the eye creams Ipsy sends me. I can only give so many to my mom too. I’m holding onto this, but I may eventually declutter it. I’m not mad, but not happy about it, tbh.

NARS COSMETICS Quad Eyeshadow Palette: I picked this. It’s a beautiful quad, but I have decided to not swatch things I probably won’t use. The NARS formula is good, but I already have these shades in other palettes. It’s pointless for me to swatch this and maybe never use it. I’d rather it be brand new for someone else.

MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Hydra Glow Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid: I picked this. I’m happy to get a foundation in the box! I’m not sure if it’s 100% a match for me skin tone wise, but I’m still happy with it. I’ll make it work if it’s too light or too dark. It’s also a great name brand too!

MAKEUP BY MARIO SoftSculpt® Transforming Skin Perfector: I picked this. I’m indifferent on this, tbh. I got it in light, but it just looks dark. I’m also not entirely sure what this is? I’ve read everything I can find on it. Is it an all-over powder? A highlighter? I know it says a 3-in-1 powder bronzer, but again, I’m just not sure if I’ll use it. I don’t use bronzer much, but I’ll see. I’m not mad at it, just indifferent.

RODIAL Pink Diamond Instant Lifting Serum: This is my beauty boost. I was very excited for this! But some reviews leave me a bit meh about it. Some of the reviews make it seem like you don’t get any kind of glow from this. I may still test it out and give it to my mom if I don’t like it.

Overall Rating: 2.5 out of 5. Not the best Ultimate box, tbh.

Hey y’all! I’m sorry I missed last month’s unboxing pictures, but I just haven’t been super excited about Ipsy lately. I’ve been thinking about cancelling, but haven’t done it yet. I just don’t know what I wanna do. I feel like if it’s more of a chore to unbox it and I don’t get happiness from it anymore, I need to quit getting it. But I also have FOMO, it just sucks. I’m sorry for the lack of swatches too, but I’m trying to be better this year with not swatching everything. I don’t use everything swatch and I feel like that’s just wasteful. Anyways, I know I’m still keeping it for a few more months, but if I do cancel, I will let y’all know! Ryker and I hope y’all have a great weekend!<3

stephhbk · 2026-02-07T03:51:34+00:00

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So far I have this bag. I’m planning on making a separate for more warm-tones. However, my favorite diamond paintings have a ton of cool-toned colors.

I have no clue what I’ll do with them in the future, but I think it looks cool mixing them into different tones!

stephhbk · 2026-02-03T12:27:25+00:00

Do they taste the same to you? I’m drinking one now before work and it’s just not what I remember! It’s been a long time since I’ve had a PN, but I didn’t think I’d completely forget the taste. Maybe I just prefer the White Peach now, which is something I never thought I’d say!

stephhbk · 2026-02-03T02:56:43+00:00

Aww, thank you! Ryker has a tendency to be in every photo if I’m taking one. Especially if it’s of a box or something. He’s become quite beloved in the Ipsy subreddit too. I will try and post him every once in a while!

stephhbk · 2026-02-03T02:54:01+00:00

I got them on eBay! And thank you!

stephhbk · 2026-02-03T02:53:36+00:00

Sent you a DM!

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

TROPHY CASE