Retrospective: Ipsy June 2013

Ipsy April 2013: Month 10; On the Wild Side

Ipsy bag June 2013
Photo from Ipsy

This month's bag was leopard print with a neon green zipper! Unlike the other bags, this one has a zipper across the front instead of across the top of the bag.  I'm not sure I care either way, it's just something new to note.

Cailyn Line-Fix Gel Eyeliner with Brush Built-In in 06 Purple
Photo from Ipsy

This is a very pretty-looking liner.  The brush pops out of the top of the case and can be flipped around and re-inserted so you have a longer handle.  However, this does make it unwieldy to carry around because it's an awkward size and shape.  I wish they had a separate flat top for the liner pot and I could just carry my own eyeliner brush separately.

The color is a rich, dark purple without any of the brightness that can sometimes make purple liners look unprofessional.  This is totally wearable for most occasions.  It goes on smoothly and stays put, which are two very important eyeliner qualities.  I have a few purple liners (both gel and my beloved UD 24/7s) but no color quite this deep.  Due to its uniqueness and quality, I'm keeping it, even if I don't wear gels too often.

Full size $21 for 4g plus brush.

NYX Powder Blush in Spice (Matte Mauve)
Photo from Ipsy

Honestly, I haven't opened this yet.  It's not particularly "summery" and I have so many blushes that I may never even get around to using it.  I'm just not a blush girl.  I wear it every day, and I have two or three I rotate throughout the year, but I don't care enough about it to have a spectrum of blush colors from bubblegum pink to deep red to peach and tangerine and all the colors in between.  I do have a powder blush from NYX that I use to contour and I like it.  It blends well, so I am assuming another shade of the same product will perform similarly.  It's not super-duper pigmented, which makes it very useable.  I hate blushes that are so bright that you can't even touch the bristles of your brush to them without picking up too much.

Full size $5 for 5.2g.

Starlooks Lip Pencil in Bare
Photo from Ipsy

Starlooks is a makeup company that also has their own branded makeup subscription box.  I find it interesting that they would pair with another beauty subscription box... maybe in the hopes of gaining some more subscribers?  If that is the case, they would have done better to provide a different product.  They sent out three colors of these lip liners and from what I can tell, they were the wrong three colors for pretty much everyone.  I haven't even opened the plastic seal around this one yet, because it looks dark and greyish and will almost certainly be the wrong color for me.  I've seen people say the quality is great, but that won't persuade me to try this.  I have 3 or 4 open lip liners already and they cover the colors I need.

Full size $12 (2.4g).

J.cat Sparkling Cream Palette in Volta
Photo from Ipsy

This is in my 5 least favorite Ipsy products post.  I don't feel like talking about it again.

Full size $4.49 for 0.1 oz of product.

Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil
Photo from Ipsy

This is in my Ipsy Top 5.  I've used this almost exclusively as my go-to highlighter since I got it, and I've only sharpened it once! Sorry to my Benefit High Brow that is sitting neglected at the bottom of my makeup bag.  This is the perfect color for me and the texture is awesome.  It blends so easily, and even can cover up some stray hairs that you have yet to pluck from under your brows ;).  This is the final polishing step to my minimal makeup.  Chella also sells other colors of this product.  It's a little pricey, but seems like it will last long enough to get your money's worth.

Full size $18 (1.4g).

There were some variations in the bags this month.  Everyone got a blush from NYX, but it could have been powder, cream, or mosaic.  The other two potential products were J.cat eyelashes with eyelash glue and Psssst! Dry shampoo.  This would be instead of the highlighter pencil or cailyn eyeliner, I believe.

Total Value $60.49

Wow! That is a great deal for only $10! Every item was full-sized, which is amazing. Even with the dud glitter palette, this was a great bag, and I'm totally happy with it.  Way to go, Ipsy.

Ipsy costs $10/month, including shipping, and sends you a box of 4-6 samples and sometimes full-sized products.  If you would like to sign up, my link is here and I will earn a free item if 2 people sign up with my link.

This post contains products I purchased with my own money.  No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.  This post contains a referral link, see above for details.

Retrospective: Ipsy November 2012

This was the first month since I had been subscribing that there was an "OR" item.  There were a few months before I joined where this happened.

Ipsy November 2012: Month 4; Party Perfect!

November 2012 Bag
Photo from Ipsy

This bag was pretty simple.  It was dark brown with a faux-leather zipper.  The inside of the bag was also dark brown.

BareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lip Gloss in Dare Devil
Photo from Ipsy

This smells like spiced rum to me, which makes it weird to use.  I do like the color, though! It is on the sheer side so it isn't too dark, and has some nice shimmer to it without being overly glittery.  It's a very nice holiday color.

Full size is $18 for 4.5 mL.  The sample Ipsy sent was half of the full size, 2.25 mL, for a value of $9.

Chella Defining Brow Gel (Clear)
Photo from Ipsy

This was the either/or item.  Other people received a sample of Benefit's They're Real! Mascara.  I wouldn't pay full price for just a clear eyebrow gel, but I do use this now that I have it.  I would imagine there isn't much of a difference between this and a drugstore brand, other than the price.

Full size (0.2 fl.oz.) costs $18 and the sample size 0.12 fl.oz which gives it a value of $10.80

theBalm Meet Matt(e) in Matt Batali
Photo from Ipsy

I like that this eyeshadow pan came in its own little magnetic box! It keeps it from getting everywhere and I don't have to stick a magnet to it or anything.  This is a matte eggplant color, and looks really nice as part of a purple smokey eye.  They don't make the original Meet Matt(e) palette anymore, but they do have a Meet Matt(e) Nude version with more eyeshadow for your money.

Meet Matt(e) Nude is $42 for 25.5g (9 shadows).  The sample weight is 0.9g, making it worth $1.48 at the nude palette pricing.  If I went by the discontinued palette pricing it would be slightly more, as that one was more expensive per gram of shadow.

Nailtini Nail Lacquer in Millionaire
Photo from Ipsy

This is the first Nailtini product I received, and I really liked it.  This is a clear base with rose gold microglitter and gold and green bar glitters.  It is another nice holiday color. It applies well and dries fast, since it is a glitter.

This is full size (0.5 fl.oz.) and retails for $13.

Starlet Intense Eyeliner in Chocolate
Photo from Ipsy

This was a dud.

This is full size (1.5g), and while this color isn't on their website and the packaging on their other eyeliners is different, they sell for $11.

Total Value $45.28

I have said it before, and I'll say it again: Ipsy sends you a great value for your $10.  This bag was full or deluxe sample items and is definitely for the makeup-obsessed.  There was a little of every makeup category in this bag, which Ipsy is really good at doing.

Ipsy costs $10/month, including shipping and sends you a box of 4-6 samples and sometimes full-sized products.  If you would like to sign up, my link is here and I will earn a free item if 2 people sign up with my link.

This post contains products I purchased with my own money.  No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.  This post contains a referral link, see above for details.

Ipsy August 2013 Review

It's Ipsy time! This month's theme was Beauty Academy, and came in an ugly purple bag with gold Ipsy Beauty Academy crests on it.  I don't even want to gift it to someone, it's that bad.  Once again, I didn't get the "good" item (July's Benetint didn't bother me that I didn't get it, but I did want to try the Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick.  I LOVE UD.  I'M MAD AT YOU, IPSY.)

Here is what I did get...

Michael Todd Jojoba Charoal Facial Scrub

This is sealed under the cap, and will stay that way until I finish up my current face scrub sample.  I don't like to exfoliate my face very often, even though a lot of scrubs say you can use them every day.  I try to stick to once per week, so my scrub samples last a long time.

Full size $18 for 100 mL.  Sample size is 30 mL, worth $5.40

Noya Natural Lip Balm in Vanilla

This is a really great balm.  It smells like vanilla frosting and has nice, all-natural ingredients (coconut oil, beeswax, olive oil, natural fragrance, stevia).  It's also kosher, if that is something you look for in lip balm.  I do really like it, I'm just sad I didn't get to try the UD lipstick.  My friend said it is pretty awesome (and the tiny size is so cute).

Full size, 0.15 oz, $3.99

Chella Dazzling Dark Brown Eyebrow Color

I have that I have red hair in my Ipsy profile (it is on the redder side of blonde, but I don't like blonde-specific shampoos and stuff), so I don't know why they sent a dark brown eyebrow color.  Light brown or auburn would have been better (based on my profile), but the dark brown will work well enough for me, luckily.  It is a harder pencil than an eyeliner, and is mechanical, so no sharpening needed.

I'm assuming this is full sized? 0.09 oz for $18.

Pixi Lash Booster Mascara

This is yet another mascara sample that will stay sealed until I run out of my current mascara (Julep American Beauty from a mystery box).   Pixi is hit or miss for me, so we will see if I like the mascara.

Full size 0.25 oz for $17.  Sample size 0.105 oz, value $7.14.

Mica Beauty Shimmer Powder in Bronze

I have a decent gel liner from Mica Beauty that came in a previous Ipsy bag, so I was excited to see one of their shimmer powders included this month.  The bronze color is really pretty and there is a nice color payoff.  This will last a long time, and I'm glad it is a versatile color that I can make casual or fancy.

This is a full-sized sample (2.5g) and retails for $14.95.

Chella Brow Pencil (top, with varying degrees of pressing down)
Mica Beauty Shimmer Powder (bottom)

In the light

Total Value $49.48

I will use everything in this month's bag (eventually) and am overall pretty happy with it.  I really like that Ipsy sends out mostly makeup products, with at least one full size every month.  Getting a full brown pencil and eyeshadow definitely make up for the disappointment of missing out on the UD lipstick.  The balm is much more practical for me, anyway.  I don't wear bright lip colors to work (or very often, ever) but wear balm every day.

The other items people received (besides the UD Revolution lipstick) were Smashbox Photo Finish Primer, Michael Todd Pumpkin Nutrient-Rich Face Mask, City Color Cheek Stain, Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream, NYX Blush, or Nailtini in Mai Tai.

Ipsy costs $10 per month including shipping.  They send 4-6 deluxe sample and full sized products every month, and are working on personalizing the bags more and more.  If you would like to sign up, here is my referral link.  I get a gift if two people sign up though that link.  I think there is a waiting list, but it seems to move pretty quickly.

This post contains items I purchased through a subscription service with my own money.  No compensation was received and all opinions are my own.  This post also contains a referral link, see above paragraph for details.

My All-Subscription Box Vacation, Part 2

I'm getting excited for my vacation this weekend! Here is what is in my makeup bag- almost everything is from subscription boxes! 

The non-subscription box products

NYC Browser Brush-On Brow Kit because nothing finishes your look like filled-in brows! This may be all I end up using. Who knows. 

Bare Minerals Original Foundation in case I need some extra coverage 

Various brushes and an eyelash curler. Some of these are from sub boxes (like the SoHo brush in my Ipsy top 5), and some are not. Either way, they are not anything special. 

These will make me feel pretty

Blinc Mascara (Birchbox July 2012) I love this tubing mascara. It doesn't wash off unless you want it to- perfect for going for a swim! 

Chella Ivory Lace Eyebrow Pencil (Ipsy June 2013) I've already written about this in my top 5 Ipsy list. 

Pop Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon in Coral Crush (Ipsy July 2013) Same with this! It's the perfect summer day lip color. 

Vincent Longo Lipstain SPF 15 Lipstick in Cherry (Glossybox January 2013) For a nice dinner out, no other lipstick can beat this one, especially in a classic red. The stain lasts all night, through dinner and drinks, and doesn't come off on anyone else's cheeks or lips. 

Mai Couture Highlighter Papier (Ipsy December 2012). For when I feel fancy. I tried using this over the winter to a formal event, but I was just too darn pale for it to look good. Maybe now that I'm 0.005 shades darker, it will look better. 

Mirabella Perfecting Powder (Ipsy May 2013). See my other list linked above for a proclamation of my love for this product. It will not leave my sight until it is used up. I will then hold a funeral for it. 

Ada Cosmetics Bronzer in Peach (Birchbox July 2012). For some contouring if I feel like it, and in place of a blush if I want to get crazy with the beachy look. This isn't too dark for my skin tone, which is amazing. 

theBalm Hot Mama Shadow/Blush (Birchbox December 2012). One of my favorite blushes of all time! I was told it made me all glowy, and who doesn't want that? This barely missed out on being on my top 5 Birchbox list. It is awesome and super-flattering. 

Coastal Scents Eyeshadow Quads (Ipsy October 2012, February 2013) Boy am I bringing <em>all</em> of my entire top 5 Ipsy products? I think so... 

theBalm Meet Matt(e) Matt Batali (Ipsy November 2012). It seems like theBalm is only selling the nude matte palette now, not the original one. Oh well, I still like this shadow, especially in a smokey eye. 

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint (Birchbox September 2012). I don't plan on wearing foundation, just this. I'm bringing the Bare Minerals for night if we go out, but this will be just fine for the day. I really like this product but not as much as I like my Dr. Jart BB. Maybe if I feel the need to buy an every-day matte product I will get this one. For vacation, it will be great. 

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil (Ipsy December 2012) Yup. I've got my whole top 5. I also have almost every color ever made of this pencil and there is not a better eyeliner that I have been able to find. It's not up for discussion. These are the best, and they come in the best colors. 

Vincent Longo Duo Lip Pencil (Allure Sample Society July 2012). For under my lipsticks, or by itself with some chapstick or gloss over it. This is a really nice pencil, and it is great to have two slightly different shades in one. Travel is all about multi-use products, right? Streamline your packing!

Look at those packing skills!

Not all of this fit in the July Ipsy bag... Everything in the first picture was left out. So, I put it all into the January bag instead. That is the biggest one they have sent out, and all of my brushes fit (diagonally). I can't wait!

This post contains items that were received in Sample Society, Birchbox and Ipsy, both of which are purchased with my own funds.  All opinions are my own.

Ipsy Top 5

My top five favorite items received from Ipsy

Photo from Ipsy

#5 Coastal Scents Eyeshadow Palette (February 2013, October 2012)
The colors chosen work perfectly for my every-day look (Set 4, different colors than shown).  Magenta hasn't gotten much use, but the sparkly Gunmetal is great as an eyeliner, Light Pink as a highlighter, and Elven Silver as a lid color.  They apply nicely with no fallout.  I've received two sets with different colors and the quality is great on all of shadows.

Photo from Ipsy

#4 Chella's Ivory Lace Highligher Pencil (June 2013)
I usually use Benefit's High Brow as a highlighter, but if I don't want all the shimmer, this is a really nice option. Sometimes in the middle of summer, you just don't want any more shine on your face! It is nice and creamy, but doesn't go on too thickly and blends well without any issues. This is a good enough match to my skin that I can use it as a concealer if I have a dark circle or two.

Photo from Ipsy

#3: Soho's Smudge Brush (September 2012)
This is something that I use every day. It is perfect for applying just the right amount of shadow; not too much, and not too little. If I want a darker, more vibrant application, I use a different brush. Same thing if I want a pale wash of color. However, for everyday use, where I just sweep a shade of tan or beige or cream across my lid, this is excellent. It is soft and the bristles don't fall out all over my face (I'm looking at you, Bare Minerals!). My only complaint is that it is too big to fit in my travel makeup bag. Such a hard life I lead...

Photo from Ipsy

#2: Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil (December 2012)
I'm a junkie. I have so many of these pencils in a rainbow of colors. Do I have five backups of "Zero", the color that Ipsy sent? Yes. Do I care? No. These are the best eyeliners I've ever used and they are worth every penny. You can smudge them right after application and then they stay the F in place! If I could only use one beauty product a day, this would be my choice. They eyes are the window to the soul, dress them up!

Photo from Ipsy

#1 Mirabella Perfecting Powder (May 2013)
I've used finishing powders in the past, but nothing has come close to being as awesome as this perfecting powder. It keeps my skin looking fresh and glowy all day. This stuff lasted through a two hour softball practice in 90 degree heat! My hair was frizzed out of control, but my face was fresh as a daisy. For being essentially highly reflective sand, this product is great. If it makes my skin look good and doesn't cause weird reactions to my face, I'm happy. Good job, Ipsy.


Want to subscribe to Ipsy?  It is $10 per month and my referral link is here.

This post contains products I purchased through Ipsy.  All opinions are my own.  This post also contains a referral link to my Ipsy account.  If two people sign up using my link I get a bonus item.