Retrospective: Ipsy May 2013

Ipsy May 2013: Month 9; Spring Fling

Ipsy bag May 2013
Photo from Ipsy

This is a wind-breaker-esque fabric with a blue and orange chevron print.  It's actually pretty cute and I think whoever ends up getting it filled with goodies this Christmas will like it, too.

Juice Beauty Reflecting Gloss in Fig
Photo from Ipsy

Oh, Juice Beauty.  You and I have such a love/hate relationship.  I love some of your products, but hate the smell of most of them.  This is no exception.  I like the texture of this gloss, it is not too thick or thin and is not sticky at all.  I love the shimmer and gloss it gives to my lips, and it has fairly decent staying power for a lip gloss.  I hate the smell/taste and the color looks terrible on me.  It looks brown.  I don't wear brown lip colors for a reason.  They look awful with my pale skin and blonde hair.  Just awful.  I don't have any friends with the right coloring for this, so I'm going to hold onto it for now.  Maybe I'll make a friend down the line who will be able to wear it!

Full size, 8g, $15.  Also available in a set of 4 for $48 ($12/each).

Pacifica Coconut Crushed Pearl Bronzing Body Butter
Photo from Ipsy

I was super excited to see this in my bag! I know a lot of people were disappointed they got a bronzing lotion, but not me.  I'm very pale and plan on staying that way, but I don't want to blind people with my legs when I wear a dress.  Enter bronzing lotion.  I have a few already, but this one is nice and subtle.  It's not too bronzing or too shimmery, plus it smells awesome.  To me, it smells like vanilla and coconut.  To the boys at work it smells like: cupcakes, vanilla frosting, birthday cake, rice crispy treats (yeah, it kinda does, actually), and just all around deliciousness.  They couldn't stop talking about how good I smelled at lunch.  Ladies, take note: wear this and get lots of male attention because you smell like baked goods.

This 2fl.oz. size sells for $7.

Yaby Concealer Refill in Buff
Photo from Ipsy

For once, Ipsy matched my skin tone (closely enough).  There is one shade lighter than this (vanilla), but they say to pick a concealer that is a little darker than your skin tone, right?  This works pretty well on my slight under eye circles, and I haven't tried it on anything else.  Trying to cover up each individual freckle I have seems obnoxiously tedious.  Most days I don't even bother with concealer, but at least now I have one in case I want to use it! I didn't before and had been meaning to pick one up when this arrived.  It'll do.  Plus, it is magnetic and fits into the case they sent in March.

3.5g (20mm pan diameter) $4.85.

Zoya Nailpolish in Piaf (yellow, far right)
Photo from Ipsy

The purple on the far left is called Julie.  I think that if a customer had the name of a polish in this collection, they should have sent it to that person! I would have MUCH rather gotten the purple with my name on it than the ugly yellow that I'll never be able to wear.  Gross.  It's a pretty glass-type glittery finish, which I'm sure is lovely in the other colors.  Oh well.

This was full size, 0.5 fl.oz. $8.

Mirabella Perfecting Powder in Translucent
Photo from Ipsy

This is in my Ipsy top 5.  I have used up about 2/3 of this, and I've used it every day since I got it.  I'll be sad when it runs out! It really does buff into your skin to give a flawless finish.  I love it.  I can't speak highly enough of it.

Full size $30 (4g), this is 1.3g and worth $9.75.


There was a wide variety of products that were sent out this month.  It looks like everyone got a nail polish and a concealer, and three other items.  The other options were: Anastasia mini clear brow gel, Pacifica luminizing body butter, Pacifica Island Vanilla & Tahitian Gardenia Perfume Rollerball, Macadamia Hair Healing Oil Treatment, NUME Finishing Serum, Mirabella Colour Sheers Lipstick, St. Tropez One Night Only Instant Glow Body Lotion, Mirabella Shimmeratti Glimmer Gloss, Mirabella Lip Lustre Liner.

Total Value $44.60 (using $15 for the lip gloss).

There was a decent variety of items included in this bag, and most of them were really great! I do wish the gloss and nail polish were different colors, but I like the lotion and perfecting powder so much that its value far exceeded its $10 price tag for the bag.

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 December 2012

Ipsy December 2012: Month 5; Haute Holiday

December 2012 Bag
Photo from Ipsy

This month's bag was a silvery-grey one with hot pink inside.  I still use this when I travel for holding my shower supplies.  It is very spacious!

Be a Bombshell Lip Gloss in Hot Mess
Photo from Ipsy

This is, according to the company, a true red.  I'd agree with that, but you can apply it so that it is more sheer than in-your-face, which I really like.  I thought I lost this and I was pretty bummed out, but I found it again and all is right in the world.  It is a decent (thick) gloss, and I appreciate the fact that I can control the color payoff.

This is full sized, $14 for 3g.

Mai Couture Highlighter Papier
Photo from Ipsy

This is little sheets of thin paper with shimmer powder pressed into them.  It was tricky for me to apply without getting too much of it in too many places (because I'm super pale).  It looked like I was diseased, actually.  I should try it before the end of the summer since I have a tiny bit of color and it might not look as terrible as it did in January when I tried it out for the first time.

Full size (50 sheets) is $28.  The 25 sheets of the sample are worth $14.

Mirabella Prime
Photo from Ipsy

This is a silicone primer similar (at least to me) to Smashbox's Photo Finish.  I hardly ever use it as I don't wear "real" makeup most days.  My BB cream is enough, and I don't need primer with that.

This was full size (12.85g) and retails for $29.

NYX Ultra Pearl Mania in Pearl (light pink)
Photo from Ipsy

I like this pearl shadow.  It is loose and comes in a cute bottle with a small enough opening that you don't dump the entire contents everywhere.  I can usually shake enough out onto the back of my hand for both eyes without much extra.  It's a shimmery light pink and it's nice as a highlighter. I've used it fairly consistently since this December bag.

Full size, 5 mL $3.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner in Zero (black)
Photo from Ipsy

I am obsessed with UD's glide on liners.  I have 20 or so in various colors and they are the only eyeliners I wear.  I wrote about this in my Ipsy top 5 favorites post.  If you have the money to spend, DO IT.  The vintage colors are $6 right now on UD's website and they last all day and have great color payoff.

This wasn't quite full-sized (1.2g, for $19), it was 0.8, which has a value of $12.67.


Total Value $72.67

Amazing value for what I paid! Full sized lip gloss, primer, and eyeshadow, half size highlighter paper, and 3/4 size eyeliner.  You could do an entire look with what was sent, and everything worked well together (with the exception of the paper).  I like that Ipsy sends familiar and well-known brands, as well as things I've never heard of.  It is a good way to try new things!

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 September 2012

At this point, My Glam switched to being called Ipsy and this was their 10th month.  Ipsy Match hadn't started, so everyone got the same thing in their bag.

Ipsy September 2012: Month 2 ...beauty by you

The September 2012 bag
Photo from Ipsy

The bag had a detachable wrist strap! They need to do more bags like this. I used it so much I broke the zipper so badly I couldn't fix it.  Oh well.  I detached the strap and put it on the October 2012 bag, instead.

Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Split End Sealer
Photo from Ipsy

This smells so good! It has a very warm scent.  I don't think I ever noticed my split ends looking better (at least temporarily) because they were so bad at that point, but it sure did make my hair smell awesome.

$25 for 50 mL.  Sample size 10 mL, worth $5.

Andrea's Choice Circus Polish in Tightrope
Photo by Ipsy

Second month in a row to feature a neon polish from the Circus collection.  Not that I'm complaining! This dries matte and takes 2 coats to reach a good opacity level.  I like it better with a top coat.

Set of 5 $29.95.  1 polish $5.99.

Jane Sparkle Gloss
Photo from Ipsy

I don't know what happened to this.  I guess I didn't like it enough to keep track of where it was.  It seems a little juvenile to me.  I remember jane cosmetics from when I was young, and it is a bright pink, sparkly lip gloss.  Yeah.  I don't really care that I've lost it!

5 mL.  I couldn't find this anymore on the Jane website, but they at one point sold sets of 3 glosses for $9.99.  Single gloss value $3.33

Mirabella Eye Shadow Pan in Semiformal
Photo from Ipsy

This was just an individual pan without a container.  It is magnetic, but I didn't have a palette at that point so I kept it in the little sleeve it came in.  It's a pretty, shimmery medium brown.

$10, full size at 2g.

SOHO Smudge Brush
Photo from Ipsy

This is still one of my most-used items from Ipsy, and is in my top 5 Ipsy favorites.

This sells for $5.97 on the Wal-Mart website and for more other places.

Total Value $30.29

Another great bag from Ipsy.  I like that they sent a variety of items, they give a little of everything, as long as it is beauty related.

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.

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.