Ipsy - July 2015

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I hope all of you are having an amazing day! That being said, I just received my Ipsy bag for the month of July, and I am super stoked to share with you what was curated for me. This month's theme was "Summer Lovin'!" 

I think summer is a wonderful time to meet new people and hang out with friends, so I can definitely understand the theme for the month.

If you don't know what Ipsy is, it's a beauty subscription bag designed just for you, (by taking the beauty quiz) that cost $10 a month. The $10 also includes shipping. Beauty Guru Michelle Phan curates the bags, and you generally receive 5 items. 

If you wish to sign up you can sign up through my personal referral link here: Ipsy Sign Up

Every month you receive a bag with your Ipsy items in them. This month the bag design (as seen above) opened from the side of the bag; instead of the top.

 It had a very summery boho chic kind of feel. I prefer the bags that open from the top, but don't mind these every now and then. I applaud Ipsy because from Day 1, they have managed to come up with a completely different design each month. 

Now let's see what I got inside my Glam Bag this month. Feel free to click on any of the pictures below if you want to see up close any of the products...

Tarte - Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer

"Tarte’s best-selling, multi-tasking bronzer is formulated to blend and build your perfect level of uniform bronze. Available in the signature park ave princess radiant bronze shade, the waterproof formula adds instant warmth and dimension across a variety of skin tones as Amazonian clay helps improve skin clarity, texture and tone for an overall lit from within complexion."

This is the one item I really wanted, and it is everything I could want in a bronzer and more. I love the feel of it, and it gives me the perfect summer glow. 

I don't usually get caught up in the drama, but I have to clarify something that has been irking me... One thing I have to point out is that a lot of people are saying that only new members or "special" members get the expensive/rare products. I find this statement to be completely false. For one, I have been with Ipsy since it started and last month when a Too Faced product was released I didn't get it. The Tarte Bronzer, was the first what people call "rare/limited" product I received. I truly think half of it has to do with your profile, and the other half has to do with luck.

Price: $30 (for a full size; value for deluxe around $10)

Aurora - Gel Effect Nail Polish in "4 Alarm Fire"

"Gel Effect Nail Polish is made with the pros of gel polish and regular polish. Like regular polish, it is easy and convenient to use and dries fast without a UV lamp. Like gel polish, it stays shiny and durable for up to 2 weeks. Finally, it can be easily removed with nail polish remover. Talk about the best of both worlds!"

This polish is AH-mazing! Seriously, the BEST I have used in quite some time. You have to try it! I have had this on for 4 days (reason why my review is a little behind, because I wanted to test it out) and it hasn't chipped at all. It looks like I got them done at the salon, and the price for the polish is the same if not cheaper than OPI (my favorite polish) and is of better quality! 

Price: $7.99 (this is FULL size!)

Be A Bombshell Cosmetics - Lip Balm in "Ruby"

"Formula: Hydrating formula to leave lips feeling silky smooth with a hint of color.

Bombshell Application: Apply to top and bottom lips for full coverage.

Bombshell Tip: Reapply as needed to keep lips hydrated all day!"

I was hoping that I may receive this in the pink instead of the red, just because sometimes certain reds can be too dark. However, I was pleasantly surprised with this lip balm. It is a very sheer red, and gives your lips a very natural red-tone to it. It's one of the few red balms that I truly feel confident wearing, and would highly recommend to someone with a light complexion such as myself.

Price: $14 (this is FULL size!)

Octavio Molina Hair - La Playa Salt Spray

"A Spray infused with Algae Extract for added moisture. This spray uses the richness of the sea to create texture + volume."

I am usually not crazy about a lot of hair products, but sometimes I like wearing my hair down and scrunching it. I think gel is just too thick and heavy, so this is the perfect product to do that with. Not to mention it makes me feel like I am at the beach (just an added bonus!).

Price: $15.50 (for a full size; value for deluxe $7.75)

Vasanti Cosmetics - Brighten Up! Exfoliating Cleanser

"Rev up your skin with this powerful exfoliating treatment that's packed with the natural ingredients necessary to get a bright, sexy glow. The best part? One step and you're done! You'll see smoother, brighter skin as soon as you rinse."

I think this is a really good solid cleanser. It does a good job at getting any dirt and grime out of the pores, and even though I have sensitive skin it does not bother me. Great first thing in the morning!

Price: $34 (for a full size; value for travel as seen above $10)

This month we received a value of around $50! Not only did I get to try some new products, but I received a great deal since I only paid $10. What do you think about this month's Ipsy "Summer Lovin'?" What variation did you receive? I love hearing your questions/comments, so feel free to leave them below.

Until next time STAY BEAUTIFUL by STAYING YOU!

XOXO,

Ipsy - November 2014

Greetings! I hope everyone is having a nice day. I just received my Ipsy bag for the month of November, and I am excited to share with you what I got. This month's theme was "Girl Meets Glitter."

If you don't know what Ipsy is, it's a beauty subscription bag designed just for you, (by taking the beauty quiz) that cost $10 a month. The $10 also includes shipping. Beauty Guru Michelle Phan curates the bags, and you generally receive 5 items. 

If you wish to sign up you can sign up through my personal referral link here: Ipsy Sign Up

Each month you receive a bag with your Ipsy items in them. I loved this month's bag, it was so much better in person than in pictures. Very sparkly, girl, and chic! :)

Let's see what I got this month...

Temptu S/B Highlighter - "A cult favorite of makeup artists around the globe, TEMPTU S/B Highlighter is the perfect product that goes on sheer for an overall illuminating and contouring effect. Light-reflecting and transfer resistant, S/B Highlighter glides on effortlessly for a brilliant complexion boost that contours to highlight your best features."

Here are 3 quick and simple tips using just a few drops of S/B Highlighter in Pink Pearl: 

CONTOURING HIGHLIGHTS for Cheeks
STEP ONE: Place a couple drops on your fingertips.
STEP TWO: Lightly dab onto the apples of the cheeks to highlight the cheekbone area.
STEP THREE: Blend upward, toward the temples, for a glowing look.

CONTOURING HIGHLIGHTS for Nose & Forehead
STEP ONE: Place a drop in-between your eyebrows.
STEP TWO: Sweep up toward the hairline blending outward from the central point.
STEP THREE: Apply down the bridge of the nose a light-reflecting contour to define and sculpt.

BODY ILLUMINATION
STEP ONE: Add three drops to a pump of body lotion.
STEP TWO: Rub between your hands to blend together.
STEP THREE: Apply where you normally would, paying special attention to your best assets.

I have tried each of these highlighting tips, and they really do work. I love to put it in my body lotion especially, and contouring my nose to look smaller feels almost like a magic trick it works so well. 

Price for Full Size: $27.50 (use code IPSY for 25% off!)

J Cat Beauty Wonder Lip Paint(Red Potion) - "For invincible color and impeccable wear, the Wonder Lip Paint serves justice! With the twofold blend of endurance and delivery of intense pigmentation, this will become your heroine of lip colors. Paint your lips to perfection for your day and nighttime adventures!" 

I think this product is wonderful, but I think the packaging is a total fail. You would think in this picture it's just my lighting why you can't read it, to some degree this is true but the other part is just the fact that the writing is so dark. Also, I wish the applicator had been different. I am not going to stain my finger or put this on a nice brush, so my only other option at the time was a q-tip. Enough with that rant, but as far as the formula it was really wonderful. To me it comes off on my skin as a dark purple color, and is unlike any color I've ever seen.

Price for Full Size: $4.99 (I believe this IS full size! Use code 25JCAT for 25% off!)

Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Volume Shine Hairspray - Get extra volume, shine and hold with this dual purpose hairspray; nourishing and styling in one! This argan oil, keratin and grape seed oil infused hairspray gives you strong and flexible hold plus deep nourishment, strengthening and conditioning as you style. 

The non-water based, fast drying formula freeze-frames your volume and hold without stickiness or flaking and it’s flexible finish creates workable styles for easy re-styling without crunch or heavy build-up. It creates a luminous finish and shields against humidity for longer lasting styles. Sun Protectors keep the sun and other elements from damaging your full bodied mane. What more could you want from a hairspray?

I just don't have a strong need for this. I do have a friend who would love it, so it will go to them.  However, I do think it is a great product. I love how it's not just hairspray, but has a dual purpose to keep shine and give extra volume.

Price for Full Size: $8.29

Elizabeth Mott You're So FINE Eyeliner (Glitterati)- "It’s not just any liquid eyeliner. With you’re so FINE’s micro-tipped brush, you can control your strokes to create dramatic, and sharp cat eyes! This brush is so control friendly that creating precise, symmetrical lines is ridiculously easy, so it’s perfect for first time liquid eyeliner users too.

The specialized, quick drying formula has intense, inky pigmentation that’s waterproof, meaning it lasts all day without smudging. Just in time for the holidays, the super flirty Glitterati formula will make you the center of attention. All eyes on you, gorgeous!"

This was one of my favorite product's in the bag. What girl doesn't love a little bit of glitter in her eyeliner? Well, maybe not every girl, but I know I do! ha-ha! This make's a wonderful cat eye as well, and it is I am embarrassed to say the first one I've been able to create successfully on the first try!

Price for Full Size: $17.99 (I believe this IS full size! Use code IPSYFINE for 50% off your order!)

Be A Bombshell Eye Base (Submissive) - "This eye base is a highly pigmented, long-lasting product that can be used as a single cream color or used as an eye base to build color."

    • Bombshell Application: Apply lightly with fingertip to create a natural finish. Layer for added color.
    • Bombshell Tip: Create a more intense look by layering with a powder eyeshadow.

I love the look it gives with an eyeshadow over it, it definitely gives a more intense look. I've had a lot of fun experimenting with this, and am interested in trying some of the other bases as well.

Price for Full Size: $17 (I believe this IS full size!)

So, what did you think of this month's "Girl Meets Glitter" Ipsy bag for November? Do you subscribe to Ipsy, what variation did you receive? If not what's been keeping you from doing so? I would love to hear what you got in your bag this month, along with your questions and comments. Feel free to leave them below!