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 - December 2014

Greetings! I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays. I just received my Ipsy bag for the month of December due to my some billing issues, however I am excited to share with you what I got. This month's theme was "Thinking of You."

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. The bag was a little different from usual month's. This bag was more of a pencil case size. It was just a basic black bag, what gave it character though was the detachable Ipsy keychain. I plan on putting the Ipsy Keychain on my own personal keychain, which I think is so awesome that you can do.

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

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Cailyn Cosmetics Just Mineral Eye Polish "#5 Orchid" - "Made with 100% raw mineral powder, this highly pigmented satiny powder not only colors your eyes with shimmery, gorgeous hues, but is also safe to wear long hours. 

The easy to use built-in sponge tip allows smooth application and seamless blending of colors. Whether you want to give a subtle wash of color or go for dramatic smokey makeup, CAILYN Just Mineral Eye Polish will be a girl's best friend."

I am in love with the new Cailyn Cosmetics Mineral Eye Polish. The formula is really nice, but the way they combine it with the applicator (which is ingenious!) makes this eye polish an innovator in new eye cosmetics. I can't wait to try other colors such as "Cotton Candy" and "Ocean."

Price: $15 (This is FULL SIZE!)

Bumble and Bumble Straight Blow Dry  - "Straight Blow Dry for coarse, curly or frizzy hair. Make short work of smoothing and frizz-fighting rituals with this heat-protective styling balm that keeps blow dries soft and sleek for up to 3 days. To create your perfect style, work evenly through damp hair then blow-dry with your favorite Bb.Brush. Start small (try a dime-sized amount) then build as necessary."

My hair is extremely wavy so for anything to straighten it is a plus. I don't blow dry my hair a lot, but I do use a straightener on it often. I have found rather it's the heat from the blow dryer (which of course works best) or the heat from a straightener this balm helps to keep it straight a lot longer than without it.

Full Size: $14.00 (this is only .5 FL OZ & full size is 2 OZ)

NYX Cosmetics Butter Lip Balm - "Dip your lips in a sheer wash of color with NYX Butter Lip Balm. One swipe leaves dry lips feeling supple and hydrated. This Buttery Lip Balm is addictively soft and scrumptious and perfect for adding a subtle hint of color for a naturally flirtatious pout. Apply directly to bare lips or apply it over lip liner for more intense color."

Ipsters who sample NYX Butter Lip Balm will either receive: Red Velvet (pure red), Parfait (fuchsia with blue undertones), Marshmallow (pure nude) or Lady Fingers (mauve). 

I received the color "Lady Fingers" which was a mauve color. I think out of the 4 this was the perfect shade for my skin tone. I commend Ipsy for doing a great job with my bag this month, I think if I would of received Marshmallow, (pure nude) I wouldn't be as happy. It's such a pretty shade of pinkish purple, and the balm goes on like smooth butter!

Price: $4.00 (This is FULL SIZE!)

Tarte "Lights, Camera, Lashes" 4-in-1 Mascara (Deluxe version) - "Like a pushup bra for your lashes, tarte’s best-selling mascara lengthens, curls, volumizes and conditions to deliver a 330% increase in lash volume instantly. The high-performance formula is also infused with naturally-derived olive esters to help nourish and protect lashes."

I was super excited to receive a Tarte item in my Ipsy bag, and I hope to see more from this brand. The website says it is a deluxe version but it's actually smaller than a deluxe version. The deluxe on the website is .13 FL OZ while this one we received is .10 FL OZ. I enjoy the formula, but was a little disappointed with the size and packaging. I think the cute packaging in the REAL deluxe and standard version, is one of the reasons why I like this mascara. Nonetheless, it still is an amazing formula, and I am glad to see Ipsy bring this brand to the bag this month.

Price: $10 (.10 FL OZ while full deluxe .13 FL OZ)

Swissco Electroplated Eyelash Curler - "High quality, durable eyelash curler firmly catches each lash at the root for beautifully lifted and intense curls. Round shaped curve ensures that you get the perfect curl while preventing pinching."

This is a really good solid and affordable eyelash curler. If your in need of a new one, but not wanting to spend a lot, this is the way to go. I like the purple color too. It is also available in blue as well.

Price: $5.00 (FULL SIZE!)

BONUS ITEM

Dr. Lin Skincare Medicated Acne Cleansing Wipes - "Purify clogged pores and control breakouts with these convenient wipes. Medicated formula penetrates deep into pores while the exfoliating towelette wipes away dirt & oil. Can be used in addition to cleansing for extra clarifying benefits. 35 Towelettes."

I end up using 500 of my Ipsy points and getting these. You get Ipsy points by reviewing the products, sharing, and referring. I think these work really well, and are a great thing to use if your in a rush to get your makeup off also. 

Price: $8.99 (FULL SIZE!)

What a way to end the year, Ipsy really went out with a bang, and I loved my bag! So, what did you think of this month's "Thinking Of You" Ipsy bag for December? 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!