Ipsy - September 2015

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Greetings! I hope everyone is doing okay. Today, I want to share with you what was in my September Ipsy Glam Bag! September you may ask, isn't it October? While yes, yes it is. I actually had an issue with the eyeliner in my bag. It completely fell apart. Being the wonderful company Ipsy is they sent me a replacement! Ipsy has the best customer service I have ever dealt with. This month's theme was "Face Fashion!"
 

Now that the contents are all here, let's get to it!

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. I noticed they have been having a lot more that open from the side. I love the ones that open from the top, so I am hopeful they will go back to that design.


This design (seen above) was a gold metallic bag. On the front the material has a wave pattern on it, while the back of it does not. I love the gold bag this month, and the style is sooo me!

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...

 

J. Cat Beauty - MOTD Waterproof Slide on Pencil for Eyes in Bronze

"This eye-catching pencil has a soft & smooth formulation. It’s an eyeliner with an innovative staying power. A long-wearing, waterproof liner will keep your eyes inked and smudge free."

• Soft and smooth
• Intense color
• Waterproof and smudge-proof

 

While I was crushed that when I opened the pencil it had been damaged and unusable, I am glad I contacted Ipsy to replace it. I wear mostly black eyeliner, but after trying this eyeliner in bronze it is now one of my new favorite colors! This pencil glides on very easy, and has a ton of pigment. 

 

You may want to known since I wasn't sure, that you can use it once it runs out by sharpening it. It doesn't look like it can be sharpened, but it does. Making this product go a long way!

 

Price: $3.99 (FULL SIZE!)

 

 

NYX Cosmetics - Ispy Eyeshadow Trio

"This 3-color eye shadow palette gives you go-anywhere intensity day or night thanks to the highly pigmented formulations. Provides intense eye colors with a silky texture for seamless application for any eye look that you desire. It consists of 3 complementing eye shadows to wear together or alone."

• Each eye shadow provides great color payoff with every application.

• Create any look on the go with the help of the dual applicator that allows you to apply, smudge and line your eyes effortlessly.

• Exclusive palette designed by NYX just for ipsters!

I love how NYX made this palette just for Ipsy. I think it's pretty cool that we have a customized product. They are really pretty shades of brown, and their are two shimmers and one matte. I think these colors will look good almost anyone, and I enjoy the fact it takes me out of my comfort zone.

 

Price: $6.00 (FULL SIZE!)

 

 

Eau Thermale Avene - Soothing Moisture Mask

"This rich, creamy, non-setting skincare mask provides intensive soothing care to dehydrated and over-stressed skin. Its unique formula deeply penetrates skin and in minutes, sensitive or tired skin can become supple, soft and radiant again. It also offers instant relief for burns, sunburns, redness and tightness.

• Replenishes moisture to dehydrated skin and helps restore skin’s barrier

• Minimizes redness 

•  Paraben-free, Hypoallergenic, Non-Comedogenic, Vegan and Gluten-Free

 I have so many skincare masks it isn't even funny, so at first I wasn't thrilled to see this. However, after trying it this is now one of my favorite masks. It does a really great job at hydrating the skin. I also like the fact I can use it when my skin gets sunburned. I will defiantly be buying a full size of this in the future.

 

Price: $26.00 (for a full size; value for sample size around $4?)

 

 

City Color Cosmetics - Be Bold 3x Volume & Length Mascara in Black

"Create bolder, fuller lashes with Be Bold 3x Volume Mascara. Available in 3 different lash enhancing functions, each with a unique brush to add volume, length + volume, or curl + volume to every lash. Each mascara comes in a deep black shade."

• 3X lash volume
• Long wear formula
• Smudge proof

Usually, I really enjoy City Color Cosmetics products. Their highlighting powder is amazing. This product did the job when it came to mascara, but I was a little disappointed. It just wasn't anything special in my opinion. It will get used though.

Price: $5.99 (FULL SIZE!)

Trust Fund Beauty - Nail Polish in "Elegantly Wasted"

 "If you enjoy yourself, it’s not really a waste - it’s your prerogative.” Trust Fund Beauty is a quick-drying, chip resistant polish comes in cute bottles complete with some seriously sassy names. Plus, it’s 7-free, non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free. Don’t mind if we do!"

I was super excited to receive this nail polish! The make such pretty colors, and I love that their polish is vegan and non-toxic. This color (dark lilac) was no exception. 

Price: $15 (FULL SIZE!)

BONUS ITEM(S)

For every product that you review you can earn points, you can also earn points other ways such as for referrals. Once you save up enough points you can go to the points store to spend your points. 

Here is what I spent some of my points on this month:

 

 

IT Cosmetics - Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil 

"A universal, transforming long-wear eyebrow pencil infused with cutting-edge brow enhancing ingredients and technology. The oval shaped tip is perfect for both thin and thick brows. The spooly end brush gives a natural polished look. Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil matches all hair colors and covers gray perfectly. Full brow lift guide included with each pencil."

This is my favorite eyebrow pencil. This thing works, and it is really amazing. It makes my brows look even and precise. I would highly recommend this product, if you are looking for a good brow pencil.

Price: $24 (FULL SIZE!)

This month we received a value of around $55! Not only did I get to try some new products, but I received a great deal since I only spent $10. What do you think about this month's Ipsy "Face Fashion"? 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 - August 2015

 

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 I hope everyone is having a splendid day so far! The school year is back, and I myself have recently just entered into college for the second time around to finish my degree. I am super excited and super hopeful, that this year will be the year I will finally accomplish my goals. That being said, what more of a perfect theme for Ipsy's August Glam Bag than "Prep School!" 

 

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's a black and white design, which to me looks like stars. 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...

Doll 10 Beauty - HydraGel Blush In Flirt 

"HydraGel is a revolutionary formula with hybrid gel technology. The ease of a powder with the fresh, natural look of a cream -- HydraGel Blush makes you look like you're blushing, not like you're wearing blush. Formulated with beneficial ingredients Shea Butter, Avocado Butter and Jojoba Seed Oil to hydrate the skin while Lavender extract provides luminosity for a fresh, natural-looking flush of pure color."

I am not crazy about blush, it's just never really been my thing. I prefer a bronzer or bronzer/combo. Most of the time it's too much for my skin-tone. However, this formula has changed my mind. It is so easy to blend, and it truly looks as if you aren't wearing blush (which is a big problem of mine usually). It also makes a nice color for lips as well. This is one blush I can say will defiantly not go to waste. 

Price: $16 (For a full size; the one seen above is a tad smaller worth $12)

 Noyah - Natural Lipstick in Desert Rose

"Noyah's all-natural lipsticks come in dazzling earth-friendly bamboo packaging and are versatile enough to take you from subtle daytime chic to a fun-filled evening look.

The lipsticks are made in the USA, never tested on animals, and contain no parabens or sulfates. If that's not enough to make you feel all warm and fuzzy, post #noyah or #livedivinely and noyah will donate a product to the homeless!"

This was my favorite product in the bag this month. Usually, I am not too crazy about natural lipsticks. However, I am really enjoying this color as well as the moisturizing formula. The packaging is cute, and the cause they support just makes me love them that much more. Every time you post and use the hashtag #noyah or #livedivinely (make sure you tag them just in case), Noyah will donate a product to the homeless! 

Price: $18 (For a full size; the one above is a sample size worth $4)

 

La Fresh Group - Good Night. Night Cream. 

"This highly natural La Fresh® Eco-Beauty® Good Night. Night Cream provides super hydration and restores your skin making it visibly smoother and plumper. It will also rescue your skin from fine wrinkles on the forehead and crow's feet around your eyes. Say bye-bye to damaging elements that age your skin and say hello to recovered, recharged, and youthful." 

Moisturizers for me are the most useful product I could receive. I go through so many cremes because of how dry my skin is. I enjoyed almost everything about this cream, except that it was a little thicker than I like my moisturizers. I will say it absorbs rather quickly, so this isn't a huge issue. I also enjoy the cucumber smell it has.

Price: $40 (for a full size; this is a deluxe sample which retails for $13.99) 

 

Lord & Berry - Ultimate Liner In Nude

"This ultimate lipliner is the original Lord & Berry lip pencil. It’s easy-to-use and its formula softens and protects the skin with the nutrients from macadamia oil and waterlily extracts. You can line your lips and fill them in using this pencil- finish with a lipgloss or lipstick or a more dramatic look"

I am not really sure what Ipsy was thinking when picking this for me, other than the fact that maybe it would somehow change my mind about how I feel about nude lip-liner's. It just wasn't for me though. I have never really used lip-liner much, unless it's one of those clear (or clear wax) ones and defiantly not nude. Better luck next time.

I will give Lord & Berry their props though as they do make really well-made products, as I have tried their glosses in the past. 

Price: $18 (for a full size; this is travel size worth

 $9?) 

 

Albertini - Divine Skin Hydrator

"Use this hydrator and your skin will feel smoother and softer immediately. Always apply to wet skin. This all over in-shower body moisturizer, "conditions your body like you condition your hair". It's also unscented so it rehydrates skin without any irritation from fragrance. Holds moisture in your skin for 24 hours."

I really enjoyed using this product, and it works so well. I love how it fits with my on the go lifestyle, as you apply it while you are in the shower. It also does a good job at keeping this skin hydrated until your next shower. I love that Ipsy included a product like this, and would love to see similar one's included in the future.

Price: $16 (for a full size; this is a sample size worth $3?)

 BONUS ITEM(S)

For every product that you review you can earn points, you can also earn points other ways such as for referrals. Once you save up enough points you can go to the points store to spend your points. 

Here is what I spent some of my points on this month:

 Pixi Beauty Bronzer in "Summertime" 

"This bronzing powder gives your complexion the warmth and luminosity of naturally sunkissed skin. Hydrating, silky-smooth & long-wearing, it also protects against free radicals. Contains Vitamin E to protect the skin and mica, which provides dense natural pigment."  

I am a bronzer fanatic, so this was the perfect product to purchase with my points. Pixi makes great products, and this product is no exception. It works wonderful, and gets the job done. Not to mention it was only 500 points! 

Price: $18 with bronzer and Kabuki brush (this is a FULL SIZE bronzer! It did not however come with the brush which makes it worth $10) 

This month we received a value of around $52 (includes the bronzer; $42 without)! 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 "Prep School"?" 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 - 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 - June 2015

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I hope all of you are having a spectacular day! That being said, I just received my Ipsy bag for the month of June, and I am excited to share with you what I received. This month's theme was "Swim Into Beauty." 

Here in the South it feels like the world has been on fire lately with our 100 degree weather. So while I may not be able to relate to the beauty part (because my makeup literally sweats off!), I can relate to the swim part because that's where most of my summer will be spent. Poolside indeed! 

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 was a black foam like material bag, with matching black Ipsy written on the front. While it didn't show up on the picture, it also had a hint of sparkle to it on the lettering. Inside the bag it was black as well, but the zipper is a neon orange color. I've been with Ipsy since day one, and I must say I don't know how they manage to create such a unique bag every month (but they do!).

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...

Tre'Stique - Shadow Crayon (Kona Coffee)

"This amazing 12 hour eye shadow has customizable color that you can build from a subtle wash to intense vibrancy. It’s also super blendable with a crease free, smooth finish."

I received this in the color "Kona Coffee" which is a chocolate brown. I would of preferred the color "Aspen Pine" which was an earthy green. However, it helps take me out of my norm, and I get to experiment with something new. When I first saw this I thought I was missing the top because it looks like a pencil (am I the only one who thought that?). Instead it is just for looks and the top actually pulls off. The color goes on really creamy, and it has a nice pigment to it.

Price: $26 (for a full size; value for mini around $11)

 
 BioRepublic SkinCare - Sheet Mask Trio

"Each BioRepublic sheet mask offers a targeted 15-minute solution guaranteed to help you navigate even your most treacherous skin dilemmas. Packing over half a bottle of potent serum in every mask and loaded with active botanicals, these express facial treatments deliver the vital hydration and nutrients your skin needs to maintain its natural glow. What’s more, all BioRepublic SkinCare products are 100% cruelty free and use materials that are either biodegradable or recyclable, so your conscience will feel as relieved as your complexion."

I was super excited to receive these masks, and they are among my favorite item in my Ipsy bag this month. You receive one cucumber, aloe, and green tea mask. My favorite so far is the aloe mask. If you get really dry skin like I do or even have combination skin this can be really beneficial. These masks do a really great job at revitalizing the skin. 

Price: $14.95 (These are full size! Each mask is $4.95 a piece)

 

J.Cat Beauty - Liptitude 24/7 Hydrating Lip Stain in "Blow Your Mind"

"Highly pigmented, hydrating, semi-matte lip stain. A delightfully creamy and lightweight stain for any occasion. Silky, smooth and packed with Vitamin E and plants extract, this stain is your go-to glam tool for sexy. Liptitude will last 24/7 and give you some serious ATTITUDE."

I love the formula as well as how it feels. It gives you a ton of moisture as well as color. The only thing that wasn't for me was the actual color of the product it was just a tad on the darker side of pink. I think the other option we could of received "Hikilicious" would of been perfect on me. I look forward to trying the various shades of this product in the future.

Price: $5.99 (this is full size!)

 

 Smashbox Cosmetics - Photo Finish Foundation Primer

"Create a perfect canvas for foundation application with this silky, lightweight blend of vitamins A & E, grape seed extract and green tea. Worn alone or under foundation, this best-selling, oil-free primer helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for flawless skin with a velvety-smooth finish.
 This primer diffuses the light hitting your skin to blur out imperfections for an even, soft-focus look while also making your makeup last all day long."


I actually already own this primer. I was happy to have a sample size of it though so I can throw in my travel makeup bag. It truly works like it says. It gives your skin a silky flawless finish, as well as creates a barrier so all the makeup doesn't seep down into your pores. If you haven't ever used a primer like this it does feel funny at first, but once you try it you will be hooked.

Price: $36 (received a deluxe sample size worth $9?) 

NYC New York Color - Liquid Eyeliner in Black

"This long lasting, rich and creamy formula dries fast and stays put. This tapered natural brush gives you the control you need to create a precise and dramatic line. The liquid goes on smoothly without skipping, smudging, or pulling, plus it lasts all day. Create the perfect line, every time!"

I like the color and the pigment. The drying time is a little slow, and if your eyes water than it may not be for you. Then again I'm not crazy about liquid eyeliner, especially after using gel eyeliner. For me it just isn't the same, but a close second. 

Price: $2.77 (this is Full size!)

This month we received a value of around $44! Not only did I get to try some new products, but got a great deal since I only paid $10. What do you think about this month's Ipsy "Swim Into Beauty?" 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,