Ipsy (MyGlam) June 2013 Review

Hi, everyone!  I know, it seems like you all have been waiting a lifetime for this month's Ipsy review, and I am SO SO sorry!  My church's VBS is this year (Vacation Bible School for those of you who aren't in the know), and as the VBS Director, I've been really really busy getting everything ready!  As it's now the night before VBS, I have a few spare moments, and wanted to get my sadly neglected blog up to speed with my June Ipsy review!

For anyone who doesn't know, Ipsy is a beauty subscription service that costs $10 a month (plus shipping in Canada, and tax in a few states), and sends out 4-5 full size or deluxe samples of beauty products each month.  I've had fairly good luck with Ipsy, and I really think that anyone who tries it would like it.  It's kind of like gambling $10 each month- but you are guaranteed to get something (even if you don't like it).  If you would like to give Ipsy a try, please use my referral link here- two referrals and I receive a special gift from Ipsy in my bag.


Ok, on to the good stuff.

The pink mailer of awesomeness.

I always love seeing these pink mailers in my mailbox- even when I see spoilers, I always squee like a little girl!

First look

Here's a little teaser shot of the inside of my envelope- is that leopard print I see?

On the Wild Side

June's theme is On the Wild Side.  I think I approve, but am really curious what products I will get in this bag!

The offers

I love how Ipsy's insert cards always list what companies they are working with each month, and what the discount is.  Looks like a big crop of coupon codes this month!

The bag.

I've never been a HUGE fan of animal prints, BUT- this bag is SUPER cute!  This is my new coin purse in my pocketbook.  

I'm loving me some lime green right now! (and rocking some awesome giraffe print nails, by the way!)

I'm going to start with the items that everyone received, to try to make it simple.  The first thing I pulled out of my bag is...

J.Cat Sparkling Cream Palette in Volta, full size (3g), retail value $4.49.  Available HERE; coupon code LOVEIPSY will earn you 25% off any order, until 7/15/13

A sparkle palette!  I love sparkles, and these colors would make great eye shadows.  Wait, wait wait- what's that you say?  These AREN'T eye shadows? 

That's funny- looks like eye shadow to me!

Then why the little foam applicators that I hate?  What on earth could this be used for?  Ok- all kidding aside- do NOT use this on your eyes- their website says to use caution around the eye area, and there have been people posting on Ipsy's facebook page about getting the glitter under their contacts.  Translation: bad news for the eyes.  

Swatches of the Volta palette: the top swatches are the glitter on top of the cream, the bottom swatches is where I dug under the glitter and mixed it with the cream.

I honestly don't have a LOT of practical ideas for this palette, but then again, who says that makeup has to be practical?  I am going to use this for face paint at our VBS carnival this coming Sunday, and I'm happy to have found a use for it.  I did have another idea for it though, if I ever decide to go clubbing any time soon (yeah, right- two kids and no sitter.  Clubbing is just a pipe dream):

tattoo enhancement

Ok, yes, I have a tattoo.  Yes, I love it, and I helped design it.  If you look closely, you can see my oldest's daughters' name in the veins on the wings (Kathryn).  I asked her to use the glitter to enhance the design, and I think it turned out really great, and not a bad idea for a night out!

GRADE: 2/5 highly impractical and could mess up my eyesight.  Not good.

Starlooks lip liner pencil in Tipsy, full size (2.4g).  Available HERE, retail value $12.  Coupon code IPSY will get you 35% off any order, until 7/15/13.

The next item that everyone was to receive is a lip liner from Starlooks.  I have NEVER bought a lip liner in my life, so I was excited to give this a try.  Sadly, the color was a little off for my skin tone:

Swatch of Tipsy

I might try to use this for an ombre lip at some point, and it is a super creamy  texture and feels nice on my lips.  Ipsy gets points for quality, just not for color in my case.  On another note, Starlooks has their own subscription box- maybe I'll give that a try!

GRADE: 4/5

Nyx pressed powder blush in Spice, full size (.18 oz).  Available HERE; coupon code IPSY15 will earn you 15% off any purchase, or code IPSYCHEEKS will earn you 40% off Tango with blushing powder, until 7/10/13.  Retail value $5.00.

The final item that everyone was to receive is a blush from Nyx.  I've heard greats things about Nyx products, but don't really own many, so I was excited to receive this.  The blush I received is in the shade Spice, a pretty matte mauve.  This shade looks great on my cheeks, and I really, really love it!

Swatch of Spice by Nyx

There were a couple different types of blush sent out, and I'm really glad I received the pressed powder- I don't do well with creams, but I would have loved to try our the mosaic blush- I'm really really happy with this!

GRADE: 5/5

The following items are the ones *I* received, but there were a couple different options that other had in their bags that I did not get.  I'll list those at the end, as best as I can.

Chella Ivory Lace highlighter pencil, full size (1.4g); available HERE.  Coupon code GLAMBAG will get you 20% off your order, until 7/15/13.  Retail value $18.00.

I received the Chella highlighter pencil, and I'm so glad I did!  This pencil is super creamy, and has amazing staying power.  I use it on my waterline, as it's too close to my natural skin color to be an effective highlighter (at least, until I get my deep summer tan going on!)

Swatch of Ivory Lace highlighter pencil from Chella

I've never used any products from Chella before, but I will definitely be checking out their website now to see if they have anything else that's worth a try!

GRADE: 4/5 (can't use as intended, but still works great!)

J.Cat Eyelashes + Eyelash Glue, no. UN13, full size; available HERE.  Coupon code LOVEIPSY will get you 25% off your order until 7/15/13. Retail value $3.99.

I absolutely LOVE lashes, seriously.  I have tiny, stubby lashes, and falsies make me look a little more human.  I usually cut lashes down into demi size, and just apply to the corner of my eyes, but occasionally wear full size lashes.  I gave the J.Cat lashes a try, and really loved them!  They looked very natural on, applied very easily.  I'm not sure I'm crazy about the lash glue, though- maybe I just didn't put enough on the inner corners, but they came unattached rather quickly.  I did like that that glue is black, though- it blended with the lashes well, but I would need to use clear glue if I wanted to wear my usual colored eyeliner.

Lashes on!

GRADE: 4/5

I received a BONUS item in my Ipsy bag, as a thank you for having TWO referrals during the month of May.  I receive a bracelet from BaubleBar.

BaubleBar bracelet, gold and white.  Approximate retail value $20.

My best friend "Shelby" loved it, I gave it to her for an early birthday present.    The bracelet came with a coupon code for $15 off a purchase of $40 or more.  I checked out BaubleBar's website and couldn't find this bracelet anywhere, so it's possible an Ipsy exclusive.  I don't quite understand the "o" ring design- is this a fashion trend that I'm not very familiar with?  At any rate, it's gold-tone jewelry, and I only wear silver, so I'm happy that I was able to make Shelby smile.  That earns a 5/5 grade any day.

GRADE: 5/5

OTHER ITEMS I DID NOT RECEIVE
Other Ipsy subscribers received different items, based on their beauty profiles.  I would have LOVED to try out these products, but I'm pleased with what I did receive, so no hard feelings!  If you don't care to read about the items I did NOT receive, keep scrolling until you get to the pictures of my bag :)

Cailyn Line Fix gel eyeliner with brush, in Iron or Purple, full size.  Available HERE; coupon code ipsy30 will earn you 30% off any order until 7/10/13.  Retail value $21.00
Ok, I am on a no buy for a couple more weeks (yes!), but I seriosuly wanted to try out this liner.  I LOVE gel liner, and really want a good purple one!  Congrats to girls who received this, and if you did and DON'T like it, send it to me for some GOOD KARMA!!!  


Psssst! The True original dry shampoo by Freeman Beauty, deluxe sample size (1.76 oz), available HERE.  Coupon code IPSY33 will get you the Super Hero Hair Duo set with bonus for $13.98 until 8/31/13 (US residents only). Full size () retails for $6.99 for 5.3 oz; this deluxe sample has a value of $2.32

My June 2013 Glam Bag

It's time for my monthly recap of my Ipsy bag, where I show you the retail value of each item, and total my bag.  I'll list all of the items from Ipsy, and then just total my bag- hopefully this will make it easier for everyone to see the true retail value of their own bags, even if they are different from mine.  I WILL say, the ACTUAL value of each bag is different- if you receive items you already know you don't like, or won't ever use, definitely don't have a value to count!  I try to use everything, or at least test it- knowing that I DON'T like something can be as valuable as knowing that I DO!  Ok, enough rambling...here's the breakdown:

J.Cat Palette: $4.49
Starlooks lip liner: $12.00
Nyx blush: $5
Chella highlighting pencil: $18.00
J.Cat eyelashes + eyelash glue: $3.99
Baublebar Bracelet: $20(my best estimate)
Cailyn eyeliner and brush: $21.00
Psssst! Dry shampoo: $2.32

Total retail value of my bag: $63.48 ($43.48 if you don't count the bracelet)
Total out of pocket: $10
Whoo hoo!  I received a great bag (but not the highest retail value one, but it's totally ok!)!  I'm really happy with what I received, and can't wait to receive my July bag!

So, tell me, what did YOU receive from Ipsy this month?  Did you like what you received, or is it off to the trading boards you go?  Leave me a comment and let me know!

Thanks for sticking with me this month, y'all, and again, I'm so sorry it took me SO long to get this post up!  Hopefully things will slow down really soon, plus I have A BIG surprise in the works for you all- stay tuned, and stay average :)

 

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion, on a product I paid for with my own money my husband's money.  I have not been compensated for this opinion in any way, and it is my honest thoughts on the products listed above.  The referral link in this post is one where I would receive credit for a referral, and be compensated with free product for referring 2 people. Here is a link that just goes to Ipsy, without my referral code. Links to vendor's sites are not referral or compensated links.  I strive for honesty :)

June 2013 Target Beauty Box Review!

It's been an awesome mail week here, and hopefully at your home, too!  I received a BRAND NEW box in the mail, the Target Beauty Box!

Target had previously send out free beauty bags to customers, and have just started a new subscription service, with boxes mailing out for just $5!  I signed up for this bag on May 2, and it took exactly six weeks to arrive at my home.  Target has indicated that they are planning to offer a box as a monthly subscription, and for $5 a month, I'm in- just maybe have some better communication, Target? Please?

I found this box via Facebook, and I'm very happy that I did!  When it finally arrived in the mail, it was like a nice treat because it took so long to get here, I had nearly forgotten that I ordered it!  If you are interested in this box, keep checking back here, or on Target Style's facebook page- I am sure that they will post again when it becomes available as a monthly subscription, and I'll pop in here and let you all know that it's up and running.

Ok, enough with the pomp and circumstance- on to the goodies, right?

Pretty wrapping!

The box came shipped in another box to protect it, and when I opened that shipping box, I was greeted with this beauty.  I love the water-colored wrapper that is on the box!

First look

Once I removed the wrapping, I found a pretty, reusable white box, with a removable lid.  Inside that was a pretty layer of red tissue paper.

I absolutely love it when boxes arrive with an insert card- and this was no exception.  One side of the card listed the products inside my box, and the other side had a coupon for $3 off my beauty product purchase of $15.  I recently read on Facebook that they are extending the coupon's validity until July 15- a very smart move since the boxes are just now arriving- I was one of the first to receive it!  The insert card also tells that Target is planning to make this a monthly thing, and I am excited to hear that!

Gillette Venus & Ola Razor Kit, with 1 cartridge.  Available HERE (different scent); retail value $8.99.

The first thing I pulled out of my box was the largest item, a Gillette Venus & Olay Razor kit.  It contains one cartridge with Olay moisture bars on it, the razor handle, and a holder to put onto my shower wall so that it can air dry.

I've never tried this style of razor before, with the moisture bars.  I always use regular shaving cream, but I'm excited to try this out.  The scent I received is Sugarberry (razors have scent?), and it smells SO good!  

The razor set out of its package

The razor also has 5 blades (instead of the 2 or 3 blade razors I usually use), so I would say that this would provide a very close shave.  I'll keep you all posted as to how I like it (my legs are silky smooth right now, courtesy of my Bic Soleil Fun and Flirty party razors!)!
GRADE: 4/5 (those refills are expensive!)

Fekkai Glossing Cream, 2 oz (small full size); retail value $9.00. Available HERE (or in the Glossing Starter Kit, HERE, $26.09).

The next item I pulled out of my pretty little box is a squeeze tube of what I thought was lotion.  It is actually hair styling cream. Fekkai Glossing Cream has a light floral scent and is used to hydrate hair, remove frizz and add shine.  A little goes a long way, so this tube will last me quite a while!  Tiny love has frizzy curls, and this makes her hair silky soft.  Love it!
GRADE: 5/5

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips in Queen of the Jungle (full size); retail value at Target: $8.50; also available at Amazon for $4.74.

My love affair with my nails needs no encouraging, and yet the beauty boxes send me things to tempt me.  I'm perfectly okay with that!  June's Target box featured Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips.  I have NEVER tried these before, but they are said to last up to 10 days.  Target sent out several different patterns (from what I have seen), and I received shade number 460 Queen of the Jungle.  I hate the name, but I LOVE the giraffe print on the nail strips!  

Can I have some love for my Giraffe nails?!

I gave these a try, and I absolutely LOVE them!  They went on very easily (I followed the package insert directions to the letter) and look fantastic.  I have very short nails (on purpose!), but these would totally work on longer nails as well.  There are 16 strips in a pack, and they can be sized down to fit a nail, if necessary, with an orange stick.  I will definitely find these in my local store (Target is just as far away from me as my Ulta) and repurchase them.  
GRADE: 5/5 Perfection!

L'Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream in Light, 0.025 fl. oz foil pack, retail value $0.20. Available HERE, $7.99 for 1 oz.

I also received a foil pack sample of L'Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB cream in Light.  I had tried this before (at a friend's House Party, actually), and I really liked it.  I'll definitely put this sample to good use (and store the excess for a second use in a little plastic tub!).
GRADE: 4/5

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment, 0.17 fl oz foil pack, retail value $4.66. Full size available HERE; $36.99 for 1.35 oz.

The last sample in my box is one that I will give to my daughter.  I received La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo.  This product is a dual action acne treatment, and as there is young lady in my home who is currently in the throws of puberty (attitude and all!), I think she is the right one to try it out.  Another item to store in a tiny plastic jar so that we can get multiple uses out of the foil pack!
GRADE 3/5 (neutral, for now)

Target's FIRST Beauty Box- June 2013

All in all I was really pleased with this box- I just wish it had been her a little sooner or had received updates from Target, or a shipping confirmation...you get the picture.

As always, here's the financial breakdown:
Gilette Venus & Olay Razor: $8.99
Fekkai Glossing Cream: $9.00
Sally Hanson Real Nail Polish Strips: $8.50 (Target) or $4.74
L'Oreal Magic Skin BB Cream: $0.20
La Roche-Posay Efficlar Duo: $4.66
Total retail value: $31.35 (or $27.59 if you use the Target price for the nail strips)
Out of Pocket: $5 (shipping is included)

I'd have to say, that because I can use everything I received, it's a fantastic deal!  If I had hated everything, it still would have been worth the $5, since I had never tried these brands before and would know to stay away. 

Tell me- did you try the new Target Beauty Box?  Would you try this sub if it does become a monthly thing?

 

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion, on a product I paid for with my own money my husband's money.  I have not been compensated for this opinion in any way, and it is my honest thoughts on the products listed above.  None of the links in this post are referral links. I strive for honesty :)

Bic Soleil Fun & Flirty House Party

(warning: photo-heavy post ahead!)

Tell you what, y'all, it has been a CRAZY month here!  My gorgeous daughter graduated from 5th grade, we are going to Six Flags, VBS is coming, Scouts had their awards ceremony (plus I took a spot on the service team)- it's been rush rush rush so far!  I did want to take a moment and tell you about the fan-FREAKING-tastic time we had during my very FIRST House Party!

House Party is a program that is totally free, and sends out party packs to hosts, to help get the word out about different products.  You apply to host, and if you are accepted (there is a limited number of party packs available), then you receive a pack in the mail, host a party, and then take pictures and send them to House Party.  If you are interested in trying it out, click HERE to register with House Party (NOT an affiliate link) and check them out!

Ok, enough with the logistics- on to the goodies!

Bic Soleil Fun & Flirty House Party Pack

My box arrived in the mail, and it was JAM PACKED with goodies!

The first thing I pulled out of my box was 2 HUGE boxes of razor packs:

Lots and lots of razor packs!

12 packs of the new Bic Soleil Shave and Trim Razors, to be exact.  I was super excited to see what these looked like: I've used BIC razors before, but never the Shave & Trim.  

The contents of a Soleil Shave & Trim razor pack

I was a very happy girl when I found a $2 off coupon in the packs!  In addition to the coupon, there was 3 razors, and a trimmer head that slides on to a razor.  I thought this was a nifty idea!  I gave the razors a try and was very happy with the closeness of my shave- my legs were silky smooth!

The next thing I pulled out of my big ol' box was a hostess apron.

Cute little apron- who doesn't love pink?!

I honestly am not much of an apron-wearer, but I thought it was cute, and I totally rocked the apron look during my party!


House Party sent me some other goodies too, to keep the party fun and flirty.

12 awesome fun and flirty masks

I received a set of 12 face masks, each with a different saying on them.  

Super cute- and saved for the next bachelorette party!

I thought that these were super cute, and they were a HIT at the party!

House Party send me some princess crowns, too- I had to hide these from the kids until the party day!

I'm a shaving princess!

I love sparkly things, and the little feathers add a cute little touch.


House Party also sent me a card game to play at the party- and it was SO much fun!

Fun and Flirty Car Game!

The object of the game is to choose a card, and then answer the question on it- there were some good questions, and a few TMI questions- we had a blast!

When I saw the masks and the crowns, I was wondering what exactly we would do with them, but House Party was one step ahead of me- they sent me a photo booth backdrop:

Photo booth backdrop :)

What a neat idea!  I put this up on a blank wall in my living room (I had to move a couple picture frames!), and we had a lot of fun posing for pictures.

My husband made some great snacks, and we had a great time playing the card game, and posing for pictures.  We also found some time to talk about razors, and I showed off my Ipsy bags to my friends who hadn't heard of it yet.

My pyramid of razors :)

God bless a man who can cook!

All in all, it was a fantastic day- I'll leave you with some of the funny photo booth pictures we took- featuring my BFF whom we will call Shelby to protect her identity.  Enjoy!

Shelby's mom- fresh out of the hospital, but ready to rock on at our party anyway :)

Shelby: "I like the panties!"

Rocking the masks :)

Shelby: "Her Patutie stinks!"

You all know me :)  

 ...and this is where the party took a turn to the crazy.  We busted out the apron and an old Halloween costume.  Shelby is such a good sport- we really had a BLAST thinking of poses for her!

"Put a cabbage patch under the apron, and act like you are trimming the hair"

I swear to you, Shelby is fully clothed under this.  Honesty.  "ok, now put the razor in your mouth.  NO- the OTHER way!"

Gotta love a good party- all the best parties have French Maids!

So tell me, have you hosted a House Party before?  Which one did you get to try?  Ever try the Soleil Shave and Trim razors before?  Did you like them?  Is my BFF Shelby crazy, or what??!!



Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from House Party with the purpose of giving the items out as party gifts.  This has in NO way affected my thoughts and review of the product- this is an honest review of the products listed.   No amount of freebies or compensation could EVER influence me to give a review that was NOT my true and honest opinion!