Ipsy (MyGlam) Review- January 2014- Plus YouTube Giveaway!

Hello, my lovelies!  I'm sorry it's taken me a bit to write this, but with weather, youth rally, illness, cookies and a home from school holiday, it's been difficult for me to find quiet time to get my thoughts out through the keyboard.  It's very hard for me to write with everyone home- the general noisiness of the family is louder than the voice in my head, and I apologize.  

My Ipsy bag arrived last week, and I would love to share my thoughts and review with you all!  

Ipsy is a beauty subscription service, where you are sent 4-5 deluxe sample or full sized items each month, for $10 (US subscribers), or $14.95 (Canadian subscribers).  If you would like to subscribe, and want to send some love my way, please consider using my referral link- and thank you to all who have used it- I get Ipsy points to redeem for extras, and you get some good karma along with my love and devotion. 

The Mailer

I always look forward to getting that pink mailer in my mailbox each month- and was so surprised when I DIDN'T get one this month!  It took me a moment to realize that this was my Ipsy bag- and my thoughts were along the lines of Holy Cow- what could be in there that's SO big, it needed this huge of an envelope?!

First Peek

Ooh- I spy some neat things...and no spillage, so that's always a plus!

The Bag

The bag this month is a pretty aqua color, with shadows of cleansers and other products on it.  Not my favorite bag, but this would make a great travel skin care bag as I would instantly know the contents just by looking at it!  I will say, my bag STINKS. Not in the figurative sense, but the literal.  It smells like a plastic pool toy.  I've given it a few days to air out, and the scent has faded, but it gave me a massive headache when I had just opened it up. "Plastic pool toy" is not a scent that screams "luxury", to be sure.

Insert Card

This month's theme is "19 Reasons 2014 will be Amazing". It's a cute theme, and I love that there is a space for me to write in my reason.  The card also lists 19 of the 20 brands that were included in the bags this month.

Ipsy's Contest

On the back of the insert card, is the description of the contest that Ipsy is running on Facebook and Instagram.  It looks like anyone who has this card can enter, so good luck!

Coastal Scents Small Foundation Brush, full size, retails for $4.95; available HERE. Discount code 25off will get you 25% off any purchase, until 2/28/14, no rain checks, cannot be combined with other offers.

Oh. My. Gosh.  Ipsy FINALLY figured out that I want brushes!  I crave brushes.  I have a TON of brushes.  And yet I want MORE.  I have lots of friends who need brushes, along with makeup hand me downs (what?  It's a real thing, I swear.), so it's always great to try out a new brand or style.  For a brush called the "small foundation brush", it is actually quite sizeable.  The Coastal Scents foundation brush is very sturdy, with soft yet firm bristles and works well to apply my foundation.  I'm pretty happy with it, and it is on par with my BH Cosmetics foundation brush.  I look forward to trying more of this line!

GRADE: 5/5 (yay brush! brushy brush brush!!!)

Apothederm Bright Skin Serum, deluxe sample size (0.14 oz/4.1 ml), retail value approx. $9.23; full size is 1 oz/30 ml, and retails for $67.50, available HERE.  Discount code 30IPSY will get you 30% off any purchase plus a free purse mirror, until 2/28/14, one time use only, US only, can’t be combined with other offers, mirror is automatically added.

I was intrigued when I saw that I was getting the Bright Skin serum in my bag, as it is from Apothederm's acne line.  I don't get massive breakouts, but I am prone to hormonal acne and allergy-induced breakouts.  This serum is in a pump tube with cap, and is milky white in color. I gave this a try, and had a difficult time getting the product out of the packaging.  Once I did get the serum onto the back of my hand and then applied to my face, I found my skin to be slightly sticky, even after the serum dried.  All of these things would be worth it if it helped prevent a breakout, right?  I have to tell you, that I did have a slight breakout forming, and that this serum stopped it in its tracks.  I wasn't expecting this to work as well as it did, and was pleasantly surprised.  I am not fond of the packaging (a squeeze tube might work better), but I am very happy with the results (if not the slightly sticky skin).  

GRADE: 4/5 (worked well, not the easiest product to use)

MicaBeauty Tinted Lip Balm, deluxe sample size (0.88 oz/2.5 g), retails value approx. $18.75; full size is 0/14 oz/4 g and retails for $30.00; includes brush.  Sent in Natural and Fiesta; I received Fiesta; available HERE.  Discount code IPSY45 will get you 45% off any purchase until 2/28/14, unlimited uses, US only.

I have loved the MicaBeauty products that I have received in the past, and had high hopes for the lip balm.  When I first swatched this, I was amazed at how highly pigmented the balm was.  I've never tried a tinted lip balm and was thinking that this would be somewhere in the range of a slightly tinted chapstick style product.  Boy, was I wrong!  This sucker is super pigmented! 

Swatch of MicaBeauty Tinted Lip Balm in Fiesta.  Sorry it's blurry, but the color is pretty accurate.

 This pretty pink balm goes on smoothly, and will definitely tint your lips a pretty matte pink!  Unfortunately, I found this balm to be a shade drying, and it didn't give my lips an even color- the inside area of my lips was a different shade than the outside of my lips.  I will say that the balm was long lasting for me, so that's definitely a plus.  I might use this as a base for an ombre style lip, but this was a slight miss for me.

GRADE: 3/5 (super pigmented, but drying)

Absolute! Makeup Cleansing Tissue, travel size (10 tissues), retails for $2.49.  I received these in Pomegranate Extract, also sent in Cucumber, available HERE.  Discount code IPSY will get you 30% off any purchase until 2/10/14, cannot be combined with other offers, US only, free shipping on orders over $50.

I was excited to be getting these wipes in my bag, mostly because I haven't really found my "go to" makeup remover wipe.  At first, I really liked the scent of these, but after I used them, I thought they were too sweet smelling.  I think the wipes smell like a girly alcoholic drink, which is a shame, because I really like pomegranate.  The wipes did a good job of removing my makeup, though, so I'll definitely keep an eye out for them in a different scent.  My skin felt clean and fresh, as opposed to oily or greasy, as other wipes have tended to do for me.  I love that these wipes have low levels of parabens- only one ingredient was in the paraben family, and it was the second to last ingredient.  Parabens are a double edged sword- they prevent bacterial growth, but are suspected of being a carcinogen.
GRADE: 4/5 (work well, but don't care for the scent)  

Yaby Liquid Foundation, full size (0.272 fl oz/8 ml) retails for $13.99; sent in the shade Buff.  Available HERE.  Discount code 201401IPSY20 will get you 20% off of any Yaby purchase, until 1/31/14, Canadian customers are asked to visit blurmakeuproom.com and use the same code for the same discount.

Yaby is a brand that Ipsy has worked with before, and I've received both eye shadow and concealer from Yaby before.  I gave the foundation a try and was pretty pleased with it.  The bottle has a removable tip on it, so you can add a different shade to mix the perfect color for you.  This is an awesome feature, and one that other foundation companies should consider doing.  The foundation has a medium/light coverage, and is an acceptable match for my skin.  It's a tad darker, so once summer hits and I actually venture outside once again into the sun, and it will likely match my skin then.

Swatch of Yaby concealer in Buff (out of the tube on the left, blended in on the right)

I tried this foundation for 3 days in a row, and it did not break me out, which is a rare thing.  If you have sensitive skin and are looking for a new foundation, this one is definitely worth a try.  The shade buff is a neutral light beige, leaning just a shade yellow.  Yaby offers their concealer in a multitude of shades, including color correcting shades and a white base (to lighten up a darker foundation).
GRADE 5/5 (nice product, and I don't break out!)

KISS Salon Secrets Nail Art Starter Kit, full size, retails for $9.99, available HERE.  No discount code available, sorry!

I love me some nail art, and yet have less than no artistic ability.  It's a curse, really.  When I saw that I could redeem my Ipsy points for this set, I jumped at the chance.  The Nail Art starter kit includes 3 brushes, a dotting tool, gems, nail stickers, striping tape, and glitter. 

Contents of the Salon Secrets Nail Art Starter Kit

I've tried out the brushes and dotting tool, and they aren't the highest quality, but they do get the job done.  I added the other pieces to my nail art box, and will definitely get my use out of them.  This is one of my favorite referral gifts, and thank you to all who have used me as a referral!

Ipsy sent out items from 20 different brands this month, and as I only received 5 items in my bag (plus my referral gift), I thought I would list the other items that were sent, along with their corresponding discount codes.  Here is what I didn't receive, but you might have.  Sizes are taken from Ipsy's website, and if they are incorrect, I apologize.  I've included pictures of what I've been able to photograph.  If you aren't interested in the other items, just scroll on down to the picture of my bag, for my final thoughts.

Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional, deluxe sample size (3.0 ml), retail value $4.09; full size is 0.75 US fl oz/22.0 ml, and retails for $30.00; available HERE; discount code JANGLAM will get you a free Coral My World deluxe mini set with any order until 2/15/14, cannot be combined with other offers, not valid on Nice Package custom sets, online only, while supplies last.

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair deep conditioning mask, deluxe sample size (1.0 oz), retail value $4.95; full size is 5.25 oz, and retails for $26; available HERE.  Discount code IPSYJAN14 will get you 20% off any purchase, until 2/15/14, one time use only, cannot be combined with other offers, US only.

Elizabeth Mott Smooth Shadow, deluxe sample size (0.7g), retail value approx. $7.00; full size is 1.5 g/0.05 oz, and retails for $14.99; sent in the shades Penny and Pearl; available HERE; discount code IPSYSMOOTH will get you a free Raven pencil with every item purchased, until 2/30/14, pencils automatically added, limit 3 free pencils per customer, free shipping on orders over $25, valid in US and Canada only,

MALIN + GOETZ Mojito Lip Balm, full size (0.35 oz/10g), retails for $12.00; available HERE; no discount code available, sorry!

Nourish Organic Lightweight Moisturizing Face Lotion, deluxe sample size (0.5 oz), retail value $6.47; full size is 1.7 oz/50 ml, and retails for $21.99, available HERE.  Discount code IPSY30 will get you 30% off facial products, until 2/15/14, cannot be combined with other offers, valid in US and Canada only, Free shipping on orders over $50 (US) and $100 (Canada).

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Dry Shampoo, deluxe sample size (0.10 oz/3 g), retail value $0.88; full size is 2.65 oz/75 g, and retails for $22.00; available HERE.  Discount code IPSY20 will get you 20% off any purchase and free shipping until 2/28/14, cannot be combined with other offers, valid in US only, subject to change.

Balanced Guru Balm Me Up Organic Sweet Cocoa & Tangy Body Balm, deluxe sample size (1 oz/30 ml), retail value $11.24; full size is 4 oz/114 g, and retails for $45.00; available HERE.  Discount code ipsy20 will get you 20% off of any purchase, until 2/28/14, cannot be combined with other offers, free shipping on orders over $75 after discount, valid in US only.

Epice Purifying Exfoliant deluxe sample size (1 oz/28 g), retail value $9.70; full size is 3.3 oz/100 ml, and retails for $32.00; available HERE.  Receive a free Epice Hydrating Facial Cleanser  with any Purifying Exfoliant purchase, until 2/15/14, one time use only, cannot be combined, valid only in US and Canada, $5.95 shipping cost.

Faith Aromatherapy Tahitian Monoi Anti-Aging Sugar Scrub, deluxe sample size (1 oz/29.5 ml), retail value $1.50; full size is 12 oz/350 ml, and retails for $17.99; available HERE.   Discount code ipsy will get you 50% off any purchase and free shipping, until 4/10/14, cannot be combined with other offers, valid only in the US and Canada.

LeeAnni Eco 3 in 1 Revolution deluxe sample size (0.35 oz), retail value $0.87; full size is 4.0 fl oz, and retails for $29.98; available HERE.   Discount code ipsy will get you 15% off of any purchase, until 2/15/14, valid only in the US, $5 flat shipping rate.

Marula Pure Marula Facial Oil, deluxe sample size (2 ml), retail value $3.12; full size is 50 ml/1.69 fl oz, and retails for $78.00; available HERE.  Discount code IPSYlovesMARULA will get you 20% off  the 50 ml Pure Marula Facial Oil, until 2/15/14, valid only in the US.

Proactiv+ Mark Fading Pads, deluxe sample size (4 pads), retail value $13.30; full size is 15 pads, and retails for $49.99; available HERE.  No discount code this month, sorry!

Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner, travel size (1.7 fl oz/50 ml), retails for $6.00; full size is 8.5 fl oz/250 ml, and retails for $17.95; available HERE.  Discount code 108723 will get you $5 off a $25 or more purchase of Sexy Hair products, until 2/15/14, cannot be combined with other offers, one per customer, some exclusions may apply.

Skiin Soothing and Smoothing Eye Cream, deluxe sample size (0.25 oz/7.5 g), retail value $14.98; full size is 0.5 oz/15 g, and retails for $29.95, available HERE.  Discount code IPSY30 will get you 30% off any purchase until 2/25/14, valid only in the US, shipping cost is $5.95.

Willa On the Go Face Towelettes in lavender, full size (10 wipes), retail value $4.50.

Available HERE; discount code IPSY will get you 30% off any purchase, until 2/15/14, cannot be combined with other offers, shipping is $7.50 for US orders under $50 and $15 on Canadian orders.

My Ipsy January 2014 Glam Bag

Here is the financial recap for the January bag:

First, I'll list the items available and their approximate retail value.

Coastal Scents Small Foundation Brush (full size)  $4.95

Apothederm Bright Skin Serum (deluxe sample) $9.23

MicaBeauty Tinted Lip Balm (deluxe sample) $18.75

Absolute! Makeup Cleansing Tissue (travel size) $2.49

Yaby Liquid Foundation (full size) $13.99

Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional (deluxe sample) $4.09

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair deep conditioning mask (deluxe sample) $4.95

Elizabeth Mott Smooth Shadow (deluxe sample) $7.00

MALIN + GOETZ Mojito Lip Balm (full size) $12.00

Nourish Organic Lightweight Moisturizing Face Lotion (deluxe sample) $6.47

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Dry Shampoo (deluxe sample) $0.88

Balanced Guru Balm Me Up Body Balm (deluxe sample) $11.24

Epice Exfoliant (deluxe sample size)  $9.70

Faith Aromatherapy Sugar Scrub (deluxe sample size) $1.50

LeeAnni Eco 3 in 1 Revolution (deluxe sample size) $0.87

Marula Pure Marula Facial Oil (deluxe sample size $3.12

Proactiv+ Mark Fading Pads (deluxe sample size) $13.30

Healthy Sexy Hair Leave In Conditioner(travel size) $6.00

Skiin Soothing and Smoothing Eye Cream (deluxe sample size) $14.98

Willa On the Go Face Towelettes (full size) $4.50

 (Referral Gift) KISS Salon Secrets Nail Art Starter Kit (full size) $9.99

Here's what MY bag was worth, in regards to retail dollars.  Actual value is dependent on how much you like the things you received, and if you would actually use them.

Total retail value of my bag (approx.): $59.40  (without referral gift, $49.41)

All in all, this bag was okay for me.  I liked trying new products, but there was no real stand out awesome find for me, in my bag.  I will definitely be keeping Ipsy around, have no fear- and I’m happy to have gotten to try everything that I received (and yay for a brush!!!). 

As promised, I’m giving away a full size Benefit Cosmetics Benetint on my YouTube channel.  The giveaway is open until January 30, 2014, and can be seen on my Ipsy January unboxing video here:

Good luck my friends- the entry rules are in the description box :)

 

Until next time, my lovelies- stay Average!

Disclaimer: I purchased these items with my own money my husband's money.  I was neither requested nor required to review these items, and all links in this post are NOT referral links (except the Ipsy link.  I totally want the Ipsy points.  I strive for honesty.