Ipsy (My Glam) Review- April 2014

I know I am very late to the April Ipsy party, and I am SO SO sorry, y'all.  All I can say is that my non-internet life is very, very busy right now, and we have been working on a "family project" for the last four weeks or so, and although the end isn't quite in sight yet, we are working very hard to get there.  No, I'm not pregnant, my husband is still employed, and all of us are generally healthy.  Please don't worry about us, but know that I have been spending ALL of my "offline" time working on something that will be really awesome when it is done, and that it means a pretty large change for my family :)

Ok, enough with the apologies.  On to the good stuff!

Not familiar with Ipsy?  Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription service, and for $10 a month (plus tax is a couple states, $14.95 in Canada) they send out 4-5 full sized items or deluxe samples in a cute makeup bag.  If you would like to subscribe, and want to send some love my way, here is my referral link- thank you!

 

The Pink Envelope

Seriously, this is the best mail that I receive on a regular basis- seeing this pink envelope in my post box always makes me smile- I love knowing that something special is inside, just for me!

First Peek

Here is a quick look inside the pink envelope of goodness- I spy a purple bag!

Insert Card

Ipsy always includes lovely insert cards in our bags each month.  As always, the theme of the bag is announced on them- April's theme is "Beauty Rocks".  Yes, Ipsy, I think that beauty rocks, too!

Reverse

The back of the card announces a contest on Instagram, and lists all of the brands that will be featured in the bags this month.  I spy some great brands, and I hope I get to try out the brands that I'm lusting over!

The Bag

This month's them is Beauty Rocks, and the bag was designed to compliment that theme.  While I love the purple and the record player design, and the size; I'm still not crazy about this bag.  I think it's just okay.

Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Volumizing Spray Mousse, travel size (1.6 oz/47 g), retails for $6.00; full size is 10.6 oz/300 g, and retails for $17.95, available HERE (full size) or HERE (travel size).  Receive a 25% off code when you text the keyword IPSTER to 33233 and provide an email to use on purchases, at sexyhair.com, until 5/31/14, not valid at retail locations, or other websites, limit one per customer, not valid on prior purchases, only one promo code per purchase, valid only in US.

The first item in my bag this month is Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Volumizing Spray Mousse.  I just love the Big Sexy brand, and tend to really love their products.  This spray mousse is no exception- it definitely did a nice job or giving my hair more volume.  I love me some Big Sexy Hair!

Grade: 4/5

 

Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Pencil in Black Velvet, deluxe sample size (0.8 g/0.03 oz), retail value $13.33; full size is 1.2 g/0.04 oz. and retails for $20.00; available HERE.  Discount code UDIPSY will get you a free gift on any purchase of $35 or more, until 4/18/14, while supplies last, free gift is a deluxe sample of B6 Vitamin Infused Complexion Prep Spray, cannot be combined with other offers, not valid on past purchases, one time use only.

It's no secret that Urban Decay is my favorite makeup brand.  Seriously, I use at least one UD product, every day, and my makeup kit is chock full of their awesomely logo'd products.  I was very excited to try out their new Black Velvet eyeliners, and was thrilled to hear that everyone would receive one in their April bags!

Swatch of Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Pencil in Black Velvet

I gave this pencil a try, and found it to be a nice, quality black eyeliner. It applied very smoothly, was smudgeable for a short time, and was very long lasting.  I don't really see a difference between this and the quality of my other 24/7 eye pencils, but it's definitely a keeper, even if I do already own a mountain of black eye pencils.

Grade: 4.5/5

Cailyn Tinted Lip Balm, in Apple Pink, full size (according to Ipsy’s page, no info on packaging) (0.14 oz/4.0 g), retails for $19.00; available HERE.  Discount code IPSYGIFT will get you 20% off any purchase, and a free gift, until 5/31/14, valid only in the US and Canada, can’t be combined with other offers.

Ipsy has sent out Cailyn items several times, but has never thought that I would like to try them.  Oh, how wrong Ipsy has been, and I can't tell you how happy I am to FINALLY receive a Cailyn item in my April bag!  I love the design of this lip balm!

Cailyn Lip balm packaging

Each balm comes packed with its own little brush, tucked inside the handle of the lid.  

Swatch of Cailyn Tinted Lip Balm in Apple Pink

Ipsy sent this balm out in two shades this month: Apple Pink and Acid Pink.  Apple Pink is definitely the more "wearable" shade, and looks lovely on my lips.  I love the shade, but I found the formula to be a bit drying.  I wouldn't call this a lip balm as much as I would call it a lip tint, personally.  I do love the shade and it was very long lasting, and am SO happy to FINALLY add something from Cailyn to my collection!
Grade: 3/5

dr. brandt Microdermabrasion, deluxe sample size (7.5 g), retail value $9.75; full size is 2 oz/60 g and retails for $78.00; available HERE.  Discount code MICRO20 will get you 20% off the full size microdermabrasion and a free gift on the first 10,000 purchases, until 9/31/14, free gift is a travel size pores no more refiner and is automatically added to the cart with code while supplies last, one per customer, not valid with any other offer.

Microdermabrasion is a treatment that I do very rarely- I have very sensitive skin, and prefer to use a scrub wash, as apposed to microdermabrasion.  Microdermabrasion uses miniscule granules in a base to remove a fine layer of skin from your face, giving your skin a soft and fresh appearance.  For you, my readers, I gave dr. brandt a try, and found it to be about the same as every other microderm product that I have ever used.  I will say, that my tube, while sealed, didn't seem to be all the way filled.  I think I will get about three uses out of my little tube.

Grade: 3/5 

Elizabeth Mott Pop! Goes the Shadow in Champagne, full size (0.07 oz/2 g), retails for $12.99, available HERE.  Discount code IPSYPOP will get you 50% off any purchase, until 6/1/14, free shipping on US orders over $30, valid in US only.

Elizabeth Mott has recently launched this eye shadow line, and I am excited to give it a try!  Pop! Goes the Shadow are packaged in clear plastic, with a pan inside.  My pan sits a bit crooked in the packaging, but still works just the same as if it were in its packaging perfectly straight.

Swatch of Pop! Goes the Shadow in Champagne, by Elizabeth Mott

Champagne is a very lovely highlighting shade.  I really love this shadow, as I have been looking for a new go-to highlighter.  I'll be adding this shade to my regular rotation.

Grade: 4/5

That's all of the items that *I* received this month; here's a list of other items that Ipsy sent out,  that you may have received, even though I didn't get them:

 KISS Looks So Natural Lashes in Flirty, full size (lashes plus adhesive), retails for $3.99, available HERE.  Discount code IPSY1 will get you 25% off KISS or iEnvy lashes until 5/15/14, not valid on stock prices or clearance items, cannot be combined with other offers, valid in the US only.

Benefit Lollitint, deluxe sample size/travel size (2.5 ml/0.08 Fl oz), retails for $8.00, full size is 12.5 ml/ 0.42 fl oz and retails for $30.0; available HERE (full size) or HERE.  Discount code APRILGLAM will get you a free sample of High Beam with a minimum $30 order, until 5/15/14 or while supplies last, cannot combine with other offers except for standard shipping, not valid on purchase of Nice Package custom kits, not valid at boutiques, brow bars, counters or other websites.

 Cover FX Mattifying Primer with Anti-Acne Treatment, 15 ml/0.5 oz, retail value $19.00; full size is 30 ml/1.0 fl oz and retails for $38.00, available HERE.  Discount code IPSY20 will get you 20% off any purchase of $50 or more, until 6/30/14, valid only in the continental US, free shipping plus two free samples with every $50 order.

Rainbow Honey nail polish in Midnight Fountain, 5 ml (deluxe sample size), retail value $3.13; full size is 16 ml and retails for $10.00, available HERE.  Discount code IPSY25 will get you 25% off your order until 5/31/14, cannot be combined with other offers, valid only in the US and Canada. 

City Color White Gold Shadow & Highlighting Mousse, 0.092 oz/2.6 g (full size), retails for $3.99, available HERE.  Discount code14IPSY20WG will get you 20% off any purchase, until 6/15/14, one time use only, can't be combined with other offers, valid only in the US and Canada. 

Coastal Scents Medium Shadow brush, full size, retails for $2.49, available HERE.  Discount code BRUSH25OFF will get you 25% off your purchase, until 5/31/14, can't be applied to past or future orders, or combined with other offers.

Demeter Jasmine Roll-On Perfume Oil, full size (0.29 fl oz/8.8 ml) retails for $10.00, available HERE.  Discount code 20ipsydfl will get you 20% off any purchase, until 5/31/14, one time use only, only valid in continental US and Canada.

 Mary Kay at Play Jelly Lip Gloss in Teddy Bare or Berry Me, full size (0.32 fl oz/9.5 ml) retails for $10.00, available HERE. No discount code this time, maybe next time!      

St. Tropez Gradual Tan Plus Anti-Aging Multi-Action Face, deluxe sample size (15 ml/0.5 fl oz) retail value $10.50; full size is 50 ml/1.6 fl oz and retails for $35.00 at Sephora (couldn’t find this exact product at St. Tropez’s site- possibly it’s sold out?), available HERE.   Discount code GLOW25 will get you 25% off any purchase, until 7/5/14, valid only in the US.

Starlooks Luscious Longwear Lip Pencil in Naked, full size (0.2 oz), retails for $14.00 , available HERE.  Discount code IPSY20 will get you 20% off any purchase until 5/31/14, unlimited uses, valid worldwide.

Just a Tease So Seductive Lashes, full size, retails for $3.99; available HERE.  Discount code IPSY20 will get you 20% off any purchase until 5/25/14, $2.50 flat rate shipping on all orders or free shipping on orders $25 or over, shipping available worldwide.

Here is everything that I received in my April Ipsy Bag:

Ipsy Glam Bag, April 2014

And here is my unbagging video from April, featuring my beautiful daughter :)

Here's the part of my post where I break down this month's Ipsy bag, financially speaking.  I'll recap all of the items with their estimated retail value, to make it a little easier for you to figure out what the value of your bag is:

Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Pencil in Black Velvet, deluxe sample size, $13.33

Cailyn Tinted Lip Balm, in Apple Pink or Acid Pink, full size, $19.00

Mary Kay at Play Jelly Lip Gloss in Teddy Bare or Berry Me, full size, $10.00

Starlooks Luscious Longwear Lip Pencil in Naked, full size, $14.00

Elizabeth Mott Pop! Goes the Shadow in Champagne, full size, $12.99

City Color White Gold Shadow and Highlight Mousse, full size, $3.99

Rainbow Honey Nail Polish in Midnight Fountain, deluxe sample size, $3.13

dr, brandt Microdermabrasion, deluxe sample size, $9.75

Cover FX Mattifying Primer with Anti-Acne Treatment, deluxe sample size, $19.00

Benefit Lollitint, deluxe sample size/travel size, $8.00 (value calculated from full size version is $6.00)

St. Tropez Gradual Tan Plus Anti-Aging Multi-Action Face, deluxe sample size, $10.50

Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Volumizing Spray Mousse, travel size, $6.00

Coastal Scents Classic Medium Shadow Natural Brush, full size, $2.49

Demeter Jasmine Roll-On Perfume Oil, full size, $10.00

KISS Looks So Natural Lashes in either Shy, Pretty, Flirty, Sultry or Vamp, full size (lashes plus adhesive), $3.99

Just a Tease So Seductive Lashes, full size, retails for $3.99

Total retail value of MY bag: $61.07- this is definitely a higher valued bag, and I'm so happy with pretty much everything that I received this month.  To me, value isn't so much about dollars, as it is about whether or not I like an item, or already own it.  I'm very happy with this month's Ipsy bag, and can't wait to see what next month brings!

Tell me- what did YOU receive in your April Ipsy bag?

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 referral points.  I strive for honesty.

Product Review: Urban Decay Book of Shadows IV Redux

I'm doing the walk of shame today my lovelies- I'm finally getting around to reviewing some of my amazing Christmas presents!  I know I haven't posted much lately, and I again apologize- life has yet again gotten the best of me.

On to the pretties, shall we?

When I opened this on Christmas morning, I let out a little squeal.  I love butterflies, and always have- this is the perfect packaging for my tastes and my BFF Tonja chose this gift very wisely.  The colorful smoky starburst mixed with the iridescent white butterflies are just perfect, in my opinion.  I love that purple ribbon is used for the drawer and to secure the lid.  My drawer fits quite snugly, and it's a bit of a pain, but honestly I love this palette so much I don't even really care.

Book Of Shadows Inside

When I opened the Book of Shadows IV, I was even more impressed with this palette- before I even made it to the makeup!  I am most definitely a sucker for beautiful packaging, and this palette delivers to my tastes perfectly!  The butterflies are printed on clear plastic, so it seems that they are fluttering just in front of you and the medium-sized mirror.  The phone holder on the left is just the right size for my iPod Touch, and I've enjoyed popping it in and listening to music while I get ready.  

"Steal the Look" Card

"Steal the Look" Card

Also included on this first tier is a hole for the included speaker, and a two sided "Steal the Look" Card.  The looks included on the card are Purple Cat (a pretty cat-eye look) and Crystalized (a simple shadow look).  While I haven't used the card to create a look yet, these would be wonderful for anyone who is new-ish to makeup and are an excellent guide.

Inside the Drawer

Once you pull out the drawer, the fun really begins.  16 pans of eyeshadow, liquid eyeliner, mascara, original primer potion, and a portable speaker with connecter and charger make this a wonderful set for the beginner, experienced, and collector.  All of the removable products have a flap beneath them, with a ribbon pull, making them easy to remove.

Eye Shadows: Top row: Kiddie Pool, Gunmetal, Creep, Baked; Second row: Grifter, Psychedelic Sister, Lost, hijack; Third row: Midnight Cowgirl, Sin, Sidecar, Strip; Bottom row: Stray Dog, Missionary Virgin, Polyester Bride

It's really no secret that Urban Decay is my favorite eye shadow brand. The range of colors and texture, paired with the soft, buttery feel and awesome blendability just makes Urban Decay stand out in the crowd.  Some of the shades in this palette are repeats for me, as none are unique to this palette, but I don't mind that- you can never have too many of your favorite eye shadows)  The shades in this set have some differences from the original Book of Shadows IV; they are NOT exact duplicates of one another.  The shadows are all the Vintage shadow formula, and not the currently used one, but again, I really don't mind as most of my UD shadows are the vintage formula.  The shades included in the palette are Kiddie Pool (light blue shimmer with iridescent sparkle), Gunmetal (grey metallic with micro sparkle), Creep (grey/black metallic with micro sparkle), Baked (bronze shimmery metallic), Grifter (pinky/purple with micro sparkle), Psychedelic Sister (dark purple shimmer), Lost (darkish brown metallic), Hijack (dark teal shimmery metallic), Midnight Cowgirl (yellow toned cream with lots of sparkle), Sin (pale pink shimmer), Sidecar (light brown/beige sparkle), Strip (blue-silver metallic), Stray Dog (medium brown metallic), Missionary (pale pink-grey shimmer), Virgin (pale beige satin), and Polyester Bride (white with white sparkle glitter bomb).  Each shadow pan is 0.8 g/0.03 oz, for a total weight of 12.8 g/0.48 oz.

Swatches of Book of Shadows IV Redux Shadows: left to right- Kiddie Pool, Gunmetal, Creep, Baked, Grifter, Psychedelic Sister, Lost, Hijack.  Swatched with no primer (top row), and over NYX Jumbo Eye pencil in Milk (bottom row)

Swatches of Book of Shadows IV Redux Shadows; left to right- Midnight Cowgirl, Sin, Sidecar, Strip, Stray Dog, Missionary, Virgin, Polyester Bride.  Swatched with no primer (top row), and over NYX Jumbo Eye pencil in Milk (bottom row)

The shadows in this set are super pigmented, and blend like a dream.  I've tried lots of combinations, and always love my look, and the staying power.  

24/7 Waterproof Liquid Liner in Perversion

I seriously love me some liquid eyeliner, especially when it is waterproof.  This liner does not disappoint- long lasting, blackest black, and so easy to apply.  While eyeliner pens are my personal favorite, this liner is definitely up there on my "love" list.  

Swatch of 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Liner in Perversion

The extra long wand handle sets this apart from the rest- when I first opened this, I thought that the smaller end of the liner would be the cap,and the longer end contain the product , but it is just the opposite.  I was kind of sad about the perceived smaller amount of product, but the fact that the handle is the longer end actually makes much for sense- in my experience, longer handle=more control!  The eyeliner included in this box is 1.7 ml/0.05 fl oz. (full size), and retails for $19.00, available HERE, in 11 shades.

Supercurl Curling Mascara

I've received samples of the Supercurl Curling Mascara before, and was happy to see this lovely product again in this box.  The Supercurl mascara is long lasting, doesn't flake, and didn't create raccoon eyes for me.  The wand is a traditional curved wand, and works well to make my lashes look amazing.  The tube included is 5.4 ml/0.18 fl oz, deluxe sample/travel size, retails for $10.00, and is available HERE.

Original Primer Potion

Urban Decay's Primer Potion is a great primer, and makes my shadows stay put all day long.  The original shade dries to an invisible finish, and goes on silky smooth.  Only a little dab is necessary for all day staying power.  I absolutely love this primer!  

 Urban Decay Primer Potion in Original; left is blended in, right is straight from the tube.

Since UD redesigned the packaging (the original packaging looks like a potion bottle), it is much easier to use- just squeeze out a little bit, and you are good to go!  The tube included in this set is 3.7 ml/0.13 fl oz (deluxe sample/travel size); full size retails for $20, is 11 ml/0.37 fl oz, and is available HERE. 

Speaker

This is my favorite "extra" in this set- I love that they thought to include a mini speaker!  The speaker connects to your device using the headphones jack, with an included 2 tipped wire.  The speaker battery is rechargeable, using the included USB wire.  It's awesome to have this with my makeup, so I can turn up some tunes while getting ready.  Love it!

If you are in love with this set and haven't picked it up yet, it's currently available at Ulta and is priced at $32.

Until next time, my lovelies- stay Average!

Disclaimer: I received this item as a gift from a good friend, that she purchased for me with her own money.  I was neither requested nor required to review these items, and all links in this post are NOT referral links (except the clearly marked one at the end of the post).  I strive for honesty.

Urban Decay After Christmas Haul

Hello everyone!

As you saw in my last post, I recently subscribed to Ipsy, a monthy service that sends you beauty products each month for just $10.  In December's bag, there was a coupon code to receive a free travel bag filled with deluxe samples with an $25 or more order; from Urban Decay.  Urban Decay also ran a special on their website, while they were doing inventory, to receive extra free samples with your order, plus free shipping on orders over $35.  How was an Only Average Mom supposed to pass up such an Above Average offer like that?!  You can visit Urban Decay's awesome website http://www.urbandecay.com anytime and see their awesome lines.  Everything I reviewed here today is currently still available on their site.  Turns out, it was a great decision.  Here is what I received for my $35 purchase:

Left to right: Surreal Skin Creamy Concealer in Hallucination, Naked Skin Beauty Balm, Travel Size Primer Potion, Travel Size Lip Junkie Lip Gloss (Midnight Cowboy), Deluxe Eye Shadow (Frigid), 24/7 Glide On Shadow Pencil (Delinquent), Deluxe Eye Shadow Pallette, Primer Potion, 24/7 Eye pencil (Electric), (2) Supercurl Curling Mascara (both travel size), clear Vinyl travel bag (not pictured: foil sample of primer potion, coupon for $5 my next purchase)

 As you can see, that was quite a haul, for Urban Decay products for $35 (shipping included)!  I was super excited when my package came, and was impressed at the quality of the packing and the speed of the shipping.  The items were not packed in bubble wrap or newsprint, but with deep purple tissue paper, that I could reuse (I live in Ravens Country.  Purple is a way of life here) to add to gift bags throughout the year.  The package arrived, from California to Delaware, in under a week.  Impressive!! Another random thing I absolutely love about UD is that the do not test their products on animals and have a HUGE vegan line, for those who choose not to use animal products.  Fantastic!  Everything I received was top quality, and I am really happy with my purchase.  

Let's start with what I actually ordered:
 

Deluxe Eye Shadow Pallette I love the contrast of the velvet with the metallic mesh.  The girls like to play with the mesh and move the metal pieces around.

Inside of the pallette.  9 colors, 2 sponge applicators (yuck!) and a nice sized mirror.  The pallette is cardboard, with a magnet closure.

Close up of the colors.

Swatches of the eye shadow colors, with no primer.
Left to Right: Fishnet, Honey, Ransom, Graffiti, Zero, Peace, Shag, Scratch, Underground

I absolutely LOVE this palette!  The shadows are soft, silky, super pigmented, and have a high color payoff. I seriously love just playing with this palette and creating lots of different looks.  I don't think I will ever get sick of playing with these colors!  My favorite color, hands down, is Fishnet.  It is duo tone, so it changes color when you look at it.  I also am in LOVE with Honey and Peace.  Scratch, Underground and Shag are perfect for a neutral eye, and then I like to pat a bright color on the center of my lid for a pop!  Could not ask for a better collection.
Price of this pallette: $19 on clearance. Price includes the travel size primer potion below:

"Travel size of UD's Primer Potion"  Great product: poor package design.

Love the packaging!  Great concept, poor execution: the plastic dome pops off very easily.

 

Gorgeous color.  The pictures don't do it justice.  Note the mirror on the case.  Great idea!

Color swatch.  This is one pass across my wrist.  A beautiful dark, shimmery purple.

 I love, love, love eye shadow, and when I saw that this one was only $8, I had to get it (plus it helped me up my order for the free shipping!).  I love the shade, and it glides on so easily, plus stays on all day.  Love it, but I find myself using the pallette more often than this single.

Concealer in Hallucination, a medium tone, with yellow/orange undertones.

As you can see, this does NOT match my skin tone.  At all.  Maybe in summer when I get tan?

This is the blended in version of this product.  As you can see, it has a very yellow/orange undertone.  

 As you can see, this concealer doesn't quite match my color.  Ok, that was being nice: it doesn't match me AT ALL.  Now, this is as much my fault as it is UD, internet swatches are very hard to match up at home, and I don't have a UD store or Sephora within 100 miles, so it's not like I can go and try to match colors at the store in my spare time.  That being said, UD could be more descriptive of what their awesome product names translate into regular terms (ie: light, medium, dark).  Maybe they do, and I missed it on their sight, I don't know.  But I will try this again in the summer, after I get my tan on, and if it still is a miss, I know a friend or two who would be happy to have this passed on to them.  The bottle is super cute, I really hope it matches me this summer: I want to have the bottle on my dresser!  Cost: $8 on clearance.

That concludes what I actually ordered. Below are the items I received FREE, from my Ipsy code:

TSA approved travel cosmetic bag

Travel bag (quart size, clear with zipper), FTA approved.  I'm not sure what I was expecting with this item, but I got a LOT more than what I thought I would!  The bag is made of a silky opaque plastic, with a zipper on top, and has a nice feel to it.  It wipes clean easily, and I really like it!  I will definitely use it the next time I travel!  It's the perfect size for basic cosmetics, and is way less tacky than a zip-lock bag or cheap plastic makeup bag from the 'Mart.

Lip Junkie lip gloss in Midnight Cowboy

As you can see, I did try to swatch this, but it's too close to my skin color to really see.  It has a very pretty shimmer.

I wanted to really like the Lip Junkie gloss.  I really did.  It's just too sticky for my particular taste.  I do like the cooling mint feel and the taste isn't terribly hateful.  I'm just not a fan of sticky glosses.  A little stick is ok, but this has more than I particularly care for.  The color is a great nude with a really pretty shimmery effect.  As you can tell by the pictures, it's a teeny tiny tube, but that makes it just the right size to fit in your pocket!

24/7 Eye Shadow Pencil in Delinquent

This is one pass with the pencil.  It is really very sparkly, the camera just didn't pick it up.

Another thing I received free with my Ipsy code is this 24.7 eye shadow pencil in Delinquent, which is a sparkly deep purple.  I really like this color, but I'm not overly comfortable using pencils as eye shadow.  I have used it to line my eyes, and it works well, has super dark pigment, smudges well, and stays on forever.  Love it!!

Travel Size Supercurl Mascara ($10 retail)

I also received a travel size of Supercurl mascara. I love how it has a full sized wand, and just a smaller bottle.  I will definitely get use out of this: Mascaras are really only good for 3-4 months anyway, and it looks to me like this sample will last about that long!  I will say, that I do prefer my The Falsies mascara by Maybelline.  That stuff makes my teeny tiny lashes look ten feet long!  The Supercurl mascara doesn't seem to smudge as much as my usual brand, but it also doesn't get my lashes looking as long as my usual brand.  It's a toss up, but something I will definitely use.

(not pictured) Primer potion in a foil packet.  I gave it to my mom, since I had 2 primers in my order.

 So, my $10 Ipsy bag brought me a code that helped me get all of those extras free! Not a bad deal!


Below is the items that Urban Decay put in my package, as a thank you for ordering during their inventory time.  Honestly, my package didn't seem delayed, and it was no trouble to wait!  At least they let me know that there might be a delay in receiving my order, and I got to reap the rewards!  Here is what UD sent me as a thank you:

24/7 Eye pencil in Electric

Swatch of Electric pencil.  I think this is just one swipe.

This is, hands down, my favorite thing that I received in my package.  I LOVE this color, and it really makes my eyes pop!  Every time I wear this eyeliner, I always get compliments.  Once it is gone (it is a tiny thing in the first place!) I will definitely reorder this pencil!  It stays on forever, goes on creamy, smudges well, and then stays put until I remove my makeup.  Who can ask for more than that?!

Brand new, Naked Skin Beauty Balm Sample

Before it is blended, it looks dark and orangey.

After I blended, it was literally invisible.

I also LOVED the Naked Skin Beauty Balm.  I seriously wish I could afford to use this on a daily basis.  This hydrated my skin, has SPF, optical blurring (makes my pores look smaller), and does so much more.  I highly recommend if this is a product that you can afford (or know someone who can get you lots of samples or a discount!)  When UD holds their friends and family sale, I will definitely be picking this up.  It made my skin dewey (not greasy), soft and silky.  Even my hubby noticed!

Primer Potion, Travel Size

I am totally in love with UD's primer potion, aka UDPP.  This is UD's number one best selling item (according to them), and I totally see why.  It primes the lids, with a mostly invisible finish, and just hangs on to your eye shadow until you use makeup remover to take it off.  No creases, not greasy, not fading.  Just sheer perfection.  I use it sparingly, and will have to reorder with my next order (unless I can get another sample!!)


A second travel size Supercurl mascara.  I am set for Mascara for the next 6 months now!  I was really happy to see a second one of these, I may decide to gift it, or host a web contest.  Thoughts??

A coupon for $5 my next purchase (expires in February).  I LOVE these, as they help me repeat shop!  I am hoping that they update their clearance section before the coupon expires so that I can double up the discounts. 

 All in all, for $35, I feel like i hit the jackpot!  Not too bad, but I am sure other have done better. After all, I AM Only Average Mom. Until next time!

Do you use Urban Decay products?  Leave a comment and let me know your favorite!
Have a favorite makeup or skincare brand you would like  me to review? Let me know, and I'll be happy to test and review it for you! 

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion, on a product I paid for out of my own pockets.  I have not been compensated for this opinion in any way, and is my honest thoughts on the products listed above.