Ipsy (My Glam) November 2013 Review

Hello lovelies!

Ipsy is my favorite thing to blog about, because who doesn't love getting a big ol' bag of surprise makeup items in the mail, for only $10?!

For those of you NOT familiar with Ipsy, Ipsy is a makeup subscription program that sends out 4-5 full size or deluxe sample size items out to subscribers, plus a cute cosmetics bag, each month for just $10 (plus $5 shipping if you are in Canada, and tax in NY, NC, and CA).  Bags have different values, but I've never had one that disappointed- I love my Ipsy subscription!  If you would like to try Ipsy out, please consider using my referral link- I get point towards goodies and you get good karma (and then your own link to share)!  I also wrote a fun post HERE, that shows what 10 months and $100 of Ipsy subscriptions has brought me, what I used, gave away, and don't use.

Ok, enough chit chat- on to the goodies!

Pretty Pink Mailer

I seriously love seeing these pink envelopes in the mailbox.  I stalk my tacking numbers like a sparkly teenage vampire, and love love love that flash of pink!

First Peek

I know, I'm SUCH a tease!  Here's a first look inside my November Ipsy bag- I spy gold...

The Insert Card

This month's theme is "Glam It Up".  Bring it on, Ipsy- November is my birthday month, and I want to glam it up with lots and lots of color!

The Brands

I love getting lots of discount codes from Ipsy each month, and then sharing them with you all!  Looks like there's potential for lots of great deals this month!  Plus, a contest to win a year's subscription to Ipsy?!  I'm totally in for that!

EM Cosmetics insert card

I think that it's sweet that Michelle Phan included a little thank you note in the bags this month, that explains that Ipsy subscribers are the first to receive full size products as a trial (I'm assuming the first to receive them in a subscription service, because big YouTubers and Bloggers have been given products for review purposes).

The Bag

Ipsy bags have come in many shapes and sizes, and this one is unique.  A gold wristlet?  Hmm.  Not quite my style, but this will be added to someone's Christmas package, and make a friend a happy girl.  Or make them question my taste.  Really, that could go either way.


This month, I was EXTRA excited to receive my bag, because of the usual 4-5 items, we are getting SIX!!  I'll start with items that everyone is slated to receive, and then move on to the "variables".

Be A Bombshell Lip Crayon in Hot Damn, full size (2.5g/0.09 oz), $14 retail, available HERE.  Discount code IPSY40 will get you 40% off any purchase, plus a free Coco Delight Lip Gloss, until 12/15/13, US only, can't be combined with other offers.

I gotta hand it to Be A Bombshell Cosmetics- I look at this shade and I say, "Hot Damn" is most definitely an appropriate name! This bright red lip crayon is super creamy and glides on with perfection. Ipsy sent out this lip crayon to all subscribers, in both this shade and the color Shameless.

Swatch of Hot Damn

This looks like it would be a true red in the tube, but swatches more like an orange-red.  I don't usually wear lip products this bright, but in the fall and winter months, I am sure I can find several occasions to rock a red lip!  I gave this a try, and it applies very nicely, twists up (as apposed to needing to be sharpened), and is very long lasting.  All good things, right?  The only thing I don't like about this pencil is the shade.  This particular shade of orangey red makes my lips look really small.  I'm going to try layering another color over or under it so that I can make it work, because the formula is seriously great!

GRADE: 4/5 (The only thing I don't like is...the color!)

Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer in Caviar Cocktail, full size (15ml/0.5 fl oz), $13 retail, available HERE.  Discount code ipsy4glam will get you 50% off plus a free eyeliner, your purchase of $25 or more, until 12/31/13, US only, can't be combined with other offers.

I love me some nail polish, and I find that the Nailtini brand is very long lasting (as well it should be, at $13 a bottle!).  The shade I received is Caviar Cocktail, which is a gunmetal grey, sort of a pewter color.  There is minimal shimmer and no glitter, which is unusual, in my experience, in a silvery shade.

Swatch of Caviar Cocktail

I used this shade as an accent color on a pretty blue mani, and I absolutely love it! I don't think I would ever wear this shade alone, but I don't have anything similar to it in my collection.  I'm happy to try it out!
GRADE: 5/5

Pixi Beauty Bronzer in Subtly Sunkissed, deluxe sample size  (3.2g/0.11 0z), $4.88 approx. retail value; full size is 10.21g/0.36 oz and includes a kabuki brush, retails for $18, available HERE.  Discount code BronzePixi will get you 25% off any purchase, until 12/15/13, US only.

My favorite thing about Pixi is the adorable packaging.  I love this pale green, the flowering vines and the Pixi logo.  It was difficult to figure out the retail value for this item, because the full size comes with a kabuki brush (only in my dreams, Ipsy doesn't seem to think I want/need brushes!), so the price above is my best guess- I took $2 off the full size price to account for the brush.  I received the shade Subtly Sunkissed, and I have to say that it is aptly named.

Swatch of Subtly Sunkissed

This bronzer has just a touch of color- perfect for those that are very fair, or who are just beginning to bronze. I'm totally in love with my Hoola bronzer, but I'm always open to trying new things.  I gave this a try, and it is a little too light for my current skin tone.  Give me another month of no sun, and this will work nicely for me.  It is very natural looking, and applied nicely for me.  This shade does have a hint of shimmer, as you can see in the photo above, so if you only like matte bronzers, then this is not for you.
GRADE: 4/5 (I wish it were just a hair darker, and maybe less shimmery.)

Starlooks Gem Eye Pencil in Topaz, full size (2.4g), $14 retail, available HERE.  Discount code IPSY will get you 40% off any purchase, until 12/15/13, valid worldwide, unlimited usage.

I've receive an eye pencil from Starlooks before, and it was just okay for me.  Ipsy sent the Gem Eye Pencil out in two shades this month, Topaz and Amethyst.  While I would have liked to try amethyst (I heart purples!), I was happy to receive Topaz because it's my birthstone!

Swatch of Topaz Gem Eye Pencil

I was very surprised when I swatched this pencil- when I think "topaz", I think of a gorgeous golden brown shade.  This pencil swatched metallic silver, with a faint blue tint to it.  I would almost call this straight up silver. That being said, I don't have an eyeliner in this shade, so I'm happy to add this to my collection, just was surprised by the name!  I gave this eyeliner a try, and I absolutely loved it on my face!  I had a hint of glitter fallout during the day, but as I used a light hand, it was not very noticeable.  I received several compliments while wearing this, so it will definitely make it to my train case.
GRADE: 4.5/5

Each subscribe also received an item from the new cosmetic line, em Cosmetics.  Subscribers could receive either a Waterliner intense color eyeliner ($20 retail value); Lash Gallery mascara in either lengthening, clean volume, dramatic volume or waterproof dramatic volume ($20 retail value), Pillow Plush cushiony lip balm ($15 retail value), or Lip Gallery Creamy Color lipstick in either classic or sheer ($16.50 retail value), and all items sent out are full size. I received the lengthening mascara.

EM Lash Gallery lengthening mascara in black, full size (7ml/0.236 fl oz), retails for $20, available HERE.  Discount code ipsy30 will get you 30% off your order, until 11/30/13, can't be combined with other offers, US only.

I'm excited to try out more of Michelle Phan's line (I picked some up as part of my birthday haul), but honestly I am swimming in mascara. EM offers 4 different types of mascara, and all four were sent to subscribers to test: lash gallery clean volume, lash gallery dramatic volume, lash gallery dramatic volume waterproof, and lash gallery lengthening mascaras.  If I HAD to receive mascara, I think I received the one I would have liked the most: lengthening, as my lashes are stubby and nearly invisible.  The little blurb on the box reads: "inspired by the girl who loves to tease with her eyes.  create instant lash extensions with built in micro-fibers, extend, without clumps, remove easily with warm water."  Most of the mascaras I've been loving have HUGE wands- this is much smaller, and has a gentle curve.  I gave this a try, and it really does add amazing length to my lashes.  However, it adds zero volume, and that is something that I need as well.  I had no flaking, no raccoon eyes, and it applied virtually clump free.  It's a very nice mascara.  How does it compare to Benefit's They're Real! and Rimmel London's Retroglam?  I like them both better- but that only has to do with the fact that they both add a little volume, in addition to length.  If you have full lashes that need length- this is definitely something to check out- my lashes got crazy long with just two or three coats!  I'll be adding this to my mascara rotation!
GRADE: 5/5

Subscribers also received one item, from an assortment.  I received the BH Cosmetics Galaxy Chic Eyeshadow single.  Items other subscribers received are: GlamGlow YouthMud (deluxe sample), Cailyn mineral eyeshadow with built-in sponge tip applicator (full size), HSI Professional Argan Oil (deluxe sample), Kiss EverEZlashes double pack (full size), and Tresemme Tres Two Extra Hold Hairspray (travel size).

bhCosmetics baked eyeshadow single, from the Galaxy Chic collection, in Asteroid, deluxe sample (1 full size appearing pan), retail value $0.83 (or if you go off the regular price, $1.28); full size palette contains 18 pans (couldn't find a size), and is currently on sale for $14.95 (regularly $22.95, but bh always has sales), available HERE.  Discount code IPSY20 will get you 20% off the full Galaxy Chic palette (which is gorgeous), until 12/31/13, can't be combined with any other offers, valid internationally (yay!).

First and foremost, how adorable is this packaging?  Seriously, this is so cute!

I love me some eyeshadow, but you probably all know that.  I was excited to try out the new BH line, because I hadn't had a lot of luck with them in the past (not terribly pigmented). I received the eyeshadow singe in the shade Asteroid, which is a gorgeous brown and blue blend.

Swatch of Asteroid

I gave this a try, and was really impressed!  I own two bh palettes, and received a sample from their California Collection in the summer; and on all of these, I had to work to get decent color payoff.  This shadow is super pigmented, and is absolutely gorgeous.  I trying to talk myself out of wanting the full palette right now, but only because I KNOW what my BFF bought me for Christmas (UD's BOS IV Redux and Lorac Pro Palette)...If I see an amazing deal on this, I might have a weak moment and purchase it.  Should I get this, or the Urban Decay Naked 3???  Hmm..decisions, decisions...
GRADE: 5/5

Other items from the assortment that I didn't receive, but you might have:

Glamglow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment, deluxe sample size (0.5 oz); retail value $20.29, available HERE.  Full size is 1.7 fl oz/50g and retails for $69. Discount code IPSY will get you 30% off any purchase, until 12/13/13; not valid on samples, US only.

Cailyn Built-in Sponge Tip Mineral Eye Shadow in Champagne, full size (2.5g); retails for $15, available HERE.  Discount code IPSY30 will get you 30% off any purchase, until 12/15/13, can't be combined with other offers, international shipping available (yay!).

HSI Professional Argan Oil, deluxe sample size (5mL); retail value $2.54, available HERE.  Full size is 2 oz/59.15mL (smaller full size) and retails for $29.99.  Discount code IPSY50SS will get you 50% off any purchase, until 12/20/13, valid in the US and Canada.

Kiss EverEzLashes Lash Double Pack (with glue and tweezers), full size, retails for $5.99, available HERE.  Discount code IPSY will get you 30% off any purchase of Kiss or iEnvy lashes, until 12/15/23; can't be combined with other offers, not vaild on clearance or shock prices, US only.

TRESemme Tres Two Extra Hold Hairspray, deluxe sample size (1.5 oz/42.5g), retail value $0.54, available HERE.  Full size is 11 oz, and retails for $3.99.  No discount code this month!

November 2013 Ipsy Glam Bag

Now for the financial breakdown.  As always, value isn't always determined by money- an expensive item that I know I hate has no value at all to me; while an inexpensive, easily found item that is absolutely amazing would be a priceless find!  Here's what's in the bags this month, so you can calculate how much YOUR bag is worth, along with what MINE is worth.
Items sent to subscribers this month:

Be A Bombshell Lip Crayon (full size)- $14
Pixi Bronzer (deluxe sample)- $4.88 (est.)
Nailtini polish (full size)- $13
Starlooks gem eye pencil (full size)- $14

em Lash Gallery mascara in either lengthening, clean volume, dramatic volume
em Waterliner intense color eyeliner (full size)- $20
em Pillow Plush cushiony lip balm (full size)- $15
em Lip Gallery creamy color lipstick in either classic or sheer (full size)- $16.50

bh Cosmetics Galaxy Chic eyeshadow pan (deluxe sample)- $0.83 ($1.28 nonsale price)
Glamglow Youthmud (deluxe sample)- $20.29
Cailyn Mineral Eye Shadow (full size)- $15
HSI Professional Argan oil (deluxe sample)- $2.54
Kiss EverEzLashes double pack (full size)- $5.99
TRESemme Tres Two Extra Hold Hairspray (deluxe sample)- $0.54

Total amount spent: $10, shipping included
Total value of *MY* bag": $66.71 (or if you count the full price value of the bh eyeshadow, $67.16!
My bag had one of the LOWEST possible retail values, and you know what- I don't EVEN care!  A retail value of almost $70 is pretty fanfreakingtastic for a $10 gamble!  Plus, I found a couple of new favorites- this is DEFINTELY worth the $10!

Here's a crappy instagram pic of the look I created with my Ipsy bag, minus the lip pencil (it's just too red, haven't found a way to make it work...yet):

I used both shades of the bh Cosmetics Galaxy Chic Asteroid shadow separately, the Starlooks gem liner in topaz,  em cosmetics lash gallery lengthening mascara, and Pixi bronzer in subtly sunkissed.  The lip pencil from BaB was too dark for this look, so I used Urban Dacay's lip crayon in Glinda.

Here is a video of Missy and me, unbagging our Ipsy bags together :)

 

Until next time, my lovelies- stay Average!

Disclaimer: I paid for these items with my own my husband's money.  The opinions in this post are my true and honest reviews of these items.  No company requested nor required this review.  The links are NOT referral links, except the Ipsy link.  That's totally a referral link because I like free things.

Ipsy (MyGlam) July 2013 Review

I am so excited to share with you, my July Ipsy bag arrived early!  I can't wait to share with you all all the awesome things I received this month!!

The envelope.

I won't even lie- seeing the pretty pink envelope in my mailbox is my favorite mail moment each month.  Even if I peek in my glam room, I still love ripping into my pink packet to see if what Ipsy sent is what I was actually supposed to receive!

July first peek

The first peek into the pink envelope is awesome- I love the suspension! 

July Insert Card: Beach Beauty

This month's theme is Beach Beauty.  As I live at the beach, I have to say, that this theme is right up my alley!  Hot summer nights, sitting in the sun, walks on the boardwalk, and cruising down coastal highway with music blaring...this is MY idea of an awesome time, and beach beauty.  The mermaid on the card is cute too!

The promotions

I love how Ipsy includes the promotions on the card, it's a great way to see at a glance what awesome deals we can get!

July Ipsy bag

I love the bag this month- it definitely says beach to me.  I can put my cell phone, ipod, camera, and whatnot in this, and they will stay dry!  Plus, it's pink, too- what a bonus! It's been fun finding new uses for my bags each month, but I will say, I have found a purpose for each and every one of them.

This month, Ipsy included FIVE awesome items.  Four of them were the same (with minor variations), and the last item was based on the IpsyMatch profile.  I'll begin with the items that everyone received.

Pouty Pop Crayon from Pop Beauty in Coral Crush, 0.1 oz (full size), retail value $4.17; available HERE as a set of six; retail for the set is $25.  Discount code POPLUVSIPSY will get you 20% off your purchase, until 8/6/13, US only, one time only use.  

I love lippies, and this Pouty Pop Crayon is a cute addition to my collection!  I love that it is a twist-up crayon, and not a "sharpen me" crayon.  I always feel like I'm wasting product when I sharpen them! This crayon goes on smoothly, and is super pigmented.  

Swatch of Coral Crush

I have a couple tubes of coral lipstick, but none in this shade.  On me, this has a pinkish coral hue.  I like this shade okay, but I like some of the other shades in this collection better.  Ipsy sent these out in this shade, Coral Crush, as well as Fuchsia Flirt, and Rose Romance.  Out of these three, the Coral Crush is my personal favorite.  My only regret on this crayon is it's staying power- if you rock these crayons, be sure to take them with you for touch ups.
GRADE: 4/5 (great design, poor staying power)

BH Cosmetics California Collection Eyeshadow 3 pan Sampler, no weight indicated, Retail value $1.50 (approx); available HERE in eyeshadow and blush palettes retailing at $9.95 (includes 4 blushes and 16 shadows). Discount code IPSY will get you 10% off the California Collection, until 8/31/13.

I love eyeshadow palettes, and have tried BH's eyeshadows before.  The new California collection palettes are adorable, and a great price!  This sample palette is super cute, and even has a magnetic closure.  The California Collection sampler palette contains three (I'm assuming full size) shades, one from each of the palettes: Hollywood (shimmery deep purple), San Francisco (shimmery taupe), and Mailbu (metallic gold).

Swatches of the California Collection Sampler Palette from BH Cosmetics

Hollywood swatched kind of light for me, unfortunatiely, but San Francisco and Malibu swatched very nicely pigmented.  I love these colors, and have been rocking this look for a couple days.  I use the purple on my lids and outer corner, the taupe in my crease, and use the gold as an accent.
GRADE: 4/5 (cute palette, not happy with the pigmentation)

Coola Face SPF 20 Mineral Sunscreen Unscented Moisturizer, .23 fl oz (deluxe sample), retail value $4.87.  Full size is available HERE, $36.00 for 1.7 fl oz. Discount code IPSY will earn you 30% off any purchase, until 7/31/13, US and Canada residents only.

I have fair skin that burns easily, so sunscreen is a must for me.  Coola is a new brand for me, and I was happy to see the unscented and untinted version of this product in my bag.  My tube was sealed when it arrived, but it felt squishy and lightly filled.  I'm not sure if they used larger tubes than necessary or mine was a one-off, but I was sad to see that my tube wasn't full.  I tried this out on the beach today, and it felt great on my face, and I didn't burn.  I love that this is organic and cruelty free!  Ipsy also sent out samples of Coola's Rose Essence Tinted Moisturizer, so that may have been in your bag, instead of this untinted, unscented version.
GRADE: 4/5 (tube wasn't very full but works well)

Big Sexy Hair Weather Proof Humidity Resistant Spray, 1.4 oz (deluxe sample), retail value $7.80.  Full size available HERE, $18.95 for 3.4 oz. Discount code 108723 will earn you $5 off of a purchase of $25 or more of Sexy Hair products, until 8/15/13, one time use only.

This was another item in my bag that was an "either/or".  I would have loved to try the Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Conditioning & Texturizing Spray that some members received, but as I live on the east coast (translation: humidity season), humidity-resistant hair products are something that I should really have more of.  I gave this hair spray a try and it did a pretty good job of holding my beachy waves in place, even in this high humidity area.  I don't use a lot of hair spray on the regular, but when I do, I think that this is what I will turn to!
GRADE: 4/5

Derma e Microdermabrasion Scrub, 1 oz (deluxe sample size), retail value $16.25.  Full size available HERE; $32.50 for 2 oz.  Discount code IPSY0713 will earn you 20% off of any purchase, until 9/31/13, US residents only.

I've tried out microdermabrasion before, and I loved how it made my skin feel.  Although this isn't the item I would have selected to complete my Ipsy bag, if given the choice, I do know that this is a highly coveted item, and a great one to add to my collection.  Microdermabrasion can improve the appearance of your skin, leaving it fresh and younger looking.  This scrub is cruelty free, paraben free, and 100% vegan, and is made with sea salt and volcanic sand.  Because I have sensitive skin, I have to be careful with products like this, and not use too much pressure, but I love this sample, and want more!
GRADE: 5/5

Ipsy sent out several different items to subscribers as the fifth item in the bags. The other items sent out were a deluxe sample of Benefit's Benetint (2.5mL, retail value $8; available HERE; discount code GLAMBAG gets you a free Hello Gorgeous Trio with any purchase of $35 or more,  until 8/15/13), full size of Demeter's Salt Air Perfume Oil Roll On (.29 fl oz, retail value $10.00; available HERE; discount code IPSYDFL20 earns you 20% off your purchase, until 8/31/13), and a full size Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer in Mai Tai (.5 fl oz, retail value $13; available HERE; discount code hot4ipsy gets you 30% off of any purchase, until 8/15/13, continental US only).

Because I had some referrals this past month, I was surprised to see that I had an extra in my July glam bag!

Nicole by OPI, Selena Gomez collection nail lacquer, in the shade Pretty in Plum, 15 mL (full size), available HERE.  Retail value is $6.67.

My tween is a serious Selena Gomez fan, and she was super excited to see this nail polish in my bag, as an extra!  I have to admit, the cute shaped bottle (my husband says it resembles a golf club), and the pretty purple (almost Raven's purple!) made me smile too!

Swatch of Pretty in Plum from Nicole by OPI

OPI polishes usually last a good while for me, but this formula was just ok: my daughter painted her nails in the morning, and by early afternoon she had chipping.  That being said, she had used only one coat, no base and no top coat.  I tried this out, and had chipping the following morning- after painting them at night.
GRADE: 4/5 (great color, nice extra, chipping)

Well, that about sums it up for my July Glam Bag!

My July 2013 Ipsy Glam Bag

It's time for my financial recap, where I review the out of pocket cost, versus the retail value of the items inside.  Are you ready?  I'll include the retail value of the products I DIDN'T receive, too, just in case you are looking to see what the value of your bag is, and received different items than mine.

POP Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon, full size: $4.17
BH Cosmetics California Collection eyeshadow, deluxe sample: $1.50 (approx.)
Coola Mineral Sunscreen and Moisturizer, deluxe sample, both varieties: $4.87
Big Sexy Hair Weather Proof spray, deluxe sample: $7.80
Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray, deluxe sample: $6.84
Derma E Microdermabrasion scrub, deluxe sample: $16.25
Benefit Benetin, deluxe sample: $8
Demeter's Salt Air Perfume Oil Roll On, full size: $10.00
Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer in Mai Tai, full size: $13
Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquer in Pretty in Plum, full size: $6.67

Total retail value of *MY* bag: $41.26
Total spent out of pocket: $10.00, shipping included
This month, my bag has one of the highest value, and I am really happy with it! Even if my bag was one of the lower values this month, I would still be really happy because I received items that I really liked and will use.

So, tell me- what was in YOUR glam bag this month?  Did you like what you received?  Leave a comment, and let me know!

Until next time, my friends, stay average!  Oh- and if you haven't already, enter the contest on my blog to win a THREE month sub to a NEW subscription box!

 

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 :)

BH Cosmetics 88 Matte & 88 Shimmer Palette Review

Hello, my friends!  Last week I ordered some makeup palettes from BH Cosmetics, and they have arrived!  I have taken some time to play with the palettes, and I thought I would share my thoughts about them with you, my friends and readers!  

I love these cases- so slim, close tightly, and each has a mirror.

I ordered these palettes from BH Cosmetics , and got them on a "pre-Valentine's day sale".  I have been stalking BH Cosmetics website for a while, and I have to say, that I have NEVER not seen these palettes on sale.  You know me, this only average mom can't resist an above average deal!  They have a huge assortment of palettes available, in lots of different sizes, and even some that you can personalize with your choice of shadow colors.  I purchased both of these palettes for $31.29, shipping included.

If you frequently watch youtube makeup tutorials, then you are no stranger to the concept of the 88 shadow palettes.  I thought I would try both the 88 shimmer and the 88 matte palettes, to save on shipping,  I figured that I would like whichever one I got a lot, and want to try the other one to see if it was even better, and that I might as well save myself the shipping and order them together.

The box was packed really well, and everything arrived safely.  My hubby and the kids had a blast playing with the honeycomb cut brown paper that was used to protect the palettes.  


Let's start with the one I wanted the most, the 88 matte palette, shall we? 

Lots of colors to choose from!

I was a bit sad to see that not every shadow in the palette is matte, there are a few that have some shimmer to them. I like the matte colors because they are a nice, flat base and are better when I don't want a shimmery look.  I probably would have been smarter to get the neutral matte palette, because I think I gravitate more towards neutrals with my matte colors, and shimmers for my vibrant colors.  That is just my personal opinion.  

The pigmentation also seems to be hit and miss- one color will be very very pigmented and one swipe with my brush will be super dark, and another will need four or five swipes to get the color I'm looking for.  The shadows blend well, and with all of the colors, it's easy to create lots of different looks!  All in all, it's a great palette, and I have used it frequently already.  Grade: 4/5

I also purchased the 88 shimmer palette, and I really like this one too.  

As you can see, the color selection is very similar to the matte palette, but not exactly the same shades.

 
The colors have a very nice shimmer, although some have more shimmer than others.  I wanted to try the matte palette because I don't have but a couple matte shadows, but I really wanted the shimmers also because I love a shimmery eye look.  I have the same problem with the shimmer palette as I do with the matte one; some shades are super, super pigmented; but others, not so much.  

They blend very well, and this affordable choice is a great starting point for anyone who wants to experiment with different shimmery eye looks!  Grade: 4/5

Overall, I am please with  my purchase from BH cosmetics.  I think that these palettes are a great starting point for anyone who wants to get creative with their makeup, and can't afford/don't want to invest in an expensive, high end palette from, say Urban Decay, or put lots of money into shadows from, say, MAC.  One downside of these palettes, as the colors don't have names, or even numbers, so although BH offers a selection of shadows individually (and has build a palette sets), it would be very hard to try to get the exact shade to replace a favorite from this palette, if it is even available at all.  

BH has lots and lots of palettes to chose from, both bigger and smaller that these ones.  The shadows seem be of a good quality, and aren't grainy or chalky (at least that I have experienced!).  I haven't done a "dupe check" against any of the high end shadows that I have, but I am fairly certain that there ARE some dupes there, and if I ever have spare time to check them, I would be happy to do a post on it, if there is an interest.

I am also thrilled with BH's turnaround time on my order.  I ordered these on a Saturday evening, and they shipped Monday (MLK Day!), and I had the order on Friday.  I live in Delaware, and the package shipped from California, via UPS.  Considering that sometimes a LETTER takes three weeks to go to the next town, via the post office, I couldn't be more pleased that my BH order arrived a week before their website said it would.  Kudos!

Honestly, the best part of these palettes, is because they are affordable, my girls and I can play in them together!  If my three year old wants to play "make ups" and wants to use MY makeup and not hers, I have no qualms handing over this palette (under my supervision) and letting her choose a shade, dip her brush, and put the shadow on!  No doubt we will have hours of fun playing with these fun palettes.

I didn't do a swatch test for all of these shades, mostly because I don't have enough arm to test them all!  If you would like to see swatches of all of the colors, I would be happy to do so.  Just let me know!


Do you have the shimmer and/or matte BH Cosmetics 88 palettes, or another BH product?  Like it, love it or hate it, I would LOVE to hear from you!
Is there another product you would like to see me review?  Let me know, I would be happy to check something new out, and let you all know my thoughts!


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 it is my honest thoughts on the products listed above.