Nyx Cosmetics HAUL!

Hi everyone!

I've been to my "local" Ulta twice in the last few weeks, and I've had an awesome time picking out some items from one of my new favorite lines (and currently my favorite Drugstore brand), Nyx Cosmetics.  

Nyx is affordably priced, and offers great products.  An added bonus is that because it's in the "drugstore" category, I can use my Ulta coupons on the products- yay!

Our collective Nyx Cosmetics Haul

I purchased Nyx items on both of my shopping trips; and wanted to share them with YOU, my lovely readers.  Some items I purchased for myself, and others were ones that Tween Angel wanted.  I'll link the items to Nyx's website, but everything came from Ulta.  When I purchased these items, Nyx was on sale at Ulta- buy 1 get 1 50% off, and then 40% off everything.  Ulta runs sales on Nyx Cosmetics frequently, so feel free to check out some of these awesome finds!

Jumbo Eye Pencils in Yogurt (611) and Milk (604), each 15g, retail $4.50.

I have heard SO many awesome things about these eye pencils, that I HAD to pick them up.  Milk is an internet favorite, and Yogurt is a shimmery nude pink.  

 Swatch of Nyx Jumbo Eye Pencils in Yogurt (left), and Milk (right)

The hype behind the Jumbo Eye Pencils is real- these suckers go on smooth, last all day, and are awesome bases for shadows.  What I'm not sure I like about them, is that the casing is plastic. I haven't had to sharpen them yet, and I assume they can be sharpened like any other eye pencil, but I would rather they have a casing that is wood, or be twist up, as I think the plastic may dull my sharpener.  All in all, I give this one five stars.  LOVE it, and will definitely repurchase in other shades!

Liquid Crystal Liners in Crystal Onyx (102) and Crystal Hip (106), each 5mL, retail $4.50.

I first picked this up in Crystal Hip, because I had been lusting over Urban Decay's Heavy Metal Glitter Liner in Distortion, but couldn't justify the high price tag.  I thought that this looked similar, and I was right!  I seriously love this liner- I can layer it over any other color for INSTANT sparkle.  The Crystal Onyx was a no brainer when I returned to Ulta- This is such a pretty, dark black, with sparkles in it.  

Swatches of Nyx Crystal Liners, Crystal Hip on the left, Crystal Onyx on the right, top is Crystal Hip layered over UD's 24/7 liner in Flipside.

These liners go on smooth, and stay put.  I have a hard time removing this at the end of the night, but I think maybe that's a good thing- it's not going anywhere!  I'm not crazy about the brush, though- it's kind of long and I found that it made it difficult to get a skinny line.  It's possible it was user error, though.

Studio Liquid Liner in Extreme Plum Purple (112), 5.5 mL, retail $4.50

I love me some purple liner.  I loaned out my favorite purple liner pen to a friend, to do some face painting for a party, and they accidentally lost it.  It's not a BIG deal, but I had a hard time finding another liner to replace it with.  Guess what, y'all- I found the replacement!  

Swatch of Nyx Studio Liquid Liner in Extreme Plum Purple

I love this pretty purple, and it goes on smoothly and stays forever. The brush is the same as the Crystal liners, so I'm not crazy about it, but the more I use these brushes, the better I get at ketting a thin line.  For the price, you just can't beat the quality of this liner!  I'll be looking for more shades as I use up what I already have.

AUTO Eyebrow Pencil in Medium Brown (03), 0.25g, retail $4.50

My brows are pretty thick and look nice if I just gently groom them, but I am trying to make them look even better.  I picked this up because it kind of matched my current hair color, but it doesn't match it perfectly.  

Swatch of Nyx Auto Eyebrow Pencil in Medium Brown

I'm still on the search for the right color, but this formula was ok.  I love how the pencil has a mini brush on the end- it does a nice job of shaping my brows.

Tea Tree Blotting Paper, 100 pack, retail $6.00

I love blotting paper. My face gets oily and sweaty, especially in the summer, and blotting sheets help me get rid of the shine while keeping my makeup in place.  The Tea Tree papers are made specifically for oily T-zones and worked great.

KTween Angel wanted a few things, and at the prices I was paying, I was happy to oblige!

Cream Shadow in Razzle Dazzle (03), 2.5g, retail $5.00

KTween LOVES blue eyeshadow.  Actually, she loves shimmery, pretty colors.  She loved this shadow, and was excited to try it out.

Swatch of Nyx Cream Shadow in Razzle Dazzle: top is right out of the tube, bottom is blended

This is such a pretty, shimmery blue.  It's a little bright for what I would wear, but it's perfect for KTween.

Ultra Pearl Mania loose pigments in Jade Pearl (30) and Yellow Gold (17), each 5 ml, retail $3.00

  I received one of these loose pigments in my first Ipsy bag, but the shade was a little dark for me.  KTween really wanted to pick these up because they are her school colors.  

Swatches of Nyx Ultra Pearl Mania in Jade Pearl and Yellow Gold

These little bottles are seriously packed to the top.  They apply nicely, and blend well.  My only complaint is that it will be hard to get the pigments out once they are used a bit, and that there is fallout.

That sums up my awesome Nyx haul!  I really love Nyx Cosmetics, they have great products at very reasonable prices.

So tell me, have YOU tried anything new from Nyx lately?  


Until next time, my lovelies- stay Average!

Disclaimer: I paid for these items with my own my husband's money.  No links in this post are referral links, and all go direct to the company's website.  All opinions are true and my own.  I was not asked nor required to review these items by any manufacturer.

Ipsy (MyGlam) August 2013 Review

Hello, my bloggy friends!  It's that time again- Ipsy Time!  Ipsy is my favorite monthly subscription, and I was super excited to receive my package this month- I am constantly checking on the tracking, and watching my mail carrier like a hawk to see what I'm going to get!

Just in case you DON'T know what Ipsy is, let me first tell you that you are seriously missing out!  Ipsy is a beauty subscription service that sends out 4-5 deluxe samples or full size items each month for only $10 (plus $5 shipping if you are in Canada).  If you would like to sign up for Ipsy, may I be bold enough to ask you to use my referral link?  Ipsy jhas a referral program, and I REALLY want to keep receiving an extra gift for having 2 referrals...Thank you!!

Ok, enough of the boring stuff about HOW to subscribe- on to the goodies!

Love those pink envelopes!

Seeing a pink envelope in my mailbox always puts a smile on my face, no matter how my day is going.  I always know that whatever is inside is going to be fun to try out!

First peek

I always love that first peek into the pink packet and all I see here is PURPLE- my favorite!!

Glamour Academy Insert Card

Ipsy's theme for August is Glamour Academy- perfect for this back to school season!

The discounts and brands

I love that Ipsy lists all of the brands offered in all of this month's bags in one convenient place.  I just wish they listed the discount codes and all of the details on here too!

Lash Bash

Please, Ipsy, pick me!!!

Ipsy also invited me to apply to host a Lash Bash, sponsored by Benefit and Ipsy.  I applied the first day that it was open for applications, and I really hope I win one.  You all know that I love me some Benefit, and I want to share that love with my friends and family.  Plus I love freebies.  I won't even lie about that.  If you are an ipsy subscriber and want to apply to host a lash bash (they are choosing 1000 people), head on over to lashbash.ipsy.com to apply!

August's Glambag

I love purple, and the academy-inspired print on this bag is super cute.  I'm not sure what I will use this bag for, but I am sure I will get some use out of it.  Purple is one of my favorite colors, and it's a super-popular color in the area I live- Raven's Country!

Ipsy had recently introduced IpsyMatch- a program designed to personalize bags to each subscriber.  IpsyMatch has been kind of hit-or-miss for me in the past.  Let's see how they did this month!  Since Ipsy has begun providing multiple items in bags, it's become a bit more difficult to review my bag, and give all of the information on everything else that others may have received.  I'll do my best this month to properly cover everything.

The first item in my bag is an either/or item.  Subscribers received either a deluxe sample of Urban Decay's new Revolution lipstick in Shame or 69; or a full size Noya Lip balm in cherry or vanilla.  

Urban Decay Revolution lipstick in Anarchy; deluxe sample size (0.03); retail value $7.33.  Available HERE: discount code IPSY will earn you free shipping on any order that includes lipstick.  Full size (0.09) retails for $22.

Such a cute little lippie!

I seriously love Urban Decay cosmetics.  When I heard that some subscribers were going to receive a sample of their new lipstick, I hoped I would be able to try it (although I would have liked to try the lip balm too!), and my wish came true!  

Swatch of Revolution lipstick in 69

One of my older Girl Scouts just became a subscriber after being on the waiting list, and she received this lipstick in Anarchy, and she let me swatch it for you.

Swatch of Revolution lipstick in Anarchy

I gave the lipstick a try, and was very impressed by the formula.  I had great coverage in one swipe, and it lasts a long, long time.  The shade 69 is REALLY red- a true red, and really popped on my lips.  I tried it out WITHOUT a lip liner, and that was a mistake: the lipstick stained my lips a bit.  Won't do that again.

Revolution lipstick in 69, on my lips

GRADE:4.5/5 (stained my lips, but I also didn't use a liner)

Pixie Lash Booster Mascara in Blackest Black, deluxe sample size (0.105 oz); retail value $7.14. Available HERE: discount code PIXI+IPSY will earn you.  Full size (0.25 oz) retails for $17.

This item is the only one in this month's bag that everyone received.  I have SO many mascaras, and haven't yet found THE perfect one for my body chemistry.  I was happy to receive this mascara, as it is one that I haven't tried yet.  The Pixie poreless primer I received a few months ago wasn't for me, but I am willing to give Pixie another shot.  

I gave the mascara a try, and was pleasantly surprised.  This mascara did a great job coating my lashes, and I had no traces of the dreaded raccoon eye, nor any flakes.  I gave it a real workout too- while school shopping with my tween, we went to Aeropostale and it was H O T in that store- I was sweating like crazy, and this mascara DID NOT BUDGE!

GRADE: 5/5 (LOVED it!)

The next item is an either/or item also- all subscribers received a Michael Todd product: either the Pumpkin Nutrient-Rich Facial Mask OR the Jojoba Charcoal Gentle Exfoliating Facial Scrub. 

Michael Todd Pumpkin Nutrient-Rich Facial Mask, deluxe sample size (1 oz); retail value $10.00.  Available HERE: discount code AUGIPSY will earn you 30% off any purchase, one time use, open worldwide, until 9/30/13.  Can't be combined with any other offers.  Full size (3.4 fl oz) retails for $34.00.

I have never really done a lot of face masks, and because of that I was excited to try this product out.  I love that the Michael Todd line is organic, and this mask is gluten free and certified vegan.  

Swatch of Pumpkin Nutrient-Rich Facial Mask

According to the website, this mask is for all skin types except sensitive, and I have sensitive skin.  I wanted to give it a try anyway, to see how it worked (the things I do for you readers!!), so first I tested it on the back of my hand. I didn't have a reaction to it so I decided I would give it a go on my face.  First, let me try to effectively explain the smell to you.  I think it smells like pumpkins with a slight floral twist.  The floral isn't enough to trigger my allergies. so this was a good thing!  I put it on my face, and OMG it really, really burned- for about a minute.  Then the burning sensation went away, and I waited out my five minutes.  I washed it off, and while it didn't make my break out or turn my face red, I didn't notice anything special, either.  I'll try it again in a couple weeks, but this is likely something that I won't repurchase.
GRADE: 3/5

The last two items in each glam bag are two from the following list- Chella Dazzling Dark Brown Eyebrow color pencil (full size), City Color Cheek Stain (full size), Nyx blush (full size), Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (deluxe sample size), MicaBeauty eye shadow in bronze (full size), Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream (deluxe sample size), and Nailtini Straight Up nail lacquer in Mai Tai (full size).

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, deluxe sample size (0.25 fl oz), retail value $9.00.  Available HERE: discount code IPSY will earn you a free full size Full Exposure mascara with any full size Photo Finish Foundation Primer purchase, until 9/25/13, one time offer only and can't be combined with other offers.  Full size (1 oz) has a retail value of $36.00.

I love primers, and my current favorite is one by BareMinerals.  I have very sensitive skin, and primers, even high end ones, can send me into weeks of nasty breakouts.  I've heard both good and bad things about this primer, and this is my first time to try Smashbox products.

Swatch of Photo Finish Foundation Primer

I tried out this primer, and it has a super silky feeling when applying, much like my BareMinerals Primetime primer.  I tested this out, and it felt great on my skin.  I didn't notice pilling or peeling, as others have mentioned, but I tend to use only a very small amount- maybe that is the difference.  I really liked this one!
GRADE:4.5/5

MicaBeauty Mineral Eye Shadow in Bronze, full size (0.1 oz), retail value $14.95.  Available HERE: discount code will earn you 25% off any purchase, until 8/31/13, US only.  

This is the second time Ipsy has sent out MicaBeauty mineral shadows, and the first time that I received one.  I was super excited to give this a try! 

Swatch of Bronze by MicaBeauty

I am on the fence on whether I like loose shadows.  I seem to have really bad luck with fallout, and application.  Nonetheless, I gave this a try and experienced NO fallout, and beautiful color application.  I really love this stuff!  I will definitely be using this for a pop of bronzy shimmer.
GRADE: 5/5

I also received a bonus item in by bag, as a thank you for having referrals during the month of July.

Lime Crime Nail Polish in Crema de Limon, full size (0.3 oz), retail value $8.00.  Available HERE: no discount code available.

Seriously, I less than 3 all of you who have used my referral code to try out Ipsy- thank you so much!  This month, I received another nail polish, a yellow hue from a brand I have never tried before, Lime Crime.  As always, when I try out any new brand, I google them.  I was amazed at all that popped up for Lime Crime- and not much of it was good.  I will say that it looks like this company has finally worked through some issues, and now has many vegan items, and all items are cruelty free.  This polish is vegan and 3-free (yay!), and came packed in a cute box, that was lime green inside.  The bottle is a rectangle shape, and the unicorn logo is super cute.  I don't like that the color isn't marked on the bottle- if I were to like it and want to reorder, there is the possibility that I might not be able to find the correct color, but that is a small issue.

Swatch of Crema de Limon by Lime Crime, bad lighting.  it's much lighter in person, I swear!

First let me say, that I'm not a fan of yellow anything.  Yellow isn't a color I wear often, and when doing my nails, I have only ever used it as an accent color.  That being said, I was excited to try out a product from Lime Crime, and yellow-be-damned, I wanted to see what the formula was like.  I needed 3 coats to get full coverage, but I have found that pastels tend to need more coats than other polishes.  The polish took a bit longer than I am used to for it to dry, even with my top coat (that usually speeds up the process, at least in my opinion).  I also noticed that most full size polishes are .5 fl oz, this one is .3 fl oz, so a bit on the small size for a full size polish.  I don't care for the color on me alone- but I think I will jazz it up with some black polka dots, or use it for nail art.  

Swatch of Crema de Limon, with pink and purple splatter effect, plus the yellow is much more accurately shown :)

That's MUCH better, in my opinion.  A pretty yellow sun would be lovely on a sky blue background.  The color is really a nice butter yellow, but it's just not a color I will use frequently.  I tend to gravitate to blues, greens, pinks and purples.  I WILL say that this polish resisted chipping better than most polishes that I have worn- the formula is great, and I'll keep an eye out for a sale to pick up a different shade.  
GRADE:3/5 (great formula, 3-free, vegan, cruelty-free, it's just so...yellow)

Items I did NOT receive, and Ipsy's discount codes and offers (pictures of what my friends received and allowed me to photograph):

Noya Lip balm, full size (0.15 oz), retail value $3.99.  Available HERE; discount code IPSTER will get you 20% off any purchase, until 9/15/13, US only.

Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Gentle Exfoliating Facial Scrub, deluxe sample size (1 oz), retail value $5.29.  Available HERE; discount code AUGIPSY will get you 30% off any purchase, until 9/30/13, one time use, can't be combined with other offers, available worldwide.  Full size (3.4 fl oz) retails for $18.00.

Chella Eyebrow Color Pencil in Dazzling Dark Brown, full size (0.09g), retail value $18.00. Available HERE; discount code BROWPENCIL will get you 20% off your purchase, until 9/15/13, US and Canada only (some conditions on Canada orders).  

City Color Cheek Stain, full size (size not listed online, nor on the packaging), retail value $2.99.  Available HERE, discount code IPSY0813 will get you 20% off any purchase, until 9/15/13, US only.

Swatch of cheek stain in Pink, by City Color

Nyx Blush, full size (size varies), retail value $5-7 (powder blush- $5, cream blush $6, mosaic powder blush $7).  Available HERE; discount code IPSYCHEEKS will get you 40% off Tango with blushing powder, until 9/13/13, cannot be combined with other offers.

Pacifica Multi-Mineral BB Cream, deluxe sample size (0.34 oz), retail value $5.44. Available HERE; discount code IPSY20 will get you 20% off any purchase, until 9/15/13, US and Canada only, cannot be combined with other offers.  Full size (1 fl oz) retails for $16.

Nailtini Straight Up nail lacquer in Mai Tai, full size (0.5 fl oz), retail value $16.00.  Available HERE; discount code HOT4IPSY will get you 30% off your purchase plus $5 shipping, until 9/15/13, continental US only, cannot be combined with other offers. 

August 2013 Ipsy Bag

That about sums up my Ipsy experience for August!  Here's the financial breakdown- I'll list every option available so you can see the true monetary value (not to be confused with actual value- receiving a product you've never tried is definitely a value to me, even if I hate it!) of your bag, too!

Urban Decay Revolution lipstick (deluxe sample): $7.33
Noya Lip balm (full size): $3.99
Pixi Lash Booster Mascara (deluxe sample size): $7.14
Michael Todd Pumpkin mask (deluxe sample size): $10.00
Michael Todd Jojoba and Charcoal scrub (deluxe sample size): $5.29
Chella eyebrow pencil (full size): $18.00
City Color Cheek Stain (full size): $2.99
Nyx blush (full size): $5.00-7.00
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (deluxe sample size): $9.00
MicaBeauty eye shadow in bronze (full size): $14.95
Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream (deluxe sample size): $5.44
Nailtini Straight Up nail lacquer (full size): $16.00
Lime Crime nail polish (full size): $8.00

Retail value of MY bag: $56.42
Price I paid: $10,00, shipping included

Holy cow, y'all- my bag is awesome this month!  I am really surprised and super happy.  The only thing that could have made it better is if I had received the eyebrow pencil instead of maybe the primer, but there is always next month (unless someone out there wants to send me theirs that they won't use....pretty please???)!

Now, tell me, my only average friends- what did YOU receive this month?  Love it? Hate it?  Any suggestions on what I should try next??

I'll leave you with a picture of me in my Ipsy August look:

Wearing UD tinted moisturizer, Benefit Hoola bronzer, UD 24/7 eyeliner in Zero, Pixi lash booster mascara, Glamour Doll Eyes Sherbert and MicaBeauty Bronze eye shadows, and UD's Revolutions lipstick in 69...and Good God, my nose looks HUGE at this angle!!!

 

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 :)

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 :)