Ipsy (My Glam) Review- March 2014

Hello my lovelies!  I’m so happy you stopped by to visit today, because I have lots of fun things to share with you!  I received my March Ipsy bag, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it!

Not familiar with Ipsy?  Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription service, and for $10 a month (plus tax in a couple of 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.

pink envelope

While pink isn’t my favorite color, this IS my favorite site to see in my post box each month.  Seriously, these shiny pink envelopes invoke an excitement rarely seen in my boring, grown up life!

first peek

Here’s the first peek inside the pink envelope of goodness.  I spy something fabulous!

the bag

This month, Ipsy has enlisted an artist in San Francisco to design the bag.  I love the texture of this bag- plastic waterproof feeling- and the pattern is fun.  It’s a representation of a street map of San Fran- a place I very much would love to visit!  Artist Klari Reis did an amazing job and I’m loving how Ipsy is branching out and giving a talented artist some exposure!  

bag interior

The inside liner is a pretty blue- and has Klari’s name above the Ipsy label.  Love it!

insert card

This month’s theme is Destination Beauty.  I love the resort scene on the card- many of you know that in the summer I’m a beach bum- living 10 minutes from a premier beach resort has it’s perks! 

reverse of card

The back of the card has the monthly facebook/instagram contest, and lists all the awesome brands that Ipsy has partnered with this month.

bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Get Ready, deluxe sample size (1.5 g/0.05 oz), retail value $7.50.  Full size is 3.5 ml/0.12 fl oz and retails for $18.00; available HERE.  Discount code included is a unique code so I can’t share; it gives a free Lash Domination volumizing mascara sample and free shipping on a purchase, until 4/30/14.

I love lipstick, and bareMinerals.  This pint size sample packs a big punch!  The shade Get Ready isn’t red (like you would gather by the name) but a pretty dusty rose that is quite flattering on me.

swatch of Get Ready lipstick from bareMinerals

I gave this lipstick a try, and it applies smoothly and is long lasting.  While I have tried bareMinerals’ lip gloss, this is my first experience with the lipstick, and I’ll definitely be checking them out very soon!
GRADE: 5/5

Pixi Beauty Flawless Beauty Primer, deluxe sample size (12 ml/0.4 fl oz), retail value $8.80; full size is 30 ml/1.01 fl oz, and retails for $22.00; available HERE.   Discount code FlawlessPixi gets you 25% off any purchase, until 4/15/14, free shipping on orders over $50.

I occasionally use face primers under my foundation, and like the results I tend to get from them.  Pixi’s Poreless and Flawless primer caused me to break out a bit, so I’ve been very cautious about using this Flawless Beauty primer.  This primer has a darkish hugh when first squeezed out of the tube, but blends to a lighter shade, with a dewy finish.

swatch of Pixi Beauty Flawless Beauty Primer- left is blended, right is unblended

I tried this under my Urban Decay foundation, and didn’t really see a big difference in my skin tone, or longevity of my makeup application. Perhaps when the weather warms up, I might try this on its own, without foundation, but as of right now, I’m not overly impressed.  I currently am experiencing a small breakout, and I'm pretty sure it's from this primer.  

GRADE: 2/5

Be A Bombshell Eyeshadow Quad in Bora Bora, full size (4.8 g/0.17 oz), retails for $16.00, available HERE.  Discount code IPSY40 will get you 40% off any purchase and a FREE Fuchsia Lip Crayon, until 4/15/14, can’t be combined with other offers, free item automatically added to shipment, US only, $2 flat shipping fee.

I have a serious eye shadow addiction.  I’m always excited to receive new eye shadows and see how well they work for me.  Be A Bombshell’s eye shadow quads have four cutely divided sections, and the Bora Bora set contains the shades Starlet (a rich, chocolate brown), Bora Bora (gorgeous teal), Risky Business (sandy golden brown) and Rock Bottom (metallic copper).

swatches of Bora Bora eyeshadow quad from Be A Bombshell

I have never had the chance to try out Be A Bombshell’s eye shadows before, and I am pleasantly surprised with my experience.  The pigmentation is acceptable, they blended easily, and lasted all day, on top of my eyeshadow primer (Urban Decay Primer Potion in Greed).  I love teal (and color!), and this quad is a perfect match for me.

GRADE: 4/5

Nicole by OPI Roughles polish in On What Grounds?, full size (15 ml/0.5 fl oz), will retail for approx. $7.99; store list HERE (not sure it’s in stores yet!).  No discount code available this time, sorry!  This photo isn't best for color correctness- the swatch picture below is much better.

I used to be a total nail polish addict, and kicked the habit.  Ipsy has helped re-enable my former addiction, and my polish collection has grown by leaps and bounds in the last year!  I have tried (and love!) several shades of Nicole by OPI, and was excited to received this turquoise textured polish this month.  I’m a huge fan of Zoya’s Pixie Dust polishes, and thought that this would be similar.  Roughles (pronounced “ruffles”) polish has a sand-like texture, with flecks of color mixed in.

Swatch of On What Grounds?, Nicole by OPI Roughles collection; 2 coats, no top or base coat.

Turquoise is a favorite color of mine, and this polish is the perfect shade  Textured polish doesn’t require a top coat, and it makes for a fast and easy manicure.  I really love how the textured polish makes it harder to flub up your nails when you paint them (it is quite forgiving), and the texture and shade of the polish.  I used a base coat and the polish chipped very quickly.  I tried this again with no base, and it stayed for several days.  I’m going to add some specks of pastel colors to create Easter Egg nails for my Easter look. 

GRADE: 4/5

That’s all of the items that I received in my March Ipsy bag- 4 nice sized items this month.  BUT- because of lovely readers like you (thank you!), I was able to cash in some ipsyPoints for a referral gift! 

Benefit Cosmetics High Beam, full size (13.0 ml/0.45 fl oz), retails for $26.00, available HERE.  No discount code available this time, sorry!

Benefit is one of my very favorite makeup brands.  I’ve tried Benefit’s High Beam before, and absolutely loved it, so I was excited that I could cash my points in for a full sized bottle!

swatch of Benefit Cosmetics High Beam

High Beam is a beautiful liquid highlighter that bathes your cheekbones in moonlight.  Ok, not really, but it’s pretty amazing.  I love the formula- just dot a bit on, and blend it in.  Benefit has highlighters down to a T- between this and their Watt’s Up!, I’ll never shop for highlighters again!

GRADE: 5/5

And that, my friends is everything that I received this month from Ipsy.  Ipsy sent out a large variety of items this month, though, so here are the items that I didn’t receive but YOU might have:

NYX Cosmetics Love In Rio Eye Shadow palette (variety of shades), full size (0.105 oz/3 g), retails for $6.00 (currently on sale for $4.20), available HERE.  Discount code IPSYBB will get you 25% off NYX Butter Lip Balm, until 4/15/14, cannot be combined with other offers, valid in US only, free shipping on orders over $25.

Pacifica Body Butter in Indian Coconut Nectar, travel size (2.5 fl oz/73 ml), retails for $7.00, available HERE.  Discount code ipsygirl will get you 20% off any purchase, until 4/16/14, one time use only, can’t be combined with other offers, valid only in continental US and Canada, free shipping on orders over $50.

BareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Rebel, deluxe sample size (2.25 mL/0.7 fl oz), retail value $9.00.  Full size is 4.5 mL/0.15 fl oz, and retails for $18.00, available HERE.  Discount code included is a unique code so I can’t share; it gives a free Lash Domination volumizing mascara sample and free shipping on a purchase, until 4/30/14.

Chella Eyeliner in Indigo Blue, full size (1 ml), retails for $24.00, available HERE.  Discount code EYELINER will get you 25% off any purchase, until 4/15/14, free shipping on orders over $50, valid in US and Canada only.

Klorane smoothing and relaxing patches with soothing cornflower, deluxe sample size (2 pairs), retail value $5.14.  Full size is 7 pairs, retails for $18.00, and is available HERE.  Discount code IPSY will get you 15% off any Klorane purchase until 4/30/15, US only.

Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream with SPF 42, deluxe sample size (10 ml), retail value $4.40.  Full size is 50 ml/1.69 oz., retails for $22.00, and is available HERE.  Discount code IPSY will get you a free gift with purchase until 4/15/14, one time use only, valid only in US, gift is a free M Boomer 10 mL with any purchase, subject to change without notice.

Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Lotion, deluxe sample size (20 ml/0.67 fl oz), retail value $7.20.  Full size is 150 ml/5.07 fl oz, retails for $54.00, and is available HERE.  Discount code IPSY gets you 3 free gifts and free shipping when you purchase the pHenominal 2-3 Week Tan lotion, until 4/30/14, free gifts include travel size pHenominal 2-3 Week Tan mousse, travel size tanning mitt, and full size tanning mitt, gifts automatically added to order, valid in US only.

March 2014 Ipsy Bag

Here is my awesome March Ipsy bag- Destination Beauty.  I’m seriously loving the theme this month, and the fun pops of color!


If you would like to see my real time, first impressions of my March Ipsy bag, here is my Unboxing video. I always post these to my youTube channel first (since I have to test the products before I write a post!), so if you are dying to see what I think of my Ipsy bag right away, feel free to subscribe to my channel :)

 

My March 2014 Ipsy Look

And here is the look that I created with my March Ipsy bag.  I’m loving the eyeshadow quad- these are perfect colors for me!  The lipstick and highlighter are amazing too- the only thing I’m not crazy about is the primer.  Guess you can’t win them all!

Here’s the part of the post where I list the financial breakdown. We all know that cost and value are two different things- if you love something it has much more value than something you hate, no matter how much it costs.  First, I’ll recap the retail values of everything that Ipsy sent this month:

bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Get Ready (deluxe sample), $7.50

bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Rebel (deluxe sample), $9.00

Pixi Beauty Flawless Beauty Primer (deluxe sample) $8.80

Pacifica Body Butter in Indian Coconut Nectar (travel size) $7.00

Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream with SPF 42 (deluxe sample size), $4.40

Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Lotion (deluxe sample size), $7.20

Be A Bombshell Eyeshadow Quad in Bora Bora (full size), $16.00

NYX Cosmetics Love in Rio Eyeshadow Trio (full size), $6.00 (on sale for $4.50)

Nicole by OPI Roughles polish in On What Grounds?, (full size), $7.99

Chella Eyeliner in Indigo Blue (full size), $24.00

Klorane Smoothing and Relaxing patches (deluxe sample size), $5.14

Benefit Cosmetics High Beam (full size) $26.00 (referral gift)

Total retail value of my bag (approx.): $66.29  (without referral gift, $40.29) All in all, I think this was a great month for Ipsy, even if they only sent out 4 items.  I think we have all been spoiled with bigger 5 item bags for so long, it was a shock to only receive 4 (well, I received 5 because of my referral gift-thanks again- but you know what I mean).  I can’t wait to see what NEXT month holds for Ipsy!
So, tell me- what did YOU receive in your March Ipsy bag?

Until next time, my lovelies- stay Average!

DISCLAIMER: This post contains products that I purchased with my own my husband’s money.  I was not asked nor requested by any company to review/unbox these items, and all opinions are true and my own.  No links are referral or paid links, except the Ipsy link.  I totally want the Ipsy points. 

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) 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 :)