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. 

December 2013 Ipsy (My Glam) Unboxing and Review

Hello my lovelies!

My favorite mail day has arrived- Ipsy Day!

Pink Envelope of Goodness

I seriously LOVE receiving this pretty pink envelope each month in the mail.  It really makes my day.

First Peek

The first peek inside the bag is always the best- especially if nothing is broken or crushed :)

Celebration!

December's Theme is "Celebration!" I love this- not only is it Ipsy's second anniversary, it's also the time of year that is filled with parties, family and gatherings.  Ipsy is also having a contest this month, if you post a picture of your Glam Bag on Instagram with the proper tags, you could win a year's subscription to this fabulous service.

The brands

I always love the little insert cards in each package; it is a fast introduction to the brands that are featured each month, and have cute little pictures on them.  December's bag is no exception.

December 2013's bag

I absolutely, positively LOVE this month's bag!  It's the same style as June's bag, and the shiny black diamond-pattered outside is perfectly paired with a deep red liner.  This bag has instantly become my purse cosmetic bag, and will remain so for quite a while, I think.

Each month, Ipsy sends out 4-5 items, either deluxe samples or full sized items.  This month, Ipsy send 2 items to all subscribers, and the remaining 3 items varied from bag to bag.  I'll start with the items everyone received.

Be A…Bombshell The One Stick in Girl Crush, full size (7.3g/0.26 oz), $16 retail, available HERE.  Discount code IPSY40 will get you a 40% discount, and a free full-sized raspberry tart blush, until 1/15/14, US only, can’t be combined with other offers, free item is automatically added when order ships.

I've enjoyed trying out the Be A...Bombshell line.  The One Stick is a product that is for use on the eyes, cheeks and lips (hence the name), and this pretty pink is a beautiful blush shade on me.  I tried it on my lips, and it applied kind of thickly, and it was too frosty to look good with my skin tone.  I have yet to try it on my eyes (I have lots of pink shadow), but I think this would work well as a cream shadow (maybe as a base).  When I heard that we were getting this product, I looked for a picture of it, and was surprised when it arrived at just how big it is.  I guess I was expecting a product the size of a lipstick tube, and this is MUCH bigger than that, and will last a long time.  I am pretty happy with this- it's the first cream blush product that I actually like.
GRADE: 4/5

POP Beauty Bright Up Your Life Eyeshadow Trio in Smokin’ Hot, deluxe sample size (4.35g/0.15 oz, 3 pans of shadow), $7.20 retail value, available HERE. Full size retails for $24 and includes 10 pans of shadow.  Discount code EyeLuvPOP gets you 25% off of any purchase, until 1/15/14, one time use only, can’t be combined with other offers, US only, excluding territories, free shipping on orders $75 or more.

I've had good and bad luck with POP Beauty before- I really disliked the mascara I received earlier this year, but the lip crayon was a flattering shade for me, and a decent formula.  My first impression of the eyeshadow trio was that the palette was hard to open.  Like really REALLY hard.  As in I wound up breaking two nails, and using a butter knife hard. I swatched the shadows and they seemed to be lightly pigmented, but when I went to use them on my eyes, I was very impressed with the consistency. I gave this shadow trio a try, and while I would have preferred the neutral palette, these went on nicely, blended well, and created a long lasting smoky eye look that I rocked for a full day.  I did put these on over primer, and I think that it made all the difference.  I don't currently have a palette specifically for smoky eye looks, so this is a welcome addition to my collection.  I will try to branch out more into this look for evenings out, but I don't think I will ever give up on my love for color!

GRADE: 4/5

 Ipsy also sent each subscriber a lip product: each bag had either a J.Cat lip pencil or a NYX lipstick.  I received...

 Nyx Extra Creamy Round Lipstick in Celene, full size (4g/0.14oz), $4.00 retail, available HERE. Discount code IPSYSLIM gets you 35% off of the slim lip pencil until 1/15/14, one time use, can’t be combined with other offers.

Once I found out that I was going to receive the NYX Lipstick, I was really excited. I've wanted to try out their formula, but don't currently have any in my collection (how did THAT happen?).  When I opened up my bag, and saw the color that I received, I actually sad the words, "You've got to be kidding me!"
Ipsy, please- I don't wear pale shades.  I don't wear much gold.  Please send me pretty pinks, corals, and blue-based reds.  Please don't send me any more zombie-inspired lipstick shades.  Please??  I did give this a try, and it was worse on my lips than on my hand.  I'll try layering this over a darker lip shade; hopefully I can find some use of this tube.  It's really a shame, because I really like the formula.
GRADE 3/5 (Great formula, horrific shade)

The remaining two items in each bag were from an assortment of items.  Here is what I received:

Nicka K New York polish in NY112, full size (0.5 fl oz/15ml), $4.99 retail, available HERE.  Discount code IPSY gets you 30% off until 1/10/14, cannot be combined with other offers, US only, free shipping on orders $50 or more.

I love me some nailpolish, and I have never heard of the brand Nicka K.  I received a pretty taupe shade, with purple undertones in some lighting.  I gave this a try and I really love the formula.  This polish is long lasting, and applied smooth and creamy.  I had total opacity in two coats.  

Swatch of Nicka K Polish in NY112 (gold sparkle top coat on all of them except the ring finger)

This color isn't my favorite shade, but after I added a gold sparkle topcoat, I think it is fantstic!  I don't have any like this at all in my collection, so this will most definitely get used.  I think this is my favorite product in my bag this month.  Love it!
GRADE: 5/5

Ardell Natural Lashes in 120 DEMI, full size (1 pair), $3.99 retail, available HERE.  No discount coded this month, sorry!

I have a love/hate relationship with lashes.  I love them, but I hate applying them.  I finally have a method that works fairly well, and these applied nicely.  I don't think that the lashes looked particularly natural on my face, but they were light and easy to wear.  The glue included did a nice job of holding them in place, which for me, is unusual for the little samples in the lash packs, so this was a big plus.
GRADE: 4/5

In my bag this month, I also received a referral bonus- so a HUGE thank you to anyone and everyone who used my link to sign up for Ipsy!!

Beauty blender and blender cleanser, deluxe sample (blender alone is $19.95), available HERE.  Full size retails for $23.95 (1 blender and 3 oz of cleanser).  No discount code currently available.

I have never tried the original Beauty Blender before, and I have to say, that I was pleasantly surprised.  I expected the foam to be more dense (like the one I purchased from the Ulta brand), and was happy with how it applied the foundation.  The cleanser was great, and did a fabulous job of cleaning my sponge.  I was amazed at how much the blender "grew" once it was dampened!  This is seriously my new go-to for applying foundation.  Love it!  This is a fabulous extra, and I am super happy with it!
GRADE: 5/5

I took one swatch photo this month, of everything on my hand.  Here 'tis:

Top: Nyx lipstick in Celene
Middle: Be A Bombshell The One Stick in Girl Crush, Nicka K polish in NY112 (Classic Taupe)
Bottom: POP Beauty Smokin' Hot Trio

Items YOU might have received in your Ipsy bag, but I did not:

J.Cat Beauty Big Lip Pencil, full size (0.3 oz), retails for $3.99, available HERE.  Discount code jcatlips will get you 30% off of any purchase, until 1/15/14, can't be combined, US only.

Mirabella Eye Blender brush, full size, retails for $27, available HERE.  Discount code IPSTER will get you 30% off of any purchase, until 1/7/14, can't be combined with other offers, valid in the US only.

English Laundry Signature Fragrances set (Signature Pour Femme and Signature), 2 vials, each 5mL, retail value $8.70, available HERE.  Full size is 3.4 oz/100mL and retails for $84 (men's) and $90 (women's).  If you purchase this fragrance, you will receive a free bag with any purchase of $75 or more, and free shipping, until 2/23/14, free shipping is US only and excludes Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

Andrea Strip Lashes in style #33, full size, retails for $3.99, available HERE.  No discount code this time, sorry! 

Salon Perfect Perfectly Natural lashes in #53, full size, retails for $2.98, available HERE.  No discount code this time, sorry! 

Demeter Snow Perfume Oil Roll on, full size (0.29 fl oz/8.8mL), retails for $10, available HERE.  Discount code ipsy20dfl will get you 20% off of any purchase, until 1/13/14, one time use only, valid only in US and Canada.

Jesse's Girl Julie G Holiday Frosted Gum Drops Nail lacquer in Sugar Plum Fairy, full size (0.35 fl oz), available HERE, retails for $3.99.  Discount code IPSYDEC2013 will get you 20% off your purchase until 1/15/14, free US shipping, international shipping available.

Starilly Nail Polish in Bzzz Buzz, mini size (0.17oz), retails for $5, available HERE.  Discount code IPSY will get you 20% off of your purchase, can't be combined with other offers, US and Canada only, shipping based on weight, no end date listed.

December 2013 December Glam Bag

Here's my beautiful December 2013 Ipsy Glam bag, in all it's glory!  I am really happy with what I received this month, and while I might have wanted to try some different items, aside from the god-awful lipstick color, everything I did get will most definitely be used.  To me, that spells SUCCESS! 

Here's a rundown of everything that was sent out by Ipsy this month, just to help you calculate your bag's monetary value.  As always, an item could be worth a fortune, and you hate it, so it has no true value, but the almighty dollar seems to be the way most people judge their bags, so, here we go! 

Be A...Bombshell The One Stick (full size): $16.00
POP Beauty eyeshadow trio (deluxe sample): $7.20
Nyx Extra Creamy Round lipstick (full size): $4.00
J.Cat Beauty Big Lip Pencil (full size): $3.99
Ardell Natural Lashes (full size): $3.99
Andrea Strip Lashes (full size): $3.99
Salon Perfect Perfectly Natural lashes (full size): $2.98
Nicka K New York polish (full size): $4.99
Jesse's Girl Julie G Nail lacquer in Sugar Plum Fairy (full size): $3.99
Starilly Nail Polish in Bzzz Buzz (mini size): $5.00
English Laundry Signature Fragrances set (Signature Pour Femme and Signature), (2 vials, each 5mL):$8.70
Demeter Snow Perfume Oil Roll on (full size): $10.00
Mirabella Eye Blender brush (full size): $27.00
Referral Gift:
Beauty blender and blender cleanser (deluxe sample):blender alone is $19.95

Total retail value of MY bag (approx.): $56.13 (without referral gift, $36.14)

My December 2013 Ipsy Look

Sorry about the shadow on my shadow, but here's a closeup of the eyelook, with Starlook's Topaz gem pencil as liner.

Closeup of the lashes

 Here's my unboxing video, for those who like to watch these things, and want to see my Christmas tree :)  If you want to see more of my family and me, a new vlog is uploaded every day on this channel, so subscribe away :)


What's this- you don't subscribe to Ipsy yet?  Well, crawl out from underneath the rock you are living under and head on over there and check them out!  Ipsy is $10 a month (plus $5 if you are in Canada), and gets you 4-5 full size or deluxe sample beauty products in the mail each month, all in a cosmetic bag.   If you would like to sign up, would you consider using my referral link?  I get points towards goodies, and you get good karma, plus a referral code of your very own to share.  Everyone wins!

Until next time, my lovelies- stay Average!

Disclaimer: This video contains products that I purchased with my own 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.