Ipsy (My Glam) Review- May 2014

Hello my lovelies!  I received my May Ipsy bag in the mail, and I can't wait to share my thoughts with you!

Not familiar with Ipsy? Ipsy is a beauty subscription service, where you are sent 4-5 deluxe sample or full sized items each month, for $10 (US subscribers), or $14.95 (Canadian subscribers).  If you would like to subscribe, and want to send some love my way, I hope you would consider using my referral link- thank you!

This month marks a year since Ipsy launched their "Ipsymatch" program, that is supposed to make bags more personalized, and provide a sample selection more focused on each subscriber's wants.  This has opened the door for Ipsy to work with more brands, since more variations mean less samples companies would need to provide for ipsy (especially indie brands- lots of small companies can't afford to give thousands of product samples away in a month!).  I can't say whether or not ipsyatch actually works, but I have to say that Ipsy has definitely come a long way in the last year- SO many more products are offered now, as opposed to a year ago!  

On to the goodies :)

Pink Envelope

I say this all the time, but I really do love these pink envelopes- it's so great to see them in the mailbox, especially since the tracking Ipsy sends out is less than reliable.  Pink envelopes are awesome, and always a welcome sight!

First Peek

I always love peeking in my Ipsy envelopes- that first look is always worth the wait!

Insert Card

This month's card is in my favorite spring color scheme- pink and spring green :)  I love the theme this month, too- Beauty's Fresh Picks- it's all about trying something new this spring!

Card Reverse

On the back of the insert card is the monthly Instagram contest, and a list of the brands that are included in this month's bag.  

The Bag

I seriously love the bag this month.  I think this may be my favorite bag.  Made of canvas, with a pretty green leaf pattern on one side, this bag is the perfect size and will be perfect to keep my touch up makeup in my purse.  Love, love, love it!

Pur~lisse Pur~moist hydra balance moisturizer, deluxe sample size (.5 oz/15 ml), retail value $16.50; full size is 1.7 oz/50 ml and retails for $55.00, available HERE. Discount code Ipsy30 will get you 30% off any purchase, until 6/15/14, valid only in US and Canada, free shipping on orders over $50.

I love moisturizers, and was very excited to try out Pur~moist from Pur~lisse this month.  This moisturizer has a light floral scent, but it wasn't enough to trigger my massive allergies.  It did a great job hydrating my skin, without being greasy.  Pur~lisse is designed for normal/dry skin, is safe for sensitive skin, and has anti-aging properties.  I will definitely use this sample up, but the regular price lotion is a bit out of my price range.

GRADE 4/5

Jersey Shore Sun Sans Tan Pure White Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 35, deluxe sample size (0.5 oz), retail value $10.00; full size is 2 oz and retails for $40.00 (or you can get a 2 pack of the deluxe samples for $25; available HERE.  Discount code Ipsy30 will get you 30% off the full size Sans Tan Anti-Aging sunscreen, until 6/15/14, worldwide shipping available, check site for details.

I religiously wear sunscreen, any time I plan on leaving the house.  This is almost every day.  While I have my favorite brands, I am always happy to try something new!  I have never heard of Jersey Shore Sun, which is kind of odd, since I live on the Delaware shore, not terribly far from the Jersey Shore.  I digress.  I gave this a try, and it works pretty much like any other sunscreen.  It was easy to work it into my skin, and I'm assuming it protected me from the sun. My little tube did need to be shaken up before use, though- the product had separated a bit, but it mixed together again quite well.  What else can I say- it's sunscreen.

GRADE 3/5
 

Hey Honey Take It Off Exfoliating Honey Peel Off Mask, deluxe sample size (10 ml), retail value $7.00; full size is 1.7 oz/50 ml and retails for $35.00; available HERE.  Discount code Ipsy will get you 20% off your order, (no ending date specified; it was a pop-up)

I am a face mask person.  I have a couple of them here at the house that I love- a mud mask and a thermal mask- and indulge my face in a spa treatment about once a week.  I was excited to give the Hey Honey mask a try- I love all-natural products, and this one smelled good, and sounded like it would be great for my skin.

Hey Honey Take it Off mask on my face

There are no instructions on the package for this product, but instead are referred to the product's website.  According to Hey Honey, first apply a thin layer of moisturizer, then the mask, wait 10-15 minuted, and then peel the mask off and reapply the moisturizer.  I followed these instructions to the T.  The mask went on smoothly, and dried out just like every other mask I have ever used.  Once my nose began to get itchy, I checked the timer and began to peel the mask off.  Because this mask is basically clear when it's dry, it's hard to see exactly where all the little leftover pieces are, that didn't come off with the "big" peel.  I did eventually find them all, and my skin was very soft when I was done.  I like the mask, but I think I'll stick to my mud.

GRADE: 4/5

Avene Eau Thermale Thermal Spring Water, travel size (1.76 oz/50 ml), retails for $9.00; full size is 10.58 oz/300 g and retails for $18.00; available HERE.  Discount code IPSY15 will get you 15% off any Avene product at drugstore.com, until 6/14/14, US only.

This is thermal spring water.  In a can.  With an aerosol  spray head.  I'm not entirely sure what the difference between thermal water and regular water is, but I suspect it's not much.  I read the package insert for this, and still can't figure out what exactly I can use it for.  The insert suggests spraying the product on itchy skin to relieve the itch, and I tried this, but in my case it didn't particularly help.  I'm putting this in my beach bag and going to see if it helps me cool off when I'm sun bathing.  Honestly, though, I don't see much value in this product, unless you have recently had surgery and need to cleanse an area, or wear water soluble makeup and need help removing it.  This just isn't for me.  Water in a can.  Huh.

GRADE: 1/5

Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Duo, Duo 1 (celestial and opal), deluxe sample size (0.07 oz/2 g), retail value $4.00; full size is 0.25 oz/7 g and retails for $14.00; available HERE.  Discount code ipsybeauty will get you 25% off your purchase, until 6/30/14, cannot be combined with other offers, valid only in US and Canada, free shipping on orders over $50.

I was super excited when I saw that everyone was getting a Pacifica eyeshadow duo- I've been eyeing up their makeup collection for a while, and have been waiting for the perfect chance to try them out!  Ipsy sent out two duos, this one and another with a purple and iridescent white shade (moonbeam and unicorn).  I would have rather received the Duo 2, but these neutral shades will go with anything, and are very wearable (even if the compact did fall apart the first time I opened it!).

Swatch of Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Duo no. 1

These eyeshadows are extremely soft and creamy to the touch (these feel amazing!), and swatched nicely on my hand.  The pigmentation didn't really transfer to my eyelids, though- I had to really work to create an eye look with these.  

Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Duo no. 1 on my eyes

I love the feel of these, I just wish I had some darker shades, as I really am stocked up on neutral shadows.  That is my fault, and not Ipsy's though!

GRADE: 3/5

BareMinerals Marvelous Moxie lipstick in Light It Up, full size (3.5g/0.12 oz), retails for $18.00; available HERE.  No discount code this time, maybe next month!

I really loved the Marvelous Moxie lipstick that I received in my March Ipsy bag, and when I saw that I had enough referral points to redeem, and that there was another shade of this awesome lipstick formula up for grabs, I jumped right on that "redeem" button faster than you can imagine.  I literally couldn't wait to receive this lipstick, as the shade on Ipsy's page looked like a perfect spring rose shade, with a bit of a melon undertone.

Swatch of BareMinerals Marvelous Moxie lipstick in Light It Up

This lipstick is NOT a pinky melon shade. It's very orange/melon.  While this bright shade might do well with someone less pale than me, this is going into my "fun" pile to wear on a night out with my girlfriends.  

BareMinerals Marvelous Moxie in Light it Up on my lips, in bad lighting

I'm very sad that the shade was misrepresented on Ipsy's page (inadvertently, I am very sure), but this formula is amazing and when I do get brave enough to rock this orange shade, I know it will be long lasting and apply smoothly.  That has to count for something, right?

GRADE: 2/5

Here are the items that * I * didn’t receive this month, but you may have:

Hang Ten Classic Sport SPF 50 Natural sunscreen, deluxe sample size (1 fl oz/30 ml), retail value approx. $2.17; full size is 6 fl oz and retails for $12.99

Available HERE.  Discount code IPSY2014 will get you 25% off your purchase, until 6/30/14, one time use only, no valid on past purchases, cannot be combined with other offers, not applied to taxes or shipping, valid only in the US.

Bare Foot Exfoliating Polish, deluxe sample size (2 packets, each 0.5 oz/15 ml), retail value approx. $1.20; full size is 5.3 oz/150 ml and retails for $5.99; available HERE.  Discount code BUFFBABE will get you 55% off the Bare Foot Better in the Buff Set and free shipping, until 7/31/14, one time use only, can’t be combined with other offers, not valid on past purchases.

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in 205 Elusive, full size (0.095 oz/2.7 g); retails for $8.99, available HERE.  No discount code this month, maybe next time!

Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask, small full size (2.03 oz/60 ml), retails for $12, available HERE.  Discount code ISPY will get you 65% off your purchase, until 6/15/14, valid only in the US, shipping cost is $5.95.

Eva NYC Mane Tamer Leave In Conditioner, small full size (3.38 fl oz/100 ml), retails for $8.00, available HERE.  Discount code ISPY will get you 65% off your purchase, until 6/15/14, valid only in the US, shipping cost is $5.95.

Eva NYC Rock A Wave Curl Cream, small full size (3.38 fl oz/100 ml), retails for $8.00, available HERE.  Discount code ISPY will get you 65% off your purchase, until 6/15/14, valid only in the US, shipping cost is $5.95.

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer, deluxe sample size (2.5g), retail value $7.50; full size is 10 g/0.35 oz and retails for $30.00, available HERE.  Discount code Bronzer25 will get you 25% off any purchase, until 6/15/14, one time use only, cannot be combined with other offers, cannot be used on sale items, valid only in the US.

Balanced Guru No Frizz Organic Sesame and Lemongrass Balancing Oil, travel size (0.5 oz/15 ml), retails for $13.00; is available HERE.  Discount code nofrizz20 will get you 20% off your purchase until 6/30/14, cannot be combined with other offers, free shipping with order over $75 after code, valid in US and Canada only. 

Boo-Boo Cover Up Concealer in Medium, full size (0.34 oz/10 ml), retails for $19.99, available HERE.  Discount code RMKG9TY7 will get you 25% off any purchase, until 6/30/14, one time use only, not valid on past purchases, cannot be combined with other offers, valid only in the US and Canada.

Calvin Klein Endless Euphoria, deluxe sample size (1 fl oz/3 ml), retail value $27.60 or $22.25; full size is 2.5 oz (small) or 4 oz (large) and retails for $69.00 and $89.00, respectively, available HERE.  No discount code this month, maybe next time!

Coastal Scents Classic Blender Crease Brush with natural bristles, full size, retails for $2.49, available HERE.  Discount code BRUSH25Off will get you 25% off your purchase, until 5/31/14, cannot be applied to previous or future orders, or combined with other offers.

Derma e Microdermabrasion Scrub, deluxe sample size (1 oz), retail value $14.63; full size is 2 oz/56 g and retails for $29.25 (currently on sale, at the time this post was researched), available HERE.  Discount code IPSY0514 will get you 30% off any purchase, until 7/31/14, one time use only, not valid on past purchases, cannot be combined with other offers, valid only in the US. (I received this in a previous Ipsy bag (July 2013); you can read my review of this product HERE, if you like.)

LA Fresh Travel Lite oil free makeup remover wipes, travel size (8 wipes), retails for $2.49, available HERE.  Discount code IPSYLOVE30514 will get you 30% off any purchase, until 6/30/14, one time use only, cannot be combined with other offers, other restrictions may apply, see site for details, US only.

Lulu Blossom Dreamsicle Body Balm, travel size (2 oz), retails for $10.00; and is available HERE.  Discount code IPSY15 will get you 15% off any purchase, one time use only, not valid on past purchases, cannot be combined with other offers, valid only in the US and Canada.

Mee Beauty Bee Nourished Night Cream, deluxe sample size (7 ml/0.25 oz), retail value approx. $3.56; full size is 59 ml/2 oz and retails for $30.00; available HERE.  Discount code ipsy30 will get you 30% off of any purchase until 8/31/14, cannot be combined with other offers, $5 shipping on US orders, valid in the US only.

SWISSCO Electroplated Eyelash Curler, full size, retails for $5.00, available HERE.  No discount code this time, maybe next time!

Nailtini Straight Up Nail Lacquer, full size (15 ml/0.5 oz), retails for $13.00, available HERE.  Discount code IPSYSPRING will get you 50% off any purchase $12 or more plus a free eyeliner, until 7/10/14, not valid with any other offer or on lacquer cabinet subscriptions, eyeliner automatically added to order, valid only in the US and Canada. (I've recieved two of these shades in the past, if you like you can see my swatch of Caviar Cocktail HERE (it's the accent nail), and  Frappe HERE.)

Olive Natural Beauty The Olive Lip Balm in Refreshing Rosemary, full size (0.07 oz), retails for $5.95, available HERE.  Discount code OLIVEIPSY will get you 20% off and a free gift with purchase, until 7/15/14, one time use only, cannot be combined with other offers, $2 US shipping, $3 Canada shipping, and international shipping rates may vary.

Crown Brush Chisel Shader, full size, retails for $3.29, available HERE.  No discount code this time, maybe next time!

Crown Brush Pro Blending Fluff Brush, full size, retails for $5.49, available HERE.  No discount code this time, maybe next time!

Here is MY bag contents, for this month:

Ipsy Glam Bag May 2014

And here is the video, featuring my beautiful oldest child, as we unbox our Ipsy bags together:

Here is the look I was able to create with the little bit of makeup I received this month.  Notice the very orange lips :)

Now it’s time for the financial breakdown: but first, I’ll recap all of the items in this month’s bags, to make it easy for you to calculate YOUR bag’s value too (items with stars are the ones in my May bag):

*Pur~lisse Pur~moist hydra balance moisturizer, deluxe sample size, $16.50

*Jersey Shore Sun Sans Tan Pure White Mineral Sunscreen, deluxe sample size, $10.00

Hang Ten Classic Sport SPF 50 Natural sunscreen, deluxe sample size, $2.17

*Hey Honey Take It Off Exfoliating Honey Peel Off Mask, deluxe sample size, $7.00

Derma e Microdermabrasion Scrub, deluxe sample, $14.63

Lulu Blossom Dreamsicle Body Balm, travel size, $10.00

Bare Foot Exfoliating Polish, deluxe sample size (2 packets), $1.20

*Avene Eau Thermale Thermal Spring Water, travel size,  $9.00

Mee Beauty Bee Nourished Night Cream, deluxe sample size, $3.56

LA Fresh Travel Lite oil free makeup remover wipes, travel size, $2.49

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in 205 Elusive, full size, $8.99

*Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Duo, deluxe sample size, $4.00

Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask, small full size, $12.00

Eva NYC Mane Tamer Leave In Conditioner, small full size, $8.00

Eva NYC Rock A Wave Curl Cream, small full size, $8.00

Balanced Guru No Frizz Organic Sesame and Lemongrass Balancing Oil, travel size, $13.00

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer, deluxe sample size, $7.50

Boo-Boo Cover Up Concealer in Medium, full size, $19.99

Calvin Klein Endless Euphoria, deluxe sample size, $27.60 or $22.25

Olive Natural Beauty The Olive Lip Balm in Refreshing Rosemary, full size, $5.95

Nailtini Straight Up Nail Lacquer, full size, $13.00

Coastal Scents Classic Blender Crease Brush with natural bristles, full size, $2.49

Crown Brush Chisel Shader, full size, $3.29

Crown Brush Pro Blending Fluff Brush, full size, $5.49

SWISSCO Electroplated Eyelash Curler, full size, $5.00

*BareMinerals Marvelous Moxie lipstick in Light It Up, full size, $18.00

(holy cow, that’s a LONG list!)

TOTAL RETAIL VALUE OF MY BAG (approx.): $64.50, (without referral gift: $46.50)  Although my bag has a high dollar value, I really wasn’t all that impressed by the items I was sent this month.  I love the bag itself, and am happy to be a subscriber, and willingly give Ipsy my $10 gamble money each month, but this month just wasn’t a win for me.  Some of the variations looked amazing- I would have LOVED the Revlon lip crayon, the Too Faced bronzer (even if it does look too dark for me, I would like to try it out!), or the blue Nailtini polish.  I guess you can't win them all!

Tell me- what did YOU receive in your Ipsy bag this month?  Would I have bag envy??

Until next time, my lovelies- stay Average!

Disclaimer: I purchased these items with my own money my husband's money.  I was neither requested nor required to review these items, and all links in this post are NOT referral links, except the Ipsy link.  I totally want the Ipsy points.

Accidental Ulta Haul: Ulta's Spring Gift, Nail Stamps, and More!

I took my three year old to the local bouncy house playland, and stopped by my local Ulta for the first time.  You know, like any other mom (what: you don't have a bouncy house playland?  Because, you totally should.)  By local, I mean an hour away.  That's what I get for living in the country!

"Our" Ulta is brand new, and I was basically a kid in a candy store!  Except I was the mom, and my kid was there, covered in ice cream, and wanted to touch everything.  I digress.

Ulta was having a special on their brand of products: if you spend $19.50, you receive a free gift with an $88 vale.  Well, sign me up!  This sale is online as well, so head on over HERE and check it out!

I had gone in with the intention of shopping for things for my Scout sleepover in two weeks.  At least that's what I tried to tell myself.  I DID buy some things for the Scouts, but not a ton.

Here is what I bought:

Ulta Foam Shadow Applicators (24 pack), Ulta Baked eyeshadow, Esscence Nail Art Stampy Set, Ulta Lipstick

Pack of 24 Foam Shadow Applicators (Ulta brand), $2.49

Ok, I absolutely HATE foam applicators.  I think they are skeevy, germ-filled little nothings that don't work well and waste your shadows.  That said, for our Scout sleepover, I need a quick and sterile way for the girls to have their shadow done; this seems like the perfect answer.

Essence Nail Art Stampy Set, $3.99

 This is the coolest thing ever; similar to the one sold on TV.  This nail stamp set includes a metal stencil with 9 designs, a scraper (to remove excess polish from the stencil), and a rubber stamper.  How this works is that you paint some polish over your choice of design on the stencil, scrape off the excess, and then roll the stamper left to right over the design.  Then roll the design over your nail in the place you want it.  

Stampy Kit out of the box

I think BOTH the Scouts and my girls will have fun using this!  The designs on my little stencil are heart outline, sunshine (or a starburst), two solid hearts, bow, butterfly, filigree, flowers, polka-dots, star tip.  Fantastic find for only four bucks!

Ulta lipstick in shade 207 Just Peachy; 3.5g, $8.00

 I've become slightly obsessed with the new-ish trend; duo-toned lips.  I absolutely love to have a peach color inside my lips, and a pink or purple outside, and blend it for an ombre effect.  I think this looks really neat, and have been using my BH Cosmetics 88 matte palette to help achieve this look, as I didn't (until today!) own a nice peach lipstick that I thought would work.  I  picked up a lipstick tester in 205 and LOVED it, but then noticed that Ulta was sold out.  I then noticed a 207 Just Peachy a couple of slots down, gave the tester a swipe on my hand, and fell in love again.

Swatch of Just Peachy, 207

I love this pretty peach color, and can't wait to play with it to create an ombre effect, or simply as a pretty lip color on it's own.  I LOVE Ulta's packaging on their lipsticks: the top of the tube's lid is clear, so if the tubes are stored right side up, you can see the actual color of the lipstick.  Neat idea!  The lid snaps on firmly, too, I'm less likely to have it fall off.  This is my first lipstick from the Ulta brand, and so far- I'm impressed...as well I should for a "non-prestige" brand, for $8.  Just sayin'.

Ulta Baked Eye Shadow Trio in Haight & Ashbury (purples); 1.40g, $10

I needed another item to bring my total of Ulta products $19.50, and I noticed some eye shadow trios.  I need more eye shadows like I need a hole in the head, but I didn't want to go crazy, and wanted my purchase to be as close as possible to the $19.50 mark.  I've gone nuts with makeup lately, and it's best if I keep my purchase small and under his radar.  What?  He has his guilty pleasures (cough cough casino on his lunch break cough cough), I have mine!  I love using blue on my eyes, even though I HAVE blue eyes, and this is a no-no.  Purple is a close enough color to blue, and it compliments my eyes really well (that, and I seem to be wearing lots of purple lately. Weird.), so I picked up this trio, and put it in my bag.

Swatch of Haight & Ashbury trio

I swatched it when I arrived home, and am really happy with it.  The shadows are really nicely pigmented, and having all three together will make it easy to travel: just toss this trio in my bag instead of a mini palette (or my Beauty RX magnetic palette), and I am good to go!  I love how the shades are all shimmery, and the darkest purple has micro-glitter in it.  This item bumped me over the price threshold, but when I checked my receipt later, Ulta counted this as my free shadow, and the one that is $2 less (the blues below) as the one I paid for.  I'm not exactly sure WHY this happened, as I needed that $2 to have a qualifying purchase, but I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth- I'll take $2 in my pocket!

I also bought my youngest a foot brush, because she wanted to brush her hair with it, and screamed until I put it in my bag. If it had been more than $1, she could have just screamed with me being fine with it.  There's no picture, because as soon as we got home, she took it from the bag and promptly lost it.  Typical.

I was also looking for disposable mascara wands for my Scout troop's sleepover, and couldn't find them.  A very helpful employee checked around for me, and told me that she didn't think they sold them; but had some in the "prestige" section (aka high end: Benefit, Urban Decay, Too Faced, Anastasia, etc) for demo, and would ask one of those girls if they had some for sale.  I explained WHY I wanted them, that it was for my Scout troop, and she walked over to the Tarte section, grabbed 26 wands and told me to take them.  Score!

Ulta's Spring 2013 Gift, in Pink, floral bag

Because I spent $19.50 or more on Ulta brand products, I qualified for a free gift, valued at $88 (according to Ulta)! They had two color choices, pinks or peaches, and 4 bags to choose from (two each pink or peach themed).  I chose pink, even though pinks aren't my favorite- I was purchasing peach lipstick and had just received peach polish from Ipsy (that I'll probably give away), so the pinks looked better to me.

My bag :)  One of four I had to choose from.

The bag itself is super cute: grey background with pink flowers, and a pleather bow on the zipper.  I will keep my Scout makeup in this bag, so that I don't get it confused with my stuff: my Wet N Wild mascaras, mascara wands and sponge applicators are already inside!  I'm not sure what the value of this bag is- it's a really nice size, and very pretty, and well made.  Let's call it $10.

Ulta lipstick lipcolor in 237 Precious Pink; 3.2g; retail value $7.31

This lipstick is ALMOST as big as the peach one I picked up, just in a less-fancy packaging.  I've noticed that lots of companies that give lipstick as a freebie put the product in a less-expensive tube when giving it away.  Honestly, I wouldn't actually mind NOT having the fancy packaging if it means I can save a couple dollars, but that's just me.  Sometimes having a cute lippie is absolutely worth it!

Swatch of Precious Pink, 237

This is a very pretty pink, and I think I will get good use out of it.  I never used to be a lipstick person; I've always been more of a gloss kind of gal, but here lately, I seem to be on a 'stick kick.  Maybe it's a spring thing, I'm not sure!  At any rate, this lipstick is smooth and creamy, and leaves my lips feeling moist and happy.  The pink is a LITTLE bright for my taste, but is still definitely wearable.  I always swatch lippies when I can; they look SO different than when they are in solid form!  The full size of this lipstick is $8 (3.5 g)

Ulta Super Shiny lip gloss in #14 Starlet, 2.58g (.09 oz); retail value about $2.88.

I was very pleasantly surprised when my free gift held both a lipstick AND a lip gloss!  This tiny gloss packs a big punch!  Super Shiny gloss lives up to it's name: its very shiny and not at all sticky.  I am seriously in love!

Swatch of Starlet gloss, #14

I'm going to try this on top of the pink lipstick from this bag, and see how it works.  I have high hopes for this, and will probably reorder when it's empty.    Full size of this gloss is $8 (.25 oz).

Ulta Amped Lashes volume + defining mascara, full size, retail value $10

I've been overwhelmed with awesome deals on mascara lately, and I kind of have a rule to only have 2 open at a time (since they get tossed in 3 months it seems like a waste to have more open), I'm going to wait to try this one out.  This basic black mascara has a standard straight wand hidden inside it's sleek silver exterior.  I'm excited to give this one a shot, but right now I'm sort of in love with my Tarte Amazonian Clay mascara from my LAST Ulta purchase!  I took the plastic off, and tossed it, but forgot to check it for a weight.  This looks to be full size.  This is NOT advertised as a waterproof formula, but I still have high hopes for this one!

Ulta Baked Eye Shadow duo in Deep Blue Something, 2.55 g; retail value $8

I couldn't resist picking out this pretty blue shadow duo as my free gift.  The solid side of Deep Blue Something is a dark, matte blue, and the swirly lighter side is shimmery and marbley, and just plain beautiful.

Swatch of Deep Blue Something duo

I don't have the best luck with matte shadows, but I can totally seeing me use this for a blue smoky eye.  I think this is a great addition to my collection.  Plus, it was free (sort of- I paid for this and got the purples free.  Same difference, I guess!).  Who could ask for more?!

Ulta blush in Infatuation, 3.36g; retail value $5

I've just started to expand my blush collection, and this pretty pink looks like a good way to do that!  Infatuation is a matte pink blush, and I think it's great for my skintone, for a fresh, natural look.

Swatch of Infatuation cheek color

The cute little compact this deluxe sample size came in will fit perfectly in my purse.  Gotta love it when that happens!  I'll be taking this for a test drive soon; once I get tired of my Be A Bombshell Beach Please (love that stuff!!).  The full size of this cheek color is $7 (4.7g).

Ulta Nail Lacquer in Fuchsiamania, 0.169 oz; retail value $2.56

My kids love nail polish.  Like, seriously, LOVE it.  I go through phases where I paint my nails, and am happy to add this bright fuchsia to my collection!

Swatch of Fuchsiamania

I'll confess, I cheated with this swatch.  I layered it over the Sation peach color I received from Ipsy; I haven't changed my polish since I tried that one out.  I think this does better with a base coat, and I'll be adding this to my polish box! The full size of this polish is $5 for .33 fl oz.

Ulta Ultimate Clean Foaming Face Wash, .5 fl oz; retail value $0.75

I love foaming face wash, and I am really excited to have received this sample!  The face wash is clear and unscented.  I gave this a try, and it did really well for me- my face felt very fresh and clean. The full size of this product is $9.00 for 6.0 fl oz.

Ulta Kohl Eye Liner in Indigo, 0.04 oz (full size); retail value $7.00

With this kit, I was able to choose my own eye liner, and I thought this would be a pretty color.  The packing looked like a grey-blue to me, so I tossed it in my bag.  I swatched it at home, and it's more of a blue-grey.

Swatch of Indigo Kohl liner

I  think that this color will be good for me this spring- this is a softer alternative to black.  With all of the pastels I wear in the spring, a lighter color will look nice with them.  I still want a pretty, grey liner; perhaps I'll find a liquid liner in grey that I like!

Ulta Brush Set: sponge tip, eye shadow and contour blush; retail value est.$7.50

I am a total brush whore.  There, I said it.  I LOVE makeup brushes, and I'm always on the lookout for the perfect brush for each job.  It seems to be a bit of a trend to put brushes in the free gifts this spring- I received 2 brushes in my Clinique gift (Macy's) too!  These brushes all have clear plastic handles, and have the Ulta name and brush purpose embossed on the handle.  Now, I liked the Clinique brushes okay (they shed!), but the Ulta brushes are hit and miss.  I'll start with the sponge tip.  I don't actually understand the point of a sponge tip brush.  I realize it's not a brush, but I'm not sure what else to call it  Sponge tips aren't as sanitary as other applicators (at least to my thinking) and I'm not sure how to wash this.  I honestly don't know if I will use this.  The eye shadow brush is the biggest disappointment in this set.  The bristles are REALLY stiff.  I'm going to wash this with olive oil to help soften the bristles, and hope for the best  There are some jobs that a stiff bristle brush is a good thing, but  I'm not sure if this brush is a fit for me  The contour blush brush (try saying THAT three times fast!) is the shining star in this three piece set.  Its bristles are cut at an angle, and they are very soft.  I will definitely be adding this one to my travel brush collection.  Since these brushes are similar to the Clinique ones, I'll give them the same estimated value: $2.50 each.

30% off Ulta Skincare "Renew" Collection

I also received a coupon for $30 off my next purchase of Ulta Skincare "Renew" collection.  I probably won't use this, but you never know! If you would like to use this coupon, you are welcome to- the code for Ulta's website is 80235, and it expires 4/20/13. I must have just caught the tale end of this promotion!

Here's all of my goodies together- I'd call it a very productive day!

I also want to mention that Ulta's brand does NOT test on animals, making them a hero in my books!

Total purchase: 
foot brush thingie for B: $1.00
eye shadow $10            $8.00
lipstick                          $8.00
Sponge applicators        $2.49
Nail stampy kit              $3.99
TAX (stupid MD)            $1.41
GRAND TOTAL:            $24.89

GIFT Breakdown:
$10.00 bag
 $7.31 pink lipstick
$2.88 gloss
$10.00 mascara
$10.00 eye shadow (would have been $8)
$5.00 blush
$2.56 polish
$0.75 cleanser
$7.00 eyeliner $7.50 brushes GRAND TOTAL: $63.00
$63 is NOT $88, but I did estimate a couple items- perhaps Ulta has placed a higher value on the bag and brushes than I did.  It is possible that they counted the coupon towards the value of this set (I don't, unless it's for free product).  Any way you slice it, this is still a fantastic deal!  I'll use pretty much everything in this gift- and I LOVE LOVE LOVE that I was able to choose my eye shadow and eye liner myself!  If I can get away with it (tee hee), I'll definitely go on back to Ulta and pick out some more goodies and pick up another gift! 

So, tell me: have you ever accidentally found an awesome deal on beauty products?  Did Ulta do a great job with their gift?  Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!


  I took a couple of quick photos of my look, using my choices here:

Haight & Ashbury trio eye shadow, Two Cosmetics gel liner in Royalty, Tarte mascara, Ulta blush in Infatuation, and Ulta lipstick in colors 207 & 237.  I didn't put any foundation on, and WOW do I have a LOT of freckles!

Closeup of my eye makeup :)

I LOVE teal eyeliner- I think it makes my baby blues POP!

Ombre lips :)  and yes, I DO have freckles on my lips.  Weird, I know.  They will just get worse as summer progresses!

Until next time, my beautiful friends, stay gorgeous...and OnlyAverage!

Disclaimer: I puchased the qualifying item with my own money my husband's money, and received the gift items because of my qualifying purchase.  I was neither asked nor required to review these items, and any links in this post are NOT referral links.  All of the opinions in this post are my own.