Ipsy (MyGlam) July 2013 Review

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

The envelope.

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

July first peek

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

July Insert Card: Beach Beauty

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

The promotions

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

July Ipsy bag

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

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

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

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

Swatch of Coral Crush

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

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

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

Swatches of the California Collection Sampler Palette from BH Cosmetics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Swatch of Pretty in Plum from Nicole by OPI

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

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

My July 2013 Ipsy Glam Bag

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

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

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

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

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

 

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion, on a product I paid for with my own money my husband's money.  I have not been compensated for this opinion in any way, and it is my honest thoughts on the products listed above.  The referral link in this post is one where I would receive credit for a referral, and be compensated with free product for referring 2 people. Here is a link that just goes to Ipsy, without my referral code. Links to vendor's sites are not referral or compensated links.  I strive for honesty :)

Beauty Army June 2013 Review

As crazy as this summer has been, I am getting some seriously awesome things in the mail!  I can't wait to share them all with you!

My Beauty Army box for June 2013 just arrived, and it is just chock full of exciting things!

What's Beauty Army?  Beauty Army is an awesome beauty box program that is $12 a month.  This is the ONLY subscription service that allows you to CHOOSE your samples, so you never end up with something that you don't want to try.  Beauty Army also has the option to skip a month without cancelling, or to have one of their stylists choose the items for you.  You can choose up to SIX items each month.  If you are interested, here is a LINK to their site, and if you use this link, I receive credit towards receiving a free box (and then you can refer people, too!).

Ok, enough about this awesome service- let's get on to the good stuff!

Beautiful packaging!

Every box that I have received from Beauty Army has been a pretty pink box.  I am using four of them to sort my badges for Scouts; and any more after that I will have my husband turn into a storage center.  Reduce, reuse, recycle- that's the way to do it!

The insert card.

Each month, Beauty Army includes an insert card, with beauty tips and hints that are relevant to the current season.  I love getting these cards, plus- who doesn't love to be called gorgeous?

Nelson J Beverly Hills Argan Oil 7 Shampoo, 1 oz deluze sample size; retail value $2.25. Available HERE, 1 8 oz bottle for $22, or on BA's website HERE, 2 8 oz bottles for $36.

The first item in my box is a repeat for me, but a great product all the same.  I was excited to see this in my selection window- this non-foaming shampoo did a great job cleansing my hair and helping to repair the damage that I have done to it!  Seriously, Nelson J Beverly Hills Argan Oil 7 shampoo is the best!  The shampoo leaves my hair feeling silky and soft, and combing it out afterwards is a cinch! I just can't justify spending the $36 for a two pack, not when I can get samples now and then and use it as a supplemental product. 
GRADE: 5/5

GG Gatsby Raise Volume Shampoo; .5 fl oz sample, retail value $0.59.  Available HERE, or at BA's store, $9.99 for 8.4 oz.

I received TWO shampoo samples this month, and I selected this one just because I didn't see anything else in my selection window that I wanted to try (death to all foil packs!).  This cute little sample is another non-lather shampoo, that says that it will increase the volume of my hair.  I have super thin and crazy curly hair, so I am always on the lookout for something to help tame and volumize my locks.  It is hard to tell if you like a product from a foil pack, one time use sample, but it is easy to tell if you hate it.  I gave this a try, and was really surprised.  After just one wash, my hair was MUCH less frizzy, and although I didn't notice extra volume, I DID notice an BIG improvement in my hair!
GRADE: 4/5

Yes to Blueberries Eye Firming Treatment, 0.1 fl oz foil packet; retail value $4.00. Available HERE, or from BA's store; $19.99 for 0.5 fl oz.

I say it all the time- I hate foil packets.  This sample was another selection made just to try something new, and because of my Mini Kittour jar from last month, I can get more than one use out of this one.  Yes to Blueberries Eye Firming Treatment is to be used twice daily to help combat the fine lines around the eye area.  Because of my very hooded eyes, firming and lifting the skin around my eyes is a concern- my hooded eyes will only become more hooded as I age.  I tried this treatment out, and the first thing I noticed was the smell- VERY floral.  I have major fragrance allergies, so I definitely won't repurchase this, but it does feel very good on my skin.  This little foil pack lasts quite a while- you only need a dab.  All you need is a little container to put the leftover in!
GRADE: 3/5 (feels good, triggers my allergies)

Addiction NV Gel Liner Pot in Starstruck (silver), full size, retail value $16.00.  Available HERE (currently offering 70% off everything on their site, making this liner $4.80; use coupon code NV70).

I love me some gel eyeliner, let me tell you!  I was excited to receive the Addiction NV gel liner in Chaos last month, but was disappointed in how it went on my eyes as a liner.  I use it now as an eye shadow.  When this popped up in my selection window again (no matter how hard I tried, I could NOT get purple to pop up!), I thought I would give it a try again, and maybe it's just the Chaos shade that didn't work well for me.  

Swatch of Starstruck (indoors with flash- it's seriously bucketing out!)

This beautiful silver/grey shade is super creamy.  I tried this on, and I like this one a LOT better than the blue one I received last month.  It doesn't seem to be quite as creamy, and glides on really well, and has some serious staying power!  I love me some gel liner!

Let me add that this company MAY be going out of business- I went to find their site today and had a farewell message posted on the home page, but I could still get into the store.  Shop at your own risk!
GRADE:4/5

Mini Kittour 30mL Travel Bottle in clear, retail value $3. Sets of 2 (one PET and one HDPE plastic) are available from BA's site for $6.

I seriously loved the little Mini Kittour container that I received last month, and I was excited to receive this one too- I love to have ways to save samples for multiple uses, and cute ways to travel (if I actually ever go anywhere!).  I plan to put my GG Gatsby shampoo in this, to hopefully squeeze a second application out of the packet.  What a great idea- to have little sample sized jars, to save the excess from a foil packet!
GRADE:4/5 (nice to have but the smaller pots are more handy IMHO

Colorsmash Hair Shadow in Je Ne Sai Quoi (bright pink), 0.03 oz sample size, retail value $4.09.  Available HERE, or on BA's website, $15 for .11 oz.

I have a tween-aged daughter.  This probably isn't news to you.  When I told her that one of my samples this month was pink hair chalk, she screamed and jumped up and down.  That's tween-language for good, by the way.  Colorsmash Hair Shadow is easy to apply- just smash on, spray with hair spray to seal it, and go.  Ready to shed your color?  Simply wash your hair!  The sample is a decent size, too, although the weight doesn't sound like it.  It's a decent sized pan of shadow, about the size of a MAC or Ulta shadow, but not as full.

Swatch of Je Ne Sai Quoi Side note- do you know how hard it is to take a picture of your own hair?  I don't care that it's sideways, the pink looks cool, although it is more hot pink than this picture shows. (flash- it's seriously bucketing out so no sunlight!)

My hair is pretty dark, so I was curious as to whether or not the hair chalk would even show up, but I should not have worried.  This is seriously cool stuff, and my favorite item in this month's box!  I have to see if I can find a more inexpensive alternative to the hair shadow, though- If I find one, do you want to see a tutorial?  Let me know!  Just one little suggestion, though- wear gloves when applying, because this stuff got ALL over my hands, but it DID wash off with soap and water.
GRADE: 5/5

My Beauty Army June 2013 Box

And finally, here is my June 2013 Beauty Army box collection.  I think I got some neat things this month, what do you think?

Here is this month's financial breakdown, but remember- an item only has value if you love it, or found out that you hate it- something that you would never use, and never wanted has NO value at all in my opinion!

Nelson J Beverly Hills Argan Oil 7 Shampoo: $2.25
GG Gatsby Raise Volume Shampoo: $0.59
Yes to Blueberries Eye Firming Treatment: $4.00
Addiction NV Gel Liner Pot$ 16.00 (or $4.80 if you include the current sale)
Mini Kittour bottle: $3.00
Colorsmash Hair Shadow: $4.09
Total Retail Value: $18.73, if you cound the sale price, $29.93 if you don't.
Total Out of Pocket: $12.00, shipping included.
Not the best valued box, but still more than I paid, and I received some really cool stuff that I really like.  I'm a satisfied customer (but Ipsy is still my favorite!)

I hope you enjoyed this review of my Beauty Army box, and feel free to check them out if you like what you see!  Tell me- what did YOU receive this month?

Until next time, my lovelies- stay Only Average!

PS- Have you heard of Hand-Picked Words?  Enter HERE to win a 3 month FREE subscription!

 

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion, on a product that I paid for our of my own pockets.  I have not been compensated for this opinion in any way, and it is my honest thoughts and review 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 3 people.  Here is a link that just goes to Beauty Army, without my referral code.  Links to vendor's sites are not referral or compensated links.  I strive for honesty :)

Handpicked Words Review and GIVEAWAY! (updated 7/22 with coupon code)

Summertime is an INSANE time here at my household.  Between the end of school, Vacation Bible School (running one and carpooling to several others), beach days, barbecues, and simply having both kids home; it's a non-stop rush here!

A couple weeks ago, I was contacted by the lovely Dani from Hand Picked Words.  Dani has started a NEW monthly subscription box, and she asked me to review it, and has sponsored a giveaway for one of my lucky Only Average readers!

Hand Picked Words is a different kind of subscription, a book-lovers box; it's a collection of e-books that arrive monthly via e-mail.  It contains FOUR books and TWO short pieces, all new and published by Hand Picked Words, which is also a small indie press.  While they currently only offer a "general" box, the company will be branching out with genre specific boxes in the near future- you can pre-order a Romance box, a Sci-Fi box, or a Foodie book box; and once they become available you will be on the list to receive the very first one!  The subscription is just $15 a month, and currently offers a free sample box called Slightly Spooky Stories (you don't even need to enter a credit card!).  In addition to their monthly story collection box, Hand Picked Words also offers a weekly mini-cookbook subscription, where you get a new mini-cookbook each week!  While cooking is SO not my thing, I do think that this is a great idea, and totally worth the $15 a month!

Hand Picked Words also offers a love-it guarantee- if you hate a collection so much that you just didn't enjoy any of it, all you need to do is e-mail them and they will refund your monthly charge.  You can also skip a month or cancel  at any time, just by sending their customer service department an e-mail.

I have always been an avid reader, and I think this sub is an awesome idea!  Instead of heading over to my local library, I can read these e-books on my tablet, ipod touch, Kindle, or laptop- anywhere I like.  I am always looking for something new to read; something different- and this sub provides exactly that.  I am SO grateful that Dani contacted me and turned me on to this awesome monthly subscription!

If you want to try this one on your own, Dani will be giving me a discount code for your first box- stay tuned for the code as I will post it here very soon.





Alright, enough gushing about Hand Picked Words- On to my review of the books (and I'll try really hard to keep it spoiler free!)!!

Photo is from my e-mail of the ebooks, from Hand Picked Words

The first book I chose to read is the one I thought I would enjoy the least: Butter Yourself Up by Danica Stone.  Before I began reading this, my thoughts were, "How can I read a cookbook?" I shouldn't have worried, though- this isn't a cookbook in it's own right- it's a book about meal planning, reducing your meal budget, and contained a ton of food facts that I (yes, non-cooking me!) found interesting and vital.  It's totally changed my outlook on food- especially the guide towards the end of the book that goes over what organic foods you SHOULD but, and what ones it's ok to pass on.  A surprising and interesting read.

Photo is from my e-mail of the ebooks, from Hand Picked Words

This is the longest book that I received, but still a manageable size: The Danny, by Brand Gamblin. I absolutely love Sci-Fi, and this book did not disappoint!  The story follows Danny, while he floats from world to world, trying to find his way to his home world.  During his search, he observes, first hand, different realities; including a zombie apocalypse, medieval times, aliens, and time travel, among others.  Each short story is filled with twists and turns, and is tied together as Danny tries to find his home.  I absolutely loved the combination of different Sci-Fi themes, and will look for this author again in the future.

Photo is from my e-mail of the ebooks, from Hand Picked Words

Ruben's Luck, by Avery Milleu, is an awesome short story, about how a person's perspective can change their luck.  I loved all of the twists and turns in this story, and was sad when it was over.  One thing is for sure- if I ever run across any warm nickels, I'm going to hang on to them with the hopes of a change in my luck!

Photo is from my e-mail of the ebooks, from Hand Picked Words

Three Bus Worthy, penned by Melissa Firman, is a beautiful tale about making sure the people you keep in your life are the ones that count.  The tale begins with her grandmother taking three buses each day to visit her husband in a rehabilitation home.  The impact of that level of dedication changed her outlook, and has definitely has changed mine.  The story is beautifully written and I absolutely loved it.

Photo is from my e-mail of the ebooks, from Hand Picked Words

Another gem in the treasure chest I found in my email is And to Calm the Waves of Mismapping, an excerpt from the memoir of Jennifer Derilo; that she is still writing.  This beautiful piece details one woman's battle for her life against Cancer, paired with the story of a Philippine Scout in the 57th Infantry during World War II.  This short piece was touching, heartfelt, and left me wanting much more.

Photo is from my e-mail of the ebooks, from Hand Picked Words

The final story in my box is a poem, Until Mount Etna Speaks, written by David Rounds.  I've never been much for poetry, but I enjoyed the cadence of this poem, that surrounds the volcano that is Mount Etna, and David's visit there.  The story is beautifully written, and possibly changed my mind about poetry.  Okay, SOME poetry.

My box also included an extra, a 1000 Words feature.  This feature was a photo, with a short description of the image, written and photographed by Mike Harvey.  I don't want to spoil it for anyone who doesn't subscribe, but I will say that it was a wonderful word picture.


UPDATED: Entering code AVERAGEMOM at checkout, and you will receive $15 off your purchase, which will get you one month FREE!!!
I will say, if you are looking for some great, new reads, then this box is definitely one you should try out; especially since they have a free sample available to try out!  I was also offered the change to give away a THREE MONTH subscription, courtesy of Hand Picked Words- so one lucky ready will have the chance to try it out for three months, absolutely free!

Rules for this giveaway:
1. I run all giveaways through Rafflecopter.  It's fair; and very user friendly.  You must enter through Rafflecopter- I can't enter for you through any other means.
2.  I will notify the winner via e-mail and post their first name and last initial on my facebook page.  The winner has THREE business days to respond, or I will select another winner.  I'm sorry I have to say this, but I want to get prizes out to the winners as fast as possible.  
3.  This giveaway is open to anyone over the age of 18 and is internationally available.  
4.  I will be checking all entries to be sure that they are valid- if you enter and say you "follow on Twitter", I need to make sure that you actually DO follow, or I will have to delete the entry.  Sorry, y'all- rules are rules!
5.  The lucky winner will receive a three month subscription to Hand Picked Words, a collection of e-books.  Please be sure to have a way to read the e-books!
I THINK that's about it for the rules, hopefully I've covered everything, but if you do have a question, please let me know- I'd be happy to help you!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time, my Only Average Friends...



Disclaimer: I received this subscription box complimentary from Hand Picked Words for reviewing and testing purposes.  This has in NO way affected my thoughts and review of this subscription service- this is an honest review of the products listed.  No amount of freebies or compensation could EVER influence me to give a review that was NOT my true and honest opinion!

Ipsy (MyGlam) June 2013 Review

Hi, everyone!  I know, it seems like you all have been waiting a lifetime for this month's Ipsy review, and I am SO SO sorry!  My church's VBS is this year (Vacation Bible School for those of you who aren't in the know), and as the VBS Director, I've been really really busy getting everything ready!  As it's now the night before VBS, I have a few spare moments, and wanted to get my sadly neglected blog up to speed with my June Ipsy review!

For anyone who doesn't know, Ipsy is a beauty subscription service that costs $10 a month (plus shipping in Canada, and tax in a few states), and sends out 4-5 full size or deluxe samples of beauty products each month.  I've had fairly good luck with Ipsy, and I really think that anyone who tries it would like it.  It's kind of like gambling $10 each month- but you are guaranteed to get something (even if you don't like it).  If you would like to give Ipsy a try, please use my referral link here- two referrals and I receive a special gift from Ipsy in my bag.


Ok, on to the good stuff.

The pink mailer of awesomeness.

I always love seeing these pink mailers in my mailbox- even when I see spoilers, I always squee like a little girl!

First look

Here's a little teaser shot of the inside of my envelope- is that leopard print I see?

On the Wild Side

June's theme is On the Wild Side.  I think I approve, but am really curious what products I will get in this bag!

The offers

I love how Ipsy's insert cards always list what companies they are working with each month, and what the discount is.  Looks like a big crop of coupon codes this month!

The bag.

I've never been a HUGE fan of animal prints, BUT- this bag is SUPER cute!  This is my new coin purse in my pocketbook.  

I'm loving me some lime green right now! (and rocking some awesome giraffe print nails, by the way!)

I'm going to start with the items that everyone received, to try to make it simple.  The first thing I pulled out of my bag is...

J.Cat Sparkling Cream Palette in Volta, full size (3g), retail value $4.49.  Available HERE; coupon code LOVEIPSY will earn you 25% off any order, until 7/15/13

A sparkle palette!  I love sparkles, and these colors would make great eye shadows.  Wait, wait wait- what's that you say?  These AREN'T eye shadows? 

That's funny- looks like eye shadow to me!

Then why the little foam applicators that I hate?  What on earth could this be used for?  Ok- all kidding aside- do NOT use this on your eyes- their website says to use caution around the eye area, and there have been people posting on Ipsy's facebook page about getting the glitter under their contacts.  Translation: bad news for the eyes.  

Swatches of the Volta palette: the top swatches are the glitter on top of the cream, the bottom swatches is where I dug under the glitter and mixed it with the cream.

I honestly don't have a LOT of practical ideas for this palette, but then again, who says that makeup has to be practical?  I am going to use this for face paint at our VBS carnival this coming Sunday, and I'm happy to have found a use for it.  I did have another idea for it though, if I ever decide to go clubbing any time soon (yeah, right- two kids and no sitter.  Clubbing is just a pipe dream):

tattoo enhancement

Ok, yes, I have a tattoo.  Yes, I love it, and I helped design it.  If you look closely, you can see my oldest's daughters' name in the veins on the wings (Kathryn).  I asked her to use the glitter to enhance the design, and I think it turned out really great, and not a bad idea for a night out!

GRADE: 2/5 highly impractical and could mess up my eyesight.  Not good.

Starlooks lip liner pencil in Tipsy, full size (2.4g).  Available HERE, retail value $12.  Coupon code IPSY will get you 35% off any order, until 7/15/13.

The next item that everyone was to receive is a lip liner from Starlooks.  I have NEVER bought a lip liner in my life, so I was excited to give this a try.  Sadly, the color was a little off for my skin tone:

Swatch of Tipsy

I might try to use this for an ombre lip at some point, and it is a super creamy  texture and feels nice on my lips.  Ipsy gets points for quality, just not for color in my case.  On another note, Starlooks has their own subscription box- maybe I'll give that a try!

GRADE: 4/5

Nyx pressed powder blush in Spice, full size (.18 oz).  Available HERE; coupon code IPSY15 will earn you 15% off any purchase, or code IPSYCHEEKS will earn you 40% off Tango with blushing powder, until 7/10/13.  Retail value $5.00.

The final item that everyone was to receive is a blush from Nyx.  I've heard greats things about Nyx products, but don't really own many, so I was excited to receive this.  The blush I received is in the shade Spice, a pretty matte mauve.  This shade looks great on my cheeks, and I really, really love it!

Swatch of Spice by Nyx

There were a couple different types of blush sent out, and I'm really glad I received the pressed powder- I don't do well with creams, but I would have loved to try our the mosaic blush- I'm really really happy with this!

GRADE: 5/5

The following items are the ones *I* received, but there were a couple different options that other had in their bags that I did not get.  I'll list those at the end, as best as I can.

Chella Ivory Lace highlighter pencil, full size (1.4g); available HERE.  Coupon code GLAMBAG will get you 20% off your order, until 7/15/13.  Retail value $18.00.

I received the Chella highlighter pencil, and I'm so glad I did!  This pencil is super creamy, and has amazing staying power.  I use it on my waterline, as it's too close to my natural skin color to be an effective highlighter (at least, until I get my deep summer tan going on!)

Swatch of Ivory Lace highlighter pencil from Chella

I've never used any products from Chella before, but I will definitely be checking out their website now to see if they have anything else that's worth a try!

GRADE: 4/5 (can't use as intended, but still works great!)

J.Cat Eyelashes + Eyelash Glue, no. UN13, full size; available HERE.  Coupon code LOVEIPSY will get you 25% off your order until 7/15/13. Retail value $3.99.

I absolutely LOVE lashes, seriously.  I have tiny, stubby lashes, and falsies make me look a little more human.  I usually cut lashes down into demi size, and just apply to the corner of my eyes, but occasionally wear full size lashes.  I gave the J.Cat lashes a try, and really loved them!  They looked very natural on, applied very easily.  I'm not sure I'm crazy about the lash glue, though- maybe I just didn't put enough on the inner corners, but they came unattached rather quickly.  I did like that that glue is black, though- it blended with the lashes well, but I would need to use clear glue if I wanted to wear my usual colored eyeliner.

Lashes on!

GRADE: 4/5

I received a BONUS item in my Ipsy bag, as a thank you for having TWO referrals during the month of May.  I receive a bracelet from BaubleBar.

BaubleBar bracelet, gold and white.  Approximate retail value $20.

My best friend "Shelby" loved it, I gave it to her for an early birthday present.    The bracelet came with a coupon code for $15 off a purchase of $40 or more.  I checked out BaubleBar's website and couldn't find this bracelet anywhere, so it's possible an Ipsy exclusive.  I don't quite understand the "o" ring design- is this a fashion trend that I'm not very familiar with?  At any rate, it's gold-tone jewelry, and I only wear silver, so I'm happy that I was able to make Shelby smile.  That earns a 5/5 grade any day.

GRADE: 5/5

OTHER ITEMS I DID NOT RECEIVE
Other Ipsy subscribers received different items, based on their beauty profiles.  I would have LOVED to try out these products, but I'm pleased with what I did receive, so no hard feelings!  If you don't care to read about the items I did NOT receive, keep scrolling until you get to the pictures of my bag :)

Cailyn Line Fix gel eyeliner with brush, in Iron or Purple, full size.  Available HERE; coupon code ipsy30 will earn you 30% off any order until 7/10/13.  Retail value $21.00
Ok, I am on a no buy for a couple more weeks (yes!), but I seriosuly wanted to try out this liner.  I LOVE gel liner, and really want a good purple one!  Congrats to girls who received this, and if you did and DON'T like it, send it to me for some GOOD KARMA!!!  


Psssst! The True original dry shampoo by Freeman Beauty, deluxe sample size (1.76 oz), available HERE.  Coupon code IPSY33 will get you the Super Hero Hair Duo set with bonus for $13.98 until 8/31/13 (US residents only). Full size () retails for $6.99 for 5.3 oz; this deluxe sample has a value of $2.32

My June 2013 Glam Bag

It's time for my monthly recap of my Ipsy bag, where I show you the retail value of each item, and total my bag.  I'll list all of the items from Ipsy, and then just total my bag- hopefully this will make it easier for everyone to see the true retail value of their own bags, even if they are different from mine.  I WILL say, the ACTUAL value of each bag is different- if you receive items you already know you don't like, or won't ever use, definitely don't have a value to count!  I try to use everything, or at least test it- knowing that I DON'T like something can be as valuable as knowing that I DO!  Ok, enough rambling...here's the breakdown:

J.Cat Palette: $4.49
Starlooks lip liner: $12.00
Nyx blush: $5
Chella highlighting pencil: $18.00
J.Cat eyelashes + eyelash glue: $3.99
Baublebar Bracelet: $20(my best estimate)
Cailyn eyeliner and brush: $21.00
Psssst! Dry shampoo: $2.32

Total retail value of my bag: $63.48 ($43.48 if you don't count the bracelet)
Total out of pocket: $10
Whoo hoo!  I received a great bag (but not the highest retail value one, but it's totally ok!)!  I'm really happy with what I received, and can't wait to receive my July bag!

So, tell me, what did YOU receive from Ipsy this month?  Did you like what you received, or is it off to the trading boards you go?  Leave me a comment and let me know!

Thanks for sticking with me this month, y'all, and again, I'm so sorry it took me SO long to get this post up!  Hopefully things will slow down really soon, plus I have A BIG surprise in the works for you all- stay tuned, and stay average :)

 

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion, on a product I paid for with my own money my husband's money.  I have not been compensated for this opinion in any way, and it is my honest thoughts on the products listed above.  The referral link in this post is one where I would receive credit for a referral, and be compensated with free product for referring 2 people. Here is a link that just goes to Ipsy, without my referral code. Links to vendor's sites are not referral or compensated links.  I strive for honesty :)