What’s in My March Ipsy Bag?

Another month, another Ipsy bag.  Maybe it’s because I’ve actually bothered to rate my stuff on the Ipsy website, but lately, I’ve been getting some seriously good stuff.  Let’s dive in!

Eva NYC

Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer

For someone who likes to play around with her hair as much as I do, it might surprise you to know I’ve never used a heat protectant before.  That changed when I started using this stuff.  This spray is supposed to detangle, nourish, strengthen, soften, cut drying time, add shine, reduce frizz, and protect against heat and environmental damage.  Honestly, I’m not sure if this really lives up to all of those claims, but my hair was definitely shiny and frizz-free whenever I used it.  It’s fun to use for now, but I don’t think I’d reorder.

Mudmasky

Facial Detox Purifying Recovery Mask

For the last week or so, I’ve been doing the 10-step Korean skincare regimen (day and night!), and masks like this fit in nicely into my new routine.  This stuff works; my skin was very smooth after I used it, and my pores seemed to have vanished into thin air.  It reminds me a lot of the Queen Helene mask, which I’ve always liked.

Dirty Little Secret

Blush in Kitty Pink

Yes yes yes yes yes!  I’ve been wanting a peachy blush just like this one and now I have it!  The color looks great with my new hair color–I don’t think it would have worked as well if I were still a bleach blonde.  Plus, it’s not super pigmented.  You can build the color to suit the look you’re going for.

Elizabeth Mott

Blending Brush

I just…I don’t really use eye shadow.  I can’t say if it’s great or not since I don’t use eye shadow brushes anyway!

Tarte Cosmetics

Tarteist Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint in Rose

First off, the color is really, really pretty.  I love rosy colors like this one!  And it’s a nice kind of matte–not too dry and crusty like other matte lipsticks can be.  The only thing is that you have to be careful!  Only use a little bit or else you’ll be licking lipstick off your teeth.

Overall, a great bag this month!  Do any of you get Ipsy bags?  What did you think of yours?

What’s in My February Ipsy Bag?

I know, I know.  A few months ago I went on a long rant about how I was never going to do Ipsy posts again, yet here I am, unzipping a fresh new one.  Well, I’m doing it for you.  I’m not paid to review this stuff, so think of me as your brutally honest friend who’s brutally honest because she loves you.  We all need that friend.

SOO AE

Sheet Mask Duo – Purifying Black Charcoal Mask and Nature Green Tea Collagen Essence Mask

I’m still trying to get into sheet masks.  They’re slimy and hard to unfold, and then it’s a challenge to align them with your eyes, nose, and mouth.  And for what?  I’ve never really noticed a difference in my skin after using a mask, and these were no exception.  Let’s be real: the only reason my skin looks so good right here is because Snapseed is a gift from God.

JAPONESQUE

Coconut Solid Brush Cleaner

As someone who regularly cleans her makeup brushes with dish soap, this was a foreign concept to me.  Now that I’ve been civilized, though, there’s no going back.  This cleaner smells really good, but what’s more important is that it does a great job getting all the gunk off my foundation and blush brushes–and it leaves them softer than a baby’s butt afterward.

NYX Professional Makeup

Butter Lipstick in Ripe Berry

This lipstick, guys.  The color exactly matches its name, and that pretty raspberry tint lasts a long time (it was even there after my daily McMuffin!).  The best part is that it’s so jam-packed full of hydration that I don’t have to reach for my Chapstick when I have it on.

Absolute New York

Nano Liner Ultra Fine Precision Liquid Liner in Black

Whenever I try to wing out my eyeliner, it usually takes me about five or six tries and ends with me sadly tossing a used makeup wipe in the trash along with the remains of my dignity.  You know how many tries it took me with this liner?  ONE.  The tip is so precise that it’s almost impossible to screw up.  And it lasts all day!

Marsk

Mineral Eye Shadow in You’re Toast

Dear Lord, I hate loose eye shadows.  The tiniest breath of air will send shimmers through the air, and not in a cute way.  In a “crap, now I have to clean the sink again” kind of way.  I also didn’t really like the color (too orangey/peachy for my skin).

So that’s it!  Have you guys tried any of these products?  What do you think?

 

What’s in my October Ipsy Bag?

Halloween is almost here, and I’ve already gotten some treats!  From magic wands to powerful potions, my October Ipsy bag was chock full of surprises.  Did all my goodies put a spell on me?  Or did some of them leave me disenchanted?  Read on…if you dare.

Indi Beauty

Buttercream Antioxidant Lip Scrub

When it comes to lip scrubs, I’m a Lush girl through and through.  Made almost entirely of sugar and flavoring, it’s fun to scrub my lips and then lick up all the excess crystals.  Unfortunately, this scrub by Indi Beauty is not edible.  (Minus ten points from Indi.) And while it does have some shea butter and Vitamin E for hydration, I just wasn’t wowed.

Trust Fund Beauty

Gimme Good Face Primer

So…this is a primer for aging skin, which I apparently have now that I’m over 25.  It’s supposed to fill in wrinkles and fine lines, which would probably be great if I actually had them.  As it is, I didn’t get much use out of this stuff.  I don’t normally wear a primer (I use CC cream instead), and my skin just felt greasy by the end of the day with this.  I’ll be sticking to my normal routine.

Kokie

Nail Polish in Heavenly

While I absolutely despise this color, I LOVE this polish.  It went on super smoothly and coated my nails very evenly.  And so far, it’s done a great job of staying put.  I don’t have any chips or cracks yet, and it’s been half a week so far.

The Balm

Hot Mama Blush/Eye Shadow

This was…okay.  I used it as both a shadow and a blush, and I can’t say I’m thrilled with the color.  It’s way too pinky/pigmented for my taste, but if that’s your thing, great!

Ciate London

Fierce Flicks Eyeliner

I wanted to love this eyeliner.  I really did.  It’s like a felt tip marker, which made it SO easy to use.  Normally when I try to wing my eyeliner, I have to give it a few tries, but this one went on perfectly right from the get-go.  And it’s nice and dark, which I love.  Unfortunately, I have a super greasy face (ick, I know), so it slid off halfway through the day.  Oh well.

What’s in my September Ipsy Bag?

Better late than never, right?  Let’s just say that I’ve been testing my Ipsy stuff extra hard this month.  I’ve got a handful of goodies that I can’t wait to share with you, so let’s go!

Eau Thermale Avene

Hydrance Optimale Hydrating Serum

Wait, this is a hydrating serum?  I couldn’t tell because this stuff dried my face into a raisin.  My skin felt tight and flaky–definitely not the “zen relaxation” for my face that Ipsy promised.

Dr. G.

Daily Safe BB

If the hydrating serum above was a disaster, this BB cream was a godsend.  I’ve been a huge fan of Supergoop’s BB for years, but I’m switching loyalties now.  Seriously, this stuff is amazing: my skin felt soothed, and the coverage is amazing.  I’m planning a trip to Super H Mart to see if I can get some more Dr. G. products!

IT Cosmetics

Superhero Mascara in Super Black

This mascara is touted for its “proprietary elastic stretch technology.”  While I have no idea what that means, WOW did this do wonders for my eyelashes!  I swiped this on and magically all of my lashes were plumped and unclumped.  I’m in love.

Pixie by Petra

Matteluster Lipstick in Rose Naturelle

When I first tried out this lipstick, I absolutely hated it.  Despite the nice way it made my lips feel, the color seemed far too dark for me.  When I put it on to take these pictures, though, I found that I actually really liked it!  I think it depends on what you’re wearing.  This color won’t be good for summer, but I think it’ll work nicely with my dark and muted fall duds.

Living Proof

Perfect Hair Day (PhD) 5-in-1 Styling Treatment

I’ll be honest: I didn’t even try this stuff.  It said on the back that you should blow dry your hair after you massage in a little bit of this…and I never, ever blow dry my hair.  Because I bleach it, I take care not to do much damage to my tresses, which means I’ve given up curling wands, straighteners, and even hair dryers.  Oh well.

Dress: thrifted

Necklace: c/o Vinca

The August Ipsy Bag Revealed!

Ipsy is like playing a monthly round of White Elephant.  You never know what you’re going to get–it could be something you can’t live without, or it could be a total dud.  And after it’s over, you end up trading stuff with your mom.

This month, I unwrapped my bag and wound up with a whole lotta useless.  And the one thing I did like…well, I’ll tell you about it below:

IT Hair Care 12-in-One Amazing Leave-in Treatment

I got excited about this stuff because it promises so much: it gets rid of frizz and tangles, it repairs damaged hair (ooh that’s me!), it adds body and shine, the list goes on.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t get past the greasy, thick feeling it had on my hair.  I made sure to use the recommended amount, but still, my hair just felt like I hadn’t washed it in a few days.  No bueno.

Formula X Nail Polish in Dollface

Okay, I really, really liked this one!  I prefer very pale nail polish colors, and this one fit the bill exactly.  It went on smoothly and still hasn’t chipped (after three days, for reference).  Sadly, I accidentally left my sample at the nail salon.  I’m going to take that as a sign from above that I should go ahead and buy a full-size bottle.

Pacifica Sundreams Lotus Infused Bronzer in Sunkissed

REALLY, IPSY?  I’m about as pale as they come, and they sent me a bronzer that’s about ten shades too dark.  I tried to make it work.  I applied it like a “3” on my forehead, the hollows of my cheeks, and my jawline, but I looked absolutely ridiculous.  No amount of blending was gonna make this work.

Beau Gachis Paris Pro Series Applicator Sponge

NYX Professional Makeup Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator in Sunbeam

Well, I at least liked the applicator sponge.  It soaked up the illuminator really well and allowed me to dab on just the right amount–no drips, no mess, nada.  The illuminator, though, didn’t work for me.  I have fairly oily skin, so my face gets shiny on its own.  It doesn’t need the help.

Do you get Ipsy bags?  If you do, what did you think of this month’s bag?

By the way, do you like my background?  It’s just a sheet of wallpaper that I got from Paper Source!

What’s in my July Ipsy Bag?

You know how sometimes I get an Ipsy bag and I freak out over how great something is?  Yeah, this isn’t one of those times.  Don’t get me wrong–the stuff I got this month wasn’t bad, but I’m sure not going to write home about any of it.  Here’s what I got in this month’s pouch:

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre

This is an all-in-one type of product, sort of like a BB cream without the tint.  It’s supposed to be a moisturizer, primer, makeup remover, Pikachu lure, etc.  Initial thought: “Holy crap, this smells like an old lady!”  Unfortunately, it’s hard to get past that odor.  I didn’t think this stuff was anything special.  I mostly used it as a moisturizer, and it worked about as well as my usual Neutrogena cream.  As far as its makeup removal properties, well, I didn’t think it really delivered.

Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer

I’m not really the type who drinks very much, so I haven’t had a hangover in a loooong time.  However, I do often stay up past my bedtime, and I have to say that this stuff does help my skin look fresh and dewy even when I haven’t gotten 40 winks.  Today I went without this primer, and I really noticed how dull my skin looked.

OFRA Cosmetics Lip Liner in Silk

I was extremely skeptical when this liner rolled out of my bag this month.  Lip liner?  What, am I 70?  It turns out that this stuff is actually great as a base for my pink-toned lipsticks.  If I draw on my lips first and then apply a color, it stays much longer than usual–I’d say from morning to lunch.  Good deal!

theBalm Cosmetics Meet Matt(e) Trimony Eye Shadow in Matt Kumar

Vasanti Cosmetics Professional Contour Eye Shadow Brush

Well, the eye shadow isn’t what I normally go for.  Instead of being light and and easy to build up, it’s much more pigmented than I’m used to.  I’m still deciding if it’s something I like or not.  I think this is something I should really just use for my creases.  As for the shadow brush, I wasn’t a fan of how feathery it is–that led to a lot of eye shadow being flicked onto my cheeks!  I definitely prefer something a little stiffer.  (Like a good Manhattan!)

What’s in My June Ipsy Bag?

This post almost didn’t happen, mostly out of laziness.  See, my mailbox is down two flights of stairs and requires a key, and I simply can’t be bothered with checking my mail all that often.  As a result, I didn’t open up this Ipsy bag until last week, and I wasn’t sure if I’d even have the time to review it.  However, I got some pretty great things in it, and I wanted to share them with you!  So…HERE WE GO!

BioRepublic SkinCare  Fiber Mask Set

I got a pair of masks–Cucumber Breeze and Pomegranate Crush.  All you do is unfold them and stick ’em on your face, and after 20 minutes, you can peel them off and rub the excess lotion into your skin.

Let me be frank: I’m not really a mask person, so these didn’t really do it for me.  My skin didn’t feel any different after I had used them.  Still, it was nice to just sit down and relax with them on my face for a while, especially with the terrible summer heat upon us.

Seraphine Botanicals Happy Hibiscus Blush

Oh.  Oh, oh.  This blush is a brand-new favorite.  When I first opened it and saw how dark the color was, I didn’t think there was any way it was going to look right on my pasty pink skin, but I WAS SO WRONG!  I get so many compliments when I wear it, which is crazy for me because no one ever compliments my makeup.  All I do is sweep it into the hollows of my cheeks and enjoy the rest of my day.  Happy Hibiscus, indeed!

Royal and Langnickel MODA Crease/Smudge Brush

Urban Decay Eye Shadow in Fireball

The brush is nice–it’s double-tipped and pretty versatile, and it’s definitely better quality than most of the ones I already have.

As for the eye shadow, well, it’s not what I’m normally into.  It’s hot pink and very shimmery, while I prefer browns and paler pinks.  I will say that it LASTS all day (even without a primer!) and goes on very smoothly.  It also builds well–but it took me several applications before my boyfriend even noticed!

Doucce Boombastic Lash Volumizer Mascara

Yaaaaaaas this mascara is awesome!  Maybe not as good as the one I got in last month’s bag (see here), but still pretty great!  I’ve never used a mascara that’s so good at separating my lashes.  The only problem I had with it is that it didn’t volumize my lashes as much as I’d hoped.

 

What’s in My May Ipsy Bag?

When this lil pouch with the cutesy travel print made its way into my mailbox, I couldn’t wait to see and test what was inside.  Let’s take a look together, shall we?

Pacifica Natural Mineral Coconut Eye Shadow Trio

Wow, that’s a mouthful, huh?  This eye shadow compact came with three sheer summer colors–rose quartz, copper, and mauve.  They’re each pretty in their own way, and together, they make the perfect triplet.  I liked that I could build up the color, and as long as you use a primer, they’ll last all day.

IT Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Mini Gel Eyeliner

After I got over the initial chagrin of being sent a beauty product for my “aging” skin, I found this eyeliner to be a great addition to my everyday look.  It glides on like a dream, and it stays all day.  Just be careful not to be too heavy-handed at first–this liner smudges easily before it dries!

Smashbox X-Rated Mascara

Holy balls, I’m in love with this!!  I’ve been looking forever for a mascara that gives me fake-looking lashes, and this is it.  A+ would buy again

Jersey Shore Cosmetics Lavender Moisture Rich Balm.

Meh.  It’s a lip balm.  It smells nice and does what it’s supposed to do.

Aurora Gel Effect Nail Polish

Don’t waste your time with this stuff.  Not only did I despise the blaze-orange color, but it didn’t even deliver what it promised.  I tried it out on my toes, and it chipped within a day.  (I’m not posting a photo of my feet because of creeps.  You know what I’m talking about.)

So that’s it!  Once again, it was a mixed bag.  I’m sending in my reviews now, so hopefully next time, I won’t get any more orange goop or chapsticks!

By the way, I’m heading out on vacation tomorrow, so this is goodbye for a week!  Don’t expect to see me posting.  If I do–kindly tell me to get off my phone and enjoy myself.

 

What’s in My April Ipsy Bag?

Last month’s bag o’ goodies was a little hit-or-miss, but I’m really pleased with almost everything I got this time!  Here’s my take on the handful of treats in April’s bag:

Moroccanoil Moroccanoil Treatment

As someone with freshly-bleached hair, my locks tend to feel dry–sometimes even a bit crunchy.  However, I’ve been using this stuff for a week or so whenever I wash my hair, and it makes a tangible difference.  My hair still doesn’t feel like it did before I bleached, but the oil smooths it out and keeps it from getting frizzy.

tarte cosmetics LipSurgence Lip Creme in Wonder

Wonder indeed!  I don’t even know where to start with this one.  First off, I love the color–it’s a nice departure from all the reds I tend to wear.  Plus, that poppy shade makes it perfect for double duty on my cheeks.  I’m learning that as a pale person with super light hair, it’s important for me to wear a little extra color on my face so I don’t look too washed out.  But you know what the best part about this lip creme is?  IT LASTS.  Maybe not as long as my Santa Baby balm, but it’s pretty darn good.

City Color Cosmetics Highlight Trio & Luxie Beauty Dreamcatcher Tapered Highlighter Brush

Before I got this bag, I’d never used highlighter in my life.  I wasn’t even quite sure what it was for or how to use it.  After watching a few tutorials, I tried it out on myself, and I love it!  I’ve been applying a little to my cheekbones, chin, and nose each day, and I love how bright-eyed and bushy-tailed it makes me look–even at 5 a.m. on a weekday.

Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume

Actually, yeah, it’s a perfume.  And not a very good one.  My boyfriend says it reminds him of someone he isn’t friends with anymore, so I’ll be sticking to my natural Devinne smell instead.

What’s in My March Ipsy Bag?

Subscription services are one of my biggest weaknesses.  The idea that all kinds of wonderful, handpicked-for-me things can be shipped to my door without any work on my part is extremely appealing.  I can put my feet up, click around, and POOF!  There’s a box of snacks/clothes/dog toys waiting to be opened!

Miraculously, I’ve been able to stave off my subscription cravings for a long time, but then I started thinking about Ipsy.  And about how much I’d love to get little lipsticks and eye shadows in a cute bag each month.  So, without much hesitation, I bought myself a whole year of these bags, and I thought I’d share with you the things I got!

For those of you who haven’t heard of Ipsy, it’s a makeup subscription service that sends you a handful of goodies, from makeup to skincare to hair products, all in a sweet pouch each month.  You answer a few questions on their website, sit on your ass during the waiting period, and then one day you open the mailbox to find all kinds of great stuff.  And it’s not just samples–some of it is full-sized, which I love.

And for the record, I paid for all this, so I’m gonna tell you about the good and the bad.

Let’s start with the good:

Illamasqua: Precision Ink in Abyss

I’ve never been a liquid eyeliner person, because I’m far too intimidated by the potential for smudging black streaks all over my face.  (Yeah, that’s happened before.)  However, I’m in love with this one!  I found it very easy to apply and build up, but the best part is its staying power.  Seriously, it won’t smudge or budge all day and night.

Manna Kadar Cosmetics: Eye Shadow in Fantasy

Like liquid eyeliner, I’m also not really into eye shadow.  However, after I received this one, I’m obsessed.  The color–a light, shimmery peach–is perfect for spring, and I love how easy it is to build and blend.  Major bonus points for lasting all day long (although that might be because I used Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion first)!

NYX Cosmetics: Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Kitten Heels

If I could only have one piece of makeup the rest of my life, I’d pick red lipstick…but not this one.  Sure, the color is a flawless bright red, and it dries nice and matte, but I wish it would last a little longer and not dry out my lips so much.

Nourish Organic: Rosehip & Rosewater Body Oil Mist

First off, how is this supposed to be a body oil mist if there’s no atomizer?  I didn’t like this stuff one bit.  It was thin and greasy, and I just didn’t like the way it felt on my skin.  It’s touted for hydrating, evening skin tone, and soothing damaged skin, but I didn’t notice the benefits.

TEMPTU: Warm Glow Bronzer.

Really?  I’m paper white, and that’s how I intend to stay.

So there you have it!  Are any of you guys subscribed to Ipsy?  If you are, what did you get in your bag this month?