Ipsy September Glam Bag 2014

I know...I know, it isn't September anymore...but unfortunately I didn't get my bag until this past weekend.  Anyway this month and from now on may be a little deceiving.  Both my mom and I subscribe to Ipsy so we may be trading some of our items in order to get the things we each like the most. For this month's bag I will be reviewing two items that I did not originally receive, just as a little heads up.  I don't want anyone getting all panicked because I got a lip gloss and a lipstick. :P

Here is the bag in all its glory.  I LOVE this bag design.  The color, the studs, yes! Actually my original bag had a broken zipper but luckily my friend gave me hers, because I definitely plan on using this in public!

1. Crown Brush Infinity Shadow/Crease Duet Brush

"This dual-ended brush offers the best of both worlds. The shadow brush is perfect for applying eye shadow or contouring the eye, while the crease brush is designed to be used dry for defining the eye, or wet for precision concealing."

I wasn't too excited to get an eye shadow brush since I already own 10 from various palettes and other Ipsy bags.  However one end of this brush I believe I will be using quite often so this product wasn't a total dud. It gets a 4/5 for quality and 1/2 usefulness.

4/5

Here it is, one side is a base shadow brush and the other a crease brush.

For the life of me I could not get the tiny little brush to work in my crease, it was just so small, difficult, and awkward to use.  Also the shadow brush was a bit bigger than I'm used to so I didn't feel comfortable using that end either.

However it redeemed itself in the crease brushes ability to be used as a really nice precision blender.  Yay! 

Where to buy: crownbrush.us
Price: $6.99

2. Hikari Lipstick in Cabernet

" Amp up the color with Hikari’s richly colored lip stick. The high pigmented formula glides on smoothly with a matte finish. Layer this formula to build color for a perfectly enchanted pout."

I was so excited to get this because lately the lip products I've been receiving have been booooooring.  Well this one is definitely not boring! In addition to loving the color I also love the formula,  it is a bit drying but it stays on for quite some time which for me is of the utmost importance.

5/5

It is an absolutely gorgeous and very flattering dark pink.  This color is so fun and it works really well with my skin tone.  I will definitely be getting a lot of use out of this.

Where to buy: hikaricosmetics.com
Price: $13

3.  Be A Bombshell Smooth Criminal Powder

"This lightweight, ultra-fine, silky formula softens the appearance of imperfections, fine lines, and pores while leaving you with a beautiful glow. This finishing powder can be worn alone or to set your foundation. The translucent formula works for all skin tones. It is made from 100% silica and leaves your skin with a matte finish without drying it out."

I did not previous own a finishing powder so I was super bummed when my mom got this and I did not.  However since my mom owns a few products like this already I traded her the Pacifica brown eyeliner that I got and would never use for this awesome powder!

5/5

I actually don't own a super fluffy brush with which to apply this so I've been using my blush brush.  I will have to pick up an inexpensive one next time I'm out.

Unfortunately on camera I feel the full effects of this powder were lost.  I personally thought it made me face look brighter and photograph better in natural light.  However something that is definitely noticeable from this picture is the lack of shine! On the left I definitely have some shininess on my cheek...ew...and on the right, with the powder, ITS GONE. <3

Where to buy: beabombshellcosmetics.com
Price: $12

4. CAILYN Art Touch Tinted Lip Gloss in Basic Instinct

"CAILYN Art Touch Tinted Lip Gloss delivers the stunning color impact of a lip stain and high shine of a lip gloss. This silky smooth gloss glides on your lips like butter, leaving you with a lacquer like finish."

This is another one that got traded between my mom and I.  I originally received the Briogeo hair mask, but since my mom despises lip glosses she asked to trade.  I happily obliged since I love lip anything and already have two hair masks.  The color isn't really for me but the formula is pretty ok.  The pigmentation especially is pretty impressive for a lip gloss. It loses two points for non impressive color and a formula with a bit to be desired.

3/5

It's a pretty nice nude, but it isn't really a perfect match for my skin tone. It's too peachy and not pink enough for me.  Anyway as far as pigmentation this gloss rocks. As you can see from the hand swatch which was done with one swipe.  However, after wearing this for a few hours it starts to settle into the lines in your lips and looks a bit weird.  So either make sure to reapply or only wear if you'll be out for an hour or two. For its price I would expect better.

Where to buy: Cailyncosmetics.com

Price: $19

5. LeeAnni Eco 3-in-1 Revolution Light

" LIGHTER version of 3 in 1 Revolution. Great for normal to oily skin and during warmer weather. Toner, Serum, and Moisturizer in One. This Revolutionary Lotion will save you time during busy morning rush and moisturize your face all day long! Help tighten skin, reduce breakouts, relieve dark circles under eyes, moisturize, fight aging, treat sun damages, and calm irritated skin."

I'm pretty blah about this just like I am with any skin care product.  It's nice but it isn't amazing. One plus is that I do not currently use a toner so perhaps I'll substitute this every now and then to get some toner benefits. Loses two points because it's for oily skin and mine is super dry and it has no spf.

3/5

This has no smell as far as I can tell (however I do currently have a stuffy nose) which is a plus.  I'd rather no smell at all than an obnoxious one. It is a white most viscous formula that goes on the skin quite nicely.  I used it once and didn't break out so I will be sure to use it more in the future.

Where to buy: leeanni.com

Price: $17.48 ($4.37)

Alright! Awesome! Without trading I might have been pretty bummed about this bag, but thanks to my mommy I am so happy.  Because of trading this number isn't normal for an Ipsy bag but all together these items were worth about $55. 

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Ipsy Glam Bag August 2014 Review

Another month another Glam Bag! Let's jump right in!

1. Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

5/5

"Bigger. Blacker. Badder. Urban Decay's ultra-creamy, lengthening and volumizing mascara features triple-black pigments and a deeply nourishing ingredient blend. Perversion Mascara gets you sexy in one stroke, yet it won’t quit until you say when. "

So I actually already owed this mascara before it was announced that I was getting it in my Ipsy bag.  Long story short I LOVE THIS MASCARA. It lengthens and adds volume and doesn't clump and oh my gosh its just perfect.  I have the mini that came in the Ipsy bag up next to the full size.  the brush pictured is also from the full size as I do not want to open the mini in case it goes bad too quickly.

Where to buy: Urbandecay.com, Ulta, Sephora

Price: $22 ($5.50)

2. Jersey Shore Sun Mongongo Lip Conditioner

5/5

"Slather on this balm for soft lips all year long. Mongongo oil has hydrating, regenerating and restructuring properties and offers a unique protection from UV and environmental pollutants in skin applications. Mongongo oil is rich in calcium, magnesium, zinc, cooper and anti-oxidants."

At first I was a little bummed to get this because bleh what am I going to do with a chapstick?  But believe me it is much much more than just a chapstick! First of all it smells amazing. I was worried because it has orange in its title and I hate artificial orange, but the Mandarin Green Orange Ginger scent is actually quite pleasant. Second it has UV protection and Anti-Aging properties! Sweet! I've also found that lipsticks apply quite nicely on top of it meaning I can use it under my daily lip color without any problems!

Where to buy: Jerseyshoresun.com

Price: $5.50

3. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

4/5

"Klorane Dry shampoo with oat milk gently revives hair, ridding it of excess dirt, oil, build-up and odor while leaving hair soft, clean and full of volume."

I'm very much a fan of this product as well.  I only shower every other day because my skin gets horribly dry If I do it every day.  There are two spots on either side of my head that tend to get greasier than any other part of my hair so I use dry shampoo on off shower days to spruce things up! This product definitely works great however the only reason its getting a 4/5 is because I personally prefer my Tresseme dry shampoo but only because its less powdery.

Where to buy: dermstore.com, Amazon

Price: $19.50 ($12.15)

4. Lord & Berry Silk Kajal Kohl Eye Pencil

3/5

"Sensual and exotic, that's the effect that Silk Kajal Kohl Eye Pencil delivers. Just like the traditional Kohl, but with the modern ease and control of a pencil. Giving a semi-matte finish that is also smudgeable, Silk Kajal Kohl's soft tip is ophthalmologically-tested and gentle enough to be used on the inner eye."

This is a fine eye liner and there isn't anything wrong with it....but there isn't exactly anything spectacular about it either.  Its just your average black kohl eyeliner.  I'm really getting sick of all these black pencil liners I've been getting from Ipsy. sigh. Anyway this applied smoothly and I could even do a little wing flick. However it wiped off my hand fairly easily, something you don't see with Urban Decay or Cynthia Rowley. I think this will make a nice purse liner as its very tiny.

Where to buy: Lordandberry.com, beautybar.com

Price: $16 (I couldn't find a size for the full product to calculate so I'm going to guess the mini is $5)

5. Manna Kadar Cosmetics Sheer Glo

1/5

"Sheer Glo is an incandescent liquid that lights up skin with all over radiance. Mix with foundation or wear alone to provide a luminous glow for all skin types. An especially amazing product for mature or dry skin. Sheer Glo provides a youthful glow and dewy finish. Use on face and/or body and get glowing."

1/5? I know...ouch.  But seriously this product is worthless.  First of all I'm all about matte skin and do whatever I can to not be shiny.  I have zero use for this product.  On top of that it doesn't' actually do anything.  I tried it on and honestly didn't see any sort of difference. I'm not really sure what to even do with this besides throw it away....maybe I can try it as a subtly shimmer eye shadow or something. Its a really expensive product for doing a load of nothing.

Where to buy: mannakadarcosmetics.com

Price: $29 ($7.83)

I hope my review helped! 

This month's bag totaled approximately $35.98!

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<3__)~

June 2014 Ipsy Bag Review

I'm not doing a review for May's bag simply because I wasn't thrilled with anything in it except for the sunscreen, but that doesn't really make for an exciting blog post.  Therefore I am skipping to the June bag which was wonderful and amazing.

1.Be a Bombshell Lash Out Mascara

This mascara didn't clump but it didn't offer much as far as length or volume.  The brush also isn't anything special.   This is the same price as the Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara I use almost every day, and performs severely worse. Overall its pretty lack luster and while I will use it for days I want more natural lashes but I definitely would not buy this. 

Where to buy: beabombshellcosmetics.com

Price: $15

2. Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray

I unfortunately do not have much to say about this simply because my hair isn't long enough to get any use out of it.  It does smell nice, like coconut. Once my mom gets back from Turkey I'm sure she will use it but until then it will sit around the house unused.

Where to buy: Ulta, Drugstore, marcanthony.com

Price:  $8.99 ($3.25)

3. NYX Butter Gloss in Creme Brulee

I was super impressed with this product.  I was already looking into buying one but held off when I found out I was getting one in my next Ipsy bag.  First of all I can rarely find a nude that looks decent on me but this one definitely does.  I Love the color and will definitely be pairing it with some crazy Elecctric Palette looks.  It also goes on very easily, isn't sticky at all, and feels extremely moisturizing.  I would definitely buy this because I already have gone out and bought another color! Haha!

Where to buy: Target, Drugstore, Ulta

Price: $5

4. Jesse's Girl Waterproof Liquid Liner

So I keep hearing that this eye liner explodes for some people upon opening.  Well I've opened it about 5 times and I've still witnessed no explosions.  It is a huge shame if that is seriously an issue because I absolutely adore this liner.  It is so easy to use, I can make crazy thin lines, and can do a perfect wing very quickly.  It also seems to last for quite some time.  I'll wait to see how many more people have issues with this but I'm seriously considering buying this to replace my Stila liner I used to use.

Where to buy: Jessesgirlcosmetics.com

Price: $6.99

Here is an eye look I did using the Be a Bombshell Mascara and the Jesse's Girl liquid liner.  As you can see teh liner is awesome and the mascara is...well...not. The eye shadow is Revolt, Urban, and Jilted from the Electric Palette.

5. Skinn Olive & Enzyme Cleanser

I have nothing bad to say about this cleanser.  It smells nice and seems to remove all my makeup.  It also has a more creamy consistency which I prefer over an oily runny one.  I did wake up with a pimple this morning but I am unsure if they are related.  Further testing is required.  I don't think I'd buy it but I will enjoy using it while I have it.

Where to buy: skinn.com

Price: $24 ($12)

Total price of bag: $42.25

So I got over $40 worth of product for $10.  Seriously Ipsy how are you so amazing. Haha!

If you would like to sign up for an Ipsy bag click my rat! Thanks for reading!

What was your favorite thing in this months bag?

<3__)~