My Great Challenge: August 2014

Hi friends,

This was a so-so bag for me, maybe one of the most disappointing from Ipsy since I became a subscriber. If you are new to Ipsy, it is a monthly sample subscription for cosmetics name brands, mostly makeup, for which you pay $10 (monthly). I still think it is a great bargain when considering the size of the samples (most are deluxe or travel size and there is always a full size). Ipsy is a great way to discover new brands, or if you are like me, get your monthly makeup fix while saving big time money! Here is what I received for my July 2014 bag:

1. Bare Minerals - 5 in 1 - Creamy Mineral Eye Shadow in Divine Wine :

At first I was not thrilled about receiving this item, to be honest it is the exact same color than the Maybeline Color Tattoo in Deep Forest ( part of the Leather Collection). But, this turned out to be a good surprise! This eye shadow glides on and blends beautifully, leaving a wonderful hint of taupe (the one I received is called Diving Wine). Further, it stays on all day! It did create a crease line, but I managed to reduced that effect afterwards by ensuring my lids were properly primed prior to application. I do recommend this product, though it is a bit pricey, so if you are on a budget, the Maybeline Color Tattoo is just as good and provides the same effect. $18.

2. Hang Ten - #8 - Sun Tanning Oil:

I really did not care for this product, it does not help that I am the wrong customer for this kind of item, I do not tan, at all and avoid the sun like the Bubonic Plague. It has a pleasant scent, it was not overly greasy but as a tanning oil, I am sorry as I can offer no help. $11.99.

3. Pixi - Tinted Brilliance Lip Balm in Unique:

Here is an interesting product. It goes on as a translucent balm with a hint of shimmer (almost glitter) but reacts to your body temperature and turns to a "mood" shade. Unfortunately, it just turned out a pale - as in barely noticeable - shade of pink for me. The formula is okay. I am not crazy about this and cannot recommend it since it was a bit of a downer and at $14, no thanks!

4. Whet - Nail Polish in Garish (that's the name I gave it) Blue:

I am sorry, I could not bring myself to try this, not even on my toes! The color is just plain wrong for me. This is a runoff the mill formula as judged by its fluidity and rather lousy tiny brush. But if you like it, the real name is Facetious. $18 per bottle, to me it's the equivalent of a bad joke, or maybe a Halloween that went awry.

5. Be Fine - Food Skin Care - Daily Moisturizer:

This was supposed to be a moisturizer with Rosemary and Pomegranate but it turned out to be a completely unscented dud. This felt nice enough as a hand cream but honestly and on my skin, it was just too oily. I am not recommending this one either. $24 for nothing more than a very basic moisturizer, I don't think so.

So there you have it, my full review on the July Ipsy Glam Bag. I really was not thrilled with it. Aside from the cute little pink pouch and the Bare Minerals Eye Shadow, this bag was by far my least favorite this year.

I hope you enjoy reading my reviews, don't forget to check out my YouTube Channel for opening videos, swatches and DIY projects.

Here is the video for this Ipsy Bag: