Ipsy Glam Bag - September 2014 - Full Review

Hi friends,

So excited to review this month's Ipsy Glam Bag - It really had a few gems in it!
let me start with a quick info: Ipsy is a monthly makeup and cosmetics sample subscription bag (mostly makeup and always one full size). For $10 per month (including shipping) you will receive up to 5 items and a cute bag to go with it.  It is a great way to discover new brands or new collections within brands. Some of the sample come from high end brands, others are drugstore. It's the best of both worlds for a makeup geek like me! You can use this referral link to get your own monthly bag!

Here is the open box video:



The September 2014 bag was all about "Street Style", a bit of chic, a bit of everyday wear. I simply loved it. The bag was a take on the popular Michael Kors handbag line with metal studs and the metallic finish is definitely looking very "Urban" to me. Neat little bag.

1. Briogeo - Don't Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Mask - A-

Conditioning Mask

Fortified with ultra-hydrating avocado, sweet almond & argan oils, strengthening keratin protein, power-conditioning rosehip oil, soothing aloe, and super hair-essential vitamins B5, D, A, E and biotin. This unique complex of targeted ingredients helps increase hair elasticity and moisture to prevent breakage, promotes healthy shine and luster, and replenishes strength. Comprised of 95 percent naturally-derived ingredients. This product is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicones, artificial fragrances, artificial dyes, and gluten. It is cruelty-free and contains organic ingredients. (quoted from ipsy.com)

I was looking to update my hair routine and this came just at the right time. This sample was actually pretty large as well - I now have short to medium hair and was able to squeeze 3 full uses out of it). It is lightly fragranced but not overpowering, and comes as a thick cream that is neither too gooey nor too gel-like in texture. I found that it applied evenly without having to comb it through and also rinsed well. Overall, it left my hair feeling light yet conditioned and I noticed a difference in my air-dried curls, they seemed to shape faster and stay shaped longer. I would say this is a good product to have on hand as a weekly Conditioning Mask . It would definitely receive a higher mark from me if it were not that darn expensive: $26 / 5.25 OZ.

2. NYX Cosmetics Hot Singles Eye Shadow in Bling (Silver Pearl) - B+

NYX Cosmetics Hot Singles Eye Shadow in Bling

I think NYX is a very good alternative to high end brands in particular when it comes to shadows. Not all of them are perfect but some can definitely compete with the big names out there and this was is no exception. Unfortunately, and after I took it upstairs, I realized that I already own this one - but used it a lot, so I guess I now have a backup. This is a beautiful silver with a tiny amount of glitter. It does not have a lot of fallout, provides good coverage and quite frankly stays on for a long time, without creasing. Basically everything you want from a shadow. I did try it wet as well and thought it did a good job at sealing my grey eyeliner while adding just enough pop that is wearable during day time. And, they are so cheap, at $4.50 to 7.50 per single shadow, why not own a whole bunch. This one is a great choice for a smoky eye since it is highly blendable.

3. Crown Brush Syntho - Shadow & Crease Duet - A++++

This brush is hitting my Hall of Fame! At first I was not happy with the fact that it is double ended and for that reason not easy to store outside of leaving it flat in a drawer or container. However, I have found myself reaching out for it every single day since receiving it. The amazing thing is that I truly thought these were natural bristles - they are not! This is a synthetic fiber brush that is velvety soft, yet very dense. It is perfect for shadow and blending on one side and eye lining, even wet, on the other side. I love this brush so much that I purchased a collection to add to my ever growing one. No joke, these are better than MAC and for a fraction of the cost: you can get a nice blending brush from their site from anywhere between $2.81 and $22 each. Totally affordable when considering the quality and Ipsy gave us a discount code, use CROWNIPSY30 to receive 30% off your order. A great value indeed!

4. Cailyn Cosmetics - Art Touch Tinted Lip Gloss in Basic Instinct . B-

Cailyn Cosmetics - Art Touch Tinted Lip Gloss in Basic Instinct

I am not a fan of Lip Gloss, I always find that they are too, well, glossy, and never really last all that long. Not to mention the goopiness and the stickiness etc. This one was just okay for me, both with regards to formula and color. It is a nice Apricot, probably looks better on a fair red hair gal or someone with a tan. But when you are in between like me, it sort of blends in and is barely noticeable. It's a good emollient, that is all, and quite frankly at $19 a stick, I can find the same stuff at the Drugstore for half the price.

5. Pacifica Waterproof Eye Pencil in Fringe - B-

Pacifica Waterproof Eye Pencil in Fringe

I am just too picky when it comes to eye liner pencils. They have to glide, be retractable or to the very least easy to sharpen, have a decent cap that won't crack and not be dry. Oh, also with good staying power. This one is disappointing, like other Pacifica makeup items I tried in the past. It is just basic and a bit too dry in that it skips on your eyelid. It stays on for a while, but quite frankly, others are very comparable for less money. I wish Pacifica would just quit trying to market makeup and just stick to their body cream and cleanser line of products (love the Tuscan Blood Orange). $11. (not worth the cost).

So there you have it, my Ispy Glam Bag review for September 2014. It was a very good bag and I discovered a brand I fell in love with (Crown Brushes) and cannot wait to demo all the brushes I am soon to receive in the mail. Stay tuned for more!

Thank you so much for reading my blog and watching my YouTube videos! Share the love!

Sophia, NJ


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PO Box 402
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CEDAR GROVE, NJ 07009-9998

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This site contains affiliate advertising. This is how I support my blog and provide for giveaways and products to review. I am not affiliated with Ipsy, However, by clicking on the Ipsy links and joinging Ipsy, I will be awarded points towards future purchases. I am affiliated with Amazon and all companies in banners above.

70 % OFF Vera Bradley

Wow, 70% off selected styles at Vera Bradley 's Online shop and this is valid until September 29Th. Check out those prices! How about some Christmas Shopping ladies!

Click this picture link below to reach the site:

Here are some of the sales until Monday:

Happy shopping!

Sophia, NJ

This site contains affiliate advertising including Vera Bradley sales above. When you purchase items from my links, I receive a small commission, this is how I support my blog.

Ipsy Glam Bag - August 2014 - Full Review

Hi friends,

Let me start by saying that I have zero, none whatsoever, regret about subscribing to Ipsy! Every month (sometimes around the 12th) I anxiously  check my mail box in the hope that my bag has arrived. Now, most of the time, I would swear not to open it until I can shoot an open bag video, it keeps the element of surprise, but quite frankly in almost 8 months now, I have managed that just once!
For those of you not familiar with Ipsy, it is a monthly subscription to cosmetics and skin care samples. If you heard of Birchbox (which I used to receive) it is pretty much the same , only 1000 times better! Your bank account will be charged $10 each month and in exchange, you will receive up to 5 samples, sometimes a full size, of good brands, high end and drugstore + a cosmetic bag to go along. Now, the bags, I find to be a bit small, sometimes I wonder what to do with them, but they always come handy for travel and purse organization.
August 2014 was yet another great bag, check it out:

Did you spot the Urban Decay Mascara? 

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1. Dr. Brandt - Pore Refiner Primer ($45)

This is not for all budgets, at $45 per tube, I find this primer a tad pricey. That said, it has a great formula and is slightly tinted. In my YouTube video, I have a demonstration of what it did to my pores alongside my nose and the result was pretty impressive. Personally I find it to be similar to my Benefit POREfessional (texture, formula and result) so for a few bucks saved, I would rather stick with Benefit's version. B+.

2. Absolute - Lip Balm in Grape ($5.99/two):

This is an interesting product because of the packaging and the price. Ipsy sent me one of the balms (in grape) but they are usually sold as duos (two balms) in this case grape + green apple or Strawberry + Bubble Gum. At $5.99 for two gigantic tins, I think it is a great bargain.  You do get quite a lot of product in the tin, so I can see this lip balm lasting way more than one season. The formula is very smooth, the scent itself is pretty accurate, it offers a nice shine, is not goopey or tacky on the lips. I only have one negative comment about this product, but it is a matter of preference rather than the product itself: I do not use lip balms that require fingers to apply and "recharge", I don't particularly find them to be hygienic and over time, no matter how careful I have, I end up throwing them out because stuff got stuck inside the can and on top of the balm. It's just gross. Really wish they had the same as a squeeze tube or stick version. B+.

3. Lord & Berry Silk Kajal Eye Pencil-Black ($15):

I heard of the brand, but never tried any of their products. I have plenty khol liners in a similar color, so I was not thrilled to receive yet another one. But, this is a very good formula, it glides on well without tugging at your skin, it also works well as an under and below lash line definer. It stays on pretty much all day and is easily removed with eye makeup remover. So I would say it is exactly what it says it is. Just like the lip balm above, I do have a preference when it comes to liners, I just too lazy to sharpen them, so I do tend to lean towards cream liners that require a brush for application (no sharpening there!). It's a good liner, I would recommend it. Unfortunately I think their website was compromised because every time I tried to go on it to provide you with a link, the page would either crash my browser or my computer all together. Check out this link instead. B+

4. Coastal Scents - Forever Blush Duo (in Fresh & Elegant) ($7.95 per compact): 

I really love Coastal Scents as a brand. I just cannot believe the quality of their shadows and blush when considering the affordable (see very low) price. If you are on the market for an upgrade on your makeup colors but do not want to spend too much money, seriously give them a try. This is a duo chrome type blush whereby you can either use one or the other or both together. Individually they are beautiful, together, even better. The formula is a bit powdery but feels silky and applies well, no blotches. It stays on for a good while in particular the golden/Apricot (Elegant) shade which has a hint of shimmer. Fresh is a light pink with a cool undertone. I recommend these. They are cheap ($7.95), they are beautiful, they are good quality. All together they have 18 different shades in this blush collection.  A.

5. Urban Decay - Perversion Mascara ($22):

This, my friends, is the Holy Grail of all mascaras! I did not think much of it at first, thought it was just an okay formula, but with practice and age (that of the mascara) I guess, it just got better and better and I find myself reaching for that sample every day when putting my "face" on! It provides great coverage with one coat, it has a great formula, color is jet black (wishing they had a black brown version) and stays on all day! No flakes, no smudge, no concerns with allergy. Amazing! The brush is a classic thick brush, no gimmicky plastic prongs that poke my inner lid. Really really good. At $22 I find it to be a good value, I probably would pay more for it with no question asked! So yes, I recommend it and will purchase the full size! A+.

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If you did not watch the open bag video, here it is:

Thank you so much for reading my blog and watching my YouTube videos! Share the love!

Sophia, NJ


Connect with me:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

YOUTUBE

Mailing address:

My Great Challenge
PO Box 402
519 POMPTON AVE
CEDAR GROVE, NJ 07009-9998


************Affiliate Advertisers *********************

This site contains affiliate advertising. This is how I support my blog. I am not solicited to write reviews for products, unless otherwise noted in my post. I am not affiliated with Ipsy and any of the brands mentioned above. All opinions are my own.