January 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag Review

January's Ipsy Bag had us ringing in the New Year with 19 reasons why 2014 will be amazing. Everyone's bag came with an assortment of five sample products from a possible 19 different products. The theme of this month's bag was more skin care oriented than past bags, but I was lucky enough to receive a couple makeup products in mine. I subscribe to Ipsy because it continually send out more makeup then other subscriptions on the market. Here is hoping that next month provides more of a makeup selection.

If you would like to sign up for your own Ipsy Bag, I would love if you would use my referral link by clicking here. Ipsy cost $10USD or $14.95CDN per month and you are guaranteed 5 samples a month that can be either full size or sample size.

Willa Naturals Lavender Face Towelettes 

These cloths reminded me of the LA Fresh makeup removing cloths. These were thin, small cloths, not big enough to cleanse my whole face with one cloth. They did remove my makeup fairly well, however, waterproof/long wearing makeup was too much for these cloths. They have an earthy lavender scent which isn't my favourite, and I found them to be on the drier side. I would purchase these.

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Dry Shampoo

This dry shampoo comes is a white powder, that has a slight perfumed scent. It did absorb oil, but not any better then drugstore dry shampoos that I have used before. Because my hair is so dark, I found that this product left a white cast in my hair, and it was very messy to work with. I think the mess was due to the packaging of the sample. I would not purchase.

Marula Pure Marula Oil

This is a tiny sample, but a little goes a long way with this oil. It has a woodsy, earthy scent. The scent actually reminded me of walking down the lumber aisle at The Home Depot. It absorbs fairly quickly into my skin, but leaves a greasy look and feel. I probably wont use this on my face, but on my hands or other dry areas of my body for extra moisture. I would not purchase.

Mica Tinted Lip Balm in Fiesta

This is my favourite product of the bag! This is a highly pigmented lipstick (not balm), that goes on smooth and dries to a semi-matte finish, that lasts all day. It starts out as a bright berry pink and fades to a light pink stain as the day goes on. It is a little drying, but with a balm under or over it, you are good to go. I would purchase.

Elizabeth Mott Smooth Shadow Eye Pencil in Penny

This creamy, pigmented pencil works well as both an eyeliner and cream eyeshadow. The colour reminds me of Maybelline's Colour Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze. The product is very long lasting and takes quite a bit of cleansing to remove the product once it sets. The only thing I don't like about this pencil is that it's made of plastic and I have to sharpen that plastic to use it. I would purchase.

December 2013 Ipsy Review

December was so busy, and went by so quickly that I just remembered I had to review my December Ipsy Bag. I don't know how I could have forgotten about this bag, as it is pretty amazing! It came complete with 4 full size products, and a trial size eyeshadow palette, that came with three full size eye shadows. My bag also came with a replacement bronzer from the November bag. Overall, I am super impressed with the contents of Decembers bag, and I was excited to see a variety of products from both brands I love, and brands new to me. The value of this months bag also far exceeded the cost in which I paid. The value of the products came to $59.19. Ipsy continues to impress me and provide me with new and exciting products to try, so I will be staying subscribed into the new year.

If you are interested in signing up for your own Ipsy Bag, you can do so by clicking here. Ipsy costs $10USD or $14.95CDN per month.

Mirabella Eye Blender

Value: $27
"This fluffy eye blender brush perfectly fuses eyeshadow to create a naturally sculpted eye. Tapered domed shape provides flawless and easy application. Mirabella hand sculpted brushes are made with the finest quality materials and feature exclusive brushed aluminium ferrules and handles."

Pop Beauty Naturally Bare Eyeshadow Trio

Value: $7.20
"This palette of bare pigments adds definition and intensity to lids, creating a broad range of shadow looks that complement all eye colours. From light bare to midnight bronze, these hues blend smoothly onto the lid, adding a veil of silky luster that will outlive the day or night!"

Be A Bombshell One Stick in Flustered

Value: $16
"An all-in-one multiple stick with a smooth texture. Apply to eyelids, cheeks or lips for the perfect pop of colour anywhere! Apply as you would regular eyeshadow, blush, or lip gloss."

NYX Extra Creamy Round Lipstick in Hermes

Value: $4
"The mineral-based emollient formula offers a beautiful velvet texture, saturated colour and it resists wear and smudging. It's your go-to lipstick."

NICKA K Nail Polish in Classic Taupe

Value: $4.99

"Our new and improved professional DBP, Toulene and added formaldehyde free lacquer easily glides onto nails for a picture perfect polished finish. Specially formulated to be applied minimal effort while offering smooth, even coverage. Our long wearing, vibrant NICKA K New York Nail colours are available in 44 variations."

October 2013 Ipsy Glam Bag

So once again I am late with my monthly Ipsy post. For about 7 weeks, I was working 60ish hours a week, at two jobs and just didn't have time to think, let alone blog. However, now that I am back with more time I am hoping to have both October and November posts up before I get my December bag. Overall, for October I was pretty impressed with the contents of my Ipsy bag. This is my favourite subscription of all the ones I've tried. For the price, $10USD/$14.95CDN, you cant go wrong. You get 5 products every month to try and most months the majority of the products are full size. We definitely get our moneys worth. If you are interested in signing up I would love if you would consider using my referral link! Click here to sign up for your own Ipsy Bag!

LA FRESH Oil Free Makeup Remover Wipes

I am a huge fan of makeup remover wipes, partially because I am super lazy and they make taking of makeup so easy. I was really happy to see that they sent oil free ones because my skin hates products with oil. I have used LA FRESH nail polish remover wipes in the past and wasn't a huge fan, so I am hoping that I will like these ones better. The size of this sample is perfect for travel and gives me enough to try to see if I will like them. I am going to Frankenmuth, Michigan for a mini vacation in December, so these will definitely be coming along with me.

Buxom Full On Lip Polish in Dolly

My first Buxom lip gloss! I've heard great things about these glosses and can't wait to try it out. The colour is definitely me, and I love the subtle gold shimmer that runs throughout it. This is going to look great over a multitude of different lipsticks. I'm going to be testing it over the next few weeks, and I might pick some more up at the Bare Minerals Outlet in Birch Run. Again the size of this sample is huge, almost, if not half the amount of the full size. This will definitely last me a long time.

Big Sexy Hair Blow Dry Volumizing Gel

This product intrigues me, yet scares me at the same time. I just don't know what to expect from it. My hair has a fine texture to it, so I'm worried that it will make it clump together or make my hair greasy. I don't normally blow dry my hair, I don't even own one, so I might bring this on vacation with me to try out with the blow dryer there. If I get miraculous results I will share my findings with you, however, I'm not holding out hope.

Nourish Organic Coconut & Argan Body Lotion

The things I love about this lotion are that: 1. It's the perfect size for my purse. 2. It is readily available at Target, for a reasonable price, and 3. It smells sooo good! I love getting lotion samples like this as I always carry lotion with me. When you are washing and sanitizing your hands many times every shift, your cuticles and hands dry out like crazy. I find this leans a bit more towards an Argan oil smell then coconut but it is still very nice. It absorbs well into the skin, and I wasn't left with any weird residue one my skin.

Zoya Professional Lacquer in Giovanna

Not the best picture of this polish, however, I don't think my camera could ever capture the beautifulness of this polish. Giovanna is a jewel toned, shimmery, metallic finish emerald polish that is perfect for the Christmas season. I was excited to see this colour as I have nothing like it in my collection, and it is part of Zoya's most recent collection. It is nice to see this seasons collections in our sub bags, and not just old collection polishes. The formula was really easy to work with, and was opaque in 2 coats. The only thing I don't like about this polish is the brush, I just prefer a bigger brush with my polishes.

August 2013 Ipsy Glam Bag Review

Unlike July's Glam Bag, I am getting the review of my August Bag up as soon as possible. I love everything I got in this months bag! I received Glam Bag #13 (you can find your bag # on the tracking email next to the reference number). At first I was a little disappointed that I did not receive the Urban Decay lipstick, but after trying out all of the products that I did receive, I am so so happy with everything. I might have even found some new loves.

The design of the bag this month is my favourite so far. I love the purple colour and how it looks with the gold accents. I also like how the Ipsy part isn't so big and noticeable on the bag. This is going right into my purse, to replace the blue Glymm Nylon bag that I am currently using for my makeup. We got 5 products again this month, and I received a bonus nail polish from Lime Crime for referring two people. Overall, I received 3 full size products, and 3 deluxe samples.

If you are interested in signing up for your own Ipsy Glam Bag I would love if you would use my referral link!

Nailtini Nail Polish in Mai Tai

Sample Size: Full Size - 0.5fl.oz
Sample Value: $13

This polish is described as a "vibrant sunrise coral". It is opaque in two coats, and is the perfect coral colour for Summer. I've heard mixed reviews about Nailtini polishes,but after swatching this, I am impressed with the pigmentation and formula. It goes on smoothly, with no streaking, and has a glossy finish that doesn't require a top coat. In the future I may pick up a few more polishes from this line.

Lime Crime Nail Polish in Crema de Limon

Sample Size: Full Size
Sample Value: $8

I received this polish as a referral gift for having two people join Ipsy using my special link. I was really hoping for the Urban Decay eyeshadow, so I was kinda disappointed when I saw that I would be receiving this. I am extremely pale, and yellow just isn't a colour I think that I can pull off. However, upon swatching this polish I think that I can make it work for me. Especially as an accent colour paired up with another colour. Like the Nailtini polish, this one was smooth and streak free, and opaque in two coats.

Noya Natural Lip Balm in Vanilla

Sample Size: Full Size
Sample Value: $3.99

According to Noya there is "a cupcake packed into every balm." This lip balm smells amazing! I am tempted to eat it off my lips whenever I wear it, and because it is all natural I actually can. This balm goes on so smooth and leaves my lips feeling hydrated and soft for hours. This went right into my purse, and due to its affordable price tag I will absolutely be buying this in the future.

Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream

Sample Size: 0.34fl.oz
Sample Value: $5.44

"Think sheer moisturizing tint with benefits.  A true multitasking miracle that hydrates, primes, illuminates, and perfects leaving a sheer bare skin finish.  Specialized mineral pigments that instantly adjust to your skin shade allows one color to work for many.  The sheer application can be built up for just the right amount of coverage.  In addition, this amazing BB Cream formula contains high performance anti-aging botanical ingredients that revive and re-mineralize skin for a natural glow. Your skin will look natural, dewy, youthful and radiant without looking like you are wearing heavy make-up."

This is the product I am most excited about trying! It is in the perfect shade for me, and the shade matching technology gives me a flawless application. The size of this sample is also good, as there is enough in the tube in order for me to accurately gauge if I like it enough to buy the full size. The price for the full size is only $16 so if I do like it then I wont have to break the bank to buy it.

Pixi Lash Booster Mascara

Sample Size: 0.105oz
Sample Value: $7.14

Pixi claims that this mascara gives lashes a "push-up effect that lasts all day." I love getting mascara samples, as I have not found that HG mascara yet. I like that it claims that it will last all day as I hate getting panda eyes halfway through the day. I feel like this mascara is a little pricey at $17 a tube, but if it is a really good mascara I may buy the full size which I can easily find at Target.

Michael Todd True Organics Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub

Sample Size: 1fl.oz
Sample Value: $5.40

This scrub is good for all skin types, with jojoba beads that limit the amount of skin lacerations, and charcoal that helps draw out impurities. I have heard a lot about this brand and product on YouTube, and I am excited to try it out. My skin loves exfoliation and I think the price of this scrub is very reasonable for how much you get. If my skin loves this scrub I will be ordering the full size.

Overall, this months Glam Bag has a value of $42.97, and is chuck full of new and exciting products for me to try. I know I will be finding some new loves in these products. I have been with Ipsy for three months now and have been continually impressed with the service and products I have received. I will be staying subscribed for the time being. Again if you are interested in subscribing I would love if you would consider using my referral link, which you can find at the top of this post. I will send heaps of good thoughts and karma your way if you do!

July 2013 Ipsy Glam Bag

I wasn't sure if I was going to put up this review as it is a little late, but I figured what the hell, better late than never. Although this hasn't been my favourite Glam Bag to date, I was really impressed with the contents. And I really like the bag this month. It is perfect for carrying products in your purse or beach bag, because it is waterproof and easy to clean.

This month I received 5 products, plus a bonus nail polish for making 2 referrals. I have decided to stay subscribed for now because next months bag looks really good. There is a possibility that next month you could get a Urban Decay lipstick. If you are interested in signing up for Ipsy you can do so by clicking HERE. (contains referral link)

Big Sexy Hair Weather Proof Humidity Resistant Spray

Sample Size: 1.4oz
Sample Value: $7.80

At first I was disappointed when I saw this product because I really wanted the Soy Beach Spray. However, after using this I am really happy I got it. I used it a few Saturdays ago to set my hair for a wedding I was attending. It was crazy hot and humid outside and my hair was going to frizz in seconds. I did a light spray all over and it kept me flyaway and frizz free all night. I can see myself purchasing the full size for Summer months.

Coola Mineral Sunscreen Unscented Moisturizer SPF 20

Sample Size: 0.23oz
Sample Value: $4.87

This sample is so tiny! And when I squeeze the tube there is a lot more air than product in there. Kinda disappointed about the size, but I understand that not everything is going to be full size every month. I'm excited to try a mineral sunscreen as most other sunscreens make my face extremely oily. I'm saving this sample until I use up a few things I have open right now.

Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub

Sample Size: 1oz
Sample Value: $16.25

So happy I got this! I adore face scrubs and love getting samples of them. Once my current sample runs out I will be trying this one. I will probably do a review post on it once I try it. This sample also smells amazing. It has a lemony citrus scent that will be very refreshing.

POP Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon in Coral Crush

Sample Size: 3g
Sample Value: $4.17

I love love love lip crayon products. They are easy to apply, and great for on the go. My favourite one right now is from Revlon, I am hoping I like this one just as much. The colour is perfect for this time of year, and will look great paired with a neutral eye.

BH Cosmetics California Palette

Sample Size: 3 eye shadows, 1 from each palette
Sample Value: $0.62 roughly

This palette is so flippin' cute! The size is perfect to carry in my purse for touch ups, and the colours look gorgeous in the pan. The purple is a little less pigmented but it is still workable, and I will probably use it wet as an eyeliner. I've never tried BH eye shadows before so its exciting to receive a product you've never tried.

Bonus: Nicole by OPI Selena Gomez Polish in Pretty in Plum

I received this bonus for referring two people to Ipsy. The colour is gorgeous and this is my first NOPI polish. I was hesitant to buy these because I was uncertain of the quality. However, after trying it I am super impressed. I will be going to see if my Dollarama still has some in stock for $3 and getting them all!

June 2013 Ipsy Glam Bag

So, I finally got on the Ipsy bandwagon! A while back I thought of joining, but the bags weren't that good so I kept waiting. Since January every bag has been amazing, and when I saw that this month everyone would be getting a full size NYX blush, I finally caved and subscribed.

Ipsy sends out better brands, and sample sizes compared to other boxes. Plus, they send a higher percentage of makeup compared to their competition, something that I really like. I had signed up for boxes like Glymm and Glossybox hoping to get makeup and ended up being disappointed because I received more skin and hair care products.

Overall, I am super impressed with Ipsy and will continue to be a subscriber for the next few months, at least, to test out their service. If you are interested in signing up for Ipsy I would love if you would use my referral link! By using my link it will make me eligible for a free gift, while supplies last.

Starlooks Lip Liner in Tipsy

I am so excited that I received this colour. It is the perfect colour for Summer. I am really surprised by the pigmentation and formula of this product. The swatch was just two swipes of the lip liner, two very light swipes. This pencil is very creamy and pigmented. I think this alone with some gloss will produce the perfect coral lip.

NYX Cream Blush in Natural

At first I was kind of disappointed by this blush. I'm not the biggest fan of cream blushes(because I don't know how to apply them), and the colour in the pan looks kind of boring. When swatched however, this blush is beautiful! The texture is very glossy and reminds more of a lip product than cheek product, but it blends out perfectly. It will give me a natural flush.

Cailyn Gel Liner in Iron

I am sooooo excited for this liner! My favourite kind of liner is a gel or cream formula, and lately I have been loving grey liner. This gunmetal grey liner will define my lash line, but it wont be as harsh as black liner can sometimes look. I cannot wait to try this out!

 J.Cat Eyelashes

This is the product I like the least in this bag. My lashes naturally look like fake lashes, so I have no use for these. I will most likely give these away to a friend.

J.Cat Sparkling Cream Palette

This isn't a product I will use on a daily basis, especially seeing as it is not safe for use on or around the eyes. It reminds me of the cream glitter eye shadows I reviewed from BA Star a few months ago. The colours in this palette are really nice, and for me they swatched nicely with only a little bit of product. I have read that some other girls have had trouble getting good swatches. Seeing as these can only be used as body glitter, I will have to save this for Halloween, or it may just go into the garbage...I haven't decided yet.

For $15 I was more than happy with the value of the products I received. I give this bag a 3.5/5 because I really don't have much use for the lashes or glitter palette.

What did you receive in your Glam Bag this month? Were you happy with the product selection?