Here’s how ipsy works:
ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription. Each month you recieve a themed makeup bag stuffed with five (mostly sample sized) products. I can’t emphasize enough that they are sample sized, although at least one item will be full sized. It’s a “try before you buy” type of subscription, and a generally fun way to find new things that you love (or hate). Every person’s bag is a different variation based off of the style quiz they complete upon signing up. That means you probably won’t get the same thing as your friends, which is pretty cool!
The cost is $10/month or $110 for a year.
Ready to take the plunge? Use my referral link —> ipsy
(Why does it look like I took these pictures on two different rugs? Haha)
This month’s theme is what I will overcome. It was so hard to choose one thing, and in the end I think I chose a pretty big hurdle, but that’s okay! Rome wasn’t built in a day!
Bag #12 (January 2018)
This month’s bag is giving me total “Saved By The Bell” vibes. It’s supposed to be sporty (I think modeled after a shoe?), and I can totally see that. The bag is clad in neon colors, and the outside of the bag is covered in mesh. The inside of the bag is a bright, bright yellow and the zipper tab is a super cute shoe lace.
#1 – Makeup
Furless Loose Pigment in Sneaky
I was really eh when I first found out that I was receiving this product. I’m really over loose shadows. I rated the last one they gave me pretty low, so I’m a touch annoyed that I received this one, but oh well. I didn’t find this shadow to be particularly pigmented.. at all. Which is so odd, because I hear everyone else RAVING about how pigmented theirs is. I wet my brush to apply it, and I went over it several times to try and pack on the color, but it didn’t really seem to any avail. It kept moving around on my eyelid, giving it a patchy appearance. I would have thought that based on the dry powder alone it would have been super dark and full of sparkle. But instead it was just a disappointment. Keep in mind, I swatched this item on a bare clean face so results will probably vary when used with a primer.
Ciaté London Fierce Flicks Liquid Eyeliner
This eyeliner is super black and super smooth. It didn’t feather or smudge and I was able to make really precise lines with the felt-tip. It dried down quickly and was long wearing, as promised. I think I’m in love!
Purlisse Beauty Blue Lotus Seed Mud Mask + Exfoliant
I’m not a mask girl, so I don’t know how much use I’ll get out of this item, but I have to say.. as far as masks go, this one is awesome. I read in other reviews that after initially applying this mask I should expect to feel a burn, and boy did I. Maybe it’s because I have sensitive skin, but the burn that I felt was so intense that I almost washed the mask off immediately. After about a minute (it felt like forever) the burn finally subsided and I started to feel my face getting very tight. I liked that I could feel it working and how clean and fresh my face felt after I washed it off.
Kokie Cosmetics Kissable Liquid Lipstick in Desire
I really like the color of this lipstick. It’s a really nice mauve, which isn’t normally something that I would gravitate towards. It’s a matte, but it’s not super drying. I actually felt pretty comfortable wearing it. It lived up to its Kissable name, and the only time I had to apply was after eating a meal. 5 stars, will wear again!
theBalm Cosmetics Mary-Lou Manizer
I received this product in both of my bags. It’s a beautiful honey-toned highlighter that really packs a punch. It layers really nicely, so whether you want a subtle glow or to be seen from space this highlighter gets the job done. My one complaint is that it does tend to kind of exaggerate any texture on your skin, so use wisely.
#2 – Skin/Haircare
Briogeo Hair Care Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
I’m not huge into hair products, because they usually send me hair oils and my hair doesn’t usually need any help being oily, but I was super intrigued by this product. Its purpose is to exfoliate your scalp to clear any “blockages” and allow your hair to grow happy and healthy. I don’t know about all of that. I found this shampoo difficult to use, because you’re supposed to massage it into your scalp and I have super thick hair. I was glad to try it, but I don’t know that I’d even notice if it worked or not.. and since I already use a great dandruff preventing shampoo I’m not ready to make any switches right now.
Preventive Measures 101 After Hours Lip Balm
I really like lip balm, so I was happy to receive this item. I don’t know that there’s anything special about it.. but a good lip balm is a staple! I guess my lips weren’t as dry as they usually are when I wake up after applying it at night (maybe?). Oh, and the passion fruit scent/flavor is delicious!
Vasanti Cosmetics Kajal Waterline Eyeliner in Intense Black
I wear eyeliner on my waterline for work and on those days when I really just don’t have enough energy to do anything too complex (aka: most days). I really like this new eyeliner, because it stays in place. Not exaggerating, I work 12 hour shifts and probably wear this eyeliner for 14 hours (give or take) without budging. It goes on smoothly, like butter, and is water and smudge proof.
Absolute New York Eye Artiste Single Shadow in VIP
This shadow is absolutely gorgeous. It’s in the shade VIP, which ipsy describes as a golden bronze, but I was also feeling a lot of orange while wearing it. It’s shimmery, long wearing (without primer), and velvety smooth. No doubt it would be easily bendable with other shadows in your collection.
The verdict:
I give bag #1 a 4 out of 5 stars rating. The only product I really disliked was the loose shadow. Even though I generally dislike masks, I was pleasantly surprised by the Purlisse. The liquid liner is my new all time favorite, and I really like the theBalm highlighter and Kokie lipstick.
I also give bag #2 a 4 out of 5 stars. The shampoo was interesting and I was glad to try it, but I’m not sure it really did anything for me. I’m always happy to receive lip balm, and both the eyeshadow and eyeliner are amazing!
Thanks for taking the time to read my little blog! 🙂
– Tia
Other reviews you might love:
Or peruse my blog to find several other fun reviews!