ipsy February "The Look of Love" review

This month probably took a big turn when I found out that my bag came sooner than expected. (By the time I had received my tracking number, it was already in transit towards me) 2 days early = happy camper.

I had been dying to see the colors (or type of eyelashes) that I was going to get!

The bag stuffed. :D

First look

Zoya Nail Polish in Odette:

I always pray that one day I'll get something I had been hoping for. But alas, this has not been the case. It's a pretty purple shade, definitely in tune with this month's Valentine's theme. I would have definitely preferred the pink pale color...

POP Beauty Lip gloss in Peony Pink:

I was extremely surprised when I tried this lip gloss on. It's glossy with no stickiness! *le gasp* I was in some serious shock. The color was also perfect, not too loud and not too subtle.

Super nice color.

As of late, people have been complaining that there a few bad batches of the POP glosses (foul smelling as soon as you open it, etc.). Both Ipsy and POP Beauty have been on the case, sending back replacements.
Please, PLEASE, everyone who has been having a problem with ANY cosmetics...you should let the FDA know. You can be the preventative measure we need. 

City Color Be Matte Blush in Fresh Melon:

Hm. I really wanted to see if I would get the orange-y one instead of pink. Blah. But either way, a girl can't have too much blush. I only have 3 (this one included).
Also, I was really pleased to see that ipsy took some precautionary measures and wrap the blush in bubble wrap.

J.CAT Beauty False eyelashes EL01:

I checked. These are not the same ones I got the first time around, which was my main concern cause I don't need doubles. >.< But these almost seem the same. So the disappointment still ensued. If anyone knows any good tutorials on fake eyelashes, please! Share!

Phyto-C Velvet Gel Skin Care:

This (from what I interpreted from Michelle Phan's last video) is kinda like a serum? I haven't tried it yet. I looked at the box for any instructions (the bottle is pretty blank). I only have that to go with.

I give this box a 4/5, another pair of eyelashes?  I really don't think that was necessary ipsy. But regardless, I love all these products you give out every month and saves me a ton of money!
Here's my referral link so you can try it out too! I promise, it's worth it. At least for a month, and you're hooked.

Disclaimer: There may be a few referral links unless otherwise specified.

ipsy January 2014 "19 reasons" review

Yes, this post is super late! But better late than never! This month's theme was of course, in honor of the new year, to post at least one reason 2014 was going to be awesome. {insert lame reason}

that familiar pink packaging

First look at the bag

Inside peek

 Apothederm Bright Skin Serum (trial size):

I am really skeptical when it comes to adding things to my face. My skin is not as sensitive but regardless, you don't put anything on without first consulting good old Google. Reviews have not been so kind in regards to the "serum" part of the deal. It leaves your skin sticky. <.< 

Nope.

 Elizabeth Mott Smooth Shadow Creamy Eye Pencil:

 I'm familiar with this brand from the September glambag. The only thing I can say is that it truly is creamy and smooth in its application. It's a bit glittery. But this works perfect for highlighting!

smooth, glittery. i don't lie.

 Willa Naturals On-The-Go Lavender Face Towelettes:

Ok, truth: I haven't tried these since I still haven't finished using the ones from the October glambag. :X Honestly I use baby wipes to remove make up. It's easier on the eyes.

(Malin + Goetz) Mojito Lip Balm:

I am not a big fan of this lip gloss (yes, it's glossy more than it is balm-y). I know that a lot of people really like it, but I must admit that it doesn't do it for me.  Regardless of its "mojito" essence and lack of applicator, it's the glossy part that kills me and leaving my lips sticky. D:

Sexy Hair Soy Tri-wheat Leave-in conditioner:

I have very frizzy hair. And living in a very humid, not hair-friendly place like Miami, is just hostile to my hair. lol I use a lot of different products in my hair to tame the wild beast. I like that this is light on my hair but it makes me a little worried that this a little too watery in contrast to other leave-in conditioners that are more of a creamier substance. Maybe definite for an every day use? Someone should clear this up for me. 

The bag:
Colors that I am fond of and for some odd reason it's a bit bigger than most of the bags that ipsy has come out with since I started.

Final verdict:
I was not fond of this bag this month. There were 3 products I know that I just...either don't like or will never use. That's more than half of the bag. That's not at all a good percentage. Reagrdless, this makes gift-giving a little easier.

This is still a great subscription bag to get involved in (imho*); I just hope that they will get better as the time progresses since I know that they can do better than this! Here's my referral link to give it a try! ;)


*In my honest opinion

ipsy December 2013 "Celebration" review

We all know my obsession with this bag. Honestly, I think the bags got better up to this point! And the stuff I got this month, more than definitely I will use them all!

First look

Signature by English Laundry sample size:

Quick note on this: I had a chance to smell one of them due to it being damaged upon arrival but the other one, I haven't really had a chance to test it out since it was covered in the fragrance of the other. BUT, it smelled amazing and it lasted pretty much all evening on my hands. I love perfumes and I'm pretty picky on the fragrances I put on my body but so far I am loving it.

Nicka K NY in Classic Taupe full size:

Subscribers were either getting this color or a red one. I am actually relieved that I got this color. I'm more of a neutral person when it comes to nail polish...but it's also because I already have more red nail polish than I know what to do with. D:

one coat; outside light

JCat Beauty The Big Lip Pencil in Red Rose full size:

I know I have enough red polish...but I can't get enough of red lip products! I was so sad though that I wasn't going to get the NYX lipstick (D:) but I got this instead. With a little bit of gloss, it adds the right touch for a night out!

swatch; outside light

The One Stick by Be A Bombshell in Girl Crush full size:

I am upset that I got such a soft color. It works better as a lipstick than a blush. It's a bit shimmery too. I mean I can always trade it for a darker color, like Sunset...

outside light

POP Beauty Bright Up Your Life Eye Shadow Trio in Naturally Bare trial size:

I was praying and hoping that this would be the color I get instead of the other one which is basically black and grey. I was so excited seeing that these colors were so bright and looked great on my skin!

with flash

THE BAG:

This is probably my favorite bag out of all the ones I have had this year. It so pretty and great for on-the-go...I just which it would have had what the last bag had (the strap) and it would get a 10 in my book.

red interior, can you say sexy?

I give this bag a 5/5. All of the products were on the most part full sized and I know I will use every single product, even the bag! I think every month ipsy is looking back and just trying to top themselves from the previous bag. Sure, ipsy has gotten a lot of negative feedback about the brands that we get (we get a lot of repeat brands) and "I didn't get this color" and "I didn't get what I wanted".
I am guilty of not always getting what I want. BUT the point of this subscription is to discover and try out new things.

Interested in something new? Click on my link and try it out! For $10, you get your money's worth and then some.

ipsy November 2013 review -- "Glam it Up"

Note: This post was written earlier but not posted in time. Curse my procrastination.

Ah! It's that time again, where after what seemed like eons from the time I get my tracking number to when it gets to my mailbox. I think they should really reassess the carrier they are using for shipping because it's ridiculous that this bag is stuck in Georgia forever. -.- /rant

Anyway, on to the review:
Nailtini in Champagne (full size):

What a pretty color. I had seen previews for it before but I didn't see the big fuss until I finally saw it in person. Nailtini has actually been in previous bags before (in July, I believe) and I don't really mind because to me, the more nail polish I have, the better. (No, I do not have a problem. Just an obsession.)

Be a Bombshell lip crayon in Shameless (full size):

More red? Yes, please. But this is not red red. This is more of a hint of red with a pinkish tint. It is definitely recommended to use it with something moisturizing. I find that this is the only flaw with this lip pencil, but other than that I love the rich color.

EM Cosmetics Lash Gallery Dramatic Volume Mascara (full size):

I loved it, loved it, loved it! It worked really really well and delivered very beautiful eyelashes. I was very satisfied that it left no clumps and it kept my eyelashes well fanned out with sufficient volume. As you can see in exhibit A below. (This is the picture I could get under the circumstances)

such awesome eyelashes.

Starlooks Gem Eye Pencil in Amethyst (full size):

I was hoping that I would get this color, It's perfect for little subtle shimmer in my make up to change things up a bit.

Close up.

BH Cosmetics Galaxy Chic Eyeshadow in Neptune (sample size):

I don't see myself using this color very often but it does make a nice combination with the Starlooks eye pencil I got in this bag.

Pixi Beauty Bronzer in Subtly Suntouched (full size):

I was slightly disappointed to see that this was in a very light color. Worked more as a blush kind of color for me...but still, I liked it more than my e.l.f bronzer.

Swatched: 1) lip crayon, 2) Pixi bronzer, 3) Eyeshadow, 4) Eye pencil

The bag:

I am not too crazy about the snake skin looking bag. BUT, this has a nice little feature that I haven't seen in the other bags: a little loop for easy-to-carry.

By far, this is my favorite bag (for it's contents). We got some really nice stuff this month and I am crazy to see what's in store for next month!

If you wanna try it out, here's my referral link!

bluum September 2013 "Let's Practice Standing!" (9 month old baby)

Yes, I realize how late this review is. At least I posted it! Better late than never. This month's (october) will be up soon, keep on the look out!

Shipping for this box was actually pretty fast. Can't complain. I got my tracking number and next thing you know, my mail lady is dropping this off at my doorstep. Awesome.

For those of you who are not familiar with this subscription, bluum is a monthly subscription box curated with products depending on the stage or milestone that your child is in. Products for baby and for mom.

First look

Bumpkins Starter Bib ($4.95):

This is actually my favorite bib that I have used for E. Waterproof, easy to clean...what more could a mom ask for? I have one similar to this from Koala Baby but it is not really NOT that easy to clean... This one wipes down quickly...even after mealtime.

Susan Brown's Baby Cleansing Cloths ($14.00):

Lightly scented, soft to the touch. I didn't really use it for myself although this was considered one of the "mom" items. I used it more on E for those little wipe downs when she'd make a mess and it didn't irritate her skin so I'd say that this is also baby friendly.

Priddy Books Baby Play Day ($13.00):

My favorite part of this book is the little tabs that you see above ^. Great for those little fingers and it's very bright colored so E can spend hours just looking at the book. JD loves it too so I consider all the books I get from blumm a twofer.

Bumkins Divided Plate - Cat in the Hat ($6.95):

JD saw this and declared it "his plate". Not for E because she's a baby. shrugs What can I say? She prefers throwing it off her high chair and finds it hilarious. JD, on the other hand, actually uses it for its intended purpose. He likes his food separated and likes all the little dividers. Plus he likes the show. Another twofer I'd say.

Redex Udderly Smooth Cream 2 oz ($1.99):

Another "mom" item. I am not a big cream person but I have used this cream on my husband's feet... Resulting in silky smooth feet. lol It's texture is more like water and not so oily so it sinks into the skin very quickly. So I'd say this works for people who don't like the sticky feel of cream.

Child's Play Mulberry Bush ($6.00):

Probably not my favorite item from this box. I don't really use CDs...at all. Plus this is a rhyme that I am familiar with but I wouldn't say was a staple in my childhood. -.-

Total value of this month's box: $46.89. The CD was probably the only thing that I found that I would not use at all but other than that, I never really argue the value of the box because I really do get a good bang for my buck every month. :)

Try it out!

Disclosure: There are referral links in this post, unless otherwise noted. I don't know if people really read these sort of things anyway!