Rock and Roll with ipsy - April '14

April's ipsy bag rocked out, with its various beauty products out :) The theme was Beauty Rocks, and for the most part I'm happy with what I received. 

First, I have to say that the bag itself (which is too cute with its glorious purple self) reeked when I first took it out if the mailer. Did anyone else have that issue? I had to put a dryer sheet inside it and leave it on a bookcase, unzipped, to air out. It took about 2 weeks to air out well enough for me to stand holding it. Crazy! Thank goodness whatever the smell was didn't transfer to the products inside.

Now onto the goodies! I received:

City Color White Gold Shadow and Highlight Mousse: when I first saw this, and saw the airy, mousse-like consistency, I was a bit hesitant to use it. Now, I think this may be my favorite product that I received in this bag. As the name implies, it goes on white, but blends to this gorgeous golden shimmer. Definitely not an everyday look, but I'm glad to have it in my collection;

Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant: I'll be gifting this to one of my sisters or a friend. I've read that it has a pleasing lemon smell, but I'm leery of the actual microdermabrasion aspect of the product. I've found a few face products that age worth my skin, and I'll be sticking to those for now;

Sexy Hair Root Pump Volumizing Spray Mousse: this is another product that will be gifted away. I don't use mousse in my hair, so this one's wasted on me. I have lots of friends that seat by Big Sexy products, so I'll have no problem finding someone to take it off my hands; and

A Cailyn Tinted Lip Balm in the shade Apple Pink: this is a full-sized product and is very pigmented which is great. Stylishly, it comes off as more of a lipstick, then a tinted balm. The nude/pink shade, however, is not the best for me. I can work with it if I keep it light and maybe layer it worth another shade. We'll see.

Lastly, I received an Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Black Velvet. I'm always happy to receive an Urban Decay product; especially when it's such a generous sample size. I have yet to use this since I so rarely use eyeliner, but I've been hearing/reading good things.

What did you other ipsters think of your April bag?

If you don't yet subscribe but would like to, I'd appreciate it if you used my referral link at http://bit.ly/154vUAf :).

Later gators,
M

Ipsy - March 2014

This month's ipsy theme is Destination Beauty. 

The insert card actually welcomes subscribers to Palette Island. I like the theme, but I'm a bit underwhelmed by the bag itself and products I received. We only received four products too :(

The bag's bold print is a selection from artist, and ipsy subscriber, Klari Reis. It's based on the geography of her hometown of San Francisco. It's an interesting pattern, but the thick plastic feel is odd, and it had a ridiculously strong smell when I first took it out of the pink mailer. I had to air it out for a couple of weeks, before the silly putty-like smell went away. The bag feels like it would do well being thrown in a beach bag though; so that's probably what I'll end up doing.

My bag contained:

An eyeshadow quad from Be a Bombshell, I the shade Bora Bora: The colors (Starlet/a gorgeous bronze, Bora Bora/a very beachy turquoise, Risky Business/a gold tone, and Rock Bottom/a perfect sunset-on-the horizon copper) all have a bit of shimmer, are very pigmented and blend well. I really like this quad;

Nicole by OPI's Roughles textured nail polish in the shade On What Grounds?: I'm not a fan of this textured polish. I looks like a robin's egg, asphalt hybrid. I usually love the polishes that I receive from ipsy, bit this one is no bueno;

An adorable mini Marvelous Moxie lipstick from Bare Minerals in the shade Get Ready: The packaging is adorable, the sample size is decent, and the lipstick goes smoothly, but the shade is simply too pink for me. I wish I had received the gloss instead; and

Indian Coconut Nectar Body Butter from Pacifica: This is easily my favorite item this month. I adore a good body butter. This one smells divine, and I don't even like coconut! It works well as a moisturizer without being greasy. I'll definitely be purchasing more of this, and checking out the other available scents.

What did all you other ipsters think of the March bag and selection of products? As I said, I was less than impressed. Hopefully next month is better... and we get back to receiving 5 product bags.

If you don't yet subscribe but would like to, I'd appreciate it if you used my referral link at http://bit.ly/154vUAf :).

Later gators,
M

Three months of Starlooks

Let's jump right in, shall we?

December

This past December was my first holiday as a Starlooks Starbox subscriber; and if that was how they celebrate every December, then it won't be my last :)

A brief reminder, Starbox is the subscription box offered by the makeup line Starlooks. Each box generally includes 3-4 full-sized products from their makeup line, and costs $15 a month (plus shipping).

In addition to sending out only full-sized products, Starlooks sends subscribers a special birthday Starbox during their birthday month (love that!). In the December box, they included an insert staying that the Company would now also be rewarding subscribers with a new loyalty program. Very nice :)

December's box contained a gorgeous 15 shade eyeshadow palette called "New Years Eve 2014". These types of palettes retail on their site for a whopping $99! I must admit that that is exceptional value for the purchase price.

The palette itself is well made; and the included colors are stunning. Most of the shades have some summer, but there are also 5 matte shades - a little something for everyone. This was a great Starbox month.

January

January's box was all about versatility, and finding new uses for different makeup products.

One of the glosses was labeled Satin. I don't remember the other. Both broken items have been tossed. The lipstick was a color that I would never wear, and was instantly given away. I, unfortunately, don't even remember the shade. The Obsidian eyeliner is a nice, if not exciting, product; and the lash comb was a useful bonus. 

That's all well and good, but both lip glosses in my box arrived damaged. There were no stoppers in the vials, so when opened them, it was just a big mess. I have contacted Starlooks multiple times since receiving the box. Each time, I have been assured that replacement items will be sent to me, but nothing has been received.

Since, Starlooks prides themselves on customer service, this is especially disappointing.

February

I love how the two models are throwing so much shade at each other on this insert card.

February's theme was Futurism, and featured a whole host of sparkly metallic products.

I received a creamy, long-lasting lipstick (in the shade Lilu), a cream shadow in Hologram , and a buildable pigment in the shade Tungsten.

I also received a grey, nylon headband. Starlooks included this bonus as an aid to keep hair off your face when doing makeup; and this, plus the pigment are my favorite box items this month. I could take or leave the shimmery gloss and pinkish-creamish-gold shadow.

Hopefully next month will be better.

This box also included the loyalty reward for being a steady 3 month box subscriber. When Starlooks first announced that they would be providing loyalty rewards, I assumed that they would send out a random extra product, or two, to subscribers. They did much better.

They gave us $35 off of any order! Very nice :) I have yet to use my code, but I'll probably pick up a couple of lipsticks in colors that are more my style.

If you're interested in subscribing to Starbox, I would appreciate it if you used my referral link. Thanks in advance :)

Later gators,
M

February 2014 with ipsy

This month's ipsy bag is full of goodies to go with the theme The Look of Love :)

 

 

The bag itself is a fun, bright pink with a funky pink leopard print interior. Simple yet fun.

 

This month's bag contained:

A POP Beauty Plump Pout Mini in the color Peony Petal: This product supposedly combines shine and long wear with lip-plumping peptides and avocado and jojoba oils. While I'm a POP Beauty fan, and I like the color, I'm not a fan of lip plumping products so I'm not sure if I'll use this;

City Color Cosmetics Be Matte Blush in the shade Fresh Melon: I was excited to see this full sized product in my bag. I also like that this blush is truly matte. Many of the blushes I already own have a shimmer to them. It's quite a bit of blush, and while the rosy-coral shade is a bit bright for my skin tone, I'll make it work. A little definitely goes a long way, so this will last me a while;

NuMe Intense Renewal Hair Mask: I have yet to try this, but all the reviews that I've read have been positive. I did smell the product, and it smells amazing - so there's that. I'm excited to try this out. We'll see;

Zoya Nail Polish in Odette: I love Zoya polishes, I love purple, and yes, I did my nails with this the same day I received my bag. Ipsy, you can send me Zoya polishes in every bag. Seriously :); and

Tini Beauty Cordial Shadow and Base in the Spiced Rum: This product is from the same people who bring us Nailtini nail polishes that ipsy loves sending out (from their Eyetini product line). The shadow is an amazing bronze color that goes on smoothly and blends incredibly well. I love that the packaging is similar to a lip gloss - clever and convenient. This month's ipsy discount code for this brand gives subscribers 50% off any purchase + a free nail polish, so I may need to purchase some other colors.

I have to say ipsy did a pretty great job compiling my bag this month. How did February's bag stack up for all you other ipsters out there?

 

If you don't yet subscribe but would like to, I'd appreciate it if you used my referral link at http://bit.ly/154vUAf :).

 

Later gators,

M

Lounging in the Mediterranean, with Starlooks

This month's Starlooks Starbox certainly delivers on color!

I love every product they sent out this month, even the bonus that I've seen people complaining about - but more on that later.

Everything was packaged beautifully, as usual. Starlooks really succeeds with their packaging. I always feel like I'm getting a birthday gift when their box arrives.

This month subscribers received the "Monaco" 5 Shade Shadow Palette, an Infinity Pot Liner in the color Orion, and a Slanted Liner Brush.

The Palette is gorgeous. The colors range from matte to more satiny finishes. I'm not yet sure how I'm going to use the red and canary yellow. The sample look from this month's lookbook (see this post's first pic) is striking, but not really my style. I'll graze YouTube and find some cool looks to try out :).

The Infinity Pot Liner (in Orion) compliments the Baldwin Blues nail polish that I received from Birchbox, so that's a plus. It goes on well, is a lovely shade and, of course, pairs with the Slanted Liner Brush.

As I mentioned above, also included was a bonus eye and lip pencil sharpener. I've seen quite a few people questioning why we received out, and complaining. In my opinion, why complain? Pencil sharpener = light years better than the usual bonus crystal shard :)

The box also includes this discount code for 40% off any starlooks.com purchase (expires December 15th). Just enter ILOVESTARLOOKS at checkout.

If you are interested in subscribing to Starbox, I would appreciate it if you used my referral link. Sign up before December 10th to ensure that you receive the highly anticipated $99 value palette!

If you're already a subscriber, what did you think of this month's vibrant box? If you have any look ideas, feel free to share those in a comment as well.

Later gators,
M

Thanks for the birthday wishes Starlooks :)

My birthday box came this past Saturday! A bit belated for my birthday, but that's okay. 

I was hoping for a vibrant, retro red lipstick, but it was not to be. I still like what I received though :)

The box contained three products, an eyeliner, an eyeshadow, and a lipstick.

Gorgeous

I wish that they included a product description card like they do with their regular monthly boxes, because there was no label on the eyeshadow, so I don't know what color it is - but it corresponds with the Indigo Frost (J215) eyeliner. The lipstick - Mila (Is40) - is an interesting mauvey color. It's no come-hither red, but it's nice and seems to apply well (based on the tiny swatch I've done so far).

I love how Starlooks sends out these extra boxes. Gifts by mail are the best :)

To any other Starbox subscribers out there, what did you receive in your birthday boxes?

Later gators,
M

Art is Beauty & Beauty is Art

Yea, I got my ipsy bag!

This month's theme is The Art of Beauty; and I must say, October is a very good ipsy month :) I love my bag, and most of the other reviews that I've seen have been positive as well. Good job ipsy.

A simple bag with a cute quote, and a pop of vibrant color. Thumbs up :) 

"Love of beauty is taste.

The creation of beauty is art."

I really like this month's actual bag. The quote is cute, and I love the hot pink interior. It also feels much sturdier than last month's bag.

More importantly, I also feel like the majority of the products I received were more tailored to my tastes and preferences. Maybe there's something to ipsyMatch after all. Uh oh - I hope I didn't speak too soon, and ipsy's beauty gurus can keep up the magic for November's bag.

Anyway, onto the goodies! This month I received:

1) La Fresh Oil-Free Face Cleanser Wet Wipes: The package contains 10 wipes, which is a great sample size. They have a nice scent, and seem to work well. I'll keep the rest of the pack in my travel bag. I can always use convenient products like this;

2) Coastal Scents Medium Shadow Brush: I've already started using this :) It's a nice, soft brush, and ipsy can feel free to send me more;

3) Style Sexy Hair Spray Clay: I'm not yet sure about this product. Apparently, it's not a hairspray, but rather a 'clay, in spray form, that gives hair textured movement while providing a dry hold'. I'll try it out, but it may not be a match for my hair type;

4) Bella Terra Mineral Cosmetics Mineral Shimmer: I received the color Navy, and it is beautiful. It is a very pigmented shimmer powder that can, apparently, be used in 8 different ways. Per the ipsy site, this product is a "creamy eye shadow, matte eyeshadow, eyeliner, lip color, nail polish, mascara, body glitter, and hair color for fun hair streaks" all in 1. I'm definitely excited to try it out; and

5) Zoya Nail Lacquer: I received a lovely plum color called Mason.

It has a bit of shimmer, goes on smoothly in one coat, and is a perfect color for Fall. Yea!

If you're a fellow ipsy subscriber, how did you like your October bag? What product are you most excited to have received/try out? I'm still deciding. At this point, I'll say it's a 4-way tie :)

If you haven't yet subscribe, but are interested in getting your own ipsy bag(s), I'd appreciate it if you use my referral link. [Thanks in advance.]

Later gators,
M

Round 'em up!

It's round up time!

I've now received all of my September subscriptions and, of all my makeup-centered boxes, Birchbox is this month's winner.

I ended up loving the Fox Hunt Ruffian Nail Polish I received in my box. The color is so vibrant and goes on so smooth...it's a clear, perfect for Fall, winner.

Starbox comes in 2nd thanks to the Pearl Necklace lip gloss; and ipsy is a distant 3rd this month. The NYX Sparkle White eyeshadow I received in my bag is ok but, unfortunately, that was the theme of this month's ipsy bag - just ok.

I'm excited to see what next month brings! :)

What about all of you? How did your September subscriptions stack up?

Later gators,
M

Celebrating Classic Beauty

I'm a bit late with my review of my September ipsy bag. In all honesty though, I'm glad I waited a bit to post my thoughts as I've now had a bit more time to try out some of the goodies that I received.

This month's ipsy theme is Classic Beauty.

At first I wasn't too keen on the items that I received; but I've changed my mind on most of the bag.

This month's bag itself doesn't measure up to last month's purple gorgeousness. I love the royal blue color, and don't mind the pattern. The material, however, is not the best; but I'll definitely find a use for it.

Every subscriber received a sample of the life palette from the EM makeup line. I received the "look 4 natural talent" sampler, and almost threw the little pamphlet away without noticing the sample. It was a cute extra.

The first item that I pulled from my bag were two pairs of Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels. I haven't tried these out as of yet, but I'm happy to have received them, and that more than a single set was sent out.

Everyone received the It's So Big Volumizing Mascara by Elizabeth Mott, and a NYX Single Eye Shadow (I received the color Sparkle White). I definitely don't need another mascara right now, but I'll gift it to someone. I also wish that is received another shade of shadow, but I'll deal.

Lastly, I received the Pouty Pop Lip Crayon in color Rose Romance, and the Obsidian Kohl Eye Pencil by Starlooks.

The rose-colored lip pencil plus the white eyeshadow, equals me thinking that ipsy isn't taking my ipsyMatch answers into account at all. I've also read some reviews which say that it has a tendency to dry out the lips, so I'm not that excited to try it.

I was initially disappointed to see a Starlooks product in my bag since I also subscribe to that Company's monthly box; but I've never received a Kohl pencil, so I got over it. The pencil has a nice deep black color, and goes on smooth - thumbs up.

All in all, I feel pretty neutral about this month's bag. There was nothing that I was super excited about, but also nothing that I was sorry to receive. Hopefully, October brings a Halloween themed bag with more treats than tricks (no more mascara for a while please ipsy! :)

If you subscribe to ipsy, how did you like your bag? If you don't yet subscribe but would like to, I'd appreciate it if you used my referral link at http://bit.ly/154vUAf :).

Later gators, 

M