For those of you that have never heard of it, Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription service in which you receive a personalized combination of 4 to 5 deluxe samples or full-size products in a cute makeup bag for the price of $10 a month. I've had a subscription since September 2013 and I definitely prefer it to Birchbox, another $10 beauty subscription which I had for 2 months before switching.
Every month's bag has a specific theme. This month's was "Beauty Schooled" and, as you can guess, it's kind of a back to school special. Now, not everyone gets the same items. There are many different variations of what comes inside the bag, depending on what your preferences are based on your IpsyMatch quiz answers and your reviews. All Ipsters received this adorable polka-dot makeup bag, which is quite reminiscent of old-school tubular pencil cases from my childhood, a plus in my book.
Here's a breakdown of what I received:
Urban Decay Perversion Mascara (Deluxe Sample -.1fl oz.)
I love the thick, fluffy, traditional wand that comes with this mascara. It definitely helped with making my lashes appear more voluminous and fuller but I just wish it came in a waterproof version so that it would hold my curl better. I'm trying to use this in combination with my favorite Maybelline Volum' Express Colossal Cat Eyes Waterproof Mascara for a 1-2 punch of curl and volume. This just doesn't have enough curling power on its own for me.
Lord & Berry Silk Kajal Kohl Eye Pencil (Deluxe Sample - .02oz)
I'm so tired of getting black liners in my Ipsy bags. This is actually the 3rd one I've gotten (all different brands). That said, I do actually really like this liner. I used it the other day and it goes on super smoothly, without pulling your skin, and can be smoked out like a dream with some help from a small brush. It stayed on all day and I didn't have issues with it getting all over my lids, even with August humidity in NYC. I have yet to use it for tight-lining or in my waterline but any eyeliner that I can apply smoothly and evenly is a good liner (I'm not very good at traditional lining).
Absolute You're the Balm Lip Balm in Grape (Full Size - 12g)
This is such a bizarre lip balm. I don't know how well you can tell from the image above (I tried) but there are little bits of multi-colored glitter in it. And when they say grape, they really mean grape. It both smells and tastes like grape Children's Tylenol. Which, although it doesn't sound like it, isn't completely bad, if you're into that thing (I kind of am).
It gives your lips a slight lavender tint, with a jaunty wash of multi-colored glitter, and the effect manages to fall into that magical sweet-spot between pre-teen and disco queen. The texture is vaseline-like and very shiny but does not last very long on the lips. 11 year old me would have been all over this but I think I might be a little too old for glitter. It looks nice on the lips but I can't imagine for what possible social situation I would wear this. If I ever go to a rave, I'm pretty much set. I think this might be my new "knocking around the house" lip balm so no one will know my shame.
Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer (Deluxe Sample - .25 oz.)
I was actually in the market for a mattifying primer so this arrived at the perfect time. A little bit of this beige-tinted cream goes a long way. It has a texture like a silicone primer and leaves your skin feeling and looking very smooth. I have very oily skin, so anything that works to minimize pores and keep my makeup in place is aces in my book. I need to play around with this a bit more but I see the potential for a new favorite in my collection.
Coastal Scents Forever Blush Sample Duo (Deluxe Sample - 2.5g)
Well there you go. Personally, I think this was well worth the $10. I got to try some new products and play around a bit which helps me figure out what works best for me. If you would like to try Ipsy, you can use my referral link. Apart from the monthly bag, you get coupon codes for brands featured in Ipsy bags which can be used to purchase full size items from the brand's website. Let me know if you guys have any questions about how Ipsy works.
I also just realized that this month was my 12th month with Ipsy! I can't believe it has already been a year. I definitely see a post on some of my favorite items I've received in my near future. Stay tuned!
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