September’s IPSY Glam bag is my favorite one ever

September 19, 2016
IPSY Glam bag for September 2016

IPSY Glam bag for September 2016

I’ve been purchasing IPSY Glam bag for about 2 years now. For $10 it’s one of the least expensive subscriptions around. It’s almost always filled with cosmetics which is what I’m all about. IPSY mostly sends 5 deluxe sample sizes and has a lot of variations each month If you compare yours with other people’s there’s often a vast difference. For September I received an absolutely perfect bag for my needs and taste.

Trust Fund Beauty Champagne Socialite polish

Trust Fund Beauty Champagne Socialite polish

Trust Fund Beauty Champagne Socialite

Trust Fund Beauty Champagne Socialite

When I opened the black plastic Glamazon cosmetic bag the first thing I noticed was a box from Trust Fund Beauty. With fingers crossed I opened it to find this gorgeous shade: Champagne Socialite. If I received nothing else I could use in the September bag I’d be thrilled with this $15 bottle of polish alone. I’ve worn several Trust Fund polishes and been thrilled with them all. This is a brand new shade for Trust Fund and is only available as a pre-order. How could I get this lucky?? I’m looking forward to wearing this soon since I have a party in October that this sparkly rose gold foil will be perfect for.

Eyes by ToGoSpa, eye masks

Eyes by ToGoSpa, eye masks

Eyes by ToGoSpa, eye masks

Eyes by ToGoSpa, eye masks

It’s been a long time since I’ve used these eye masks from ToGoSpa. I think these are one of the first eye masks I ever used. I’ve reviewed them in the past on Beauty Info Zone and always enjoyed them so seeing a package of 3 Green Tea Eyes masks added some excitement to this subscription. This is another full size product which retails for $12.50. The Green Tea ones are infused with aloe, vitamins C and E, amino acids, antioxidant rich Green Tea Extract, and energizing Taurine. Not only do they help with dark circles but they are soothing, moisturizing, brightening, and they help de-puff. I didn’t realize how much I missed them until they were back in my hands again.

Seraphine Botanicals Guava Butter

Seraphine Botanicals Guava Butter

Seraphine Botanicals Guava Butter fits my makeup profile to a tee. It’s a cream cheek stain that can also be used on lips. Cream blush! What more can I say? Well I can tell you that this is the full size at 4g/.14 oz and it sells for $24. I’m plotzing from the value of this bag! This gluten free, cruelty free, vegan, GMO-free cosmetic is made with Pure Shea Butter. No swatch because it’s fragranced and I have to decide if I keep it or use it in a giveaway. (Any suggestions?)

Living Proof Perfect hair Day 5-in-1 styling treatment

Living Proof Perfect hair Day 5-in-1 styling treatment

While Living Proof Perfect hair Day 5-in-1 styling treatment is a deluxe sample and not full size it’s plenty big enough for me. Perfect for home, perfect for travel. I’m a huge fan of Living Proof and it’s one of the brands I’d never say no to, especially in a subscription. You can buy a 2 oz size of this for $15 so this deluxe sample is worth $7.50.

IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara

IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara

Last but surely not least is IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara. Love this mascara!! I’ve finished one and am almost done with my second plus have a third waiting in the wings. QVC has a great deal on two mascaras. I think every bag received a sample mascara and this is the one I was hoping for.

I don’t want to play favorites but this is the best IPSY bag in the world of IPSY bags. It’s not only worth over $60 but it has nothing I’d change in it. That’s rare when you get 4 subscriptions! If you decide that IPSY Glam Bags should be in your life this is a good time to subscribe and I hope you’ll use my referral link so I can earn some points toward a new product. What’s your opinion of this bag? Did you get the same items? Let me know in the comments. —  Marcia

https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=3q7k

Ipsy September 2016 Glam Bag

 

Filed Under: Ipsy, subscription boxes

Subscription catchup with Ipsy, Sephora Play, and Boxycharm plus giveaway

May 31, 2016
Boxycharm, Sephora Play, and IPSY Glam Bag

Boxycharm, Sephora Play, and IPSY Glam Bag

At this point in my cosmetic life I’m the last person that should be buying monthly subscriptions but I can’t seem to stop. I’d say that I’m afraid to miss out on something great so each month I buy Ipsy ($10), Boxycharm ($21), and now I’m getting Play by Sephora ($10). That $41 goes into my makeup allowance for the month and I always seem to come out ahead.

Today is a quick rundown of what I’ve received in my last two month’s packages without a ton of detail. I’ve chosen the items I know I won’t use to put in a giveaway since not everyone is quite as nutsy as I am.

IPSY APRIL

IPSY Glam Bag for April 2016

IPSY Glam Bag for April 2016

April’s theme is Dreamers and to me its only the pretty cosmetic bag that fits in with that theme. In the package there’s a very pretty peach Elizabeth Mott blush in Peach Pink (giveaway). While I love the color, the packaging seems to be something you toss and put the blush into another palette. There’s also a Nomad mini eyeshadow in Desert Sand, a sparkly golden sand shade.

IPSY April Nomad Desert Sand e/s and Elizabeth Mott Peach Pink Blush

IPSY April Nomad Desert Sand e/s and Elizabeth Mott Peach Pink Blush

In addition there’s a Crown Tapered Duo Fiber Blush brush (giveaway), Tarte deluxe sample size Lipsurgence in Wonder (giveaway), and two Purlisse Sheet Masks. April was definitely worth the price of admission.

tarte lipsurgence in Wonder

tarte lipsurgence in Wonder

IPSY MAY:

IPSY Glam Bag for May 2016

IPSY Glam Bag for May 2016

IPSY Glam Bag for May 2016

IPSY Glam Bag for May 2016

The May bag is titled Destination Chic and contains 5 items, 2 of which will be part of the giveaway. There’s a Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick in Almond Nude (giveaway), Smashbox X-Rated mini mascara (giveaway), Epice Hydrating Mask, Peek Nom Nom teensy tin of lip balm, and SLMISSGLAM small contour brush.  I’ll probably lose the Peek balm since it’s that small but I wanted to try it, I love masks so Epice is a keeper, and the brush is so soft that I want it!!

PLAY BY SEPHORA:

Play by Sephora May 2016

Play by Sephora May 2016

I think I’m in the minority about my feelings for the Sephora Play bag. Most people are thrilled by it but I was underwhelmed. The items aren’t bad, they just aren’t for me. The prettiest item in the bag is BITE Amuse Bouche Lipstick in KIMCHI. If I wore reds I’d be thrilled with it but instead it’s in the giveaway so someone else can enjoy it.

BITE Amuse Bouche Lipstick in KIMCHI

BITE Amuse Bouche Lipstick in KIMCHI

KORRES Wild Rose Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial (giveaway), I love Korres but I don’t love rose scented items. Speaking of fragrance there’s a vial of Atelier Cologne in Orange Sanquine that sounds really nice (giveaway). The box also contains Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! deep conditioning mask (giveaway), a very thin Tarte Tarteist lipliner in Latergram, and a trio of sample sizes from Origins. The trio contains Maskimizer, a primer mist, Clear Improvement, a charcoal mask, and Drink Up Instensive, an overnight mask. I’ll continue with Play by Sephora to see if more items will appeal to me in the future.

BOXYCHARM APRIL

Boxycharm for April 2015

Boxycharm for April 2015

Sadly for me, happily for my winners, everything in this box is part of the giveaway. The products are nice but I am so overloaded with items that it’s hard to keep these and not share. Items include Blinc Black Lash Primer (full size $26), Purlisse Lip Comfort (full size $16), Anderson Lilley hand cream (full size $24), Ofra Long Lasting Lipstick ($19.90, full size) in Pasadena, Your Minerals Eyeshadow (full size, $21) in Brown Hypnotic.

Ofra Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Pasadena, Your Minerals eyeshadow in Brown Hypnotic

Ofra Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Pasadena, Your Minerals eyeshadow in Brown Hypnotic

The value you receive in each Boxycharm amazes me. This box costs $21 yet the 5 full size items are valued at $106.90.

BOXYCHARM MAY

Boxycharm May

Boxycharm May

When I opened this box with the theme Springvibes I had a big smile on my face. These is a fabulous box.

Boxycharm May

Boxycharm May

I was most excited to see a box containing a Makeup Geek blush. Different boxes had different shades and I received Covet which I don’t own (full size $15). I have some MUG blushes but not in this beautiful new packaging.

Makeup Geek blush

Makeup Geek blush

Makeup Geek blush in Covet

Makeup Geek blush in Covet

Another favorite for me is the Pur Cosmetics Double Ego eyeliner. I use the brown one all the time. This time I received Bora Bora, a bright navy liquid and a blue gray pencil (full size $21). Boxes contained different shades. Catherine Malandrino Rome de Provence Deluxe Mini Sprayer ($20) (giveaway) is a nice change for a fragrance since it’s a spray that’s easier to use.

Ella + Mila Nail Polish in Pistache

Ella + Mila Nail Polish in Pistache

The Ella + Mila Nail Polish in Pistache will be part of the giveaway but that’s tugging at my heart. I just love the logo and I’ve been wanting a polish from them. But I know that it’s not a Marcia color (full size $10.50). Boo hoo.

What I am keeping though is The BrowGal by Tonya Crooks Clear Brow Gel (full size $20). I use brow gels but I usually toss them after about 4 months so having this one is great for me. I’m also looking forward to using the Starlooks Luxe Liner in Boxycharm, a great pinky peach shade (full size $19.50). The May Boxycharm is what I’ve come to expect from them. 6 full size items that are worth $100.50.

If you choose to join Ipsy or Boxycharm I’d appreciate it if you could use my referral so that I can get some credit towards future items. Thank you — Marcia

GIVEAWAY:  This is an international giveaway for 2 Beauty Info Zone subscribers. I have to say again (and again) that in order to be eligible to win you must be a proven subscriber and make a comment. Anything beyond that is extra to give you more chances to win. The comment is to list about 4-5 items you’d like to win (or you can mention things you wouldn’t want) since I haven’t divided these up and will do that once winners are chosen.

most of the items in this subscription box giveaway

most of the items in this subscription box giveaway

This giveaway is open through 6/17 at 11:59 eastern. UPDATE: Commetns have closed (stupid WP) so early  email me at [email protected] and label it SUBSCRIPTION, send me your comment and continue on IN the Rafflecopter since that’s how I choose winners.. The giveaway is open even when WordPress decides to close the comment section. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*affiliate links

Filed Under: Boxycharm, Giveaway, Ipsy, Play by Sephora, subscription boxes

IPSY Glam Bag March review and giveaway

March 18, 2016
IPSY Glam bag for March 2016

IPSY Glam bag for March 2016

My loss is your gain. I received my March IPSY Glam Bag and excitingly opened it only to find that it’s not my personal taste at all. The items are great and well worth the $10 I pay for my IPSY subscription but they don’t say Marcia. Therefore the bag and all its sealed products are being given away to one US subscriber.

What’s great about this month’s bag is that 4 of the 5 items are full size and the 5th is a very deluxe size. No complaints about that at all. What doesn’t work for me though are the colors they sent. I’m a very pale, cool toned woman and just can’t do these shades.

IPSY Glam Bag 3/16

IPSY Glam Bag 3/16

Let’s start with lips and NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick. The internet is filled with raves about these lipsticks. The one I received is a red, LSCL11. Unfortunately I don’t wear red lipstick so it just doesn’t suit me. But I’m sure this is going to be a big draw for this giveaway. ($6.99)

NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick

NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick

Moving on we’ll go to eyes and Skone Insanely Intense Tattoo Liquid Eyeliner. This is something I’d use for sure if I hadn’t decided to gift this. It’s black though and I have a dozen black liners. (Full size, $15)

Skone Insanely Intense Tattoo Liquid Eyeliner

Skone Insanely Intense Tattoo Liquid Eyeliner

Your cheeks would probably love the Mellow bronzer. It’s not too dark and it doesn’t look orange. The pattern is pretty too. It’s not a shade that will enhance my complexion though. ($10, shade made for IPSY)

mellow bronzer

Mellow bronzer

Now we’ve got hands and the deluxe sample size of Organic Surge Comforting Hand & Nail Cream. I’m always look for this kind of product but the scent is Lavender Meadow. My nose and migraines won’t do good with this fragrance. (deluxe sample, $4.50)

Organic Surge Comforting Hand & Nail Cream.

Organic Surge Comforting Hand & Nail Cream.

Last is a great Margaret Dabbs London two sided nail buffer. I understand that it’s great for nails to file and/or buff. (from the UK, 7 pounds).

Margaret Dabbs London two sided nail buffer

Margaret Dabbs London two sided nail buffer

So there you have it – a cute silky orange and green cosmetic bag with these 5 items within. Do you want to win this?? If so use the Rafflecopter to enter. The giveaway is open through March 28th for US only. If comments close, email me at [email protected] and label it IPSY to make your comment and continue. — Marcia
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*purchased by me, affliate link if you decide to join IPSY

Filed Under: Ipsy, subscription boxes

December’s Ipsy bag was a winner for me and there’ll be a winner for this giveaway

December 29, 2015
Ipsy Glam Bag December 2015

Ipsy Glam Bag December 2015

While ending the year IPSY obviously wanted me to keep subscribing since they sent me items that I’m excited about owning and using. Every item this month for me has been a winner though there’s one that won’t work for me. Which means that at the end of this review there’s a giveaway (hint, it’s all about your lips).

Ipsy Glam Bag contents 12/15

Ipsy Glam Bag contents 12/15

I was pretty loaded up this month and even got a bonus that not everyone got. I’ve seen a few reviews of the December box and it seems that some people received an EM Cosmetic item so that’s what I’ll start with.

EM Cosmetics Shade Play eyeshadow palette

EM Cosmetics Shade Play eyeshadow palette

EM COSMETICS SHADE PLAY EYESHADOW PALETTE ($28) was a bonus for me this month. Eyeshadow palettes and I are besties. I’ve purchased several of these palettes and I know that they are quite nice so when I saw Bali Bronzes in my package I was thrilled.

EM Shade Play palette in Bali Bronzes

EM Shade Play palette in Bali Bronzes

Bali Bronzes swatches from emcosmetics.com

Bali Bronzes swatches from emcosmetics.com

These are my kinds of colors and this sturdy case is going to go traveling with me.

Sephora X in Revved Up

Sephora X in Revved Up

Revved Up from sephora.com

Revved Up from sephora.com

Sephora X Formula Nail Pollish in Revved Up is another great product for me. I love the mini size since I probably will wear it 1 – 2 times altogether. But more important, I love the color. It’s a rose gold metallic that’s going to be a great party shade for me. While I haven’t worn it yet, I know I will. The full size is $10.50 at Sephora.

RickysNY 3D Blender

RickysNYC 3D Blender

I love tools and this RickysNYC 3D Blender is going to have fun living on my vanity. While I mostly use a Beauty Blender, I also misplace things often. Usually they are right in front of me or pushed back in a drawer. So having an extra Blender sponge will come in quite handy. This is 100% latex free. It also costs $10 which is the price I paid for my entire IPSY Glam bag. Can’t argue with that!

Ipsy samples: Thank Me Later e/s primer, Befine Exfoliating Cleanser

Ipsy samples: Thank Me Later e/s primer, Befine Exfoliating Cleanser

Two deluxe sample items were in the bag too. Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later eyeshadow primer is one of the better samples I’ve gotten in subscription boxes. I use up primers fairly quickly either on my eyes or in swatching. Plus this is a great travel size (value about $3.50). Befine Exfoliating Cleanser is a great size for a deluxe sample, giving us enough uses to know how much we like it. This contains brown sugar, almond & oats to remove oils and nourish dry, sensitive skin. Plus it’s a cruelty free company. A full size of 4 oz. is $24 making this 1 oz size worth $6.

Pacifica Power of Love lipstick in Nude Red

Pacifica Power of Love lipstick in Nudie Red

Receiving a full size lipstick from PACIFICA ($10) is pretty darn great. This is a great cruelty free company that is 100% Vegan. Nudie Red is actually a very nice color but it’s not my kind of color. Therefore someone is going to win this. The company says it’s a satin finish and that the tube is recyclable. To my eye it appears to be a light red with brownish undertones. It’s not a deep shade so if you are afraid of red, this should still be fine.

This was one of the best IPSY GLAM bags I’ve ever received, even if I hadn’t gotten the bonus palette I still would have been quite happy with it. If you are considering this bag, I’d love it if you used my affliate link which would help me earn points towards a freebie. What do you think of the December bag? Did I get my money’s worth?? (Darn straight I did!)  — Marcia

Lip giveaway products from Pacifica, OFRA and Bellepiere

Lip giveaway products from Pacifica, OFRA and Bellepiere

OFRA Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Americano and BELLAPIERRE Gel Lip Liner in Cinnamon

OFRA Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Americano and BELLAPIERRE Gel Lip Liner in Cinnamon

Pacifica Power of Love lipstick in Nude Red

Pacifica Power of Love lipstick in Nudie Red

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION: This giveaway is actually for 3 lip products plus some extras. Included in the red IPSY makeup bag from this month will be PACIFICA NUDIE RED LIPSTICK, OFRA AMERICANO LIQUID LIPSTICK and BELLAPIERRE CINNAMON GEL LIP LINER. I reviewed the OFRA and Bellapierre in my Boxycharm review so you can see the brown/cinnamon shades you’ll be receiving if you win this. All three of these lip products are top notch, just not my colors. The giveaway is open for US/Canada through 1/12/16. If comments should close early please email me at [email protected], label it LIPSTICK GIVEAWAY, leave your comment and continue on! If these are your shades you’ll be one beautiful BIZ reader.

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Filed Under: em Cosmetics, Giveaway, Ipsy, Lipstick, Nail Polish, Pacifica, Sephora

Ipsy Glam Bag helps you find your Alter Ego this October

October 13, 2015
Ipsy Glam Bag, October 2015

Ipsy Glam Bag, October 2015

It’s IPSY time!! The theme this month is Alter Ego which fits the month of October but doesn’t necessarily fit the bag I received. Whateva!! I go with the flow and I like this flow a lot. As you probably know IPSY is a monthly  subscription service for $10 including shipping. Every month the metallic magenta bag opens up to a cosmetic bag filled with a variety of products. Most bags are different so when you find reviews of IPSY it’s fun to read what everyone received.

IPSY cosmetic bag side view

IPSY cosmetic bag side view

The bag itself is gold on one side and black patent on the other (alter ego AHA). It’s smaller than some bags I’ve gotten and it’s dressy looking so it would fit well in a purse you’d use for date/party night.

Normally there are a few full size products in the IPSY bags but this month I only received one – a black Coastal Scents XPress Line Eyeliner Pencil valued at $2.95. Not to complain but I can’t believe how many black eyeliners I end up with!!

Nourish Organics Argan Face Serum and Scrub Me Body Scrub

Nourish Organics Argan Face Serum and Scrub Me Body Scrub

Two skincare deluxe samples were in my bag. The Balanced Guru Scrub Me Body Scrub was bulging out of the bag so it was the first item I found. This is described as a very gritty scrub although you can use it on your face but gently please. Instead let it take care of your feet, legs, elbows – all those rough spots that need to be scrubbed clean. The formula is enriched with raw sugar, organic coffee, coconut oil, babassu oil and cocoa butter. A full size is 8 oz/$23 making this 1 oz size worth about $3. What is great about it is that it’s organic and cruelty free so we have to love that.

The Balanced Guru Scrub Me Body Scrub

The Balanced Guru Scrub Me Body Scrub

Nourish Organics Pure Hydrated Argan Face Serum (0.5 fl oz) is another organic product that uses Moroccan Argan Oil to hydrate and replenish, Apricot Kernal Oil to restore and soften, plus Rose Hip Oil to smooth the texture of your skin. This fragrance free treatment is also gluten free and vegan. A full size is 0.7 fl oz for $24 making this 0.5 fl oz size worth $17.50.

theBalm Meet Matt(e) Hughes

theBalm Meet Matt(e) Hughes

theBalm Meet Matt(e) Hughes

theBalm Meet Matt(e) Hughes in Committed

At last – cosmetics. Two cosmetic items graced my bag this month with the first being a very small tube of theBalm Meet Matt(e) Hughes liquid lipstick. This is a long last formula in a matte finish which we all know is THE thing to wear this year. The shade is called Committed and is described as a pinky nude. Totally not a pinky nude on me so maybe this IS for my Alter Ego. theBalm’s website does a nice job of showing the shades so if you are interested check that out. It is long lasting and it is very matte. A full size is $17. My guestimate for this sample is $4.

Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten in Tropic Hues

Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten in Tropic Hues

Last is my favorite item in my IPSY bag! Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten in Tropic Hues was a pleasure to find inside and a pleasure to use. I’m trying very very hard not to buy blush since I own dozens of them so seeing this prettiness in my bag brought me a big smile! The Blush-n-Brighten blushes are baked for 24 hours on terracotta tiles although I don’t think Laura actually does this work herself (wink). “Infused with antioxidants centella asiatica and white tea extracts, these Baked Blushes deliver flattering color with a hint of radiance!” The blush is beautifully pigmented so a little is more than enough. I like using a small brush that will diffuse the color so it’s not too dense on me. The swirls of color are bronze, coral and pink. It’s a warm shade on me but neutral warm. A full size is $27 and this baby is 0.4 oz. but I’m not sure how big a full size is. I’ll guestimate again and say it’s a value of $12.

IPSY Glam Bag for October 2015

IPSY Glam Bag for October 2015

Total value this month is around $40 but I did have to guess prices. I like that this is a well rounded bag even if it’s not my favorite month. But I got to try new products, I have one saved for a giveaway (the Coastal Scents pencil), and I have a new favorite with the Laura Geller baked blush. That’s worth $10 in my book! What do you think of this month’s bag? Did you get any of the same products? — Marcia

*I pay for my subscription. I hope that if you decide to try this out you’ll use my referral link so I can earn points toward products. Thanks.

Filed Under: Ipsy, Laura Geller, subscription boxes, TheBalm

Favorite travel size products

July 28, 2015

top ten tuesdayTop Ten Tuesday decided to share our top ten travel products but I just can’t do that. I have way more than 10 so I’m going to share what I’ll be buying and taking on upcoming trips. I have a 3 day weekend trip in August and then in the winter I’ll be going south for about 8 days so I’m in planning mode.

Let’s first start with what travel size treasures I’m taking for my 3 day weekend trip (I’m sure more will be added though). There aren’t a lot of mini cosmetics around but you can easily find travel sizes of skincare and haircare. My best sources for these small products are subscription boxes like IPSY and Glossybox. I also watch Sephora’s emails carefully because they often have codes for deluxe samples that are great for travel or to stick in your purse. Even though I don’t travel that often I like to be able to try new things by using samples.  — Marcia

Travel minis

Travel minis

SKINCARE:

1) ADVENTURESS SWIPES* are great to stick in my purse. They are the size of my palm and thin enough that they take up almost no space. My favorite is the YouVee Sunscreen Swipes which you can open, use, close, use later. They won’t last for more than a day but it’s a great day trip product. (A box of 24 is $33)

There are three types of swipes:

Naturally Liberating Cleanser Swipes are a fragrance free creamy cleanser that will leave your skin hydrated.

Boldly Nourishing Moisturizer Swipes are anti-aging and contain a number of good for your skin ingredients.

YouVee Sunscreen Swipes are SPF30 and are invaluable. This is a great way to refresh your sunscreen. Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 9.7% Sunscreen, Titanium Dioxide 6.5% Sunscreen.

Adventuress Swipes

Adventuress Swipes

Adventuress YouVee Sunscreen Swipes

Adventuress YouVee Sunscreen Swipes

2.  ALGENIST SKINCARE products are fabulous. I use a lot of different types of skincare and Algenist is one of my very favorite brands. I’ve gotten travel sizes through Sephora points and codes and on the Algenist website where they have 17 different travel sizes for sale. They also have travel kits and I’ve purchased those. Three of my favorites that will be coming on both my trips – Retinol & Lifting Serum ($33 mini that’s twice the size of mine), Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream ($40 for the mini that’s twice the size of mine) and Complete Eye Renewal Balm.

Algenist Retinol Firming & Lifting Serum, Genius Anti-Aging Cream, Eye Renewal Balm

Algenist Retinol Firming & Lifting Serum, Genius Anti-Aging Cream, Eye Renewal Balm

3.  KLORANE SMOOTHING AND RELAXING PATCHES FOR EYES were in a recent IPSY bag. Since my weekend trip is a wedding I’m bringing one of these to use the afternoon of the wedding so I’ll look more refreshed. I have other options like the eye patches from ToGoSpa that I love but for this trip the very thin Klorane will slip into a pocket of my purse easily.

Klorane Eye Contour patches

Klorane Eye Contour patches

4.  SUPERGOOP EVERYDAY SUNSCREEN was also in one of my IPSY bags and I was so excited. I’ve gone through several of these in the past. When it comes to samples in those subscriptions, when they send a brand like SUPERGOOP it’s A-OK with me. This size is perfect for a 3 days trip. I’ll put this on in the morning and then keep my Adventuress YouVee Swipes with me during the day.

Supergoop Everyday Sunscreen SPF50

Supergoop Everyday Sunscreen SPF50

HAIRCARE:

5.  LIVING PROOF FRIZZ SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER and PRIME STYLE EXTENDER are samples I received not that long ago with a Sephora code. I’d been wanting to try Living Proof and the code came at the right time. There were 12 nice size samples in the package. I’ve been testing it and one packet has lasted me through 3 shampoos and there’s probably enough for 2 more. I’m very impressed with Living Proof and now I see what the fuss is all about.

LIVING PROOF FRIZZ SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER and PRIME STYLE EXTENDER

LIVING PROOF FRIZZ SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER and PRIME STYLE EXTENDER

6.  AMIKA PERK UP DRY SHAMPOO is something I’ve actually given away in the past but when I recently got this in an Ipsy bag I realized I needed it. It’s going on my winter trip to refresh my hair when I get up too late to wash.

Conair Detangling Brush, Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo

Conair Detangling Brush, Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo

7.  CONAIR TRAVEL SIZE DETANGE BRUSH* is my favorite travel companion. Now that I’ve learned how great wet brushes are I want one on every trip. It’s a compact size brush that works great for me after I wash my hair or on dry hair. Love this baby!

Conair Detangling Brush

Conair Detangle Brush

COSMETICS

8.  COVER FX ILLUMINATING PRIMER was a code sample from Sephora. I’d been dying to try it and I’m so glad I had something I wanted to buy when the code was available. This is a terrific, unfragranced, primer that will be perfect under my foundation at night for the parties I’ll be at.

Cover FX Illuminating Primer, Lorac Behind the Scenes Eye Primer

Cover FX Illuminating Primer, Lorac Behind the Scenes Eye Primer

9. LORAC BEHIND THE SCENES EYE SHADOW PRIMER is one of my favorite primers so having this travel size from my LORAC Pro eyeshadow palette is wonderful. I know my eyeshadow primers aren’t that big but the way I overpack pack, I need to make space.

10.  IT COSMETICS BYE BYE CONCEALER was in a kit I bought from the IT Cosmetics website. I prefer the concealer in Fair but this one in Light is great too. I’m a huge fan of this concealer anyway so having this in my kit was a great bonus.

IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes and Bye Bye Undereye Concealer

IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes and Bye Bye Undereye Concealer

11.  IT COSMETICS HELLO LASHES MASCARA was in the same kit. I’ve named this my favorite mascara in the past and it’s still way up there. It’s the perfect size for travel.

12. URBAN DECAY 24/7 GLIDE ON LIP PENCIL in OZONE – another IPSY delight. This clear liner means I don’t have to travel with other lip pencils and can still bring my umpteen lip colors without worry.

Urban Decay Ozone Lip Pencil, TheBalm Nude Dude e/s in Flirty

Urban Decay Ozone Lip Pencil, TheBalm Nude Dude e/s in Flirty

13.  TheBALM NUDE DUDE EYESHADOW in FLIRTY is a beautiful bronze sparkly dude. I get tired of shadows quickly so this will be in my bag just in case I want a change.

14.  BIODERMA SENSIBLO H2O MICELLAR WATER is a mini that is now available for $6.95 on the Beautylish website. When I bought my Bioderma Micellar Water my mini was a bonus and I was afraid to use it up. Now I know I can replace it since it’s not refillable and I’m doing a happy dance about that.

BIODERMA SENSIBLO H2O MICELLAR WATER

BIODERMA SENSIBLO H2O MICELLAR WATER

Since you can only purchase a few of the ones I’ve shown I’ve made a Beauty Set picking out 10 11 of my favorites from ULTA’s website that I’d recommend for travel too.

Beautysets - Travel mini favorites
1.  tarte Maracuja Oil travel size ($15)
2.  BeccaTravel Size Shimmering Skin Perfector Opal ($19)
3.  IT Cosmetics Travel Size CC+ Cream ($15)
4.  LORAC Travel Size TANtalizer Highlighter & Matte Bronzer Duo ($13)
5. tarte cosmetics How Sweet It Is lip and cheek duo (14)
6. Smashbox Mini Double Exposure Palette ($24)
7. IT Cosmetics Ulta Your Face & Eye Essentials Mini 5 Pc Travel Brush Set ($30) includes complexion, shadow, crease, smudger, liner/brow
8. Almay 15 count eye makeup remover pads ($1.49)
9. DermOrganic Try Me Set ($9.99) contains Conditioning Shampoo 1 fl oz, one Masque Hair Repair 1 fl oz, and one Leave-In Treatment 0.17 fl oz.
10.  AG Hair Travel Simply Dry Shampoo (8.95)
11.  WHISH Coconut On The Go Set 2 ounce coconut body wash, coconut shave cream, and coconut body butter ($20)


*starred items were sent by PR, rest are purchases;  IPSY is a referral link

 

 

 

Filed Under: Adventuress, Algenist, beauty, Bioderma, Conair, CoverFX, Ipsy, IT Cosmetics, Living Proof, Lorac, TheBalm

July’s Ipsy bag is summery fun

July 20, 2015
Ipsy Glam Bag for July 2015

Ipsy Glam Bag for July 2015

Summer Lovin’ is the theme for IPSY’s July subscription and you can see by the cosmetic bag that it’s meant to be summer fun. Since it’s summer you need to have beachy hair, bright skin, pretty lips and an easy to use eyeshadow. All 5 of the items sent can be popped into the colorful bag for you to take with you.

Ipsy July 2015 plus

Ipsy July 2015 plus

This month I used my points to get another Breakups to Makeup bag. I know I have a gazillion cosmetic bags but these are so cute that I just needed it. It’s already in my purse filled with necessities – my kind of necessities that is.

Octavio La Play deluxe sample

Octavio La Play deluxe sample

The most obvious product in the bag was this La Playa Sea Salt Spray Infused with Algae Extract by Octavio. This is a 2 oz deluxe sample with the full size being 4 oz and $15.50. This would be a great product if you like the beachy texture and volume you can get from this type of product. Since I have a Brazilian Blowout on my hair, I can’t use it (nothing with sodium can be used) but my blog bestie, Lisa, will get this in her next goodie bag from me.

Crown Brushes Tweezers

Crown Brushes Tweezers

I was super excited to see a Crown Brush Tweezers in my bag this month. I have a very bad habit of dropping tweezers and destroying them. But this $6.50 product performs like a $1 product. No bueno. This isn’t precise enough to grab hairs neatly. But it won’t go to waste since my husband steals my good tweezers all the time and this will now live on his side of the bathroom sink.

Teez Read My Lips Lipstick

Teeez Read My Lips Lipstick

Teez Read My Lips Lipstick in Killing Me Softly

Teeez Read My Lips Lipstick in Killing Me Softly

Teeez Read My Lips Lipstick in Killing Me Softly is a simply beautiful pink coral. I’m very impressed with the color. The company says this is a Satin Matt finish and the pigmentation is terrific. BUT (why is there always a but??) it is so highly fragranced that I just don’t know if I can wear it. The packaging is terrific, very artistic. Here’s what the company has to say about this: “This long-lasting lipstick combines the power of highly-pigmented coverage and a unique satin, matte finish. The lipstick’s smooth, ultra creamy texture and added coconut oil extract nourishes and hydrates the lips, with color that lasts for up to 8 hours.” This is a full size lipstick and sells for $22. It’s Limited Edition on their website.

Pur-lisse Pur Bright

Pur-lisse Pur Bright

Pur-Lisse Pur-Bright is a sample size that I’ll be bringing along with me on an upcoming weekend trip. This is a brightening serum that is hydroquinone-free; it contains Vitamin C to help with a bright, luminous look. A 1 oz bottle of this is $74 so this 0.34 oz size is the perfect way to try it out. I’ve had luck with other Pur-lisse products so I’m looking forward to trying it. I don’t know how to figure out the value of this but my guess is about $3 – $5.

Jelly Pong Pong 2-in-1 Eyeliner & Shadow

Jelly Pong Pong 2-in-1 Eyeliner & Shadow

Jelly Pong Pong 2-in-1 Eyeliner & Shadow in bronze

Jelly Pong Pong 2-in-1 Eyeliner & Shadow in bronze

My favorite item in the bag!! Jelly Pong Pong 2-in-1 Eyeliner & Shadow that is actually nameless. Even on their Jelly Pong Pong’s website it doesn’t tell the name but in the URL it says Bronze. This is a beautiful shade and I love eyeshadow crayons. It’s too thick for my taste as an eyeliner but if I work quickly I can smudge it to get a pretty bronze shade of shadow for a quick eye. This full size Shadow/Liner sells for $16, it also comes in black, steel and plum. I’m glad I received the bronze since that’s a perfect shade for me.

swatches: Jelly Pong Pong Shadow/Liner in Bronze and Teeez Read My Lips in Killing Me Softly

swatches: Jelly Pong Pong Shadow/Liner in Bronze and Teeez Read My Lips in Killing Me Softly

I’m happy with the assortment this month. Everything will get used by me or loved ones and the value is pretty darn good. I pay $10 a month and this is worth over $50. IPSY has a point system that is great too. When you review the items you received you earn points towards free items. You also receive points if someone starts a subscription using your referral. That’s why I have my referral on this review, maybe you’ll decide that it’s time and order through Beauty Info Zone.

https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=3q7k

My Ipsy Glam bag for July 2015

Do you subscribe to Ipsy? What was in your bag this month? — Marcia

REFERRAL LINK

 

Filed Under: Ipsy, subscription boxes
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