oddly enough, i have not received any more beauty boxes yet this month and it's the 28th today. i received this ipsy bag back on the 16th and had received the tracking number only two days prior.
this month's bag is entitled "Super Stars" and comes in a navy blue pouch with a star pattern lining the inside:
the "Super Stars" of the month are:
1) SOHO "Get a Grip" Crease Brush
"Create the perfect eye with the Get a Grip Crease Brush. First apply a neutral base eye color to the entire eyelid. Then apply a darker color to the eyelid crease – this will add dimension and depth. Finish the look by applying a shimmery highlight color to the inner corner of the eyelid and along the brow bone."
this is the first item i pull out since it is found outside the navy bag. i've seen SOHO brushes at Walmart before but have not tried them (and i am not 100% sure if they have this specific line).
the "Get a Grip" line consists of brushes that feature a tri-grip handle - very ergonomic indeed.
i have another crease brush from Topbox (Expression from August 2012) and this SOHO one is fluffier and softer. i enjoy the softness of the bristles (which is natural by the way) but the fluffiness seems to get the eyeshadow all over your eye rather than the area you are aiming for (the crease!). i don't have a ton of eyelid space so when i used this brush, i got some eyeshadow underneath my eye as well.
promotion: $3 off brushes on walgreens.com - they do ship to Canada but shipping starts at $12.49 AND this brush (along with many others) are only available in-store... you're better off buying from Walmart
size: 1 brush (full size!)
retail value: not sure - but i will check next time!
2) Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter
"Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter is not only a highly effective antioxidant rich moisturizer that nourishes the driest of skin and helps fight off the signs of aging; it nourishes your other senses as well. The infusion of sparkling, juicy blood oranges that are highlighted with notes of red raspberry and spicy sweet Italian Mandarins take you to the beaches of the Mediterranean. Made with nature’s best moisturizers - Shea butter, almond oil and safflower oil - Pacifica’s vegan, paraben and gluten free Body Butter is a skin must have."
not only does this smell delicious, it has a good list of ingredients. upon pulling off the seal, you can smell the blood orange as if you are about to take a bite out of one. the body butter feels great on the skin - very smooth and hydrating.
sorry it's blurry!
promotion: 20% off purchase not valid in Canada but Pacifica does ship to Canada (shipping starts at $6.75)
size: 73 mL ("full size"!)
retail value: $7 or $15 (236 mL)
3) Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil (Organic Moisturizer)
"This 100% Pure Argan Oil is a legendary oil that's rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, and grown organically in Morocco. With its multitasking benefits, Argan Oil can be used for many areas including hydrating and nourishing skin as a daily moisturizer, skin treatment, treating spilt ends, and softening cuticles. It's gentle enough to use on all skin types and is known to help with skin conditions including acne, eczema and rosacea. Argan Oil easily absorbs into skin to give you a youthful, dewy glow, and has astonishing healing, conditioning, and antiaging properties to keep your skin and hair nourished and revitalized and to keep you looking beautiful from head to toe."
there are so many ways to use this product - on your skin, on your hair or in your bath... i dabbed it on my face and ran some through my hair. i did so sparingly since i already generate enough oil in both areas on my own :) it absorbs quickly and leaves a glow to my skin without any greasiness. in the ends of my hair, it has a glossy feeling which may come across as oily to some people. i'd just be careful with how much you use since a little really does go a long way!
promotion: 15% off purchase of $45 or more until Jan 31/13; shipping to Canada is $4.95 but free if you spend >$25
size: 5 mL
retail value: $48 (50 mL)
4) Sexy Hair Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray
"Your everyday spray for BIG volume! Spray & Play is a humidity resistant, flexible hold hairspray that provides fullness, lift and incredible shine! Perfect for all hair types."
i've been meaning to try this line FOREVER. i battle flat hair everyday so volumizing products are right up my alley. the other night, i did a quick spritz in my hair and it really did give my hair volume. however, the quick spritz did not last me an hour. i am pretty confident that if i was to use more of this, it will hold longer.
promotion: $5 off purchase of $25 or more not for Canada!
No makeup cabinet is complete without an all-star nail lacquer and Nailtini stocks top-shelf, 3-free nail lacquer in dozens of shades, textures and finishes. Wear them alone or layered to create custom looks and effects, each one a cocktail unto itself. Cheers to beauty, and as always, apply responsibly!"
size: 50 mL
retail value: $17.50 (300 mL)
5) Nailtini Nail Lacquer in "Bloody Mary"
"You can’t go wrong with a classic, all the way to your fingertips. These two are the all-time best selling Nailtini nail lacquers. Whether the glossy true-red of bloody mary or the hint-of-pink of frappe, your tips and toes are classic perfection anytime. No makeup cabinet is complete without an all-star nail lacquer and Nailtini stocks top-shelf, 3-free nail lacquer in dozens of shades, textures and finishes. Wear them alone or layered to create custom looks and effects, each one a cocktail unto itself. Cheers to beauty, and as always, apply responsibly!"
"Bloody Mary" is described by Nailtini as a "classic true red" and it really fits the description. the red actually appears slightly darker than shown below. i've only been at my new job for a week so i don't know how bright i can go in terms of nails so i will have to hold off on swatches for now!
promotion: 30% off purchase until Feb 28/13; shipping to Canada is $11.95
size: 15 mL (full size!)
retail value: $13
in a time where beauty boxes have started to go downhill and lose their appeal, i have yet to be disappointed by ipsy. i really enjoy the variety of products in each bag. though we've received Nailtini from ipsy before, this one is not a glitter and in a shade i do not own. my favorite product would be either the body butter or perhaps the hairspray - what about you?
Ipsy always seems to include such great products!
ReplyDeletethey do! and i am so glad since it makes it easy to put them on my "keep" list :)
DeleteThat beauty box looks great, but I'm really trying hard to not subscribe to another box!
ReplyDeleteOh and I miss you!!
so sweet kristelle, i miss you too! :)
Deletei posted today just for you! hahaha
i am sure you have plenty of beauty products to go through seeing that you spent your $500 Glymm card recently ;)
Awwwww! haha
Delete:)
Deletethe body butter was my fave product! I use it every single day! :)
ReplyDeletei put it in my drawer at work and every time i open it, i can smell the yummyness!! :)
DeleteI love that you mention the shipping because I am way too lazy to go and look it up! I loved that body butter too! It smells so good!
ReplyDeletehaha i try to help you out as much as i can! :)
Deletei have it in my work drawer and every time i open it, it smells so awessssome!