IPSY BAG: December 2014

happy April Fools! i have never been a fan of lying since well, lies aren't usually nice. but harmless pranks on the other hand...
just a bit of fun in the office today, covering up the sensors on the bottom of the mouse on people's computers... teehee...
can you believe some property developer in BC posted on MARCH 31 that Disneyland purchased the rest of their land to develop a micro-park, the first in Canada?!
who in their right mind would play with the feelings of Disney enthusiasts like that!? on MARCH 31! not. funny.

ipsy's last 2014 bag was centered around being a "Creative Genius".

1) Cailyn : Just Mineral Eye Polish in "#5 Orchid"
Made with 100% raw mineral powder, this highly pigmented satiny powder not only colors your eyes with shimmery, gorgeous hues, but is also safe to wear long hours.
The easy to use built-in sponge tip allows smooth application and seamless blending of colors. Whether you want to give a subtle wash of color or go for dramatic smokey makeup, CAILYN Just Mineral Eye Polish will be a girl's best friend. size: 2.5 g (full size!)
retail value: $15.00

a few years ago, i would've been excited about a product like this but now all i see is a shimmery mess waiting to happen. the color "Orchid" (which i would have expected to be more a purple for some reason...) is a nice neutral shimmer.

2) Sexy Hair : 450° Blow Out Heat Defense Blow Dry Spray
Protect those tresses! Sexy Hair’s 450° Blow Out Heat Defense Blow Dry Spray protects hair from heat damage up to 450°F. In addition to outstanding thermal protection, it also conditions for smooth, sleek styles, detangles for improved manageability and strengthens hair. Helps to decrease blow dry time and adds weightless shine. size: 50 mL
retail value: $18.95 (125 mL)

i am horrible at remembering to put heat protectant prior to blow drying. i'm a fan of Sexy Hair though so i will try to incorporate this into my routine.

3) Tarte : Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara
Like a pushup bra for your lashes, tarte’s best-selling mascara lengthens, curls, volumizes and conditions to deliver a 330% increase in lash volume instantly. The high-performance formula is also infused with naturally-derived olive esters to help nourish and protect lashes. size: 3 mL
retail value: $20.00 (7 mL)

mascara!! can't use these babies fast enough.

4) BWC : Premium Aromatherapy Facial Cleanser 3% AHA Complex
Beauty Without Cruelty 3% A.H.A. Facial Cleanser is a lightly-foaming, soap-free cleanser that removes dead surface skin cells, daily impurities, and excess oil without over-cleaning your skin. Nature's own alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) gently and deeply clean and actively clarify your skin without disturbing it's natural balance. Pure premium Oshadhi aroma-therapeutic essential oils tone, condition, and calm, leaving your skin clean, clear, and refreshed.
size: 59 mL
retail value: $11.95 (250 mL)

this lightly scented (lavender?) clear gel cleanser is pH balanced and soap-free. my boyfriend always reaches for his bar of soap when washing his face. i always tell him that it is not good for his face since it dries out the skin. but he always says, 'what? it's soap!'. now i will just have to show him that 'soap-free' is a thing!

5) NYX : Butter Lip Balm in "BLB05 Marshmallow"
Dip your lips in a sheer wash of color with NYX Butter Lip Balm. One swipe leaves dry lips feeling supple and hydrated.
This Buttery Lip Balm is addictively soft and scrumptious and perfect for adding a subtle hint of color for a naturally flirtatious pout. Apply directly to bare lips or apply it over lip liner for more intense color.
size: 4 g (full size!)
retail value: $4.00

available in 8 shades but of course i get the one that will probably wash me out :/ it's too bad since i love NYX.

December's bag is sort of a fail for me - not interested in using the majority of these products... please check out the sale page instead :)

AT THIS MOMENT ...
currently listening: Often [Kygo Remix] - The Weeknd
just watched: Cinderella (2015 - lovely dresses and design, and of course a fairy tale but over the top corny at parts. and just not enough magic! the only magical part was the fairy godmother but that was so sudden that you don't really believe it...) ; The Impossible (again - but still so powerful. must watch!) ; More Than Blue (Korean - for most of the movie, i was getting a bit annoyed - yes it is touching that a terminally ill man loves a woman so much but won't tell her because he's going to die so he does all these things for her that hurts him at the same time... i was like JUST TELL HER!! but then there is a slight twist that makes things a hundred times more sad)
still watching: Doctor Who Season 5 (finished!) // Walking Dead Season 5 // Vampire Diaries Season 5 // Marco Polo Season 1 // Outlander Season 1 (oops starting too many..,)
now reading: - -

IPSY BAG: November 2014

look at what a sick day can give me! enough free time to set up back-to-back posts! whee ~
ipsy's November bag - "Girls Meets Glitter"

1) Elizabeth Mott : you're so FINE Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in "Glitterati"
It’s not just any liquid eyeliner. With you’re so FINE’s micro-tipped brush, you can control your strokes to create dramatic, and sharp cat eyes! This brush is so control friendly that creating precise, symmetrical lines is ridiculously easy, so it’s perfect for first time liquid eyeliner users too.
size: 3 g (full size!)
retail value: $17.99
promotion: 50% off online purchase with code IPSYFINE; expired 1/10/15

i was just thinking of trying a new liquid eyeliner. i would have preferred if i got the other color which is just regular ol' 'Black'. this eyeliner is thin but it really isn't that fine. the glitter makes it difficult to be extremely precise but i don't really have an issue with that since i have to line my eyes super thick anyway. the eyeliner dries quick enough and stays put throughout the work day. yep, i wore it to work; it's pretty and subtle enough.
a quick note about the smell though. glitter eyeliners always has this super manufactured smell that makes you pause and think, 'ugh, whatever chemicals are in this must be horrible for me' but then you bat your eyes and shrug, meh.

2) J. Cat Beauty : Wonder Lip Paint in "WLP111 Red Potion"
For invincible color and impeccable wear, the Wonder Lip Paint serves justice! With the twofold blend of endurance and delivery of intense pigmentation, this will become your heroine of lip colors. Paint your lips to perfection for your day and nighttime adventures! 
size: 10 mL (full size!)
retail value: $4.99
promotion: 25% off online purchase with code 25JCAT; expired 12/31/14

these Wonder Lip Paints obviously come across as wannabe OCC Lip Tars. they also come in 36 colors including greys and greens.
i haven't invested in Lip Tars yet so i was happy to give this a try. the tiniest amount, as you can see, gives you more than enough product that is for sure leaving a stain behind.
i love the dark shade 'Red Potion' appears to be in the tube but it blends out to be more of a wine-berry shade but i am sure i can layer it on if needed.
a word of caution if you are using your fingers because it can messy around the lip area, and of course, on your finger.

3) Be A Bombshell Cosmetics : Eye Base in "Submissive"
This eye base is a highly pigmented, long-lasting product that can be used as a single cream color or used as an eye base to build color. 
size: 2.5 g (full size!)
retail value: $14.00

"Submissive" is described on the Be A Bombshell website as an intense creamy bronze with gold shimmer. it really is not that intense but rather just a base. and it is a fairly good base. my eyeshadow has stayed on for about 12 hours, although it obviously doesn't look like it did when i first applied my makeup but still impressive. 

4) TEMPTU : S/B Highlighter in "050 Pink Pearl"
A cult favorite of makeup artists around the globe, TEMPTU S/B Highlighter is the perfect product that goes on sheer for an overall illuminating and contouring effect. Light-reflecting and transfer resistant, S/B Highlighter glides on effortlessly for a brilliant complexion boost that contours to highlight your best features.
size: 3 mL
retail value: $27.50 (30 mL) or $100.00 (120 mL)
promotion: 25% off online purchase with code IPSY; expired 12/31/14; US only

S/B? huh? that required a little bit of digging on the TEMPTU website.
S/B stands for silicone-based which TEMPTU suggests for a soft focus effect. in the swatch below, 'Pink Pearl' is not screaming SPARKLE but instead you see a soft shimmer when the light touches it.
i know TEMPTU is recognized as an airbrush makeup company but this particular product can be applied with an airbrush, fingers, brush or sponge. all you really need is a few drops. the sample we got was tiny but i guess you can throw it in your purse for some highlighting touch ups.
TEMPTU's highlighters also come in various shades of shimmer and bronze.

5) Marc Anthony : Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Volume Shine Hairspray
Get extra volume, shine and hold with this dual purpose hairspray; nourishing and styling in one! This argan oil, keratin and grape seed oil infused hairspray gives you strong and flexible hold plus deep nourishment, strengthening and conditioning as you style. 
size: 53 mL
retail value: $8.99

nice citrus scent but i have yet to fully test out the hold feature since i normally let me hair do its own thang since it is naturally straight (and a little boring). i mean, who has time to do their makeup and their hair in the morning? not this girl. i like sleep.

this has been a pretty good bag - i was excited about the eyeliner, lip paint and the eye base. all of which i will use regularly. i was initially afraid of products being too glittery when i read the word GLITTER as being the theme but most of it is subtle and wearable.

AT THIS MOMENT ...
currently listening: Girls Chase Boys - Ingrid Michaelson
just watched: nothing yet :) just going through Doctor Who episodes!
still watching: Doctor Who Season 5 // Walking Dead Season 5 // Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 1 // Vampire Diaries Season 5
now reading: "When God Was a Rabbit" by Sarah Winman

IPSY BAG: October 2014

ipsy's Beauty Candy bag (love the colors - reminds me of ice cream):

1) Ayres : Body Butter in "Patagonia" 
Enriched with plant emollients, herbal extracts and vitamins, this ultra-rich creamy body butter provides relief from dry, rough skin. Vitamin E natural antioxidant provides protection to your skin, while shea nut butter gives long-lasting hydration. Just drift away on a cool breeze of delicate jasmine and aromatic rosemary blended with lavender, bergamot, ylang-ylang, oakmoss, patchouli and fir. Inspired by Patagonia’s snow-capped mountains and blue lagoons, this fresh scent inspires a soothing sense of calm. size: 28 g
retail value: $28.00 (191 g)
promotion: 25% off purchase & free shipping on orders $40+ with code AYRESIPSY; expired 11/30/14; US only

"Patagonia" is all about the jasmine and rosemary and was inspired by snow-capped mountains and blue lagoons in Patagonia. no idea where this is. Google tells me that this is in South America.
i find the scent quite fitting because it is a cool scent. the body butter is different from most in that it is not very oily and not very thick - it's more like a cream but the hydration is great. i especially love the non-greasy but soft feeling.

2) H2O+ : Face OASIS Hydrating Treatment 

This oil-free moisture gel delivers deep hydration while minimizing the appearance of fine lines with phospholipids, multivitamin complex and moisturizing marine botanicals.
size: 10 mL
retail value: $36.00 (50 mL)
promotion: 25% off purchase with code IPSY14; expired 11/30/14

fancy shmancy - clinically proven and #1 global bestseller? the gel gives the skin an instant cooling feeling. i don't feel like the gel is very moisturizing though. or maybe that's the oil-free feature. 

3) Jesse's Girl : Mineralized Baked Powder Eye Shadow in "Ocean Breeze"

Get out-of-this-world eyes with Jesse’s Girl Mineralized Baked Powder Eyeshadows.

size: 2 g (full size!)

retail value: $3.99

promotion: 20% off purchase with code IPSYOCT2014; expired 11/30/14

this is much too blue for me. as pretty as it looks with all the shimmer, there's no way i can wear this comfortably everyday. you know where to find this!

4) Skyn Iceland : Mini Glacial Cleansing Cloths

When you're too tired to deal with the whole cleanser and wash cloth routine, these on-the-go foaming cloths are the ultimate skin savior. Infused with Icelandic glacial waters and beneficial natural extracts, they sweep away makeup, dirt, oil and other impurities while refreshing and soothing stressed skin. Best of all, there's no water required. It has a clean scent, never tacky. Great for travel or every day!

size: 10 single-use cloths

retail value: $15.00 (30 cloths)

promotion: 50% off one item & 20% off all additional items with code IPSYGCC; expired 11/21/14

ooooooooh i should have brought these last weekend for the wedding! i went to bed everyday between 3 and 4 am so this would have been nice... and thank goodness for Sunday naps.

5) Starlooks : Lip Gloss in "LG46 Guilty Pleasure"
Starlooks Lip Glosses are created with a truly moisturizing, luxury, non-sticky formula. This neutral-rose, yet glamorous shade provides the perfect glisten for any lip look and complements any skin tone! Can be worn alone or in combination with other Starlooks lip products for a truly customizable finish.size: 1 mini sample ~ 1 mL?
retail value: $13.00 (4 mL)
promotion: 20% off purchase - no code required; ends 12/31/14

"Guilty Pleasure" is a soft pinky nude. i was surprised by the pigmentation of the gloss when i swatched it on my hand, but sadly my lips are also pigmented so the gloss doesn't show quite as well on them. i prefer a little more color payoff but my sister will be happy to have this.

eeeeeeeeeeh. the bag is aight. my favorite product so far is the Ayres body butter and i am looking forward to trying Skyn Iceland cleansing cloths - i mean, Leighton Meester uses them, so they must be good right? :P

AT THIS MOMENT ...
currently listening: "Make Me Yours Tonight" by Lara Fabian & Mustafa Ceceli [Turkish version]
just watched: nothing...
still watching: Doctor Who Season 4 // Walking Dead Season 5 // Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 1 // Vampire Diaries Season 5
now reading: "When God Was a Rabbit" by Sarah Winman (still!)

IPSY BAG: September 2014

the September Ipsy bag was all about Street Style and came in a metallic grey studded bag.

1) Crown Brush : Deluxe Infinity Shadow/Crease Duet Brush (C476)
This dual-ended brush offers the best of both worlds. The shadow brush is perfect for applying eye shadow or contouring the eye, while the crease brush is designed to be used dry for defining the eye, or wet for precision concealing. 
size: 1 brush (full size!)
retail value: $17.50 (on sale for $6.99)
promotion: 30% off $25 or more online purchase with code CROWNIPSY30; expires Dec 31, 2014

this duet brush is part of the Infinity series which are made of synthetic fibers. i have not owned any other dual-ended brush prior to this and although it is useful to just flip the brush over when applying eye shadow, it is a tad more difficult to store. if i store it upright, one of the ends is going to get bent... hmmmmm.

2) Hikari : Lipstick in 'Cabernet'

Amp up the color with Hikari’s richly colored lip stick. The high pigmented formula glides on smoothly with a matte finish. Layer this formula to build color for a perfectly enchanted pout.
size: 3.8 g (full size!)
retail value: $13.00
promotion: 30% off online purchase with code HIKARI30; US only; expires Oct 31, 2014

the packaging looks exactly like Be a Bombshell... so i am thinking the two companies buy their cosmetics from the same company and just put their labels on it. the black box and the sticker are exactly the same (check out some Be a Bombshell products here and here).

on the website, "Cabernet" is described as a rich red wine (which sounds about right). in the swatch on my lips, the color is not so pink but a deeper red. it is however, that pigmented - which i really like. i didn't find it drying and it is like the perfect color for fall. love!

3) Pacifica : Natural Eye Pencil in 'Fringe'

These rich water-proof, buttery smooth eye pencils glide on smooth and deliver big color pay off with every stroke. Long-lasting natural formula, provides hours of wear and contains beneficial ingredients great for the sensitive eye area.
size: 0.73 g
retail value: $11.00 (2.8 g)
promotion: 20% off online purchase with code FallBeauty; US and Canada only; expires Oct 31, 2014

the color 'Fringe' is essentially a brown. i haven't used an eye pencil in sooo long, let alone one that was not black. somebody suggested using this for eyebrows... i might just have to try that!

4) Briogeo : Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

Repair and treat dry, damaged and breaking hair with Don't Despair, Repair!™ deep conditioning mask. Fortified with ultra-hydrating avocado, sweet almond & argan oils, strengthening keratin protein, power-conditioning rosehip oil, soothing aloe, and super hair-essential vitamins B5, D, A, E and biotin. This unique complex of targeted ingredients helps increase hair elasticity and moisture to prevent breakage, promotes healthy shine and luster, and replenishes strength. Comprised of 95 percent naturally-derived ingredients. This product is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicones, artificial fragrances, artificial dyes, and gluten. It is cruelty-free and contains organic ingredients.
size: 29.57 mL
retail value: $26.00 (155 mL)
promotion: free shipping with code IPSYSEP14; US only; expires Oct 15, 2014

i am not one for hair masks but i figured that since i did indeed get my hair dyed recently, i might as well try this. it softened up my hair and i really enjoy the sweet almond scent.

5) Nourish Organic : Moisturizing Cream Face Cleanser with Cucumber + Watercress
This gentle cleanser washes away impurities without drying, irritating or causing redness. Cucumber hydrates and soothes. Watercress, rich in antioxidants, helps protect skin from free radical damage. Alcohol-Free. Gluten-Free. Vegan.
size: 30 mL
retail value: $13.99 (177 mL)
promotion: 30% off any facial product with code IPSY30; US and Canada; expires Nov 30, 2014
the cleanser says fragrance-free but there is a scent to it - which i do not particularly like. maybe it's the watercress? not sure what watercress is supposed to smell like though.

aaaaaand that's it. it is a pretty decent ipsy bag. nothing too fancy but some key mentions include the Hikari lipstick and the Crown dual-ended brush.

AT THIS MOMENT ...
currently listening: anything by Jessie Ware [Wildest Moments / Want Your Feeling | If You're Never Gonna Move / Sweet Talk / Running] 
just watched: City of God
still watching: Doctor Who Season 3
now reading: When God Was a Rabbit

IPSY BAG: August 2014

i'm trying to fall back into routine but it's so difficult to settle back in after visiting the happiest place on Earth (as well as another magical place - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!). i took a two week trip to Florida mid-August and it was amazing!! 

hot hot hot but amazing. 8 days straight of theme parks (with a water park day thrown in the middle) which included plenty of eating, lineups, rides and merchandise but it was all fun. ALL of it. we did 4 days of Disney World and 3 Universal Studios. i hope i will get to doing a whole post on the trip!

August : Beauty Schooled

1) ABSOLUTE : You're the Balm Lip Balm in "Grape"
Treat your lips with this ultra-moisturizing lip balm from Absolute New York. This lightly tinted, creamy, conditioning formula softens, smooths, and protects lips for a seriously kissable pout. Discover this must-have balm for sensationally soft and luscious lips! 
size: 12 g
retail value: $5.99 (24 g - duo)
promotion: 30% off online purchase with code IPSY; US only; expires Sept 11, 2014

i love love love the smell of grape products... sooooo yummy! as much as i love grape, the glitter in this balm is a turnoff. i do not like putting just glitter on my lips - it's okay if there was some color in the product but i find it odd if it's just specks of glitter on my lips.

2) Dr. Brandt : Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer 
A cult favorite, Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer is Dr. Brandt’s quick fix for flawless, photo-ready skin. It is the miracle base to create the perfect skin canvas for long-lasting makeup and well-preserved skin. This velvety formula absorbs excess oil, minimizes pores, blurs fine lines and is resistant to sweat and humidity. Prime, touch-up and treat while perfecting your makeup.
size: 7.5 mL
retail value: $45.00 (30 mL)
promotion: 20% off online purchase & free travel size Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer & free shipping with code IPSY20; expires Oct 31, 2014

i wish i can actually see my pores minimizing but i have yet to encounter a product that does that. primer is always handy though.

3) Urban Decay : Perversion Mascara
Urban Decay's ultra-creamy, lengthening and volumizing mascara features triple-black pigments and a deeply nourishing ingredient blend. Perversion Mascara gets you sexy in one stroke, yet it won’t quit until you say when.
size: 3 mL
retail value: $22.00 (12mL)

this mascara boasts 'triple-black pigments' which sounds pretty interesting to me. i already have dark eyelashes (albeit being extremely sparse) so i am curious if this would make them even darker.

4) Coastal Scents : Forever Blush in "Fresh" and "Elegant"
Coastal Scents Forever Blush boasts 18 perfectly pigmented, powder blushes with a long-lasting rush of color. Complete with a mirror, these color-packed compacts go a long way.
size: 2.4 g
retail value: $7.95 (10 g)
promotion: 25% off online purchase with code blush25off; expires Oct 6, 2014

i decided not to swatch this because i have too much blush to use... the two shades in this sample are Fresh and Elegant. Fresh is a matte peach and Elegant is a satin pink - there's a bit of shimmer in this one.

5) Lord & Berry : Silk Kajal Kohl-Liner Eye Pencil in "#1001 Black"
Sensual and exotic, that's the effect that Silk Kajal Kohl Eye Pencil delivers. Just like the traditional Kohl, but with the modern ease and control of a pencil. Giving a semi-matte finish that is also smudgeable, Silk Kajal Kohl's soft tip is ophthalmologically-tested and gentle enough to be used on the inner eye. Also available in Nudo and White.
size: 0.6 g
retail value: $16.00 (1.44 g)
promotion: 25% off online purchase with code LAB@14091; expires Oct 15, 2014

this mini black eye liner goes on nice and dark but smudges easily. it is intended to be that way but i would advise against using it on your lower waterline if you do not wish to transform into a raccoon mid-day.

the August bag was a bit of a miss to me. there are some products i could have liked but there was always something missing (or in some cases like the lip balm - there's too much of...). i don't want such products to go to waste so i will be putting up a For Sale section. i will post the link up here once it's done!

IPSY BAG: July 2014

well would you look at this!

reviews for JULY beauty boxes in JULY!! say whaaaaaaaaaaat
i recently got my ipsy bag (July 15) and now i am posting about it. i hope i stay on track!! although it worked out better since i stayed in at lunch at work one day to blog. yaaaaye.

the fluorescent pink bag this month is quite adorable! i love the scallop edges!

July's ipsy bag is all about being "Sensationally Sunkissed" and to achieve this, you will need:

1) bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow 2.0 in "The Inspiration"
size: 1 g
retail value: $20.00 (2.7 g)
promotion: free shipping with bareMinerals purchase on ULTA.com with code 'IPSYBAREFS'; US only; expires Aug 10, 2014

bareMinerals READY® Eyeshadow 2.0 provides vivid, pigment-packed color with seamless blendability that lasts up to 12 hours. Powered by the proprietary SeaNutritive Mineral™ Complex, it delivers skin-nourishing benefits including reduced appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and puffiness plus boosted moisture levels.

"The Inspiration" includes the shades 'Muse' and 'Passion'. 'Muse' is described as a pink frost and it is a very light shade of pink. 'Passion' is a glimmering plum with golden flecks. both are very smooth to the touch. the pigmentation from these didn't blow me away - especially the pink shade.

2) derma e BB Crème in "Light Tint"
size: 14 g
retail value: $29.50 (60 mL)
promotion: 30% off purchase at dermae.com with code 'IPSY0714'; US only; expires Sept 30, 2014

Instantly erase the look of imperfections and turn back the clock on aging skin.
This multi-functional mineral beauty balm is an advanced skincare formula that also conceals with lightweight, color-correcting coverage. 

i was thinking this was not going to work out well as i blended the derma e BB creme onto my hand. it looked way too pink for my skin tone but surprisingly, it blended extremely easily and gave me some pretty decent coverage! BB creams are normally way too sheer and therefore not as appealing to me and my many sunspots. which makes me love the SPF 25 in it so much more :)
the texture is also different from other BB creams - this is very gel-like so it is super easy to smooth all over your face. the cream/gel combination leaves a dewy feeling on the skin.

3) Pixi Beauty Mini Tined Brilliance Balm in "Unique Pink"

size: 1.8 g
retail value: ~ $20.00 (3 g)
promotion: 25% off purchase at pixibeauty.com with code 'flawlesspixi'; US only; expires Aug 31, 2014

Packed with lip-loving ingredients, this glossy gel balm protects & hydates lips instantly. After the balm wears off, lips are left tinted with a flattering, personalized hue just for you (color & intensity depends on pH level of lips).

what an adorable size! at first look, it looks like a clear balm but the words 'tinted' caught my eye. upon application, i watch my lips turn a soft shade of pink. i find out from the ipsy site that this balm reacts with your pH level, so it's pretty much a mood lipstick - neat!

4) POP Beauty Sunkissed Bronzer in "Secret Sunshine" 

size: 6.95 g (full size!)
retail value: $10.00
promotion: 25% off purchase at popbeauty.co.uk with code 'POPIPSY'; US only; expires Aug 31, 2014

This radiance enhancing bronze glow delivers a soft honey beamed hue, adding warmth and a sun-kissed lift to your complexion. With added vitamin E.


the bronzer looks darker than most of the ones i have but i'm sure that blending, like always, will help. it has some shimmer in it. i'm not going to be able to use this for a while so it's going on the sale board (to be announced in the far future).

5) Pur~lisse Pur~Protect Essential Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 Sunscreen

size: 15 mL
retail value: $55.00 (50 mL)
promotion: 30% off purchase at purlisse.com with code 'IPSYSUMMER30'; US and Canada; expires Aug 15, 2014

Stay protected with pure flower power. Pur~lisse's unique peptide complex, Lotus Lupine 5, and Hydra-Shield Complex, offers superior full-spectrum sun protection in a light weight nourishing moisturizer. Skin is pampered and protected against premature aging caused by the day's rays.

i never complain about receiving moisturizers with SPF! this one is very nice too - feels light, non-greasy and has a soft scent.

tada!
these days, opening beauty boxes does not bring about the same excitement as it used to but ipsy still finds the ability to impress me! it's sometimes even hard to pick a favorite item!
this month, i'd have to say it's either the derma e BB creme or the Pixi Tinted Brilliance Balm. what did you think of "Sensationally Sunkissed"?

IPSY BAG : January 2014

January 2014 - 19 Reasons
i've finally made it to the 2014 subscriptions... aww yeah! i want to squeeze in another post before i leave for Philadelphia on wednesday though. i'm heading down to my friend's graduation and we will be visiting New York and Pittsburgh as well. it's all very exciting to me because i haven't been to many places in the states.

alsoooooo i went to my third (i think) BSB concert on friday and it was amazing (AHHH NICK CARTER)! it was awesome to see all 5 of them back together. they thanked the fans for being there for 21 years... 21 years!! that's crazy that it has been that long. i was super happy that they played a lot of their old hits. i also know some of their new ones since i had a BSB only playlist at work for the last 3 days in preparation :)

anyway, my phone died after the concert which made me kick myself the rest of the night because a friend convinced me to head to the after party and this was the closest i have ever been to them!! i could see the sweat on their foreheads! i touched AJ and Howie's hands!! i got Howie's autograph!!!

eeeeeeeee! i was in awe for sure! it was like an estrogen-fuelled mosh pit but it was worth it. Howie was super cool cause he was taking selfies with people's phones and signing autographs. yay!! i am very glad i went even though i felt super old at the club later. super old. a boy who actually looked 16 kept trying to hold my hand and dance with me and i was like 'i am pretty sure i am like 10 years older than you'! the club scene is veryyy strange to me now. 

anyway, back to ipsy! ipsy's 19 Reasons bag is referring to the 19 brands they worked with in January.  they also want you to find a reason why 2014 will be amazing. i'm already enjoying 2014 quite a bit and my upcoming trips to Philly/New York/Pittsburgh and then Orlando in the summer will be fantastic, i'm sure. plus, i just went to the Backstreet Boys and will be going to see John Legend next month. swoon!

1) Benefit : the Porefessional
Quickly minimize the appearance of pores & fine lines for smoother-than-smooth skin! Apply this silky, lightweight balm alone, under or over makeup. Translucent, oil-free formula complements all skintones and helps makeup stay put. Contains a Vitamin E derivative, known to protect skin from free radicals.
size: 3 mL
retail value: $31 (22 mL)
promotion: free gift with online purchase // expired Feb 15, 2014 

this makes it three! three times i've found this in a beauty bag. the other 2 times were from Topbox - April 2012 and February 2013. guess i won't be running out anytime soon and i still enjoy how smooth it makes my skin feel.

2)  (MALIN+GOETZ) : Mojito Lip Balm
The (MALIN+GOETZ) Mojito Lip Balm is as soothing to the lips as it is to the senses. Flavored with (MALIN+GOETZ) Mojito, this lip balm is scientifically blended to restore and replenish. The hydrating lip gel easily integrates for daily maintenance, prevention and treatment of dry, irritated lips. Color and Paraben free.

size: 10 g [full size]

retail value: $12

mojitos hey? that's a new flavor of lip balm for me. i am trying to rely less on lip balm cause i feel like my lips have to recover on their own from the winter but i might see if my boyfriend would use this. it looks plain enough right? i just don't know how he would feel about the gel texture...

3) Balanced Guru : Balm Me Up Organic Sweet Cocoa & Tangy Body Balm

Treat your whole body with a smooth and buttery body balm. Enriched with healthy butters and an invigorating blend of essential oils that will wake up your senses and moisturize your skin without leaving it greasy or tacky. Make sure you work it well into elbows, knees and even your feet, they'll thank you later!

size: 30 mL [trial size - $12]

retail value: $45 (120 mL)
promotion: 20% off online purchase // expired Feb 28, 2014 // US only

this body balm claims to moisturize your skin without leaving it greasy but i find that this is really difficult especially if the product contains so many different butters and oils. my experience with this body balm is that it leaves a shiny look/greasy feeling after application but over time, this will fade but the moisture remains.

4) Absolute! : Make-up Cleansing Tissues with 'Cucumber Extract'

Pre-moistened, refreshingly fragranced, water-based cloths designed to instantly remove even waterproof makeup without irritation. Infused with natural extracts and botanicals, Absolute! Makeup Cleansing Tissues are formulated to reawaken and soften skin, while helping to reduce puffiness. Made of delicate spun lace, our convenient, effortless 1-step tissues are gentle enough for use on sensitive skin and around the eye area.

size: 10 tissues [$2.49]

retail value: $7.99 [60 tissues]
promotion: 30% off online purchase // expired Feb 10, 2014 // US only

ipsy has teamed up once again with Nicka K. the Absolute! line of cleanings tissues include a number of other extracts such as Vitamin C, green tea and pomegranate. 

5) yaby : Natural Finish Liquid Foundation in 'Buff'

The yaby Liquid Foundation leaves an unbelievably natural, super smooth texture and is extremely easy to apply. Mimics the skin's natural sheen to create the most realistic flawless skin. Oil-free.

size: 8 mL [full size!]

retail value: $13.55
promotion: 20% off online purchase // expired Jan 31, 2014

the yaby liquid foundations all come in this small size which is great for carrying around. yaby also has color correctors as well. i've tried a few yaby products now (thanks to ipsy and Topbox) including some concealers which were decent but not highly pigmented. this 'Buff' shade is meant to be neutral but i think it is just a bit light for my skin. the smell is not the greatest since it smells sort of metal-y.

and tada! that makes up the first beauty bag from ipsy for the year... sort of a boring start in my opinion.

did you like your ipsy bag? what concerts are you going to this year?