september 2017 ipsy bag!

hi all! guess what came in the mail today and i'm blogging about it...TODAY? my september IPSY BAG*! (theme: like. a. boss) ~Lin-chan ^.~

here's my impressions:

1. luxie beauty rose gold medium angled shading eye brush -- while i do like this range of brushes, i'm not huge on this style of brush. i tend to not use them often. i'm slightly annoyed that they put it inside of the bag and the bristles are now pretty bent. but i do need to wash it before using, so maybe it'll be better.
• repurchase: love this line, not so much this brush
2. elizabeth mott pop goes the eyeshadow in toasted -- this is a very nice color! and the formula feels pretty nice.
• repurchase: maybe
3. re:p bio fresh mask -- this has a very herbal scent. we'll have to try this out. i think it's a clay mask..? maybe...
• repurchase: probably not?
4. pixi beauty blush duo in peach honey -- i have the same issue with this blush as their rose gold one that i received last year.. it's split pan and kind of small, so it's hard to separate out each half with a brush when using this as a blush. now as highlight, you'd typically use a smaller brush and that'd be fine. this is actually prettier than i thought it would be, but it is a bit orange for my liking as blush.
• repurchase: nah
5. adesse new york organic infused gel effect nail laquer in deception -- so who's a fan of the muddy mississippi on their nails?! no thanks! now, i do know that lighter skinned people like such contrasting colors.. but this is not really me.
• repurchase: maybe other colors?
6. black spikey ipsy bag -- it's interesting that the spikes are embossed on the bag. it does have a nice look and feel to it as well.

peach honey (mixed, each half), toasted eyeshadow

*Affiliate Link.

april 2017 ipsy bag!

hi all! i'm late againnnnn. it's been pretty busy lately and i haven't had much time to dedicate here. but i'm tryin! anyway, without further ado, here's my april IPSY BAG* (theme: sideshow) ~Lin-chan ^.~

here's my impressions:

1. theorie marula oil transforming serum -- another hair product to try~! has a very pleasant and light scent.
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
2. elizabeth mott show me your glow shimmer shadow & highlighter -- super pretty~!
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
3. tony moly liptone lip care stick in rose blossom -- i looove lip balms. i loooooove tony moly. I HATE ROSE OIL as a scent. the lip balm itself has an oily yet balmy texture and doesn't absorb super fast.
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe other shades
4. ps cosmeceutical infused nail lacquer in southern sand-- i was kind of excited that i got another nail polish, but not excited that it'll look like death on me.
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
5. ofra cosmetics blush in rendezvous -- not a fan of this shade and didn't finger swatch too well..
• likelihood to repurchase: no
6. red ticket ipsy bag -- kinda tacky, not gonna lie. i don't like how the zipper edge makes the bag not lie flat, but i mean, it's supposed to be used and have stuff in it, but anyway....

rose blossom, rendezvous, show me your glow

*Affiliate Link.

march favorites

hi guys! we're starting the end of month posts with favorites! actually this one is a pretty quick one, and we'll see if i can get all of my posts up tonight... maybe not. anyway, here ya go, my first standalone favorites post in forever! ~Lin-chan ^.~

amulet, paaarty, hoola lite, hoola, sable, what up beaches

1. urban decay vice liquid lipstick in amulet -- this is a really pretty and wearable work color. without eating or drinking it lasts maybe 3-4 hours and it fades fairly gracefully. i really like the mousse-y texture and that it dries matte but looks metallic. 
2. real techniques miracle mini eraser sponges -- i wasn't sure if i'd like these or need these. but i bought them anyway and they've been great. i really like the shape of these with the sharp crease on the tip. i've been using them dry to pick up any eyeshadow or mascara fall out and it's super convenient. it also helps with some cakiness in the under eye area.
3. tarte amazonian clay blush in paaarty -- ever since i've tried it, it's been the new daily blush. it's not super pigmented, but that also makes it nice and buildable. this is limited edition i guess because it was the sephora birthday present for this year...but i don't think i'll be super sad if it's gone either... but it's just been nice and easy and what i've been reaching for lately.
4. tarte maracuja eye cream -- so this was a rediscovery / necessity. so as mentioned previously, i'd been using the it cosmetics bye bye under eye cream, because i got a crapton of samples of it. then we had one week of winter after the many weeks of summer the past few months and my skin freaked out and got super dry. annnd i needed this eye cream back in my life. i'll still use up the other one, but this is the best still.
5. etude house green tea bubble tea sleeping pack -- this stuff. as mentioned above, cold weather, dry skin. this worked like a dream. especially popping a 'boba'. this is a really nice gel moisturizer. only complaint is that the 'boba' don't blend in amazing and sometimes have like a 'skin' to them, but whatever, just keep trying to mix it in! anyway, this isn't something i can use every day because it was too much moisture and i was starting to break out. it has a light fragrance, and a super duper cute spoon. anyway, i like it. i'm interested in trying the black tea one.
6. benefit hoola lite -- after trying this out, this is so much better for my skintone than regular hoola. who would have guessed..? pssh. anyway, it did start getting to the point where i was noticing my face was more orange or warmer than my neck or arms, and i think using regular hoola was part of the issue.
7. eyeshadow crease shades (ulta sable, benefit hoola bronzer, elizabeth mott what up beaches bronzer) -- so i've recently come to the realization that ulta has updated a lot of their beauty line. and as such, my beloved sable eyeshadow got nixed. needless to say, i began to search for 'dupes' of it, since i've already hit pan on this one and i have just one more left..... anyway, i haven't been using bronzers too much lately, and the elizabeth mott sample was ridiculously small, so i went ahead and tried them as eyeshadow and i really liked them. so i may just start buying bronzer/contour in the future.

march 2017 ipsy bag!

hi all! i'm late againnnnn. it's been a super busy month over here, and i'm just getting the chance to blog in peace! more details to come in my upcoming monthly planner update post. anyway, here's my march IPSY BAG* (theme: très jolie)   ~Lin-chan ^.~

here's my impressions:

1. eva nyc mane magic 10-in-1 primer -- this has a very strong argan oil scent, but it's really nice! try all the 'apply to damp hair' products! i can't wait to use it!
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
2. mudmasky facial detox purifying recovery mask -- i'm definitely interested in trying this out. mud masks are usually pretty good. this one has a slight honey and sunscreen-y type scent, which is a bit weird. i'll have to update further later.
• likelihood to repurchase: we'll have to see how my skin reacts..
3. tarte tartiest lip paint in rosé -- i'm not sure how i feel about this color. like it's bordering on what i usually like, but it has a touch of peach or orange that's making me not like it as much..
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe other shades
4. elizabeth mott blending brush -- yay for another crease brush in my favorite color! i like how stiff this is, it'll be great in the crease!
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
5. dirty little secret cosmetics blush in kitty pink -- this is kind of a powdery blush, i'm not too sure on this one.. it leans more peach than i typically use, but not so much that i wouldn't use it. i'll have to try it out and see if i want to keep it.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not
6. (points freebie) lather white clay deep pore cleansing mask -- this has a very spa mud type scent to it. kind of similar to the green loreal mask, but bit stronger.
• likelihood to repurchase: we'll see.
7. pale pink ipsy bag -- i really like the color and pattern, but not a huge fan of foldover clutch things, stylistically.

rosé, kitty pink

rosé

*Affiliate Link.

february 2017 ipsy bag!

hi all! i'm suuuuper late, but here's my february IPSY BAG* (theme: #ipsy much love)! woot-woot!  ~Lin-chan ^.~

here's my impressions:

1. nyx butter lipstick in ripe berry (full size, ret. $5.99) -- i really like this formula a lot, it's very moisturizing and comfortable. this is a really pretty shade too.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not, too many lippies in the stash...
2. luna by luna cosmetics highlighter in calypso (.3g--full size???, ret. $23 for ??) -- this is a really pretty highlight, and i can't wait to test it out!
• likelihood to repurchase: nah, i have a ton already..
3. biobelle sheet masks in #iwoke up like this & #stay gorgeous (1 mask each, ret. $4.99 each) -- gotta try these out some time!
• likelihood to repurchase: undecided
4. elizabeth mott whatup beaches matte bronzer (.7g--micro size, ret. $25 for 8g [$2.19]) -- what is with these guys and the microscopic bronzers.. i mean, you really can only use these as eyeshadows because of the size. anyway, this is pretty close to benefit hoola in color, but not the same pigmentation as far as i could tell. and for the price, just get hoola.
• likelihood to repurchase: no
5. luxie beauty rose gold blush brush 514 (full size, ret. $18) -- this is a pretty fluffy brush, not as dense as i usually like, but i'll give it a go.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not this brush, but definitely others!
6. denim and orange ipsy bag -- it's cute.. probably will pass it along for someone else to use.
7. card with company info
• i skipped on the discount codes this time, for the sake of time to make this post. those codes take a lot of work to get, and really even if you're not an ipsy subscriber, as long as you have an ipsy account, you should have access to them. in the future, i may not keep recording all of these because they take a lot of time to collect on here.

approximate product value: ~$36 + highlighter = $40-50?

ripe berry, calypso, whatup beaches

ripe berry

*Affiliate Link.

november 2016 ipsy bag!

hi guys! life happened, go live for my project happened... things have been happening and i've been behind on my posts... not only that, my ipsy bag arrived about a week after it was supposed to... it does not take a week to send something from texas to louisiana...through tennessee. just saying. anyway, i'm excited to finally bring you my november IPSY BAG* (theme: rockstarlet) which has a lot of stuff to try! ~Lin-chan ^.~

here's my impressions:

1. ofra cosmetics brightening banana powder (4g--full size?, ret. $12) -- haven't tried it on the face yet, but swatching, it's a bit chunky powdery. it does look like it'll be brightening on my skintone, so i'm excited to try since i haven't tried a 'banana powder' yet.
• likelihood to repurchase: undecided
2. benefit cosmetics the porefessional (3ml--mini, ret. $31 for 22ml [$4.23]) -- while i like this primer, the cost is not something i'm totally into.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not
3. elizabeth mott color is bae in moxie mauve (.14oz--mini, ret. $20 for 5g [$12]) -- this is a very strange product. it's like a matte liquid lipstick, but it goes on pretty patchy. if you rub your lips together while it's wet, it gives you those streaky lines... then when it does dry down, it's tacky. it's very weird, but i'll try it a bit more before really coming to a final decision. but i'm not into it. annnd this color is not mauve to me. this leans pinky.
• likelihood to repurchase: no
4. formula x polish in huntress (4ml--mini, ret. $10.50 for 12ml [$3.50]) -- this is such a pretty color! it's like a green with a dark goldeny shift...? maybe? anyway, correct me if i'm wrong, but it's looking like formula x is on its way out, because the entire line is on the sephora sale page. major sadface, because i love the system (set).
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
5. delectable by cake beauty sweet mint & cream hand cream (2oz--mini, ret. $12 for 4oz [$6]) -- this hand cream smells soo good. it's not exactly like a mint chocolate type of scent, but so good!
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
6. blue constellation themed ipsy bag -- the idea was pretty cute, and i love the plush material and star-shaped zipper pull they used!
7. card with company info/discount codes (some codes are case sensitive)
1. elizabethmott.com: 30% off purchase, code: bae30 (exp. 12/31/16)
2. ofracosmetics.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy30 (exp. 12/31/16)
3. cakebeauty.com: 25% off $50 purchase, code: ipsymint (exp. 12/31/16)
4. leaderscosmeticsusa.com: 20% off purchase, code: IPSY20 (exp. 12/31/16)
5. purlisse.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsynov30 (exp. 12/31/16)
6. besamecosmetics.com: 20% off purchase full size only, some exclusions, code: ipsy20 (exp. 12/31/16)
7. modelcocosmetics.com: 20% off purchase + free shipping at $49, code: IPSY20 (12/31/16 to 1/31/17)
8. skonecosmetics.com: 10% off purchase, code: skone10 (exp. 12/31/16)
9. thebalm.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 12/31/16)
10. elemis.com: 20% off purchase, excludes travel size, code: IPSY20 (exp. 1/1/17)
11. heathermarianna.tv: $10 off $50 purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 12/31/16)
12. heyhoney.com: 20% off purchase, code: Ipsy20 (exp. 12/31/16)
13. adesseny.com: 20% off purchase + free shipping, code: IPSY20 (exp. 12/31/16)
14. starlooks.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 12/31/16)
15. skinandcoroma.com: 20% off purchase, code: truf2ipsy (exp. 12/31/16)
16. doucee.com: 30% off purchase, code: blush30 (exp. 12/31/16)
17. nymbrands.com: 25% off purchase, code: nymtease (exp. 12/31/16)
18. ciatelondon.com: 30% off purchase, code: IPSTER (exp. 12/31/16)
19. luxiebeauty.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsytravel (exp. 12/31/16)
20. comprarcosmetica.es: gift with purchase, code: IPSYNAOBAY (exp. 12/31/16)
21. eyeko.com: 20% off purchase, code: EYEKO20 (exp. 12/31/16)
22. us.nuxe.com: 20% off $50 purchase, code: nuxe2016 (exp. 12/31/16)
23. absolutenewyork.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 12/31/16)
24. verbproducts.com: 10% off purchase, code: ipsy10 (exp. 12/31/16)
25. slmissglam.com: 30% off purchase, code: slipster (exp. 12/31/16)
26. toofaced.com: 20% off purchase + free shipping, code: IPSTERLOVE2016 (exp. 12/31/16)
27. tinibeauty.com: 40% off $20 purchase + free eyeliner, code: IPSYONFIRE (exp. 12/31/16)
28. us.memebox.com: 30% off bonvivant purchase for new customers, code: ipsyxbonvivant16 (excludes 11/21-28, exp. 1/7/17)
29. osmotics.com: 20% off $75 purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 12/31/16)
30. bhcosmetics.com: 10% off purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 12/31/16)
31. indielee.com: 20% off purchase, code: IPSYCQ20 (exp. 12/31/16)
32. laqaandco.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsters (exp. 12/31/16)

approximate product value: ~$38

*Affiliate Link.

july 2016 ipsy bag

hi guys! i've neglected posting about it until now, but on friday i got my july IPSY BAG*! (theme: hot summer nights) ~Lin-chan ^.~

here's my impressions:

1. elizabeth mott show me your cheeks blush in peach pink (2.5g--mini, ret. $23 for 5g [$11.50]) -- this is a super sheer version of nars orgasm. like almost just a highlighter more than a blush, unless you go super heavy with it to make it show up.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not
2. trust fund beauty nail polish in no filter (17ml--full size, ret. $15) -- applying this, i was super impressed with how it was one coat and go, and it quickly self-leveled. this shade however looks like death on my skintone. so this is going to get passed along.
• likelihood to repurchase: not this shade
3. theBalm meet matt(e)trimony eyeshadow in matt kumar (.5g--mini, ret. $42 for palette (21.6g) [$0.98]) -- at first, i wasn't too sure about this one, but it's actually really pretty paired with peachy shades (like makeup geek purely naked).
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not, i have too many palettes
4. befine night cream (1oz--mini?, ret. $20? [$10 for .5oz]) -- the scent of this is super weird. like i can definitely tell that it's a rice type scent, but millet...i'm not totally sure.. granted, when i had birds, i never sniffed their food, lol! the cream itself is relatively light and feels nice, but i'm not sure why this is considered a night cream, but whatever.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not
5. model launcher cosmetics felt tip eyeliner in emerald isle (.33oz--full size, ret. $13) -- i'm not sure that this would be opaque enough for my liking, but it seems like it might be a good liner.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not
6. points freebie: kiesque liquid palisade (.08oz--full size, ret. $14) -- i got this uncertain about how well it works considering some of the poor reviews on sephora. but hey, it was 'free', so why not? you do need to shake this before applying, and it's fairly thin. applying it was kind of annoying, but peeling it off was super satisfying and clean. so i'm interested in trying similar products to this. if i use this regularly, i'm not sure how long it'd last. also, based on the sephora reviews, people were mentioning that these dried out pretty fast, to make sure you seal it propery.
• likelihood to repurchase? maybe, or other similar products
7. holographic beach umbrella ipsy bag -- so when they first released photos of this bag..i definitely thought of peppermints with shadows...not an umbrella. but either way, it's cute.
8. card with company info/discount codes (some codes are case sensitive)
1. elizabethmott.com: 30% off $35 purchase, code: cheeks35 (exp. 8/31/16)
2. trustfundbeauty.com: 35% off purchase, code: ipsy35 (exp.8/31/16)
3. thebalm.com: 20% off purchase, code: IPSY20 (exp. 7/31/16)
4. befine.com: 20% off purchase, code: IPSY (exp. 8/31/16)
5. mlmiami.com: 20% off purchase, code: IPSY20 (exp. 8/31/16)
6. toofaced.com: 20% off purchase + free shipping, code: IPSYLOVE20 (exp. 8/31/16)
7. eva-nyc.com: 15% off purchase, code: GetGlossedIpsy15 (exp. 8/31/16)
8. sedonalace.com: 20% off purchase, code: IPSY2016 (exp. 8/31/16)
9. booboocoverup.com: 30% off purchase, code: IPSTER30 (exp. 7/31/16)
10. vasanticosmetics.com: 30% off purchase, code: VasantiIpsy30 (exp. 8/31/16)
11. shraysskincare.com: 25% off purchase, code: ipsy25shray (exp. 8/31/16)
12. skyniceland.com: 35% off one product & 20% off any additional items & free shipping on $35+, code: ipsyantidote (exp. 8/31/16)
13. cakebeauty.com: 25% off $50 purchase, code: IPSYLEMON (exp. 8/31/16)
14. purminerals.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy30 (exp. 8/31/16)
15. aveneusa.com: 20% off eau thermale avene purchase, code: IPSY20 (exp. 8/31/16)
16. modelcocosmetics.com: 20% off purchase & free shipping at $39, code: IPSY20 (exp. 9/30/16)
17. bellapierre.com: 25% off purchase, code: ipsy2016banana (exp. 8/31/16)
18. luxiebeauty.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsyangle (exp. 8/31/16)
19. mellowcosmetics.com: 15% off purchase & free shipping at $40, code: Ipsy15 (exp. 8/31/16)
20. ofracosmetics.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy30 (exp. 8/31/16)
21. shuuemura-usa.com: 10% off purchase & free shipping on your first order, code: ipsy10 (exp. 8/31/16)
22. embryolisseusa.com: 20% off purchase, code: IPSY2016 (exp. 8/31/16)
23. thrivecausemetics.com: 25% off your first purchase, code: ipster25 (exp. 8/31/16)
24. bareescentuals.com: 20% off purchase, code: IPSY2016 (exp. 8/30/16)
25. notsoapradio.com: 20% off purchase, code: 20ipsy (exp. 8/31/16)
26. palmettoderma.com: 25% off purchase, code: ipsy25 (exp. 8/31/16)
27. glamglowmud.com: 30% off most products excluding sets, code: ipsyj30 (exp. 8/31/16)
28. jcatbeauty.com: 25% off purchase & free shipping at $30, code: ipsy716 (exp. 8/31/16)

approximate product value: ~$60 + $14 (points freebie)

matt kumar (swatched dry), emerald isle, peach pink

no filter with liquid palisade partially peeled on my thumb (sorry for the sloppy swatches! but this color, my skintone. blehhh!)

*Affiliate Link.

january favorites

hi guys! with the new year and a new work project...and a business trip... let's just say things have been so hectic recently that i didn't have time to try out new things or old things that need loving. so here ya go. short and sweet. please excuse the reused swatch photos..for the sake of time, i didn't want to take new ones. ~Lin-chan ^.~

maybelline color tattoo concentrated crayons: bronze truffle, barely beige, pink parfait

tartelette tease palette: whisper, crush, heartbreaker, wink, first kiss, bff

1. maybelline lash sensational luscious mascara -- i really liked the original and i am really enjoying the formula of this one as well. i'm not totally sure which one i like better. i do feel like the "fan effect" that it gives the lashes a nice full, yet perfectly spaced effect. does that make sense... anyway i like how it does clump and separates the lashes.
2. maybelline color tattoo concentrated crayon in bronze truffle -- i really enjoyed using this product. it's a more hands-free version of the potted product. i feel like these are a lot smoother and less tacky (or dry faster) than the originals too. whenever i wore this, i would apply powder shadows to the browbone, inner corner, and crease, then apply this shade over the lid.
3. tarte tartelette tease palette -- so far, i've used the top half or the bottom half for each look. i prefer the top half more so because it has more neutral nude type shades, whereas the bottom has bff which i feel like i have to bring in other shadows to soften it up.
4. elizabeth mott thank me later eyeshadow primer -- i got this in last month's ipsy bag. this is not exactly a favorite, but more like: i appreciate having this product and it's in a small tube. this has replaced what's been in my travel makeup bag. this is actually a pretty good primer, comparable to too faced shadow insurance or urban decay primer potion as far as lasting power and feel of the product. however, for the price, i don't think that it's supah amazing that you'd have to go out of your way to order it online. either of the other two primers i mentioned can be easily purchased at your local sephora or ulta---or better yet, milani's eye primer is really good too, for way less money at your local...almost anywhere that carries drugstore cosmetics.

december 2015 ipsy bag

hi guys! my december IPSY BAG* has arrived! (theme: for you with love from ipsy) ....and unfortunately this one was a pretty big dud. the only thing i'm exited to try in here is the deep conditioner. maybes on the sponge and shadow primer. and no's on the lipstick and finishing powder. ~Lin-chan ^.~

here's my impressions:

1. tarte smooth operator finishing powder (.07oz--mini, ret. $33 for .32oz [$7.22]) -- this is going to get passed off to a friend. i've got one of these unopened already.
• likelihood to repurchase: nah
2. elizabeth mott thank me later eyeshadow primer (.17oz, ret. $20 for .35oz [$9.71]) -- this feels like your standard shadow primer. i'll have to test it's lasting power and how well shadows adhere to it.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not
3. rickycare by ricky's nyc classic 3D blender (ret. $10) -- for whatever reason (cleaning?) i'm not as into using beauty blenders or dupes.. dry, this one is larger and firmer than an official beauty blender. i am interested in trying it..considering how many sponges i now have and am neglecting.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not
4. marc anthony coconut oil and shea butter deep conditioning treatment (1.69oz--mini, ret. $7.29 for 8.4oz [$1.47]) -- this smells super awesome. i can't wait to try it out!
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
5. pacifica power of love natural lipstick in nudie red (full size, ret. $9.99) -- can i first begin with, why does this smell bad? and by bad, i mean expired. what. color-wise, i'm not sure how much i like this. it's more of a pinky neutral on me, but i can kind of..in a small, minuscule way, see that this is nude with reddish in it. it has sheer to buildable coverage. formula-wise, it's a little moisturizing but meh. not totally. it dries to a near matte texture, but it can transfer..
• likelihood to repurchase: no
6. red ipsy bag -- i'm not a fan. the shape is weird and it doesn't feel that great.
7. card with company info/discount codes
1. tartecosmetics.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsydec (exp. 1/31/16)
2. pacificabeauty.com: 20% off purchase, code: poweroflove (exp. 1/31/16)
3. elizabethmott.com: 30% off purchase, code: thankipsy (exp. 1/31/16)
4. rickysnyc.com: 10% off rickycare 3D blending sponge, code: ipsy (exp. 1/31/16)
5. beabombshellcosmetics.com: 30% off purchase & free eyeshadow quad, code: ipsy30 (exp. 1/31/16)
6. jerseyshoresun.com: 50% off purchase, code: ipsy50 (exp. 1/31/16)
7. jessesgirlcosmetics.com: 20% off purchase & free shipping on $20+, code: ipsy2015dec (exp. 1/31/16)
8. peonycosmetics.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 1/31/16)
9. glamourdollsmakeup.com: 20% off purchase & 10% off when you reorder, code: ipsydoll (exp. 1/31/16)
10. crownbrush.us: 25% off purchase, code: crownipsy25 (exp. 1/31/16)
11. beaugachis.com: 20% off purchase, code: beautifulipster (exp. 1/31/16)
12. lather.com: 20% off purchase & free 2oz body moisturizer in bamboo lemongrass, code: ipsyhoney (exp. 1/31/16)
13. peterlamas.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsyd15 (exp. 2/15/16)
14. briogeohair.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 1/31/16)
15. kloraneusa.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsycornflower20 (exp. 1/31/16)
16. acureorganics.com: 20% off purchase & free shipping on $25+, code: ipsydec2015 (exp. 1/31/16)
17. margaretdabbs.co.uk: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 1/31/16)
18. modelcocosmetics.com: 20% off purchase & free shipping on $39+, code: ipsy20 (exp. 1/31/16)
19. skinn.com: 15% off purchase, code: ipsyskinn1215 (exp. 3/15/16)
20. befine.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 1/31/16)
21. chrislie.com: buy any baked face product, get one free, code: bakedfacebogo (exp. 1/31/16)
22. itcosmetics.com: 20% off $25 purchase + free shipping, code: itlovesipsy (exp. 1/31/16)

approximate product value: ~$38.39

nudie red, shadow primer

left: dry, right: wet (sorry i neglected to take wet and dry photos with something to scale..and the same beauty blender......)

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january 2015 ipsy bag

hi guys! i finally got my january IPSY BAG* today! the postman didn't bother dropping it off yesterday for some reason.......... (theme: thinking of you) ~Lin-chan ^.~

anyway, onto my impressions.

1. bellapierre shimmer powder in celebration (2.35g--full size, ret. $14.99) -- omg this is such a gorgeous gold. i'm not totally into loose eyeshadows--mostly because i'm impatient.
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
2. elizabeth mott all over shadow brush (full size, ret. $9.99) -- this is a really nice brush, nice and soft. though i'm not sure about it being pink...
• likelihood to repurchase: nah, because i'd have to order it.
3. la fresh be good. good day. day moisturizer (.05oz--mini, ret. $40 for 1.7oz [$1.17]) -- this smells really weird. it's kinda like sunscreen but not really...i think it's the cucumber or something that makes it smell like this.. i'm undecided if i want to actually use this on my face though. the scent really bothers me.
• likelihood to repurchase: no
4. pacifica natural mineral coconut eye shadow in ethereal (.08oz, ret. $???) -- i'm surprised. this is actually a good product. the duo that i got a while back was awful. the pigmentation was garbage and it was just terrible. but this. this is really nice. i like the shade and the formulation, it's not chalky or anything. now, it's not as amazing as a high-end shadow either, but it is much better than i was expecting.
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
5. probelle nail polish in into the blue (.5oz--full size, ret. $6) -- i really like the color of this polish, but it's not super unique and the formula seems ok. i'll have to actually wear it and try it out sometime..
• likelihood to repurchase: nah
6. blue and white ipsy bag -- i love how one side is blue and the other is white, and how there's the orange zipper and interior for contrast!
7. card with company info/discount codes
1. bellapierre.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy2014 (exp. 2/1/15)
2. elizabethmott.com: 50% off purchase, code: ipsybrush (exp. 2/28/15)
3. lafreshgroup.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsyjan15 (exp. 2/28/15)
4. pacificabeauty.com: 20% off purchase, code: newbeauty (exp. 2/28/15)
5. pro-belle.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 2/28/15)
6. astridanaturals.com: 15% off purchase, code: ipsy15 (exp. 2/28/15)
7. coastalscents.com: 20% off purchase, code: liner25off (exp. 3/5/15)
8. heyhoney.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 3/31/15)
9. hikaricosmetics.com: 30% off purchase, code: hikari30 (exp. 2/28/15)
10. jcatbeauty.com: 25% off purchase, code: ipsyjcat (exp. 2/28/15)
11. jouercosmetics.com: 25% off purchase, code: ipster25 (exp. 2/28/15)
12. juicebeauty.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy2015 (exp. 2/28/15)
13. lashfood.com: 25% off purchase of 1 phyto-medic eyelash enhancer, code: ipsy20 (exp. 2/28/15)
14. malinandgoetz.com: 15% off purchase, code: ipsy15 (exp. 2/28/15)
15. mannakadarcosmetics.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 2/28/15)
16. nourishorganic.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsyeye30 (exp. 2/28/15)
17. realtechniques.com: 15% off purchase, code: ipsy15 (exp. 2/28/15)
18. teadorabeauty.com: 35% off purchase, code: ipsy35 (exp. 2/28/15)
19. velvet59.com: 50% off any velvet rose lipgloss, code: 50offvelvet (exp. 2/28/15)

approximate product value: ~$32.16 + pacifica shadow

etherial & celebration (swatched over milani eye primer); into the blue

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november 2014 ipsy bag

hi guys! it's IPSY BAG* time!! (theme: girl meets glitter) i actually got the bag on thursday, but hadn't had a chance to take photos, since i use sunlight and i haven't been home while the sun's out.... boooo. anyway, without further delay! here's the post. ~Lin-chan ^.~

here's my impressions:

1. be a bombshell cosmetics eye base in submissive (.09oz--full size, ret. $14) -- this is such a pretty color. in the pot, it's very reminiscent of maybelline's color tattoo in bad to the bronze, but the texture is much thinner and it's not as pigmented.
• likelihood to repurchase: no, because i'd have to order, and maybelline color tattoos are more easily obtainable.
2. elizabeth mott you're so fine liquid liner in glitterati (.1oz--full size, ret. $17.99) -- my biggest complaint is that the bristles are too thick and don't come to a nice point like most bristle brushes in liquid eyeliners. it applies on a little patchy, but idk...
• likelihood to repurchase: no
3. jcat beauty wonder lip paint in red potion (.33oz--full size, ret. $4.99) -- this color is definitely out of my comfort zone, but i still like it. it's a lot different applied than in the tube. i don't have any occ lip tars to compare, but like the lip tars, you only need the tiniest amount and you need a lip brush. i believe lip tars are sticky, this is more like a thicker liquid stain and slightly balmy.
• update: this doesn't actually stain the lips and when i was eating/drinking it wore off into a kinda weird ombre..like the edges of my lips still had some, but the insides were worn off.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not
4. marc anthony oil of morocco argan oil volume shine hair spray (1.5oz--mini, ret. $8.29 for 9 oz [$1.63]) -- i'm not huge into using hairsprays..so i'll hang onto this but idk when i'll get around to using it... has a light chemically, hairspray-y scent.
• likelihood to repurchase: no, i don't really use hair spray...
5. temptu s/b highlighter in pink pearl (.1oz--mini, ret. $27.50 for 1oz [$2.75]) -- this is absolutely gorgeous. i'm pretty sad that i don't have an airbrush machine to use this in, but i'm sure it won't be a problem to mix in with foundations/bb creams.
• likelihood to repurchase: undecided, mostly because it's expensive...
6. silver glittery ipsy bag by forever 21 -- this is such a cute and awesome bag. it's actually not literally covered in loose glitter; it actually has plastic coating on it if it is just glitter underneath...? anyway, i luff it.
7. card with company info/discount codes
1. elizabethmott.com: 50% off entire purchase, code: ipsyfine (exp. 1/10/15)
2. jcatbeauty.com: 25% off any purchase, code: 25jcat (exp. 12/31/14)
3. temptu.com: 25% off any purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 12/31/14)
4. searxbeauty.com: free shipping after $50, code: searxipsy (exp. 12/31/14)
5. ulta.com: $5 off $30 ck one color cosmetics purchase, code: 202882 (exp. 12/31/14)
6. clarisea.com: 25% off any purchase, code: glow (exp. 12/31/14)
7. demeterfragrance.com: 20% off any purchase, code; ipsy (exp. 12/31/14)
8. elizabetharden.com: 15% off + untold sample with any $50 purchase + free shipping, code: ipsy (exp. 12/31/14)
9. glamglowmud.com: 30% off any purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 12/31/14?)
10. itcosmetics.com: 20% off $25+, code: ipsy (exp. 12/31/14)
11. hottopic.com: 25% off la colors, code: ipsy (exp. 11/30/14)
12. rougeunderground.com: $10 off $50, code: ruipsy (exp. 2/10/15)
13. starlooks.com: 20% off order, code: ipsy (exp. 12/31/14)
14. tarte.com: 20% off, code: ipsynov (11/11/14 - 12/10/14)

approximate product value: ~$41.36

right: elizabeth mott vs. wet n wild

submissive, glitterati, pink pearl, red potion

red potion

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