may 2016 ipsy bag

hi guys! today, my may IPSY BAG* arrived!! w00t! (theme: destination chic) and so far it's lookin like a winner! ~Lin-chan ^.~

here's my impressions:

1. smashbox x-rated mascara (.1oz--mini, ret. $22 for .3oz [$7.33]) -- i was very interested in this mascara when it came out, and i'm excited to try it!
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
2. pacifica natural mineral coconut eyeshadow trio in natural beauty (skinny dip, crush, lovely) (.07oz--near full size, ret. $12 for .1oz [$8.40]) -- it's not entirely clear which shade is which, but based on research online and the way it was written on the box, i'm going to venture to say that skinny dip is the top, whitish one, crush is the coppery one, and lovely is the plummy one. skinny dip is your typical chalky pearly whitish shade that's really close to my natural skintone. crush and lovely actually were the shockers here, considering the formula of the previous pacifica shadows ipsy's sent me. they're super gorgeous and pigmented without primer! so nice!
• likelihood to repurchase: not if it's this difficult to figure out what shade is what and they're not all in a nice set like this (these aren't currently sold together like this)
3. hikari cosmetics shimmer bronzer in radiate (.25oz--full size, ret. $17) -- cheap and bulky packaging aside, this is a super pigmented product! i'm actually blown away by how pigmented each quadrant is, and swirrling them together is so pretty too! can't wait to try this out. this product is marketed for use as individual shades or blended together for both eyes and cheeks.
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe, might not have to
4. eva nyc hungry hair oil treatment (.4oz--mini, ret. $20 for 3.38oz [$2.37]) -- i'm definitely very interested in trying this out. the scent is amazing!
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
5. the organic pharmacy antioxidant lip balm (7ml--full size, ret. £12 [~$17]) -- i typically go for waxy, emollient balms that stick around for a while, and this ain't one of them. this is a very thin balm that gets immediately absorbed into your lips and i hate it. it has a light scent to it, and has a kind of vaseline look to it (not the feel!). i'm not a fan though.
• likelihood to repurchase: no
6. ipsy bag -- i love that they sent out different color variations of this bag and that i got the blue one! the travel theme is super cute! not totally sure how i feel about the envelope style, but it's still functional.
7. card with company info/discount codes (some codes are case sensitive)
1. smashbox.com: 15% off your first purchase, code: ipsy15 (exp. 6/30/16)
2. pacificabeauty.com: 20% off purchase, code: Ipsy2016 (exp. 6/30/16)
3. hikaricosmetics.com: 30% off purchase + free hikari coconut eyeliner with purchase, code: hikari30 (exp. 6/30/16)
4. eva-nyc.com: 15% off purchase, code: ipsyoil15 (exp. 6/30/16)
5. mellowcosmetics.com: 15% off purchase + free shipping at $40, code: ipsy15 (exp. 6/30/16)
6. crazyrumors.com: 25% off purchase, code: ipsy25 (exp. 6/30/16)
7. neutrogena.com: 20% off moisturesmooth color stick shades, code: ipsy (exp. 6/30/16)
8. glamglowmud.com: 30% off purchase (some exclusions), code: IPSYM30 (exp. 8/31/16)
9. amazon.com: 20% off NoTS 28 remedy products, code: nots20 (exp. 6/30/16)
10. glamourdollsmakeup.com: 15% off purchase + free gift with purchase, code: whalesale15 (exp. 6/30/16)
11. bellapierre.com: 25% off purchase, code: ipsymay2016 (exp. 6/30/16)
12. vasanticosmetics.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipster30 (exp. 6/30/16)
13. epiceinternational.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy16 (exp. 6/30/16)
14. jellypongpong.com: 25% off purchase, code: ipsy25 (exp. 6/30/16)
15. slmissglambeauty.com: 25% off purchase, code: slipsy25 (exp. 6/30/16)
16. auroracosmeticsny.com: 10% off purchase, code: IPSYJUNE10 (exp. 6/30/16)
17. veramona.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy30 (exp. 6/30/16)
18. zjashop.com: 20% off purchase + free shipping, code: ipsy2016 (exp. 6/30/16)
19. peekbeauty.co: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 6/30/16)
20. jerseyshoresun.com: 50% off purchase, code: ipsy50 (exp. 6/30/16)
21. drugstore.com: 15% off any eau thermale avene products, code: IPSY15 (exp. 6/15/16)
22. hanaleicompany.com: 30% off purchase, code: hanalei30 (exp. 6/30/16)
23. insprbeauty.com: 50% off purchase, code: ipsy2016 (exp. 6/30/16)
24. glambeautystore.com: 20% off purchase, code: IPSY20 (exp. 6/30/16)
25. bigelowchemists.com: 20% off etat libre d'orange products, code: IPSY20 (exp. 6/30/16)
26. formula1006.com: 20% off purchase, code: IPSY20 (exp. 6/30/16)
27. biossance.com: 20% off the revitalizer, code: IPSY20 (exp. 6/30/16)

approximate product value: ~$69

pacifica skinny dip, crush?, lovely? (swatched dry); hikari bronzer in radiate (tops, bottoms, swirrled)

*Affiliate Link.

january 2016 ipsy bag

hi guys! it's a new year and a new IPSY BAG*! (theme: fall eyes on you) today i bring you one of two posts, since i was able to get my two subscriptions in the mail on the same day! yay! anyway, here ya go. ~Lin-chan ^.~

here's my impressions:

1. theBalm mr. write (now) in jac b. bronze (.01oz--full size, ret. $17) -- this is a really nice color! i'm interested in trying it out! as far as a hand swatch, this thing does not budge once it has set. amaaazing! also, there's a sharpener hiding in the bottom of this.
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
2. hikari cosmetics cream metallic pigment shadow in mink (.14oz--full size, ret. $13) -- i'm not sure if this is supposed to be like a loreal infallible eyeshadow, but it certainly doesn't feel like one. and it's not creamy like a cream shadow. it's a stiffer consistency. the packaging is interesting too, it appears to be in a metal pan, inside of the plastic casing..which is kind of weird, but ok i guess. all of that aside, the color is really nice. 
• likelihood to repurchase: nah
3. skone cosmetics smudger brush (ret. $15) -- this is cute. it'll get some use for either upper or lower liner application.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not
4. ofra cosmetics universal eyebrow pencil (.04oz--full size, ret. $13) -- this glides on pretty nicely. it's got the right amount of wax to it. i like the shade, but i'm not sure if it's truly universal...
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
5. lasting smiles lip balm in peppermint creme (.15oz--full size, ret. $4.99) -- try all of the lip balms!!! this one has a nice feel on the lips, like a slick slip, but it absorbs a bit faster than i'd like. i usually prefer balms that i can noticeably feel on my lips after an hour or so. the scent of this is like a slightly mentholated peppermint.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not
6. glasses lady....printed ipsy bag -- this is kinda cute. like retro-ish. i like it, but i'll probably pass it along.
7. card with company info/discount codes
1. thebalm.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 2/29/16)
2. hikaricosmetics.com: 30% off purchase, code: hikari30 (exp. 2/29/16)
3. skonecosmetics.com: 15% off purchase, code: ipsyjan (exp. 2/29/16)
4. ofracosmetics.com: 40% off purchase, code: ipsyofra40 (exp. 2/29/16)
5. pixibeauty.com: 15% off purchase, code: ipsyjan (exp. 2/29/16)
6. jcatbeauty.com: 25% off purchase, code: ipsy116 (exp. 2/29/16)
7. beaugachis.com: 20% off purchase, code: beautifulipster (exp. 2/29/16)
8. crownbrush.us: 25% off purchase, code: crownipsy25 (exp. 1/31/16)
9. marskcosmetics.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy012016 (exp. 2/29/16)
10. mitchelandpeach.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy24 (exp. 2/29/16)
11. skyniceland.com: 40% off one full-sized product & 20% off additional items, code: ipsyeyegel (exp. 2/29/16)
12. heyhoney.com: 20% off purchase, code: honeyipsy (exp. 2/29/16)
13. shop.purlisse.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsyadore30 (exp. 2/29/16)
14. tuckerashley.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 2/29/16)
15. hanaleicompany.com: 50% off purchase, code: ipsyscrub (exp. 2/29/16)
16. jellypongpong.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 2/29/16)
17. kloraneusa.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsycornflower20 (exp. 1/31/16)
18. bejour.com: 25% off purchase, code: ipsy25 (exp. 2/29/16)
19. dirty-little-secret.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 2/29/16)
20. peekbeauty.co: 15% off purchase, code: ipsy15 (exp. 2/29/16)
21. trestique.com: 30% off $40+ purchase & free shipping, code: ipsyinsider (exp. 2/29/16)
22. burtsbees.com: 20% off burt's bees cleansing oil, code: ipsy20 (exp. 2/29/16)
23. coastalscents.com: 25% off purchase, code: pearl25off (exp. 3/7/16)
24. citycolorcosmetics.com: 50% off purchase, code: ipsy50 (exp. 2/29/16)

approximate product value: ~$63

*Affiliate Link.

august 2015 ipsy bag

hi guys! it's august IPSY BAG* time!! (theme: prep school) ~Lin-chan ^.~

here's my impressions:

1. doucee ultra precision eyeliner in black (.03oz--full size?, ret. $22 [$?] -- we'll see how waterproof this is, but as far as pigmentation, this is not stark black like i like them. otherwise, the formula glides on nice and smoothly.
• likelihood to repurchase: nah
2. marc anthony nourishing argan oil treatment (.7oz--mini, ret. $7.99 for 1.69oz [$3.31]) -- this smells super awesome. omg. cannot wait to start using this!
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
3. la fresh good night night cream (.5oz--mini, ret. $40 for 1.7oz [$11.76]) -- using a little of this on my hand, i'm not so sure about this one...
• likelihood to repurchase: nah
4. hikari cosmetics lip gloss in merlot (.1oz--full size, ret. $13) -- this is actually pretty surprising. i lovvvve this berry-wine color..merlot...duh... >.> it's slightly sticky, but only to the point where you feel a light pull when you open your mouth. otherwise, it feels very balmy.
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
5. lord & berry ultimate lipcolor & liner in nude (.3oz--mini, ret. $18 for .7oz [$7.71]) -- i wouldn't really call this nude... it's nude for darker skinned people.....but anyway, i really like this shade on me. my lips are pretty pigmented themselves, so this is a nice browny-nude. formula-wise, it's kind of dry, but it still applies and stays well enough.
• likelihood to repurchase:  maybe
6. houndstooth ipsy bag -- i likes it!
7. card with company info/discount codes
1. doucce.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy2015 (exp. 9/30/15)
2. lafreshgroup.com: 30% off, code: ipsyaug2015 (exp. 9/30/15)
3. hikaricosmetics.com: 30% off purchase + free eyeshadow in taffy, code: hikari30 (exp. 9/30/15)
4. lordandberry.com: 20% off purchase, code: lab77kn (exp. 9/30/15)
5. paulaschoice.com: 20% off purchase, code: pripsy (exp. 9/30/15)
6. skinn.com: 15% off purchase, code: ipsyskinn0815 (exp. 9/30/15)
7. juraskincare.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy2015 (exp. 9/30/15)
8. skonecosmetics.com: 10% off purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 9/30/15)
9. cleanstart.com: 20% off $40 purchase + free shipping, code: ipsy20 (exp. 9/30/15)
10. pencilmeincosmetics.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 9/30/15)
11. glamourdollsmakeup.com: 25% off purchase, code: ipsydoll25 (exp. 9/30/15)
12. beautywithoutcruelty.com: 15% off purchase, code: ipsyglam (exp. 9/30/15)
13. citycolorcosmetics.com: free contour effects palette with $30 purchase, code: ipsy30hd (exp. 9/30/15)
14. albertiniinternational.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 9/30/15)
15. doll10.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy30 (exp. 9/30/15) 
16. trustfundbeauty.com: 35% off purchase, code: ipsygirl (exp. 9/30/15)
17. noyah.com: 15% off purchase + free gift, code: ipsynoyahgift (exp. 9/30/15)
18. loveaila.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipster (exp. 9/30/15)
19. jessesgirlcosmetics.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy2015aug (exp. 9/30/15)
20. ofracosmetics.com: 40% off purchase, code: ofralovesipsy (exp. 9/30/15) 
21. starlooks.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 9/30/15)
22. marskcosmetics.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy092015 (exp. 9/30/15)
23. lather.com: 20% off purchase + free sample (while supplies last), code: ipsy20 (exp. 9/30/15)
24. oznaturals.com: 10% off purchase, code: ipsyoz10 (exp. 9/30/15)
25. absolutenyproducts.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 9/30/15)
26. bellapierre.com: 25% off purchase, code: ipsylips2015 (exp. 9/30/15)
27. briogeohair.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 9/30/15)
28. coverfx.com: 40% off purchase, code: ipsy2015 (exp. 9/30/15)
29. juicebeauty.com: 10% off purchase, code: ipsy10 (exp. 8/31/15)

approximate product value: ~$35.78 + eyeliner

merlot, nude, black

lip pencil in nude


gloss in merlot

*Affiliate Link.

september 2014 ipsy bag

hi guys, lookie what came in yesterday! my september IPSY BAG*! (theme: street style) i also redeemed 1000 ipsy points for a nyx bronze smokey look kit. did y'all know that ipsy points expire?! seriously, you gotta use 'em or lose 'em! because i lost some without knowing they expire and I wasn't very happy... ~Lin-chan ^.~

also, somehow i was sent a second crown brush instead of a pacifica eyeliner -- which i'm totally cool with. if that eyeliner is anything like that eyeshadow duo they sent us a couple months ago, they can keep it!

here's my impressions:

1. pacifica natural waterproof eye pencil in gunmetal/fringe (.026oz--mini, ret. $11 for .1oz [$2.86])
2. nourish organic moisturizing cream face cleanser (1oz--mini, ret. $13.99 6oz [$2.33]) -- i heard people didn't like how this smelled..except, i don't smell anything from the tube. i'll have to update later on how i think of it.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not
3. alterna hair care caviar cc cream (.85oz--mini, ret. $25 for 2.5oz [$8.50]) -- i'm interested in the bb and the cc everythings, but cc for your hair? that's totally unnecessary.. >.<  i do like the scent, but of the other alterna products i've tried, i definitely love their scents. i'll have to update later on how i feel about it when i use it.
• likelihood to repurchase: nah
4. crown brush infinity shadow/crease brush (ret. $6.99 ea) -- the pencil/crease side is pretty stiff, and i think it'll work out with how i'll use it. the shadow side is a little more flexible than i like, and it's a bit large for my eyes.
• likelihood to repurchase: nah
5. hikari cosmetics lipstick in cabernet (3.8g--full size?, ret. $13) -- this is such a pretty color. it's not my style, but i think it's something that does compliment my skintone. texturally, it's a slightly drier than i'd like but it works. this is a shade that definitely needs a lip liner or an invisible one.
• likelihood to repurchase: nah
6. gray ipsy bag with studs -- i love this bag. it makes me want to go buy studs to put onto all the things.
7. extra: nyx bronze smokey look kit (ret. $12) -- these shadows are kinda hit or miss. the matte ones aren't as pigmented, but the shimmers are nice. the glosses were unexpectedly pigmented, i was impressed. 
8. card with company info/discount codes
1. pacificabeauty.com: 20% off purchase, code: fallbeauty (exp. 10/31/14)
2. nourishorganic.com: 30% off any nourish organic facial product, code: ipsy30 (exp. 10/31/14)
3. alternahaircare.com: 20% off purchase & free shipping, code: ipsy20 (exp. 10/31/14)
4. crownbrush.us: 30% off $25 purchase, code: crownipsy30 (exp. 12/31/14)
5. hikaricosmetics.com: 30% off purchase, code: hikari30 (exp. 10/31/14)
6. nyxcosmetics.com: 35% off proof it shadow primer, code: fallproof (exp. 10/31/14)
7. avon.com: 20% off $50 purchase, code: daring (exp. 10/31/14)
8. beabombshellcosmetics.com: 30% off purchase & free coco delight lip gloss, code: ipsy30 (exp. 10/31/14)
9. beautywithoutcruelty.com: 15% off purchase, code: cudwdfaa (exp. 10/31/14)
10. briogeohair.com: free shipping, code: ipsysep14 (exp. 10/15/14)
11. cailyncosmetics.com: 20% off purchase + 2 free deluxe samples of pure lust lip tint, code: ipsygift (exp. 10/31/14)
12. harvebenardbeauty.com: 50% off purchase, code: hpbipsy (exp. 10/31/14)
13. harveyprince.com: 30% off purchase, code: harveylovesipsy (exp. 10/31/14)
14. leeanni.com: 15% off purchase, code: ipsy9 (exp. 10/31/14)
15. mitchellandpeach.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy22 (exp. 10/15/14)

approximate product value: ~$33.68 37.81 + 12

nyx bronze smokey look kit, shadows swatched over milani eye primer

cabernet lipstick

*Affiliate Link.