year in review: ipsy glambags 2015

 

hi guys! here's my year in review of my ipsy bags*! ~Lin-chan ^.~

january

1. bella pierre shimmer powder in celebration -- this is such a pretty coppery gold shade. super gorgeous!
2. elizabeth mott all over shadow brush -- this is a great fairly stiff, but still flexible brush. i love using these types of brushes for all-over shadow application
3. la fresh be good. good day. day moisturizer -- 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.
• product was given away
4. pacifica natural mineral coconut eye shadow in ethereal -- this is so pretty. i feel like the name is very fitting because it's super highlighty and shimmery...idk maybe that's just my word association at work...
5. probelle nail polish in into the blue -- this polish formula is awful. it applies super patchy and it barely lasted a day on my nails.

february

1. modelco blush in cosmopolitan -- it's a very pretty blush shade, but not super happy with how much powder my brush kicks up.
• product given away
2. mitchell and peach fine radiance face oil -- i was using this for a little while, then i moved onto other things. i need to get back to it and decide how i really like it.
3. eva nyc up all night volumizing spray -- i ended up using this only once and it was ok. i wasn't really huge into it, but i need to try it more.
4. emite make up professional eye lash curler -- i'll just leave the following link here.
• AVOID THIS PIECE OF CRAP LIKE THE PLAGUE
5. city color cosmetics creamy lip stain in flirtini -- this didn't dry down and got onto anything i ate or drank. the staining power was negligible.
• product was given away

march

1. nyx butter lipstick in hunk -- while it's a great color, i couldn't really find myself wearing it. 
• product was given away
2. pur-lisse pur-delicate gentle soymilk cleanser & makeup remover -- this product was ok. i'm not so sure if i'd use this directly on a completely made-up face, but it seemed to work well.
• product was finished
3. boo-boo cover-up concealer in medium -- this was too dark for me.
• product was given away
4. dr. brand pores no more anti-aging mattifying lotion -- i wasn't a fan of their regular pores no more...
• product was given away
5. vintage by jessica liebeskind illuminating face highlighter -- this is such a pretty pink highlight!

april

1. elizabeth arden beautiful color moisturizing lipstick in red door red -- while i really liked this color, i'm thinking of giving it away since i'm probably not going to wear it much.
2. mullein & sparrow mini lip & cheek tint -- this was kinda oily feeling and where's the tint??? i didn't see any!
• product was given away
3. mica beauty eye primer -- it's thicker in texture, but similar to nyx eye primer in skintone. the nyx spreads out nicely and matches my skin color. this was orangy on me.
• product was given away
4. theBalm nudeDude shadow single in fit -- this is such a pretty gold shadow!
5. pandora's makeup box pink carnation blush -- i never got around to using this blush. i think i tried once, but i forget. if i remember right, it does kick up a bit of dust with a brush though. really pretty color.

may

1. briogeo rosarco milk reparative leave-in conditioning spray -- this stuff is ok. it smells a little salon-y when you first spray it in, but the scent doesn't linger.
2. it cosmetics your skin but better cc+ cream with spf 50+ in medium -- this was too dark for me.
• product was given away
3. skone cosmetics pretty eyes automatic eyeliner in navy -- this was way creamier than i wanted to deal with. it was navy colored in the pencil, but swatched, it was closer to a medium blue.
• product was given away
4. klorane smoothing and relaxing patches -- these were interesting. i'd never used this type of product before, so it took a few tries to even place them on correctly...and it still felt too close to my eye when i blinked... at first these felt a bit cooling. after a while, my skin felt itchy and warm, and by the 20 minute mark (when to remove them), i didn't feel like there was any difference.
• used one, gave one away
5. urban decay mini 24/7 lip pencil in ozone & gloss samples in failbait & bittersweet -- failbait is such a pretty color! i'm not 100% on this formula mostly because i'm not huge into glosses, but it's nice! i never really got around to using the lip liner. aside from sheer laziness, i don't know why i never got around to trying this item out. i definitely eventually will. but at the time of this posting, i've only swatched it on my hand a few times.
• bittersweet gloss sample was given away
6. indie lee brightening cleanser -- i only just recently opened this guy up and it's not too bad. i didn't really notice any brightening effect, but my face does feel clean when i use it and doesn't irritate it. the scent's not bad either, not super perfume-y like their CoQ-10 toner.

june

1. formula x for sephora mini in power source -- i love formula x, but this is not really my color, so i gave it away.
• product was given away
2. smashbox photo finish foundation primer -- looove lovve love this primer.
• product was finished
3. tre'StiQue mini shadow crayon in marimoto pink pearl -- this was an unexpected gem! i really enjoy using this. very comparable to laura mercier caviar sticks or loreal infallible shadow sticks.
4. jules and esther vitamin c serum -- i never got around to using this. i'll try to make a better effort in using this.
5. biorepublic skincare sheet masks in aloe rescue (revitalizing), cucumber breeze (soothing), and green tea (detox) -- like i said before, i probably won't be repurchasing these because of the cost, but the quality of the paper they used for these masks was really nice. for reviews of cucumber breeze & green tea, see my june empties post. for the aloe rescue review, see my december empties post.
• products were finished

july

1. tarte mini amazonian clay bronzer in park ave princess -- this is a really great product! i already had one, so i saved it to give away.
• product was given away as a gift
2. bella pierre mineral lipstick in P.I.N.K. -- while i really liked how this looked, i wasn't sure how often i'd be wearing it. so i gave it away.
• product was given away
3. eva nyc freshen up dry shampoo -- i only used this once because i couldn't find the one i had open at the time, but i liked it. i'll have to elaborate more whenever i get around to using it up.
4. ofra cosmetics bliss eyeshadow -- this is the most freaking gorgeous shadow/highlight ever. so freaking pretty and i love it!
5. jersey shore sun mongongo vanilla coconut cream lip conditioner -- pretty good lip balm, has the texture that i like, but the scent is really confusing to me. it smells as it says..but it's kinda crazy.
6. it cosmetics brow power universal eyebrow pencil -- i really enjoy using this pencil. i will say that the elliptical shape is a little weird from an application standpoint, but i really enjoyed the color and the spoolie on the other end.

august

1. doucee ultra precision eyeliner in black -- [worn in the waterline] this isn't quite as good as my favorite rimmel scandalEyes kohl kajal liner in black, but it still works similarly. it takes a little more effort to apply as dark and pigmented, but it lasts just as long. cost-wise, go for the rimmel liner.
2. marc anthony nourishing argan oil treatment -- this smells so yummmm. made my hair feel and smell great!
• product was finished
3. la fresh good night night cream -- this really was not very moisturizing to me. i only tested this on my hand and it was really weird and dried down too fast. for a night cream, you normally think of something heavier or feeling somewhat more luxurious...this was definitely not that.
• product was given away
4. hikari cosmetics lip gloss in merlot -- while i thought this formula was pretty nice, i'm not sure how i feel about this color on me. like it works, but i don't know... and since i'm not huge into glosses, i think this'll get more love elsewhere.
• product was given away
5. lord & berry ultimate lipcolor & liner in nude -- this is actually a pretty great mlbb shade for me. i'm not huge into using lip liners, but this one might be the exception. 

september

1. nyx x ipsy eyeshadow trio -- this is actually a pretty nice little set! i'm not huge into super dark eyeshadows, but the other two are just perfect!
2. thebalm put a lid on it eye primer -- this primer was ok. i mostly didn't like how wet the texture of it was.
• product was given away
3. formula x for sephora nail color in ignite -- as stated in my haul post, i already have a full size of this, so i gave it away.
• product was given away
4. glamglow flashmud -- i really enjoyed using this mask. whether it actually brightens your skin or not..i'm not totally sure, but it was still a pleasant experience.
• product was finished
5. not soap, radio the phoenix hand/body lotion (persimmon & plum scented) -- this is such a great scent! i loved using this lotion. it had the right consistency and absorbed pretty fast, but it still felt like it was working its "magic" without feeling sticky or tacky for very long.
6. la fresh hello. lip treat lip balm -- this lip balm, while it felt nice, chapped me. so sadly, i passed it off because my lips did not like something in this product!
• product was given away

october

1. theBalm meet matte hughes long lasting liquid lipstick in committed -- this is such a strange product. it does dry down matte, but my lips still stick together...? no. just no.
• product was given away
2. nourish organic pure hydrating argan face serum -- this product kind of weirded me out. i'm still not into the oil is ok on your face thing--even though, i should be over it. but i'm not....
• product was given away
3. emite make up professional slant tweezer -- these seemed only ok. and i have several trusty pairs of tweezerman tweezers, so i passed them off to a friend.
• product was given away
4. balanced guru scrub me body scrub -- i couldn't tolerate the scent of this..so i passed it off.
• product was given away
5. aurora gel effect nail polish in inky dinky -- tried this on my toes and it lasted about a week before chipping, which is kind of short for me..idk. i do like the color, but not too sure about the formula.
6. luxie beauty tapered blending eye brush 205 -- this is my new favorite fluffy crease/blending brush. i really want to get another!

november

1. trestique matte lip crayon in chile red -- this is not really my color or suited for my skintone, so i passed this off to a friend. i did think the formula was pretty nice though.
• product was given away
2. skin inc pure revival peel -- this was an interesting product. it felt like a weird gel that you put on for 10 seconds, then start rubbing in circular motions before rinsing off. my skin did feel a bit nicer and smoother afterward, but i'm not sure i'd be repurchasing this.
3. smashbox full exposure mascara -- this did nothing for my lashes. i am looking for volume and length, and this gave me a teensy bit of length and separation.
• product was given away
4. luxie beauty matte eyeshadow pan in aubergine (#290) -- this actually surprised me. i ended up enjoying using this in the crease as a dark grayish-purplish corner color.
5. jelly pong pong liquid gossamer -- this is a great product, only complaint is that the packaging is awful. this has a gel-like consistency but can blend, smooth, and dry very nicely on the skin. the packaging is awful because it's like a tube of toothpaste, there's no nozzle, so you can easily dispense like a month's worth of product on accident.

december

1. tarte smooth operator finishing powder -- i still have yet to open or use the one i had before receiving this one, but i went ahead and gave this away.
• product was given away
2. elizabeth mott thank me later eyeshadow primer -- this is actually a pretty good eyeshadow primer. dare i say it's comparable to urban decay or too faced?
3. rickycare by ricky's nyc classic 3D blender -- i actually ended up trying this out and i liked it quite a lot. i'm toying with the idea of repurchasing.
4. marc anthony coconut oil and shea butter deep conditioning treatment -- this was a really nice deep conditioner. not sure if it was really my favorite though.
• product was finished
5. pacifica power of love natural lipstick in nudie red -- not sure what was up with this product, but  i ended up giving it away.
• product was given away

* Affiliate link.

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......)

*Affiliate Link.

november 2015 ipsy bag

hi guys! my november IPSY BAG* has arrived! (theme: beauty blast)

note: it has come to my attention that i failed to make a post last week. but i think i did pretty good with that blog goal for the year, i kept it for 10.5 months! lol. anyway, with that said, there'll be at least one more post this week, maybe two in addition (4 for the week) if i can manage it. work has been sucking busy--as you'll see in this week's work update. ~Lin-chan ^.~

here's my impressions:

1. trestique matte lip crayon in chile red (.02oz--mini, ret. $28 for .06 [$9.33] -- this has a really interesting texture. it glides on nicely, feeling very lightweight and super comfortable. when it dries, it has a slightly powdery-dry feel to it. this shade is really pretty, it has an orangy base, and it seems like it has a slight golden shimmer/shine to it. but on that note, orange-based reds are not for me and my skintone, so i'll be passing this off.
• likelihood to repurchase: no, maybe for other colors
2. skin inc pure revival peel (.16oz--mini, ret. $55 for 2oz [$4.40]) -- i haven't used a peel before, so this'll be interesting. i have heard of this brand and its wonders, but it's kind of expensive....
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not
3. smashbox full exposure mascara (.1oz--mini, ret. $20 for .38oz [$5.26]) -- i had a full size of this a long ways back, and when i finally got around to opening it. it wasn't good anymore. so i'm excited to try out a fresh tube of it.
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
4. luxie beauty matte eyeshadow pan in aubergine (#290) (1oz--full size, ret. $6) -- this shadow's interesting. i'll try it out, but i'm not sure how much i'll like using it. it's a bit chunky chalky since it's a matte shadow. and the shade isn't that purple to me. more like a weird darkened gray. i'll have to get back to you on this one.
• likelihood to repurchase: nah
5. jelly pong pong liquid gossamer (.27oz--full size, ret. $22.95) -- this has a really pretty shimmer and shine to it. i don't totally agree with the packaging choice..it's literally regular squeeze tube with no special precision applicator.
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
6. outer space themed ipsy bag -- omg all the pretty colors!
7. card with company info/discount codes
1. trestique.com: 35% off $40 purchase & free shipping, code: ipsynov35 (exp. 12/31/15)
2. iloveskininc.com: 20% off purchase & free shipping, code: ipsy20 (exp. 12/31/15)
3. luxiebeauty.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy30 (exp. 12/31/15)
4. jellypongpong.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 12/31/15)
5. josiemarancosmetics.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 12/31/15)
6. jessesgirlcosmetics.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy2015nov (exp. 12/31/15)
7. beautebasics.com: 60% off purchase, code: bbipsy60 (exp. 12/31/15)
8. beabombshellcosmetics.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy30 (exp. 12/31/15)
9. maicouture.com: 50% off purchase, code: ipsy2015 (exp. 12/31/15)
10. feelunique.com: free gift with $20 purchase, code: ipsyfigsandrouge (exp. 12/31/15)
11. moodmatcher.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 12/31/15)
12. crownbrush.us: 25% off purchase, code: crownipsy25 (exp. 12/31/15)
13. dermelect.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 12/31/15)
14. sigmabeauty.com: $10 off $50 purchase, code: ipsy10 (exp. 12/31/15)
15. albertiniinternational.com: 20% off purchase of warm love pumpkin exfoliating mask + free sample of divine skin hydrator, code: ipsy15 (exp. 12/31/15)
16. myaromachology.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy30 (exp. 11/30/15)
17. absolutenewyorkproducts.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 12/31/15)
18. insprbeauty.com: 50% off purchase, code: ipsy2015 (exp. 12/31/15)
19. tuckerashley.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 12/31/15)
20. coolwayhair.com: 35% off purchase + free 2oz smoothing lotion, code: only4ipsy (exp. 12/31/15)
21. bdelliumtools.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy2015 (exp. 12/31/15)
22. leeanni.com: 15% off purchase, code: ipsy8 (exp. 11/30/15)
23. demeterfragrance.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 12/31/15)
24. jcatbeauty.com: 25% off purchase, code: ipsy1115 (exp. 12/31/15)
25. modelcosmetics.com: 20% off purchase + free shipping on $39+, code: ipsy20 (exp. 12/31/15)

approximate product value: ~$47.94

chile red

*Affiliate Link.

october 2015 ipsy bag

hi guys! my october IPSY BAG* has finally arrived! (theme: alter ego) the postman decided that they didn't want to deliver to our area on saturday due to the game. shame on them for not coming to our neighborhood earlier in the day! ~Lin-chan ^.~

here's my impressions:

1. theBalm meet matte hughes long lasting liquid lipstick in committed (.04oz--mini, ret. $22 for .22oz [$4] -- a lot came out on the wand for this little guy. it was kind of ridiculous. scent-wise, i do not appreciate the chocolate scent it has, but at the very least it fades within a few minutes. also, it seems to not dry down all that fast; either that or i layered too much on. it is nice that it has minimal transfer--you can see a very faint outline... shade-wise, i think this leans slightly coral for what i'd like--i think from this line, i'd be happier with charming, but i'm not totally sure.
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
2. nourish organic pure hydrating argan face serum (.5oz--mini, ret. $23.99 for .7oz [$17.14]) -- we'll have to see how this one goes. i'm not so sure about it. for sure, this is not a great packaging idea for a serum. a squeeze tube for oil-consistency products..haha that's great! it went everywhere. anyway, it smells really good, since it's a combination of argan, apricot kernel, and rose hip oils.
• likelihood to repurchase: nah
3. emite make up professional slant tweezer (ret. 200kr [~$24]) -- is it sad that it took a pair of tweezers to pull the tweezers out of their packaging tube...? they were wrapped in plastic in the tube and the rubbery tip cap thing was off to the side, making it extremely difficult to pull out of the tube... anyway. i did not have high expectations for this product, considering how crappy their lash curler turned out to be. and those expectations were met. these are ridiculously sharp, but they have no gripping power. they're precise, but you can't even pull a hair on the first attempt with these. for this price, get yourself a good pair of tweezerman's.
• likelihood to repurchase: no
4. balanced guru scrub me body scrub (1oz--mini, ret. $22.99 for 8oz [$2.87]) -- this is coffee scented..or maybe there's coffee grounds in here. idk. i'm not going to use it though. this is an interesting one compared to most scrubs as far as formulation. it's completely dry. you're supposed to pour out a bit and scrub it into wet skin. which makes sense as far as abrasive-action, but you don't typically think of scrubs as being dry.
• likelihood to repurchase: no
5. aurora gel effect nail polish in inky dinky (.4oz, ret. $12) -- this is a really pretty indigo type color. too bad i can't try it anytime soon because of work!
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
6. points: luxie beauty tapered blending eye brush 205 (ret. $12) -- this feels like such a nice brush. it has a lot of give to it, but it still nice and fluffy and great for blending around the crease.
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
7. metallic gold/patent black ipsy bag -- this is a really fun bag. i like how each side is a different material and color. the inside is black.
8. card with company info/discount codes
1. thebalm.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 11/30/15)
2. nourishorganic.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsyface30 (exp. 11/30/15)
3. emitemakeup.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 11/30/15)
4. balancedguru.com: 25% off purchase, code: ipsyscrubme25 (exp. 11/30/15)
5. auroracosmeticsny.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsyoct (exp. 11/30/15)
6. micabeauty.com: 40% off purchase, code: ipsy2015 (exp. 11/30/15)
7. purlisse.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsybb30 (exp. 11/30/15)
8. vasanticosmetics.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy30 (exp. 10/31/15)
9. drbrandtskincare.com: 25% off purchase, code: fall25 (exp. 11/15/15)
10. lavanila.com: 15% off purchase, code: ipsylav15 (exp. 11/30/15)
11. ayresbeauty.com: 25% off purchase & free shipping, code: ipsy25 (exp. 11/30/15)
12. coastalscents.com: 25% off purchase, code: pencil25off (exp. 12/8/15)
13. beautywithoutcruelty.com: 15% off purchase, code: ipsybwc (exp. 12/1/15)
14. myaromachology.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy30 (exp. 11/30/15)
15. skonecosmetics.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 11/30/15)
16. drugstore.com: 15% off eau thermale avene purchase, code: ipsy15 (exp. 11/15/15)
17. heyhoney.com: 20% off purchase, code: comeclean20 (exp. 11/30/15)
18. target.com: 20% off [delectable (?)] purchase, code: delectable (exp. 11/30/15)
19. itcosmetics.com: 20% off $25 purchase & free shipping, code: itlovesipsy (exp. 11/30/15)
20. kbshimmer.com: 10% off purchase, code: ipsy10 (exp. 11/30/15)
21. royalbrush.com: 40% off purchase, code: ipsy40 (exp. 11/30/15)
22. eva-nyc.com: 55% off purchase, code: ipsyoct55 (exp. 11/30/15)
23. peterlamas.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsyoct (exp. 12/15/15)
24. girlactik.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsygirlactik30 (exp. 11/30/15)
25. leeanni.com: 15% off purchase, code: ipsy8 (exp. 11/30/15)

approximate product value: ~$60.01 + 12 (eye brush)

committed

*Affiliate Link.

september 2015 ipsy bag

hi guys! it's september IPSY BAG* time!! (theme: face fashion) ~Lin-chan ^.~

here's my impressions:

1. nyx x ipsy eyeshadow trio (0.105oz--full size, ret. $6) -- i'm not so sure how i feel about the black, it's a bit chalky and i'm not huge into using something so dark; but the other two shades (particularly the middle one) are pretty nice.
• likelihood to repurchase: this trio is limited to the ipsy subscription; but maybe their love in rio sets.
2. thebalm put a lid on it eye primer (3.7ml--mini, ret. $18 for 11.8ml [$5.64]) -- i've always wanted to try this primer but never wanted to commit to buying a full size tube of something i couldn't buy locally and test out. testing this for my shadow swatches--it looks similar to urban decay's or too faced's but it's very wet and takes a bit longer to dry down.
• likelihood to repurchase: will update later
3. formula x for sephora nail color in ignite (4ml--mini, ret. $10.50 for 12ml [$3.50]) -- i really like how the color looks in the different lighting--bright red in sunlight, and oxblood in darker lighting. i actually already have a full-size of this polish, so i'll probably save this as a gift. see notd swatch below.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not this shade again
4. glamglow flashmud (.5oz--mini, ret. $69 for 1.7oz [$20.29]) -- try all of the glamglow! i'm excited to try this one out!
• likelihood to repurchase: will update later
5. not soap, radio the phoenix hand/body lotion (persimmon & plum scented) (1.25oz--mini, ret. $18 for 12.7oz [$1.77]) -- this smells sooo freaking good! feels nice and light, yet moisturizing.
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
6. points: la fresh hello. lip treat lip balm (.08oz--, ret. $10 for .08oz) -- this is really nice feeling. i like how it has a super fresh peppermint gum type scent.
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
7. rose gold ipsy bag -- meh, it's ok. i'm not a huge fan of the patterned part.
8. card with company info/discount codes
1. nyxcosmetics.com: 50% off eyeshadow primer & base, code: nyxbasescvrd (exp. 10/31/15)
2. notsoapradio.com: 20% off purchase & free gift, code: ipsy20 (exp. 10/31/15)
3. clarisea.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 10/31/15)
4. tresemme.com: $1.50 off any tresemme perfectly (un)done product, click link for printable coupon (exp. 10/7/15)
5. octaviomolinahair.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy&octavio (exp. 10/31/15)
6. citycolorcosmetics.com: 50% off city chic lipsticks, code: ipsy50cc (exp. 10/31/15)
7. jcatbeauty.com: 25% off purchase, code: 915ipsy (exp. 10/31/15)
8. bayberrynaturals.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 10/31/15)
9. acureorganics.com: 20% off purchase & free shipping, code: ipsysept20 (exp. 10/31/15)
10. vasanticosmetics.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy30 (exp. 10/31/15)
11. pixibeauty.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsyoct15 (exp. 10/31/15)
12. tinibeauty.com: 40% off $20+ purchase & free full size nail lacquer in kir royale, code: ipsyfashion (exp. 10/31/15)
13. trestique.com: 20% off $50+ purchase & free shipping, code: ipsyinsider20 (exp. 10/31/15)
14. trustfundbeauty.com: 35% off purchase (UK limit 4 bottles/package), code: ipsygirl (exp. 10/31/15)
15. firstaidbeauty.com: 20% off $50+ purchase & free shipping, code: ipsy20 (exp. 10/31/15)
16. evelyniona.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy2015 (exp. 10/31/15)
17. drugstore.com: 15% off eau thermale avene products, code: ipsy15 (exp. 11/15/15)
18. elizabethmott.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsyqueen (exp. 10/31/15)
19. comprarcosmetica.es: $5 off purchase, code: ipsynaobay (exp. 10/31/15)
20. temptu.com: 20% off select products, code: ipsytemtpu (exp. 10/31/15)
21. juviasplace.com: 10% off purchase / 4 pairs of "annabella" lashes for $16 (excludes sale items), code: ipsy (exp. 10/31/15)

approximate product value: ~$37.20 + $10 lip balm

nyx x ipsy eyeshadow trio swatched over theBalm put a lid on it; formula x ignite

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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.

july 2015 ipsy bag

hi guys! it's july IPSY BAG* time!! (theme: summer lovin) i had it sent to my in-laws' since we were in the process of moving! and i've been kinda busy with that recently--and car shopping for teh paul----finally!!!! so, sorry that this is late! ~Lin-chan ^.~

here's my impressions:

1. tarte mini amazonian clay bronzer in park ave princess (.11oz--mini, ret. $30 for .32oz [$10.31]) -- i feel like this bronzer is in like everything. out of the like 6? i've obtained over the years, i only bought one of them intentionally, the rest just happened to be in sets or lo and behold, in this ipsy bag.
• likelihood to repurchase: at this rate, i won't have to
2. bella pierre mineral lipstick in P.I.N.K. (3.5g--full size, ret. $19.99) -- sadface that this was partly melted when i gots it.... buuuut. it's super freaking pretty. you might not be able to tell with my photos, but it has a gorgeous golden sheen to it. ugh super pretty. formula-wise, it's a little thin and lightweight, but still really nice!
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
3. eva nyc freshen up dry shampoo (.75oz--mini, ret. $24 for 5.3oz [$3.40]) -- this smells pretty much like all the other dry shampoos i've tried. a nice, clean, type scent. i'm not totally sure that a full size is worth the money though.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not
4. ofra cosmetics bliss eyeshadow (4g--full size, ret. $10) -- omg this is freaking beautiful. it pairs perfectly with the park ave princess! and anything else, really.... but anyway this might be a new go-to!
• likelihood to repurchase: YES
5. jersey shore sun mongongo vanilla coconut cream lip conditioner (.15oz--full size, ret. $10) -- this scent is so weird! like it is vanilla coconut cream scented...but it's like a coconut cream pie that doesn't need the added vanilla scent to it..does that make any sense? formula-wise, i'm not sure if it's for me. it's pretty thin but still feels moisturizing. we shall see if i get chappy from this or not...
• likelihood to repurchase: no
6. it cosmetics brow power universal eyebrow pencil (.0025oz-- mini, ret. $24 for .005oz [$12]) -- i redeemed points! try all of the brow products! this one seems like it'll be pretty good!
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
7. colorful ipsy bag -- this reminds me think of native american clothing or patterns or something. it's interesting.
8. card with company info/discount codes
1. tartecosmetics.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsyjuly (exp. 8/13/15)
2. bellapierre.com: 25% off, code: ipsylips2015 (exp. 8/31/15)
3. eva-nyc.com: 65% off purchase, code: ipsyjuly65 (exp. 8/31/15)
4. ofracosmetics.com: 40% off purchase, code: ipsyofra (exp. 8/31/15)
5. jerseyshoresun.com: 50% off mongongo lip conditioners, code: ipsy50 (exp. 8/31/15)
6. tinibeauty.com: 30% off purchase + free full-size nail lacquer + $5 shipping, code: ipsyline (exp. 8/31/15)
7. vasanticosmetics.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 8/31/15)
8. citycolorcosmetics.com: free contour effects palette after $30, code: ipsy30hd (exp. 8/31/15)
9. purlisse.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsybright30 (exp. 8/31/15)
10. olehenriksen.com: 20% off purchase + free shipping at $50, code: ipsy (exp. 8/31/15)
11. crownbrush.us: 30% off purchase, code: ipsytwzr30 (exp. 8/31/15)
12. coolwayhair.com: 35%off + free knotty girl brush, code: ipsy4u (exp. 8/31/15)
13. beabombshellcosmetics.com: 30% off, code: ipsy30 (exp. 8/31/15)
14. lulublossom.com: 25% off, code: ipsy (exp. 8/31/15)
15. barerepublicnaturals.com: free shipping, code: ipsy2015 (exp. 8/31/15)
16. drugstore.com: 15% off eau thermale avene purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 8/31/15)
17. nicka.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 8/31/15)
18. octaviomolinahair.com: 30% off purchase + free shipping, code: ipsy&ocatavio (exp. 8/31/15)
19. auroracosmeticsny.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 7/31/15)

approximate product value: ~$53.70 + $12

it brow power, ofra bliss, tarte park ave princess, bellapierre P.I.N.K.

P.I.N.K.

*Affiliate Link.