december 2017 ipsy bag

hi all! we're only a couple days late here, but here's my december IPSY BAG*! (theme: snow globe) ~Lin-chan ^.~

1. ofra long lasting liquid lipstick in ipsy unzipped -- this is a pretty nice shade. fades away whenever you eat, but it does last a good 3-4 hours or so.
• repurchase: probably not
• coupon code, printed on the tube....? IPSY30 for 30% off at ofracosmetics.com (exp. unknown)
2. lottie london nail polish in riot! -- this is so pretty! excuse the foot swatch, but my fingernails are bleh right now between moving, cleaning, and unpacking. so toes were easier to do!
• repurchase: maybe
3. tony moly the chok chok green tea watery cream -- it does smell tea-like. i'm not sure if i'd say green tea though. it absorbs super fast. i'm not sure how this'll go on the face, but i'll try it out!
• repurchase: probably not
4. smashbox always on gel liner in fishnet (black) -- i haven't tried this on the eyes yet, but my arm swatches.... omg. they didn't budge. i applied it, waited about a minute then began rubbing at it and it didn't come off. actually the swatch below, the liner was on my arm for several hours before i got around to swatch the lipstick. i added a little bit more liner for the photo to darken it back up some, but it did not move all day. i can't wait to use this on my eyes!
• repurchase: very likely
5. pur-lisse green tea + ginger & coconut + rice sheet masks -- oh yay, more sheet masks to add to my ever growing collection of sheet masks that i'm not using...... i'll get around to these eventually..
• repurchase: probably not
6. silver ipsy bag -- this is very cute and festive, i like the glitter accent across the top.

*Affiliate Link.

july 2017 ipsy x gudetama bag!

hi all! it's the weekend, my july IPSY BAG* (theme: over easy) came this week, and i've got a lil time to post!  ~Lin-chan ^.~

here's my impressions:

1. beau gachis illuminator brush -- this is a really soft brush! i think this is the perfect size for highlight or under-eye powdering.
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
2. ciate london wonderwand gel-kohl hybrid liner in black -- so this is a very interesting liner. on the other end is an angled brush.. not a sponge tip or smudger, but an angled brush.. interesting. otherwise, the product itself is a no-go for me. as seen in my swatch, i made a single sorta straight line with one pass and it bled that much. i don't think so. also, after taking the photos, i rubbed at it to see if it had set or not after maybe 5 minutes, and it did not. it did however stain my arm to the point where it was difficult to remove, but i guess that's a pro for some people. anyway, since it was so smudgy and bled upon application, i don't think so.
• likelihood to repurchase: no
3. ofra eyeshadow in gold rush -- this is a pretty gold. and i like ofra's formulas.
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe other shades
4. trifle cosmetics raspberry ripple blush trio -- why is this thing so microscopic? i mean, i get that it's a sample, but i'd rather one of these three blushes in this size compact than 3 tiny, eyeshadow-sized pans to not even attempt to put a blush brush into. just saying. formula and product-wise, i think this is a pass. i'm not huge on these colors personally, and they applied only ok. swatches below were two passes over both the product and my arm.
• looking at their website, this is full size. who in their right mind would willingly pay $18 for this thing?!
• likelihood to repurchase: no
5. hempz ultra moisturizing herbal lip balm -- i haven't tried anything from this brand before, but i've heard good things about their body lotions! this is a very nice, light lip balm. it has a slight tea-like scent to it and glides on nicely. it's not sticky, and feels just right!
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
6. gudetama ipsy bag -- (gude gude = lazy, tamago = egg) omg. who else remembers going to the mall and going to the sanrio store?! i love their characters and gudetama is no exception! btw, i didn't photograph the bag of the bag, but lolz at gude-butt.
• side note, anyone else remember last year's new character Aggretsuko? love her too!
7. who else loves the gold mailer?!
8. they also included a booklet advertising ipsy cash which is some sort of cash back program. i haven't looked further into it yet since i'm not sure if i want to do it yet or not.

liner, gold rush (over bare skin), blush trio

*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.

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.

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.

november favorites

hi guys! not too many favorites this month either. enjoy. ~Lin-chan ^.~

himalia, bliss, dallas, hoola

naked smoky palette

1. nars dual intensity eyeshadow in himalia -- i've been wearing this a ton since i got it. i've been pairing it with makeup geek barcelona beach (crease) and rapunzel (brow).
2. benefit hoola bronzer & dallas blush -- i don't know why i've neglected these for so freaking long. i bought them eternity and a half ago and never used them until halloween-ish. and i've used them nearly every day now. what was i ever thinking? hoola is amazing for contour/bronzing..and shadow. and dallas is such a great darkened rosy shade.
3. ofra bliss shadow/highlight -- this is super gorgeous. i've been wearing it with hoola and dallas and it's been awesome. super love!
4. urban decay naked smokey palette -- another halloween discovery..ish. i was looking for a way to use this palette for my oh so creative cat costume for halloween at work, and i stumbled upon this tutorial. so far, this look is all i've used this palette for, but i'll look for more inspiration sometime soon.

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.