february 2018 ipsy bag!

hey guys! my february IPSY BAG* (theme: unzipped) arrived a few days ago, and i'm here to give you my initial thoughts! ~Lin-chan ^.~

1. luxie beauty 249 shading and blending brush -- i really love their 205 blending brush, and the fluffy side seems to be the same! so excited since this will be a great 2 in 1 travel brush.
• repurchase: i don't see it on their site... 😕
2. biobelle perfecting primer facial mask -- sheet mask for priming the face? interesting... i've been super slacking on all the sheet masks for, you know, regular skincare purposes...i have soo many. anyway, i somehow acquired 4 which i think may have been in error.. most instagram photos only show two. but i had two two packs.. anyway, i'll try one out at some point and potentially pass along at least 1 of these.
• repurchase: dunno, but probably not
3. pacifica beach crystals -- this is actually a cute palette. the shades are really nice, and i can't wait to try them on the eyes!
• repurchase: can you..? but probably not.. too many eyeshadows.
4. trestique mini eye pencil in swiss chocolate -- this is a lot more pigmented than i was expecting. i'll give this a go, and i appreciate that they sent a dark brown, which will go with everything!
• repurchase: undecided
5. mellow cosmetics matte liquid lip paint in tehran -- originally, i wasn't really expecting much from this lipstick. but it's actually really nice. super comfortable and no problems! i forgot to do a transfer test..but i think it'll be fine since it felt like it dried down completely and wasn't sticky.
• repurchase: maybe!
6.  pink velvet and black lace ipsy bag -- this is very cute! definitely screams february / valentine's day!

beach crystals palette (mars, raw power, prism, spaced out, faceted) swatched dry; tehran, swiss chocolate

tehran

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may 2017: sephora play!

hi guys!!! a couple days late, but here's this month's sephora play! (theme: the rising stars) there's a couple things that i've never seen or heard of before here, and an item i got in a previous ipsy, but that's ok! ~Lin-chan ^.~

1. trestique mini highlight stick in maldives luminescent -- this is a really pretty highlight. i actually am passing this one along because i still have the one from my september ipsy bag.
   repurchase? probably not
2. milk makeup blur stick -- i have not heard good things about this. using it on the back of my hand, i'm not impressed. the texture between my fingers is super weird and slightly gritty, and while it does blur my pores, i don't see this being any good as far as primer action. there's no tackiness to even hold makeup down. so this is a no.
   repurchase? no
3. tata harper resurfacing mask -- i can't get past the scent of this to even use it. roses..... it's a pink gel looking product, and seems more or less like a sleeping pack.. i don't know. passing this off.
   repurchase? no
4. christophe robin cleansing purifying scrub with sea salt -- i seriously was confused when i got this. the last product i got from this brand was a hair product, but the name to me is like, ok this is a face or body scrub. lol, nope. this is a scalp scrub, which is pretty interesting. i haven't tried it yet, but the scent is a lot more pleasant and usable than the hair mask i got last time.
   repurchase? probably not
5. grande cosmetics grande lips hydrating lip plumper -- this is a clear gloss basically. it doesn't feel super moisturizing, more like a lip oil? and it has a warm vanilla sugar type scent. it does have a light burning sensation, but it's not by any means painful like some lip plumpers. i will say that i did notice a little of a difference, but i'm not sure how i feel about this one.
   repurchase? nah
6. nest black tulip -- this smells super good. i haven't tried it on my skin yet, but spraying it onto the card.. mmmm! based on the notes listed on the card, i mostly smell the amber plum and maybe the patchouli. and i don't know what pink pepper or japanese violets smell like.
   repurchase? nah
7. 'coupon' for an extra 50 points on the next in-store purchase

september 2016 ipsy bag!

hi guys! my september IPSY BAG* has arrived super fast (again)! (theme: glamazon) i can't wait to try everything out! ~Lin-chan ^.~

here's my impressions:

1. it cosmetics superhero mascara in super black (.17oz--mini, ret. $24 for .304oz [$13.42]) -- yay~ new mascara to try! i haven't tried one from it before!
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
2. buff her house of exfoliation vanilla almond crumbles (.9oz--mini, ret. $25 for 3.25oz [$6.92]) -- this is very interesting! it's a dry powder with a light almond scent. it feels like it might be a nice dry scrub!
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not
3. nuxe moisturizing mask creme fraiche de beaute (.5oz--mini, ret. $25 for 1.5oz [$8.34]) -- this has a really weird smell. like floral something 70s... yes. lol. i cannot have this on my face, it ain't gon happen.
• likelihood to repurchase: no
4. coastal scents elite bamboo collection medium shadow brush (full size, ret. $99 for set of 24 [$2]) -- this seems like a pretty nice synthetic brush. the bristles flex a lot more than i usually like for a shadow brush, but i'll give it a try and see if it works.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not this set, but maybe others
5. tre'StiQue mini highlight stick in maldives luminescent (.04oz--mini, ret. $34 for .21oz [$6.48]) -- this is super creamy and blends really nice! i'm excited to try this out!
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
6. black and gold ipsy bag -- this is a kind of cute design. i love how it sparkles and shines!
7. card with company info/discount codes (some codes are case sensitive)
1. buffher.com: 20% off purchase, code: IPSY20 (exp. 10/31/16)
2. us.nuxe.com: 20% off $50+ purchase, code: SUMMER2016 (exp. 10/31/16)
3. trestique.com: 30% off $40+ purchase, code: IPSYSEPT30 (exp. 10/31/16)
4. dr-g.com: gift with $55+ purchase, code: drgxipster (exp. 10/31/16)
5. drugstore.com: 20% off any eau thermale avene purchase, code: IPSY20 (exp. 10/15/16)
6. ulta3.com.au: 30% off purchase + free shipping at $20, code: IPSY (exp. 10/31/16)
7. epiceinternational.com: 30% off purchase, code: IPSY16 (exp. 10/31/16)
8. nakedcosmetics.com: 30% off regular price items, code: IPSY30 (exp. 10/31/16)
9. beabombshellcosmetics.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy30 (exp. 10/31/16)
10. makebeauty.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipster30 (exp. 10/30/16)
11. briogeohair.com: 20% off purchase, code: IPSY20 (exp. 10/31/16)
12. vishaskincare.com: 20% off visha skin care advanced bright eye booster, code: IPSY20 (exp. 10/31/16)
13. glowforacause.com: 30% off purchase, code: IPSY30 (exp. 10/31/16)
14. dirty-little-secret.com: 20% off purchase, code: IPSY20 (exp. 10/31/16)
15. elfcosmetics.com: free shipping on your first purchase, code: FSIPSY (exp. 10/20/16)
16. crownbrush.com: 30% off purchase, code: 2016CROWNIPSY30 (exp. ?)
17. whishbody.com: 25% off purchase, code: ipsy16 (exp. 10/31/16)
18. christiebrinkleyauthenticskincare.com: 30% off purchase, code: IPSY30 (exp. 10/31/16)
19. seraphinebotanicals.com: 30% off purchase, code: IPSY30 (exp. 10/31/16)
20. befine.com: 20% off purchase, code: IPSY (exp. 10/31/16)
21. trustfundbeauty.com: 35% off purchase, code: IPSTER35 (exp.9/30/16)
22. togospa.com: 15% off purchase, code: Ipsy (exp. 9/30/16)
23. eyeko.com: 20% off purchase, code: EYEKO20 (exp. 10/31/16)
24. toofaced.com: free deluxe-size melted chocolate lipstick with purchase, code: IPSYGWP (exp. 10/31/16)
25. eva-nyc.com: 25% off purchase, code: Ipsters25 (exp. 10/31/16)
26. livingproof.com: free travel-size full dry volume blast with $22+ purchase, code: IPSYDVB (exp. 10/31/16)

approximate product value: ~$37

*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.

june 2015 ipsy bag

hi guys! it's june IPSY BAG* time!! (theme: swim into beauty) this actually came in on tuesday, but with work i've been "nope!"-ing everything recently. ~Lin-chan ^.~

here's my impressions:

1. formula x for sephora mini in power source (4ml--mini, ret. $10.50 for 12ml [$3.50]) -- this was a lot crazier than i was expecting. this is like neon pink. i love it, but i can't use it as much because of work.
• likelihood to repurchase: not this shade
2. smashbox photo finish foundation primer (.25oz--mini, ret. $36 for 1oz [$9]) -- this is a really good primer, i've tried many-a sample of this before. it's a silicony textured primer.
• likelihood to repurchase: nah, lorac's is similar and cheaper
3. tre'StiQue mini shadow crayon in marimoto pink pearl (.02oz--mini, ret. $26 for ?? [$?]) -- after you get over the initial freak-out with the packaging and actually open it, it's really nice. it has a similar pigmentation and texture to laura mercier's caviar sticks. so nice! and this color is really pretty too.
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
4. jules and esther vitamin c serum (.5oz--mini, ret. $36 for 1.1oz [$16.37]) -- i still haven't figured out how i feel about serums...or i'm just really freaking lazy and don't ever want to use any. this smells like it has orange oil, super nice. but i'll have to update later on this one.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not
5. biorepublic skincare sheet masks in aloe rescue (revitalizing), cucumber breeze (soothing), and green tea (detox) (3 sheet masks, ret. $36 for set of 8 masks [$13.50]) -- i haven't quite figured out how i feel about sheet masks..either that or i need to get on the asian sheet mask bandwagon. i'll have to update later.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not
6. black ipsy bag -- i love how plush this thing is!
7. card with company info/discount codes
1. trestique.com: 15% off $35+ purchase, code: ipsyinsider15 (exp. 7/3/15)
2. julesandesther.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 7/31/15)
3. biorepublic.com: 8 skin mask kit for $30 + free shipping, code: ipsybiorepublic (exp. 7/31/15)
4. dermae.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy0615 (exp. 7/31/15)
5. ofracosmetics.com: 40% off purchase, code: ofralovesipsy (exp. 7/31/15)
6. absolutenyproducts.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 7/31/15)
7. selfiesb.com: free facial bronzer with purchase of selifie spray or full size lotion, code: ipsy (exp. 7/31/15)
8. befine.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 7/31/15)
9. purebrazillian.com: 25% off purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 7/31/15)
10. jcatbeauty.com: 25% off purchase, code: ipsy615 (exp. 7/31/15)
11. drbrandtskincare.com: 25% off purchase, code: vacuum25 (exp. 7/31/15)
12. keywestaloe.com: free shipping on $25+ purchase, code: ipsykwa (exp. 7/31/15)
13. us.nuxe.com: 20% off $50 purchase, code: summer2015 (exp. 7/31/15)
14. itcosmetics.com: 20% off $40+ & free shipping, code: itdelivers (exp. 7/31/15)
15. auroracosmeticsny.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 7/31/15)
16. glamierre.com: 15% off purchase, code: ipsy15 (exp. 7/31/15)
17. keratherapy.com: 30% off $30+ purchase, code: ipsy30 (exp. 7/31/15)
18. altchekmd.com: 35% off $30+ & free shipping, code: ipsy30 (exp. 7/31/15)
19. lavanila.com: 15% off purchase, code: ipsy2015 (exp. 7/31/15)

approximate product value: ~$42.37+??

marimoto pink pearl

*Affiliate Link.