I received my Glam Bag from IPSY in the mail today and was pretty excited for my goodies. I already sneaked a peak at my Glam Room so I already knew what I was getting.
If you aren't familiar with Ipsy, it's a beauty subscription services, where you get 4-5 beauty products every month delivered to your door, for just $10. Michelle Phan curates the bags! Check it out here: http://www.ipsy.com/r/bvpt
Here's a picture of what I got along with a random beauty tip:
Here's a video of what I got:
Note: Due to a large number of pictures on my phone I was having difficulty with videos so I get cut off at the end.
All I was saying at the end was my left cheek had the peach color coastal scent's blush and my right had the bright pink. Also I ended by getting closer to my lashes to show the mascara coverage, but on my refuse-to-curl lashes, I really couldn't tell the difference than with other urban decay mascaras I use.
List of products: - Information about the product from Ipsy.com 1. Absolute Lip Balm: "Treat your lips with this ultra-moisturizing lip balm from Absolute New York. This lightly tinted, creamy, conditioning formula softens, smooths, and protects lips for a seriously kissable pout. Discover this must-have balm for sensationally soft and luscious lips! Ipsy subscribers who receive this product will receive either Grape or Green Apple. Weight: 12g" *Again I'm so glad I got green apple. It is so smooth and my lips feel soft! I have pretty dry lips because I need to drink more water throughout the day, so this stuff helps! It doesn't have that weird chapstick after taste either, which is a huge plus for me. 2. Dr. Brandt: Pores No More Pore Refiner
"A cult favorite, Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer is Dr. Brandt’s quick fix for flawless, photo-ready skin. It is the miracle base to create the perfect skin canvas for long-lasting makeup and well-preserved skin. This velvety formula absorbs excess oil, minimizes pores, blurs fine lines and is resistant to sweat and humidity. Prime, touch-up and treat while perfecting your makeup. Weight: .25 oz
Key Benefits: - Minimizes the appearance of pores by diffusing light - Blurs imperfections & lines - Erases shine & mattifies skin - Absorbs oil, reduces shine and helps regulate sebum production - Antibacterial action for a healthy skin - Acts as a shield to prevent make-up from clogging pores"
*Even though I don't have large pores, this primer helps with the extra shine I typically get by midday. I also love that it helps keep my makeup from clogging my pores..because that's awesome and important!
3. Urban Decay:Perversion Mascara
"Bigger. Blacker. Badder.Urban Decay's ultra-creamy, lengthening and volumizing mascara features triple-black pigments and a deeply nourishing ingredient blend. Perversion Mascara gets you sexy in one stroke, yet it won’t quit until you say when.Weight: .1 fl oz"
*This mascara has a nice sized wand for full coverage and applied smoothly. I attempted at curling my lashes prior to putting it on, but they didn't stay curled for long. It does go on thick for my liking so I only applied one layer.
4. Coastal Scents: Forever Blush Sample Duo
"Coastal Scents Forever Blush boasts 18 perfectly pigmented, powder blushes with a long-lasting rush of color. Complete with a mirror, these color-packed compacts go a long way. Weight: 2.5g/ 0.09 oz. Ipsters who sample Coastal Scents blush duo will receive the shades Fresh (Left) and Elegant (Right)."
*I thought the "Elegant" shade (in the video I say dark peachy color) applied much easier than the "Fresh" (sparkly pink) shade. I liked both, but would wear the Elegant shade on a daily basis. The only thing I dislike about getting these individual shades, is that I don't have a palette to put them into. I liked the magnetic empty palette we received in an older glam bag, but I don't think the back of these blushes are magnetic. I'd have to check that out.
5. Lord & Berry: Silk Kajal Kohl Eye Pencil
"Sensual and exotic, that's the effect that Silk Kajal Kohl Eye Pencil delivers. Just like the traditional Kohl, but with the modern ease and control of a pencil. Giving a semi-matte finish that is also smudgeable, Silk Kajal Kohl's soft tip is ophthalmologically-tested and gentle enough to be used on the inner eye. Also available in Nudo and White. Weight: 0.02 oz"
*The sample size is really small, which is a downside...just merely for application. I have small hands but I like having a longer pencil to hold. Also, I don't really do pencil eyeliner because I don't have a sharpener that works, so I only use it until it dulls and then it sits around. As far as application, it went on smoothly. Its very black, which is nice. When they say its "smudgeable" it really is...and not in the good way, when you purposefully want to smudge your eyeliner. Maybe I put it on too thick? I'm not sure. But after about an hour I had smudge marks under my eye (did a cat eye, with no liner on the bottom lash). I fixed it and about another hour later, there were more smudge marks. Ugh...! Anyway, here's a look I created. Its later in the day after the video was shot.
Woohooo! I got my Birchbox early and I'm sooo pleased with it! I filmed another unboxing video. Again, I appoligize for the traffic noises, living on a busy street sucks especially when the living room is the only one with enough natural lighting to film. The video really captures my impression of the box and my first impression of how I feel about the products. Please let me know which products you would like to see a full review for :)
Apparently there are 31 variations of this month's box (crazyyy). View them all on Zadidoll's site.
"Direct from London, these punchy color liners feature a pen-style applicator that's truly goofproof."
- Full Size .07 oz retails for $15
Other people got different colors such as purple, turquoise, and olive. Would definitely love to have gotten any of those colors. I swatched this liner on my hand in the video. Its very similar to my marbella semi permanent eyeliner except that it actually goes on black and doesn't stain my skin when I wiped it off, thankfully.
"Get a glass half full disposition with this optimistic blend of juicy Meyer lemon, white grapefruit, and pink plumeria."
"We started Harvey Prince in dedication to our mother, and we craft exceptional fragrances that empower women to feel young, happy, slim, and beautiful."
- 8.8 ml retails for $26 and 50 ml for $55
The sample packaging is super cute and the scent is so light and fresh. I also love that the tube has a spray applicator! I'm sure this will be one of my summer favorites. I can totally rationalize spending $26 for this fragrance.
"Keep these refreshing, tea-infused mints on hand for quick pick-me-ups."
"Fight fatigue with nature's natural energizers of uplifting Brazilian erba mate and rich, deep, chocolaty Columbian cocoa."
- 3 pack retails for $9.95
After filming the video I was able to try the mints. They are like mint chocolate! So delicious and there are a ton in the tin. I can't wait to use these. I am a bit tired at the moment, so I'm not sure how much they've helped "pick me up" but I'm sure I'll use them when I had a normal nights sleep and that 2:30 feeling comes along.
"We designed these neon headphones just for you. Pair them with your best playlist."
The headphones are fairly comfortable. They drown out a lot of outside sound which is really nice. I absolutely love the neon green :D
Overall Verdict:
Totally in love with this box. I do with the supergoop! sample was a little larger, but I can't complain. I am glad that I got a full size eye liner, too. Can't wait to see what other people got!
What did you get in your Birchbox for July? If you don't already have a subscription and want to sign up please click my referral link here.
Mae Minerals, a company that makes mineral makeup as well as provides a monthly subscription service. I haven't tried their products yet, but I've been trying to win some of their giveaways to try them.
Their service includes three levels (eco-beauty: $8/mo, sprout: $10/mo, and garden: $20/mo):
Each level includes brand-new & limited edition products from Mae Minerals like:
Mineral Makeup (Foundation, Blush, Eye Shadow, Bronzer, etc.)
Skin Care (Face, Body, Special Needs)
Lip Gloss/Lip Stain
Mascara/Eyeliner
Brushes/Accessories
They are changing their name and their mission statement. Their new site will launch tomorrow! Here's some more information directly from their site.
"For every cosmetic purchased, we will donate one to a woman in need. You buy one, we give one.
We are working directly with women's shelters to provide makeovers, beauty tips, education about safe cosmetics and most importantly to get the women's wish lists of the shades and products they would like. For every item purchased, we'll donate an item from a wish list. We've set a goal: help 7,400 women by the end of 2012.
We will also be launching an affiliate program were you will be able to earn a commission on all sales you refer using a special link. Affiliates will also have the option of applying to be a volunteer ambassador and help her local shelters get set up with our program."
I think its great that they are empowering women in shelters by providing them with cosmetics. Normally shelters only provide the essentials to survive, and they don't consider makeup one of them. This company is so kind and thoughtful!
They are also having a giveaway! "For every prize won, we'll donate one. Second, the more entries we receive, the more prizes we'll give away! We're starting out with 10 prizes packs that include an eye shadow & lip gloss. Once we reach 2,000 entries, we'll add 10 more prize packs. And for every 2,000 entries after that we'll add another 10 prize packs."
Sounds pretty awesome, yeah? Enter here! Good luck!
Sorry that this post is so late. It was extremely difficult for me to find accurate retail pricing for some of these products, because they are no longer available on their manufacturer's sites. I also found some deals on these products, for much cheaper than their asking price. One thing that dissapointed me is that The Look Store does not have a list of the products from this month's bag up yet. You can't even see what was in last month's bag. I was waiting to post this until I had accurate info on the pricing...
Anyway on to additional information about the contents!
#1 - Atopalm: Intensive Moisturizing Cream (.25 fl oz/ 8 ml) Worth ~ $2.20 Full size = $30.00 (3.4 fl oz / 100 ml) NeoPharm is based in Camarillo, CA - Product is made in Korea
"Formulated without the use of parabens, this incredibly rich moisturizing cream is a gentle yet thorough way to replenish hydration. By mimicking natural skin lipids, it is able to replenish lost lipids while simultaneously preventing over-evaporation of the skin’s natural moisture. Finally, Intensive Moisturizing Cream shields the skin against the damage and discomfort associated with environmental stress, leaving the skin feeling fresh, soft, and perfectly comfortable."
Really great for sensitive skin too! I have used this some on my elbows and heels. I haven't seen much of a difference as of yet, but I have not been using it consistently. The sample size is really small, so I was debating about keeping it until the weather gets dry again.
Snowberry is based in New Zealand and Product is made in New Zealand
I actually received a "rich day cream" so I'm kind of confused if I should apply it at night or in the morning. This was one product I really wanted to check out on their site to see if I received the wrong one.
I watched another members video on youtube and she mentioned that this product was $159. I do not know where she got that price from, but the online stores that sell this product (linked directly from Snowberry) all have $41 or 95 depending on the size of the bottle. Maybe the night cream is actually $159. The pricing above is for the day cream.
"Designed for normal to dry skin, the Rich Day Cream is a powerful and highly absorbable anti-aging formula that nourishes, smoothes, moisturises and revitalises.
Helps to smooth, restructure and hydrate the epidermis.
Contains Mycosoprin Extract that clinical trials have shown assists to protect the skin from possible per-oxidation via UVA and environmental pollutants
Helps to maintain healthy skin ecology
Helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles
Contains Superoxide dismutase that clinical trials have shown assists the natural production of Collagen, Elastins, Fibronectins, Keratinocytes and hyaluronic acids.
Increases moisturisation and cellular hydration.
Non Irritant (Occular & Dermal Tested)
Non Sensitising
Significant skin moisturisation improvement activity of 39.64%
Anti-free radical activity (3D test)"
pH Balanced
Botanical Ingredients
Paraben Free
Clinically and allegery tested; non-irritating
Our formulators were inspired by sensual botanical ingredients and the challenge of creating a healthier body crème with the potential to make skin appear younger and evoke delight and desire.
For centuries, vanilla has been considered an aphrodisiac and in studies men associate its scent with Love."
#3 - Korres: Eyeshadow in Golden Green (Full Size)
full size 1.8g/0.06oz for $5-18 depending on the site. Korres products are made in Greece.
This color kind of looks like a poop green just in the case, but it really is a golden green shade (see picture below). It blends together nicely and applies smoothly and evenly. The packaging is very simplistic. The brand isn't stapled on the top, it just says Athens, where this product is manufactured. From some research online, Korres is really passionate about using only natural and organic ingredients in their skincare products.
Swatched on my arm.
#4 - Prescriptives: Lip and Eye Pencil Sharpener Full size for $1.50-5, again depending on the site.
Again, I had a tough time finding this product online. It is not listed on their site under makeup accessories. It used to be at Macy's but is no longer there. This company has been around since 1979, where they targeted "custom colors for women," but has only recently (2011) "refreshed" their products. Their products are sold exclusively online now.
$55.00 for 5.6 fl oz/ 166 ml Naked Princess Worldwide LLC is based in Beverly Hills, CA - Product is made in the USA.
"A luxurious vitamin-rich body crème formulated to hydrate, nourish & pamper skin.
Inspiration:
It's nice that I got lotion for my personal product, since I love any kind of lotion, but since this whole bag had skin care products, it would have been nice to get something else. Other people got lip gloss or lip liner. I can't smell too much of the vanilla, but it does have a nice scent. I haven't used it much yet, since I have so many different kinds of lotions.
Overall Verdict: I will give the Look Bag another month or so, but I have to cut down on one of my subscriptions in September, so this one might be it. Nothing against the Look Bag, I just need to save money. What did you get in your Look Bag for your personal product? How did you like this month's bag?
Video:
Again here is the link to my video :) Sorry that for some reason none of the items will focus on my camera.. :/
So yesterday I got my Look Bag in the mail and was super excited to open it! I made a video and will be posting a full review with pictures shortly. This video is a little less organized (not that the other two were) than normal, because I had not yet opened the bag to see the products. The Look Bag's facebook page only showed one preview picture of an item in the bag, so I had no idea what to expect.
This month's bag focused on skin care products that will moisturize, protect, and rejuvenate your skin, especially during these summer months when we are outdoors a lot more and vulnerable to UV rays and pollution.
On Monday, I got my little pink bag in the mail and I was anxious to open it!
I was pleasantly surprised at how amazing Myglam's Glam Bag turned out for the month of June. This is only my second month with Myglam and have heard so many mixed reviews on their service. For those of you who haven't heard of Myglam before, it is a monthly (or yearly if you prefer) subscription service for only $10 a month (or $110 for the year and one free month). So what comes in a Glam Bag you ask? A variety of great products! For example, a bag can include 4-5 samples (some full size!) of either lip products, skin care products, hair care products, nail polishes or nail art, eye make up, etc. They've even given out their own brush set previously (for purchase on their pop-up shop).
So I know you are dying to know what was in my bag this month, right?
The bag's theme was "Out All Night" and the products are some essentials that you will need to keep your look long lasting.
The bag itself:
Usually the products come in a makeup bag with various designs, but this month came in an awesome gold glitter clutch. So cute! There was a slight smell to the bag, however I just sprayed mine with body mist to get rid of the smell. Other suggestions included putting the bag in the freezer. Something happened with the manufacturing of the bag and the glue that was used. Easy fix, though!
I really love this product because it gives your skin a refresher! You apply it in the morning and/or evening after your cleanser and it really helps keep your skin feeling good! My face hasn't gotten oily midday since I've started using this product. The nice thing is that the sample size is large enough for multiple uses and you don't have to use a lot of the product. It's so light that it hardly feels like I have anything on.
My sample was 12 mL/.4 fl oz. This product full size is 2 fl oz for $34. I'm not sure if I could afford this, but I definitely won't forget this product for when I actually have money!
#2. NYX: Round Lipstick in Iced Honey "Incredible color that resists wear and smudging, let your lipstick last all night with an amazing velvety smooth, mineral formula"
At first I really loved the color without trying it on and I was stoked about getting a NYX lipstick. Once I actually tried it on, I was disappointed in how much it showed where I bite my lips. I did figure out a way to make it work though! If I use a lip balm before I apply this product it really helps to smooth out my lips or if I use a lip gloss after that helps a lot too. I need to exfoliate my lips, badly! I've been trying to get e.l.f.'s exfoliating lip treatment, but its out of stock currently. I'm not sure how well it actually stays on over time. I haven't worn this lip color enough to really confirm that it can last all night. I definitely think it can be smudged, though. I got a full size in my bag which is worth $4.00.
View from the top.
I really like this rosy color.
Here is the color on my lips (plus my Fresh Rose Tinted Lip Treatment).
#3. Living Proof: frizz Nourishing Styling Cream "Stops frizz in its tracks, keeping all styles frizz-free, soft and smooth. Living Proof's miracle molecule, OFPMA, conquers frizz by blocking humidity without silicone or heavy oils"
Boy do I love and need this product! I have flyaways and frizz that need taming. This product is light enough not to make my hair look oily, which is a problem I have with most hair products. I've only used it once, but I could definitely see a change. I'll try to use it today and post a picture soon.
My sample was 60 mL/ 2 fl oz. Full size is 4 oz for $26. Which isn't too bad. Plus Myglam gives you a coupon for the whole set for $35! Which I might actually buy, since its an great deal.
#4. Marbella: Permanent Eyeliner Pen in Black "Master the art of beautiful eyes with this unique waterproof, smudge free, and long lasting semi-permanent eyeliner pen"
This eyeliner is amazing! It is in fact waterproof, smudge free and semi-permanent. I tried rubbing it off my hand after I swatched it and it was hard to get off! Using soap and water or olive oil will also do the trick, but it came off using my face cleanser too. This liner is easy to apply and goes on smoothly. This eyeliner also has a duo-tip feature, so if one end starts getting dried out you can reverse the tip and use it like new. I also really love this product because I tend to rub my eyes and forget I'm wearing makeup so I smudge my eye liner often. It can be so frustrating, but now I don't have to worry about it! It also came full size which is worth $19!!
Here is a thin and thick line with this liner.
This is after I tried to get the liner off of my hand and its still there. Can you see how its a little red from rubbing so hard? I saw other comments on Myglam's wall of members saying their liner is not waterproof. I guess I got a good one!
Here I have on the Marbella eye liner and the NYX lipstick.
Overall Verdict:
This bag was totally worth $10!! I highly recommend Myglam to anyone. This service is great for those of you who don't have time to shop for makeup, who don't know what works well with your skin/hair type, or those of you looking for products you normally wouldn't shop for.
