MAKEUP SUNDAY: 2 FOR 1 SUBSCRIPTION BOX REVIEWS (PART 2)

Alright, here we go folks. If you didn’t check out today’s Makeup Sunday Part 1 post on Birchbox, you won’t want to miss it! Now we’re going to dive into Ipsy. New to this subscription box? You can find out everything you need to know on my Ipsy page.

To start off, the Ipsy’s glam bag was super cute in November. It’s a gold little clutch, that I had a friend actually use as a purse when we went out for her birthday. These little Glam Bags are great and often go unnoticed when reviewing all the different products inside. I even forget to mention them myself!

Let me start off my saying used most of November’s products  every day since getting them, and I couldn’t be happier!

• em michelle | phan pillow plush cushiony lip balm (bubble gum)
• Be a Bombshell | Lip Crayon (Shameless)
• Nailtini | Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer (Caviar Cocktail)
• Pixi Beauty | Bronzer
• Starlooks | Gem Eye Pencil (Amethyst)
• Cailyn  | Built-In Sponge Tip Mineral Eye Shadow (Champagne)

em michelle | phan pillow plush cushiony lip balm (bubble gum)
Full Size Sample Value: $15
Buy at em cosmetics

This lip gloss is super cute and the bubble gum color is light enough that you can wear it with almost everything. It’s not over powering, so you don’t feel like you’re wearing something that’s super noticeable. And, that’s right up my alley! The lip-smoothing balm is also great for cold wintry days and leaves your lips looking super juicy! Love love love!

Be a Bombshell | Lip Crayon (Shameless)
Full Size Sample Value: $14
Buy at Be A Bombshell Cosmetics (Save 40% with coupon code IPSY40)

Now, while I haven’t been wearing this one every day, the color is appropriate for my complexion. It’s a subtle burgundy that I’d normally purchase for myself. It’s not over bearing, so I feel comfortable wearing it and its smooth texture is great for travel and touch-ups on the go. This color  builds as you apply it, so if you want something darker, you can put on a couple of coats for a more dramatic look!

Nailtini | Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer (Caviar Cocktail)
Full Size Sample Value: $13.00 
Buy at tini beauty lounge (Receive 50% off and a FREE eyeliner with $25 purchase with coupon code IPSY4GLAM)

I thought it was kind of funny that both Birchbox and Ipsy offered up silver/metallic nail polishes this month. The Nailtini polish in the Ipsy Glam Bag was of a slightly better quality than the one in the Birchbox, and I only preferred this color too. It’s darker and less shiny than the one in Birchbox, which suited me.

Pixi Beauty | Bronzer
Full Size Sample Value: $13.00 (estimate)
Buy similar product at Pixie Beauty (Receive 25% off with coupon code BRONZEPIXI)

I recently went to one of those Mary Kay makeup parties, and I got a lesson regarding bronzer. Basically, it’s the idea that when applying, you want to make the shape of a three on both sides of your face to highlight the forehead, cheeks and jaw line. After that lesson and finding this bronzer in my Glam Bag, I’m pretty much hooked on bronzer. I’ve added this guy to my daily makeup routine and am happy that the color I received is subtle enough that I can wear it everyday without someone thinking I look like Snooki.

Starlooks | Gem Eye Pencil (Amethyst)
Full Size Sample Value: $14.00
Buy at Star Looks (Save 40% off any purchase with coupon code IPSY)

This was probably my least favorite item in November’s Glam Bag. I guess I’m pretty traditional when it comes to eyeliner, because I rarely venture outside my normal black and brown. But, for those with adventurous hearts, this metallic finish seems pretty fun! The pencil is highly pigmented and leaves a very holiday-appropriate micro-glitter finish.

Cailyn | Built-In Sponge Tip Mineral Eye Shadow (Champagne)
Full Size Sample Value: $15.00
Buy at Cailyn Cosmetics (Save 30% off any purchase with coupon code IPSY30)

Now, this mineral eye shadow is right up my ally! I’ve been wearing it every day, because it’s so versatile and goes with pretty much everything! I don’t think it lasts long enough though. It pretty much disappears by the end of the day, but that hasn’t really stopped me from using it. The other down side is the built-in sponge tip. It’s just really hard to use and I would have preferred a container I could use a brush with. I find myself pouring some of the eye shadow out and then using a brush, but I know I’m wasting a ton when I do that!

The Verdict
Cost: $10.00/month
Value: $84.00

Ipsy really out did itself in terms of value this month. Seriously, $84.00 worth of product for only ten bucks? Not only that, I was super happy with the products I received this month. Nearly everything inside the Glam Bag could be used every day, and the Glam Bag itself is cute enough to use as a clutch! Double bonus! What did you think of November’s glam bag? Share your thoughts below!

Disclosure: This product was not received in exchange for a review. All views in this review are the opinion of the author. Just Louise Please will not accept payment in exchange for a review, but will accept a box at no cost to provide honest opinions on the box. This post may contain referral links. Complete Disclosure Policy.

Ipsy: October 2013 Review

Every month, the team at ipsy puts together some stellar full size and deluxe sample size products for its subscribers. For only $10.00/month, you can try out some exciting hair and beauty products that you may not have encountered before. I’m a girl who loves makeup, so this is one of my favorites out there.

This month’s ipsy glambag had some great variety, and like its sister beauty product box, Birchbox, it also packed some heavy weight this month. Inside I found:

• Zoya | Nail Polish (Neve)
• H2O Plus | Face Oasis™ Hydrating Treatment
• Nourish Organic | Deeply Nourishing Coconut & Argan Body Lotion
• Ofra | Sultry Lipgloss and Plumper
• Sexy Hair | Spray Clay Texturizing Spray Clay 

Zoya | Nail Polish (Neve)
Full Size Value: $8.00
Buy at Zoya (Buy 2 nail polishes, get 1 free and free Zoya Remove+ with coupon code IPSYZ3)

This is a nice little nail polish! The color is actually much brighter than the photo, but it’s still very pretty! I haven’t tried this brand before, but I liked it fine. It went on very smooth and pretty, but I found it chipped kind of quickly. I really need to invest in a top coat polish to see if that helps out my manicures.

Neve is a part of Zoya’s Fall 2013 Cashmere’s & Satins Collection and are designed to complement the season. They’re also free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate (DBP).

H2O Plus | Face Oasis™ Hydrating Treatment
Sample Value: $7.20 (10 ml)
Full Size Cost: $36.00 (1.7 oz / 50mL)
Buy at H2O Plus (25% off any purchase with coupon code IPSY13)

I love this hydrating treatment! It feels so smooth and luxurious when you put it on and it has this cooling quality that really makes you feel like you’re putting some real moisture back into your skin. What I really like about this product is that when it says it’s oil free, it’s really oil free. Sometimes these deep moisturizers feel really heavy and greasy, even when they’re supposed to be oil free. But, this gel is so light and airy. It even features marine botanicals to fill surface lines and Vitamins A and E to keep skin looking great all day.

Nourish Organic | Deeply Nourishing Coconut & Argan Body Lotion
Sample Value: $1.25 (1 oz)
Full Size Cost: $9.99 (8 oz)
Buy at Target (20% off any Nourish Organic product with coupon code Nourish20)

Now, I knew I had seen this product somewhere before! So, I was not surprised when I realized it was sold exclusively at Target. This organic body lotion sample is great for your purse, especially as it starts to get cold outside and hands start to feel dry. I’ve been using it primarily on my elbows, which I’m enjoying immensely. This product is highly concentrated to replenish, hydrate and soften skin.

Ofra | Sultry Lipgloss and Plumper
Full Size Value: $12.95 (10 ml)
Buy at Ofra Cosmetics (30% off any purchase with coupon code ipsy30 )

I really like the color of this lip gloss. It’s pretty subtle, but adds just enough color for everyday use. I wouldn’t say its primary benefit is lip plumping though. I noticed a slight improvement and some tingling, but I’ve tried some serious lip plumpers, and I think if that’s what you’re really after, this product isn’t for you. But, if you need a pretty, subtle lip gloss, this guy definitely does the trick!

Sexy Hair | Spray Clay Texturizing Spray Clay
Sample Value: $6.03 (1.4 oz)
Full Size Cost: $18.95 (4.4 oz)
Buy at Ulta ($5.00 off $25.00 purchase with coupon code 105339)

I really was confused by this product initially. I just didn’t know how to use it! I did some googling and decided to go forward as if it was a texturizing/volumizing spray. And, it seriously got the job done. It made my hair so thick! I think if you were trying to do an up do, this guy would be really handy. I used it for some Halloween styles, and it was great!

The Verdict
Cost: $10.00/month
Value: $35.43

ipsy always does a stellar job in the value department, and I love that I get some serious deluxe and full size sample sizes for only $10.00. My favorite item this month has to be the H2O Plus | Face Oasis™ Hydrating Treatment. Can’t really say there was a product I didn’t like this time around. I’m using everything regularly, and I’m glad I got to try these guys out!

What did you get in your ipsy Glam Bag? See anything different? Would love to hear what you guys received!

ipsy: September 2013 Review

Ipsy is probably one of my favorite subscription boxes out there. For $10.00/month, you’ll receive 4-5 deluxe or full-sized cosmetic and hair care products. Each Glam Bag also comes in its own little makeup bag, which after a couple of months, you kind of wonder what to do with, but it’s still a nice touch!

I’m not too big on ipsy’s theme’s, but to me… it doesn’t really matter, because the products themselves are usually so good!

Opening up this month’s bag, I was immediately pleased with the contents. I knew I could use everything that night, no problem! Inside my September ipsy Glam Bag I found:

• Elizabeth Mott | It’s So Big Volumizing Mascara
• NYX | Single Eye Shadow
• Starlooks | Obsidian Kohl Eye Pencil
• John Frieda | Full Repair® Full Body Shampoo & Conditioner

Elizabeth Mott | It’s So Big Volumizing Mascara
Sample Value: $8.00 (4 ml)
Full Size Cost: $19.99 (10 ml)
Buy at Elizabeth Mott (50% off with coupon code IPSYBIG)

This is apparently an ipsy exclusive launch, so you won’t find it anywhere else! Hello exclusivity! I wasn’t happy with my last mascara sample, so I was excited to find one I really liked! This thing really pumps up the volume, without getting overly clumpy or heavy. It features an “hourglass” brush that promises to always give you the perfect amount of mascara for each lash.

NYX | Single Eye Shadow
Full Size Sample Value: $4.50
Buy at NYX Cosmetics (30% off eye shadow bases with coupon code IPSYPRIME)

I’ve used NYX eye shadow before, so I was happy to see it inside this month’s Glam Bag. The color is a rich purple that goes on nicely and builds for various levels of color density. It blends really easily, and I mean, who doesn’t love a full-sized sample?!

Starlooks | Obsidian Kohl Eye Pencil
Full Size Sample Value: $12.50
Buy at Starlooks (30% off purchases of $25.00 or more with coupon code IPSY)

Now, I’ve heard of Starlooks, and I know they have their own subscription box service, but I’ve never actually tried any of their products. And, I gotta say… this one didn’t make a good first impression. The eyeliner just gets everywhere and doesn’t last as long as I would like it. It smudges like crazy and is definitely not a favorite!

John Freida | Full Repair® Full Body Shampoo & Conditioner
Sample Value: $2.34 (1.5 fl oz each)
Full Size Cost: $13.18 (8.45 fl oz each)
Buy at Drugstore.com (BOGO 50% off with coupon code IPSY)

I was excited to see some hair treatment in this month’s box, because my hair is starting to look fried! I definitely needed this Full Repair® product, and I really enjoyed it!! I mean, it’s John Freida, all their products are quality and I went through both of these after a couple of showers. Lord, I just wish these samples were bigger!

This month’s Glam Bag also came with a little something extra.  Michele Phan’s The Life Pallete sample featured a small collection of colors from the Career Life. I really wanted to like this sample, because I’m a sucker for a good pallete, but I just found the product faded quickly and certainly didn’t last throughout the day.

The Verdict
Cost: $10.00/month
Value: $27.34

As always, ipsy did a great job in the value department. They never disappoint in providing me with quality products that are definitely worth the $10.00/month rate. This is one of my standard subscription boxes, and I have no intention of stopping it any time soon!

My favorite item this month has to be the John Freida | Full Repair® Full Body Shampoo & Conditioner, mainly because my hair was in such desperate need for it! It’s probably pretty obvious my least favorite item was the Starlooks | Obsidian Kohl Eye Pencil. Has anyone else tried their products? Was this just a bad first impression?

What did you think of this month’s Glam Bag? Did you get something you think I would like? Share below or get your own ipsy Glam Bag by subscribing here.

Disclosure: This product was not received in exchange for a review. All views in this review are the opinion of the author. Just Louise Please will not accept payment in exchange for a review, but will accept a box at no cost to provide honest opinions on the box. This post may contain referral links. Complete Disclosure Policy.

August 2013: Ipsy Review

Ipsy’s Glam Bag‘s theme this month is Glamour Academy! Which, I gotta say.. is eerily similar to Birchbox’s Finishing School. I always wonder how they come up with these themes and if there’s major competition between these two makeup subscription boxes. I wonder if they get tips about each other’s themes and if they try to outdo one another…

Any way… Glamour Academy! This month’s theme is supposed to be all about giving you the beauty essentials you need for a school bag or next big party! And, looking over this month’s samples, there are a lot of great items for your purse and a couple you can use every day!

In this month’s Ipsy Glam Bag I found:

• Urban Decay | Revolution Lipstick (69)
• Pixi | Lash Booster Mascara in Blackest Black
• Smashbox | Photo Finish Foundation Primer
• MicaBeauty | Eye Shadow in Bronze
• Michael Todd | Pumpkin Nutrient-Rich Facial Mask

Urban Decay | Revolution Lipstick (69)
Sample Value: $7.86
Full Size Cost: $22.00
Buy at Urban Decay (Free Shipping Coupon Code IPSY)

To start things off we got a sassy little lipstick from Urban Decay. First of all, I love Urban Decay, so right off the bat, I’m happy with the quality. The color is a rich, deep red. Hello! The color is called 69! What else would you expect? And, while this isn’t something I’d wear every day… it’s definitely something I’ll use when I’m on stage at the local community theater or even for a night out. It’s super sexy and fun and something I’m glad to have in my collection!

Pixi | Lash Booster Mascara in Blackest Black
Sample Value: $2.00 (Approx)
Full Size Cost: $17.00
Buy at Pixi Beauty (20% Off Coupon Code PIXI+IPSY)

When I saw there was a mascara sample in this month’s Glam Bag I was STOKED! My mascara is running low and I couldn’t wait to try a new one. The product is called LASH BOOSTER Mascara in BLACKEST BLACK, and I got to say… I don’t think this product lives up to its name. I just feel like it’s pretty weak. I don’t think it did anything to boost my lashes and I had to put a ton of coats on in order to notice it at all. So, kind of a disappointment!

Smashbox | Photo Finish Foundation Primer
Sample Value: $9.00
Full Size Cost: $36.00
Buy at Smash Box (Free Mascara with purchase of Primer, Coupon Code IPSY)

Now this is a product I’ve been reading about and eyeing for a while! This is a high-quality primer and I’m so glad I got a sample of it! I really love the soft finish it leaves on my skin and it really helps my makeup stick around throughout the day. This coupon code is also really tempting… you know I need a new mascara and getting one free with the purchase of this primer is really tempting!

MicaBeauty | Eye Shadow in Bronze
Full Size Sample Value: $14.95
Buy at MicaBeauty (25% Off Coupon Code IPSY25)

Now this product confuses me. The capsule says it’s a bronzer but Ipsy says it’s an eye shadow. Who knows! I’m not really one for bronzers (pale people unite!), so using this as an eye shadow seems like a better fit for me. It works fine. But, it doesn’t really last all day. The color is really pretty and right up my alley. I haven’t tried it with an eyelid primer, but I feel like that would help this guy stick around a bit longer.

Michael Todd | Pumpkin Nutrient-Rich Facial Mask
Sample Value: $10.00
Full Size Cost: $34.00
Buy at Michael Todd True Organics (30% Off Any Purchase Coupon Code AUGIPSY)

When I pulled this out of the Glam Bag I immediately went, “YES!” I love facial masks and I was immediately intrigued by the Pumpkin! I literally went straight to the bathroom to try it out! And, the best way I can describe it is that it’s literally like putting pumpkin pie on your face. What surprised me was it heats up and kind of tingles! Didn’t expect that from my pumpkin pie! Definitely something I enjoyed and will use again!

The Verdict
Cost: $10.00
Total Value: $43.81

As always, Ipsy knocked it out of the park in terms of value and I got a ton of high-quality products that I was excited to try. It’s probably pretty obvious my least favorite item was the Pixi | Lash Booster Mascara in Blackest Black. It was a major let down. I kind of have a hard time picking a favorite, but I got to go with the Smashbox | Photo Finish Foundation Primer, because it’s something I’ve used every day since getting it in the mail. 

What did you think of this month’s theme? Did you get anything cool that I didn’t? Would love to hear about your Glam Bags! Ready to try it out for yourself? Sign up now!

Disclosure: This product was not received in exchange for a review. All views in this post are the opinion of the author. Just Louise Please will not accept payment in exchange for a review, but will accept a box at no cost to provide honest opinions on the box. This post may contain referral links. Complete Disclosure Policy.

Ipsy: July 2013 Review

I’ve been literally waiting months to get my very first ipsy box! I’ve been anxiously awaiting for this pink package, and it’s finally here! And, let me start off by saying, I wasn’t disappointed!

For $10.00/month, the team at ipsy will select products they love for you to try. Everything comes in a cute little makeup bag, fondly referred to as the “Glam Bag.” Each is filled with a mix of 4-5 deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. The site pairs the included products with videos and tutorials on their website.

This month’s theme was “Beach Beauty,” and I gotta say… I really feel like ipsy hit the nail on the head with this one. I feel like this little glam bag gave me everything I need to look smokin hot at the beach! Now if only they could tear me away from the ice cream… alas, that’s another issue.

So, let’s get to it! I received the following in my premier Ipsy box:

• Pouty Pop Crayon | Fuchsia Flirt
• BH Cosmetics | California Collection Eyeshadow Sample
• COOLA | Mineral Face SPF 20 Unscented Moisturizer
• Sexy Hair | Weather Proof Humidity Resistant Spray
• Demeter | Salt Air Perfume Oil Roll On

Pouty Pop Crayon | Fuchsia Flirt
Sample Value: $4.17
Full Size Cost: $25.00
Buy at POP Beauty (Save 20% with coupon code POPLUVSIPSY)

Well hello there! This lip crayon is certainly this month’s flirt! I got a pretty pink color that, while I find pushes my bright lip limits, still made its way into my purse. The texture is super smooth and I gotta say, the color definitely has some staying power!

Pouty Pop Crayons nourish, treat and add a plump pop to lips. It comes in six shades and from what I can tell it’s currently available in packs of six.

BH Cosmetics | California Collection Eyeshadow Sample
Approximate Sample Value: $0.75
Full Size Cost: $7.00
Buy at bhCosmetics (Save 10% with coupon code IPSY)

I wasn’t so sure about these colors initially. This collection includes samples from each location, San Francisco, Hollywood and Malibu. I took it easy and started with San Francisco and Malibu and enjoyed both. Then I dove into the rich purple from the Hollywood palette. Gotta say, I was a little intimidated. But, the color goes on very gently and allows you to build your intensity. So, I was able to enjoy a hint of purple without getting into the “whoa you’re wearing purple eyeshadow” territory.

COOLA | Mineral Face SPF 20 Unscented Moisturizer
Sample Value: $4.87 (.23 oz)
Full Size Cost: $36.00 (1.7 oz)
Buy at COOLA (Save 30% with coupon code IPSY)

I was super excited to see COOLA in this month’s box. I’ve received some of their other samples before and loved them! This sample size is great for traveling and since it’s unscented, I might keep this guy in my purse for UVA/UVB emergencies. You know, those unexpected moments in the sun when I can’t catch a break under some shade. Yep, this will definitely come in handy!

Big Sexy Hair | Weather Proof Humidity Resistant Spray
Sample Value: $7.80 (1.4 0z)
Full Size Cost: $18.95 (3.4 oz)
Buy at Ulta (Save $5.00 on order of $25.00 or more with coupon code 108723)

Now, I love me some Big Sexy! And, I was super stoked to see this humidity resistant spray, because it has been HOT here in Southwest Michigan. I’m not entirely sure I’ve been using this product correctly, but I’m loving it anyway. I’ve kind of been using it in place of my hairspray, and I’m starting to think that’s not the way to go. Big Sexy Hair says this should be the last thing you put on before heading out the door. So, I think I might need to rethink my morning routine.

Demeter | Salt Air Perfume Oil Roll On
Sample Value: $3.48
Full Size Cost: $6.00 (1/2 oz)
Buy at Demeter Fragrance (Save 20% with coupon code IPSYDFL20)

Now, this is my kind of perfume! Not only did I feel this was a generous sample size, I really liked the subtle smell. It’s just so gentle… like… a perfect sea breeze on a tropical island. Ha! Either way, there’s definitely something tranquil about it! And, it’s pretty affordable. So, this might be something I’d consider purchasing in the future. It’s also got me intrigued about their other scents… and I can get 20% off? Okay, I’ve been looped in.

The Verdict
Cost: $10.00/month
Value: $21.07

Overall, I am super pleased with the value and quality of the items inside this month’s ipsy box! I mean, my value was over twice what I paid! And, I really felt like each of the items was a full size product or at least a deluxe sample size, except maybe the sunscreen. That one WAS a little small.

My favorite item has to be the Demeter | Salt Air Perfume Oil Roll On. This is something I’m seriously considering purchasing with the coupon code. I really like that about ipsy. Not only are they letting you try these products, but they are also giving you a deal if you buy the full size! 

I really can’t say there was an item I really didn’t like. I guess it would be the COOLA | Mineral Face SPF 20 Unscented Moisturizer, but that’s only because of the size. It’s certainly not because of the quality of the product or because it’s something I won’t use. Because, that’s not true! So, yeah… definitely hard to find a weak link in this month’s box!

What do you think of ipsy? Are you loving it as much as I am? Want to try it for yourself for $10.00/month? Go ahead and sign up! Like I said, I had to wait a couple of months to get off the waiting list, but I’ve found it’s definitely worth it!

Disclosure: This product was not received in exchange for a review. All views in this post are the opinion of the author. Just Louise Please will not accept payment in exchange for a review, but will accept a box at no cost to provide honest opinions on the box. This post may contain referral links. Complete Disclosure Policy.