Ipsy Glam Bag Review and Swatches – June 2019

Loving makeup and wanting to try new products can get expensive!  So, a couple years ago I decided to sign up for Ipsy.  Ipsy is a $10 US / month (+shipping) subscription service that sends you a glam bag (small custom designed makeup bag) with 5 deluxe samples or full sized products every month, selected specially for you based on preferences you select in their survey.

It’s the perfect way to try new products without breaking the bank.   Plus, you get the excitement from the anticipation of receiving a shiny pink package in your mailbox each month.

They have also recently included the option to purchase up to 3 “add-on” products on the 2nd of the month from an assortment of deluxe sample size products at $3 each, to full-size products at $12 each.

Click here to learn more about Ipsy and subscribe now!

Here’s what I got in my June 2019 Ipsy Glam Bag:

(Note: In addition to individual product swatches, although they were not intended to go together, I’ve also included a makeup look using all the products at the end of the blog).

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Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick

Since becoming a mommy, I have been feeling like dressing and doing my makeup a little more classically dainty and feminine (think less black tops with bronze eyeshadows and dark cat winged eyes and more flowy dresses with sparkly highlighter, peach and purple shadows).   BUT I realized that among all my MANY MANY lipsticks I didn’t have a neutral mid-tone pink to complete my look.  Time to go shopping! YAY!!!

I went to a nearby drugstore to checkout what’s new and treat myself.   I did no research – just wanted to go in, see what caught my eye and take a chance.  Other then colour, the other important factor was getting something that would not transfer and ideally lasted throughout the day, or as long as possible….(I kiss my little one all day, every day and would prefer him not covered in pink smudges ;)).

After perusing the different brands, I bought Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink liquid lipstick in the colour Lover.  The clean modern packaging caught my eye, there was a great selection of shades, and the term “ink” made me think that it would have staying power (good marketing!).

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Best Makeup of 2016

I tried out alot of amazing products this year so I decided to put together a list of my favourites!  These are not necessarily products that were launched or that I tried for the first time in 2016.  They are the products that I used and loved most in 2016 🙂

Note: All the “Drugstore” items are lower priced items that I purchased in a drug store, grocery store, or online vs the “Luxury” are higher priced items that I mostly purchased at Sephora. Continue reading

Colourpop Ultra Satin Liquid Lipstick (Review & Swatches)

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I have a love/hate relationship with Colourpop Cosmetics!  I love them because they keep creating amazing new innovative beauty products but I hate them cause they keep creating amazing new innovative beauty products….and I want to buy them all!!!!

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Urban Decay Vice Lipstick (Part 3+)

Saved the best for last!

Urban Decay recently launched 100 new Vice Lipsticks in a variety of different finishes comfort matte, sheer, cream…etc).

I discovered that Sephora had a special promotion giving out a FREE Urban Decay Lipstick 24-Shade Deluxe Sampler with any $25+ order.  So, I jumped on this opportunity to try them out and do some swatches for you!

Going to the store and looking at 100 different shades with several different finishes can be overwhelming, so my goal of this post is to help you decide which colours you may want to try out. 

(NOTE: I just found out that the Sephora promo is still going on.  To take advantage of it, use the code UDVICES)

 

As I mentioned in my Urban Decay Vice Lipstick Part 1 and Part 2 posts, I’ve decided to divide up my swatches into three posts (a) so this isn’t the longest post of all times (b) some of the colours left a stain so I didn’t want it to effect the swatches (c) to save my lips from swatch misery.

These are the samples that I was most excited about – the nude-ish section!   I liked so many of the colours in this section of the kit that picking my favourites was a tough endeavor.

Why the “+”?

img_3161After trying out all these lipsticks, I decided to visit my local drug store to see if there were any colours that I hadn’t swatched that were worth trying on.  I fell in love with the colour Trance and decided to purchase it (see swatch and description below). 

As I now own a real full Urban Decay Vice lipstick, I can finally show you what the actually packaging and tube look like (yay!).

The tube is very modern and “urban” looking (true to brand).  The dark grey metal top/lid looks like it has been hit with a hammer a couple times (not in a bad way lol!).  The only negative is that, because the lid covers 95% of the tube, it sometimes get’s stuck and I have to twist and pull hard to get it off, but this has only happened a couple times.  Over all, very unique and futuristic looking packaging.

It’s Swatch Time!

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Urban Decay Vice Lipstick (Part 2)

Swatches, swatches, I <3 swatches!

Recently, Urban Decay launched 100 new Vice Lipsticks in a variety of different finishes (comfort matte, sheer, cream…etc).

I discovered that Sephora had a special promotion giving out a FREE Urban Decay Lipstick 24-Shade Deluxe Sampler with any $25+ order.  So, I jumped on this opportunity to try them out and do some swatches for you!

Going to the store and looking at 100 different shades with several different finishes can be overwhelming, so my goal of this post is to help you decide which colours you may want to try out.

It’s Swatch Time!

Continue reading

Ipsy Glam Bag – August 2016

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Loving makeup and wanting to try new products can get expensive!  So, last year, I decided to sign up for Ipsy.  Ipsy is a $10 US / month (+shipping) subscription service that sends you a glam bag (small custom designed makeup bag) with 5 deluxe samples or full sized products every month, selected specially for you based on preferences you select in their survey.

It’s the perfect way to try new products without the breaking the bank.   Plus, you get the excitement from the anticipation of receiving a shiny pink package in your mailbox each month.

Click here to learn more about Ipsy and subscribe now!

Here’s what I got this month:

The Bag

Product Description:  Illustrated by Ipsy founder Michelle Phan to inspire the beautiful dreamer in all of us.

My Review:  This bag is GORGEOUS!  I love the size, colours, and image.  It’s one of my favourite bags that I have received so far.


tarte cosmetics deluxe LipSurgence™ lip crème in wonder

Product Description:  This perfectly pretty poppy shade is infused with their famous maracuja oil for a standout softening and creamy feel. Easy-glide pencil tip makes applying just the right amount simple.  Jojoba seed oil, shea butter and vitamin E moisturize throughout the day, keeping lips looking youthful.

My Review:  I love this product!  The colour is a muted strawberry red (ie. a wearable everyday red) and smells a little minty.  It’s smooth, silky and the finish is a cross between a matte and creme.  The pointed tip also makes it a dream to apply.  I’m definitely going to be checking out the other colours soon! <3 <3 <3

Click here to learn more and checkout the complete selection of colours.


111SKIN Bio Cellulose Facial Treatment Mask

IMG_2238Product Description:  It feels like a second skin—adhering more closely than any mask we’ve ever tried to lock in moisture better.  500x finer fibers than tissue masks, which helps the ingredients penetrate deeper. Arbutin, a molecule that prevents the formation of melanin, brightens skin tone.  Centella Asiatica extract increases circulation and stimulates collagen production.

My Review:  Let me start off by saying that I’m not the biggest fan of sheet masks – primarily because I don’t like the feeling of them on my face.  I laughed at the product description “it feels like a second skin” because it literally feels like you are putting a second layer of skin on your face because of it’s texture (I know that sounds gross…but it’s true!).  On a positive note, I will say that it did mold nicely to my face and once I removed the mask, my face did feel softer, more moisturized, and didn’t leave my face feeling sticky, like many other sheet masks.  If you like sheet masks and have some money to spend, it is a very nice product.

Click here to learn more about this product. (note: the linked website is the cheapest price I found when converting to CDN$…it’s a pretty pricey product!).


NEUMA neuStyling smoothing crème®

IMG_2276Product Description:  The smoothest operator of them all. A unique blend of fruit and botanical extracts fight frizz and flyaways while protecting hair from heat.

  • Cut the stress, too. Phyto UV Shield™ prevents environmental damage.
  • Add some conditioning action—thanks to apricot kern oil and green tea.
  • No fade here. Phyto Colour Complex™ keeps color looking fresh.

My Review:  I quite like this product!  The formula is light (a combination between a gel and a cream), non-greasy, and smells similar to Aveda products (I couldn’t pin point the exact scent).  I noticed that my hair was softer, more manageable, had less fly-aways….and my natural waves looks more curly then usual.  Definitely a product that I would consider purchasing (once I get through all my other hair creams, of course).

Click here to learn more about this product.


Ciaté London Paint Pot in Dangerous Affair

IMG_2275Product Description: This cult-fave high-shine nail polish is fit for a queen.  It adds volume to your nail beds and the tapered precision brush allows for easy and more controlled application.

My Review:  To be honest, I was a little disappointed when I got this products after seeing that other Ipsy subscribers got it in a beautiful lilac shade (grass is always greener…right?). The colour I received is a darker red…it reminds me of the colour of blood (I’m sorry for being so  gross again, but that’s the first thing I thought of when I saw it).

That being said, it is great quality product – it was thick and opaque after two coats and lasted 4-5 days on my toes without chipping which is pretty decent.  My only teeny tiny negative is that the brush is a little wider then I like so it was more difficult to apply with precision.  Overall, great product…would I buy it/other colours? 50/50 – it’s a good quality product but there are others that I prefer because of the brush (like OPI).

Click here to learn more about this product.


Jelly Pong Pong Cosmetics Neapolitan Palette

Product Description:  3 perfectly coordinated and shimmery fall shades that take the guesswork out of choosing which colors go together. Formulated with Gardenia Flower extract, which helps them last 8 hours. No phthalates, fragrance or parabens.

My Review:  These colours are beautiful and would look lovely on all eye colours!  I would describe the 3 shades as pearly champagne shimmer, pinky rose gold shimmer, and medium-dark cool toned brown light-shimmer.  Unfortunately, they aren’t as opaque as I like but they are build-able (as you can see on my hand swatches).    I am very happy that I received this mini palette but wouldn’t repurchase it as there are other brands with better colour payoff, based on this sample.

Click here to learn more about this product.


What did you get in your Ipsy bag?  I’d love to hear about your faves!

This is my second post about a subscription box/bag.  Let me know, in the comments section below, if you would like me to put up more posts like this.  I subscribe to a couple different boxes.  ?


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(For full disclosure, please note that a couple of the links are shopstyle affiliate links.  There are many retailers I could have linked for info on the same products, so I figured why not link ones that reward me for selecting them so I can buy more products to review for you!  That being said, I want to re-assume my readers that I’m 100% genuine & honest in my reviews and I did purchase this subscription with my own money.)