IPSY GLAM BAG 🍉 MARCH 🍉

IPSY

MARCH 2017

TRES JOLIE

 

March's Ipsy glam bag may be the prettiest bag so far, pink blush is on trend at the moment and looks really chic asf, am curently using them as a makeup bag for work. Not to mention the inspiring pass it on card with a beautiful message as well. With that said, March bag comes with 5 items as pretty as the bag itself.

 

1. Chella highlighter pencil in 'Ivory'.

This is a creamy pencil highlighter that doubles as a concealer too if you're pale enough. I use this as a eyebrow highlighter to clean the edges of the brow and prep the arch for my eyeshadows. Creamy texture blends well hence there is no weird lines. Colour suits well as a highlighter too for a fair-medium asian skintone as its not too white.

2. INT cosmetics eyeshadow in shade 'Goddess Gold'.

A reaaaaaly pretty rose gold shade that suits the theme of the bag well. Swatches smoothly without tugging and one swipe is quite pigmented too. Ive never heard of INT cosmetics but it reminds me alot of Nyx. A good item introduction tho.

3. Tarteist lip paint in the shade 'Rosé'.

This is definitely something familiar and knowing that (its not cheap) it adds more value to the bag. From my experience with Tarte lip paints, the dark shades don't work well for me as they emphasize on every fine line. But the lighter shades on the other hand are such a blessing for when you want a natural look, shades like this and Tbt 👌🏾🔥

 

4. Dr Brandt microdermabrasion exfoliator.

I use this after removing all my makeup off with an oil base remover, once a week. The texture is gritty but the particles are not big and rough at all, they are actually pretty smooth and calming to scrub and exfoliate with. Altho the particles are small but it is enough to remove dead skin around the nose area which is the problem area for me. It looks and feels alot like icing and i like that its not an aggressive product.

 

5. Skone blending brush.

The name reminds me of scones. Black handle and rose gold ferrule fitting nicely into the bag theme again. The #skoneGirl promises to never ever test products on animals so this is made of nylon bristles with a fluffy rounded head. The shape is just nice to blend the crease on the lid, altho for my eye shape i always have to go for a smaller brush size because my lids are not that wide and spacey to begin with. But i secretly use this as a cheekbone highlighting brush 🌝

Aaaaaand thats it for March's Ipsy glam bag, i really love this month as everything fits really well together and the colour theme is just so cute too. April has lots to do to top this month. 🌟

LIP MONTHLY 🍪 APRIL 2017 🍪

APRIL 2017

LIP MONTHLY BAG

 

April's bag comes with 4 lip products and they are all full sized packagings. Im glad that this month the brands i received are new and not repeats of what i got previously. I realize that i did not receive an info card this month. Here's a close up of the lippies received:

 

 

1. Estate pout stick in the shade 'Damn'.

On the stick the shade is a dark burgundy red, when swatched it turned out to look red-brown. The finish is somewhat not so creamy yet its not matte. So this is definitely something that im okay with wearing out. 

2. So susan liquid matte lipstick in the shade 'Pumpkin'.

Ive heard good things about this brand so its about time i give it a try, and lucky me this came in a very wearable shade that suits my skintone(asian) quite well as a mlbb shade.

 

3. Be a bombshell lipgloss in the shade 'poker face'.

This is a bright red in the tube, turns out slightly sheer when swatched but can be layered. I like that its red so that i can experiment for work when im in the store the whole day cause im not that comfortable in gloss. Its slightly sticky when swatched tho. 

 

4. Chapstick day & night. 

I saw that some people got a different variation of the bag and they got the highlighter concealer instead. But im glad that i received this as my air conditioned working environment plus lipstick on the whole day tends to make my lips dry. Plus this has got both day and night which im excited to see whats the difference between both of them, also i keep losing my lipbalms so its handy to have more. 

Overall April's bag was definitely worth the $12.95, as the value was way more and i love all the 4 items this time round. Hopefully May bag will be as good if not better! 

IPSY GLAM BAG 🌈 FEBRUARY 2017 🌈

IPSY

FEBRUARY 2017

 

This month's bag came with 6 products, a brush soap cleanser, luxie brush, liquid liner, marsk shadow, 2 facial masks. This month's bag is quite generous with 6 items and i like that there is a mixture of skincare and makeup products. 

1. Marsk mineral eyeshadow : You're toast

 

I have had lots of mineral eyeshadow samples before, but i must admit that I've never used one or tested one out before. Mainly because application is somewhat messy in the tiny container with mini holes to get the shadows out. I never understood how im supposed to apply them without messing up my clothes with shadow dust. This is in a golden bronze shade, that would make a nice bronze eye look. You can use it both ways wet and dry. The swatch above is in the dry form. It is definitely a powdery texture and I like the colour, but im afraid I won't be reaching out for it much because I'm not a fan of using it from the container. 

2. Japonesque : solid brush cleanser

This is very very handy! I am always busy with work and never have the time to properly clean my makeup brushes. So this is very handy for me to wash the few brushes that i mainly use, like my flat foundation brush and my eyeshadow brushes. The soap is in the container and all you need to do is wet it and swirl your brushes on the soap itself, this will apparently wash away the products stuck in between the bristles. 

3. Purifying black charcoal mask & Soo ae green tea mask. 

Here's a silly face of me in the charcoal mask!! LOL

>The texture of the mask is slightly different than the usual sheet masks, this is pure black and is slightly more textured than the usual plain sheet. I enjoy trying the black mask as charcoal has good cleansing and detoxing properties, so this gave me a fresh feel after using.

>The green tea mask is like the usual plain white sheet mask.

4. Luxie Rose Gold Face Brush : Blush 514

 

 

This blush brush is made of premium soft, synthetic bristles and retails for $18usd. Its mid sized, hence the size is just right for application on the cheeks. Its always fun to receive brushes especially cause you know its full sized and the value is already more than the box cost. 

5. Absolute New York : Nano Liner Ultra Fine Precision Liquid Liner in Black.

 

<photo creds to absolutenewyork.com>

This is the most easiest to use eyeliner pen even for beginners, the precision sharp brush tip helps create a straight sharp line for cat eye lovers. And this is oil proof and sweat proof too. This lasted the whole day when i wear this for work and im working in a full air conditioned environment, it did not fade throughout the day either. Retails for $9.99usd.

February's box did not dissapoint me with the 6 products valued definitely way above $10usd. I love the luxie full size brush, the eyeliner was handy as i ran out just in time to try it, and the masks were enjoyable for a weekly treat, ive also been meaning to try a brush cleanser and japonesque is a good brand to try. I like the colour of the marsk shadow but i dont like that its a loose powder form. I hear March's bag is gonna be a treat too from the sneak previews. Come back for next month! 

LIP MONTHLY 🍬 MARCH 2017 🍬

MARCH 2017

LIP MONTHLY BAG

 

March's bag comes in a green cloth bag, with a description card that reminds me of watermelons 🍉.

This month there's 3 lip products and a face mask. Total retail value of $56.95. As much as i love receiving mostly lip products hence thats why i subscribed for this, i find that the product brands are mostly repeated (looking at you hikari) and that i wish we had more bag variety. As of now there is the option to choose the colour preference based on what's available the next month. 

 

> Laritzy liquid lipstick in 'Lola' is in a watermelon shade. Dries down matte but tends to be a bit flakey after a while of wear. 

> Coastal scents 2 lipstick. I did not like this one bit 😕 Firstly this finish is really sheer, i had to swipe multiple times to build it up. Secondly im not too keen on the colour i received, its much too barbie pink for me. And thirdly its too shimmy, im fine if its creamy but would prefer it semi-matte to matte.

> Evelyn Iona 'Lise' lip gloss. The texture of this gloss reminds me of cosmoholic's gloss. However this is less pigmented in the colour and this has slight gold glitter ✨ but its not too obvious in the swatch. 

 

As you can see from the lip swatches above, i can def pull off the matte but all the shimmy glossy type doesnt suit my skintone and preference cause it doesnt make it look better. 

Next up the Caribbean coconut calming mask:

 

This is absolutely lovely! I love how thin but juicy this mask is, it is a bit different and unique than any masks ive tried. This needs to be peeled off on one side first then apply the peeled off side to your face and them remove the other layer on the outer side. It is so thin that it becomes almost clear on your face. It also calms and moisturizes leaving yoir face refreshed! 

March's bag isnt totally perfect, i liked 2/4 of the items. Which makes the value seem lesser since i know for sure i wont be wearing the other 2 lipstick and gloss. I love the matte liquid lipstick and also the mask. Lip monthly seems to be slipping as the months go by. Hopefully next months bag is better. ✨

FIRST IMPRESSION 🌙 SEPHORA PLAYBOX MARCH 2017 🌙

SEPHORA PLAYBOX

MARCH 2017

'GLOW YOUR OWN WAY'

 

 

This month its all about the bright illuminating glow from within & outside. Introducing the well known Glamglow that will be included in all variations of the box. This is box #477 for reference. 

1. Glamglow : mega illuminating moisturizer in Nude glow, a Pearlescent Pink tint. ($6.86)

It claims to give dull skin hydration/moisture for healthy-looking radiance. It has a soft creamy texture. Once applied to face, the cream sort of melts into and gets absorbed in the face, but it will leave a glowy sheen behind. I wore this under my full made up face for work and at the end of the day i look extra oily. So i wouldnt recommend wearing this under full face for long period of time. Wearing on its own for a natural look would last better. 

 

2. Benefit : Watt's up cream highlighter, a delicate champagne glow. ($7.50)

Gives off a luminous sheen & a soft focus look. The full size has a sponge applicator at the other end to blend and soften the look, the deluxe size is without. Heres the swatches + packaging. Super easy to highlight with but use a light hand as the stick is easy to overdo if pressed too hard. It has a stick cream consistency.

 

3. Make Up For Ever : Artist shadow in I-544, pink granite. ($7.90)

Described as a warm taupe with a iridescent finish that is a permanent shade in the line, retails for $21USD and contains 0.08 oz. The shadows can be depotted and fit into a custom palette.

 

 These are swatches from temptalia.com for a clearer pic of the colour. 

Very impressed with the quality of the shadow, this is in an iridescent finish, much like a pearly finish. It has a soft and smooth texture, not so spongy and creamy like colourpop's uniqueness, but more to the buttery texture along the line of tarte's shadows. Its not chalky at all and there's no fall out when i swatched, it is also very pigmented as seen on my hand. Altho it is quite costly for a single shadow, unless the shade is unique, its not that hard to find a cheaper dupe. 

4. Algenist reveal luminizing drop in Pearl. ($17.73)

This is a concentrated liquid pearl that says it can be worn under your makeup or over. When i first tried this on i wasn't sure what was the different ways you could make use of it except as a highlighter. So various youtubers have shed some light that you can add 1-2 drops into your foundation then mix and blend to your face, creating a radiant glow from within. 

  

At first it looked really pigmented and thick that i fear it would be too much even for a drop. But after blending it out, it actually looks less intimidating and more natural. I've used it as a highlighter for the cheekbones and tip of the nose but not yet mixed in foundation because I don't really want a shiny effect for my whole base. 

5. Atelier Cologne Clémentine de californie (price unknown)

I read somewhere that all playbox comes with a perfume sample every month and usually there are two  fragrances introduced. As for which one you will receive is based on which box variation you will get. For march i received the brand Atelier Cologne, and its reatail value is actually $130/100ml 😱

  

The sample size is a pretty standard small tube with a stopper and i am already halfway thru the bottle because you guys, this smells really incredible. I usually get shitty perfume samples that i instantly back off just from a whiff, those that really doesn't smell nice at all (hence the free samples). 

The 'clémentine Californie' has notes of Clementine, Mandarin, Juniper Berries, Star Anise, Sichuan Pepper, Basilica, Vetiver, Sandalwood, Cypress. It also has a fruity, green, sweet style. Needless to say, i will definitely be using this till the very end. Would probably repurchase a 30ml bottle because 🤑

6. Living proof full dry volume blast finishing spray. ($15)

This promises to give an instant, lasting volume & texture to hair. It is a styling and finishing spray, at first i actually thought it was dry shampoo because of the bottle. This one will be very brief because i rarely wear styling products on my head because im more into oils to tame the friziness of my dry asian hair. 

 

So i did try this out once or twice to see if it did give some volume to my hair but i didn't actually see any results from it. I find that spraying it keeps the hair in place but volume wise, not so. Maybe its my technique of styling could be wrong. 

So that is all of the 6 samples for the month of March. I think this is a really worthy box all in all for only $10usd. About $15sgd. Still packs a punch and the total box cost roughly more than $55usd. Can't wait to see what will be next for April's box! 

LIP MONTHLY 🔮 FEBRUARY 2017 🔮

FEBRUARY 2017

LIP MONTHLY BAG

 

February's lip monthly contained 3 lip products and an eyeshadow. The theme of the card and bag is leopard prints! And its pretty cute (not in a thrashy way). Bag costs $12.90 usd per month.

 

February has a total bag value of $60! Check out the swatches!

1. Cargo cosmetics : Eyeshadow in Shanghai. A satin plum shade with a rose golden sheen.

 

This is the first time I've heard of the brand and im quite impressed with it, this swatched really really well and i can truly say it is highly pigmented! The plum shade is also easy to wear as its not too purple, and it has a rose gold sheen which makes it really pretty to pack on the lids. I also like that the quantity is generous and packed in a easy to carry tin rather than a plastic package. It is not chalky, does not have fall outs and is quite buttery smooth to the touch. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

2. Sugar crayon : Poison Ivy. A raspberry red shade. 

 

I usually dont go for crayons unless they are twist ups because i simply can't be bothered to get a sharpener and do all the dirty work. This lip crayon has pigment but tends to be patchy on some areas as you can see on the swatch. If you don't exfoliate the lips often to remove any dead skin, it will show quite obviously when you apply this on. Otherwise i do like the colour as i can use it for work.

3. Model Co : lipstick in the shade truffle. 

 

This is not opened yet as im planning to give it away. I do like the colour, but the swatches ive seen has not convinced me to try it out because i know the finish is something I won't wear out much. The powerstay lipstick claims to be an ultra creamy lip colour with a comfortable and hydrating finish. 

4. Cosmoholic : prudish pink gloss. 

 

 

I usually hate lipgloss because they look weird on me. But this however is the one and only gloss i will want to wear out. Simply because the colour given is an easy to blend pinkey nude which doesnt make it look weird. And the formula is really different, it reminds me of colourpop's new ultra gloss. A spongey texture without the stickiness of a gloss. Hydrating yet pigmented too. Also the full size one has a LED light in the wand and the deluxe comes with a mirror at the side of the tube. Super handy. 👍🏾

Overall, i really like the products in this months bag. Only one item will be given away hence the rest of the items makes up for it.

If you'd like to try a bag, here's a referral link:https://lipmonthly.com/referral/HJ3SWGFloaSx this will get you 50% off your first bag. 

LIP MONTHLY ⚡️JANUARY 2017 ⚡️

JANUARY 2017

LIP MONTHLY BAG

 

Lip monthly is for all you lipstick lovers out there, may it be matte, glossy, creamy, balm, tint, whatever it is. This one's for your addictions.

January's bag consists of 4 full sized lippies! Sometimes it will be all lip products, and sometimes there will be one that falls in the non lip beauty product, ex; eyeshadow, blusher.

 

This month's bag has a total retail value of: $67.95!

It helps that there is a product list on the card where the lipstick names and value are written down. Take a look at the swatches below too! 

1. First up! We have Hola Neon: A liquid to matte lipstick. Who doesn't looovvvvveee liquid to mattes?! It'll always be the first on my list and the most in my lipstick collection. This shade is 'winter is coming' which is a dark vampy berry thats cool enough for winter. 

 

-Chic packaging. 

-Clear rectangle tube with gold cap accents.

-Usual doe foot applicator. 

-No scent. 

-Dries matte and non sticky. 

-Easy to remove with makeup remover. 

-Paraben-free and cruelty-free too. (+1 brownie point!)

2. Next is the Jelly Pong Pong Lipgloss. I've heard of the brand a few times before for their matte lipsticks but have never tried it out before. This shade is called 'necessity' and its a beet root kinda shade, mixture of purple pink. However, I don't really wear lipglosses because it doesn't look that well on myself.

 

-Feels comfortable on the lips.

-None sticky feel.

-None patchy.

-Feels quite moisturising. 

-Cute packaging, looks very korean-ish. 

-Simple clear tube with black cap + it has the usual doe foot applicator.

-Jasmine scent but not too over powering.

-Easy to remove with wet wipes. 

3. Manna Kadar : Liplocked priming lipstick. This pinky nude shade can be worn under lipstick and also on its own. It acts a primer base to lock colour in the lips. So far ive tried it on its own and it gives a nice sheer touch of colour.

-Comfortable formula that doesnt tugs and drags the lips.

-Smoothens fine lines on lips.

-Light sheer coverage.

-Feels moisturizing.

-Keeps colour on the lips last longer.

-Easy to remove.

  

4. Lord & Berry crayon in the shade "Vogue", is a deep burgundy red shade. A pencil type of crayon, that can be used for both lining and filling in the lips. Needs to be sharpened tho, a twist up style would be easier to wear. 

-Glides smoothly doesnt tug or drag the lips.

-Easy to hold and control the drawings.

-Removable with makeup remover wipes.

-Non patchy crayon formula.

-Sits slightly on the fine lines tho.

SWATCHESSS:

 

Overall, i actually really like all the stuffs in this month's bag. I've never personally tried or own any of the brand ive been given so thats a plus point to why i subscribed in the first place; ie to get to know more products. Looking forward to more great products in next month!