Ipsy September 2013 bag review

Today I have my Ipsy September 2013 bag to review for you!

Now I am aware it's October but I must stress I am in Portland and my mail is being sent to the address in Hawaii so I have to have my lovely mother Fedex my subscriptions here. Which makes them late to review so be prepared for October to be the same. Now we all ready have seen Ipsy VS Birchbox and since I canceled the Birchbox there really is no reason to keep beating a dead horse. Personally I wanted to try Birchbox because some of the things in my past Ipsy bags were just not my cup of tea. But lately after they updated the personal quiz my bags have been tremendously better.

Lets get it on~ ohhh.

List of products:
1. Full sized, Skyn iceland: Hydro cool firming eye gels.
2. Full sized, Starlooks: Kohl eye pencil - K01 Obsidian.
3. Full sized, NYX: Single shadows - ES86 Lanikai.
4. Travel sized, Elizabeth Mott: It's so b!g volumizing mascara.
5. Full sized, Cailyn: Tinded lip balm - Big apple.

Woop woop!

Skyn Iceland: Hydro cool firming eye gels.

I have been wanting to try these for a while, since Michelle Phan had them in her travel video. It seemed like something I wanted to try so yay! Now when I read the reviews from other Ipsy fans they said it has a menthol burn on it. To reduce the puffy eye, which sadly I don't really care about. In fact an odd thing is I love it when I wake up to a puffy face just not a puffy nose. But if it takes care of dark circles I am all for it! Now if you have sensitive eyes like me it might not be the best because you will tear.

Starlooks: Kohl eye pencil - K01 Obsidian.

Now I have quite a few of eye liners just sitting in a pile, but you can never have enough eyeliner. This Kohl liner isn't my first, yet it's one of the better formulas I've tried. Not to dry but creamy enough to blend. Also I like the charcoal look, because it's a great base for a smokey eye. Even though I rarely do the smokey eye.

NYX: Single shadows - ES86 Lanikai.

Great job Ipsy for reading my mind! I just can't believe I finally have ONE of these. Yes just one, this one! Because I always see these in the drugstore but I never got one. I have been wanting to try them, yet never found a reason to get one mainly because some of the colors I can dupe with. The texture is smooth and just easy to blend. I would however use a primer or a base color under this since its pretty sheer coverage. What I like about this is that it's a simmer but looks matte in indoor lighting.

Elizabeth Mott: It's so b!g volumizing mascara.

Uuuggghhh, now when it comes to mascaras I just don't really care for the ones they send me in these bags. After the pixi fiasco I changed my beauty quiz so I won't get anymore. But I guess I was too late for this one. I have read some good and bad reviews on this, but since my sister interested in trying out a new mascara I'll just give this to her. The brush doesn't look like I'd be ok with the application process. So meh. That's my spheal on it.

Cailyn: Tinded lip balm - Big apple.

This lip balm seems more like a lipstick formula to me, yet really lip balm was the original form of lipstick before the bullet so. Breaking down that knowledge for ya, I really was happy to see this in my bag and surprised even more after I used it. It's actually a nice matte lip balm and nicely pigmented. The only problem I had with this was the brush I used for the application made it patchy. Yet when I used this as a base for another matte lipstick it gave a nice bright effect. For example I used MAC's retro matte lipstick in Dangerous on the center of my lips and this as a base. It made me look aaamazing. Just fabulous.

Alright so that's my review of last month's bag. I got to say even though I didn't get somethings I wanted I still got some really great products to try and most of them are full sized products! Now even though I didn't get the Butter London polish I might get one later this year or next year. This month though, they are giving some of the subscribers Zoya fall color nail polish. Unfortunately the colors they are giving away are colors I already have AGAIN. Ughhh. I can't help it that I am ahead on the ZOYA fandom, they are an amazing company and have the best sales. Any way, this bag was good and even greater then my first one so that's saying a lot.

So here is the link for Ipsy: Ipsy.com
I would have out the discount codes for the products on here afterwards but since it's already October they probably don't work anymore.

Whether you're late in the game or ahead of the trend do it because it makes you happy.
-Val

Bella Swan Make-up.

Hello my wonderfuls,
Teehee that makes me think of these power gems for your tools in Harvest moon Island of happiness. Ahhh~ Anyways. Today I have a make up look inspired by the fall season with red leaves falling AND if you want a very easy Halloween costume. I am experiencing Fall season for the first time and I can still say it is my favorite season of all. Hawaii just is summer/spring all year long, our winters are pretty much summer in Portland. For a small update I've moved to Portland for about a 2 months to network and get a good foot hold in both Animation and Makeup artistry. I hope to have a haul post/video for you all. Now I know I'm not the best at making videos. Mainly because I use my webcam & I have a crap shoot video editing system. Not only that I had a video ready but then my laptop got stolen. I know, it's bad excuse but an honest one is that I just don't feel confident enough just yet.
I digress, so this make up look if you haven't figured it out in the Title post, is a Bella Swan make-up inspired look. (I typed inspired because I did my own twist on it.) Though I never read the books, and didn't really care for the movie line. I did like to watch it with my sister who loved the series. My favorite out of the whole thing was her transformation to an immortal being. Just gorgeous even with the creepy red eyes, I loved how plush her face looks and it's luminescence.  Glowing, absolutely glowing.

Soo... here are photos and a list of products I used. Give or take you can use a similar palette or foundation.


List of Products:

FACE
1. CoolA: Tinted moisturizer rose essence 20spf.
2. Garnier Nutritioniste: Skin renew tinted anti-dark-circle roller.
3. Hourglass: Immaculate liquid powder foundation mattifying oil free - Ivory. (Substitute with Maybelline: Oil control stick foundation in 220.)
4. The face shop: Face it BB face powder - NB23.
5. NYX: Mosaic powder - Silk/MPB05.
6. Benefit: Watt's up! soft focus highlighter.

Eyes
1. Rimmel London: Professional eyebrow pencil - 004 Black brown.
2. Chella: Eyebrow defining gel.
3. Too faced: Shadow insurance.
4. Milani: Shadow eyez 12HR wear eyeshadow - 10 Almond cream. (Substitute with Jordana: Made to last 12HR eyeshadow pencil - Continuous almond.) Used as a base.
5. MAC: Christmas 5 warm eyes palette.
6. Urban decay: 24/7 pencil - Demolition.
7. Maybelline: The falsies volum' express [Flared] waterproof mascara.
8. Pinkyparadise: Venus eye - bright red. (Whatever red contacts you prefer.)

Lip
1. NYX: Water proof retractable lip liner - MPL12/ Dark red.
2. MAC: Viva glam 1 matte lipstick. (You don't have to use this if you are going for the original look.)

Products used.

So in the movie her make up is quite natural looking, she has some deep set eyes which is more genetic I would say. With porcelain skin and such pointed features. Given I didn't really contour my face to be similar to her's only because I wanted this to be the look as if I were a vampire.

*On a side note I got this photo off another website who did their own version of the look. I will link the photo to the website so if you want to check their tutorial out just click on the photo.

Photo used by: stylista86.blogspot.com

Now here is my finished look:

The contacts were pretty comfortable, I wouldn't recommend wearing them for more then 8 hours. I just love how spooky they look. Now if this color is too much they have a darker wine color in these. I will link them as Venus Eye Bright Red and Venus Eye Wine Red. They are my favorite brand and style of contacts from the Pinkyparadise website. Because they don't make my eyes too big like a lot of the other contacts. Plus the colors are so vivid I just love the extra pop of color, even if they do appear unnatural in some lighting.


Eye make-up layout:

MAC 5 warm palette, Urban decay Demolition, and Milani eye pencil.

The MAC Viva glam 1 lipstick lips:

MAC Viva glam1.

Here is my personal Video update:
Paintthatgreen - Youtube

I hope you liked it and were inspired to bring out your own inner immortal. Whether you're late in the game or ahead of the trend do it because it makes you happy.

-Val

Ipsy V.S Birchbox August2013 round four *FIGHT!*

Helloo my grand masters of the passion. Today is the last, yes the last V.S blog post. I will be moving to Portland for a while just a month in a half to network and visiting animation studios. Plus I discontinued my Birchbox subscription after this month. I felt by many reasons that I was losing more money then I was getting and we all have seen in past posts why this is. Of course I will still blog about Ipsy subscriptions as well as try new beauty subscriptions out there. But for now lets just end the massacre that is this final battle of the beauty subscriptions.

Our final fight is now here lets begin:
 

Here is our champion Ippsssy<3!!!

Ipsy just blows Birchbox's 10 buck sample box out of the water and even with the extra deals added I can't see how Birchbox just doesn't care to step it up. Ipsy just has the most protective subscribers too, I mean ladies, gee's calm yo tits. Just cause one person didn't agree with something in there bag is NO reason to attack them and tell them to get off to let someone else who shares the SAME opinions you do to step in. If you don't agree just say so and stop being such a bitch. That might be the only reason I find Ipsy lacking on their online site. Protecting their subscribers from their subscribers. I hardly see that on Birchbox, if someone doesn't like it I don't see some crazy lady going off at them.


List of Products:
1.) Deluxe sample sized - Pacifica, Alight multi-mineral BB cream.
2.) Travel sample sized - Michael Todd, Jojoba charcoal facial scrub.
3.) Sample sized - Pixi, Lash booster mascara.
4.) Full sized - MICA, eyeshadow in Bronze.
5.) Sample sized - Urban Decay, Revolution lipstick in Anarchy.

Pacifica, Alight multi-mineral BB cream.

This was a nice sample to try and the fact I get more then one use lets you learn more about it and how this product works. It is a sheer illuminizer with sun protection but again is sheer and even though helps keep your tone even doesn't cover the already there sun spots, acne scares, etc. It is lightly scented and it's alright. It's probably best to use a BB powder on top to make it look more like a natural glow. Best to use concealer as well. (Ipsy 1)

Michael Todd, Jojoba charcoal facial scrub.

 

The Michael Todd true organic line has always been in the back of my mind. Especially for the pumpkin mask which has been raved over and over about. I was hoping to get the mask in my bag and when I got this instead yeah, I admit I was disappointed. But the reviews on the Jojoba charcoal scrub were good on the Ipsy site so I went with it. I used this twice and finally just gave in to love, it is a nice light non abrasive cleansing scrub. The Ipsy site gave all the subscribers a 30% off code for the Michael Todd site, so if I want to just buy the pumpkin mask I can get it at a more affordable price. Because the full price item is just what keeps me at bay. (Ipsy 2)

Pixi, Lash booster mascara.

I keep having a love hate with the mascaras that come in the Ipsy bags. This was another miss in more ways then one. When I read about it, it seems like a dream. A waterproof lash boosting mascara that keeps curl and makes them look full. Um no, the wand stopper pops out and the applicator it's self isn't the type that I like to work with. Because it's really messy I got mascara on the lashes and skin even when I tried to lightly use it. (Ipsy 0)

MICA, eyeshadow in Bronze.

 










MICA's bronze eyeshadow was much to be desired for those who don't have 2 just like it in their beauty collections. This color just pops in the sun and is great for that summer to fall change. For me it came off to shimmery and for someone who always sticks to shimmer. This doesn't get me out of my comfort zone which I was looking for. After I swatched it, just wasn't impressed as I thought I'd be. Highly pigmented as most loose shadows are. Has a great multi-versatile use as a illuminating bronzer (When used with a serious light touch.) So for those who got this and loved it that's great, but for me not so much. (Ipsy 0)

Urban Decay, Revolution lipstick in Anarchy.

I wasn't but was expecting this to be in my bag this month, even though I was looking forward to the 69 color I am happy with Anarchy. I know some of you are saying "OH you're so lucky." Not really but thanks, everybody will eventually get this product in the up and coming bags. It's probably because I've been a subscriber for a while. I actually passed on these when they came out, and told myself I'll get to it when I am fully interested in them. But now that Ipsy has beat me to it, I applaud you Ipsy for the knock out. The bullet of this fuchsia lipstick is beautiful because it has this warm metallic shine to it. But when you look at it on your lips the shine doesn't come out. This was a cute bright color that just pops in light. Not only that it has really good lasting power. There was still a good amount left at the end of the day, after drinking and eating. The formula is so divine and doesn't dry out my lips like most 12 hour lipsticks do. (Ipsy 3)








The challenger the B-brawler of the box! Birchbox~!!!

Oh Birchbox, it was nice while it lasted for 5 months but enough was enough. After that melted lipstick and tiny samples it just didn't seem like this would last. I did like to try all the great products but when you realize you CAN'T afford most of it. Nope...just no. The website is probably the best part because of the exclusive products and limited edition things. The also give great storage space for little nicknacks afterwards. So I just decided to save my 10 dollars for things I do need. But I hope these posts helped other Beauty explorers get a little more info about the differences between the two. So lets end this.

List of products:
1.) Sample size - Dr.Jart+, premium BB cream spf 45.
2.) Deluxe sample size - MIYU beauty, de-stress mi beauty essence & tea.
3.) 2 sample sized - OC8, professional mattifying gel.
4.) Travel sample sized - Whish, exfoliating body wash.
5.) Sample sized - Whish, hair inhibiting deodorant swipes. 

Dr.Jart+, premium BB cream spf 45.

The Dr.Jart+ BB cream was a tiny cute squeeze bottle. Like all the other BB creams Birchbox gives me it never matches my skin tone. I did let it oxidize and it match a little bit better, yet it's not something I wanted to try or ever buy. It's got great coverage, and doesn't feel too heavy on. It did give me a 'looks like your wearing sunscreen face.' Maybe though it's something you'd like to try. (Birchbox 0)

MIYU beauty, de-stress mi beauty essence & tea.

I really liked this, even though it wasn't getting the best reviews on the site. The de-stress mi beauty mist is really light and refreshing. I didn't think so at first since the licorice and peppermint ingredients sound rather harsh. Yet it is so delicate and comforting a great item to have. The tea I haven't tried yet but it has sugar pearls and chamomile. The full price bottles are out of my price range for this though. This was quite enjoyable, my mom liked this too so I might just give it to her for the office. (Birchbox 1)

OC8, professional mattifying gel.

I was pretty happy there were two of these and not just one. Still yet I get more samples then this for free at Sephora. This mattifying gel though from OC8 is great, it's light weight and soaks up quick. I still get oily depending on the foundation or BB cream I use but not as crazy as before. It doesn't really last up to 8 hours on a hot day in Hawaii, but it does it's job. (Birchbox 2)

Whish, exfoliating body wash.

I haven't tried this yet, but I can't wait to. I've had a bamboo body scrub before and it was nice. I guess so nice that the guys used it up. Guys = (Boyfriend's house and roommates.) This is a great sized product too, and in a great budget range. With sugar cane and bamboo powder, it's a nice body scrub to buff off dead skin for a healthy glow. (Birchbox 3)

Whish, hair inhibiting deodorant swipes.

Umm, what you try'na say Brichbox? Hahahaa, but no really I always wanted to try these because there have been times I ran out the door without deodorant. Luckily I work in a perfume heavy half naked store. Did you guess yet? Yeah but I work in the back so the cologne doesn't hide me. As for the hair inhibitor at first I had to ask myself what does that mean? The description says it's a deodorant wipe that slows hair growth. That's like a two for one, multi purpose, and take it with you amazballs. I would probably shell the 16 bucks for this on the website. But I will hold on to this when I really NEED it. (Birchbox 4)




And with a surprise turn around the winner is Birchbox!!!

Go figure right? The month I stop on is the box that actually beats Ipsy. Birchbox snuck(sneak) by with 4 points where Ipsy just got 3. I have to admit I was thinking I may regret this. In all honesty the overall products I was getting from Birchbox with the amount I was giving just left me with a ripped of sense. This box does add up to me, since the MIYU and the Whish body scrub were good sized products to try. That Dr.Jart+ though was a WTF moment. Over all I am glad Birch got to with this one, they actually won the first month that I didn't blog about. But 2 out of 3 just seems like a red flag for my money spending. So congrats Birchbox, own it, cause you did put up a great fight.


Birchbox                                                                                        Ipsy





So whether you're late in the game or ahead of the trend do it because it makes you happy.
-Val