August Beauty Review

This month I felt like my glam bag took FOREVER to get here. But that's probably because Ipsy decided to show everyone their glam rooms early if they shared something on facebook. So of course, I did it and then had 3-4 extra days to wait for my shipment to get in.
Now that my bathroom is overflowing with Ipsy bags (no joke), I have been more skeptical about whether or not I should continue my subscription. It's just $10 a month and I think that it's a a fun way to try new beauty products but I also have noticed that some months are better than others and you really have to take your subscription with an open mind. If you're picky and expect to get exactly what you put on your personalized quiz every time, you'll be sorely disappointed. That being said, here is what I got this month:

A cute orange and white polka dot pencil bag. I don't have a need for a pencil bag but I might use it for something else, or let Wyatt and Alexis use it for colored pencils.. They love the March bag that I gave them to hold their crayons! Inside my bag was a sample sized mascara, eye liner, primer, blush and a full sized lip balm.

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara Full Size $22

This mascara is TINY as you can see in the picture. I've used it a couple times, and the brush has very soft, long bristles that make it really easy to apply a thick even coat, however it makes precision a bit difficult so you have to be extra careful when applying. The downside is that this mascara runs at even the hint of water (or sweat) so you have to choose this for indoor days or stay vigilant in checking for smudging.

Lord & Berry Silk Kajal Kohl Eye Pencil Full size $19

 As you can see we've got another ultra-tiny sample in this bag. This pencil is sharpen-once-and-there's-no-where-to-hold short. That being said, it is very creamy and easy to apply but also very easy to smudge. Like the mascara you have to pick and choose which days you can wear this mascara, as it requires multiple touch-ups throughout the day. Especially if you tend to touch your eyes, like I do!

Costal Scents Forever Blush $7.95 each

 This is the third teeny-tiny sample in one bag. Not a good month, Ipsy. The first thing I noticed about these blushes is that they're too small to use my regular blush brush with! I have to be careful with it so I don't wind up with both colors on my cheek. Not that the colors are bad. The left is a very light and subtle color-  more my style but the right is a cute, sparkly pink that works well for the summer months. I guess it's a good thing it came in August because I don't know if the blush or the summer will run out first.

Dr Brandt- Pores No More Primer Full size $ 45 

This is also a sample, but it's the same (normal) size as the last Dr. Brandt sample I received, and I'm equally happy with this one. Look, feel, smell.. this primer has it all. I thought I liked primers before, but I'm fairly certain that I won't ever like another one again. Applying this felt like rubbing silk on my face. I can't even begin to describe why, but it felt awesome. It goes on so lightly but helps to smooth the appearance of your face without looking like it's a foundation (or sparkly lotion). I really don't like the $45 price tag, but when the colder months roll around and I wear more foundation (without fear of sweating it off), there is a very good chance that I'll search for a good substitute to no avail, then give in and buy a full size from Dr. Brandt.

Absolute New York- You're The Balm Grape/Green Apple duo $5.99

I think Ipsy needs to add an age category to their personalized quiz. I am a constant chapstick user and I love anything that will moisturize my lips, especially if it will add color or body to them. That being said, I am not in 6th grade! I don't want flavored lip balm! I have put my skepticism aside and tried my Green Apple lip balm 3 times. I'm happy to say that the although it does smell like green apple, it doesn't taste like it, or leave a sticky residue. However it doesn't really moisturize my lips or last very long either. I think that this is something I'll be giving to my daughter. Try again Ipsy.

All in all this Ipsy bag was an estimated $50 in value, so I got more than my $10 worth. I'll probably just use up the mascara and eye liner, stash the blush in my travel makeup bag, give away the lip balm and cherish the primer until I finish it and mope when it's gone.
So, Ipsy. $10 a month for some beauty samples. Verdict? I'll keep it.
I would rate this month as lower on the list of bags I've received but I still got a fabulous primer and some makeup essentials that I will definitely use. Oh and on top of all of that, all of the brands that come in your ipsy bag also come with discount codes and coupons to buy more! Dr. Brandt generously offered 20% off plus a free travel sized Pores No More Primer and free shipping! That Dr. Brandt coupon will definitely be worth it's weight in gold.  Hopefully next month I get a few fun things to mix it up, until then I still have plenty of products to play with.
If you haven't checked Ipsy out, click here to take a look at past glam bags and sign up!