Janaury 2017 Ipsy Glam Bag

Great start to the new year! I must say, Ipsy is getting much better at customizing my Glam Bags. All of these products are spot-on this month! So far, I've been using all of these products quite regularly. Overall, I give this bag 8.5 out of 10 stars.

Listed from left to right, here is a summary of what I received in my January Glam Bag, and what I thought of each product:

theBalm Cosmetics, 'Bahama Mama' (5.5 out of 10 stars) - For a bronzer, this product is quite light, but it's matte and still very versatile. I also found it to be quite blendable, and is great for contouring or adding definition. However, the size of this product makes it hard to apply; it's teeny tiny! It is so difficult to get any product on the bushes I normally apply bronzer with.

Trust Fund Beauty, Lip Gloss in 'Method to the Madness' (10 out of 10 stars) - This is a great lip gloss. The colour is a pinky-nude, and it adds the perfect amount of gloss to your lips. The formula is not sticky at all, and the staying power is exceptional; for me, it lasts through food and drinks. Great product for everyday wear.

Pacifica, BLUSHIOUS in 'Wildrose' (10 out of 10 stars) - I love this blush! The colour is gorgeous and the packaging is super cute. It has the perfect amount of shimmer to give a naturally flushed, rosy look. It's also super blendable. I've never heard of the brand before, but I'm looking forward to trying more Pacifica products!

pur~lisse, Blue Lotus Seed 5-in-1 mud mask +exfoliant (7 out of 10 stars) - I'm very picky when it comes to masks, but I was really impressed with this product. It tightens the skin significantly during use, but my skin felt GREAT afterwards and unbelievably soft. I will definitely be using this up very quickly; I may even purchase a full sized one when my sample is gone.

Ciaté London, GEOLOGY Top Coat (10 out of 10 stars) - I LOVE gel top coats. I get significantly longer wear from polishes every time I use a product like this, and this brand is no exception. Not only does it help to prevent polish from chipping, but it also adds a thickness to the polish that gives the illusion of having professionally-done nails. And it's full-sized! 

December 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag

I was quite happy with the mix of products I received this month; I've been using all of these on a regular basis! Overall, I give this bag 8 out of 10 stars.

Listed from left to right, here is a summary of what I received in my December Glam Bag and what I thought of each product:

tarte cosmetics, tarteist glossy lip paint in 'wcw' (7 out of 10 stars) - This product was glossy, pigmented, and easy to apply. I was impressed with its staying power; it lasts for hours! And unlike a lot of darker lip products, it fades quite naturally. This colour is very versatile and is great for day or evening wear.

NYX Professional Makeup, Prismatic Shadow in 'Bedroom Eyes' (9 out of 10 stars) - This is a really pretty shade with a lot of pigmentation. It has great staying power, is easily blendable, and can be used to create a variety of different looks.

Marc Anthony True Professional, Nourishing Argan Oil of Morocco Deep Hydrating Conditioning Treatment (6.5 out of 10 stars) - My hair feels stronger immediately after using this product. I've noticed my hair become shinier, easier to brush, and less frizzy, even after the first use; this is a great treatment that delivers the results it promises.

AURORA, Intensely Precise Eyeliner in Blackberry (7.5 out of 10 stars) - Okay, this is my new favourite eyeliner pen. It has a precise tip that is perfect for easily creating a winged eyeliner look - as easily as winged eyeliner look can be achieved - with smooth, fine lines. I really like the formula as well; it has an almost-glossy look to it that really draws attention to the eyes.

Royal and Langnickel, MODA Angle Shader Brush (10 out of 10 stars) - I really love brushes by this brand; I've yet to try one that's not amazingly blendable and this one does not disappoint. It's great for applying shadows to the crease and outer-corner of the eye, and creates a soft, blended look every time. I'm so happy to add another Royal and Langnickel brush to my collection; thanks Ipsy!

November 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag

I received some pretty cool products in my bag this month! Unfortunately, I haven't gotten as much usage from these products as I have in other months, but still not a bad mix. Overall, I give this bag 7.2 out of 10 stars.

Listed from left to right, here is a summary of what I received in my November Glam Bag and what I thought of each product:

Hey Honey, God Morning Honey Silk Facial Serum (4 out of 10 stars) - I wasn't a huge fan of this product because I found that it didn't have much of an effect on my skin. It wasn't particularly nourishing, and my skin didn't feel any different after applying. If anything, this product was somewhat drying on my skin.

Formula X, Nail Polish in 'Huntress' (9 out of 10 stars) - This colour is gorgeous and unique. It looks different when applied than how the colour appears in the bottle, but a beautiful colour nonetheless. I'm a huge fan of this brand because of the quick-drying formula, and how great it looks after 1-2 coats. It's the perfect colour for Fall/Winter nails.

Too Faced, Better Than Sex Mascara (9 out of 10 stars) - This is tied with tarteist lash paint for my favourite luxury mascara. It separates the lashes perfectly and gives a fuller look. I also love how this formula feels on the lashes once applied and dried; it's very flexible and not thick/stiff as many mascara formulas are.

BH Cosmetics, Foil Eyes To Go (7 out of 10 stars) - These shadows are highly pigmented, and very shimmery when applied. The colours are surprisingly neutral and can work well with a variety of other colours. The shadows aren't as blendable as I'd like them to be, but still a great, versatile product.

Luxie Beauty, Luxie Rose Gold Small Duo Fiber Brush 524T (7 out of 10 stars) - As far as brushes go, I don't get as much usage from this one. I'm not the biggest fan of the duo fibers; I would like this brush a lot more if it was the same shape, but with one fiber type. It is, however, effective at blending.

October 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag

This is one of my favourite Ipsy bag designs; it's so cute! I received a a mix of products  this month that I didn't expect to be impressed with, but I really was! Overall, I give this bag 7.1 out of 10 stars.

Listed from left to right, here is a summary of what I received in my October Glam Bag and what I thought of each product:

pur-lisse, Daily Lip Nourisher with Mango and Shea Butter (7.5 out of 10 stars) - I was really wowed by this product. It provides the same nourishment (if not better) than lip balm, but has the appearance of a lip gloss! It's very versatile, and much more exciting than the average lip-nourishing product.

essence cometics, superfine eyeliner pen waterproof (6 out of 10 stars) - I loved this product the first and second time I used it. Sadly, the third time it started to dry out. I love how fine the tip of the pen is and how long it is, because it allows me to easily create the perfect winged eye. I always seem to have an issue with eyeliner pens drying out quickly though, I'm not sure what's wrong with me; maybe I just apply too much product. However, I've tried quite a few eyeliner pens, and this is one of my favourites.

tre'StiQue, Matte Lip Crayon in 'Belie Bordeaux' (3.5 out of 10 stars) - Sadly, I wasn't a huge fan of this product. The colour is quite pretty, but it's a bit difficult to apply, especially to the inner corners of your lips, and goes on a bit patchy. And the staying power isn't really there in comparison to other products.

Make Up For Ever, Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation (8.5 out of 10 stars) - I didn't expect to love this foundation as much as I do. It blends and covers well, is easy to go on, and lasts all day. And it's not drying at all, which i an issue I have with a lot of foundations.

Lottie London, Perfectly Precise Eyeshadow Brush (10 out of 10 stars) - Always happy to receive brushes! Not only is this brush super cute (hello pink brush!) but it applies eye shadow smoothly and blends well.

September 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag

I know I say this about every month, but another AMAZING Glam Bag! Every product was spot-on with the type of beauty products I love. Overall, I give this bag 7.6 out of 10 stars.

Listed from left to right, here is a summary of what I received in my September Glam Bag and what I thought of each product:

Eva NYC, Forget Me Knot Dry Conditioner (2 out of 10 stars) - The only reason I gave this product 2 stars is because it smells amazing. I'm not typically a dry shampoo/dry conditional type of gal (I find most products like this flatten my already-thin hair.) I tried this product on second-day hair and it did nothing to hide the oil that started to appear near my roots, or add any sort of volume. It did make my hair smell outstanding though. I sometimes use it on clean hair just for the smell. I'm in LOVE with other hair products from this brand and was so excited to try a new product, but sadly this dry conditioner isn't something I need in my life.

Be a Bombshell Cosmetics, Nail Polish in 'Va Voom' (9.5 out of 10 stars) - I love dark nail polishes, and was so happy to get this item. The polish lasted quite a while without chipping, and the colour looks even more gorgeous when applied. The only downside to this formula is that it takes quite a while to dry.

Too Faced, Lip Injection Extreme (9 out of 10 stars) - This product adds a bit of fullness to my lips, but not a significant amount. The sensation is a bit uncomfortable at first - almost painful - but definitely manageable. When used on its own, it adds a natural pinkness to my lips that gives the illusion of a second product being used.

Naked Cosmetics, Naked Advanced Aloe Cream (7.5 out of 10 stars) - I really like how soft and smooth this cream made my skin look and feel. When I apply this cream before I go to bed, I can actually see results when I wake up in the morning! (Even after one use.)

BellaPierre Cosmetics, Mineral Blush in 'Autumn Glow' (10 out of 10 stars) - This is one of my favourite products I've yet to receive from Ipsy! It's so versatile; it's a mix between a blush and a bronzer that's both shimmery, and long-lasting. It adds a natural glowing, flushed look to my cheeks that I'm in love with.

August 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag

August was another great month; in terms of usage, this bag is everything I could have asked for. Overall, I give this bag 8.6 out of 10 stars - the highest Glam Bag score yet!

Listed from left to right, here is a summary of what I received in my August Glam Bag and what I thought of each product:

Beau Gachis, Paris Pro Series Applicator Sponge (10 out of 10 stars) - I can't believe I got this in my Glam Bag; my subscription cost pays for itself in this item alone!! This product works so well to blend all types of makeup. And bonus - it's easy to clean!

Nomad Cosmetics, Intense Eye Shadow in 'Spice Market' (10 out of 10 stars) - This is such a beautiful colour! It's super pigmented and blends very well.

Jersey Shore Cosmetics, Mongongo Lip Conditioner in 'Vanilla Coconut' (7.5 out of 10 stars) - Although I typically prefer lipstick to lip balm, I get so much use out of this product! It smells amazing and is super-nourishing.

tarte cosmetics, tarteist last paint mascara (9 out of 10 stars) - Okay, this is hands-down one of my all time favourite mascaras. I already owned this product before receiving it in my Glam Bag, and was so stoked to get another one! This mascara makes my lashes look extra full and totally clump-free. It separates each lash perfectly.

IT Hair Care, 12-In-One Amazing Leave-In Treatment (6.5 out of 10 stars) - This product works well to nourish my hair, reduce frizz, and give it an overall softer feel. My only complaint is that I wish the bottle design was a spray; it's a bit sticky on the hands!

July 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag

This was a great bag in terms of usage and product range. As always, I was excited to receive another brush and an eye shadow! Overall, I give this bag 6.8 out of 10 stars.

Listed from left to right, here is a summary of what I received in my July Glam Bag and what I thought of each product.

theBalm Cosmetics, Meet Matt(e) Trimony Eyeshadow in  'Matt Kumar' (9.5 out of 10 stars) - Beautiful shade, and super blendable! It's quite dark, but I love it; it's perfect for a night out. I've been able to blend it with several different eye shadow colours as well!

Embroyolisse, Lait-Creme Concentre (2 out of 10 stars) - This product is supposed to be an all-in-one moisturizer, makeup remover, and primer, however I felt that it wasn't effective at any of those three things. It certainly didn't have the power to remove my makeup on its own. In this case, I found its versatility to be a bit intimidating; I really didn't know what to use it for (or which option to try first!) Also, this is the smallest sample size I received from Ipsy, which was very disappointing. It's nice to try it, but I used it up pretty quickly.

Thrive Causemetics, Infinity Waterproof Eyeliner in 'Lauren' (Matte Black) (8 out of 10 stars) - The staying power of this product is incredible; it stays on ALL NIGHT. I love that it comes with a smudger too; it makes this product much more versatile than the average black eyeliner pencil.

Ofra Cosmetics, Lip Liner in 'Silk' (6.5 out of 10 stars) - I love Ofra as a brand and was super excited to receive one of their products, but unfortunately this lip liner is almost the same colour as my lips, and isn't very noticeable when applied. However, it  does have great staying power and matches several lipstick shades I own.

Luxie Beauty, Luxie Rose Gold Small Angle Eye Brush '215' (10 out of 10 stars) - I get A LOT of use out of this brush; I use it primarily to apply several types of eye shadow and blend on my lower lash line. I like that I can create both thin, precise lines, and smoldering looks. I own several different angled brushes, but this one has quickly become my go-to. It's a great, versatile product!

June 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag

June is the best Glam Bag I've yet to receive from Ipsy. The mix of products I received, the quality, and the usage I've gotten from most of the products is outstanding. Overall, I give this bag 8.1 out of 10 stars.

Listed from left to right, here is a summary of what I received in my June Glam Bag and what I thought of each product.

Seraphine Botanicals, Happy Hibiscus Blush (10 out of 10 stars) - The pigmentation of this blush is incredible. It's such a versatile shade that works well for nearly every occasion. It's super blendable and lasts for hours.

Formula X, Nail Polish in 'Wing Woman' (7 out of 10 stars) - I'm a huge fan of this formula; it dries quickly and doesn't require more than 2 coats for great looking nails. The colour is also pretty fantastic; it's a bit lighter than your average red polish. I own quite a few red polishes, and this one is unique.

Marc Anthony, True Professional Dream Waves Beach Spray (3.5 out of 10 stars) - I love salt spray and beachy waves, but sadly this product didn't deliver. It didn't add any volume to my hair, or really create sufficiently defined waves. It did, however, make my hair frizzier than salt prays typically do - no thank you!

Urban Decay, Eyeshadow in 'Fireball' (10 out of 10 stars) - Okay, this colour is out of this world! SO gorgeous. It is dual toned and one of the most unique eye shadow colours I've ever used. But I love that it is also very versatile; I've used it as both the main focus and to add a pop of colour to a neutral eye. The staying power of this shadow is also incredible. This is definitely worth the investment. I also plan to try other colours in this collection. I love Urban Decay, and this product definitely aligns with what I expect from the brand.

Royal & Langnickel, Crease/Smudge Brush (10 out of 10 stars) - This brush is AMAZING! It blends exceptionally well; I use it almost every time I apply eye shadow.

May 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag

I was initially a bit disappointed with what I received in my May Glam Bag, in comparison to other items sent out. However, I ended up getting A LOT more use out of these products, and liking them a lot more than I anticipated. Overall, I give this bag 7.9 out of 10 stars - not too shabby!

Listed from left to right, here is a summary of what I received in my May Glam Bag and what I thought of each product.

Eau Thermale Avene, Micellar Lotion Cleanser and Make-up Remover (3.5 out of 10 stars) - This product made my skin feel great, but it didn't remove my makeup (particularly my foundation) entirely on it's own; I had to use it in addition to my usual facial cleanser. I discovered that it works best as an additional, final step to my usual cleansing routine.

Aurora, Gel Effect Nail Polish in 'Old School Pink' (9.5 out of 10 stars) - This is essentially a very bright, neon-pink polish; as someone who loves bold nails, I really appreciate this product. The formula is excellent; the consistency is quite thick so it doesn't require many coats, and it does give off the illusion of having professionally-done nails. I was able to get about a week of chip-free nails when I applied 2 to 3 coats over a base coat.

Crazy Rumors, HibisKiss Natural Lip Color in 'Coral' (7.5 out of 10 stars) - This is a really cool product. It provides the same nourishing effect of lip balm, but adds a noticeable, natural-looking tint to your lips. It also lasts for hours on me; I was quite impressed with its staying power.

Smashbox Cosmetics, X-Rated Mascara (9 our of 10 stars) - This is one of my all time favourite luxury mascaras. The wand is amazing and makes my lashes appear full and lengthened. I also like that the formula allows for a clump-free build-up; I can apply this mascara 3 to 4 times for a clump-free, defined look. But watch out; the formula is VERY strong. (Don't get this anywhere near your eyes, even when washing it off!)

SLMissGlam, Small Contour 'W07' Brush (10 out of 10 stars) - Not only is this brush gorgeous, but it is super blendable and is great for creating natural-looking contouring. It's perfect for adding definition underneath the cheekbones.

April 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag

The bag design for April is so pretty! And I received a little bit of everything again this month. I was especially excited to receive a brush; the subscription cost nearly pays for itself with the brush alone! Overall, I give this bag 8.8 out of 10 stars.

Listed from left to right, here is a summary of my April Glam Bag items and what I thought of each product.

Starlooks, cream eye shadow in 'Rose Gold' (6 out of 10 stars) - this shade is SO gorgeous! It's the perfect balance of shimmer and metallics. The only issue I have with this product is that it's not very blendable and is quite hard to apply. Because it's a cream shadow, it doesn't work well when applied with powder shadows.

Moroccanoil, Moroccanoil Treatment (8 out of 10 stars) - I didn't realize how frequently I'd be using this product! I have a similar, higher-end product that's a miracle worker, but this is a much more affordable option for similar results. It makes my hair smooth, shiny, and tames my frizz. This is a great product for everyday use.

tarte cosmetics, LipSurgence in 'Wonder' (6.5 out of 10 stars) - this is a versatile shade, but I wasn't wowed by it in the same way I am with other tarte products I own. It's pretty, but it doesn't apply as evenly as I'd like; it looks almost streaky if I don't apply a significant amount of product.

Skinn Cosmetics, Bright Eyes Eye Enhancing Eyeliner (3.5 out of 10 stars) - I love the concept of this product, but unfortunately it didn't turn out to be of much use for me. It's supposed to be a brightening eyeliner, but the shade is almost the exact same colour as my skin tone, and wearing it doesn't give any noticeable difference. Regardless, it's still a neat addition to my collection.

Luxie Beauty, Dreamcatcher Tapered Highlighter Brush 522 (10 out of 10 stars) - this is one of the most versatile makeup brushes I own. It's great; I've used it with highlighters, powdered blushes and bronzers, and more. If I had just received this one product in my bag, I would still be happy! Oddly though, it was slightly bent when it arrived.

March 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag

I really liked the range of products I received in my second glam bag. (One of these items turned out to be a new holy grail product for me!) And the value of products is pretty incredible for the $20 subscription cost. Overall, I give this bag 6.5 out of 10 stars.

Listed from left to right, here is a summary of my March Glam Bag items and what I thought of each product.

Mellow Cosmetics, Powder Blush in 'Bronze' (8.5 out of 10 stars) - this is a great addition to my makeup collection; I always love trying new blushes/bronzers. I found this product to be very pigmented and super blendable. Also, FULL SIZE!

NYX, Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in 'Kitten Heels' (5.5 out of 10 stars) - another full sized product! Sadly though, I wasn't in love with this item. I've tried many different liquid lipsticks, and I found this formula to be especially drying; and a bright red isn't the most forgiving on dry lips. The formula won't stay on all night, but it's a unique, darker shade of red that I really liked.

Alterna Haircare, Caviarr Anti-Aging Miracle Multiplying Volume Mist (10 out of 10 stars) - a new holy grail product!! My hair is quite thin, so I'm all about any product that successfully adds volume, and this product definitely delivers! For me, the results are most noticeable the next day. If I don't shampoo and conditioner every single day, my hair becomes unbearably flat and unflattering. But when I use this spray, my hair has the same volume the next day as it did the night before. I will definitely be replacing this when my sample runs out!

First Aid Beauty, Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum (3 out of 10 stars) - I've heard such good things about this product, but unfortunately it didn't wow me. I have my skin care products that I love and will probably buy for the next foreseeable future (the price tags on my current faves are also significantly less), and I didn't notice any changes after using this product; I'll be sticking to my existing routine.

Ofra Cosmetics, eyeliner in 'Green Go' (5.5 out of 10 stars) - a THIRD full sized!! I love Ofra and was so excited to be receiving one of their products, however this colour isn't something I'm able to incorporate into my everyday looks. I find it to be a bit too subtle. But that being said, this shade is gorgeous.

February 2016 Glam Bag

This was the first Glam Bag I received from Ipsy, and I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised! As is the case with nearly all of my Glam Bags, it typically takes a few days to truly appreciate the items I receive. But I must say, most of these items are really great! Overall, I give this Glam Bag 7.6 out of 10 stars.

Listed from left to right, here is a summary of my February Glam Bag items and what I thought of each product.

Seraphine Botanicals, Carrot + Rose Hydrating Cream (9 out of 10 stars) -  this is a hydrating cream and it is AMAZING! Not only does it have an amazing scent, but it is super nourishing; a small amount of this product goes a long way. This is one of the items I will definitely consider repurchasing when my sample runs out.

Trust Fund Beauty, nail polish in 'I'm Kind Of A Big Deal' (9.5 out of 10 stars) - I am in love with this formula! I had not heard of this brand before, but it is great! As someone who has a slight obsession with nail polish, I've tried a lot of different formulas, and the consistency of this is one of my favourites. One coat is all you need if you are in a rush (but two or more coats looks almost as good as nails that are professionally done!) I'll definitely be purchasing more shades from this brand.

Smashbox Cosmetics, Photo Finish Primer Oil (6.5 out of 10 stars) - this product makes me slightly nervous because of how oily it makes my skin look after applying, however I haven't experienced any blemishes/breakouts after using it. It's not a product I'd typically use in my day-to-day routine, but it effectively provides hydration and gives my skin a dewy glow.

Naked Cosmetics, eye shadow in 'Mica' (8.5 out of 10 stars) - this shade is gorgeous and glittery, and is perfect shadow for special-occasion makeup. Unfortunately, the fallout is quite significant with this shadow and I tend to get glitter all over my face whenever I use this product. It adds an amazing shimmer though, but only a small amount of product is required for each use.

Bathhouse Soapery & Caladrium, Cioccolato Foaming Body Scrub (4.5 out of 10 stars) - this scrub smells AMAZING! It has a chocolaty scent that makes my baths more enjoyable and relaxing. I found that it doesn't lather the best, but I can look past that because of how great it smells.