Ipsy Glam Bag Sept '14 | Street Style

Another month, another Ipsy glam bag. Most summer glam bags are "beachy" and aren't typically something I'd keep in my bag. Don't get me wrong, I'll toss one in my beach bag that holds keys, chapstick, and my ID or something, but a bag like the one I got this month? I'd definitely keep it in my purse to hold some things.

Before I get into the review of these products, I just want to throw out there that if you're wanting more things you'd use on a more regular basis, I'd highly suggest updating your Ipsy profile. I updated mine to be more makeup oriented before I signed back up at the end of July so that I'd quit getting things I wouldn't use, like hand cream, bb cream, or hair conditioner.

I got rid of Ipsy but she kept coming back.

What can I say? I decided many months ago that beauty subscriptions weren't worth the money. Yes, the ones I had were only $10 a month but we wanted to save as much money as possible. There's nothing we were trying to save up to buy, but we just wanted to have that extra money just in case.

Then something started happening. The more we were trying to save, the more I had the "urge" to shop. I felt a little guilty buying clothes/shoes, so makeup did the trick. And then it just clicked. Why don't I sign up for Ipsy again? I'm spending more buying makeup on my own, so why not discover more brands like Ipsy was introducing to me and only have to pay $10? Tell me I'm not alone in this struggle.

So I signed up sometime the end of July so that I would be sure to get this month's beauty bag. FYI--if you're wanting to be sure to get a bag the month after you sign up, make sure you do it before the 1st and skip the wait list by following their instructions. Without further ado, here are my glam bag goodies.

March '14 Birchbox

It's sad to tell you this, but this post is for my very last Birchbox. I know I said I'd give it a year to decide whether I was convinced to keep it, but in the end, the boxes were still just "eh" like they were from the beginning. So I just went ahead and cancelled it. I still have access to their online store if I ever do want to purchase an item from them.

This month's box is all about "Spring Forward". They wanted us to focus more on our daily routines with the extra hour we got earlier in the month. They also wanted to show us how to get more out of the products we already use with different tricks.

Sounds handy, right?!

COOLA
Tinted matte SPF 30 for Face | Full-size, $36
  WHAT  Organic tinted moisturizer with lasting sun protection that evens tone and masks flaws.
  HOW     Smooth a thin layer onto clean skin.

I think I first sampled this brand in one of my very first Birchboxes.  I love that it's an organic product, but it's TINY and I'm not about to pay almost $40 for a full-size of it. I do like that this is a tinted matte SPF, but still. No thank you.

DDF
Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew | Full-size, $42
  WHAT  Derm-developed oil-free formula that leaves skin soft with a luminous finish.
  HOW     Apply a thin layer of this fast-absorbing hydrator evenly over skin.

Ever since I've seen those Vaseline commercials about the spray-and-go lotions, I've been thinking about trying them. And I actually really really love this stuff. It goes on like a lotion, but it's lighter, almost like a mix between lotion and germ-x.  You know how an anti-bacterial dries pretty quickly? It's like that. Pretty cool.

English Laundry
No. 7 for Her | Full-size, $90
  WHAT  This fruity scent mingles feminine floral notes with a vanilla-almond base.
  HOW     Spritz onto pulse points. You might just be tempted to flounce around in a pretty frock.

The spray thing on this sample doesn't work but I could still smell its' scent. It's extremely similar to the Artelier perfume I got in a box several months ago. And because of that, I'll stick with the other because this one is WAY too expensive. I already feel like I'm getting robbed paying $70 for perfume. But $90? Nope. Not gonna happen.

Gilchrist & Soames
London Collection Body Lotion | Full-size, $16
  WHAT  This fast-absorbing hydrator leaves skin silky-smooth with a light, earthy scent.
  HOW     Massage generously into skin, focusing on trouble zones like flaky elbows and knees.

First off, the scent is VERY earthy, almost just like grass. I will argue that it's not as fast-absorbing like it claims to be, but it's still a good lotion. I'm just not sure I want to smell like this stuff. Just a personal preference, I guess.

Ojon
damage reverse Restorative Hair Treatment + Restorative Hair Treatment Plus | Full-size, $33 each
  WHAT  Two generations of a cult classic hair-restorer, which hydrate and add megawatt shine.
  HOW     Warm between palms before applying generously to hair. Leave 20 minutes, rinse, and shampoo.

I felt this stuff through the packaging and it feels like clay or something. I guess that's why they tell us to warm it between your palms before applying it. The oil in this treatment is supposedly only found in rainforests of Central America so that's pretty cool. I'm not exactly sure the difference between the two. The only thing I can think is that one claims to have antioxidants and the other doesn't.

.....A TREAT FROM GHIRARDELLI.....
Take a timeout to embrace Ghirardelli's Cherry Tango Square. After you try the unique blend of deep dark chocolate, tangy cherry, and satisfying almond crunch, we dare you not to do a little happy dance.

I'm not much of a cherry and chocolate kind of girl but I tried it anyway to see if my tastebuds have changed. Nope, they haven't. I gave the rest to J and he devoured it.


In the end, the products in Birchbox just weren't something I'd buy in the real world. Yeah, it was totally fun to see the surprises in the box every month, but I'd rather get more practical things. I tried adjusting my profile online but it didn't help much.

These were solely my opinions so I hope I didn't sway you in the wrong direction. If you've been interested in any of the products that I've posted about over the months, then you should give them a shot! Visit their site and follow the instructions on how to sign up.

February 2014 Ipsy Bag

The February Ipsy Bag came a whole week later than my Birchbox and it's usually the other way around. But that's okay because the glam bag was love themed. And just because I really wanted a love themed bag, here's something fun to listen to while you're reading.

True story: This is my dad's ringtone for my mom.

So. I love every single thing in my glam bag. EVERYTHING. I'm actually excited to use all of the products provided by the different brands. Let's jump right in and we can compare bags later!

POP Beauty

Plump Pout Mini in Peony Petal | Full-size, $16

The color of this lip gloss is such a pretty pink, not too dark and not too light. We all know I hate glosses since my lips are already big, but the fact that it's plumping too is just a bad sign. I tried it on the moment I pulled it out of the bag and wasn't convinced there was plumping power in the ingredients. I think for the color, I'm going to keep it. Otherwise I would've given it to someone else.

ZOYA

Nail Polish in Odette | Full-size, $9

Lavender is one of the hot colors for Spring and I'm really ready for Spring. This color looks more mauve online but it's definitely a purple. I've tried Zoya only once in the past and I remember liking it a lot. And the price is the same for other drugstore brands.

Mally Beauty

Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner in Starshine | Full-size, $15

I'm not really sure why I keep getting silver eyeliners but I'm not too happy about it. Yes, this is a waterproof liner and yes, it's super buttery. But, I just don't wear silver.

Uberliss

RituOil Orchid + Argan Oil Complex | Full-size, $19.90

I love most hair products like these. It claims to "seal your hair cuticles, which helps prevent moisture loss, minimize thermal damage, and prevent split ends from forming." I use somewhat of a similar product now but it's not meant to moisturize at all so I'm interested in seeing how this works on my hair.

Jesse's Girl

9 Pan Eyeshadow Compact in Behind Blue Eyes | Full-size, $3.99

I'm not sure that I've ever heard of this brand name before but I really like the price for how much you get in one compact. I don't wear blue shadows that often but I like that these all seem to be very wearable. It does include some grays so I could wear those during the day and apply more of the darker blues for going out afterwards.

Ipsy's still in the lead when comparing it with Birchbox. Were your glam bags all that you thought for the month of love??

I'm linking up with Random Wednesday, That Hump Day Blog Hop, Your Whims Wednesday, and I Feel Pretty.

February 2014 Birchbox

In February's Birchbox, I was half expecting it to be love-themed because of Valentine's Day, but it wasn't. They focused more on Awards Season and how one would prepare themselves for the red carpet.

"Step and Repeat" shares star beauty intel with us (although after reading what you see below, I call BS) starting with tips on posing for flattering photos. Wait. Maybe they share these tips on Birchbox's site... Yep, I bet that's it.

Agave
Healing Oil Treatment | Full-size, $24-$40
   WHAT   Created by a veteran hairstylist, this lightweight oil uses agave to hydrate and protect.
   HOW     Work a small amount into damp hair from roots to ends.

I'm not one to always try out new hair products. But considering this was meant to restore and treat frizzy hair, I'm all for it. I don't really know if it's one of those products you have to use for a week before you begin seeing results, so we'll see how it goes.

Eleven Skin
Refresh Cleanser | Full-size, $30
   WHAT   A rich face wash that leaves skin clean without stripping it of its natural moisture.
   HOW     Massage a pea-sized amount into wet skin, rinse, and pat dry.

I think I say this every time I get face products. I don't like to try new things on mah face. It's too sensitive. I guess I could look at it as my face is already acting like a 2-year old so it wouldn't hurt, right? Just makes me nervous to try something out of my routine.

OPI
Sheer Tints in Be Magentale with Me | Full-size, $9
   WHAT   This tinted top coat gives nails a wash of high-shine, translucent color.
   HOW     Wear alone for a subtle tint, or over your go-to polish for a chic shade-shifting effect.

I'm going to be honest and say I don't really see the point of this stuff. Maybe it's just me, but I HATE sheer polish. So a tinted, sheer polish? No thanks.

smashbox cosmetics
Full Exposure Mascara | Full-size, $19.50
   WHAT   Hybrid fiber formula that expertly lengthens, volumizes, and curls sans clumps or flakes.
   HOW     Sweep mascara wand from the roots to the tips of lashes. For even more drama, use two coats.

I love love love trying new mascaras! I'm always interested to see which ones give me volume or length. This mascara claims it's a hybrid fiber formula so I'm curious to see what exactly that means.

.....BEAUTY EXTRA.....

smashbox cosmetics
Full Exposure Palette | Full-size, $49
   WHAT   A range of versatile hues, complete with tips on creating the best look for your eye shape.
   HOW     Use one shadow for a casual look, or layer shades to take makeup from day to night.

I haven't had much luck with previous sample palettes because it seems like it's not always enough for both eyes. I really like that this sample includes the 6 same colors (so 12 total) in both shimmery and matte. So maybe I'll actually have enough this time.

Interested in signing up with Birchbox? Visit their site and follow their instructions.

I'm linking up with All Things Thursday and Tres-Chic.

January Ipsy Glam Bag

Ipsy continues to be my front runner for beauty subscriptions. I will say that my Birchbox gave it a good run for its' money this month so it's a very very close tie. I just love that Ipsy gives me samples of products that I'll actually buy in real life. There is no way I'd buy some crazy-priced specialty item just because of the name or something. It just won't happen.

I'm not too thrilled about this month's glam bag. It's very boring. With that aside, let's jump to the products and see what's inside!

January Birchbox

This month's Birchbox is all about the new year and resolutions--not so much about things you're giving up, but things you're going to try and conquer! I've got plenty of those up my sleeve and I'm a little curious to see if stick with them. So far so good!

I'm actually excited about the things in my birchbox this month. You're probably used to me complaining about how I always get products that I'll never use, but it's different this time. Four of the five products are something I'd actually use. So let's jump into this and I'll show you what I got.

December Birchbox

Luxury-shmuxury. I'm finding it very difficult to actually stick with my promise of hanging in with Birchbox for a whole year. Their samples just don't appeal to me any longer. On average, there are two products that I like in the beauty box each month. I know they give you these samples to inspire you to buy them on your own, and not everyone is going to like every single thing, but I still felt as if it has been a huge waste of money.

I'm still trucking forward, though, and maybe I'll adjust my online profile so that I won't get anymore similar moisturizing products. Or since my face is so sensitive, maybe I'll take out that I want to try those types of products as well.

So let's jump right in! Here are my 5.5 products in this month's Birchbox.

December Ipsy Glam Bag

Yayyy! It's that time of the month--no, not that one--to reveal December's Ipsy glam bag. I'm going to be a little honest with you and say that I wasn't as excited as I have been in months past. There are still some great products but I felt it was very neutral this time. And I'm always on the hunt for new beauty items that I feel Ipsy is good at introducing me to but these were all things I'd probably buy on my own.

Don't take from this that my Ipsy bag was horrible because it wasn't. I was just expecting something with a little variety, if that makes sense. These were the five products selected based off of my profile.

uno | #startingoutwithmyfavorite Be a Bombshell The One Stick in "Girl Crush" | $16.00

I've alway wanted to try one of these stick thingy-ma-bobbers. Supposedly you can use it for you lips, eyes, and cheeks. I'm not very impressed with the color because it's a pale, almost nude, pink. That won't give me much color on my face once I have on the foundation underneath. But maybe I can use it as a highlighter.

dos | NYX Creamy Lipstick in "Iced Honey" | $4.00

I have a lipstick very similar to this shade so this is one of the products I wasn't too thrilled in receiving. I love the NYX line in general but I feel like they could have picked a better color. Most all girls feel safe using this color so I think they should have chosen a more daring color so that we all can try something new.

tres | Ardell Natural Demi Falsies in "Black" | $3.99

I love a good pair of false lashes and these aren't your typical straight-across-obviously-fake lashes. They vary in length as they move across the lash line and wing out on the far ends. They also come with glue and most falsies don't do that anymore. I'm definitely going to save these for...oooh....maybe New Year's Eve?!!!

quatro | Pop Beauty Bright Up Your Life eye shadow trio in "Smokin' Hot" | $24.00

I haven't always known about Pop Beauty but my love is growing for it. Although this trio is colors that I already own in my makeup bag, they will be beautiful on your eyes. The only thing I don't like is that the colors don't seem to apply very well; they're very thin. But the good part is that this sample is only three of ten.

cinco | Nicka K New York nail polish in "Classic Taupe" | $4.99

I love a purple-ish, gray-ish, taupe-ish colored nail polish. It goes with every single piece of clothing in my wardrobe and will work with every single season. I've never heard of this brand so I probably won't buy it in the future but it is pretty cheap.

If you're interested in signing up with Ipsy's subscription, visit their website and follow their instructions!!

I'm linking up with Monday Morning Gossip and Monday Mingle.

November Birchbox

My November Birchbox FINALLY arrived over the weekend. I didn't think I was ever going to get it. My card associated with the account had expired so I got an email asking to update it, so I did it that night but I never heard anything afterwards. I usually get this box before Ipsy so when it arrived first, I was confused and was hoping this month wasn't going to be skipped.

Month after month, the boxes contain two, MAYBE three, things that I like and the other stuff I'd chunk. This box is no different.

[ONE] Atelier Cologne
Vanille Insensee Cologne Absolue | Full-size, $70
   WHAT   A fresh blend of soft vanilla, romantic jasmine, and bright lime notes.
   HOW     Apply to pulse points--a little goes a long way.

[TWO] Color Club
Nail Polish in Baldwin Blues | Full-size, $8
   WHAT   On-trend pro-quality lacuqer that will take you easily--and gorgeously--from day to night.
   HOW     Apply two coats for an opaque finish. Always use base and top coats to make your color last.

[THREE] derma e
Evenly Radiant Skincare Collection | Full-size, $15.50 - $29.95
   WHAT   This all-natural trio uses an intensive brightening complex for even, glowing skin.
   HOW     Apply Cleanser and rinse, followed by the Serum. Use the Night Creme in the p.m. only.

[FOUR] Eyeko
Skinny Liquid Eyeliner | Full-size, $16
   WHAT   Direct from the UK, this user-friendly liquid liner freatures a velvety smooth formula.
   HOW     Trace your upper lashline, or try your hand at a cat-eye.

[FIVE] TOCCA
Crema da Mano in Cleopatra | Full-size, $8-$20
   WHAT   Loaded with natural oils, this grapefruit and cucumber lotion absorbs in a flash.
   HOW     Rub generously into hands--and anywhere you need a moisture boost.

[SIX] Birchbox Find Alert!
Ghirardelli Mint Cookie Chocolate | (price not listed)


My Initial Reviews:
[ONE] I am always very skeptical when it comes to perfume/cologne samples. How does anyone know what your scent will be to package you something in a box like this? But I was very curious with the vanilla, jasmine, and lime blends. I'm not normally a sweet perfume wearer but after applying this to my wrists, I think it's my new favorite scent. It's sweet, but a very subtle sweet, and the jasmine brings a beautiful balance. I was about to tell you that I'd never pay $70 for a bottle of perfume, but we've bought Armani Code for J and it was around that same price, so....maybe I'll add it to my Christmas wishlist?

[TWO] This nail polish is the perfect in-between color to navy and royal blue. It's almost got a teal-ish quality to it. Eight bucks isn't bad either considering Essie costs that much too. The quality is as nice as it's described so I might just pick this brand up the next time I'm in the market for a new color.

[THREE] I'm very iffy about skincare products. My facial skin is still in protest with the rest of my body so I have to trust the brand to put it on my face. I like that this sample comes with a cleanser, serum, and night creme. Most people would just send one or the other.

[FOUR] I don't know that I can stray from the current liquid liner that I use everyday. I use the cheap-o brand, ELF, and it hasn't turned me away yet. This liner by Eyeko comes in one of those refillable pointy brush things. I've tried similar products in the past and hated them. So if anyone wants it, just let me know!

[FIVE] I'm also not a big hand lotion-er. I do like how light the scent is and the consistency is not heavy at all so maybe I'll keep it in my desk at work for those dreary winter days.

[SIX] Hello?!?! Chocolate. Mint cookie chocolate. It's wayyy better than the Girl Scout Thin Mints. That's all I'm going to say.

I'm still planning on staying with Birchbox for a year to see if the products improve. I just don't think I would ever buy this high-end products in real life. It's cool to get chocolate and nail polish in my boxes though.

If you're interested in signing up for Birchbox, just go to their site and create and account! Set up your beauty profile and they'll begin your customized boxes.

I'm linking up with Monday Morning Gossip and Mingle Monday for today's post!

November Ipsy Glam bag

I'm really excited with this glam bag. With the theme of "Glam it Up", I knew there must be something sparkly or glittery involved. And at the very least, I better get some sort of red lip product. WHAM BAM, THANK YOU MA'AM! I got it all. The products came in this gold snakeskin clutch with a pink zipper and surprisingly they were able to squeeze six things in there. And without further ado, your reveals:

one | Nailtini nail laquer in "Champagne" | $13.00

I've gotten this brand nail polish before but it was in my very first glam bag so I'm okay with getting another this many months later. The first color was a pretty orange, very fitting for Summer, and this one is a gorgeous Winter color. It will go with everything.

two | Starlooks gem eye pencil in "Topaz" | $14.00

This will be the third time receiving a pencil by Starlooks. The first I loved because it was a kohl eye liner. The second I hated because it was this weird mauve-y lip liner. And this one I'm in the middle about because it's silver, sparkly, and brings me back to middle school where all I wore was silver eye shadow and some gel glitter on top. Yep, I was THAT girl. But, I will say that I've seen it on some celebrities worn only on their lower last line. I'm not sure that I'll actually wear this out anywhere, but I'll play around with it and see what I can come up with. (See swatch below)

three | BH Cosmetics Galaxy Chic baked eyeshadow palette in "Aphrodite" | $14.95

I'm not sure that you can purchase this color solo but I'd be cool with getting the entire palette for only fifteen bucks. Eighteen colors plus some really interesting marbled shadows has me hooked! I've done a couple of mahogany smoky eye tutorials on some friends in the past and this color is almost the exact same. So if I didn't already own it, I'd totally love it! I've gotten some other shadows by this brand in previous glam bags and the quality is pretty good. The colors really shine when you wear some sort of primer underneath. (See swatch below)

four | Be a Bombshell lip crayon in "Hot Damn" | $14.00

Let me just start by saying I have a hard time buying lipsticks that are $8, much less $14. With that aside, I LOVE this lip crayon. I have your true red and ruby red lipsticks in my possession. I even have your pink-y reds and crimson reds. This crayon is brighter similar to candy apple red. Gorgeous! The best part about it? It's matte. I have been dying to own a matte red lip color for a while now. I didn't want to buy a new shade nor did I want to DIY anything because I'm always applying it on the go. I'm not sure what I'll do once my others run out, but I'm glad this came in a full size. It'll last me a while. (See swatch below)

five | Pixi bronzer in "Subtly Suntouched" | $18.00 (with kabuki brush)

I just bought a bronzer from Sephora several months ago and I still love it. It's not too "warm" nor is it too shimmery. Bronzers should be gray-based and matte because you want those areas to look sunk-in, as if a shadow were really there. This bronzer by Pixi is more pink-y but still a good shade. I wore it over the weekend and when I looked in the mirror hours later, I didn't think I made a mistake. I took a picture of it with my Sephora compact so you could see the tiny difference. (See swatch below)

 

six | EM Cosmetics creamy color sheer lipstick in "Hug Me" | $16.50

I'm going to just be honest with you. This lipstick is HIDEOUS. You know they say that nude lip colors need to either match your gums or be a shade darker? Yeahhhhh, this color is as pale as pale can get. I will say the texture was creamy like it says it's supposed to be. But ew. I'm definitely tossing this stuff. I took a picture comparing it with what I think could be my perfect nude: Revlon "Soft Nude".

 

I know this lipstick might look okay in this picture, but trust me, it's not. Here's some swatches on my lips.

And finally, here are the swatches on my hand, as promised.

Hot Damn // Subtly Suntouched // Topaz // Aphrodite

If you're interested in getting a subscription like this one, I urge you to visit Ipsy's website. I'm still going to stick with my Birchbox like I planned, but Ipsy has my heart right now.

I'm linking up with Monday Morning Gossip and Mingle Monday for today's link-up.

influenster #RoseVoxBox

It's been said that every rose has its thorn, but we dare you to find one in the Rose VoxBox! Romance yourself with beautifying goodies that will keep you in bloom all winter long...

Influenster is another subscription service that I signed up with a few months ago after a reader suggested it to me. I had never heard of it before. You log on to the site, take a few surveys about different products and receive "badges" for doing so. The more you do, the more of a chance for free things. In the fine print it mentions that not everyone receives a VoxBox so I was not expecting anything. In early September, I received their Sargento VoxBox -- yes, I know it sounds weird, but I got this cool cheese stick cooler container thing and free cheese coupons! 

And now this month I got an email saying I would soon be getting this Rose VoxBox. I wasn't sure what was going to be inside but the initial questionairre was all about mascara brands. Mascara is a weakness of mine. Friday rolls around last week and the pretty pink box was sitting on my front porch. And it was HUGE in comparison to the last one. I'd say the box is probably 8x12. I shook it with excitement to see if I could guess what was inside based on the noise it was making.

We had plans to meet my family for dinner so I had to rush straight to the train station to pick up J. After I parked, I couldn't wait any longer so I grabbed a key and ripped the tape free to reveal the contents of the box. There were five products.

[one] Dr. Scholl's For Her Cozy Cushions | $12.49

[two] Kiss Gradiation Polishes | $6.99

[three] Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara | $5.99

[four] belVita crunchy Breakfast Biscuits | $3.69 for a box of 5 packets of 4 biscuits

[five] Lindt LINDOR Milk Chocolate Truffles | $3.99

What I first thought:

The first thing I noticed was the foot cushions. They were massive and taking up the entire diagonal space of the box. I didn't even know Dr. Scholl's had this in their line of products but they looked promising. You can cut them according to your shoe size and are to be worn inside any type of boots or casual shoes to help keep your feet warm. I'm not sure if I'll like them because I have one other pair of boots with the same lining and my feet get pretty sweaty by the end of the night.

The second thing I noticed was the gold nail polish. Aaahhhhh (sung like angels in Heaven). I've never heard of the brand, Kiss, but I think this product is pretty genius. It comes in a set of three bottles and you're supposed to layer them to look gradiated from regular gold to gold glitter. We've done this DIY so I highly doubt I would have bought this on my own. But hey! Now that I've got it in my possession, don't mind if I do.

The third thing I noticed was the massive tube of mascara. It's a Rimmel product and, honestly, I haven't bought their mascara in a very long time. My per-youzhe (usual, silly) drugstore picks are Maybelline or Covergirl. But the fact that the packaging says that it's "retro glam", all I can picture is Twiggy and her huge lashes. It says it'll plump and fan out the lashes giving you a bold, wide-eyed look. AND there aren't any clumps. I love Benefit's They're Real mascara but with the fibers in the ingredients, it clumps and falls to my cheeks a lot of times, especially when I wear it all day.

The next thing I noticed was the belVita biscuits. I don't think I've ever seen these in the stores but my brother feeds them to their daughter. I tried them the last time I visited and they're pretty delicious. Supposedly they are baked to release steady energy that lasts all morning. If that really works, then great! But it sounds like marketing bullshit to me. I love the fact that there is no high fructose corn syrup in them, but the releasing of energy thing has me a little skeptical.

And the last thing in the box was a tiny bag of Lindt truffles. These I have had before and they are AMAZING! My sister works in an outlet shopping center and the Lindt store there was going out of business. So she was getting boxes and boxes and boxes of free chocolate. We came home with so much that it filled both cabinet doors above our microwave. My personal favorite is the white chocolate, but these milk chocolate truffles are definitely in second place. I'm not a huge chocolate person so I'm not sure if I'd buy these on my own, but if they're free, I'll take them!

I like every single thing in this box, and that's pretty rare for the Birchbox or Ipsy bags, so I just need to remember to keep taking the silly surveys so that I can try their stuff! On another note, I do really like giving my opinions on these products. So if you're interested in trying one of these out, stay tuned because I'll be reviewing them soon!

October Ipsy Glam Bag

I don't know what it is about Ipsy being late every month, but it seems like it keeps moving forward a few days each time. But hey, at least I'm still loving the samples, right?! This month's glam bag was all about the Art of Beauty and each of the five samples were personalized based on the ipsyMatch that I filled out when I first signed up for it. The first couple of bags, you might remember that I complained about getting mascara every single time. After I adjusted a few things online with the match, I hadn't gotten another mascara sample since! So just know that if you keep seeing repeat products or if you decide you don't want to explore different brands of hairspray or nail polish, just log in to your account and change your personalizations.

I'm not very excited about the actual glam bag for October. It's just not very cute to me....I can always use it for tampons or something, right?! Haha. (All images below are courtesy of Ipsy's website. I didn't have the time to take any myself.)

[ONE] Sexy Hair: Blow Dry Gel | $16.95
This product is an alcohol-free gel that thickens hair while adding volume. It also helps retain moisture so your hair never feels dry or brittle. I love this brand and it just happens to be the first sample I've gotten with Ipsy. Although I have been blessed with thick hair, I'm curious to see just how much volume I can achieve with this gel.

[TWO] LA Fresh: Eco-Beauty Oil-Free Face Cleanser Wipes | $9.99
These face wipes gently cleanses and detoxifies skin. They are biodegradable, compostable, and are packaged using clean, renewable solar energy. I haven't always been an eco-friendly person, but I love how "green" this product is. I use these kinds of wipes to remove my makeup every day and, oddly enough, I just ran out this past week so I am very thankful to have received this sample. The scent of the wipes is not your normal refreshing scent but maybe it's just something I'll need to get used to.

[THREE] Starlooks Lip Pencil: "Tickle Me Pink" | $12.00
This long-lasting, full-coverage lip pencil enhances the shape of your lips and gives them the perfect definition. You can also use it as an all-over, highly-pigmented lip color. I got this brand of pencil last month but it was a black eyeliner instead. I love how creamy it is and it can easily be smudged rather than having harsh lines. My other favorite thing is that it comes in either satin or matte so your look can be very versatile.

[FOUR] Nourish Organic: Deeply Nourishing Coconut & Argan Body Lotion | $9.99
This is a new collection of ultra-moisturizing body lotions and body washes that hydrate, soften, and smooth the skin. I love love love that this brand is sold exclusively at Target. AND it comes in several scents: coconut & argan, almond vanilla, and lavender mint. I'm going to very brutally honest with you and say that I do NOT like the scent placed in my bag. I can't put my finger on it, but it doesn't smell like coconut but just something really stinky. It did leave my hand quite smooth though.

[FIVE] ZOYA Nail Polish: "Giovanna" | $8.00
These ultra long-wearing glossy nail lacquers by Zoya are BIG5FREE...free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde resin, and dibutyl phthalate. I'm not sure what other nail polish brands can say that. This particular color is in a collection this Fall designed to work together with runway designs. I'm always up for free nail polish. The price is the same as Essie so I'm interested to see if it's the same quality. Although I like the darker green color I was given, I have a color the exact same so I'm not sure I'll keep it. Any takers?

And there ya go!! I'm waiting to find the perfect Ipsy glam bag, but until then I'm still more pleased than I am with Birchbox. If it were up to me and I would have the chance to pick these out on my own, I'd only use two of these products (Big Sexy Hair and the face wipes). Sorry if that bursts anyone's bubbles but I have to be real with you. Annnd since I wasn't in love with the look of the glam bag, I'd call this month kind of a dud. You win some, you lose some, right?!

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