Category: Face
February Glam Bag X – Addison Rae
I’m sorry to be so late posting about my February Glam Bag X, but ipsy did not include one of my items in the original shipment (the black croc bag, which was one of my selections). I contacted ipsy Care and they were very helpful in getting the bag out to me – it took about a week. It is a lot smaller than I expected, but isn’t that ALWAYS how it is?
This quarter’s curator is Addison Rae. Her name sounds vaguely familiar to me, but I admit – I had to google her. She’s this super famous TikTok-er? Is that the correct term – TikTok-er? I get on TikTok occasionally to watch videos my kids send me – I’ve even made a few videos – but I’ve never been subjected to Addison Rae content. My kids are teenagers and they say she is “cringe”.
My other product choices (besides the black crock makeup bag that I obviously don’t need because I have over 5+ years worth of ipsy bags) were Quay Australia High Key Mini Sunglasses in “Black/Smoke” and Keys Soulcare Harmony Mask. I plan on trying the mask on Sunday.
Also in my Glam Bag X: Tula Skincare 24/7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night Cream (I just finished a sample that I received recently – I am excited to get a full size jar); Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel (I will literally NEVER use this); Aceology Multi-Vitamin Brightening Biodegradable Masks; Pat McGrath Labs Lust: Gloss in “Love Potion” and First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum.
I find it interesting that someone so young (21) is pushing skin products for us older ladies…but I’m not complaining! I’d much rather have high end skincare than fake tanner or false eyelashes or whatever else these young whippersnappers are into.
I subscribe to the basic ipsy bag for $12/month and Glam Bag X for an extra $43/quarterly. If you’d like to try Ipsy – click here. I’ll earn 250 points if you sign up through my referral link.
December 2021 Ipsy Bag – Time to Shine
After last month’s Glam Bag X, the regular ipsy bag is almost a let down. Almost…
My product selection this month is Skyn Iceland Glacial Face Wash in White Willow Bark. This is a nice, creamy face wash – I like it.
Also in this month’s bag: Codage Paris Moisturizing Mask; Complex Culture Get Set Nail Polish in “Hustle” (a nice orange leaning red); Tarte Surfer Curl Volumizing Mascara; and a Hipdot Contour Brush (I am about to fucking rage on all these makeup brushes – how do I make it stop?)
The rose gold bag is really nice. I want to put it in my big “mom purse”, but I feel like the glitter would flake off and end up in the bottom of my purse.
I subscribe to the basic ipsy bag for $12/month and Glam Bag X for an extra $43/quarterly. Oh wait, I just saw on the site that the price went up to $13 in October – I’d better check my credit card statement! If you’d like to try Ipsy – click here. I’ll earn 250 points if you sign up through my referral link.
Cyber Diamond
Here we go, here’s the haul that made me Ulta Diamond for 2022.
I’m sure it’s not shocking that finally bought the Urban Decay Cosmetics Naked Cyber Eyeshadow Palette ($49), but it might be shocking that I paid full price. (I am still saving my Ulta points for a Dyson Airwrap – I’m up to $312!) It’s a very versatile palette, although I am concerned about the quality. The shadows are not as buttery as the first several Naked palettes – a few of the shimmers are downright CHALKY. Ugh. Use a primer and you’ll be fine, but it’s an annoying extra step. Also, watch out for fallout – the glitters get everywhere. I do wish there was at least one more dark, saturated shade besides the burnt orange, but I can mix and match with another palette.
I recently got new bleached streaks in my hair (another Ulta trip) and decided to dye them turquoise when I get sick of blond. I decided to try Arctic Fox in “Aquamarine” ($17) – my kids SWEAR by it. I feel like I’m cheating on Overtone, but their turquoise didn’t take well on my hair. Holding out hope for Arctic Fox.
I had seen the Kitsch Leopard Print Towel Scrunchies ($10.50, on sale from $14) at full price in the store, but was thrilled to find them for 25% online. I also splurged on Kitsch Moisturizing Spa Socks ($12, on sale from $16). I feel like the open toe design will be more comfortable to sleep in – it’s hard for me sleep in regular socks. I also threw in some Ulta Exfoliating Cotton Pads ($2.09), because why not?
I DID use the $20 off $100 coupon code that was out before the holiday sales, and I still qualified for the Hello Holidays 23 piece More Glow Beauty Bag. Inside the bag: Clarins Re-Boost Refreshing Hydrating Cream; Megababe Antibacterial Wipes in “Squeaky Clean” (note to self: do NOT confuse with makeup remover wipes); Good Molecules Silicone-Free Priming Moisturizer; Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Intense; Ellis Brooklyn Sweet; Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris Eau de Parfum Intense (What are all these “intense” perfumes?); Lancome La Vie est Belle (2 samples of this one); Not Your Mother’s Naturals Activated Bamboo Charcoal & Purple Moonstone Shampoo and Conditioner (I’ve been wanting to try this one; Joico Defy Damage Protective Shampoo, Conditioner, Masque & Shield (4 packettes!); MAC Lipstick Samples in “Ruby Woo”, “M-A-C Red” and “Cockney”; Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream; The Body Shop Body Butter in “British Rose” (I think this sample is why I chose this particular bag); Living proof. Restore Repair Mask; Jack Black Performance Remedy Turbo Wash (will go to the husband or the son); Kate Somerville +Retinol Vita C Power Serum; tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer; Dear, Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream (I’m scared that the package says “For Nighttime Only” – will I burst into flames if I use it in the daytime?); Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream; Biosilk Silk Therapy Leave-In Treatment; Benefit Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer in “Light Cool”; and NYX The Marshmallow Primer (made with marshmallow root – weird). The bag is super cushy, made out of ski-suit material.
(There were also a few gifts (not shown) from this haul – shhhhh…)
November 2021 Glam Bag X – Huda
Okay, write this down – this quarter’s Glam Bag X is SO good that I’ve tried every single product in the box…that’s right, every single one!
First off, this quarter’s box was curated by Huda Kattan. Her beauty empire has grown significantly since the Allure Beauty Box she curated a few years ago, although not without a few controversies and product labelling mishaps…
The star of the box is the PMD Beauty Clean Smart Cleansing Device in “Warmth”. I’ll admit, when my husband saw it, he thought it was a totally different type of toy. (I’ll let you know if that pans out – so far, I’ve only used it on my FACE.) I was happy to get this device, if only as a replacement for my Clarisonic. RIP Clarisonic. I loved my Clarisonic, but I am on my last brush head, so I guess my love affair will end when it gets too nasty to use. The PMD device is entirely silicone – no replacement brushes to buy – AND runs on batteries. At ~$60, it’s also a much more affordable solution than the Clarisonic.
The other products that Huda curated for me were: Cela Masque De Glacier Clay Mask (a little goes a long way with this one; there’s a slight tingle as it dries, but nothing serious); Wishful Thirst Trap Juice HA3 Peptide Serum (Wishful is Huda’s skincare brand – this serum feels nice and has a slight tightening effect); Huda Beauty Legit Lashes in “Vanta Black” (this is a double ended mascara – one brush for volume and one brush for length – but spoiler alert – I cannot see any difference between either brush); and Rare Beauty With Gratitude Dewy Lip Balm in “Honor” (I was underwhelmed to receive another clear lip balm…until I tried it – how does this smell like a literal cloud? I LOVE it!)
I got to choose THREE products. I chose Huda Beauty Haze Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette in “Purple” (I wish I would have had this back in October, when I was wearing my purple “BAND MOM” T-shirt every weekend; quality is middling and not very blendable – hard pass on buying more of these); Ahava Dermud Intensive Foot Cream (my feet LOVE this); and First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads (remind my of the Stridex pads of my youth).
At a total value of $323, I am absolutely and totally happy with this quarter’s bag. Wait, since I did not get a bag this month, I guess it is just a box. Whatever.
I subscribe to the basic ipsy bag for $12/month and Glam Bag X for an extra $43/quarterly. If you’d like to try Ipsy – click here. I’ll earn 250 points if you sign up through my referral link.
Influenster Vox Box – L’Oreal Age Perfect Collagen
You know how I know I’m old? Because the type of products I now get from Influenster are Aleve PM, Stayfree Incontinence Pads and old lady skin creams.
You know what though, I am not even mad about this one. Influenster sent me the L’Oreal Age Perfect Collagen Vox Box (complimentary for review purposes), which included TWO full size products: L’Oreal Age Perfect Collagen Expert Day Moisturizer SPF 30 and L’Oreal Age Perfect Collagen Expert Night Moisturizer for Face. Each product ranges in price from $14.99 (Target) to $19.99 (Ulta).
I’ve been using the day moisturizer for about two weeks and I have to say I am really impressed. I know I am SUPPOSED to wear SPF every day, but I’ve always felt like my skin is too sensitive. I was expecting a massive breakout – but it never came. I haven’t had a single clogged pore! This stuff is the real deal. It does have a bit of a “sunscreen-y” smell, but I couldn’t tell if it was intentional?
The night cream is even better than the day cream. As with the day cream, it felt fantastic on my skin and did not clog my pores. I did not have a single breakout. I feel like the extra collagen helped my skin heal more quickly – I had a nasty scrap across the bridge of my nose that healed within DAYS. The fragrance is extra luxe as well.
Ultimately, I would be more likely to buy the night cream than the day cream, but they are both excellent products that worked well on my skin.
October 2021 Ipsy Bag – Pretty Wicked
I am in LOVE with this month’s ipsy bag. I like the contents, but I LOVE this bag. The vampy lips are like WHOA.
My product choice this month was Sugar Cosmetics Tipsy Lips Moisturizing Balm in “Mojito”. Yes, I am still on the lip balm kick.
Also in this month’s pretty wicked bag: Basic Beauty Hot Cocoa Bomb Eyeshadow Quad (I am amassing quite a collection of tiny eyeshadows); Chasin’ Rabbits Mindful Bubble Cleanse (It’s quite odd to foam up this face wash in my hands before using it); Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream; and Uoma by Sharon C Badder Boom Au Naturel Volumizing Mascara.
All in all, a nice selection of products this month!
I subscribe to the basic ipsy bag for $12/month and Glam Bag X for an extra $43/quarterly. Oh wait, I just saw on the site that the price went up to $13 in October – I’d better check my credit card statement! If you’d like to try Ipsy – click here. I’ll earn 250 points if you sign up through my referral link.
Pebbles Haul
A Makeup Revolution (or is it Revolution Makeup) collaboration with Fruity Pebbles AND Cocoa Pebbles? You son of a bitch, I’m in!
The I ❤ Revolution x Fruity Pebbles Palette ($22) is a bright palette, a Fruity Pebbles rainbow of colors. I’ve only used it once, but looking forward to figuring out how to make the colors work together. The I ❤ Revolution x Cocoa Pebbles Palette ($22) is a lot more versatile – I’ve used the warm shades several times now. The shadow quality is so smooth and blendable – I love them.
I picked the I ❤ Revolution x Fruity Pebbles Lip Oil in “Fred” ($8) – this stuff is great for removing liquid lipstick. I also picked up both the Fruity Pebbles AND the Cocoa Pebbles Body Butter ($10 each). My husband’s FAVORITE cereal is Fruity Pebbles, so I thought slathering the body butter all over myself before bed would drive him wild. Eh, not so much – The Fruity Pebbles scent is very vague. The Cocoa Pebbles Body Butter, on the other hand, is VERY heavily scented. According to my husband, it smells like chocolate ass. This may be my “not tonight, honey” body butter.
I didn’t buy the WHOLE collection, but close…There were also headbands (the Pebbles one with a bone sold out before I could grab it) and makeup bags, but I controlled myself a little…The only bummer is that I paid FULL PRICE when I ordered a few weeks ago, and now they’re half off…run – don’t walk to get this collection!
The rest of my order was a bunch of odds and ends. The wet n wild Coloricon Zodiac Lip Gloss in “Pisces” ($2.09) was for my daughter. The Punky Color Bleach ($9.99) – one of my kids will buy it off me. The Freeman Oil Absorbing Mint & Lemon Facial Clay Mask ($3, on sale from $4.29) and Ulta Pink Grapefruit Scented Foaming Hand Wash ($3.50, on sale from $7) are for me.
My purchase qualified me for TWO gifts with purchase. The free 15 piece gift with $65 purchase included Skinkick Daily Exfoliant Cleanser (new brand to me); L’Oreal Voluminous Primer/Base (I keep getting samples of this and NOT using it); Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum (1 oz – full sizer!); eva nyc Therapy Session Hair (I got this in a VOX BOX years ago – looking forward to using it again); The Body Shop Avocado Body Butter; Covergirl Creamy Eye Shadow Stick in “Dreamy Haze”; Ahava Deadsea Water Mineral Hand Cream; Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara in “Very Black”; Soap & Glory Fruit Force Refreshing Body Wash; Milani Make It Last Dewy Setting Spray; NYX Bare With Me Hydrating Jelly Primer; Love Wellness Call Me Collagen Dietary Supplement (EW); Hempz CBD Moisture Hit Ultra-Hydrating Shampoo (but no matching conditioner!); Derma E Thickening Shampoo (again, no matching conditioner – RUDE); and EcoTools Makeup Brush + Sponge Shampoo (looking forward to trying this out for sponges). I also got a free Step Up 5 piece gift with my $85 purchase: Kneipp Mineral Bath Salt in Dream Away (giving to the kids); Revlon Colorstay Satin Ink (it’s in red cellophane – I’m afraid to open it); Pyt Beauty Upcycle Eyeshadow in “Warm Lit Nude Mini”; Beast Gold Roll-On Oil (this .35oz bottle is $39 at Ulta! I think it’s for dudes); and noyah Organic Vanilla Lip Balm. I have so many samples now!
I am just $240 away from Diamond in 2022.
September 2021 Ipsy Bag – Back To
September’s theme is “Back to”, as in Back to School, Back to Work, Back to Life. I know they mean well, but I cannot help but roll my eyes at seeing that trope yet again. Businesses desperately want everything to go back to normal…
My product choice this month was Grace & Stella Hydrating Rose Facial Spray. I tried it out and my face just felt…wet. It dried quickly, but it didn’t seem to do much. My skin didn’t feel moisturized and it did not leave a scent. I don’t exactly understand this product.
Also in this month’s bag: Bioclarity Barefaced Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser (this has a strong veggie smell); BRTC Vitamin B5 Velvet Mask & Vitamin A Velvet Mask; Tarte Sugar Rush Lash Smoothie Volumizing Hemp Mascara (they are putting hemp in EVERYTHING these days); and Verso Skincare Night Cream (I am not kidding when I say that this smells and FEELS like Elmer’s Glue – I kind of like it).
My daughter was eyeing the bag – she said it was giving her Hufflepuff vibes. (Of course, she’s never seen Clueless and doesn’t get the 90s yellow plaid vibe.) I was a kind mommy and promised her the bag.
I subscribe to the basic ipsy bag for $12/month and Glam Bag X for an extra $43/quarterly. If you’d like to try Ipsy – click here. I’ll earn 250 points if you sign up through my referral link.
U Got the Look
Urban Decay released their Prince Collaboration back in May…but I patiently waited for the sale that I knew would come…
I don’t need new brushes or more eyeliner…but you know I’m always down for more eye shadow. I picked up the Urban Decay Cosmetics Prince U Got the Look Palette for 50% off ($27.50, down from $55). There are just 10 shadows, which is not many for $55…but not so crazy at half the price. There’s a nice mix of neutrals and purples and the quality is on par with other Urban Decay palettes. I’ve been enjoying using it this week. There is also a Let’s Go Crazy Palette, with more purple, but Ulta is sold old. Sephora has it, but since it is just purples – as one would expect – I’m skipping it for now.
I added a few other items to my order – a full size Megababe Rosy Pits Daily Deodorant ($14) and Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Balm ($8.99).
Even with the $3.50 coupon, my order qualified for a free Platinum & Diamond exclusive 13 piece gift with Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels; Philosophy Nature in a Jar; CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser; Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair (love getting this serum); Clinique High Impact Mascara; MAC Fix+; Smashbox Photo Finish Primer; It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product; Perricone MD High Potency Growth Factor Firming & Lifting Serum; Benefit Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer; La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum; Sunday Riley CEO Brightening Serum; and Good Molecules Clarify & Cleanse Bar. Lots of good stuff for my skin!
Just $352 to Diamond in 2021!. I also have $262 in Ulta Points saved up…dare I splurge on a Dyson Air Wrap???
August 2021 Ipsy Glam Bag X – Halsey
Soooo…since Ipsy is my last subscription box standing, I decided to splurge and upgrade to Glam Bag X. Glam Bag X is $55/per quarter, or just an extra $43. I guess I could’ve gone with Fab Fit Fun or Boxycharm, but I’ve had such good luck with ipsy that I felt I should try Glam Bag X first.
August’s Glam Bag X was curated by Halsey. I only know a few Halsey songs, but there is one I really like, “You Should Be Sad.” It’s a top tier break-up song – one of the best I’ve ever heard. There were a lot of possibilities for inclusion in this bag and I really liked being able to pick three products.
My first product choice was Prose Hair Perfume in Corsica. It’s a light jasmine scent and I really like it. I also picked RÓEN Beauty Liquid Lip Balm in “Charlie.” It’s more of a gloss than a balm, but it’s not sticky like a gloss and it has really good staying power. My last product choice was the Slinky Stasher – yes, I actually chose yet another makeup bag. I don’t remember what my other choices were, but they must have been lame for me to choose another makeup bag.
The star of the box is the ĀTHR Beauty Moonlight Crystal Palette – I believe everyone got this one. It’s full of beautiful, vibrant purples and greens. I’ve been using it nonstop since I got it. The shadows are high quality and blend like butter. The close runner up was Volition Beauty Yaupon Tea Glow-Awakening Moisturizer – it’s very similar to my beloved Fresh Rose in texture.
Also in the bag: About-Face Light Lock Highlight Fluid in “Fight or Flight” (I haven’t sampled – who needs highlighters during a hot Texas summer?); Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Volume, Lift & Curl Mascara in “Cuz I’m Black” (this is a GREAT mascara – I’ve been using it daily); and Herbivore Botanicals Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil (I tried this before bed and my face stuck to my pillow – no thanks).
So far, I am very pleased with Glam Bag X – this is definitely worth $55, although I am skeptical that it is worth the $270 ipsy says it is.
I subscribe to the basic ipsy bag for $12/month and Glam Bag X for an extra $43/quarterly. If you’d like to try Ipsy – click here. I’ll earn 250 points if you sign up through my referral link.