Tag: Makeup by Mario
August 2026 Ipsy Ultimate – Fall Collection
I’m still playing catch-up after my vacation in early August, plus moving my youngest off to college…not to mention a bunch of other fuckery…
I was skeptical of the skincare heavy Fall Collection…but my skin says otherwise. I have a whole new skincare regimen!
The skincare products were two of my choices for the box: Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash ($59) and Ilia Beauty The Base Face Milk ($58). I don’t know that my face is exactly “resurfaced” but it’s definitely glowy. The Face Milk took some getting used to, but it’s the perfect amount of hydration for a hot, humid Southeast Texas summer. I also chose NARS Cosmetics Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick in “High Gear” ($36), but I haven’t tried it yet.
Speaking of skincare, I’ve also used the Beauty Bio Swipe & Glow Peel Pads ($45). Nothing has peeled? I’ve also been using the Merit Shade Slick Gelée Tinted Lip Oil in “Jeté” ($24). I liked it at first, but I feel like it gums up on my lips and I have to wipe the gunk off and reapply?
I haven’t had a chance to sample the rest of my Fall Collection: Makeup by Mario Master Mascara ($28); Mutha Up All Night Eye Cream ($90 – really?); and Sachajuan Hair Repair Treatment Mask ($39).
$379 worth of products…not bad! I’m thinking I’ll actually try the rest of the products eventually, barring further fuckery.
I subscribe to the original ipsy bag for $14/month (recently increased from $13/month) and ipsy Ultimate (formerly Icon Box, and before that – Glam Bag X) for an extra $60/quarterly (recently increased from $43/quarterly). If you’d like to try Ipsy – click here. I’ll earn 250 points if you sign up through my referral link.
May 2026 Ipsy Ultimate – Summer Collection
Ipsy is really pushing the Natasha Denona these days…I’m not even mad.
Two of my products choices were Natasha: Natasha Denona My Dream Eyeshadow Palette ($72) and Natasha Denona My Dream Cheek Trio ($48). Be careful with the eye palette – she is SUPER pigmented. I didn’t realize that the cheek trio was a single blush shade and two highlighters – with a cream texture, no less. Even so – I LOVE the blush shade. it applies wonderfully with my usual brush and it reminds me of NARS Orgasm. Definitely a keeper.
I haven’t had a chance to try my other product choice yet – Rare Beauty Find Comfort Bouncy Body Cream – Awaken Confidence ($36).
Most of the other products were really nice: YSL Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick ($43 – although I would never spend $43 on lip gloss, I can see why it’s so much – it’s great); BISHA Essential Setting Powder in “Tokyo Translucent” ($40 – perfect for when you don’t want full foundation, but don’t want to be shiny); Ciele The Blush Brush ($32 – haven’t tried it yet); and Dermalactives Resurfacing Honey and Charcoal Mask ($159 – fucking expensive, but it makes my skin butter smooth, so I get it).
The final product is an abomination of god: Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Cozy Lip Creme in “Nude Suede” ($26). It was like putting concealer on my lips – totally unusable. This one is going in la basura.
Except for the abominable lip creme, this is a really nice box. The box value is $456, one of the higher combinations I’ve gotten.
I subscribe to the original ipsy bag for $14/month (recently increased from $13/month) and ipsy Ultimate (formerly Icon Box, and before that – Glam Bag X) for an extra $60/quarterly (recently increased from $43/quarterly). If you’d like to try Ipsy – click here. I’ll earn 250 points if you sign up through my referral link.