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IPSY Glam Bag Review- April 2019

lemon cosmetic bag with pink packaging

This post may contain afflilate links. Meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may make a small commission. Thanks for you your support. XO

5 sample size beauty products delivered to my door in a shiny pink package for 10 bucks. What did they send me, and was it worth it?

Quick note: I wrote this IPSY GLAM BAG review in the afternoon, before I had the chance to take pictures of my products. I had them on the table next to my computer, and my 2 year old wanted pb &j, so I went to the kitchen to make him that. I came back to see that he had DESTROYED my really pretty eyeshadow and smeared it all over his underwear (because we don’t wear pants unless we’re going in public) and the couch. He ruined my product, but I guess it makes for a better story. Here’s my IPSY review.

IPSY GLAM BAG REVIEW

UNPAID, UNSPONSORED & UNCUT

APRIL 2019


In the past month, I’ve been doing a super unhealthy thing- impulse online shopping. I’m looking at my credit card statement like WTF. I usually don’t spend money like this. But the online game got me, free trials, introductory trial prices and monthly subscriptions. I also always shop through a cashback site such as TopCashBack or Ebates to save more when available.


One of the subscriptions I wasn’t so mad about was the IPSY makeup bag. I received 5 trial size samples of makeup and skincare products- and I’m gonna share my honest review with you- not sponsored, not paid, and no one really cares. But here it is.

I have been seeing IPSY on my feed more and more lately, people sharing pretty photos on instagram with rose petals and champagne in the background- completely unnecessary, but I suppose it works for them. The products are typically higher end brands we like and love, so I peeped the IPSY website to investigate the hype.


What’s up with IPSY?

The website is easy to navigate, and shows a lot of brands they send out in the glam bags. There is a long survey you do before signing up for your bag- and you can customize how often you want to receive certain products. So, as someone who is pretty picky about perfume, I chose to receive perfume samples less often, and as someone who is willing to try any and every mascara- I chose to receive those samples more often. Get it? I also got to customize my preferred shades of blush, eye shadow and lip gloss. I was able to share what my skin type is for facial care products, stuff like that.

What’s in the bag?

The Lemon Bag

I like makeup bags, but really how many do you need? I like this one, because it has a nice lining on the inside that will protect anything else in my suitcase if something spills or leaks, and a zipper to keep things secure. The lemons are cute, although I prefer limes.

makeup bag with lemons on it. Pink shiny package it arrived in.
I like dem Georgia peaches- but you look more like a lemon.

Peach Punch Sweet Foam Cleanser by TONYMOLY

I’ll admit-new facial cleansers freak me out, as I have had breakouts in reaction to trying new things. So I hesitated, and opened this anyways to smell- holy shit, it smells exactly like peach sweet tea. Like extremely good- I was willing to give it a shot. It’s lightweight, and formulated with peach extract and olive oil, and made my skin feel really nice. It’s a keeper.

sample size peach face wash
Look at that peach.

Berry + Juice Vegan Lip Gel in Rose Currant by SERAPHINE BOTANICALS

I’m not a huge fan of lip gloss, I feel like my lips are big and I am always battling chapped lips so drawing attention to them is usually not something I’m in to. So, I was not excited to see lip gloss, especially this super glassy, gel textured one. It’s different than any other lip gloss I have purchased in the last 10 years, I usually go for lip gloss with natural hues and minimal reflect. I tried it, it’s really shiny and reminds me of being 12 with my really glossy lipSmackers singing that Lil Mama song. I guess I’ll keep it, it seems high quality. Maybe I’ll wear it on days where I want a little more color and a lot more shine on my lips.

vegan lipgloss in rose currant color. Floral packaging
Even lipgloss lets you know when it’s totally vegan.

Moods Eyeshadow in Rose Gold Woman by LAURA SANCHEZ

I like this. As a hairstylist I’m supposed to do myself up and wear pretty makeup and take pride in my appearance. As a mom of 3 boys I rarely get time to do that. This eyeshadow got me excited, it’s a highly pigmented metallic, with pinky-rose gold hues, goes on creamy and blends well, the quality is v good. I will definitely be wearing this on a regular basis because it made me feel pretty and made the green in my eyes pop.

mood eyeshadow that is almost gone
Here is is [was]. The super pretty eyeshadow that is smeared all over my couch. My kid is sneaky and fucked it all up for me. I still love him, and I still love this eyeshadow. You better believe I’m gonna scrape what I can out of those edges.

Double Duty Beauty Base Tape Hydrating Primer by TARTE

Say that 3 times fast. I am familiar with Tarte, and I have a few products from them that I like, so I was pleased to see a familiar brand. I also love hydrating primer because it really does help my makeup last. This is a little more sticky than any other primer I have tested, but I think I like it. It smells like coconut and comes out in a thick milky consistency which adds to the pleasant experience. It felt good on my face and helped my makeup look bangin- so I’m gonna go with it.

base tape makeup primer sample. Blue cap, white bottle
You knmow it’s fancy because it has a mirror on the cap.

Rodeo Drive Highlighter by OFRA COSMETICS

I can’t tell you how many highlighters I have purchased, professional brands and drugstore brands- just to feel like they’re either not shiny enough, or too fucking bright and I look like a [really shiny] clown. There was no expectation while opening this product, as I have been let down before. I feel the quality is good, and I like the reflect it gave my skin. It’s just that- a highlighter, and it has a pretty soft golden glow that I think is gonna look really good with a sun kissed tan. I will definitely be trashing at least 3 of my old highlighters to be replaced with this new one. And it’s a huge size so I absolutely see it lasting all summer, and I’m happy.

makeup highlighter compact
It’s a nice size and I’m just really glad my kids didn’t break this too.

IPSY customization

I appreciate how customizable the service has become, and I was really looking forward to getting my first bag. I like that the monthly financial commitment is low, and for 10 bucks a month not only do I get 5 trial sized products, I may find something I absolutely love.


IPSY allows you to customize things like shades you love and skin type, along with how often you want to receive your glam bag. You can do every month or skip months and even add on products for a special discount. The website has a lot of options, so I definitely recommend checking it out. Shipping is included in the $10 a month. I mean, 5 beauty products AND free shipping!? Thats a snag.

Will I continue my IPSY subscription?

Yes I am. The overall experience of setting my preferences and profile was easy, and I felt like I was able to share enough about what I like and dislike to be sent things I would actually purchase. The value of the bag is worth way more than the 10 bucks it cost me, and I got some sweet products I may actually purchase in the future.


I have included my referral link if you are looking to try the IPSY glam bag yourself. https://www.ipsy.com/new?cid=ppage_ref_v1&sid=link&refer=31ee6


I’d love to hear what you guys think about the IPSY subscription bag, do you subscribe, and is it worth it in your opinion? What are your favorite products you have been introduced to through the IPSY bag? What the heck do you do with all of these extra makeup bags!?

ipsy review. black backroung, purple text
Categories
hair/beauty

Say “bye” to dry

say bye to dry hair

your hair that is.

I get asked all the time how to care for dry hair, here are some hot tips.

This crisp winter air is great for things like binge watching netflix in your jam-jams, but what about when you have to leave your nest? Staticky hair and brittle ends are not exactly flattering. Here’s how to fix dry hair.

A short guide for caring for dry hair.

This post may include Amazon affiliate links.. At no additional cost to you, when you make a purchase, I may make a small commission. Thank you for your support XOXO

First, do this:

We bake cookies at 375 degrees, think about your hair! Turn that flat iron down!


Ok, lets touch on what may be causing this issue.

  • Air quality. With the heat constantly running, we are experiencing low humidity levels. This means low moisture in our air, creating dry skin, scratchy noses, and dry hair.
  • Washing your hair everyday. If you already go a couple days between washes- go you! If washing daily is a habit you’re not ready to break than there are other options, but you may want to reconsider it.
  • Heat damage. When you use heat on your hair, you could be doing major damage and not even know it.
  • Chemical damage. Maybe that box color was a terrible impulse decision for more reasons than turning your hair orange.
  • Hormones. Yea girl, that could be it. If your balance is out of whack it can cause all sorts of issues, parched hair being one of them.

What you can do to fix dry hair

  • Invest in a humidifier if you have not. They even make one small enough to fit in the cup holder of your car! It even has the ability to diffuse essential oils. I have one, and it’s pretty awesome.
  • Skip a wash, or two, or three!? Don’t be a grease-ball, but if your issue is flat hair on day 2, grab some dry shampoo and boost that volume up. Dry shampoo is a game changer, ask your stylist about it.
  • Invest in your styling products, heat protection is absolutely necessary to protect your hair. Think of this as a “base coat” protecting your strands from damage.
  • In moments of mental weakness- DO NOT pick that box color up from CVS and think your hair is going to look like Gwen Stefanis. It won’t.
  • If your problem is severe, and you’re experiencing other abnormal symptoms, then you should contact your doctor and see what’s really going on.

Hair products for dry hair

Talk to your stylist about what products are right for you. What will improve your friends hair, may deplete yours of moisture. Serums and oils are not for everybody.

You are basically gambling when you are in the shampoo aisle at the grocery store. While it’s possible you might end up with something you love, you may end up with old, diverted products that carry no guarantee.

Shampoo is important for maintaining integrity while preserving hair color.

Conditioner is vital too, many stylists offer in-salon deep conditioning treatments that are a great fix for dry hair, packing a major moisture punch.

There are at home treatments with mayonnaise or honey, olive oil and avocado. Try these if you have the extra time and cleaning supplies on hand.

A shower cap is a great budget-friendly investment for no-wash days. Keep your hair dry and frizz free by protecting it while in the shower.

Seek professional help! Your stylist will guide you based on your hair texture, condition, and budget.

We all experience bad hair days- rock a bun, wear a hat, or cancel all plans and binge-watch The Office.

Do you have any tips for caring for dry hair? Leave them in the comments below!

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Categories
hair/beauty Uncategorized

A letter from your hairstylist

When you look good, you feel good.

And when you feel good, you do good.

I feel what I do is so much more than “just hair.” About 90% of my clientele are women who do all the things.

You are so, so bad ass.

You are wives, daughters, mothers and friends. Some of you care for elderly parents, some are raising children. Some of you have like, so many kids and still make it to every game, concert and match. Some are fur mamas who love their fur babies just the same. Some are newly engaged or married, gleeing with love and hope. Some are widowed. Some work and work and work with dedication and still do all the other crap life throws at you!

For the last decade I have had all of these beautiful women who have shared your stories with me, your heartbreaks and moments of happiness. You taught me to be confident and accept a compliment, and how to listen (except when the blow dryer is on, then I just smile and nod.)

You have shared personal stories about motherhood and partnership, how you keep a marriage going into year 56, recipes, books, and making a house a home.

I have been there to do your wedding hair, and then a couple years later cut it off because your kids have sticky fingers and won’t leave it alone.

You remind me, with my young children that these are the good old days.

You keep me creative and give me opportunities to challenge myself. Your hair is my canvas, I get to highlight your beautiful features and help cover that pesky baby hair that just doesn’t seem to grow.

You are the reason I do what I do. I connect with, and learn from you. We make big, life-altering decisions together (ya know, 3 inches or 4, big difference!) You are beautiful on the outside (especially with that blowout,) but more so on the inside. You inspire me to go home and love my family, and show the world compassion and grace.

Thank you you for trusting me with the crown you wear everyday.

XOXO

p.s. I promise to always be here to talk you out of bangs in the middle of summer.

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Say “bye” to dry hair