ipsy | January 2021 | Glam Bag | Review with Swatches

Hey Beautiful People!

 First Glam Bag of 2021!

I was so stoked and then: Wah-Wah.

It was overwhelmingly 'Meh' for me.😑

Don’t get me wrong the quality of the products are top notch, but the type of products and/or shades aren’t for me. But there is one that is a total star🌟 Read on to find out.

Quick Stats:

Number of Products I'll Use Regularly: 1

My Overall Star Rating for January's Glam Bag: ⭐⭐⭑⭑⭑ (2 out of 5)

Thoughts on January’s Glam Bag: Not their best product selection… Not a 'dream' bag for me. Majority of products are not my taste, but there are some bright spots.

1. BELLE EN ARGENT: 8 Free Nail Polish in Love and Attention

Product: Nail Polish

Brand: Belle En Argent

Name of Shade: Love and Attention

Color: Nude

Finish: Cream

Number of Coats to Get Bottle Shade: 2

Lasts for: 1 ½ to 2 Weeks

 Pros: Long lasting and a lovely cream finish. 

Plus it’s free of eight nasty ingredients: Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, Xylene, Ethyl Tosylamide, & Triphenyl Phosphate. 

And it is cruelty free, as well as vegan. Definitely a game changer in regards to ingredients.

Cons: The only real con for me is that the shade is not my cup of tea ⛾. More of a con for ipsy than this polish.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭑⭑ (3 out of 5)
Would I Purchase: Not in this shade (but the shade ‘Bore Someone Else’ looks gorgeous!)

Final Thoughts:  A nice nail polish with good staying power. If you like nude/cream shades this one is lovely.

2. FIRMA BEAUTY: 403 Round Blending Brush

Brand: Firma Beauty

Name of Brush: Round Blending 

Feature for Brush: Eyes

Feature I Use it for: Eyes, Under Eyes

Formula it Works Best with: Powder

Blends Makeup Well: Yes

Bristles Splay: None

 

Pros: A small fluffy brush with a rounded tip that is super soft. It is the perfect size for blending out and diffusing shadow through the crease of the eye for a beautiful smoky eye look. It also works well for dusting setting powder under eyes.

Cons: None

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5)

Would I Purchase: Yes

Final Thoughts: A well-built brush that lives up to its name and blends eyeshadow and makeup seamlessly. 

3. SOO'AE: HangBang Sheet Mask Duo in Collagen & Hyaluronic Acid

Brand: Soo'ae

Product: Sheet Masks

Quantity: 2

Formula: Firming & Moisturizing  

Skin Type It Works Best For: Combination to Dry

Pros: I don’t use sheet masks; just have never been my thing. I gave these away so I can’t really say good or bad.

Cons: I can’t say if there is a con with the product.

 

But as for ipsy: I constantly make it clear on my ipsy profile, through re-taking their beauty quiz and rating each bag, that I don’t use or need this type of skin care. So, that’s a con for subscribing to ipsy.

Star Rating: Can’t say, gave it away.

Would I Purchase: N/A

Final Thoughts: This could be the holy grail of sheet masks but I don’t use them so I can’t in good conscience say one way or the other. 

4. STILA COSMETICS: Stay All Day® Liquid Lipstick in Patina

Brand: Stila Cosmetics

Product: Lipstick

Name of Shade: Patina

Color: Dusty Rose

Finish: Matte

Formula: Liquid

Smudges/Drying/Sticky: No/No/No

Lasts for: 12+ Hours

 

Pros: This cult-classic totally lives up to the hype! 

It glides on so soft and smooth and it sets to a matte finish. 

It is one of the most comfortable matte finishes I’ve ever used! 

It isn’t drying at all and it truly does last ALL day. 

Even through eating and drinking it stays put and doesn’t smudge or budge. 

It comes in 20+ shades and in shimmer and sheer finishes as well. 

Patina is a gorgeous dusty rose shade, perfect for every occasion.  

Cons: None!

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5)

Would I Purchase: Yes! (And the shade Fiery looks amazing too!)

Final Thoughts: This is a totally fabulous liquid lipstick that is the perfect everyday shade and is so comfortable I forget I’m wearing it. It is crazy long lasting and it does not disappoint!

5. VIOLET VOSS: Single Eyeshadow in Bare it All

Brand: Violet Voss

Product: Eyeshadow

Name of Shade: Bare it All

Color: Bronze

Finish: Shimmer

Formula: Pressed Powder

Fallout: Minimal

Chalky/Flaky: No/No

Blendable: Yes

Lasts for: 6-8 Hours

 

Pros: A pretty, shimmery powder eyeshadow. It sweeps across lids with a lovely wash of bronze and stays put for a pretty decent amount of time. There is minimal to no shadow fallout.

 

Cons: It’s a nice shadow but it’s not better (or worse) than other bronze shimmer eyeshadows. 

My con is more for ipsy (again) for the record number of bronze shadows I’ve received in the last few months.

 

 

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭑⭑ (3 out of 5)

Would I Purchase: Probably Not

 

Final Thoughts: It’s a good eyeshadow and it does last a good long while before creasing. It just isn’t anything that hasn’t been done before.

Here is a makeup look I created using a couple of the products from ipsy's January glam bag:

STILA COSMETICS: Stay All Day® Liquid Lipstick in Patina

VIOLET VOSS: Single Eyeshadow in Bare it All

And that is my review of ipsy's January glam bag.

Definitely not my favorite, but I loved the Stila lipstick!

I'll give ipsy a mulligan on this one; after all, they are coming off of the year 2020.

Looking forward to better product selections moving forward!

Thanks for stopping by!

If you like makeup reviews and tutorials be sure to subscribe via email 📧

I'll catch you next time! 😎

ICYMI:

Best of ipsy 2020 (Should I Subscribe to ipsy in 2021?)

Too Faced | Enchanted Beauty Unbearably Glam Makeup Set | Tutorial & Review (with Swatches!)

Too Faced | Enchanted Beauty Foxy Neutrals Makeup Set | Tutorial & Review (with Swatches!)

Urban Decay Wired Palette Review & Swatches

My Go-To Makeup | Foundation (AKA The Best Drugstore Foundation)

20 Beauty & Entertainment Ideas for Quarantine 

XOXO

Ultima Beauty

Want more makeup fun between blog posts?  Check out my social media pages!

Follow me on Instagram
Follow me on Twitter

Follow me on Facebook 

Subscribe on YouTube

Summer of ipsy | July & August 2020 Glam Bag | Review & Swatches

Hey Beauties!

I can't believe that summer is making its exit already! 

This has been one crazy year.

But, regardless of the pandemic there have been some pretty terrific beauty products.

So, here is a review (and some swatches!) of the products I loved (and didn't love) from July & August ipsy bags!

You can watch my video review here

July

Quick Stats:

Number of Products I'll Use Regularly: 3

My Overall Star Rating for July's Glam Bag: ⭐⭐⭐⭑⭑ (3 out of 5)

Thoughts on July’s Glam Bag: Some very useful products that will even stretch into fall nicely. Some I won’t use at all.

July's ipsy theme was 'Take a Break'. If only it were that simple...

This pretty pink bag has a cute blue airplane charm (we can dream) and the plastic-y scent is reminiscent of 90's pool toys. What screams 'summer' more than that? 🌞

1. THEBALM COSMETICS: Will Powder Blush in Perseverance 

Brand: theBalm

Product: Blush

Name of Shade: Perseverance

Color: Coral Pink

Finish: Light Shimmer

Formula: Pressed Powder

Fallout: None

Smudges/Streaks/Runs: No/No/No

Blendable: Yes!

Chalky/Flaky/Crumbly: No/No/No

Lasts for: 10+ Hours

 

Pros:  My pick for July. This blush is crazy long lasting and incredibly blendable. The finish is ever so subtly shimmery, but does not look overly shiny or reflective. The coral-y pink shade is universally flattering on most skin tones. And it’s a great shade to transition into fall colors.

Cons:  Honestly, none.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5)

Would I Purchase: Yes

Final Thoughts: Super staying power, buildable coverage, finely milled shimmer finish, and a collectively pleasing color make this blush a super star! 🌟

2. CIATÉ LONDON: Watermelon Burst Hydrating Lip Oil

Brand: Ciaté London

Product: Lip Oil

Size: Mini

Name of Shade: N/A

Color: Clear

Finish: Glossy

Sticky: Minimally

Last for: 2-3 Hours

 

Pros: Unbelievably moisturizing with a nice subtle watermelon scent. The more you wear it, the better it works. It smooths and hydrates lips, giving you a fuller, softer pout.

 

Cons: Can be a tad sticky.

 

 

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭑ (4 out of 5)

Would I Purchase: Yes

 

Final Thoughts: I was dead set on not liking this product; I don’t love lip glosses and hate artificial watermelon scents. But this lip oil is fantastic! It is so nourishing and has natural watermelon extract. It’s a keeper! 🍉

3. SPACE CASE COSMETICS: Eyeshadow in Karma Is A Beach

Brand: Space Case Cosmetics

Product: Eyeshadow

Name of Shade: Karma Is A Beach

Color: Peach

Finish: Matte

Formula: Pressed Powder

Fallout: Minimal

Chalky/Flaky: No/No

Blendable: Yes

Lasts for: 8+ Hours

 

Pros: As with all Space Case eyeshadows this one is buttery soft and super blendable. It lasts all day with virtually no creasing. The smooth application makes it perfect for blending onto the lids or buffing through the crease of the eye.

 

Cons: It has a tiny bit of fallout. I don’t care for the shade.

 

 

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭑⭑ (3 out of 5)

Would I Purchase: Not in this shade.

 

Final Thoughts: Truly lovely eyeshadow that is long lasting and blends beautifully. I’m not a fan of the peachy shade, but I would happily buy one in another color.🍑

4. LUXIE BEAUTY: 205 Pack and Shade (Tapered Blending) Brush

Brand: Luxie Beauty

Name of Brush: Pack and Shade

Collection: Rose Gold

Feature for Brush: Eyes

Feature I Use it for: Eyes, Under Eyes

Formula it Works Best with: Powder

Bristles Splay:  None

 

Pros:  The tapered end of this brush makes it excellent for blending shadow to get the perfect smoky eye or diffused effect. It builds color well to get a more intense shade. It also works well with setting powder. 

The ergonomically designed handle has a resting place carved out for your thumb to sit while you create your look.   

Cons: None.


Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out 5)
Would I Purchase: Yes

Final Thoughts: Like every Luxie brush I’ve tried so far; it is phenomenal! Great coverage, fantastic blending, no bristle splay or loss. 

5. HUANGJISOO: Sakura Peeling Radiance Pads (Pack of 10 Pads)

Brand: Huangjisoo

Product: Exfoliant

Formula: Saturated Pads

Skin Type It Works Best For: Oily-Combination

Pros: Breaks down makeup and oil in pores.

Cons: I’m not fan of skin peels so this review may be a little subjective; but I did not care for these pads. I found them almost irritating. Not something that works for my skin.

Star Rating: ⭐⭑⭑⭑⭑ (1 out of 5)

Would I Purchase: No

Final Thoughts: Everyone’s skin is different, so what doesn’t work for mine may work wonders on yours. That being said, the ingredients in these pads are too harsh for my skin.

A couple makeup looks I created with July's ipsy products

THEBALM COSMETICS: Will Powder Blush in Perseverance

CIATÉ LONDON: Watermelon Burst Hydrating Lip Oil

SPACE CASE COSMETICS: Eyeshadow in Karma Is A Beach

THEBALM COSMETICS: Will Powder Blush in Perseverance

August

Quick Stats:

Number of Products I'll Use Regularly: 2

My Overall Star Rating for Augusts’ Glam Bag: ⭐⭐⭑⭑⭑ (2 out 5)

Thoughts on Augusts’ Glam Bag: Not my ideal line up of products. A couple of them I will probably get a decent amount of use out of.

For August the theme was 'Future You'. Didn't really see that theme represented throughout but the makeup bag was a shiny, futuristic chrome texture.🤖

1. LOTTIE LONDON: AM to PM Eyeliner in Sunburst

Brand: Lottie London

Product: Eyeliner

Name of Shade: Sunburst

Color: Champagne

 Finish: Matte/Shimmer

Formula: Pencil

Waterproof: No

Smudges/Streaks/Runs: No/No/No

Lasts for: 8+ Hours

 

Pros: My pick for Augusts’ glam bag. This lovely eyeliner has everything you could ever want. It has a beautiful finish that is nearly matte, but has ultra fine shimmer in it (never gets in my eyes and itches or hurts) for the perfect amount of extra sparkle in your eyes. 

The shade is ideal for the lower water line and gives you a wide-eyed effect. It is crazy long lasting, even in the water line. Truly fabulous! ✨

 

Cons: None.

 

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5)

Would I Purchase: Yes

 

Final Thoughts: A terrific liner with just the right amount of shimmer, excellent pigment and an all day stay!

2. ORYZA: Camo Shimmer Eyeshadow Palette

Brand: ORYZA

Product: Eyeshadow Palette

Name of Palette: Camo Shimmer

Color: Multiple

Finish: Shimmer (3)/Matte (1)

Formula: Pressed Powder

Fallout: A Little

Chalky/Flaky : No/No

Blendable: Yes

Lasts for: 6+ Hours

 

Pros: A quad of four shadows ranging from bronze to gold to deep taupe. They give a very velvety application and blend together quite nicely. It lasts for a decent amount of time without creasing. You can get a full eye look with just this quad!👀

 

Cons: There is a little bit of shadow fallout when applying.

 

 

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭑ (4 out of 5)

Would I Purchase: Maybe in a different shade range

 

Final Thoughts: Very nice palette with flattering shades and pretty good staying power. 

I received a similar palette from ipsy a couple months ago. Slightly different shades, but it would’ve been nice to get something a little different instead.

3. INC.REDIBLE COSMETICS: Rollerbaby The Original Rollerball Gloss in Rolling Like a Honey

Brand: INC.REDIBLE COSMETICS
Product: Lip Gloss
Name of Shade: Rolling Like a Honey
Color: Clear
Finish: Glossy
Formula: Gloss
Smudges/Drying/Sticky: No/No/A little
Lasts for: 2-3 Hours
 
Pros: This nostalgia inducing roller ball gloss took me back to the aughts. Although I haven’t been a lip gloss fan since about that time frame, this one is quite nice. 

It gives such a nice shine to lips and is moisturizing. It has no discernible scent, which I think is a plus. It isn’t heavy and doesn’t have clumpy shimmer like some lip glosses. Less is more.

Cons: It is a little sticky, as would be expected with a typical lip gloss.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭑⭑⭑ (2 out of 5)
Would I Purchase: Probably not.

Final Thoughts: A lovely, light lip gloss. If you’re in the market for a subtle shine for your lips, definitely check this one out. But it is basically just a lip gloss.

4. NAKED COSMETICS: Lip Scrub in Vanilla Creme                   

             

Brand: Naked Cosmetics
Product: Lip Scrub
Size: Mini
Formula: Scrub
Scent: Vanilla
 
Pros: I usually only need to go to lip scrubs when winter weather comes around, but this one has such a calming vanilla scent, I figured why not. A little goes a long way and buffs away any dead skin or flakes.

Cons: Nothing really wrong with the product, it’s just not a season I will use it in yet (maybe it's for 'Future' me).

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭑⭑ (3 out of 5)
Would I Purchase: Probably Not.

Final Thoughts: Nicely scrubs away dry skin and gives a lovely vanilla fragrance.

5. NEUMA: neuStyling Smoothing Creme

Brand: NEUMA
Product: Smoothing Creme, Hair
Size: Mini
Formula: Cream
 
Pros: A great anti-frizz cream! Applies easily to damp hair and protects hair from the damage of heat styling that usually results in frizz. It’s as simple as that!

Cons: None.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭑⭑ (3 out of 5)
Would I Purchase: No

Final Thoughts: A solution to frizzy damaged hair! I already have a go-to product for anti-frizz but this one is definitely a contender and worth checking out👍

Here is a makeup look with Augusts' ipsy bag

LOTTIE LONDON: AM to PM Eyeliner in Sunburst

ORYZA: Camo Shimmer Eyeshadow Palette

INC.REDIBLE COSMETICS: Rollerbaby The Original Rollerball Gloss in Rolling Like a Honey

Again, you can catch the double video review here

Thanks for checking out my ipsy summer wrap up.

I hope you enjoyed the reviews and swatches!

Hopefully fall's ipsy bags will bring products more suited to my taste.

If not, I may need to consider a different makeup subscription.

Do you have favorite makeup subscription? Let me know in the comments!

And don't forget to subscribe so you will be the first to see new tutorials and reviews! 😄

ICYMI: 

Urban Decay Wired Palette Review & Swatches

My Go-To Makeup | Foundation (AKA The Best Drugstore Foundation)

20 Beauty & Entertainment Ideas for Quarantine 

Please stay safe out there, think of others and...

WEAR A MASK!!!

See you next time!

XOXO 

Ultima Beauty

Want more makeup fun between blog posts?  Check out my social media pages!

Follow me on Instagram
Follow me on Twitter

Follow me on Facebook 

Subscribe on YouTube