Showing posts with label ipsy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ipsy. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

MAC | M·A·Cstack Mascara | Superstack Mega Brush | Review | Worth the Splurge?

 
Ultima Beauty holding MAC MACstack Mascara Superstack Mega Brush sample. Text reads: "Ultima Beauty MAC MACstack Mascara Superstack Mega Brush Review"

Hey Beauty Lovers!

It's been a while since my last post.
A lot has happened in the last few months.
Between getting COVID after avoiding it for two and a half years, and some heartbreaking family losses I didn't feel up to even thinking about blogging for a while.
But in trying to adjust to the losses I choose to honor my lost loved ones in all I do and keep the memory of them close to my heart...

That's enough sentimentality for now, let's talk about some beauty products.
I have been trying some new makeup over the last few months and now I want to share my thoughts with you all!πŸ’–

Today is MAC and their new M·A·Cstack Mascara!

Collage of six pictures. Text reads:MAC M·A·Cstack Mascara Superstack Mega Brush Review, Ultima Beauty.  Picture 1: Ultima Beauty holding MAC M·A·Cstack Mascara Superstack Mega Brush sample; Picture 2: MAC M·A·Cstack Mascara Superstack Mega Brush sample package; Picture 3: Ultima Beauty's closed eye wearing MAC M·A·Cstack Mascara; Picture 4: Ultima Beauty's opened eye wearing MAC M·A·Cstack Mascara; Picture 5: MAC M·A·Cstack Mascara Superstack Mega Brush wand; Picture 6: Opened MAC M·A·Cstack Mascara Superstack Mega Brush with brush next to tube



You can watch my video review here





I was so thrilled when I saw this mascara as an option for me to choose for my ipsy bag in July. 
I added it without looking at any of the other choices.πŸ˜…

MAC M·A·Cstack Mascara Superstack Mega Brush sample packaging

I had wanted to try MAC’s newest mascara but didn’t want to make the purchase. 
Why? Because mascara is one of the most overly sensationalized makeup products in the beauty industry. 

There are so many commercials that make outrageous claims about a mascara.
We see a model with full lashes that are miles long. 
But if we look at the small print in the bottom corner of the screen it typically says something to the effect of: "This models natural lashes have been enhanced with false lashes/inserts to show the affect of the mascara".

So is it the mascara that gave the model's lashes this incredible look or the false lashes?
It's hard to know without purchasing the mascara and trying it for yourself. 

MAC M·A·Cstack Mascara Superstack Mega Brush sample and inside packaging

And let’s be real, mascara is often a higher price than a foundation. 
But it’s MAC, I’ve always had a good experience with MAC products, so this one must be good too right?

Keep reading and I will breakdown the claims of M·A·Cstack Mascara Superstack Mega Brush versus the reality.


Note: My review is of M·A·CStack Mascara with Superstack MEGA brush, not M·A·CStack Micro Mascara.

MAC M·A·Cstack Mascara Superstack Mega Brush sample

QUICK STATS

Size: Mini
Color: Black
Waterproof: Yes
Formula: Volumizing & Lengthening
Wand Shape: Pyramid-like
Lasts for: 10+ Hours
Smudges/Flakes: No/No



Claim: "Infinite-Build Volume + Length"

Reality: The first time I used this mascara I was impressed by the instant length that it gave my lashes.
It is extremely buildable, as you can layer multiple "stacks" (coats) of mascara to reach the intensity and drama you like for your lashes.

Collage of two pictures: Picture 1: Ultima Beauty's closed eye, text: "Two stacks Just mascara"; Picture 2: Ultima Beauty's closed eye, text reads: Two stacks, full makeup".


Claim: "Clumps-resistant"

Reality: It's pretty clump free. As I was applying a coat I got a couple clumps in the corner of my lashes, but as I continued to brush the wand through it eliminated the clumps.

MAC M·A·Cstack Mascara Superstack Mega Brush sample size, close up of mascara wand.

Claim: "Flake-resistant"

Reality: I haven't noticed ANY flaking at all. Even with a few "stacks" I haven't had flakes or any type of fallout.


Claim: "Customizable volume from natural to next-level, along with instant length"

Reality: Very customizable. If you apply just one or two "stacks" it will give you a natural, wide-eyed look, perfect for everyday.
If you apply multiple "stacks" it will give you varying levels of full, dramatic lashes for a night out, or anytime you want to feel a little extra special.

Collage of two pictures: Picture 1: Ultima Beauty's opened eye, text: "Two stacks Just mascara"; Picture 2: Ultima Beauty's opened eye, text reads: Two stacks, full makeup".


Claim: "24-hour wear"

Reality: This is likely true. I haven't had the occasion to wear mascara for 24-hours recently, but I wore it for a good 10+ hours in heat and humidity, and it didn't budge. 



I have the sample size that came in my ipsy bag. 
The sample size retails for $16 and the full size mascara for $28.
Steep, I know, especially right now. 
However, this mascara goes a long way and if capped tight can be used for quite a while.
Plus, the incredible building effect of this mascara can almost eliminate the need for additional eye products, like false lashes.

Opened tube of MAC M·A·Cstack Mascara Superstack Mega Brush sample size and wand next to it

Pros: Gives great length and volume with totally customizable lash intensity. 
Perfect for any eye look you want to create; from a subtle flirty wink to a dramatic smoky eye.


Cons: No real cons with the formula, the only drawback would be the price. 
But based on how it's performed I think it's worth the price tag.


Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5)

Would I Purchase a Full Size: Yes.

Worth the Splurge? Yes!


Final Thoughts: A multitasking mascara that can deliver on its claims (no false lashes needed πŸ˜‰).


And here are a couple makeup looks I created using MACstack mascara

Collage of four pictures of Ultima Beauty with purple eyeshadow and wearing MAC M·A·Cstack Mascara
(Also using Winky Lux Peeper Perfect Concealer, stay tuned for that review!)

A dusty purple eyeshadow gives the perfect contrast to the intense black MACstack mascara.


Collage of four pictures of Ultima Beauty wearing bronze eyeshadow and MAC M·A·Cstack Mascara
(Also using Too Faced Better Than Chocolate palette. You can read that review here!)

A shimmery bronze smoky eye is made even more dramatic with MACstack mascara.


So I must say: Well done, MAC!
MACstack Superstack Mega Brush is a force to be reckoned with in the mascara world.
It moves up to the top of my go-to mascaras list.
I think it's Worth the Splurge and would recommend checking it out!


Again, you can check out my video review here




Thanks for stopping by and reading my MACstack Superstack Mega Brush review!
So you won't miss my next post, don't forget to subscribe  πŸ“§


You also might like:

Collage of five pictures: Picture 1: text reads "ultimabeautyofficial.com Review of UD Perversion Mascara. Bigger. Blacker. Badder."; Picture 2: Urban Decay Perversion Mascara Packaging; Picture 3: Opened tube of Urban Decay Perversion Mascara and wand next to it; Picture 4: Ultima Beauty's opened eye wearing Urban Decay Perversion Mascara; Picture 5: Close up of Urban Decay Perversion Mascara


Collage of four pictures: text reads: Ultima Beauty Benefit They're Real! Mascara Review"; Picture 2: Ultima Beauty's closed eye wearing Benefit They're Real! Magnet Mascara; Picture 3: Benefit They're Real! Magnet Mascara sample size; Picture 4: Opened tube of Benefit They're Real! Magnet Mascara sample size with wand next to it


Thanks again for checking out my post!

XOXO


Ultima Beauty


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Wednesday, February 10, 2021

ipsy | January 2021 | Glam Bag | Review with Swatches


Collage of 5 photos: text reads "Ultima Beauty ipsy January 2021 Review". Photo 1: Violet Voss: Single Eyeshadow in Bare it All; Photo 2:Stila Cosmetics: Stay All Day® Liquid Lipstick in Patina; Photo 3: FIRMA BEAUTY: 403 Round Blending Brush; Photo 4: SOO'AE: HangBang Sheet Mask Duo in Collagen & Hyaluronic Acid; Photo 5: BELLE EN ARGENT: 8 Free Nail Polish in Love and Attention

Hey Beautiful People!

 First Glam Bag of 2021!
I was so stoked and then: Wah-Wah.
It was overwhelmingly 'Meh' for me.πŸ˜‘
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.


January 2021 glam bag: BELLE EN ARGENT: 8 Free Nail Polish in Love and Attention, FIRMA BEAUTY: 403 Round Blending Brush, SOO'AE: HangBang Sheet Mask Duo in Collagen & Hyaluronic Acid, STILA COSMETICS: Stay All Day® Liquid Lipstick in Patina, VIOLET VOSS: Single Eyeshadow in Bare it All


Quick Stats:

Empty ipsy January 2021 glam bag; the 'dream' is printed across the bag repeatedly

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

BELLE EN ARGENT: 8 Free Nail Polish box

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

Top of BELLE EN ARGENT: 8 Free Nail Polish brush

BELLE EN ARGENT: 8 Free Nail Polish in Love and Attention open bottle and brush

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

FIRMA BEAUTY: 403 Round Blending Brush

Close up of 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

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

STILA COSMETICS: Stay All Day® Liquid Lipstick in Patina tube

STILA COSMETICS: Stay All Day® Liquid Lipstick in Patina open tube and brush

Close up of STILA COSMETICS: Stay All Day® Liquid Lipstick in Patina lip brush

Swatch of 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

VIOLET VOSS: Single Eyeshadow in Bare it All closed box

VIOLET VOSS: Single Eyeshadow in Bare it All opened compact

Swatch of 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:

Collage of 4 photos all over Ultima Beauty wearing VIOLET VOSS: Single Eyeshadow in Bare it All andSTILA COSMETICS: Stay All Day® Liquid Lipstick in Patina

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 πŸ“§
I'll catch you next time! 😎


Collage of 6 photos: text reads "Ultima Beauty ipsy January 2021 Review". Photo 1: January 2021 ipsy glam bag; Photo 2: Violet Voss: Single Eyeshadow in Bare it All; Photo 3: Stila Cosmetics: Stay All Day® Liquid Lipstick in Patina; Photo 4: Swatches of Violet Voss and Stila; Photo 5: SOO'AE: HangBang Sheet Mask Duo in Collagen & Hyaluronic Acid; Photo 6:FIRMA BEAUTY: 403 Round Blending Brush





Multiple makeup products and makeup bags. Text reads: "Ultima Beauty Best of ipsy 2020"



XOXO

Ultima Beauty




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Monday, January 25, 2021

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

 
Multiple makeup bags and makeup products spread out. Text Reads: "Ultima Beauty Best of ipsy 2020"

Hey Beauties!

Today I'm doing a look back at the ipsy glam bags of 2020.
I'll show you which products were my favorites and whether it's worth subscribing to ipsy in 2021 or if they are behind the times.
So read on for some makeup highlights of 2020 πŸ‘€


Winter


January 

ipsy makeup bag, ARACELI BEAUTY Liquid Eyeliner pen, THEORIE: Body Scrub, CIATΓ‰ LONDON: Glow To Illuminating Blush, BELLÁPIERRE COSMETICS: Liquid Shadow, JULES SMITH BEAUTY: Power Gloss

ipsy's first glam bag of 2020 started with such potential (as did the year itself). I was a fan of almost every product that month!

My favorites

Araceli Beauty: Ojos Perfectos Liquid Eyeliner in Night/Noche

BellΓ‘pierre Cosmetics: Liquid Shadow Eye Candy in Venus


ARACELI BEAUTY: Ojos Perfectos Liquid Eyeliner in Night/Noche

Close up of tip of ARACELI BEAUTY: Ojos Perfectos Liquid Eyeliner in Night/Noche

Swatch of ARACELI BEAUTY: Ojos Perfectos Liquid Eyeliner in Night/Noche

Why Araceli's Liner is My Favorite:

A super saturated matte black liquid liner pen that has a slightly longer tip making winged eyeliner looks a breeze! 


BELLÁPIERRE COSMETICS: Liquid Shadow Eye Candy in Venus

Opened BELLÁPIERRE COSMETICS: Liquid Shadow Eye Candy in Venus tube and wand

Swatch of BELLÁPIERRE COSMETICS: Liquid Shadow Eye Candy in Venus

Why Bellapierre's Shadow is My Favorite:

Super shimmery, non-creasing, and long lasting. All the color payoff of a liquid with none of the drawbacks.


You can read my full review of Araceli's liner and BellΓ‘pierre's shadow along with the rest of January's products here.

You can also check out my video review here




February

February 2020 ipsy glam bag, CATHERINE MALANDRINO Fragrance, COLOR CLUB Nail Polish, TARTE Liquid Liner, THEBALM COSMETICS eyeshadow single, COLOURED RAINE COSMETICS Liquid Lipstick

A luxe pink makeup bag with mainly pink products defined the cold month of February 2020.

My Favorites:

Tarte Cosmetics: Kitten Liquid Liner in Black

Color Club: Nail Polish in Can You Not?

TARTE Kitten Liquid Liner in Black

Close up of TARTE Kitten Liquid Liner cap, which is shape like a cat

Swatch of TARTE Kitten Liquid Liner in Black

Why Tarte's Liner is My Favorite:

Super long lasting liquid liner that sinks into skin giving lashes a natural, full effect. Plus the kitty head on the cap is super cute! 🐱

COLOR CLUB Nail Polish in Can You Not?

Opened Bottle of COLOR CLUB: Nail Polish in Can You Not? with brush

Why Color Club's Polish is My Favorite:

Lovely lilac pink nails add the perfect touch of femininity to any look. And this polish lasts a very long time without chipping.


Check out the full review of Tarte's liner and Color Club's polish plus the rest of February's products here.

You can also catch the video review here




Spring


March

ipsy glam bag March 2020, COMPLEX CULTURE Eye Brush, HANALEI COMPANY Lip Balm, FOXYBAE Hair Mask, SUGAR COSMETICS Mascara, GIRLACTIK liquid liner pen, WANDER BEAUTY Eyeshadow

A pretty turquoise bag adorned with gold studs was March 2020. And since it was ipsy's 100th glam bag they gave out a sixth product!😍 

My Favorites:

Wander Beauty: Eyeshadow in Blossom

Sugar Cosmetics: Uptown Curl Lengthening Mascara in Black

WANDER BEAUTY: Eyeshadow in Blossom

Close up of WANDER BEAUTY: Eyeshadow in Blossom

Swatch of WANDER BEAUTY: Eyeshadow in Blossom

Why Wander's Eyeshadow is My Favorite:

Pretty pink shadow with an ultra-shimmery rose gold finish. Glides on like butter and lasts all day without creasing.

SUGAR COSMETICS: Uptown Curl Lengthening Mascara in Black

Close up of SUGAR COSMETICS: Uptown Curl Lengthening Mascara in Black wand

Why Sugar's Mascara My Favorite:

Slightly curved wand gives lift and curl to lashes for a full on lash effect. Plus the name sounds like the title of a Billy Joel song (Uptown Girl).


Read a more in depth review of Wander's shadow and Sugar's mascara and the rest of March's products here

Check out March's video review here





April

April 2020 glam bag, KALEIDO COSMETICS Blush, ORYZA BEAUTY Eyeshadow quad, ARACELI BEAUTY Blending Brush, ESTATE COSMETICS Baked Highlighter, PUREHEALS Toner

A lavender bag sprinkled with printed flowers brought all the spring vibes for April.

My Favorites:

Estate Cosmetics: Dew Me Baked Highlighter in Lit

Kaleido Cosmetics: Skin Blush in Primadonna


Estate Cosmetics: Dew Me Baked Highlighter in Lit

Open compact of Estate Cosmetics: Dew Me Baked Highlighter in Lit

Swatch of Estate Cosmetics: Dew Me Baked Highlighter in Lit

Why Estate's Highlighter is My Favorite:

Pearly finished champagne highlighter that is the best saturated baked powder I've ever used. 

Closed compact of Kaleido Cosmetics: Skin Blush in Primadonna

Close up of Kaleido Cosmetics: Skin Blush in Primadonna

Swatch of Kaleido Cosmetics: Skin Blush in Primadonna

Why Kaleido's Blush is My Favorite:

Matte rose blush that is universally flattering and is perfect for a natural 'no makeup' look. 


Catch the full review of Estate's highlighter and Kaleido's blush in April's review here



May

May 2020 ipsy glam bag, SPACE CASE COSMETICS Eyeshadow, JEJU:EN Sleeping Mask, Nails INC Nail Polish, TARTE Lip Gloss, SLMISSGLAM Brush

A pink ombre bag that was reminiscent of a sunset welcomed May 2020.

My Favorites:

Space Case Cosmetics: Eyeshadow in Intense Stargasm

Slmissglam: SS57 Blender Brush


Space Case Cosmetics: Eyeshadow in Intense Stargasm and box

Close up of Space Case Cosmetics: Eyeshadow in Intense Stargasm

Swatch of Space Case Cosmetics: Eyeshadow in Intense Stargasm

Why Space Case's Shadow is My Favorite:

Gorgeous silver shimmer shadow that is a powder, but is also smooth and creamy. It blends like a dream and stays put all day.

Slmissglam: SS57 Blender Brush

Close up of Slmissglam: SS57 Blender Brush

Why SLMISSGLAM's Brush is My Favorite:

Slightly larger than usual blending brush for extra coverage. It also has super soft bristles and a pretty sparkly handle. 


Check out the full review of Space Case's shadow and Slmissglam's brush here in my double post of May & June's glam bags


Summer

(Where the products started to fall of the rails for me)

June

June 2020 ipsy glam bag, MAΓ‹LLE BEAUTY Tinted Lips, HOUSE OF MAKEUP Nail Lacquer, NANETTE LEPORE Body Lotion, OFRA COSMETICS Highlighter, MARC ANTHONY Conditioner

A yellow-green bag with printed cartoon people on pool rafts (?) led us into June 2020.

My Favorite:

Ofra Cosmetics: "Covent Garden" Highlighter

Ofra Cosmetics: "Covent Garden" Highlighter

Close up of Ofra Cosmetics: "Covent Garden" Highlighter

Swatch of Ofra Cosmetics: "Covent Garden" Highlighter

Why Ofra's Highlighter is My Favorite:

Cream-Rose shade makes this a beyond beautiful highlighter. It reflects the light perfectly for a lit-from-within glow.


Catch the full review of this highlighter in the duel post of May & June's glam bags here


July

July 2020 ipsy glam bag, HUANGJISOO Radiance Pads, CIATÉ LONDON Lip Oil, THEBALM COSMETICS Will Powder Blush, SPACE CASE COSMETICS Eyeshadow, LUXIE BEAUTY Brush

A pink, plastic-y bag with palm trees and an airplane shaped zipper gave July a major vacay feel.

My Favorite:

the Balm Cosmetics: Will Powder Blush in Perseverance


the Balm Cosmetics: Will Powder Blush in Perseverance

Swatch of the Balm Cosmetics: Will Powder Blush in Perseverance

Why the Balm's Blush is My Favorite:

Subtly shimmery coral pink blush that is incredibly blendable and lasts even in the summer heat without running or streaking.


See my full review of this blush in my July-August double post here

And check out the video here




August

August 2020 ipsy glam bag, ORYZA Eyeshadow Palette, NAKED COSMETICS Lip Scrub, NEUMA Smoothing Creme, INC.REDIBLE COSMETICS Rollerball Gloss, LOTTIE LONDON Eyeliner

A futuristic, chrome like makeup bag took August 2020 to a new galaxy 🌠

My Favorite:

Lottie London: AM to PM Eyeliner Pencil in Sunburst


Lottie London: AM to PM Eyeliner Pencil in Sunburst

Swatch of Lottie London: AM to PM Eyeliner Pencil in Sunburst

Why Lottie London's Liner is My Favorite:

Matte/shimmer eye pencil in a champagne shade that looks gorgeous in the water line of the eye, creating a bright, wide-eyed look. 


Read the full review of this eyeliner in my Summer of ipsy post here

And watch the video review here




Fall

(FINALLY loving the products again!)

September

September 2020 ipsy glam bag, ITEM BEAUTY Contour Powder, BENEFIT COSMETICS: The POREfessional: Hydrate Primer, SUNDAYS: Nail Polish, TARTE: big ego™ mascara, PIXI BY PETRA Eye Pen

A "two faced" bag that was gold on one side and burgundy on the other transitioned nicely into the fall season in September 2020.  

My Favorites:

Sundays: Nail Polish in No. 18

Tarte Cosmetics: big ego™ mascara in Black


Sundays: Nail Polish in No. 18 opened bottle and brush

Ultima Beauty's nails with Sundays: Nail Polish in No. 18 on them holding a Dunkin coffee cup

Why Sunday's Polish is My Favorite:

Truly fabulous nail polish in a beautiful red shade. Someone actually stopped me and asked where I got my "gel nails" done while I was wearing it! And it lasts nearly three weeks without any significant chipping.

Tarte Cosmetics: big ego™ mascara in Black opened tube and wand

Close up of Tarte Cosmetics: big ego™ mascara in Black wand

Why Tarte's Mascara is My Favorite:

Gives crazy volume with this hourglass shaped wand. Excellent saturation for dramatic black lashes.


See my full review of Sunday's polish and Tarte's mascara here along with all of September's products.



October

COMPLEX CULTURE Eyeshadow Single, LOTTIE LONDON Liquid Lipstick,

My Favorites:

Complex Culture: Full Time Eyeshadow in Lavender Metal

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics: Smokey Eye Mascara in Black


Complex Culture: Full Time Eyeshadow in Lavender Metal

Swatch of Complex Culture: Full Time Eyeshadow in Lavender Metal

Why Complex Culture's Shadow is My Favorite:

 Icy lavender that is super buildable for a light sweep of color or a lovely saturation of purple. 



Opened tube of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics: Smokey Eye Mascara in Black and wand

Close up of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics: Smokey Eye Mascara in Black wand

Why Bobbi Brown's Mascara is My Favorite:

The straight wand helps give mega length to lashes catching every last one for ultimate lash line definition. 


Read my full review of Complex Culture's eyeshadow and Bobbi Brown's mascara with the rest of October's glam bag products here


November

November 2020's ipsy bag, COMPLEX CULTURE: FULL TIME Eyeshadow: Dinner Party Duo in Chestnut & Rose Gold, MOTD COSMETICS: A Perfect 10 Tapered Face Brush, TARTE: Double Duty Beauty™ Shape Tape™ Concealer in Fair Neutral, JUSBOX PERFUMES: Feather Supreme Eau de Parfum, EYEKO: Rock Out and Lash Out Mascara in Carbon Black

A cool toned color blocked bag with clean lines perfectly housed one of my favorite product line ups was November 2020.

My Favorites:

Tarte Cosmetics: Double Duty Beauty™ Shape Tape™ Concealer in N12 Fair Neutral

Eyeko: Rock Out and Lash Out Mascara in Carbon Black


Opened bottle of Mini TARTE: Double Duty Beauty™ Shape Tape™ Concealer in Fair Neutral with wand

Swatch of TARTE: Double Duty Beauty™ Shape Tape™ Concealer in Fair Neutral

Why Tarte's Concealer is My Favorite:

The absolute Holy Grail of concealers! It's light, plush, and gives excellent coverage, but isn't cakey or thick. Totally worth the hype!


EYEKO: Rock Out and Lash Out Mascara in Carbon Black

Close up of EYEKO: Rock Out and Lash Out Mascara in Carbon Black wand

Why Eyeko's Mascara is My Favorite:

The unique shaped wand and formula gives a black lacquered effect to lashes. It makes lashes thick and fully defined.


Catch the full review of Tarte's concealer and Eyeko's mascara along with the rest of November's glam bag here

Watch the video review here




Winter


December

December 2020 ipsy bag ESTATE COSMETICS: Precision Felt Tip Liquid Liner, IBY BEAUTY: Lush Eyeshadow in Into the Woods, LAURA MAKEUP LABS: Glozzing Sparkly Lipgloss in Spelzz,  JULIETTE HAS A GUN: Lipstick Fever Eau de Parfum, BEAU GΓ‚CHIS: Limited-Edition Flat Contour Brush

A fuzzy pink bag reminiscent of a Muppet capped off the year and contained the five beauty products in December 2020. 

My Favorites:

IBY Beauty: Lush Eyeshadow in Into the Woods

Estate Cosmetics: Precision Liquid Liner

Box for IBY Beauty: Lush Eyeshadow in Into the Woods

Close up of IBY Beauty: Lush Eyeshadow in Into the Woods

Swatch of IBY Beauty: Lush Eyeshadow in Into the Woods

Why IBY's Shadow is My Favorite:

Amazingly pigmented chocolate brown eyeshadow with just the slightest hint of shimmer. It's perfect blended out for a smoky eye or built up for an intense brown.


Estate Cosmetics: Precision Liquid Liner

Close up of tip of Estate Cosmetics: Precision Liquid Liner

Swatch of Estate Cosmetics: Precision Liquid Liner

Why Estate's Liner is My Favorite:

Inky black liner that sinks deep into lash line making lashes look fuller. Pretty much waterproof and incredibly long lasting.


See the full review of IBY's eyeshadow and Estate's eyeliner here  along with the rest of December's glam bag products.



And those are my favorite products from ipsy 2020.
You can see what makeup looks you can create with them by checking out the full reviews.

So, should you subscribe to ipsy in 2021?

For me, even though the products were not to my liking in the summer months, the rest of the year's products were pretty awesome! 
And in spite of the fact that I disliked nearly every product in January 2021's bag (stay tuned for that review) I still think subscribing to ipsy is worth it!


Thanks for reading and don't forget to subscribe to my blog so you will be the first to see my reviews & tutorials 😎


ICYMI

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