ipsy | September 2020 | Review & Swatches

Hi Lovelies!

Can't believe how this crazy year is flying by!

Here we are already reviewing September's ispy glam bag.

I'm actually excited about this one because the products are gold!👍

Quick Stats:

Number of Products I'll Use Regularly: 3

My Overall Star Rating for September's Glam Bag: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭑ (4 out of 5)

Thoughts on September’s Glam Bag: Redemption for ipsy! Finally! This bag has a majority of products that I will actually use. I can almost create a whole face look with just these five products.

September's glam bag is a bit two faced; a different color on each side. 

This soft makeup bag is great for transitioning into fall shades.

Now, on to September's products!!!

1. BENEFIT COSMETICS: The POREfessional: Hydrate Primer

Brand: Benefit Cosmetics
Product: Foundation Primer
Size: Mini
Formula: Liquid
Skin Type It Works Best For: Combination – Dry
Lasts For: Approximately 10 Hours

Pros: This primer preps skin for foundation by creating a smooth canvas. You only need to use a small amount of this primer to create a sheer veil for the perfect base layer of your foundation. 

It’s also hydrating, so although it keeps foundation in place, it won’t stick to dry patches or make foundation set unevenly.

Cons: My skin is acne prone and I think this made me break out a little.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭑ (4 out of 5)

Would I Purchase: No, but I would consider trying the original POREfessional Primer

Final Thoughts: A really nice primer that sets the stage for a smooth foundation application. It gives moisture and doesn’t cake foundation.

2. ITEM BEAUTY: Cheek Money in vibez

Brand: Item Beauty
Product: Contour Powder
Name of Shade: Vibez
Color: Tawny Brown
Finish: Matte
Formula: Pressed Powder
Fallout: None
Blendable: Yes
Chalky/Flaky/Crumbly: No/No/No
Lasts for: 6-8 Hours
 
Pros: A soft, powdery brown shade that works wonders for sculpting your cheeks and jaw line. 

It is a light color and can be built up to a more intense shade. Blends easily and leaves a beautiful dusting of color once it fades.

Cons: The super sheer pigment requires quite a bit of layering to be built up to a noticeable contour. It can fade a bit faster than the typical contour powder due to the lightness of the pigment.  

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

Final Thoughts: The powder is very pretty and the light nature of the pigment would be ideal for anyone who likes just a faint trace of a contour or is just learning how to contour.

3. PIXI BY PETRA: Silky Eye Pen in Bronze Beam

Brand: Pixi by Petra
Product: Eyeliner
Name of Shade: Bronze Beam
Color: Bronze
Finish: Shimmer
Formula: Pencil
Waterproof: No
Smudges/Streaks/Runs: Not once it dries/No/No

Lasts for: 8+ Hours
 
Pros: This is a pencil liner but it glides on smoothly like a gel liner. It has the slightest hint of fine shimmer for a subtle sparkle. The creamy texture makes it great for blending and once it sets it last for hours!
 
Cons: Because of its soft texture less pressure is needed when applying and extra care is needed when storing or it could break and smear.
 

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭑ (4 out of 5)
Would I Purchase: Yes.
 

Final Thoughts: Truly lovely eyeliner that is easy to apply and can be used as a smoky eyeshadow when blended out. Take extra care as to not break the liner tip.

4. SUNDAYS: Nail Polish in No. 18

Product: Nail Polish
Brand: SUNDAYS
Name of Shade: No. 18
Color: Brick Red
Finish: Glossy
Number of Coats to Get Bottle Shade: 2
Lasts for: About 2 Weeks
 
Pros: Gorgeous red polish that is perfect for any occasion; formal or every day. 

This deep red polish has a beautiful glossy finish and it lasts approximately two weeks before any significant chipping starts.

Cons: None!

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

Final Thoughts: Excellent shade, long lasting color, shiny finish everything you could ask for in a nail polish.

5. TARTE: big ego™ mascara in Black

Brand: Tarte
Product: Mascara
Size: Mini
Name of Shade: Black
Color: Black
Waterproof: No
Formula: Volumizing
Wand Shape: Hourglass
Lasts for: 10+ Hours
Smudges/Flakes: No/No

Pros: This mascara gives lashes a fanned out, ultra volumized effect. The hourglass shaped wand catches every little lash and coats them with this super saturated black formula. This mascara is so fantastic I have worn it alone, without any other eye makeup, and it made my eyes look totally complete all on its own.

Cons: None

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

Final Thoughts: "Big ego™", although I usually like my cosmetics with a bit more humility 😆, this mascara is absolutely fabulous! Lashes look full, defined, and totally natural. 

And here are a few looks I created using September glam bag products:

ITEM BEAUTY: Cheek Money in vibez

PIXI BY PETRA: Silky Eye Pen in Bronze Beam

TARTE: big ego™ mascara in Black

TARTE: big ego™ mascara in Black

P.S. WEAR A MASK!!! 😷

BENEFIT COSMETICS: The POREfessional: Hydrate Primer (under foundation)

And that about wraps it up for September's glam bag!

ipsy definitely redeemed themselves this month in my eyes, so much happier with the products!

Thanks for reading and don't forget to subscribe so you will be the first to get my tutorials and reviews in your inbox 😉

ICYMI here are some of my recent posts you may have missed:

Urban Decay Wired Palette Review & Swatches

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

20 Beauty & Entertainment Ideas for Quarantine 

Please be safe out there and considerate of others (wear a mask, wash your hands)🌊✋😷

And thanks again for reading

I'll see you next time

XOXO

Ultima Beauty 

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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

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