Ipsy: January 2013

In April 2012 I cancelled MyGlam after months of crappy bags and being misinformed by a MyGlam rep about animal hair brushes. The same month MyGlam hosted an in-house forum with online beauty gurus and their staff to work towards bettering their service. In September 2012, MyGlam changed their name to Ipsy. The reasoning behind the change wasn't very well stated, but it may have been to get away from all the negativity/backlash they received. The name change also brought a positive change in the bags. Higher quality brands, exciting products, and here I am back subscribing!

Don't know what Ipsy is? Ipsy is a once a month beauty subscription service that delivers premium beauty samples to your door. The creator of Ipsy, Michelle Phan, is a YouTube beauty expert that wants to share her favorite items with the world. The bags are delivered in the cutest reusable beauty bags. Once you join you will take a beauty/preference quiz that will help the girls choose the best products for you. The products range from beauty, skincare, hair, body, nails, and more. Every month you should also expect to receive full-sized products. Ipsy costs $10 a month, and your bag will always be valued above!
Click here to join Ipsy.

January 2013, Super Stars
My sister told me at Christmas time that she signed up for Ipsy. I started investigating and saw the Ipsy Facebook previews for this bag and was sold when I saw Josie Maran would be featured. It seemed like Ipsy was really going in a positive direction and I was ready to go in. This month's theme is Super Stars. Ipsy put together 5 Super Star products to help you get ready for a new you in the new year.

Information Card:

It looks like Ipsy has done away with real information cards. All descriptions are taken from the Ipsy online product pages.

Products:
Pacifica: Body Butter in Tuscan Blood Orange
Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter is not only a highly effective antioxidant rich moisturizer that nourishes the driest of skin and helps fight off the signs of aging; it nourishes your other senses as well.Full Size: 8 oz ($15.00)
Size Received: 2.5 oz ($4.69)
I can never get enough of Pacifica products. While growing up I thought having acne meant I shouldn't use any moisturizing oils or butters. I received a huge tub of Pacifica body butter for christmas one year and never used it! Now that I know better, I was so excited to try out this scent. Some people thought it smells like Skittles or just overly fruity. But I love it! Blood oranges, mandarin, strawberries, and raspberries. I think it's pretty delicious. Their body butter is formulated with shea butter, almond oil, and safflower oil. It isn't too thick and is easy to apply. It absorbs pretty quickly and really does leave my skin feeling soft. It's even helping heal some really bad dry spots on my hands! My mini tube is just about empty! Luckily, I still have that untouched tub I received for Christmas that I'll be moving on to. Once that is gone, Im pretty sure I'll be rebuying this stuff. Pacifica has so many enticing flavors that I want to try them all!
Cruelty-free!

Sexy Hair: Spray & Play Voluminizing Hair Spray

Your everyday spray for BIG volume! Spray & Play is a humidity resistant, flexible hold hairspray that provides fullness, lift and incredible shine! Perfect for all hair types.

Full Size: 10.6 oz ($16.99)

Size Received: 1.5 oz ($2.40)

Switching over to 100% cruelty-free brands is a process. I buy a lot of my favorite beauty products in bulk, including my hairspray. I currently use Redken forceful 23, love the stuff, but Redken is owned by L'Oreal and therefore may be testing on animals. Sexy Hair is a cruelty-free brand so I was happy to get a sample of this stuff! This hairspray is meant to provide fullness and volume and a hold that is flexible. I've only used it so far to hold back my bangs, and it was non-sticky and is quite flexible. It does leave a little 'hairspray' like dry residue, but my hair is still flexible and doesn't look oily. I used it this weekend and I don't really think it provided any volume, but it did do a great job holding the volume I created with my brush. I didn't have to think about my hair all night long!
Cruelty-free!

Josie Maran: 100% Pure Argan Oil
Create your unique eye look with these creamy glide on pencils in the latest colors. Built to last 24/7.
Full Size: 1.7 oz ($48.00)
Size Received: 0.17 oz ($4.80)
This is actually the whole reason why I decided to sign back up. I love Josie Maran's beauty line and couldn't pass up her most coveted product, argan oil. Argan oil is a lightweight oil that is rich in fatty acids and Vitamin E. The oil is fast absorbing and can be used for a multitude of purposes and skin conditions. Use it as a moisturizer leaving the skin dewy and aglow, plus it may help acne, redness, and reduce fine lines. Treat split ends and frizzy hair, use as cuticle oil, or put a few drops into any of your beauty/skincare products to get added moisture. Argan oil can be used on any skin type. This is such a decent sample size, it will last for months.
Cruelty-free!

SOHO: "Get a Grip" Eyeliner Brush

Define eyes with the Get a Grip Eyeliner Brush. Starting with the upper lash line, delicately trace the eye from the inside corner working towards the outside. Repeat on bottom lash line. Perfect for wet or dry eyeliner.
Full Size: 1 brush ($7.99)
Size Received: Full-size! 1 brush ($7.99)

When I saw we were getting a brush, I got a little scared. All the problems with MyGlam was surrounded around brushes. Luckily, the brush I received is made of synthetic nylon bristles. It is well documented on the company's website and on the Ipsy product page. Whew! My eyeliner brush came with the bristles bent. Im pretty sure it isn't supposed to be like that, but it worked out okay. It makes for a perfect angle for applying gel eyeliners. I wish the bristles were a bit shorter because it is a little too pliable for my liking.
SOHO has brushes sourced from both animal hair and synthetics.

Nailtini: Straight Up Nail Lacquer in Frappe
You can’t go wrong with a classic, all the way to your fingertips. These two are the all-time best selling Nailtini nail lacquers. Whether the glossy true-red of bloody mary or the hint-of-pink of frappe, your tips and toes are classic perfection anytime. Full Size: 0.5 oz ($13.00)
Size Received: Full-size received! 0.5 oz ($13.00)
What an interesting brand concept. All their products are a play on happy hour and drinks. The description on the packaging says 'Great straight or mixed -- it's cocktails for nails.' Even their ingredients are listed in section headed with vodka, simple syrup, and dry gin. Super cute. I received a full-size in Frappe, a sheer pink. This wouldn't have been a color I would have picked out for myself. But it doesn't hurt to have a good sheer in my collection. The brush was perfect for an even, streak free application. Although it didn't last long. The next day it started to bubble and crack. I like bubbles in my champagne, not my nail polish...
Cruelty-free!

Total Value of my January 2013 Ipsy bag: $32.88
I'm pretty happy with this bag! You know its a good one when you are already out of a sample! All the samples are of substantial size and so many different types of products. Plus, the bag itself is a great size and the lining is so cute! I'm very happy I decided to rejoin and look forward to my next bag.

What do you think of the January Ipsy bag? Did you cancel MyGlam and resubscribe after the name change? Let me know in the comments below! If you dont get Ipsy and are interested, click here to join!

Goodebox: November 2012

My blog is officially a year old! It's crazy how much life has changed in just a year!

What is Goodebox?
Goodebox is a monthly subscription service that delivers trial size healthy, eco-conscious, natural beauty and personal care products. Each month you will receive 6 or more products customized for you. The brands and products that Goodebox send out have been thoroughly evaluated upon the brand's use of non-toxic, natural ingredients that respect earth, animals, and humanity. The samples will range from make-up, skincare, body, fragrances, and some lifestyle and wellness products. Every month is a surprise, but the samples picked are based on a very detailed, thorough survey that even lets you indicate color preferences, any allergies, vegan, sensitivities, etc. Goodebox costs $16 a month, but the value of your box will be way above!
Click here to join Goodebox.

November 2012, Curated by Anna Getty

Goodebox featured products that would help us get through the holidays looking, feeling, and smelling great! Anna Getty was the guest expert this month, who is an author and blogger where she focuses on healthy, more holistic pregnancy and motherhood. 

Information Cards:

Products:
Pure Matters: Chocolate Pea Protein
Fuel up the healthy way with this rich, chocolaty protein derived from Non-GMO yellow peas, an ideal protein source for vegans or those with allergy-related dietary concerns. Providing 25 grams of protein and only 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving. 
Full Size: 2.37 lbs ($39.95)
Size Received: 0.077 lb ($1.30)
My trainer last year always recommended protein shakes for after a good workout session. They are chock full of protein and all sorts of amino acids. There is a period after your workout that your body is craving protein and all the amino acids for proper recovery and growth. So you may be getting your cardio on, but without proper protein intake you won't be burning as much fat or gaining as much muscle as you could be! I haven't tried this out yet, but I heard good reviews. The chocolate shakes I've tried are chalky, taste gross, or don't mix well. The reviews all say that this stuff is delicious. I'm excited to try it out after my next run!
Cruelty-free!

Simple Sugars: Sugar n' Spice Body Scrub
Tickle your senses and smooth out rough, dry winter skin with this decadent sugar scrub. Limited edition seasonal scents, these special blends of nourishing, moisturizing oils & pure cane sugar are truly a treat.
Full Size: 8 oz ($15.95)
Size Received: 2 oz ($3.99)
I don't use body scrubs too often, but when I do I like them to smell delicious. This smells like spice chai and sugar cookies, yum! What I like about this body scrub is the scrub itself is rather fine. It is as fine as normal cane sugar. It doesn't feel as rough as others I've tried. It left my skin feeling soft, smooth, and nourished.
Cruelty-free!

Pacifica: Color Quench Lip Tint in Blood Orange
All natural formula packs major moisture, nourishing naturals & gorgeous, sheer color into one perfectly portable, 100% recyclable tube. Essential fatty acids from avocado & coconut oils leave lips luscious & healthy. Natural flavor & perfect shades for truly kissable lips.
Full Size: .25 oz ($9.00)
Size Received: Full-size included! .25 oz ($9.00)
The minute I got this box I immediately tried this on. This is a fat stick style lip tint in a lovely pinkish-orange. The tint is sheer/subtle enough to be an every day lip color. I can wear it to work or while doing errands and not feel silly. Plus, I never have to worry about precise application, I can just zip it on without looking. Not only is the color great, but it is highly moisturizing. I keep this in my purse at all times and if I saw this in a store I would be highly tempted to buy more colors.
Cruelty-free!

Tay Everyday: Sunflower & Grape Revitalizing Cleanser
Spa-strength facial cleanser doesn't strip skin dry but nourishes it with anti-aging antioxidants while simultaneously removing dirt and impurities to maintain skin's natural oils. Apply to wet face and massage for 1-2 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
Full Size: 4.23 oz ($28.00)
Size Received: .1 oz ?? ($0.66)
This is a really creamy cleanser, at first I thought it was a lotion. But this is a soap-free cleanser with  sunflower and grape to help protect your skin from the sun and even out skin tone.  I am guilty of over exfoliating, so it is nice to have a moisturizing cleanser. I used it the other day in the shower with my cleansing brush and was pretty happy. It wasn't very sudsy, which makes sense because its soap-free, but my skin felt clean and still hydrated.
Cruelty-free!

Sweet Libertine Cosmetics: Mineral Eyeshadow in Blue Emperor Dragonfly
Non-nanoparticle formulations are free of fillers, additives, irritants, dyes, talc & preservatives. Provides full coverage & full spectrum sun protection.
Full Size: 9 g ($7.00)
Size Received: 1 g ?? ($$0.77)Organic, mineral eyeshadows that are also decently priced? Yes, please! This eyeshadow came boxed up so it was a fun surprise seeing what color I got. Sweet Libertine has every color under the sun. I don't know how I'd pick if I do decide to buy. The shade I received is from a special collection and is a gorgeous blue, green with grey undertones. I wore this to a Super Bowl party on Sunday. It had great staying power, wasn't too flashy, and the color was just incredible. I'm very happy and really thinking about trying out Sweet Libertine's sample program. You get two of their most popular colors if you mail in a self-addressed and stamped envelope. Mighty worth the 43 cents!
Cruelty-free!

Original Moxie: Shape Shifter Re-forming Cream
An elasticizing and moisturizing cream gel for thick, straight hair that needs more wave and thick, curly or kinky hair that needs more stretch. Lengthen & "de-poof" curls or add pliability & wave, to thick, straight hair. Also deep conditions, detangles, & smooths along the way.
Full Size: 12 oz ($24.00)
Size Received: 1 oz ($2.00)
Uh Goodebox, I'm pretty sure I dont have thick hair... My hair is limp and thin. I'm pretty sure this cream would weigh my hair down in an instant. But for my friends with thick, curly hair this would be a perfect cream for every day maintenance.
Cruelty-free!

Original Moxie: Everyday Leave-In Detangling Conditioner
A creamy detangling conditioner for normal to dry and medium to thick hair, to leave in or rinse out. Shea Butter & Pumpkin Seed Oil provide Essential Fatty Acids and Vitamins and help to tone the hair and scalp, while dissolving knots and providing lasting moisture & sheen.
Full Size: 8 oz ($17.00)
Size Received: 1 oz ($2.13)
I'm still not sure that this product is best for me, but in winter I do really need extra conditioning. Using this stuff once a week will help keep my hair detangled, soft, silky, and my scalp moisturized. I am pretty sure that my hair couldn't handle it being left in, but I'll use as a deep conditioning treatment that I wash out after 5 mins.
Cruelty-free!

Total value of my November 2012 Goodebox:$19.85

It may be a low value, but there were so many awesome new brands and products to try! I love when a box is so varied and I get to try out all sorts of types of products. Makeup, skincare, wellness! Great job Goodebox!

What do you think of my November Goodebox? What did you get in yours? Have you tried any of the products I received? Let me know in the comments below!