Ipsy December 2014 Review

Ipsy December 2014

My Ipsy bag came surprisingly early this month! Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to play with it until I got back from Disney World with my family. I am okay with this. Each month, Ipsy subscribers receive a makeup bag with 4-5 deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products for only $10.

Sexy Hair 450° Blow Out Heat Defense Blow Dry Spray Mini 1.7 oz, $7.67 value

I’ll just go ahead and get to the hair product so we can move on to the fun stuff. Sexy Hair 450° Blow Out Heat Defense Blow Dry Spray protects your hair from heat damage and conditions, detangles, and strengthens. Obviously, it would take me a while to determine if it actually protects my hair from heat, but it does feel softer and was easier to brush through before I blow-dried it. It’s not bad. I’ll use it, but I would probably never purchase it. You know me and hair products. 1.7 oz, $7.67 value

Beauty Without Cruelty A.H.A. 3% Facial Cleanser 2 oz, $2.81 value

I’ll be honest. The Beauty Without Cruelty A.H.A. 3% Facial Cleanser was something I had planned on tossing to the side and saving in case I run out of my usual facial cleanser before I have a a chance to buy more. I found a pretty good one about six months ago, and haven’t had any desire to try anything else since. Beauty Without Cruelty A.H.A. 3% Facial Cleanser is a soap-free cleanser that removes dead surface skin cells, daily impurities, and excess oil without over-cleaning your skin. This cleanser is very gentle on my skin, but does a spectacular job of getting all the makeup off my face at night. I’ve been using it for a few days now, and a lot of the red, splotchy areas on my face have toned down quite a bit and my skin is feeling nice and smooth. The best part? It is very, very affordable. With my current cleanser coming in at $5.10 per ounce and this one costing $1.4 per ounce (and closer to $1.00 per ounce on Amazon), I think it’s safe to say I will be switching. 2 oz, $2.81 value

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara 0.10 oz, $8.33 value

I recently switched back to my old drugstore favorite mascara after going through my samples from premium brands because I just didn’t like anything better. Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara claims to lengthen, curl, and volumize lashes.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara Brush

This mascara has a standard brush, which I like. It wears well all day without smudging on my brow and it lengthens and curls my lashes. It’s pretty decent and relatively clump-free, but it doesn’t make my lashes look quite as full as the L’Oreal Voluminous that I’ve been wearing. 0.10 oz, $8.33 value

NYX Cosmetics Butter Lip Balm in Marshmallow Full Size, $4.00 value

I’m not really sure why Ipsy sent me a neutral lip balm over the more vibrant colors that were available when I have my profile set to adventurous. I love NYX, but the Butter Lip Balm in Marshmallow was a little disappointing.

NYX Cosmetics Butter Lip Balm Swatch in Marshmallow

This lip balm smells like cherry candy and is a straight up peach color. It’s very hydrating, but the application is very streaky and uneven to the point that it is unwearable. I guess I’ll just be using this one at night. Full Size, $4.00 value

CAILYN Cosmetics Just Mineral Eye Polish in Orchid Full Size, $15.00 value

I used various mineral shadows with a sponge tip applicator like this CAILYN Cosmetics Just Mineral Eye Polish for years before I started taking eye shadow more seriously. It’s practically the same color as well.

CAILYN Cosmetics Just Mineral Eye Polish Swatch in Orchid

Orchid is a beautiful rose gold, which is odd because the name is usually more associated with pinks and purples. Although I’ve worn this shade to the point where I’m completely bored with it, I am still always surprised by how well it still works for me completely alone. The sponge tip applicator is a bit stickier than most I’ve used, so it was a little more difficult to put it on than usual, but i just piled it on and blended it out easily with a brush. The color is really intense, but can be blended out to a less vibrant shade if you choose. This is great for days when you’re in a hurry, but still want to look put together because it’s so easy to work with. Full Size, $15.00 value

Here’s how the eye shadow and the mascara look: