ipsy: March 2014

The sneak peeks from this month had me excited for both the theme and the products. The sneak peeks all had a travel theme, and the idea of the bag design being inspired by San Francisco neighborhoods is fun.

This month's theme is "Destination Beauty." The bag was designed by artist Klari Reis (www.klariart.com). From her "Street Anatomy" geography-based series, the design is meant to showcase San Francisco. Fun fact: both the artist and ipsy call San Fran home.

I liked the sneak peek pics of the bag, but don't love it as much in person. The outside material of the bag is really plastic-y. I do, however, like the white background and bright colors. The inside is blue with a Klari tag.

The info card illustrates the theme with an island scene.

The reverse has the logos of the possible brands sampled in the bag, as well as details on how to win a one-year free ipsy subscription.

bareMinerals

Marvelous Moxie Lipstick - Get Ready

Sample size: 1.5g/0.05oz (Full size: $18)

"Make an impact with Marvelous Moxie^TM Lipstick. Creamy, super-saturated, ultra-pigmented color glides on like butter for full coverage in a rich satin finish. Lips look fuller and more voluptuous. An infusion of minerals revitalizes lips for a healthy-looking pout, while a moisture-loaded hydrating complex helps to nourish and condition with Abyssinian Oil and Omega Fatty Acids for supple, baby-soft smoothness. All the while, an encapsulated vitamin A, C and E complex helps to deliver antioxidant defense, so you're ready for anything—and everything."

I have never tried a bareMinerals product, so from that point of view I'm happy to have this one. That said, I do not wear a lot of lipstick, and would have preferred a lip gloss. The sample also came with a code for a free mascara sample plus free shipping on a bareMinerals purchase.

The color is called Get Ready. It's pretty, but definitely not as bright as the product card would have one believe. It will be an okay color for work though.

Nicole by OPI

Roughles Nail Polish - On What Grounds?

Full size sample! Sample size: 0.5 fl oz/15ml (Full size: $8)

"Nicole by OPI launches Roughles (“ruffles”) - 4 new textured nail lacquers featuring speckled, pastel shades of purple, pink, turquoise and yellow. When the lacquer dries, Roughles lacquers reveal a unique pebbled finish. For the perfect matte effect, skip the top coat!"

I love nail polish, and am always happy to receive one. I am excited to test out the finish of this polish. The color is just okay. I would have preferred the purple or pink, but ipsy was only sampling the turquoise.

I'll update with pictures when I get around to using this polish.

Update:

I wrote up a review of this polish, but here is a peek at the finished look.

Be a Bombshell

Eyeshadow Quad - Bora Bora

Full size sample! Sample size: 17oz/4.8g (Full size: $16)

"The Bora Bora Eyeshadow Quad contains a highly pigmented long lasting formula for all day wear. To use as an eyeliner, wet the tip of your brush and dip end into the shadow and apply on lash line. For base colors, blend shadow from lash line to brow bone with a wide shadow brush using gentle upward strokes. For accent colors, blend shade in the outer crease of your eye gently working inward. Gently blend base and accent colors together using light, feathery strokes. For highlighting, gently brush under brow bone."

I haven't tried this brand before, so that is a plus. I also haven't received many eye shadows in my boxes, so it was exciting to get this quad. That said, I don't love the colors. They may grow on me though, especially if used more as a liner than an all over color.

The ipsy deal is 40% off any Be a Bombshell purchase and a free Fuschia Lip Crayon.

Pixi Beauty

Mini Flawless Beauty Primer

Full size sample! Sample size: 12ml/0.4 fl oz (Full size: $9)

"The Pixi Beauty Flawless Beauty Primer is loaded with skin loving ingredients. Formula contains powerful anti-aging and skin fortifying benefits. Formula suitable for all skin types."

This brand is also a first for me, but as I do not use primers off to my eDivv store it goes.

Summary: this month was a mixed bag for me. I definitely like the type of products sent to me, I just didn't love any of them. I would have liked to try the Chella eyeliner, so I am actively working to trade for that on eDivv. Still a great deal in terms of the bag contents value.

ipsy: http://www.ipsy.com/r/4xwr

My referral link, should you like to sign up and give me free points.