IPSY: November Glam Bag! (Subscription Box)

Hi everyone!

I don't normally update my blog on Wednesday, but I just got my November IPSY glam bag in the mail and couldn't wait to give you a first impression and my thoughts on the items I received! For those of you that don't know, IPSY is a monthly subscription service that costs $10 a month and you receive 4-5 samples in a cute cosmetic bag. When you first sign up for IPSY you fill our a brief survey and that's how they personalize the items that thou receive. I recently resubscribed to IPSY after canceling for a month and this is the first bag I received with my new subscription. I had been a little annoyed with the samples in my previous bags so I decided to cancel, but this month's bag looked really good so I re-subscribed.

The theme of the bag this month is "Girl Meets Glitter: Life is Short Wear Glitter." Thankfully even though that's the theme, not all of the items I received contained glitter. I don't mind some glitter and sparkle, but I definitely don't want it in every item I receive.

This month the samples I received in my bag this month are:
          - SeaRX Skincare: Micro-Dermabrasion Face & Body Scrub
          - Be A Bombshell Cosmetics: Eye Base - Shade: Submissive
          - IT Cosmetics: Bye By Under Eye Concealer - Shade: Neutral Medium
          - Marc Anthony: Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Volume Shine Hairspray
          - StarLooks: Lip Gloss - Shade: Guilty Pleasure

In addition, the bag this month was a collaboration between IPSY and Forever 21 Cosmetics, and it is a sparkly silver bag with a pink zipper and pull tab closure. It's a very fun bag but unfortunately it feels very cheap and inexpensive. I think I will probably pass this bag along to one of my younger cousins who I think will love it.

SeaRX Skincare: Micro-Dermabrasion Face & Body Scrub
IPSY describes this skincare product as "Exfoliate your whole body with this all-over scrub, which utilizes an advanced crystal blend system. The gentle scrub effectively exfoliates, removes dead cells and reveals softer, healthier skin. Featuring minerals and extracts, the formula improves skin tone and leaves you with smoother, firmer looking skin." This sample size is 0.3 oz which is a great size to try out for a couple of days. I have not yet tried it out, but I love scrubs so I'm really excited to give it a go! A full-size of this product retails for $32 and contains 100 grams, which is about about 3.53 ounces. Therefore, this sample contains about 1/12th of the product of the full-size version and would retail for about $3.

Be A Bombshell Cosmetics: Eye Base - Shade: Submissive
IPSY describes this product as, "This eye base is a highly pigmented, long-lasting product that can be used as a single cream color or used as an eye base to build color." They recommend applying the product lightly with your fingertip to create a natural finish and layer on additional product if you want additional color. You can also create a more intense look by layering with a powder eyeshadow. I really like this shade, I think it would be a great starting item to create a nice copper smokey eye. In terms of texture, this eyeshadow is very pigmented and smooth, although I find that they definitely take a little building up to get the color I desire. I've only swatched this product so I will follow up with a more thorough review and let you know how they apply to the eye and if they crease. A full-size of this product retails for $14, which I believe is what I received.

IT Cosmetics: Bye By Under Eye Concealer - Shade: Neutral Medium
I was so excited to receive this sample as I absolutely LOVE this concealer! IPSY describes this concealer as, "This best-selling, cult-favorite and award-winning concealer delivers highly pigmented, long-lasting coverage that won’t crease or crack. Infused with anti-aging technology, vitamins and high-performance pigments, this multipurpose concealer improves the appearance of wrinkles and effectively conceals the appearance of skin imperfections including dark circles, bags, redness, hyperpigmentation, broken capillaries, age spots and discoloration. Finally an extreme concealer that makes you look younger!" This is definitely a thick concealer and you really need to warm it up on the back of your hand before applying, like they suggest. If you don't, I find that it's hard to blend out this concealer and that it creases pretty badly. However, when used correctly this product works amazingly well and covers even the darkest of under eye circles. I also find it works wonders for covering blemishes and redness. I will say, unfortunately IPSY was only offering this concealer in the shade Neutral Medium (thankfully my shade!), so that definitely won't work for everyone. If you've never tried this concealer, I highly recommend it! I'm looking forward to using this sample size for traveling!

Comparison between travel & full-size concealer

Marc Anthony: Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Volume Shine Hairspray
I always love receiving hair products in subscription services because I often don't go outside my comfort zone and pay to try new products so this is a great way to try new items. IPSY describes this product as, "Get extra volume, shine and hold with this dual purpose hairspray; nourishing and styling in one! This argan oil, keratin and grape seed oil infused hairspray gives you strong and flexible hold plus deep nourishment, strengthening and conditioning as you style. The non-water based, fast drying formula freeze-frames your volume and hold without stickiness or flaking and it’s flexible finish creates workable styles for easy re-styling without crunch or heavy build-up. It creates a luminous finish and shields against humidity for longer lasting styles. Sun Protectors keep the sun and other elements from damaging your full bodied mane." I have already used this hairspray and I absolutely love it! It doesn't get hard or sticky like some hairsprays which is great and it stays put all night! I highly recommend it and I will be buying a full size of it soon!

StarLooks: Lip Gloss - Shade: Guilty Pleasure
I don't often wear lip gloss so it's not one of the types of products I like receiving it subscription boxes. I have so many already that I never use so I hate adding more items to it, when I would have much rather received a lipstick. IPSY describes this product as, "Starlooks Lip Glosses are created with a truly moisturizing, luxury, non-sticky formula. This neutral-rose, yet glamorous shade provides the perfect glisten for any lip look and complements any skin tone! Can be worn alone or in combination with other Starlooks lip products for a truly customizable finish." I have not tried out this  product on my lips yet, but from my hand swatch it seems that this lip gloss is pretty sticky and requires a couple of swatches back and forth to get it as pigmented as you see in the photos below. I do like that IPSY selected this product in a nice neutral yet universally flattering shade.

Okay, so that's everything that was in my IPSY glam bag this month! What did you guys think or receive in your own IPSY glam bags? Are there any other subscription services that you've been loving that I should check out? Please leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks for reading!
-Meg

Special IPSY Coupon Codes:
Here are some special IPSY exclusive coupon codes for you guys to enjoy!
SeaRX Beauty: Free Shipping on orders over $50 with code searxipsy at checkout (Valid thru 12/31/14, not valid for Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico)
IT Cosmetics: 20% off orders of $25 or more with code IPSY at checkout (valid thru 12/31/14, free shipping in US only)
StarLooks: 20% off all cosmetics purchases with code IPSY at checkout (value thru 12/31/14)
Calvin Klein Beauty (via Ulta): $5 off of $30 CK One Color Cosmetics purchase with code 202882 at checkout
Elizabeth Mott: 50% off your entire oder with code IPSYFINE at checkout
GlamGlow: 30% off any purchase with code IPSY at checkout (valid thru 11/31/14, US only)
Temptu: 25% off any purchase with code IPSY at checkout (valid thru 12/31/14, US only)
Tarte: 20% off at Tarte.com with code IPSYNOV at checkout (valid thru 12/10/14, US/Canada/Puerto Rico only)
Rouge Underground: $10 off any $50 purchase with code RUIPSY at checkout (Valid thru 2/10/15, US/Canada only)
L.A. Colors (via Hot Topic): 25% off order with code IPSY at checkout (Valid thru 11/30/14, US/Canada only)
JCAT Beauty: 25% off any purchase with code 25JCAT at checkout (Valid thru 12/31/14, US/Canada only)
Elizabeth Arden: 15% off + UNTOLD sample with any $50 purchase + Free Shipping with code IPSY at checkout (Valid thru 12/31/14)
Demeter Fragrance: 20% off any purchase with code IPSY at checkout (Valid thru 12/31/14)
ClariSEA: 25% off any purchase with code GLOW at checkout (Valid thru 12/31/14, US only (not Hawaii or Alaska)

Kate Spade: Sale Haul & 20% off Promo Code!

Hi everyone,

Today I'm sharing a Kate Spade sale haul with you! Every so often (roughly 2-3 months) Kate Spade has a special sale of up to 75% off some of their items. They will send an email to those on their email list notifying them of the sale starting and it will only last a couple days so shop fast! I highly recommend signing up to receive their emails so you're aware of when these sales start. Below is the email I received most recently.

I always use these sales as an opportunity to buy nice gifts for my friends and family at amazingly low prices. All jewelry items purchased during the sale come with a nice little Kate Spade dust bag, identical to the ones they would give you if you purchased these items full-priced. The items I picked up during the last sale are:
          - Keswick Caining Huggie Earrings

          - Moon River Studs

          - Hancock Park Scatter Necklace (x2)

Keswick Caining Huggie Earrings

I purchased these earrings for my mother for Christmas as she absolutely loves gold hoops and I thought these were stunning. These earrings have 14 karat gold fill and have a gorgeous intricate design with some nice stones in them. They were originally listed for $65, but I only paid $29 during the sale, which is about 56% off!

Moon River Studs

I purchased these earrings for one of my friends for Christmas since these are totally her style. I mean who wouldn't love these adorable bow post earrings?!? They are white enamel with 14 karat gold fill around the edges. These earrings are a little on the large side but aren't completely huge and  I think they will look amazing on. They were originally listed for $28, but I only paid $19 during the sale, which is about 32% off.

Hancock Park Scatter Necklace
The last items I purchased were two of the Hancock Park Scatter Necklaces. I purchased one of these for a friend and one for myself as it was just too gorgeous not to get one for me too! This necklace is rather long and is made of silver and some gorgeous stones. The full retail price of this necklace is $98 but was on sale for $39 during the sale, which is about 61% off - another terrific value!

All in all, I highly recommend checking out the Kate Spade special sales and getting on their email list. These sales are a great way to buy yourself a little special something that you wouldn't buy for yourself normally, and gifts for friends and family members for birthdays and holidays. If you spend $200 during the sale you will get free shipping, but if you do not shipping will cost only $5.

Are you a fan of Kate Spade jewelry? Are there any Kate Spade jewelry pieces on your holiday wishlish? Please leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks for reading!
-Meg

PS- I received this card in the mail from Kate Spade with a coupon code for 20% off your full-priced purchases in stores! The code is WILDCARD and it's valid between 11/3/14 and 12/7/14. The online code they provided me with was for a single use and I'm actually saving it for some additional gift purchases in the future so I have not included it in the photo below.

Time to shop shop shop!!!

There's so many great sales going on so I just thought I would take the chance to sum up some of my favorites for you guys before they're gone!

Today's the last day of Sephora's VIB Sale so GO GO GO!!! Sephora never offers sales so 20% off of everything is HUGE! Treat yourself to those items you've been craving or stock up on gifts for the holidays!

It's also 3x points at Ulta for Platinum members and 2x points for regular members. Make sure to activate your offer online first before you shop! They're also offering a 3-piece serving set with any $40+ fragrance purchase, and all Ulta eye, face, lip and nail cosmetics are all $5 each. Don't forget to use the $3.50 off of $10 coupon on your purchase!

Bath & Body Works is having their 2 for $22 3-wick candle sale and it ends tomorrow (11/11). Also, if you order tonight (11/10) before midnight you'll get free shipping on all orders of $25 or more, by using the code WINTERLOVE. They're also doing "Buy 3, Get 3 Free" or "Buy 2, Get 1 Free" on their Signature Collection items, and 4-for-$18 or 6-for-$24 on all hand soaps. So all in all, it's a great time to shop at Bath and Body Works!

There's an amazing sale going on right now at The Body Shop where you can get 40% off your purchase! Also, all hand creams are 50% off right now and you can get free shipping today only on any size purchase.

Nordstrom is having their November clearance event going on where you can save up to 40% off on clearance items online and in store! Nordstrom Rack is also doing their Clear the Rack event which is an extra 25% off all clearance items and it ends tomorrow.

Ending tonight at midnight, Gap is having their friends and family sale offering 40% off your purchase using the code FFSALE.

Macy's is having their Veteran's Day Sale currently and is offering many specials throughout their store/website and an extra 15% off or $10 off your purchase of $25 or more.

ASOS is offering $10 off purchases of $100, $25 off of $150, or $40 off $200 using the codes 10OFF100, 25OFF150, and 40OFF200.

Ann Taylor LOFT is offering an extra 40% off all clearance items with no promo code needed and $20 pants and jeans.

Vera Bradley is having a special sale where if you buy one specific sale item you get one free through tomorrow. They're also doing a holiday sale of 30% off specific colors and styles. Also, if you spend $125 online, you can pay an extra $5 to get a full-size tote bag.

All boots at Target are buy one get one 50% off so it's a great time to stock up on boots for the winter! Also get 20% off cold-weather clothing and more!

Also, don't forget to sign up for ebates.com, where you can get cash back on purchases you make online! It really adds up over time, I've already made $30 in only a couple of months!

Are there any other sales going on right now that you're really excited about? Please leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks for reading!
-Meg

Sigma Haul!!! B05 Body Brush & F82 Round Top Kabuki

Hi everyone,

Today I have a small haul from Sigma to share with you! A little while back I got an email from Sigma saying they were having a flash sale for 30% off select items for 24 hours so I decided to pick up two brushes - one on sale and one full-price, so that I could get free shipping and the free gift.

The brushes I purchased are:
     - B05: 18K Gold Body Brush
     - F82: Round Kabuki

The B05 body brush was on sale for $34.30, originally $49, and I purchased the F82 brush full-price for $24. For the free gift with purchase, I received a mini Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Glove with a coupon code for $5 off purchasing the full-size one (which I will list at the bottom of this post). I will review each brush separately for you.

B05 - Body Brush
First, the B05 Body Brush - I think it's totally unnecessary that this brush only comes with the 18K gold ferrule, but it does make for nice packaging. Like with all Sigma brushes, this brush comes with their signature black handle with their logo and the brush description on on side. Special to this brush, the other side of the handle has the word extravaganza on it in the same gold color. The bristles on this brush are cream colored.

This brush is very large, dense yet soft and rounded on the top. It is intended to be used for buffing body products, like bronzer and shimmer powder, onto the skin. I use it to make apply bronzer to my neck and chest to make sure that I'm perfectly blended out and don't have a line of difference between my neck and face. I know this is probably an unnecessary purchase, but I actually do struggle with making sure that all my makeup is blended out nicely so it definitely makes putting on my makeup much easier. By no means should you rush out and buy this brush, plenty of other brushes could do the same thing, but being a makeup brush junkie I had to have it. If you struggle with "the line of demarcation" as I call it, I highly recommend this brush. It's so large that it really nicely and evenly applies bronzer without looking patchy or fake, which is often the case when bronzing your neck and chest with smaller brushes. All in all, I really enjoy this brush and use it everyday so it's quickly become a staple in my brush collection. I had a need for it, but I know not everybody does so I would recommend it to people who like bronzer and looking more tan than they are.

F82 - Round Kabuki
The F82 round kabuki brush is a small dense face brush with a rounded head intended for buffing powder foundation and mineral products into the skin. The bristles in this brush are synthetic so you could use it with wet or dry products, though it's intended for powder foundations. I was surprised to see how SMALL this brush was when I first got it. It seemed much larger when I watched the video of it on Sigma's website. I thought it would be a great brush for me since I tend to wear powder foundation on most days when I don't want a full face of makeup. However, since the brush head is so small, I think it would take forever to use it on your face - the total opposite from the B05 - ha! I honestly think I might return this brush since I'm not totally happy with it, but then again maybe I just need to keep using it for a little bit. We'll see...

Here's a comparison in size between the two brushes.

Extras!
For my extras, I got an envelope full of different leaflets: a thank you for purchasing card, a card with a makeup idea and what products you need, an information card about their near 3DHD brushes, and a small brochure with all of Sigma's products.

Also, since my purchase was over $35, I received a mini version of Sigma's famous Spa Brush Cleaning Glove with a coupon code for $5 purchasing the full-size glove. I have not used this yet, but I'm very excited to give it a try. The full-size glove is kind of pricey at $35 so I'm very excited to try this sample to see if it's something that would make cleaning brushes easier, because lets be honest, no one actually likes spending a lot of time cleaning their makeup brushes.

Which Sigma brush is your favorite? Please leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

Thanks for reading!

Sigma Coupon Code for $5 off purchase of their Spa Brush Cleaning Glove: SPAGLOVE (expires 12/31/2014)