Check out what came and what I think about it all!
Welcome back for August's bag! Here we gooooo........
If you don’t know, ipsy is one of those subscription box/bag services like Birchbox or Boxycharm. You pay $10/month US and you get 5 products in your bag.
Also, not everyone gets the same stuff in their bags, so I can only review the items I received, although I calculated the values for every item offered this month.
A NOTE ABOUT PRODUCT WORTH
Before I move on, I know a lot of people are into calculating the worth of these bags to see if the bag was worth the money they paid. I did calculate the worth of the bag and will show you individual item charts and then a grand total at the end.
For items that weren't full-sized and do not have a sample size equivalent for sale, I took the price per ounce or gram and divided it out and actually used that to calculate how much the sample size is worth.
I hate it when companies and people say, “All of this is worth ‘this much’ or this is an ‘x’ amount of dollars value” and they are using the price of the product as if it were full size, and that’s really not accurate at all. I feel like it’s kind of dishonest and misleading when companies use that to make stuff sound like a better deal, but that’s business for ya!
When I say one of these products is worth “x” amount of money, I mean that this actual size that I am showing you is worth that much and not the full size product.
..........Let's Get Started!
The Bag:
First and foremost is the actual bag that the products come in. Every ipsy glam bag is an actual, usable, cosmetics bag that comes in your pretty pink bubble mailer, and the bag is different every month.
Enclosed theme card:
1. Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizer
Blah, blah blah.... I'm not going to rattle on about my straight, flat hair again. It's really straight. It's really flat. Cool story bro.
As such, I'm always interested in trying anything with the word "volumizing" in it. I have actually found a great product in the Tresemme Thermal Creations Volumizing Mousse, but I'm always willing to try something new in case I end up liking it better!
Well, I really don't have that much to say about this product (for once)! I sprayed it on my damp hair and then blew it dry. There might have been a teeny bit more volume than if I hadn't used anything, but there was nothing so noticeable that it warranted continued use.
I will say that there were no negative effects with this product; no stickiness, dryness, or anything else bad. I will probably hang on to this product to use for travel or as a backup if I run out of mousse, but I won't be using it regularly. I really hope it works for your hair, though!
Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizer
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Ipsy product
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1 fl oz
|
$3.53
|
Full-size
|
5.1 fl oz
|
$18
|
The full-size 5.1 oz Briogeo Volumizer sells for $18, therefore the ipsy sample is worth $3.53.
2. Jesse's Girl Cosmetics Eye Shadow Primer
Shadow primer is another item I'm always interested in trying. Although I've been happy with my Urban Decay Primer Potion for years, you never know when something better will come along!
I tested this product out by using my Urban Decay primer on one eye and the Jesse's Girl primer on the other. Then I applied my shadow and liner as usual.
The first thing I noticed during application is that the shadows on the Jesse's Girl side were more sheer and not as solidly pigmented as with the Urban Decay primer. The blending was also not that great and the colors seemed to blend a bit more patchily. I couldn't get any of the shadows to really blend or fade on my skin, and there was a distinct, harsh line where the shadow ended and my skin began.
I honestly didn't notice any major difference in the longevity of my shadows. It wasn't like the Jesse's Girl side completely wore off or anything.
For me, I want to get the best out of my eyeshadows, so I want a primer that will get the most pigmentation and vibrancy out of them. I want all of those Sugarpill and Make Up For Ever shadows to look on my eye how they do in the pan, and I want them to blend smoothly and easily. In my opinion, the Jesse's Girl primer doesn't quite offer that.
If you are more into neutral looks or don't wear color eyeshadow, I think this would be a good intro primer if you are just getting started and don't want to drop $20-$30 on a high-end primer.
Jesse's Girl Eye Shadow Primer
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ipsy product
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1 fl oz
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$5.99
|
full-size
|
1 fl oz
|
$5.99
|
This month's Jesse's Girl primer is a full-size product and is worth $5.99.
3. Hikari Cosmetics Lip Gloss
Shade: Salsa
Well, I must say this is a great improvement over last month's lip color! I know a lot of people liked it, but it just wasn't for me. I was also a bit worried about this "Salsa" shade, but it wasn't so bad!
Several people have stated that Hikari is a marked-up, mass-produced, made in China brand that uses generic formulas and just slaps their label on it. I have not yet concluded my research on this subject and therefore tried to judge the product based solely on the product and not something I read on the internet.
The Salsa shade is a very bright pinkish red. Depending on what look you are going for, this shade might be a little much. The first time I wore it, I was wearing a very neutral eye and had to blot in order to tone down the color. I was wearing bright purple makeup the second time I wore it and I didn't feel the need to sheer it out. If you do find that this color is too much for you, I really recommend blotting a bit; this will make the color more sheer and turn it into a softer pink rather than a loud red.
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| Full Salsa action. |
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| Salsa after the blot. A nice pink shade! |
The formula of this Hikari gloss is pretty thick; it's not a very sheer, light gloss. It's almost like a NYX Butter Gloss or liquid lipstick in terms of consistency. The pigmentation is fantastic and I didn't notice anything negative related to the wear time. I have such problems with lip gloss staying on my lips, and it certainly didn't wear any shorter than any other product I've worn.
Despite the taste, I liked every other aspect of this gloss and will probably continue using it.
Hikari Cosmetics Lip Gloss
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Ipsy product
|
0.1 oz
|
$13
|
Full-size
|
0.1 oz
|
$13
|
The Hikari Lip Gloss included in this month's ipsy bag is a full-size product and is worth $13.
4. Starlooks Luxe Longwear Eye Liner
I'm sure I have complained about liquid liner somewhere on my blog or YouTube, so I'll spare the details:-P I'm specifically talking about liquid liner that comes with a brush applicator. I have given it more than a fair chance and just recently threw out a NYX holdout in my collection that I hadn't touched in years.
The only type of liquid liner that I can deal with is the felt tip applicator. These are the kind that sort of look like a marker or a pen when you remove the cap. I've had my MAC Penultimate Liner for years and it still has liquid in it and the point hasn't gotten very fuzzy. I think these types of liners give way better control over the flow and neatness of the product.
...Enter the Starlooks Luxe Longwear Eye Liner Pen!
I'm always happy to try out new liquid liner pens so I was intrigued by this product. I really, really like the felt tip on this one because it is much longer and more flexible than my MAC liner. I am used to applying gel liner with a brush, and the flexibility of this liner tip almost mimics the movements of brush bristles, which allows for more control during product application. Using a short, stiff felt tip is like trying to apply liner with a Crayola magic marker. I shudder at the thought.
Although I did not have to struggle too much with the application of the liner, the big downer for me is the pigmentation. I'm used to getting nice dark, smooth lines with my gel liner, and this Starlooks liner appears extremely gray in comparison. If I'm going all out with a cat eye and colorful shadow, I want the lines to be dark and solid, not barely-there.
I will say that Starlooks has also been mentioned in the "repackaged, marked-up China goods" discussion. I'm in no way saying that this is true at this time, but I will say that I could believe it based on the quality you are getting for the price.
On the upside, I didn't notice any major problems with the wear. It didn't seem to last any shorter than any of my gel or pencil liners, and nothing was flaking or running down my face. The pigmentation was so poor, though, so I honestly couldn't tell.
Below is a picture after rubbing the gel and Starlooks with soap and water. You decide...
If the pigmentation is not an issue for you, this product was pretty good. I'm definitely going to hang on to it and use it on the days I don't feel like whipping out my brush and gel pot.
Oooooooh, scary!!!!!
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| slashedbeauty.com |
The only type of liquid liner that I can deal with is the felt tip applicator. These are the kind that sort of look like a marker or a pen when you remove the cap. I've had my MAC Penultimate Liner for years and it still has liquid in it and the point hasn't gotten very fuzzy. I think these types of liners give way better control over the flow and neatness of the product.
...Enter the Starlooks Luxe Longwear Eye Liner Pen!
I'm always happy to try out new liquid liner pens so I was intrigued by this product. I really, really like the felt tip on this one because it is much longer and more flexible than my MAC liner. I am used to applying gel liner with a brush, and the flexibility of this liner tip almost mimics the movements of brush bristles, which allows for more control during product application. Using a short, stiff felt tip is like trying to apply liner with a Crayola magic marker. I shudder at the thought.
Although I did not have to struggle too much with the application of the liner, the big downer for me is the pigmentation. I'm used to getting nice dark, smooth lines with my gel liner, and this Starlooks liner appears extremely gray in comparison. If I'm going all out with a cat eye and colorful shadow, I want the lines to be dark and solid, not barely-there.
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| Cailyn gel liner on left - Starlooks liquid liner on right |
I will say that Starlooks has also been mentioned in the "repackaged, marked-up China goods" discussion. I'm in no way saying that this is true at this time, but I will say that I could believe it based on the quality you are getting for the price.
On the upside, I didn't notice any major problems with the wear. It didn't seem to last any shorter than any of my gel or pencil liners, and nothing was flaking or running down my face. The pigmentation was so poor, though, so I honestly couldn't tell.
Below is a picture after rubbing the gel and Starlooks with soap and water. You decide...
If the pigmentation is not an issue for you, this product was pretty good. I'm definitely going to hang on to it and use it on the days I don't feel like whipping out my brush and gel pot.
Starlooks Luxe Longwear Eye Liner
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Ipsy product
|
0.2 oz.
|
$19
|
Full-size
| 0.2 oz. |
$19
|
The Starlooks liner included in this month's bag is a full size product worth $19.
5. Lord & Berry Ultimate Lip Liner
Shade: Nude
Not even gonna lie, this was my favorite this month! I liked it so much that I used my ipsy points to get another one. There was really another product I wanted a teeny bit more, but I was 20 points short. I knew if I waited, they would both be gone and I would be sad, so I snagged the Lord & Berry while I had the chance!
I honestly don't have much to say about this product, but that's not necessarily a bad thing! I have been wearing this with my Kat Von D lipstick in Lovecraft and I'm loving the combination. I fill in my entire lip with the liner before applying the lipstick and it stays all day! I got Lovecraft as a point item with a recent Sephora order and don't regret it!
Here's me with the liner + Lovecraft. I call it "resting kissy face."
The first thing I noticed with this liner is that it is not as dry as some of my NYX and e.l.f. liners. The sensation of trying to rub chalk on your lips (really dry lips in my case) is not a pleasant one, and I was glad to get some relief from that.
This liner went on quite smoothly and outlined my lips well. It also did a great job of filling them in and providing a nice base for my lipstick. This shade is called "Nude," but I honestly don't know anyone of any skin tone who has lips this color. It's more of a pinkish brown, dusty rose color.
Other than me nitpicking about the shade name, I was impressed with the quality of this product and can't wait to get my second one in my next glam bag !
The first thing I noticed with this liner is that it is not as dry as some of my NYX and e.l.f. liners. The sensation of trying to rub chalk on your lips (really dry lips in my case) is not a pleasant one, and I was glad to get some relief from that.
This liner went on quite smoothly and outlined my lips well. It also did a great job of filling them in and providing a nice base for my lipstick. This shade is called "Nude," but I honestly don't know anyone of any skin tone who has lips this color. It's more of a pinkish brown, dusty rose color.
All of my arm swatch photos were horrendous, so you will have to settle for looking at my dry lips and up my nose:-P
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| Lord & Berry nude liner alone |
Other than me nitpicking about the shade name, I was impressed with the quality of this product and can't wait to get my second one in my next glam bag !
Lord & Berry Lip Liner
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Ipsy product
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0.03 oz.
|
$7.71
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Full-size
|
0.07 oz.
|
$18
|
The full 0.07 oz product sells for $18, so this month's Lord & Berry deluxe lip liner sample is worth $7.71.
So how does this bag stack up against the $10 you spent?
Everybody likes to get their money's worth, so let's see if this month's glam bag was worth the wait!
Worth Comparison Chart
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ipsy
|
Full-size
| |
Briogeo Volumizer
|
$3.53
|
$18
|
Jesse's Girl Eye Shadow Primer
|
$5.99
|
$5.99
|
Hikari Cosmetics Lip Gloss
|
$13
|
$13
|
Lord & Berry Lip Liner
|
$7.71
|
$18
|
Starlooks Luxe Eye Liner
|
$19
|
$19
|
=$49.23 =$73.99
When added together, the total value of the August 2015 glam bag is approximately $49.23. You also have to consider the fact that you received a functional, high quality cosmetics bag, which probably puts the value over the $50 mark. If you still like to know the "value" of the bag based on the full-sized product prices, I calculated it at approximately $73.99, plus the value of the actual bag.
Obviously, each person will place a different personal value on the bag depending on whether or not they liked or could use all of their products, but monetarily speaking the August 2015 glam bag is a great deal!
But I got different stuff in my bag!!
Got something different in your glam bag? I calculate the worth of every single item offered this month, and not just what came in my bag! What good is it to you if you know how much my stuff was worth? I'm not writing this thing just for me, after all.
The "worth" column is the calculated price of the size item that was included in the ipsy bag, and I have checked whether or not the ipsy item was a full size item. Go ahead, find your items and add 'em up!
Product
|
Worth
|
Full size product?
|
Paula's Choice Skincare Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum
|
$9.60
|  |
Skinn Cosmetics Luxe Waterproof Eyeliner in Navy Seal
|
$9.50
|  |
JUARA Skincare Turmeric Antioxidant Radiance Facial Mask
|
$3.50
| |
Skone Cosmetics Luxe Doubler Eye/Lip Pencil in Wine
|
$12
| |
Clear Start by Dermalogica Oil Clearing Matte Moisturizer
|
$6.25
| |
Too Faced Hangover Replinishing Fae Primer Deluxe
|
$4.03
| |
Pencil Me In Cosmetics Natural Eyeliner Pencil in Boysenberry
|
$6.99
| |
Batiste Dry Shampoo
|
$1.90
| |
Glamour Dolls Single Eyeshadow in Sorcery
|
$3.99
| |
Beauty Without Cruelty Leave-in Conditioner
|
$2.34
| |
La Fresh Group Good Night. Night Cream
|
$11.76
| |
City Color Cosmetics HD Powder
|
$3.42
| |
Albertini Divine Skin Hydrator
|
$1.78
| |
Doll 10 Beauty HydraGel Blush in Flirt
|
$16
| |
Trust Fund Beauty Nail Polish in Elegantly Wasted
|
$15
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Noyah Natural Lipstick in Desert Rose
|
$4.50
| |
AILA Cosmetics Luxury Nail Lacquer in Mister Pookies
|
$17
| |
OFRA Cosmetics Lip Liner in Wine
|
$13
| |
Marc Anthony Nourishing Argan Oil of Morocco Oil Treatment
|
$3.31
| |
Marsk Pro Line Eye Shadow Brush
|
$26
| |
BellaPierre Cosmetics Mineral Lipstick
|
$19.99
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tarte deluxe LipSurgence skintuitive lip gloss in energy
|
$3.52
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Clear Clinic Laboratories vanished
|
$9.96
| |
LATHER ultra mild face wash
|
$3.17
| |
OZ Naturals Amino Herbal Hydration Mask
|
$5.50
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Absolute New York Waterproof Gel Lip Liner in True Red
|
$4.99
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Doucce Ultra Precision Eye Liner in Black
|
$22
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CoverFX Blemish Treatment Primer
|
$22
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Swissco Soft Touch Slant Tweezers
|
$5
|
*only 2-packs are sold, $10 a piece
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Juice Beauty Cleansing Milk
|
$1.63
| |
I hope you found this post informative and I hope you are having fun with your August 2015 ipsy glam bag. See you back here to explore next month's bag!
*Here is my ipsy referral link if you are ready to start your subscription!
*All opinions contained in this blog and post are my own. I was not paid to review any products and none of the links contained in this post are affiliate links. I earn 250 ipsy points/person who uses my subscription link, and points can be redeemed for product on the ipsy website*
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