January 2016 - Ipsy Glam Bag [Review]

It's been a few months since I've had a glam bag. I saw that they were offering new subscribers a bonus mascara if they signed up, and there was no waitlist at the time, so I resubscribed. Now given the horrible value of the Canadian dollar (and they charge in US dollars) the conversion wasn't something I was happy about. This bag cost me $21 dollars. This frustrates me because other companies can charge in Canadian dollars. I also feel maybe Canadians should be sent an extra item, or bonus points, just something to keep them subscribed during this time.

The bag. Meh. I'm not really a fan of it. I will probably end up donating it.  Now for a look at everything!

I should have gotten more close ups of the items, but I guess I didn't find the bag too exciting.. haha.

EM Michelle Phan - Lash Gallery Clean Volume Mascara - Okay, I swear I have gotten this in the past. Like, when I originally signed up for ipsy back in 2014. I seriously hope they aren't sending out 2 year old mascara. I don't think I liked it then. Hopefully something has changed if it is new. I'll eventually give it a try. Anyway this was full size and retails for $16 US.

Burt's Bees Cleansing Oil -  Burt’s Bees® Cleansing Oil gently removes dirt and makeup, but won’t leave an oily residue. Formulated with a unique combination of natural moisturizers, including Coconut and Argan oils, our cleansing oil is Dermatologist-tested and clinically shown to both cleanse and soften skin, naturally.

• Won't dry out your skin
• Won't leave an oily residue
• 100% Natural

I'm using up a cleansing oil right now, so I will definitely use it once I finish the other one up. I love Burt's Bees products, I love cleansing oil, so I'm excited to try this one!
Full Size $15.99 US for 6oz. Sample size is 1oz making it worth $2.67 US.

Hanalei Sugar Lip Scrub
Hanalei’s lip scrub gently exfoliates your lips using real Maui sugar crystals. It contains pure kukui nut oil from Hawaii, nature’s miracle oil, vital fatty acids and vitamins A, C, and E that naturally soothe the lips. Shea butter also helps lock in moisture and restores softness after the dry skin has been removed.

• Contains natural ingredients from Hawaii
• Paraben-free
• Helps maintain soft and healthy lips

I've never heard of this brand before, but that's okay. This smells like lemonade, sort of. I do have to say it is more moisturizing than exfoliating, at least from what I have tried. What I do dislike is that it says to wipe your lips with a tissue after applying it. I prefer the Lush lip scrub since it feels more exfoliating, AND I can lick my lips afterwards. This retails for $20 for 22g. We were sent a sample size of 5ml/0.17oz. Making this worth about $3 maybe (I'm not good at math.. lol)

Pixi by Petra - Mesmerizing Mineral Duo Eyeshadow in Lavender Bloom
This shadow duo includes two silky, coordinated shades to use together or solo. The mineral formula reflects light away from imperfections with gemstone inspired hues that will enhance your natural beauty. Apply dry for sheer colour or wet for more intensity.

• Nourishes with vitamin E
• Mica-infused for added lustre
• Paraben-free and not tested on animals

I actually swatched these shadows. With and without flash.

Without Flash

With Flash

As you can see, the more brown/taupey shade comes out so much more. The lavender not so much. I also have to add that the lavender was SO chalky and so hard to get any pigment to show. So one side was great, the other poor. This can only be found on the US shopping site. This looks like it's full size at $6.00 US.

theBalm Cosmetics - Mr. Write (Now) in Scott B. Bordeaux 
We have a Mr. Write (Now) for every day of the week... and then some! Meet this new collection of attractive eyeliners that are truly easy on the eyes. These pencils deliver the long-lasting color you've been looking for, and have built-in sharpeners so they are always ready when you are. With high payoff, eight wearable shades, and a satin smooth texture, we understand why your eyes wander- but rest assured, your eyeliner won't!

• Long-lasting color with rich payoff
• Smooth texture
• Built in sharpener

Every Ipsy member got this in either a coppery colour, or this deep purple. I also did a quick swatch of this with the shadow...

It really is a deep shade of purple. It went on pretty smooth and I will definitely have to try this out on my eyes sometime soon, I think it will really make my green eyes pop. These were sent as full size liners, which retail on their site for $17 US.

Last but not least,

Skone Cosmetics - Smudger Brush
Create sexy, smoldering eyes in seconds with this multi-purpose brush. Use it to line, smudge or blend eye pencils or eye shadow powder. You’ll be amazed how many ways you can use this brush.

• High-end luxe finish
• Made with natural pony hair
• No synthetic hair

I don't really use these smaller brushes when applying makeup. It does have a good weight to it, and didn't seem to shed much when I was playing around with it. I will have to take some of their tips and try it soon. This retails for $15 US on their site.


The total US value for my bag was about $43 (not counting the mascara since it wouldn't have been apart of the bag if I didn't sign up in January) - as it's about double the value of what I paid, I suppose it's not that bad. But I still feel having to pay double what others are, isn't right. And they get the same value. I guess it's not Ipsy's fault. I will definitely be getting February's bag because I redeemed some points. But I honestly don't think I will keep this subscription. It's not worth it with the dollar value, and they honestly haven't improved since I last was subscribed.

If you're interested in joining Ipsy at all, click here:  

https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=1e9r

*I purchased this subscription with my own money. All opinions are of my own*
*Post contains referral links*