shopping - August Ipsy 2013!

Hi lovelies!

I know, this should have been up ages ago, but I just find myself becoming less and less excited about Ipsy bags. I don't know what it is, but the past few haven't truly knocked my socks off and now that I really enjoy "couponing" (more on that later), I'd much rather pay for a full size product.

That's not to say I'd ever cancel Ipsy. I'm not crazy.

"Glamour Academy"

I was pretty satisfied with this month's bag. I really wanted the Urban Decay lipstick, and I was seriously contemplating buying the Smashbox primer at work the other day, so it's great that now I get to try before I buy. Compared to some other bags I've seen, I'm glad I received what I did. The bag itself is kind of cute, I like the colours but the print is a little too silly for my everyday bag. 

Urban Decay's Revolution Lipstick in "69"

This new line of lipsticks have been advertised as "Creamy, badass, luxury" and I completely agree with that. The packaging is sleek, and I was pleasantly surprised at how well this went on and wore. Just the slightest pressure during application left such a nice, pigmented colour without appearing cakey. I could see myself trying out more from this line, and I know this colour will get some love over fall and the holidays. 

Mica Shimmer Powder in Bronze 

I previously received the colour "Earth" in one of my Glam bags, and though I don't normally go for loose shadows, I found myself using it and liking it. Same will probably go for this. I adore bronze eyeshadows, and I've heard that metallics are going to be in this Fall, eyeshadows included. It's well pigmented and I haven't had any problems with fallout so far. 

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Pixi Lash Booster Mascara

Michael Todd Organics Pumpkin Nutrient Rich Facial Mask

I grouped these all together because I really only have a lot to say about one thing. The primer. I love the silicone feel and the smooth base it creates for my makeup, and I've just been wanting to try it out for a while now. I love how Ipsy has included 2 high end brands in my bag this month, it's a nice detail that makes me want to stay subscribed. 

As for the mascara, I'll be honest. I haven't opened it yet. I only use one mascara at a time and once a mascara is opened and the air has gotten to it, it can go bad. I save them until I've used up the previous. I've already heard mixed reviews, and as for including mascaras in subscription services, it's risky. I absolutely love the tube of "They're Real" included in November, but I hated the Pop Beauty Mascara. I think mascara preferences are so unique to each girl so the inclusion of mascara can be a guaranteed hit or miss.

I've never tried anything from Michael Todd, so it's nice to have gotten something from the line. The only thing that bothers me right away is that I don't like the smell of pumpkin, let alone having something just like it on my face. However, I can always give a face mask a try, and hopefully this one works out.

It's insane how I obsess over getting my Ipsy bag every month, but I can see my makeup collection slowly growing each month with the products in these bags. I get to be introduced to great products every month with Ipsy and I can't wait to see what the next bag brings me. 

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the rest of your weekend! x

Sydney :)

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