I must confess, from the spoilers release for this month's Ipsy bag, I wasn't too excited about any one product. One polish, the textured one, peaked my interest, as I have never tried one before, however, that was all. Oh, and the bag looked very nice. I favored the design for this month; a quilted style in black will go nicely with most of my handbags. Personally, I love it when a makeup bag doesn't clash with the print or style of a handbag I am using in the moment.
Despite my expectations, I found that majority of my items for December, turned out quite lovely. I could have done without the falsies. I generally use those for going out with girl friends, on a date with hubby, or for an elaborate makeup tutorial. I have tried everything except the false lashes. I make note, my thoughts expressed are first impressions, since I have not used these products for a long enough period of time to give a definite opinion. So without further a do, here are the items I received in this month's Ipsy bag....  Julie G Textured Nail Polish in Sugar Plum Fairy  I used this color as an accent on my ring fingers. This polish is gorgeous!! I can definitely see what all the fuss is about over textured nail polishes now. This one looked so beautiful with flecks of silver and even hot pink. I am looking forward to doing more with it. I don't own many purple nail polishes, and this shade is just perfect for me.
This Julie G polish can be found on Jesse's Girl Cosmetics' website and .35 fl oz is sold for $3.99.
 Be A Bombshell Cosmetics The One Stick In Flustered I really enjoyed the Be A Bombshell Cosmetics products I have tried so far. The lip crayon I was sent of theirs in last month's Ipsy bag was wonderful. This one stick is supposed to be for multiple purposes- eyelids, cheeks, and lips. I have tried it for all three. I don't like using it as a color for my lids. Red eye shadow, for me anyways, is difficult to pull off, but it did work nicely for blush and on my lips. A LITTLE goes a long way, when used as a blush. I noticed many girls had complained it made them look like a clown, on Ipsy's website. I would advise to use sparingly and apply with your fingers a little at a time, buffing it in the apples of your cheeks. It does have a dye-or bleed to it when used on the lips. Thus, I have to use great care during application for this. This product is sold on Be A Bombshell Cosmetics' website for sixteen dollars (and just in this product there is the price of this month's Ipsy bag,... plus more!).  Nyx Cosmetics Extra Creamy Round Lipstick In LSS 565 True to it's name the consistency of this lipstick is very creamy. The color payoff is good; a nice mauve pink. I don't normally wear mauve, but this seemed to work well with my skin tone. It will make a lovely color to wear for fall and even winter, I think. These lipsticks can be found on Nyx Cosmetics' website, Ulta's website, and even some drugstores. They are sold for around four dollars.  Swatches: Top- Be A Bombshell One Stick in Flustered, Bottom-Nyx Cosmetics Creamy Round Lipstick in LSS565  Pop Beauty "Smokin' Hot" Eye Shadows This eyeshadow trio most certainly works better than the Pop Beauty's lip crayon, I once tried from Ipsy. The colors blended nicely together. The first two shades seem a bit buttery, while the darkest one is a bit chalky. When applied over a good primer (I used Tarte's lifted) they lasted all afternoon in to the evening. This trio, I believe, is a sample of the "Smokin' Hot" twenty eye shadows palette. That palette is being sold on Pop Beauty's Website for twenty-four dollars.  Used in this look from this month's Ipsy bag: on the eyes-Pop Beauty Trio in "Smokin' Hot," on the cheeks-Be A Bombshell Cosmetics One Stick in Flustered, and on the Lips Nyx Cosmetics Creamy Round Lipstick in LSS565. To complete this look, other products were also used.  Andrea Strip Lashes in 33 Black And the last item in December's Ipsy bag is a pair of Andrea false lashes. As stated, I have yet to try them, so I don't even have first impressions to offer as of yet.
These lashes are sold at drugstores and Ulta for around $3.99.
Are you an Ipsy subscriber? What was your favorite item(s) this month? I would love to hear your thoughts about the products you are giving a try! If you're not a subscriber, I would still enjoy reading comments about what new products or even current loves you are using.
Thanks for stopping by!!!
<3 Beth.
FTC: I BOUGHT ALL PRODUCTS MENTIONED WITH MY OWN MONEY THROUGH A BEAUTY SUBSCRIPTION. I AM IN NO WAY BEING PAID BY SAID COMPANIES FOR THIS POST. ALL THOUGHTS ARE MY OWN UNBIASED.
 Oh, I am definitely going to "glam it up" this month! I usually hunt online for any leaks as to what our next ipsy bag may be a week before the sneak peeks are released on facebook. So, I of course I was excited to find that everyone would be receiving a full sized product from Michelle Phan's new cosmetic line em; and with each new sneak peek on Ipsy's facebook fan page my anticipation grew.
What I received this month...
 I used eclipse to contour my eyes. Other products from my bag used in this look are the star looks pencil and the pixi bronzer... I have been eyeing the new BH Cosmetics galaxy palette for a while now. I love the look of "baked" makeup. The colors look so pretty on the website. When our discount codes were up for the various products we were being sent, I decided to finally purchase it. I am really looking forward to trying it. I fell in love with my BH Cosmetics Malibu Palette, so naturally I have high expectations for this particular palette.
Today, I played with some of my new additions-including this sample, eclipse, from the galaxy palette-which I did receive in this month's ipsy bag. I noticed when applied directly over a base, it gave off a really nice buttery pigmentation. I used it to contour my eyes and to darken my lower lash line. This sample's color pay off is MUCH better than the BH Cosmetics sample trio, we got in an ipsy bag this past summer. This sample is like a gunmetal silver with purple reflects in it.
 Starlooks Gem Eyeliner Pencil For this look, I lined my lower waterline and inner corner with my new Starlooks Gem Eyeliner pencil in Amethyst. It is a metallic silver with the slightest twinge of purple. In fact, the purple seems to disappear altogether once applied, but it is gorgeous!
 Be a bombshell cosmetics lip crayon I was a bit concerned when I saw that I was to receive another lip crayon in an ipsy bag. The last one I was sent was by Pop Beauty. That crayon was very drying. I have to use it with another lipstick with a creamy consistency to make it work.
However, when I applied be a bombshell cosmetic's lip crayon, in shade "Hot Damn," I was pleasantly surprised of how effortless it smoothed on my lips. It didn't seem drying, and the pigmentation is stunning.
 When Michelle Phan released her line, I was very interested in the "pillow" lippie on her website, and had hoped it would be selected for my bag this month. But, I was not disappointed when I was sent to try this creamy lipstick of hers in Cabana Beige instead. This has to be one of the best nude lipsticks I have ever tried. It was very creamy, and didn't look pasty or like a foundation (which has been the case with some nude lipsticks I have tried in the past).
 Pixi Beauty Bronzer I have to say, I do wish this pixi bronzer in Subtly Suntouched was a tad bit darker. I have very fair skin, yet I still had to use quite a bit to build up a nice color to contour. I kept applying and applying.
That being said, it could be a great bronzer to start with for those who have an aversion to really dark bronzers and want to slowly build a glow.
I think the packaging is really cute. I would much rather my hard blushes and bronzers to open on a hinge instead of a lid I have to screw on and off, but this is just my personal preference.
 Nailtini Nail Lacquer in Caviar Cocktail Lastly, I received in this bag a nail lacquer from nailtini. I think the silver shade is perfect for fall. One nailtini from a previous bag, I actually gave away. The color just didn't look right with my skin tone; but this looks so pretty. I enjoy wearing metallic nail colors during the fall and winter. Bravo, Ipsy!!!
Swatches...
 Top Swatch- Be A Bombshell Cosmetics Hot Damn Lip Crayon Bottom Row L to R- Pixi Bronzer Subtly Suntouched, EM Lipstick in Cabana Beige, bhcosmetics sample in Eclipse, and Starlooks Eye Pencil in Amethyst How much? Where Can I find it?1. bhcosmetics Galaxy Chic Palette $14.95- their website
2. Starlooks Gem Eyeliner $14 - their website
3. be a bombshell cosmetics $14 - their website
4. em creamy color sheer lipstick $16.50 - their website.
5. Pixi Beauty Bronzer (I couldn't find this product by itself on Target's website, but a bronzer and kabuki together can be found there at for $18)
6. Nailtini Nail Lacquer in Caviar Cocktail $13 - their website
I think this must be my favorite selection for an ipsy bag, thus far. What awesome deals for only ten dollars!!!<3 Beth.FTC: I BOUGHT ALL PRODUCTS MENTIONED WITH MY OWN MONEY THROUGH A BEAUTY SUBSCRIPTION. I AM IN NO WAY BEING PAID BY SAID COMPANIES FOR THIS POST. ALL THOUGHTS EXPRESSED ARE MY OWN, UNBIASED. AUTHOR'S NOTE: THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL REVIEW, BUT RATHER FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE SAID PRODUCTS.
Join me on ipsy and subscribe to the Glam Bag! You get 4-5 beauty products every month delivered to your door, for just $10. Michelle Phan curates the bags! Check it out here: http://www.ipsy.com/r/1rva
 OMILAND SO CUUUTE!! AUTHOR'S NOTE: JUST TO CLARIFY- THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL REVIEW! RATHER, A FIRST IMPRESSIONS; A SHOW AND TELL. Yesterday afternoon, I was quite antsy after reading the tracking information online said my first Ipsy bag was to arrive any minute. I waited for the mail man to rap on the door like he normally does with a box, but after a few hours I decided to check the mail, regardless. To my sheer delight, I was greeted by a gorgeous, metallic pink parcel in front of my door. In a mad dash, I threw my hair to the side, up out of my way, and grabbed my equipment to record my open reveal, so I could see what I was sent. For those of you who do not know, Ipsy is a ten dollar monthly subscription, where Ipsy sends you products to try out and keep. The value of the products far exceeds the ten dollar monthly fee. Shipping is free, however in some states, tax is being charged, also. I was told extensively about this program from my dear friend Honey (at http://www.youtube.com/desnte146 and http://www.honeygirlsworld.com), and was excited to give it a go. I signed up a few weeks ago, and luckily made it in right before they started up the waiting list again. I believe I picked a good time to sign up. I saw some of the sneak peeks released on Ipsy's fan page, and then some of the products were even leaked on other blogs. This month's theme is "Pretty in Pink." Which I find most appropriate, being that pastels often are the trend in the spring season. I love pastels; thus it is lovely they were showcasing some products that I would more than likely use and wear.
What I got in this months bag...
I was a little apprehensive when I saw a picture of a blush, that was posted on a blog for a possible product. I am very fair, and while I do have some pink blushes, I have to be careful as to how deep the shade is, so I don't look like a painted clown. I was very pleased to find that the one sent could be carefully be built . In their photo, it looked as if there was a possibility it was too dark for me.
 I love the cute packaging! It is so compact, and fits nicely in my hand. I received, in full size, Be A Bombshell Cosmetics Blush in the shade Sweet Cheeks. After swatching it on my hand, I believed when used lightly it will work well with my skin tone. But this is a gorgeous hue, and I am looking forward to incorporating it in some tutorials I have planned for my youtube channel (http://www.youtube.com/pearlznlacebybeth). On the website it is described as being a "medium rosie pink with shimmer." This particular blush can be found at be a bombshell's website and is sold for sixteen dollars (!). So, with this product alone, I more than got my money's worth!!  Loose eye shadow pigment from Mica Beauty.  Swatches: On the left is a swatch of the blush, and the right the eyeshadow.
I originally thought the beauty above was a full sized eyeshadow, however after checking Ipsy's site, I found that it is actually a generous deluxe sample from Mica Beauty Cosmetics. I was sent this stunning rose gold shadow in the shade Earth. While it is a shimmer eyeshadow, it can be functional in many uses such as being mixed with a clear lipgloss (I want to try that out!), mixed with a clear mascara, and even clear nail polish (as noted by Ipsy on their website in regards to this product). Mica Beauty Cosmetics not only sells natural makeup but even more products ranging from skin to hair care. If I was to buy this eye shadow in a full size it would cost me $14.95; so I am guessing that the deluxe sample maybe worth around about seven dollars. You can find this shadow and others at Mica Beauty's website. They are said on the website to be "extremely gentle, free of preservatives, chemicals, dyes, talc, oils, and other fillers."
 I have one oil product I have been using for years; it will be nice to switch things up a bit. Also enclosed in this bag, is the Sexy Hair Soy Renewal in sample/travel size. It has argon oil in it, and reminds me of some oils that you use as leave-in serums. It is supposed to help with frizziness, and to help speed up the drying process if you are using a hair dryer. I don't blow dry my hair. However, after washing my hair last night, my hair became quite frizzy, as it does after being washed on the first day, and I did try it. It worked very well, my only complaint thus far, is that if I squeeze out the product it does hurt my hands. The plastic isn't very pliable and is hard. I will have to take the top off and shake out the product. I might add, this is not a formal review; just a first impression. This product can be found at Ulta online and at some drugstores. I am not not really sure how much this would sell for, but the full size at Ulta is going for $21.95
 This was supposed to be a peachy pink, but in the bottle it looks a bit more on the peach side... I love nude polishes. They are classic and can go with just about any outfit, and are the safest fit for all occasions. I am delighted to take this beauty for a spin. This nail polish from Sation is in the shade Love at First Byte, and it is a full size product. I am very pleased it is a three free formula (Formaldehyde, DBP & Toluene Free)! This polish can be found at their website and is sold for five dollars. I did try applying it today, and the formula seems more runny than other polishes I am used to. I will play with it some more, and see what I can do with it.  The bag the products and the offers came in is just darling! It seems pretty sturdy. It has a white exterior with a hot pink stripe near the base of the zipper. The inside was designed with white and pink stripes and the Ipsy logo. I will have to keep an attentive eye, being that it is white and white bags seem to display more dirt and residue than other colors.
This month's bag is a very exciting one for me. Thank you for checking out this blog post, and feel free to leave any questions or comments!
<3 Beth.
FTC: I RECEIVED THESE PRODUCTS FROM A SUBSCRIPTION THAT I PAID FOR WITH MY OWN MONEY. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN UNBIASED. I AM NOT BEING COMPENSATED BY IPSY OR ANY OF SAID COMPANIES FOR THIS VIDEO AND/OR BLOG POST.
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