I haven't had an opportunity to blog in quite some time, but finally have the equipment and the time to really get this blog rolling!
A few months back, I decided to switch from Birchbox to Ipsy. Birchbox is a great subscription box (definitely worth the price), but in my opinion, only if your primary focus is skincare. Of course, skincare is extremely important in daily beauty routines, and the products they feature are impressive. However, my interest was leaning towards wanting makeup samples to try out every month. It seems to fit my hobbies and extremely sensitive skin better.
I heard about Ipsy from YouTubers that I frequently watch for tutorials, and I haven't ever been disappointed! $10 a month for 5 samples and a cute beauty bag really can't be beat. Since I did start a few months back, I will start reviewing with my first glambag, and keep posting until I'm current with a monthly review session on the products I receive.
Here we go...
I haven't always been a hair mask or oil kind of person. Not sure why, but I didn't think that treatments would make my hair texture change from its unruly normalcy. But when I started getting samples, I figured - why not? Might as well use them. BOY am I happy I did. They make such a noticeable difference immediately and for styling. This "Glow" oil treatment with Porphyra Seaweed acts to make hair silky, shiny, and very easy to style effortlessly. This and dry shampoo are my current styling faves.
Up next is this "Chella" highlight pencil. My favorite ways to use this are for a brow and/or inner corner highlight. I don't think the texture would be just right to add it to the cheekbones, but it may work for your skin type. I recommend this shade because it is subtle, and doesn't have shimmer that draws attention away from the actual shadow or makeup look. Perfect for defining a neutral look. Swatch on my very fair skin tone:
Ahh... my new favorite concealer brush...
Using brushes to apply liquid products like foundation or concealer to the face is not only more hygienic, but helps for a more flawless finish. I usually apply with this kind of brush and then blend out with a Beauty Blender. Basically, I just put the concealer on here to apply only where it's needed underneath foundation or completely blended for non-makeup days. I guess it's just the size of the brush here - it's small enough for the undereye area and the whole face. And it's pretty dense to really blend the product well.
I was pretty excited to try this "Pixi by Petra" eyeshadow duo since this is a very affordable repurchase drugstore product. You can find them at Target. I have to say that both shades are pretty pigmented, but almost seem chalky to the touch and don't blend as well as I would have liked them to on the eye. I pretty much just add a touch onto the lid for more dimension or a highlight using my finger. Not super special.
Finally... NYX Cosmetics is one of my all time favorite makeup brands. They are affordable, good quality, and they usually have great shades of everything. This lipstick is a shade I typically don't try - a mauve with a brownish undertone. This would look amazing on tan or darker skin tones. I find that it can look a tad dark on me, but who doesn't love a Kyle Jenner lip color? I usually mix this with a lighter nude for a perfect light mauve for when I'm not self tanned. The only down side is that this lippie is far from matte, and I find I have to reapply pretty often. Using a lipliner helps a little bit. Overall, this is a really nice shade for an affordable drugstore price. $5.99 at Ulta.
That's it for GlamBag #1! I give it an overall 9 for the variety of products and how much I love almost all of them.
Until next time.
XoXo Jen
