Ipsy Unboxing and Review: June 2013

About Ipsy:
Each month subscribers will receive a new Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products customized according to your beauty profile. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using, all for only $10 a month.
If you would like to use my referral link click here to join Ipsy. Thank you!

Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil 
This nude colored pencil has a nice creamy consistency, but poor staying power. This shade can be used as a concealer for the blemishes and the under eye area, as well as to define the lip and eyebrow area. It also contains some nice ingredients, like vitamin E, and various natural oils and waxes.
Overall: 4/5
Purchase: Yes

NYX Rouge Cream Blush in Natural
What a beautiful color! My blush came a little sweaty because it was really hot outside that day, but that didn’t stop me from instantly swatching it without waiting for it to cool down. Just as I thought, the shade is the perfect match for me. Unfortunately, the ingredients include petrochemicals which I try very hard to avoid if possible, and some other nasty things. I guess, I should have expected that from a $6 blush, but still that means I won’t be using it as often as I otherwise would have.
Overall: 3.5/5
Purchase: No

Starlooks Lip Liner in Bare
This particular color is a bit too corpsy for me personally, because I already have pretty pale skin and this just wouldn’t work for me. I have tried Starlooks lip liner in Tipsy before, and it’s actually one of my summer makeup staples right now. I love the texture and the softness of this pencil, and the way it prevents my lipstick from feathering.
Overall: 4/5
Purchase: Yes

J. Cat Beauty Sparkling Cream Palette in Volta 
Well, I didn’t even bother opening this palette. Sure, these shiny glitters look pretty in the pot, but they are not suitable for use around the eye area, as stated by J.Cat. Ipsy made sure to let everyone know that as well by commenting to countless questions on their Facebook page, and mentioning it on the product page on ipsy.com.

Since it can’t be used on the eyes, it’s really useless to me, so I’m planning to donate it to our local middle school. Maybe those kids could use it for their projects or drama club or something – all better than sitting in my drawer, unopened.
Overall: 2/5
Purchase: No

Cailyn Line-Fix Gel Eyeliner in 06 Purple
Love love looove this eyeliner! The color is fabulous, the formula is waterproof and sweatproof, so it’s really perfect for summer. I left the swatch on my arm to see if it passes the smudge test and shower test, and it only slightly faded!
Overall: 5/5
Purchase: Yes

[Bonus] Bauble Bar O-Ring Stud Wrap
This was a referral bonus item I received in my box this month for referring two people to Ipsy. I’m glad that the bracelet came in white color, because I don’t currently own any white-colored jewelry, despite having plenty of white outfits. The bracelet came with a code for a one time $15 discount on my first purchase of $40 or more at BaubleBar.com. I couldn’t find this same bracelet on their website, but I found one that looks just like it at Charming Charlie for $10, in case someone is interested in getting one for themselves.
Overall: 4/5
Purchase: Yes

The verdict: The retail value of this month’s bag was really nice, and I’m really glad that I got a chance to try the eye liner. I’ve been eyeing that brand since I saw them appear in i-Ella The List bags around February. Too bad that I couldn’t find a use for the glitter palette, and that NYX blush contains petrochemicals, because the color is seriously perfect. And the nude lip liner will definitely find a new home soon, I already have a taker for it 🙂

Are you an Ipsy subscriber? What did you think about this month’s bag?

Disclosure: I bought this.