Ipsy September 2014 Review

Hi everyone! I'm excited to show you what came in my second Ipsy bag this month! I'm getting hooked on Ipsy... I definitely look forward to the sneak peaks, seeing my Glam Room, and of course that hot pink mailer - it really is fun! For $10 a month Ipsy sends you a cute makeup bag and a mix of full-size and sample-size products, usually 5 products total. Keep reading to find out what I received this month...

Ipsy sent me five products in this awesome metallic bag with studs - I love this bag! It has a soft, smooth texture. I received three full size products in this bag - the Hikari lipstick, Be a Bombshell powder and Pacifica nail polish. Definitely impressed with THREE full size products! Let's talk about the lipstick first...

The lipstick shade is Cabernet, online it is described as "rich, red wine." The formula is wonderful - it feels lightweight and smooth, and lasts for about two hours. The finish is a creamy matte and it looks beautiful. 
As you can see in the picture, this is a medium/dark pink color, definitely not rich, red wine. I do wish this was a deep red, almost burgundy color, but the pink is flattering and pretty so I'll definitely use this lipstick. 

Size Received: 3.8 grams
Price: $13 full size 3.8 grams
Value: $13  This lipstick alone paid for the bag! Go Ipsy!

Up next: Be a Bombshell Smooth Criminal Powder. I love how matte this powder is! I have extremely oily skin. I use a matte primer, matte foundation and this powder and it really keeps the dreaded oil-slick at bay. The powder is completely translucent and applies clear. I have used this in photographs, too, and haven't had a problem with a white cast. I love how flawless this makes my skin look. The formula is lightweight, odorless, and doesn't leave my skin cakey. Plus - it hasn't made me break out! Definitely a must-have finishing powder for ladies and gents with oily skin. 

Size Received: 4 grams

Price: $12 full size 4 grams

Value: $12  Another item that paid for the bag - super happy with the value!

Let's talk about the Pacifica 7 Free Nail Color in Red, Red Wine. First of all, I was so excited to see a full size nail polish in my Ipsy bag. I love nail polish! The color is one of my favorite fall shades - a deep red/burgundy with a hint of brown. It is a lovely color. The formula, however, was not as impressive. The polish is very thin and chips within one day of wear. I have found excellent base and top coats and usually can have a regular manicure last 5 days without chipping. This chipped on the same day that I painted! And continued to chip. Overall, I would not buy this formula again... but I will probably use it again because I enjoy the shade. 

Size Received: 0.45 fl oz

Price: $9 full size 0.45 fl oz

Value: $9  I'm so happy with the value of these products!

Well, I'll be honest. I'm not a huge fan of hand lotion, so this was just not as exciting for me. The product packaging claims "Luxury Hand Cream" but it really is average to me. It smells like sweet lavender.  

The formula is nice - it absorbs quickly and it is hydrating. It's just not exceptional or anything, pretty standard hand cream here. 

Size Received: 1.1 fl oz/30 ml

Price: $34 full size 60 ml (found on Amazon.com because Mitchell and Peach's website lists pounds and I'm looking for dollars)

Value: $17   Another great value! (Side note: this hand lotion is way overpriced :D ) 

The last item here is the Nourish Organic Moisturizing Cream Face Cleanser. Unfortunately, the second ingredient is coconut oil. Coconut oil makes me break out so badly, so I'm not going to use this at all. I gave it to my husband to use because he has dry skin and never breaks out. Lucky man.

Size Received: 1 fl oz

Price: $13.99 full size 6 fl oz

Value: $2.33

Overall Thoughts: I am extremely happy with this month's Ipsy bag! Although I'm not really into the hand lotion or the face cleanser, the three full size products make up for that, plus I actually *love* the lipstick and the powder. The total value of the products is $53.33. Wow!! I can't wait to see what October brings us.

Did you receive the September Ipsy Bag?  What were your favorite products? 

Dove Pistachio Cream with Magnolia Nourishing Body Wash

Hi everyone! Now, I have to tell you... I *love* Dove body wash, so I was really excited to snatch up this new scent - pistachio cream with magnolia!  Doesn't it just sound delicious? Read more to find out how it worked for me!

Packaging: This comes in the standard Dove body wash bottle. 22 fl. oz. It has a lovely picture of pistachios and a magnolia flower. Flip-top cap. I personally love Dove body wash bottles - they're easy to grip, open and squeeze. 

Claims: "Dove Pistachio Cream and Magnolia blended with NutriumMoisture creates a cloud of creamy lather that will leave you and your skin comforted and nourished. The comforting scent fills your shower enveloping you with care, leaving you feeling relaxed." Dove markets their body washes as being very hydrating and nourishing, and this particular scent is no exception: "Dove makes your skin softer and smoother after just one shower with NutriumMoisture for more skin natural nourishment than most body washes." This information can be found on the back of the bottle.

Formula and Scent: The body wash is thick and creamy, and a light mint green color. It produces a creamy lather; this really feels indulgent! Like all Dove body washes, I find this hydrating and soothing. I don't have particularly dry skin, but my skin always feels softer when I use Dove. The scent is unique and lovely. The pistachio scent is a subtle creamy nutty-ness, and the magnolia smells fresh and slightly floral. Together, these scents mix into a delicious blend of cream, subtle nut spice, and fresh magnolia. It's a touch gourmand, a touch clean-fresh, and a touch floral. YUM! Pistachio Cream and Magnolia is one of the most interesting drug store body wash scents I've used!
Final Thoughts: I highly recommend this body wash, and I will purchase this again! I love the creamy, rich formula and the indulgent scent. Unfortunately, the scent does fade quickly, but I don't expect my body wash scent to linger. I would love to see deodorant and body lotion added to this line. This is a perfect scent as we transition into fall - still fresh and floral enough for those lingering summer days, but enough cream and spice to warm up the chilly mornings!

Have you tried the new Dove Pistachio Cream with Magnolia Nourishing Body Wash? Did you enjoy it, too? 

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner Review

Hi everyone! In my August Ipsy Bag I received the Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner. Check out everything else from my August Ipsy bag here! I've used this for the past few weeks... keep reading to find out how it worked for me!
Claims: "A cult favorite, pores no more pore refiner primer is Dr. Brandt’s quick fix for flawless, photo-ready skin. It is the miracle base to create the perfect skin canvas for long-lasting makeup and well-preserved skin. This velvety formula absorbs excess oil, minimizes pores, blurs fine lines and is resistant to sweat and humidity. Prime, touch-up and treat while perfecting your makeup."  Taken from Dr. Brandt Skincare's website.

Packaging: I was sent the sample size, however the packaging appears to be similar to the full-size tube. The tube feels very hygienic and easy to control. 

Formula: The first two things I noticed: The formula is peach colored but blends out colorless, and it smells very herbal, like tea tree oil and rosemary. The smell quickly fades. This has a smooth, slick texture similar to other primers formulated with dimethicone. I always apply primer under my foundation and then set everything lightly with powder. Unfortunately, this did not refine my pores at all. I have large pores and oily skin, and this primer did nothing for me. It did not absorb excess oil and my makeup just melted after about 3 hours.
Final Thoughts: This pore refiner primer did not help my skin at all. *sigh* I really wanted this to work because I have the skin type that needs a product like this. To make matters worse, after a few days I noticed new clogged pores and break outs which increased every day after using this... something in it made me break out. Once I stopped using this, my face cleared up within a week. I do not recommend this primer, but I would suggest trying Ulta's Matte Prime. 

It refines my large pores, gives me a solid 6-7 hours of a matte complexion AND keeps my makeup from fading. You can find Ulta's Matte Prime here. It's a way better price-point too - Ulta's $18 for 1 oz vs Dr. Brandt's $45 for 1 oz.  So if you're in the market for a primer which will help smooth out pores, control oil, and won't make you break out check out Ulta's Matte Prime!

Has anyone else tried Dr. Brandt's Pores No More Pore Refiner? How did it work for you? Are there any other primers which you would recommend?