The Unboxing - Ipsy Glam Bag September 2013

Sorry for the delay in putting up this post, if you follow me on Twitter, you'd know that work has basically ruined my blogging schedule. Working when I'm at work is just silly, no? :)

Ipsy September 2013 bag and contents

Was very excited (as I am every month) when I saw the bright pink envelope arrive at my door. This month's Ipsy Glam Bag ($10) is a lovely blue with black print, I like it, it's not super girly. The products I received this month are -

NYX Single Eyeshadow in Rust ($4.50), which is just absolutely, mind bendingly stunning! Since receiving it, I have worn it both as an eyeshadow and as a blush! As an eyeshadow, I'd really recommend it on tan and darker skin tones but I think it'd look great on anyone really. As a blush this works really well too, but it is quite shimmery so you need a light hand. So chuffed to get this shade. Oh btw, this shade is sold out on NYX's website!! Insane. I reckon you'd find it easily instore at Ulta though where they are running a buy one get one half price sale on NYX right now, and it's available here too. <love>

It's so BIG mascara sample (full size $19.99), which seems to get mixed reviews on the web, but I haven't tried it yet. It's supposed to be a all in 1 mascara, which is a claim few mascaras deliver on. It's pricey though, but I'll use it as I like trying new things.

Cailyn Tinted Lip Balm in Big Apple ($19.00), this was a full size product so I liked that. The packaging is similar to their eye liner that was in my June Ipsy bag. I think it's nice that they provide a brush but it does look quite bulky. When I tried this lip balm, the colour payoff is almost like a lipstick. It's very pigmented. I really like the colour as it's flattering on anyone. I like the wear time (I managed to get 4 hours even through talking and drinking). I think it can be a little drying, even though the product is pretty emolient. But overall, I quite like this and will use it up, but for $19, I won't purchase it.

J Cat Fantabulous Lipstick in Honeycrisp ($2.49), this was another full size product but it actually arrive broken and smashed up (see above pic) but that's not a bad thing, because I HATE it! Honestly, it's the worst colour and I don' think it would suit any skin tone, there is almost no pink, just pure beige. But even worse than the colour is the formula which is basically the most disgusting of all. One of the first ingredients is mineral oil and it shows, because this is emolient but not at all moisturising, the formula highlights all the lines I have on my lips and I managed to stand about 10 seconds of wearing this before rushing off to find a face wipe. Disgusting.

Jessie's Girl Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Black ($6.99), which was the fourth full size item in this month's Ipsy Glam bag! I think I might have saved the best for last. This is a great eyeliner. I love the packaging as it looks so luxe even though it's a drugstore product. I adore the brush on this, it's thin and flexible but not floppy. The formula is a very deep black and sets quickly. It lasts on me all day and there is absolutely no flaking or smudging. It can be a little difficult to remove though, so you need a good eye makeup remover. I also love that the colour does not fade through out the day. You can create thicker lines by applying more pressure but I love this for the thin eyeliner look and of course the cat eye effects. I do wish they'd come out with more colours. I read somewhere that these are sold in Rite Aid. I reckon, I will definitely be purchasing this when the one I have runs out. It's a great product. <love>

Left - Jessie's girl liner, Top to Bottom - J Cat lipstick in Honeycrisp, Cailyn tinted lip balm in Big Apple and NYX single eyeshadow in Rust

This month's Ipsy bag also came with a little sample of one of the Em Cosmetics Life Palettes. Em Cosmetics is Michele Phan's own makeup line which she launched recently. I know the sample was only really meant to give you an idea of the texture but I was curious so I actually wore the blush and all three of the eye shadows one day and I loved the pigmentation and how easy these were to blend. I really like this product so maybe I might invest in one of her palettes at some point. See my swatches below.

Swatches from the Em Life Palette - Career Life

I loved my Ipsy bag for September, and I am already really looking forward to next month's offerings, all this for just $10, still amazed by the value :)