The Bag
I can feel my pulse rising when I look at this bag. It’s like the same vinyl material that covers the foam mats for grade school PE classes. My fresh start feels like the first day of school, and can we talk about those colors? This is government issue blue, basic white, and the zipper is a peachy-orange that I couldn’t quite make out in the warm lighting at my desk. I honestly thought it was pink for at least an hour until I read someone’s review about the blue, white and orange bag. It is not attractive, but it’s sturdy and doesn’t smell weird or anything. I’m going to give it 2 out of 5 for trying, but I’m going to hide it away and force it to organize things in a drawer somewhere.

Hey Honey, Take It Off! Exfoliating Honey Peel Off Mask – full size 50ml for $35, ipsy size 10ml ~ $7
I was so afraid I wouldn’t be able to use this one. I had an allergic reaction to a peel mask a few months ago, but I tried a test area first this time. Seemed fine, so I proceeded to make Monday my mask night. I was expecting the gel to be more golden or smell like honey, but it was clear as water and had a surprising flowery fragrance. The tube is the same size as my lip balm tube, so I worried I’d only get a single use out of it. That bums me out. I know I’m getting a considerable discount through ipsy, but single-use samples are kinda cruddy. Especially considering how much the full size product costs. If this tube was a single application, that means you would spent $35 for something you only get to use 5 times. Boo! Even if you spread that out, it would still cost more per month than an ipsy subscription. I put the gel on and was happy to learn that the tube was enough for two good uses, and after I peeled the dry mask, I was completely satisfied with the softness of my skin. My face is typically rough and dry, and this mask is wonderful. I’m not sure the price is right for this, but it’s really the best peel mask I’ve used, so maybe that’s what it takes. 4.5 out of 5. Great product, I wish I had more.

Malin+Goetz Mojito Lip Balm – full size 10g for $12, ipsy size 7g ~ $8.40
This is the thing I was most excited to receive in my bag. My lips are a desert, and as much as I slather on the chapstick, it doesn’t quite do the trick. *gasp* I know right? I remember Carmex from when I was a kid, but it’s pretty pungent. When I found out that this brand worked more toward the medicinal side of cosmetics, I had high hopes they would have a great formula. Also, I love mojitos and the only place I’d seen mojito lip balm was Etsy. I’m happy to report that this lip balm is soothing and fresh without being sweet-tasting. It’s got just enough fragrance and cooling effect to freshen your breath, but you won’t be tempted to lick it off. 5 out of 5.

Probelle Into the Blue Nail Lacquer – full size $6
Okay, nail lacquer, I’m still trying to figure this out. It’s thinner that my nail polish, but everything I’ve read about the difference between polish and lacquer says the opposite. Lacquer is supposed to be the thick one and dry hard to protect nails. I’ve always thought a lacquer was like a varnish, which makes total sense for the consistency of this product. Whatever, tomAYto tomAHto, I’ve always wanted a nail polish in my bag, because they seem to have at least one OPI polish in every month’s lineup. I have never heard of Probelle, and this is a totally new color for me. I have one shirt that has a little of this color in the print, but that’s it. I just don’t know what to do with myself. Well, that’s not true. I know what to do. I painted my nails and decided to wear that one shirt to work in the morning. It takes 3 coats to become opaque, but it dries very quickly and perfectly smoothe. It’s a good product, even if I question the choice in color. 3.5 out of 5.

Pacifica Natural Mineral Coconut Eye Shadow (Ethereal) – not available through brand website, other colors available .055oz for $3.50 as part of a 4 shadow set, ipsy size .08oz single ~ $5.09
Ipsy loves sending me flesh-colored eye makeup. Are they as confused about my grey eyes as I am? It’s okay, though, because they didn’t send me the same color this month. I actually got the lighter color. Ethereal will pair nicely with the other color they send me. I’m most excited about the brand. I drool over Pacifica every time I go to Central Market. Their roll-on perfumes are lovely. Feelings aside, I really want some color in my next ipsy bag. I subscribed so that I could try new things, and so far I feel like they’re sending me whatever it takes to look like I’m not wearing makeup. Another 3.5 out of 5. It’s no fault of the product, but a big part of the score is how well ipsy does at choosing products I will love. The brand is great, but this particular item isn’t really something I would have chosen.

Hikari Cosmetics Mechanical Eyeliner (Storm) – full size $13
I love mechanical eyeliner. I love not having to sharpen or soften, and I love having precise control. I love black eyeliner and I have way too much already, so it’s a good thing this one isn’t black. Storm is described as “slate grey,” but I can’t get a consistent read on it. In the pencil, it looks silver, but depending on the lighting it can be grey, brown, or silver on the skin. It’s not messy and it’s got good durability, which may help me with the smudges I always get under my eyes. I’m always happy to get a pencil of some sort, because that’s definitely full-size. I’m going to be generous and give this 4 out of 5. It’s not super exciting or fancy, but it’s a good product and I needed a non-black eyeliner.

Overall score: 3.75 – A high B. These weren’t products I thought I needed, but they will all be useful and are all nice quality. If the bag didn’t give me gymnasium flashbacks, I think this could have been an A. With the exception of the mask, these products will last me a while, so this was an excellent use of $10.
Total value: $39.49, Ipsy price: $10

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