The theme is summer lovin’ and that’s definitely a retro print on the bag this month.  The interior of my bag already has frayed fabric, because it didn’t get stitched together completely.  It’s a little smaller that the other bags I’ve gotten, but it’s made from a much sturdier canvas on the outside. 3 out of 5 for the bag itself.  It’s okay.

Crown Brush Professional Tweezers – ($6.99) I got the pink ones!!! Yay!  I’m happy.  These are made from a very dense metal and the tips meet all the way. I should be overjoyed, but I’m not.  One of the tips has a sharp edge that overlaps the other when they close, so I could easily cut my hairs instead of plucking them.  The metal is so hard that I couldn’t file the edge down with my metal nail file, so I’m going to have to do something else to fix it.  Still better than my old tweezers, so I’m giving it a 4 out of 5.

Aurora Gel Effect Nail Polish – (color: 4 Alarm Fire) $7.99 This is what happens when I wait a few days on my reviews.  The polish has a chance to get beaten up.  Honestly, the positives to this are exactly what I said about the JulieG color I got before, but Aurora costs twice as much.  This color looks really awful on me, but that’s not a fault in the product, just the shade ipsy decided to send.  I initially gave it a 4, but it’s chipped so quickly that I’m not sure it’s worth the price.  I’m bumping it down to 3 out of 5.

pūr~lisse, pur-bright ultra skin brightening serum  – 0.34oz $25.84 (full-size $76) It’s alright.  I definitely wouldn’t spend this kind of money on it.  My skin is very pale to begin with, so it’s hard to tell if the serum is doing anything.  It has lightened some red marks left from old blemishes, but I could easily smudge those with concealer for a fraction of the price.  So yeah, it works okay, but I’m not sure it’s worth the price tag. 3 out of 5.

Eva NYC, Freshen Up Dry Shampoo – 0.75 oz $3.40 (full-size $24) Love is a dry shampoo.  At least when you have Manic Panic to preserve.  This will be the third different starch I’ve tried in as many dry shampoos.  Rather than aluminum starch like TRESemme, or tapioca like Herbal Essences, Eva NYC uses rice starch to absorb oils.  Makes sense.  We use rice to clean the coffee oils out of the grinder.  I tested it out this week after recoloring my hair Sunday night.  I used the dry shampoo in the middle of the week and only went for a full shampoo on Friday night after my workout.  The rest of the week, my hair looked/smelled/felt clean.  I also noticed this product doesn’t have a strong fragrance.  The smell is very similar to Healthy SexyHair soy renewal creme.  It’s getting a 5 out of 5.

Jelly Pong Pong Cosmetics, 2-in-1 Shadow/Liner – (color: bronze) $16.00 I have one more superstar in my bag this month.  This color is labeled as bronze, which it is if you blend it out for a shadow, but as a liner, it’s a gorgeous copper.  It’s got a wonderful, smooth multi-purpose texture.  Another 5 out of 5.

Overall score: 3.8 – a decent B 

Total value $60.22; ipsy price $10

Pretty good bag.  A few minor snags, but I’m happy with the products.  Are you an ipster yet?  You should be!  If not, sign up today and follow them on your social media accounts to get an August Glam Bag.