Purchased by me
This review I have definitely been sitting on because I realized by entire Instagram feed was nails, sheet masks, Ipsy Original bags and repeat! It was getting a bit samesy to me and it also made me realized that I have been beauty blogging without a real plan for the month. I used to LOVE planning out themes and such, but the last two years have been rough. Once I have two days off, I feel like I can think and feel excited about content creation, but then I create my plan and it all goes to shambles once I work 1-2 days. I definitely do not have the same stamina as when I was in my 30s! My goal with these Ipsy reviews is to catch up for the summer because I find summer products really are more specific to summer and it will let me get back on track!
The April Ipsy Original bag theme focused on daydreaming so this month's makeup bag featured a pink cloud design and whimsical faux pearl zipper pull.
DR.JART | Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Mask
It ain't a secret that I love my sheet masks and this is the first one I have ever received as part of an Ipsy Original Bag so I was very happy to see this! Dr. Jart is one of the OG Korean sheet mask brands (though they have gone a bit downhill compared to other more affordable kbeauty brands) and I have reviewed the older version of this mask (here) and loved it! This is a hydrating mask that is great for skin that needs a bit of a reset like after a flight or just a rough time with temperature change. I received a FULL SIZE of this sheet mask valued at $13.50 CDN.
MISCHO BEAUTY | Mini Eyeshadow Palette in 02
At first I didn't recognize this brand, but when I went to their website, I realized I already had a Mischo Beauty nail polish that I had purchased through Okoko Cosmetiques here in Vancouver! Mischo is a vegan and cruelty-free brand that I believe started with nail polish and has now branched out into makeup. I was initially going to give this palette away as, let's face it, it looks just like a Natasha Denona dupe and I was doubtful of the performance, but since I took these photos, I swatched the colours and they are actually really pretty! I will be hanging on to this palette now that I know it was Mischo who created it! I received the FULL SIZE valued at $26 USD.
GOLDFADEN MD | Needle-Less Lines Smoothing Concentrate
This is one of those products that leaves a very thin residue that tightens the skin.I find it to be an odd sensation, but if you like the effects of a temporary lifting effect, you would enjoy this. No, it's not "Botox in a bottle" (I am so tired of hearing this!), but it can be used on wrinkle-prone areas like crow's feet, around the lips and "elevensies" to smooth and plump reducing the look of fine lines. This product only has 6 ingredients which is kind of cool! I cannot see myself buying this or a product similar to this, but at least I have tried it and now I know! OMG! I went on the Goldfaden website and you can buy exactly this 10mL bottle for that price! I received a deluxe sample valued at a whopping $40 USD!
TEEEZ | Battle Prep Face Primer
I love a good primer and I also love TEEEZ so I knew this was going to be a good one! When I saw that it was a mattifying face primer, I thought it would be like the classic Benefit Porefessional or Smashbox Photofinish, but it totally wasn't! Vegan with a super lightweight gel texture and my skin still looked like my skin and just had a smoother finish. It felt incredibly comfortable and I enjoyed using it! Just checked the TEEEZ website and this primer size is indeed the full size at 15mL! That's so tiny! I mean, the texture allows for lots of spreading, but I feel like anything under 30mL is a sample! I received the FULL SIZE valued at $42 USD.
COTE BEAUTY | Hydrating Hand and Body Lotion
A new-to-me brand, Cote Beauty is a woman-owned brand founded back in 2013 focusing on "healthy nail polish". I never know what to call these brands as I hate using the terms "clean" or "non-toxic", but that's essentially how it began so their products focus on nails and the skin around the nails like hand and body lotions! They actually do lip and hair products now too and I am liking the esthetic! It's a shame it's only available in the US (though they do ship to Canada) as I cannot stomach the exchange rate and duties that will be charged.
This mini hand and body lotion has a lovely, unique scent that is Cote's own blend of subtle lemon, seagrass, honeysuckle, wild sea rose and sea daffodils. The texture lightweight enough for the hands and might be a bit too dry for drier parts of the body like the elbows and legs. This texture is perfect for me as I prefer lighter moisturizers. I received a deluxe sample size valued at $12 USD.
This mini hand and body lotion has a lovely, unique scent that is Cote's own blend of subtle lemon, seagrass, honeysuckle, wild sea rose and sea daffodils. The texture lightweight enough for the hands and might be a bit too dry for drier parts of the body like the elbows and legs. This texture is perfect for me as I prefer lighter moisturizers. I received a deluxe sample size valued at $12 USD.
Final verdict: I was generally a big fan of this month's bag! Real variation in the products and all things I use! The final value of this month's April Original Bag was $181.97 CDN which is crazy, but I do think some of them items were a bit inflated on pricing especially that makeup primer! Still, I'm happy and May's bag is amazing as well so stay tuned!
Have a great week everyone!
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