Don't make fun of me. I know it says July at the top, but over the years I have developed a habit of never reviewing my beauty subscriptions on time. Before, it was because I was subbed to TOO MANY and now that I only have Ipsy, I just lose track of time and think I have more of it than I do! I have actually been enjoying my monthly beauty bags and have used up and discovered MANY products this year that I loved enough to buy in full! That would make a great post actually for the end of the year! I will hopefully be caught up before the end of 2026 as I have already been using August's products and have some thoughts!
Purchased by me
This month's bag was, to take a 90's phrase, DA BOMB! I loved everything in this bag to the point where two things are on my wishlist to purchase as full size products! Even the little cosmetic pouch with the sunglasses charm was very cute!
BLAQ | Beyond Hope Rejuvenating Serum
This serum from BLAQ (do we remember when the started out just with masks?) is lightweight and contains retinol, niacinamide, probiotics and whackload of plant extracts to strengthen the skin barrier and reset reactive skin. It absorbs super quickly so can be used easily before makeup and for me, layers nicely with a sheet mask. The only thing I don't like in the ingredients list is the very tiny presence of BHT (preservative) which in Canada, has been shown to NOT be harmful to human health in small doses, but might cause environmental harm so hopefully BHT does not need to be used in the future. I received the deluxe size valued at $19.67 USD (Full size is $59 USD/30mL).
BENEFIT COSMETICS | Play Daze Airy Liquid Blush in Willa
I have always wanted to try this shade of Benefit Cosmetics blush, but when I saw that it was a liquid blush, I wasn't so sure as I am super picky about my liquid formulas. I am SO GLAD that this formula proved me wrong! Willa is this soft, neutral rose shade and the formula is so easy to blend! It's super flattering and while I wish it had longer lasting power, it is virtually foolproof to apply! This sample is so tiny, but I have already used it a couple of times and there is still plenty left since you just need the one "dip" and you are good!
As you can see here, it blends like a dream and you can actually keep working with a brush until it's juuuust right without removing the product itself. Loved this way more than I thought I would! The deluxe size is already A THIRD of the full size product if you can believe it! I received the deluxe size valued at $15.33 CDN (Full size is $46 CDN/6mL).
CHEEKBONE BEAUTY | Illuminating Primer Gel in Moon Dew
I have reviewed Cheekbone Beauty here before as they are a Canadian, Indigenous and female-owned brand and I am happy to see them in my Ipsy bag! I had wanted to try their gel primer, but never purchased because I have so many primers to get through first so being able to try this sample size was absolutely perfect! This illuminates the skin in a way that makes it look like light is hitting your highpoints at all the right angles!
It can also be used as a body and face highlighter and can also be worn alone on the face as an overall boost of radiance. It does not pill with skincare or sunscreen and I would absolutely get the full size (after I make it through both my spray and liquid primers!). I received the deluxe size valued at $13 CDN (Full size is $39 USD/30mL).
SERAPHINE BOTANICALS | Power Curl Mascara in Black
I have always wanted to try Seraphine Botanicals! They are a small batch beauty brand that has managed to outlast the others and "looks" like a "real brand" if you know what I mean. A lot of the time, these smaller indie brands feel and look like everything is made at home, but not this brand!
The first thing I do is check the brush on mascara as I really despise thick wands that are bigger than my eye. I have interesting Asian lashes in that, while they are finer than other ethnicities, they are not quite as fine as most Asian lashes. They also naturally curl up, not done, BUT I don't have a lot of these lashes so I like a mascara that makes it look like I have more than what's there! This wax-based formula, while dry (which is great), does not give me fullness, but just accentuates what I already have which is OK, but not my favourite. It DOES last all day and does not flake though so the lasting power is real! I received the FULL SIZE valued at $29 USD.
GLOGIRL COSMETICS | Plumping Lip Oil in Literally
When I first saw this GLOGIRL Cosmetics Lip Oil, I wasn't too excited especially since I have many lip oils in this sort of sheer pink shade, but when I applied it, the plumping effect kicked in which I always love! This isn't the prickly kind of plumping and more on the gentle minty side, but very comfortable and pleasant to wear without much of a scent. The doe foot applicator is one of those giant ones that I think all lip oils use now so while this type of product isn't new to me, I like the plump on this one! I received the FULL SIZE valued at $22 USD.
Final verdict: The total value of July's Ipsy Bag was...$129.09 CDN with me liking most of everything! While the mascara was maybe a bit disappointing, I will still use it AND it gave me a chance to try a brand I had been curious about!
Would you have been happy with this Ipsy bag?
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
No comments