I know what you're thinking—didn't she already cancel her ipsy monthly subscription? I did, but only after I was charged in January, so I still got a glam bag for this month. On top of focusing on being financially responsible this year, I thought it was about damn time I let go of my monthly glam bag subscription.
It's been a long time coming, anyway. I realized that $10 monthly is not too heavy of a financial burden, but most of the things I received were either a hit or a miss, so I'm not exactly getting the best bang for my buck.For the last time, allow me to walk you through my December 2015 and January 2016 Glam Bags
DECEMBER 2015 GLAM BAG: WITH LOVE FROM IPSY
- Bright red-orange diamond-quilt style patent pouch. That's the best I could describe this month's pouch, and I hated it. I could probably stand one if it hadn't been in this color. Le sigh.
- Marc Anthony Hair Care Coconut Oil & Shea Butter Deep Conditioning Treatment. I've used this product about three times since I received it, and while I loved its fragrance, I find that it makes my hair more oily in between shampoos. I think those with extremely dry hair may find this more beneficial.
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RickyCare by Ricky's NYC Classic 3D Blender. I haven't opened this because I currently use two beauty sponges (one by Real Techniques and another by BH Cosmetics), and I have a feeling that the one I received has the same texture as my sponge from BH Cosmetics. I haven't tried using the highly-raved Beauty Blender, but my Real Techniques sponge is so far doing its job.
PROMO: 10% OFF the Classic 3D Blender. Use code: IPSY. Shop here.
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tarte Cosmetics Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder in Translucent. This is one of the two items I loved in my December glam bag. I have the e.l.f. Studio High Definition Powder in Translucent, but the one bytarte seems to be smoother than the other, but for its full size price? I think I'm going to stick with my $6 translucent powder for now.
PROMO: 20% OFF any purchase. Use code: IPSYDEC. Shop here.
- Pacifica Power of Love Natural Lipstick in Nudie Red. I wanted to love this, I really do, but its crayon-like fragrance was a total turn-off. It would have been a nice lipstick for everyday wear, and besides the fragrance, I think I already own a similar shade from ColourPop.
PROMO: 20% OFF any purchase. Use code:
- ModelCo Lip Enhancer Illusion Lip Liner. This is the second item I loved in my December glam bag because not only is it a great lip liner, it can be worn as a lipstick, too! It came as a sample size only, which made it such a bummer.
PROMO: 20% OFF any purchase + FREE SHIPPING on orders $39+. Use code: IPSY20. Shop here.
JANUARY 2016 GLAM BAG: ALL EYES ON YOU
- Remember that obnoxious glam bag in November? Well, let's just say I don't know what to make of this month's pouch. Totally giving it away to someone else (I gave away the galaxy pouch to my sister-in-law).
- pūr~lisse Blue Lotus 4-in-1 Eye Adore Serum. Have I mentioned before that at 29, I still haven't used any anti-aging cream or eye serum? I know I need to start on one somewhere down the road, but I think my Asian genes have added ten more years onto my skin. This is the first time I'm using an eye serum, and I like that it feels cool upon application. I just wish I'd gotten a full size, though!
PROMO: 30% OFF any purchase. Use code: IPSYADORE30. Shop here.
- Skone Cosmetics Smudger Brusher. I don't use much of the brushes I currently own, but I feel like this one's ideal for when adding eyeshadow in the inner corners of my eyes more than using it as a smudge brush. What do you think?
PROMO: 15% OFF any purchase. Use code: ipsyJan. Shop here.
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theBalm Cosmetics Mr. Write (Now) Eyeliner Pencil in Scott B. Bordeaux (deep purple). I don't know if you can tell, but I initially thought this was a dark brown eyeliner. It sort of registered as such in the photos, too, so I was surprised when I learned that it came in a deep purple shade. I received a full size version, so it wasn't so bad.
PROMO: 20% OFF any purchase. Use code: IPSY20. Shop here.
- Pixi by Petra Mesmerizing Mineral Duo in Lavender Bloom. I received an eyeshadow trio by NYX in my September Glam Bag, which I hardly even use, so I kind of felt disappointed when I got another one in this month's glam bag. When I tried to swatch them, however, the gold one was amazing! You can tell how more pigmented it is than the other shade by its color payoff!
PROMO: 15% OFF any purchase. Use code: IPSYJAN. Shop here.
- Hanalei Sugar Lip Scrub. This has got to be my absolute favorite from this loot. I used to make my own sugar lip scrub (it's easy!), but since it's au naturel, it's important that I used it all up before it goes bad.
PROMO: 50% OFF any purchase. Use code: IPSYSCRUB. Shop here.
Important note: Promo codes are valid thru 31 January 2016 (December Glam Bag) and 29 February 2016