May 2014 Ipsy bag's theme was Fresh Picks, this brings me back to one of the earlier bags with the "all natural" theme. This bag is very thick fabric, fabric like those large tote bags they sell at Holister, AREO, and A.E.O. Green zipper and the back is plain without the leaves designs on it.
May 2014 Ipsy Bag. Total of 5 items.
First thing I receive was this Eva.Nyc Therapy Session Hair Mask, claims to recondition and strengthen weak and dry hair. I used this like a after shampoo conditioner, it works decent. It made my hair feel a bit softer, nothing a regular condition cannot do so this is something I really don't need. This size is handy for the people that goes to the gym and dislike using shampoo and conditioner from the gym or pool. This smells very sweet tho, the smell washes right off after rinsing it. When I first knew I was going to receive a hair product, I was quite disappointed. But it doesn't matter, this is something I don't need but I can still use it. The tube contains 60mL of product, enough for like 7-8 uses.
This retails for $12
The second thing I got was this HangTen Classic Sport Natural Sunscreen. This is SPF 50, with that huge 50 on the packaging. I like how this is a physical sunscreen because it doesn't contain Oxybenzone. That chemical is used in chemical sunscreen that absorb the rays instead of reflecting it, so it avoids the white cast physical sunscreen gives. But there is a chance that chemical gets absorbs into the skin and causes other problems.
The consistency is very liquidy, feels very light weight. It does have a slight citrus mix glue smell when I applied it on my face, so I'm not going to be using this on my face.
Because this gives a slight dewy but not greasy finish, I used this on my legs to give my legs that nice summer glow. Tried it today, gives my dry skin that very moisturized look.
This retails for $13
Next thing I received was this Pacifica Mineral Eye shadow Duo in Natural Beauty. The pigmentation is alright, I prefer using a brush to apply these because the moisture from your fingers will transfer into the pan, as that moisture drys, your shadow hardens. Staying power, this needs a primer, or else it will just wear off because its so light. These make great highlighters.
Left side is a light pearlescent pink
Right side is a shimmering light bronze
I couldn't find this duo for sale on their website but I another mineral eye shadow set with 4 colors for $14
So I assume this would be worth like $4 because there are 2 half shadows in this pan.
Two-Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer. I was so happy I got this in my bag because I would never pay $30 for a bronzer, there are so many alternatives out there. But this was nice, it smells so nice and sweet, not exactly like chocolate tho. I thought this was going to be too dark, but not really, it seems just right. I just have to be careful not to load too much on my brush. The plastic packaging closes very tight to keep you mess free, but because it is plastic, you can always depot it from the packaging.
Here is a swatch, entirely matte, not so dark. I realize when I use flash to take a picture, it does show a little amount of flexes in the bronzer, not visible when applied.
The original is 10g and costs $30, cute packaging included, so I assume
this would be worth $6
This is the final item I got in my bag, Avene Thermal Spring Water. This is literally a bottle of spring water in a spray bottle. This first time I read the instructions, they claim this can be used for lots of different situation. After hair removal, diaper irritation, drying skin, in the summer, THIS IS LIKE HOLY WATER. I doubt spraying water on a rash will make it heal faster but probably ease it a bit. This feels very nice and refreshing, I don't mind having this in my bag in the summer. Too hot outside? Mist yourself with a fancy can of water. So classy. LOL I heard others using this as a setting spray, I'm not so sure about that, it is still water. Non-waterproof makeup beware.
This retails for $9
There are larger and better value sizes for sale also.
Overall this bag was pretty good. I got to try out a lot of things that I never heard of before. The sunscreen and hair mask is not so essential but still a good value. The eye shadows is great for someone like me to build my collection. Impressed of the spray bottle and feel happy I get to try out one of the Two-Faced bronzers. This bag was worth around $45 bucks this month. Not much make up products compared to last months.
