Ipsy (formerly MyGlam): January 2013

My January Ipsy bag has arrived! The theme of the month is 'Super Stars' which I think is kinda cute but also terribly cheesy - however, I really do love the star pattern that they lined our makeup bags with (you'll see what I mean). :)
There were a couple varying products between subscribers this month. Ipsy sent out two different 'classic' Nailtini polish colors (either 'Bloody Mary' or 'Frappe') and three different SOHO brand cosmetic brushes (either a concealer brush, crease brush, or eyeliner brush).

Here's a look at my Ipsy bag and the products I received:

(Insert from inside the bag)

Pictured:

Pacifica - Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter

Nailtini - nail lacquer in 'Frappe'

Josie Maran - 100% Pure Argan Oil

Sexy Hair - Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray

SOHO - crease brush

&now for the close-ups!:

Pacifica body butter in 'Tuscan Blood Orange'

The body butter is a deluxe sample/travel size (2.5 fl oz/73ml). It retails for $7 on their website and can be purchased here. I am absolutely in love with this scent (so much, actually, that I purchased their solid perfume in this fragrance.. hehe). I'm really happy to have discovered Pacifica - they are a cruelty-free brand, their products are vegan and made without: phthalates, parabens, sulfates, propylene glycol, benzene, GMOs, mineral oil, peanut oil, and triclosan. Basically everything they make is full of win ;)

Nailtini nail lacquer in 'Frappe'

Received a full size (.5 fl oz/15ml). Nailtini nail lacquers retail for $13 on their website, this shade (described as a 'sheer pale pink') can be purchased here. I'm not very familiar with this brand, though I did receive another one of their nail lacquers from a previous Ipsy/MyGlam bag. I never did give it a shot because it was mostly bar glitter (which I'm not terribly fond of) and because of their price range.. I, personally, don't see myself purchasing this brand in the future.  However, they are 3-free which is fantastic. :)

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil

I received a deluxe sized sample (.17 fl oz/5ml). A full size (1.7 fl oz/50ml) retails for $48 and can be purchased here. (.17/1.7 * 48 = $4.80) I can't even begin to tell you how much this argan oil has changed saved my skin! I've had more breakouts/acne the past few years than I ever did as a teenager - and believe me when I tell you, I've tried everything. This is the first product I've used that has actually given me noticeable results (and quite literally) overnight. I actually purchased a Josie Maran gift set around the holidays and it contained a travel size of the argan oil - so, I already knew that I loved this product and couldn't be happier to receive a nice sized sample for a back up! :)

Here's a comparison of the deluxe sample I received in my Ipsy bag (.17 fl oz/5ml), and the actual travel size (.5 fl oz/15ml) which retails for $14.

(deluxe sample from Ipsy on the left, actual travel size on the right)

A little tiny bit of this oil goes a long way. I only use 4-5 small droplets to moisturize my face after washing, and I apply it while my face is still slightly damp by patting/pressing.

Sexy Hair 'Spray & Play' volumizing hairspray

Another deluxe sized sample (1.5oz/43g). This sample is actually a teeny tiny bit smaller than their actual travel sized Spray & Play (1.6oz/47g) that retails for $6 and can be purchased here. I found the size difference to be a bit strange.. oh well! I estimate the 'value' to be about $5.63 due to the sizing difference (1.5/1.6 * 6 = $5.625). I haven't had a chance to try this out yet, but I'm looking forward to it!

SOHO crease brush

Last but not least, I received a crease brush by SOHO. This brush retails at $8.99 according to their website here. However, I can't find this line of brushes available for purchase through any online retailers (Walgreens carries them in store only). The brush is much larger/fluffier in person and I will probably pass this on to someone who will get more use out of it.

My favorite part about the actual bag this month?...

...stars!

FTC: This subscription is paid for by myself/by my boyfriend. I am not being compensated to write this post, these are my honest opinions on the products and company. All photos of products and swatches were taken by me in natural lighting, and are unaltered aside from cropping/collaging!