In an effort to support Canadian businesses, I have made the decision to reduce my Ipsy subscription frequency, opting for a bimonthly plan instead of the usual monthly delivery. Each time a new bag arrives, I experience a thrill of anticipation, as the products are often unfamiliar to me, and I relish the opportunity to explore new beauty items. Since the beginning of the year, I have significantly decreased my beauty purchases due to my recent investments in Pixyls and diamond paintings. Therefore, I believe treating myself to a bi-monthly surprise is a delightful compromise!
The theme for this month’s Ipsy Bag is “Clean Slate,” which emphasizes starting the year off right with essential products. Upon catching a glimpse of the sneak peek featuring a Laura Mercier setting spray, my excitement surged as I couldn’t wait to try it out!
DR LILI FAN | Probiotic Recovery Cream: A Must-Have for Healthy Skin
WHAT’S UP BEAUTY | Wind Glider Gel Eyeliner Pencil in 03 Burgundy: Perfect for Bold Eye Looks
Interestingly, I had just purchased a burgundy liquid eyeliner, as I found myself inexplicably drawn to this shade. The gel liner option is a fantastic addition to my makeup collection because it allows for a more forgiving application, making it easier to achieve precise lines. This formula is exceptionally smooth and highly pigmented, making it a pleasure to use. However, I am unsure how often I will reach for this color, leading me to feel that having a full-size pencil may not have been necessary. I received a FULL SIZE valued at $19 USD.
SHAINA B MIAMI | Lipstick in Miami Spice: Your Go-To Daily Shade
The shade of this lipstick is simply stunning; it boasts a beautiful warm brown pigment that is bold yet neutral enough for everyday wear. The formula is incredibly creamy, providing excellent color payoff with each swipe. However, due to the creamy consistency, I found that it did not offer impressive longevity, requiring reapplication throughout the day. I received a deluxe sample valued at $13.33 USD.
PAMPER AND POLISH | Sugar and Coconut Infused Body Scrub: A Luxurious Treat for Your Skin
I thoroughly enjoyed this body scrub! The natural coconut scent is delightful, as it does not have the overly sweet, artificial fragrance that many products tend to possess. The scrub features densely packed sugar granules that provide effective exfoliation, yet they dissolve beautifully during use. However, I found it peculiar that this body scrub is only available in one size, specifically 50mL, which seems rather limited for a body product. I even verified this information on the Pamper and Polish website, and can confirm that 50mL is indeed the full-size offering! I received the FULL SIZE valued at $30 USD.
LAURA MERCIER | Translucent Pure Setting Spray: Your Secret to Long-Lasting Makeup
Saving the best for last, this setting spray is a game changer! It is both fragrance-free and alcohol-free, claiming to lock in your makeup for an impressive 16 hours. I appreciate the convenience of the travel size, and I plan to repurpose the bottle for another setting spray once I finish using it. This spray applies clear and effectively seals my makeup throughout the day. However, I should mention that because it forms such a strong seal, I experienced an unusual sensation where it felt like my face was “cracking” as it dried down. While this sensation was strange at first, it faded after a few minutes. This is a deluxe sample valued at $21 USD (the mini size on Sephora for Canadians is $29 CDN)
Final Verdict: Assessing the Value of My January Glam Bag – The total value of this Glam Bag amounts to an impressive $103.33 USD. Notably, the mini size of the Laura Mercier setting spray alone covers the cost of the entire bag, making this month’s offering particularly worthwhile. While I have enjoyed all the products included, I do feel that the body scrub’s price point is disproportionately high for the amount provided.
My beauty spending is currently at an all-time low due to ongoing economic uncertainty, and I’m uncertain about my future purchases this year. How about you? Are you adjusting your beauty spending habits, especially as a Canadian?
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