Ipsy | June 2015

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner

This gentle exfoliating mask helps loosen and extract blackheads without painful extraction tools while absorbing oil and tightening pores. Dr. Brandt’s exclusive formula combines Salicylic and Glycolic Acid to assist in the release of blackheads while Eijitsu Rose helps tighten pores.

I’ve gotten this in a past Birchbox and have used it on and off. I find that it’s only really effective on my nose. My nose is (TMI alert) like a little blackhead garden. If I don’t use something, they pop back up again in a matter of days. This mask is certainly a good choice for this. It doesn’t take too much time to dry, and you can delightfully see it pulling out the gunk (icky, but satisfying). It also isn’t too harsh. I don’t need to use it every day, but if you do, it won’t ruin your skin with caustic chemicals or anything.

Full size: $45

Sample size: $11.25

Pure Brazilian Miracle Leave-In Conditioner

An ultra-reparative Keratin infused conditioner that re-constructs dry damaged hair by restoring keratin proteins that have been depleted by chronological aging, styling, chemical and environmental damage. Use for Gorgeous, Silky Smooth Hair!

Key Benefits:

• Replenishes Keratin proteins and helps maintain and prolong professional Keratin treatments.
• Draws in replenishing hydration and seals it
• Hydrates hair for split-end and damage repair
• Seals out humidity for frizz control to leave hair lustrous and silky
• Improves Elasticity and Manageability
• Sodium Chloride Free

You guys now I am all about my hair treatments. My hair is getting so long now, well, long for me, and I’ve been so careful to guard it from breaking and damage. This leave-in is great at making my hair look and feel noticeably more moisturized. If I’m having a really dry day, I’ll use this after my Aussie Three Minute Miracle and it gives me the silkiest smooth strands I have ever have. Definitely approve of this one. Seriously though? Sodium Chloride free? That’s just salt. Stop being ridiculous.

Full size: $6 (travel size)

Sample size: $6

Absolute New York Nail Lacquer in Turquoise

This chip-resistant and high-shine Nail Lacquer is designed to deliver luxuriously rich and vibrant color. Feel free to indulge in any of the stylish shades – available in a perfect mix of neutral, bright, glittery finishes – all boasting a buttery smooth 5-free formula, void of harsh chemicals.

5 free: No DBP, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, or Camphor.

I have never heard of this brand but have been pleasantly surprised by how wonderful it is. It dries fast and is chip free, plus it is wonderfully opaque in only one coat. I love the turquoise color, which is totally different from anything else I have right now. Total yes.

Full size: $4.99

Sample size: $4.99

Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Create a perfect canvas for foundation application with this silky, lightweight blend of vitamins A & E, grape seed extract and green tea. Worn alone or under foundation, this best-selling, oil-free primer helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for flawless skin with a velvety-smooth finish.

This primer diffuses the light hitting your skin to blur out imperfections for an even, soft-focus look while also making your makeup last all day long.

Oh Smashbox. This is such a love-it-or-hate-it product. For me, I love it, and was so excited to get it. This is my favorite foundation primer of all time. It makes everything on my face last and last and last. But if I don’t take a lot of care in making sure that I totally wash it off at night or I get the worst breakouts of my life. It’s easy to see why this would mean some people would hate it.

Full size: $16 (travel size, actually the best deal)

Sample size: $8

tre’StiQue Mini Shadow Crayon

This amazing 12 hour eye shadow has customizable color that you can build from a subtle wash to intense vibrancy. It’s also super blendable with a crease free, smooth finish.

This product is free of d5, parabens, talc, synthetic fragrances, petro chemicals and also cruelty free.

I did not think that I was going to enjoy this. My shade is Aspen Pine, which is a lovely grey-green, which I do like to wear, but I’m so touchy about eyeshadow formulations that I didn’t think this one would work. I like it a lot. It goes on smoothly, and then you have to work quickly to blend, or it sets up. And woah. It sets up and stays put for a good eight hours. The wear time for me is the definitely selling point. This guy is on there for good.

Full size: $32 (for three)

Sample size: $10.67

This month was one of the best I think I’ve had with ipsy, and had a total value of $40.91. I have been feeling a little off about them lately, so I’m happy that this month has brought me back over. If you’re interested in ipsy, you can check it out here!

Stay tuned for some more beauty boxes over the course of the month!