Ipsy’s new IpsyPoints reward/referral system

Ipsy has revamped the referral system and now you’re awarded points via the new IpsyPoints system. In the recent past if you referred at least two people you received the bonus item for that month. The May was an Urban Decay shadow, June was a Bauble bracelet, July was a Nicole by OPI polish, August referral item was the Lime Crime polish while the September referral item is a NYX Bronze Smokey Look Kit.

For every person you refer you now earn 250 points. It will take 1,000 points to earn the NYX Bronze Smokey Look Kit OR for the the Nicole by OPI polish for this month; essentially you now must refer at least four people before the 1st of the month to qualify.

It looks like Ipsy does have records of those who used my referral link when Ipsy was originally  MyGlam however it looks like no points were awarded for those referrals. Since the switch from MyGlam to Ipsy I can see the actual amount of referrals and even who the people who used my link are. My actual balance less than what I earned as they applied 500 points on 05/02/2013 to the May referral item (which was the UD shadow) but didn’t apply any points to referral items between June and August which I did get.

A few concerns, comments and things I’m pointing out about the new system:

1. The Nicole by OPI nail polish is still available but now is valued at 1,000 points and as of this post there are less than 1,000 available. The NYX mini shadow palette is also valued at 1,000 points and as of this post there are 37 left.
2. Points look to accumulate as I have more than 1,000 points. Hopefully these do not expire.
   (Edit: Ipsy updated their TOS and in it there is a clause that states that this:
   Expiration of ipsyPointsipsyPoints will expire one year from the date they were first earned, even if you are an active Subscriber or Waitlister. If you do not redeem your ipsyPoints within this time frame, you will automatically forfeit all such ipsyPoints. Your Activity Log will show you the dates your ipsyPoints were earned.
3. It looks like you have to redeem your points to get the item of your choice otherwise no referral item in your bag.
4. I now can see who used the referral link to become an Ipsy subscriber so I can go to that person’s profile and “Love” her (their version of a like).
5. The Ipsy FAQs is currently out of date in regards to the referral system. It currently states,
   

   We have various bonus items lined up for 2013! Please see the ipsyPoints portal for details. If you successfully refer 2 friends, you will receive 1 of those 2 items at random, while supplies last. If both supplies run out, we will announce new bonus items. We will include the item in your next Glam Bag. Therefore, act fast if you would like to get this bonus item in your NEXT bag!

   Obviously that’s out of date as before if you refer two people you’d get a referral item but now (at least for September) it’ll take your FOUR referrals to earn 1,000 points (unless you have points already banked from previous months). Also from their FAQs:

   Where are the actual “points”?
   We are just beginning to roll out ipsyPoints. In the short-term, you will not earn actual points, but instead will be getting a free bonus item in your next Glam Bag, if you successfully get 2 people to subscribe to the Glam Bag using your referral link. Limit 1 gift per month. Please stay tuned for more updates as our ipsyPoints program develops!

   Again it’s no longer accurate as the OPI polish and NYX palette are both worth 1,000 points which requires four referrals rather than two. They need to update that FAQ section ASAP.

The amount of items available to redeem… I think it’s great that they added the ability for us to see what’s available BUT what happens when something runs out? I know they said previously that if something runs out they’ll announce additional items but in the past I’ve never seen that happen. If there are over 30,000 subscribed members and let’s say only 1/8 are active in referring people that’s still around 3,750 items needed for referral redemption and right now it appears there are only about 1,000 items between the NYX and OPI. (Obviously I’m not using their actual numbers.) That has me a bit concerned since it may cause backlash especially if someone redeems their points and ends up NOT getting the item so a substitution is made of an item not wanted. Hopefully things will work out and they have something put into place about substitutions.

Personally I like the new system though I DO have concerns as listed above. Since it’s new obviously there’s going to be kinks in the system as they work things out. I remember when Julep changed their system this last time around there were issues they had to work out.

Edit: I thought about it and honestly I’m thinking the new point value of the system is unfair for September. There should have been a warning first that the values of some items (to redeem) would be going up as I do know of at least one MakeupTalk member who said she just got a 2nd referral and was looking forward to her September bonus item but now can’t since it now takes four referrals rather than two. Personally, I now think that either value for the two items should be dropped to 500 redemption points OR credit per referral upped from 250 to 500. Basically, the increase in point redemption should be held off another month (or two) and given fair warning.

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Edit #2: Ipsy has updated the FAQs on the new referral system after I contacted them. Here’s a few of the new issues covered by the FAQs.

Regarding if those in Canada will qualify – the answer is yes. Also due to US COPPA laws they’re now more clear on the age restrictions.

Who qualifies?
In order to earn ipsyPoints, you must be an active Glam Bag Subscriber (or a Waitlister) who is 13 years old or older and living within the US or Canada.

In regards to when you must select the bonus item. To obtain the bonus item you must now select it BEFORE the 1st of the month.

Note: We begin processing all Glam Bag orders at the beginning of each month, so items must be selected before the first of the month in order to receive it in the upcoming month’s Glam Bag. If you are a Waitlister, you will need to wait until you become a Subscriber to receive your item(s).

Not entirely accurate but…

Can I get credit for actions I’ve performed in the past that are now worth ipsyPoints?
Unfortunately, we cannot retroactively add points to your account. We hope you will take advantage of all of the opportunities to earn points moving forward!

I know I and others did get credit for past IPSY referrals but any referrals made when the company was still MYGLAM was NOT credited. If it was I’d have an additional 10,500 points.

Not addressed in the new FAQs is how many points are issued per referral (it’s 250 per referral) or if redemption values will vary per month per item. As I mentioned before in the past it took two referrals in a month to earn a bonus item the following month while as of September it will now cost 1,000 points to redeem for either the OPI polish or NYX palette which is equal to four referrals (at 250 points per referral).

If you want the NYX palette for September you have today (the 30th) and tomorrow (31st) to redeem 1,000 points for it. Personally, I’m passing on it as I have similar colors in other palettes from NYX already. Oh and the palette isn’t a newer one as it’s been around since 2010 so there are tons of reviews on that particular palette if you’re curious of the quality or want swatches of it.

Oh and it was pointed out to me that (NEW) members who sign up get 100 points. (If you’re already a long time member you should also be getting 100 points. I and others have as well.) It does remind me of Julep’s points system in a way.

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Referral link: http://www.ipsy.com/?refer=u-h050agupao0g5s3

Disclaimer: Referral link.

Ipsy: September Sneak Peeks!

And here we go! The beginning of a new month which means it’s time for sneak peeks from Ipsy! As a reminder things are subject to change when it comes to sneak peeks and some guesses are speculative and may not be accurate unless there is confirmation.

August 29, 2013 – Sneak Peek #1
http://www.ipsy.com/product/p-hkyrrjgu6x5m1izp/

Eyes > Eye Shadow
TOP SECRET BRAND
SEPTEMBER SNEAK PEEK #1
A blend or quick brush of color is an easy timeless upgrade to any look!

It appears to be NYX Cosmetics Single Eye Shadow in either White or Pearl White though it IS possible it’s actually a light gray color based on the angle of the light. It also looks like there will be no color variations on it but at this time that is speculative.

8/30/2013 CONFIRMED! It IS NYX Cosmetics Single Eye Shadows. According to the email sent out by Ipsy there will be 20 (out of 56) colors that will be sent. (Thanks to my Facebook readers for the heads up!)

Image from Ipsy’s email.
September 3, 2013 – Sneak Peek #2
http://www.ipsy.com/product/p-hl58wjmid0kpvyk

Eyes > Mascara
TOP SECRET BRAND
SEPTEMBER SNEAK PEEK #2
This must-have product has been a classic staple for every bombshell since its invention!

I have to be honest and say that when I first saw this my first thought was, “not another mascara!” At first I was dreading it because we just got a mascara last month but I did look back since January this year and we’ve only had mascara in our bags in the February (from Pop Beauty) and August bags (from Pixi Beauty). This month the mascara is from Elizabeth Mott – It’s So Big Volumizing Mascara. (Thanks glitterati47 for finding and sharing the link on MakeupTalk!)

September 4, 2013 – Sneak Peek #3

Makeup Makeup Sets
Top Secret Brand
SEPTEMBER SNEAK PEEK #3
There’s no limit of classic looks you can create with three of these gorgeous staples in your September Glam Bag!

The variations which means Sneak Peek #4 may be a first look at the bag and there won’t be a Sneak Peek #5 since THREE of the items from this sneak peek will be in our bag.

1. Two types of lotions or hair products. (Ok, talk is it may be John Frieda shampoo/conditioner.)
   John Frieda Full Repair shampoo and conditioner (confirmed)
2. Three items in foil packets. One looks to be a foil, one might be the bag and the other might be a Macadamia product – the oil or the mask? (see note #2 below)
   • Freeman Beauty paper masks (confirmed)
   • skyn ICELAND Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels (confirmed)
3. Three different liners – a twist up pencil, a kohl pencil and a marker.
   • Victoria Jackson brow pencil (confirmed) 
   • Starlooks Kohl eye liner (confirmed)
   • Jesse’s Girl Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Black (confirmed)
4. J.Cat Cosmetics lipstick in HoneyCrisp (confirmed)
5. A square bottle next to the lipstick looking item, possibly nail polish. Butter London nail polish (confirmed)
6. Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil (confirmed)
7. Pop Beauty Lip Crayon (confirmed)
8. Cailyn Cosmetics Tinted Lip Balm (confirmed)

Edit: I’m able to confirm that it’s the Jesse’s Girl Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Black. Out of the three liners shown it’s the one I want the most because I remember Jesse talking about it at CPNA in 2012 (when I went). He said something to the effect that because it’s a Japanese-style calligraphy marker you’ll be able to do fine lines with it or thicker lines depending on the pressure. The tip is a little longer than other markers since most have a shorter and/or fatter tip. I’ve been wanting to try it for a long time but my local RiteAid never carries it and I’d have to go to the main store in town to see if they have it. Hope I get this one!

Edit: OiiO on MakeupTalk was pretty much able to confirm it’s the Freeman Beauty Blue Agave Facial Paper Mask, Star Fruit Facial Paper Mask and the Rose Facial Paper Mask. Here’s her blog so check it out!

Edit: J.Cat Beauty has all but confirmed that at least one of their products will be in the September Glam Bag.

Edit: J.Cat has confirmed it’s their lipstick in the September Ipsy Glambag.

Edit; September 10, 2013: First bags have begun to show up on Instagram. Confirmed Starlooks and Skyn Iceland.

Final edit: BIG thanks to Truckie on my Facebook wall for providing me with this picture confirming the last of the brands.

September 5, 2013 – Sneak Peek #4

Makeup > Makeup Sets
Top Secret Brand
SEPTEMBER SNEAK PEEK #4
No matter the time or the season, this month’s Glam Bag will be a classic print you’re going to fall in love with!

Possibly the final sneak peek since yesterday’s sneak peek said that THREE of the items pictured would be sent to subscribers and we’ve seen Sneak Peek #1 and #2 which makes a total of five items as they said would be sent.

I like the shade of blue, hope the pattern looks as good as the color.

Edit: And the bag reveal. Well, that’s kind of disappointing to me since it’s not a pattern I’d typically go for. Love the color of the bag, dislike the pattern. Oh well, we don’t always get what we want.

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Bonus items: Due to Ipsy changing how referral bonuses are done if you want the bonus (referral) item for the month you need to select it by the 1st of the month. This month the two items to select from (or skip) are:

• NYX Bronze Smokey Look Kit
• Nicole by OPI Lacquer in Pretty in Plum

Redemption points: 1,000 points each. Allowed one bonus item per month.

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For up to the minute talk visit the Ipsy Glam Bag: September 2013 discussion (SPOILERS) thread on MakeupTalk.

Disclaimer: Referral link

My Thoughts: ModelCo Party Proof lipstick in Peony

In my July Birchbox I received a ModelCo Party Proof Matte Lipstick in Peony. It’s a very hot pink lipstick and my first thought when I saw the color was, “Oh no! Not another hot pink lipstick!” I put aside but eventually got around to using it and I have to say I’m still not crazy about the hot pink but the smell…. I’m sold on the smell.

The first thing I noticed about the smell was that it really smells like ripe strawberries and not in a nasty artificial strawberry way. The scent is a bit strong and so for those with scent sensitivities this may be too strong of a scent but of course everyone is different.

The color is bright, it’s pigmented and for me it lasted several hours but it’s not “drink proof, kiss proof or party proof” as ModelCo claims. Note: The image was taken with my iPhone – image on left in full sunlight, image on right in partial shade. I put the lipstick on around 9 AM and took the second image around 12:39 PM, I ate, I drank and by the time I took the second pic it wore off but you can still see that it left a strong pink stain.

The things I liked about the lipstick are:

• The color. Ok, it’s hot pink and I wasn’t thrilled with it at first but it’s actually a really pretty shade of hot pink as it’s on the blue side. 
• The smell. Strawberries… yum!
• The texture. Some matte lipsticks feel dry but this one doesn’t because of the oils in it.

The things I didn’t like about the lipstick are:

• It bleeds without a liner. You can see the edges around my lips when I first applied it and when it wore off that the hot pink lipstick feathered around the edges. Easy fix that should take care of the problem: use a liner to prevent feathering and bleeding. (They recommend their own liner to use before applying the lipstick.)
• The orange text on the lipstick container rubs off and gets all over my fingers and hands as well as all over the white tube. Easy fix: wipe it off with rubbing alcohol, no need to use nail polish remover since it comes right off with the rubbing alcohol. (Better fix would be for ModelCo to fix the ink used on their tubes.)
• It’s not a true matte lipstick as listed on ModelCo’s site but Birchbox does list it as semi-matte which is more accurate.
• It doesn’t live up to the promise of being “kiss proof, drink proof and party proof” as you can see that after 3½ hours it wasn’t bright and pink as when first applied.
• The main ingredient is mineral oil so I don’t get how something with the first ingredient as mineral oil can be “kiss proof, drink proof or party proof“. If you’re vegan then you’ll want to avoid this product since it contains bees wax.
  

  Mineral Oil, Carnauba Wax, Glerceryl Tricaprylate-Caprate, Bees Wax, Ethyl Hexyl, Palmitate, Microcrystalline Wax, Castor Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Fragrance, Aloe Barbadensis, Tocopheryl Acetate, May Contain (+/-): CI77891, CI99482, CI77491, CI77499, CI77019, CI454102, CI420902, CI15985:1, CI15850:1, CI15850, CI19140:1

The other downside is that this color is not sold individually on ModelCo’s website and is only sold in a trio pack. So if you’re looking for just this color then you’ll have to buy it off Birchbox’s site since it’s exclusive to them. The colors from the Neutral Trio set are all sold individually. From the Classic Trio Set (which Peony is part of) Red Velvet and Disco Fever are sold individually.

I know my list of what I don’t like about it may seem long but it’s all minor complaints but I probably would buy another of the ModelCo lipstick if other colors smelled as yummy as this one. I might pick up the neutral trio set (0.13 oz each of Get Naked, Kitty and Dusk Till Dawn) from Birchbox since it’s only $24 (about $8 each).

Disclaimer: Referral link. Image of the July Birchbox contents from Birchbox.com. Not affiliated with or compensated by ModelCo.

Preliminary swatches: NIGHT LIFE palette from EM Michelle Phan

I finally got around to doing some swatches of the NIGHT LIFE palette that EM Michelle Phan’s PR people sent me.

All swatches over UD Primer Potion. Outdoors, indirect light, flash off. Oh and taken with my iPhone since I was being lazy and didn’t want to get the Canon out. The pic directly below was taken indoors.

The palette is set up in what I call quadrants. I don’t know if this is what EM Michelle Phan calls it but each section is given it’s own unique name. Top left is City Glitz, top right is First Date, bottom left is Happy Hour and bottom right is Dinner at Eight.

Note: At this time I have not swatched the lip pans since I did the shadow swatches using my fingers.

I’m kind of disappointed by the quality of the shadows and blushes at this time. I used Urban Decay’s Primer Potion so I’m not sure if it was the primer or the shadows that resulted in the following swatches. I did use a brush and no primer on a few of the colors after I did these swatch pics and didn’t experience the patchy or dry feeling as I did with the finger swatches over the UD primer. It could be that my primer went bad (it doesn’t look different and doesn’t smell bad but it’s possible it could have spoiled) or it could be the shadows. I plan on redoing the swatches using my Saucebox Cosmetics primer which I use with BH Cosmetics, Coastal Scents and Shany Cosmetics palettes. At this time I’m not liking the quality of the shadows all that much.

The colors are pretty but pigmentation, texture and application… not crazy about it right now. I said on Facebook that I found the texture to be rough and dry. As I touched the pans of shadows the texture of the raised pattern felt dry and rough to me. Some of the colors look really patchy in the swatches and I’m not happy. So I plan on redoing the swatches and giving the palette a work out this week. First impressions of the actual shadows and blushes for – not overly impressed.

	City Glitz (1st quadrant). 1. Times Square 2. Twinkle Twinkle 3. Poppin Bottles 4. Concrete Jungle 5. Street Lights 6. Original Sin
	First Date (2nd quadrant) 1. Dance. Kiss. Love 2. Gold Lamé 3. Love & Temptation 4. Dirty Martini 5. Mini Skirt 6. Get Ready
	Happy Hour (3rd quadrant). 1. Cheersie! 2. 5 to 7 3. Friday Night 4. Purple Cocktail 5. Private Party 6. Midnight
	Dinner at Eight (4th quadrant). 1. Crème 2. à la carte 3. sweet dessert 4. hors d’oeuvres 5. table for 2 6. eight o’clock
	The blushes: 1. Pinched (1st quadrant) 2. First Date (2nd quadrant) 3. Wink Wink Pink (3rd quadrant) 4. Candlelit (4th quadrant)

New Urban Decay products coming soon?

So I was a naughty girl this morning. It began with me replying to someone on MakeupTalk about Michelle Phan’s new cosmetic line EM Michelle Phan. I was looking up info on it since I already knew that L’Oreal owns the domain for it and this took me to a site pertaining to trademarks. This in turn led me to looking up Urban Decay since I saw L’Oreal applied for two new trademarks revolving Urban Decay.

So the first item that I saw was UD Urban Decay Electric. At this point in time I don’t know if it’s a new product or a new line of products for Urban Decay. The trademark for it was August 8, 2013 so it can’t be the previous Urban Decay Electric eyeliner set from last year.

Judging by that image my guess is that Urban Decay will be launching a new line similar to their NAKED line. At this point in time I have no other info. This maybe a Spring 2014 item since Fall 2013 items have already been released.

The second item I saw trademarked was NAKED URBAN DECAY ILLUMINATED. This I do know is a “Cosmetic highlighting powder for face and body“. The trademark for that was May 21, 2013. At this point in time there is no other info on when it’ll be released.

I didn’t find any other new trademarks for Urban Decay, just those two items which one was trademarked three months ago and the other just a couple of weeks ago.

While snooping around I also found new trademarks for several other products for L’Oreal including another new CC cream, some mascara and hair products. 

Sugarpill’s Cold Chemistry

Look what’s FINALLY launching tomorrow on Beautylish!

Two words to describe my feeling about this:

ABOUT TIME!
There are four colors to the Cold Chemistry – Subterranean (green), Diamond Eyes (white), Elemental Chaos (purple) and Soot & Stars (pewter/dark gray). I’m not sure if the colors in the palette will be exactly like what was sold earlier this year at IMATS LA but if it is then the colors are amazing! I wish I had more of an excuse to my shadows more often but alas I don’t. (Love Soot & Stars as an eyeliner.)

Subterranean reminds me of Urban Decay’s Zodiac, Elemental Chaos reminds me of Intergalactic while Soot & Stars reminds me Moonspoon. I don’t own those three shadows from Urban Decay but I’ll hit up my local Sephora or ULTA to do some side-by-side swatches in a few days.

My Thoughts: First impressions of the NIGHT LIFE Palette from .EM Michelle Phan

YouTube sensation Michelle Phan has finally launched her new cosmetic line called EM Michelle Phan. EM Michelle Phan is in conjunction with the L’Oreal Group which also owns Maybelline, L’Oreal, Lancôme, Giorgio Armani along with numerous other lines.

I’ve been aware of the new cosmetic line since January or February of this year however I had suspicions of it since later last year when Michelle was asking her readers to name various products. At first I and others thought it was for a new Ipsy cosmetic line since Ipsy/MyGlam had previously branded items such as Andrea’s Circus polishes and MyGlam brushes in the past. Nothing came of it in 2012 and so most people forgot about it.

In February, on the Michelle Phan website a survey was done revealing the EM Michelle Phan cosmetic line. The survey showed every single item ranging from foundations to powder to lipsticks to eyeliners and the Life palettes. Among the questions asked was the price as the Life palettes were going to be priced at $75 each and this is what the palettes are selling for. Personally I thought then as I do now that is overpriced and considering that Michelle’s demographics are teens and college students to me many of them won’t be able to afford her line. Sure there are those who can but the comments I’m seeing on my FB wall, on MakeupTalk and even on the EM wall is that it’s too high of a price. I just don’t get how this can be a luxury brand yet at the same time a social media site while catering to teens and college students (majority of the profiles I’ve seen are for girls between the ages of 13 and 25).

I was and am excited that Michelle’s line has finally launched because I’ve been dying to see what the final products looked like. I was hoping that they weren’t going to go into the designer/luxury pricing since (I’m sorry but) I don’t think luxury when I think L’Oreal. The prices are what’s keeping me from making an actual purchase however I was sent the Night Life palette as a gift.

The palette packaging is fairly large. The exterior box is approximately 8 3/8 x 8 3/8 inches while the interior palette is 7¾ x 7¾ inches. It’s a good size palette. Which leads to a problem for me – it’s too big especially for travel. EM solves the too big to travel by having a smaller travel size palette (currently free with purchase of a Life palette) which fits one quadrant of colors from a Life palette. I was not sent the travel palette but judging from the photo on EM the travel is a replica of a single quadrant.

Each Life palette contains 24 eyeshadows, 4 blushes, 8 lip pans. The colors are broken down in what I’m calling quadrants and each quadrant having it’s own individual look and name. For example, in the Night Life palette that I was sent the quadrants are City Glitz (top left), First Date (top right), Happy Hour (bottom left) and Dinner at Eight (bottom right).

All of the colors in the palette have names which at this time I have not cross referenced to the names people gave Michelle in October2012. I’ve attempted to cross reference on one of the pictures but the winners choices were deleted.

My first thoughts of the cosmetics BEFORE I received it was that the prices are way overpriced. The lipsticks are $16.50 and are pretty much the same price as Lime Crime’s lipsticks ($15.99), less than Urban Decay’s Revolution lipsticks ($22) but over a dollar more than MAC ($15). The lipstick prices actually don’t bother me as much as the prices on the palettes – specifically the Life palettes. I just can’t justify the price of $75, I’ve tried since the set up looks like you’re getting four different palettes in one plus a travel palette to break down the colors into a smaller palette but honestly I can’t justify the price! (Note: The travel palette is currently free however down the road this may no longer be offered.)

I did think, “well if they sold a single quadrant for $25 then it is a deal at $75 since it’s like buy three single palettes (one quadrant) and getting one free“. BUT! I remember that I bought the Stila Ultimate Color Palette for my eldest daughter; it had 4 blushes, 39 shadows, 15 lip products and best of all I paid $20 for it! The Stila brand is a fantastic brand and that particular palette is basically 75% less than the EM Life Palettes! (Note: Stila sells those types of palettes during the holidays and only during the holidays.)

The overall weight of the Night Life palette is 26.8 g / 0.948 oz. Now compare this to Urban Decay’s Book of Shadows IV, Sephora’s Shades of Natural palette or their Precious Metals palette and it’s roughly the same weight size.

Urban Decay’s BoS4 contains 16 shadows at 0.8 grams each / 0.03 oz (total 0.48 oz) plus waterproof eyeliner (0.25 oz), SuperCurl mascara (0.18 oz) and a mini primer (0.13 oz). If I recall correctly BoS4 was $64. The two Sephora Pantone palettes were $48 if I recall correctly. The Shades of Nature (white box) contains 35 shadows each 0.024 oz (total weight 0.84 oz) and the Precious Metals was 0.042 oz each pan (total weight 1.47 oz). To me while you get more shadows/blushes/lip products from EM than BoS I feel that compared to the overall package that the UD was a far better deal.

As for the actual size of the products in the Life palettes, well here is where it gets tricky. There are four blushes, eight lip products and 24 shadows HOWEVER the shadows are not the same size – there are 12 large pans and 12 small pans. Each quadrant contains one blush, two lip pans, three large shadows and three smaller shadow pans. For comparison purpose I put the items against other items that I own.

Top left: Saucebox Cosmetics Creme de la Creme palette. This contains six pans that contain 5 grams of product. Retail: 39. Bottom left: a pan from Creme de la Creme against Candlelit (blush from the Dinner at Eight quadrant). Both are roughly the same size – 5 grams.

Top right: various 26 mm pans from Makeup Geek, Mirabella and Flirt Cosmetics along with in the small Glam RX palette Yaby cosmetics shadows and concealer plus Coastal Scents mini shadow pans (sent by Ipsy). Bottom right: Side by side comparisons with Yaby items on the top line, EM in the middle line and Coastal Scents / Mirabella on the bottom line. (The EM items are Nude Attitude lip pan, Mini Skirt shadow and Get Ready shadow. The Mirabella is SemiFormal. Yaby are Sand Dune and So Vein [least I think it’s Sand Dune].)

Top left: em michelle phan Get Ready vs Mirabella Beauty Semiformal. Bottom left: EM’s Mini Skirt (shadow) & Nude Attitude (top line). Yaby refill pans Sand Dune & So Vein from Ipsy. Top right: EM’s Mini Skirt (shadow) & Nude Attitude compared to a penny and quarter. Bottom right: Comparison of all four against the penny and quarter.

I have no idea what the individual weights are but judging from the comparisons the lip pans and mini shadows from EM are approximately 3 grams each since that’s what Yaby’s are. When I did a DIY tutorial to show how to make Yaby’s pans fit into a magnetic pan I used washers that are 3/16. The larger EM shadows are smaller than the standard 26 mm / 1″ pans which are the size of MUG, Mirabella, Flirt Cosmetics, BH Cosmetics (full size/individual), Coastal Scents (full size/individual) pans. The blushes are at least 5 grams each based on the comparison to Saucebox Cosmetics’ shadows.

AT THIS POINT IN TIME I HAVE YET TO SWATCH OR TRY THE ACTUAL PRODUCTS.

So, bottom line. Would I buy more palettes? Most likely no. Would I buy other items from EM? Most likely no (though the lipstick in Hug Me is calling my name). I just can’t see myself spending that kind of money on products I’ve never tried and can’t try in a retail setting. Right now they’re doing various promo codes to encourage Ipsy members and Michelle’s fans to buy from EM Cosmetics but I just can’t justify spending that much money on her products at this time. Yes it’s easy to spend $35 for free mascara or $60 for free eyeliner but I just can’t justify spending that kind of money on two or three items. My opinion could easily change once I DO use the Night Life palette and I might end up kicking myself for not taking advantage of the promos going on but right now as of this post I just can’t see myself spending $35 for a couple of lipsticks or $60 for a powder foundation and a couple of lipsticks much less $75 for a 2nd palette so I can get the travel palette.

I reserve my final judgement to once I actually DO try the Night Life palette. Who knows maybe I’ll change my mind about the prices.

Disclaimer: Gifted to me by Michelle Phan’s PR.

My Thoughts: NOYA Lip Balms

I have to admit prior to doing the August Ipsy sneak peeks I hadn’t heard of Noya. I first saw Noya in the first Ipsy sneak peek and later saw their lip balms on Birchbox’s Facebook wall. so being a curious person, and mostly impatient for the August Ipsy bags, I contacted Noya and they were kind enough to send me all four lip balms for reviewing purposes.

Noya’s products are Kosher and all natural however these are not vegan due to the beeswax in it. My first impression of their site was that “oh, they’re a Jewish company” so I asked and was told,”Our company started in 2012, but we aren’t actually a Jewish company though I can see why you’d think so! We simply make a line of awesome, natural cosmetics that also happen to be kosher. Since most of our ingredients are food-stuff (like EVOO), we thought, why stop at being just natural, simple, safe and super yummy when we can also go kosher 🙂 It’s an added-value.” So while they’re not a Jewish company their products are Kosher!

The other great thing about Noya is that for every balm purchased they’ll donate a balm to homeless shelters in the New York City area! Got to love a company that donates to homeless shelters and while some might not think it’s much considering that most of us take for granted the simple things I think what Noya does is fantastic!

So there are four flavors to choose from – Vanilla, Cherry, Spearmint and Natural.

Some Ipsy subscribers received the vanilla lip balm and some the cherry lip balm. I actually got the Urban Decay Revolution lipstick while my girls received the Noya balms. (As of this blog post my bag and two of my daughters bags are in transit however our Ipsy Glam Rooms have updated reveiling what we’re getting). My middle daughter’s bag actually came today and she got cherry which she tried (mine) and like it saying, “I like the cherry. Doesn’t taste bad like other cherry stuff.” I’m not fond of the cherry myself because it does taste like cherries and I’m not a cherry fan but if you love cherry flavors you’ll like the cherry lip balm from Noya.

The vanilla lip balm is described on Noya’s site as “a cupcake packed into every balm” and they’re right. The vanilla lip balm reminds me of a white or yellow cake. Both the cherry and vanilla balm are very moisturizing as both contain Coconut Oil, Beeswax, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Natural flavor, Organic Stevia. The difference between these two are the flavorings.

The natural lip balm contains absolutely no flavorings what so ever and only contains Coconut Oil, Beeswax, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Organic Stevia. It should be pretty much identical to the vanilla and cherry however I found it to be a bit less moisturizing, less creamy and buttery than the vanilla and cherry lip balms. It’s highly possible that the lack of flavorings contributes to the less creamy, buttery feeling but it’s not a real negative for the lip balm.

I know some members of Makeuptalk didn’t like the Noya lip balms in cherry or vanilla because they thought it was too slippery or slick so they might like the natural lip balm instead. Out of the four Noya lip balms it’s one that can easily be used as a nail balm or to help tame frizzes due to the fact it doesn’t contain any flavorings.

Finally, the last one I tried was the spearmint. I really liked this one but not as much as the vanilla one. The spearmint lip balm really reminds me of a freshly brewed cup of mint tea, the mint in it is very strong. I popped the cap off and was hit by how strong the mint in it actually is. The spearmint lip balm to me is the most buttery soft lip balms due to the mint oil extract in it but I do have to warn you because of that mint extract those with sensitive lips may not be able to use this particular lip balm. The spearmint lip balm contains Coconut Oil, Beeswax, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Spearmint Oil, Menthol, Organic Stevia.

My lips were tingly the first time I used the spearmint lip balm which didn’t really bother me but I do think some might be bothered by it. I later layered the vanilla and spearmint together and loved it. The vanilla cut the spearmint so I didn’t have as much of a tingly feeling as I did when I used the spearmint alone. I also tried the natural with spearmint (natural applied first then spearmint) and that also cut the spearmint from being too tingly. I think I’ll put the spearmint one away for use during the fall and winter.

I’ve also layered the vanilla with a lemon lip balm from a different company and loved the flavor and scent when those two were combined (think lemon pound cake). I’ve been mainly using the vanilla one for over a week now and I really do like the vanilla one the most of all four. Now if they make a strawberry-lemonade one (strawberries and lemon flavored/scented) I’d be all over that and would stock up on it because I’m a sucker for strawberry-lemon flavored anything.

Overall, I like the lip balms from Noya. While cherry isn’t my favorite it does live up to their claims but for me hands down the vanilla is my favorite of the four. At $3.99 it may seem a bit steep for a lip balm when compared to Chapstick but unlike Chapstick the Noya lip balms are all natural with no artificial colors.

For Ipsy subscribers there is a 20% off promo code good until September 15, 2013. I think I may take advantage of that promo code and pick up more of the vanilla lip balms to give as stocking stuffers or small gifts to my daughters’ friends.

Disclaimer: Press sample.

Ipsy: Our August bags

Our bags have been shipped and we’re anxiously waiting for our bags but the Glam Rooms have opened up so at least we know what to expect!

NOTE: At this time I don’t have exact weights of all the items. I’m basing some of the values off images I’ve seen of products. I’m excluding the final bag value because I’m missing the weight of the mascara sent however everyone is getting the mascara so regardless of that value my eldest daughter’s bag is still almost $16 less than our bags. I’ll update this one again once I have the actual weights.

Update: I’ve updated the value of the BB cream since the weight is 0.34 oz not 0.24 oz (adds $1.60 more value) and the value of the mascara now that I have the weight.

My bag:

1. Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick
2. Pixi Lash Booster Mascara in Blackest Black
3. MicaBeauty Eye Shadow in Bronze
4. Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Gentle Exfoliating Facial Scrub
5. Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream

Bag value: $40.15

The eldest’s bag:

1. Pixi Lash Booster Mascara in Blackest Black
2. Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Gentle Exfoliating Facial Scrub
3. City Color Cheek Stain
4. noya Lip Balm   
5. Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream

Bag value: $24.85

 Middle daughter’s bag:

1. Pixi Lash Booster Mascara in Blackest Black
2. MicaBeauty Eye Shadow in Bronze
3. Michael Todd Pumpkin Nutrient-Rich Facial Mask
4. noya Lip Balm
5. Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream

Bag value: $41.52

Youngest daughter’s bag:

1. Pixi Lash Booster Mascara in Blackest Black
2. MicaBeauty Eye Shadow in Bronze
3. City Color Cheek Stain
4. Michael Todd Pumpkin Nutrient-Rich Facial Mask
5. noya Lip Balm

Bag value: $34.36

So much for bags being more equal value because there is almost a $16 difference between what my eldest daughter is getting to what the rest of us are getting. Ipsy should not have sent such a low ball bag and even if you factor in the mascara value the fact is that everyone is getting that mascara which means that particular bag is almost $16 LESS than other bags.

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Item values/retail prices:

• Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick, 0.03 oz; value $7.33
  (full size 0.09 oz, $22)
• noya Lip Balm; retail $3.99
• Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Gentle Exfoliating Facial Scrub, 1 oz; value $5.29
  (full size 3.4 fl oz, $18)
• Michael Todd Pumpkin Nutrient-Rich Facial Mask, 1 oz; value $10
  (full size 3.4 fl oz, $34)

• Pixi Lash Booster Mascara in Blackest Black, 0.105 oz; value $7.14
  (full size 0.25 oz, $17)
• MicaBeauty Eye Shadow in Bronze; retail $14.95
• Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream, 0.34 oz; value $5.44
  (full size 1 oz, $16)
• Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, 0.25 oz; value $9
  (full size 1 oz, $36)
• Chella Dazzling Dark Brown Eyebrow Color Pencil; retail $18
• City Color Cheek Stain; retail $2.99
• NYX Rouge Cream Blush; retail $6 (note: at this time I have only seen the cream blush sent out not the mosaic or powder blush)
• Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer In Mai Tai; retail $13

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Edit #2

MissTrix on MakeupTalk has done some sluething to what bag is getting what color of UD lipstick or what flavor of Noya lip balm. Here’s what she’s found.

If you are getting an Urban Decay lipstick then you will get Anarchy if you bag contains:

• charcoal, Mica, Pacifica
• charcoal, Mica, Chella
• charcoal, Nyx, Pacifica

If you are getting an Urban Decay lipstick then you will get 69 if you bag contains:

• pumpkin, Smashbox, Mica
• pumpkin, Nailtini, Mica
• pumpkin, Chella, Pacifica

If you are getting the Noya lip balm and a cheek product (NYX or City Color) you will get the Vanilla lip balm.

If you are getting the Noya lip balm but no blush/cheek product then you’ll get the Cherry flavor.

Using her information I should be getting the UD lipstick in Anarchy while the eldest and youngest daughters get the vanilla Noya and my middle daughter the cherry Noya.

Edit #3
One of the MUT members confirmed the UD lipstick sample as being 0.03 oz not 0.04 oz so I’ve updated the price.

Disclaimer: Referral links

Hair failure

So about 21 years ago I went to cosmetology school. Going to cosmetology school gave me the base skills I use in other aspects of my life. I do remember some aspects of my education but have forgotten pretty much everything when it comes to hair. I hated hair then and I hate hair now. I’m just not good with hair. I admit it, hair is something that I’ve never been comfortable with and it shows when it comes to the latest endeavor.

My youngest daughter wanted to go blonde. I told her before I dyed her hair that it has been a very long time since I’ve done what she was asking me to do. I told her that it would better if she went to see her grandmother (cosmetologist) to take her from a brunette to a blonde. Nope, she wanted it done now. So she went to Sally’s this morning and bought the things to dye her hair blonde.

I should have gone with my first instincts – send her to her grandmother to dye her hair. If she wanted me to wax her brows, I can do that. If she wanted her ears pierced, I can do that. If she wanted me to do her makeup, I can do that. If she wanted to go blonde… yeah, I can’t do that. LOL

• Ion Color Brilliance 10G-10.3 Lightest Golden Blonde.
• 40 volume peroxide.
• 1:1 ratio

Elapsed time (from start to finish):

• 60 minutes.

So a couple things I did wrong.

1. I didn’t bleach her hair first.
2. I used a golden blonde on her rather than a high lift blonde with a neutral base.
3. I used a 1:1 ratio (2 oz dye, 2 oz peroxide) rather than a 1:2 ratio (2 oz dye, 4 oz peroxide).

The color is pretty but it’s not the blonde we were going for. She’s happy with the color and it suits her skin coloring but it’s NOT blonde which is what she originally wanted. She’s keeping this color because she loves it. If she wants to go blonde she’s going to have to go see her grandmother because her hair is no longer virgin hair and I’m just not comfortable with attempting to take her blonde. I’m too scared that I’m going to severely damage her hair to the point where it’ll have to be cut drastically so in my opinion it’s best for her grandmother to do this than for me to try again. I’ll stick with makeup and leave the hair to someone with the experience and know how.