Ipsy Fresh Picks: May 2014

I’m really late sharing my May 2014 Ipsy bag with you but I simply couldn’t get excited enough to rush and post this.  There have been so many other exciting drugstore cosmetics out lately that this just seemed to constantly be put on the back burner.  It seems like when Ipsy is good, it’s really good and I can’t wait to scream it out loud.  But when it’s not so great, I’m just like “meh, it can wait”.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a terrible bag.  It just didn’t contain the types of products that make me all giddy inside.  The focus of my bag seemed to be less on makeup and more on hair and skincare.  Both my hair and skin can be a bear to deal with so I really try to stick with what works for me and away from trying new things that make my skin breakout and my hair look like a chia pet.

So let’s take a look at my Ipsy bag for May:

First up is a generous sized jar of Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub.  This is an exfoliating facial scrub that diminishes the look of fine lines and wrinkles.  This has a really pleasant citrus scent almost like a mix of lemons and limes.  It’s paraben free and 100% vegan so hopefully this will not break me out. (retail value $16.25)

Next we have Hang Ten SPF 50 Classic Sport Natural Sunscreen.  This is a water resistant broad spectrum UVA/UVB lotion which will come in handy.  It’s not greasy at all and contains organic shea butter and coconut oil so it smells really nice. (retail value $2.16)

I’m hoping that this Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask works well for me.  It contains Argan oil to condition and repair and Keravis protein to strengthen.  It’s very thick and smells amazing. (retail value $1.80)

To be honest I’m pretty tired of getting these stick form lip balms is these sample bags.  I have so many of them already and I can’t possibly use them all up.  This one is from Olive Natural Beauty and contains certified organic ingredients.

I received the Refreshing Rosemary one and it smells very much like mint.  It’s a little greasy on the lips so I probably won’t use it often or at least not until winter. (retail value $5.95)

Lastly I received an eyeshadow duo from Pacifica.  This one contains a light shimmery lilac purple and a light gold. The purple is pretty light on pigmentation but applies fairly smoothly.

The gold was quite a surprise since it looks white in the packaging.  It has more of a glittery texture so there can be a bit of fallout if you aren’t careful. It’s lightly pigmented as well in a yellow gold color.  Neither shade is very impressive.  (retail value $3.50)

One of the best perks of Ipsy is that if you log into their site each month and review the items you get, they give you points.  As you accumulate points you can redeem them for free full sized items.  At 1000 points you can pick from usually three items to get one free.

The items change regularly, last time I got a free Beauty Blender sponge.  This month I redeemed my points for a free Bare Mineral Marvelous Moxie lipstick in the shade Light It Up.  This is a bright orange coral color that’s perfect for summer.

Overall I can’t complain because I did receive way more than $10 worth of product.  My monthly Ipsy haul had a retail value of $29.66 not counting the lipstick which alone retails for $18.

I’m really hoping June’s bag is more about makeup and less about skincare.  What do you think of May’s Ipsy bag contents?

Join me as an Ipsy subscriber if you’re not already!  For $10 per month you receive 4 – 5 beauty samples delivered to your front door in a makeup bag.  You always have the option to cancel at any time. (Disclosure: this is a referral link that provides me with Ipsy credit when you join. Thank you for your support!)