Getting Beauty Schooled

Getting Beauty Schooled



Prior to college, I admit I was a beauty school failure. I "just guessed" on how to put on foundation and blend eyeshadow. My signature look was just thick, black eye liner. Because that's all I knew how to do.

Luckily, I have changed my ways and I have been working on actually learning how to use products and figuring out what works for me. During this process, my make up stash has been constantly growing. Although I love having a lot of options, I don't like paying full price for products that end up not working for me. 

Recently I subscribed to the Ipsy Glam Bag monthly subscription. It is only $10 a month and gives me and awesome opportunity to try out new products and new name brands. Although some products aren't things I would go out and buy later, I still really enjoy experimenting with them and teaches me how to use them.

Here is what I received in my August 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag:
As someone who often uses dry shampoo, I know I will definitely be using this! I do not wash my hair everyday due to lack of time and motivation (any mother of a two year old would understand). It is also great for freshening up my hair after working out on campus this upcoming semester. This product is 1.06oz and has a light fragrance.

Pores No More from Dr. Brandt Travel Size  (Full Size  - Sephora - $45.00)
This product is a face primer which I'm not very familiar with using. Therefore, I'm looking forward to trying this one out. According to the Sephora website, this product "instantly mattifies shine and minimizes pores". Which is awesome because I have some rather large pores on my nose and who doesn't have a shiny face problem?

I have a mascara obsession. I have bought sooo many bottles of mascara over the last year searching for the best one. I usually stick to drug store brands since they are only $5-$8. However, I heard of Perversion before it even came out and I longed to test it out. Thanks to Ipsy, my dream has become a reality. This mascara is very creamy and doesn't clump up easily. It is definitely in my top 3 favorites. (But seriously Urban Decay, Perversion? Like what does that even mean.)


I'm not a huge fan of lip gloss or lip balm. I usually stick with my Carmex jar balm and that's that. But since getting this, I have been trying to use it more frequently. I received the Mandarin Green Orange Ginger flavor/scent. It has a unique scent that's a bit fruity/herby. This balm uses mongongo oil which is a oil rich in calcium, magnesium, zinc, and anti-oxidants so I'm guessing it's pretty healthy for you. 

Since learning new eye shadow techniques, I like experimenting with new colors and brands. This brand reminds me a lot of ELF due to the price and pigmentation. This color is a very faint, shimmery nude. Due to the color, it doesn't seem very pigmented since it just fades into my skin tone. I think I will be using this color to add a bit of a shimmery base when using other shadows. One really neat thing about this shadow is that under the color there is a hidden mirror and applicator so it great for on the go. 

Here's my favorite beauty tip for Ipsy's August Glam Bag Challenge!
Also, did you check out that adorable orange poka-dot pencil case that all these products came in? Too cute! And perfect to get back into the swing of school days.

Interested in getting an Ipsy subscription for yourself? Click here to tell them I sent ya!