For the entirety of my post-teenage life, I’ve claimed that if makeup were considered paint – more women would be considered painters, myself included.  The only difference between the me of 2016 and the me of 2003 is the want to go makeup shopping and a daring eye of new styles and novel products.  Back then, I used to frequent sparkly cascades of rainbow colored eyeshadow paired with electric eyeliner and all sorts of concealer, moisturizer and foundation; now, I barely use four makeup products on my eyes, let alone my entire face.

When it comes to discovering new products, you could say I’m basically a noob all over again – so, I’m beyond thankful that monthly beauty subscription boxes have blossomed into commonality.Beyond just makeup, there’s literally hundreds upon hundreds of monthly boxes to choose from – and for as little as $10 a month, you’re showered with lots of fun goodies – some of which, you might become a superfan of in a heartbeat. More on the litany of boxes later – and back to the makeup, my fav! Once a month, their makeup mavens toss together an esteemed ‘Glam Bag’ chalk full of tantalizing treats and new fanged products – and I’ve been itching to get my paws on them for a good minute – turns out, there’s no time like the present.

With a menagerie of monthly makeup boxes to choose from, I made a note to choose wisely – but for the low cost of $10 a month, I let myself splurge a bit and try out a couple.  There’s the tried and true makeup and skincare favorite Birchbox – which I have cruising my direction in May (woot), the jealousy inspiring Sephora Box and last but certainly not least – my first box, IPSY.

 

Among the samples for April are two facial masks from Pur-lisse, a cute little Tarte lip sensation, a lively lavender nailpolish from ProBelle, a Highliter Trio, a highlighter brush and a makeup pounce that takes an ode from the pastels of Springtime. I’ve ranked each of the items on a scale of 1-10 on whether I’d buy the full size retail version, as well as a link to where you can purchase the items individually.

(From Top Right, Counter Clockwise)

(1) Probelle Nail Lacquer in In or Out // Retail: .5g for $6 // Take my money

Let’s be real, I’d rather buy five new nail polishes, a mini manicure set and some nail polish remover than go to a salon to get my nails done – so when I get a full size nail polish, the little girl inside me starts giggling with glee.  Not to mention, it’s a beautifully rich lavender – which makes for an exceptional Spring time color for your toes or your fingers.  I’ve never even heard of Probelle before this past week, but after how my nails held up over three days of Coachella -I’ll definitely be ordering some new colors for festival season.

(2) 2 x Pur-lisse Treatment Sheet Masks // Retail: $8 for 1, $36 for 6  // Take my money

I’m a sucker for a good skincare product, and this one completely takes the cake.  Best known for her role as the villain Vypra in the Power Rangers of my childhood, Jennifer Yen is now revolutionizing the skincare game – one Asian fusion product and face at a time. I’ve always used lotion or actual product as a mask instead of a cut cloth mask that was saturated in the product, so I definitely felt a bit silly walking around the apartment – but if that’s the price you have to pay for clear skin, I’ll gladly give in.

(3) City Color Highlighter Trio + Luxte Highlighter Brush  // Retail: $8.99 + $24 // Neutral

For me, highlighter is a lovely little touch on top of my makeup – and a wonderful double for neutral eyeshadow; but something I already have a ton of, brush included.  I’m thankful to have something else to toss into my reservoir of travel makeup, but I wouldn’t purchase a trio of highlighters – I’d prefer just one rich bronze color.  The makeup brush is soft and wonderful, and though I have others – I’ll actually probably replace them with this one, good on you, IPSY.  Now I won’t need a new one of those for a few years!

(4) Tarte Lip Surgence in Wonder  // Retail: 3g for $24 // Pass 

Though I’m a huge fan of the Tarte brand, and this comes in a pretty pink packaging and leaves a sultry smooth stain behind – I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve never really been a fan of lip cremes or lip stain – this one included.  I’d never purchase this on my own, but I’m glad I have it around for special formal occasions, weddings or big nights out on the town.  For now, I’ll stick to my Mango Burt’s Bees please and thank you.

---

All in all, this was a great first Glam Bag because I’ve been in desperate need of some facial masks and Summer highlights for my cheekbones, not to mention – I’m a bit obsessed with pastel polish.  But I’d definitely skip the Tarte lip stain and go in the direction of a natural lip balm with a dash of SPF and little to no tint.  Is it time for the next one yet?!

Do you have any subscription boxes that you’re a sucker for?

I’m always looking to try out new things, let me know in the comments below!

For more information on IPSY, head to their website or socials –

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube