For the first time since joining Ipsy, the products included with my March bag actually sort of went along with the month’s theme, “Destination Beauty,” which had a Spring Break/tropical vibe to it. The bag itself, a collaboration with artist Klari Reis, is by far my favorite out of the ones I’ve received so far. I loved the colors and the pattern, and will be using it as a little clutch for my phone and lip gloss come Summer.

February’s Ipsy bag was one of the best, in my opinion- so I was more than ready to see how March’s compared to it.

What I Received:

Be a Bombshell “Bora Bora” Eyeshadow Quad (*Full Size!*)

Nicole by OPI Roughles Nail Lacquer in “On What Grounds?” (*Full Size!*)

Klorane Smoothing and Relaxing Patches

bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in “Get Ready”

Product # 1: Be a Bombshell “Bora Bora” Eyeshadow Quad ($16)

Even though there’s still snow on the ground, I couldn’t help but feel like I was going on a vacation in some faraway tropical paradise when I used this beachy eye shadow quad for the first time. With rich golden and brown tones, and a beautiful deep aqua shade- this shadow applied easily, evenly, and didn’t budge or flake for hours. The photo above is just one of the looks I created with the quad (using the aqua as a subtle liner and predominantly featuring the golden/reddish hue on my lid,) but there’s so many gorgeous combinations you can make with this product. I’m very, very impressed.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I think I’m going to save the “Bora Bora” quad for the Summer when the colors are a bit more appropriate, but I would absolutely purchase this again in the future if and when I run out. This quad was decent quality and it’s inexpensive to boot- which is always a plus for someone like me who doesn’t like wasting money on overpriced cosmetics that are poor quality or give shoddy results. This was a pleasant surprise.

Product # 2: Nicole by OPI Roughles Nail Lacquer in “On What Grounds?” ($7.99)

Some people hate textured nail lacquers. Personally, I love them. I think they’re usually fun and unique- so I was all about trying this sky blue “pebbled” polish A.S.A.P. Much like the “Bora Bora” quad, this lacquer from OPI reminded me of afternoons by the ocean in San Diego. It applied easily, giving great coverage in just two coats (and despite the bottle stating that a top coat wasn’t necessary, I applied one anyway to add some longevity to the polish since I do a lot of typing.) I adore the color, and the rough-looking finish. I’ve read reviews by some people who have also received this product in their March Ipsy bag that say that the texture “snags” on clothing, etc. but I have yet to experience that problem.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! This is a beautiful Spring/Summertime polish with a cool twist. I love the blue, and I would gladly purchase the other available shades in this formula, too.

Product # 3: Klorane Smoothing and Relaxing Patches ($18)

In February’s GlossyBox, I had really enjoyed the Anatomicals under-eye patches I’d received. When I saw these individually packaged patches in this month’s Ipsy bag, I had hoped I’d like them just as much. Unfortunately, these patches weren’t nearly as cooling and refreshing as the Anatomicals ones. On the contrary, they made my under-eye area feel a little dry, and kind of itchy. Fortunately, the feeling went away shortly after I peeled them off, and naturally- I didn’t notice any smoothing or de-puffing results. These patches were a bust.

Would I Purchase?: No. I think I’m going to stick with my Anatomicals patches. I had better results with those. This product might be better suited for others, but they caused minor and temporary irritation to my eye area. Definitely not worth purchasing.

Product # 4: bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in “Get Ready” ($18)

It wouldn’t be Spring without the obligatory pink-hued lipstick/lip gloss sample in monthly subscription boxes. I’m not complaining- I just expected it. I’ve never tried bareMinerals makeup before, as I’ve heard mixed reviews over the years. Some friends love it, others, not so much- so I was pretty neutral when I first applied this little tube of rose-colored lipstick.

First things first, this color applies amazingly smooth and the finish is like a combination of a lipstick and a lip gloss, which was nice. It wasn’t too shiny and yet it wasn’t matte, either. The lipstick is also very pigmented, so a little goes a long way and the color is pretty noticeable after only a couple of swipes across the lips. Also- this formula lasts a LONG time. After my morning coffee, after lunch, and well into the afternoon- there was still color on my lips.

Now, the downside. I don’t know exactly what it was in this particular formula- but this lipstick dried my lips out. It wasn’t so severe it was excruciatingly painful or anything, but it was a minor discomfort throughout the day- which was kind of a surprise considering how creamy the texture of it is. I attempted to re-apply this product with a balm under it, and then again with a balm over it, which helped a little- but my lips still felt uncomfortable.

Would I Purchase?: No. As flattering as the color was and as nice as this lipstick applied- the unusual drying result isn’t worth a purchase of a full-size in any of the available colors. A shame, really- since the pigmentation is really good and the longevity was stellar.

So, to summarize: we have a really cute bag, two products I loved, and two products that missed their mark. While March’s Ipsy bag wasn’t as much of a success as February’s- it still wasn’t bad. I wasn’t in love with everything I received, but overall- I was still pleased.

It helps that the two products I liked were the full-sized ones, of course.