Since early September, I’ve been fully immersed in all things Fall- from fashion to the foliage- so when October’s Ipsy bag arrived, a bright, glossy teal that was reminiscent of Summer shades- I was a bit surprised. As it turns out, October’s theme is “Beauty Candy,” meant to be colorful and eye-catching. This month’s products covered skin care and makeup- and with the exception of one sample I received- was a great collection of items.

What I Received:

Épicé International Purifying Exfoliant

MicaBeauty Mineral Eye Shadow in ‘Reluctance’ (*Full Size!*)

Starlooks Lip Gloss in ‘Guilty Pleasure’

Figs & Rouge Hand Cream in ‘Mango Mandarin’ (*Full Size!*)

Doll 10 Beauty H2Glo Highlighter in ‘Champagne’

Product # 1: Épicé International Purifying Exfoliant ($32)

When it comes to skin care in subscription boxes, one of the things I most like to receive samples of are scrubs and exfoliants. I’m always on the hunt for a nice, gentle facial scrub that will smooth my skin and clear out my pores without drying me out with harsh chemicals or scratchy seeds. This creamy textured exfoliant from Épicé, with a light, refreshing and clean scent- gently sloughed away dead cells from the surface of my skin and helped get rid of any bacteria lurking in my pores. The results were smooth, soft skin and a visibly brighter complexion. This isn’t a daily scrub, either- it’s only meant to be used every few days- which means you won’t have to continually replenish the $32 full-sized bottle on a weekly basis- which is always a good thing to hear.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I loved that this scrub wasn’t loaded with perfumes or drying and damaging ingredients. I achieved great results with only a couple of uses and with only a small amount of product per each use. The scrub is gentle and effective- and a little goes a long way. I’d definitely splurge on this in the future.

Product # 2: MicaBeauty Mineral Eye Shadow in ‘Reluctance’ ($14.95)

I do not have the best of relationships when it comes to loose powder eye shadows. A lot of formulas I’ve tried in the past crease like crazy, have no pigment at all, or end up everywhere on my face EXCEPT my eyes by the end of the day. I took a look at this green/gold shadow when I first opened my Ipsy bag, thinking the color looked pretty at first glance. Then I dipped my brush into it, closed my eyes- and hoped for the best…

… And I was pleasantly surprised! This shadow applies with incredible ease- with no flaking or creasing. The color is true to how it looks in the container, a beautiful and subtle-shimmered ivy green with flecks of gold throughout it- and it stayed in place on my lids all day without fading at all. I received so many compliments on this particular shade, too- which complimented my blue eyes and my recently refreshed red curls. The photo above is before I blended the shadow with a shimmery brown I have in my collection.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I absolutely loved the longevity of this shadow, it’s pigmentation, and how easy and mess-free it was to apply. I’ve been wearing ‘Reluctance’ non-stop, but I’ve already started picking out other shades to purchase in the coming weeks because I’m so smitten with the quality of this product.

Product # 3: Starlooks Lip Gloss in ‘Guilty Pleasure’ ($12)

Can I just take a moment to get something off my chest when it comes to beauty subscription services? I am sick- BEYOND tired- of receiving the same safe, boring rose-hued lip glosses. I get that companies want to send out universally flattering shades- but some of us out there want to try something bold and different to mix up the drab, redundant colors we’ve already stored from past boxes and bags. Give me a daring red! A deep plum! Hell, I’ll experiment with navy blue- but please, PLEASE- no more rose shades. I’m begging you.

My exhaustion with the color aside, I wasn’t a fan of this gloss from Starlooks. It applied easily and evenly enough- with a nice vanilla/honey-esque scent and no stickiness- but it didn’t last long at all. I’d say maybe 10-15 minutes after I’d applied it, and it was already coming off of my lips- and that was before I’d even had my morning coffee. I’ll stick to my current Fall trend- a neutral matte lipstick.

Would I Purchase?: No. Even if I had liked the color, this gloss didn’t last nearly long enough for me to want to go out and purchase a full-sized tube of it. I need something that is going to stay in place a little longer than this since I can’t continuously stop to re-apply it.

Product # 4: Figs & Rouge Hand Cream in ‘Mango Mandarin’ ($6.56)

In past beauty boxes/bags, I’ve received Figs & Rouge’s lip gloss- which I am a big fan of. I haven’t had the opportunity to try their hand creams until now, however- so I was pretty excited to receive a full-sized tube of this product. Despite getting the ‘Mango Mandarin’ scent, I couldn’t help but think this cream smelled a little bit like bubble gum. Was it just me? Or am I going crazy? Anyway- the formula is nice. It absorbed into my hands quickly without leaving behind any kind of residue, which meant I could resume what I was doing before application- and my hands and cuticles stayed soft and moisturized for hours. The only downside to this product is that the full-sized tube is actually quite small, so if you tend to go through hand creams as often as I do- you may need to stock up on a few of these at a time so you won’t run out.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! The quick absorption was the selling point for me. This cream is thankfully grease-free and works wonderfully. I’d buy lots of these tubes (and would probably give some as gifts, too!)

Product # 5: Doll 10 Beauty H2Glo Highlighter in ‘Champagne’ ($30)

Lately, my go-to Fall look has been the above-mentioned neutral matte lipstick, subtle color on my cheeks, and soft greens/golds/browns on my eyes. I decided to implement this creamy highlighter into the mix, too- by adding a touch along my cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose, and along my brow. Despite minimum application, the results were really noticeable. My skin looked like it had a beautiful, healthy glow, and the best part is that the highlighter didn’t fade or budge for hours- so I didn’t have to constantly keep touching it up throughout the day. I think this is a great must-have for any makeup collection, especially since it’s perfect for year-round use.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! This highlighter wasn’t too light, too dark, or too shimmery. It gave me a natural glow with just a couple of quick swipes. I anticipate this nicely sized sample will last me a while for that very reason, so I would definitely purchase the full-sized compact when I run out of the one I received in my bag.

With the exception of the lip gloss, this month’s bag was a hit for me. I really enjoyed the products I received- and discovered a couple of new brands I will be experimenting with more in the future!

With New York Fashion Week over and done, and Boston Fashion Week swiftly approaching- September’s Ipsy Bag, NYFW-inspired with a “Street Style” theme- arrived in an edgy silver, studded pouch and featured an assortment of chic products for the fashionista on the go. With skin care, makeup, and tools tucked inside- I was really pleased this month, both with the pouch- which I’ve been using to carry odds and ends within my Fall handbag- as well as the quality of what was is in it.

What I Received:

Nourish Organic Moisturizing Cream Face Cleanser

Pacifica Natural Water-Proof Eye Pencil in ‘Gun Metal’

Mitchell and Peach Luxury Hand Cream

CAILYN Art Touch Tinted Lip Gloss in ‘Love Affair’ (*Full Size!*)

Crown Brush Infinity Shadow/Crease Duet Brush (*Full Size!*)

Product # 1: Nourish Organic Moisturizing Cream Face Cleanser ($13.99)

When it comes to skin care and cosmetics, the more natural and organic- the better. I can’t stand using products that contain harsh chemicals and ingredients whose names I can’t even pronounce. They almost always result in some sort of horrid reaction or breakout that causes me more grief than I have the time or patience to deal with. For the past few years my skin care regimen has been simple, and effective. When I saw this vegan, fragrance-free cream cleanser, suitable for all skin types in my Ipsy bag- and read it’s short list of ingredients that I actually understood (watercress, cucumber, and aloe-vera, just to name a few-) I was excited to use it. This cleanser was gentle but effective on my face- giving me a deep clean without stripping my skin or drying it out. I was left feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after each use- and without any aforementioned horrid reactions or breakouts!

Would I Purchase?: Yes! This cleanser, with it’s organic components and ability to thoroughly clean even the most sensitive of skin- can and will make an excellent addition to my daily (and nightly) wash-up routine. I have a little of the sample left, but I fully plan on purchasing the full-sized tube once I’m out.

Product # 2: Pacifica Natural Water-Proof Eye Pencil in ‘Gun Metal’ ($11.00)

I make no attempts to hide my disdain for hard pencil liners. Ones that I like, or at the least don’t mind TOO much are far and few between- and I’m usually left tossing them out and replacing them with my usual gel or pen/marker liners. My overall impression has been that they hurt to apply, they don’t last long, and they’re rarely pigmented enough to my liking. I was skeptical when I saw this waterproof grey/silver pencil liner in my Ipsy bag, audibly sighing when I realized that I’d have to try it in order to give a proper review.

But I was pleasantly surprised.

This liner went on smooth- with no tugging or irritation. It was perfectly pigmented, giving me a beautiful stroke of silver that brought out the blue in my eyes and is a perfect shade for the season- and it lasted all day without fading, smudging, flaking, or bleeding down from my lash line. I was impressed, relieved, and really happy to finally have found a hard pencil liner that actually works for me!

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I never thought I’d see the day where I would willingly and happily pay for a pencil like this- but it really is a stand-out product among other eyeliners. This particular formula comes in four shades total, including “Gun Metal,” and I’d love to try them all.

Product # 3: Mitchell and Peach Luxury Hand Cream (£17)

In my July GlossyBox, I had received a tube of Mitchell and Peach’s body cream in this same fragrance that I had really enjoyed. The hand cream was no exception. Like the body lotion- this product sank into my skin quickly without leaving any kind of greasy residue and kept my hands soft and lightly fragranced (without being overpowering) for a long time. It’s a nice, effective, and luxurious treat that I’m happy to have in my handbag now that it’s getting chillier outside.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! For the holidays, I’d love to put together a Mitchell and Peach gift set for some of my girlfriends who are in need of a little pampering. These products are wonderful and I’d absolutely purchase more of them in the future.

Product # 4: CAILYN Art Touch Tinted Lip Gloss in ‘Love Affair’ ($19)

The last time I used a CAILYN lip product, it dried my mouth out so bad that I was peeling and sore for a good three days- only able to use clear balms and Vaseline to keep my lips hydrated while they healed. Needless to say, I was hesitant to try this lip gloss- despite it’s lovely cranberry color. I love a good matte, wine-colored lip in the Fall- but I thought this might be a nice way to transition into that- and threw caution to the wind to give this product a shot.

Here are the pros: The shade, is, at first- very pretty- and the consistency of the gloss isn’t thick or tacky. It’s lightweight and smooth.

That’s about it.

The gloss lasted all of ten minutes before it had faded completely (and I’m not a compulsive lip-licker or anything.) The description of the product stated that it could act as a lip stain- but after the color bled to the outer edges of my lips and disappeared, the only color that remained was the off-red that resulted in my lips once again becoming severely dried out and chapped. Sigh.

Would I Purchase?: No. This is the second time I’ve had a bad reaction to a CAILYN lip product, and I hope it’ll be the last. I don’t know what it is with the ingredients this brand uses but the colors never last and they are beyond drying. Thankfully, this was the only disappointing product in September’s bag.

Product # 5: Crown Brush Infinity Shadow/Crease Duet Brush ($6.99)

When it comes to reviewing beauty boxes/subscriptions- one of the hardest things for me to write about are makeup brushes. What exactly can be said? The bristles are soft, they apply color/product evenly? There’s only so much to review. For that reason, I’ll get right down to it instead of trying to create any kind of “filler” for this post. This brush is nice. It’s not revolutionary or groundbreaking- but it’s two-in-one function (one side is for shadow, the other for the crease,) is convenient. The bristles are, in fact, soft- and the brush does distribute shadow and blend it evenly. Best of all? It’s price point. You can’t go wrong for $6.99!

Would I Purchase?: Yes! Although I don’t anticipate having to replace this brush anytime soon- I wouldn’t be opposed to buying a new one if and when the time came. It’s decent quality and fairly priced.

With the exception of the lip gloss- September’s Ipsy bag was a hit for me. I enjoyed, and was even surprised (in a good way!) by some of the products I received- and I discovered a new cleanser that I absolutely love. I’m looking forward to October’s bag!

Even though there’s technically still a couple of weeks of Summer left- schools are starting up classes again, the early morning humidity has been replaced by a hint of chilly air, my urge to wear boots and hoodies has begun to come back- and coffee shops are releasing their Pumpkin Spice flavored beverages early. Yes, Fall is approaching- and even though it’s the prequel to the season I despise the most- I’m so excited.

Ipsy, getting into the Autumn spirit right along with me- sent out their August bags, themed “Beauty School(ed)” recently. The bag itself, which is supposed to be a tube shape with fun orange polka dots- arrived warped beyond repair to the point where it was comical. After multiple attempts to fix it to get a halfway decent photo, I called it quits and instead focused on the products that had been tucked inside of it.

What I Received:

Jersey Shore Sun ‘Mongongo’ Lip Conditioner (*Full Size!*)

Dr. Brandt ‘Pores No More’ Pore Refiner

J. Cat Beauty Flying Solo Eye Shadow in “Half Naked” (*Full Size!*)

Urban Decay ‘Perversion’ Mascara

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

Product # 1: Jersey Shore Sun ‘Mongongo’ Lip Conditioner ($5.50)

Right away, I knew I was going to like this lip balm- not only because of it’s name (which is fun to say,) but because it smelled like Jolly Ranchers candies the second I twisted it up to apply. ‘Mongongo’ is organic- loaded with anti-oxidants, UV protection, anti-aging components- and no artificial ingredients. I’ve been using it non-stop for the past few days and have really noticed an improvement in the overall softness and smoothness of my lips. The color-less, flavor-less formula is non-tacky, non-greasy, and stays on my pout for hours for long-term hydration. I can easily see this becoming my go-to for the days where I want to go natural and wear something on my lips that isn’t bright or bold, or even just as an everyday lip moisturizer.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! On the surface, this admittedly looks like any generic chapstick you’d find at the drug store- but I’m really liking the formula, the fragrance, and the results. Unlike most chapsticks, this isn’t harsh or loaded with chemicals that can actually cause more dryness, peeling, or cracking to the lips. It’s gentle and effective- and definitely something I’d purchase in the future for myself and for friends.

Product # 2: Dr. Brandt ‘Pores No More’ Pore Refiner ($45)

Years ago, when I worked for Clinique, I used a “Pore Minimizing” primer that had the same light, fluffy texture as this pore refiner. There was roughly the same amount of product in the tube- but it was half the price. That’s not to say this isn’t a lovely primer, however. Although I was a little nervous with how dark it appeared at first, the product quickly and effortlessly blended into my skin- instantly mattifying it and making my face soft and smooth prior to applying my foundation. This formula is also anti-bacterial, which is a huge plus for people like me with sensitive skin that is occasionally prone to breakouts.

Did it reduce the look of my pores? Not really. I didn’t notice much of a difference both before my foundation had been applied and after- and I had to resort to my usual blending and powder techniques to give me a flawless finish.

Would I Purchase?: Maybe. While I was a bit disappointed that this primer, specifically for pores- didn’t do much for mine- I did enjoy how it evened out and softened my skin before I applied my makeup. The $45 price tag is a little steep, especially for something that only delivered some of the promised benefits and results- but I liked the mattifying effect, the antibacterial benefits, and the finish- and I wouldn’t be completely opposed to eventually making the switch from my current primer to this.

Product # 3: J. Cat Beauty Flying Solo Eye Shadow in “Half Naked” ($2.99)

This eye-shadow, described as being “vividly pigmented,” came in a flip-up compact with a small mirror and sponge applicator. Although the shade appeared almost orange in the container, it actually applied and set as a shimmery champagne color- but it wasn’t nearly as pigmented as I would have hoped for or expected. The color would have worked great as a subtle highlighter had it not been for the lack of staying power. Even when applied over a primer,  this shadow creased and faded almost entirely in no time at all. Although the packaging is convenient and the price is pretty awesome for the amount of product within it- overall, this shadow was a let-down.

Would I Purchase?: No. Between the lack of pigmentation and longevity, this product was a dud. I’m fine with spending a little bit more money for a shadow that I know will not only show up on my lids, but will stay in place for a lot longer, too.

Product # 4: Urban Decay ‘Perversion’ Mascara ($22)

Of all the cosmetics brands in the world, I think I’m most loyal to Urban Decay. I love their palettes, their pigmentation, and their prices. Of all their things I’ve purchased and of all the things from their brand that I’ve tried over the years- I’ve only ever been unsatisfied with one or two things. Overall, my experiences with Urban Decay have been positive. My love affair carries over into their newest mascara, “Perversion,” as well. With a big, thick brush and a blackest-black formula- this mascara made my lashes look long, dark, and dramatic with just two coats. There was no flaking, clumping, or smudging. Just a bold all-day look that required no touch-ups or reapplications.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! Urban Decay has done it again. Although I’ve been quite content with my current mascara, I will absolutely be purchasing a full-sized tube of “Perversion” once I’ve run out. This is a great mascara that is perfect for those who love the “false lash” look (without the glue or hassle) as much as I do. This particular formula can be partnered with a primer, “Subversion,” as well- but with the results I’ve achieved with just the mascara by itself- the primer may not be necessary.

Product # 5: Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk ($19.50)

For as long as I can remember, dry shampoos- specifically aerosol ones- have been one of my biggest enemies. I have yet to find one that hasn’t left behind some sort of residue, or smelled foul, or made my hair somehow feel LESS clean than before I’d applied it. I don’t know if it’s because of my curls, or because my hair is pretty thick- but I always inwardly cringe whenever I receive one in a beauty subscription service- and August’s Ipsy bag was no exception. Despite my skepticism, I tried this spray from Klorane anyway- covering just my roots from a few inches away and letting it absorb into my scalp for a couple of minutes before I attempted to brush away the excess. I say “attempted” because much like the other dry shampoos I’ve tried- this one didn’t absorb well at all- and instead left chalky residue on my scalp.

I will say that this product smelled a lot better than other dry shampoos I’ve received in the past- but it wasn’t enough to win me over.

Would I Purchase?: No. Again, these aerosol sprays are just not for me at all. I think this shampoo would work fine for someone with straight or fine hair, where it would be easier to distribute evenly and brush through- but for me- it was just messy.

August’s Ipsy Bag wasn’t the worst I’ve received by any means, but with only two products I really liked and one I’m still on the fence about- I’m hoping September’s will have a better selection of quality samples to try.

I was worried my July Ipsy bag would arrive while I was away in California, leaving me to scramble upon my return to dive into the five samples I’d been anticipating and was eager to try. Luckily, it came in last week- giving me ample time to properly use and review everything. July’s bag, themed “Sensationally Sunkissed,” arrived in a Barbie pink waterproof pouch- perfect to store smaller necessities to bring along to the beach or the pool! What I Received:

bareMinerals 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow Broad Spectrum SPF 15 in “Barely Nude”

Pixi Beauty Mini Tinted Brilliance Balm in “Unique Pink”

Pur~lisse Pur~protect Essential Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

Models Own Nail Polish in “Red Sea” (*Full Size!*)

Clear Clinic Laboratories Vanished Clear Spot Treatment

Product # 1: bareMinerals 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow Broad Spectrum SPF 15 in “Barely Nude” ($18)

Apart from the ridiculously long name of this product, all of it’s benefits- including SPF protection, the ability to brighten my eye area, and stay put for 12 hours, among others- intrigued me. I’m currently using a liquid bareMinerals foundation for the Summer that I’m absolutely head over heels in love with, and thought this tiny vile of cream shadow would be a nice way to figure out as to whether or not I wanted to branch out into some of their other cosmetics, too.

First things first- the color of this shadow was nearly identical to the natural shade of my lids, making it hard to determine longevity or changes in “brightness” around my eye. My lids didn’t look much different than they had prior to application. I suppose if I was going for a natural, “no makeup” look, then this would be a nice product to use since it’s lightweight, easy to apply, and dries quickly- but personally I like to have a subtle hint of color. I will say, the texture did feel nice- not heavy or uncomfortable, even hours after I’d first put it on- but I wasn’t necessarily “wow’d” by this product.

Would I Purchase? Maybe. I think I’d like to try this product in a different, more noticeable shade where I would be able to better determine whether or not it stands up to it’s multiple beneficial claims and it’s $18 price tag. The color “Barely Nude” just fell sort of flat for me, and the main reason being that it didn’t show up on me at all.

Product # 2: Pixi Beauty Mini Tinted Brilliance Balm in “Unique Pink” ($14)

Where the bareMinerals cream eye shadow had left me a little disappointed, I was pleasantly surprised with this Pixi balm- which admittedly didn’t look too impressive in it’s twist-up tube at first glance. The color, appearing not even pigmented enough to show up on my lips- actually changed after a few glides, transforming from a barely there baby peach-pink into a nice pop of hot pink without being too overpowering or washing me out. It was subtle, but not so much that it looked like I was wearing just everyday, run-of-the-mill chapstick or clear balm/gloss.

Of course, the hydrating benefits of this balm are worth raving about, too. My lips felt so soft and smooth (not sticky or tacky!) after applying this product, and stayed that way for a long time- even after the color had faded away. If you’re looking for a lightweight, mess-free, subtlety colored lip balm to get you through the remainder of the Summer- then this is it.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! Between the fun color-changing aspect, the softening, smoothing effects this had on my lips, and even it’s cute container with an easy twist-up bottom- this was a hit for me. I’d definitely purchase a full-sized tube of “Unique Pink” in the future, but I’d also love to try other shades, as well!

Product # 3: Pur~lisse Pur~protect Essential Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 ($55)

In my current everyday skincare regimen, I use Clinique’s “Super Defense” moisturizer in the morning for it’s impressive SPF protection and to combat damaging free radicals and pollution I encounter throughout my day. I love the results, especially because it keeps my skin hydrated for hours on end- but sometimes it can feel a little heavy, like I’m applying a nighttime repairing moisturizer instead of a protective daytime one.

I’ve heard a lot of good things about Pur~lisse products, but haven’t had the chance to try them (their semi-steep price tags haven’t helped matters, either,) so I was excited to finally get a chance to get my hands on a sample size of their moisturizing sunscreen to see if I preferred it to my “Super Defense,” especially in these hotter, more humid months when the last thing I want is to feel like I’m wearing a mask.

It didn’t take long for me to become completely smitten with it. The texture of the cream is so wonderfully light compared to “Super Defense,” and it makes my skin feel just as nice- maybe even better. Not only that, but I’ve noticed that even after a few days of using this- my face seems to have a natural, healthy glow to it (NOT shiny!)

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I would absolutely splurge on a full-sized bottle of this. It’s creamy, it’s hydrating, it’s loaded with good, skin-saving ingredients, and it doesn’t feel heavy on my face at all. It also didn’t interfere with my makeup application or make it look caked or creased. I think I’d switch over to this product for the Summertime, and save the “Super Defense” for the colder, harsher months. Also? It smells lovely- like an unusual but still pleasant mix of sunscreen and flowers- if that makes sense. I just really enjoyed it.

Product # 4: Models Own Nail Polish in “Red Sea” (£5.00)

When it comes to nail polishes/lacquers, it’s really, really hard to go wrong for me. My weekly manicure is something I look forward to after a long week at the office, and I love experimenting with unconventional, sometimes daring colors on my digits. This full-sized bottle of coral/red polish from Models Own was the first product I grabbed when I opened my Ipsy bag- although I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it, since it’s consistency seemed a little gelatinous. I figured it’d make an interesting top coat, but opted to wear it on it’s own, first- just to get an idea of the color by itself.

Sure enough, this polish was a pain to apply- requiring three, more than gloopy coats to get a somewhat even texture on my nail. The glitter chunks stuck up, giving my tips a thick, rough feeling after the polish dried. The only good thing about this product was that the color was true to how it appeared in the bottle. If it hadn’t been so heavy and tacky- it would have dried to a nice, smooth coral finish.

Would I Purchase?: No. This nail polish was a hassle, and I wouldn’t even bother using it as a top coat to another, smoother polish, either- considering how unfortunate the finish was. I was disappointed with this product, and am in no hurry to try anything similar to it.

Product # 5: Clear Clinic Laboratories Vanished Clear Spot Treatment ($35)

Despite my best efforts at maintaining a clear complexion, I am sometimes prone to the occasional blemish or breakout. It sucks, but it happens- and thankfully I’m handy enough with a makeup brush or a cotton swap to be able to cover up most pesky and unwelcome pimples.

I’m always open to trying new products, as most of you can probably guess by now- so when I saw this small vile of spot treatment in July’s Ipsy bag, I was quick to apply it to a couple of pre-PMS flareup areas I had around my chin and cheeks. The clear formula tingled- but didn’t burn- and thankfully didn’t dry out my skin or cause irritation despite containing menthol, glycolic and salicylic acids. The redness around the problem areas did seem to calm down shortly after application, but it didn’t rid me of the breakouts completely. Even still- I was grateful they were less noticeable and therefore easier to cover until they gradually disappeared on their own (see: after I scrubbed the living hell out of my skin in the shower.)

Would I Purchase?: Maybe. This is a handy product to have around when unexpected pimples strike, since it seems to reduce redness and irritation- but don’t count on it being a miracle “zit-zapper.” In my case, it didn’t get rid of the blemishes entirely, so I still had to carefully maneuver my makeup brushes/sponges to cover them- but it made it a lot easier. I think the one thing keeping me from committing and buying a full-sized tube is the $35 price tag.

Out of the five products I received in July’s Ipsy bag- two I loved, two I’m still on the fence about, and one I didn’t like at all. This month’s bag wasn’t a home run the way other, recently received bags have been, but it wasn’t terrible! Now to bring on July’s GlossyBox…