Subscription Review | IPSY Glam Bag, BoxyCharm and Icon Box November 2024

 

IPSY is a personalised makeup and beauty monthly subscription service based on your preferences which I have been lucky enough to receive in PR the last couple of months! I thought since this month includes the release of the Icon Box (which comes out every three months), I’d do a quick round up of the subscription!

 

Once you sign up, you take a Beauty Quiz to determine your preferences including details like hair colour and skin tone as well as how often you want certain products like lipsticks and blush and what shades you prefer. Products included could be anything from makeup brushes to body moisturiser and haircare products to lip gloss so there is a wide variety! You can also go in and update your answers to any of the questions as often as you like! Each month there is a theme, for example October’s was Beauty Nightmares and November’s theme is Glow Off This Winter! 

 

Here’s what I got in this month’s selection! 

 

Glam Bag* – 5 deluxe size samples for $14 USD each month and a cute makeup bag!

Marc Anthony Repair Bond +Rescuplex Leave-In Treatment

Huda Beauty One Coat Wow! Mini Mascara

Anastasia Beverly Hills Crystal Lip Gloss in Glass

Saturday Skin Carrot + Niacinamide Moisturizing Cream

Goldfaden MD Eye Defy Radiance Restoring Eye Treatment

There are quite a few brands I haven’t tried in this month’s selection and I have a couple of weekends away planned so I am most excited to try the Saturday Skin and Goldfaden MD products! 

 

BoxyCharm* – 5 full size products for $30 USD each month!

Murad Essential-C Cleanser

Violet Voss Disco Drip Eye Shadow Palette

Cinta London Aqua Forte Super-Hold Setting Spray

Iconic London Lit & Luminous Baked Highlighter in Universal

Eleman Beauty Liquid Eye Liner

I was so happy to see the Murad cleanser in here, this is a brand I love but I haven’t tried this cleanser before! I probably will pass the Violet Voss palette onto a friend as it's too colourful for me but I appreciate it fits the theme of this month.

 

Icon Box* – 8 full size products curated by a celebrity (this selection is by Lisa Vanderpump) every 3 months (February, May, August and November) for $60 USD!

Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Leave-in Conditioner

Glow Recipe Cloudberry Bright Essence Toner

Tarte Tartelette Juicy Amazonian Clay Palette

Korres Santorini Grape Volcanic SkinReset Mask

Elemis Skin Buff Deep Cleansing Exfoliator

Polite Society Polite Pout Glossy Lip Balm in Pink Grapefruit

LYS Beauty Speak Love Moisture Matte Lipstick in Sincere

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Smokey Eye Mascara

I’m definitely most impressed with this selection – not surprising since it’s the quarterly celebrity curation! Looking forward to trying out the Amika leave in conditioner, Glow Recipe essence toner and Tarte eyeshadow palette! 

 

 

This has been such a treat to receive each month and for paid subscriptions you can actually choose one product for your Glam Bag, three products for your BoxyCharm and three products for the Icon Box! I’m obviously super grateful I’ve been sent these in PR but as someone who likes to have some control over the products I receive, I love that this is an option! Overall, these are so fun to receive and there is a nice mix of products, so I think if you are looking for a treat or have some disposable income it's a great option!

IPSY offer monthly or annual subscriptions and deliver to Canada, the US and Mexico (Glam Bag only). Shipping is free in the U.S. and Mexico and for Canadian members, Glam Bag shipping is $3.95 USD, BoxyCharm shipping is $6.95 USD, and Icon Box shipping is $9.95 USD.

 

Do you have any beauty subscriptions? What do you think of this one? Sign up to IPSY here! 

 

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me.

All opinions are my own. Affiliate links used.

See my full disclosure here.

 

Danielle xx

 

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DECIEM Skincare Review | NIOD and The Ordinary Slowvember Sale Recommendations

Well, it’s that time of year again! Although it seems to have launched a bit more quietly than previous years, the DECIEM “Slowvember” Sale is back for the month of November and actually running until December 6th - and I’ll assume they will include their yearly “blackout” where they shut down their website on Black Friday! Today I thought I would share what products I currently have in my skincare collection and talk through my recommendations! I have a number of DECIEM skincare posts on my blog as they are one of my favourite brands and I love NIOD in particular. It’s a little pricier than The Ordinary but worth it in my opinion and if you have been eyeing anything up now, this month is the time to get it with the 23% discount! They also have 50% off a couple of NIOD products – my favourite hyaluronic acid MMHC, and the Hydration Vaccine. 

 

Starting with a couple of The Ordinary picks and you really can’t go wrong with this brand, it’s so affordable yet still gets results! I have been through quite a few of the Squalane Cleanser RRP $26.20 CAD | £14.90 and it’s such a good all-rounder! This is such an effective makeup remover and cleanser, emulsifying from a creamy balm to an oil and removing makeup easily as well as feeling hydrating and never leaving my skin feeling tight! It works just as well as a second or morning cleanser as it’s so lightweight.

 

The Lactic Acid 10% + HA RRP $12.20 CAD | £8.80 is another gem from The Ordinary! This makes my skin feel much smoother and doubles up as a body serum for me too as it’s so effective on KP on the backs of my arms! It’s also available in a 5% formulation but I prefer the stronger one and don’t experience any sensitivity personally (it contains Tasmanian Pepperberry extract to help reduce irritation and sensitivity associated with acids). 

 

Moving onto some NIOD favourites and before I get into the serums, the Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist (SDSM2) RRP $61 CAD | £40 is one of my favourite mists. It acts against oxidative stress, water loss and inflammation of the skin. I love the fact it’s antioxidant and my skin feels so calm and hydrated with every use! It’s in a huge 240ml bottle too so I don’t feel guilty using this all over my chest as well as face!

 

Launching into the rest of the serums now and I’ll start with my absolute favourite – the Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3 1:1 (CAIS3) RRP $108 CAD | £70. I have been using this on and off since around 2016 and always go back to it. It’s a copper peptide, pro-collagen, pro-repair serum that is watery in texture and blue in colour with a slight scent of vinegar that dissipates very quickly. This sinks in quickly and can be used in the morning and evening, but it is recommended to not use with acids, Vitamin C, EUK, or strong antioxidants. I keep my routine simple when using this serum as it works so well by itself! It maintains healthy looking skin by targeting signs of skin ageing including textural damage, uneven skin tone, enlarged pores and a lack of radiance and my skin looks and feels much healthier when I use this consistently leaving it more even, clear and firm.

 

Similarly, the Copper Amino Isolate Lipid (CAIL) 1% RRP $108 CAD | £75 is a copper peptide formula but this one is suspended in squalane so melts into skin and takes on more of a balmy, oil-like feel and it’s designed for evening use. Again, its pro-collagen, pro-lipid and pro-fat and aims for healthy looking skin. It also has the added benefits of building and enhancing skin elasticity. I tend to keep my routine simple with this one as well and use this after cleansing and toning my skin. My skin feels well supported and hydrated overnight and like with CAIS, overall, it looks better and healthier with consistent use. It reduces the look of wrinkles and leaves my skin supple and plump. My personal favourite is still the serum as it fits better into my routine as I can use it both AM and PM. See my full review of CAIS3 and CAIL here!

 

Modulating Glucosides (MG) RRP $34 CAD | £27 is an emulsion that targets sensitive, irritated skin and encourages a calmer complexion. It supports the skin barrier, encourages hydration and repair and contains oat synthetic analogues, ceramides and purified ginger root to help reduce redness, itching and burning. Despite its viscous appearance, it feels lightweight and sinks in easily - I find the scent a bit like paint though it doesn’t linger. I replied on this a lot while I was on Roaccutane as it was so calming and it is such a comforting, soothing serum. Definitely a great one to have in your stash!

 

Lastly, Survival 0 (S0) RRP $30 CAD | £22 is an antioxidant, reparative serum targeting damage caused by environmental stressors like pollution, smog and blue light. It also comes in 10, 20 and 30 versions which offer some SPF protection as well but I use this at night and let it work its magic. It’s a lightweight, orange-y serum that absorbs easily and has a faint herbal scent. Over time, this reduces photo damage and I have noticed my skin tone is healthier overall. It also feels hydrating (it includes glycerin and squalane) and layers well with other skincare! MG and S0 have their own dedicated blog post here!

 

I honestly can’t recommend DECIEM skincare enough, both NIOD and The Ordinary have so many amazing products and if you have been eyeing anything up, now is the best time to get it with the 23% off! As DECIEM say though, don’t rush and only buy what you need! Honourable mentions to some of my other favourite NIOD products that I don’t have in my stash at the minute include the Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex (MMHC2), Sanskrit Saponins, Flavanone Mud and the Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum.

 

On my list to buy this year are the newer Ordinary Cleansers, bodycare and the lip balm! Will you be buying anything? 

 

Don’t forget to check out my older DECIEM posts below!

DECIEM | NIOD Review and Slowvember Sale Picks

Skincare Review | DECIEM NIOD CAIS VS CAIL

Skincare | NIOD Modulating Glucosides andSurvival 0 Review

Deciem | Black November Sale Picks

 

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me.

All opinions are my own. Affiliate links used.

See my full disclosure here.

 

Danielle xx

 

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Makeup | Fenty Foundations Comparison and Review

 

I was looking through some old draft posts not so long ago and found this one that I started a few years ago and never got round to posting! Ironically, one of the foundations I had reviewed is now discontinued and they have since brought out more new ones! Anyway, I thought I would still update and post this with my round up and review. The Pro Filt’r Soft Matte foundation was the first product from the brand that I tried in 2017 – and since then I have repurchased many times as well as fallen in love with a lot of their other products!

 

Starting with my favourite, the Fenty Beauty PRO FILT’R Soft Matte Longwear Foundation RRP $54 CAD | £34, this comes in 50 shades (I am shade 150) and is described as a soft matte longwear foundation that’s a buildable, medium to full coverage that fights heat, sweat and shine. Despite offering good coverage, it feels liquid-y and lightweight to me and does a great job of covering blemishes. I found that when my skin was a bit oilier than it is now this lasted for about 6 hours before I needed to powder again but now its more on the normal/combo side I don’t need it. It leaves my skin looking very perfected, doesn’t settle into fine lines, and lasts well. It doesn’t quite beat Estee Lauder Double Wear for me (I don’t think anything will) as I find it to just last a little longer on my skin but it’s a really nice alternative for when I want something different and the finish is beautiful! The price has creeped up steadily since I first got this like with all cosmetics unfortunately so I would definitely wait for a 20% off offer and take advantage! See my full review here!

 

I picked up the Fenty Beauty Eaze Drops Blurring Skin Tint RRP $49 CAD | £29 (shade 2) when my skin cleared up after Roaccutane as I wanted to try a lighter coverage base. These are a pretty big departure from my normal full coverage foundation buys as they have such light coverage! Coming in 25 shades that again correspond to your shade match in the foundations, this is a tinted moisturiser that evens out skin tone and offers a no makeup makeup look! It says they are buildable light to medium but I would say these are definitely on the light side of coverage especially if you are used to full foundation. However, these are so perfecting and really do blur the skin and even out my complexion and with the rest of my makeup on top I am super happy with the coverage they give! They have been a welcome addition to my makeup bag especially for weekends when I don’t have any major plans but still want some coverage and I use this base a lot when I go hiking as it wears well when I sweat. They last all day on my skin and don’t settle into fine lines and the shade 2 is perfect for my fair skin and maybe just a touch lighter than the 150 shade I am in the Soft Matte foundation! 

 

The Fenty Beauty PRO FILT’R Hydrating foundation (shade 150) has since been discontinued and replaced with the Soft’Lit Naturally Luminous Hydrating Longwear Foundation which I haven’t tried. Since I was already a fan of the matte foundation, when I was on Roaccutane, I picked up the sister hydrating version. Again, it ahd 50 shades that correspond with the matte version, and offered the same buildable full to medium coverage this time with a natural finish rather than matte and it was geared more to normal/dry skin types. This really brought the glow to my skin while it was its driest and I know I would have hated it had my skin been oily! Even with powder it never completely “set” for me so there is a tendency for some transfer though I wouldn’t say it wore off easily either. While my skin was normal/dry this lasted through the day for me and made me look so healthy and dewy however it wouldn’t have been a repurchase for me as like I mentioned, my skin is more normal/combo now and I can imagine it would wear off more! So, you could say I am glad they discontinued this one and not the Soft Matte!

 

Overall, the Soft Matte foundation is my favourite and the Eaze Drops have pleasantly surprised me! I have already repurchased the Soft Matte multiple times!

 

Have you tried any Fenty foundations? Let me know what you thought!

 

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me.

All opinions are my own. Affiliate links used.

See my full disclosure here.

 

Danielle xx

 

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Product Empties #51

Back today with probably my second last empties of the year! As usual, it’s a big one! Let’s get into it!

 

Haircare

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo

The best dry shampoo! Makes my greasy hair look like I’ve just washed it and it has no white cast or residue! While it’s pricey, I find I use less than drugstore dry shampoo and it has a fresh citrus scent. Have a backup already! See my full review here!

 

Schwarzkopf got2b Extra Volume Dry Shampoo

Great budget option, doesn’t work as well as the Living Proof but gets me an extra day out of greasy hair! Will repurchase!

 

Schwarzkopf got2b Extra Fresh Dry Shampoo

Same as above but I would say I prefer this one a touch over the volume version! Will repurchase!

 

OUAI Detox Shampoo

Great first cleanse for my hair that got rid of build up and didn’t dry out my scalp! Obsessed with the scent! Will repurchase in the future.

 

OUAI Leave In Conditioner

Been through a couple of these now and love it. Like the shampoo, it smells amazing and feels lightweight while smoothing my hair, detangling and protecting it from heat styling. Will repurchase in the future! Read my full review here!

 

Kerastase Nutritive 8h Magic Night Serum*

Absolutely obsessed with this! It’s a luxurious overnight serum that you apply and it works overnight to help hydrate, condition and replenish dry hair. It smells divine (please make a scent Kerastase!) and my hair drinks this up. It helps to detangle and protect from pillow friction and my hair looks shiny the next day as well as my ends looking less dry and frazzled. I can use this a few nights in a row without it weighing down my hair or making it greasier quicker! This is pricey so not a repurchase for me right now but I would love to treat myself in the future! Read my full review of the Kerastase Nutritive hair range here!

 

Verb Ghost Shampoo

A great lightweight shampoo that doesn’t weigh hair down and left it shiny! Will repurchase!

 

Verb Ghost Conditioner

The matching lightweight conditioner, helped keep my hair smooth and shiny! Would repurchase!

 

Olaplex No.3

A pre shampoo treatment that I like to leave in my hair for 1-2 hours to see the best results. It works well on my damaged ends and makes them a lot softer, hydrated and also makes my split ends more sealed and healthier looking! I’ve stopped purchasing the full size of this as I can’t be bothered leaving it in so long but it’s nice to use the odd time! Won’t repurchase right now.

 

 

Bodycare

Naturium The Brightener Vitamin C Body Wash

Lightweight, hydrating and evens my skin tone! Really like this one! Naturium products aren’t scented but there is a very subtle citrus scent to this one! Love it almost as much as the Glow Getter multi oil body wash and will repurchase once I get through my stash!

 

Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Body Lotion

Another great pick from Naturium, this is creamy, hydrating and smooths my skin. Prefer the retinol body lotion but I would repurchase this on offer!

 

Vaseline Intensive Care Dry Skin Repair

An old favourite, I love how fresh and clean this smells plus it works well to moisturise my skin! Already got a backup!

 

Rocky Mountain Soap Company Omega 3 Hand Cream in Lemongrass (Citronelle)

Got this free in their quarterly free gift for subscribers but not a fan! Leaves a film behind and not my favourite scent. Not a repurchase! 

 

Skincare

Pixi Clarity Cleanser*

A gel like cleanser containing salicylic, lactic and glycolic acids to exfoliate skin and help minimise breakouts. This felt gentle and didn’t strip my skin. I reached for it regularly but especially round my time of the month when I am more prone to a few breakouts and it worked well to help keep them under control! Really rate the Pixi Clarity range! Will repurchase in the future! Read my full review here!

 

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner

A light, hydrating and refreshing toner with anti-inflammatory and brightening effects. It comes in a huge 300ml bottle which took me forever to finish but I really enjoyed using it! A simple but effective daily toner that I would repurchase! Read my full review here!

 

Nivea Double Effect Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover

Features in every empties and this is my most repurchased skincare product! This is the best for removing waterproof and stubborn eye makeup! Gentle and doesn’t leave a residue behind or film in my eyes! Already got a couple of backups!

 

NIOD Flavanone Mud*

A burnt orange, decongesting mask that helps purify skin and offer a barrier against external pollution. It’s advised to only use once a week for ten minutes and this tingles while it’s on and for a while after its washed off. I enjoy the decongesting properties of this especially along my jaw line and my skin always feels soft after use while looking brighter too! Will repurchase in the future! Read my full review and see my NIOD favourites here!

 

Scientia After Facial Glow Tri-Action Peel*

This contains physical, chemical and enzymatic exfoliants but feels gentle on the skin, leaves my skin nice and smooth and it smells nicely of fruit! Nice to use as a quick mask before the shower but not a repurchase!

 

Naturium Skin Soothing Recovery Lotion

Picked this up for half price in the Naturium Black Friday sale last year and it worked great as a morning moisturiser for me! Hydrating and soothing and performed well under makeup! I hate the smell though, it’s kind of fermented or something, so will stick to their multi-peptide moisturiser next time! 

 

Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF50+

Totally get the hype with this one and its up there with the Beauty of Joseon SPF for me! Took this to Mexico earlier in the year and didn’t get burnt, sinks in easily, not greasy and doesn’t pill! Will repurchase once I finish a few other SPF’s! Read my full review and see some other K Beauty favourites here!

 

Transparent Lab PIH Sun Spot Fading Treatment*

A gel formula containing brightening ingredients including tranexamic acid, azeloglicina, niacinamide, kojic acid and lumina granatum and worked nicely on scarring from spots. I didn’t reach for it regularly though so not a repurchase for me and I prefer the Theramid line from Niche Beauty! Read my full review of Niche Beauty here! 

 

Summer Fridays CC Me Serum

Honestly, I find everything I’ve tried from this brand to be a little blah and I don’t quite get the hype! This serum had a nice formula but didn’t feel as effective to me as the likes of the Skinceuticals offerings I had been using prior. It worked OK but it’s still pricey so not a repurchase for me!

 

Burt’s Bees Dark Spot Corrector*

Another one that took me a while to finish (maybe I just don’t get as many dark spots anymore!). This contains bakuchiol and vitamin c and while it was a nice formula, again, it wasn’t as strong as what I’m used to so took longer to see results. Not a repurchase.

 

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

A classic Ordinary serum, I used this bottle up on my chest and back and it worked well on bacne etc. Not a repurchase right now! Read my full review here!

 

Isntree Hyper Retinol Ex 1.0 Serum*

A mild retinol serum that I enjoyed using. My skin felt soft and smooth in the morning but it’s quite a small bottle and there are other retinol/al’s I enjoy using more! Not a repurchase!

 

Lanolips 12 Hour Overnight Lip Mask

I think I prefer this to the original 101 ointment. Stayed on all night and kept my lips smooth and hydrated with no dry skin in sight! Will repurchase!

 

111Skin Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser

Finished this quite a while ago and honestly can’t remember much about it! I think it was a jelly formula and it did the job and was good for travel but nothing special! Not a repurchase!

 

Image Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Masque

Nice little mask that made my skin feel soft. Too little a tube to form much more of an opinion but I would love to try more from Image Skincare as I love their Prevention SPF! Not a repurchase right now!

 

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub

Loved this! I use a lip scrub every morning before I put my lip product of the day on and this one is the best! Lasts ages too! Already have a backup in the mint flavour! 

 

Makeup

Fenty Makeup Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder in 02 Butter

I am so happy this is finished! I don’t hate it but I’m sick of it. Doesn’t look cakey but does not work as well at mattifying as the Laura Mercier loose powder which is my favourite and it has taken me YEARS to finish (which isn’t saying much as it takes me years to finish a lot of things) but I use this every day! So happy to be opening some new powders soon and have my Laura Mercier ready to go to! The packaging is pretty but so bulky to travel with too. Not a repurchase!

 

Urban Decay All Nighter Vitamin C Hydrating Setting Spray*

Enjoyed this makeup setting spray but I found my makeup didn’t last as long with this as my Charlotte Tilbury setting spray. It does give my face a healthy glow and my makeup didn’t transfer. I also like the citrus scent! Not a repurchase.

 

Clarins Lip Comfort Oil in 03 Cherry

Love this formula! Long lasting hydration and it’s so smoothing on my lips! This isn’t my favourite colour though! Already have a full size back up in the Honey shade!

 

Miscellaneous

Dr Bronner’s 18-in-1 Tea Tree Pure-Castille Soap

Lost count of how many bottles of this I’ve been through! My favourite brush cleanser, it works so well and it so gentle! Already repurchased in the eucalyptus scent!

 

And there we have another empties post! Hoping I can get one more big one in before the end of the year! Have you tried anything I’ve mentioned? Let me know what you thought!

 

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me.

All opinions are my own. Affiliate links used.

See my full disclosure here.

 

Danielle xx

 

If you want to keep up to date with my posts, don’t forget to follow me on

Bloglovin | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter