Krystal Lake and Ipsy's Glam Bag Vol. 2

Alright. I'm back with another review on Ipsy's Glam Bag! For those of you who missed my first review or don't know what Ipsy is, let me give you a quick rundown. Ipsy is a monthly subscription bag. When you sign up for the bag, you answer a bunch of questions about your style, how you look, and what products you might like and you are sent a bag based on this information. The bag is $10 a month and arrives monthly.

Since my last post I have received another Glam Bag from Ipsy, making it my 7th bag from them. In my first blog post on Ipsy, I shared my Glam Bags from June, July and August. In this post I want to share what I received for the last four months of 2015. As in my last post, I will not be reviewing the products, just sharing what I received and whether or not I still use any of the products. So, let's get crackin!

September's Glam Bag Contained the Following:

September's Glam Bag

Ipsy exclusive NYX Eye Shadow Trio
treStique Mini Matte Lip Crayon in Nantucket Nude
Formula X Nail Color in Ignite
Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator
Juvia's Let's Lash Out Lashes in Annabella

I used all the item except for the lashes. Out of the other four products, I still use three of them.

October's Glam Bag Contained the Following:

October's Glam Bag

Delectable's Hand Cream in Coconut and Cream
Dr. Brandt's Microdermabrasion Skin Exfolicant
Emite Make Up's Professional Slant Tweezers
Dose Nail Polish in Stormy
the Balm Cosmetics Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Commited

I used all five products and still use four of them.

November's Glam Bag Contained the Following:

November's Glam Bag

Luxie Beauty Eye Shadow Pan in No. 290
Crown Brush's Deluxe Pointed Crease Brush - C412
Coolway Strong Hold Spray
Jelly Pong Pong Cosmetics Liquid Gossamer Liquid Luminizer
Smashbox Cosmetics Full Exposure Mascara

I used all five products and still use three of them.

December's Glam Bag Contained the Following:

December's Glam Bag

ModelCo Lip Enhancer Illusion Lip Liner in Nude
Pacifica's Power of Love Natural Lipstick in Nudie Red
Klorane's Floral Water Make Up Remover with Soothing Cornflower
Acure's Cell Stimulating Face Mask
Elizabeth Mott's Thank Me Later Eye Shadow Primer

I used all five products and still use all five.

Overall, I still like getting the Ipsy Glam Bag, I not only use all of the products, but continue using the majority of them. It has introduced me to many new make up brands that I have come to love and use regularly. Every Glam Bag is filled with full size items or deluxe sample sizes, which is amazing for this being a $10 bag. I am going to continue to subscribe to Ipsy's Glam Bag and I will give an update when I have a few. I am excited to get my next Glam Bag, which should be shipping in the next week.

Do you subscribe to a monthly box? Which one is it and would you recommend it? Let us know and leave me a note in the comments below.

Stay Sweet and Twisted,

Krystal Lake

Krystal Lake Spills the Tea on Ipsy's Glam Bag

I like make up. I like it a lot. Also in my ever-growing list of likes are discounts, packages in the mail, things that smell pretty, and glitter. Yes, I sound like most teenage girls in America, I am well aware! Based on these likes, it shouldn't come as a shock when I say I have a subscription to a make up bag that comes in the mail once a month. Yeah, I did it. I had been itching to sign up for a box full of fun crap to show up at my door, shrouded in mystery until I would receive said box and open it. I looked all over the internet and read reviews before I finally settled on a little make up bag from Ipsy.com. From there I started my love/hate relationship with the Ipsy Glam Bag.

Now, before I get rolling on the who, what, where, when, and what hells... I just want it to be made clear that I am not going to be reviewing the specific products I was given. No, no, no! There is enough of that crap out there on every make up site ever. What I am doing here is talking about Ipsy and share my experience with the notorious Glam Bag!

I started my journey with Ipsy back in March. There are a few reasons I settled on Ipsy to pop my monthly subscription box cherry. First off, I wanted make up. I can never have enough. Second, I liked the way the site was set up as far as screening for your preferences (I'll come back to this one). Third, it had YouTuber Michelle Phan backing it and that made me want to trust the service. Lastly, it is only $10 a month. That's it. No shipping added (unless you live in Canada), just a flat rate of $10 per month. So let's see... we have a box with a mystery assortment of make up from a mixture of brands as well as an excellent price point, yeah... I signed up that night.

When you decided to sign up with Ipsy you go through a "3 minute quiz" to get a feel for you and help personalize your Glam Bag. There are 13 questions total. They start out with skin type and tone, eye color, and hair type and hair color. PS There is no option apart from "other" if you have more than one color in your hair or something like pink. Next, they start asking about your style and what kinds you are interested in. That's right! You can pick more than one style!!! Like the club look for Saturday nights and a more natural look for the day? Guess what? You can pick both! You can pick every possible style they have if you like, which I thought was awesome! They even ask a second style related question where they show you images of Ipsy Stylists, including Michelle Phan, and ask which ones you could relate to the most based on their make up style. And yes, you can pick more than one! They also ask how comfortable you are with make up and how adventurous you are with it, which I also thought were great questions. Let's be real, if you aren't comfortable with make up just yet, maybe liquid eyeliner isn't a good fit for you just yet. After this, they start asking about what brands you love and would like to try as well as where you normally buy your make up. They also ask what products you normally use or would like to. They get very specific with this and ask, not just about make up, but about skin care, hair care, hair and make up tools, and even fragrance. Like I said, the process is super thorough. Once you go through all of this, you can finally give your info and sign up for real.

One thing about signing up that I did not expect was the wait. When I first signed up in March I got wait listed. They had already shipped the Glam Bag for March and April's subscription had sold out. Damn. However, you do not get charged until you get off the wait list, so I was okay with it. When May rolled around, I got the e-mail saying I was off the wait list and would get my first bag in two weeks. I was excited! Finally!!!! I was getting my first Glam Bag, but it never came. I checked the tracking and it got held up at some warehouse I had never heard of. I contacted customer service and never got a response. I was pissed, but at the same time, it was only $10. This could have been a lot worse. June came about and I got the same e-mail saying my Glam Bag was on the way, and this time it showed up! Since signing up I have received a total of three bags and have another that should arrive within the next week. Like I said, I am not going to review the specific products, but I do have pictures to share as well as my opinion on what I received.

June's Glam Bag contained the following: a small bottle of Formula X Nail Color in Power Source, treStique Mini Shadow Crayon in Kona Coffee, OFRA Eyeliner in Turquoise, Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer .25 fl oz, and Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Body Butter in Pure Vanilla. I used all of the products and only kept using three of the five. If you've ever met me, that nail color was not my style. At all. Ever.

June's Glam Bag

July's Glam Bag contained the following: Eyetini Swizzle Stick Eyeliner in Blue Hawaiian, Jersey Shore Sun's Mongongo Anti-aging Lip Conditioner in Vanilla Coconut Cream, Bella Pierre Cosmetics Lipstick in P.I.N.K., Jor'el Parker Classico Perfume .30 fl oz, and Tarte's Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer in Park Ave Princess. I tried all the products and still use three of the five.

July's Glam Bag

August's Glam Bag contained the following: Lather's Ultra Mild Face Wash, Doucce Cosmetics Ultra Precision Eye Liner in Black, Hikari Cosmetics Lip Gloss in Salsa, Briogeo Ginseng and Biotin Volumizer Blow Dry Spray in Blossom & Blossom, and City Color Cosmetics HD Powder. I used all of the products and still use four of the five.

August's Glam Bag

Overall, I have liked the majority of the products that have been sent to me. I have found some brands I hadn't tried in the past that I now love and some I wouldn't ever use again. I also had some familiar brands and products that I already liked swing my way as well. Plus, the bags they come in are freaking adorable! On top of the Glam Bags, Ipsy also has special offers for subscribers.

When you log onto the site, there are special offers, giveaways, sneak peeks for your next bag, and ways to earn free stuff. The special offers are all products that you can purchase at a discounted price. I've seen skin care kits go for $25 off and lip stick for $15 off and I'm talking some high end stuff with big names attached. However, you have to hurry to save because these deals sell out fast and or have a time limit. The giveaways kind of piss me off. You enter giveaways by sharing pictures on Instagram and or Facebook while using three specific hashtags that are usually #ipsy #sweepstakes and something specific to the brand of the giveaway. I don't do this because I don't share that kind of crap on-line. I share horror movies and John Waters news because I'm classy. Okay, that's a lie. I did enter a sweepstakes for free stuff from Horror Decor. But I don't want to promote something I've never tried before just to get the product that may or may not be good. Sneak Peeks for your next Glam Bag work in a similar fashion... you have to share that you are getting a Glam Bag on a bunch of social media sources via links on the Ipsy site and then you get to see what is coming your way. Yeah, I don't play that. I'm half embarrassed that I am subscriber to this thing in the first place and the last thing I want to do is brag about it. Plus, I like the mystery factor, so I will never share that I am getting a Glam Bag. Last, but not least, the free stuffz! You earn points on Ipsy for every Glam Bag you get as well as reviews, following them on Instagram, following them on Facebook, subscribing to them on YouTube, and sharing the arrival of your Glam Bag. Once you hit 500 points you can use them to get free stuff like make up and make up brushes. Since I don't like sharing this kind of stuff I have just over 100 points, but I also don't see anything I would want when I check the stuff up for grabs. However, the second they put up something like a make up brush with a spiderweb print, I'm going to be all over that mess! But I'll keep dreaming.

God, I feel long winded! Overall, I am happy with my subscription with Ipsy despite the rocky start with wait listing and missing out on a Glam Bag. The majority of what comes in the mail is a variety of items from deluxe samples to full size products. No little packets of foundation that barely cover half your face. I like the options the site gives you for free stuff if you are willing to go the extra step and give them a shameless plug on social media. Not my bag, but a lot of people do it and don't seem to mind at the chance of winning free stuff. If you are a make up person and are looking for an inexpensive, monthly subscription; Ipsy is not a bad start.

I plan on continuing my subscription at least through the holidays. If you are interested in what I get in the next few Glam Bags, leave me a message in the comments below. Do you have a monthly subscription you would or wouldn't recommend? Share that with us as well! My next monthly subscription post will be after the holidays and will be on Horror Block! I am expecting my first Block in October and I can't wait to share my experience with all of you!

Stay Sweet and Twisted,

Krystal Lake

#13thMoonThursday & Lancaster Punk Rock Flea Market

Photo: Portraits by Heather, Model: Jolie Kasar

Hey Everyone, Selena from 13th Moon here.  I'm gearing up for our next show, the Lancaster Punk Rock Flea Market this Saturday, June 20th, 2015.

I've been working on a new line of soaps to bring out just for this event, then there's always the customer favorites like our beer, wine, & milk soaps that will be there as well!  This is the first time we'll be bringing the full line of our own custom fragrance blends in 6 packs of wax (soy blend wax tarts), soy blend candles, and incense punks and cones.  Of course, I couldn't forget a variety of our famous long lasting lip balms!  Come on out and say hello, we'll be on the 2nd floor!

For more info, check out: Shop13thMoon.com!

Let me introduce myself......

Hello, everyone!  Selena here, I'm the owner/creator of 13th Moon and founder of Sinister Rouge Pin Up & More.  Before I get into different topics with you, I thought it would be a good idea to introduce myself and tell you a little bit about why I do what I do so that the info I give later will make a little more sense to you.

Me after my first shoot with SR & sTOrM Photography

 

I make skincare and cosmetics, what I study is considered Cosmetic Chemistry.  I am not a doctor and do not evaluate or treat anyone's conditions and cannot advise on diagnosis, etc.  However, as an asthmatic with severe allergies, I understand when you need some guidance and understanding of what my products are.  I am happy to break everything down for you as needed to make sure you get what you are looking for and not go home with something that you will be disappointed with once you start using it.

'TimberWolf' 3-in-1 Beer Soap

I believe in using what we have learned from the combination of science and nature.  I do not believe that essential oils are the be all, end all for any ailment any more than I believe that modern medicine is the answer for every issue.  I believe in using the best possible solution with all of the information that we have available to us.  Sometimes the oils and natural remedies work, sometimes they're not the right answer...When I'm having a major asthma attack, I will not try deep breathing or steam, it's beyond that, I reach for my albuterol in my nebulizer and Prednisone because I do not want to die and science/modern medicine has made it so that I can live with it's help.  That being said, I also don't reach for antibiotics or steroids light heartedly.  You have to choose your battles, but live to fight another day, right?

'Punch Drunk' Scented Nail Polish

I have heard more false information and fear mongering from fellow soapers attempting to make a buck, and it really makes me sick, so I choose to separate myself from that.  I will not lie to you about something's origin (I may bore you to death with the explanation of the ingredient, lol), but I will not use fear tactics to scare you into buying one of my products in the guise of trying to help.  I believe everyone deserves access to information and I am willing to give what I have learned the hard way to you freely, so if you have questions, please ask away, I'm happy to answer them, but I also suggest looking into reputable sources for your information, NOT marketing and sometimes it's hard to tell the difference.  (Send skincare questions to SinisterRougePinUp@Gmail.com).   Having said that, there are so many small skincare and soap companies that are so wonderful, helpful and honest and doing such an amazing job that I am happy to be a part of the community.  It's because of these amazing people that I have the knowledge I have, some of them have been so inviting and open, I love our community, that's why I get so upset at the fear mongers that make the good ones job that much more difficult.  Enough about that, though.

'Kiss, Kiss! Mint, Mint!' 2-in-1 Wine Soap

So, you already know I'm asthmatic, I also have skin and food allergies as well as having issues with airborne contact allergens.  What does this mean other than the fact that I probably should just live in a bubble to make it easier on all those around me?  Well, it means I'm really cautious about my ingredients and it means that I don't dismiss you or your special skincare needs.  I will be discussing skincare needs with you all here, I will include some product descriptions so you get an idea of what I'm all about and hopefully it can help someone else having issues with their skin.

'Sun God' Goat Milk Soap

'Cherry Pie' Scented Nail Polish

I started researching in 2001, determined to find a way to make products I could use and most importantly, I needed to find fragrances that didn't trigger my asthma or allergies.  I love fragrance and refused to use just the free & clear products for the rest of my life.  The power of scent is just too important to live without, if you have a choice.  I found that using high quality blends of fragrance and essential oils was a safe and effective way to make fragrances that didn't trigger an allergic reaction for me and many others.  I was disappointed with the rustic look that I was seeing from handmade soaps, my little punk rock heart wanted to do this because it was good and proper DIY and I wanted to put my stamp on it, my style had to come through or I didn't want to do it.  I started playing with colors and swirling my bars.  Once I started playing with color, I couldn't stop color blending.....that is what lead to the creation of our scented nail polishes, loose pigments, and lip colors.

'Sweet & Twisted' Scented Nail Polish

I hope that is a good enough intro for now, we'll talk more about things next time, but if you have any specific questions, again, please email SinisterRougePinUp@gmail.com.  If you'd like to check out the products we currently have listed online, www.Shop13thMoon.com.  There are currently about 70 items listed, There are over 500 handmade items (that I make) to list, so please bear with us during the revamp of the website. We do everything ourselves here and wouldn't change it for the world. :)

~Selena
XoXoXo

         Hello and welcome to Sinister Rouge Pin Up & More!   

The idea is pretty simple, to create an online place to showcase passionate people and what they do, to bring information to our readers in our areas of expertise so that they can get to know us and what we do.  Of course, pictures of pretty ladies in between never hurt anyone! 

I have had a passion for pin up since that day in grade school when I stumbled across Marilyn Monroe.  Those soft lines, the ease of which she posed, the idea of catching a beauty in mid-laugh, or what looks like being totally at ease in an extremely difficult pose, the fantasy and beautiful illusion it creates, I was in love. 

I’m a fangirl all the way, I am passionate about what I love and it shows in what I create.  My products and their names are inspired by pin up, music, TV shows, movies, and books…I love seeing that spark in someone’s eye when they recognize the references. 

Our packaging has been created with a pin up image in mind from the start.  When it became time for me to start promoting our products with a photo shoot, there was no question it was going to be pin up themed. 

The second we began shooting, I felt at home, I was in love with the process and being a part of creating those images.  The pride I took in staging every last detail, then seeing the results was so gratifying; I have become addicted to creating the pin up images I always wanted to see. 

This concept started as a way to showcase those images, give me a reason to continue shooting and showcase artisans and crafters that are as passionate about what they do as I am.  I also wanted a place where multiple genres could cross over and get exposure from like minded people that you may not have reached any other way. 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned through this process, it’s that even if we may not have much in common, we can all recognize and respect that fiery passion in another artist and creator, whether it’s our style or not.  I want us all to be able to come together here to showcase that passion and support each other the way only other creative, passionate people can…and share that with the world.

The only rule for participating: Opposing thoughts and discussions are always welcome, but spewing negativity and trolling will not be tolerated.  We're here to support and be constructive in our criticism, not bash others for what they do. 
Thank you for stopping by!
Check back daily for new blog posts!

~ Selena of 13th Moon