August Ipsy Bag

Before I get into my review/product list for this month's glam bag, I have to say I wasn't pleased with two things.  I'm not pissed, but I am annoyed.  First, this month's bag took longer to arrive (and DHL tracking numbers did not work at all this month), and that may have to do with the second thing. Second, this month's bag arrived damaged.  You can check out the pics below for greater detail, but this month's bag had a slash in it, and when I inspected the packaging, someone on the delivery end must have cut through my package and taped it back up, not realizing (or not caring more likely) that they actually cut thru to my bag. BOOOOOOOOO.  

Moving on, this month I received 5 items in my Ipsy bag.  I received: a sample size of Urban Decay's Revolution Lipstick in Anarchy (gorgeous, gorgeous shade of pink!), a NYX Mosaic Powder in #12 Dare (full size), a Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream sample, a Pixi Lash Booster Mascara sample in #2 Blackest Black, and a 1 oz sample of Michael Todd true organics Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub.  

Remember, Ipsy is a monthly subscription for beauty products.  For $10 a month and free shipping you get a bag containing samples (and usually one full sized item) of beauty products across a board of brands.  Many of the brands may be up and coming brands, and some are staple favorites.  This is only my second month of receiving the bag, and outside of the technical difficulties, I think it's good.  

Not a lot of product in this sample. Maybe about the length of your fingertip.

My Hair is Super Soft Today...

I've been doing a ton of (internet) research about different hair care lines that are supposed to be great for natural hair.  My daughter has super thick and curly natural hair (a term used, generally, to refer to African-American or mixed hair, free of perm, relaxer, or chemicals).  Natural hair is typically dry and most products that cater towards natural hair are super moisturizing and conditioning.  I've purchased several products and I've been trying different combos to see what works best for her hair.

While I was at Whole Foods last night I stumbled across the Giovanni line of hair care products.  While this line doesn't necessarily cater to "natural" hair, I've read a lot of positive reviews about the Direct Leave in Conditioner being great.  I decided to try it out, especially since there was a $1.00 off coupon attached to the bottle, lol!  I also decided to look at the shampoo, and decided to try the  Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo for myself.  I normally wouldn't use tea tree shampoo on my daughter because it can tend to dry out hair, but I like to use a scalp care shampoo for myself (because I suffer from horrible dry scalp, and I was also fresh out).

Anywho, to get to the point, I used the Giovanni Tea Tree shampoo this morning, and it was divine!!! I honestly didn't notice anything different while washing, but after I washed and combed through it, my hair was noticeably softer.  I didn't blow dry, just let it air dry, and I'm honestly surprised at what a difference it made, considering I followed it with my usual Pantene conditioner, not the Giovanni (I never use a leave in conditioner).  Not only is it super soft, but its shiny, smooth, and I have less 'fly aways' than I normally have. I don't have super great hair, lots of fly aways and some breakage, but I'm pleased with the difference I noticed today.  I'm going to pick up the Smooth as Silk Conditioner next time I'm at the store.

**My usual hair care routine is shampoo with a scalp care/anti-dandruff shampoo, followed by a Pantene shampoo and conditioner.**

The Giovanni line is available at Whole Foods, Target, and Amazon if you ever decide to try them out!