Aloneness

 The discussion of the 'unmarried women will end up alone' threat has been going on again.

Ughh. This is so old. 

Anyway, let's get into it.

1. Women tend to outlive men. So it's quite possible that even if you get married, you would not end your life with that person.
2. Roommates exist. Friends exist. Extended family exists.
3. Being alone is actually very peaceful. 


Actually, I think that last one is the one that most people just really do not process. Being alone is peaceful. Your house isn't silent. Your house is full of your thoughts. Your house is full of your wishes. Your house is full of your projects, accomplishments, and favorite things. 

Does this mean you're going to have to figure out who takes you to the doctor? Yes. It does.

But let me ask you to consider this. How many people who have families still end up having to figure out who will take them to the doctor because everyone is busy or not around or is so used to that person being the one who provides that they never consider what it is that person may need?

And then, let me ask you to consider this. What exactly are you asking people to give up in order to live a life to where they might not end up alone? Is that cost really worth it?

A Week of Frustrations

 This honestly should have been one of the better weeks of my life. It was not. I was discussed by people who do not know me and assumed things that were not true.

Then, in a separate situation, I was lied to and made to look like an idiot.

I am, quite honestly, just ready for this week to be over. 

Outside of just trying to work on stuff, I have no weekend plans. Maybe catch up on a couple of shows. 

There is honestly some stuff I wanted to blog about tonight, but I'm just so soul-weary from the day that I can't.

I Swear this Always Happens

 So I entered a contest and ended up as one of the Honorable Mentions.

There were four overall winners for various categories, and then ten Honorable Mentions. I was pleased — there were a massive number of entries.

However, the very first thing I saw, even before noticing that I had won, was my name mentioned in a comment thread.

Curious, I opened it. And… it was someone complaining that I won my little Honorable Mention spot. Not just me — most of the winners, actually.

Here’s the deal.

The contest was for a body of work that told a story highlighting an emotion. The rules stated that you could not submit just one image; you had to submit a series that created a narrative.

You had two choices:

Option One: Submit your work as a collection. Option Two: Submit your work as a video. Video uploads were limited to 90 seconds.

Those were literally the options provided.

My interpretation was simple: I could create a single video that told one story — a story that fits within 90 seconds. To me, the point was to tell a complete narrative within that timeframe.

So that’s what I did.

What other people understood this to mean was: You could create multiple videos that together told a very long story.

And that’s what they did.

Neither approach was explicitly right or wrong. The rules didn’t forbid either method. No one on the judging panel, and no one monitoring the contest, sent out emails saying, “This isn’t what the rules meant — please change your submission.”

As a result, the people who submitted multiple videos are now complaining that those of us who submitted one video broke the rules because we only submitted one clip.

But the rules never said “not just one clip.” They said “not just one image.” There is a difference.

And while I absolutely understand their frustration — the rules should have been clearer about what was required, what wasn’t, and what might be overkill — it doesn’t change the fact that I didn’t do anything wrong.

I also empathize with the pain of submitting (in some cases) bodies of work with 100+ pieces and feeling like it was overlooked.

However:

My win is legit. My win was earned. My work was good.

I’m not going to say anything in that comment thread. I’m not going to defend my work, because I do not defend or justify what I make. I don’t believe any creator should.

I do, however, want to acknowledge how frustrating it is that a win I should have been thrilled about is now tinged by the fact that I found out about it through someone questioning its validity.

IPSY Ultimate Sneak Peek Three for August 2026

While not disappointing like Sneak Peek Two, the third round of Ultimate reveals was still kind of a dud.

They technically “revealed” only one new item: NARS Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick. Everything else was already shown in previous rounds. Were those items now featured? Yes. Was it an actual reveal? Not really.

So let’s talk about the NARS. It’s a good formula. If it ends up in my box, I won’t be upset the way I would be with certain other things. Am I yearning for it? No. And with lip products, there’s always the question of shade roulette. There’s also the repeat factor — IPSY is already forcing one lip product on everyone this month. Why send two?

It’s highly unlikely IPSY will do a fourth reveal round, so this is probably it. Based strictly on what has been shown, here’s my list.

PART ONE: WHAT I KNOW I WILL GET

• MERIT Shade Slick Gelée Tinted Lip Oil

• Makeup By Mario Master Mascara

PART TWO: WHAT I HOPE I GET

• Korres Kyma Eau de Toilette

• Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double‑Take Blush Duo

• Indie Lee Stem Cell Serum

• ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Stick

• MUTHA Up All Night Eye Cream

• Skin&Co Summer on the Riviera

PART THREE: WHAT I WON’T BE MAD AT RECEIVING BUT HOPE I DON’T

• NARS Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick

PART FOUR: WHAT I DO NOT WANT

• SACHAJUAN Hair Repair Treatment

• ILIA The Base Face Milk

• REL BEAUTY The Essentials Brush Set

• AREY Goodnight Grey Serum

CONCLUSION

Given that this will be my last month with IPSY, I’m not unhappy with how Ultimate looks. Am I deeply pleased? No. But I’m not unhappy either. I’m at peace with how our relationship will end.

Spirals

 I've been in a weird creative space lately. 

Sometimes I work on my larger projects. 

Other times, I spiral and just work obsessively on other things for hours at a time.

This is literally what my brain does, of course, especially when there are other stressors.

And let's face it, that is a constant these days.

My surgery is about 4 weeks away.

You know what's odd? I don't remember a lot from my last surgery. 

I remember sitting in the pre-op area with my roommate and then the next thing I remember is waking up in post-op. 

No idea what happened between those times. 

Meanwhile, a contest I entered was supposed to announce winners yesterday and did not. I don't think I won, but I would still like to know. It's frustrating. 

IPSY's third spoiler reveal comes out tomorrow. We shall have thoughts.

Motherline: A History in Reclamation

You learn a lot about yourself when you look at your ancestors. You learn a lot about them as well, but given that you are the result of what they lived through, that their DNA shaped who you are, well, yeah. You learn a lot about you. 

You also learn a lot about what people want you to give up, return to, and lose.

I can trace my motherline back ten generations. This is what we get.

10. She actually married at 23 — unusually late for her time — and to a man three years younger. She had two children. I imagine she had a spark, a bit of spunk, a sense of her own mind.

9.  Married at 16 to a husband eight years older. She had at least thirteen children. Thirteen. A life of constant labor, constant pregnancy, constant survival.

8. Married at 16, husband six years older, at least nine children. Another girl turned mother before she was grown.

7. Married at 20, husband five years older, at least seven children. A life spent raising and burying, loving and losing.

6. Married at 16, husband four years older, at least five children. A childhood traded for domestic duty.

5. Married at 16, husband eight years older, at least three children. He remarried after her, had more children, and died at 42. She died young. Her story feels like a whisper.

4. Married at 16, eight children. Her husband was sixteen years older — and the son of her employer. She was a housemaid. Her life was shaped by power she didn’t have. She had a nervous breakdown when my grandmother was 16. When they put her in the rest home, she was deeply grateful because she no longer had to sweep for herself.

3. Married at 20, two children. A small shift toward choice, toward breathing room. However, I knew this woman. I know for a fact that she never wanted to marry and did not love her husband. She did not want to have children. She just had very little choice given that it was the time period and location of where she was.

2. Married at 19, two children. A generation beginning to loosen the grip of expectation. Mind you, Mom was a very broken person. She married like 5 times to progressively worse men. 

Me. Child-free. Husband free. Free.

Now understand, I am not dismissing these women. I honor these women for their struggles and sacrifices, but dammit! I should not HAVE TO honor them for struggles and sacrifices. Their lives should have been more than struggle and sacrifice. What could they have done? What could they have achieved? What could they have accomplished if left to their own devices? 

And maybe the answer to that is 'not a goddamned thing,' but even that is valid because we do not HAVE TO accomplish anything. That's not the purpose of living.

I will never accept anyone's argument that men shaped society and should be treated somehow better for that. You can't argue that your gender shaped society when the other gender was being offered no to very few actual paths outside of having 13 children. 

You can't oppress people and then brag about what you achieved while you stood on their backs. 

So yeah. 

Two.
Thirteen.
Nine.
Seven.
Five
Three
Eight
Two
Two.
It ends. 

And when I had cancer, they cut out all of my internal reproductive bits, so there is absolutely no way it will ever start again. 

IT. ENDS.

And that is a beautiful thing.

More Thoughts on Creation

 If the world/humans actually do have a creator, I am certainly more convinced than ever that we could not be the only creation. 

I'm not going to make an argument for a creator one way or the other, only to point out that the nature of creativity is very often copious. Most creative minds do not make The Thing. Most creative minds make the many, many things. Most creative minds get an idea that sparks another idea that sparks another idea. 

They add variations and layers and new color palettes and different shading and alter the level of contrast and then jot down a bunch of notes because their minds are working so fast that they can't keep up with it all.

Creatives are usually only limited by their own physical capacity for creation and by resources. One would assume that a divinity would have neither of those limitations. 

Given that? Oh yeah. If we were created, there is not only life on other planets but life in other realities and life in other dimensions and life in ways in which we can't conceptualize at this point. That is the only thing that really makes sense given the way creativity flows. 

Surgery Again

I have to have surgery again.

I did not think I would have to.

I assumed this was over.

It's not. 

I have to go through all the pain and fear and healing again.

I am tired. 

I do not wish to do this/

YET.......here we are.

IPSY JULY 2026: Lazy Face Summer: A Haul Blessed by Fortune and Vitamin C

 Lazy Face Summer: A Haul Blessed by Fortune and Vitamin C

Every once in a while, the universe looks at me, sighs, and says, “Fine. You may have nice things.”

This month’s beauty haul is exactly that — a collection of products that practically beg me to stop fussing, stop layering, stop melting, and embrace the swipe, drip, blend, spritz, done philosophy of summer.

And honestly? I’m delighted.

Let’s walk through the lineup.

Purlisse Beauty Sheer Glow Strawberry Vitamin C Tinted Moisturizer (Fair)

People adore this thing. They speak of it like it’s a tiny miracle in a tube — the kind of product that blends seamlessly even on complicated skin tones. Mine is a whole situation: pale, neutral, and reddish, like a Victorian spinster who occasionally goes outside. Which is....basically what I am.

No one reported burning, stinging, or sudden regret. The biggest complaint was that it keeps going out of stock, which is the beauty world’s version of a standing ovation.

I’m expecting a soft, bright, “I drink water and have hobbies” kind of finish.

bareMinerals Original Mineral Veil® 24HR Natural Matte Setting Spray

This arrives just in time, because my current toner is on its last heroic wheeze.

Let’s be honest: nothing lasts 24 hours. If I get three solid hours in Oklahoma summer, I will consider it a personal victory. It’s matte, which would normally be a concern for me, but I am currently drowning in glow products. A little matte is practically a public service.

This is the seatbelt for the convertible.

Huda Beauty Easy Blur Natural Airbrush Foundation (Milkshake)

I'll pause as we all sing “Milkshake” We good? Okay. Moving right along then.

Ah yes, the commitment product. The one that could either match me perfectly or betray me utterly.

Milkshake sounds right on paper — pale, neutral, not too yellow, not too pink. Reviewers swear the shade matching is excellent, and the before and afters look like someone applied a soft focus filter in real life.

Will it blur me properly?
Will it make me look like a smooth little dumpling?
We shall see.

E.L.F. No Budge Matte Shadow Sticks (Vintage Suede & Cool Beans)

Of course E.L.F. is here. It’s not a haul without at least one E.L.F. item sneaking in like a raccoon at a picnic.

Shadow sticks are the ultimate lazy face tool. Swipe, smudge, done. No palette, no fallout, no thinking. Vintage Suede might barely show up on me, but that’s fine — subtle is perfect for summer. Cool Beans will give me just enough shimmer to look awake without trying.

Honestly though? I'm not mad about this. We all own E.L.F. We shouldn't pretend we don't.

Drunk Elephant O Bloos™ Rosi Drops
Two Drunk Elephant products in one month?
Is this my birthday?
Should I move my birthday to summer permanently?

O Bloos is universally flattering, and the formula is one of those “a few drops does the work of three products” situations. Blush, glow, warmth, dimension — all in one tiny bottle.

My expectations are sky high.
Drunk Elephant usually delivers.

Also: It should be noted that in context of cosmetics the only time when experiencing two drunk elephants in a month WOULD be a good thing.

Elemis Superfood Matcha Eye Dew

I love Elemis. I trust Elemis. I have no idea where this will fit into my routine, but I’m intrigued.

This is supposed to perk up tired eyes — and my eyes get tired. I have a face cream that makes my skin feel awake and alive, and the idea of something doing that specifically for my eyes? That might be exactly what I didn’t know I needed.

This may become a desk side staple.

Conclusion:

This entire haul is a summer blessing.
It’s effortless.
It’s melt resistant.
It’s fast.
It’s practical.
It’s pretty.

This is a lazy face routine in the best possible way — the kind of lineup that lets me look polished without spending more time in front of a mirror than the weather allows. In July, the goal is simple: look good before the heat decides otherwise.

And fortune, for once, seems to be assisting me.

IPSY Ultimate Spoilers Round Two for Fall 2026

 Yeah. They posted the second tier of spoilers. 

It was less than great. 

This is the letter I sent to IPSY:

Hello, IPSY.

Let me start with kindness: my July Extra was fantastic. Truly. And your first round of Ultimate spoilers had me hopeful.

Then… the second round arrived.

MAKEUP BY MARIO – Master Mascara® in Super Black Apparently this is non‑negotiable. IPSY has decided I need Mascara #6. I can only assume you’re trying to help me open a small mascara museum.

SACHAJUAN – Hair Repair Treatment My hair is fine. My hair is thriving. My hair is practically smug. Please do not send me more hair repair.

ILIA BEAUTY – The Base Face Milk Beautiful product. But I already have enough primers, essences, and hybrid concoctions to run a small skincare speakeasy. I do not need this.

REL BEAUTY – The Essentials Brush Set Again, no. You gave everyone a brush last time with zero choice. Now you want to give us a whole set? IPSY, be serious. No one asked for a sequel to the Forced Brush Saga. I do not need more brushes. No one I know needs more brushes. These would sit in a drawer and contemplate their existence.

AREY – Goodnight Grey Serum I see what you’re doing. “She’s over a certain age—surely she’s panicking about aging!” Incorrect. I am not in crisis, despite your apparent confidence that I must be. I do not want this. Please do not send it.

Thank you for your time. I look forward to the day when spoilers feel exciting again. Will it do any good? At all? Probably not. I am emotionally resigned to those brushes being in my future.

IPSY EXTRA for JULY 2026

It felt like forever before this order got in. I was honestly getting annoyed. But it is here now, so I’m happy. Let’s discuss.

THE BAG

Not my favorite. It’s a rougher canvas with beachy white-and-pink stripes connected to white-and-orange stripes. But… it’s the middle of summer, so I get why they sent it. It’s not something I’d ever purchase for myself, but I can forgive it because the logic is sound.

WHAT I DID NOT CHOOSE

SKIN&CO ROMA – Umbrian Truffle Clay Detox Toning Formula

Aside from the fact that the little silver protective cover was a monster that did not want to come off, this is actually very nice. It smells great, it made my skin feel wonderful, and it’s a generous size.

The warnings say to be careful around your eyes/eyelids, but that’s normal for any toner.

I am pleased.

LOVE+CRAFT+BEAUTY – Tubular Lip Tint

It was not dried out — grateful for that.

The color, however… not wonderful. It’s dark in a way that makes me look dead, but not dead in the “old lady goth” way that I enjoy.

Just dead.

Despite being a lip stain, it didn’t survive dinner before fading.

Though honestly, given the color, maybe that’s a blessing.

Not pleased.

TOO FACED – Sunset Stripped Palette

Yeah, okay. WOW.

This is stunning.

It was pretty in the pictures, but in real life? STUNNING. I really love it.

It’s a very practical size, too. For having so many pans, it manages to be both generous and not bulky. I appreciate that.

The shades look beautiful with my coloring.

Deeply pleased.

WHAT I DID CHOOSE

TOWER 28 – SOS FaceGuard™ SPF 30 Sunscreen PA+++

I somehow missed that this is tinted. It has a very subtle, universal tint that looks amazing on my skin. It’s a little glowy — a bonus for someone my age — and has surprisingly good coverage.

As I said before, SPF 30 is kind of nothing for someone as pale as me, but a gentle tinted product that still offers coverage? That’s a whole different story.

Deeply pleased.

DRUNK ELEPHANT – D‑Bronzi™ Anti‑Pollution Sunshine Drops

Literally beautiful on my skin.

It melts in and just looks — as the phrase goes — like my skin but so, so much better. Between this and the Tower 28, my face should look great for the rest of the summer.

The only thing that threw me was how small it is.

Then again, you use very little at a time, and it has an expiration date, so maybe that makes sense.

Bonuses: The packaging was amazing. Opening it was its own little moment of joy. Also, a free sample of one of their creams inside.

As pleased as I assumed I would be, which was a lot.

SATURDAY SKIN – Yuzu Vitamin C + Water Blossom Serum

The reviews were not wrong. It’s great.

It smells lovely. It feels lovely. The container is lovely.

I’m about to run out of one of my serums, and I know this one is going to take its place.

It somehow made me feel both more alert and cooler at the same time.

I really love it.

Far more pleased than I anticipated with a third-tier choice.

CONCLUSION

One dud. One dud out of six. That’s not bad. And hey — it’s possible I can mess with that lip stain and make it work. This was just my first try. We’ll see what I can manage.

Other than that? I’m quite happy. Much happier than I was after last month’s package.

This is my second-to-last month before I end my subscription, and so far? I’m good with what this month has to offer.

The next round of spoilers drops tomorrow.

Will they be as good as the ones they’ve shown so far?

We shall see. And you KNOW I will have opinions.

IPSY EXTRA July 2026 Spoilers

 After my Really Bad Experience with IPSY Extra in June, I was hoping July would be a lot better.

And honestly, it is. Let's get into it.

WHAT I DID NOT CHOOSE

SKIN&CO ROMA – Umbrian Truffle Clay Detox Toning Formula

Okay, I snarled at this. At first. I saw “clay” and “detox” and immediately assumed it was a clay mask — and I do not want a clay mask. I do not like clay masks. They are messy, uncomfortable, and often do more harm to my skin than good.

However, this is a toner. I noticed the word “toner” later when I looked at it again. I did some research, and yes, it functions just like a toner.

And I’m happy with it now. I’m about halfway through my current toner, so I’ll need a new one sooner rather than later.

LOVE+CRAFT+BEAUTY – Tubular Lip Tint

First of all, I was so amused by the name. I realize they probably did not have cosmic‑horror writer H.P. Lovecraft in mind, but I cannot get “Lovecraft Beauty” out of my head. I’m seeing cosmic tentacle monsters with fake lashes and worshipers slathering their indescribable forms in Sunday Riley Good Genes while they dream in ways we cannot fathom.

But all of that aside, this has mixed reviews. Some people adore it. Other people say it dries out too fast.

Lip tints are… odd beauties. Temperamental. You get a good shade and you’re set for hours. You get a weird shade and suddenly your lips are the color of bruised plums for longer than anyone would wish.

TOO FACED – Sunset Stripped Palette

I did not need another palette. I have plenty, and I mostly use the same one right now — though, admittedly, since it’s summer, my makeup routine is pretty minimal.

Having said that, this is a beautiful palette. The shades have a lot of potential.

It also has an interesting distribution: the matte shades are larger than the shimmers. That’s actually practical, since most people use mattes more often than shimmers.

WHAT I DID CHOOSE

TOWER 28 – SOS FaceGuard™ SPF 30 Sunscreen PA+++

Ahh, Tower 28, the hope of my future. This company specializes in items that make skin that is weepy, sticky, choosy, angry, scaly, oily, picky, and twitchy behave perfectly fine.

Normally I would not get anything that is SPF 30 because I just laugh in VERY PALE PERSON at the concept of SPF 30. But it was Tower 28, and I really couldn’t say no.

DRUNK ELEPHANT – D‑Bronzi™ Anti‑Pollution Sunshine Drops

Did I even look at the other items offered with this?

NOPE.

Drunk Elephant is a stunning line. I’m actually a little shocked they’re working with IPSY.

Sunshine Drops are supposed to be so good you can use a small bit and not even worry about other complexion products. And for summer? That’s pretty perfect.

SATURDAY SKIN – Yuzu Vitamin C + Water Blossom Serum

Ahh, the tier‑three pick. The tier that usually consists of “yeah? I guess?” stuff.

And honestly, that’s how I felt when I picked this. I had never heard of it. I really did not need another serum.

I have a serum in every room where I dwell, just in case I need to slather some more on my own indescribable form.

Having said that, I do love a good serum and I use them completely. The reviews on this have been very positive, and since it’s brightening, I’m looking forward to it. My indescribable form also needs all the brightening it can get.

CONCLUSION

Maybe the emotional bar was really low for me after last month’s issues, but I have to admit I’m somewhat pleased with this lineup.

Did I need all of this? No, not really. But I also have to keep in mind that August will be the end of my subscriptions for a while, so I need to think in terms of sustainability. With that in mind, getting another serum when I won’t be buying any for a while isn’t a bad thing at all.

Right now the only concern I have is the Love+Craft+Beauty lip tint, but maybe I’ll get lucky and not receive one of the dried‑out pens.

Yes, please, glamour gods — do not give me a dried‑out pen.

Dear Eloise: About your Goddess Palette

 

Hello, Eloise. We need to have a talk.

In fact, the truth of the matter is: I need to apologize to you.

I received the Goddess Palette as a free gift from IPSY. I opened it. I snorted.

Look.

I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but the shades were… intense. Out there. They had names someone would give a show poodle. Majestic. Empress Elegance. Divine Aura.

I snorted again.

And then I tossed you into my makeup drawer without a second thought.

Here’s the thing, Eloise.

A few days later, I was headed out. I looked good — I always look good — but I wanted something… more. I wanted brightness. I needed an eyeshadow topper.

There you sat, in your demure pink‑and‑gold glory. I sighed. I opened you up. I selected Regal Radiance and tapped it onto the center of my lid.

Just a tiny bit. A little wiggle of the brush. A soft blend.

I looked at it.

Stunning.

Just stunning.

I did the other eye.

And I fell in love.

Eloise, your Goddess Palette is my topper now. The colors are amazing. They blend beautifully. They last beautifully (a miracle on my skin), and they do exactly what I need them to do. They are the perfect accent to the symphony my makeup creates.

I am a woman of harmonies. My makeup is usually built on a common undertone that winds its way through bronzers and blushes and bases and lippies. There is always a unifying connective thread that allows the whole look to make sense.

But toppers? Toppers are the counternote. The pause. The sparkle that rises above the harmony and makes the entire composition sing.

And you, Eloise — you and your Goddess Palette — this is where you shine. This is where you are in your glory. And for that, I adore you.

So please, Eloise, accept my humble forgiveness.

I will never doubt you again.

IPSY ULTIMATE Spoilers for August 2026

 IPSY usually trails out spoilers like Hanzel leaving breadcrumbs in the forest, dropping only a few at a time until the month ends. This time, they put up an image that had a lot of stuff in it. I had to take a screenshot and enlarge it so I could see some of the labels, but I found them. I searched websites to find the exact shapes of some of the other items, and I found them. Now I have a pretty comprehensive list of what we're in for as summer winds down.

PART ONE: WHAT I KNOW I’M GETTING

MERIT Shade Slick Gelée Tinted Lip Oil

MERIT lip oils and I have a long, happy history. They’re beautiful on my lips, they feel good, and they give that soft, plush shine that makes me feel like I’m starring in my own summer montage. Do they last a long time on me? Absolutely not. But honestly, that’s part of the charm. A lip oil that disappears quickly is a lip oil I’ll actually finish, and finishing a product in this economy is practically a spiritual achievement.

I already own one of these—yes, technically this will be a duplicate—but I’m not even pretending to be upset. Depending on the shade they send, this could easily end up being one of my favorites for the entire month. MERIT rarely misses, and this formula is one of their best.

Makeup By Mario Master Mascara

I feel like I say this every single time IPSY tries to hand me a mascara:

I do not need another mascara.

Universe? Are you listening? Hello? Bueller? I do not need another mascara.

But here we are again.

Having said that, this is an excellent mascara. Mario knows how to make lashes look good, and this formula is one of the few that consistently gets rave reviews. My hope—my dream, really—is that they send me the brown shade. It’s supposed to be the brown mascara. The one everyone loves. The one that makes people say, “Oh, you’re wearing brown? It looks incredible.”

If they send me brown, at least it’ll be different from the army of black mascaras already living rent‑free in my drawer. And if they don’t… well, I’ll still use it. I’ll just sigh dramatically first.

PART TWO: WHAT I HOPE I GET

Korres Kyma Eau de Toilette

With the exception of one night cream that tried to set my face on fire, I have loved everything I’ve ever gotten from Korres. Their scents are bright, clean, and always have that interesting twist that makes them feel like a story instead of just a smell. They tend to bloom beautifully on my skin—Korres and I have a very stable relationship.

Top Notes: Lime, Mandarin, Orange

Heart Notes: Marine, Watery, Pepper

Base Notes: Cedar, Vetiver, Nutmeg

I respond extremely well to citrus and pepper. Vetiver and nutmeg? Two of my favorite base notes. Cedar surprised me—I didn’t think I’d like it, but in perfume it adds this crisp, clean backbone that I really enjoy. The marine and watery notes will be new territory for me, but that actually makes me more curious than nervous. If anything, it feels like Korres is handing me a little adventure.

This is easily one of my top hopes for the month.

Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Blush Duo

This is supposed to be one of the best blush formulas on the market. And as a self‑proclaimed blush slut, this is basically a soulmate situation. Cream + powder? Long-lasting? Celebrity cheekbones in a compact? Yes, hello, sign me up.

Now, will it be long-lasting on me? My skin absorbs makeup like it’s trying to win a competition, so we’ll see. As always with shade-based items, you pray IPSY actually reads your profile instead of letting some giant pink glamourbot’s robotic arm randomly select a shade based on pure chaos energy.

But if they get it right? This will be a home run.

Indie Lee Stem Cell Serum

When I first saw this, I twitched a little. “Stem cell serum” sounds gimmicky at best and unethical at worst. But the stem cells in question are plant-derived, not animal-derived, which immediately made me feel better.

As for the viability? Surprisingly good ratings. Shockingly good, actually. It’s the most luxury item in the entire spoiler list this month, so if it shows up in my box, I’ll be very curious to see how it performs.

ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Stick

This is a natural-matte formula with medium coverage that claims to last up to 12 hours. Again, with my skin? We shall see. Longevity claims often crumble the moment they meet my face.

But ILIA builds skincare into their complexion products, and that tends to work better for me. Anything with a smoother glide is a blessing when your skin is nearing 53 years and has decided it prefers hydration, kindness, and a little structural support.

Shade, of course, is the gamble. IPSY runs out of “does not go out in sunlight” shades very quickly. Hopefully the robot arm will snatch something appropriate for me instead of tossing me a shade meant for a beach volleyball champion.

MUTHA Up All Night Eye Cream

I have a lot of eye creams. IPSY loves giving women over a certain age eye cream. At the moment, I’m staring at three of them—two still sealed like tiny, expensive secrets.

But this one? This is a fabulous eye cream. A luxury eye cream. It has pearl powder and caffeine in it. Pearls and caffeine are two of my favorite things, and frankly, two of the only things that can convince my under-eyes to behave.

If I get the $90 eye cream? Yeah. I will be just fine.

Skin&Co Summer on the Riviera

Sometimes I browse IPSY’s shop.

And when I do, I always pause on this product and give it a little consideration.

Top Notes: Bright fruit, coconut, lemon

Middle Notes: White florals, green pistachio

Base Notes: Vanilla musk, golden amber

This is such an interesting blend. I do very well with whites, greens, and ambers. Lemon is always a fun addition to whatever scent stack I’m wearing. And I can already think of several things I own that would pair beautifully with this—layering possibilities galore.

If this lands in my box, I’ll be delighted.

PART THREE: WHAT I’M PRAYING THEY DON’T SEND ME

AREY Goodnight Grey Serum

This… does not have great ratings. It does not work for most people. And I’m still stuck on the existential question of its very existence. Why are we doing scalp serums for grey hair when hair dye exists? Why are we pretending this is a thing?

WILL they send it to me?

Sigh.

Probably.

I am a woman over 50. IPSY will likely bank on me having some kind of aging‑panic meltdown that renders me submissive to their offering of the anti‑grey potion. They imagine me clutching it in my humbly withered hands, feeling a faint rush of grateful acceptance.

Let me be extremely clear:

1. I am not.

2. I will not.

3. My hands look great.

Do not send me this stuff. I do not want it.

CONCLUSION

Ya know? This lineup is actually great. There is only one thing I truly do not want. The mascara they’re forcing on me is at least a stunning one, so I can’t even be mad about that. In fact, this lineup is so good that I’m a little apprehensive about the round two spoilers. What if they give us all this great potential and then follow it up with off‑brand palettes in avocado and matte gold? Palettes with reviews like, “Do not purchase! Burned my skin before it even touched it.”

We shall see.

As for now?

Yeah. I’m excited for August.