Ipsy Review – November 2014
Ipsy is a monthly beauty and makeup subscription box. Each month you get full size or deluxe-sized products, plus a cute makeup bag. I think it’s one of the best value beauty subscriptions and a great way to build out your makeup collection on the cheap!
(FYI – Just like Birchbox, Ipsy sends out many different variations of their bag each month – so my review is just one of the bag variations you might receive!)
My Subscription Addiction pays for this subscription. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
The Subscription Box: Ipsy
The Cost: $10 a month (free shipping)
The Products: Full size and samples of makeup and beauty products. (Plus a makeup bag!)
Ships to: US and Canada
Delivered via: USPS
Check out all of my Ipsy reviews and the Beauty Subscription Box Directory!
Visit the Ipsy Swap Page to swap for any of the items you see in this review!
it Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eyer Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer in Medium – .11 oz Value $10
I love the it Cosmetics CC cream, and I was planning on purchasing this concealer, so I was thrilled to get this in the box. The formula is slightly tacky at first, but they instruct you to put it on the back of your hand first and warm it up with you finger tip before applying. (This gets rid of the tacky feeling). The coverage is great, the medium shade works with my skin tone, and it lasts all day. I will be buying the full size version when this one runs out!
Temptu S/B Highlighter – .1 oz Value $2.75
Be a Bombshell Cosmetics Eye Base in Submissive – FULL SIZE! Value $14
This highlighter looks white in the tube, but it actually has a lot of pink undertones when applied. It’s a very fine mirco shimmer (which I like – I can’t pull off the blatant sparkles-on-the-face-look), and a little goes a long way, so this tiny tube should actually last me about 10 applications.
This eye shadow base is meant to be used as the first layer with powdered eyeshadows. It’s relatively sheer and adds a lot of shimmer – I haven’t been able to test out it’s full staying power yet, but so far I like it. (And I usually don’t like most Be a Bombshell Cosmetics items)
Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Hairspray – 1.5 oz Value $1.50
J.Cat Wonder Lip Paint in Red Paint – FULL SIZE! Value $5
This hair spray has a sweet/fruity smell. It’s unique for hairsprays, but I’m not sure if I love it yet.
At first when I saw this J.Cat lip tube I thought it was Lip Tar! (They really did a good job making their packaging look the same). This color is way too dark for me, so I may end up swapping it.
Verdict: I paid $10 for this box and received about $33 of makeup items. (Plus a festive glitter makeup bag!) I’m happy with the value, and I’ll use almost all of the items, so I definitely got my money’s worth this month.
What did you think of the November Ipsy bag? What was your favorite item?
Written by Liz Cadman
I have gotten 2 Ipsy Glam bags and was super disappointed with both. Though they list a bunch of products you could possibly get but just about every where, including their own website, all got the same things. I also think their business practices are not up to par. I tried cancelling my subscription but I didn’t get the security email until I emailed the company myself, now I had to be charged for the following months bag as well. Also if you put any negative feedback up on their comments section it is usually erased. Even for only $10 I don’t think it’s worth it.
I got the exact same bag and I loved everything. I’m fair-skinned and the eye concealer in medium is a perfect match for my skin tone. I found the best way to keep it from being tacky is to press the tube between your fingers to warm it up, then put a very small amount (about 1/3 of the size of a pea) on your thumb, then rub it between your thumb and middle finger. Once you apply it, it shouldn’t be tacky at all. Also, you shouldn’t need it, but if you do need another layer, let the first layer dry or you’ll smear the first layer around, almost like applying a second layer of paint to a wall or canvas. As for the Be a Bombshell eye base, I found that if I applied enough, it worked as an eyeshadow and stayed all day even without eye primer. I normally use Lorac eye primer, but I didn’t end up needing it. The color is a bronze-gold and looks really pretty with green or hazel eyes.
This is my first month and I couldn’t be happier.
I got the under eye concealer as well and the lip paint in the other color, which I think is a bit more wearable. I got the hairspray, the starlooks eyeliner in green (full size) and the seaRx moisturizer. I was kind of hoping for the purple liner and the SeaRx scrub instead, but I’m still really happy. That concealer is the best I’ve tried. The coverage is amazing. Cancelling Sample Society and getting Ipsy was a great decision on my part. My only complaint about Ipsy was that they didn’t send me any tracking of any kind, so it was a complete surprise when I came home and found the package.
I was very happy with my Glam bag! I got the same things as you except I got a starlooks eye liner.. ever since staring this new obsession I have gotten enough eyeliner to last a life time lol and I have only received 4 different boxes so far haha and it’s fine by me since eyeliner I always run out of before anything else. 😉
I decided to cancel Ipsy after my first and *only* month. It wasn’t bad, but it didn’t excite me, and while it’s “only” $10 a month, that adds up to $120 a year, and I just don’t think I’m going to get that kind of value out of it.
This is my favorite Ipsy bag of the three I’ve received so far. I got the Hairspay, J. Cat in Mad Splatter, Sea Rx moisturizer (smells amazing), It Concealer and a Star Looks Gem pencil in Ultra Olive. I’m excited to try all of them and the bag is just adorable — zero shame in my glitter game.
1 SeaRX – got the moisturizer – gave to my bestie who loves it
2 Bye Bye Concealer – also gave to my bestie (I’m too pale)
3 J. Cat Lip Paint – too dark for me – will use to dye lipbalm
4 Marc Anthony Hair Spray – will give it a try
5 Starlooks Eye Pencil – goes well with my Mica
Shadow
6 bag – I think it’s cute
Overall happier than I thought I would be after first seeing my glamroom
As long as I get a personal value of at least $10, I’m happy
Are all the concealers medium? I really need light instead of medium which absolutely will not work for me.
This was my first bag and I really liked it. I got the be a bombshell eye base, CK one color lip gloss, the power exfoliant, glamglow powermud and the hair spray.
Vianny,
It’s my first month as well and I got the exact same bag.
I signed up for two bags. In my first I received the F21 lipstick, Temptu highlighter, Marc Anthony hairspray, BAB eye base, and Starlooks eye pencil in lavender.
In my second I received the highlighter, hairspray, and eye base AGAIN, as well as the OPI polish and the exfoliating powder.
I’m loving the eye base and the nail polish! The color of the eye base is very pretty and the color builds beautifully, and the glitter polish is perfect for winter.
The exfoliating powder was the one thing I was most excited about, but it ended up being the one item I hated. It made my skin burn so badly and left me with red splotches that lasted around 12 hours. It was only on my face for maybe 30 seconds, and I couldn’t wash it off fast enough!
I traded the hairsprays for the concealer pallet from BC last month, WIN!
The lipstick is pretty, but I’m going to have to get used to wearing darker colors!
The highlighter was a total bust. I’m casper-pale with lots of pink undertones, so it didn’t do anything for me at all.
Overall I’m happy with Ipsy this month! 😉
Thank you for this review! I got the exfoliating powder too, and I have extremely sensitive skin. I know now NOT to use it! again thank you so much Michelle!
I receive 2 bags and received all the same items in my first bag minus the Jcat lip tube! I received wet n wild lip balm stain.
In my second bag I received Tarte Maricuja oil, another hair spray, Sea RX age preventing moisturizing lotion, Elizabeth mott your so fine liquid eye liner, and starlooks lip gloss.
My favorite items are Tarte maricuja oil, IT cosmetics bye bye under eye, the Elizabeth Mott eye liner and makeup base. I don’t use hair spray or do ever so rarely.
Thanks for the tip on the IT cosmetics concealer. I thought it was so tacky feeling and weird. I had no clue. Thanks much!!! 🙂
I got the same bag except rather than the concealer I got Elizabeth Mott Glitteratti liquid eye liner. I was feeling down on this bag but I see the lip color is not as dark as the tube seems (not like that lip tar from Glossybox that is oxblood dark), the hairspray is really nice and I like the eyeliner – it isn’t what I thought it would be. I have no use for the BaB eye product – after June’s disaster with their mascara I vowed to never use a product of theirs in my lifetime. I also don’t think I have any use for the temptu highlighter. I really love the Laura Mercier one from Sample Society back in July and still have at least 2/3rd of that left. Getting to use 3 products out of the 5 though still is a great value. I am curious about the new outer envelope this month – I use the heck out of the old ones to ship my swaps – sometimes I even cut them in 1/2 to make 2 envelopes – this new one seems too flimsy.
BTW, I own the It Cosmetics concealer, full size, although in light/fair and it is really good – as a super pale person my undereyes are naturally navy blue – this product has excellent coverage, what I do is use my fingers to apply a teensy bit (no back of hand stuff) and then I put loose powder on top immediately. I start in the corner of my eye (inner) and work my way out so it isn’t a harsh look. I also use moisturizers underneath so maybe that is why mine isn’t creased.
I received the Marc Anthony Hairspray. I don’t use hairspray at all, ever. The Be a Bombshell eye base in Submissive, I’ve not tried it out yet. A Starlooks lipgloss in Guilty Pleasure. At least I think it’s a lipgloss, it’s as long as my pinky and shrink wrapped. I don’t use lipgloss, yuck!
The it Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer, excited about this as I have dark circles all the time. And last but not least, Sea Rx micro-dermabrasion face and body scrub. Not really sure about this product. It looks like a super small toothpaste tube and has no instructions.
Not canceling ipsy yet, but if they don’t improve soon I will.
I don’t use hair spray either, it is my first hair spray from any subscription and I do not own any either but I am saving it just in case and hair styling is not marked on either of my ipsy quizes. But I understand it’s a sample service, not everything can be perfect. Note: It is suggested to use hair spray before hair chalk that I am receiving from Boxycharm so if I decide to try it. That would be good. Lol
I have to give props to there customer service which shocked me! I purchased a there points items before last month and this month. I contacted them to see if they would be adding more points items or would allow a repurchase of the Same. Bridgett responded that she could do better and she sent me a list of 12 items and told me I could pick whatever and I had enough items and chose them all and hoped she would say that’s okay. She responded, glad u said that. Seriously great items that I have wanted to try. Bare minerals, Benefit, yes to cucumbers, josie maran, keihls, etc etc. After choosing, I thought they would be in my next bag but she said she’s getting them out asap. Shocked, really shocked. I am beyond thrilled! She said as a one time to say thank you for being a great customers and all the referrals. 🙂
I really enjoy my ipsy and bb, although birchbox gets on my last nerves sometimes. There customer service is not the best to me. I received 11-12 mystery packs all the exact same conditioner packs. Besides that approx every 3 months or so I am missing a sample from my bag. Never happens from my other subscriptions.
Liz, this is my second IPSY bag and the second time I have got the same bag as you … I won’t mind if this continues! I am in Canada so my bag is a bit more money with shipping. As with last month I was not overly thrilled with my bag upon unpacking but once I started researching the products I was much happier and I am sure I will be even happier once I start trying them out. Last month I was not happy unboxing and ended up buying 3 of the products in full size after using them for a week! 2 for 2 so far IPSY.
I was really happy with my bag. I got a lip gloss in a shade that is great for me, not the JCat but Starlooks maybe? I found the concealer creased under my eyes and generally just didn’t work for me. 🙁 I really thought it was going to be great. Maybe I didn’t warm it up enough? Overall I was happy with all I got this month. Not as great as last November but that’s ok.
Yes they had a mini starlooks lip gloss. I received it in my 1 bag this month and the same in one of my bags opposite ipsy account last month , the opposite bag account because I purchased two bags each month to try out for awhile. They occasionally repeat an item for the next month like with the Nourish Organic facial cleanser a few months back but they rotate so you don’t receive the same item. Unless you have 2 accounts like me. Lol
I don’t mind getting an extra lipgloss, It was small and really works well with me. 🙂 I love it! At first I was like ah,,, but then was actually happy two have a spare.
Note: I am happy have not received the Starlooks gem pencil, I received it in Boxycharm last month. I think they had olive and plumb but I would have loved the plumb with my green eyes. It was a nice and creamy liner. I received the olive in Boxycharm last month.
Not loving Ipsy. I end up swapping most… I hate be a bombshell, and I am so sad I didn’t get the IT Cosmetics concealer! 🙁
Same bag for me as well. I was actually so frustrated when I looked at my Glam Room and saw another Be A Bombshell product. In fact, I ended up canceling my Ipsy account, as I promised myself I’d cancel any subscription that has Be a Bombshell (the stinky mascara disaster a few months ago really turned me off this brand).
I tried the eyeshadow base last night and found it to be slippery and poorly pigmented. It didn’t do anything for me and my eyeshadow was a disaster (creased, clumpy, and smearing all over) just a few hours into my evening. I have mixed feelings about canceling Ipsy, the value is always there. . but, I just have too many things from them that don’t get used.
I was much happier with my eyeshadow base when I saw it in person (it looked much darker on the website) and was pleased with the application. I’m super pale, so I just wore the base by itself. But by the end today it was like all of the product had migrated to my creases and just looked awful.
Ipsy could really benefit from 86-ing BaB from their lineup for a while. From the sounds of it there’s a lot of brand fatigue surrounding them.
I got almost the same bag. I didn’t get the cc cream, I got the glitterati eye liner instead. I abso loved this bag. This is the first bag in 4 months that I will actually use everything in it. I thought the bag itself was really cheap looking though. Last months was much better quality wise.
I got a very similar bag to Liz’s. I got a Starlooks gem pencil eyeliner in olive, lip paint in mad splatter, same eye base, same highlighter, same hair spray. I’m really happy with this bag. My favorite items are the lip paint, the eyeliner and the bag itself. The lip paint looks darker in the tube than on you – I’d recommend trying a light coat before writing it off as too dark.
I got the exact products! I loved what I got and was excited to try them all out. The only disappointment was the Lip Paint… Way too dark for me! I cannot pull off that color. Might look into “swapping”. This is my 2nd bag, much better than last month! Glad I didn’t cancel.
I didn’t like my bag at all this month, I got Elizabeth Mott glitterati eyeliner, Demeter Fairy Dust perfume which is so sickeningly sweet, OPI glitter nail polish, the temptu highlighter and a LA colors lip crayon. My bag exceeded the $10 but I only liked the lip crayon, swapped everything else. I’ve been mostly disappointed with Ipsy, out of 6 bags, I’ve had one great bag. I tried changing my beauty quiz this month and we’ll see if next month is any better. Contemplating canceling it, I hate getting perfumes, eyeliners, and mascaras, yet it’s all I seem to get. I’d rather have some lipgloss, lipstick, lip balms, any lip product, blush, or eye shadow. I’m hoping next month is better.
Maybe try Lip Monthly or Lip Factory?
Thanks, I have Lip Monthly already, but they send out so many lip balms. I’ve been thinking about Lip Factory, but haven’t heard much about it. Just a little disappointed with Ipsy I seem to get the things I don’t want and never get the things I do want lol duno how to change that.
Hopefully retaking the quiz will help for next month’s glambag. Good luck! 🙂
I got the exact same bag. When I saw the lip paint, I thought it was way too dark for me. But, I put a little bit on and then wiped it with a tissue and it’s a really nice color and it lasted a long time. Great bag this month!
I got the hairspray, highlighter and eye base, all exciting items.
I got a Nicole by O.P.I. Glitter nail polish instead of the lip paint, and while I’m not a fan of glitter this one is beautiful and I can’t wait to wear it!
I also got a sea salt solution exfoliant that mixes with my regular face wash. I’m excited to try and the full-size price is inexpensive (if it works for my nagging adult acne!) I’m excited to try this too!
I have gotten 2 Birchboxes and 1 Ipsy so far and I haven’t been disappointed with either, but getting 2 full size items in Ipsy this month pulled it ahead of Birchbox.
Got to love Birchbox’s rewards though. They are awesome. I’ve gotten quite a few free full size products from reviewing all my samples. 🙂
I got the same items and I am SO happy!!! Awesome bag this month. So much better than a few others who are a little more expensive. The lip color is way darker than I would ever try. But if I put it on lightly it’s really pretty. That’s why I love these subs. I try stuff I normally would never buy and if I don’t like it, I pass it on to my sister or mother.
I got the same bag and I love it! I usually don’t like Be A Bombshell cosmetics either so I was pleasantly surprised when I actually liked it! I like the hairspray, I love the smell it’s such a me smell. The undereye concealer was something I wanted to try, now I love it. And this temptu is gonna last a long time. I loved this months
You got almost the same bag as me, but I got the Youre So Fine eyeliner. I actually just cancelled ipsy. Ive been a subscriber for over a year now, and I am WELL STOCKED on make up, and the last three bags I have gotten have been so-so, so I thought it was time to cut back.
Did they give you a difficult time canceling? Like not ever sending the finalization email after you requested it 10 times?