Ipsy Review – March 2016
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!
This is one of my top recommendations if you are looking for a beauty box – the value and sample sizes are amazing. (Check out my list of the Top Beauty Boxes for 2016 for more recommendations!)
(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!
I love the bag print this month! (Subscribers either get this version, or the green version).
Now onto the items!
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo – 1.8 oz (Travel Size) Value $12
I love the Living Proof brand! Their formulas work well, and they are all made without parabens, sulfates or phthalates. This dry shampoo does the job, and also smells really good. (I’m covered on dry shampoo needs for a while thanks to subscription boxes!)
Global Beauty Care Dead Sea Wash Off Mask – 1 oz Value $2
I wasn’t too impressed with this mask. It is the type of mask that dries and tightens as you wear it – which I love! (There’s something about feeling a mask working that I really like.) But when I removed it 15 minutes later, I didn’t notice any improvement on my pores – and that’s something I usually see with mud masks like GlamGlow.
Another thing worth mentioning – this mask is scented, so if you have sensitive skin and avoid fragranced products, I wouldn’t recommend trying it.
NYX Liquid Suede Creme Lipstick – FULL SIZE! Value $7
This was the one featured March spoiler I was hoping NOT to get – oh well! (If you got a NUDESTIX lip crayon/pencil, you have my envy!)
I actually think the formula is good – super pigmented, and I like the suede finish, but the color is WAY too bold for me to pull off.
(Swatched below.)
MeMeMe Makeup Brush – Value $13
Ipsy is pretty great about sending out makeup brushes and beauty tools frequently. If you’re looking for that in a beauty subscription, I would definitely recommend Ipsy. I think half of my makeup brush collection is from this subscription!
Mellow Bronze Face Blush – FULL SIZE! Value $10
This bronzer is paraben-free and has a nice, matte finish. A lot of my bronzers have some shimmer in them, so this is a welcome addition to my collection! Here it is swatched with the creme lipstick:
Verdict: This box has a value of about $44. That’s amazing for a $10 subscription box and actually low compared to other Ipsy bags I’ve received! (And that’s not counting the value of the makeup bag!) This isn’t my favorite Ipsy bag since the mask and lip creme aren’t for me, but the other three items are worth much more than $10, so I still come out ahead!
What do you think of the March Ipsy Glam Bag? Which products did you get this month?
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Written by Liz Cadman
For swaps I am wondering what people generally put for the RV of the bag?
Thx
This was my 1st Ipsy bag:
I got the orange bag with:
1:nudestix in the Mystic color- I was nervous about this color but it looks great on. It has a nice shine, not sticky and the color is actually just a shade darker than my lips so it looks natural. I can’t see using it as a cheek duo though…it’d be kind of shiny I think.
2: 2 of the Collagen masks: I tried one and after 10 minutes it made my skin itch (I have super sensitive rosacea skin) so the other one got given away.
3: tube of the Ultra repair serum which is great on my skin and almost as good as the Dermalogica serum that I use typically.
4: Makeup Forever Primer: it’s OK…I wouldn’t pay retail $17 for it though.
5: Luxie Beauty rose gold shader brush…nice enough eyeshadow brush but not any better than the elf brushes I usually use
All in all, I enjoyed my first bag. The only things I may actually purchase in full size are the FAB face serum and the Nudestix.
did anyone get the colourpop eyeshadow? that’s the one I was hoping for.
My bag was OK, I’ll use the dry shampoo and nyx lip, and maybe the liquid bronzer since it blends nicely. But the others are likely going to swap (random eye cream, starlooks black eyeliner)
This is my first bag, and I love it! I got Marc Anthony blow dry cream,28 Remedy NoTs balancing toner, Manna Kadar 3 in 1 eyeshadow/highlight in Fantasy, pixi by petra rose gold blush duo and NYX liquid Suede.
My bag was great this month, except for the fact that I really wanted the liquid lipstick! I mentioned in my overall review last time that I love lipsticks and I am dying to get more. Everything I got thought was on my list of likes so I am happy! {Bye Bye Under Eye, Temptu bronzer, eyeshadow brush, green eyeliner, body oil mist for anyone wondering}
I’m not a fan of any subscription with variation but imo it’s a lot more acceptable in an inexpensive box like ipsy. I do enjoy my ipsy bag most months, but I honestly do not think they use your profile or reviews AT ALL. It seems to be a huge mix of products that randomly go into bags (one of the items being one of the “spoiler” items) and then those bags randomly go out to subscribers. There is so much variation that if you’re looking for it it can prob seem like they’re looking at your profile.
Still, for $10 I think it’s a fun subscription and the bags are really cute (though one day I will prob be found dead under a pile of makeup bags). Normally I seem to get much lower value bags than Liz but this month I seem to have lucked out! I did really want to try the bye bye under eye and I like the NYX suede but didn’t want it since I knew it would be some unwearable (for me) pink color. I ended up with:
Be a Bombshell Bronzer in heat wave (full size!)
MeMeMe makeup brush (yay!)
ModelCO lip laquer in morrocco – smells amazing and is half the full size 😀
Illamasqua liquid liner which will go up for swap since i don’t do liquid liner
and the dead sea mask
A pretty high value bag and I will use most of it! Ipsy is a fun sub and the times you get a home run bag make up (get it? 😉 for all the other times.
I loved the bronzer too! I used it as a bronzer and for eyeshadow. It was lovely and understated.
Another disappointing, low-value (<$40) bag for me. I got the blue bag, which is cute.
Marc Anthony blow dry cream – I have intensely curly hair and don't heat-dry my hair and definitely don't straighten it. Sad because I *love* Marc Anthony argan oil products but this is a big miss.
Essence Make Me Brow brow mascara – I reviewed the last one of these they sent very negatively so I'm disappointed to get another and in the same too dark for me shade.
Beau Gachis Eyebrow brush (how do I use this?)
Mellow blush in Bronze – I've reviewed every blush I've received negatively because I don't use it but I'll try as the shade isn't too bad.
NYX Liquid Suede in Softly Spoken – this is the major winner for me. I love NYX and the color is good on me.
I always see people say that careful reviews have gotten them better bags, but that doesn't seem to have worked for me after 9 months of bags. The last four months have been pretty sad 🙁
I got most of the same items as you Cassandra. My bag was coral and my hair product was for fine hair, which is great. I do not like the lip color as it is too dark, I don’t use eyebrow gel, and how in the world is that teeny brush an eyebrow brush? It is almost identical to the eyeliner brush I received in November.
After trying the products this morning I am now happier with them. The lipstick and blush look better on me that I thought they would, the hair volumizer worked great, and my brow brush will be used as a lip brush. Still not loving the brow mascara though but overall I am pretty happy about it!
My first bag came today and I absolutely do not like it I hope there’s more than one thing I like by trying the product . I received the blue bag .
(2) global beauty face mask pouches
Make up forever hydrating primer .16 fl oz
FAB ultra repair serum .25 fl oz
Lip cheek Crayon have no idea the brand .088 oz
Luxie 223 short shader brush- The only item I was OK to get because I still needed new ones however, i’m starting to get a brush in every box and I did order the add-on for Fabfitfun brushes too so I hope I only get them once in a while and not an influx of brushes .
Is it the nudestix lip/cheek pencil? I love that. I would swap for it!
Yes, I had to go on ipsy to see what it was ? I am not on the swap I am new to boxes. I would just send it to you, but not sure how, lol. Can I get that on the swap…your info to send?
Email me! We can chat that way!
Nuanprong(at)hotmail(dot)com
Ok.
I actually love my ipsy bag this month! I have been a little disappointed the last few months so it’s nice to finally get a good bag. I received the green makeup bag with the following items:
-Dead Sea Mask
-Pixi by Petra blush duo in Rose Gold
-NYX Liquid Suede in Soft Spoken
-Starlooks Luxe Longwear Eye Pencil in Jet
-Beau Gachis eyeshadow brush
I got the red bag which I love.
Model Co Lip Lacquer in socialite
Aphrodite olive oil eye cream
Eyeshadow brush
Ofra gray eyeliner
It cosmetics bye bye under eye in neutral medium
I am very pleased with my bag. Never used gray eyeliner before this will be a first.
I got my first Ipsy bag. It was not too bad, just wish all the cosmetics I received were not made in China or P.R.C. which is the same thing. Even the NOTS toner was made in Korea. I was hoping for a makeup brush.
NYX Liquid Suede Lipcolor in Soft Spoken
Mannnakadar Eyecolor in Fantasy
Pixi by Petra Blush Duo in Rose Gold
NOTS toner sample
Aterna Hair Caviar. I got the Mint bag and that is pretty
I am so Glad I did not get the red or bright pink lip color, but the brown was a bit dark and not something I would purchase. It looked nice at first but darkened as it dried, which is what happens with the Liquid matte lipcolors. So I knew to expect it. I think I will try another month and then cancel. While $10 may not seem alot, I rather buy one product that I will like and know I can and will use. I did not like the Pixi Blush. The product felt cheap, like dollar store quality. Or save a few months worth and get a better quality product pallet, I will love.
I, too, noticed that every makeup item I received was made in China. The only possible exception was the makeup brush, which had no disclosure of origin. (Safe to assume China as well.) For me, it diminishes the value of the products.
I was really surprised to see the Pixi by Petra blush duo was made in China. That brand is sold at Target and it’s not cheap. It’s at the high-end of drugstore makeup.
I have rated every single Pixi product horribly, yet I got that blush duo. I really do not care for the brand and wish they’d stop sending it to me.
I am thrilled with this month’s Glam Bag. To be honest, I was disappointed last month, but this more than makes up for it! I love the NYX liquid suede in a great brownish shade, the Be a Bombshell bronzer, a good quality Me Me Me brush that is perfect for the bronzer, a “jet” Starlooks eye pencil, a generous travel size bottle of Caviar volume hair mist from Alterna haircare products and I was lucky enough to get the really cute green bag. Thank you Ipsy, you really made me feel this was put together just for me.
I have 2 Ipsy subscriptions and I made the profiles completely different so I usually get totally different stuff in each bag. This month was no exception. I got one of each color bag–one red and one green.
My green bag had exactly the same stuff as Liz except instead of LP dry shampoo I got an Ofra eyeliner pencil. I love the color–a medium gray.
My red bag had IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye concealer, eSalon leave in conditioner, eyeshadow brush, Modelco Lip Laquer in Socialite, and another gray Ofra eyeliner pencil.
I LOVE everything except the NYX lipcolor. I agree with Liz that it’s a terrible color. And I’m excited that I got one of each color bag–the green is definitely my favorite. ❤️
That is a really good idea. I love Ipsy. It is hard to be too disappointed with a $10 a month sub. I don’t know why, but I expect a lot more from Glossy being $21. I may try your trick and cancel the other one.
I’m really happy with my bag this month! I got:
NYX lip color
2 collagen sheet masks
DHC cleansing oil
Tattoo eyeliner in jet black
Mellow bronze face blush
This is my third month with Ipsy and I’m a sub newbie so it’s still fun/exciting for me. I also subscribed to birchbox and like that a lot but the samples are really tiny. Still fun though.
Finally got my bag today! I got the green one, I was hoping for that one. The Aphrodite eye cream is a really good size, possibly full size?? I’m not sure. Love the mememe brush. I got the nudestix in mystic, excited to try this, the color looks great for me. And I got the mannakadar eye shadow but I think it doubles as a highlighter. I will use this. The model co lipstick is the only thing I won’t use, it’s going up for swap. Looks like more people are getting decent bags this month!
This is my third Ipsy bag and I’m really loving it all! I’d say about 80% of the items I have received are things I wanted and am really content with. The other 20% are things like serums which I use but in the long run I’d probably never buy, at least not until I start getting some wrinkles. I haven’t tweaked my profile yet so hopefully this run continues. I did wish I got the NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick though. Oh well.
I can’t believe it – I finally received a bag that I really, really like. I received:
*2 Collagen Sheet Masks
*Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum
*Lip Lacquer in Socialite (Pretty color, plus it smells like strawberries)
*Lip and Cheek Pencil in Mystic
*Tattooed Eyeliner in Jet Black
I hope this isn’t a fluke and I will continue to receive products that I will actually use.
My bag came today, and its overall a good fit for me. I got a bronzer that I love, and I’m excited to try the Illamasqua eyeliner. I also got the eyeshadow/highlighter, and although I’m overloaded on shadows, it’s a pretty color.
I put my Marc Anthony smoothing blowout cream and Model Co lipgloss up for swap. The blowout cream contains keratin which doesn’t work well with my hair, and the lip gloss color I received is too red-orange and bold for me.
So disappointed with this months bag 🙁 I got nail files, dark lipstick (I am fair and blonde), the blush, another eyeliner and some olive oil eye cream. I will probably use the eye cream- but including the nail files seemed really cheap to me. I don’t know why Ipsy sends me such dark colors- when I have filled out my profile that I have light eyes and fair skin. Plus I don’t have lipstick, eyeliner, or blush even selected. I may cancel after giving them one more chance…
I was really irritated when I saw of the nail file because both of the sides are not even textured so I don’t even know what the point of this nail file is
I haven’t gotten mine yet, but I think that it’s a buffer, not a file. You don’t use it to file down the tips of your nails but use it to buff and polish the surface of them.
What’s up everyone! I’m new to the scene & new to Ipsys monthly subscription!
Unfortunately I haven’t received my 1st bag as of yet. When do you suppose i m getting it?? I can’t wait to get it!!!!!!!!
Thanks ??
They should send you an email when it ships. It was my first month, too. By the time I received my tracking number, bag was in the mailbox! It was a pleasant surprise.
I believe they send out two rounds. You can find the time frame on their FAQ page.
There was nothing I could use in the February bag so I updated my profile to avoid the things I kept getting (just okay eyeshadow brushes, weird pink lip products that were not my shade, etc.) and I commented in reviews that I’d prefer a powder or blush brush instead.
It seemed to have worked since I can use everything in the March bag I received:
Essence Cosmetics Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel Mascara (not a typo, that’s the name)
Illamasqua Precision Ink Eye Liner Liquid
Marc Anthony Argan Oil 3day Smooth Perfect Blow Dry Smoothing Cream
Me Me Me Loose Powder Brush
Model Co Lip Lacquer Lip Gloss in Morocco (which is tiny and shows up clear on me but not a bad gloss)
This is a vast improvement over prior months.
I too cancelled after the March bag. Every item save for the TemptU was a made in China item and not at all in line with my preferences. Been with Allure for 2 months and imo better value, quality and product curation.
Mine has not come in the mail yet but the site says I am getting:
* Me me me loose powder brush
* Illamasqua liquid liner in Abyss
* Manna Kadar shadow in Fantasy
* Temptu bronzer
* Global Beauty collagen sheet masks
I was hoping for the Colourpop Wisp item but the Manna Kadar can also be used as a blush/highlighter. This is my 3rd bag and I haven’t tweaked my profile yet because I have actually liked my items so far.
I’m excited to get my Ipsy bag.
Marc Anthony Nourishing Argon oil of Morocco 3 Day Smooth Perfect Blow Dry Cream
Pixi by Petra Beauty Blush Duo in Rose Gold
Manna Kadar Cosmetics Eye Shadow in Fantasy
ILLAMASQUA Precision ink in Abyss
Margaret Dabbs London Super shiner buffer
This is my first bag I’m not getting brushes. I usually receive at least one brush a month. Now I have a collection of Luxie makeup brushes, thanks to Ipsy. Waiting patiently by the window for ?
I am also cancelling. Unless there is a spoiler before April,1 which says “all subscribers will receive this particular item” that I’ll really like. I am sick of seeing spoilers, wanting something and NEVER getting it. Then seeing in comments that ONE person got what everybody wanted xD
I’ve been with Ipsy for over a year, and it’s still hit or miss. I have reviewed every item I’ve received, updated my profile, etc, and I just don’t believe in the “Ipsy match system”. Every box has had 2-3 items that are completely useless to me, and this box was the first one that contained a lipstick color I would actually wear. The retail value of a product doesn’t mean much when it’s something I would never buy or use, and many bags have barely been worth $10. I’ve thought of cancelling, but I’m going to hang in a little longer. I just know that if I cancel, there will be a really cute bag the next month, and I do kind of like getting the little bags! 🙂
I stayed with ipsy for either 2 or 3 months before cancelling in favor of Birchbox. I am not always crazy about Birchbox’s value or samples, but i can review their products and get points for their store, unlike ipsy’s “reward” system.
My biggest complaint was the “matching”. I did the survey and one of the things I said I don’t use–at all–was blush. First bag arrived–blush. Then when I complained on the site, people were like “What did you expect?” Um, I expected that if it says it’s going to match my survey (or close to it), I won’t get something that I don’t use at all. Especially when there were lots of other options available.
I went through what I received in the 10 ipsy bags I’ve gotten over the last year and counted a total af 16 items that I used more than once, 2 bags that I use, and only 2 items that I would ever purchase. That means that I’m spending about $6 per item that I actually use. I’ve consistently review the items but consistently end up with items that are a bad fit or are just really poor quality items. Not really finding a lot of value in the sub. Allure and Birchbox seem much more in line with my preferences.
I totally agree with you. I don’t know how to get the items that I see other girls get in their Ipsy bags that would be a better match for me. A lot of the time it’s just the colors that I don’t like. Not every girl looks good in the same colors. That’s my issues with Ipsy. I think when my subscription ends I’m going to try a different one. Any suggestions on one you like better? Oh, and if I cancel Ipsy early will I get some of my yearly subscription money back? Not going to cancel if they keep all my money.
Lee, I recently subscribed to Allure. It’s $15 a month, but they usually have a $5 off coupon code for your first box. So far I’m loving it! I also love the Target beauty boxes, but they are not a subscription. You just have to grab them early the day they come out. I’m seriously considering cancelling my Ipsy and Birchbox subscriptions. I have TONS of products that I’m just not using either because they’re just not for me or because I have too many other products to use up.
I canceled this month, I got 3 months and no matter what I did to my profile I never really got what I wanted. March was the last straw, 5/5 items were not marked as “wants” on my profile and I still got them. I totally understand they can’t get you a perfect bag, but for all 5 items to be worthless to me, just not even worth the 10 bucks. I’m gonna be trying out allure in April, even though it’s not personalized, imo neither is Ipsy when you can recieve 5/5 duds in your bag. And looking at past allure boxs I’ve loved almost all of them, so I’m excited for that. I do enjoy the bag from ipsy, but not a good enough reason to keep the service.
What I’ve found that helped me is to make the things that I DONT WANT instead of marking things that I do want. Since it’s a discovery subscription, they want to send you crap you wouldn’t normally wear so try switching it up. Instead of selecting things you want, select things and brands you don’t want and see if that helps a bit. It worked for me and a lot of other ladies.
Yep, do this. Plus, if you get a product you don’t want again, be sure to review it pretty harshly with the star ratings.
I’ll also note that I’m 80% certain some brands pay to put their product in a certain number of bags, regardless of what the people want. I could not have possibly been more clear about NEVER PERFUME EVER and I would still get it from time to time.
Meh, getting 5/5 items I don’t use is just done for me. I shouldn’t have to work so hard to enjoy my subscription. Like I said, I totally understand your going to get some duds, it’s the trade off for the value your receiving. But when I can’t use a single item, just stops being worth it. I still haven’t used anything from February except for the hand and lip scrub I got a few times. I reviewed every item, went threw my profile multiple times and made sure I was very honest about what I really like/want. Never made a difference.
how do you tell them what you don’t want? my survey just asks about products, brands etc that I like?
From what I’ve read on their Facebook page, they go as much (if not more) by reviews as they do by the survey. So be sure to review what you get, especially if you’re not happy with it, and in time your selection should be more “you”.
This is my first Ipsy. I received two collagen sheet masks, nudestix pencil, smashbox hydrating primer, a face serum, and an eye shadow brush. I am super happy with the quality. I did change my preferences to be makeup/beauty tool centric. I know it takes awhile to become more customized, so fingers crossed. So far I am happy!
If you mean the smashbox oil primer I loved it. You can get it on hsn and make payments and search a coupon code for $20 off first purchase. 3 payments of $7 beats the $42 total. I have dry skin and it worked great for me.
It’s only my second ipsy bag and I loved this one. I got the nyx lipstick in a redder shade and though I haven’t tried it, I love any and all colors of lipstick, so at some point I’ll wear it. None of my other items are the same as Liz’s though. I got 2 sheet masks, an alterna voluminizing mist, a pixi by Petra blush/bronzer, and an eyeshadow brush by luxie beauty. I haven’t seen anyone else’s bag with two sheet masks to be honest! All things considered, i’m pleased with this month’s bag.
I am very happy with my Ipsy bag this month. I love Alterna haircare so I am excited to try their volume mist. This month I received:
First Aid Beauty- Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum
Alterna Haircare- Caviar Anti-Aging Miracle Multiplying Volume Mist
Pixi by Petra- Beauty Blush Duo in Rose Gold
Manna Kadar Cosmetics- Eye Shadow in Fantasy
ILLAMASQUA- Precision Ink eyeliner in Abyss
I haven’t gotten my bag yet – but I own (and love) the NYX lipstick in that shade. It’s very bright, but tbh it’s still really flattering. I get compliments every time I wear it. If you get it, I suggest trying it out – the color lasts a long time and the formula is really smooth.
Hoping I get the makeup brush – I always wait to find out what’s in my bag. 🙂
I’ve been doing Ipsy for two months and both months weren’t my favorite. I’ve been trying to tweak my profile to get brushes! So far, nada. Your bag looks amazing, though!
Darla, keep working on your profile, I had liked my 1st 2 bags, but just “okay”.. Now, I have absolutely LOVED everything I get!
I had to tweak it to some things that I didn’t really think was me… but my bags are me!
Stick with it. I would choose IPSY over my Birchbox now!
Agree with Kim! After more than a year of reviewing and tweaking my profile, the bags are now really ME. They finally “get me”. I look at the list of all items that month (below your glam bag picks), and I don’t see that I would have preferred to receive any of those. So do experiment with the quiz each month, until you get it to where you love what they pick for you!
I will definitely give this a try! 🙂
Thanks for the advice! I will probably give it another month. Third time is the charm! 🙂
You are very welcome! I really like my bags now..
Only things better are Boxycharm and Luxor (if you want to go all out with Luxor… it’s pretty great, & also expensive… see MSA Dec review )
But I don’t tell my husband or any other family members how much I pay! 😀
The only beauty tool I have received in one year is tweezers
I agree about the NYX lipstick. Love the formula. But that is a bright, almost electric pink. I might buy another shade.
I got the same one, too. Is this something I could put up for swap? Think people would want to swap for it?
There’s actually 3 bags this month–orange, green and blue.
I always see that Dead Sea mask in TJ Maxx, so I appreciate the review.
This month was a bit of a bummer for me. Aside from the bag, I only received one item I would use. The other four items were way off the mark.