Facebook PixelIpsy Review #2 – October 2018 | MSA
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Ipsy Review #2 – October 2018

Ipsy package

Ipsy
4 overall rating
1811 Ratings | 298 Reviews

Ipsy is a monthly beauty and makeup subscription box. Each month you get full-size or deluxe-sized products, plus a cute makeup bag.

This is one of Liz’s top recommendations if you are looking for a beauty box - the value and sample sizes are amazing. (Check out our list of the Top Beauty Boxes for 2017 and our reviews of Cheap Subscription Boxes 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!)

Ipsy package contents

My Subscription Addiction pays for this subscription. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

Ipsy contents

About Ipsy

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: the US and Canada

Delivered via: USPS

Visit the Ipsy Swap Page to swap for any of the items you see in this review!

Ipsy October 2018 Review

My bag this month features skincare, nail color, and makeup. Let’s see what I got!

Ipsy info card front

Ipsy info card back

A little card is included with some info about products available in the Ipsy shop. This month is all about late nights and "dark adventures."

Ipsy bag outside

Each month, Ipsy subscribers get a makeup bag in addition to their 5 items.

Ipsy bag inside

This month, subscribers will receive this red vinyl bag with an embossed masquerade mask, black fabric lining, and black zipper.

Ipsy Tarte shape tape concealer tube Ipsy Tarte shape tape concealer open Ipsy Tarte shape tape concealer swatch on arm

Tarte Shape Tape in Light-Medium - 1 ml Estimated Value $2.70 (buy a .33oz bottle for $27)

Yas! I'm so happy to have received this sample! This is the first time I'm trying Shape Tape and it certainly lives up to the full-coverage hype. It's thick and covers super well. I like this shade for my skin tone but I could also go a shade lighter for a more brightening effect. When I look up close, I feel like it's a little thick for my preference but, it's perfect for events especially if there will be pictures. Plus, if you set it with powder, it doesn't crease or budge.

Ipsy Sundays nail polish bottle Ipsy Sundays nail polish swatch

 Sundays Nail Polish in No. 18 - FULL-SIZE Retail Value $18 

I love a good vampy red polish for fall! Sundays' polishes are 10-free, non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free. This shade is a deep plum that gets significantly darker with each layer. On my swatch above, I've applied two layers to the nail and one layer on the stick. The finish is shiny and, with a top coat, lasts several days on top of my clear dip layer.

Ipsy eye gelIpsy eye gel pump Ipsy eye gel shown on hand

111Skin Space Defense Bright Eye Lift Gel - 5ml Estimated Value $63.33 (Buy 15ml for $190)

Whoa! Wow! Geez! This might be the most expensive eye product I've ever tried. And, guess what? I love it. It seems like a lot of research has gone into this and it's packed with ingredients to help plump up fine lines, brighten dark circles, and decrease puffiness all while intensely hydrating. I can immediately feel the tightening sensation when I put it on and I it does help my puffiness. The light, gel texture is perfect for wearing under concealer since it sinks in fast and doesn't cause smudging and creasing. I'll probably never be able to buy this on my own, but I'll enjoy it while it lasts.

Ipsy brush Ipsy brush head detail

Beau Gâchis Eyebrow Brush - Retail Value $9.95

Another brow brush? Well, that's ok because these kinds of brushes are versatile. The thin, firm bristles are great for filling in your brows, applying precise concealer coverage, or even for lining and filling your lips. This one is vegan and cruelty-free too.

Ipsy donkey milk face mask front of packs Ipsy donkey mask back of pack

Soo Ae Donkey Milk Sleeping Mask - 2 Packs, Retail Value $6

This sleeping mask is perfect after a late night or whenever your skin needs some recovery. It feels a bit like a thick primer when I smear it on and dries down quickly (so no gunk gets on my pillowcase). I applied it after my normal skincare to help seal it all in. When I rinsed my face the next morning, my skin felt very moisturized and calm. These are gentle enough to use every night which will be perfect for the dryness I experience from the heater.

Verdict: This Ipsy Glam Bag has a value of $99.98 which is amazing for $10! I'm a fan of every item I received and my favorite is the 111Skin Eye Gel since I can always use helps with puffiness. Ipsy is a great way to try new products without spending a lot of money. I have to say, I actually like deluxe samples since I can use them up before they go bad.

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Possibly! As of publication, there was no Ipsy waitlist. Check here to see what month you’ll get first.

Good to know: Ipsy sends out variations. You may get a completely different bag than me.

Value Breakdown: At $10 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:

  • Tarte Shape Tape - $0.27
  • Sundays Nail Polish - $1.80
  • 111Skin Eye Gel - $6.33
  • Beau Gâchis Brow Brush - $1
  • Soo Ae Masks - $0.60
  • Bag – Not counted toward value

Check out all of our Ipsy reviews and the Beauty Subscription Box List!

Visit the Ipsy Swap Page to swap for any of the items you see in this review!

Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

What do you think of the October Ipsy Glam Bag? What items did you get in your bag?

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IPSY Glam Bag is one of the most popular and affordable subscriptions around, and our readers have selected it as one of the top beauty boxes for the last 5 years running! IPSY Glam Bag connects members with five makeup, skincare, hair care, and other beauty sample... read more.

Tiffany Waldorf
Tiffany Waldorf
Tiffany found out about subscription boxes from a friend who followed MSA. The curiosity started with mystery beauty boxes and grew into an addiction from there. Beauty, clothes, home...she loves the sight of a subscription box in the mail.

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20 comments

After several great months, ipsy let me down big time, in a month were the variety of great options meant I really didn’t want to get let down. And then I wasn’t even able to pick out additional samples.
I don’t have liquid lipsticks or reds checked, and I’ve constantly rated liquid lipsticks poorly, yet I got the smashbox liquid lip in that terrible orangey red color. Meanwhile there’s a Huda beauty gloss option that I would of loved. Or any gloss or one of the bullet lipsticks really would have been better than what I got. Would have loved the Mary Dew-manizer or one of the blushes, but my only other makeup product is a black eyeliner.
Otherwise, I got the Josie Maran oil and the Purple mud mask, which would have been nice filler items if the makeup wasn’t such a let down.
Only remotely exciting item was the Pretty Woman nail polish.
The fact there were so many options that would have really excited me, and that I got no of them makes the bag a real let down.

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mrswayneharris001

Yep. I’m right there with you! New year means new subscription for me. I think the reviewer gets the only good stuff. Bye bye ipsy.

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Heather

How are they picking who gets offered the Ipsy Plus. I have had a subscription for over a year, but I know someone who hasn’t been with Ipsy for 6 months. What gives?

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Pat Bogard

I love every item in this bag … however, my bag contained none of them. I’ve noticed in the last few bags, that my items are all the least expensive of all the ones that are sampled. Seriously considering cancelling.

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Annie

In your profile what stores and brands do you have selected? I feel like if you only selected higher end stores and more expensive brands that you might have more luck receiving higher value items. It’s probably too late for it to influence November, but if you update your profile you might see a change in December.

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Sharon

I never recieved my bag this month. I am so disappointed. Ipsy said they sent out a replacement bag but that never came either.

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Dianne

Ipsy is my favorite. I’m Not feeling Boxycharm for November and Boxyluxe cost to much so I quit Boxy until I see something of interest. Ipsy plus spoilers are really good next month so excited. I’ve been wanting the palette I saw in the spoiler for Ipsy Plus.

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Lane

Good bag! I received an extra bag this month as an oversight on the part of ipsy, in addition to my extra samples that I purchased.

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Abby

I love that polish! I’ve been wearing it all month–thanks Ipsy!

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Deb

I have MAJOR box envy! I love everything you got. My last 6 ipsy boxes combined don’t add up to the value of that one!

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Jacki

My most expensive item is $10. I also received 2 items I do not use. There were so many things they could have sent from the long list of items I love. I’m dropping my regular bag and giving the plus a couple of months to impress.

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V

That’s exactly why I gave up my regular Ipsy for plus. With so many variations the value was all over the place compared with others. At least with plus the bags are more likely to be equal in value with less variations.

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Julie

I have a brush like this that I got in a set & I had no idea it was a brow brush! Haha! I use it to apply a darker shade to my outer eyelids. It works great to keep the eyeshadow in exactly the area I want it.

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Michelle

The nail polish didn’t dry. I painted my nails in the afternoon and woke up with sheet marks! So disappointing because the color is gorgeous.

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Beverly Abrego

Same!!

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Amber

Mine did. That’s weird. I’ve had issues with other polishes not drying but not this one. Maybe your polish application was too thick, or it had a reaction with whatever top coat you used?

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Amanda

I’m over here pondering the same – what nail lacquer doesn’t dry in half a day’s time?!

Michelle

What kind of powder do you guys use to set something like the shape tape?

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V

Michelle, I use Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder in Deep because my shape tape shade is Tan or Tan Deep Sand. It looks amazing and doesn’t crease.

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Tiffany Waldorf

I’ve heard great things about Laura Mercier! I use Coty Airspun in Naturally Neutral. It’s around $6 and available at Walmart, Target, and drugstores. It does have a bit of a perfumy smell, so if you’re super sensitive to fragrances, you might not like it. I usually am sensitive, but it doesn’t bother me.