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!)
My Subscription Addiction pays for this subscription. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
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 January 2019 Review #2
My bag this month features hair, skincare, and makeup products. Let’s see what I got!
A little card is included with some info about products available in the Ipsy shop. This month's theme is "New Year, More Products, more focus on you."
Each month, Ipsy subscribers get a makeup bag in addition to their 5 items.
This month, subscribers will receive this striped canvas bag with hot pink lining and piping. Super cute!
Ouai Leave In Conditioner - 25ml Value $4.64 (Buy full-size 140ml for $26)
I use a leave-in conditioner every time I style my hair, whether I wear it curly or blow it out, so I'm glad to try this one from Ouai. The nozzle sprays out a nice mist that evenly distributes on my strands. It works great as a detangler and leaves my hair feeling really soft. I'm probably in the minority here, but I can't say I'm a fan of the perfumy fragrance; it's so strong that it seemed like I was tasting it for the rest of the day.
Fluide Lip Gloss in Elsewhere - FULL SIZE! Retail Value $12
This is a basic shiny lip gloss that feels smooth, not sticky, and keeps my lips moisturized for a while after applying. The blue tint isn't noticeable once applied but is supposed to help make teeth look whiter. I don't notice any flavor but it does have a light, cupcake fragrance.
So Susan Cosmetics Dream Maker Light-Shifting Highlighting Cream in Pop Star - FULL SIZE! Retail Value $29
Wow! I'm loving that this product is full size! Pop Star is a pearlized gold shade that shifts when the light hits it. It can be dabbed on for a blinding highlight or blended out for a soft glow. I like that the gel-cream base is neutral so my skin tone still shows through. It leaves a velvety finish but doesn't play super well when layered over powder. So, apply this before your powder-based products.
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation in Medium Sand - 7ml Value $5.46 (Buy full-size 50ml for $39)
I've always had Tarte in my makeup rotation, so I'm surprised I haven't tried this popular classic of theirs. Honestly, I always thought of it as heavy and too full coverage for me. But, after applying the moussey cream in thin layers with a damp blender, I find I really like the coverage. Above, I've applied it to the right side of my face, and verses my left side (with no makeup), you can see that any redness and veins have been covered. It leaves a semi-matte finish which doesn't seem to bring out my dry patches. Yay! And, thought this shade may be a tinge too yellow, I'm impressed with the match.
Jehu:en This Sheet Is Bananas Mask - Retail Value $4
Jehu:en You Can't Handle This Sheet Mask - Retail Value $4
The packaging on these sheet masks is really cute. Contrary to what I thought, the bananas one doesn't smell like bananas, which is great. I hate bananas. But, it is super hydrating. The heat mask has volcanic ash extract to absorb oil and tighten pores. My face did feel a bit tingly and tight after taking it off. I didn't experience any irritation with either and I like that the cotton sheet actually stays in place when wearing.
Here I've applied the Tarte foundation to my whole face, making sure to blend down my neck to hide any color difference. Before putting my powders on, I dabbed a little bit of the highlighter cream onto my cheeks and all over my lids. I wanted a super fresh look, so I applied a layer of the Fluide lip gloss to my bare lips for a bit of shine. My makeup lasted all day and felt really comfortable and light.
Verdict: This Ipsy Glam Bag has a value of $59.10 which is great for $10! I enjoyed trying each of the items this month and I love the highlighter and the foundation. The only item I don't see myself using up is the leave-in conditioner; it works so well but is just too fragrant. This is one of the best, inexpensive beauty subscriptions if you want to try new items and play with new colors.
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:
- Ouai Leave In Conditioner - $0.79
- Fluide Lip Gloss - $2.03
- So Susan Highlighter Cream - $4.91
- Tarte Foundation - $0.92
- Jehu:en Sheet Mask Set - $1.35
- Makeup bag - n/a
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!
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What do you think of the January Ipsy Glam Bag? What items did you get in your bag?
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