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 subscription box - the value and sample sizes are amazing. (Check out our list of the best beauty boxes for 2019 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 Glam Bag
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!
My Ipsy Glam Bag April 2019 Review
My bag this month features skincare, makeup, and nail polish. Let’s see what I got!
A little card is included with info about the theme and other subscriber info each month. There's also a product list with tips on how to use each one. This info is also available on your account, but I love having it right here in the bag.
Each month, Ipsy subscribers get a makeup bag in addition to their 5 items. April's bag has a bright and cheerful lemon print with a yellow zipper and aqua lining inside.
The Balm Cosmetics theBalmJour Creamy Lip Stain in Konnichiwa, 1.7ml - Estimated Value $3.66 (Buy 6.5ml full size for $14)
I'm impressed with the lightweight, mousse texture of this lip color. It keeps my lips moisturized and leaves a flush of color when it wears off. I like how easy it is to apply and wear (no staining or feathering) and that the color is fun but neutral.
111Skin Y Theorem Repair Serum, 10ml - Estimated Value $116.67 (Buy 30ml full size for $350)
Whoa! While I do appreciate trying new products, the price of this is way too high for me to even consider buying more after the sample is gone. And, honestly, I'm not super impressed with it anyway. The watery-gel serum sinks in fast and does leave my skin feeling hydrated and refreshed but it isn't as luxurious as I expected. I have several other serums that give me immediate benefits at a much more affordable price point.
Tarte Base Tape Hydrating Primer, 10ml - Estimated Value $10 (Buy 1oz full size for $30)
I've been thinking about trying a hydrating primer lately so I'm happy to see one included in my bag this month. This one is rich and hydrating and feels more like a moisturizer than a typical primer. I actually feel like it's a bit too rich for wearing under makeup, especially for a matte look, but looks great on its own for a dewy look. I'm not a huge fan of the strong coconut scent though.
Sugar Cosmetics Kohl of Honour Kajal in Black Out, .25g - FULL SIZE! Estimated Value $11.99 (based on other Sugar eyeliners available in the US)
Though this isn't the most intense kajal I've used, it's really easy to work with. The creamy texture glides on without tugging and is easy to blend out before it sets. I don't have issues with smudging and it sticks around all day even on my waterline. I wouldn't say it's completely budge-proof, but it's pretty good. I also like that it doesn't irritate my eyes or run into my eye.
Pretty Woman Nail Polish in Wanderlust, 10ml - FULL SIZE! Retail Value $7.99
I'm so happy to see a vibrant nail color included! This bright blue is a welcome addition to my mostly nude and blush polish collection. Two coats give me opaque, even coverage and the brush is easy to work with. The finish isn't shiny but more of a satin-matte – it's pretty but you'll need a top coat if you prefer high shine. I got a few days of wear out of this manicure before it started to chip which is not too shabby for a 10-free nail polish for me.
Here are swatches of the The Balm lip stain and Sugar Kajal liner.
I really like how this look turned out and think the subtle lip pairs well with the intense dark eye. I started out with a layer of Tarte Base Tape Hydrating Primer followed by a tinted moisturizer. After a dusting of bronzer around my face, I applied a layer of The Balm Creamy Lip Stain. For my eyes, I lined my lash line and water line with the Sugar Kajal liner and used an angled liner brush to smudge it out a bit. There was some liner left on the brush so I worked it into my crease to deepen the look.
Verdict: My April Ipsy Glam Bag has a value of $150.31! Holy moly! That's awesome for a cost of $10. Although most of the value is the (crazy expensive) serum, I still feel like this is my favorite Ipsy bag to date. My favorites are The Balm lip stain and the Pretty Woman nail polish. 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:
- The Balm Lip Stain - $0.24
- 111Skin Serum - $7.76
- Tarte Primer - $0.67
- Sugar Kajal - $0.80
- Pretty Woman Nail Polish - $0.53
- Makeup bag - n/a
Check out all of our Ipsy reviews and the best beauty subscription boxes of 2019, as recommended by our readers!
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 my April Ipsy Glam Bag? What items did you get in your bag?
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