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 2020 and our reviews of Cheap Subscription Boxes for more recommendations!)
The Ipsy Shopper section features curated Hauls, mystery bags, and other sets available at a discount. This is a review of the Gym Bag Essentials Haul, which is no longer available for purchase.
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
About Ipsy Glam Bag
The Subscription Box: Ipsy Haul: Gym Bag Essentials
The Cost: $59.99 + free shipping
The Products: A curated assortment of items to ensure your gym bag is stocked and ready for action.
Ships to: The US and Canada
Ipsy Haul: Gym Bag Essentials Kit Review
Ariul Kale & Grapefruit Juice Cleanse Mask - Estimated Value $2.99 (Buy a pack of 5 for $14.95)
I was excited about trying these masks out, but the performance was a bit lackluster. This was a bit too similar to juice- it left my face incredibly sticky, which does not make for a good time. The novelty of adding the liquid to the dry sheet mask and the biodegradable corn fiber sheet masks was fun, and I did like that each mask was made with honey- but overall the stickiness made these a bit of a disaster.
Ariul Raspberry & Lentil Juice Cleanse Mask - Estimated Value $2.99 (Buy a pack of 5 for $14.95)
After my experience with the first juice cleanse mask, I actually passed this along to a friend- I couldn't bring myself to experience the stickiness again.
Niu Body Hydrate Moisturizing Facial Serum, 1 oz - Retail Value $26
This serum ended up being a surprise for me. Texture-wise, I would classify this as an oil rather than a typical serum, but my skin absolutely soaked it up- to the point that it impressed me, which is a bit hard to do. Lavender essential oil is in the (short) ingredients list, and I can definitely smell it. I like it- it gives me the ~spa~ vibes that luxury products usually do, without the true luxury price tag.
Kensie Loving Life Perfume, 0.67 oz - Retail Value $28
Full-size perfumes aren’t common in subscription boxes, so I was happy to see this. Kensie is a new brand to me, and I liked the floral blend of this “Loving Life” scent. It is described as having notes of sweet juicy berries, white florals, and rich woods. The berry is the main scent note to me, but it is a sophisticated berry rather than a simple one.
dr. brandt Microdermabrasion, 2 oz - Retail Value $79
This is a bit of a subscription box staple- I know I received a full size from FabFitFun at some point, and I’ve also received a few minis here and there. If you’re a fan of physical exfoliants, this has a very fine grit from the professional-grade crystals, and it’s also made with lactic acid, jojoba oil, aloe vera, and chamomile extract. You don’t need to press too hard to get results, but it isn’t so harsh that it’s easy to overdo it. The recommended use for this is 1-2 times a week, and I know that many an MSA reader loves this scrub.
GLAMGLOW Tropicalcleanse Daily Exfoliating Cleanser, 5 oz - Retail Value $34
I do think it’s a bit interesting that this box included both the dr. brandt and this cleanser- when used in the same routine it would be very easy to overdo it on the exfoliation, which is exactly what you don’t want to do. This cleanser lathered well and had a few exfoliating granules without being too harsh, and it left my skin feeling softer after using. I have dry skin, and after using this my face definitely felt thirsty for moisture- I think this cleanser would be best suited for combo-oily skin.
Hempz Triple Moisture Herbal Whipped Body Crème, 2.25 oz - Retail Value $7.99
I like receiving body creams in subscription boxes- I may not be the best about applying it every single day (who has the energy?), but I still want to have a large assortment of lotions to choose from. This travel-sized bottle is one of the more affordable options in my stash, but I still really like it- it left my legs feeling soft and smooth, and it didn’t leave me feeling greasy (though my legs definitely were parched for moisture when I applied it).
R+Co Centerpiece All-In-One Elixir Spray, 5.2 oz - Retail Value $32
This was really interesting to me- I think it’s the first aerosol hair product I’ve used that is designed to be used on wet/damp hair. The aerosol tip made me feel like I was able to disperse this product through my hair much easier, and the ingredients like sea buckthorn oil and hyaluronic acid added softness to my curls.
tarte Clean Queen Vegan Deodorant, 0.88 oz - Retail Value $10
This vegan deodorant is free of aluminum, alcohol, and baking soda. The deodorizer here is corn starch, and it is also made with aloe for sensitive skin. I’ve found that deodorant is one of the most personal things found in a subscription- what is loved by some is hated by many, and then when you add in preferences like aluminum-free, baking soda free, or antiperspirant qualities you get very different underarm needs. I am personally on the antiperspirant train, but this worked well for me on a day I was lounging around the house and wanted to stay fresh but wasn’t doing anything strenuous.
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Sutra Beauty Mini Flat Iron in Purple - Retail Value $59.99
I almost never straighten my hair, so while this mini flat iron isn’t for me I know my mom is going to love it. This would be practical for touching up hair at the gym or while traveling, and the small size means it weighs much less. I don’t recommend trying to straighten your entire head with this, but this definitely can come in handy depending on your needs. If you were in the market for a mini flat iron, you could consider this kit as paying full-price for the straightener and getting everything else as a bonus.
Foxybae Top Knotch Hair Ties - Retail Value $9.95
Receiving hair ties in subscription boxes means fewer hair ties I have to buy, and I am always happy with that. Unfortunately, these hair ties weren’t very good. They don’t have elastic in the fabric so it was hard to get a good grip on my hair, and once these had my hair through it, it didn’t feel very secure. I do have quite a bit of thick curls, however, so those with a different hair type may like these much more than I do.
Alterna CAVIAR Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo, 1.35 oz – Estimated Value $5.40 (Buy a full-size 8.5 oz for $34)
I am a very critical judge of shampoos – if it isn’t hydrating, I don’t want it near my hair. Luckily, this shampoo lived up to its claim of being a moisture shampoo, and I was really happy with how my hair felt after using it- my hair didn’t feel dry or tangled.
Alterna CAVIAR Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Conditioner, 1.35 oz – Estimated Value $5.40 (Buy a full-size 8.5 oz for $34)
I love that we got the matching conditioner! This was like a tall drink of water for my hair, and I loved that it made things much easier when it came time to comb my curls. It is rare that I find a shampoo and conditioner duo that I like as much as this one, so I will take it.
Pacifica Underarm Deodorant Wipes, 10 ct - Estimated Value $3 (Buy a 30 ct package for $9)
Since the great outdoors have become my gym, I have been leaving these wipes in my car to freshen up after going for a socially-distanced hike. They’re non-irritating to the delicate skin under my arms, but are refreshing enough to use all over wherever I have been sweating.
Purlisse Watermelon Energizing Makeup Removing Wipes, 30 ct - Retail Value $8
I’ve found that some people are very anti-makeup wipes, but I’m not one of them. While they can never replace a double cleanse, sometimes I wake up bleary-eyed at 1 am after falling asleep on the couch watching TV and a swipe of one of these is the most skincare my face is going to get. Along with watermelon extract, these also have aloe and green tea, and I didn’t find the light fragrance to be irritating.
Verdict: This haul from Ipsy Shopper was offered when gyms were still an option in my life, but I have been able to incorporate all of the items into my routine as a socially distant humanoid who likes to go for walks in the swamp. The value in this set is spectacular- by my math, everything adds up to $314.71, which is great for the $60 cost that included free shipping.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, this haul is sold out, but Ipsy is always releasing new hauls and deals in their shopper section!
Value Breakdown: At $59.99 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:
- Ariul Kale: $0.57
- Ariul Raspberry: $0.57
- Niu Body: $4.96
- Kensie: $5.34
- dr. brandt: $15.06
- GLAMGLOW: $6.48
- Hempz: $1.52
- R+Co: $6.10
- tarte: $1.91
- Sutra Beauty: $11.44
- Foxybae: $1.90
- Alterna Shampoo: $1.03
- Alterna Conditioner: $1.03
- Pacifica: $0.57
- Purlisse: $1.52
Alternatively, each of the 15 items has an average cost of $4.
Check out all of our Ipsy reviews and the best beauty subscription boxes of 2020, as recommended by our readers!
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What do you think of the Ipsy Haul: Gym Bag Essentials kit?
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