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IPSY Glam Bag X Review – May 2021

Megan K.
ByMegan K.Jun 16, 2021 | 29 comments

IPSY Icon Box
2.8 overall rating
13 Ratings | 15 Reviews

Ipsy Glam Bag X is a quarterly upgrade for Ipsy members. It costs an additional $43/shipment for Glam Bag members and $30/shipment for Glam Bag Plus members. It replaces your usual monthly bag in February, May, August, and November. This bag "includes seven to eight full-size products specially curated by beauty’s biggest tastemakers and celebs" and allows subscribers to pick 3 items. 

FYI: This box arrived very late which seems to be something many subscribers have experienced this month. I recommend reaching out to IPSY customer care if you are still waiting on your delivery. 

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 Plus

The Subscription Box: Ipsy Glam Bag X

The Cost: $55 in February, May, August, and November. (An additional cost of $43/shipment for Glam Bag members and $30/shipment for Glam Bag Plus members.)

The Products: 7-8 full-size products specially curated by beauty’s biggest tastemakers and celebs

Ships to: The U.S. for free

Our IPSY Glam Bag X May 2021 Review

 

Here is our info fold-out for this delivery. It is designed to look like a very chic editorial newspaper and has loads of info on our items and more.

Now, on to the items!

 

111SKIN Rose Gold Radiance Booster, 20 mL - Retail Value $135.00

IPSY chose this item for me.

In pretty typical 111SKIN in a subscription box style, this is made in China while the products you would order from the brand's site are generally manufactured in Europe. Per 111SKIN:

OUR MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
As the scale of our business continues to grow we frequently transition between different suppliers depending on capacity needs. All aspects of the product including key active ingredients and componentry remain the same.

Whilst we may produce a small number of units with our longstanding Far East manufacturer for beauty box partnerships, all raw materials are sourced from our regular suppliers within Europe and the USA to ensure the integrity, efficacy, fragrance and texture of our products remain at a consistently premium quality.

Now that we have that out of the way, this product was just ok. I like the concept of a serum that combines both radiance and skincare, but I didn't notice a huge radiance boost here which seems to be the main point. I think for that sort of $$$ I expect a few more bells and whistles than glycerine, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, but the ingredient list (however simple) isn't bad. I actually liked the rose fragrance and I think if this hadn't arrived with such a wild retail value and the brand hadn't ruffled feathers with their manufacturing confusion in the past, I might actually have liked this a lot more.

 

Rodial Pink Diamond Cleansing Balm, 100 mL - Retail Value $59.00

IPSY chose this item for me.

This is a brand I typically don't love because the scents of some of their formulas are just not my sort of thing. I was pleasantly surprised with this cleansing balm though! The scent is a creamy rose which was pleasant. And while the formula was just ok, it did make quick work of my makeup. I applied it to damp skin and massaged it in circles before rinsing. As I am a big fan of a double cleanse I did follow up with a creamy cleanser, though I don't think it was totally necessary. All in all, this was an ok addition, though I truly would have preferred that Herbivore Prism!

 

ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Visionary Eyeshadow Palette – Retail Value $42.00

IPSY chose this item for me.

Ok, the first shade I noticed in this palette was that BLUE. Surely it can't be as pigmented as it looks? Well, it was, and more. It is one of the most striking shades in this collection and though it is matte, it also has these little hidden sparkles that feel really unique. Other faves from me? Easy. Matcha is a darn dream. A dusty matte olive that is pure velvet. Rebel Grey is another winner and it is one of those shades that looks totally different depending on skin tone and what you wear it with. The more subtle neutrals here are also great and make this one of the most versatile palettes I have received in a long time that has the pigment level and buttery smoothness to make it a new go-to in my huge collection.

 

It's a goodie.

 

Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Milky Lip Jelly Gloss in 'Coconuts' – Retail Value $14.00

IPSY chose this item for me.

I have been on a milky gloss kick for some reason. Maybe it is the fact that I can wear lipgloss this year and the milky sort of finish is so soft and pretty? This arrived literally the day after I ordered a Tower 28 kit with another milky gloss in a different shade, so this felt like a fun spoiler. The formula is a little slippy so if you over apply it might leave the borders of your lips, but honestly other than that I loved this stuff. It is a natural makeup lover's dream in terms of the whole look: you get shiny soft lips with a flush of color. It also smells sweet and wonderful and isn't what I would consider sticky at all. It was a great intro to this brand and makes me even more excited for my kit to arrive.

She is cuuuute.

 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Micro-Stroking Detailing Brow Pen in 'Blonde' – Retail Value $22.00

IPSY chose this item for me.

I am generally more of a brow gel sort of gal, but as far as brush-style brow products go, this one was really nice, especially since I had my brows laminated recently. My brow hairs are normally pretty coarse and curved, but the lamination made them softer and stick straight, meaning it is extra easy to flick in drawn-on "hairs" with this pen. I don't think it could ever replace my gel formula (I need a little shaping control still) but if you like markers like this, I was impressed with how versatile and natural this brush tip was.

It looks darker on my brows. More on that later!

 

Sunday Riley C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil, 15 mL – Retail Value $40.00

This was my choice item!

I was kind of surprised to see a Sunday Riley item as a choice item, but I jumped on it. This happens to be one of my mom's favorite skincare formulas, so while I also love it myself, this will end up being a happy surprise for her. Much like myself, she is prone to redness and dullness, making this little golden cocktail a perfect choice for her. The big players inside here are a super-stable form of vitamin C and anti0inflammatory turmeric. Combine those with lipid-rich oils and tons of antioxidants and you have an easily absorbed form of liquid skin gold.

 

Complex Culture Rose Quartz Gua Sha Stone – Retail Value $28.00

This was my choice item!

I am kind of gua sha crazy and I love collecting different shapes and materials of this tool. The use of pieces like this was actually born out of Traditional Chinese Medicine and it has a fascinating history that is well worth a deep dive if you plan on making it a part of your routine. This is a rose quartz piece that is smaller than many of the others in my collection, which to me is a selling point. Sometimes these can feel too big depending on your face size and shape. Rose quartz stays pretty cold naturally, making it refreshing to sunkissed skin and out of this world soothing if you stash it in the fridge for 30 minutes or so before you use it. I like to combine these tools with a slippy facial oil and treat myself to a pampering facial massage targeting those tiny facial muscles on my face. Side note: if you are looking for a facial massage guidebook, you need this!

 

Pūrlisse Blush Glow BB Cheek Color in 'Vivid Coral', 10 mL – Retail Value $18.00

This was my choice item!

I absolutely adore cream blush formulas now that most days I just wear a radiant SPF instead of foundation. Something about a sheer melting cheek color makes me feel youthful and vibrant. Do I need more cream/gel blushes? Absolutely not. But, much like highlighters, I am on a bit of a bender. This vivid coral was calling my name. Sure, it looks like, well, A LOT straight out of the tube. But it is such a sheer formula that you can really add just a little for the perfect flush. In addition to making me look fresh as a darn daisy, the formula also benefits my cheeks because it contains hyaluronic acid which means the formula is moisturizing and stays soft and natural.

Here is a blended little swatch.

And here it is on one cheek.

And here is a quick look featuring the palette, the lip gloss, the blush, and the brow pen! Most of you know I tend to lean towards natural looks and I actually am really loving this whole vibe. The eye look is a combination of a few shades from the palette: Manila Sands, Soft Serve, and Rebel Grey.

Verdict: My IPSY Glam Bag X had a total value of $358 which is darn good for $55. Even minus the 111SKIN item I didn't love, I still see a value of $223. And the brands were great for the majority of the products and a few were even on my Sephora wishlist. I really enjoyed the eyeshadow palette and lip gloss, and am thrilled with the Gua Sha stone. The Sunday Riley oil is going to make my mom really happy and the ABH brow pen and cream blush were also big winners for me. I never expect to love every single item in a larger box like this but I walked away from this curation pretty pleased and impressed, even without the CT cream or Herbivore Prism I was totally hoping for. 

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? You'll likely start with June as your first month. It looks like there is currently a wait, so upgrade ASAP to reserve your spot when they open!

Value Breakdown: This box costs $55, meaning you are paying approximately the following per item:

  • 111SKIN Booster $20.74
  • Rodial Cleanser $9.06
  • Patrick Starrr Palette $6.45
  • Tower 28 Gloss $2.15
  • Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Pen $3.38
  • Sunday Riley Oil $6.15
  • Complex Culture Gua Sha $4.30
  • Pūrlisse Blush $2.77

Alternatively, each of the 8 items has an average cost of $6.88. 

Check out all of our IPSY Glam Bag X reviews and our favorite beauty and makeup subscriptions!

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

What do you think of the May Ipsy Glam Bag X? Which items did you get?

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IPSY Icon Box (previously known as IPSY Glam Bag X) is a quarterly, limited edition upgrade available for IPSY base subscribers. It includes 8 full-size products (subscribers choose 3!) worth up to $350, specially curated by the biggest icons and celebs in beauty. The assortment includes 5 Power ... read more.

Megan K.
Megan K.
I love natural/vegan beauty products, Korean skincare, unique jewelry, and weird candies from far away places. When I am not waiting for my next exciting box you can find me painting or taking photographs of interesting people. I never leave home without pug hair somewhere on my shirt and a bold lipstick on my smile.

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29 comments

Beth

Megan you have the most gorgeous glowing skin that so many use glowsticks and sparkling fairy dust to achieve ✨…. lol ….Seriously,You Glow Girlfriend! Beautiful 😍

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Michelle Robinson Lindsey

I never let them get away with ANYTHING. I don’t buy that no refund crap. If it’s damaged, lost, or the wrong color, I want it resolved. I work hard for my money and I just don’t give it away. Give me a refund or I can just cancel. No back and forth. They’ve always worked with me

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Charlotte

Yeah, I don’t really understand why folks are willing to accept replacement bags with different products rather than refunds. I’ve never had an issue with Ipsy refunding me if an item was missing, or if I got the wrong shade or whatever.

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Marcy

It took forever to get my X bag. Once I received it, it had barely any of the products they said it would, stuff was missing and they sent me crappy replacements. My June regular bag still hasn’t shipped. I have to cancel until they straighten out their issues.

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Marie

I had cancelled the glambag X since I’m allergic to rose scented stuff and IPSY put that rose 111 in my Jun Glambag plus 🙄

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Michelle

That serum was one of the reasons I cancelled for the GBX in May too, and I got it in my GBP this month as well. Just can’t seem to avoid that crap haha.

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Mouthycole

I still have not received my May Glam Bag X. Supposedly they are sending replacements but the replacements suck. For one thing, I’m getting two identical items as replacements for two different out of stock items. Two kosas lip/cheek products. Same item, same colors even. To replace Anastasia BH eye palette and RMS lip/cheek . and some other crap. Turns out my glam bag x replacement will only have 5 items (two identical, keep in mind) and none of my choice items and 4 of my 5 addons. Though they did refund $12.95 for the missing add-on.
Its super super disappointing.

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Paola

I know it’s sucks . To me I asked for my full refund since they said my bag was out of stock. They made wait until June 14 to help me .

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Elle

Paola did they give you a refund?

They’re refusing to give me a refund even though they substituted sample size items for full sized in glam bag plus.

Such a bait a switch.

Michelle

Wow. That’s horrible! How can they get away with that??

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Julia

I like how the 111Skin boosters feel on my skin, so I’m always pleased when ipsy sends me one. However, like others, I take umbrage with the split-manufacturing double-talk nonsense. If the materials are indeed from providers in Europe and North America, why do you ship them to China to be mixed and bottled? You can mix and bottle them anywhere in Europe or North America. Facilities, oversight, manpower, expertise – all are available in Europe and North America.

I suspect that what they’re trying not to say is “materials are sourced = purchased from representatives who are located in Europe and North America, but the materials themselves are actually sitting in China and were never manufactured/synthesized/produced in Euope or North America.”

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Lauren

Will you guys be doing a glam bag plus review as well? I don’t believe there’s been one since March.

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Megan K.

Hey Lauren! We had some shipping issues with April (it went to the wrong address and was our fault!) but we are still waiting for our May Plus. I will get it up when it arrives!

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Marion

That blush is so pretty, Megan! I got one of the paler ones in my Plus, & I like it, but there’s so little color payoff that it barely seems worth the effort of applying.

I had the same experience with the brow pen: even though my hair is light brown, not blonde, the brow pen still makes my brows darker than all the other products I have in the shade range for my brows. I’m still not sure if I like it or not. I use a spoolie after I apply the ink to my brows while the product is still slightly damp, & I feel like it softens the look a bit.

My X bag didn’t arrive too late, & it had all the Choice items I picked in it… but it had the wrong base items! I was supposed to get the One/Size palette, Ole Henriksen banana eye cream, & Anastasia brow pen in Blonde. I received the Charlotte Tilbury cream, Rodial cleansing balm, & the brow pen in Ebony. Ipsy sent out the Ole Henriksen cream & Anastasia in Blonde to me, but said they couldn’t replace the palette & gave me a $10 refund. All in all, I’m happy with the way Ipsy handled this issue, but I still want to try the One/Size palette! I really like the looks of that cool quad in the bottom right corner.

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Megan K.

Thanks Marion! I have so many cream blushes at this point but I absolutely love them. The hot coral shade looked like a lot at first, but ended up being a winner.
What a crazy mixup with your base items though. I mean the CT cream was one of those items loads of people were hoping for, but I am bummed you didn’t get the palette because it is also great. I def recommend testing it out in Sephora if you can./

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Snow

Wow that BLUE!! 💙👀

I have to ask….does anyone have issues wearing lipgloss and getting it all over your face? I know shiny lips look great, but any time I wear lip gloss, the stuff ends up in my hair and on my face. Ugh.

Your pictures, Megan, look fantastic! You look so natural and pretty. Great look you put together using the products included ☺️

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Megan K.

Thanks, Snow! Feels so much more wearable than 2020. Heck yeah.

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Victoria

“often” is a bit of stretch….

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Carol

I’ve been waiting to see a review of that blush! I wanted it but didn’t feel like buying it in add-ons lol. I might get it if it pops up again.

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Jessica

Am I the only one who HATES that rodial balm? I love a cleansing balm and when I get it out of the tube it works fine but squeezing it takes both hands pushing as hard as I can and even then I only get a tiny bit. Horrible packaging for how thick it is.

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Marion

Have you tried kneading the tube or warming it before squeezing product out? I’ve heard women swear by putting mascara or skincare tubes under their arm, between their thighs, or even in their bras while they get ready to use the product.

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Ranee

Loved my May Xbox…got everything I wanted in it…however august is not looking good to me..think I will skip..

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Kimberly Gonzales

I agree with your view with the views on the 111Skin regarding the very average ingredient list compared to the SR CEO oil and others which are much more effective for less than half the cost. Nice box overall

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inkchick

I was actually thrilled with my Glam Bag X. My niece loved the Tower 28 (the brown was the wrong color for super cool-toned me, but great with her light olive skin) and one of her pals got the ABH brow pen, so that was my sharing-is-caring part of the box, but the rest was great for me. I found that I actually do get a radiance boost from the serum, I also got the CT cream, the Ole Henriksen Banana eye cream, the Party Peel, the Olaplex, and the super cute lighted mirror. I was shocked at how pleased I was with Ipsy for a change!

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Elle

Thank you for mentioning customer service issues. A bunch of us experienced extreme shipping delays.

Also, beware that what you choose for your bag may not be what Ipsy sends — Ipsy often makes products substitution of lower-value makeup in completely different categories.

Ipsy refuses to refund when they send incorrect items, and it can take months to get a replacement.

That said, the tower28 lipgloss looks awesome!

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Steph

I’ve always received a refund when Ipsy sends incorrect products. If I don’t receive what I paid for then I expect to either receive the product I was supposed to receive, or a refund. If they reach out ahead of time and give me points then I don’t care as much, but I don’t let them get away with just sending whatever.

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Elle

Steph / Ermmmm I’m impressed by your ability to get Ipsy customer service to make things right. And Anita am wishing you luck on upcoming bags 🙂

Do you have any tips for how to get a refund?

Ipsy’s response when I inquired about my missing May* refreshments:

“your April 2021 [Refreshments] will ship along with your June Glam Bag Plus.”
— *huh? I’d asked about May.

Ipsy’s response to my refund request (my glam bag plus had tiny samples of random brands instead of my full sized picks):

“we don’t issue refunds”

and

“Keep in mind that we sometimes run out of inventory, so your replacement may not be exactly the same as your original. Instead, you may receive a comparable substitute.”

— I thought glam bag plus was full sized items?

Anita

1 of my choice items was missing from my glam x. Ipsy sent me a replacement item saying my original choice item was out of stock. I had previously received what they sent & rated it low stars. I had to escalate to a supervisor to get 1200 points as compensation. They’ve never offered a refund. Any time I’ve had an issue their customer service consistently tries to get away with the smallest thing they can to make it right. Glad to hear you’ve received refunds. Hopefully I won’t have future issues but I will definitely push for monetary compensation from now on.
What bugs me is that their customer service is so inconsistent. You always get a refund, I’ve never been offered that, others get only 600 points. No wonder there’s comments every month about Ipsy customer service. Everyone should get the same consideration. Crossing my fingers for this month’s box which was just mailed out today

Errmmm

I had two products and on add-on item missing from my GBP and IPSY immediately sent them out to me. I’m always impressed with their customer service, I’ve always had great luck with them. Allure too (I know, wrong thread) – my May Allure box was stuck at the original shipping location for a couple weeks and when I contacted Allure about it via phone, they immediately sent me another box (they could see that it hadn’t moved).

For me, good customer service is key and if a company shows they care by doing the right thing, it gets them pretty far in my book. I might not always be thrilled with every product in every box, but I’ll stick with a company if they provide stellar CS.