Ipsy is a monthly beauty and makeup subscription box. For $13 per month, you get five full-size or deluxe-sized products, plus a cute makeup bag.
This is one of our top recommendations if you are looking for a subscription box — the value and sample sizes are amazing. 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 our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes).
First Impressions
Everything comes packaged snugly in the signature pink Ipsy bubble mailer.
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Included is a product card that features a list of the products and any beauty tips.
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Each month, Ipsy subscribers get a makeup bag in addition to their items. This month’s theme is ‘Let Yourself Bloom.’ The accompanying makeup bag this time has an abstract floral design. I’m not a huge fan of the bag design itself, but I think we could all use some positive energy this spring, so when it comes to the sentiment, I’m here for it. Let’s see what array of pampering products were included this month.
Now, on to the items!
GLOW RECIPE Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Serum, 5 ml - Estimated Value $7.00
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Could this sample be any smaller?! That was literally my first thought upon seeing this product inside my bag. Hey, maybe a little goes a long way. Nevertheless, I always enjoy trying products from Glow Recipe, so that’s exciting. I’m a huge fan of the brand’s Watermelon Glow line, but I hadn’t had the chance to try the Strawberry Smooth line until now. But O-M-G, I love it. This Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicyclic Serum is perfect for targeting post-breakout acne scars. I still have a few stubborn ones left behind from my teenage years, and this powerful serum really does a number on improving texturized skin.
I tend to be leery when it comes to skincare products with salicylic acid; I’ve always found it to be too harsh for my sensitive skin. But this serum may have changed my mind. I think it’s due to the formula’s inclusion of hyaluronic acid, which prevents the over-drying that I’ve often experienced when using salicylic acid in the past. I enjoy the smooth texture of this serum and how soothing it feels to my skin. Definitely leaves me with a ‘glow.’ The product also has a delicious scent that reminds me of a yummy strawberry candy, so bonus points for that.
KISMET Polished Lip Plumping Gloss in Lovestruck, 6.8 ml - Estimated Value $15.30
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I’m pretty basic when it comes to my everyday lip look. Can’t go wrong with a solid lip color, or in my preference, a clear gloss. I’ve never been a fan of lip plumpers; specifically because of the tingling sensation they create. When I gave this Kismet Polished Lip Plumping Gloss a try, I was impressed at how non-existent the tingling sensation was. Best of all, it didn’t cause any pain like I’ve experienced with some others.
The product was actually more hydrating than anything (it’s the jojoba oil and vitamin E working in tandem), and it gave my lips a natural-looking boost that truly surprised me. Although lip plumper isn’t my preference, if you’re looking to create the look of juicer, fuller lips, this could be an effective product for you. The shade Lovestruck has a slight pink tint to it with some shimmer, but it can easily pass for a clear gloss.
UVÉ BEAUTY Violet Antimicrobial Blender, 1-pc - Retail Value $19.00
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Gotta be honest here… When I first started wearing makeup back in the day, I applied it using my hands. No lie. Soon enough, I gave brushes a try, and that worked for a time, but then I discovered beauty blenders, which is now my preferred form of application. The only problem I usually have with beauty blenders is keeping them as clean as I’d like.
Now, this Violet Antimicrobial Blender from UVé Beauty? Super simple clean-up. I am so impressed with how much less product it absorbs, allowing for an easier, more flawless application. Less products absorbed means less wasted product as well, which is a major bonus. Plus, the fact that this sponge is ultra-soft, biodegradable, and 99% bacteria free, thanks to its antimicrobial properties, is a double win-win. Since it’s also mold-resistant, there is a less likely chance for bacteria to enter your pores when using this. It did shed some of its non-toxic dye the first few uses.
DIONIS Love Goat Milk Hand Cream (similar product linked), 28 g - Estimated Value $5.00
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I may be slightly obsessed with having moisturized skin. Dry skin? We don’t know her. Hand cream is one of the bare essentials especially while on the go. Whenever I’m traveling, I tend to wash my hands and use hand sanitizer a bit more frequently. If I slack off, my hands can get so dried out that the skin cracks and eventually bleeds; I hate it. This Dionis Love Goat Milk Hand Cream is the perfect travel size. If you’re someone like me, be sure to stash this tube in the car so it’ll be there when you need it.
I’m a big fan of the smooth formula, and despite being creamy, it feels like a water-based product, which I prefer as it doesn’t clog my pores. I was also surprised at how quickly the cream itself absorbs into the skin without leaving behind any greasy residue. The one downside of this lotion is the scent, which features notes of jasmine, vanilla, and black currant. For me, personally, the scent is a bit too floral and definitely overpowering, meaning it lingers past its welcome.
JAZMINE BEAUTY Illuminating Highlighter in Everyday Vacay, 2.5 g - Estimated Value $11.25
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I love a good highlighter as much as anybody, and this one really has a solid shine to it. Whenever I get a highlighter in a subscription box, the chosen shade for my curation is often just a shade or two lighter than what my skin tone needs… Not this time! This Jazmine Beauty Illuminating Highlighter is a thrill to see in person, truly. The shimmer is on point, and the shade ‘Everyday Vacay’ works perfectly for me; a nice bronze with golden undertones. I like how smooth the highlighter is when it comes to application. The formula is definitely buildable, and it’s quick and easy to apply for a pop of sparkle. With a good level of pigment to it, a little product goes a long way, too.
Here is a swatch of the Jazmine Beauty Illuminating Highlighter in Everyday Vacay.
The Verdict
This was a great month for Ipsy Glam Bag! The highlight by far for me was Glow Recipe’s Strawberry Smooth serum. Not only do I love Glow Recipe, but I love the quality of their serums and how nicely this one leaves my skin looking. UVé Beauty’s blender sponge has been an absolute treat to add to my makeup vanity. I love how smooth the application is with this. Plus, the antimicrobial properties are incredible. The luxurious hand cream from Dionis was another welcome addition to the product curation. It’s a main staple for keeping dry skin at bay, and this tube happens to be the perfect size to take with you on the go.
I’m a huge fan of the Jazmine Beauty highlighter in ‘Everyday Vacay; the shade is perfect for me, and the shimmer is lovely as is the silky-smooth formula. Lastly, Kismet’s lip plumping gloss… I have to say, I was a bit skeptical at first, but as someone with an aversion to typical lip plumpers, I was pleasantly surprised with this one. It’s tingle-free and somehow keeps your lips looking natural with just the slightest boost of fullness. Overall, I really thought this was a solid bag. The product variation was great, with a nice range between makeup and skincare, and the value is there.
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Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $13
Value Breakdown:
- Serum: $7.00
- Lip Plumper: $15.30
- Blender: $19.00
- Hand Cream: $5.00
- Highlighter: $11.25
The total retail value of these five items adds up to about $57.55, which is a good value for a $13 box.
Other Things You Should Know
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, but sign up to receive the June 2023 bag while stocks last.
What do you think of the May 2023 Ipsy Glam Bag?
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