Ipsy is a monthly beauty and makeup subscription box. For $14 per month, you get five full-sized 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
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Each month, Ipsy subscribers get a makeup bag in addition to their items. This month’s theme is "You’re the Main Attraction." Funny enough, the first thing that came to mind when I saw the makeup bag… Barney the purple dinosaur! Its playful design instantly transported me back to days of nostalgia. With the sparkly sequins adding a touch of whimsy, they also tend to shed a bit too easily, leaving a little bit of shimmer everywhere it goes. Then again, maybe a little bit of shimmer isn’t so bad after all.
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Included is a product card that features a list of the products and beauty tips.
Now, on to the items!
ACEOLOGY Hydro Glow and Energizing Green Tea Eye Masks, 2-ct - Estimated Value $14.50
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I've always been a fan of Aceology, and their Hydro Glow and Energizing Green Tea Eye Masks are a true testament to why. Perfect for those groggy early mornings, these eye masks have become my new go-to. They work wonders in reviving my tired under-eyes, leaving them looking radiant and well-rested. What I especially love about these eye masks is the inclusion of caffeine within the formula. Caffeine is a superstar when it comes to tightening up that under-eye skin, even if I’m running on only a few hours’ sleep. It’s like a cup of coffee but for my face! Not to mention, these eye masks stay in place, allowing me to keep moving while giving myself a little extra bit of self-care. I’ve had my fair share of eye masks that tend to slide down, but these stay on well with no slippage. These masks don’t just pamper; they truly perform.
ACE BEAUTÉ Lip Gloss in Slick Luster, 1.6 g - Estimated Value $2.00
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I love a good lip gloss, and this one from Ace Beauté in the shade ‘Slick Luster’ has become a staple for me. I find myself reaching for it multiple times a day. While it doesn’t promise long-lasting wear, which I wouldn’t expect from a lip gloss, its performance is impressive, ticking all the right boxes. The subtle shimmer and shine it adds are just right for someone like me who prefers a more natural makeup look. It’s the ideal balance of glossiness without the overwhelming pigment other lip products give. What really sets it apart, though, is its luscious texture. It’s not at all sticky on my lips and leaves them feeling both smooth and moisturized. All in all, it’s a lip gloss that enhances the natural beauty of my lips rather than overpowering them.
Here is a swatch of the Ace Beauté Lip Gloss in Slick Luster.
SLEEK’E Silk’e Hair Detangler Spray, 30 ml - Estimated Value $3.30
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Okay, now, I was truly thrilled when I first saw this Silk’e Hair Detangler Spray from Sleek’e. The promise of smooth, tangle-free hair is always alluring, especially when it comes to ‘ultimate frizz control.’ However, as I delved deeper into the product itself, I realized that this is one of those ‘suitable for all hair types’ products. As someone with very thick, curly hair, I’ve learned over time that these universal products often fall short for what I’m looking in a hair product. As I thought, this detangling spray unfortunately doesn’t stand a chance up against my head of curls. That being said, it looks like a stellar product for those with the right kind of hair texture. I’ll be passing along this product to a finer-haired friend of mine, who will surely see the true power of this detangler.
BRANDT SKINCARE Microdermabrasion Age-Defying Exfoliator, 10 g - Estimated Value $13.17
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This Microdermabrasion Age-Defying Exfoliator is a new gem in my skincare routine, living up to the brand’s reputation for high-performing products. As per usual, Dr. Brandt did not disappoint. The standout feature for me is the environmentally-friendly aspect of its formula: biodegradable micro-granules made from renewable wood cellulose. This is a significant leap from the exfoliators of my teenage years, plagued with those pesky plastic beads that invariably ended up in my eye despite my efforts. Thankfully, those days are gone, as the ultra-fine granules in this exfoliator are not just effective but also incredibly gentle, ensuring no more painful eye encounters. The non-irritating formula of this product is also perfect for my sensitive skin. Exfoliators can often be just a bit too rough, but not this one, which is both gentle and effective, leaving my skin feeling impeccably smooth and clean. This product melds environmental consciousness with top-notch skincare, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have this in my arsenal.
TRESLÚCE BEAUTY Ilusión Volumizing and Lengthening Mini Mascara in Jet Black, 2.5 g - Estimated Value $5.00
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Mascara has always been a staple in my makeup routine, and Treslúce Beauty’s Ilusión Volumizing and Lengthening Mini Mascara is a noteworthy addition to my stash. The ‘Jet Black’ shade delivers a rich, true black color that accentuates the eyes beautifully. The applicator style isn’t my favorite, but the excellent formula more than makes up for that. Its staying power is commendable, lasting through long days without a hint of smudging and flaking. Plus, the volumizing effect is impressive, creating a full, lush look that can easily be intensified for a more dramatic effect or toned down for a natural, understated elegance. I appreciate the smooth application of this mascara, as it glides onto lashes, making each wear an enjoyable experience that’s versatile enough to pull off a variety of looks, all with an effortlessly chic finish.
The Verdict
This was a good month for Ipsy Glam Bag! Dr. Brandt’s exfoliator was the absolute highlight for me this time around. The way it gently but effectively sloughs off the dead skin cells, leaving my face feeling smooth and rejuvenated… True perfection. Aceology’s eye masks have been a much-needed addition to my early mornings, keeping me looking awake and ready to go even when I feel quite the opposite on the inside. The lip gloss from Ace Beauté delivers beautifully when it comes to getting that non-sticky shimmer that’s perfect for a natural, everyday look. Another staple included in this box was Treslúce Beauty’s volumizing and lengthening mascara, which performs well, despite my initial apprehension about the applicator. Lastly, the detangling spray from Sleek’e… Although it doesn’t stand a chance against my thick, curly hair, my finer-haired friend is sure to reap the benefits of the product. Overall, I thought this was a good box. The product list included a nice balance between skincare and makeup staples, even a touch of haircare, and the value is a bit on the lower end but it’s there.
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Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $14
Value Breakdown:
- Eye Masks: $14.50
- Lip Gloss: $2.00
- Detangler: $3.30
- Exfoliator: $13.17
- Mascara: $5.00
The total retail value of these five items adds up to about $37.97, which is a decent value for a $14 box.
Other Things You Should Know
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, but sign up to receive the January 2024 bag while stocks last.
What do you think of the December 2023 Ipsy Glam Bag?
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