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
Each month, Ipsy subscribers get a makeup bag in addition to their items. This month’s theme is ''The Secret Garden.'' The floral design of the makeup bag is pretty, and it works perfectly with the theme. Definitely captures the essence of a secret garden. Despite its cuteness, it’s not really my style, so I’ll probably pass it along to my mom.
Included is a product card that features a list of the products and beauty tips.
Now, on to the items!
CIATE LONDON Everyday Vacay Hydrating and Soothing Primer, 10 ml - Estimated Value $9.50
I love Ciate London! My favorite product is their watermelon gel primer, so if this Everyday Vacay Hydrating and Soothing Primer is anything like the watermelon one, I’m going to love this. Turns out I was right; this primer has a nice, cooling gel texture to it that’s absolutely perfect for the summer. It feels very hydrating on the skin and dries down quickly, leaving behind a smooth base for makeup application. That said, it can also be used without makeup because it doesn’t leave behind that tacky feeling some other primers do. Despite being sensitive to scents, I am a sucker for the delicate coconut scent this product has. Plus, it’s PETA approved, and that’s always a win for me.
LAURENS Vanilla Almond Body Scrub, 30 ml - Estimated Value $6.00
Body scrubs are a staple of mine, and despite the small size of this Laurens Vanilla Almond Body Scrub, I should be able to get two uses out of it if I’m frugal. I love a full-body scrub, but I’m also a fan of using body scrubs on my armpits to slough off the invisible deodorant debris left behind. The packaging is very clean and minimalistic, which I appreciate. It has a gentle vanilla scent that’s not at all overpowering. What I love most of all is the ultra-fine exfoliant within the product; the texture feels like a sugar scrub (my preference), and it even brings a light shimmer to the skin. After applying the scrub, giving it a rub, and washing it off, it leaves behind smooth, hydrated skin, with zero irritation and zero grease. I definitely want more of this.
CONTEXT Brow Pomade Stick, 1.2 g - Retail Value $20.00
Clear brow products have grown on me over the years, and this Context Brow Pomade Stick has earned a special place in my makeup bag. The clear wax works great for my brows, enhancing their natural color without overpowering. When applying the product, the first thing I noticed was that it didn’t leave my brows feeling stiff but still offered a comfortably secure hold, which is something I truly appreciate. Great for all-day wear while maintaining a flexible hold. The angled applicator makes it easy to apply exactly where you want it, and the little brush at the end is great for brushing out your brows before and after. Bonus points for being able to rinse off the little brush so that it stays germ-free, thanks to its quick-drying silicone texture. I also love that this is a full-sized product, and it’s one that I’ll use down to the end.
HYLASH Hyaluronic Acid Serum Mascara in Black, 3 ml - Estimated Value $5.00
My curiosity has officially been piqued by the idea of a hydrating mascara. This Hyaluronic Acid Serum Mascara in Black from Hylash is a true gem. I’ve always feared ending up with short, stubby or nonexistent lashes since I can be a bit heavy-handed when it comes to removing mascara from my lashes. In the past, I’ve gotten fake lashes put on professionally, and I think it left me with some lasting damage. So, I’m always looking for something that can help nourish my lashes. The applicator itself is thick and fluffy; it does an excellent job of separating each lash individually. When I’m going for a natural look, this serum mascara will be perfect. But if I were going for a more bold look, I’d likely apply this serum first and then apply a regular mascara over top since the serum itself doesn’t have a ton of pigment. Vegan and cruelty free as well, this product is another win for me.
TYS BEAUTY Lip Treat Peppermint Infused Lip Plumper, 2.5 ml - Estimated Value $25.00
I’m not the biggest fan of lip plumper products. Personally, the sensation isn’t worth it for me especially since I like the level of existing plumpness in my lips. The Lip Treat Peppermint Infused Lip Plumper from TYS Beauty definitely has a peppermint scent to it, and when you first apply, it does tingle quite a bit…and it keeps tingling for a long while. In fact, I needed to wipe it off after a few minutes, and after a while the sensation dissipated. My lips, however, were a bit chapped, so perhaps if they had been more hydrated the sensation might not have been so intense. Despite my premature removal of the product, my lips did visibly plump up. I absolutely love the product’s appearance; the packaging is giving me futuristic vibes, and the color is also eye-catching. The doe foot applicator has an interesting shape to it that allows for ultimate precision when applying.
The Verdict
This was an excellent month for Ipsy Glam Bag! The highlight for me was Context’s brow pomade stick. I love how gently but securely the wax holds my brows in place without giving them that stiff feeling. Ciate London is always a hit for me, and their Everyday Vacay product both hydrates the skin and creates a smooth base for makeup application. Plus, the coconut scent is quite enjoyable. Laurens’ body scrub was another awesome product that truly delivers, sloughing off dead skin cells without any irritation and leaving behind smooth but hydrated skin. Hylash’s serum mascara truly impressed me, with its nourishing formula and a thick, fluffy brush that evenly distributes across each lash. Finally, the lip plumper from TYS Beauty… If you personally enjoy lip plumpers, then you will probably enjoy this product. I really dislike the tingling sensation that it gives, but the plumping results are undeniable. Overall, I think this was one of the best bags I have gotten in a while. It actually seems to be curated to my preferences. The makeup bag also goes hand-in-hand with the secret garden theme. I am truly pleased.
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Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $14
Value Breakdown:
- Primer: $9.50
- Scrub: $6.00
- Pomade: $20.00
- Mascara: $5.00
- Plumper: $25.00
The total retail value of these five items adds up to about $65.50, which is a nice 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 June 2024 bag while stocks last.
What do you think of the May 2024 Ipsy Glam Bag?
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