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 "Get Golden," but the makeup bag’s design itself felt a little underwhelming. The plain brown shade doesn’t exactly scream ‘golden’ to me. That said, I do appreciate the unique shape of the zipper hardware, which adds a small but noticeable touch of personality.
Included is a product card that features a list of the products and beauty tips.
Now, on to the items!
TOYFACTORY Prime Collagen Makeup Primer, 15 ml - Estimated Value $16.00
There’s something instantly fun about pulling this product out of the bag. The holographic, almost futuristic packaging catches the light in a playful way, and what’s inside doesn’t disappoint either. This Toyfactory Prime Collagen Makeup Primer has this lovely gel-cream texture that melts onto the skin, feeling hydrating and almost cooling at the same time, which is a huge win for me, especially in this California heat. It dries down beautifully to a matte finish without any tacky residue, making it an excellent base for makeup or even just a fresh-skin day. I don’t usually go for scented products, but the subtle bubble gum note in this one completely won me over; it’s nostalgic in the best way. Lightweight, comfortable, and effective, it feels like a skincare-meets-makeup hybrid I’ll actually reach for.
GLOW ON 5TH BEAUTY Set For Life Setting Spray, 100 ml - Retail Value $25.00
The promise of aloe vera and witch hazel in this setting spray had me curious from the get-go. But once I spritzed it on, the experience fell a bit flat. This Set For Life Setting Spray from Glow on 5th Beauty sadly left behind a sticky feeling that never fully went away on my skin, and it definitely added a noticeable shine. While some of us might be looking for that added feature, shine is one of the last things I want as someone prone to oily skin. The scent leans chemical-heavy, which made the application feel less refreshing than I’d hoped. Plus, when I looked at the ingredient list, I noticed that both aloe and witch hazel were tucked away toward the bottom (not where I’d expect the star ingredients to fall). Now, don’t get me wrong – this product may work wonderfully for someone with slightly drier skin who needs that extra touch of dewiness. For me, though, it’s not the most compatible option out there, especially when I’ve got other tried-and-true sprays in rotation.
HALF CAKED Eye Defy Mascara in Black, 1.5 ml - Estimated Value $3.07
Mascara is one of those everyday staples I like having on hand, and the Half Caked Eye Defy Mascara in Black does the job without much fuss. The jet-black pigment gives my lashes a solid boost, and while the formula leans a little dry, it still applies smoothly and doesn’t clump or look cakey. By the end of the day, I’ve noticed the occasional flake here and there but nothing dramatic enough to keep me from using it up. My main gripe is the brush… It’s on the larger size, which makes it tricky to reach into the corners without accidentally smudging onto my nose. Still, if you’re in the market for a reliable, no-frills mascara, this one holds its own as a solid basic.
TIGERLOVE Joyface Deep Cleansing Facial Treatment, 17 ml - Retail Value $8.26
There’s something so satisfying about finding a deep-cleansing treatment that doesn’t go overboard, and this Joyface Deep Cleansing Facial Treatment from TigerLove has really struck that balance for me. Even with my sensitive skin, it managed to deliver a thorough, pore-clearing clean without leaving my face feeling tight, dry, or stripped, which is a huge win in my book. I truly appreciate how gentle it is on the skin. The formula is designed to help detox and refresh, and the scent is quite natural and unintrusive. What’s the payoff? Skin that feels smooth, refreshed, and noticeably cleaner. Since this brand is new to me, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I ended up impressed and was happy to have another new brand to add to my skincare list.
CLINIQUE Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum, 5 ml - Estimated Value $8.17
Clinique has always been a go-to brand for me, so I was thrilled to spot the Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum in this month’s bag. I was a touch disappointed at the ultra-tiny sample size… Still, a little goes a long way, and it reminded me why I’ve stuck with the brand all these years. The formula combines hyaluronic acid for that instant plump, bouncy hydration with Vitamin C for brighter, more radiant skin. Even with my sensitive skin, I didn’t notice any irritation. However, I was not a fan of its faint paste-like scent. Ultimately, though, it left my skin feeling hydrated, fresh, and glowing in the best way. I’d happily use this every day, but the small size definitely left me wanting more.
The Verdict
This was a great month for Ipsy Glam Bag! It offered up a solid mix of skincare and makeup staples that felt quite balanced. Clinique’s glow serum was the real highlight for me, with its hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C blend that left my skin feeling plump and radiant. Though, I do wish the sample wasn’t so tiny. I was also pleasantly surprised by Toyfactory’s primer; it’s lightweight, gel-cream texture and nostalgic bubble gum scent made it both fun and functional, creating a smooth matte base without residual stickiness. TigerLove’s facial treatment was a welcome discovery, providing a deep clean that felt effective yet somehow super gentle to my sensitive skin. The Half Caked Mascara earned a spot as a reliable staple, delivering an even jet-black finish. Lastly, the setting spray from Glow on 5th Beauty wasn’t my favorite, with its chemical-focused scent and sticky finish, but I can see it being a better fit for those with drier skin who enjoy a more dewy look. Overall, this month’s bag may not have been perfect, but it included a few real gems that made the experience truly worthwhile.
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Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $14
Value Breakdown:
- Primer: $16.00
- Setting Spray: $25.00
- Mascara: $3.07
- Facial Treatment: $8.26
- Glow Serum: $8.17
The total retail value of these five items adds up to about $60.50, which is still a very 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 September 2025 bag while stocks last.
What do you think of the August 2025 Ipsy Glam Bag?
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