Is Ipsy Worth Your Coin?

Last year in August I made the decision to try a beauty subscription service. As ipsy is one of the most well-known beauty subscription services, I gave it a try. I subscribed to the Glam Bag and the Glam bag Plus. The Glam bag is a curation of five deluxe samples for $10 (when I started) but is now $12 a month. They increased the price and allowed subscribers to choose one item from their selection for the month and create the bag off of that selection. The Glam bag plus is five full-sized products for $25 a month. I only chose to subscribe because I wanted to try something new without spending a lot of money, and I wanted to be able to review some products for you beauties

I acquired a lot of products with this Ipsy subscription and I got introduced to makeup and skincare brands that I had never heard of before. I think that if you are just starting out with makeup or if you travel a lot this subscription can help you in getting travel-friendly products while also giving you the chance to try something new. Also investing in a subscription box of any kind can be cool because it's like you're receiving a gift every month from yourself. I only tried this for about five months because the products I was receiving were not always curated for my skin tone despite the profile I filled out on their website and I was receiving too many products at once.

Since I did receive an overwhelming amount of products I am only going to be discussing a few of the items I got and actually had the chance to try long term. I have a lot of products that I got from my Ipsy boxes that don't go with my skin tone. If you want me to go over some of those products just let me know in the comments however, I thought it would've been beneficial for me to mention products I actually used.

Makeup

Illamasqua Antimatter Lipstick in Midnight: This was probably my favorite lip product that I got in the boxes. The color is vibrant and I can wear it with or without lip liner. This lipstick can be a little drying if you don't moisturize your lips first, but it goes so well if you want to mix it or top it with a gloss.

Coloured Raine Focal Point Glow Lighter in Your Treat: The first time I used this product I had used way too much because I didn't expect the payoff to be POPPIN' like it was. You can see my reaction in my Skin, but Better Routine video. This is the perfect highlight if you have brown or dark skin. And this was the first coloured raine product that I've tried so it definitely opened a window for me.

Betty Boop x Ipsy Drawn to You Eyeliner: This eyeliner is so pigmented and easy to use. If you've been around a while you know I love a good eyeliner pen. And the fact that it is inspired by Betty Boop makes it that much more special. This is a product that I do believe you can only acquire through Ipsy.

Benefit Cosmetics they're Real mascara: I am still shocked that nonwaterproof mascara exists, but this one is definitely a win. None of the descriptions online ever call this waterproof, but it does pride itself on being long-lasting. I have to agree that this product in particular makes my lashes pop and lasts for a long time. This is a great alternative for those who don't like waterproof mascaras but still want something that won't easily wipe away.

Skincare

111Skin Cryo Activating Hydra Gel: When I looked up this product online I found out that it retails for $200. I got this product in my ipsy bag with four other full-sized products only for $25. If you are not shocked I don't know how else to wow you. This product was nice to try. It doesn't need to be put in the fridge, but you can do so to add to the pow of this gel. For $200 I wouldn't purchase this though. It's a great moisturizer, but there are much cheaper options with better ingredients that will give you the same results.

Belif True Cream Moisturizing Bomb: I love Korean skincare, but this product did not impress me. I had tried the eye cream to this and was not a fan so I thought that giving the moisturizer a try would be better. My skin did not like this product, and I think that is enough for me. The texture of this is fluffy and lightweight. And it is quite moisturizing so if your skin does react well to Belif's products I say give it a try.

Purlisse Blue Lotus Brightening Serum: When I was using this product it was in combination with an acne prescribed cream and I absolutely loved it. It did help in lightening some dark spots on my face. I am prone to hyperpigmentation so having products that fight dark marks in my regimen is as important to me as BHA's. This is a preventative treatment so adding it to your already curated skincare routine can be a good idea if you have the same issue as me.

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm: This is a product I paid $12 extra to add to my box. I have always wanted to try Farmacy's products but they tend to be on the pricier side and I didn't want to pay full price for a product I may not enjoy. Well, it's safe to say that I would shell out the $34 for this balm. It removes makeup gently while also moisturizing your skin. This is something that if you purchase you are paying for luxury because there are plenty of balms you can buy that will do the same thing that this does. So maybe that Ipsy subscription service is a little worth it now huh?

If you have been thinking of trying Ipsy subscription service then perhaps this post will help you decide. Sometimes you can find opportunities to try these kinds of services for free or without any real commitment. Hopefully, this pros and cons list helps you out. And comment below if you've ever tried Ipsy and your thoughts on the boxes you have gotten.

• Pros:

  • Full-Size Product Selection for $12 Extra

  • Reviewing products help alter the products you may receive in the future

  • Can pause your bag anytime before payment is taken

  • Can select one product to curate the bag you'll receive for the month

  • As you review you get points that can be used to buy products

• Cons:

  • Don't always have the same selection of products for a discount

  • Not enough time between receiving products to use the ones you receive fully

  • Doesn't always follow your beauty profile

  • Some makeup options aren't dark skin-friendly and there are no alternatives to some products offered

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