Ipsy Review – August 2018

ByLiz CadmanAug 13, 2018 | 43 comments

Ipsy is a monthly beauty and makeup subscription box. Each month you get full-size, deluxe-sized, or sample products, plus a cute makeup bag. I think it’s one of the best value beauty subscriptions and a great way to build out your makeup collection on the cheap!

This is one of my top recommendations if you are looking for a beauty box - the value and sample sizes are amazing. (Check out my list of the Top Beauty Boxes for 2018 and our reviews of Cheap Subscription Boxes for more recommendations!)

(FYI – 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 the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

The Subscription Box: Ipsy

The Cost: $10 a month (free shipping)

The Products: Full size and samples of makeup and beauty products. (Plus a makeup bag!)

Ships to: US and Canada

Delivered via: USPS

Check out all of my Ipsy reviews and the Beauty Subscription Box List!

Visit the Ipsy Swap Page to swap for any of the items you see in this review!

Each month, ipsy subscribers get a makeup bag in addition to their 5 items.

This one is a bold orange fabric with yellow trim and a yellow zipper tassel pull.

Now, on to the items!

SLMISSGLAM Rose Gold Blusher Blush - Value $12?

How fun is this glitter handle and gold metal accent?

These synthetic bristles are super soft, too. The brush works great for applying/blending out blush, highlighter, and bronzer.

HUDA Beauty Liquid Matte Lipstick in Trophy Wife - FULL SIZE! Retail Value $20

This is a deep rosy pink with cool undertones - pretty much my go-to shade in lipstick.

The formula is great, too. Long-lasting, non-drying, and great pigment. (Swatched in lower photo.)

Ciate London Glow-To Highlighter in Moondust - 1.5 g Value $9.60

This is a super shimmery pressed powder rose-gold highlighter. A little goes a long way, and it's easy to blend out.

Here it is swatched beneath the liquid lip:

Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara - 4 g Value $8.97

I wanted to love this mascara (it gets great reviews), but the formula was just too wet for me. I was impressed by the length I could build, but the lash separation wasn't great.

CAUDALIE Vinoperfect Concentrated Brightening Essence - 5 ml Value $1.40

This essence is designed to treat dark spots and help skin appear brighter. You apply it before your serum, and it's very lightweight like a water. (In general, if you forget the order to apply skincare items, go from lightest to heaviest). I normally love Caudalie items, and this one felt fine on my skin, but I wasn't a fan of the fragrance.

Verdict: This box has a value of about $51.97. I think that's a great value, and even though every product isn't for me, there were plenty of items I loved, including the full-size Huda Beauty lipstick!

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, if you sign up in this month, you'll get next month's box as your first box. (Check out our Ipsy Spoilers to see what's coming up next)

Good to know: Ipsy sends out variations. You may get a completely different bag than me.

What do you think of the August Ipsy Glam Bag? What items did you get in your bag?

Starting at $14.00

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Ipsy

4 overall rating

1813 Ratings | 300 Reviews

IPSY Glam Bag is one of the most popular and affordable subscriptions around, and our readers have selected it as one of the top beauty boxes for the last 5 years running! IPSY Glam Bag connects members with five makeup, skincare, hair care, and other beauty sample... read more.

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Posted in Beauty Subscription Boxes, Cheap Subscription Boxes, Makeup Subscription Boxes, Subscription Box Reviews, Subscription Boxes for Women

Liz Cadman

Liz is the founder of My Subscription Addiction. She's been hooked on subscription boxes since 2011 thanks to Birchbox, and she now subscribes to over 100 boxes. Her favorites include POPSUGAR Must Have, FabFitFun, and any box that features natural beauty products!

Read More By Liz Cadman >

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43 comments

Mandy

My bag’s shipping very late this month, along with some other subscription boxes, and this is a month I LOVE my bag.
I only have one IPSY subscription and I’m getting:

* PURLISSE BEAUTY
Watermelon Energizing Aqua Balm

*M·A·C
False Lashes Mascara in Extreme Black

* 12 BENEFITS
Instant Healthy Hair Treatment

* GLAMOUR DOLLS
Sweet Treats Lip Gloss in Peach

* And the ” meh” product-
OFRA COSMETICS
Eyeshadow in Blue Jeans

Overall, this might be the best IPSY bag ever ( except the OFRA shadow, but that’s only one product).

Love the others!

Jamie

Dang, I wanted that Ofra shadow. I’m like the only person that didn’t get it lol

Mandy

I THINK I probably can rock it with ALL my years’ practice with UD’s Box of Shadows annually for a decade or so. Lawd those were full of strong colors and fun! 😉

It’s just that I’m getting “older” and sometimes I get a bit intimidated now by ” bolder”.
I’m all for ” bolder”, just not loving the inevitable ” older”. If you love it ( and I truly do too) , go for it!! Trade for it, create your signature gorgeous eye with it, post to their IG, and maybe win some cool stuff, IDK how they do IG/SM giveaways. 😉

Sjski

I have the eyeshadow up for swap if you are still looking for it.

Kristin

Has anyone else not received their bag? This is my first month of Ipsy but it says it was received by DHL in North Carolina on the 14th and has just been sitting there since. No updates. Was supposed to delivered yesterday and nothing. Not complaining, just excited and worried it may have gotten lost. I wasn’t sure if this was a subscription like Lootcrate where it is normal for boxes to be late every month and tracking info to never be given or not work or if it got stuck in a corner somewhere and forgotten.

Jamie

My bag usually sits at transfer points for 1 to 5 days each when DHL is involved. Once I had to call ipsy bc it sat for a week. I think it was the 1st month I got mine via DHL/USPS.

jennjenn

As usual, I’m pretty happy with my bag. Although it’s kinda small, I really like the eyeliner, which surprised me. I do wish it had my staying power though. Here’s what’s in my bag:

OUAI
Volume Spray 25 ml

111SKIN
Cryo Activating Hydra Gel .34 oz

MAKE UP FOR EVER
Artist Color Pencil in Walnut .6 g

KAT VON D BEAUTY
Lock-It Concealer .065 oz

EDDIE FUNKHOUSER
Glow Drops in Candlelight 3 ml

NicoleB

1st Bag:
– MUFE Artist Color Pencil
– Bang Beauty Eyeshadow Quad
– Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
– Oribe Matte Waves
– Pixi by Petra Blush Duo

2nd Bag:
– caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Essence
– SLMissGlam Rose Gold Blusher Brush
– Ciaté London Glow-To Highlighter
– Glamour Dolls Sheet Treats Lip Gloss
– Ofra Eyeshadow in Blue Jeans

Jamie

I want almost all of your 2nd bag. Everything except the highlight would have made me happy! My bag was pretty good, but seeing yours… now I’m jealous lol. I’ve been wanting to see that blue shadow in person.

Loren

I got the Murad cleanser, Tony Moly serum, walnut artist pencil, Bang Beauty eyeshadow quad, and the Ciate highlighter. I’ve been with ipsy since Jan/18 and I’ve only been a little disappointed a couple times. I seem to be one of the lucky ones. Tried Birchbox for the first time this month and I’m thinking that ipsy is going to be enough for me.

Lunasol

Love my bag this month! Got the thrive mascara, ciate highlighter, tony moly black tea serum, trust fund beauty lipgloss in text me, and the two sheet masks. This month was great

Wendy

I actually got a decent bag this month for the first time in months. Got the Thrive mascara, belief aqua bomb, Murad exfoliating cleanser, makeup forever lip pencil and a seraphine blush. Not happy about the blush since I don’t use it and I think the lip pencil is a horrid color but 3 out of 5 isn’t terrible Addy least!

Any bag twins?

MarciaF

Interesting how many people liked their August bag since mine was total disappointment. Everything is tiny and nothing fits my profile. I got a MAC mascara that is the teeniest thing I’ve seen. I don’t understand how some people get full sizes and others get basically nothing.

Emily

I also got the tiny MAC mascara. I mean I can always use an extra black mascara, but that thing looks like it might only have a weeks worth of product in it.

Lorraine

I pretty much like everything in my bag; with that said, it is almost completely different from yours. I received Murad AHA/BHA exfoliating cleanser, Hey Honey Youth Boosting Honey and Copper Peel Off Mask, LaRitzy Lip Stick in Plum (lovely color), MAC False Lashes Extreme Black , bdb mini brow pencil and the Caudalie water.
It’s getting so that there are so many variations on the bags that the spoilers aren’t so fun anymore.

Jackie

I got a terrible bag this month. My last 3 have been just awful (2 months in a row I got the same item, repeats from past bags, and items I’ve rated 1 star) and CS has been basically useless.

Sadly, I think I’ve outgrown ipsy.

Danielle

This month was probably my best bag ever. I got the Aquabomb that I’d been dying to try forever, Thrive mascara (mascara is my favorite cosmetic item), the full size Pixi blush which looks like it’s a blush and highlighter given how pale the one half is, a FULL size Smashbox concealer, and the Balm eyeshadow. The last one was a pretty color but not for me and I don’t like getting powder eyeshadows. So overall only one miss, two FS products, and a great higher end moisturizer. I think reading profile and review tweaking tips on MSA has really helped!

Lisa

Ipsy definitely knocked it out of park this month I am also getting the Huda lipstick not sure which color my bag is not due til 18th. The pixi blush in beach rose which is also full size, bang beauty eyeshadow quad which is too cute, Oribe matte waves I heard good things about this brand , and Eddie Funkhouser glow drops. I love liquid highlighter .

Amber P

I had a great bag this month! Everone wants the Huda lippie, but I’m a lipgloss junkie and I got the popsicle gloss from Glamour Dolls and it’s one of the best glosses I’ve ever tried!

I love the Ciate highlighter, I got a Crown brush and have loved all Crown brushes I’ve gotten from subs. Also got a Hey Honey mask and a full sized Pixi blush!

I just resubbed in July (I just wanted the nag) and was going to cancel again but they have knicked it out the park two months in a row so I’ll keep ’em around for now!

april

This is like my perfect box, its matches my profile perfectly. However Ipsy took it upon their selves to send me a junk box again this month. I’ve been with Ipsy for over 3 years and this is the thanks I get? Everything that I complain about during reviews and does not match my profile ended up in my box. I have written to customer service multiple times about my boxes and items I don’t want and all I get is junk. I am done with Ipsy, this company is the worst subscription box ever.

Carrie

Wow. This looks like a great bag this month. Unfortunately, I managed to score none of these items. I’m getting mostly the low end products. Not complaining because its still fun trying new products and I can always find someone who would like the products I can’t use. Based on my profile, I’m surprised that I’m getting the bag they are sending.

Courtney

Liz what’s your profile secret? I have three subs all with very different profiles PRAYING for that Huda…can you believe I’ve never gotten a Huda or Mana Kadar product in a sub yet…and I sub them all….

Marie

I would say they know hers is for review purposes. She received the Thrive and the Huda. Nobody can be that lucky can they?

Irie

I haven’t received my bag yet, but online it shows I’ll be getting the Thrive mascara and Huda lipstick. I’m also getting the Pixi full-size blush, which I’m very excited about. It’s why I signed up for Ipsy! I’m pleased and haven’t even received it yet. Hahaha!

Lisa

My daughter got the thrive mascara and Huda lipstick. This was only her 4th month.

Clarissa

I was lucky and got both of those, too. Have no idea why but super pumped. Also got pixie blush, 2 masks and Answer from radiance cream. Great box this month.

Patty Gosselin

Mine was completely different – and I have Ipsy envy!

Rosemary

Honestly, if I were guaranteed the spoilers that MSA advertise for Ipsy, I would resubscribe. Unfortunately, for over a year I just got a pile of ugly junk product.

Elizabeth

LOL agreed! I subscribe for the MSA spoilers and always get screwed! Then I end up with a bunch of junk at home and still needing some other stuff. I think only influencers get the good stuff.

Jamie

I got the same brush and while it’s very pretty and very soft I don’t think it’s good for blush or highlight. It’s just too soft for picking up pressed powders like that imo. I’m going to use it as a blank/no product on it eyeshadow blending brush since it’s about the same size as the Mint Pear blending brush we got from ipsy abt 2 months ago, it’s just a little less dense in hair/bristle count and just the slightest amount wider. I think it’ll be perfect for blending & buffing out harsh edges between colors.

Bonnie

Spray the brush with setting spray and then use it for highlight. Works great!

Jamie

It’s just not stiff enough imo. Spraying it just makes it floppier. Maybe it’s the type of product I use, idk. I don’t use highlight all that much tbh and what I do use is pretty hard pressed, like a baked gellé formula. Maybe that’s why it’s not working for me for that purpose, but either way, I’m enjoying the brush. It’s really soft on my eyes 👀

Ksenia

I`ve been an Ipsy subscriber for a year and still don`t know how to choose spoilers? Can anyone instruct me, please?

Toni Marie

I got the same exact bag with the same products and blush brush… im still waiting for it to be delivered, yet i did peak at my spoiler… i cant wait unti september.

Jeanine

Does everyone want the HUDA cuz it’s a great product or cuz it’s full size?? I was and am really confused about the hype!! I feel left out!! Lol please help ps I get the hype about next month ww brush but I just don’t see it with this lippie (I mean it’s nice but so are the ton of other ones I have)

Pep01

Just got the Huda lip in trophy wife. It is a unique product and I fell in love after the 1st application. Trophy wife is a great color but the lasting power is amazing. You can sip your coffee in the am right after applying and it doesn’t even transfer to the cup. I’m guessing this is the hype!

I also got Hukari eyeshadow in fierce and this is another crazy amazing product. Fierce is a bit to red for my complexion which tends to turn red anyways, but this is so easy to apply and build. Now I’m searching where I can purchase it. I assumed it was all on sale at Ipsy – but no.

Alexys

I wanted because it’s a good brand. I didnt even realise it was full size. Now I’m even more excited!

I would have loved to try the HUDA because I’ve been wanting to try it anyways, it’s the perfect color and full size. I got a tiny sample of some light pink gloss instead from a brand I don’t even remember because I threw it out immediately. It literally tasted like I was eating perfume after I put it on. YUCK. I didn’t have a great month….hoping next one is better.

Misti

Ciate London Glow-To Highlighter in Moondust – I got this as part of my bag and the pigment is awesome my new fav up to this point for a highlighter

Jacki

That’s the only overlap with my box. It looks very pretty! I’m excited to try it

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Ipsy Review – August 2018

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