Ipsy Review – November 2018

Ipsy is a monthly beauty and makeup subscription box. Each month you get full-size or deluxe-sized products, plus a cute makeup bag.

This is one of Liz’s top recommendations if you are looking for a beauty box - the value and sample sizes are amazing. (Check out our list of the Top Beauty Boxes for 2017 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).

About Ipsy

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: the US and Canada

Delivered via: USPS

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

Ipsy November 2018 Review

My bag this month features a hair product and makeup. Let’s see what I got!

A little card is included with some info about products available in the Ipsy shop. This month is all about being grateful and feeling #blessed.

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

This month, subscribers will receive this royal blue vinyl bag with a black heart pattern, hot pink lining, and gold zipper. Super cute!

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, 37ml/1oz - Estimated Value $5.41 (Buy 8.5oz for $46)

I'm really happy to have received this sample! I don't really struggle with needing texture, but I find this helps give my hair some oomph if I'm not ready to wash and restyle. It has a fairly strong, perfumy scent initially but it settles down after a while. Above, I've sprayed a bit on both the clear block and the dark paper and there isn't any white residue. In my look picture below, I've sprayed it all around my roots in the front, and you can see that there is volume and no residue.

Purlisse Perfect Glow BB Cream SPF 30 in Medium, 7ml/24oz - Estimated Value $6.13 (Buy 40ml for $35)

I love BB creams, so I'm happy to get to try this one. It has a thin consistency that those with normal or oily skin may like, but it didn't feel rich enough for my dry skin. The finish is luminous and glowy without any shimmer and I think this is a perfect shade match for me. I also like the SPF coverage in here. My problem is that it started looking like it was just sitting on my skin (and moving around) after a few hours.

MAC Prep + Prime Natural Radiance in Radiant Yellow, 6ml/.2fl oz - Estimated Value $5.04 (Buy 50ml for $42)

I was expecting a yellow tinge when I applied this but was pleasantly surprised that it left so noticeable color or shimmer on my skin. It feels silky and dries down to a velvety texture. This yellow one is meant for deeper skin tones and the pink one is for lighter skin tones, but I don't think it makes a big difference since they leave no cast. And, while this is formulated for combo to oily skin, it didn't give my dry skin any issues.

Skone Cosmetics Brow Wand in Chocolate, .3g/.01oz - FULL SIZE Retail Value $18

I'm picky about my brow products and was initially turned off by the shape of the tip on this pencil. But, I think I like it! I can use the thin point to draw hair-like strokes and then use the wider part to fill in. It has a stiff, chalky consistency which takes several passes to build up, but I think that helps keep me from getting too heavy-handed. The brown is pretty neutral and I like the attached spoolie.

Ciaté London Mini Extraordinary Translucent Setting Powder in Hideout, 1.5g/.052oz - Estimated Value $2.20 (Buy 15g for $22)

This little jar is so cute! I have to dump some out on my palette before dipping my brush in since it's so little. I tried this with the BB cream from earlier which probably didn't give it a fair test, but I think it works beautifully to diffuse shiny areas. It doesn't leave and chalkiness and doesn't build up to look cakey. I did notice some creasing under my eyes but I should've baked to prevent that (which you can do with this powder).

Here are the swatches. Everything is meant to blend in this month so they are hard to see. Left to right: Brow Wand, Ciate Powder, BB cream, MAC base.

Here's a simple look with the products. I started by applying the Purlisse BB cream all over my face and setting it with the Ciaté powder. Then I filled in my brows with the Brow Wand and brushed them through with the spoolie. I also sprayed my roots with some Oribe spray to soak up any oil and give me some volume.

Verdict: This Ipsy Glam Bag has a value of $36.78 which is amazing for $10! I'm happy that I was able to try some of the companies we see subscription boxes that have cult followings and some products I didn't know about. The Brow Wand and MAC primer are my favorites and, while the Purlisse BB cream didn't work great for me, it's nice to be able to put it on the "tried" list. Ipsy is a great way to try new products without spending a lot of money. I have to say, I actually like deluxe samples since I can use them up before they go bad.

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Possibly! As of publication, there was no Ipsy waitlist. Check here to see what month you’ll get first.

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

Value Breakdown: At $10 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:

• Oribe Dry Spray - $1.47
• Purlisse BB Cream - $1.67
• MAC P+P Base - $1.37
• Skone Eyebrow Pencil - $4.89
• Ciaté Mini Setting Powder - $0.60
• Bag – Not counted toward value

Check out all of our 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!

Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

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