Ipsy Glam Bag Plus Review – November 2019

ByMegan K.Nov 15, 2019 | 45 comments

Ipsy Glam Bag Plus November 2019 beauty and makeup subscription box review

Ipsy Glam Bag Plus is a $25 a month subscription box from Ipsy. Every month you’ll receive 5 full-sized beauty products. The box will have a retail value of at least $120. (This box was voted as a best makeup subscription box and a best beauty subscription box by MSA readers!)

open box with hot pink interior

My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

all items group shot

About Ipsy Glam Bag Plus

The Subscription Box: Ipsy Glam Bag Plus

The Cost: $25 a month (free US shipping)

The Products: Full-size makeup and beauty products every month.

Ships to: The US for free and Canada for $2.95

Our Ipsy Glam Bag Plus November 2019 Review

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Here is our info card complete with all of our items.

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Our bag was a soft leopard print complete with a cute faux-suede tassel. I actually really love this print because it is shades of brown with a hint of pink, and seems so much softer than traditional leopard. The small scale is also really adorable.

Now, on to the items!

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Ciaté London Dewy Stix, 5 g - Retail Value $26.00

While I have tried this product before and it wasn't my favorite, I think that is due to me liking a little sparkle with any sort of highlighter I use. This is more of a gloss effect, and with my skin tone (and large pores) it makes me feel like my face is weirdly wet and much less smooth than I prefer. I did like it better under my makeup because it kind of had a similar effect to my beloved Touch In Sol Pretty Filter Glassy Skin Balm in the way that it added a glassy effect to my skin underneath my product. I think for myself, this is a little closer to the look I normally go for than the shininess on top of everything else.

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Illamasqua Hydra Veil Primer, 1 fl oz - Retail Value $45.00

I have sampled this primer before and I do like it, though I always find myself going back to cream-based formulas. I know this stuff has a huge following, and since I have a full pot to play with now, perhaps that will change? It also smells like heaven!! The heavy clear gel gives instant hydration and does indeed help my makeup stay looking fresh for longer throughout the day. Also, it comes with a little black scoopy spoon! How cute is that?

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trèStiQue Good Vibes Mascara, 9 ml – Retail Value $25.00

I actually received this item in my first Ipsy Ultimate bag, so I was a little disappointed to see it again, even in Plus. The mascara itself works fine, and I do like the built-in curler, even as someone who generally doesn't use a curler. It isn't awesome enough to replace either of my normal mascaras (I rotate between Benefit BADgal and Clinique Lash Power), but I have been using the same ones for years so it would have to be pretty over-the-top amazing to turn the tide.

white compact with gigi gorgeous branding and duotone bronzer

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Gigi Gorgeous x IPSY The Sick Sculpt Bronzer Duo in Turnt + Extra, 7.8 g

First off, as far as collabs go, this packaging is so much nicer than both the Tetris and Betty Boop. The product itself seems a bit of an upgrade as well, and though I don't use bronzers, there is something I like about this powder. I would argue that for me this would be much more of a contouring sort of powder, because it seems so sheer and it isn't as warm as so many bronzers out there. If you read my reviews often, you know I don't usually contour, so why do I like this? The answer is simple and plays right into my own vanity. I have a fuller chin and this sheer darker powder does wonders for minimizing my extra "double." A big fluffy brush coated in it around my jawline really makes me feel like it is less noticeable and this formula is so sheer that I don't feel like I look "dirty." This lack of strong pigmentation might be why some others don't like this powder, but for me, against all odds, I am kind of into it.

This isn't like, the craziest bronzer I have ever swatched.

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Belle en Argent Auteur Creme Lip Color in 'Smoking on Screen', 3.4 g - Retail Value $32.00 (currently on sale for $18.00)

Finally, we have arrived at my FAVORITE item this month. I am so into this lipstick!! I have never tried anything by this brand before and I am so impressed and into it. From the shiny Art Deco-inspired casing (with a snappy magnetic lid!) to the sheer but buildable formula, I am hooked. This is my dream sort of winterberry shade: a little red, a lot of pink, and with multiple swipes, it is as moody as I was at 13. It also has a stain effect so even when it runs thinner through the day your lips still look freaking fantastic.

I will wear this all winter long!

Verdict: This box has a value of $146.00 which is great for a $25 box. I wasn't as crazy about my assortment this month as so many in the past, but there were some wins. I absolutely love that lipstick. Wow. I would have happily paid full price for it and it is a little over the box cost, making the rest feel like a bonus. I kind of want to buy a few more from this brand! The Gigi Gorgeous bronzer was a surprise hit, but totally used in a different way than intended. The Illamasqua primer was another item I thought was a great addition too. I was less enthused about the mascara (but mainly because it was a repeat) and I am not super crazy about the Dewy Stix, though with some experimentation I could absolutely use it. I think what was missing for me this month was some good old fashioned skincare, though this box is known for both skincare and makeup items. Fingers crossed for next month!

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? You'll likely start with December as your first month. As of publication, there was no Ipsy waitlist!

Value Breakdown: This box costs $25. Here is approximately what you are paying per product:

Ciaté LondonDewy Stix $4.45
Illamasqua Primer $7.71
trèStiQue Mascara $4.28
Gigi Gorgeous Bronzer $4.11
Belle en Argent Lipstick $4.45

Alternatively, each item has an average cost of $5.00.

Check out all of our Ipsy Glam Bag Plus reviews and our favorite beauty and makeup subscriptions!

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What do you think of the November Ipsy Glam Bag Plus? Which items did you get?

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Ipsy Glam Bag Plus

4.3 overall rating

242 Ratings | 28 Reviews

Ipsy Glam Bag Plus no longer exsits but has been merged into BoxyCharm!

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

Megan K.

I love natural/vegan beauty products, Korean skincare, unique jewelry, and weird candies from far away places. When I am not waiting for my next exciting box you can find me painting or taking photographs of interesting people. I never leave home without pug hair somewhere on my shirt and a bold lipstick on my smile.

Read More By Megan K. >

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45 comments

Bonnie

That Illumasqua gel primer gave me bumps, like an allergic rash.

Pink5

I got the GiGi Gorgeous blush/highlighter duo, and I really wish I could revise my Ipsy review.

ZERO color payoff and and horrible, gritty texture.

Immediate pitch.

Nan

Ipsy still hasn’t even bothered to ship my November Glam Bag Plus despite my numerous emails! I’m going to have to contact my credit card company for a refund.

Nan

I was really looking forward to my Glam Bag Plus and my $60 of add-ons. They haven’t even bothered to ship anything yet! Grrr…

I’m just about done with subscription boxes. I haven’t found any that actually offers consistently good service 🙁

Michele S

I was finally getting great products in my Ipsy GBP, until they changed everything up. I didn’t want anything from the Betty Boop collab, so I skipped that month. Now, I’m back to being sent items I don’t use . It seems as if now the GBP members aren’t given any higher end items and now they are all going to ultimate members. I’ve also noticed that the add ons are the same for GBP and GB, where GBP used to be able to choose from other items that didn’t get picked for their bag. No clue if Ultimate has diff choices for theirs or they are the same. It seems everytime a sub box company “upgrades “, they start to leave out ones that can’t financially afford to spend. Spend, spend. May be on my way to cancelling also. Too bad , cause they really started upping their game for the GBP before the changes.

Alex

I got nearly the same box and I’m excited to try the Lipstick now. It does have the most gorgeous packaging. I’m also going to try the bronzer the same way you described. I was happy with the mascara and hope the curler works for me. Thx for reviewing.

Melissa

I know this will sound like a stupid question, but I am wondering how to “shop” on Ipsy’s website. When I click on “shopper,” it just takes me to the daily deals from the last week. I know I have been “in” the store before where i could see all the products for sale. Now I can only shop if I search for a specific product, like lipstick. I don’t want to search for a specific product; I want to see *everything.*

Anyway, pleasant surprise – there is currently free shipping and discounts on holiday shopping. Hopefully you can find the products you want to buy.

Your Friends @MSA

Hi Melissa! If you type all in the search bar it will bring up the items and on the right-hand side you can choose brands or categories. It also allows you to search all by top seller and price. I hope this helps!

Toni

I’m glad i put mine on hold again. It hasn’t been the same for months. The only good things are the add ons. You have to buy them. That’s an extra experience. Ipsy seems to want that extra money.

Melissa

Thank you all so much for your assistance! I really appreciate it. 🙂

Marion

If you click in the search bar, it will ask you how you want to look for product (e.g. – by brand).

Alice

Try scrolling down to the bottom ifor the msin page. I seem to remember accessing the full shop somehow from there. I believe you can get to it from your past bags page.

Charlotte

The lipstick is surprisingly great. The color is vampier than I usually go, but because it wears down to a stain, it’s actually quite wearable. I like that is was a satin finish, too, instead of the usual matte.

Brandi Riedford

I am a lipstick junkie, my favorite has always been urban decays lipsticks but this one might just be my favorite ever. Finally the perfect color, it’s so smooth and hydrating. Doesn’t migrate to other parts of my face. This made my box. I also received the Gigi bronzer which isn’t bad for contouring, the Murad was my choice item, the Doucce mascara which is decent but not great and the seraphine blush palette and it is gorgeous.

Meg

Got last several Bags n boxs.. horrible 😝 And all the stuff was items in my profile i had down, ” not to send.” or i didnt want! . I did let then kno over n over!! .. They did tell me alot of non sense.. Then sent me bonus items once.. Then they happen to be the same as my items i already got or were samples.. I gave them a benifit of a doubt. Now im really agervated. 😩👿 i passed DEC.

So Well see… I cant keep stressing on items im waisting.. Or passing on.. when i bought this for me as a gift.. ;( as i Am a mom of 3 And work súper hard.. Or as we all do! I wish we can get more Make up, less skin items.

Nan

I’m getting the same lipstick, too. I’ve been thinking it’s gonna be too dark for me, but after reading your review, now I’m looking forward to trying it!

Megan K.

Oh Nan, I absolutely loved it!! You can certainly make it dark if you apply a lot, but it isn’t scary deep with a coat or two 🙂

amyr

I love the lipstick. It does not go on as dark as it looks and the case is gorgeous and high quality!

Ricki

Love the lipstick’s case. Got it in my box, too.

Meow

Guys, Ipsy is really starting to go downhill for me. It’s making me really sad. It was the first subscription I ever had and I’ve had it for like 4 years. But these “collaborations” have meant fewer products from real brands that I would actually consider to repurchasing from. Just more low end brands in general. I think the end is near for me and Ipsy. ☹️

Judy Thompson

I am so disappointed this is the second month my add on was not included in my package. I use to look forward to it but now receiving the same thing each month, and damaged products that I have to throw away!

RubyWooWhoo

Cancelling my GBP 3 months ago really did sadden me. They were so reliably good for so long- the best sub I had. Now they’re easily the worst value for the money and almost all the spoilers are sub- par fringe brands, Ipsy private label stuff and re-treaded zombie items. Just seeing GBP spoilers and unboxings is depressing now. I miss Ipsy, but so many other boxes are leaving them in the dust now.

Carolyn B.

I’m thinking of dropping my subscription! I don’t even like over half the items that I’m getting! A lot of money for mainly crappy stuff I don’t want. I think the Original IPSY Bag is better….oh well.

Alice

I already cancelled my Plus. I have the glambag on annual so I’ll let that play out.

Amanda

Try using the ciate stick as a lip balm. I hate it as a highlighter, but it is okay as a lip balm.

LisaFalana

I’m totally not mad I didn’t get any of that Gigi stuff.

Bonnie

The Ciate stick, like most creamy highlighters, is a great booster for a powder highlight. Put this on first, then sweep your metallic powder highlight on. The stick gives the powder something to stick to, and ups both the intensity and the wear time. Think of it as a primer for your highlight.

Megan K.

I will have to give this a try Bonnie! Thanks for the tip 🙂

Debbie

This was a bad box. The Ciaté came in allure last moth, a much less priced box that was completely comparable this month in contents to Ipsy plus. That mascara is an old repeat (I haven’t looked up this brand but starting to think they are affiliated in some way to the Hut group) and the Hut group owned illusmasqua. I’m avoiding talc in cosmetics and neither a bronzer or contour would never go on this fair skin, not that I am a fan of the collabs, I am not. Glad you liked the lip color, too dark for me, even though I agree the magnetic snap is soooo satisfying. IMO this bag is exactly what is wrong with Ipsy and MSA typically gets a better bag than the rest of us normal subscribers. So glad I cancelled.

disneyjoy1970

Great advice… It never dawned on me to use it as a base. I’ve used it on its own and liked it. It stays on all day long. However, as a base for a powder highlighter, yeah baby. That sounds great! Thanks!

Julie

“As moody as I was at 13” 😂 love the description!

Sherri

“and with multiple swipes, it is as moody as I was at 13”

Best. Line. Ever.

Linda

Lipstick looks like a “magenta” shade-type that I would definitely use. My favorite out of your bag.

Dea

Ladies, we’re starting on the time of year when I have to wear shirts with a higher collar (to keep from freezing). How do you manage that without getting makeup on the fabric? Do I avoid wearing anything that has to be brushed or smeared under the jawline? How does this work with foundation (or the jaw contouring that Megan mentioned)? One puzzled novice here. Please advise!

And the logistics! Put on the makeup AFTER putting on your shirt, and take if off BEFORE changing into jammies? Is this how it works? Seriously, I’m only now getting into makeup, and I need this kind of technical advice. Thank you!

Lori

Setting spray! I never used it until I got makeup on someone’s black shirt after hugging them and was mortified. My fave is MAC, but Urban Decay’s is great, too.

Steph H.

I can’t remember the name of the company that makes the setting spray for Urban Decay, but you can get it much cheaper from them. If anyone can remember the name I’d be forever grateful!

Alice

I apply makeup after getting dressed. I don’t put anything on my jawline or neck. It doesn’t matter what setting product used, there would always be transfer to your clothes. Best not to get any on those skin areas at the collar line.

Jamie

Kat von d lock it foundation doesn’t transfer!

Dea

Thank you ladies for taking the time to give me your tips and tricks! I really appreciate your advice!!!

dia

I rely on scarves to keep the collars of my jackets and coats makeup free, since I don’t wash those as often as I might wash my shirts and blouses.

Joy

It’s all about a good setting powder. The kind that makes your skin feel so smooth you can run your hand across it without it feeling even slightly tacky. For example, both tarte and NYX have setting powders that are good for this purpose. I apply an obscene amount to make sure my foundation doesnt rub off on my collar.

As far as shirt before or after makeup goes, here’s what I do:
Apply my makeup before I get dressed. I wear a shirt or zip up that has a large enough neckline that it won’t touch my makeup when I take it off. I am *very* careful putting on the top I’ll wear out for the day. This is again where setting powder helps. But if I do get a bit of makeup on my collar, I just use a wet baby wipe or wet cloth to quickly remove it.

It’s a tricky and annoying art though 😂
I hope this was a bit helpful!

Amie

Dea I’ve been a makeup enthusiast for decades and I still haven’t figured out the solution for this issue! Years ago I had a fabric thing that covered your face while putting on clothes….but it doesn’t protect them during the day. Most of my coat and shirt collars do get makeup on them….wish I had the answer. Try a good setting spray to seal it in and pray LOL.

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Ipsy Glam Bag Plus Review – November 2019

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