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Ipsy October 2020 Review: Tarte, Doucce, Benefit Cosmetics, and more!

Naomi Pandolfi
ByNaomi PandolfiOct 23, 2020 | 27 comments

Envelope for Ipsy Glam Bag October 2020

Ipsy
4 overall rating
1813 Ratings | 300 Reviews

Ipsy is a monthly beauty and makeup subscription box. Each month you get 5 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 subscription box - the value and sample sizes are amazing. (Check out our list of the best beauty boxes for 2020 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!)

Envelope Open for Ipsy Glam Bag October 2020

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

Full Contents for Ipsy Glam Bag October 2020

About Ipsy Glam Bag

The Subscription Box: Ipsy

The Cost: $12 a month + free US shipping. Save with an annual subscription.

ACTIVE DEAL: Limited Time Only! Subscribe Today & Get a FREE Plant Profusion Eye Cream from GOLDFADEN MD valued at $145! No coupon needed - just use this link.

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

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

Delivered via: DHL or FedEx + USPS

My Ipsy Glam Bag October 2020 Review

 

Card Open for Ipsy Glam Bag October 2020

Included is a card that usually details each of the items but also outlines beauty tips and tricks.

 

Each month, Ipsy subscribers get a makeup bag in addition to their items. This month's theme is "You're Magic." I love this bag's texture and color. It gives me strong Letterman jacket vibes from a 90s high school sitcom. Perfect for fall and back to school.

 

TARTE Maracuja Tinted Hydrator in Tan Sand, 5 mL - Estimated Value $4.83 (Buy a full-size 30 mL for $29.00)

One of the products I've started to avoid in my skincare and beauty routine recently is foundation. It's so heavy on my skin and with wearing a mask every day, it's a perfect combination for breakouts. This Tarte Maracuja Tinted Hydrator in Tan Sand is the complete opposite. It's infused with skin-nourishing super fruits, lightweight, and hydrating. I've been wearing this product as foundation recently and it's given me a natural-looking coverage without causing clogged pores and breakouts. The color is a good match for my skin tone and the coverage, while not full, is definitely enough to cover any of my blemishes and the big grocery bags under my eyes. Formulated with skinvigorating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, turmeric, aloe, and maracuja oil, this product delivers moisture and hydration for brighter, smoother looking skin. The only downside is how super teeny tiny this sample is, but with the quality and price-point of Tarte products, I'm honestly not surprised.

 

Here is a swatch of the Tarte Maracuja Tinted Hydrator in Tan Sand.

 

THE COFFEE SCRUB The Coffee Scrub in French Vanilla, 50 g  - Full Size! Retail Value $9.99 

Wow, this The Coffee Scrub in French Vanilla smells amazing! Like a piping hot cup of coffee with a hint of vanilla to wake you up in the morning. I've used coffee grinds before under my eyes to help reduce puffiness, but I've never used it as a full body scrub. Using coffee as a natural exfoliator is a genius idea; it gives you a good scrub without being too harsh or leaving skin feeling raw. My skin felt smooth and moisturized after using this product. Formulated with organic coffee beans, grapeseed oil, olive oil, Vitamin E, and other natural ingredients, the scrub left my skin feeling exfoliated but also hydrated. The one thing I will say, using this product was not a walk in the park. It is incredibly hard to clean up. I only used it in the shower and I've been trying to rinse stragglers down the drain ever since.

 

DOUCCE Ultra Precision Eyeliner in Black, 1.2 g - Full Size! Retail Value $22.00 

I absolutely love this Doucce Ultra Precision Eyeliner in Black! I think this is probably one of the best eyeliners I've ever used. The formula is waterproof, sweat-proof, humidity-approved, so velvety smooth, and creamy. It glides on easily and is incredibly soft on the eyes. It's not like a hard pencil that stabs you in the waterline. This liner is a retractable gel pencil that you don't have to press hard to apply. I was truly impressed there was no smudging and the liner lasted all day long. The dark semi-matte finish gives my eye look a mysterious twist. I feel like Carmen Sandiego heading out for an international undercover mission, lol.

Doucce Ultra Precision Eyeliner in Black Swatch for Ipsy Glam Bag October 2020

Here is a swatch of the DOUCCE Ultra Precision Eyeliner in Black.

 

OFRA COSMETICS Highlighter in Blissful, 10 g - Full Size! Retail Value $35.00 

I'm a huge fan of Ofra Cosmetics in general, but this Ofra Cosmetics Highlighter in Blissful takes things to a whole other level. This highlighter is a beautiful dusky golden pinkish color that is a little darker than the rest of the Ofra highlight collection, which works perfectly with my skin tone. It gives such a light bronzy glow to the high points of my face; absolutely stunning. I love applying a small amount to my brow bone and the inner corners of my eyes, as well as the highest point of my cheekbones. The formula is a unique powder that uses liquid-to-baked technology. It is so creamy, smooth, and applies so easily, giving you some serious major sparkle and glow with its pearlescent pigment.

Ofra Cosmetics Highlighter in Blissful Swatch for Ipsy Glam Bag October 2020

Here is a swatch of the Ofra Cosmetics Highlighter in Blissful.

 

BENEFIT COSMETICS Gimme Brow+ Neutral Deep Brown 4.5 Volumizing Eyebrow Gel, 1 g - Estimated Value $8.00 (Buy a full-size 3.0 g for $24.00)

I love brow products. I especially enjoy the tiny precise little brush applicator included in this Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Neutral Deep Brown 4.5 Volumizing Eyebrow Gel. The gel really adds volume to your brows and works to hold those wild hairs with a mind of their own in place. It's buildable and adds definition without creating that heavy, too dark, overdramatic Eugene Levy brows; no woman wants Eugene Levy brows. I do think I prefer an eyebrow pencil over a liquid product like this. I tend to touch my brows throughout the day and this product did take a bit of time to dry, so I ended up smearing it a bit.

Benefit Cosmetics Gimmie Brow+ Voluminizing Eyebrow Gel in 4.5 Swatch for Ipsy Glam Bag October 2020

Here is a swatch of the Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Neutral Deep Brown 4.5 Volumizing Eyebrow Gel.

Eye Look for Ipsy Glam Bag October 2020

Here is an everyday look I wore, using the Tarte Cosmetics Maracuja Tinted Hydrator in Tan Sand, the Doucce Ultra Precision Eyeliner in Black, the Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Eyebrow Gel in 4.5, and the Ofra Cosmetics Highlighter in Bliss.

Verdict: This month's Ipsy Glam Bag was a great value! I received a full-size Ofra Cosmetics Highlighter in Blissful that I am absolutely thrilled with. The formula was wonderful. The highlighter is extra glowy and pigmented, accenting my skin tone perfectly. The Doucce Ultra Precision Eyeliner in Black, my new favorite eyeliner, is an excellent product. I love how gently the liner applies to my waterline and how long-lasting and smudge-proof the formula is. The Tarte Maracuja Tinted Hydrator in Tan Sand is a lovely substitute for a heavy foundation if you're just looking for some light, natural-looking coverage. I enjoy how the formula melts seamlessly into my skin and doesn't sit on top or look cakey. The Coffee Scrub The Coffee Scrub in French Vanilla is a delicious smelling, effective, and gentle body scrub. I love everything about it, except for the mess, but smooth skin is definitely worth it. The Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Eyebrow Gel in 4.5 is easy to apply and fills out brows nicely without making you look like you have furry caterpillar eyebrows like a Sesame Street puppet. This month had an AMAZING value estimated at $79.82. That is incredible for a $12 subscription! You absolutely do get your money's worth based on retail value, and the products were all from high-quality and luxury brands.

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.

ACTIVE DEAL: Limited Time Only! Subscribe Today & Get a FREE Plant Profusion Eye Cream from GOLDFADEN MD valued at $145! No coupon needed - just use this link.

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

Value Breakdown: At $12 for this box, I calculated a value of $79.82. Here's how that breaks down per item:

  • Hydrator: $0.73
  • Scrub: $1.50
  • Eye Liner: $3.31
  • Highlighter: $5.26
  • Brow Gel: $1..20

Alternatively, each of the 5 items has an average cost of $2.40.

Check out all of our Ipsy reviews and the best beauty subscription boxes of 2020, as recommended by our readers!

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

What do you think of my October Ipsy Glam Bag? What items did you get in your bag?

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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.

Naomi Pandolfi
Naomi Pandolfi

Naomi Pandolfi is a skincare obsessed subscription box junkie who is always on the hunt for the best curl defining cream. She is a producer and contributing writer at several online publications, including MSA, The Knockturnal, and Hey Beauti Magazine. Naomi is also the Head of Development at Starfury Productions and is dedicated to helping Black, minority, and underrepresented creators develop and sell projects.


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27 comments

Jodie

I have wrote to ipsy almost 40 times already concerning my August Glam box, I never got it and my shipping info says that it would be to me by September 21st. My shipping info has not changed, and no one will really talk to me. I’ve been talking to them since August and now I can’t get a refund, and I’m trying to tell them now they owe me Augusta box and now for all the hassle September,October, November and December’s box. Is there actually someone I can talk to, cause customer service just isn’t getting the job done. Plz help, I’m about. Get a lawyer or something.

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May

I received the coffee scrub in the rose, for the first time. I opened it, and it was literally dry coffee grinds. Im guessing mine was an old product. What I was going to do with it was, use a warm bowl of water and bring outside to scrub my legs and feet. Its still warm here in CA. I pour my morning coffee grinds outdoors because Im not sure how great it is too have grinds go down the drain, so I thought this product was not such a great idea, to have coffee grinds going down the drain in the shower. Glad you liked it though. Ipsy is sending me another one, hopefully it wont be dried out, so i can actually try it.

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Joy-Not the Other One

May and Lori-I hope this helps, there is most likely nothing wrong with yours. I thought the same thing when I opened mine but when you use it the oils come out and you end up with silky skin. I think maybe It is water activated or something. I know that sounds silly but it must be the case. It’s actually pretty amazing afterwards. I couldn’t believe how well it worked. My skin was so hydrated especially for having just been scrubbed.

I totally agree with Naomi though-it is MESSY to use. I keep it to about once a week because it is kind of a hassle.

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Lori

I received this product through another box (I think FFF) and it was the same for me, just dry grounds. Wth? I loooove coffee scrubs (Bath and Body Works are my fave!), but this one is awful!

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Kate M

I get 3 regular bags due to trying different profiles vs what comes in each bag (changing ages, skin color/hair/eye colors, skincare heavy vs makeup heavy) then I have 2 plus bags, and an ultimate bag…I didn’t get ONE CARD with ANY information on the products and only general information on the October magic theme.

I know I can go online and review each of my items and see the information there…I’m just confused why some get detailed information cards based on the items in THEIR bags, but then other members get generic information.

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Tammyux

I haven’t gotten a detailed info card since resubbing in 2020. I assumed they had changed their format.

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Naomi

Yeah that happens to me sometimes to! Some months I get the product details and sometimes I don’t🤦🏾‍♀️I wonder why.

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Diamond

I cancelled my Ipsy like 3 years ago as I have still too much make up. This bag is uber cute though.

Sometimes the bags are cute, but tired of a bunch of junk all over the place. I throw things in the trash as fast as I buy them. Sickening how much money is just tossed and flushed down the toilet. 😥

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Missy bee

Sell your extras on eBay or something don’t just throw it away silly

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Naomi

Yeah, I sometimes get to product overload and it’s kind of overwhelming lol. I have started donating some products to my local women’s shelters.

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Deanne

Consumerism is definitely gross if it’s wasteful bas well.

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Dawn

I received an okay bag. Unfortunately, yet ANOTHER black eyeliner 😩 The sheet mask I tried made my face burn. My pick was the Bobbie Brown mascara. I have used this before and I like it. I received a teeny sparkly eyeshadow… meh. And a sparkly brush. I added on a rather pretty eyeshadow quad and my favorite Benefit … Gimme Brow. Since I only do my eyes with the joy of mask wearing, I would have appreciated any shade but Black in an eyeliner. I now have a dozen full size, unopened BLACK eyeliners. Maybe I can Mercari them.

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Diamond

It sounds like it’s time to cancel your make up subscriptions, and just use everything you already own.

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LJ

My Oct bag arrived today. I got the Tarte as an add on. Completely on me for not checking the size as you weren’t kidding when you describe it as teeny tiny!

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Beth in Oklahoma

I swear, Ipsy is still trying to get rid of the coffee scrub. It’s been around since March or so.

I used it once, and said, wow, what a mess, never again. It smelled good at the time, but 2 hours later, not so much.

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Alice

Completely agree. It smells delicious and it does soften the skin. However, I had coffee in places I didn’t know I had places, lol. I don’t know which was worse…rinsing me or the tub.

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Naomi

Oh yeah lol, I’m still cleaning my tub 😂😂😂

Alice

Yes, lol! Allow time for rinsing! 🙂

Kate M

O goodness I am literally laughing out loud ladies!! I have a small stock pile of the coffee scrub that I have yet to try…glad to know how “messy” it is before I try it out and make sure I have extra time to use it, lol!

Michelle Whitehead

I also got the Tarte and was blown away with how much I loved this. Just bought the full size on Ulta with ummmm a few other things.

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Teresa

I think this product is part of tarte’s Build a bag going on until the end of today.

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prettypony

It is always just a few things…

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Jenn

Love this review! Eugene Levy brows LOL

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Vi

Great review! I wear the Tarte in tan sand too and I love it. It’s perfect for a light and natural look. I like the photo that you added too that showed the products.

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Victoria

September’s theme was “Good Vibes,” not October…..

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Mallory @ MSA

Thank you for catching this, Victoria! The post has been updated.

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Randie

The bag description could still use a little update…