Ipsy is a monthly beauty and makeup subscription box. For $13 per month, you get five full-size or deluxe-sized products, plus a cute makeup bag.
This is one of our top recommendations if you are looking for a subscription box — the value and sample sizes are amazing. 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 our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes).
First Impressions
Everything comes packaged snugly in the signature pink Ipsy bubble mailer.
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Included is a product card that features a list of the products and any beauty tips.
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Each month, Ipsy subscribers get a makeup bag in addition to their items. The theme is "Oh, What Fun!" This month’s bag has a very interesting look to it… Has velvet come back in style? It’s one of my least favorite materials but that’s because I’m sensitive to textures. The combination of the pink and the red is also not my favorite; and especially for the month of December, I was expecting more of a holiday-themed color scheme or pattern. However, this bag is giving me vintage vibes and reminds me of 1970s fashion. But regardless, I’m very interested to see what goodies the bag holds within.
Now, on to the items!
TARTE Face Tape Foundation in 29N Light-Medium Neutral, 5 ml - Estimated Value $6.67
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Tarte is one of my favorite brands. Their products truly always deliver, at least in my experience, and I’m always happy to see the brand included in a subscription box. I’ve had the opportunity to use the Face Tape Foundation in the past, and I absolutely loved it. The coverage is definitely full, while the texture of the product is lightweight enough to keep my pores from clogging even on the hottest of days. This foundation has a long-lasting staying power, and I appreciate its waterproof and sweatproof capabilities, which haven’t failed me yet. The matte finish leaves my face looking smooth and creaseless with absolutely zero shine even after a good portion of the day. That could be due to its powerhouse list of hydrating ingredients, which include hyaluronic acid and snow mushroom, so my skin doesn’t dry out throughout the day. By far one of my favorite foundations out there.
Here is a swatch of the TARTE Face Tape Foundation in 29N Light-Medium Neutral.
CHRISTOPHE ROBIN Hydrating Melting Mask, 40 ml - Estimated Value $9.07
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Wow, I was really confused for a second there. I thought this was a face mask at first, but no… This is a conditioning hair mask to help revitalize dull, dehydrated hair, with the added benefit of aloe vera. I have a head of thick, curly hair, and it can use all the hydration it can get. My hair is naturally dry, and so, I’m always adding oils and products in order to maintain the bounce of my curls. This Hydrating Melting Mask is a welcome addition to my haircare routine. It leaves my hair feeling soft to the touch, with weightless hydration, but it’s no replacement for my usual hair oils. Plus, due to the size of the product in relation to the amount of hair on my head, I will likely only get about two or so uses out of this tube. But overall, I’d suggest anyone with hair that’s on the drier side to give this mask a try because the results are noticeable.
M2Ü NYC Mascara in Black, 1.7 ml - Retail Value $5.00
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Mascara is one of those staples I always have on hand. It’s amazing what such a simple product can do to make me look alive on those early morning (or late night) international Zoom calls. I just apply a few swipes of this M2Ü NYC Mascara to my lashes, and instantly it transforms my face from that of a sleepy grump, to one who’s refreshed, awake, and ready for anything. Well, maybe that’s a bit extreme, but this mascara is truly a must-have, and this brand, which I’m completely unfamiliar with, really impressed me. What I love about this mascara is that it features a unique tubing technique that literally coats each lash for a weightless, clump-free look and smooth application. Great for all-day wear without worrying about any flaking or smudging.
NANETTE LEPORE Everlasting Fragrance, 10 ml - Retail Value $9.00
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I’m not one for fragrances… Most either choke me or leave me feeling nauseated. The only scents I’ve enjoyed in my past include leather, clean laundry, and tires. But I have to say, these Nanette Lepore fragrances that Ipsy has been including aren’t too assaulting to my nostrils, which is quite the compliment coming from me. A little definitely goes a long way, and the scent lingers for quite some time, so I’m always frugal when applying this. I do really enjoy the spray applicator of this travel size because it’s easy to release just the smallest spritz, which is all I need. The top scent of ‘Everlasting’ features rose essences, so I truly thought I was going to despise this since rose is my ultimate nemesis. But to my surprise, the mixture of the floral scent with the woodsy undertones is actually quite tolerable.
SLMISSGLAMBEAUTY TT04 Flat Blush Brush - Retail Value $24.00
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I’ve come a long way from the days of my youth, applying all my makeup with my hand as opposed to brushes. This brand, SLMISSGLAMBEAUTY, is another one that’s new to me, but what initially caught my eye was the pretty design of the brush handle. It’s giving me fairy tale vibes with the unicorn spiral look. One thing I noticed is that this is a blush brush. Personally, I enjoy a larger, thicker brush when it comes to applying blush in my everyday makeup routine. So, instead, I chose to use this as a highlighter brush, and it did not disappoint; it’s just the right size for precise targeted application. I love how soft the bristles are, and it feels like a good quality brush that should last for a while.
Verdict
This was a good month for the Ipsy Glam Bag! The highlight for me was absolutely the Tarte foundation because it’s one of those products that has proven itself time and time again, and it also plays nicely with my skin. M2Ü NYC’s mascara was a pleasant intro to a new-to-me brand, and the mascara’s quality speaks for itself with its unique tubing technique. The hydrating hair mask from Christophe Robin is a great addition to my haircare routine. Only downside is the size of the product since I’ll only get two or so uses out of it. SLMISSGLAMBEAUTY’s blush brush is a nice little makeup tool with a cute design, and it works great for targeted application of highlight and blush, or however you choose to use it. Lastly, the ‘Everlasting’ fragrance from Nanette Lepore… Although perfume isn’t a main staple for me, this brand is rather luxurious, and I have to say, most of their scents have been tolerable even for my sensitive nostrils. Overall, I thought this was a solid curation of products, and the value is there.
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Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $13
Value Breakdown:
- Foundation: $6.67
- Hair Mask: $9.07
- Mascara: $5.00
- Perfume: $9.00
- Brush: $24.00
The total retail value of these five items adds up to about $53.74, which is a good value for a $13 box.
Other Things You Should Know
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, but sign up to receive the January 2023 bag while stocks last.
What do you think of the December 2022 Ipsy Glam Bag?
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