Ipsy is a monthly beauty and makeup subscription box. For $14 per month, you get five full-sized 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 this review contains 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
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I am new to the Ipsy scene as far as reviewing goes, but have been a subscriber myself for years. This was one of my very first subscriptions, and I have to say, it still is one of my favorites! Each month subscribers receive a makeup bag in addition to their items, and this month features the theme of: "You're the Main Attraction." While I was expecting a color palette containing greens and reds, I was pleasantly surprised to see the pink, purple, and green glitter combo! Adorned with a gold ornament zipper pull, this bag screams glitz, and is unconventionally perfect for December. Now, let's see what else this bag contains!
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Also included is a product card that features tips to get your winter glam game on point, a QR code that links you directly to your personalized glam bag, and a QR code for the first Mega Drop Shop of 2024.
Now, on to the items!
Dionis Peppermint Twist Goat Milk Hand Cream, 1 oz - Estimated Value $5.00
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I love almost all products that are made from goat milk, and this hand cream is no exception. Created with clean ingredients, paraben free, dermatologist tested, and loaded with vitamins and nutrients, I found this hand cream to be extremely hydrating without leaving a greasy residue. I do want to mention that this does contain a peppermint fragrance, and it is quite strong. While the [delicious] fragrance didn't bother my hands, I did apply it to my freshly shaven legs and it gave them a little tingle - nothing uncomfortable, but for those with sensitive skin, you may want to use with caution. Overall, I was really pleased with this inclusio,n as it fit in my holiday agenda and left my skin smelling like Christmas, while feeling hydrated and soft.
DR. BRANDT Microdermabrasion Age-Defying Exfoliator, 10 g - Estimated Value $13.17
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I love, love, love Dr. Brandt products, and this Microdermabrasion Age-Defying Exfoliator is one of my faves. Created with 97% of ingredients of natural origin, this product provides a safe and effective exfoliation across the entire face. Including AHAs glycolic and lactic acid, it helps to resurface textural irregularities and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, I worked this into my damp skin and noticed an immediate difference. Exfoliating is a must with my combination skin, and this version was not only more gentle than my current exfoliator, but much more effective too. Combined with the slightly minty fragrance, this product is a must-have!
Goldfaden MD Lip Therapy, 4 mL - Estimated Value $10.13
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I have to say, so far, this month's Ipsy bag is killing it! Goldfaden MD is another one of my favorite brands, and this Lip Therapy Restoring Lip Treatment definitely deserves the hype. Containing ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Fruit Berry Wax, Borage Oil, Rose Hips Seed Oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil, and Vitamin E, this blend not only hydrates, but smooths fine lines by plumping lips a bit. With a slight peppermint flavor, my lips might have looked a little more full, but I really noticed the hydration. I am a ChapStick addict in winter because of the dry Minnesota air, and while that works fine, I felt this Lip Therapy formula lasted a lot longer after application, and was much more hydrating. Overall, I love this formula and found it extremely fitting for the December theme.
Shades By Shan Gel Eyeliner in Tapioca Pearl - FULL SIZE - Retail Value $18
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While I am generally a liquid eyeliner girl, there is definitely a place in my life for a gel eyeliner pencil, especially one that has flecks of glitter! Vegan, cruelty free, and paraben free, this formula is smudge resistant and transfer free. Deep charcoal in color, I love the silver glitter, and feel quite festive when wearing this liner. The smudge resistant claims were quite accurate, as I didn't have any touch ups to make throughout the day. I utilized this on my lower lash line and loved the smokey look it created. With a slight sparkle, this really amped up my holiday look, and I received quite a few compliments.
Beauty For Certain From Subtle to Saucy Cream Blusher Palette - FULL SIZE - Retail Value $35.00
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The last item that was sent was so large that it didn't even fit in this month's included bag! This full size blusher palette contained five shades of creamy blush. Strawberry Pink, Tropical Punch, Peach Sorbet, Watermelon Pink, and Magenta Rose are all packaged neatly in this palette that includes a mirror. Created with hydrating ingredients like squalane and vitamin E, these pigments can be mixed and blended to create customized looks, and leave a dewy finish. I personally love blush palettes because with the seasons my skin tones change. I am outside a lot in summer, and my tanned skin takes a darker blush much nicer than my winter skin. With the ability to customize, I am assured that my blush will always look its best, and seriously, who can resist a dewy finish?
Is any holiday complete without a glittery cat eye? I think not! Also shown is a blend of Magenta Rose and Watermelon Pink blush. Happy Holidays everyone!
The Verdict
I have to say, this was an excellent month for Ipsy Glam Bag! With a fantastic value, I received some really useful products that were tailored perfectly to this month's theme. With scents of peppermint and sparkles of glitter, I felt this December bag was spot on. I absolutely loved the Dr. Brandt's exfoliator, and plan on replacing my current one ASAP. I truly enjoyed the eyeliner and can't wait to add that little sparkle to my New Year's Eve get-up. The Lip Treatment was much needed for our dry winter air, as was the peppermint hand cream. Overall, I thought this was a fabulous box that contained a great variation of skin and makeup choices, with a fantastic value.
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Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $14
Value Breakdown:
- Hand Cream: $0.86
- Eyeliner: $3.10
- Lip Treatment: $1.74
- Exfoliator: $2.27
- Blush: $6.03
The total retail value of these five items adds up to about $81.30, which is an incredible value for a $14 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 2024 bag while stocks last.
What do you think of the December 2023 Ipsy Glam Bag?
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