Loving makeup and wanting to try new products can get expensive! So, a couple years ago I decided to sign up for Ipsy. Ipsy is a $10 US / month (+shipping) subscription service that sends you a glam bag (small custom designed makeup bag) with 5 deluxe samples or full sized products every month, selected specially for you based on preferences you select in their survey.
It’s the perfect way to try new products without breaking the bank. Plus, you get the excitement from the anticipation of receiving a shiny pink package in your mailbox each month.
They have also recently included the option to purchase up to 3 “add-on” products on the 2nd of the month from an assortment of deluxe sample size products at $3 each, to full-size products at $12 each.
Click here to learn more about Ipsy and subscribe now!
Here’s what I got in my June 2019 Ipsy Glam Bag:
(Note: In addition to individual product swatches, although they were not intended to go together, I’ve also included a makeup look using all the products at the end of the blog).
LANEIGE Water Bank Moisture Cream
Product Description: This rich cream delivers a quick hydration boost and helps your skin hold onto moisture. The result? An all-over radiance that’s all you. It targets and improves skin concerns like dryness, uneven skin tone, and texture. Essential minerals, like zinc, potassium, and calcium, help nourish your skin and replenish moisture levels. Olive squalane strengthens your skin’s natural barriers to prevent moisture loss. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel the least bit greasy, so it’s comfortable to wear alone or under makeup. No parabens, no phthalates here—just healthy ingredients.
My Review: This moisturizer has a medium thick creamy consistency with very light perfumy sweet floral scent. It was comfortable to wear, moisturizing, non greasy, and my makeup applied nicely on top. That being said, I prefer a thinner lighter cream that sinks better into the skin. Regarding, improving dryness, uneven skin tone and texture…I didn’t see any difference, BUT I’ve only used it for 3 days and I believe you need to give products like this anywhere from a week to a month to really know if they work.
BENEFIT COSMETICS Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Eyebrow Gel in 4.5 – Neutral Deep Brown (add-on product)
Product Description: This brow gel fills in sparseness, adds definition, and shapes your brows. It’s formulated with teeny microfibers that mimic real brow hairs, so it looks totally natural. Brow shaping newbie? The tapered brush makes application super easy. Spending time in the sun? Don’t sweat it. It’s water-resistant and long-wearing.
My Review: I have used this product before and really liked it, which is why I purchased it as an add-on. I have thick eyebrows but I like to darken and fill them in a little but in a natural way. This product is like mascara for your eyebrows. This colour is perfect for dark brunettes, it lasts all day, and is not clumpy. One thing to mention is that I wouldn’t recommend buying this size sample because the wand is too short making it difficult to apply.
TETRIS™ X IPSY Eyeshadow in Game Night
Product Description: New to metallics? You’ll be surprised at how versatile they can be. Use them all over your lids, to line your eyes, highlight your inner corners, or add a pop of 3-dimensional color to the center of your lids. The rich, creamy formula feels buttery smooth, and it’s very buildable so you can go from subtle to bold in a snap. Game Night is a shimmery chartreuse packed with flecks of glitter that capture light and reflect it back on you. We love our furry friends, so this baby is cruelty-free.
My Review: This is a beautiful shimmery greeny yellow gold colour eyeshadow. I have never owned a colour like this and didn’t think I would like it…but it grew on me as the day went on. It lasted ALL DAY and didn’t crease (note, I did wear my regular Too Faced Shadow Insurance primer). Great colour payoff and you can build it up even more to make it more intense. My only negative is that there was alot of fallout after application, however once that was cleaned up it stayed in it’s place throughout the day. Adorable packaging!
JONTEBLU Felt Tip Eyeliner Pencil in Black
Product Description: This inky-black eyeliner is quick-drying, long-lasting, and waterproof. The silky felt tip applies color nice and smooth—and it won’t tug at your lids when you apply. Like subtle, dainty lines? Prefer a graphic, dramatic look? The precision-tip applicator is just the right size and shape to go from quick flicks to bold cat-eyes in a cinch. Like all of JONTEBLU’s products, this eyeliner is cruelty-free.
My Review: This liner is FANTASTIC! It’s a true black, easy to apply felt tip, and the perfect size for a clean basic liner or cat eye. The eyeliner stayed in place all day and didn’t run or smudge during application. Highly recommend!
BUXOM Lash Volumizing Mascara in Blackest Black (add-on product)
Product Description: This volumizing formula brings the drama for thick, fanned-out, clump-free lashes. The unique hourglass-shaped brush grips every lash for extreme volume, length, and lift. It’s infused with vitamins and antioxidants to nourish, condition, and soften your lashes. The lash-loving mascara is also spiked with “patent leather pigments” for a glossy, sleek effect.
My Review: This is a product that I use all the time, so I thought it was worth purchasing for when my current one runs out. This mascara thickens and separates the lashes without leaving any clumps. It’s a true black and lasts all day without smudging. If you are someone like me who already has longer eyelashes and just looking to add volume and make your eyelashes black to match your liner…I would absolutely recommend this! (I disagree with the description that it “brings drama”…to me it gives more of a nature daytime look).
SUGAR COSMETICS Contour De Force Mini Blush in 01 Peach Peak
REALHER Moisturizing Lipstick in Sorry, Not Sorry
Product Description: This lip formula is super creamy, thanks to a moisturizing blend of jojoba oil, shea butter, and vitamin E. It’s also formulated with encapsulated water that releases slowly over time to provide hydration throughout the day. The rosy pink color literally looks good on every skin tone. Feel as good as you look. This lippie is all natural, cruelty-free, and non-toxic.
My Review: I have mixed feeling about this product. Alot of thought has clearly gone into it with the adorable packaging and logo imprint on the lipstick. It’s a lovely bright pinky coral (not “rosy pink” as described and shown on the ipsy website). The lipstick is creamy and feels nice on the lips…but more slippery then I’m used to. It doesn’t stain your lips but it also doesn’t have the longest staying power. My biggest issue was that it enhanced the dry patches on my lips.
Full face of makeup using my Ipsy Glam Bag and Add Ons
What did you get in your Ipsy bag? I’d love to hear about your faves!
(For full disclosure, please note that a couple of the links are shopstyle affiliate links. I want to re-assure you that the featured products were not selected on that basis. I figured that if many places sell them, why not link the ones that reward me so I can buy more products to review for you! )