Ipsy August 2015 Beauty Subscription Box Review

Ipsy finally made it to my house! Ipsy is one of the premier beauty sampling subscription box services. In my opinion, they tend to be more makeup focused than Birchbox and that’s what makes it a little different. It’s not better or worse than Birchbox, it’s just different.

When you see this hot pink number in your mailbox, you’ll know Ipsy arrived! And everyone else will be wondering what scandalous thing you ordered as you walk back with it in your arms.

The Cost: $10/month

What You Get: Get five sample-sized beauty products in a cute makeup bag along with coupons to buy full sizes at online shops.

AILA Cosmetics Luxury Nail Lacquer in ‘Mister Pookies-This lacquer is healthy, beautiful and functional, and turns your mani into nail therapy! There are no toxic ingredients in AILA’s lacquers and removers. They use the most natural and organic ingredients out there. I have a strange fascination with this color. I love it. It’s a steel gray with purple undertones. It’s perfect for Fall, super easy to use and dries quickly. Good stuff!
Value: $21 (what?! that should be a typo and say $12 but no).Hikari Cosmetics Lip Gloss in Merlot– Merlot is an intense red mauve, high-shine lip glass. The official description says it’s “high-shine matte” which is kind of an oxymoron, wouldn’t you say? It’s definitely shiny and it’s definitely intense. I like it! It’s sticky though and your coffee cup will show it.
Value: $13

Doucce Ultra Precision Eye Liner in Black– Smooth and velvety waterproof formula glides on easily for seamless blending. I have a billion black liners. I do like the Doucce lipstick we received previously in a Glossybox. It was difficult to apply but a seriously gorgeous color. I’m keeping this because… Well, I’ll try it. 🙂
Value: $22Marsk Pro Line Eye Shadow Brush– Precisely shaped bristles have been designed to create the perfect eye look. I’ve never said no to an eyeshadow brush so this will be added to my collection. According to the website, this one brush is worth $26! Wishful thinking maybe?
Value: $26

Marc Anthony Nourishing Argan Oil of Morocco Oil Treatment– A lightweight oil used daily for strong, glossy, frizz-free hair. Use one to three drops only. Argan oil is quite the thing these days. It’s everywhere! I’m surprised there isn’t a drink with argan oil in it. I actually like argan oil in my hair products (and skincare) because it’s so nice and light. I’m going to keep this.

VERDICT: Well, for my first month back, this seems pretty blah. Although I have to admit I like getting tools. Nail polish is always welcome and four full size products are awesome. Still… black eyeliner is pretty boring. Well, what am I today? A big party pooper, I guess. I’m not loving this bag when really it’s got makeup, hair care, tools and a nail polish. All the hallmarks of a great bag and I’m just raining all over it’s houndstooth parade. It’s also worth over $70 in retail prices (that means really high markup). Might be the most expensive bag I’ve ever gotten. Nice! Plus it has all the things I should love- nail polish, tools and lip gloss! So I guess I should be loving it. One thing I love is the bag. So cute!

I still think Ipsy is a fun subscription and something everyone should try at least once. The makeup bags are cute and the products can be fun.

If you’d like to sign up for Ipsy, you can do that here. There usually is a waitlist but I think you can get around it by sharing on Facebook. Just do it and set it to Only Me or something if you don’t want to put your friends on blast.

What did you get in your Ipsy bag? I saw some pretty good stuff out there this month. Next month looks really good already, too. Here’s the spoiler.