The deal: $10 dollars, 4-5 trial and deluxe sample sized beauty items from both well-known and up & coming brands. The catch? There doesn’t appear to be one.
In a society with a monthly subscription for everything, Ipsy appealed to me because of the simplicity of the site, the number of positive reviews, and the reliability of having a steady flow of new beauty items to try.
I officially subscribed in September 2016, and in the year that I’ve had the bag, I’ve considered canceling it for over 4 months. Don’t get me wrong – there are so many things I have loved about the Ipsy bag. Ultimately I just realized it was a waste for me.
Let’s start with the positives. Each month I get to look forward to my Ipsy delivery. The bag designs are always unique and usually customized to the season and trends. My October 2016 Glam Bag, for example, was a pastel pink color with black Valfre designs for Halloween, and it is probably my favorite bag I have ever received. Unlike some other subscription services, the Ipsy Bag is an actual bag that can be repurposed as a small wallet or coin purse, a makeup bag or as a really cute gift pouch.
The items in the Ipsy bag usually include 1-2 recognizable brands, but mostly items from newer brands or smaller beauty companies. I have enjoyed trying items that I would not have been exposed to otherwise. The issue is that out of the 5 items I receive, I usually like the pouch most. I would rather purchase discount items from Shop Hush that I get to select myself instead of getting items that might not be my shade or preference.
When I look back over the bags from the past, I realize that out of the 60 or so items, I’ve only really liked less than 10. I end up collecting all these items that I can share with friends or family, but a lot of it is just clutter in my vanity, going to waste. For me, it isn’t the $10 dollars – I would pay the $10 just for the pouch – but at this point, the pouch designs are lack luster and the items inside are not a good investment for me.
I should mention that I also receive the Sephora Play Box, which is the same deal, $10 dollars and 5 items. I have found so many new favorites (and restocked on some must-haves) from subscribing to the Sephora box. It is a subscription service that I wholeheartedly endorse and wins hands down in comparison to Ipsy. BTW, I should have an October Play Box review coming out soon, so stay tuned for that.
If those of you out there are facing the same uninspired feeling about being subscribed to Ipsy, I’d love to hear your thoughts. I am waiting until next month to cancel, but if the brand is planning a revamp of products, brands or services I might be willing to give Ipsy another chance.
Is Ipsy worth it for you? Do you have a subscription bag you recommend other than Sephora or Ipsy? Let me know in the comments!
Thanks for reading
-T
Thank you, will try
How do you feel about boxycharm??? I’m trying to figure out, which monthly subscription is best for myself. I dont wear makeup offten.
I haven’t tried Boxy Charm yet but when I’ve seen reviews it looks good. A lot of the products inside are approachable and vary from nail polishes, to shampoos or hair products to light powders. I think you’d enjoy trying it for at least 3-4 months!