Ipsy Glam Bag Ultimate October - Review/Photos

Let’s talk about this mess…

When Ipsy launched a new subscription box I immediately upgraded my plan. This new plan, which is called Glam Bag Ultimate breaks down like this: you get 8 full-size products, 4 deluxe sample products, a bigger glam bag and get to pick 1 of your personalized products for $50 a month. This box is supposed to have a retail value of $250+. When I received the email about this new plan they were rolling out, I was like, "they really knew this customer." I decided to cancel my OG glam bag which was going from $10 to $12 a month and upgrade my glam bag plus which is $25 a month for 5 full-size products into the Ultimate. Before I go into the disaster that is the Ultimate for October, I will say that for the three months I had the glam bag plus I loved it. Occasionally there is a product that wasn’t my favorite but everything else was top notch and definitely worth the value. Ipsy's customer service has always been great and with this company being so big which continues to grow it’s extremely important.

It wasn’t until after my box had shipped that I saw a petition going around on change.org how upset people were about the products inside their box. So I logged into my ipsy app to take a look at what I was getting and was floored these were the 8 full-size products? I couldn’t tell what was a full-size product and what was the sample size. Due to the fact that my boxes already shipped I was waiting until it was delivered so I could see everything in person and then go from there.

Customers were right to be upset. Out of this box I had maybe 3 full-size items. I was shocked and uber disappointed. I took to social media to reach out to Ipsys customer service. They apologized and gave me 800 points; while the gesture is appreciated that won’t even buy one full-size product. I decided to email them via the website. Because the box couldn’t be returned they offered next month to be free. I pondered it and went with it because the math would equal to $25 a month which is what I was paying for the glam bag plus and it would give it another shot to see if they improve for November. Needless to say November did improve but if you want the details on that you’re gonna have to wait for the next post. Hehe 😜

 

Ibom Lemon Verbena Clay Mask - This alluring mask contains lemon verbena, which helps brighten and purify your skin. The herbal scent is fresh and mood-boosting. It also exfoliates your skin. I can’t get enough of the scent of this mask. Retails $10

F.A.R.A.H Brushes Midnight Pro Trio - Surprised to find these brush fibers have a subtle, deep midnight tint. Can be used with cream or powder, the handles are crafted for a great grip. 20FF is Straight to buff foundation into your skin, the 218 Cheeky End for blush, and 40FM Stippling to stipple on highlighter or bronzer for a flawless, airbrush finish. Retails $30Nanette Lepore Beautiful Times - A fragrance that is bursting with freshness of bright oranges. There are violet and rose bring in the romance as the scent dries down. Also notes of vanilla and caramelized sugar add warmth and depth. I’m very sensitive to fragrances and this particular one I can already feel giving me headaches. Somebody lucky will be getting this as a gift... Retails for $10

BIORACE L'eau Hydrating Treatment Serum - Who doesn’t love serums? It restore its moisture balance, leaving it soft and supple. This strong serum helps to rejuvenate your complexion on contact and can be applied to the entire face after cleansing the skin in the morning and evening. Retails $68

 L.O.C.K. Color Unicorn Glow Hydrating Primer - This lightweight gel primer smooths over pores and fine lines to create an even canvas for makeup application. Hydrolyzed collagen and hyaluronic acid instantly hydrate parched skin and lock in moisture to keep makeup from caking or flaking. Out of all the primers I’ve used, this is my first gel primer and while it felt thick at first - results were good. Retails for $12

 Kaleido Cosmetics Obsidian Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner - waterproof, smudgeproof liquid eyeliner in the blackest of black for a fierce, intense look that will withstand heat, rainy showers, sweat and tears. The applicator is equipped with an ultra-precise, synthetic felt tip that dispenses just the right amount of quick-drying, long-lasting liquid formula that is super easy to use. Retails for $8

Betty Boop X IPSY Cheek To Cheek Blush Palette - This soft, peachy blush and highlighter trio work together to achieve a matte/pearl look. I adore the case and I wasn’t happy with blushes but it does work as highlighters as well. Retails for $10

C'est Moi Beauty Reflect Lip Gloss in Opulence - The gloss provides a sheer layer of shimmer that’s subtle but works as a top coat too. The nourishing formula adds shine with zero stickiness. Retails for $6

Coloured Raine Eyeshadow in Glamour - Glamour is a shimmery pearlescent champagne shade with a striking metallic finish. Velvety smooth and pigmented it blends easily. The metallic foil finish of this eyeshadow looks great against my skin tone. Retails for $7

Huda Beauty Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette in Warm Brown - This mini palette has eight creamy, matte finishes and 1 duo-chrome shimmer. It includes chocolate brown, warm plum, caramel, and copper. These highly pigmented shades are super blendable. Retails for $27

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser - This item was the one I picked for customization and mind blown. The intensive triple-action exfoliator boasts a blend of salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acids to polish away dull, dry skin without irritation. I love getting and using exfoliators, this exceeds my expectations. Retails for $40

The Saem Natural Avocado and Shea Butter Mask Sheet Set - The Natural Avocado Sheet Mask contains an abundant amount of moisture thanks to its key ingredient: avocado extract. This soothing pick-me-up is perfect for dry or sensitive skin types. The Natural Shea Butter Sheet Mask has a key ingredient (shea butter) that moisturizes and treats sensitive skin, while softening texture on contact. Retails for $6

Ipsy Glam Bag Plus - May 2019 (My First Box)

One lucky day I logged into my Ipsy app to check what would be inside my next months Glam Bag. I had a popup that stated I was of the Glambag Plus waitlist. YASSSS! I have been trying for so many, many months just to get ON the waitlist. Only 3 months later did I get that wonderful news.

Ipsy gives you the option to keep its Glambag of mini products for $10 or choose Glambag Plus for $25, which includes FULL SIZE products. You also get the choice to pick both. I went with...BOTH!!! For the time being, I enjoy collecting the Glam Bags, but I am growing tired of non-full sized products.


Go To Face Hero - Face oils have been rising up in popularity; however, it's a product I don't know much about. I generally stay away from oils (even coconut, now) due to the way it makes my face feel...greasy. The 1st day I used Face Hero I applied 10 drops. Too many! 2nd time, I applied 3-4 drops after my moisturizer and that was the perfect combo. My skin was brightened, hydrated all night and no greasy feeling. Time will tell if it revives my complexion. I appreciate how they use natural ingredients though. Retails for $34

Il Makiage Icon High Mascara - Il Makiage is a brand I've recently seen over Facebook ads. While now I have only tried the mascara, it's pretty epic. It drove me crazy when my regular Ipsy Glam Bag kept sending me mascara's I did not want. Today - I can say...I WANT! This mascara is fantastic. You wouldn't know by looking at the wand; it deceives you in a good way. It claims to curl and fan your lashes. While my lashes only curled a little that is more on me and the straight as board lashes of mine. They sell it in 3 colors: black, brown and blue. Blue? Yas, I approve! You can tell below with  my silly picture below, on the right is bare lashes and has the mascara. Retails for $25

Illamasqua Lip Coloring Pencil Due in Lust and Media - Illamasqua lip pencils surprised me. If you look at them closely, you can see how old school the pencil is. It's been ages since I've seen one of the original wood pencils. But I'm not judging yet; it doesn't prevent the company's quality. Illamasqua is a really fantastic, high-end brand. I fell in love with their liners after watching Xsparkage's Cheshire Cat makeup tutorial 6-8 years ago. I still never found that color, FYI. If you know the color, drop a note! 😍 I was pleasantly surprised when I opened my Glam Bag Plus and they provided BOTH liners. Usually, with Ipsy you only get 1 in the box. Lust is pink-ish coral and Media is lighter cranberry shade. Retails for $21 each

Yensa Tone Up Primer Essential Glow - Don't judge a book by its cover, applies here. When I read all about this primer and how it helps blur, correct, enhance your makeup and basically help you look flawless - I was not a believer. I tested it on my hand and there was no glow or color to it. It was like a basic primer on bare skin. However, in the end, the result was stellar. When I wear powder foundation during the week to work, it's kinda basic. Adding this primer before applying my foundation I can definitely tell the difference. My skin appeared even and less red with a little glow. I'm on board! Retails for $35

Wander Beauty Wanderess Seascape Palette - This palette has 6 shades total including 1 matte and 5 foils/shimmers. The shades are buttery and blend well. The color payoff is impressive; I am looking forward to playing with this palette. Retails for $25

Ipsy Glambag - May 2019

For May's Glambag, I'm more obsessed with the bag than the products! Are you looking? It's a glitterbomb of fantasticness spring colors. As for the items inside...not super impressed this month. FLOP. The lighting made the shots not so hot 😫

MAC's Prep + Prime Natural Radiance in Radiant Yellow - When I tested it on my hand, I didn't even notice a difference between the bare parts of my skin. I had no glow nor radiance as advertised. And this is MAC! It's hard to get disappointed from them. FAIL. Retails for $42

IBY BEAUTY's Radiant Glow Highlighter in 24k Magic - This highlighter is shimmery and buttery, so you can build it up for a beautiful glow. Retails for $14

HOLA NEON's Matte Liquid Lipstick in FOMO - When I picked this product of the bag and felt the sharp edges, I rolled my eyes thinking "not another terrible lip product packaging!" But if you ignore the case, everything else is impressive. The color payout is strong and vibrant with a clear red/berry. It dries almost instantly for a clean classy look. Retails for $17

PIXI by Petra's H20 Skindrink - lightweight, skin quenching gel that moisturizes your skin. My face felt a tad oily/greasy, I just wanted to wash it off. It claims the glycerin helps bind moisture into your skin...but my skin wasn't feeling this product. Retails for $22

Naked Cosmetics' Loose Pigment in Painted Canyon #6 - Unfortunately, my photography cannot capture the true color and essence of this product. I did find Naked Cometics' pigments hard to grab how beautiful and delicate it's colors are. #6 is metallic burgundy with flecks on iridescence. Retails for $15

 

Ipsy Glambag April 2019

 

April's glambag has some interesting products this month. The clutch has bright, shifted lemons on a white base.  As a girl who was tortured by the color yellow growing up, I now LURVE my bright yellow shades. Bring out the springtime weather please. Chicago has not been kind to us...

Ofra Cosmetics' Rodeo Drive Highlighter - Ofra's baked highlighter in Rodeo Drive is a warm, golden color that applies on creamy. It reminds me of the classic, luminous color for living in the west coast. Retails for $29

Laura Sanchez's Moods Eyeshadow in Alien Turquoise - Alien Turquoise is a shimmery aqua-blue shade that is easily blendable. This color is from Laura Sanchez's Moods palette. She says, "I named the palette using emojis, which is our form of global expression. So visual that it breaks the language barrier." Color me intrigued. Retails for $10

Tarte's Double Duty Beauty Base Tape Primer - Tarte's new primer hydrates your skin under your makeup for a full 12 hours. I was stoked to try it out, but I found it a tad too watery - as it slips right thru your fingers. Retails for $30

Marc Anthony's  Hydrating Curl Cream - This formula hydrates and defrizzes to leave your curls bouncy. My hair doesn't like many curl products, but this one...it took to. Too bad they discontinued their Argan Morocco Oil straightening cream, it was amazing. Retails for $8

Doucce's Punk Volumizer Mascara - Doucce is lightweight mascara that adds great amount of volume without clumping. Retails for $24

Ipsy Glambag November 2018

November's Glambag is uber cute. A rich, deep electric blue with pattern black hearts. Definitely my kind of style! This month has some winners and losers....

Juice Beauty's Illuminating Primer - this is a versatile product. Not only with its glow you can wear alone, or how it was created - as a face primer. Retails for $36

ORIBE HAIR CARE's Dry Texturizing Spray -  when I opened this Glambag and saw Oribe's Texture Spray, I was stoked. But it was a disaster! It's not a dry shampoo, although it is similar. When I spray on my roots and dried to brush my hair out, all these white flaking specs showed up on my head. It looked as if I had lice all over. FAIL, TO THE EXTREME. Retails for $30

THEBALM COSMETICS' Nude Beach Eyeshadow in Brave - soft eyeshadow that can be used wet or dry. I dislike the color, due to so many eyeshadows coming in that dull shade. Retails for $8

PIXI BY PETRA's LipLift Max in Honey Sheen - claim to plump your lips - it DOES NOT. But this gloss is a pretty peach sheen with shimmers. Retails for $14

MAC's Strobe Light in Pinklite - Originally this item didn't come in my bag and when my roommate offered to trade...I jumped on that quickly. This creams helps brighten your skin with a luminating, iridescent glow. GORG. Retails for $34