IPSY is an extremely popular beauty subscription service that delivers subscribers a “Glam Bag” filled with full-size and deluxe sample-size beauty products. There are three types of Glam Bags offered by IPSY, each with different perks and set at a different subscription cost ranging from $12 to $50 per month. There is the Glam Bag, Glam Bag Plus, and Glam Bag Ultimate.
Today’s review will be on the October 2020 Glam Bag.
A typical Glam Bag includes 5 deluxe-sized beauty samples that are customized based on how you answer your beauty quiz upon signing up. Based on your preferences, you’ll receive a mix of makeup, haircare, skincare, and nail products. Along with an IPSY membership comes the Choice Perk, where Glam Bag members get to hand-pick one item of choice that goes in your bag.
About The IPSY Glam Bag
The Subscription Box: IPSY Glam Bag
Cost: $12 a month
What You’ll Get: A monthly makeup bag filled with deluxe samples of makeup and beauty products.
Shipping Details: Ships to US for free and Canada for $2.95
Now let’s take a peek inside my October 2020 Glam Bag!
Note: There are so many different variations of the IPSY Glam Bag each month. What’s inside will depend on members’ beauty preferences. This review is just one of the many combinations you might receive.
IPSY Glam Bag: October 2020 Review
Okay everyone, can I just gush about how much I love October’s makeup bag??? It’s so my vibe– dark, witchy, and mystical. I love the black and gold color combo as well as the faux leather material of the bag.
This month’s theme is “You’re Magic”. The beauty card that came with the bag provided a breakdown of the 5 Glam Bag products I received.
I received the following products (this month I got one full-size product among other deluxe samples):
DUOCCE Ultra Precision Eyeliner in Black, full-size (Value: $22)
($22 for the full-size product)
A classic kohl eyeliner pencil that is actually full-sized, how impressive! Though I don’t use kohl eyeliner pencils, I think I could give this to one of my many friends who do use pencils since it’s so versatile and classic.
Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Eyebrow Gel, 0.03 fl oz (Estimated Value: $7.20)
($24 for the full-size product – 0.1 fl oz)
IPSY coming in hot with the Benefit brow products! In my July 2020 Glam Bag, I received the 24-Hr Brow Setter. This month, I’m blessed with another eyebrow gel! I had the chance to use both, and at first I thought they would do the same thing, but I was wrong! These two products are very different and actually complement each other quite well.
This volumizing gel contains tiny microfibers that adhere to skin and hairs, creating natural-looking fullness and definition. I tried this around my sad bald spot on my right eyebrow and immediately noticed a fuller, more natural brow! Going forward, I definitely plan to use this volumizing gel instead of just filling in the area with color.
Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara, 0.1 fl oz (Estimated Value: $15.50)
($31 for the full-size product – 0.2 fl oz)
Yes, my first Glam Bag mascara! I recently just threw out my last travel-sized mascara because it had transformed into one big clumping mess within the bottle. The timing could not be more perfect– and the fact that it’s Bobbi Brown makes me even more excited!
This creamy, kohl-pigmented mascara builds volume lash by lash, as opposed to traditional volumizing formulas that create the appearance of volume by clumping lashes together. After applying just a light layer, I saw my lashes transform into thicker, longer, and bolder lashes. It goes on beautifully without clumping or smudging!
Tarte Cosmetics Maracuja Tinted Hydrator, 0.16 fl oz (Estimated Value: $4.64)
($29 for the full-size product – 1 fl oz)
I love Tarte cosmetics, so this was another exciting product to see in my Glam Bag. I usually use Tarte’s BB tinted treatment primer as my base, which I love, but can sometimes accentuate my dry spots. I’m curious to see if this tinted hydrator could replace my BB primer for good! Thank gosh IPSY took note of my skin color (based on my beauty profile) because I got this in medium neutral. Spot on.
Trying it out on my hand, I immediately noticed how truly hydrating it is. I did notice that it was on the lighter coverage side, so if you’re someone who needs more coverage, maybe go with something else. The only negative thing is that I wish it came in a larger size. This “deluxe sample” is the size of my thumb, and will likely be used up within a week. Bummer, wish I had more of this good stuff!
The Coffee Scrub in Rose, 50g (Estimated Value: $9.99)
($9.99-$18.99 for the full-size product – 50g or 200g)
I was so excited to get a coffee scrub as part of the October 2020 IPSY Glam Bag! I have pretty bad stretch marks on my butt and behind my knees, and I’ve always read about how antioxidants found in coffee can do a number on stretch marks, acne, and dead skin cells. Obviously, I’ve been too lazy to make my own or go out to buy some. This stuff doesn’t expire for another 3 years, so I’ll be saving it for next summer’s pool and beach season.
I also love that this brand is based in Los Angeles (I’m a sucker for local brands). This product is organic, vegan, and cruelty-free too!
Final Thoughts
The moody, magic-themed bag itself is probably my favorite aspect of this month’s Glam Bag. Hands down, I love it!
I also really liked this month’s products! I received more makeup products than I had in previous Glam Bags, which was a nice change since I haven’t been able to use up a few of the moisturizers and skincare products from the last few months.
On top of that, my October Glam Bag contained a lot of prestigious brands that I actually really like (Tarte, Benefit, Bobbi Brown). Both of the samples from brands I wasn’t familiar with (Coffee Scrub and Duocce) were also super versatile products I could use every day. Versatility score: 10/10!
Calculating the actual value of the bag, my estimated value came out to be $59.33. That is an awesome value for just $12!
If you’re considering the IPSY Glam Bag…
This is one of our top recommendations if you are looking for a beauty subscription box – it’s low commitment, super-affordable, and the sample products are a great value.
This subscription service is for you if:
- You’re looking to experiment with primarily beauty products.
- You like high-quality products from prestigious brands.
- You don’t like the commitment of being stuck with full-size products.
Subscribe for your own IPSY Glam Bag here!
Check out all of our IPSY reviews and the top beauty subscription boxes we love!