Ipsy: August 2014

I am a beauty junkie. Part of what I love is trying new things - when I can get a product in miniature, I do, because I rarely finish products due to having so many I like to use and switch between. Most people would say the subscription boxes are not worth the money because you get one or two things you like, and several you do not. This is probably true for many people, but I always really enjoy three out of the five items sent at least, and happily pass along anything I do not to friends who might enjoy it more.

Ipsy is one of my favorite services - it satisfies the urge to try new things, and only costs ten bucks. What I receive usually well exceeds that, even if  I remove the things I didn't like. This month wasn't a bust, but it wasn't my favorite month.

The bag is a summery, wipeable plastic in a tube shape. I like this shape - any bag where the zipper is at the very top, more product fits in than ones where the zipper isn't on an edge. It being cheap, wipeable plastic means it might look super cheap, but it is sanitary and good for protecting your bags and products if you travel.

Here are the products - this is not so much a review, as I have only tried them once or twice, but more how excited I am to receive them, and their value.
                                                

Klorane Extra Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk: I hate dry shampoo. I never use it. I wish the trend would calm down so I could stop getting them in my subscription bags. I miss the hair oil craze. I will be rehoming this. Value: around $6.50

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Primer: I use primers, but not nearly at the rate I receive them in these bags. I am kind of over them in general, but I will eventually use this. Value: $11.25

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara: This is the real winner of the bag. It is newly released, from a well known and high quality brand, and a product I am sure to always need. I actually always buy mascara trial sets from Sephora and only ever have one mascara open at a time - in three months (the appropriate life span of a mascara) I never use full sizes up so I LOVE minis. Value: $5.50

Jersey Shore Sun Mongongo Anti Aging Lip Conditioner in Mandarin Green Orange Ginger: Hello to the bizarre flavor name (what exactly is a green orange?), and the less than appealing brand name that elicits bad reality tv associations. But, this product is organic and natural, which I love in lip products, and it smells amazing. It is very buttery on the lips and even though I need more lip balm like a hole in the head, I am super happy to have this one. Value: $5.50

J. Cat Beauty Flying Solo Eyeshadow in Half Naked: This is a very light peach shade that seems to have good pigment, is soft, and shimmery without being metallic. I haven't worn it yet but I like that it is a color, but also neutral, making it possible for wearing to school. The inexpensive full sized price surprised me, I would have pegged it for closer to six or seven dollars, possibly even more. Value: $2.99

Total Value: $31.74
Paid: $10.00

Verdict: Not my favorite bag, but I don't feel like I wasted my ten bucks either. Given that I use any "extras" as thank you gifts or ways to bulk up Christmas or Birthday presents, I rarely find myself wishing I hadn't paid that much. I used to have Birchbox, and generally found it to be lacking in value and often disappointing - I never feel that way with Ipsy. Can't wait for the next one!