Before reaching this decision I did some research: checking out other blogs and watching past unboxing videos. My conclusion was that ipsy may not have as many high end brands as birchbox, but the samples were usually larger and products that I would use more frequently. Research complete, I signed up for ipsy and anxiously awaited my first bag, which arrived last month.
The outer packaging is a shiny pink padded mailer.
Inside is the ipsy bag of the month, which contains the sample products. The theme of the January bag is "19 Reasons" and per the info card refers to "19 Reasons 2014 Will Be Amazing." One is then supposed to write their reasons on the card.
I found another use for my card, opting to instead record the products I received in my bag. That is one really nice feature of birchbox that I wish ipsy emulated, instead of simply listing the logos of all the possible brands that are sampled that month.
The back of the card announces a contest to win a free one year ipsy bag subscription, which consisted of writing your reasons, taking a pic, and sharing via social media with #ipsy. Since I re-purposed my card I didn't enter the contest.
Now, on to the good stuff. First, the ipsy bag itself. From researching the past ipsy bags I was excited to see what the January design would look like. While I like the color scheme, the design is meh for me.
Unfortunately, the worst part of the bag is the smell. It reeks of bad plastic. Not just in a up close, smell the bag way but in a makes the whole room smell way. Words fail to describe how bad it is. I took the bag to work to show B, my co-worker, and the bag made the inside of my purse smell too. Yuck. Even a month later the ipsy bag still has a lingering smell, although it isn't nearly as strong.
As I said, the design was nothing special. I will hang into it for now but as my ipsy bag collection grows it will probably make its way to the Goodwill or be re-gifted in some capacity. Assuming I can eliminate the smell.
Okay, whinging over, on to the products!
Benefit
The POREfessional
Sample size: 3.0 mL/0.1 US fl oz (Full size: $30)
"Quickly minimize the appearance of pores & fine lines for smoother-than-smooth skin! Apply this silky, lightweight balm alone, under or over makeup. Translucent, oil-free formula complements all skintones and helps makeup stay put. Contains a Vitamin E derivative, known to protect skin from free radicals."
Upon first glance I was excited to try this product. Then I discovered it is a colored formula. I haven't given this "balm" a go yet, so I don't know if it lives up the the translucent claim but I do know that this product will never be added into my daily routine. Assuming one day I actually stick to a daily routine.
(Malin+Goetz)
Mojito Lip Balm
Full sized sample! Sample size: 0.35oz/10g.35 (Full size: $12)
"Our Mojito Lip Balm is as soothing to the lips as it is to the senses. Flavored with (MALIN+GOETZ) Mojito, our lip balm is scientifically blended to restore and replenish. Our hydrating lip gel easily integrates for daily maintenance, prevention and treatment of dry, irritated lips. Color and Paraben free."
This is my favorite item in the bag! Although I don't really detect the mojito flavor - either in the smell or taste - I like the consistency and feel of the balm when applied.
As you can see, the balm is clear. It just gives a bit of a shine to lips; depending on how much is applied. It also lasts a long time. I usually apply some before bed and can still feel it on my lips when I wake up. I am interested in sampling other products from this brand. S, my manager, received a (Malin+Goetz) detox face mask in her popsugar must haves box and really liked it. They also do not test on animals.
Balanced Guru
Balm Me Up - Organic Sweet Cocoa and Tangy Body Butter
Sample size: 1oz/30ml (Full size: $45)
"Treat your whole body with a smooth and buttery body balm. Enriched with healthy butters and an invigorating blend of essential oils that will wake up your senses and moisturize your skin without leaving it greasy or tacky. Make sure you work it well into elbows, knees and even your feet. They'll thank you later."
I love the smell of this body butter! As the name states, there is a sweet and tangy element to the smell, but it is not overpowering.
I like the consistency, but I did find it a little greasy and it left my skin shiny. At $45 for 4oz, I doubt I will be ordering a full size but I will enjoy it while it lasts. As with the lip balm, I would happily sample other products from this brand. The balm is also certified organic and cruelty free.
Absolute!
Make-up Cleansing Tissues - Pomegrante Extract
Full size sample! 10 tissues (Full size: $2.49) Also available in 30 tissues pack.
"Pre-moistened, refreshingly fragranced, water-based cloths designed to instantly remove even waterproof makeup without irritation. Infused with natural extracts and botanicals, Absolute! Makeup Cleansing Tissues are formulated to reawaken and soften skin, while helping to reduce puffiness. Made of delicate spun lace, our convenient, effortless 1-step tissues are gentle enough for use on sensitive skin and around the eye area."
I like face wipes and have unintentionally managed to build up quite a collection. (I'm planning a test day to see which face wipe reigns supreme soon. More info to come.) So I was happy to have this in my bag. Then I opened the package. The real theme of this month's bag should be: Smells. These wipes have a really bad one. The best way I can describe it: a fake pomegranate alcohol smell. It burns the nostrils.
Smell aside, I soldiered on and tested one on my face. It was even worse. My skin was left feeling very dry and tight. I used it before bed, put on a moisturizer afterwards, and the whole next day my skin still felt awful. It left my face a bit red too. Needless to say, I will not be using any of the remaing wipes. This leaves me apprehensive to try any more products from this brand in future. Per the package, the tissues are made in North Korea.
yaby
Liquid Foundation - Buff
Full size sample! Sample size: 8ml/0.272 fl oz (Full size: $13.99)
"The yaby Liquid Foundation leaves an unbelievably natural, super smooth texture and is extremely easy to apply. Mimics the skin's natural sheen to create the most realistic flawless skin. Oil-free."
I do not wear foundation, so this was a miss for me. The color seems fine, and blended into the section of my hand I tested it on. The applicator has a removable tip and the tube can hold up to 12ml, which allows one to mix in other shades for a better skin tone match.
I may give this a full trial, but I do not see myself ever becoming a regular foundation user. yaby does have other products, which I am not opposed to sampling.
Summary: three of my five samples were full sized, which is nice. However, I really only liked two of the products in my bag: the lip balm and the body butter, plus the wipes I full on hate. Still, the cost of the two samples I liked ($23.25) more than covered the cost of the $10/month subscription. I am going to stick with ipsy, and look forward to next month's bag.
ipsy: http://www.ipsy.com/r/4xwr
My referral link, should you like to sign up and give me free points.
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