IPSY HAUL - JANUARY💋

Hey everyone! After sharing my unboxing and first impressions of my January 2024 Ipsy Glam Bag, I've seen a lot of you asking, 'how much does Ipsy actually cost?' It's a super valid question, especially when you're trying to figure out if these beauty boxes are truly worth your hard-earned money. I totally get it – I'm always weighing the cost against the value, and frankly, that's why I've been feeling a bit lukewarm about my recent Ipsy bags. Let's break down the basic Ipsy subscription costs, as of my last check. The classic 'Glam Bag' (which is what I got with my purple sequined makeup bag this month, plus that cute Glow Your Soul card) typically runs for around $14 USD per month. This gets you 5 deluxe-sized samples. Then there's the 'BoxyCharm' (formerly Ipsy Plus), which is usually about $28 USD and gives you 5 full-sized products. And for the ultimate beauty enthusiasts, the 'Icon Box' (formerly Ipsy X) comes out quarterly at a higher price point, offering 8 full-sized products. Keep in mind, these prices can slightly vary with taxes or if you opt for annual subscriptions, which often give a small discount. Now, thinking back to my January haul with the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, YC Collection Eyeliner, DWTN Paris Eyeshadow, Yensa Pink Lotus Face Cream, and REN Glow and Protect Serum, I found myself wondering about the real value. Ipsy often advertises that the total retail value of the products in your bag is much higher than the subscription cost. For example, a Glam Bag might claim a value of $50-$70. While that sounds great on paper, my personal experience, and what I mentioned in my post, is that the brands sometimes feel less 'premium' than they used to. I’m not always buying products from brands I haven’t heard of before, and when I do look them up, the individual prices can be quite low, making that 'total retail value' feel a bit inflated for my taste. It’s a balancing act, right? You're paying a set fee for the surprise and convenience of trying new beauty items delivered in that iconic Ipsy mailer. For some, discovering new brands, even if they're not widely known, is part of the fun. For others, like me sometimes, the expectation is for more recognizable names or products that feel more luxurious for the price point. So, is it worth it? That really depends on what you're hoping to get out of it. If you love the thrill of discovery and don’t mind deluxe samples, the Glam Bag can be a fun treat for its $14. But if you're like me, feeling that the quality has dipped and you're not finding value in the products received (apart from the occasional gem like the Tarte Shape Tape, which I already know!), then it might be time to re-evaluate. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where the cost aligns with the joy and utility you get from your beauty box experience!