Overview of the Ipsy Glam Bag Subscription
Michelle Phan is probably best known for her YouTube beauty tutorials and tips. She is also the person behind Ipsy, an affordable beauty product discovery program.
Ipsy was previously known as MyGlam. The company underwent rebranding and relaunch in late 2012 to reflect the community environment that comes with a subscription. Subscribers can create a personal profile, add photos and videos, create Favorites lists and more. This allows for not only product discovery, but also the opportunity to connect with other beauty buffs.
An Ipsy Glam Bag subscription is only $10 per month. Subscribers can expect to receive five deluxe and full-size beauty product samples each month. Rather than the standard “beauty box,” Ipsy packages their selections in stylish makeup bags that are yours to keep. Online videos are available for each product that provides further information and instructions for application or use.
At this time, the Glam Bag subscription’s biggest competitor seems to be Birchbox. They are both priced at $10 per month. Some prefer Birchbox, some Glam Bag, many receive both.
There is not much dispute over the retail value of a Glam Bag. In most months the value of one full-size product alone covers the cost of the subscription, and there are still several other items in the bag. Some people would prefer not to receive a makeup bag each month, but if you do not want yours, give it away. You could even pack them up with any unused samples you don’t want and gift them to others at Christmas.
I could not choose between Birchbox and Ipsy Glam Bag, so I ordered both. As is almost always the case with these programs there is a waitlist (I signed up mid-January and received order confirmation January 30). One thing to note about the signup for Glam Bag monthly, you have to provide your payment information when signing up. When your time comes up, you will receive an email and be automatically billed on the 1st of the month your first bag ships. You will not simply hand over your email and wait for an invite at which time you can decide to proceed like some programs. You can remove yourself from the Waitlist at any time however.
Visit the Ipsy website to get more information or sign up. I will be receiving my first bag mid-February, so stay tuned for a full Glam Bag review!
