So my review of this bag will break from standard format.  Please bear with me.

First, lemmie get this out of the way: I didn’t care for this month’s ipsy at all.  Three of the four products immediately went on the “giveaway” pile (the lipstick, eyeshadow and Pixi poreless product shades were eh.) The bag itself I just do not like-the print is awesome and I love that they’ve gotten an artist to design it, but the oilcloth feels so icky and the printing process made the colours all muddled.  I’m SUPER bummed that I didn’t get the OPI nail polish (only because I’m probably gunna buy the whole line!)

But here’s the thing.  I’ve been looking at other subscription services and I’ve been trying to make up my mind about whether I’d like to spend my $10 a month elsewhere.  It forced me to really take a look at why I’m subscribed to ipsy (aside from the fact that several of my friends are subbies!)  Honestly? I love getting stuff in the mail.  I love having a set budget for makeup every month (which I mostly stick to.)  I love getting to try products that I would absolutely never spring the cash to try.  I love that ipsy isn’t just a “curated collection”–the cash value of the bag is always more than what I paid.  I love chatting about makeup, especially with friends.  I like the ipsy community, I like having backup gifts (ha), I like the ipsyPoints program and I like having something to look forward to!

So I’m keeping ipsy.  Even though I have a million black eyeliners and mascaras.  Even though I get products every month that I don’t care for.  Even though I almost never buy the products I get in the bag.  Even though I have a zillion little makeup bags kickin’ around, just waiting for a home.

I’ve looked into other subscription services and I’m still undecided.  I’m willing to hear your pitches for other services!