Did it?
Kind of.
For the most part, Ipsy is the only subscription service that doesn't continually let me down. Still, some of the more recent bags were a little less than exciting. Ipsy is generous with the sample sizes, however they sure do love products made in China, and you know how homey feels about that.
My January bag is kind of cute - I probably still won't use it, because those little tiny cosmetic bags are way too small for all the cosmetics it takes to make this girl sexy. Still, it was a joy to see the cute little bag in my package.
Without any more fan fare (or whining), here's what Ipsy gave me to start my year off glamorously:
Benefit the POREfessional: This is a super tiny sample, however it is a product I've wanted to try for ages now. I love Benefit products, and this one promises to "Quickly minimize the appearance of pores & fine lines for smoother-than-smooth skin!" Did it minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines quickly? Eh... not sure. But it did facilitate the application of my BB cream, and after I had both products on my face, I felt like I looked pretty good for an old lady. I would definitely purchase this product.
Retail price: $30 for 0.75 ounces
(MALIN+GOETZ) Mojito Lip Balm: Lip balm does not excite me. But guess what? This product is made in the good old U.S. of A. - my favorite place! I didn't like the application - basically the product glops out of the tube, and you must be quick on the draw to get it on your finger and put the top back on before the rest of it ends up on the floor. Or your foot. Or your cat. It doesn't smell like a mojito, so I'm not sure why it's called that. In fact, it seemed not to have a scent at all. However, this product is thick and will definitely combat the damage the dry Nevada winter nights wreaks on my old lady lips.
Retail price: $12 for 0.35 oz.
Balanced Guru Balm Me Up Organic Sweet Cocoa & Tangy Body Balm: Oh Ipsy, you made me happy with yet another product made in America, the Beautiful. Not only does this stuff smell great, it's also certified organic and cruelty free. In other words, you can't go wrong when you use this product - not at all. In fact, using this product might get you closer to sainthood.
Retail price: $45 for 4 ounces
(Yeah, I didn't say you wouldn't go broke buying this baby!)
A! Absolute! Makeup Cleansing Tissue: This product did not excite me, mainly because I've received several packages of cleansing tissues in the last few months. In fact, I believe I now have four brand new packages. I admit they come in handy, especially when I travel. Still, I am getting a little sick of this type of product. This one is made in Korea - at least it's not China, but I'm not convinced Korea is much better.
Retail Price: $6.99 for 60 tissues
yaby Liquid Foundation in Buff: The tube of foundation did not have any indication of where it is made, so I contacted yaby. To their credit, they responded within 3 days, and told me that the product is made in (drum roll please) China. To be fair to yaby, here's what they said: "This is a personal mission of our owner, who stationed all yaby production in China to help increase adult employment rate in efforts to reduce child labor and child prostitution." Um - what's wrong with increasing the adult employment rate in your own country, huh yaby?
While the sentiment behind that statement is pure marketing sweetness, it did not at all change my mind about using products made in China. There is WAY too much evidence that manufacturers in China do not use the ingredients listed on the products, and also that their manufacturing processes are suspect.
Retail price: $13.55 for 15.40 grams
All in all, I would consider this month's GlamBag a hit! The bag is super cute and 3 out of five products were made in the USA. Because of this, Ipsy remains my favorite of the subscription services I've tried.
Nitpicks: Only one this month, and that's the yaby cosmetic from China. It was my only cosmetic product this month, so I'm deeply disappointed it's from China. It's actually a nice sized sample, though it's probably full of toxins.
Lasting Impression: The rest of the products are great. The (Malin+Goetz) lip balm is a FULL size - so that's the price of the GlamBag right there - and then some. The Balanced Guru Body Balm is expensive, but what a nice little luxury product to sample. It smells great, and when Tom Selleck and I get married, I'll make him buy me this every month.
