Is Ipsy Worth It? Full Breakdown of the Beauty Subscription Box 2025
Is Ipsy Worth It? Full Breakdown of the Beauty Subscription Box
The beauty subscription box trend has taken the world by storm, and one of the biggest names in the game is Ipsy. From makeup lovers to skincare enthusiasts, millions of people look forward to their Ipsy Glam Bag arriving each month. But the question remains — is Ipsy actually worth it?
If you have been considering signing up for Ipsy or are just curious about how it works, this in-depth review will help you understand what you get, how much it costs, and whether it delivers real value for your money.
What Is Ipsy?
Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription box that sends you a mix of makeup, skincare, haircare, and beauty tools tailored to your preferences. Founded by YouTuber Michelle Phan in 2011, Ipsy has grown into one of the largest beauty communities in the world.
Each subscriber receives a personalized “Glam Bag” with products based on their Beauty Quiz results. The goal is to help you discover new brands and try different products without paying full retail prices.
How Does Ipsy Work?
The process is simple. You start by creating an account on Ipsy’s website and filling out a Beauty Quiz. The quiz includes questions about your skin tone, hair color, makeup style, and favorite product types.
Each month, Ipsy curates a Glam Bag specifically for you. The contents are chosen from hundreds of brands, both high-end and indie. You can preview your bag before it ships and even choose one product yourself through the “Ipsy Choice” feature.
Your Glam Bag arrives at your doorstep around the middle of each month, filled with sample or full-sized products neatly packaged in a collectible makeup pouch.
The Different Ipsy Subscription Plans
Ipsy offers three main subscription tiers so you can choose what fits your beauty routine and budget best.
The Glam Bag:
This is the original and most affordable plan. For a small monthly fee, you get five deluxe sample-sized products and a cute themed makeup bag. It’s great for testing new items and discovering what works for you.
The Glam Bag Plus:
This plan includes five full-sized products every month. It’s designed for those who want more value and variety. You also get to choose three of your five items each month.
The Glam Bag X:
This is the premium version, delivered quarterly instead of monthly. It features seven to eight full-sized luxury products handpicked by celebrity curators or beauty influencers. Glam Bag X often includes high-end brands like Huda Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, and Sunday Riley.
What Kind of Products Do You Get in Ipsy?
Ipsy includes a diverse range of beauty products, from well-known names to indie discoveries. You can expect to receive:
- Skincare essentials like moisturizers, serums, and masks
- Makeup products such as lipsticks, eyeliners, blushes, and foundations
- Haircare items like leave-in conditioners, sprays, and masks
- Beauty tools such as brushes, blenders, or tweezers
The exact items vary based on your preferences and monthly availability, but the quality is usually high. Many subscribers report discovering new holy-grail products through Ipsy that they would never have tried otherwise.
How Much Does Ipsy Cost?
One of Ipsy’s biggest draws is its affordability compared to the value of the products you receive.
- Glam Bag: around $14 per month
- Glam Bag Plus: around $28 per month
- Glam Bag X: around $60 per quarter
Each bag’s retail value typically exceeds what you pay. For example, a $14 Glam Bag often contains products worth between $50 and $70 in total value, making it an attractive option for beauty lovers on a budget.
The Pros of Ipsy
Many subscribers love Ipsy for several reasons:
Affordable way to try new products: You can test high-end brands without committing to full-size prices.
Personalized curation: The Beauty Quiz ensures your bag matches your preferences and skin type.
Fun unboxing experience: Each month feels like opening a gift tailored just for you.
Variety of brands: Ipsy features both major names like Tarte, Benefit, and Fenty, as well as indie brands.
Collectible makeup bags: Every month includes a unique, themed pouch that can be reused for storage or travel.
The Cons of Ipsy
Like any subscription, Ipsy isn’t perfect. Here are a few common downsides mentioned by users:
Product repetition: Occasionally, you might receive similar items, especially if you subscribe long-term.
Shipping delays: Some customers experience late deliveries, especially during peak seasons.
Sample sizes: In the basic Glam Bag, not all products are full-sized, which might disappoint those expecting larger quantities.
Customization limits: Although you can choose one or more items, the rest are algorithm-selected, so there’s still some surprise factor.
Who Is Ipsy Best For?
Ipsy is ideal for:
- People who love experimenting with new makeup or skincare
- Those who want to discover affordable alternatives to luxury brands
- Beginners who are building their beauty collection
- Gift-givers looking for a thoughtful subscription present
If you enjoy variety and don’t mind surprises, Ipsy is a great fit. However, if you prefer buying specific products you already love, you might not find the unpredictability as exciting.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Ipsy Subscription
If you decide to try Ipsy, a few strategies can help maximize your experience:
Keep your Beauty Quiz updated. As your preferences or skin type change, update your quiz so Ipsy can tailor future boxes more accurately.
Review your products. Ipsy rewards you with points for writing reviews, which you can redeem for free items.
Take advantage of add-ons. Each month, you can buy extra products at discounted prices when customizing your bag.
Use your pouch wisely. The makeup bags are perfect for organizing travel essentials, skincare, or small accessories.
Follow Ipsy’s social media. You can get sneak peeks of upcoming products and insider deals.
Is Ipsy Really Worth It?
The answer depends on your expectations and lifestyle. For many users, Ipsy provides excellent value and enjoyment. You get to explore new brands, experiment with products, and discover hidden gems for a fraction of their retail cost.
If you’re passionate about beauty and love surprises, Ipsy offers a fun and affordable way to keep your collection fresh. On the other hand, if you’re particular about what you use and dislike sample sizes, the service might not feel as valuable to you.
Most subscribers agree that the Glam Bag Plus provides the best balance between price and product size, offering full-sized items at a fair monthly cost.
Conclusion
So, is Ipsy worth it? For the majority of beauty enthusiasts, the answer is yes. Ipsy’s combination of affordability, product diversity, and personalization makes it one of the top beauty subscription boxes available today.
The brand’s long-standing reputation, partnerships with popular cosmetic names, and commitment to customer satisfaction make it a trustworthy choice for anyone eager to enhance their beauty routine.
Ultimately, Ipsy is more than just a subscription — it’s an experience that brings joy, discovery, and a little sparkle to your month.
FAQs
1. Can I cancel my Ipsy subscription anytime?
Yes, you can cancel or pause your subscription at any time through your online account. There are no long-term contracts or cancellation fees.
2. Are Ipsy products authentic?
Absolutely. Ipsy partners directly with reputable brands to ensure that every product is genuine and high quality.
3. Does Ipsy ship internationally?
Currently, Ipsy ships within the United States and Canada. Availability may vary depending on your region.
4. Can I choose what products I get in my Ipsy bag?
Subscribers can choose one product in the Glam Bag and three products in the Glam Bag Plus each month. The rest are selected based on your profile preferences.
5. What happens if I don’t like my Ipsy products?
You can review your items to influence future selections or share unwanted products with friends. Ipsy also allows product reviews to refine your future matches.
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