Beauty subscription boxes have become one of the easiest ways to discover new makeup, skincare, and haircare products without spending a fortune. Among the biggest names in the industry is IPSY, a personalized beauty subscription service that delivers curated products directly to your door every month.
In this IPSY review, we’ll examine how the service works, subscription options, pricing, customer feedback, pros and cons, and whether it’s worth your money in 2026.
About IPSY
IPSY is a beauty membership service founded in 2011 by Michelle Phan and her co-founders. The company aims to help users discover beauty products tailored to their unique preferences through a personalized beauty quiz. IPSY has grown into one of the largest beauty subscription services in North America and now includes BoxyCharm under its brand umbrella.
Highlights
- Personalized beauty recommendations
- Makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance products
- Monthly and quarterly subscription options
- Access to exclusive member discounts
- Choice selections for subscribers
- Products from well-known and emerging beauty brands
How Does IPSY Work?
Getting started with IPSY is simple.
Step 1: Complete the Beauty Quiz
New members answer questions about:
- Skin tone
- Hair color
- Eye color
- Beauty preferences
- Favorite product categories
- Desired product frequency
IPSY uses this information to personalize monthly shipments.
Step 2: Select Your Membership
Subscribers can choose from multiple plans based on their beauty goals and budget.
Step 3: Receive Monthly Deliveries
Each month, IPSY ships curated beauty products directly to subscribers. Members can also customize certain products before shipment.
IPSY Subscription Plans
1. IPSY Original
The entry-level membership includes:
- 5 personalized beauty samples
- Monthly Glam Bag
- Product choice option
- Value up to approximately $70
This plan is ideal for beauty enthusiasts who enjoy trying new products before purchasing full sizes.
2. IPSY Extra
This subscription focuses on full-sized products and includes:
- 5 full-size beauty products
- Greater customization options
- Higher retail value
- Monthly delivery
Many subscribers consider this plan the best overall value.
3. IPSY Ultimate
IPSY’s premium quarterly upgrade includes:
- 8 full-size products
- Premium beauty brands
- Luxury product selections
- Higher retail value
This option is designed for dedicated beauty lovers who want access to exclusive launches and premium brands.
What Kind of Products Can You Receive?
IPSY regularly features products from categories including:
- Makeup
- Skincare
- Haircare
- Body care
- Fragrance
- Beauty tools
Popular product types include:
- Moisturizers
- Serums
- Lipsticks
- Mascaras
- Eyeshadow palettes
- Face masks
- Hair treatments
The variety is one of the primary reasons subscribers remain loyal to the service.
IPSY Pricing
Current IPSY pricing generally starts around:
| Plan | Type |
|---|---|
| IPSY Original | Monthly sample-based bag |
| IPSY Extra | Monthly full-size products |
| IPSY Ultimate | Quarterly premium box |
Pricing and plan details may change periodically, so members should verify current rates directly through IPSY.
What Customers Like About IPSY
After reviewing customer feedback across beauty communities and subscriber reviews, several positive themes emerge:
Excellent Product Discovery
Many users enjoy discovering brands they would never have purchased independently. The subscription introduces members to both established and emerging beauty companies.
Strong Value for Money
Subscribers frequently report receiving products whose combined retail value significantly exceeds the monthly subscription cost.
Personalization
The Beauty Quiz helps IPSY provide products that better align with individual preferences compared to traditional mystery beauty boxes.
Fun Monthly Experience
Many members describe receiving their monthly IPSY package as an exciting experience and enjoy the surprise element.
Common Complaints
No subscription service is perfect, and IPSY receives criticism in several areas.
Shipping Delays
Some subscribers report inconsistent shipping times and occasional delivery delays.
Customer Service Concerns
Several users mention difficulties reaching customer support or resolving order issues quickly.
Product Relevance
Although IPSY personalizes shipments, some subscribers occasionally receive products that don’t fully match their preferences.
IPSY Pros and Cons
Pros
- Personalized beauty selections
- Affordable entry pricing
- Access to premium brands
- Flexible subscription options
- Strong product value
- Member-exclusive shopping deals
Cons
- Occasional shipping delays
- Customer support complaints
- Product matching isn’t always perfect
- Subscription costs can add up over time
IPSY vs Competitors
Compared to other beauty subscription services, IPSY stands out for personalization and variety. While competitors may focus on editor-selected products or skincare-heavy boxes, IPSY offers a more customized experience tailored to individual beauty profiles.
Is IPSY Worth It?
For beauty enthusiasts who enjoy discovering new products and experimenting with different brands, IPSY remains one of the strongest subscription box options available.
The service delivers substantial value, personalized recommendations, and a wide range of beauty products. However, subscribers should be prepared for occasional shipping delays and customer service challenges.
Overall, IPSY is best suited for:
- Makeup lovers
- Skincare enthusiasts
- Beauty product collectors
- Anyone looking to try new brands at a lower cost
Final Rating: 4.4/5 ⭐
IPSY continues to be one of the most popular beauty subscription services thanks to its personalization, product variety, and overall value. While it isn’t perfect, most subscribers find that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
