What Ipsy sends you each month
Ipsy is a monthly subscription that delivers a curated bag of beauty and skincare products to your door. Each month you receive five full-size or deluxe-size items — typically a mix of makeup, skincare, haircare, and tools — selected based on a beauty profile you create when you sign up. The box costs $13 per month, and you can pause or cancel anytime without penalty.
The products come from both established brands and smaller indie beauty companies. Ipsy partners with brands like Tarte, Benefit, Tatcha, and Ofra, but also features emerging labels you may not find in drugstores. The specific items in your box depend on the beauty quiz you complete during signup, which asks about your skin type, preferred makeup styles, and product preferences.
Your first box arrives within 5 to 10 business days of signup. Subsequent boxes ship around the 10th of each month. You can view what's in your box before it ships — Ipsy typically reveals the contents 5 to 7 days before the shipment date, giving you time to pause that month if you prefer.
Key Takeaways
- Ipsy sends five beauty products monthly for $13, selected based on your beauty profile and preferences.
- You can view your box contents before shipment and pause or cancel your subscription at any time.
- The service includes access to Ipsy's app, where you can earn points on purchases and redeem them for products or discounts.
- Ipsy offers a second tier called Ipsy Glam Bag Plus ($23 per month) with larger or premium products if you want more expensive items.
- Shipping is included in the monthly fee, and there are no hidden charges or surprise billing.
How the beauty profile quiz shapes your box
When you first sign up, Ipsy asks you to complete a beauty profile. This quiz covers your skin type (oily, dry, combination, sensitive), your preferred makeup categories (eyeshadow, lipstick, mascara, foundation), and specific concerns like acne, aging, or sensitivity. You also indicate whether you prefer natural or bold makeup looks and whether you want to try new brands or stick with ones you know.
Ipsy uses this information to match you with products that fit your stated preferences. However, the algorithm is not perfect — you may receive items outside your preferences occasionally, especially if Ipsy has a partnership with a brand that month or if a product is popular across many profiles. You can update your beauty profile anytime through the app, and changes take effect on your next box.
If you consistently dislike certain product types, you can note that in your profile or skip individual items before your box ships. Skipped items are replaced with alternatives, though you do not get to choose the replacement — Ipsy selects it based on your profile.
The Ipsy app and earning points
Ipsy includes access to the Ipsy app, where you can browse full-size products for purchase at a discount. The app shows you the retail price and the Ipsy price side by side. You earn points on every purchase — typically 1 point per dollar spent — and you can redeem points for discounts on future purchases or for free products once you accumulate enough.
The app also lets you rate products from previous boxes, which feeds back into the algorithm that selects future items. You can also browse "Ipsy Shop," a curated selection of beauty products available for one-time purchase at discounted prices. These are separate from your monthly box and are optional.
You can also earn bonus points by completing surveys, watching videos, or referring friends who sign up. The points system is straightforward — there are no expiration dates, and the redemption thresholds are clearly listed in the app.
Ipsy Glam Bag Plus and other tiers
In addition to the standard Glam Bag ($13 per month), Ipsy offers Ipsy Glam Bag Plus ($23 per month). The Plus tier includes five products like the standard bag, but the items tend to be larger sizes or from premium brands. You might receive full-size mascaras, serums, or palettes instead of deluxe samples, and the retail value of items in the Plus bag is typically higher.
You can switch between tiers anytime. Many subscribers start with the standard bag to test the service, then upgrade to Plus if they want larger or pricier products. You can also downgrade back to the standard bag in any month. The choice is made before your box ships, so you have time to decide based on what you see in the preview.
Ipsy occasionally runs promotions for new subscribers — discounted first boxes or bonus points — but these vary by month and are not may provide. Existing subscribers do not receive the same promotional pricing.
Shipping, returns, and what to do if items arrive damaged
Shipping is included in your monthly fee and is standard to addresses in the United States. Ipsy ships from multiple fulfillment centers, so delivery times vary slightly, but most boxes arrive within 5 to 10 business days of the ship date. You can track your package through the app once it ships.
Ipsy does not accept returns on unopened products from your monthly box — the subscription model assumes you are keeping what you receive. However, if an item arrives damaged or defective, you can report it through the app and Ipsy will typically send a replacement or issue a credit toward your account. You do not need to return the damaged item first.
If you receive an item you did not order or if there is a billing error, contact Ipsy customer service through the app or website. Response times are typically 24 to 48 hours. Ipsy does not charge restocking fees or cancellation fees if you decide to stop your subscription.
Comparing Ipsy to other beauty subscriptions
Ipsy is one of several monthly beauty box services. Birchbox ($15 per month) also sends curated samples and full-size products, but focuses more on skincare and wellness. FabFitFun ($60 per quarter) is larger and more expensive but includes non-beauty items like home goods and fitness products. Sephora Play (currently paused but may return) was similar to Ipsy but required a Sephora account.
The main difference between Ipsy and competitors is the price point and the breadth of brands. Ipsy is one of the most affordable monthly beauty boxes and partners with a wide range of indie and mainstream brands. If you want to try many different products at a low cost, Ipsy is a good fit. If you prefer to stick with one retailer's curated selection or want larger full-size products, another service may suit you better.
You can also purchase individual beauty products from retailers like Sephora, Ulta, or Amazon without a subscription. A subscription makes sense if you enjoy discovering new products regularly and do not mind receiving items you did not specifically choose.
Canceling or pausing your subscription
You can pause your Ipsy subscription for one or more months without canceling. Pausing stops your monthly charge and shipment but keeps your account active, so you can resume anytime. Pausing is done through the app or website and takes effect before your next billing date.
To cancel entirely, go to your account settings and select "Cancel Subscription." Ipsy does not ask you to provide a reason, and there is no penalty or final charge. Your account closes after your current billing cycle ends. If you cancel mid-month, you are not refunded for the current month — you receive that month's box and then the subscription ends.
If you cancel and later want to rejoin, you can sign up again as a new subscriber. You may be offered a promotional rate for returning subscribers, though this is not may provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip a month without canceling?
Yes. You can pause your subscription for one or more months through the app. Your account stays active, your points do not expire, and you can resume whenever you want. Pausing stops the charge and shipment but does not close your account.
What happens if I do not like the products in my box?
You can skip individual items before your box ships, and Ipsy will replace them with alternatives. You cannot choose the replacement, but it is selected based on your beauty profile. If you dislike most of a box after it arrives, you can pause the next month and update your profile before resuming.
Is there a contract or commitment?
No. Ipsy is month-to-month with no contract. You can cancel anytime, and there are no cancellation fees or penalties. You do not receive a refund for the current month if you cancel mid-cycle, but you keep the box that shipped.
How much is shipping?
Shipping is included in the $13 monthly fee for the standard Glam Bag and $23 for Glam Bag Plus. There are no additional shipping charges. Delivery typically takes 5 to 10 business days after the box ships.
Can I change my beauty profile after I sign up?
Yes. You can update your profile anytime through the app. Changes take effect on your next box. If you want to change what goes into your current box, you can skip items before shipment, but you cannot edit the box after it ships.