What Ipsy is and how the subscription works

Ipsy is a monthly beauty box subscription that sends you a curated selection of makeup, skincare, and haircare products. You pay a monthly fee, and Ipsy ships a bag containing five full-size or deluxe-size items to your address each month. The products change month to month based on a beauty profile you complete when you sign up.

The subscription operates on a recurring charge model: your payment method is charged automatically each month unless you pause or cancel. Ipsy offers different subscription tiers at different price points, each with a different number or value of products included. You can manage your subscription through your Ipsy account online or through their mobile app, where you can also see what products are coming in your next bag before it ships.

Ipsy partners with beauty brands ranging from established names to emerging indie brands. The specific products in your bag depend on your beauty preferences, skin type, and the brands Ipsy has partnered with that month. You do not choose individual items; instead, Ipsy's algorithm selects products it thinks will match your profile.

Key Takeaways

  • Ipsy charges a monthly recurring fee and ships five products per month, with the exact items determined by your beauty profile and Ipsy's algorithm.
  • You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time through your account without penalty, and paused subscriptions do not charge you.
  • Ipsy offers multiple subscription tiers at different price points, each with different product values or quantities.
  • Products arrive in a branded cosmetic bag that changes each month, and you can see your full bag contents before it ships.

Subscription tiers and monthly cost

Ipsy offers multiple subscription levels. The standard tier is the most common entry point and includes five products per month. A higher tier includes more products or products with higher retail values. Ipsy occasionally introduces limited-time tiers or promotional pricing for new members.

Monthly costs vary depending on which tier you choose and whether you are a new or returning member. New members often receive a discounted first month. The exact pricing changes periodically, so the amount you see when you sign up may differ from what current members pay. You can see the current pricing on Ipsy's website before you commit to a subscription.

Shipping is included in your monthly fee for most tiers. Ipsy typically ships bags within the first week of each month, though exact timing can vary. If you live outside the United States, Ipsy may offer international shipping through a separate service with additional fees.

How the beauty profile quiz shapes what you receive

When you create an Ipsy account, you complete a beauty profile questionnaire. You answer questions about your skin type, skin tone, hair type, makeup preferences, and beauty concerns. This information feeds into Ipsy's algorithm to determine which products from that month's available selection will go into your bag.

You can update your beauty profile at any time, and changes take effect for future bags. If you receive a product you dislike or already own, you cannot swap it out of an upcoming bag through Ipsy's system, but you can note your feedback in your account. Ipsy uses this feedback to refine future selections.

The algorithm does not may provide you will love every item. Ipsy's goal is to introduce you to new products and brands, which means some items may fall outside your usual preferences. If a product does not work for you, you can sell it, trade it, or donate it.

Pausing and canceling your subscription

You can pause your Ipsy subscription for one or more months without canceling it. A paused subscription does not charge you, and you can resume it whenever you want. To pause, log into your account and select the pause option; you will be prompted to choose how many months to pause.

Canceling your subscription is also done through your account. Once you cancel, you will not be charged again, and no future bags will ship. Ipsy does not require you to provide a reason or contact customer service to cancel; the option is available directly in your account settings.

If you cancel mid-month, your current month's bag will still ship if it has not already been dispatched. You will not be charged for the following month. If you pause or cancel before your billing date, the charge for that month will not go through.

What products typically arrive and brand partnerships

Ipsy bags contain a mix of product categories: eyeshadow palettes, mascaras, foundations, lip products, skincare serums, face masks, and haircare items are common. The brands range from mass-market names like Tarte and Benefit to smaller indie brands and Ipsy's own private label products.

Most items in an Ipsy bag are full-size products, though some months include deluxe or travel sizes. The retail value of the products in your bag typically exceeds the monthly subscription cost, though retail value does not always reflect what you would actually pay if you bought those items yourself.

Ipsy rotates brand partnerships monthly, so the brands available one month may not appear the next. If you have a strong preference for or against certain brands, you can note this in your beauty profile, though Ipsy cannot may provide it will affect your selections.

The Ipsy Glam Bag Plus and other premium options

Beyond the standard Glam Bag, Ipsy offers Glam Bag Plus, a higher-tier subscription that includes more products or higher-value items each month. This tier costs more than the standard subscription but is designed for people who want a larger haul or prefer premium brands.

Ipsy occasionally tests or introduces other subscription variations, such as category-specific bags focused on skincare or color cosmetics. These limited offerings may be available only to certain members or for a limited time. Check your Ipsy account to see which tiers are currently available to you.

Some members maintain multiple subscriptions if they want both the standard and premium tiers, though this is not required and increases your total monthly cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip a month without canceling?

Yes. Use the pause feature in your account to skip one or more months. Your subscription will not charge you during paused months, and you can resume whenever you want. Pausing is different from canceling and does not end your subscription.

What happens if I do not like a product in my bag?

Ipsy does not offer returns or exchanges for individual items in your bag. However, you can leave feedback in your account about products you did not like, which helps Ipsy refine future selections. Many members sell, trade, or donate unwanted items through resale platforms or beauty communities.

Can I choose my own products instead of letting Ipsy pick them?

No. Ipsy's model is algorithm-based curation, not customer selection. Your beauty profile influences the algorithm, but you cannot manually pick individual items. Some other beauty subscriptions offer choice options if that is important to you.

When does my bag ship, and can I track it?

Ipsy typically ships bags in the first week of each month. You can see your bag contents and tracking information in your account once it ships. Exact shipping dates vary by month and location, and you can check your account for the specific date your bag is expected to arrive.

Is there a contract or commitment period?

No. Ipsy month-to-month subscriptions have no contract or minimum commitment. You can cancel or pause at any time through your account without penalty or explanation required.