IPSY is a beauty subscription service that sends monthly bags and boxes of makeup, skincare and hair products matched to a beauty profile. Its main tiers are the Glam Bag and the larger BoxyCharm by IPSY, and it also sells add-ons through its shop.
What decides whether IPSY is good value is choosing the right tier and filling out your profile carefully. A well-matched bag brings products you actually use, while a vague profile brings more misses.
Choosing an IPSY tier
The Glam Bag is the entry IPSY tier, with a handful of samples and some full-size items in a makeup bag. It suits people who want to try new products cheaply.
BoxyCharm by IPSY is the larger tier with mostly full-size products. It costs more and suits people who use a lot of makeup and skincare.
Some IPSY tiers let you choose some of your items each month. Check the current tier details before you sign up.
Filling in your IPSY beauty profile
The IPSY beauty quiz asks about skin type, skin tone, hair and preferences. The more honest your answers, the better the matches.
Update your IPSY profile when your needs change, for example in winter when skin gets drier. It affects future bags.
If you have sensitive skin or allergies, check ingredients on each product. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you have a known reaction.
Add-ons and the IPSY shop
IPSY members can buy extra products as add-ons, often at member prices. They ship with your monthly bag.
Add-ons are best used for products you already know you like. Compare prices with the brand's own site.
Billing, skipping and cancelling IPSY
IPSY bills monthly on a set date. If you want to skip a month, do it before the billing date.
Annual IPSY plans may cost less per month but commit you for longer. Check the terms before choosing.
You can cancel IPSY in your account settings. Check the cutoff so you are not charged for the next bag.
Getting value from each IPSY bag
Track which IPSY products you use. If most go unused, a lower tier may suit you better.
Trade or gift unused items rather than letting them expire. Beauty products have a limited shelf life after opening.
Reviewing products for IPSY points
IPSY has a points system where members can earn points, for example by reviewing items they received. Points can go toward future products in the IPSY shop.
Reviews also help IPSY learn what you like. Honest reviews should improve future matches in your bag.
Check the current IPSY points rules in your account, since they change from time to time.
Gifting an IPSY subscription
IPSY offers gift subscriptions for set lengths. The recipient fills in their own beauty profile, so the bag still matches them.
A gift works best for someone who enjoys trying new makeup. For someone with a fixed routine, a single product may be a better gift.
Check whether an IPSY gift renews automatically at the end, so the giver is not charged later by surprise.
What to expect in each IPSY shipment
Each IPSY Glam Bag comes in a new makeup bag design, which many members reuse. BoxyCharm by IPSY comes in a box with larger items.
Shipments go out on a monthly schedule, and tracking appears in your IPSY account. If a bag is late, check tracking before contacting support.
Brands in IPSY bags range from drugstore names to prestige labels. Your profile affects which you get.
Where the IPSY savings are
The 25% code is the strongest IPSY option to try first. It may apply to a first bag or a specific tier, so check at checkout.
The 20% code is the fallback if the 25% code is refused.
The $10 off code can beat a percentage on the lower-priced Glam Bag. On a larger BoxyCharm order a percentage may be worth more.
Codes may not apply to add-ons. Read the checkout total before confirming.
Skipping and pausing IPSY months
IPSY lets members skip a month or pause the subscription from their account settings, which is useful when a Glam Bag theme does not suit you. Check the cutoff date each month, because IPSY charges and assigns products on a set schedule.
If you want to cancel, do it from the IPSY account page before the next billing date. Codes applied to a new IPSY membership usually affect the first payment, so read the terms shown at checkout.
IPSY also runs a separate shop for full-size products. Member pricing there can be a cheaper route to a favourite item than waiting for it in a bag.
Common questions
Can I pick what goes in my IPSY bag?
Some tiers allow choices. Check your tier.
Can I skip an IPSY month?
Usually yes, before the billing date.
Is BoxyCharm part of IPSY?
Yes. It is now BoxyCharm by IPSY.
Are IPSY products full size?
Some are samples and some are full size, depending on the tier.
| Discount | Type | Get the deal |
|---|---|---|
| $10 off | Promo code | View at IPSY → |
| 10% off | Promo code | View at IPSY → |
| Special Offer | Promo code | View at IPSY → |
| 20% off | Promo code | View at IPSY → |