Discovering new makeup and skincare products can be exciting, but buying full-size products without knowing whether they suit your skin, preferences, or routine can become expensive. IPSY offers a beauty subscription service designed to make product discovery easier by delivering a personalized selection of makeup, skincare, haircare, and beauty products. Members can explore different brands, try sample-size products, and choose selected items depending on their subscription.
In this IPSY review, I examine its subscription plans, product selection, pricing, personalization features, shipping, and customer feedback. I have based this assessment on publicly available product information and customer reviews rather than claiming firsthand product testing. The goal is to help beauty enthusiasts decide whether IPSY offers enough value to justify a recurring subscription.
What Is IPSY?
IPSY is a beauty subscription service that sends members curated beauty products on a recurring schedule. Its offerings include makeup, skincare, haircare, beauty tools, and accessories from a range of established and emerging brands.
The service is built around personalization. During signup, members complete a Beauty Quiz that asks about their preferences, beauty interests, and other relevant details. IPSY uses this information, along with available product-selection options and member feedback, to help curate future shipments.
Depending on the plan, members receive deluxe-size samples or full-size products. They may also have opportunities to select certain products, shop additional items, or purchase special beauty collections.
IPSY is particularly appealing to people who enjoy experimenting with new products without committing to full-size purchases immediately. However, the experience depends on how well the selections match individual preferences and whether the products included in each shipment are useful to the subscriber.
If you are thinking about joining, check the available IPSY coupons and deals on CouponCurry to see whether any introductory offers or subscription discounts are available.
IPSY Subscription Plans and Pricing
IPSY offers several subscription options designed for different beauty budgets and product preferences. The following prices are listed on its official website and help explain the differences between the plans. Prices, availability, and included benefits can change, so confirm the current details before subscribing.
1. IPSY Original
IPSY Original is the entry-level subscription, designed for people who want to try a selection of beauty products without paying for a box of full-size items every month.
- Price: $15 per month.
- Products: Five deluxe-size beauty samples.
- Product selection: Members can choose one product under the listed monthly plan.
- Advertised value: Products valued at up to $70.
- Best for: Beginners, occasional makeup users, and beauty enthusiasts who enjoy discovering new brands.
The main advantage of IPSY Original is its relatively low entry price. Sample sizes can be useful for testing a foundation, mascara, moisturizer, or other beauty product before purchasing the full version.
However, samples are not the same as full-size products. If you use makeup or skincare daily, some items may run out quickly. The advertised retail value is also not the same as the amount you save, particularly if you would not normally buy the products included in your bag.
2. IPSY Extra
IPSY Extra is aimed at subscribers who prefer full-size beauty products and want more control over what they receive.
- Price: $32 per month on the listed monthly plan.
- Products: Five full-size beauty products.
- Product selection: Members can choose three products, with the remaining items selected by IPSY.
- Advertised value: Products valued at up to $200.
- Best for: Regular makeup and skincare users who want to build their collection.
The biggest benefit is the inclusion of full-size products. Subscribers who discover items they genuinely like may get more practical use from this plan than from smaller samples.
On the other hand, the monthly cost is higher. Before subscribing, consider whether you will regularly use five products and whether the selection fits your existing beauty routine. Receiving products you do not need can reduce the real value of the subscription, even when the advertised retail value looks attractive.
3. IPSY Ultimate
IPSY Ultimate is a higher-tier, quarterly offering for members who want a larger collection of full-size products. The official help information describes a quarterly box containing eight full-size products.
- Billing frequency: Quarterly.
- Products: Eight full-size beauty products.
- Advertised value: Up to $400 per box.
- Best for: Beauty enthusiasts who prefer a larger seasonal collection.
Because this option involves a higher overall purchase, check the current quarterly price, eligibility, and upgrade conditions before enrolling. IPSY’s subscription structure can change, and Ultimate may be offered as an upgrade to an eligible base membership rather than as a standalone plan.
For the latest details on available subscriptions, review the official IPSY subscription page and its subscription plan guide.
What Products Can You Get From IPSY?
Makeup
Makeup is a major part of the IPSY experience. Depending on the subscription and available selections, products may include mascara, lipstick, lip gloss, eyeshadow, blush, eyeliner, primers, foundations, and other cosmetics.
For someone who enjoys experimenting with different looks, this variety can be a useful way to discover new colors, formulas, and brands. Smaller samples are particularly convenient for testing products before deciding whether a full-size purchase makes sense.
However, makeup preferences are personal. A subscriber who prefers natural colors may not enjoy a bold eyeshadow, while someone who rarely uses primer may find repeated primer selections unnecessary. Completing the Beauty Quiz carefully and updating preferences when possible can help improve the relevance of future selections, although it cannot guarantee a perfect match.
Skincare
IPSY also offers skincare products, which may include cleansers, moisturizers, serums, masks, eye creams, and other beauty treatments. Sample sizes can make it easier to test a product’s texture and feel before purchasing a full-size container.
Skincare requires more caution than experimenting with makeup alone. A product that works well for one person may irritate another person’s skin, and a sample may not be large enough to evaluate long-term results. Check the ingredient list, especially if you have known sensitivities, and discontinue use if a product causes irritation.
Haircare
Haircare products may include shampoos, conditioners, styling products, masks, and treatments. These can be useful for discovering new brands or testing products during travel.
The main limitation is sample size. People with long or thick hair may find that a small container provides only a few uses. If you are looking for products to support a regular haircare routine, consider whether the sizes and quantities offered are practical for your needs.
Beauty Tools and Accessories
Depending on the selection, IPSY may include beauty tools and accessories alongside cosmetics and skincare. The bag or packaging itself is also part of the subscription’s appeal for some customers.
These extras can make a shipment feel more varied, but the overall value still depends on usefulness and quality. A beauty tool you will use regularly may be more valuable to you than several products that remain unopened in a drawer.
IPSY Personalization: Does the Beauty Quiz Help?
Personalization is one of IPSY’s main selling points. During signup, members answer questions about their beauty preferences and can provide additional feedback through product reviews and selection features. The service uses this information to help curate future bags or boxes.
In principle, this makes IPSY more appealing than a completely random beauty box. Someone who prefers skincare, for example, can provide information about their interests rather than receiving an entirely unpredictable assortment.
However, personalization has limitations. The available inventory, subscription type, and products offered for selection all affect what a member ultimately receives. Some subscribers may find that their bags match their preferences well, while others report receiving products they would not normally choose.
For the best experience, complete the Beauty Quiz accurately, update your preferences when the service allows it, and use available product-selection windows. Even with these steps, treat the selection as a curated surprise rather than a guarantee that every item will suit your taste.
What Do Customers Say About IPSY?
Public customer reviews provide a mixed picture of IPSY. Some subscribers enjoy discovering new brands, choosing products, and receiving a beauty package each month. Others report problems with product selection, missing items, shipping, billing, or cancellation.
These differences matter because a subscription service is not judged solely by the products it offers. Delivery reliability, clear billing, and effective customer support are also important parts of the overall experience.
Trustpilot Reviews
IPSY’s Trustpilot profile has displayed a score of approximately 2.2 out of 5 from more than 6,000 reviews in the listing checked for this review. The profile includes a substantial number of negative experiences, although it also contains positive feedback from subscribers who enjoy the products.
Common complaints include difficulty cancelling subscriptions, unexpected or disputed charges, delayed deliveries, missing items, and customer service that some reviewers felt did not resolve their problems quickly. Some subscribers also say their selections did not reflect the preferences they provided through the Beauty Quiz.
Positive reviews, meanwhile, mention enjoyable product discoveries, useful makeup selections, and the fun of trying items from different brands. Some long-term or returning subscribers report that they appreciate the ability to choose products and find items they might not otherwise have purchased.
The overall rating is a reason to pay attention to billing and support concerns before subscribing. However, review platforms reflect self-selected customer experiences and cannot establish that every member will have the same outcome.
Reddit Discussions
Reddit’s beauty subscription communities contain a range of discussions about IPSY. In a discussion about IPSY customer service, several participants described frustrations with account issues, missing products, or support responses. Other commenters discussed switching to alternative beauty boxes or changing how frequently they subscribed.
More positive experiences also appear in the community. In a first-time IPSY experience discussion, one subscriber reported receiving the shipment within the stated delivery window and finding the products intact. That customer said the experience encouraged them to continue their membership.
Another discussion about whether IPSY is worth the price highlights why the service appeals to some people: subscribers can discover products they eventually purchase in full size. Other participants felt that the value had declined or that they accumulated products they did not need.
Taken together, these discussions suggest that IPSY can be enjoyable for people who like trying new products, but its value is less convincing when selections are repetitive or account and delivery problems occur. Reddit posts reflect individual experiences and may describe older versions of the service, so they should be treated as context rather than definitive evidence.
Quora and Facebook Feedback
Quora questions and Facebook beauty communities can be useful places to look for additional opinions about subscription boxes, product quality, and beauty discoveries. However, I could not verify a sufficiently strong set of current, product-specific discussions on those platforms to make reliable claims about a consistent IPSY consensus.
When evaluating comments on these sites, look for detailed posts that explain the subscription plan, approximate membership period, products received, and how the company handled any problems. Be cautious about vague promotional comments, referral links, and reviews that do not clearly identify the service or the date of the experience.
Overall Customer Feedback
IPSY’s public feedback points to a clear trade-off. The service can make beauty discovery fun and help customers try products before buying them at full price. At the same time, some customers report that their selections do not match their preferences, while billing, shipping, and cancellation complaints can undermine the experience.
For prospective members, the most practical approach is to start with the lowest-cost plan that meets your needs, understand the renewal terms, and monitor the first shipment carefully. If a particular product or shipment issue arises, keep your order details and support correspondence so that you can follow up effectively.
IPSY Shipping, Billing, and Cancellation Policies
Shipping and Delivery
IPSY ships subscription bags and boxes according to its published shipping schedule. Delivery timing can vary depending on the subscription, order processing, carrier, and destination. The company also sells additional products through its shop, and those purchases may have separate fulfillment considerations.
Some customers report receiving their packages within the estimated delivery window, while others describe delays, missing items, or difficulty obtaining updates. If you depend on a shipment arriving by a particular date, check the current delivery estimates and avoid assuming that every order will arrive at the same time.
Shipping charges also depend on the plan and destination. For example, the official IPSY Original subscription page lists a $1.99 shipping charge for U.S. monthly members, with applicable taxes calculated at checkout. Review the current shipping information for your specific plan and country before placing an order.
Automatic Renewals
IPSY subscriptions renew automatically unless cancelled according to the applicable terms. This is an important detail for anyone signing up to try a single bag or box.
An introductory offer does not necessarily mean that subsequent shipments will be charged at the same discounted price. Check the regular subscription fee, renewal frequency, shipping costs, taxes, and any additional purchases before confirming your membership.
Cancellation
IPSY states that members can cancel through their account by navigating to the membership section. Its subscription information also specifies a cancellation deadline: members generally need to submit cancellation by the 25th day of the month to avoid charges for the following renewal period. Check the current terms because deadlines and procedures may vary by plan.
Some customers on Trustpilot and Reddit have reported confusion or difficulty with cancellations, including concerns about charges after they believed they had cancelled. To reduce the risk of misunderstanding, follow every confirmation step, look for a cancellation confirmation email, and save a screenshot or record of the completed cancellation.
You can review the official IPSY subscription terms before joining. Understanding the renewal and cancellation rules is especially important if you only want to try the service for one month.
Pros and Cons of IPSY
Pros
- Affordable entry-level plan: IPSY Original offers five deluxe-size samples for a relatively low monthly price.
- Product discovery: Members can try different beauty brands without immediately purchasing full-size items.
- Personalization: The Beauty Quiz and product-selection options provide some control over the assortment.
- Multiple beauty categories: Selections may include makeup, skincare, haircare, tools, and accessories.
- Full-size options: IPSY Extra is available for customers who prefer full-size products.
- Potential savings: A useful selection can offer value when members discover products they genuinely want to use.
- Fun unboxing experience: The surprise element can appeal to beauty enthusiasts who enjoy trying new things.
Cons
- Selections are not always ideal: Some customers report receiving products that do not match their preferences.
- Sample sizes may be small: Certain products may provide only a few uses, especially for people with long hair or frequent skincare routines.
- Mixed customer feedback: Public reviews include complaints about delivery, missing products, billing, and support.
- Automatic renewal: Members need to understand the recurring billing terms and cancellation deadline.
- Retail value is not guaranteed savings: Products are only valuable if you actually want or use them.
- Potential product repetition: Some subscribers report receiving similar types of products across multiple shipments.
- Shipping and taxes add to the cost: The final amount may be higher than the advertised subscription price.
Is IPSY Legitimate?
IPSY is an established beauty subscription service with an official website, published subscription terms, product-selection features, and a substantial public review history. It is a real business offering beauty products through recurring memberships and individual shop purchases.
However, being a legitimate company does not guarantee that every subscription will provide a positive experience. The mixed customer feedback makes it important to understand what you are buying, how recurring charges work, and what to do if a package is incomplete or a product does not meet expectations.
Before signing up, review the subscription details, confirm the regular renewal price, and read the cancellation instructions. If you are trying IPSY for the first time, avoid assuming that an introductory discount will apply to future months.
Who Should Subscribe to IPSY?
IPSY may be a good fit for:
- Beauty beginners: People who want to explore makeup and skincare without buying full-size products immediately.
- Makeup enthusiasts: Subscribers who enjoy discovering new brands, shades, and formulas.
- Skincare explorers: People who want to test selected products before committing to full-size purchases, provided they check ingredients carefully.
- Frequent travelers: People who find deluxe samples convenient for packing and short trips.
- Beauty gift seekers: Customers looking for a subscription-style treat, provided the recipient is comfortable with recurring billing.
- Product experimenters: People who enjoy the surprise of receiving a curated selection and do not expect every item to be a perfect match.
IPSY may be less suitable for people who already have a well-established beauty routine, dislike surprise products, or want complete control over every item they purchase. It may also be a poor fit for anyone who does not want another recurring subscription to monitor.
Tips for Getting Better Value From IPSY
- Complete the Beauty Quiz carefully. Provide accurate information about your preferences and update it when your needs change.
- Use product-selection opportunities. Check the available selection window and choose products that fit your routine whenever the plan allows it.
- Start with IPSY Original. The lower-cost plan is a sensible way to test whether you enjoy the service before upgrading.
- Calculate the real value. Focus on the products you would genuinely use rather than the advertised retail value of the entire bag.
- Check ingredients and sizes. Review skincare ingredients and confirm that product quantities are practical for your needs.
- Track your subscription renewal. Keep a note of the billing date and cancellation deadline if you do not want to continue.
- Keep order records. Save order confirmations, tracking details, and cancellation emails in case you need to contact customer support.
- Compare available offers. Check the IPSY coupons and deals page on CouponCurry before signing up, and confirm the offer’s terms at checkout.
Final Verdict: Is IPSY Worth It?
IPSY offers an appealing way to discover beauty products through a personalized subscription. Its entry-level plan makes it relatively easy to experiment with makeup and skincare, while higher-tier options provide more full-size products for people who use beauty products regularly. The Beauty Quiz and product-selection features also give subscribers some influence over what they receive.
However, IPSY is not equally valuable for everyone. Some customers enjoy the product variety and discovery experience, while others report mismatched selections, shipping problems, missing items, billing concerns, and frustrating cancellation experiences. These issues are worth considering alongside the subscription price.
My overall assessment: IPSY is worth considering if you enjoy trying new beauty products, appreciate the surprise element, and are comfortable managing a recurring subscription. It is less compelling if you prefer buying only products you already know you like. Start with the lowest-cost suitable plan, review the renewal terms carefully, and judge the value by how many products you actually use.
Before subscribing, check the latest IPSY coupons and deals on CouponCurry to see whether an introductory offer or other eligible discount can help lower your first purchase cost.