What Ipsy sends you each month

Ipsy is a monthly subscription that delivers a curated bag of beauty and personal care products to your door. Each month you receive five full-size or deluxe-size items — typically makeup, skincare, haircare, or tools — selected based on a beauty profile you create when you sign up. The box arrives around the 21st of each month, and the cost is $13 per month (though promotional pricing sometimes runs lower for new subscribers).

The products inside change every month. Ipsy partners with both established brands and smaller beauty companies, so you might receive items from brands like Tarte, Benefit, or MAC alongside lesser-known indie brands. You do not choose which specific products you receive — that is the "curation" part — but you can skip months if you do not want a delivery, and you can cancel anytime without penalty.

Key Takeaways

  • Ipsy costs $13 per month and sends five products selected based on your beauty preferences, with no commitment to continue.
  • You create a beauty profile during signup that tells Ipsy your skin type, hair type, and product preferences, which shapes what you receive.
  • You can skip individual months or cancel your subscription at any time without fees or explanation required.
  • Ipsy occasionally offers promotional pricing for new subscribers, sometimes as low as $5 or $10 for the first month.
  • The subscription includes access to Ipsy's app, where you can rate products, earn points toward future purchases, and see what brands are coming.

How the beauty profile works

When you first sign up, Ipsy asks you to complete a beauty profile. This includes your skin type (oily, dry, combination, sensitive), your hair type and texture, your age range, and your preferences for product categories. You answer questions about whether you prefer bold makeup or natural looks, whether you want to try new brands or stick with familiar ones, and which product types interest you most.

Ipsy uses this profile to select products it thinks you will like, but the profile is not a may provide of what you receive. The algorithm aims to match your stated preferences, but Ipsy also rotates through its partner brands and sometimes includes products outside your stated preferences to introduce you to new things. You can update your profile anytime through the app, and changes take effect for the next month's box.

Skipping months and managing your subscription

You can skip a month without losing your subscription or paying a fee. To skip, you log into your Ipsy account and select the skip option before the cutoff date — usually around the 10th of the month for that month's delivery. If you miss the cutoff, you will be charged and the box will ship, but you can then cancel that specific order or request a refund depending on Ipsy's current policy.

Cancelling is equally straightforward: you go into your account settings and select cancel subscription. There is no waiting period, no customer service call required, and no cancellation fee. Your subscription ends immediately, though any box already shipped will still arrive. If you cancel mid-month, you will not be charged for the following month.

The Ipsy app and points system

Ipsy includes access to a mobile app where you can rate the products you receive each month. Rating products earns you points, which accumulate in your Ipsy account. These points can be redeemed in the Ipsy Shop — an online store where you can purchase additional beauty products, often at a discount compared to retail price.

The app also shows you sneak peeks of upcoming products before your box ships, lets you see which brands are featured in upcoming months, and provides tutorials and reviews from other Ipsy members. You can also use the app to manage your beauty profile, skip months, or update your payment method.

Cost and promotional offers

The standard monthly cost is $13, charged to your payment method on the day your box ships. Ipsy frequently runs promotions for new subscribers — common offers include the first month for $5, $10, or even free, with the regular $13 charge beginning the second month. These promotions change regularly and are usually advertised on Ipsy's website or through email marketing.

Existing subscribers occasionally receive promotional offers as well, such as discounted months or bonus points. Ipsy also runs seasonal sales in the Ipsy Shop where you can spend your accumulated points on products at reduced prices. There are no hidden fees — the charge is the subscription price only, and shipping is included.

What happens if you receive a damaged or unwanted product

If a product arrives damaged, you can report it through the app or Ipsy's website and request a replacement or refund of that item's value in points. Ipsy typically processes these requests within a few business days. You do not need to return the damaged item; Ipsy usually lets you keep it.

If you simply do not like a product you received, Ipsy does not offer refunds or exchanges for personal preference — the subscription model assumes some items will not be to your taste. However, you can rate the product poorly in the app, which helps Ipsy's algorithm avoid similar items in future boxes. You can also list unwanted items on resale platforms or give them away.

How Ipsy compares to other beauty subscriptions

Ipsy is one of several monthly beauty box services. Birchbox, another popular option, costs $15 per month and includes five samples or deluxe sizes, with a similar skip-anytime model. FabFitFun is more expensive ($60 per quarter) but includes larger, full-size products and more variety beyond beauty. Allure Beauty Box costs $15 monthly and focuses on full-size products from established brands.

Ipsy's main advantage is its lower price point and the points-earning system that lets you shop in its store. The trade-off is that Ipsy boxes include more samples and smaller sizes compared to some competitors, and the curation is algorithm-based rather than human-curated. If you want predictability and full-size products, a different service might suit you better. If you like trying new brands and do not mind smaller sizes, Ipsy's cost and flexibility make it a reasonable option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change what products I receive after I see my box?

No — once your box is curated and shipped, you cannot swap individual products. However, you can rate products you dislike in the app, which influences future selections. If a product arrives damaged, you can report it for a replacement or points refund.

What if I do not like any of the products in my box?

You can skip the next month to avoid another charge, or cancel entirely. Ipsy does not offer refunds for personal preference, but you can resell or donate unwanted items. Rating products poorly in the app helps the algorithm avoid similar selections going forward.

Do I have to use the app to manage my subscription?

No — you can skip months, cancel, and update your profile through Ipsy's website on a computer. The app is convenient but not required. You can also contact Ipsy's customer service through the website if you prefer not to self-serve.

What brands are included in Ipsy boxes?

Ipsy partners with a rotating mix of brands ranging from drugstore names like Maybelline to prestige brands like Tarte and Benefit, plus indie and emerging brands. The specific brands change monthly. You can see upcoming brands in the app before your box ships.

Is there a contract or commitment period?

No — there is no minimum commitment. You can cancel after one month, or skip months indefinitely without losing your subscription. Cancellation is free and takes effect immediately.