What Ipsy is and how the subscription works

Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription that sends you a curated bag of makeup, skincare, and hair products. You pay $13 per month (or $120 upfront for a year), and the company selects five full-size or deluxe-size products based on a beauty profile quiz you complete when you sign up. The bag arrives around the 21st of each month.

The selection process is not random. Ipsy asks you about your skin type, hair texture, makeup preferences, and beauty concerns — things like whether you have oily skin or prefer bold eyeshadow. Their algorithm uses those answers to pick products it thinks will match your tastes. You can skip a month if you want to pause without canceling, though you lose that month's products.

Ipsy also runs a rewards program called Ipsy Points. You earn points for purchases, reviews, and referrals, and you can spend them in the Ipsy Shop to buy additional products at a discount or get them free. The Shop also sells full-size versions of products that appeared in past bags.

Key Takeaways

  • Ipsy costs $13 monthly and sends five products selected based on your beauty profile, arriving around the 21st of each month.
  • You complete a quiz about your skin type, hair texture, and makeup preferences, and Ipsy uses that information to choose products for you.
  • You can skip individual months without canceling your subscription, but you will not receive a bag that month.
  • Ipsy Points let you earn rewards through purchases and referrals, which you can spend in the Ipsy Shop for discounts or free products.
  • Canceling requires logging into your account and going through the cancellation flow; there is no long-term contract.

What products you typically receive

The five items in each bag usually include at least one full-size product and the rest in deluxe or sample sizes. Ipsy partners with brands ranging from drugstore names like Maybelline and e.l.f. to prestige lines like Tarte and Clinique. The mix changes month to month, so you might get mascara one month and a face mask the next.

The retail value of the products is typically higher than the $13 subscription cost — Ipsy claims the average bag is worth $65 or more. However, that value is based on manufacturer's suggested retail price, not what you would actually pay if you bought those items yourself. The products are chosen by Ipsy, not by you, so there is a real chance you will receive something you do not want or cannot use.

If you dislike the products in a particular month, you have limited options. You cannot exchange individual items, but you can skip the entire month and wait for the next one. Some people sell unwanted products online or give them away, which is allowed under Ipsy's terms.

How to customize your profile and skip months

After you sign up, you log into your Ipsy account and complete a beauty profile quiz. The quiz covers skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive), hair type and texture, makeup style preferences, and specific concerns like acne or anti-aging. Ipsy uses these answers to recommend products, though the algorithm does not may provide you will only receive items that match every preference.

You can update your profile at any time by logging in and editing your answers. If you have received bags you did not like, changing your profile for the next month may help, though there is no may provide. Some subscribers report that their profiles do not seem to affect the selection much, while others say updating their answers led to better matches.

To skip a month, log into your account before the cutoff date (usually around the 10th of the month) and select "Skip this month." You will not be charged, and you will not receive a bag. Your subscription remains active, and you will receive a bag the following month unless you skip again.

Pricing, payment, and what canceling involves

The standard Ipsy subscription is $13 per month, charged to your payment method on the day your subscription renews. You can also pay $120 upfront for a full year, which works out to $10 per month. Ipsy occasionally runs promotions for new subscribers, such as a discounted first month or a free gift with your first bag.

Payment is automatic, so you need to make sure your payment method is current. If a payment fails, Ipsy will typically retry it a few times before pausing your subscription. You can update your payment information in your account settings at any time.

To cancel, log into your Ipsy account, go to your subscription settings, and select the cancellation option. You will be asked why you are canceling, and Ipsy may offer you a discount to stay. Once you confirm cancellation, your subscription ends and you will not be charged again. There is no contract or cancellation fee. If you cancel mid-month, you will not receive that month's bag.

Comparing Ipsy to other beauty subscriptions

Ipsy is one of several monthly beauty box services. Birchbox is similar in price ($13 monthly) and format, sending five products based on a profile quiz. FabFitFun is more expensive ($60 per quarter) but includes larger, full-size products and lets you choose some items yourself. Sephora Play (now discontinued) was another competitor, though Sephora has shifted to other loyalty programs.

The main difference between Ipsy and Birchbox is the brand mix and product selection algorithm. Ipsy tends to include more trendy, Instagram-friendly brands, while Birchbox leans toward skincare and wellness. Ipsy also has a larger rewards program (Ipsy Points) that lets you earn and spend points more easily. FabFitFun is better if you want full-size products and some control over what you receive, but it costs significantly more.

If you are unsure whether a subscription is right for you, consider whether you actually use the products you receive. Many people find that beauty boxes work best if you are willing to experiment with new brands and do not mind receiving items you might not have chosen yourself.

Common issues and what to do about them

The most common complaint about Ipsy is that the products do not match the profile. If you consistently receive items that do not fit your stated preferences, update your profile with more specific information and check whether the algorithm improves in the next month. If it does not, you may want to skip a few months or cancel.

Shipping delays happen occasionally. Bags are supposed to arrive around the 21st of each month, but sometimes they arrive late or go missing. If your bag does not arrive within a reasonable timeframe, contact Ipsy customer service through the app or website. They can resend the bag or issue a refund if it is truly lost.

Some subscribers report receiving damaged products or items that are expired or nearly expired. Ipsy's customer service generally replaces damaged items or refunds you if you report the issue. Keep the packaging and take photos if something arrives damaged, as Ipsy may ask for proof.

Whether Ipsy makes financial sense for you

Whether Ipsy is worth the cost depends on how much you actually use the products. If you regularly buy makeup and skincare anyway, a $13 monthly subscription might introduce you to new brands at a lower cost than buying full-size items. If you rarely wear makeup or already have a routine you are happy with, the subscription is likely a waste of money.

The math works better if you use the Ipsy Points rewards program actively. Earning points through purchases and referrals and spending them on products you actually want can stretch your money further. However, if you end up with a drawer full of unused products, you are not saving money — you are just accumulating clutter.

A practical approach is to try one or two months at the regular $13 price and see whether you use the products. If you do, keep the subscription. If you do not, cancel. There is no penalty for canceling after one month, so the risk is low.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose which products go in my Ipsy bag?

No, Ipsy selects all five products based on your beauty profile. You cannot pick individual items before the bag ships. However, you can skip an entire month if you do not like the preview, and you can use Ipsy Points to buy products you actually want from the Ipsy Shop.

What happens if I do not like the products in my bag?

You cannot exchange or return individual items. Your options are to skip the next month, update your profile and hope for better matches, or sell or give away the products you do not want. Some people donate unwanted beauty products to shelters or friends.

Is there a contract or cancellation fee?

No. Ipsy has no long-term contract, and you can cancel anytime without a fee. If you pay for a full year upfront and cancel early, Ipsy does not refund the unused portion, so monthly payments are more flexible if you are unsure.

How do Ipsy Points work?

You earn points for purchases, writing reviews, and referring friends. You can spend points in the Ipsy Shop to buy products at a discount or get them free. The point value varies by product, so check the Shop to see what your points can buy before you earn them.

What if my bag arrives late or damaged?

Contact Ipsy customer service through the app or website with photos or details of the damage. They typically replace damaged items or resend the entire bag if it is lost. Keep your packaging and take photos as proof if something arrives broken.