Ipsy vs BoxyCharm Value Calculator
How much value do you get for your money?
This calculator helps you compare the real value of Ipsy versus BoxyCharm based on your budget, location, and preferences. Input your details to see which box offers the best value for your beauty needs.
Results
If you’re trying to decide between Ipsy and BoxyCharm, you’re not alone. Both are popular beauty subscription boxes that send monthly samples and full-size products - but one is clearly cheaper than the other. And if you’re budgeting your beauty spend, knowing which gives you more bang for your buck matters.
How much does Ipsy cost?
Ipsy’s base plan, the Glam Bag, costs $13 a month. You get five beauty samples - think mini lipsticks, travel-sized serums, and tiny mascaras - packed in a reusable makeup pouch. It’s not a lot of product by volume, but the brands are often high-end. You’ve probably seen these names in department stores: Rare Beauty, Fenty, Dr. Jart+, and Tatcha.
There’s also the Glam Bag Plus, which runs $25 a month. That one includes three to five full-size products. No samples here - just real, usable stuff. But here’s the catch: you don’t get to pick what you get. Ipsy uses a quiz to guess your preferences, then fills your bag accordingly. Sometimes you’ll love it. Other times, you’ll get three lip glosses you’ll never wear.
Some people report getting $50-$80 worth of product in a Glam Bag Plus, but that’s not guaranteed. One user in Texas got a $45 foundation and a $30 eye cream in April 2025. Another in Ohio got two $8 lip balms and a $12 face mist. Value varies wildly.
How much does BoxyCharm cost?
BoxyCharm starts at $29 a month. You get four to five full-size beauty products every month. No samples. No miniatures. Everything you open is meant to be used until it’s gone. The products are mostly makeup - foundations, eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks, mascaras - but they also throw in skincare and tools like brushes or sponges.
There’s no quiz to fill your box. Instead, BoxyCharm sends curated sets based on what’s trending or what they’ve negotiated with brands. In January 2026, subscribers got a full-size Charlotte Tilbury lip liner, a Rare Beauty blush, a Tarte mascara, and a nail polish from OPI. All full-size. All brand-new.
BoxyCharm claims each box is worth $150-$200. That’s not marketing fluff - they list every item’s retail price on their website. In December 2025, one box had a $48 foundation, a $32 eyeshadow palette, a $28 lip gloss, and a $22 eyeliner. Total retail: $130. That’s still a solid deal, even if it didn’t hit $200.
Price comparison: Ipsy vs BoxyCharm
Let’s cut through the noise. Here’s the real math:
| Feature | Ipsy Glam Bag | Ipsy Glam Bag Plus | BoxyCharm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $13 | $25 | $29 |
| Product Type | 5 samples | 3-5 full-size | 4-5 full-size |
| Estimated Retail Value | $20-$40 | $50-$80 | $130-$200 |
| Product Control | Quiz-based | Quiz-based | Curated by brand |
| Best For | Trying new brands | Testing full-size products | Getting high-value makeup |
On pure price, Ipsy’s $13 Glam Bag wins. But if you want actual products you can use - not just testers - then BoxyCharm gives you more value per dollar spent.
What you actually get: samples vs full-size
Samples are great if you’re experimenting. Maybe you’ve never tried a tinted moisturizer and want to test it before buying the full bottle. Ipsy’s Glam Bag is perfect for that. But if you’re tired of running out of foundation halfway through the month, samples won’t cut it.
BoxyCharm doesn’t give you the luxury of testing. You get full-size products, and you either love them or you don’t. There’s no return policy. No exchanges. If you hate the lipstick, you’re stuck with it.
That’s why BoxyCharm works best for people who already know their skin tone, favorite brands, and preferred formulas. If you’re someone who buys a new lipstick every season and loves trying bold colors, you’ll love BoxyCharm. If you’re still figuring out whether you prefer matte or dewy finishes, Ipsy’s sample model lets you explore without commitment.
Who should pick Ipsy?
- You’re on a tight budget and want to dip your toes into luxury beauty.
- You like trying new brands but don’t want to spend $30 on a lipstick you might not like.
- You enjoy the surprise of unboxing and collecting cute pouches.
- You don’t mind using a product for a week before it runs out.
One subscriber in Florida said she used her Ipsy samples to build a full skincare routine. She tried a serum, liked it, bought the full bottle, and then skipped the next month’s box. That’s smart spending.
Who should pick BoxyCharm?
- You wear makeup daily and go through products fast.
- You already know your foundation shade and preferred finish.
- You want to build a makeup collection without hitting the mall.
- You’re okay with not choosing what you get - as long as it’s high-quality.
One woman in Chicago told me she stopped buying makeup for six months because BoxyCharm kept her stocked. She got a full-size eyeshadow palette every month and wore a different look each week. Her makeup budget dropped by 60%.
Hidden costs and catches
Neither service is completely transparent. Ipsy doesn’t guarantee the value of your Glam Bag Plus. Sometimes you get a $15 product and three $2 samples. BoxyCharm doesn’t let you skip months unless you cancel - and canceling means losing your discount if you rejoin later.
Both services auto-renew. You have to remember to cancel if you don’t want to pay again. Ipsy sends a reminder email five days before billing. BoxyCharm doesn’t - you just get charged.
Shipping is free both ways. No surprises there. But if you live outside the U.S., you’ll pay extra. Ipsy charges $15 for international shipping. BoxyCharm charges $20. That makes both boxes less appealing if you’re in Australia, Canada, or the UK.
Final verdict: Which is cheaper?
Let’s answer the question straight: Ipsy is cheaper. The $13 Glam Bag costs less than half of BoxyCharm’s $29. If your goal is to spend as little as possible on beauty samples, Ipsy wins.
But if "cheaper" means "better value," then BoxyCharm is the smarter pick. You’re paying $6 more a month, but you’re getting products worth $100+ more. That’s not a stretch - it’s a clear trade-off.
Think of it this way: Ipsy is like buying a $13 coffee and getting a free pastry. BoxyCharm is buying a $29 meal and getting a full dessert, appetizer, and drink. One’s a snack. The other’s a meal.
If you’re just testing the waters, start with Ipsy. If you’re ready to upgrade your makeup routine, go with BoxyCharm. Neither is a bad choice - but your wallet and your vanity will thank you for picking the right one.
Can I cancel Ipsy or BoxyCharm anytime?
Yes, you can cancel both at any time. But you must cancel before the billing date - usually the 5th of the month. If you miss it, you’ll be charged and get the box anyway. Ipsy sends a reminder email. BoxyCharm doesn’t. Set a calendar alert.
Do Ipsy or BoxyCharm ship to Australia?
Yes, both ship internationally. Ipsy charges $15 for shipping to Australia. BoxyCharm charges $20. That brings the total cost of Ipsy to $28 and BoxyCharm to $49. At that price, you’re better off buying local beauty subscriptions like Mecca or Sephora’s own box.
Are the products in BoxyCharm full-size or travel-size?
All products in BoxyCharm are full-size. That’s the whole point. Every item is meant to be used until it’s gone - no miniatures, no samples. Ipsy’s Glam Bag has only samples; the Glam Bag Plus has full-size items.
Which box has better skincare products?
Ipsy tends to include more skincare in its Glam Bag Plus, especially from brands like Dr. Jart+, La Roche-Posay, and The Ordinary. BoxyCharm focuses mostly on makeup. If you want serums, toners, or moisturizers, Ipsy is your better bet - especially if you’re on the $25 plan.
Can I choose what I get in either box?
Not exactly. Ipsy uses a quiz to guess your preferences. BoxyCharm picks based on what’s trending or what they’ve partnered with brands on. Neither lets you pick individual items. But Ipsy lets you rate past boxes to improve future picks. BoxyCharm doesn’t have that feature.
What to do next
If you’re still unsure, try Ipsy’s $13 box for one month. See what you like. Then, if you’re hooked on full-size products, upgrade to BoxyCharm. You can always cancel Ipsy after the first box.
Don’t overthink it. Both services are designed to make beauty fun and affordable. The trick is matching the box to your habits - not your budget alone.
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