What Is the Monthly Cost of IPSY? Full Breakdown of Plans and Value

Every month, thousands of women open a small purple box filled with surprise beauty products - some full-size, some samples - and wonder: Is IPSY worth the money? If you’re asking how much IPSY actually costs each month, you’re not alone. The answer isn’t simple because IPSY offers different plans, and what you pay depends on what you choose. Let’s cut through the noise and show you exactly what you’ll pay, what you get, and whether it adds up.

How IPSY Works: The Basics

IPSY is a beauty subscription service that sends you a personalized box of samples and full-size products every month. You start by taking a quick beauty quiz that asks about your skin type, hair texture, favorite brands, and what you’re trying to fix - dryness, acne, dullness, etc. Based on that, IPSY picks five items for you. Some are samples, some are full-size, and you never know exactly what you’ll get until the box arrives.

Unlike other subscription boxes that send the same items to everyone, IPSY uses algorithms and user feedback to tailor each box. If you rate a product poorly, you’ll see fewer like it next time. If you love a new lipstick, you’ll get more of that kind. It’s like having a personal beauty assistant who learns your tastes over time.

IPSY’s Monthly Plans and Prices

IPSY has three main subscription options. You’re not locked into one - you can switch anytime. Here’s what each costs as of early 2026:

• IPSY Glam Bag (Basic): $13/month - This is the original plan. You get five beauty products, mostly samples. The retail value usually ranges between $40 and $60, so you’re getting a lot of product for less than half the price.
• IPSY Glam Bag Plus: $25/month - This upgrade gives you one full-size product plus four samples. The full-size item is often a skincare staple like a serum, moisturizer, or cleanser. Retail value typically hits $70-$90. Many users say this is the sweet spot for value.
• IPSY Glam Bag Infinite: $35/month - You get five full-size products every month. No samples here. This plan is for people who want to try new brands without buying full bottles themselves. Retail value often exceeds $120.

There’s also a one-time purchase option called the IPSY Sample Box for $10. It’s perfect if you want to test the service before committing. You get four to five samples, and it’s a great way to see if IPSY’s algorithm matches your preferences.

What You Actually Get - Real Value

It’s easy to look at the retail value and think you’re getting a steal. But not all products are equal. A $12 moisturizer sample from a cult brand like Drunk Elephant is worth more than a $10 sample of a generic brand. Here’s what users commonly receive:

• Skincare: serums, toners, moisturizers (often 10-30 mL samples)
• Makeup: lipsticks, mascaras, eyeshadow palettes (sometimes full-size)
• Haircare: shampoos, conditioners, treatments (usually 1-2 oz samples)
• Tools: makeup sponges, brushes, eyelash curlers

IPSY partners with over 300 brands - from high-end names like Tatcha and Fenty Beauty to indie labels like Youth to the People and Rare Beauty. The mix changes every month. In January 2026, one user received a full-size Fenty Beauty foundation, a Dr. Jart+ sheet mask, a sample of Olaplex hair serum, a lip tint from Rare Beauty, and a bamboo brush. The total retail value? $117.

That’s not unusual. Most Glam Bag Plus subscribers report getting at least $70 in value. But here’s the catch: you might not love everything. One person got three hair products they didn’t need because their quiz said they had curly hair - but they actually had straight hair. That’s the risk of personalization. You can rate items after you use them, and IPSY adjusts future picks.

Hidden Costs and What’s Not Included

There’s no sign-up fee. No long-term contract. You can pause or cancel anytime. But there are things you need to know:

• Shipping is free in the U.S. - But if you live outside the U.S., shipping adds $10-$15. That’s important if you’re in Australia, Canada, or the UK.
• Taxes vary - Depending on your state or country, you might pay sales tax on your monthly fee.
• No returns - Once the box ships, you can’t send it back. But you can give unused items to friends or sell them online.
• Extra purchases - IPSY has an online shop where you can buy more of what you liked. Many users end up spending $20-$40 extra each month on full-size versions of their favorite samples.

Who Gets the Most Value?

Not everyone benefits equally from IPSY. Here’s who wins:

• Beauty explorers - If you love trying new products but hate spending $50 on a cream you might not like, IPSY is a low-risk way to test.
• People with changing skin - If your skin gets oily in summer and dry in winter, IPSY adapts. Your box changes with the seasons.
• Makeup lovers - You’ll get new lipsticks, eyeshadows, and highlighters often. Many users say they’ve discovered their favorite products through IPSY.

Who might not like it?

• Minimalists - If you only use three products and hate clutter, five items a month might feel like too much.
• People with very specific needs - If you need fragrance-free, vegan, or medical-grade products, IPSY’s selection might not always match.
• Those on a tight budget - Even $13 adds up. If you’re not using the products, it’s money wasted.

IPSY vs. Other Beauty Boxes

How does IPSY compare to rivals like Birchbox, FabFitFun, or Ipsy’s own competitors?

IPSY stands out because of its personalization depth. Birchbox is simpler but less adaptive. FabFitFun gives you more items, but they’re not always beauty-focused - you might get candles, yoga mats, or snacks. IPSY is laser-focused on makeup, skincare, and hair.

Real User Experiences

A 28-year-old from Chicago told us: "I started with Glam Bag Plus. In six months, I found three full-size products I bought again - a moisturizer, a serum, and a concealer. I’ve saved over $200 on retail prices. I rarely buy beauty products without trying them first now."

A 35-year-old in Austin said: "I canceled after three months. I got too many hair products I didn’t need. My skin type changed, but the quiz didn’t adjust fast enough. I got frustrated."

These stories show it’s not one-size-fits-all. Your success with IPSY depends on how honest you are in your quiz and how open you are to trying new things.

How to Maximize Your IPSY Experience

If you’re thinking of signing up, here’s how to get the most out of it:

1. Take the quiz seriously. Answer honestly - even if you think you "should" like something.
2. Rate every item you get. Even if you didn’t use it, give it a star. That helps the algorithm.
3. Check the monthly preview. IPSY shows you what’s coming before shipping. You can swap out one item for another from their shop.
4. Use the IPSY app. It tracks what you’ve received, what you rated, and suggests replacements.
5. Don’t feel guilty if you skip a month. Pause it. No penalty.

Final Verdict: Is IPSY Worth It?

For $13, you’re getting a chance to test high-value beauty products you’d never buy blind. For $25, you’re likely getting at least one full-size item worth $30-$50. For $35, you’re essentially getting a curated beauty haul every month.

It’s not a savings plan. It’s an experience. If you enjoy discovering new products and don’t mind a few misses, IPSY delivers. If you want guaranteed savings or only use five products, you might be better off buying those directly.

Try the $10 sample box first. If you like what you get, upgrade. If not, walk away. No pressure. No contract. Just beauty, delivered.