IPSY Costs Explained: How Much Does the Beauty Box Really Cost?

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is IPSY worth the money?” you’re not alone. The buzz around this beauty subscription is huge, but the price tag can feel confusing. In this guide we break down the exact cost, what you get each month, and a few tricks to stretch your budget further.

Basic pricing breakdown

IPSY offers three main plans: Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual. The standard IPSY Glam Box starts at $15 per month, which includes five full‑size or mini products hand‑picked for you. If you upgrade to the IPSY Plus box, the price jumps to $25 per month and you receive six items, plus a bonus beauty sample. The biggest savings show up with the annual plan – you pay $10 per month for the Glam Box (or $20 for Plus) but you’re billed once a year.

Don’t forget about the occasional “extra” charges. IPSY sometimes adds a $5 “premium beauty” upgrade or a limited‑edition box that can cost $30‑$40. These are optional, so you can skip them if the price feels too high.

What you actually receive

Each Glam Box typically contains a mix of makeup, skincare, and hair items. The brand says the total retail value is around $50‑$70, meaning you’re getting a decent discount if you love trying new products. The Plus Box adds a higher‑end brand or a larger size, pushing the retail value up to $80‑$100.

Because the items are curated based on a short beauty quiz, you’ll likely see products that suit your skin tone and preferences. That personal touch can save you money on buying full‑size versions you might never use.

Want to keep costs low? Use the “skip month” feature whenever a box feels off‑brand for you. Skipping is free and resets the subscription, so you won’t be stuck paying for products you don’t want.

Another money‑saving tip is to watch for IPSY’s seasonal sales. They often run “12‑month box” promotions where you can lock in a lower monthly rate, or give you extra credits to spend on the IPSY shop.

Finally, consider the IPSY app’s loyalty points. Every purchase earns points that can be redeemed for extra products or discounts on future boxes. It’s a small perk, but over a year it adds up.

In short, the basic IPSY Glam Box costs $15 a month, $10 if you pay annually, and the Plus Box is $25 monthly, $20 annually. Add‑on options and limited‑edition boxes can push the price higher, but they’re optional. By using skips, sales, and loyalty points you can keep the overall spend well under the retail value of the items you receive.

Now that you know exactly what you’re paying for, you can decide if IPSY fits your beauty budget. Whether you stick with the standard box or treat yourself to a Plus upgrade, the key is to treat the subscription like any other monthly expense – plan, track, and tweak as needed.