What’s Inside Your First Ipsy Bag? A Complete Unboxing Guide

There is a specific kind of excitement that comes with opening your first Ipsy beauty subscription service bag. You’ve signed up, paid the fee, and now you’re waiting for that purple package to arrive at your door. But what exactly are you going to find inside? Is it just random samples, or is there a strategy behind the selection?

The short answer is that your first Ipsy bag contains a curated mix of five full-size or deluxe sample products, plus one bonus item. These items are selected based on the profile you created during sign-up, but they also reflect current trends in the beauty industry. Let’s break down exactly what goes into that bag so you know what to expect.

The Core Structure: Five Products Plus One

Every standard Ipsy Glam Bag follows a consistent format. You will receive five main products and one additional surprise. This structure has remained largely unchanged since the service launched, providing a reliable expectation for subscribers.

The five main products typically fall into these categories:

• Skincare: Cleansers, moisturizers, serums, or masks.
• Makeup: Foundations, lipsticks, eyeshadows, or mascaras.
• Haircare: Shampoos, conditioners, styling sprays, or treatments.
• Fragrance: Perfumes, body mists, or scented lotions.
• Tools: Brushes, sponges, or applicators (these appear less frequently but are common in early bags).

The "plus one" item is often a smaller sample or a travel-sized product from a brand that wants to introduce itself to new customers. It might be a single-use mask, a mini lipstick, or a small bottle of serum. This item is usually not chosen by you but is added as a marketing gesture by Ipsy’s partner brands.

How Your Profile Shapes the Contents

You might wonder why your friend received a matte lipstick while you got a hydrating face mist. The difference lies in the profile quiz you completed when signing up. Ipsy uses this data to tailor your selections.

During registration, you specify your skin type (oily, dry, combination), hair type (straight, curly, color-treated), and makeup preferences (natural, bold, neutral). You also indicate which brands you love and which ones you dislike. Ipsy’s algorithm cross-references these preferences with their inventory of available products.

If you marked "dry skin" and "moisturizer" as favorites, you are more likely to receive a rich cream rather than an oil-free gel. However, the system isn’t perfect. Sometimes you’ll get items that don’t quite match your profile, especially if certain product categories are low in stock. This is why many subscribers learn to adjust their preferences over time.

Full-Size vs. Sample Sizes

A common question is whether the products in your first bag are full-size or samples. The truth is a mix of both. In recent years, Ipsy has shifted toward including more full-size items, especially in higher-tier memberships like Ipsy Signature. However, the standard Glam Bag still features a blend.

Typically, two to three items might be full-size, while the others are deluxe samples. A deluxe sample is larger than a typical tester vial but smaller than a retail bottle. For example, a full-size mascara might weigh 10 grams, while a deluxe sample could be 5 grams. Both provide enough product to test thoroughly without committing to a full purchase.

This mix allows you to try multiple brands without being overwhelmed by large quantities of products you may not like. It’s a practical approach for discovering new favorites.

Common Brands in First Bags

Your first Ipsy bag often includes brands that are well-known but accessible. You won’t typically see luxury houses like Chanel or Dior in the standard Glam Bag. Instead, you’ll find mid-range and emerging brands that partner with Ipsy for exposure.

Frequent guests include Tarte, Too Faced, Urban Decay, and Benefit Cosmetics. Skincare brands like Olaplex (for hair) and Glossier (for face) also appear regularly.

These brands choose to participate because Ipsy provides direct access to potential customers who are already interested in trying new products. For you, this means getting high-quality items at no extra cost beyond your subscription fee.

The Packaging Experience

Part of the appeal of Ipsy is the unboxing experience. Your bag arrives in a signature purple pouch made from recycled materials. Inside, each product is wrapped individually in tissue paper or placed in its own compartment. This packaging protects the items and adds to the sense of occasion.

Alongside the products, you’ll find a card listing the contents, along with links to purchase them full-size if you enjoy them. This card serves as both a receipt and a shopping guide. Many subscribers keep these cards to track what they’ve tried over time.

Value Assessment: Is It Worth It?

To determine if your first bag is worth the $10 monthly fee, consider the retail value of the items. Most subscribers report receiving products valued between $40 and $80. Even if you only like half of them, the financial benefit remains positive.

However, value is subjective. If you receive products that don’t suit your needs, the perceived value drops. That’s why adjusting your profile preferences after your first few bags is crucial. The more accurately you describe your tastes, the better the matches become.

What to Do With Your First Bag

Once you’ve opened your bag, take time to test each product. Don’t rush through them. Use the skincare items for a week to see how your skin reacts. Apply the makeup in different lighting conditions to check for shade accuracy.

If you love something, note the brand and product name. You can buy it full-size directly from the retailer or through Ipsy’s shop. If you dislike an item, consider swapping it with a friend or donating it to a charity that accepts gently used cosmetics.

Your first Ipsy bag is just the beginning. As you continue subscribing, you’ll refine your preferences and discover brands that become staples in your routine. The key is to stay open-minded and use the service as a tool for exploration rather than a guaranteed source of favorites every month.