How Much Is Ipsy a Month? Your Full Guide to Subscription Costs

Ever catch yourself late at night, scrolling on your phone, wondering if Ipsy is actually worth your money? You’re not alone. With so many beauty subscription boxes out there, it’s easy to lose track of who charges what and what you really get in return.

If you’re asking, “How much is Ipsy a month?” you probably want the real costs—no surprises, no small print. Right now, Ipsy offers three different monthly bags. Each has its own price and comes with different numbers and sizes of products. So, whether you’re a makeup junkie or just testing the waters, there’s probably an option that fits how much you want to spend (and what you want to get in your mailbox every month).

Let’s break down the exact numbers, what you’ll find inside each bag, and if there are any extra sneaky fees or shipping charges to watch out for. Your beauty routine—and your wallet—deserve some honest answers.

• Ipsy’s Monthly Plans and Prices
• What’s Included in Each Ipsy Bag
• Are There Extra Charges or Hidden Fees?
• Shipping: Where Ipsy Delivers and What It Costs
• Tips for Saving and Maximizing Your Ipsy Subscription
• How Ipsy Compares to Other Beauty Boxes in 2025

Ipsy’s Monthly Plans and Prices

Let’s get right to the numbers. Ipsy has three main monthly plans as of May 2025. They’ve become super popular for letting you pick how much you want to spend. Here’s a quick breakdown of your options:

The regular Ipsy Glam Bag sits at $14 each month. This is the plan most people start with. You get five trial-size samples of makeup, skincare, or haircare, plus a reusable bag. It’s all about discovering new brands without blowing your budget.

Then there’s BoxyCharm by Ipsy (used to be a separate service, now merged). This level is $30 a month and you’ll get five full-size products—no tiny samples, just the real thing. If you like higher value or want items that last longer, this option is tempting.

If you want to go all-in, there’s the Icon Box, which drops quarterly and costs $60 that month instead of your usual bag. You’ll get eight full-size items, usually handpicked by a celeb or beauty influencer. This one’s great for anyone who loves luxury products but still wants a surprise factor.

Keep in mind, all prices are in US dollars and you’ll need to pay for each plan separately—so stacking subscriptions ups your total cost. And yes, you can switch between plans or pause anytime, which is handy if your beauty needs (or budget) change.

What’s Included in Each Ipsy Bag

You might wonder what exactly you’ll find in those cheery little Ipsy bags every month. Well, each plan gives you different stuff, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all deal. Here’s what you can really expect from each option as of May 2025.

• Ipsy Glam Bag: The entry-level option. Each month, you get five sample-size products—think travel minis or deluxe samples. These are usually a mix of makeup, skincare, and sometimes hair or nail products. If you like exploring new brands or trying stuff before buying full size, this is your starter pack.
• Ipsy BoxyCharm (now just called BoxyCharm by Ipsy): This one’s a step up. You’ll get five full-size beauty products every month. It’s a good deal if you’re serious about adding full bottles and palettes to your stash. Most people end up with at least $200+ worth of retail value, which is wild when you compare it to the monthly fee.
• Ipsy Icon Box: Released every three months, this is the splurge bag. It contains eight full-size products, and they’re usually picked by a beauty celeb or influencer. Stuff in this box often includes premium brands you see at Sephora or Ulta, and total value often tops $350.

Personalization is a big deal with Ipsy. You fill out a beauty quiz, and each bag is tailored to your skin tone, shade preferences, hair type, and what you like most (lip gloss or mascara? Sheet masks or sunscreen?). Maximize this by rating your products, because Ipsy’s algorithm actually listens to your feedback—not just once, but every month you update it.

One thing a lot of people miss: You get a makeup pouch with every Glam Bag (but not BoxyCharm or Icon Box). If you love having mini bags for your purse, this adds a little extra bonus.

The Ipsy lineup changes every month, so don’t get bored if you see similar brands a couple of times. Sometimes there are repeats (hello, another black eyeliner), but you can customize a lot and even choose one or more items in some plans. That way, you don’t end up with stuff you’ll never use.

Are There Extra Charges or Hidden Fees?

Thinking about signing up for Ipsy but worried there might be extra costs sneaking up on you? You’re not the only one. When it comes to beauty subscription boxes, it’s easy to get burned by hidden fees if you don’t read the fine print.

Here’s how Ipsy stacks up in 2025:

• Ipsy lists the monthly price for each plan up front, but what you pay can go up a little if you live outside the continental U.S. For example, subscribers in Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. territories usually pay a few extra bucks for shipping.
• Taxes are not included in the plan price. So depending on where you live, you’ll likely see a state sales tax added when you check out.
• If you grab any add-ons (those tempting product extras they show you after you pick your bag), those are totally optional—just know you’ll pay for each extra item. The prices for add-ons usually range from $3.50 to $18 each.
• Ipsy sometimes offers “refreshments” or exclusive deals outside your monthly subscription. These are not required, but if you buy them, they will show up as separate charges.
• Shipping is free within the U.S. (except for the states/territories mentioned above). International shipping is not available at this time, so don’t expect delivery outside the U.S.

Here’s a simple look at extra costs you might bump into:

No annual commitment is required for Ipsy, so you’re never locked in beyond your paid month. Cancel anytime without any weird fees or hoops to jump through—just do it before the next billing cycle starts, or you’ll get charged for the next month.

Basically, what you see at sign-up is what you’ll pay every month, plus tax if your state requires it and shipping if you’re outside the continental U.S. If you stick only to your bag and skip the add-ons, there aren’t any hidden surprises.

Shipping: Where Ipsy Delivers and What It Costs

Wondering if you can even get Ipsy where you live? Here’s the deal: Ipsy ships its subscription box to all 50 U.S. states, plus Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and most U.S. territories. If you’re in Canada, you’re also in luck—shipping is available across the country. But if you’re outside the U.S. or Canada, Ipsy doesn’t deliver internationally at this point (yep, that includes Europe, Asia, and Australia fans).

Now, onto the shipping cost. For customers in the U.S., standard shipping is usually included in your subscription price for the regular Glam Bag and BoxyCharm. So, there’s no extra charge—what you see is what you pay. If you’re ordering to Canada, though, it’s a bit different. Canadian subscribers get hit with a shipping fee, which as of May 2025 is $2.99 USD per bag.

Keep an eye out for rare situations where extra shipping might show up on limited edition or special shop items. But for your usual monthly bag, it’s pretty straightforward.

A small tip: If you move between the U.S. and Canada, remember to update your shipping address in your Ipsy profile to get the right rates (and avoid any bag mix-ups—no one wants their serum stuck in customs). If you like to order flash sales or shop Ipsy’s add-ons, shipping fees might vary, so double-check before you check out. Keeping an eye on your shipping email is a smart move too, since tracking links drop as soon as your bag is on its way.

Tips for Saving and Maximizing Your Ipsy Subscription

If you’re paying for a beauty box every month, you want every dollar to count. The good news: there are lots of small hacks and tricks that help you squeeze extra value out of Ipsy—and honestly, these can make all the difference if you’re a longtime subscriber or just giving it a spin.

One overlooked way to save? Ipsy offers discounts if you pay for multiple months upfront. For example, paying for a whole year at once can save you a few bucks per month compared to paying monthly.

• Refer friends to Ipsy. You both get rewards—like points—which you can redeem for bonus products in your bag or snag something special from the rewards store.
• Don’t skip your monthly quiz updates. Seriously, the quiz makes sure your samples match your style. The more accurate your profile, the less likely you’ll get stuff you don’t use (and waste).
• Watch out for Ipsy’s holiday deals and flash sales. Around Black Friday or major holidays, you can score bundles or limited-edition bags way below regular prices—perfect for stocking up or gifting.
• Use your points before they expire. Ipsy’s points aren’t forever—if you don’t cash them in, you lose them. Mark your calendar (points usually expire after a year).

If you’re wondering what the real savings look like, check out this quick comparison table:

Here’s something a lot of people miss: Ipsy often teams up with big brands for exclusive offers or bonus sample events. Watch your inbox for these because some of those add-ons cost way less than what you’d pay in stores.

"Ipsy consistently delivers the most bang for your buck with full-sized products in their Plus plan—sometimes the value of a single bag crosses $100, even though you pay $28." — Refinery29’s 2024 beauty subscription review

And don’t forget: you can pause, skip, or cancel your subscription at any time. If money’s tight or you’re drowning in samples, hit pause instead of canceling—you keep your profile and points, and you won’t miss out on future perks.

Bottom line: Stay active in your Ipsy account, shop smart with flash sales, update your quiz, and refer friends. That way you’ll get the best shot at both savings and products you’ll actually use (and maybe brag about to your friends or cat—my Nimbus always thinks the package is for him).

How Ipsy Compares to Other Beauty Boxes in 2025

Wondering if Ipsy is still the top pick or just another name in the monthly beauty box crowd? It’s a fair question. The subscription scene has changed a lot in 2025, and a bunch of other boxes now compete for your attention (and cash).

The top three alternatives you’ll hear about are Birchbox, BoxyCharm (now owned by Ipsy, but still with its own flavor), and Allure Beauty Box. Here’s how Ipsy’s main plans stack up against these contenders, looking at monthly price, product count, and the types of goodies you actually get:

One thing that makes Ipsy still stand out: serious customization. You pick some of your products every month and fill out a beauty quiz so the stuff in your bag matches your likes. Many other boxes—like Birchbox—let you do some picking, but it’s usually more limited.

BoxyCharm, now under Ipsy’s umbrella, still targets people chasing full-size products and higher value for their money. If you go for their Premium plan, you can end up with $150+ in retail value for a $30 investment. That’s hard to beat if you love trying new makeup brands, especially now that Ipsy and BoxyCharm sometimes share brands and perks.

The Allure Beauty Box also throws in the occasional high-end item (think Sunday Riley or Tatcha), and it’s got a reputation for sneak peeks you actually want. Birchbox is now targeting more of a minimalist crowd, with simple packaging and a focus on everyday basics—good if you don’t want tons of makeup piling up.

According to beauty editor Sarah Tan, "Ipsy continues to lead because of its personalized approach and wide brand selection, while competitors often try to play catch-up on variety and value."

Bottom line? There isn’t a universal best box—it depends if you want full-size items, crave surprises, or like to customize every detail. If you just want a taste test each month without breaking the bank, Ipsy’s base Glam Bag still delivers a solid mix. For full-size everything and higher-end brands, Ipsy’s BoxyCharm option or Allure’s box are worth the higher monthly price. Check for special deals too—sometimes first-timers can snag a bonus product or discount in their first month, which makes trying out a new box less of a gamble.