IPSY Bag: What It Is, Who It’s For, and What You Really Get

When you open your IPSY bag, a monthly curated box of beauty samples sent to subscribers based on their profile and preferences. Also known as a beauty subscription box, it’s designed to let you try new products before buying full sizes—no store trip needed. It’s not just a box of free stuff. It’s a system: you take a quick quiz, they match you with products that fit your skin type, tone, and style, and then you get a mix of makeup, skincare, and hair items every month. Some people call it a gamble. Others say it’s the easiest way to discover what actually works for them.

The Glam Bag, the entry-level IPSY subscription with 5 full-size or sample products. Also known as IPSY’s standard box, it’s the most popular option—usually under $15 a month. Then there’s the Luxe Bag, a premium version with higher-end brands and more products. Also known as the splurge option, it’s for people who want to test luxury serums, masks, or brushes without paying full price. Both rely on the same IPSY quiz, a short survey that asks about skin concerns, favorite brands, and product preferences. Also known as the personalization engine, it’s what makes the whole thing feel tailored instead of random.

People don’t subscribe just for the freebies. They stay because they learn what works. One person finds their holy-grail concealer in a Glam Bag. Another discovers they hate glitter gloss after three tries. The real value isn’t the dollar amount—it’s the data you collect about your own preferences. You start noticing patterns: you always skip red lipsticks, you always grab hydrating serums, you always skip anything with fragrance. That’s insight you can’t get from scrolling through ads.

And it’s not just for beginners. Even people who know their skin inside out use IPSY to test new launches before committing. It’s a low-risk way to try what’s trending without buying five different brands at once. The most common complaints? Sometimes you get stuff you’ll never use. But that’s the trade-off. You’re not buying a curated wardrobe—you’re buying a testing lab.

Below, you’ll find real reviews, breakdowns of what’s actually in the bags, and honest takes on whether the personalization works—or if it’s just marketing. We’ve looked at what people are saying, what they’re getting, and what they wish they’d known before signing up. No fluff. Just what you need to decide if the IPSY bag is worth your money.