Information about IPSY: Makeup, Beauty, and Tips
App Feature
IPSY: Makeup, Beauty, and Tips is a personalized beauty membership companion app. It uses a detailed quiz to curate monthly bags/boxes across makeup, skincare, hair, and more; lets members choose part of their products; previews shipments; provides tutorials and tips; and offers members‑only sales (Flash sales, Mega Drop Shop, 24/7 Shop) with significant discounts and community reviews.
Verdict
Verdict: A top-tier personalized beauty subscription companion with excellent value and curation, though occasional mismatches and minor app UX quirks remain.
Who is it for
Best for:
- Beauty enthusiasts who want personalized monthly products and discovery
- Shoppers seeking high-value deals on prestige brands and add-ons
- Beginners wanting guidance, tutorials, and try-before-you-buy variety
Not ideal for:
- Anyone wanting a completely free experience without a subscription
- Users outside supported regions or who need full shopping access internationally
- People who expect perfect matches every month with zero curation variance
Real-world User Experience
Users like it:
Strong perceived value with both sample and full‑size items; ability to choose 1–3 products per month; accurate personalization over time via the quiz and reviews; high-quality, well-known brands; exciting, low-cost add-ons; clear previews of what’s coming; responsive, helpful customer support; fun monthly bags and useful tutorials.
Users complain about:
Occasional product mismatches; desire for wishlist/favorites or easier item saving; some find the quiz tedious to update and parts of the app a bit confusing; regional limitations (e.g., shop access in Canada) and mentions of a perceived waitlist gimmick.
Is it Worth Paying For?
The app itself is free with no in-app purchases, but the membership is paid via IPSY. Based on reviews, the subscription delivers strong value: multiple curated products, the ability to choose items, frequent deep discounts on add-ons, and exposure to premium brands—making it worth it if you enjoy monthly discovery and use the member sales.
How it Compares to Alternatives
Compared with other beauty subscriptions like Birchbox and BoxyCharm, IPSY stands out for member choice of items and consistent value across plans. Versus Birchbox, users highlight more control and stronger brand variety; versus BoxyCharm, IPSY offers a balance of customization, discovery, and frequent discounted add-ons. Against standard retail, IPSY’s try-before-you-buy and steep member sales can reduce risk and cost.
Summary
IPSY’s app anchors a highly personalized beauty membership that blends curation, member choice, tutorials, and aggressive discounts on top brands. Longtime subscribers consistently praise the value, product quality, and standout customer service, while acknowledging that no algorithm nails preferences 100% of the time. Minor UX wishes—like a favorites list, a less tedious quiz update, and clearer navigation—don’t overshadow the core strengths: reliable monthly excitement, meaningful customization, and real savings. If you’re looking to expand your makeup and skincare routine through guided discovery and deals, IPSY is one of the strongest options available.
















