Boxycharm by Ipsy “Hot Glow Summer” Review – July 2025

According to Ipsy, July’s curation is all about embracing the evolution of beauty: dewy skin, playful color, futuristic self-care. Keyword: evolution.

But based on the product picks available this month… I’m going to go ahead and say: I don’t really see it. The box itself? Fine. The theme? Confusing. But I’ll let you be the judge.

BoxyCharm by Ipsy is a $30 monthly beauty box that includes 5 items (at least 4 full-size) across skincare, makeup, haircare, nails, and more. If you’re even a little makeup- or skincare-obsessed, this is one of the few boxes that consistently delivers great value.

My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)

First Impressions

The box arrived in pristine shape, no spills, no crushed products. (They’ve been delivering to the door lately, which definitely helps with that.)

But… these were the available product picks? Out of all the innovative launches happening in beauty, this is what made the cut? The curation just didn’t hit the mark for me this month.

What’s Inside

F.A.R.A.H Creamy Malai Blush Stick – Retail Value: $25

Color: She Creamy (rose-petal pink)

Look, I didn’t need another blush. None of us does. But this one? I opened it and literally gasped. This color is a rich, vibrant rose pink that somehow manages to be both bold and wearable.

The formula is buttery smooth, blends like a dream, and leaves a natural, dewy finish. You can sheer it out or layer it up, and because it’s in a stick, I’ve already used it as blush, lipstick, and even dabbed it on my lids for a monochromatic look.

One caveat: set it. Like many creamy stick formulas, if you don’t lock it in with a powder + setting spray routine, it’ll vanish halfway through your day, especially if you’re in heat or humidity.

Repurchase Power? 100%

LYS Beauty Triple Fix Skin Tint Blurring Foundation Stick – Retail Value: $25

Color: MG2

I’m not a foundation stick girl. I just never reach for them. But with travel coming up, I wanted something compact and mess-free.

And wow… I was not expecting to love this as much as I do. It glides on like butter. I used fingers instead of a brush to warm it up and get a more natural finish, and it worked. 

My skin’s in a weird place right now (post-chemical peel: baby soft in some areas, sandpaper in others), but this formula somehow smoothed over everything and gave me the most radiant, healthy glow. The coverage is light to medium but buildable, and it wore like a champ in Florida’s humidity, likely thanks to the built-in primer element and skin-tint hybrid formula.

Repurchase Power? 100%

The Beauty Bybel The OG Palette – Retail Value: $39

Color: Neutrals

Grateful that the palette arrived intact. But quality-wise? This is just okay. The colors are pretty, and I’ll wear them all, but nothing here feels exciting or special. The mattes could be creamier, and the pigmentation in the lighter shades is a little underwhelming. This feels like a decent palette to gift to a beginner or to toss in your bag for everyday basics.

Repurchase Power? 35%

R.E.M Beauty Midnight Shadows Lustrous Liquid Eyeshadow – Retail Value: $20

Color: Fembot (iridescent pink with blue flip)

Now this is what I consider an “evolution” pick. The duochrome payoff here is legit, it gives that high-impact, almost wet-look shimmer that makes your lids pop. I’ve used these before and they’re one of the few glitter/iridescent eyeshadow formulas I actually like. They go on smooth, dry down fast, and stay put all day without creasing or flaking.

And the best part? Even though it has super hold power, it still comes off easily with a gentle cleanser. No glitter left behind. No scrubbing.

Repurchase Power? 100%

Beauty Boost: Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask – Retail Value: $96

This isn’t my first time with this mask, and I’ll say it again: it’s one of the few luxury skincare products I’ll actually splurge on.

The texture is whipped and velvety, the scent is this luxe, calming herbal tea aroma I wish they’d bottle into a candle, and the results are instant. My skin always feels silky smooth and hydrated after this.

Pro tip: Apply before a hot shower and let the steam do its magic. Trust me.

Repurchase Power? 100%

Value – Was This Box Worth It?

The Cost: $30

Total Value: $205

So, was this a box of cutting-edge, “Hot Glow Summer” innovation? No.

But was it a solid lineup of usable, quality products? Yes. I just wish the curation had better matched the theme, because aside from the R.E.M shadow, it all felt… safe.

That said, I’m thrilled with the LYS stick (a new staple) and the Fresh mask is always a win. So overall, yes, this box was worth it for me.

But I do have to dock points: my box was supposed to include the Wander Beauty Upgraded Brows Pencil & Gel Duo, and it was missing. That’s a product I’ve used and loved, so not getting it was a letdown.

In the end, I’d rate this box a 7/10.

Other Things You Should Know

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, your first box will be from the next curation.

What do you think of this month’s BoxyCharm by Ipsy Box? Which variants are you getting?