You’re either fully invested in The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills drama or you wouldn’t recognize their names if they were plastered across billboards. Me? I’m somewhere in the middle. I know Lisa Vanderpump (because, who doesn’t?), but I’m not exactly following their every move. That said, when I heard the Winter Icon Box was curated by the Lisa Vanderpump, I was ready for a box brimming with luxury and drama. So... did it deliver? Let’s dive in.
The Ipsy Icon Box is a $60 quarterly subscription for Ipsy members, swapping out your regular monthly glam bag in February, May, August, and November. Each box promises at least 8 full-size products with a total value of up to $350. It’s a beauty-lover’s dream, and honestly, one of the main reasons I stay subscribed.
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
The box itself? Rough. As usual, it arrived looking like it had survived a cross-country trek in a paper bag. I really wish Ipsy would ship these in protective mailers or something sturdier. But hey, all the products inside were in perfect condition, so I can’t complain too much.
The booklet, though, was chef’s kiss. It added such a personal touch, sharing details about Lisa’s go-to products and beauty must-haves. Whether she handpicked each item or not, it felt curated. A small but appreciated touch!
What’s Inside
Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara – Retail Value: $41
An icon among mascaras—and for good reason. The lightweight formula lifts my thin lashes without clumping or weighing them down, giving me the kind of dramatic-yet-effortless look I love. But here’s the thing: the flat brush takes some skill. If you’re not careful, it’s easy to smudge or get underwhelming results. Pro tip: Curl your lashes first and let each coat dry before adding more for that perfect flutter.
Repurchasing Power? 100%—This mascara reminded me why Bobbi Brown will forever be a staple in my beauty stash.
Elemis Skin Buff – Retail Value: $49
I’m a sucker for Elemis, so I had high hopes—and this exfoliant delivered! Gentle enough for sensitive skin but still effective, it’s perfect for smoothing out texture before makeup. My skin felt refreshed and baby-soft without that over-scrubbed feeling. Pro tip: Use a tiny amount, don’t go overboard, and follow up with a rich moisturizer to prevent dryness.
Repurchasing Power? 65%—A lovely product, but for $49, I’d like more actives in my exfoliants.
Huda Beauty Lip Blush & Cheek Stain – Retail Value: $25
Color: Berry Kiss
Sigh. Where do I begin? This was a major miss for me. The shade says “berry,” but it reads more like a brown—definitely not what I was expecting. The formula? Streaky and uneven. It just kind of sat on my lips without setting properly, though I’ll admit the staying power was impressive. Maybe another color would change my mind, but for now... pass.
Repurchasing Power? 15%—If I do, it’ll only be to try a different shade.
Il Makiage High Point Shaping Palette – Retail Value: $72
Color: Medium
This palette had potential but fell flat. The compact itself is massive, yet the product pans are tiny—so wasteful! For a “medium” palette, the blush and bronzer were way too light, barely showing up on my skin even after multiple layers. The highlighters, however, were a win—subtle, natural, and beautifully blendable.
Repurchasing Power? 35%—The formulas are nice, but for $72, I expected way more.
Kevyn Aucoin Precision Brow Pencil – Retail Value: $30
Color: Brunette
Obsessed. The ultra-fine tip lets you create the most precise, hair-like strokes, perfect for filling in sparse areas or creating a fully sculpted brow. One downside? It doesn’t have a cap, so the tip can dry out. Pro tip: Mist it with a setting spray to revive it.
Repurchasing Power? 100%—This pencil is officially in my brow arsenal.
Keys Soulcare Truly Becoming Multi-Benefit Peptide Serum – Retail Value: $38
Lightweight, silky, and packed with hydrating ingredients, this serum is perfect for maintaining healthy, glowy skin. It’s not a game-changer, but it’s a solid choice for everyday use if you’re looking for a fuss-free option. Plus, I just adore Alicia Keys.
Repurchasing Power? 50%—Nice, but nothing revolutionary.
Korres Santorini Grape Volcanic SkinReset Mask – Retail Value: $39
I usually adore Korres, but this one didn’t wow me. Charcoal beads are just too harsh for my sensitive skin. I mean, I still have another one from September's box collecting dust. That said, the creamy formula kept it from feeling overly drying, which was a small win.
Repurchasing Power? 45%—Only if you’re into activated charcoal masks.
Origins GinZing SPF 30 Daily Moisturizer – Retail Value: $38
Where do I start? This burned my eyes like no other and was so heavily fragranced it could double as perfume. On the bright side, it didn’t leave a white cast, but that’s where the compliments end.
Repurchasing Power? 0%—I’ll stick to separate moisturizers and SPF, thanks.
Il Makiage Shade Addict High Impact Eye Color Palette – Retail Value: $61
PD: This was the beauty boost pick.
This eyeshadow palette was actually a hit! The neutral shades are versatile, perfect for everyday looks or something a bit more glam. The formula? Smooth, blendable, with minimal fallout—everything you want in a solid palette. While it’s not groundbreaking, it’s reliable, and sometimes that’s all you need in an eyeshadow.
Repurchasing Power? 100%—This one’s a keeper! I can see myself reaching for it often.
Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $58
Total Value: $332 ($393 with Beauty Boost)
Value Breakdown:
- Bobbi Brown Mascara: $41
- Elemis Skin Buff: $49
- Hida Beauty Lip Stain: $25
- Il Makiage Shaping Palette: $72
- Kevyn Aucoin Brow Pencil: $30
- Keys Soulcare Serum: $38
- Korres Mask: $39
- Origins Moisturizer: $38
- [Beauty Boost] Il Makiage Eyeshadow Palette: $61
So, was this an iconic box? Not really. Aside from the Bobbi Brown Mascara and Kevyn Aucoin Brow Pencil, the rest felt... meh. For a box with “icon” in the name, I expected drama, luxury, and wow-factor products. Instead, I got an assortment of pricey items that didn’t quite live up to the hype.
Here’s hoping 2025 brings us some truly jaw-dropping curations!
Other Things You Should Know
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No. Icon box is a quarterly subscription, so subscribe for the Spring curation.
What do you think of the Winter 2024 IconBox by Ipsy Box? Which items did you get? Let’s talk in the comments!
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