This month’s BoxyCharm by Ipsy is all about getting holiday-party ready, from skincare essentials for a glowing base to glittery makeup that screams festive glam. But did it truly deliver that holiday magic? Let’s see about that.
BoxyCharm by Ipsy is a $32 monthly beauty and makeup subscription box. It always provides great value compared to the cost of the box and includes 5 beauty items, including nail care, skincare, makeup, haircare, fragrance, and more. (At least 4 of those items will be full-sized.) If you are a makeup or skincare addict, we recommend this box!
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
Everything arrived in pristine condition! Props to the purple foam—it’s a small touch that keeps everything safe while looking chic.
What’s Inside
Rodial Vitamin C Papaya Enzyme Scrub – Retail Value $50
Let’s kick off with skincare because a flawless face starts with a good base. This enzyme scrub is a treat! The texture is super fine, so it exfoliates without being harsh. The scent is light and pleasant, and after using it, my skin felt silky smooth. I’m already planning to use it before my Christmas makeup! 🎄
Repurchase Power? 65/100 – It’s effective but pricey, so it might be a splurge item.
Balance Me Congested Skin Serum – Retail Value $26
As an acne-sufferer, I was super excited to try this since it’s a brand I don’t know. The lightweight, watery texture absorbs beautifully, and the formula seems like a solid choice for acne-prone skin. But the scent? 🥴 It’s herbal, medicinal, and honestly hard to ignore. f you can tolerate the smell, it’s worth a shot.
Repurchase Power? 50/100 – Great for some, but not for my nose.
Alleyoop Gameface Second Skin Concealer – Retail Value $22
Shade: Winner
Finally—a concealer in my box! 🙌 Alleyoop is a brand I already adore, so I had high hopes, and this didn’t disappoint. The creamy formula blends like a dream and layers well without looking cakey. Bonus points for the built-in sponge applicator. The shade wasn’t a perfect match for me, but with a little finesse, I made it work.
Repurchase Power? 90/100 – This is a win in my book.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Velvet – Retail Value $24
Color: Crush
Oof, this was a letdown. The formula feels thick, chalky, and just plain heavy. It’s labeled as a velvet lipstick, but there’s nothing luxe about it. Worse, it smudges at the slightest touch and dries unevenly, leaving my lips looking parched. If you prefer overly creamy lipsticks, this might work for you—but it’s not my vibe.
Repurchase Power? Hard pass.
Ofra Cosmetics Verified Liquid Liner – Retail Value $20
Color: Black
WOWZA! This is the thinnest eyeliner I’ve used so far. The ultra-thin tip glides smoothly, making sharp, crisp lines a breeze. It’s waterproof and seriously smudge-proof—you’ll need cleansing oil to take it off. A new holy grail for me!
Repurchase Power? 100%. This one’s a keeper.
Pat McGrath Labs Divine Rose Luxe Quad – Retail Value $62
Color: Eternal Eden
This was my beauty boost item, and oh. my. goodness. 😍 The pigmentation is next level, one swipe gives intense, dreamy color payoff. The shades blend effortlessly, with minimal fallout, and the creamy texture is a joy to work with. I get the Pat McGrath hype now!
Repurchase Power? 70/100 – Stunning, but the price tag is a bit intimidating.
Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $30
Value Breakdown:
- Rodial Scrub: $50
- Balance Me Serum: $26
- Alleyoop Concealer: $22
- Anastasia Lipstick: $24
- Ofra Eyeliner: $20
- Pat McGrath Eyeshadow: $62 [Beauty Boost]
Total Value: $142 | $204 with beauty boost
Takeaways
Overall, this box delivered a solid mix of products. While it wasn’t the most dazzling curation of the year, I loved the eyeliner and concealer, and the eyeshadow quad is a gorgeous splurge item. I do wish there were more holiday-themed picks (hello, glitter and sparkle!), but the value speaks for itself. A great box with a few standout stars! 🌟
Other Things You Should Know
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Nope, but your first box will feature the next curation.
What do you think of this month’s BoxyCharm by Ipsy Box? Which variants are you getting?
