As someone who is always scrolling through social media for beauty trends and recommendations, it should come as no surprise that I’m always looking for the next best thing in my beauty routine, and one of the best ways to try new products without breaking the bank is through monthly subscription beauty boxes.
I recently had the chance to try the IPSY and Allure beauty boxes, and I’m pleased to report that I’ve found the obvious winner! Hold onto your makeup bags, because I’m about to spill the tea on which subscription reigns supreme.
If You’re Looking for the Greatest Value 💸...IPSY
On the surface, both services offer great bang for your buck—deluxe beauty products at a fraction of the cost. But Allure’s box, while *technically* valuable, often included items that weren’t my vibe. Getting a good deal on something I don’t need and won’t use doesn’t really feel like a deal
IPSY, on the other hand, blew me away every month with quality products for an affordable subscription fee. The Glam Bag is priced at $14/month for 5 generous trial-sized products worth up to $70. Plus, the larger BoxyCharm box is priced at $30/month for 5 full-sized items (worth up to $200!)—and you get to choose 3 of the products.
When you fall in love with a sample, you can snag the full size with a sweet IPSY discount, and IPSY’s quarterly Mega Drop Shop sales offer up to 80% off on products. 🙌
If You’re Looking for the Best Variety of Products💄...Tie
Both IPSY and Allure offer a tempting array of beauty products. However, IPSY manages to take it up a notch by adding some personalization to your experience. Their subscription levels provide either deluxe-size samples or full-size products from well-known brands like Tarte Cosmetics, Kate Somerville, and Murad each month. You also get to choose some of your items, meaning you get to curate a box with your needs in mind!
Allure’s beauty box only offers full-sized products, and I receive any products chosen by the editors. But while the products are luxe, many of them just haven’t hit the spot, disappointing me more often than not. Personally, I’d love more personalization like IPSY, but Allure does offer a decent variety of products.
If You’re Looking For a Service Personalization For You 🤩...IPSY
Of all the ways that beauty boxes brighten my life, the ability to personalize my preferences is my favorite. IPSY’s detailed Beauty Profile was super easy to fill out, sharing info like my hair color and skin concerns. From there, IPSY tailors their selections so that each product feels hand-picked just for me. I’ve never felt so seen by a subscription service, and I can’t stop coming back for more.
Allure, on the other hand, takes a one-size-fits-all approach. The monthly high-quality products are all chosen by their illustrious team of editors, but this process has led to many of the products not suiting my unique hair type, skin tone, or personal style. Overall, the process lacks a lot of the magic and joy IPSY brings
If You’re Looking For Diverse Membership Options 📦 ...IPSY
Allure offers their box at different prices based on subscription length, but the box itself doesn’t change. Everyone gets the same box each month, so it sacrifices some of the fun and surprise out of the experience.
IPSY offers different subscription levels, like the Glam Bag, BoxyCharm, or Icon Box, each catering to a different budget and beauty appetite. Luckily, IPSY also has an amazing “add-ons” section where you can add up to 10 more products at deep discount—all without increasing shipping costs. Every month without fail, my shipment feels perfectly suited to me and my taste, as if it was curated by my personal beauty guru!
Final Verdict: IPSY Takes the Crown! 👑
At the end of the day, IPSY has me feeling like it’s Christmas every month when my tailor-made box arrives. I make my beauty wishes, and IPSY delivers EVERY.👏 SINGLE.👏TIME.👏 Allure’s picks, no matter how fancy, just can’t match the personal touch and wallet-friendly magic that IPSY brings to the table.
So, if you’re looking to spice up your beauty routine, IPSY is the way to go—I feel like it's already paid for itself. So submit that Beauty Profile, and get ready to feel fabulous with curated products sent right to your door!
