With so many options to choose from, navigating the sea of beauty subscriptions is more difficult than picking the *perfect* shade of red lipstick—is it YSL’s Rouge Libre or NARS’ Dragon?!? I can’t decide! 🤨
Anyway, I’ve dipped my brushes into many beauty boxes over the years, but today, we’re focusing on my two most recent trials: IPSY and Birchbox. Both are fabulous in their own right, but one has truly won over this makeup lover’s heart.
If you want personalization that fits your personality…IPSY
With IPSY, I’m treated to products that match my Beauty Profile—created from a quick, but thorough quiz covering everything from skin color and hair concerns to preferred scent families and nail polish shades.
This means every Glam Bag feels like it was handpicked just for me. They choose some of their featured monthly products from brands like Tatcha, Huda Beauty, and Glow Recipe, that align with my preferences, and then send me a vibrant mix of five deluxe-size or full-size products that match current trends. I love that my box is unique to me and my needs.
Birchbox’s customization is also a thing, but their intro questionnaire is far less detailed, making the process a lot less fun and personalized. You can either choose all of the products sent to you or get a box curated for you, which was not as personalized to my needs.
If you want more beauty for your buck…IPSY
Both IPSY and Birchbox offer great value, but IPSY edges out with jaw-dropping generosity. Imagine paying $14 for products worth up to $70 or splurging $30 to unveil goodies valued up to $200. Add IPSY's heavily discounted add-ons and optional membership glow-ups, you’re getting a mail-order beauty bonanza that pays for itself—and then some.
While Birchbox’s offer is nothing to sneeze at, their lowest-priced option is $19 per box compared to IPSY’s $14—AND you have to pay for a full year upfront to get it. With IPSY, I can cancel or take a break whenever I need to.
If you want a variety of products each month…Tie
IPSY and Birchbox both offer a plethora of pampering products, but IPSY asks how often you want to receive specific types of products (e.g. blushes, bronzer, and highlighters) and what blend of products you want in your box (e.g. “makeup,” “skincare” or “mix”).
Birchbox provides a similar number of products with a mix of sample, trial-size, and full-size options. The big difference is that with their Custom Box, I always receive some other type of product alongside my makeup. I’m loving my new eye cream and cuticle oil. Now I get more ways to express my style and build up my at-home spa collection.
If you want membership flexibility…IPSY
While Birchbox offers a straightforward subscription model, you can’t customize your boxes if you’re on a month-to-month subscription.
IPSY’s tiered membership options cater to beauty buffs at every level. From the budget-friendly Glam Bag to the luxurious BoxyCharm, they make it easy to scale up or down depending on your needs.
IPSY doesn’t lock you into a plan and lets you pick at least one specific item each month depending on your membership tier. That way, I always get at least one product I chose, and the rest are a fun surprise!
Final Verdict: IPSY Wins!
While Birchbox is an excellent service, IPSY is by far my favorite. The way I see it, the perfect beauty subscription isn’t just about getting new products; it’s about getting the right new products.
From my experience, IPSY delivers a much more personalized experience. That means I get the items I’m looking for, so more of them go into my rotation. Plus, with all the extra perks like cheap & convenient add-ons, members-only discounts, and exciting sales events, I have no intention of stopping my membership—but I easily could if I wanted to.
So, if you're looking to spice up your beauty routine without breaking the bank (and without being on the hook!), take it from a fellow makeup lover: IPSY is your match made in beauty heaven. Now go grab your Glam Bag, and let's get gorgeous together!
