IPSY Value Calculator
See What You're Really Paying For
Calculate the estimated value of your IPSY subscription based on current 2025 product offerings
Remember those colorful IPSY bags showing up at your door every month? The ones filled with samples of trending makeup, skincare, and maybe a full-size product or two? You weren’t alone. Millions of people signed up for IPSY because it felt like getting a personalized beauty gift every 30 days. But with so many subscription boxes rising and falling since 2015, it’s natural to wonder: Does IPSY still exist? The answer isn’t just yes - it’s more alive than ever, just different.
IPSY Didn’t Disappear - It Changed
IPSY didn’t shut down. It didn’t go bankrupt. It didn’t vanish into the noise of failed startups. In 2025, IPSY is still operating out of San Francisco, with over 8 million active members. The company has shifted from being just a monthly box service to a full beauty ecosystem. The classic Glam Bag - the one with the surprise samples in a pastel tote - is still available. But now, it’s just one option among many.What changed? People wanted more control. They didn’t want to get five products they’d never use. So IPSY built a digital platform where you take a quick quiz about your skin tone, hair type, and beauty goals. Then, instead of guessing what you’ll like, the algorithm picks products based on your actual preferences. You can even preview your box before it ships and swap out items you’re not into. That’s the big shift: from randomness to personalization.
What’s in the Box Now?
If you sign up for the Glam Bag Plus (the $15/month version), you still get five full-size or deluxe sample products. But here’s what’s different in 2025:- At least two products are from brands you’ve never heard of - but are trending on TikTok
- One product is always a full-size item - often from a cult favorite like Rare Beauty, Drunk Elephant, or Glow Recipe
- Skincare dominates now - 60% of boxes include serums, moisturizers, or masks
- Products are cruelty-free and clean beauty certified 90% of the time
- You can earn points by reviewing items, and redeem them for discounts on full-size products in the IPSY shop
There’s also the Glam Bag Infinite, which lets you pick every single item from a catalog of 2,000+ products. It costs $25/month, but you get to choose exactly what you want. No surprises. No waste. If you’re someone who hates getting products you’ll never use, this version is the real upgrade.
Why People Still Love It
IPSY’s real strength isn’t the products - it’s the community. The IPSY app has a feed where members post reviews, selfies with their hauls, and honest takes on what worked and what didn’t. You’ll find real people with acne, eczema, oily skin, and mature skin sharing what actually helped them. That kind of peer validation is rare in beauty marketing.One user in Toronto told me she switched from a $50/month skincare subscription to IPSY because she kept getting products that didn’t match her skin type. After three months of using the quiz and swapping items, she found three serums she loves. She’s been a member for 22 months now. That’s not a fluke - it’s the system working.
Another reason IPSY survives? It’s not trying to compete with Sephora or Ulta. It’s not selling luxury. It’s selling discovery. For $15, you get to test new brands before you spend $30 on a full bottle. That’s a smart way to shop - especially when so many beauty brands launch and disappear in under a year.
What Happened to the Old Glam Bag?
The original $10 Glam Bag is still around, but it’s not the star anymore. It now includes mostly sample sizes - think 1-2 mL serums, mini lipsticks, tiny cleansers. It’s perfect if you’re just testing the waters. But if you’ve tried it before and didn’t love it, don’t assume IPSY is dead. You probably just tried the wrong version.The $15 Glam Bag Plus is where the real value is. You’re paying $15 for $80-$120 worth of product. That’s not a subscription - that’s a beauty trial lab. And the company tracks which products get the most positive reviews. Those are the ones that end up in future boxes. It’s a feedback loop that keeps improving.
How to Get Started in 2025
If you’re thinking about trying IPSY again, here’s how to do it right:- Go to ipsy.com - not a third-party site
- Take the Beauty Quiz - answer honestly about your skin tone, concerns, and preferences
- Choose your plan: Glam Bag Plus ($15/month) or Glam Bag Infinite ($25/month)
- Preview your box before it ships - swap out anything you don’t want
- Review your items in the app - you’ll earn points for future discounts
Pro tip: Use a new email if you signed up years ago. Old accounts sometimes default to the basic $10 bag, even if you used to get the Plus version. Starting fresh resets your profile.
Who Should Skip IPSY?
IPSY isn’t for everyone. If you’re someone who:- Only uses one brand (like Fenty or La Mer)
- Has very specific medical-grade skincare needs
- Doesn’t like trying new things
- Wants to buy full-size products at a discount
…then IPSY might not be worth it. But if you’re curious, love testing new formulas, or want to find your next holy-grail product without spending $50 on a bottle that might not work - it’s one of the smartest ways to explore beauty.
The Bigger Picture
IPSY’s survival proves something important: people don’t want more stuff. They want smarter choices. The beauty industry is drowning in options. IPSY cut through the noise by making personalization the core experience - not just a buzzword.Other subscription boxes came and went. Birchbox faded. FabFitFun shifted focus. But IPSY kept listening. It turned its biggest weakness - random samples - into its biggest strength: user-driven selection. That’s why it’s still here in 2025. Not because it’s flashy. But because it works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IPSY still sending out boxes in 2025?
Yes, IPSY is still actively shipping boxes every month. It has over 8 million members as of late 2025 and continues to update its product selection based on member feedback. Both the Glam Bag Plus and Glam Bag Infinite plans are available and growing.
Did IPSY get bought out or shut down?
No, IPSY was not bought out or shut down. It remains an independent company headquartered in San Francisco. While it has partnered with major beauty brands and retailers, it still operates under its original leadership team. There were rumors in 2023 about potential acquisition talks, but nothing was finalized.
Why did IPSY change its model?
IPSY changed because customers asked for more control. Early on, people complained about getting products they didn’t like or couldn’t use. In response, IPSY launched its quiz system and preview feature, letting members swap items before shipping. This shift from random to personalized is why retention rates improved by 40% between 2022 and 2025.
Can I still get the old Glam Bag for $10?
Yes, the $10 Glam Bag still exists, but it’s mostly sample-sized products - think 1 mL serums or mini lipsticks. It’s a good entry point if you’re unsure, but most long-term members switch to the $15 Glam Bag Plus, which includes at least one full-size item and higher-quality products.
Are IPSY products cruelty-free?
As of 2025, 90% of the products in IPSY boxes are certified cruelty-free and meet clean beauty standards. The company has strict guidelines for brand partners and regularly audits suppliers. You’ll see labels like "Leaping Bunny" or "Vegan Certified" on eligible items.
Is IPSY worth it if I only use high-end brands?
If you only use luxury brands like La Mer or Tom Ford, IPSY might not offer much. But if you’re open to discovering new high-end or indie brands - like Drunk Elephant, Rare Beauty, or Youth to the People - it’s a great way to test them before buying full-size. Many members find their favorite products through IPSY.
Next Steps
If you’re ready to try IPSY again, start with the $15 Glam Bag Plus. Take the quiz honestly. Preview your box. Swap out anything that doesn’t feel right. Then give it three months. You might just find your next go-to moisturizer - or a new favorite lipstick - without spending a dime on a full bottle that didn’t work.And if you’ve been away for a while? Don’t assume it’s gone. It’s just better now.