Did you hear about the Ipsy and BoxyCharm merger drama? If you’re a beauty box addict, you probably noticed posts blowing up about new changes and unexpected box surprises. So here’s what’s actually going on with these two giants teaming up under one roof as of late 2024.
First off, Ipsy didn’t just buy BoxyCharm—they basically smashed together the best (and maybe the worst) of both worlds. Now, BoxyCharm is officially part of the Ipsy family. But this isn’t just some behind-the-scenes business deal; the way your boxes work might actually be different. If you used to get both boxes, you might’ve noticed fewer duplicates and a blend of brands that used to be exclusive to one or the other. No more flipping between two logins or dealing with double billing headaches. Everything’s managed through Ipsy now, which means one account for all your subscriptions and add-ons.
- The Merger: How Did Ipsy and BoxyCharm Come Together?
- What’s Changed for Monthly Subscribers?
- Perks and Drawbacks of the Joint Service
- How to Make the Most of Your Subscription
- Fresh Tips for Beauty Box Fans
The Merger: How Did Ipsy and BoxyCharm Come Together?
Back in late 2023, the beauty world got rocked when Ipsy and BoxyCharm—two of the biggest *beauty boxes*—announced a merger. It wasn’t just hearsay or wild rumors. Ipsy actually bought BoxyCharm’s parent company, Beauty for All Industries, and rolled everything into its own platform. By early 2024, BoxyCharm was officially under the Ipsy umbrella.
This move wasn’t just about sharing resources—it changed how each box gets curated, delivered, and managed. Before, Ipsy focused on personalization with its quiz and small sample bags, while BoxyCharm had those bigger, full-sized product boxes and a more "beauty pro" vibe. Now, the lines are blurred. They’re using Ipsy's personal data tools to shape BoxyCharm's picks, meaning your product matches and shipping are all tied to your Ipsy profile.
What's really interesting is the numbers: Before merging, Ipsy boasted over 3.5 million members, while BoxyCharm brought in around 1.2 million. All those users now sit on one system, making Ipsy the biggest beauty subscription company hands down.
| Company | Subscribers (2023) |
|---|---|
| Ipsy | 3.5 million |
| BoxyCharm | 1.2 million |
| Merged Total | 4.7 million+ |
If you were a subscriber to both, expect to see fewer double charges and overlapping emails because everything funnels through Ipsy now. One less password to remember—finally!
The main takeaway? The merger was designed to bring more product variety, simpler management, and stronger partnerships with brands. Subscribers like us are really the target: get more out of a single account, have a smoother experience, and maybe try brands you never got before in your monthly box.
What’s Changed for Monthly Subscribers?
This whole Ipsy-BoxyCharm thing isn’t just behind-the-scenes stuff. If you get one of these beauty boxes delivered every month, things might look and feel different.
First big change: both subscriptions now flow through Ipsy’s platform. If you used to juggle logins and emails for each service—good news, it’s all fused together. Your BoxyCharm box is now labeled "BoxyCharm by Ipsy" and you pick your products, manage your account, and shop add-ons in the same place.
The product lineup is getting a shakeup too. Instead of locked-in brand partnerships (where BoxyCharm would get X, Ipsy would get Y), now both boxes get a wider mix of brands and exclusive products. Beauty fans noticed more recognizable names and fewer repeats—bye, endless black eyeliners! Plus, BoxyCharm by Ipsy usually packs in five full-size products, while the basic Ipsy bag keeps its 5 deluxe sample model.
Here’s a quick look at some of the tangible changes:
| Feature | Before Merger | After Merger |
|---|---|---|
| Account Management | Separate for Ipsy & BoxyCharm | Managed in one Ipsy account |
| Box Names | Ipsy Glam Bag, BoxyCharm | Ipsy Glam Bag, BoxyCharm by Ipsy |
| Product Sourcing | Different brand exclusives per box | Shared brand pool, wider variety |
| Customization | Limited for BoxyCharm | Choose more products in both subscriptions |
| Billing | Two bills, two charges | One plan, one payment (if you subscribe to both) |
The Ipsy app is your new command center. There’s a sleeker product pick process and more control over what you’re getting. But, not everyone’s thrilled: reports from long-term BoxyCharm fans mention a few hiccups, like delayed shipments just after the switchover or brands they miss seeing.
A huge plus? The Mega Drop Shop, which used to be a BoxyCharm treat, is now open to Ipsy members too, so snagging luxury makeup at steep discounts just got easier. For anyone wondering if your subscription price will skyrocket—so far, prices have mostly held steady. The standard Glam Bag is still $14/month, and BoxyCharm by Ipsy is $30/month, but you can find current monthly rates in your account dashboard.
So if you’re poking around your account and everything looks new, you’re not losing your mind. These real updates are rolling out to help combine two beauty giants into one streamlined place to get your fix every month.
Perks and Drawbacks of the Joint Service
The Ipsy and BoxyCharm combo definitely shook things up for everyone who loves a monthly beauty surprise. There’s a real mix of highs and lows, so if you’re wondering whether to stick around or try something new, here’s the scoop.
Let’s start with the perks. Thanks to the merger, you get way more choice in your box every month. Ipsy now lets you pick up to five products for certain tiers, which wasn’t a thing in classic BoxyCharm. This means a better shot at stuff you actually want rather than random repeats. Plus, Ipsy’s “Mega Drop Shop” brings some crazy discounts—sometimes up to 70% off—for both Ipsy and BoxyCharm brands, all in one place. There’s also just one account to deal with now, so you don’t need a spreadsheet to track your subscriptions or get hit with surprise charges.
- More recognizable brands (think Natasha Denona, Fenty, Tatcha) showing up in both box options
- Add-on sales and “flash deals” are now bigger and last longer, sometimes for a whole week instead of just 24 hours
- Easier gift options—send boxes or credits to friends straight from your dashboard
| Perk/Drawback | Details |
|---|---|
| More Customization | Choose up to 5 items each month at some tiers |
| One Checkout | Manage all subscriptions and extras in one place |
| Bigger Sales | Access to more frequent and larger discount events |
| Shipping Delays | More boxes mean slowed-down shipping around launches |
| Fewer Niche Brands | Variety is bigger, but some non-mainstream brands are missing |
But, it’s not all upgrades. One of the main gripes since the Ipsy and BoxyCharm deal is shipping. With bulkier shipments and a bigger subscriber base, folks have noticed some boxes go out late—especially during big sales. Another downside is, you might see fewer out-there indie brands. The focus now is more on tried-and-true names to appeal to a bigger group, so if you loved getting wild new finds from tiny companies, it might happen less often.
There’s also a learning curve with all the changes. The dashboard looks different. Managing your picks and add-ons can feel confusing for the first month or two. And if you had two boxes before, there’s a chance one of your monthly experiences just got axed as the boxes merged into fewer tier choices.
The best thing to do? Pay close attention to emails and log in every month to check out sales and updates. Most of the worthwhile new perks show up in your account, but you’ve got to be quick—flash deals and customization windows don’t stick around.
How to Make the Most of Your Subscription
If you want to really get your money’s worth now that Ipsy and BoxyCharm are joined, there are some easy ways to take advantage of all the new options. Whether you’re shopping add-ons, customizing your picks, or hoping for fewer repeats, a few smart moves make a big difference.
First off, make sure your Ipsy Beauty Profile is completely filled out and updated. After the big merge, this profile helps them pick products that match your skin tone, style, and daily routine. Hop into your account, double-check your shades and preferences, and don’t skip the optional questions. The more info, the better.
Next up: personalization days actually matter now. When the window opens for choice (it usually hits mid-month), log in early. With combined inventory, the good stuff—like cult favorite serums or full-size palettes—disappears fast. Turn on email or app notifications so you don’t miss that window to pick your top item or swap things out.
- Set reminders: Mark your calendar for add-on, choice, and flash sale days. Subscribers score major deals on high-end products during these flash events, but only if you’re quick.
- Try the add-ons: The merger lineup brought over some unique brands from BoxyCharm and more exclusive launches. For just a few dollars, you can upgrade your box with extra products you actually want, no waiting in store.
- If you’re getting repeats or products you’ll never use, gift or swap with friends. There’s a whole online world—Facebook groups, Reddit—where people swap unused items for something they’ll actually enjoy.
- Check your subscription tier regularly. Since the merge, Ipsy offers different levels, like BoxyCharm (full-size only) or Icon Box (with luxury collabs). If your beauty habits change, it’s easy to swap plans instead of missing out or overspending.
A small but smart tip: review your products on the site after you try them. The algorithm uses this feedback to improve future boxes, so the more you share, the better your curation gets. Plus, you can earn points—hello, free stuff.
If you ever find yourself overwhelmed with product stash, pause a month without canceling. It saves your spot, lets you skip a box, and keeps you from subscribing all over again if you change your mind.
Fresh Tips for Beauty Box Fans
If you’re still figuring out the new world of Ipsy and BoxyCharm together, there are a few things you can do to actually get more out of every box and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Update your beauty profile. This isn’t just a checkbox—your answers seriously influence what you get. Now that both brands are under one system, being super clear about your shade, skin type, and style makes a real difference. Go through every option and refresh it every few months, especially if your routines or preferences have changed.
- Set your reminders. Add-on options and choice items open up quick and close fast—sometimes within hours. If you want the best picks before they sell out, turn on app notifications or put a calendar reminder for the first of the month. This way, you never miss out on the products you actually care about.
- Watch brand crossovers. With BoxyCharm’s top makeup and Ipsy’s skincare focus mixing, you’ll see brands like Natasha Denona alongside K18 or Glow Recipe in the same box. Use this as a chance to try new stuff—swapping with friends is way easier now since selections overlap more often.
- Use Ipsy’s consolidated account management. Now you can track shipping, swap products, and review past boxes from a single dashboard. This helps avoid duplicate orders and keeps your beauty stash organized without opening 20 tabs.
- Check out Ipsy’s Refreshments add-on (think razors, lotions, wipes, and basic essentials). Since the merger, these extras often pop up at steep discounts for subscribers. If you want to save on everyday items, don’t ignore this section—it’s not just samples anymore.
One big tip: if you want a break, don’t just cancel. Ipsy now lets you skip boxes easily right from your account settings, so you never lose your place or any credits. And remember, dropping reviews on the products you love (or hate) gives you points—points which now work across both boxes. If you’re eyeing limited edition drops or extra sales, those points go way further than before.
Getting the most from your beauty box is all about knowing how the combined system works. If you only follow one tip, make it that you always keep your Ipsy profile up to date—that alone can totally level up your box game.