Let’s get straight to the question: Before it was called IPSY, the brand was known as 'MyGlam.' It wasn’t always the bright, bold name you see in glossy Instagram ads now. The company kicked off as 'MyGlam' back in 2011, created by beauty influencer Michelle Phan. She wanted to transform the way people discovered and tried cosmetics, starting with handy monthly sample bags.
If you remember seeing MyGlam reviews on YouTube or old beauty blogs, you’re not imagining things. Those early MyGlam bags sparked serious buzz because they delivered trendy and sometimes hard-to-find samples straight to your mailbox, without making you shell out for full sizes. That MyGlam name stuck around until around 2012, and then, enter IPSY—more than just a name change, it marked a bigger, bolder approach to the beauty world.
- Unveiling IPSY's First Identity
- The Faces and Story Behind the Name
- Why the Brand Changed Course
- Deciding if IPSY (or Its Competitors) Fit You
Unveiling IPSY's First Identity
Back at the start of the 2010s, beauty subscriptions were just getting off the ground, and 'MyGlam' jumped in with a fresh take. The focus was simple: deliver a little bag filled with monthly surprises. It all started in December 2011, and the first MyGlam bags hit the mail in January 2012. What caught everyone’s attention wasn’t just the convenience—it was the cool factor that came from having YouTube beauty superstar Michelle Phan as the driving force.
The IPSY brand we know today was born out of MyGlam’s early experience. Subscribers looked forward to their monthly “Glam Bag” packed with deluxe samples and sometimes full-sized makeup, skincare, or hair products. In fact, the original launch bag had samples from Urban Decay, Benefit, and NYX—big names even now. Priced at just $10 a month, it was a steal, pulling in people who wanted to try trends without dropping a ton of money.
- Original Name: MyGlam
- First Launch: December 2011
- Initial Bag Price: $10 per month
- Notable Founders: Michelle Phan and a small crew of influencers
- First Brands Featured: Urban Decay, Benefit, NYX
To show just how quickly MyGlam grew, check out this:
| Date | Subscribers | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2012 | ~50,000 | MyGlam |
| Nov 2012 | ~100,000 | IPSY (transitioned) |
MyGlam didn’t just fade away; the idea and the signature monthly bag stayed, but got wrapped up in a new name and a bigger vision.
The Faces and Story Behind the Name
You can't talk about MyGlam and IPSY without mentioning Michelle Phan. Back in 2011, Michelle was one of YouTube’s biggest beauty stars, and she knew exactly what beauty lovers wanted: a simple way to try out new products without breaking the bank. Using her online fame and knack for connecting with fans, Michelle teamed up with a group of fellow creators—think Andrea Brooks, Promise Phan, Jessica Harlow, and Bethany Mota—to launch MyGlam. This wasn’t your average celebrity project; it was entirely shaped by beauty fans and influencers who actually used the products themselves.
The name “MyGlam” matched the vibe: all about personal glam and feeling fabulous at home. But as it started to grow, the company needed a name that fit its bigger mission—helping everyone express their own individuality through beauty. That’s where “IPSY” came in, inspired by the Latin word "ipse," which means self or personal. The new name signaled a shift from just monthly samples to a community celebrating beauty of all kinds and backgrounds.
Who exactly was in the driver’s seat? Here’s a quick snapshot:
- Michelle Phan – Main founder and public face, driven by her YouTube audience.
- Mars Bledsoe, Marcelo Camberos, Jennifer Goldfarb – Key founding team members who managed operations and tech side.
- Original creator partners – They helped bring fans and tested out the first batches of products.
IPSY’s gamble paid off quickly. By 2013, the company was shipping its monthly “Glam Bag” to nearly 100,000 subscribers. Take a look at how fast things changed in the early MyGlam days:
| Year | Subscribers | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 5,000 | MyGlam |
| 2012 | 20,000 | MyGlam |
| 2013 | 90,000+ | IPSY |
This growth wasn’t just about the products; it was the community-first approach and the real, relatable stories behind them. It’s rare that a beauty subscription builds such a loyal following so quickly—and the mix of influencer star power and down-to-earth branding didn’t hurt, either.
Why the Brand Changed Course
So, why did MyGlam decide to switch things up and become IPSY? The biggest reason was simple: growth. As MyGlam started to blow up, the team realized they’d outgrown just monthly glam bags. Instead of sticking with a name that didn’t quite fit the bigger picture, they needed something that could flex with their new ideas and directions.
Michelle Phan, IPSY’s co-founder, explained in a 2013 interview with Forbes,
"We wanted a name that could better reflect our mission of inspiring self-expression and creativity, not just product delivery."The move was about more than just a fresh logo — it was a sign IPSY was ready to go all in on community, personalization, and connecting creators with fans.
Also, the old MyGlam name sounded a little limited, almost like it was only about glamour or makeup. By switching to IPSY, which was inspired by the word “ipse” (Latin for “self”), the company could tap into a bigger world of beauty, skincare, and lifestyle products. That new name made space for geeky skincare nerds, bold lipstick lovers, and even folks just looking for a better sunscreen.
| Year | MyGlam/IPSY Subscribers |
|---|---|
| 2012 | Approx. 100,000 |
| 2015 | Over 1 million |
| 2023 | Over 3 million |
That’s some serious growth. Rebranding helped IPSY chase bigger collabs, sign up more brands, and even introduce full-sized products—something MyGlam never promised. IPSY’s bags became more customized too, with quizzes and choices so you didn’t get sent a teal eyeshadow if you’re only into neutrals.
Quick tip: If you’re shopping for a subscription, keep an eye on brands that change names or directions. Big switches like this can mean more options and better personalization for you as a customer.
Deciding if IPSY (or Its Competitors) Fit You
If you’re staring at your Instagram feed seeing people rave about beauty subscription boxes, it’s normal to wonder if IPSY or similar boxes are actually worth it. The main thing to know: these services aren’t all the same, and IPSY has its own vibe that may or may not match your style.
IPSY stands out mostly because you get a quiz to tailor the bag to your preferences—think skin tone, style, favorite brands, and product types. Their Glam Bag usually comes with five sample (and sometimes full-size) products a month, direct to your mailbox. You can sometimes add on extra items for a little more cash, but the base plan costs around $14 a month as of 2025. If you want deluxe upgrades, they offer bigger Glam Bag Plus and Icon Box options for more dollars and fuller-size beauty gear.
So how does IPSY stack up against others? Let’s break it down by some major players:
- Birchbox: More focused on skincare and niche brands, usually sample sizes, and you won’t get as much makeup as IPSY.
- BoxyCharm: Heavy on makeup, full-sizes only, costs a bit more (think $28/month). BoxyCharm actually joined forces with IPSY’s parent company, so some overlap now exists.
- Allure Beauty Box: Curated by editors, offers more prestige brands. Costs about $23/month, and you almost always get at least one full-size item.
- Sephora Play!*: Used to be a budget option for $10/month but it’s discontinued, so don’t fall for old promos.
Here’s how to decide if these boxes (especially IPSY) really make sense for you:
- Do you love surprises and trying new stuff each month? If yes, IPSY can be a lot of fun.
- Are you picky or have allergies? Check return policies and ingredient lists. IPSY’s customization helps, but no system is perfect.
- Hate clutter? Bags build up fast. Try keeping only what you use and swap the rest with friends—or donate unopened stuff.
- Looking for a specific brand? Check the box’s recent offerings to see if they fit your wishlist. IPSY publishes spoilers for upcoming bags.
- Don’t want a monthly bill? Most let you skip months or cancel easily—just remember to do it before billing dates.
Biggest tip? Compare past boxes (they’re all shown on their websites or YouTube) and read genuine reviews—because what works for your favorite influencer isn’t always right for your makeup drawer or budget.