Beauty Subscription Cost Calculator
When you’re trying to decide between IPSY and BoxyCharm, the first question that pops up is usually: which one costs more? It’s not just about the monthly fee-it’s about what you actually get for your money. And that’s where things get tricky.
What You Pay Upfront
IPSY starts at $13 a month. That’s the Glam Bag Basic. You get five beauty samples, chosen based on your profile. It’s not full-size stuff, but it’s enough to test out new brands before you commit. BoxyCharm, on the other hand, starts at $21 a month. You get four to five full-size beauty products every month. No samples. No compromises.
At first glance, BoxyCharm looks like the pricier option. And it is-but you’re paying for size, not just quantity. If you’re used to buying full-size foundations, lipsticks, or serums, you’ll feel the difference. IPSY’s $13 gets you a few mini moisturizers and trial-sized mascaras. BoxyCharm’s $21 gets you a full bottle of serum or a full-size lipstick you can actually use until it’s gone.
What You Actually Get
Let’s say you’re trying to figure out value. IPSY’s $13 gets you five samples. That’s about $2.60 per item. But here’s the catch: most of those samples are under 10ml. A mini foundation might last you one or two uses. A sample of a cream might be enough for three applications. You’re not replacing anything-you’re just testing.
BoxyCharm’s $21 gets you four or five full-size items. That’s often $50 to $100 worth of product in the box. In 2025, BoxyCharm included a full-size Fenty Beauty foundation, a 10ml serum from Drunk Elephant, a full-size mascara from Rare Beauty, and a makeup brush set. That’s over $80 in retail value. You’re not just trying-you’re stocking up.
IPSY does offer upgrades. The Glam Bag Plus is $25 and gives you five full-size items. But you have to pay extra to get there. BoxyCharm doesn’t make you upgrade. The base price is already the full-size experience.
What You Don’t See
There’s more to cost than the monthly fee. IPSY lets you earn points by filling out surveys. You can use those points to buy full-size products from their online store. That’s a perk-if you’re the kind of person who likes to fill out 10-question quizzes every month. BoxyCharm doesn’t have a points system. You just get the box and that’s it.
IPSY also lets you choose two items from their catalog before each shipment. That’s great if you hate surprises. But if you’re not into curating your own box, you’ll miss out on that control. BoxyCharm is a surprise every time. You don’t pick anything. You just open the box and see what’s inside. Some people love that. Others hate the gamble.
Who Gets More Bang for Their Buck?
If you’re trying to save money, IPSY’s $13 is tempting. But if you’re using those samples and then going out to buy the full versions anyway, you’re not saving-you’re just delaying the purchase. You end up paying for the sample, then paying again for the real thing.
BoxyCharm cuts that middle step. You get the real product, right away. No need to go shopping later. That’s why many users say BoxyCharm feels like a better deal, even though it costs more upfront.
Let’s say you’re someone who buys one new lipstick a month. BoxyCharm gives you that lipstick for $21, plus a serum and a brush. IPSY gives you a mini lipstick you’ll finish in two days, then you still have to buy the real one. That’s $13 + $28 = $41. BoxyCharm wins.
What About Add-Ons and Shipping?
Both services ship free in the U.S. But if you’re outside the U.S.-like in New Zealand, Australia, or Canada-you’ll pay extra. IPSY charges $10 for international shipping. BoxyCharm charges $15. That’s not a huge difference, but it adds up over time.
IPSY has a store where you can buy extra products. You can spend $20 more and get a full-size product you liked from your Glam Bag. BoxyCharm doesn’t have a store. You can’t buy more of what you got. You just wait for next month’s box.
Who Should Pick Which?
If you’re new to beauty subscription boxes and just want to try things out without spending a lot, IPSY’s $13 plan is a smart starter. You’ll discover brands you didn’t know existed. You might find your new favorite tinted moisturizer without risking $30 on a bottle you hate.
If you’re already loyal to certain brands-like Fenty, Rare Beauty, Drunk Elephant, or Tower 28-and you want to build your collection without shopping, BoxyCharm is the better fit. You’re not testing. You’re replacing. You’re using.
And if you’re someone who hates surprises? IPSY lets you choose. BoxyCharm doesn’t. That’s not about price. That’s about control. And control matters.
Real User Experience
A friend in Auckland switched from IPSY to BoxyCharm last year. She used to get three full-size products a month by buying upgrades and extra items from IPSY’s store. That cost her $35 a month. With BoxyCharm, she gets four full-size items for $21. She saves $14 a month and doesn’t have to log in and pick items every time. She says it’s the first beauty subscription that actually made her feel like she was getting her money’s worth.
Another user, who’s allergic to certain ingredients, sticks with IPSY because she can skip products with parabens or fragrances. BoxyCharm doesn’t let you filter. If there’s a product with a trigger ingredient, you get it. No way around it.
Final Verdict: Which Is More Expensive?
BoxyCharm costs more per month. But it gives you more value per dollar. IPSY is cheaper to start, but you’ll likely end up spending more over time if you keep buying full-size versions of the products you like.
So if you’re asking, ‘Is IPSY or BoxyCharm more expensive?’-the answer isn’t just about the price tag. It’s about what you’re buying. Are you testing? Or are you stocking up? If you’re testing, go IPSY. If you’re stocking up, BoxyCharm pays for itself.
Can I cancel either subscription anytime?
Yes. Both IPSY and BoxyCharm let you cancel anytime through your account dashboard. You won’t be charged for the next month if you cancel before the billing date. Neither service locks you into contracts.
Do either services offer student discounts?
As of 2025, neither IPSY nor BoxyCharm offers a verified student discount. But IPSY occasionally runs promo codes for new users-like $5 off your first box-which you can use if you’re on a tight budget.
Which one has better skincare products?
BoxyCharm tends to include more skincare in its boxes-serums, moisturizers, and treatments from brands like Drunk Elephant, Tatcha, and The Ordinary. IPSY focuses more on makeup and color cosmetics. If you care more about skincare, BoxyCharm gives you more to work with.
Can I get vegan or cruelty-free products with either?
Both services include cruelty-free brands, but neither guarantees every item is vegan. IPSY lets you select preferences for vegan and cruelty-free products in your profile. BoxyCharm doesn’t offer filters, but many of their partners (like Rare Beauty and Tower 28) are vegan-friendly. You’ll get some vegan items, but not always.
What if I don’t like what’s in my box?
IPSY lets you exchange up to two items per month for other products in their store. BoxyCharm doesn’t offer exchanges. If you don’t like something, you can donate it, sell it, or give it away. Some users trade boxes on Facebook groups or Reddit.