When you sign up for an IPSY makeup box, a monthly subscription service that delivers curated beauty samples and full-size products. Also known as beauty box, it gives you access to trending makeup, skincare, and haircare items without buying full bottles upfront. The idea is simple: you fill out a profile about your skin type, style, and preferences, and IPSY sends you a personalized mix of products every month. But if you’ve noticed two charges on your card each month, you’re not alone—and it’s not a mistake.
The IPSY subscription, a recurring billing model that charges in advance to guarantee product availability and timely shipping works like this: the first charge covers the current month’s box, and the second is for the next month’s. It’s not double billing—it’s prepayment. This system helps IPSY lock in inventory and ship boxes on schedule, especially when popular items sell out fast. You’ll see the same pattern with other subscription boxes like Birchbox or FabFitFun, but IPSY’s pricing makes it more noticeable because of how frequently they update their offerings.
Inside your IPSY makeup box, a curated selection of beauty products tailored to your profile, often including both drugstore and indie brands, you might find everything from lipsticks by Rare Beauty to serums from The Ordinary. Many of these brands are cruelty-free makeup, cosmetic products that don’t test on animals at any stage of development, which is why so many users choose IPSY over traditional retail. Brands like Fenty Beauty, Milk Makeup, and Dr. Hauschka regularly appear, giving you a chance to test high-demand products before committing to a full-size purchase.
What makes IPSY different from buying directly from a store? It’s the surprise factor and the trial-before-you-buy model. You don’t have to spend $30 on a foundation you’re unsure about—you get a sample for $10 or less. And if you love it? You can buy the full version through IPSY’s online shop, often with a discount. That’s why people stick with it, even when the billing feels confusing at first.
But it’s not just about the products. The real value is in discovering what works for your skin and style. If you’ve ever bought a lipstick that looked great online but turned out to be the wrong shade, you know how risky beauty shopping can be. IPSY cuts through that noise. Plus, with the rise of ethical beauty, more users are looking for cruelty-free makeup, cosmetic products that don’t test on animals at any stage of development—and IPSY makes it easy to find them.
Below, you’ll find real answers to the most common questions about IPSY: why you’re charged twice, how to cancel, which products are actually worth keeping, and how to spot the difference between true cruelty-free brands and greenwashing. Whether you’re new to beauty boxes or you’ve been getting one for years, there’s something here that’ll help you get more out of your subscription.
IPSY is still active in 2025 with over 8 million members. The beauty subscription box has evolved from random samples to personalized picks, offering better value and more control. Find out how it works today and if it's right for you.
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