4 Ipsy Alternatives: Discovering New Beauty Box Favorites
Updated October 10, 2023.
We always love trying out new beauty products, and beauty subscription boxes are one of the best ways to indulge. According to a Statista survey, 40% of consumers are interested in subscribing to at least one of them.
If you're a first-time subscriber, the Ipsy Glam Bag is a good starting point. The monthly package features five sample-sized hair, makeup, and nail care products—a $70 worth of products for just $13 and a makeup bag. But there are several other options besides Ipsy’s Glam Bag, some more affordable, others more suited to your needs.
4 Alternatives to Ipsy Glam Bag
1. Best Overall Beauty Subscription Box: Klever Beauty Box
2. Best Beauty Box for Personalization: BoxyCharm Beauty Box
3. Best Beauty Box for Experimentation: Macy's Beauty Box
4. Best Beauty Box for Trendy Products: GLOSSYBOX
1. Best Overall Beauty Subscription Box: Klever Beauty Box
- Subscription plans: One month, six months, and a yearly plan
- Price: From $29/month
The Klever Beauty Box offers eight full-size makeup products from small, indie, and large-scale brands worth over $100. You get a rewarding experience every month, as each box contains a mix of skincare, makeup, and haircare products from a variety of new and established brands.
Pros
- Full-size products only
- Variety of products
- Flexible cancellation and payments
- Stocks vegan products
Cons
- Doesn't ship outside the US
2. Best for Product Personalization: BoxyCharm Beauty Box
- Subscription plans: Monthly
- Price: From $28/month
If you’re not one for the surprises, BoxyCharm has got you covered. You can personalize your boxes through a comprehensive quiz you fill out on the website. From how often you’d like toners and serums to your skin type and hair color. You can also choose additional items you'd like to add.
Pros
- Customizable boxes
- Easy upgrade to a quarterly plan
- Full-size products worth $200 included
Cons
- Quiz takes a while to complete
- Doesn't offer as many products as Klever
» Find out if beauty subscription boxes are worth it
3. Best for Experimentation: Macy's Beauty Box
- Subscription plans: Monthly
- Price: From $15/month
Macy's curated box offers five sample-sized products such as sheet masks, headbands, fragrances, and eyeshadow palettes. You also get a $5 coupon and an additional surprise item in your box when you subscribe.
Pros
- Includes high-end brands
- Curated boxes that suit the seasons
- Frequent discounts
Cons
- Boxes aren't customizable
- Doesn't ship outside the US
» Check out the latest makeup trends you need to try out
4. Best for Trendy Products: GLOSSYBOX
- Subscription plans: Monthly
- Price: From $21/month
Trends come and go, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't get to try them. GLOSSYBOX offers up-to-date beauty products like blush and lip oil at a fraction of the price. The box includes five samples from popular and quality brands like Chloe and Kaleido valued at about $60 for just $21.
Pros
- Includes trendy products
- Ships outside of the US
- Wide range of brands to try
Cons
- Sample-sized products only
- Boxes aren't customizable
Unboxing Beauty: A World of Makeup Subscription Boxes
Beauty subscription boxes aren't only cost-effective ways to experiment with various products. They can also be a great form of retail therapy for sad days. And no matter what you’re in the market for, whether it's a skincare-filled box or a box full of luxury treats, there’s a beauty box out there for your retail pleasure.
