Beauty Subscriptions Boxes: Are they worth it for makeup lovers?

During my early makeup days (2016-17), the thought of new makeup being sent to my door monthly was honestly a dream come true especially since I had a job and no bills. Even though I just came from Sephora from purchasing the latest Cover FX primer and Laura Mercier setting powder or if I just ordered the Morphe eyeshadow palette, to me, my makeup still never gave I had what I needed in my makeup kit to make my makeup look good. The makeup I saw online never translated to what I saw in real life (lol!) To make matters worse, I never realized how I was just adding to my makeup collection and I never had a favorite makeup product, I just always felt pressured to have the latest. For that reason, I was excitedly and mostly likely influenced to try subscription boxes! But are these boxes truly worth it, especially for those who have specific values. Well I had Ipsy for 3 months and here’s my review.

Why Do We Subscribe

Beauty subscription boxes is a subscription service where typically you receive  a curated selection of makeup and skincare products right to your doorstep. Some boxes include deluxe samples, others full-size items, and the best part is the element of surprise. Popular options include Ipsy, Boxycharm, and Birchbox. Although this was many years ago but Ipsy quickly became my go-to because of its personalized approach and affordable price point.

There’s definitely a psychological pull behind these boxes. The fear of missing out (FOMO), the excitement of trying new brands, and the simple joy of unboxing something pretty every month are powerful motivators in the makeup world and still ARE. For me, during my “makeup phase,” I wasn’t sure what I liked or what worked best for my skin tone and style. At the time, Ipsy offered a low-risk way to explore without committing to full-size products. Because I was spending on EVERYTHING.

The Financial Breakdown

Here’s where it gets interesting from a finance perspective. Ipsy costs about $13 a month, which is relatively affordable. The retail value of the products inside often exceeds $50, meaning you get a good deal if you use the items. However, there’s a catch: not every product suits everyone, and sometimes you get things you don’t use, which can feel like wasted money.

When signing up they do ask you questions to get a feel of what to send you, however, I did realize that when I would receive my monthly boxes I’d favor 1 or maybe 2 of the products out of what was in the back. Which I did appreciate that Ipsy offers to skip months to avoid charge instead of fully cancelling.

Additionally, receiving new products monthly can tempt you to buy even more makeup, or . On the flip side, Ipsy often provides access to exclusive discounts and early product releases, which can save you money or turn you into a more conscious beauty consumer like me, if you’re strategic.

My Experience with Ipsy

Ipsy was a game-changer for me. It introduced me to brands and shades I wouldn’t have tried otherwise. The thrill of the monthly surprise helped me stay engaged and learn what I liked. Yes, I received a few products that didn’t work for me, but overall, the value and experience outweighed the downsides.

The Personal Reflection

That said, as my collection grew and I became more confident in my preferences, I found myself shifting away from subscriptions toward more intentional, targeted purchases. While Ipsy was invaluable during my “makeup phase,” I now appreciate buying only what I need, which aligns better with my financial goals and minimalist mindset.

If you’re in that exploratory stage, a beauty box can be a fun and cost-effective way to learn about your style. One thing I can say for sure is that, it did help me build my makeup collection as far as having providing more tools when organizing and traveling with makeup. But if you’re someone who prefers control and simplicity, it might be worth re-evaluating whether a subscription fits your current lifestyle and budget.

Ultimately, it’s about knowing yourself and your spending habits and using tools like subscription boxes to enhance your beauty routine without compromising your financial wellness.