Ipsy Glam Bag vs Boxycharm – Which Makeup Subscription Box Is Better?

As a makeup enthusiast, I personally know how overwhelming it can be to commit to a makeup subscription box, especially when you’re considering what provides the best value! That’s not including the fact that there’s a huge list of other subscription boxes worth looking at! For that reason, it can get a little hard to determine which boxes are worth your time and hard-earned money. Do not worry fellow make-up enthusiasts for I have tried them all so you don’t have to! My goal is to help you make an informed decision.

In this review, we’ll focus on the two prominent beauty boxes that have made a name for themselves in the subscription box world: Ipsy Glam Bag and Boxycharm. We’re going to analyze their basic, but crucial key features and differences. Hopefully, my valuable insights will help you decide which one suits your personal preferences and needs.

The one major difference between Ipsy Glam Bag and Boxycharm is the size of their products. Ipsy Glam Bag will feature sample-sized items for a reasonable monthly fee, whereas Boxycharm will provide its subscribers with full-sized products at more than double the price. Both of these amazing makeup subscription boxes provide incredible value and benefits for any and all makeup lovers. However, prioritizing affordability, product sizes, or brand association will be a personal choice.

Join me as we review the basic but important key features of Ipsy Glam Bag and Boxycharm!

Product Selection:

BoxyCharm: As previously mentioned before, BoxyCharm focuses on delivering full-sized products from high-end and luxury makeup brands. This is a cool feature as it often includes some of the most popular and sought-after items in the beauty industry. I am pleased to share that some of the brands I have personally received are Huda Beauty, Kylie Cosmetics, Benefit Cosmetics, Violet Voss and so many more!

Fun fact: The Original Makeup Eraser was introduced to me in one of my monthly Boxycharms! It was a product I would’ve never considered, and now I can’t live without it. I love it so much that it made the “The 7 Best Makeup Removers of 2023” list. Check it out!

• Pros:
  • BoxyCharm provides access to premium products and allows for a comprehensive testing experience.

• Cons:
  • BoxyCharm does not give sample sizes which may not be ideal for those who prefer smaller products to try out.

Ipsy: Ipsy Glam Bag offers a different approach by providing their subscribers with sample-sized products from a wide range of brands, including both high-end and indie brands. I personally loved how Ipsy emphasizes customization based on my personal needs and preferences. I was exposed to a number of brands I would’ve never considered. These products were absolutely amazing because it was tailored to my personal needs.

• Pros:
  • Ipsy provides a greater variety of customization options and exposure to different brands that you may not have heard of before.

• Cons:
  • Ipsy does not always include premium or luxury items.

Subscription Cost and Value:

BoxyCharm: Due to the inclusion of full-sized products and higher end- brands, BoxyCharm’s monthly subscription is priced much higher than the Ipsy Glam Bag. Although priced higher, you would be guaranteed household makeup names that need little convincing to their reputation. Oftentimes I would receive an item that would be the price of the entire box! These were neat moments that made it all worth it for me!

• Pros:
  • BoxyCharm offers a higher value for money in terms of product sizes and brand reputation.

• Cons:
  • The higher cost of BoxyCharm may be a deterrent for those on a tight budget.

Ipsy: Ipsy’s Glam Bag monthly subscription price is much more affordable, making it accessible to a broader range of customers. I personally loved receiving sample-sized products which allowed me the opportunity to try them out. Considering the fact that indie and higher priced products were included, it was nice giving them a try before committing to the entire sized product. This a small detail that I always appreciated!

• Pros:
  • Ipsy Glam Bag provides good value for money, allowing customers to explore new products without breaking the bank.

• Cons:
  • The sample-sized products included in Ipsy’s Glam Bag may not appeal to those who prefer full-sized items.

Personalization:

BoxyCharm: BoxyCharm provides limited personalization options as it primarily tailors the products based on a general beauty profile, and not your specific preferences. I embraced this key feature as I found it a delight to wonder what my next BoxyCharm box would include! It was very much a “pay and receive” subscription that I enjoyed receiving every month!

• Pros:
  • Simplicity in the selection process and potential surprises with each box have always made me look forward to receiving my box each month.

• Cons:
  • BoxyCharm’s limited customization may result in receiving products that do not suit individual preferences or needs.

Ipsy: Ipsy emphasizes personalization, offering a beauty quiz that tailors product selections to match specific preferences, skin types, and concerns. A welcomed feature, especially since all of our skins are different! We’ve all been there before and asked ourselves “This makeup looks nice but can I use it on my skin?” Ipsy’s personalized questionnaire and unique approach provided a sense of relief that I always treasured.

• Pros:
  • Increased likelihood of receiving products that align with personal preferences and needs.

• Cons:
  • The personalization process with Ipsy may not always be accurate, leading to some mismatches.

Add-Ons and Customization:

Both subscription boxes provide their customers the ability to include add-ons and customizations! BoxyCharm’s products are at discounted prices. Customization is available for certain items, such as shades or color variations. Ipsy also offers add-on options and allows customization for certain items, providing choices based on individual preferences. With both makeup boxes, I always took the chance to enhance my box and I am sure you will too!

Are Makeup subscription boxes still a thing?

I bet you’re asking yourself: “Who buys subscription boxes?” or “Are monthly subscription boxes worth it?” The answer is: it depends! Everyone is different and getting into the world of makeup can become very expensive and very quickly! Personally, I am very thankful for these two as they helped me get started on my makeup journey and add to my everlasting inventory. They both introduced me to brands or products I would’ve never considered just on my own. It doesn’t hurt to try! With that being said, I highly recommend both BoxyCharm and Ipsy as I have enjoyed receiving both each month!

Visit Ipsy or BoxyCharm to sign up!

I hope that this blog has helped you to determine which makeup subscription box is right for you and your needs!

If you’re looking to purchase the best individual makeup products, we listed the very best in the following blogs: “Best 17 Makeup Products in 2023“, “The 15 Best Drugstore Makeup Products In 2023“, and “The 11 Best Makeup Brushes and Sponges in 2023“!

Please leave me a comment down below with your thoughts! Enjoy!