IPSY vs BoxyCharm (Now IPSY Extra): Which Makeup Subscription Box Is Better? (2026)

If you are comparing IPSY vs BoxyCharm, there is one major change you need to know first: BoxyCharm is no longer a separate beauty subscription. It is now part of IPSY and has become IPSY Extra.

As a makeup lover, I know how overwhelming it can be to choose a beauty subscription box. There are so many options, different prices, different product sizes, and a lot of promises about how much value you are supposedly getting each month.

I have personally subscribed to both IPSY and BoxyCharm, and both played a big part in my makeup journey. They introduced me to brands I had never tried, helped me build my makeup collection, and even led me to a few products I still use and recommend today.

But a lot has changed since I first compared the two.

2026 Update: BoxyCharm is no longer a separate beauty subscription. It is now part of IPSY and has become IPSY Extra, the full-size product option. IPSY Glam Bag has also been renamed IPSY Original.

So, while I originally wrote this article as a comparison between two competing subscription boxes, the question today is really this:

Should you choose IPSY Original or spend more for IPSY Extra, formerly known as BoxyCharm?

My quick answer? IPSY Original is better if you want an affordable way to discover new products without committing to full sizes. IPSY Extra is better if you want full-size products, more control over what you receive, and a bigger monthly beauty haul.

Let’s take a closer look at how they compare.

All product recommendations are independently selected based on my personal experience, testing, and honest opinions. If I include affiliate links, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through those links, at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support my blog, but they never influence which products I recommend or the opinions I share.

IPSY Original vs IPSY Extra at a Glance

Original members choose one product, while Extra members choose three of their five products. This is a much bigger difference in customization than there was when I first subscribed to BoxyCharm.

IPSY vs BoxyCharm: What Has Changed?

As previously mentioned, BoxyCharm focused on delivering full-size products from high-end and luxury makeup brands. Before we compare the two, let’s clear up the biggest source of confusion.

When I originally wrote this article, IPSY and BoxyCharm were completely separate subscriptions. You could choose between the more affordable IPSY Glam Bag filled with smaller products or pay more for BoxyCharm and receive full-size products.

That is no longer how it works.

Today, both options live under IPSY. The current membership lineup includes IPSY Original, IPSY Extra, and the quarterly IPSY Ultimate upgrade. The easiest way to think about it is:

IPSY Glam Bag became IPSY Original.

BoxyCharm became IPSY Extra.

The names may have changed, but the biggest difference is still very similar to the one I noticed years ago: Do you want smaller products for less money, or do you want to spend more for full-size products?

My Experience With BoxyCharm

When I subscribed to BoxyCharm, the biggest selling point for me was receiving full-size beauty products.

I was trying to grow my makeup collection at the time, so opening a box filled with products I could actually use for months was exciting. I received products from brands like Huda Beauty, Kylie Cosmetics, Benefit Cosmetics, Violet Voss, and many others.

But one of the things I loved most about BoxyCharm was discovering products I probably never would have bought on my own.

The perfect example is The Original Makeup Eraser.

I received one in a BoxyCharm box, and honestly, I never would have thought to buy it for myself. It didn’t seem like the most exciting beauty product at first… But after using it, I completely changed my mind

Now, I cannot live without it! (lol)

It even earned a spot on my list of favorite makeup removers because it became one of those products I never knew I needed until a subscription box put it in my hands.

That, to me, is one of the biggest reasons beauty subscription boxes can still be worth it. Sometimes the most valuable product in the box is not the one you would have picked for yourself.

What Is IPSY Extra?

IPSY Extra is the current version of the full-size subscription that many longtime beauty lovers will still remember as BoxyCharm.

For $32 per month plus shipping, members receive five full-size beauty products with an advertised value of up to $200. You choose three products, and IPSY chooses the remaining two based on your beauty profile and its monthly selection.

What I Like About IPSY Extra

The obvious advantage is that you are receiving full-size products.

If you enjoy trying new makeup, skincare, haircare, and other beauty products, you can build a collection pretty quickly.

I also think the ability to choose three of your five products is a major improvement over my original BoxyCharm experience.

Back then, BoxyCharm was much more of a “pay for the box and see what shows up” experience. Personally, I enjoyed the surprise, but I also ended up with products that were not always right for me.

Today, having control over three products gives you a much better chance of receiving a box you will actually use.

And that matters because a box is only a good value if you like the products inside it.

The Downside of IPSY Extra

The biggest downside is still the price.

At $32 per month plus shipping, you are spending more than twice as much as you would on IPSY Original. It is also easy to end up with product overload. Fast.

Five full-size products every month sounds amazing until your drawers are overflowing with eyeshadow palettes, serums, moisturizers, and products you have not opened yet.

I know, I know. There are worse problems to have!

But it is something to think about before subscribing. A box with a $200 advertised value is not really a $200 value to you if you only use one or two products.

IPSY Extra Is Better For:

• Beauty lovers who prefer full-size products
• Anyone actively building a makeup or skincare collection
• Subscribers who want more control over what they receive
• People who enjoy trying new brands and products every month
• Anyone who will realistically use five full-size beauty products

My Experience With IPSY Glam Bag

IPSY Glam Bag, now called IPSY Original, was a very different experience for me.

Instead of opening a box filled with full-size products, IPSY was more about discovering and testing new things.

I received smaller products that gave me enough time to decide whether I actually liked them before buying the full-size version.

And honestly? There is something really nice about trying a product without being stuck with a giant bottle or palette if you hate it.

IPSY also introduced me to brands and products I probably would not have noticed while shopping on my own. That was especially helpful when I was still figuring out what types of formulas, shades, and products worked best for me.

What Is IPSY Original?

IPSY Original costs $15 per month plus shipping and includes five deluxe beauty samples. Members choose one product, while IPSY selects the others based on the member’s beauty preferences. IPSY advertises a value of up to $70 per bag.

What I Like About IPSY Original

The lower price makes it much easier to try a beauty subscription without feeling like you are making a big commitment.

I also think smaller products can be underrated.

Full-size products sound better when you are comparing value, but samples have their own advantage: you can actually finish them.

If you love trying new products but already have a large makeup or skincare collection, receiving five more full-size products every month might become overwhelming pretty quickly.

IPSY Original gives you the fun of opening something new without filling every drawer in your bathroom. (Raise your hand if every drawer in your bathroom is full of makeup lol)

The Downside of IPSY Original

The obvious downside is that you are mostly receiving smaller products.

If you fall in love with something, you will eventually need to buy the full-size version.

And if you are someone who wants a dramatic unboxing experience with expensive palettes, full-size skincare, and bigger beauty products, IPSY Original may feel a little underwhelming compared with IPSY Extra.

IPSY Original Is Better For:

• Beginners who want to explore beauty products
• Anyone trying a subscription box for the first time
• Beauty lovers who already own a lot of products
• People who prefer testing products before buying full sizes
• Anyone who wants a more affordable monthly subscription

Which Has Better Products?

This is where I do not think there is one answer for everyone.

If your idea of “better” means full-size products and the highest possible retail value, IPSY Extra wins.

If “better” means trying more products without spending as much money or creating a huge collection, IPSY Original makes more sense.

For me, BoxyCharm was especially valuable when I was building my makeup collection. Receiving full-size products helped me try new brands and grow my collection much faster.

But I don’t think I need five new full-size beauty products every month at this point in my life.

That is why I think your current beauty collection matters just as much as the price.

Which Gives You More Value for Your Money?

On paper, IPSY Extra offers the bigger value.

IPSY advertises up to $200 in value for Extra compared with up to $70 for Original. But we need to be honest about the word value.

Let’s say one box contains $200 worth of products, but:

• The foundation shade does not match you.
• You already own a similar eyeshadow palette.
• You do not use hair products.
• The skincare product irritates your skin.

Was that really a $200 value for you?

Not really.

I would rather receive $70 worth of products I actually use than $200 worth of products that sit untouched in a drawer.

This is one reason the added customization with IPSY Extra is such an important change. Choosing three out of five products gives you a much better chance of getting real value from your monthly box.

Which Has Better Personalization?

IPSY Extra wins this one today.

That would not have been my answer when I originally compared IPSY and BoxyCharm.

One of my favorite things about IPSY was always its personalization. BoxyCharm, on the other hand, felt much more like a surprise box.

Today, Extra members choose three products, while Original members choose one. Even though both memberships use your beauty preferences, IPSY Extra gives you more direct control over your monthly selection.

For anyone worried about wasting money on products they will not use, I think that is a big advantage.

IPSY Original or IPSY Extra: Which Should You Choose?

Here is how I would make the decision…

Choose IPSY Original If:

You love trying new beauty products but do not necessarily need the full-size version of everything.

It is the better choice for beginners, casual beauty lovers, anyone on a smaller budget, or people who already have a lot of products at home.

My Pick For: Affordable beauty discovery.

Choose IPSY Extra If:

You want full-size beauty products, enjoy building your collection, and want more control over what comes in your monthly box.

The higher price can be worth it when you genuinely use the products you receive.

My Pick For: Full-size products and bigger monthly value.

Are Beauty Subscription Boxes Still Worth It?

I think they can be! But, I would not recommend subscribing just because the advertised retail value looks impressive.

Beauty subscription boxes are worth it when:

• You genuinely enjoy discovering new products.
• You are open to trying brands you would not normally buy.
• You use most of what you receive.
• The monthly cost fits comfortably into your beauty budget.

They may not be worth it when you already have more products than you can use or constantly receive things that sit unopened.

For me, both IPSY and BoxyCharm were worth it during a specific time in my makeup journey.

They helped me discover new brands, experiment with products I never would have selected for myself, and build my collection.

I am still using and recommending products I originally discovered through those subscriptions.

That is hard for me to ignore.

What Are Some Alternatives to IPSY?

Thankfully, IPSY is not your only option!

Depending on what you are looking for in a beauty subscription, there are a few other boxes that may be a better fit. In a future post, we will take a much deeper look at each one, but for now, here is a quick look at some of the other beauty subscription boxes out there!

Allure Beauty Box

This is one I would look at if you care more about expert curation than choosing several products yourself.

Birchbox

Birchbox is another option for beauty discovery and trying a mix of sample, deluxe, and full-size products.

BeautyFIX by Dermstore

BeautyFIX is worth considering if your interests lean more heavily toward skincare and dermatologist-backed beauty brands.

Petit Vour

For anyone specifically looking for vegan and cruelty-free beauty products, Petit Vour has a much more focused approach.

Walmart Beauty Box

This is the budget-friendly option for anyone who wants to try beauty products without committing to a monthly subscription.

Honest Opinion: Don’t just choose a box simply because someone calls it the “best.” The right one depends on whether you care most about full-size products, affordable discovery, skincare, clean beauty, or expert curation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does BoxyCharm Still Exist?

Not as a separate beauty subscription. The full-size monthly membership that longtime subscribers knew as BoxyCharm is now IPSY Extra.

What Is the Difference Between IPSY Original and IPSY Extra?

IPSY Original costs less and includes five deluxe-size samples. IPSY Extra costs more and includes five full-size products. Original members choose one product, while Extra members choose three.

Is IPSY Extra the Same as the Old BoxyCharm?

It fills the same basic role as the old BoxyCharm by offering full-size beauty products, but the current membership has changed. One of the biggest improvements is that IPSY Extra members can now choose three of their five products.

Is IPSY Original Good for Beginners?

I think so. The lower price and smaller product sizes make it easier to experiment with beauty without committing to a full-size product every time.

Is IPSY Extra Worth the Higher Price?

It can be. I think it is worth it for someone who enjoys receiving full-size products and will actually use most of them. It becomes much harder to justify when products are constantly piling up unopened.

Final Thoughts: IPSY Original vs IPSY Extra

After personally experiencing both, my answer to the IPSY vs BoxyCharm debate really depends on where you are in your beauty journey.

IPSY Original is the better choice for affordable discovery.

You get the fun of trying new products without spending as much money or filling your entire bathroom with full-size products.

IPSY Extra is the better choice for full-size value.

You spend more, but you receive five full-size products and have more control over what comes in your monthly box.

When I was building my makeup collection, BoxyCharm made a lot of sense for me. I loved the surprise of opening the box, discovering new brands, and trying products I might never have purchased on my own.

And considering that one of those surprise products became my beloved Makeup Eraser, I will always be thankful for that experience!

At the end of the day, the right choice depends on where you are in your own beauty journey.

Which would you choose: the more affordable IPSY Original or the full-size products in IPSY Extra? Let me know in the comments!