Ipsy vs Birchbox: Which Beauty Subscription Box Wins?

The Bottom Line

Both Ipsy and Birchbox are pioneer beauty subscription boxes, but they’ve evolved differently:

• Choose Ipsy if you want maximum value, more full-size products, and trending beauty items
• Choose Birchbox if you prefer prestige brands, sophisticated packaging, and a curated discovery experience

Quick Comparison

What’s In Each Box?

Ipsy Glam Bag

Every Ipsy box includes:

• 5 beauty products (mix of full-size and deluxe samples)
• A themed cosmetic bag (great for travel)
• Mix of makeup, skincare, and hair products
• Products from trending indie and established brands

Birchbox

Each Birchbox contains:

• 5-6 sample-size products
• Premium packaging in a reusable box
• Focus on skincare, haircare, and lifestyle products
• Products from prestige and niche brands

Customization

Ipsy

• Complete a detailed Beauty Quiz
• Choose 1 product each month from curated options
• Review products to improve future matches
• Opt out of specific categories (like nail polish)

Birchbox

• Build a beauty profile with preferences
• No direct product choice
• Algorithm-based matching
• Less control but often surprising discoveries

Winner: Ipsy for those who want control; Birchbox for those who love surprises.

Value for Money

Ipsy

• $14/month for $70+ in products
• Frequently includes full-size items
• Add-ons available at discounted prices
• Glam Bag X (quarterly) offers 8 full-size products for $58

Birchbox

• $15/month for $50+ in products
• Mostly sample sizes
• Loyalty points for free products
• Annual subscription offers savings

Winner: Ipsy offers better dollar-for-dollar value.

Product Quality & Brands

Ipsy Features

• Trending indie brands (ColourPop, Tarte, IT Cosmetics)
• Mix of drugstore-quality to mid-range
• Heavy on makeup products
• Great for trying trendy items

Birchbox Features

• Prestige brands (Oribe, Benefit, Kiehl’s)
• Focus on skincare and haircare
• More sophisticated product mix
• Better for mature beauty routines

Who Should Choose Ipsy?

Choose Ipsy if you:

• Want the best value for your money
• Love trying new makeup
• Prefer full-size products
• Want control over your box contents
• Enjoy cute packaging and makeup bags

Who Should Choose Birchbox?

Choose Birchbox if you:

• Prefer prestige, established brands
• Focus more on skincare than makeup
• Want sophisticated, curated selections
• Enjoy the surprise element
• Have a more refined beauty routine

Final Recommendation

For beauty enthusiasts on a budget: Ipsy delivers exceptional value with more products and better customization.

For skincare-focused subscribers: Birchbox’s prestige brand focus and skincare emphasis may be worth the slightly higher price.

Best strategy: Try both for 3 months each, most boxes offer easy cancellation, and you’ll quickly know which suits your beauty style.