Ipsy is a beauty subscription box that sends 4-5 makeup and skincare products to your door each month for $10, including free shipping. Ipsy also has a points system where users can earn points by reviewing the products in bags and referring friends. The company has grown significantly over the years due to its unique products and customer care.
There is no contract or commitment required for this program so users can cancel their subscription at any time. The company began in 2011 with YouTube beauty vlogger Michelle Phan, Marcelo Camberos, and Jennifer Jaconetti Goldfarb. Initially, the company sent out four makeup bags but later increased it to more than eight makeup bags per month. Users do not need to fill out a profile, but they can edit the information they fill out whenever necessary.
Ipsy’s products include makeup, skincare, perfume and body sprays, hair care products and accessories. These products allow the company to attract customers from various markets. However, it also gives rise to competition. Several competitors offer similar products as Ipsy. These products act as the company’s competitors and alternatives.
1. Birchbox
Birchbox is a monthly beauty sample subscription service. The company was founded by Katia Beauchamp and Hayley Barna in 2010. Each month, users receive four to five samples of cosmetic products selected based on their profile answered upon signing up. Similarly, the company has additional surveys that customers may take. Users also get a daily newsletter with tips and tricks to help find the perfect beauty products for their lifestyle and skin type.
When users sign up for Birchbox, they get two primary options: makeup and skincare. The difference is that with one subscriber type, users will receive sample beauty products that relate to their face (i.e., moisturizers, toners, serums). With the other subscription type, they receive face masks or eye creams, etc.
2. GlossyBox
GlossyBox is one of the most popular beauty sample subscription services out there. The company boasts over five million members. Upon signing up, each member receives a monthly box of five luxury products. These include items such as fragrances, makeup, nail polish, serums, and more. In this regard, it poses a threat to Ipsy’s business.
GlossyBox costs $21/month plus free shipping to Canada and the US. For international subscribers, it costs more due to international shipping costs. Each month has a different theme that ties into beauty products found inside each box. A booklet also comes with each box that describes everything in it, along with usage tips.
3. Allure Beauty Box
Allure’s Beauty Box is part of the Allure Magazine brand. The company was one of the first to introduce the beauty subscription box, making them one of the most experienced companies. Each month, users receive at least five deluxe samples that come in a cute makeup bag. Additionally, they get full-size products that allow them to test out items before purchasing them.
The contents of the Allure Beauty Box vary from month to month and can be tailored to your personal preferences. However, Allure has a general Beauty Box Spoiler with hints about some of the month’s featured products. Although not a direct competitor, Allure provides a substantial alternative to the products offered by Ipsy.
4. MyGlam
MyGlam is another excellent beauty sample subscription service. In this case, consumers receive a monthly bag of deluxe samples and full-sized products from high-end brands. As with all the other beauty box subscriptions on this list, users take a quiz to help match them with their perfect samples. New customers receive their first month for free but get charged $10 after that until they cancel.
Every subscriber gets one of two boxes: the regular MyGlam or MyGlam Maven. Each includes four full-size products; there’s also a mini version (MyMini) that provides three deluxe samples, though it is not available on its own – it comes with the regular box only. MyGlam is one of the primary competitors to Ipsy.
5. Vegan Cuts Beauty Box
For the vegetarian audience, Vegan Cuts is one of your best options for monthly samples. They offer special boxes that feature only vegan products, meaning that everything in the box is 100% vegan. Additionally, users can sign up for their general beauty box, including vegan and non-vegan items (by choosing either ‘Vegan’ or ‘Beauty Box’).
Vegan Cuts Beauty Box products cost $19.95 per month plus shipping ($7.95 to the US). There are discounts for longer subscriptions (6 or 12 months). Similarly, if users sign up for an annual subscription, they can get the first box for free. Vegan Cuts Beauty Box provides a crucial alternative for users who prefer cruelty-free products.
6. Lip Monthly
Lip Monthly focuses exclusively on lip products, including glosses, balms, stains, and more. Every month users receive a new shipment of different lip product samples directly shipped to their home or office. It is the perfect product mix for those addicted to matte lips, shimmering hues, bright popsicles, and more.
The cost of the box is $10/month with free US shipping. However, if a user signs up for an annual subscription, the price drops to $9/month. This service highlights specific brands each month so their products can get featured more prominently. Lip Monthly only focuses on lip products and, hence, does not pose a direct threat to Ipsy. However, it is a valuable alternative.
7. Target Beauty Box
Target’s Beauty Box is a unique product because it changes every month. Users only find out about the contents of the box after they receive it. Usually, it means that users don’t know what they are getting until it arrives at their doorstep. It makes the Target Beauty Box an exciting product for most users, which prefer it over Ipsy.
Target Beauty Box features a different set of products specially selected by celebrity makeup artist Jaclyn Hill. In this way, users can test out tons of products from new brands that may not be available in stores near them. However, the Target Beauty Box has a separate audience compared to that of Ipsy.
8. Sephora Play!
Sephora’s beauty sample subscription service comes under the ‘Play!’ name, launched earlier this year. The company also offers additional boxes, including a monthly fragrance box with samples curated by their Fragrance Directors. Sephora is a well-known French brand, which owns almost 3,000 brands. The company has been operating since 1970.
With Sephora Play!, users can get customized boxes enabling them to choose the products that interest them most. These include hair care products, face masks, and more. Sephora boxes are well-designed, with lots of photos of each product on the inside along with a detailed description.
9. Luxe Box
Luxe Box was one of the first beauty subscription services on the market. It has gone through continuous changes and growth since its launch in 2010. Each month’s box focuses on a different theme and includes luxurious items, including fragrances, cosmetics, and skincare products. Luxe Box offers several plans to its users for different prices.
Luxe Box recently expanded its lineup to include options for men and women, making it easier than ever to find the perfect product mix. It carries high-end brands like Laura Geller, Kat Von D, Too Faced, Peter Thomas Roth, Benefit Cosmetics, and Fresh. Luxe Box is a great alternative to the products offered by Ipsy.
10. Sample Society
Sample Society is another great option for those looking for monthly beauty samples. The company has been providing subscribers with packages worth over $40 every month since 2012. Each box features a different set of brands and items, so users get a fantastic mix of products to explore.
The makeup items in this package are usually full-sized (though not every sample is). The box itself retails for around $50. However, if users purchase all of the items inside separately, it would cost them twice as much money. This feature makes Sample Society’s subscription plan worthy for most users.
Conclusion
Ipsy has been around for a while, but with new competitors sprouting up every month, it is up against it. The company has garnered a lot of attention due to its products. However, this attention has also attracted various competitors. The list of Ipsy’s top competitors and alternatives is available above.
