Ipsy Icon Box “From Effortless to Elevated” August 2025 Review

This season’s Icon Box was curated by celebrity makeup artist Ash K Holm. If you’ve seen her work, you know she’s all about naturally lifted, subtly defined features, the kind of makeup that makes you look polished without feeling overdone. Think soft inner-corner highlights, precise edges, and her signature “ashline” smoky eye. Let’s see how her picks translated into this box.

The Ipsy Icon Box is a $65 quarterly upgrade for Ipsy members (Feb, May, Aug, Nov). You get 8 full-size products worth up to $350 — if the value’s actually there, this could be a steal.

My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)

First Impressions

When I first saw the product list, nothing jumped out as wildly innovative, but there were a few I’d been wanting to try. 

Packaging and delivery were solid, even the cleansing balm survived Florida’s 100-degree heat without melting into a mess. Small win, but a win.

What’s Inside

Bisha Essential Lip Designer Duo – Retail Value $52

Shades: San Tropez & St. Barths

These liners are fine… but that’s about it. The shades work perfectly for Ash’s lip-flip trick (a little overline in the center for a fuller pout), and they glide on easily. That said, they didn’t feel especially different from the more affordable liners I already own. They do the job, but I couldn’t justify the $52 price tag.

Repurchase Power? At $52? Never.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm – Retail Value $40

Now this is what I call an Icon Box product. I’ve loved this balm for years because it melts makeup instantly without leaving skin stripped or greasy. Even mascara disappears without irritating my eyes. I usually wipe it away with a warm cloth (feels like a mini facial), but rinsing works too. Skin feels soft, clean, and a little extra moisturized.

Repurchase Power? 100%!

Haus Labs B Structural Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara – Retail Value $29

I didn’t expect much from this mascara, but it surprised me. The brush is just the right size to catch every lash, and it gave me noticeable lift and length right away. What I liked most was how lightweight it felt; my lashes looked defined but didn’t feel stiff or heavy. For someone who usually thinks “a mascara is just a mascara,” this one really stood out.

Repurchase Power? 100%!

Kevyn Aucoin Neo-Blush – Retail Value $40

Shade: Rose Cliff

This blush looked beautiful in the compact, with a gradient that should have given a soft, dimensional finish. But on my skin, it just didn’t translate. The texture felt chalky, and the color barely showed up. Even when I layered it, the pigment faded within an hour. I had high hopes for this one, but it ended up being a letdown.

Repurchase Power? None. 

Odacite C-Glow Hydra-Firm Body Oil – Retail Value $48

I use a lot of body creams and oils, and this one impressed me right away. It sinks in quickly without leaving any greasy residue, and my skin felt nourished and soft after using it. What really sold me was the scent, it’s fresh, herbal, and spa-like, the kind of fragrance that makes you take a deeper breath when you apply it. I’ve been reaching for it right after showering.

Repurchase Power? 100%!

Amika Superfruit Star Lightweight Hair Styling Oil – Retail Value $32

My hair is fine and easily weighed down, so most oils just make it look greasy. This one was different. It felt light in my hands and even lighter in my hair. It smoothed out some frizz and added a touch of shine without flattening my strands. I also appreciate that it doubles as heat protection when I style with hot tools.

Repurchase Power? Yes!

Topicals Like Butter Mist – Retail Value $30

I’d tried this mist before, so I knew what to expect. The fragrance-free formula means the scent isn’t great, but I don’t mind it because the results make up for it. I use this mainly on my back since fragranced body lotions usually cause breakouts for me, and this doesn’t. The mist is fine and cooling, and it gives just the right amount of moisture without feeling sticky. I also like using it after a day in the sun when my skin feels sensitive.

Repurchase Power? Yes, if you don’t mind the scent. 

Fenty Beauty Slip Sine Sheer Shiny Lipstick – Retail Value $26

Shade: Glazed (peachy pink)

This was easily my favorite find in the box. I tend to reach for glosses, but this lipstick feels like the perfect in-between: shiny and lightweight with the comfort of a balm. It applies smoothly, adds a soft peachy-pink glow, and even after the shine starts to fade, my lips still feel conditioned. It’s one of those products you can swipe on quickly and still look put together.

Repurchase Power? 100%!

Beauty Boost: Elemis Pro-Collagen Future Restore Serum (15ml) – Retail Value $99

I was curious about this serum since I’ve seen a lot of buzz around it. The texture is light and hydrating, and it layers nicely under other products without pilling. I haven’t noticed firming results yet, but it does leave my skin feeling plump and refreshed. At this price, I’d need to see more noticeable changes before committing.

Repurchase Power? 50/50. Depends on results after finishing the bottle.

Value – Was This Box Worth It?

The Cost: $65

Retail Value: $297 + $99 Beauty Boost

Total Retail Value: $396

For me, yes. Out of the eight products, six were wins, and I can actually see myself using them regularly. That’s rare with subscription boxes, where half the items can end up in the back of a drawer. I do think the curation could feel more elevated; sometimes it seems like they choose pricier items just to justify the “Icon” label. Still, at this price point, I’m happy with what I got.

Other Things You Should Know

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, your first box will be from the next curation.

What do you think of this month’s BoxyCharm by Ipsy Box? Which variants are you getting?