IPSY Extra “Work Your Magic” Review – September 2025

This month’s "Work Your Magic" theme is all about conjuring your best look ever, with fun picks for a full-glam moment or just working on your glow.

I have to say, this is the first time in a hot second that the options felt genuinely exciting. I actually wanted to choose my items rather than just letting Ipsy randomly pick for me, which is always a great sign.

IPSY Extra is a $32 monthly beauty and makeup subscription box. (This is the new name for what was formerly BoxyCharm by Ipsy, so you'll see those names used interchangeably!) It always provides great value compared to the cost of the box and includes 5 beauty items, including nail care, skincare, makeup, haircare, fragrance, and more. (At least 4 of those items will be full-sized.) We also get the Beauty Boost for $15/month, which includes an additional full-size bonus product.

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

First Impressions

Everything arrived in perfect shape. I think they’ve finally mastered the art of delivering makeup without it arriving crushed.

What’s Inside

Reina Rebelde On Your Face Highlighter Stick – Retail Value: $23

Shade: Sueño (cool-tone moonlit radiance)

WOW. This highlighter is not for the faint of heart. The shine it delivers is intense. Even when you buff it out, you get this extra-shiny, almost micro-glitter finish that’s incredible for a full-glam look.

Personally, it’s just too intense for me to use as a daily cheek highlighter. But as a body highlighter for the shoulders or as a high-impact eyeshadow? It's stunning.

Would I repurchase? Yes, but probably only if it were on sale.

Kulfi Beauty Lassi Lips Staining Long-Lasting Moisturizing Lip Oil – Retail Value: $24

Shade: Guava

Okay, okay, okay. I have been dying to try a Kulfi product, so I was thrilled to test this. The formula itself is very much like other staining lip oils… nothing revolutionary there.

However, a word of warning: you MUST be careful on application. It’s on the oilier, runnier side, and if you're not precise, you can end up with a bit of a Joker situation. That said, the 'Guava' shade is gorgeous. It stains beautifully and dries down without feeling tight or uncomfortable. I honestly forgot I was wearing it, and the staying power is impressive.

Would I repurchase? Already looking at other shades.

Make Up Forever Rouge Artist For Ever Satin & Matte Lipstick – Retail Value $28

Shade: 214 Date-me Rosewood - Matte

I’m a big fan of Make Up Forever; their products are legit amazing, but I’m not sure about this one. My main issue is the applicator. The shape of the lipstick bullet itself is very odd, making it challenging to get a precise line. I had to go in with a lip liner and a brush to clean it up and avoid looking like a clown.

The formula itself dries instantly to a true matte finish and, impressively, didn't feel chalky. It also stays on forever, even through greasy food. The formula is great, but the application experience is a miss for me.

Would I repurchase? Probably not.

Lunar Beauty Outer Dimension Bronzing & Sculpting Stick – Retail Value $25

Shade: Tan Sky

I’ve been on a quest for a new sculpting stick, so I picked this one. I gotta say, this is exactly what I was looking for.

It’s dark enough to create shadows, but it's a true contour/sculpt shade, not a bronzer. It's not warm or 'bronzy' at all, which is what I wanted. The formula is incredibly creamy and blendable. Plus, the barrel is the perfect size for precision, whether you’re working on cheekbones, nose, or jawline. It's also the perfect travel-friendly size. I think this is it.

Would I repurchase? YES!

R.E.M. Beauty Essential Drip Glossy Balm – Retail Value: $19

Shade: Hocus Cocoa

I was uber-excited to try another product from this brand, but this one didn't hit the mark, especially for the price. The packaging looks premium and chic, but that's where the luxury stops.

This is an incredibly THICK gloss. It feels heavy, sticky, and just... unpleasantly goopy. It's the kind of formula I'd expect from a cheap gloss, not a $19 balm. I'm pretty bummed because the 'Hocus Cocoa' shade is gorgeous (even if it's out of my comfort zone). But when it comes to my lips, I can't stand feeling like I'm wearing a heavy, sticky balm. This is not a user-friendly formula, in my opinion.

Would I repurchase? Sadly, no.

Beauty Boost: Drunk Elephant B-Goldi BRight Drops – Retail Value: $39

Well, I caved. I’m generally not a fan of Drunk Elephant; their marketing doesn't sit well with me. But I know how popular these drops are, so I had to try them.

And... may I say... I get the hype?

But let me be clear: I get it from a makeup perspective, not a skincare one. The formula has 5% niacinamide, but who is applying this all over their face every single day?! Unless you want to look like a bedazzled ornament, I don't get it as a daily skincare step.

However, as a makeup product? As a liquid highlighter or a mix-in to foundation to add a beautiful, 'lit-from-within' glow? This is it. The shine is sophisticated and noticeable without looking like actual glitter. It's a beautiful cosmetic, but I don't view it as a skincare staple.

Would I repurchase? No. Not because I don’t like it, but just because I know I won’t use it often enough to justify the price.

Value – Was This Box Worth It?

The Cost: $32 + $15 Beauty Boost = $47

Total Retail Value: $119 + Beauty Boost $39 = $158

On paper, the math didn't hit the usual $200+ promise for this box. We’re definitely a bit short on the advertised value.

Despite that, I'm actually thrilled with this box. This is a perfect example of personal value winning over retail value. My two picks—the Kulfi lip stain and the Lunar Beauty sculpting stick—were absolute hits. I've been looking for products just like these, so finding two winners (without paying full price) makes the entire box worth it for me.

In general, this box had fun picks, great brands, and that spark of excitement that we subscribe to Ipsy for in the first place.

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 IPSY Extra box? Which variants did you get? Let me know in the comments!