IPSY Ultimate: Natasha Denona, November 2025

For this IPSY Ultimate experience, we’re stepping into the world of Natasha Denona. This exclusive drop features some of her cult-favorite formulas paired with other viral, hyped-up products that… if I’m honest, I couldn’t wait to try. Let’s see if this box delivered a true VIP experience or if it fell flat.

This month, I’m going all in with the IPSY Ultimate Box ($65/quarter), which replaces my IPSY Extra every February, August, and November. It comes with 8 full-size, celeb-curated products worth up to $400, plus a Beauty Boost add-on for an extra $15.

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

First Impressions

They’ve clearly been paying attention to feedback about broken palettes because this box was padded to the brim. Even the eyeshadow palette came inside another padded box. So yes, everything arrived in perfect condition. I give them 10 out of 10 on packaging.

What’s Inside

Natasha Denona Retro Glam Eyeshadow Palette – Retail Value $69

Shades: Mini Retro and Glam

This palette is half glitters, half mattes, and while it’s undeniably cute, the color story just doesn’t suit my complexion. The vibe feels more “grandma’s couch from the 70s” than retro chic.

Now, formula-wise, the glitters are stunning. A single swipe gives that soft, translucent shimmer that looks almost ethereal. They blend beautifully and layer like a dream. The mattes though… not it. They’re powdery, chalky, and hard to build without getting patchy. You can even see the residue on my swab. Gorgeous glitters, disappointing mattes.

Would I repurchase? No. 

Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Concealer – Retail Value $30

Shade: Y7 (medium yellow)

I wanted to love this. I really did. But in one word: awful. This is one of the worst concealers I’ve ever tried. It’s thick, sticky, and refuses to blend. It pills instantly, and the weird lipstick-style applicator doesn’t help. On top of that, the shade leans more fair-medium than true-medium, so it doesn’t match me at all.

Would I repurchase? No.

BISHA Essential Eye Designer Duo Set – Retail Value $58

Shade: Downtown Black & Uptown Brown

These were a total surprise. I’ve only recently gotten good at liquid liner, and this formula made it even easier. The felt-tip marker gives precise control, though the formula is a bit runny; you need just the right pressure. Once you get the hang of it, though, these deliver crisp, flawless lines.

But the best part? They don’t move. Once dry, they’re practically tattooed on. It took my strongest oil cleanser to remove them, which, for my sensitive eyes, is perfection.

Would I repurchase? Absolutely!

Lithe Soft Fill Lip Pencils – Retail Value $32

Shade: Dusk & Scarlet

As a big K-beauty fan, I’ve tried my fair share of fill lip pencils, and these hold up. They’re soft, velvety, and easy to blend. I love that they stay matte but still feel lightly balmy and hydrating. The two shades are nearly identical, but they work great for subtle contouring. Together, they give that full, diffused-lip look that’s trending right now.

Would I repurchase? Maybe. 

Persona Voluminizing Tubing Mascara – Retail Value $24

Shade: Black

Tubing mascaras are having their moment, and I’m here for it. Instead of coating lashes, they wrap each one in a little “tube,” which means zero smudging, aka a win for watery-eyed girlies like me.

This one has a chunky silicone wand that grabs every lash. It gave me major length with just enough volume for a glam look. Not what I’d wear for an everyday vibe, but for a night out? Gorgeous. It stayed all day without flaking and came off easily with my double cleanse.

Would I repurchase this? Yes, in a lighter shade. 

Saie Glow Sculpt Multi-Use Cream Highlighting Blush – Retail Value $28

Shade: Brozeglow

I picked this. I’m a huge Saie fan. Their liquid highlighter is a staple in my routine, so I grabbed this the moment I saw it. The shade is absolutely gorgeous. The texture isn’t as creamy as I expected — you need to warm it up a bit with your fingers — but once you do, it blends beautifully.

Brush application gives a softer pigment, while fingers build intensity, so play around to see what works best for you. The finish is stunning. Think natural flush with a lit-from-within glow.

Would I repurchase? Yes. Yes. Yes.

Laura Mercier Caviar Smoothing Matte Refillable Lipstick – Retail Value $45

Shade: Pink Tulle (medium blue-tone pink)

I picked this. I’ve been hunting for a new lipstick since most of my current ones are balms and glosses. Matte formulas usually dry my lips out, but this one? Game changer. It glides on velvety smooth and actually keeps lips looking soft.

The pigment lasts through coffee, tea, and lunch. The shade isn’t my all-time favorite, but it’s flattering enough that I keep reaching for it. And bonus points for being refillable!

Would I repurchase? Yes. 

Patchology Restoring Night Eye Gels – Retail Value $44

I picked this. I have zero self-control when it comes to eye patches. I’ve always wanted to try Patchology, so this was my moment. They’re infused with retinol for renewal and squalane for hydration.

Fit-wise, not great. They slide around a lot until they start drying down. Once they stayed put, my under-eyes looked hydrated but not dramatically different. They also leave a sticky film; they're definitely not a pre-makeup option, so save them for bedtime.

Would I repurchase? Probably not. 

Perricone MD High Potency Face Finishing & Firming Radiant Moisturizer – Retail Value $75

I picked this as a beauty boost. I’ll admit, the brand name pulled me in, but I regretted it the moment I opened the jar. On paper, it sounds great: a moisturizer that doubles as a primer to give a radiant finish.

In reality? That “radiance” comes from a heavy dose of mica. It’s so shimmery it looks like highlighter all over your face. Not in a good way. The rose scent is strong too, almost perfume-level, which is a no-go for sensitive skin. It’s one of those products that probably wowed back in the day but feels outdated now.

Would I repurchase? Definitely no.

Value – Was This Box Worth It?

The Cost: $65 + $15 Beauty Boost

Total Retail Value: $405

Barely. Without the Beauty Boost, the box totals around $330, so slightly under the promised $400 value. Even with it, you’re scraping by at $405. Not terrible, but not the “Ultimate” experience IPSY promises either.

Takeaways

Ironically, the two Natasha Denona products — the stars of the box — were my least favorites. She has better formulas, and I wish they showcased those instead. Overall, I got maybe 4 out of 9 keepers, so not a total loss.

The curation felt fun, but missed the mark for a VIP experience. With the holiday season coming up, this could’ve been the perfect time for a festive, glam-forward theme; think bold red lips, sparkly shadows, or a killer setting spray. Total missed opportunity.

IPSY, call me. I have ideas.

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 Ultimate Box? Which variants are you getting?