IPSY Original is a monthly beauty and makeup subscription box. For $14 per month, you get five full-sized or deluxe-sized products, plus a cute makeup bag.
This is one of our top recommendations if you are looking for a subscription box — the value and sample sizes are amazing. Just like Birchbox, Ipsy sends out many different variations of their bag each month — so this review is for just one of the bag variations you might receive!
My Subscription Addiction pays for this subscription. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes).
First Impressions
One of my favorite things about the IPSY Original is the excitement of discovering each month’s new bag design. I’ve been a subscriber for years, and the fun, creative styles—along with the amazing products—keep me coming back for more. To celebrate the arrival of December and the holiday season, we received a beautiful pastel purple bag with glittery red bow designs. While these aren’t traditional holiday colors, they work really well together and still feel festive, especially with the red ribbon zipper pull. With its red satin lining, this bag has become a purse organizer for me and does a great job of keeping my lip balm and lipsticks neatly in place instead of getting lost!
Also included is a product card featuring the "Play Beauty Spread Joy" theme, details about this month's bag contents, and a sneak peek at the upcoming sneak peek highlights!
Now, on to the items!
TARTE Maraca Juicy Lip Balm Gloss in Rose - Deluxe Sample - Estimated Value $9.45
I’ll be honest—when I first opened this month’s curation and found this very pink-looking lip balm/stick/gloss, I was a little scared. With its bubblegum hue, I didn’t think it would be flattering, but boy was I wrong! This unique hybrid is part gloss and part balm, so it hydrates while also adding a rosy sheen. While it did give my lips a subtle pop of color, it wasn’t nearly as over-the-top as I had expected. I really loved how it seemed to melt onto my lips, and it even tasted like coconut. It felt like escaping the below-zero Minnesota temperatures for a little taste of vacation—without ever leaving my living room! I absolutely loved it and have it stashed in my new organizing pouch in my purse for daily use!
PACIFICA BEAUTY Hydrodew Vegan Mucin Barrier Face Moisturizer - Deluxe Sample - Estimated Value $6.40
The next item I received was another really cool one. I don’t have a lot of experience with the Pacifica brand, but I really liked this barrier care gel. Formulated with vegan phytomucin and ectoin, it also includes avocado extract to help nourish and support the skin. With a natural scent, this moisturizer has a serum-like texture that rubs in nicely, though it feels slightly sticky until it fully dries. It felt great on my face and neck, and I’m looking forward to seeing if it delivers any noticeable plumping results, as it already seems like a very solid moisturizer.
BEAUTY FOR CERTAIN Tubing Brow Gel - Full Size - Retail Value $18
The next item I received was the one I chose for myself. I’ve tried different brow gels over the years, but I’ve never really stuck with one—or consistently used one at all. I was intrigued by the double-sided brush and decided it was worth a try. After using it, I realized there was a bit of a learning curve. You definitely can’t use too much, or you’ll end up with a messy-looking brow.
For this look, I first applied my brow pencil to fill everything in, then lightly added a small amount of the gel. I gently brushed through until I achieved the look I wanted. As a product of the late ’80s, I’m still working on fixing my brows after years of over-plucking, so I really appreciated that this gel didn’t leave them stiff or unnatural-looking. The finish was very natural, and once I figured out how to apply it, I was really happy with the results. Overall, I’m pleased with my pick—especially since it was full size!
BLISS Cool With It Gel Under Eye Mask Set - Deluxe Sample - Estimated Value $4.00
I’m all about self-care, and this month I received a two-pack of under-eye masks by Bliss. I love these—they help cool the under-eye area and are infused with ingredients that reduce puffiness and refresh tired, busy eyes. Today, I stayed home with my son while he was sick, and we had a relaxing day just lounging and recharging. Charlie thought he wanted to try the eye mask but decided they felt gross. I quickly stuck mine to his forehead for a moment, and it actually helped lift his mood a bit—poor little guy!
KOA LIFE NAD Peptide Facial Scrub - Deluxe Sample - Retail Value $11.00
The last item I received was a facial scrub. I’m obsessed with scrubs, as my acne-prone skin does better when I use them, so I was excited to try this brand. KOA LIFE NAD is new to me, and I really enjoyed the formula. With a slightly earthy, minty scent, it felt very refreshing on my face and left my complexion smooth and soft. This is a pretty pricey product, so I was glad to try it first before committing—but I liked it so much that I think I might just take the plunge!
Verdict
I love the IPSY Original and always look forward to trying out new beauty products. While I have my go-to brands, I’m always excited for the chance to discover something new! This month, I received five fun items that elevated my skincare routine and makeup game! I truly loved each and every product and was left thoroughly impressed! For just $14, I got to explore new skincare and makeup brands—and it felt like a mini skin makeover. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the January curation. What do you think it’ll include?
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Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $14
Value Breakdown:
- Lip Balm: $9.45
- Moisturizer: $6.40
- Brow Gel: $18.00
- Eye Mask: $4.00
- Face Scrub: $11.00
The total retail value of these five items adds up to over $48.85 which is a pretty good value for a $14 box!!!
Other Things You Should Know
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, but sign up to receive the January 2026 bag while stocks last.
What do you think of the December 2025 IPSY Original?
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