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 January and a fresh new start, we received a beautiful silver quilted bag with a sleek silver zipper pull. Neutral in color yet playful in design, this cool bag is giving major Elsa vibes. With its blue zipper and white satin lining, it’s been perfect for storing my daily essentials and keeping everything neat and tidy.
Also included is a product card featuring the "The Year Of Yes" theme, details about this month's bag contents, and a sneak peek at the upcoming sneak peek highlights!
Now, on to the items!
ELEMAN BEAUTY Brow Pencil in Blonde - FULL SIZE! - Retail Value $18
As a product of the ’80s, I definitely did my fair share of over-plucking and over-waxing my brows in my youth. That being said, I use brow pencils daily to add volume to my now-sparse brows. While I do have a brand I’ve stuck with for some time, I always appreciate trying new ones.
This Eleman Beauty Brow Pencil came in the shade Blonde, and to be honest, I was a little nervous it would be too light for my brown brows. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the color matched better than expected and created a more natural-looking brow than my current pencil. I loved the slanted tip and the fluffy spoolie—both made application easy and precise. The formula and applicator are fantastic, and I may have just found my new fave. Thanks, IPSY!
KVOSSNYC Bronze Beauty Palette in Midtown - Deluxe Sample - Estimated Value $4.00
The next item I received is one I don’t need just yet, but I’ll be happy to use it during the upcoming spring and summer months. This small bronzer pad is cute and portable, with a shade that works surprisingly well with my winter skin tone without looking too harsh. I appreciated its longevity and found that it layered nicely with my foundation, lasting all day and giving me a sun-kissed glow—even during these –35° wind chills!
GIRLACTIK 2-in-1 Luminous Tint Foundation in F4 Medium - Deluxe Sample - Estimated Value $8
Foundation is definitely a risky item to receive, as color matching is almost impossible to get just right. This Girlactik 2-in-1 Luminous Tint Foundation came in the shade F4 Medium, and it worked surprisingly well with my skin. It was just a tiny bit dark, so I mixed in a little of my current foundation to tone it down slightly—and I really loved the results.
Since this is a tint, the coverage is light rather than heavy. It did a great job covering my blemishes while adding moisture and leaving my skin looking dewy and fresh, not cakey. I love trying new foundations because I’m always looking to step up my skincare game, and this one is definitely a strong contender!
KORRES Apothecary Wild Rose Brightening Sleeping Facial - Deluxe Sample - Estimated Value $27.50
Like I mentioned above, it has been chilly here in Minnesota, and I need all the moisture I can get to help my frozen, dry skin get back to normal. This Korres Apothecary Wild Rose Brightening Sleeping Facial includes wild rose oil, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid to help even skin tone, boost glow, replenish hydration, and even help with my breakouts.
I truly loved this formula and have noticed a huge difference since using it. The full-size version is pretty spendy, so I was thrilled to receive this in my monthly bag. That said, because of the results, I think I’ll be adding the full-size version to my wish list!
E.L.F. COSMETICS Pout Clout Lip Plumping Pen in Bust a Mauve - FULL SIZE - Retail Value $9
The last item I received didn’t have a high retail value, but it ended up being one of my favorites. E.L.F. Cosmetics is a very budget-friendly brand, and I’m absolutely loving this Pout Clout Lip Plumping Pen. While it looks like a regular lipstick, it’s actually a plumper, gloss, and balm all in one.
It gives a slight tingle upon application, has just the right amount of color (which I absolutely love), and adds a beautiful gloss. The shade Bust a Mauve is fantastic on my winter skin and is a color I reach for often. The staying power isn’t super long-lasting since it’s a balm and gloss, but I adore it and will definitely be purchasing it again once this one runs out!
With a slight pigment, this lip pen was definitely my favorite this month!
Verdict
I love the IPSY Original and always look forward to trying 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 truly elevated both my skincare routine and makeup game. I loved each and every product and was thoroughly impressed.
For just $14, I received five items that I used throughout the month and genuinely enjoyed—especially the lip pen and the facial. I even switched brands because of this month’s bag! I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the February curation. What do you think it will include?
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Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $14
Value Breakdown:
- Brow Pencil: $18.00
- Bronzer: $4.00
- Foundation: $8.00
- Facial: $27.50
- Plumping Pen: $9.00
The total retail value of these five items adds up to over $66.50 which is an amazing 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 February 2026 bag while stocks last.
What do you think of the January 2026 IPSY Original?
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