Ipsy 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 my review is 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
Each month, Ipsy subscribers get a makeup bag in addition to their items. This month’s theme, "The Year of Yes," feels refreshingly simple, and the makeup bag reflects that sentiment in a clean, understated way. Its silver color immediately stood out to me; sleek, modern, and a bit more polished. I also like the subtle quilted texture, which adds visual interest without doing too much. Very much in line with the simplicity of this month’s sentiment.
Included is a product card that features a list of the products and beauty tips.
Now, on to the items!
SUGAR SILK BEAUTY Ethereal Eyes Palette, 8 g - Retail Value $30.00
There’s something quietly elegant about the Sugar Silk Beauty Ethereal Eyes Palette that immediately pulled me in, even as someone who’s stepped back from doing any overly bold eye looks lately. The color story leans into soft, dreamy neutrals with a mix of wearable mattes and luscious shimmers that feel intentionally curated. I found the shades easy to work with right from the start. The mattes blend smoothly without patchiness, and the shimmer shades apply nicely with just my finger. Pigment-wise, it’s very buildable but forgiving, making it ideal for everyday wear, quick workday looks, or subtle evening glam. It’s the kind of palette that’s practical for a variety of situations, especially if you’re more of a neutral gal like myself. Definitely a good staple product for your makeup bag so that it’s always within reach when you need to pull together something simple.
Here are swatches for the Sugar Silk Beauty Ethereal Eyes Palette.
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask, 4 ml - Estimated Value $24.53
Elemis is one of those reliable brands that fits well into my routine, and it’s always a pleasure to see a staple product by them. I’m always intrigued by a good targeted eye treatment, and the Elemis Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask fits perfectly here. The texture immediately stood out to me: a lightweight gel-cream that feels both cooling and refreshing the moment it hits the skin, which is exactly what my delicate under-eyes crave when they’re feeling puffy or tired. I like that it’s designed to be versatile. You can use this as a daily eye mask, an overnight treatment, or even layer it under makeup as a hydrating boost. Infused with ingredients like padina pavonica, hyaluronic acid, and watermelon snow algae, it delivers a noticeable smoothing and plumping effect that makes my under-eye area look more awake and refreshed (even on minimal sleep). While it’s not claiming to be a miracle fix, it does a solid job of hydrating and softening fine lines for that well-rested look I’m always after.
EARTH HARBOR Treasure Barrier Boost Glazing Milk, 10 ml - Estimated Value $3.67
Between a serum and a moisturizer is where this Treasure Barrier Boost Glazing Milk from Earth Harbor lives, and that in-between quality is exactly what makes it work so well for my skin. The texture is lightweight, and it absorbs quickly without leaving behind a greasy film or any stickiness. I especially appreciate using this kind of product when my face is feeling unusually irritated; it not only hydrates but also calms down my skin when I’m having a mini breakout. The formula is packed with nourishing, plant-based ingredients like bio-retinol alternatives and sea minerals that deliver a healthy dose of moisture without heaviness. It layers nicely under my sunscreen and also holds its own on bare-skin days. True to the brand’s clean, vegan ethos, there’s no fragrance to contend with, which is another big plus when it comes to my sensitive skin.
BEAUTY FOR CERTAIN High Shine Lipgloss in Siren, 3.5 ml - Retail Value $22.00
Some lip glosses out there look great when you apply them and quickly disappear, but Beauty for Certain’s High Shine Lipgloss in Siren seems to have been made with longevity in mind. The shine is immediately noticeable: smooth, glassy, and reflective without drifting into sticky territory. I appreciate how nourishing it feels on my lips, and if you’re in the market for a bold lip, this one delivers a pop of color that enhances without overpowering. Perfect for wearing alone or layered over a liner for a slightly more defined look. It wears comfortably for longer than I expected and leaves my lips feeling hydrated even after it’s gone. Overall, this is one of those dependable glosses that feels elevated yet effortless. Plus, it smells delicious!
Here is the swatch for the Beauty for Certain High Shine Lipgloss in Siren.
ACE BEAUTÉ Fresh Phase Primer, 10 ml - Estimated Value $8.33
This Fresh Phase Primer from Ace Beauté earns its place by pulling double duty as both skincare and makeup prep. The lightweight, gel-like texture goes on cool and refreshing, instantly giving my skin a hydrated, smooth feel without any heaviness or tackiness. I appreciate how quickly it absorbs, giving a soft, balanced finish that works just as well under makeup as it does on its own for those makeup-free days. The texture smooths down nicely and helps foundation apply more evenly without turning my skin into an overly perfected canvas. It plays nicely with my sensitive skin without causing irritation or excess shine, and overall, it delivers a fresh, comfortable base I’m happy to keep in my skincare routine.
The Verdict
This was a strong month for IPSY Original! The clear standout for me was Earth Harbor’s glazing milk, which delivers lightweight, milky hydration that feels instantly calming to my sensitive skin when it needs comfort without heaviness. Close behind was the Elemis eye mask, a dependable under-eye treatment that goes on smoothly while giving my tired eyes a noticeably refreshed look. I also enjoyed Ace Beauté’s primer, rounding things out nicely as a skin-friendly base that works just as well alone as it does under makeup, making it a practical everyday option even for those who primarily go makeup-free. The high shine lipgloss from Beauty for Certain strikes a great balance between that glassy shine, comfy wear, and a pop of color that’s easy to reach for on the go. Lastly, the Sugar Silk Beauty palette – I appreciate the neutral, soft pigment of each shade, and it’s easy to use for subtle shimmer looks without being too much. Overall, this bag offered up a thoughtfully balanced mix that leaned skincare-forward (my preference) while still keeping a few easy makeup staples in rotation.
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Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $14
Value Breakdown:
- Eye Palette: $30.00
- Eye Revive Mask: $24.53
- Glazing Milk: $3.67
- Lipgloss: $22.00
- Primer: $8.33
The total retail value of these five items adds up to about $88.53, which is an excellent value for a $14 bag.
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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