IPSY Ultimate Box Review Spring Collection February 2026

For this IPSY Ultimate experience, the box "invites you to slow down, reconnect with nature's rhythm, and start all over again." Or at least that's what IPSY says. The picks were supposed to be a way to revive and restore our skin after the toll winter places on it. Let's see if this box has everything we need to re-emerge radiant as ever.

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

I'm sorry, but I'm still annoyed by the fact that we can no longer pick items for the Ultimate box. I'll never understand this decision. Keep that in mind as I review all these products that I clearly didn't choose.

What’s Inside

Saint Jane Beauty Rich Rescue Phyto Mucin Cream – Retail Value: $45

I didn't expect much from this moisturizer, but it's actually quite lovely to use. This is Saint Jane's take on the viral snail mucin trend, except it's 100% vegan; the mucin is derived from yam root instead, which is meant to replicate that same plumping, barrier-sealing effect without the snails. 

And honestly, the texture delivers on that promise. It's uber soft, and it does make my skin feel comfortable for longer than other moisturizers would. That said, there's quite a bit of fragrance here — and looking at the ingredient list, it includes several fragrant extracts that me, an acne-prone girlie, wouldn't risk on my face. So I'm repurposing this for my body instead, since the rich, almost balm-like texture makes it perfect for rough areas like elbows and ankles.

Would I repurchase? Not for me. 

NARS Cosmetics Explicit Lipstick – Retail Value: $42 

Color: 801 Indecent (warm beige)

Before I say anything about this, I have to be honest — I would never reach for this shade. Not with my complexion, so IPSY, please step up your shade-matching game if you're not letting us choose anymore. 

That said, this is undeniably a luxe lipstick. The case feels sturdy and weighty, which gives you that elevated experience right from the start. The color payoff is intense in a single swipe, and the wear time is impressive. It's smooth, soft, and feels buttery on the lips. This makes me want to hunt down their classic red, because if the formula is this good across the range, it could easily become a signature.

Would I repurchase? Yes. I’ll set aside my sanity and spend $40 on a lipstick. 

Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser – Retail Value: $38

Whenever I see a Grown Alchemist product in my box, I feel a certain way. Hear me out: to me, they're overpriced, overhyped, and extremely aesthetically pleasing products. Sure, they look stunning on my vanity, but do I ever reach for them first? Never. This is no exception. 

It's a heavily, and I mean heavily, scented cleanser that might work beautifully for many, but my acne-prone, sensitive skin couldn't take it. Since I refuse to let anything go to waste, this has earned a very important role as hand soap in my guest powder room.

Would I repurchase? No. 

Kevyn Aucoin Indecent Mascara – Retail Value: $32

Color: Black

I'm extremely picky about my mascaras. I'm not expecting miracles, but I need them to look natural yet bold at the same time. This one actually didn't disappoint on that front. However, it smudges — like, a lot. I wear glasses, so my eyes get teary quickly, and like so many of you, I also tend to touch my eyes throughout the day. I ended up with full panda eyes within five minutes of wearing this.

Would I repurchase? Never. 

Rodial Collagen Drops – Retail Value: $95 (Beauty Boost)

This is what I call their "include this so the value jumps" product. And honestly, Rodial is the perfect brand for that, because some of their products are wildly overhyped in my humble opinion. This might be one of them, although I've actually tried a smaller size before and loved it. 

The "collagen" here is topical soluble collagen, which doesn't actually rebuild your skin's collagen from the outside in (science just doesn't work that way). What it does do is act as a humectant, drawing moisture to the surface so your skin looks more hydrated and plump. And that it delivers. It literally feels like water and works best as a toner, right after cleansing and before your thicker serums. 

The layering order would be: cleanser → this → your usual serum.

Would I repurchase? Not for me, but for a gift, yes. 

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Heat Styling Spray – Retail Value: $34

Alright, I rarely use heat products. Yes, I'm lucky enough to have naturally straight hair, and I work from home, so you get the drill. But whenever I do go out, I like to add some volume to my rather flat hair, and most heat-protection products leave me with rough, almost sticky results. I don't know how else to describe it. 

This was a genuine surprise, though. Unlike other sprays that make my hair look glued together, this left it soft, with movement, and it actually looked like I'd just stepped out of a professional blowout. I was shocked, since I rarely give hair products good reviews.

Would I repurchase? Yes!

Bisha Essential Rice Water Makeup Primer – Retail Value: $42

What in the rice water meets sticky primer is this? 

When I read "rice water primer," I immediately went straight to the ingredient list, because those are words I never expected to see together in a formulation. First of all, the texture looks, feels, and applies like a serum, which was a pleasant surprise in itself. 

At first, you get a nice, hydrating finish; as it dries, it leaves a slightly tacky finish that's actually ideal for locking in makeup, especially cream and liquid formulas (like I prefer). It does have a lingering scent from a few floral extracts — chamomile, dandelion, and honeysuckle — which I'm not a fan of, and those kinds of ingredients can be hit-or-miss for breakout-prone skin. I'll need to test it a bit longer before I can fully commit. But I actually liked this one, so we'll see.

Would I repurchase? Maybe. 

Lithe Beauty High Definition Gel Eyeliner Set – Retail Value: $46

Color: Galaxy (rich aubergine) and Blueprint (deep navy)

This was my favorite in the box. I was first introduced to Lithe Beauty back in 2024 through an IPSY box — their black eyeliner specifically — and the formulation, ease of application, and built-in angled brush all caught my attention immediately. Lithe is a Canadian indie brand with a "fewer, better things" philosophy, and it really comes through in this product. 

But what truly sealed the deal was the staying power. This eyeliner does not move. You will need a strong makeup remover to remove it. I do wish the colors in this set were a bit brighter, but Galaxy and Blueprint still work beautifully with my complexion for days when I want to have a little fun.

Would I repurchase? Yes, I'm already on my fifth black eyeliner.

Value – Was This Box Worth It?

The Cost: $65 + $15 Beauty Boost

Total Retail Value: $374

Barely. This box still falls short of the promised $400 value, which is a bummer. And in the end, it wasn't particularly groundbreaking or exciting — at least not with the picks I received. 

I know other subscribers got a Tatcha lip balm or the coveted Fable & Mane Purifying Scrub, so there's clearly some variation happening. But based on what landed in my box, the excitement level is low. Not because the value isn't there — you're clearly getting more than you paid for — but because nothing made me gasp.

The clear winners for me are the Living Proof Heat Styling Spray and, obviously, the Lithe Beauty Eyeliners.

Last season's Ultimate box didn't feel particularly exciting either, so I'm hoping this is just a transitional moment while IPSY finds its footing again after recently reworking their curation process. Here's to an epic summer box next… fingers crossed.

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?