• ipsy

ipsy

Overview

ipsy has a rating of 1.6 stars from 793 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about ipsy most frequently mention customer service, glam bag, and credit card problems. ipsy ranks 113th among Subscription Shopping sites.

  • Service
    212
  • Value
    211
  • Shipping
    210
  • Returns
    152
  • Quality
    197

This company does not typically respond to reviews

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 6.3%
Positive
5
Neutral
3
Negative
72
136
See all photos

What reviewers want you to know

Positive highlights

  • I just want to say that ipsy customer service is amazing!
  • I signed up for the tester-sized monthly glam bag($12 dollars a month I think), the experience was okay.

Critical highlights

  • Now i need to get my credit card involved and I am basically pissed.
  • The customer service number is not in service... ISPY GLAM BAGS ARE SCAMS
How would you rate ipsy?
Top Positive Review

“Customer Service is STOP ON!”

Kaila H.
11/6/23

I came in here to shout out the IPSY customer service. I have been a loyal IPSY user for 6+ years. The basic glam bag is plenty for me since I like to try items before I buy full size. Throughout the years I have had some problems with items (wrong shade, lost packages, late delivery, etc) and they have compensated those issues promptly and with understanding. Just recently was looking through the app and realized I never got my September package. They quickly replied to my issue and promptly sent me a new package with the same (or similar) items. 10/10 on the customer service!

Top Critical Review

“$15.99 for sample products? You've gotta be kiddin' me!”

Olivia B.
2/8/24

Woke up to a notification from my bank this morning - it was right there on my phone too. As if Ipsy's $13.99 price hike was bad enough but now they wanna charge MORE for what is seemingly less? Honestly, it isn't worth it. I loved Ipsy when I first subscribed because all of the products were new and I had never heard of any of the brands, and plus, it was makeup. It was like opening a Christmas gift each month but now I'm not even excited. If anything, they send too much. I can't even use some of the products because of my sensitive skin. And what's with all of the tiny mascaras? They all seem cheap and I used to get like two of them in one bag. The product samples used to be better! Now it's so sad because it feels like they just steal your money. At least I'll be receiving my refund in 5-7 business days. Great! I hope my bank doesn't charge me an overdraft fee.

Reviews (793)

Rating

Timeframe

Other

Reviews that mention popular keywords

credit card (66) customer service (181) glam bag (154) glam bags (154)
Thumbnail of user margreta1
1 review
1 helpful vote
March 2nd, 2024

I've been a member of Boxycharm since 2016 and wasn't surprised when they partnered or merged with Ipsy. After the Ipsy price hike and less for more shift such as small sized one-off come and go brands I canceled and stuck with the monthly full size Boxycharm. I began to notice things changing about 6 months ago. First, they started letting us choose 3 items (which I love!) but they began sending things I didn't choose. Often. Just weird. I complained about it but nothing happened, nothing changed. So I made a public review of the wrong product they sent hoping someone, anyone, would make the selections we choose be the ones that actually come. Well, I'm guessing someone saw it because this month I did not receive my email to build my box. I logged in to check because it's time to pick the selections and it showed my card payment had declined. No email, no alert, no nothing. So I "updated" my payment method (which hadn't changed) and yet it went through so I'm assuming Ipsy saw my review, got pissed and messed with my account? Because my card hasn't changed, it was as though they just declined the payment. I re-entered the payment and it went through just fine. If that really happened, that's sociopath stuff. I was just trying to get some help to get the products I had selected and my account gets messed with? Really?

Thumbnail of user veronica.kampf
1 review
0 helpful votes
October 28th, 2023

I love receiving my ipsy every month and I have had no problems with billing and if I have any problems they are very responsive.
However, the thing that does bother me about ipsy is that you can only review the products you just received. So if you use something for a little while and find there is something you really don't like about it you can't say anything. It's basically use it once leave a review and that's it. I have been disappointed with many products after a few uses but it had been too late to leave a review.

Service
Value
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Thumbnail of user amandas2829
1 review
1 helpful vote
May 11th, 2023

From missing a whole package one month to a bunch of items not being delivered the following month, and now my extra order that I paid for has not arrived. I am out quite a bit of money from ipsy ripping me off. I have canceled subscription which I so far had no problems doing. What a disappointment this experience has been.

Products used:
Cosmetic

Service
Value
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Thumbnail of user trishb56
1 review
11 helpful votes
December 17th, 2019

So for those having trouble with cancellation go to membership page and at the bottom in VERY small letters is cancel. You have to keep going for the small words. It will ask you for 2 reasons but the large icon is to keep membership. Go under that and cancel. They will send you an email. Then go into email and push cancel again.

Now my package was super late, holiday season so ok i get it. Then the brush was nice, highlighter ok, the Tarte was way smaller than I thought it would be, and I dont like the lotion. And sadly my bags zipper isnt working:/
I honestly get more free when I buy from Ulta. I just got way more for a purchase of 20.00 than this hassle, and the products are way bigger.
For my birthday Ulta and Safora gave me a Tarte tha was at least twice this size.
I just dont think its worth the money. Im gonna always go buy make up from the other stores, might as well just get what I want and get their free gifts, that arent broken.

Thumbnail of user brookeh234
1 review
0 helpful votes
February 12th, 2022
Verified purchase

Ipsy was great, until it wasn't. If you had a question, or a shipment went missing, or HEAVEN FORBID you wanted to cancel your membership, there is NO customer service to help with any of it. The only phone number you can find is out of service and they make it so you can't ever get ahold of a real person. The worst part of the whole experience was trying to cancel after mine and my sister's memberships got messed up. They kept sending her refreshments instead of Ipsy and since we could never get ahold of anyone, we couldn't ever get it fixed. So, we decided to cancel the membership. Little did we know that would prove even MORE difficult! It's a whole runaround and we got charged for months after we thought we'd finally figured out how to cancel.

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Thumbnail of user heatherr247
1 review
0 helpful votes
January 30th, 2022
• Updated review

So the box finally showed up 2 months later. I ultimately stayed with IPSY and continue to receive my monthly subscription on time.

Tip for consumers:
Make sure to do the initial profile set up so they get your color scheme right.

Products used:
Eye Shadows, Lip Sticks, Face Lotion

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Where is my box?
November 4th, 2019
• Previous review

Ipsy has shown up every month except October 2019. Was a message saying it could be due to Cali wild fires? I live in Dallas Texas? I cancelled until I get it... if I ever get it.

Thumbnail of user alexm1335
1 review
3 helpful votes
February 22nd, 2021

I have been a loyal IPSY subscriber for years. The bags use to be great with name brand products. It now seems like IPSY is trying to cost cut. It is noticeable that the quality of the products has gone significantly down. I almost never get a popular name brand sample now. I also notice a lot of repeat products and very tiny sample sizes. I am so disappointed and have just been skipping months hoping things will get better. What's going on IPSY?

Thumbnail of user katherinen109
1 review
1 helpful vote
June 21st, 2021

I look forward every month to receiving my Glam Bag, however I have noticed every month it takes longer and longer to receive my bag. Payment is taken from my account on the 1st of the month, today is the 21st, and I still have not received my June bag. I would prefer if they took their payment when the bag ships. I am thinking of cancelling my subscription.

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Value
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Thumbnail of user samanthaj414
1 review
1 helpful vote
March 6th, 2022
Verified purchase

I love being an Ipsy subscriber because of the deals on products you get shopping through them whether it's their add ons or the Ipsy store and it's so nice getting a little monthly surprise every month. However, I have noticed a falter in their services. For one, it takes incredibly long for my bag to arrive because they ship with DHL. Recently, it's been taking up to 2 weeks for it to get to me and watching it sit in one state for a whole week isn't exactly a joyful experience for me. Secondly, when they're out of stock of their add ons, they won't tell you unless you speak to a customer service rep yourself. In the last month I have ordered add ons and been charged for them only for them to not show up and then when I speak to a rep it's always the same sorry excuse of "we're so sorry this happened to you, unfortunately, we cannot replace the item(s) because we're sold out" and then go on and on about how your membership is important to them and how they're "trying to prevent hiccups like this from happening again" only for them to happen again. One time, one of my add ons was being processed for 4 WEEKS and when I asked a customer service rep about it, they didn't even apologize or tell me why I never received my item, just issues 600 points to my account to redeem for a product that I probably won't ever get lmao. A friend of mine is also an Ipsy member and has basically never received any of her add ons. I'm starting to question whether or not my $13 a month is even worth all of this.

Products used:
Everything that comes in my monthly bag. If I don't like something, I'll give it away to someone who will use it.

Service
Value
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Thumbnail of user elsieh59
1 review
0 helpful votes
July 26th, 2021

It's alright but if you cancel your order or subscription you don't get your money back! Donte recommend

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Thumbnail of user jens337
1 review
1 helpful vote
April 28th, 2017

Let me start by saying I like this company. They regularly send great products and awesome sample sizes. By filling out your profile and reviewing products, they can tailor each gift bag for you and you end up getting stuff you love. HOWEVER, this is an issue if you're Canadian like me. I LOVE some of the products I get, and then find out that they can't be shipped to Canada. Also, the exchange rate just isn't worth it anymore.

Thumbnail of user gabriellel50
1 review
3 helpful votes
July 26th, 2020

Normally I would give ipsy 5 stars. I love their products and it's always worth way more than I pay but their customer service sucks. I haven't received my bag from them this month and I've reached out to them multiple times and they have absolutely refused to do anything about it. I'm pissed that they just dismiss my complaints. There is no phone number to call them, just email, and it's clear they don't want to help. If I have even one more issue with them, they will lose my business which sucks because their products are good. But I won't support a business that dismisses their customers.

Thumbnail of user kathleenl143
7 reviews
24 helpful votes
February 25th, 2019

I did a review of the Glambag Plus a month ago which I would like to revise. Ipsy finally sent my bag, albeit a month late. They also gave me a refund for my trouble, which I wasn't expecting and even though I deserved it I really appreciated it. So now my opinion of them has changed, SLIGHTLY. I still won't do business with them anymore, but I am not as angry as before. The products in the Glambag Plus are VERY NICE I calculated the value of my bag to be $131.00. That's not bad for a $25.00 subscription box. Still it's not worth the trouble to me. I'd rather just go online and order what I want and in a week or less my products are in my mailbox. Plus I can return anything I don't like. Done and done.

Thumbnail of user shellyg101
1 review
0 helpful votes
October 18th, 2020

Over all products good but lip gloss was old and over tacky, probably a good product in its day but way off now kinda disappointing

Thumbnail of user debral174
3 reviews
10 helpful votes
October 23rd, 2019

I have been getting the Ipsy Glam Bag every month since Nov. 2017. A few months ago I also started getting the Glam Bag Plus. Starting this month (Oct. 2019) it is IMPOSSIBLE to reach them when I have an issue, which lately is every month... my most recent issue is that 7 of my 10 reviews of my Oct products disappeared as soon as I wrote them then submitted them to Ipsy. The whole point of these sub boxes/bags is to try new products (from high end to low end) AND THEN REVIEW THEM. They're also supposed to be using those reviews to help taylor products to MY TASTES/PREFERENCES. So they started charging more money this month, but made sure no reviews of the products post... shady! If I have anymore issues I will be cancelling and trying Sephora Play or Birchbox... which is a shame because for the most part I did like Ipsy. Sure there are products sent that aren't to my liking but that's when my Daughter & I would trade etc... But they've laxed on service & made it impossible to contact them.

Thumbnail of user micahs14
2 reviews
9 helpful votes
July 5th, 2018

My bag took 2 weeks to arrive! Plus, it came days past the end of the month. I did like what I received for the most part though.

Thumbnail of user py74
2 reviews
2 helpful votes
August 19th, 2017

I've been an IPSY customer for about 2 years now, but I'm considering canceling. The products are nice enough, and good quality, but in each bag, there are usually only 2-3 products I can use; I try to give away the rest, but even my 19-year-old daughter won't wear the colors and finishes they send. They send colors and products I have specifically stated I didn't want in my profile, and most of the make-up shades are shimmery, dark colored, and/or gold, which just doesn't work for me. And who can really use a different blush or bronzer every month?

Thumbnail of user denisej33
1 review
7 helpful votes
February 11th, 2017

Recently signed up and have been put on a waiting list, which is not that big of a deal. The problem I have is the fact that they tell you if you like them on social media they will curry favor to you and move you up the waitlist. How can you like something you've never received? Spoke with my uncle, who is an attorney, and he states that's illegal. Beware consumer!

Thumbnail of user emilyb241
76 reviews
124 helpful votes
August 6th, 2018

The website says things are personalized but my profile says I have red hair and fair skin but they gave me very dark mascara. I didnt want blush either but I ended up getting it anyways but i can use it as eyeshadow or something.

Thumbnail of user karenk2722
1 review
0 helpful votes
August 14th, 2022

For the most part I'm satisfied with Ipsy. I get the Glambag Plus so that I can choose 3 full size products. My July bag was missing an expensive Dr Brandt eye cream. I contacted ipsy and was told it would be shipped within 15 days. Perfect, well not so perfect. Two weeks later I receive a cheap makeup brush that I don't like, need or want. Once again I contacted customer service and said I wanted the original product I selected or a reasonable substitute. I get a message with saying the product was out of stock, which it isn't, as I see it offered as an optional purchase, and they offer me 600 points. All that would get me is a sample size product from a pathetically small selection. It's insulting. Maybe it's time to switch to one of the other subscription services, such as Birchbox.

Products used:
It was a missing product and the replacement was completely unsatisfactory

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Thumbnail of user gj124
1 review
13 helpful votes
March 4th, 2020

I subscribed to Ipsy beginning in September 2019. Three things I rated as being the least interested inmascara, makeup brushes, and bronzersseem to arrive every single month. I also get a constant stream of highlighter powders, which also had a lower selection rating. I have only received one hair product in 6 months, and actually loved that one. What I indicated as wanting the most were eyeshadow and lipstick samples, areas I have the most trouble with. I have only ever received 2 eyeshadow samples. The rest, I have gotten via monthly $3 add-on opportunities, and that's fine. It seems to be the only way I can actually get eyeshadow samples from them! The best makeup samples are the lipsticks, and that's why I have given them a 3 star rating instead of lower. I have the most trouble with lipsticks and have been happy with those samples. All facial products and hand lotion samples have been average at best. I have only found 3 products that I really loved in 6 months / 30 samples received. I just cancelled Ipsy and subscribed to Sephora yesterday.

Thumbnail of user brendaa138
1 review
2 helpful votes
August 23rd, 2019

I changed from recieving products from Birchbox to recieving products from Ispy. Im getting the clam bag and been happy until 1 of the 5 products a moisturizer I received this month has effected my eye's so bad. The first time I used the moisturizer it hurt my eye's so bad I could barely open them all day, so I thought I got it in my eye's but the next day I used it I was very careful not to get in my eyes, but It did the same thing, im sitting here now barely able to write this cause today is my second day of using the moisturizer and ive washed my eyes out several times today and still having problems so im going to the eye dr tomorrow to make sure there is no damage. Ipsy not very kind or caring of their customers, I went to Chat with one of the reps bout my concern and if others have complained of this product but I was offered to join a chat room to talk to other customers for $5, wow! Slap my face. No more chat rooms for me, they could of act concern atleast.

Maybe I should go back back to Birchbox. Trust me Ispy doesn't care to loose a customer, im sure i will have a hard time canceling.

Thumbnail of user vanessaj24
1 review
3 helpful votes
July 12th, 2017

Loved ipsy at first, but there sending products I can't use, I've asked for more reddish lipstick, different eyeshadow, all I'm getting is Gold, more gold, and more gold. Ready to Cancel. Lol bags r cute

Thumbnail of user kaylissas
1 review
2 helpful votes
June 9th, 2017

I found better value with other subscription services (my favorite is play by sephora which is also $10).

Thumbnail of user jasmineg14
2 reviews
12 helpful votes
April 5th, 2016

I am reading the reviews and as far as I'm concerned, we are receiving or will be receiving cosmetics for $10 monthly and usually good things we can use and if not they are definitely good to regift. The simple "free" advertisements we give ipsy by posting to face book or other sites is such a petty thing to complain about. We scratch their back they scratch ours so to speak. We get good deals and they get advertisement. I look forward to receiving my first bag!

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From the business

ipsy co-founder Michelle Phan has captivated countless viewers around the world through her beauty video tutorials on YouTube. She envisioned a vibrant community where women could be inspired to express their unique beauty, and ipsy is that community!

“ipsy” comes from the Latin word ipse, meaning “sense of self.” By celebrating beauty of all forms in the world, ipsy provides a platform for anyone to express both their inner and outer radiance. With videos from ipsy's well-loved YouTube stylists, including co-founder Michelle Phan, as well as from a devoted and engaged user community, ipsy is changing the way women learn about and experience beauty looks.

When you become a member, you can learn new beauty tricks, participate along with your favorite ipsy stylists in monthly looks, and connect with other ipsters who inspire you.

Company Representative

Thumbnail of user mikhailu
Kaila B.
Manager
Typically does not respond to reviews

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