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ipsy

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Overview

ipsy has a rating of 1.6 stars from 799 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 109th among Subscription Shopping sites.

  • Service
    218
  • Value
    217
  • Shipping
    216
  • Returns
    156
  • Quality
    203

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Positive reviews (last 12 months): 0%
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Negative
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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!

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Top Critical Review

“IPSY went from hero to ZERO”

patti K.
10/14/24

I joined back up for Ipsy Glam Bag. The price is now a total of $7 more per month and the items were pathetic! I wound up canceling after 2 bags. What a shame that something that I was once so good has gotten disgraceful. A big waste of money!

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Reviews (799)

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Reviews that mention popular keywords

credit card (68) customer service (182) glam bag (155) glam bags (155)
Thumbnail of user tessamariec
Canada
1 review
11 helpful votes
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February 28th, 2017

I cancelled my Ipsy bag about a year ago due to receiving a lot of products I wasn't interested in. I received an email today about a free ultra matte lipstick from Colourpop, excited, I decided to resubscribe. I clicked the link and it didn't allow me to select the free gift. Frustrated, I contacted them through email but then saw on Facebook that they respond faster on Twitter. I logged on my Twitter that I do not use. I ended up sending 2 tweets by accident due to me not knowing how to use/navigate twitter. I thought it didn't end up sending the tweet since I couldn't find it, but it was found under a different category on twitter (tweets and replies), again, I do not know how to use it. I thought about how they might want a more private message anyways just in case if they need my email, some sort of confirmation, etc. So I messaged them the situation in one message, and then included my email that was associated to my ipsy in a second message. Later today, I received a nasty and rude email saying that I kept overwhelming them and swamping their messages. Seeming like they were implying that it was all my fault they were busy. There's a way to treat paying customers and word and tone messages. I am a pretty understanding person and don't usually say anything, but the way that lady came off I could not stand to be spoke to like that. On top of the fact their email link didn't even work and was pretty sketchy. I am now cancelling my Ipsy completely and will not return, not even with the "free gifts." Therefore I will be taking my business elsewhere to Birchbox and the actual Colour Pop website.

Thumbnail of user laurv
Canada
1 review
4 helpful votes
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June 12th, 2019

Not only are the products not worth what i am paying... not even close! I could have bought this junk at the dollar store. AND they have processed 2 payments this month. EVEN THOUGH I CANCELLED!

Thumbnail of user christaw49
Alabama
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 16th, 2022

Had to change my card numbers because they take my money every month after canceling but don't send bags anymore. Scam and thieves

Tip for consumers:
Don’t use expired products and when cancel they keep taking your money and you never see a product again it’s so hard to stop it you have to change your credit cards

Products used:
None it was all expired

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Thumbnail of user shellyg101
Washington
1 review
0 helpful votes
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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 kk330
New York
1 review
1 helpful vote
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May 15th, 2020

Shipping is atrocious - 6 weeks and counting still haven't received a bag! Customer service useless - form letter replies they clearly don't even read your complaint- DO NOT BUY

Thumbnail of user kammieg
Oregon
1 review
8 helpful votes
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September 27th, 2016

You sign up and WHAM! Placed on a waitlist that forces you to spam people to get off of. This is AFTER you've given Ipsy your credit card/payment info.
There is NO customer service line, nor refunds. In my experience emails are automated & do not address your issue. Facebook page comments are answered by 2 women, who I suspect are employees. Tweets are ignored.

They are quick to snag your money on the first of the month, but ship slowly. Shipping is done in three batches, starting mid month. You may not get your bag for the month in THAT month, meaning you might be paying for the next month's bag without having received anything. My shipping estimates & actual shipping dates has change a dozen times, always pushing further & further back. My September bag, which no longer shows in my purchases, still hasn't arrived.

You WILL get to "peek" at your bag before it arrives. I subscribed because I thought it would be a fun way to explore new makeup. I was wrong. My bag, which not arrived, had mascara in it- mascara that has horrible feedback at that. Everyone already owns mascara, that's not exciting. Other items were a mini highlighter, a very cheap shadow brush, gel eye mask things, and a sample of facial scrub. Neither of the makeup items are full sized.

If you cancel your subscription before your bag arrives make sure to write down all the tracking info on FedEx's page, because Ipsy erases it, despite the fact it is outstanding & you had purchased it- it's not in your history- SCREENSHOT that! That is, if you successfully unsubscribe. You choose to cancel & they will ask you why- but you're only allowed to choose 2 options. Below that there is a HUGE, HOT PINK "cancel" button. Below that, in small, very light colored font, is the option to unsubscribe. This appears like this twice. I think it is meant to mislead you so that you remain subscribed/paying. Once you figure that out you will get an email to confirm. You MUST hit the link within to finish the process. I highly recommend that you SAVE the confirmation email you will receive shortly after!

Tip for consumers:
My not-so-glam bag arrived. Had I *any* idea when I filled out the skincare portion of the beauty profile that that I would receive almost exclusively those products I would not have done so. None of the reviews/reveals that I've seen indicated this possibility. I would recommend NOT filling out that portion, at all. I am shocked- these are tiny samples. They really do look like the freebies you get in the mail with a coupon!

Thumbnail of user micahs14
Texas
2 reviews
9 helpful votes
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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 kellys105
New York
1 review
31 helpful votes
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August 25th, 2015

I recently got my IPSY products and found that the products are containing CARCINOGENS LIKE PARABENS. There is now known connection with this and BREAST CANCER.

Thumbnail of user cadyb1
North Carolina
1 review
0 helpful votes
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August 3rd, 2022
Verified purchase

I used to love Ipsy in college because it was a great inexpensive way to try new makeup products. I cancelled after about 10 months because I had accumulated so many products I just needed to get through. I then resign up for the glam bag X back in July of this year, & they sent my bag to my old college apartment even after I put in the correct delivery address when I resigned up.

So of course I reach out to customer support, & they actually blamed it on me because I didn't change my address on the first of July (it's a policy apparently) even though I placed the order July 12th, & how would I even know on July 1st "hmm I may try Ipsy again this month! Better change my delivery address with them because I've moved since I've ordered from them!" Sorry no, Ipsy is the LAST thing on my mind when it comes to updating delivery addresses when I move especially when I'm not actively using it. But to no worry! Because they made an exception for me to actually get the bag to the correct address. How kind <3. I then bring that to the customer service rep's attention because that's an absolutely idiotic policy if I ever heard one. The customer service rep then says that they ALWAYS redeliver whenever a bag is missing which is contradicting what they first told me. So not only do they lie, they also can't cancel memberships when you tell them to the first time. I cancelled the glam bag X subscription obviously because I'm not buying from a company that lies. Yeah, they just changed my subscription to the regular glam bag & charged me. At this point I literally do not care that they charged me as long as I get the product I'm happy. Do not just cancel a membership with this company, contact customer service to remove all billing information because cancelling means nothing to them.

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Thumbnail of user laurak1253
Armenia
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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June 22nd, 2022

Great products with affordable prices. With only 28 dollars. Ordering already 3 years from this site.

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Thumbnail of user debral174
New Jersey
3 reviews
10 helpful votes
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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 angelas1372
Nevada
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 21st, 2021

If you want to cancel the option is blocked. You can't speak yo a person and get a circle of premade answers that don't help.

Tip for consumers:
If anything goes wrong you won't get your money back!!! You cannot talk to an actual person.

Products used:
I was billed but got no confirmation or product. They don't allow phone calls and say they can help more without people.

Service
Shipping
Thumbnail of user beverlyw342
South Carolina
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 23rd, 2021

I love my Glam bags. Look forward to them every month.
My favorite refreshments are the dazzling 5-blade razor kit. The bags are so cute.

Products used:
Cosmetics , hair products and shavers for women

Service
Value
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Quality
Thumbnail of user eileenm592
Florida
1 review
1 helpful vote
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January 2nd, 2022

I do like Ipsy's products, but they are not consistent with their customer service. I got my glam bag with a free gift... Went and unsubscribed from refreshments so I didn't get future charges and my gift was canceled. I emailed customer service and they wouldn't honor it and resend it. Instead, I was supposed to pay more money... That was the solution. It was honestly ridiculous, especially because my bag didn't even come until 2 weeks later. They also didn't want to give me my points that I was entitled to according to the email I was sent when I made that purchase. But then the same exact thing happened with the regular subscription. I clicked a button in my email by accident and canceled a minute later (same as what happened with refreshments) and they wouldn't cancel that... Even though the bag wasn't even anywhere near about to be distributed to my address. It was ridiculous. To be honest... I don't know how they justify running their customer service like this. It's a shame because they have nice products, but I don't want to deal with a company that acts like that

Tip for consumers:
Just beware that when you have to talk to customer service, they might just act like you can go suck it

Products used:
Cosmetics and skin care

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Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user kanas4
Connecticut
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 5th, 2022

Ipsy is charging my card for products I never got and won't refund my money back. I have told my friends and 5 have cancelled so far.

Products used:
They didn’t send me the product. Charged me for it anyway.

Service
Value
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Thumbnail of user danih36
California
3 reviews
0 helpful votes
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February 25th, 2022

I was with the company for several years. I started with my glam bag, and when each of the new subscriptions came out, I added them in. I didn't have a problem with them or their service until after the Pandemic. I noticed all of a sudden, not only was I getting things not in my profile, but they were PRIMARILY items not in my profile. I would get one, maybe two, items I could actually use. I tried to bring this to their attention, and instead of checking with tech to see if there was an actual error, I was disregarded, with it being blamed on my reviews, and that profiles are not guaranteed. Before this, I had NEVER had a problem with getting items that fit my profile.

After two emails trying to discuss it and being blown off I gave up. Then my glam bag x subscription came up and I picked my picks on the 3rd. When I got my box, NONE of my picks were inside. I immediately reached out to customer service to try to resolve the issue, and was again brushed off, and told I didn't submit my picks and they could only be submitted in a certain timeframe, completely disregarding the fact that I had told them I selected my picks on the 3rd. They blamed the issue on the app and suggested that next time I use their website. That's it. That's all. They blamed it on user error or app problems, but made no attempt to take accountability or try to MAKE IT RIGHT. In fact, rather than HELP me address the issue, they preferred my cancelling all three subscriptions to fixing a problem with 1 months bag. It says a lot about their company and lack of customer service. I'd much rather go to a company who actually appreciates me. So sad considering Ipsy is owned by an influencer.

Tip for consumers:
Don’t expect any service, what you see is what you get, even if THEY make a mistake. Hardly any of the items are tailored to you despite them saying they are.

Products used:
Some cosmetics, a couple of skincare items I was actually able to use

Service
Value
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Quality
Thumbnail of user kimberlyp1129
Tennessee
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 26th, 2022

Did not like at all, didn't recognize any brand. Probably worth what you pay. Cancelled subscription.

Products used:
Chap stick and blush

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Value
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Thumbnail of user robynb11
South Carolina
2 reviews
14 helpful votes
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July 23rd, 2015

I had to wait a few months for my glam bag because I closed my FB account and could not post about Ipsy. So what. It's only $10.00. I do not see why everybody is complaining about having to wait a while. It would be different if you were paying $100 or more but people. These are samples! So any way, in June I received a sample of Nars photo primer, which I already use, but I was almost out so this was perfect! I would say I will get about 8 - 10 uses out of this bottle. I also received a coral nail polish mini, an eyeshadow stick, eyeliner, and a fabulous smelling body butter that I gave to my friend after she begged for it. I just got the July bag today. I was thrilled to receive a full on, full sized compact with 4 eyeshadows by Nicka K New York. It is very silky and the colors are plum, cream, beigy pink and a light apricot, which are all great. I was surprised to receive a tweezer from Crown Brush because that alone is probably over 10.00. I also got a full size Teez lipstick however the color was not for me but no worries. One of my friends will be happy to put it to good use. The other two items in my colorful little bag are a 1 oz tube of pur-lisse facial cleanser and a. 5 oz bottle of beachy salt spray for hair, by Coolway, for creating beachy waves. I have not tried the last two items. Overall, this is a very good deal and it's fun to find out what I'm getting each month. Plus the bags are designed different each month and are so cute! It was definately worth the wait.

Thumbnail of user stevieb10
California
1 review
12 helpful votes
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June 22nd, 2016

Soooo yeah they took my money and haven't even recievedo my first bag yet! It's been a few weeks don't think it should take this long...

Thumbnail of user ashleyh52
Canada
2 reviews
29 helpful votes
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May 1st, 2015

Okay so I still stand by my absolute hatred over this companies polices. So here are a few points of why this company can go to a really warm place in my opinion:
1. Not everyone has all the social media requirements they want in order to skip ahead.
2. Have you seen the annoying postings that are posted if/when you do post on your social media. I had literally ten people on my facebook simultaneously post about ipsy. I mailed one of my friends and she apologized because apparently this stupid system posted the same post several times. In a row.
3. Yes you can wait if you want but to be pushed back two plus months is stupid. No other subscription service I have ever subscribed to made me wait before.
4. I will NOT post on social media because I am not a free walking advertisement. Seriously read the damn posting they put up on your social media pages. It praises ipsy. I won't praise or advertise until I am actually receiving the product and loving it.
5. Lastly their customer service sucks. They are extremely quick to apologize out of their rear if you threaten to cancel. I got a lengthy apology from one of their reps really quickly approx 3hrs after tearing them a new one. Unfortunately she did want conformation on my canceling saying some stupid thing about me being on the next months list and if I wanted she would bill me for the next months bag instead. I responded back telling her I was set on canceling and her response was about 2-3 days later. Funny how quickly they realize they actually want your money when you threaten cancellation, then when they are sure you can't be brought back in they either won't respond or delay the heck out of their response.
*And the only good note is that they didn't charge me for any bags. I think they know I someone you don't screw around with.

Service
Thumbnail of user kays497
Indiana
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 1st, 2022

I have ipsy and trying to get rid of it. The customer service number doesn't work and I can't call them.

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Thumbnail of user marcim8
North Carolina
2 reviews
16 helpful votes
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December 19th, 2015

I love this company. I've never had a makeup subscription and I've gotten 5 bags that I have very satisfied with.

Thumbnail of user billyd28
Pennsylvania
3 reviews
28 helpful votes
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July 19th, 2017

So, as a single dad I signed my 14 year old daughter up for Ipsy, BirchBox and Sephora. As a brander and marketer I tend to critique a little harder so please take this review for what it is worth.

First, I do not like the Ipsy approach to Ïf you can get a membership you are elite. This is a horrible marketing strategy when the competition (BirchBox and Sephora) allow you in directly. It screams that we are too busy and can only handle so many. That would be fine... EXCEPT... if she share with her Facebook friends she can get in faster, Let me understand this... If I promote your brand for FREE you'll cut me some slack and advance me, yet I still may or may not get in. This leaves me questioning if Ipsy really wants teen daughters (mine) business over the long haul or not. This approach may work on teen girls, but I am insulted because it says promote use free and we'll put you on our consideration list.

Now to be fair the products are not bad, but the arrival packaging of a bubble wrap envelope compared to a box from Sephora Play or BirchBox is drastically different in nature. If you don't know the difference you'd be fine, but if you compare you'd say it scream we are too cheap to give you the quality package our competitors give you. Again, not bad, just brand perception (something I deal with every day in my business).

I cancelled and I wanted my daughter to make a monthly subscription decision, that I'd pay for, and without my persuasion or personal business thoughts. At the end of the day she chose Sephora based upon product sizes, quality, packaging and the fact of local Sephora stores.

We hope our review is helpful. On a personal not, I would love to see Ipsy grow and become a better brand and even fire their current marketing team and get a new strategy so that they build life long loyal customers. The business model needs tons of work. Don't believe me? Compare the $$$$ numbers of all three companies and see who is doing it right.

Thumbnail of user kathyt28
Oklahoma
1 review
6 helpful votes
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September 22nd, 2015

The samples for ur hair needs to be more i have long thick hair and the sample bottles are not enough.

Thumbnail of user kristyh92
Illinois
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 16th, 2020

BUYER BEWARE! If I could give zero stars I would! This company has become a joke. I'm going on FOUR MONTHS trying to resolve issues with my June bag and still working on solving an issue with my July bag! Customer service is slow to respond (I've had to routinely wait several days to over a week to get a response) and just send one templated response after another. All they want to do is give you points that are no good unless you continue your membership (and even then the bonus products "sell out" immediately). They basically refuse to solve the actual issues. No one takes ownership to help you and your "case" is passed from one rep to another, even after requesting to speak to a manger, so no one knows what is going on. You basically run on a hamster wheel going nowhere email after email. No one at the company seems to care about their customers or retaining business. They are quick to charge you for your bag but don't ship in a timely fashion (if at all!), noting they can ship at any time during the month. Basically, they will charge you on the 1st and not ship your bag till the 30th and that's okay by them.

Further, products are getting smaller and smaller and seems like products and brands have become extremely limited and repetitive over the last year or so. Clearly they want to push people to their more expensive subscriptions. Their warehouse has also gotten sloppy lately. My last three bags have had at least one wrong or missing item. My products used to come neatly packed in the zipped bag however lately they are loose in the mailer like they were just thrown in. Some items are even open as if they have been used prior to shipping - very concerning for make-up/skincare! The bags have also become completely redundant. They used to be unique (different sizes, shapes, types, material, etc.) but now it's basically the same bag every month, just a different color or pattern.

Based on what I've read on social media, it looks like my issues and concerns are common occurrences. There are a lot of companies offering this type of service. I would HIGHLY suggest doing your research before giving this company your money and would highly discourage a yearly membership as you are then locked in with no recourse.

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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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