Your Guide to Choosing Between Walmart Beauty Box & Ipsy

Hello, beauty enthusiasts!

There’s a special kind of joy that comes from finding a beautifully wrapped parcel on your doorstep. Now, imagine that parcel is filled with surprise beauty products, hand-picked just for you. This is the magic of beauty subscription boxes—a monthly or quarterly treat that lets you discover new favourites without the commitment of full-size prices.

But in a world full of options, how do you choose? Two names consistently rise to the top for affordability and popularity: the Walmart Beauty Box and Ipsy’s Glam Bag.

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I’ve been testing both services for months to bring you the most comprehensive comparison possible. As a UK beauty lover, I’ll also tackle the crucial question of international shipping that often gets overlooked in these comparisons.

Whether you’re a makeup newbie or a seasoned beauty junkie, this deep dive will help you find your perfect beauty box match. Let’s unwrap the details!

Understanding the Beauty Box Landscape

Before we compare our two contenders, let’s understand what makes a good beauty subscription:

The Core Appeal:

• Discovery: Trying new products before committing to full sizes
• Value: Getting more than you pay for in product worth
• Convenience: Curated products delivered to your door
• Surprise: The excitement of not knowing what you’ll get

Now, let’s meet our competitors in detail.

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Contender #1: Walmart Beauty Box – The Budget-Friendly Workhorse

The Practical Choice for Everyday Essentials

Walmart’s offering stands out for its straightforward, no-frills approach to beauty subscriptions.

Subscription Details:

• Cost: $7.98 + tax (approximately £6-£7) per quarter
• Frequency: Seasonal (4 times per year)
• Commitment: Pay-as-you-go, cancel anytime
• Ships to: United States only

The Unboxing Experience:
The Walmart Beauty Box arrives in functional, no-frills packaging. Products come nestled in simple paper shred within a cardboard box. It’s practical rather than luxurious—think of it as receiving a thoughtful care package rather than a luxury gift.

Typical Product Breakdown:

• Skincare: 40% (cleansers, moisturizers, treatments)
• Haircare: 30% (shampoos, conditioners, styling products)
• Makeup: 20% (lip products, occasional colour cosmetics)
• Wellness: 10% (deodorant, oral care, fragrance samples)

Brand Examples You Might Receive:

• Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer
• Pantene Pro-V Repair & Protect Conditioner
• Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer
• CoverGirl Clean Fresh Tinted Lip Oil
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum

Personalization Level: 2/5
During sign-up, you complete a brief beauty profile covering:

• Basic demographic information
• General skin type (oily, dry, combination)
• Primary beauty concerns
• Colour preferences

However, customization is limited. While they may adjust for clear skin concerns, most subscribers receive very similar variations of the same seasonal box.

Value Proposition:

• Guaranteed value: Always exceeds the $7.98 price point
• Practical focus: Products you’ll actually use
• Low commitment: Easy to skip or cancel
• Seasonal relevance: Often includes weather-appropriate products

Ideal Subscriber Profile:

• Beauty beginners dipping their toes into subscriptions
• Budget-conscious consumers who want maximum value
• Those who prefer practical beauty products over trendy items
• People who appreciate reliable, familiar drugstore brands

Contender #2: Ipsy Glam Bag – The Personalized Beauty Adventure

The Fun, Curated Experience for Beauty Enthusiasts

Ipsy has revolutionized beauty subscriptions with its focus on personalization and discovery.

Subscription Details:

• Cost: $13.95 (approximately £11) per month
• Frequency: Monthly
• Commitment: Monthly subscription, easy to skip months
• Ships to: Direct shipping to UK available

The Unboxing Experience:
Ipsy turns delivery day into an event. Each month features:

• A unique, collectible makeup bag (different design monthly)
• Colourful, branded packaging
• 5 deluxe sample or full-size products
• Information cards about each product

Typical Product Breakdown:

• Makeup: 50% (eyeshadows, lip products, complexion)
• Skincare: 30% (serums, moisturizers, treatments)
• Haircare: 10% (styling products, treatments)
• Tools: 10% (brushes, sponges, beauty tools)

Brand Examples You Might Receive:

• Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump
• Complex Culture Pressed Powder
• Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes
• Item Beauty Lash Snack Mascara
• Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Serum

Personalization Level: 5/5
Ipsy’s sophisticated algorithm uses multiple data points:

• Detailed beauty quiz covering skin tone, type, and concerns
• Hair colour, type, and preferences
• Specific product type preferences
• Monthly product ratings that refine future selections
• Choice feature: select one product each month

Value Proposition:

• High personalization: Truly tailored to your preferences
• Brand discovery: Access to trending and indie brands
• Community aspect: Active online community and reviews
• Regular excitement: Monthly delivery anticipation

Ideal Subscriber Profile:

• Beauty enthusiasts who love trying new products
• Makeup lovers seeking variety and trend-forward items
• Those who value personalization and choice
• People who enjoy the experience of unboxing and discovery

The Detailed Comparison: Breaking Down Key Factors

Cost Analysis Over Time

Customization Comparison

Walmart Beauty Box:

• Basic beauty profile quiz
• Limited variation between boxes
• Seasonal rather than personal focus
• Best for those who don’t have strong preferences

Ipsy Glam Bag:

• Comprehensive beauty quiz
• Algorithm improves with monthly feedback
• Choice of one product each month
• Ideal for those with specific tastes and preferences

Product Quality & Brand Prestige

Walmart:

• Focuses on mass-market, drugstore brands
• Products are reliable and tested
• Less focus on trends or innovation
• Good for building a basics collection

Ipsy:

• Mix of drugstore and prestige brands
• Includes trendy, social-media famous products
• More risk of unknown brands
• Better for expanding your beauty horizons

The UK Perspective: Shipping & Practicalities

This is where the decision becomes crucial for UK subscribers.

Walmart Beauty Box:

• Does not ship internationally
• Requires package forwarding service
• Adds £15-£25 per shipment in forwarding fees
• Adds 2-3 weeks to delivery time
• Complicates returns or missing item resolution

Ipsy Glam Bag:

• Direct shipping to UK available
• All customs fees included in subscription
• Reliable delivery timeline
• Customer service accessible to international customers
• Sign up for Ipsy UK here

The Verdict for UK Subscribers:
Given the shipping limitations, Ipsy is the only practical choice for UK beauty lovers. The additional costs and complications of forwarding the Walmart box remove its primary advantage of being budget-friendly.

Real User Experiences: What Subscribers Actually Say

Walmart Beauty Box Praise:

• “Great for stocking my travel bathroom kit”
• “Surprisingly good value for the price”
• “Low-pressure way to try new drugstore products”

Walmart Beauty Box Complaints:

• “Products can be boring or repetitive”
• “Very little customization”
• “Not exciting for makeup lovers”

Ipsy Glam Bag Praise:

• “Love discovering new indie brands”
• “The personalization actually works well”
• “The bags themselves are worth collecting”

Ipsy Glam Bag Complaints:

• “Sample sizes can be very small”
• “Sometimes receive products outside my profile”
• “International shipping can be slow”

Making Your Final Decision: Which Box Fits Your Life?

Choose Walmart Beauty Box If:

• You reside in the United States
• Your primary concern is budget
• You prefer practical beauty products over trendy ones
• You’re content with drugstore brand discoveries
• You want minimal commitment and easy cancellation

Choose Ipsy Glam Bag If:

• You live in the UK or outside the US
• You enjoy the excitement of monthly surprises
• You love experimenting with new makeup trends
• Personalization is important to you
• You’re willing to pay more for a curated experience

Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Subscription

For Walmart Subscribers:

• Update your beauty profile seasonally
• Use products within 6-12 months of receipt
• Combine with couponing for full-size purchases
• Repurpose the box for storage or gifting

For Ipsy Subscribers:

• Be detailed and honest in your beauty quiz
• Regularly rate your products to improve personalization
• Use the choice feature strategically each month
• Join the Ipsy community for spoilers and tips
• Consider the Ipsy Shop for member discounts on full sizes

The Final Verdict

Both beauty boxes deliver excellent value, but they serve fundamentally different audiences and needs.

The Walmart Beauty Box wins for pure, practical value and accessibility for US subscribers. It’s the reliable choice for someone who wants to enhance their everyday routine without financial commitment or fuss.

The Ipsy Glam Bag takes the crown for personalization, excitement, and international accessibility. It’s the perfect choice for beauty enthusiasts who see makeup and skincare as a hobby rather than just a routine.

For our UK readers, the decision is straightforward—Ipsy provides a seamless, enjoyable experience that justifies its slightly higher price point. The ability to receive your beauty surprise directly to your UK address without additional fees or complications makes it the clear winner internationally.

Whichever path you choose, the world of beauty discovery awaits. Happy unboxing

Frequently Asked Questions: Choosing Your Beauty Box

1. I live in the UK. Is it actually possible to get the Walmart Beauty Box?

Technically, yes, but it is not practical or cost-effective. Walmart does not ship the Beauty Box outside the United States. To receive it, you would need to use a package forwarding service, which provides you with a US address. This adds significant cost (£15-£25 per box in shipping and fees) and complexity, completely negating the box’s main appeal of being an affordable, simple treat. For UK subscribers, Ipsy is the only viable option of the two, as it ships directly to the UK with all customs fees included in the subscription price.

2. Which subscription offers better value for the money?

This depends on how you define “value.”

• Walmart Beauty Box offers better cost-per-product value. At approximately £7 for 4-6 products, your cost per item is around £1.50. The total value of the products always exceeds what you paid.
• Ipsy offers better discovery and personalization value. For £11, you get 5 products tailored to your tastes from trendier brands, plus a reusable makeup bag. You are paying for the curation and the experience, not just the products themselves.
  If pure monetary ROI is your goal, Walmart wins. If the value of finding new products you genuinely love is your goal, Ipsy wins.

3. How does the personalization really work for Ipsy compared to Walmart?

The difference is night and day.

• Walmart’s personalization is basic. A short quiz places you in a broad category (e.g., “woman with dry skin”). The variation between boxes is minimal, often just swapping a moisturizer for a different skin type. It’s a one-size-fits-most approach.
• Ipsy’s personalization is dynamic and detailed. A comprehensive quiz covers your skin tone, concerns, hair colour, and specific makeup preferences (e.g., “bold lips,” “smoky eyes”). Crucially, the algorithm learns from your monthly product reviews, constantly refining your profile. You also get to choose one product each month, giving you direct control. It’s a truly tailored experience.

4. I hate getting products I’ll never use. Which box is safer for avoiding beauty “duds”?

If you have very specific preferences, Ipsy is the safer bet due to its advanced personalization. By carefully filling out your quiz and consistently rating products, you can train the algorithm to avoid categories you dislike (e.g., red lipstick or glitter eyeshadow). The ability to choose one item per month also guarantees you’ll get at least one product you’re excited about. Walmart’s boxes are far less customized, so you have a higher chance of receiving items outside your interest zone, like a hair product for a hair type you don’t have.

5. What is the main difference in the types of brands I’ll receive?

The brand philosophy is a key differentiator.

• Walmart Beauty Box focuses on mass-market, drugstore giants. You’ll find reliable, household names like Olay, Pantene, Neutrogena, and CoverGirl. These are accessible, tested products you can easily repurchase at any supermarket or pharmacy.
• Ipsy specializes in “discovery” and indie brands. You’ll be introduced to trendy, often social-media-famous brands like Tarte, Complex Culture, Goldfaden MD, and Item Beauty. It’s your gateway to the wider, trend-driven beauty world beyond the high street.

6. Can I cancel easily if I don’t like the service?

Both services offer easy cancellation, but with a key difference in commitment.

• Walmart Beauty Box is a seasonal, pay-per-box service. There is no recurring charge. You are only charged when a new season’s box is about to ship, and you can cancel at any time without penalty.
• Ipsy is a monthly recurring subscription. While you can cancel easily online at any time, you must remember to do so, or you will be charged for the next month. However, Ipsy also offers a flexible “skip a month” feature, allowing you to pause your subscription without cancelling, which is great for flexibility.

7. Are the products in these boxes just tiny, useless samples?

The size and quality differ significantly.

• Walmart Beauty Box typically includes a mix of travel-sized products and single-use packets. While you will get sachets, you also often receive substantial deluxe samples of things like moisturizers and shampoos that provide multiple uses.
• Ipsy promises a mix of deluxe samples and full-size products. While you will receive some small samples, the majority are generous deluxe sizes (e.g., a mini lipstick or a decent-sized serum bottle), and you frequently receive full-size items like lip glosses, eyeliners, or brushes. The value is generally substantial.

8. Which subscription is better for someone who is new to makeup?

For a complete beginner, the Walmart Beauty Box is a less intimidating starting point. The products are generally simple, practical, and focused on skincare and haircare basics. There’s less pressure to understand complex makeup trends. However, if a beginner is eager to learn about makeup, Ipsy is a fantastic educational tool. It allows you to experiment with different product types in small, affordable sizes, helping you discover what you like without the risk of buying expensive full-size products that might not work for you.

9. How do I get the most out of my Ipsy subscription?

To maximize your Ipsy experience, be proactive:

1. Invest Time in Your Quiz: Be hyper-specific about your preferences and update it as your tastes change.
2. Use the “Choice” Feature: On the 2nd of each month, log in and personally select one of your products.
3. Rate Your Products Every Month: This is the most powerful way to train the algorithm. Be honest about what you loved and hated.
4. Explore the Ipsy Shop: Members get access to discounted full-size products, allowing you to buy a larger version of a sample you loved.

10. I only want skincare. Which box is more skincare-heavy?

The Walmart Beauty Box typically has a higher concentration of skincare and haircare items, often making up 70-80% of the box. It’s heavily weighted toward cleansers, moisturizers, and treatments from trusted drugstore skincare lines. While Ipsy allows you to indicate a strong preference for skincare in your quiz, it will always include a mix of makeup, skincare, and tools. If you want a purely skincare-focused box, a different subscription like Birchbox might be a better fit, but Walmart is the more skincare-centric option of the two compared here.