May 2026 Ipsy Ultimate Review: What They’re Offering vs. What I Would Actually Pick

May’s Ultimate is one of those months where Ipsy clearly wants to look luxurious without fully committing to the chaos or the thrill. It’s a prestige anchored month with a predictable structure: one luxury makeup item, one luxury skincare item, and one cheap brush everyone gets whether they want it or not.

I’m not emotionally invested in this box — not the way I was last month — but if I’m going to do Ultimate for a single month, I’m at least going to curate it intelligently.

Below is the full item pool, followed by the eight items I would choose if I had total control.

What Ipsy Is Offering This Month

Prestige / High Value Items

• YSL Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick — $43 (universal)

• Sunday Riley Good Genes — $85

• Natasha Denona My Dream Cheek Trio — $48

• Natasha Denona Resurfacing Honey & Charcoal Mask — $69

• Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil — $46

• NARS Light Reflecting Foundation — $55

• NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer — $36

• Korres Wild Rose Brightening Sleeping Facial — $55

Mid Tier / Crowd Pleasers

• Rare Beauty Find Comfort Bouncy Body Cream — $36

• Murad Superactive Moisturizer SPF 50 — $35

• Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Cozy Lip Crème — $26

• Bisha Essential Setting Powder — $40

Fake Prestige / Filler

• Dermalactives Resurfacing Honey & Charcoal Mask — $159 (inflated RV)

• Ciele Blush Brush — $32 (universal filler)

What I Would Pick (If I Had Full Control)

1. YSL Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick — $43

Everyone gets it, but I would’ve chosen it anyway.

It’s the sensory anchor of the month.

2. Ciele Blush Brush — $32

Everyone gets it, and I would not have chosen it.

This is the tax we pay for the good stuff.

3. Rare Beauty Find Comfort Body Cream — $36

I’m in a body care era, and Rare Beauty tends to nail scent and texture.

A solid, comforting pick.

4. Sunday Riley Good Genes — $85

The prestige skincare anchor.

If I’m doing Ultimate for one month, this is the item that makes it worth it.

5. Korres Wild Rose Brightening Sleeping Facial — $55

Brightening, hydrating, and something I’ll actually finish.

A practical luxury.

6. Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil — $46

Lightweight, glossy, and fun.

Not a holy grail, but a good “treat” item.

7. Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Cozy Lip Crème — $26

I’m in my lip era.

This is an easy yes.

8. Murad Superactive Moisturizer SPF 50 — $35

Brightening + SPF is always useful.

Not thrilling, but absolutely practical.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t a “thrill month.”

It’s a value month — and a smart one if you curate it carefully.

My eight picks give me:

• Prestige skincare I’ll actually use

• Two lip products I’ll enjoy

• Body care, hair care, and SPF

• Only one dud (the brush)

• A real value total around $310 for items I’ll genuinely use

For a month I’m not emotionally invested in, this is a clean, efficient, regret proof Ultimate.