If there’s one thing that the last year has taught us, it’s that there’s nothing better than getting things in the mail when you’re homebound. Subscription boxes bring a touch of joy to our lives at unexpected moments. With a market flooded with beauty products from skincare to eye shadow palettes, we need all the help to find those holy grail products.
The formula for beauty subscription boxes is pretty standard–a variety of skin, hair, and beauty products to try at home, often with a discount for products you love. But are all subscription boxes the same? Absolutely not! We’ve rounded up the best bang for your buck when it comes to beauty with six boxes for the discerning woman to choose from. Whether you’re focused on skincare, cruelty-free beauty, or emerging prestige brands, there’s a box for you.
BeautyFIX by Dermstore
For the Skin Care Fanatic: BeautyFIX by Dermstore, $24.95 monthly, $34.95 one time
DermStore has a reputation for the most in-demand, dermatologist-approved skincare lines, but finding new products can be daunting. The BeautyFIX box offers a curated box with both skincare and haircare items in deluxe sample sizes. BeautyFIX promises at least six products in each box, but they often include more. The January 2021 box features ten products totaling over $100 in value.
Beauty Box by Allure
For the Trend Watcher: Beauty Box by Allure, $23 monthly, $65 for three months, or $250 a year
Want tools? Check. Out of stock skincare? Double-check. Fresh cosmetics? Well, you get the picture. The Beauty Box, curated by the iconic beauty publication, offers at least six products per box and promises that at least three will be full-size products. Most boxes top $200 in value. Recent items include products from L’Occitane, a full set of gel nail stickers, and a high-end cosmetic sponge. You’ll get the full gamut of beauty here.
BoxyCharm
For the Sample-hater: BoxyCharm, $25 monthly, $70 for three months, $138 for six months, $275 for a year
Everyone loves the thrill of trying something new. But when the maker says to expect results in two to four weeks and you’re holding three days’ worth of product, most are more exasperated than euphoric. BoxyCharm eliminates that by only including full-sized products–five of them to be exact. Expect full eye shadow palettes from Tarte or Nars, full-sized serums from Sunday Riley, or enough Moroccan Oil shampoo to last you at least a month. Plus, the BoxyCharm app means you’ll know exactly how to use that of-the-moment serum or palette. Want even more? You can upgrade to the Luxe box and get eight full-sized products in a box that averages a $397 value.
Nourish Beauty Box
For the Animal Lover: Nourish Beauty Box, $29.95 monthly, $86.95 every three months, $159.90 every six months
Vegan and cruelty-free beauty options are happily becoming easier to find, but this subscription box makes it a breeze. Every month, you’ll find four full-sized vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free skin care products or cosmetics from brands like La Bloom and Earth Science. One thing that sets Nourish apart is the option to build your own beauty box. Pick any four products from their online store for $39.95 and have a truly personalized experience.
Tribe Beauty Box
For the woman that supports other women: Tribe Beauty Box, $34.99 bimonthly
Bili Balogun, the founder of Tribe Beauty, knew what she wanted in a beauty box–products made by women for women in every shade of the spectrum. Her Tribe Beauty box does just that with five products in each box–skincare, face, eye, and lip products, and one tool totally $125 in value. Did we mention that all products are by independent and female-owned companies? The future is female, indeed.
Ipsy
For the woman that just wants a taste, Ipsy, $12 monthly
Sometimes deluxe sample sizes are exactly what you need! Ipsy is one of the original beauty boxes and offers a personalized take on your beauty regiment. Fill out one of their surveys and they’ll customize your box for your unique beauty needs. Plus, Ipsy comes with an attractive makeup bag in each box (the glam bag) so you’ll always be ready for a quick touch up on the go. Since its inception, Ipsy has added levels to its offerings so now you can upgrade to full-sized options in your bag or a mixture of samples and full-sized. Find something you love? You can order it at a deep discount as a member on the Ipsy shop.
Whether you want just a taste of what’s new or the long-range testing option of full-sized products, there are beauty boxes for you. Once you’ve chosen your favorite box, head to YouTube, and find your community. There are endless videos celebrating the unboxing of each month’s picks and tips on how to use them. And don’t we all deserve a little surprise now and then?
Found a product you love? Don’t let it go to waste! Check out the reality behind expiration dates here.
