Beauty mavens looking to amp up their skincare or makeup routine will appreciate a monthly delivery of everything from full-size products to samples of pricey creams and serums to test before buying. Alternatively, for those who haven’t shopped outside the drugstore, beauty subscription boxes are a great way to find new favorites when you run low on the essentials.
How do Beauty Subscription Boxes Work?
While you might think that beauty subscription boxes only offer skincare or makeup products, these days, you can find a box for just about anything. New companies like Billie, the shaving subscription box, deliver monthly supplies straight to your door, whereas fan-favorite beauty retailers like Dermstore, Walmart, and The Detox Market compile their best-selling and trending products in curated boxes so you can be in the know on what’s buzzing in makeup, skincare, hair care, and more. And for those who love personalization, there are plenty of options available that match you with products based on your preferences to create a more tailored experience. Scentbird and Birchbox are two brands that have you fill out a quiz when you sign up so they can get better acquainted with your beauty needs and goals. Plus, it’s so easy to sign up for a digital subscription—just hit “subscribe” and you’ll have a new assortment of products on your vanity within the month; no aisle-browsing or long lines needed. Most brands have a variety of subscription plans and allow you to choose how frequently your box will arrive, which typically ranges anywhere from monthly, every three months, or annually. Beauty boxes like FabFitFun, however, deliver each box seasonally, meaning that you’ll get four boxes for the year. Regardless of the brand or subscription you’ve chosen, there is always the option to opt out at any time if you want a break in between box deliveries. Below, we’ve rounded up the 14 best subscription boxes for every type of beauty enthusiast.
Best for the Mask Maven: FaceTory Sheet Mask Box Best for the Bargain Hunter: Birchbox Beauty Box Best for the Fragrance Fan: Scentbird Subscription Box Best Budget-Friendly Box: Walmart Beauty Box Best for More Than Just Beauty: FabFitFun Seasonal Box& Best Variety of Beauty Brands: Glossybox Beauty Box Best for Luxe Samples: BeautyFix by Dermstore Best for Shaving: Billie Monthly Subscription Best Value: Macy’s Beauty Box Best for Clean Beauty: The Detox Box by The Detox Market Best for Nail Polish: Orly Color Pass Box Best Shade Range: Cocotique Beauty and Self-Care Box Best for Hair Dye: eSalon Color Plan Best for the Beauty Connoisseur: Allure Beauty Box
“I love this set,” one reviewer wrote. “It’s a bargain. The products are amazing and make my skin feel so smooth. They also smell really nice. I’m really happy with this purchase. My first set came with a wash off mask, paper masks, toner, and a serum.” “I used the same three perfumes for decades until I discovered this service,” one reviewer wrote. “Now I have several favorites and enjoy the great prices to buy larger sizes when I fall in love with the scent of the month.” “I’ve ordered several beauty boxes from Walmart,” one reviewer wrote. “I really do enjoy these beauty boxes because it gives you a chance to try sample size items and saves you money in the long run. They are cheaper than other beauty boxes, but still have really good items in the box.” Being a FabFitFun subscriber has more perks than meets the eye. In addition to receiving a seasonal box, members are also privy to exclusive deals and discounts through the brand so they can shop their favorites from the box and add them to their beauty collection permanently. “It is beautifully curated,” one reviewer wrote. “I am on day four and am so pleased with each day’s surprise. This is so fun and rewarding. I am looking forward to each day … The products are perfect.” “I’ve been a constant subscriber for almost two years now, and I almost always use every product that I receive—and the ones that I don’t use are happily taken by friends or family,” one long-time subscriber wrote. “The assortment and value of products in this box still continues to impress me. I’m still loving it! This is probably my fave.” What sets Billie apart from its shaving counterparts is its ergonomic design, which allows you to achieve a close and precise shave without any slipping. The fan-favorite razor also features rust-proof blades and minimizes your chances of nicks and cuts with its charcoal-infused shave soap border. So not only are you getting a quality shave, but your skin is being treated to a cleansing and moisturizing moment of TLC as well. Beyond the box, signing up for the Macy’s Beauty Box gives you access to coupons on your future beauty orders. Subscribers get $10 off on beauty purchases of $40 and more, so you can buy your new favorite products once you run out of the samples. Each box is valued at $90 or more, and comes stocked with one or more products from the month’s spotlighted brand. Past boxes have included brands among the likes of RMS Beauty, Innersense, Herbivore, Sahajan, and the Miranda Kerr-founded Kora Organics. “Honestly, I probably sound like a broken record, but each seasonal collection from Orly really blows my mind,” one reviewer wrote. “Considering the quarterly cost of the box is $29.75, finding the whole collection for cheaper than the Color Pass price will be difficult. If you love nail polish, I really suggest giving this box a shot.” “I am a current subscriber and I love their boxes,” one reviewer wrote. “I love being able to get full size products and also samples. When you get the samples, it’s a good way to try new products you probably would never buy. I look forward to getting the box every month!! Because of Cocotique, I am experimenting and wearing my natural hair more.” “This kit is [the] next best alternative to going to get your hair colored at a salon,” one reviewer wrote. “A specialist mixed the color I wanted, and it’s darn close to what I was hoping for. The directions, gloves, and amount of product provided is perfect. I’m a fan of eSalon!” “I feel like I’m getting a great deal every month with it,” one reviewer wrote. “So many full size products that would cost WAY more than I’m paying for the monthly price for the box. I really look forward to seeing what’s in the box every month! I haven’t been disappointed at all. It’s always a great surprise and I’m so happy with it. This is the best by far.”
