What's your favorite beauty box subscription service, and why do you love it?
Beauty box subscription services (services that require members to pay a monthly fee in exchange for a box full of beauty samples and/or full-size items) have really taken off in the past few years. I remember a time when there were only two or three services out there, and everyone got the same "mystery" box once a month. Now, there are dozens of companies offering monthly boxes and, often times, you can select exactly what you want each month (or in some cases, you have to enter a raffle for a chance to get the box you want). And these subscription services aren't just limited to beauty anymore--you can get food-themed boxes, fashion-themed boxes, pet-themed boxes, etc. for a monthly fee. With so many options out there right now, I'd love to hear about your favorites and, more specifically, why they're your favorites.
Note: You're welcome to leave a link to your favorite beauty box subscription service in your comment, but please refrain from posting affiliate links--they will not be approved. Thanks!
I have to say at the moment my favorite box for the value is Ipsy (though I certainly had my fair share of issues with them when they first launched and I took a break from them for several months while they got their act together). I feel like over the past few months I've gotten consistently the best bang for my buck with Ipsy. As far as structure and customization goes, I love Julep Maven for being so customer friendly and straight forward. I always know what I'll be getting and I always have the choice to skip a month for whatever reason. I never feel cheated or disappointed in my Maven boxes and that really means a lot.
ReplyDeleteIs there only one box for Ipsy? Meaning, everyone gets the exact same items?
DeleteI have an ipsy subscription and I love it. I looked a lots of the cosmetic/beauty boxes but in my opinion, this one had the best mix of drugstore/designer cosmetics. I also liked that they had a strong focus on cosmetics, where other boxes offered more skincare options.
ReplyDeleteI signed up for Ipsy last month. It's $10. It's makeup focused and the items are usually either full size or very nice samples, not the little packets some boxes offer. From video reviews of the last several months I can say I think it is a good deal. This month was a full size high end polish, a makeup brush, a large high end hairspray sample, a large argan oil sample, a large lotion sample, and a nice makeup bag. They also give you a card with discounts and coupons to purchase more of each of the items. I did have some issues with shipping, but it turned out their system did not send out a shipping notice and my box was waiting for me at the post office. I plan to continue with the subscription, I was quite pleased with the contents of my bag.
ReplyDeleteFunny thing- I just got an e-mail today from Julep.com about their "become a Maven" beauty box deal. You can decide what kind of beauty box you want and if you don't want one that month you can cancel it. I like the idea, but I'm a college student and the idea of being tied into something that could potentially cost me $40 a month....I don't know if it's something I can do right now. Want to- yes. But probably not a good idea...
ReplyDeleteSarah Beth, just a heads up, Julep is only $19.99/month (well, that's still on the higher end of beauty subscriptions, but it's much better than $40/month).
DeleteJulep's Maven box is $19.98 per month. You can change styles as often as you want (I think they have 5), or you can choose to skip a month and not get a box or charge at all. I love it. Very high quality, they always throw in extra things and the wrapping is always cute. I'd take a look. Oh yeah, with each box you buy, you may purchase 2 extra polishes of your choice for 4.99 each. In addition you accumulate JULES (points) for every two boxes you purchase, you can get one of the add on's for free!
DeleteSarah if u type penny at checkout ur first boix is a penny u only pay shipping which is 4.99
DeleteSarah if u put thw word penny at ckeckout ur first box is a penny u only pay shipping which is 4.99
DeleteJust ordered my 1st Julep box using the "penny" code - thanks!!!!
DeleteI did some extensive research before I decided to subscribe to ipsy's glam bag. I just think the vibe their company exudes is very fun and vibrant and doesn't take itself too seriously. Glossybox I decided was too expensive and Birchbox throws in a lot of wildcards that sometimes are more "lifestyle" related. I got my first one last month and it was so cute! Even the products I thought I wouldn't like I ended up loving. But also I'm not much of a whiner so I was pretty content. It's $10 with free shipping and I know for a fact the value of the contents of my bag far exceeded what I paid. Anyone considering it should try it!
ReplyDeleteProbably my favorite is IPSY (Myglam), because its 10$ a month and it usually has at least one full sized sample in it, and the other samples are a great size, too. I used to have sample society and I loved that one, however they are mostly skincare so I cancelled for the time being since my drawer of skincare is almost overflowing!
ReplyDeleteI've had a birchbox subscription for over a year now. I love it! It gives me a chance to try some more pricey products that I wouldn't have otherwise. I have sampled so many things that I've ended up loving and purchasing. I know that I never would bought them without having sampled. And their points program is the best! Basically, if you review each product you are sent, you'll get $5 to spend in the birchbox shop. I totally recommend it.
ReplyDeleteI have received Birchbox, Glossybox, and Testtube. I have to say if you want full size products Glossybox and Testtube are the way to go.
ReplyDeleteI have been a Birchbox subscriber for almost two years now! I think the best beauty box depends on what you want from it. For me, I wanted to try up and coming beauty brands and learn more about beauty products by trying them. By far, Birchbox succeeds at doing this. Especially because they use a personal profile filled with detailed information that helps them determine what they send you. I have also subscribed to Ipsy (or as it was, MyGlam) but I felt that service included products that weren't really suited to my taste. The bags are adorable though. Overall, if you want to discover new products right away, Birchbox is the way to go! The Birchbox Man is excellent as well.
ReplyDeleteI get Birchbox, Ipsy, and Glossybox. Glossybox is probably my favorite because the samples are good sizes and there's always at least one full size item in there, sometimes two, and they're quality brands. My first month I got a really lovely Illamasqua polish in a silvery metallic. I've only had Ipsy for one month but it was a really good month - there was nothing in the box I didn't like! I'm looking forward to next month. Birchbox is hit or miss; sometimes I really like the products, sometimes I don't, and they always throw in these stupid tiny perfume samples you can get for free other places, plus I don't wear perfume so they're useless to me. But there's no way to opt out of those. I'd recommend Ipsy to anyone, Glossybox if you have a bigger budget.
ReplyDeleteI adore the beauty testube because I get full sized products from high end brands.
ReplyDeleteI also get a magazine with it. It's 30 bucks but I get a tube every 4 months. In the last tube I got a full size tarte blush! :)
I enjoyed MyGlam bag much better than my other 2 subscriptions from a Birchbox and beauty 5. My Glam gives you more deluxe size samples and 1 full size item.
DeleteI like Ipsy/My Glam boxes because the products you actually use/buy and the give deluxe sizes. I am also subscribed to Birchbox and Beauty5. I like do like some of the boxes from them but not all.
ReplyDeleteIm new to this type of service I will only be recieving my first box this month. I am subscribed to the nail art society box. What I like about it is that I can try different brands and looks without having to invest in a ton if i dont like it. It looks like you recieve enough accessories to replicate the look 2-3 times so you can get a feel for if you like it or not. Some looks like studs I dont want to do all the time but they are fun to try and I dont want to put money into supplies I wont even use half of.
ReplyDeleteAnother perk for me is that I live in a place devoid of Sephora's and Ulta's so if i cant get it at target, wal-mart, or ross I have to order it. Shipping is a pet peeve of mine and with some things I want to see it in person.
Glossybox is my favorite but it's too expensive for me right now. It really is worth the $20 a month, though. The brands and deluxe sample or full size products in the boxes would cost WAY more than $20.
ReplyDeleteI loved Birchbox's points system, but the samples were just way too small even for $10/month + added value from points. My last few months were just foil packets with perfume samples, hair ties or Luna bars as my "big" product. It's hard to properly sample a product with a one time use foil packet to go off of!
Ihave been Birchboxing it (as my husband calls it) for a couple of years and every once in a while I am disapointed and I think to cancel but I don't and then the next one is awesome. I really like when they include nail polish (surprise surprise) . Based on the comments above I think I am going to look at Ipsy today! This was a fun question! Maybe I will like the change!
ReplyDeleteI signed up for the new service from SquareHue in December. Three full-sized (0.5 ounce) nail polishes, not minis, in square bottles that don't threaten to tip over. I didn't want a bunch of samples like shampoo and conditioner and was only interested in nail polish. I've gotten the January and February boxes so far and love them -- the collections are themed but you don't know what the colors are ahead of time, and I like the surprise. The cost is $21 a month which included shipping, and you can suspend or cancel any time. I was able to sign up at an introductory reduced rate that's good for the life of my subscription. :-D
ReplyDeleteI have to say Birchbox. It has introduced me to so many new brands that have amazing products. Their samples are nice sizes and they offer a variety of different beauty products. I love their points system; I've purchased the full size of a few samples and I plan on purchasing more.
ReplyDeleteI only have Birchbox, but I have to say, I have never been disappointed with a box. I've always gotten a full size item (or a ginormous sample size that is as big as some full sized products). I feel that they have always been pretty much tailored to me. But I seem to be in the minority when it comes to loving Birchbox!
ReplyDeleteI do like their points system, too. I have no problem taking the time to write a review if it means that I'll get a $1 credit per review.
I did birchbox for 1 year. Overall I was happy with the samples except for the perfume vials. I did not renew for an other subscription because I needed to trim up my budget expenses.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Julep, it's so great that you can see exactly what you're getting everything month (minus the bonus surprise), can switch up styles, can add on different colors, and I LOVE the option to skip! I wish more services would take after them. I have also gotten Birchbox for a while now, it isn't the best IMO, but it's always usable stuff & occasionally you get an awesome high value item. I also really make use of their reward program so I see it as really more like $5 a month than $10...it's how I got my Clarisonic for $30!!!
ReplyDeleteMy favorites are also Ipsy/MyGlam and Julep. I am trying Sample Society right now, I am still not sure. It is skincare centered, but had mascara in one box and eye pencil in another... The point is you get to try deluxe products. I have received eye cream and face cream, BB cream, mini-philosophy... Since full size items are sometimes 100$+, it is a good way to try some of the more deluxe products. The tiny eye cream sample was fantastic and lasted at least a month.
ReplyDeleteI had Birchbox for two years and just cancelled it. I didn't like the perfume samples and how tiny some were. I did get some really awesome products that I love and have repurchased but I want more makeup instead of the other stuff. I signed up for ipsy and so far I really liked both boxes. I will see how it goes but if I like the others as much as this month's than I know I made the right choice.
ReplyDeleteI had a subscription to Glossybox, Birchbox and Beauty Army that I have since cancelled because I was not too keen on the sizes of the products I was receiving. Especially Birchbox - a lot were one-time-use samples that I started to find annoying. The best, and only subscription I have at this time, is Ipsy. The products are big and they are fun. I've wanted to try an Urban Decay Glide on Pencil for a long time - and the other month I received one in my Ipsy bag!
ReplyDeleteMy first Julep Maven box is scheduled for delivery for today; I have high hopes for it, not least because it was a penny plus shipping! I also ordered the Cupid Mystery box because I like to live dangerously. Or because I'm addicted to nail polish. I've never used any other kind of subscription service, but I may have to look into Ipsy since it seems popular around here!
ReplyDeleteI'd never heard of Ipsy, and Birchbox seemed too expensive, so I am so glad that you asked this question. I signed up for Ipsy today and am looking forward to my first box next month. Their website sign-up process kind of sucks, though. I got all kinds of errors when I tried to sign up last night.
ReplyDeleteI'd really like to know if there are boxes that ship to Finland. Does anyone know of any? I'll be studying abroad there and thought I'd take advantage of the boxes there! But I can't find any.
ReplyDeleteApparently Livbox is in Finland
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