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i’m big proponent of treating myself. I think everyone should have lots of small meals, all the time, always. The monthly beauty box subscription guarantees that once every month you will receive a small box of happiness at your door. Whether the pleasure is focused on sample size, full-size products, makeup, skin care, or bath and body products depends on the service you choose. But I’ve tried a few months of a different service, and this is the best I’ve found.
Be sure to check out our related guides on Best Subscription Boxes for Kids, Best Snack Boxesand Best Meal Kit Subscription for more recommendations.
Updated December 2024: We added Ipsy, Boxycharm, and LuxSB to our list of recommended services. We also checked the accuracy throughout.
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Are Beauty Boxes Worth It?
WIRED: Beauty boxes are a great way to find new products, and they often offer great value compared to buying the items separately. You can’t put a price tag on the dopamine rush of getting a gift in the mail every month. (Or maybe literally, you can, but I still think it’s priceless.) Products that don’t work for you make great gifts or donation items.
TIRED: Some beauty boxes contain many small unfriendly plastic bottles and tubes, which can be bulky and difficult to recycle. You may receive some products that are not suitable for your hair or skin type, or may not work at all. Most beauty boxes don’t allow for any customization — what you get is a surprise.
I reached out to popular services and asked to try at least one month’s worth of boxes but preferably three months’ worth. I compared the value of the included items to the value of the box itself. I also took notes on the general variety and likelihood of the average person being able to use them—weighing specialized products against those available to the general public. And yes, I put all these lovely little potions on my actual face and hair and skin. Please refrain from asking me about the condition of my bathroom countertop during this trying time.
Note that some brands offer a box that is available for purchase outside of a subscription. I have not tested it or considered it part of the criteria for this guide.
