If you google “subscription box”, you’ll receive an overwhelming response. Started by Birchbox back in 2010, these subscription based services have really taken over. You can get nearly everything in a box. Beauty and clothing are really popular, but so are boxes for pets (think BarkBox), food and entertainment (Date Night in a Box). The boxes can come in different cycles (monthly, quarterly) and depending on the box, you can customize how often you want to receive one. The only subscriptions that I’m currently enrolled in are beauty related, although I have a few clothing subscriptions that are on my “to try” list!
Ipsy Glam Bag. This subscription costs $12.00 per month (basic plan, there are upgrade options). Each month you receive a personalized assortment of 5 mini size beauty and makeup products in a cute makeup bag/pouch. When you sign up, you complete a beauty quiz asking for your skin tone, eye color, hair color, favorite brands, how often you use products, etc. Once your quiz is completed, your beauty profile helps Ipsy to curate the products sent to you based on your answers. The bag that I received yesterday contains a facial cleanser, lip balm, eye liner, eye shadow and foundation. Happily, all of the makeup products are in colors and tones that will work for me. The cleanser I’ll use as a brush cleanser or in the shower since I’m very cautious about using new cleansers on my sensitive facial skin. Ipsy works for me because it’s a good price point and you receive products that are tailored for you. While I may not go out and buy any of the full sizes of these brands, it’s nice to have a few extra, basic makeup pieces that you can use in a pinch. I personally would rather have the travel sized products, I don’t need a lot of bulky, full size bottles and jars containing products that I may never use. https://www.ipsy.com/glambag#/2020/01/GLAMBAG
Play! By Sephora. If you are a regular Sephora shopper (like me!), this is something you really should purchase. For $10.00 a month, you get a nice assortment of 5 high-end products (albeit travel size) that are all sold at Sephora. In addition, with each box, you get a “Play Pass”. This is a card that you can redeem for an extra 50 Beauty Insider points. So if you’re an Insider at Sephora, this is a win-win. The downside is, you cannot customize your box. But considering the quality and variety of products that Sephora sells, chances are you are going to get a few per box that you can use. Plus the points really add up for rewards! https://www.sephora.com/beauty/play
FabFitFun (FFF). If you’re more into full-size products, then take a look at FFF. In addition to products, each box contains an “evergreen” gift, meaning they don’t get used up. Some of the items I’ve received in the past are a beach towel, a blanket scarf, jewelry and a coffee press. FFF is a quarterly subscription and their items all have a seasonal vibe. This box is more pricey at $49.99 per shipment. Boxes allow for customization, but I find I always miss the window of opportunity to customize and I get whatever random items they choose to send me. I’m on the fence about FFF. While I love the concept, I typically give away the bulk of the items. Unless I really make an effort to not miss the customization window, I may be cancelling this subscription in the very near future. https://fabfitfun.com/get-the-box/?step=getbox&#plan=fffvip
Test Tube by New Beauty. New Beauty is a unique publication in that it is devoted entirely to beauty. It’s basically an entire publication of advertisements for the best of the best luxury beauty products, with the back section devoted to a directory of leading cosmetic surgeons and dentists in your geographical area. The Test Tube evolved as a byproduct of the magazine and features products “editorially curated” and that are advertised in the magazine. Six times a year, you receive a “tube” that is re-usable (I use mine at work as catch-alls for paper clips, pens, etc.) As part of your subscription, you receive a copy of New Beauty that is shipped separately on a quarterly basis. The bi-monthly subscription is $29.95 per month. Each shipment contains about 8-10 samples in both full size and travel varieties. Also included is a product information booklet that describes each item in detail. I have loved this subscription since it started and look forward to the glossy publication as well as the high end products. There is no ability to customize, but 90% of the products I use and many I have actually purchased. https://testtube.newbeauty.com/
Birchbox. Although beloved by many, I cancelled my Birchbox subscription after having been a member for over 2 years. Over time, I found that I was giving away 90% of the items I was receiving. Just my personal preference, but I much prefer Sephora’s Play or Ipsy over Birchbox. https://www.birchbox.com/
BootayBag. Not beauty related, but this is a subscription that I recently cancelled. For $13.00 a month, you get your choice of cute, if not somewhat cheeky, underwear. You can select “always thong”, “never thong”, or “mix it up”. They’ve even added bras to compliment their panty line. Over time, I felt that I was not wearing most of the undies on a regular basis (I can’t live without my tried and true Jockeys!) and I wound up with a drawer stuffed full of panties. The quality also wasn’t the greatest. To me, if you want cheeky undies, just stock up at Victoria’s Secret during their semi-annual sales. https://bootaybag.com/
Bottom line: I love subscription boxes. I think they’re a great way to try new things with a minimal amount of time and cost. It’s always fun to see one of these waiting in the mailbox! The websites make it very easy to set up your subscription. The pitfall is signing up for TOO many and getting bombarded by products and not using the items that you’re receiving. What initially seemed like a good deal could easily become a lot of wasted money. All subscriptions are easy to cancel so if you find the products just aren’t working for you, take heart! There’s always another subscription out there that will be a perfect fit.
XO, Char
