Keeping up with the latest beauty trends can be tricky. There’s a new beauty trend, skincare fad or makeup tip around every corner and it’s impossible to try it all… that was, until beauty subscription boxes hit the scene. So what is the best beauty subscription box?
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There’s nothing more annoying than buying a product that’s been recommended to you, only to find it doesn’t work the way you’d hoped, or it doesn’t agree with your skin. That is why the phrase “try before you buy” is so pertinent here. Rather than spending all your money on products that celebrities and the media convince you are the best, a beauty subscription box allows you to try out new products that you wouldn’t necessarily go for, and to find out what you like and what works well for you.
Most boxes are tailored or personalised to you, so you’re unlikely get something that you really hate, but you’ll still be surprised with the contents when it arrives. It’s a win-win. Not only that, but they are excellent value for money. The products you receive in your monthly box often total at least double the amount you pay for the subscription, so it’s the perfect way to get your hands on designer products that you couldn’t otherwise afford, or the latest products you may not have even heard about before.
From cosmetic-specific boxes to general beauty boxes that include skincare, haircare, fragrance and accessories, a beauty subscription box is the best gift to yourself or a friend. Boxes can range from anything around £10-£70, and often include around 4-5 products per month, with some being delivered bi-monthly. If you're wondering where you're going to keep all of your lovely new products, why not check out our list of the best make up bags and the best make-up organisers to keep everything to hand.
We’ve picked out some of the best beauty subscription boxes on the market right now, to suit all lifestyles and budgets. So if you’re thinking of treating yourself, be sure to read up on the ones we’ve found below.
Mintd Box makes the top spot on our list for its luxurious feel and premium products. There’s certainly no skimping when it comes to carefully curating each box to suit the subscriber. You can choose to sign up either monthly or bi-monthly, and for a cost of £65.00, you will receive a beautiful box including full-sized products related to your beauty profile. Users say that they were very pleased with the products chosen for them and it is clear that these boxes haven’t just been thrown together; they have been designed with thought. This is one of the best subscription boxes for skincare, and you’ll get a chance to try out products you may never have considered buying before, with the value of boxes often coming to double or triple the amount you pay. You can cancel your subscription at any time, so if you find the products don’t agree with you, you’re not tied into a contract for a period of time.
Glossybox is the ultimate girly-girl package. If you’re obsessed with make-up and glitter and pampering, then this is the box for you. Each month has a different theme, and you’ll receive 5 products each month (4 of which are usually full-sized), plus you’ll get loads of tips and tricks on the latest beauty trends. Whether you’re skilled when it comes to contouring or you’re rubbish at perfecting your winged eyeliner- this is one of the best subscription boxes for makeup and keeping up to date with the new trends. For only £10 a month, this is also one of the cheapest beauty subscription boxes on the market, but it certainly doesn’t lack in quality.
Cohorted send their beauty products packaged in a sleek black box completed with hand tied bow for a completely mysterious and luxurious feel. With this box you should expect products that are going to wow you, as they don’t mess around with high-street brands. Think Nars, Chanel, Lancome and much more. Although it’s not as personalised as some other boxes, Cohorted aim to include a new or up –and-coming brand in each box, which is a great way to keep on top of all the latest beauty trends and discover new products you wouldn’t have otherwise heard about. For anyone who loves to keep on top of the latest style trends, this is the beauty subscription box for you.
Look Fantastic has jumped on board the beauty subscription box wagon and has done incredibly well. If you’re someone who loves experimenting with new looks and trying new skincare products, this is the box for you. From face masks to eyeshadow palettes and contouring brushes; you’ll quickly build up a solid make-up collection as well as all the skills to go with it when you subscribe to this beauty box. Each box has a different theme with something to get you excited all year round including Christmas-specific boxes, pamper boxes, and boxes tailored to specific trends so you’ll be bang on trend all year round. Boxes can be purchased on a rolling monthly basis or you can save money by subscribing to a 3, 6 or 12 month plan – either way, the contents is worth way more than the box, so it’s a beauty no-brainer.
Skinbox offers personalised skincare boxes based on your skin type, with each product being carefully selected by skincare specialists so you can perfect the best daily routine for you. All of the products are made with natural ingredients and you can specify whether you have dry, sensitive, mature, and oily or combination skin to ensure you get the best MONU products they have. MONU are entirely cruelty free and make all of their products in Britain. The box will include 4 products each month, focusing around what they call “the four pillars to great skin”: cleanse, tone, exfoliate and moisturise. You’ll also receive a mystery gift every 12 weeks, just for signing up. The best thing about this beauty subscription box is that they offer boxes for men as well as women – a great gift idea for a loved one!
If you’re trying to lead a healthier, greener lifestyle, then this all-natural beauty subscription box is perfect for you. Whether you’re vegan, or simply want to discover new ways to be better to the environment, Vertue will carefully choose from a selection of products to build a box that’s tailored to you. You could receive anything from cosmetics to superfoods and protein blends, and you’ll get to fill in a beauty profile so that they have an idea of what you might like to receive. Every product is suitable for vegetarians with most being suitable for vegans, too, but if there is any ingredient you wish to exclude from your box all you have to do is let them know. If you’re unsure if this box is right for you, you can also order a trial box at a cheaper price which will let you test out some of the products before committing to a subscription.
If you like surprises, then the LookIncredible beauty subscription box is the best way to treat yourself every month with new and exciting products. Not only is this beauty box affordable, but LookIncredible don’t skimp on size or quality so you can be sure to receive 4-5 full-sized products in each box which are designed to last you through the month. There’s no customisation option, but you’ll receive a mixture of products including anything from mascaras and lipsticks to moisturiser and accessories such as compact mirrors, and they take on board feedback when adding new surprises into your box each month. If you're not a fan of surprises, we've rounded up our own lists of the best mascaras and the best lipsticks if you want more specific guidance.
Getting your period is never a fun experience, but with Betty box you can at least make it a little more bearable. This beauty subscription box has all the essentials you need to get you through your time of month and is great for teenagers going through puberty. You’ll get to pick your sanitary product of choice (this can always been changed from month to month depending on your personal preference), and on top of that you’ll get a selection of beauty products, body sprays, chocolates and sweet treats. Everything a girl needs to get through their period. Girls say they love the customisation and it’s a nice little pick me up every month.
If you’d like a little treat each month but don’t like the element of surprise, then Latest in Beauty allows you to pick exactly what products you want and when you want them. You can either build your own or choose from a set collection of beauty subscription boxes so you can tailor it to yourself or as a gift for a friend, which reduces the risk of you receiving something you may not like. There are hundreds of products to choose from including face masks, moisturisers, makeup bags, fake tan and so much more. This box is a great way to try new products you think you might like, without committing to the price of full sized products.
Awebox is a great all-round subscription box, where you can choose from a range of products to suit your lifestyle or to tailor a gift to a friend or family member. Choices don’t just include beauty, but a range of interests that include food, beverages, stationary, homeware and pet products. This is by far the most versatile option on the list; the only downside is you can’t specify a skin type in the beauty category, which means you can’t guarantee you will get on with the products. However, you can always order a one-off box to see whether you like the type of products Awebox have to offer.
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