Are Beauty Subscription Boxes Worth It?

A new box arrives at your doorstep. Inside: skincare samples, a bold lipstick, maybe even a cult-favourite mascara — all for a fraction of the retail cost. But are these beauty subscription boxes really worth your money?

The beauty box trend is everywhere. With options from as little as $6 to $50 and beyond, you might be wondering if the value matches the hype. This post offers a clear, honest beauty box review — looking at what you get, who they’re best for, and when they’re worth it.

If you’re considering a box for yourself or as a gift, read on to find out if they deliver affordable beauty services — or just clutter your drawers.

What Is a Beauty Subscription Box?

A beauty subscription box is a monthly (or sometimes quarterly) delivery of curated products. You usually get sample or travel sizes, though some boxes include full-sized items.

They often focus on:

• Skincare
• Makeup
• Haircare
• Body care
• Wellness products

You fill out a quiz about your preferences and receive products matched to your profile, though not always perfectly.

What You Typically Get

Here’s what most boxes offer:

Price and Value of Products

• Sample-based (e.g. Birchbox)
• 4–6 sample-sized items
• $10–$15
• $30–$50
• Mid-tier (e.g. Ipsy Glam Bag)
• 5 deluxe samples or 1–2 full-size
• $13–$18
• $50–$70
• Premium boxes (e.g. BoxyCharm)
• 3–5 full-size products
• $25–$40
• $100+

The Pros of Beauty Subscription Boxes

1. Try Before You Buy

You can experiment with high-end brands without paying full price. It’s a low-risk way to test whether a product suits your skin or style.

2. Discover New Brands

Boxes often introduce you to indie or emerging beauty lines you wouldn’t find in local stores.

3. Affordable Way to Build Your Routine

For $15 a month, you might get moisturiser, cleanser, serum, and more — enough to skip shopping altogether that month.

4. It’s Fun

Let’s be real — it’s exciting. The unboxing experience is half the joy.

The Downsides to Consider

1. Product Overload

If you don’t use the products quickly, you’ll end up with piles of mini lotions and unused lipstick shades.

2. Hit-or-Miss Items

Even with a personalised quiz, some products may not match your needs or preferences.

3. Not Always Full-Size

Some people expect more full-size products than they actually get, especially with lower-tier boxes.

4. Subscription Creep

You may start with one box, enjoy it, and then subscribe to two or three. Before you know it, you’re spending more than planned.

Real Talk: Are They Worth It?

Here’s how to decide:

They’re probably worth it if:

• You enjoy discovering and testing new products
• You don’t mind sample sizes
• You’ll actually use what you get
• You like the surprise element
• You’re on a budget but still want quality brands

They may not be worth it if:

• You’re picky or loyal to a few specific brands
• You have sensitive skin and react easily
• You’re trying to reduce clutter or waste
• You don’t like surprises

Best Affordable Beauty Services by Category

If you’re on the fence, here are boxes known for offering real value:

Budget Finds (Under $20)

• Ipsy Glam Bag: 5 deluxe samples, $14
• Birchbox: 5 samples, clean beauty options, $15
• Walmart Beauty Box: 6–8 samples, $6.98/quarter
• Kinder Beauty Mini Box: Vegan & cruelty-free, $16

Premium Picks (Full-Size)

• BoxyCharm: $28/month, high-end brands
• GlossyBox: $21/month, luxury feel
• FabFitFun (seasonal): Beauty + lifestyle, $59/quarter

Beauty Box Value: Real Examples

Box Breakdown: Ipsy Glam Bag

Cost: $14 Items Received:

• Tarte Mini Mascara ($14 value)
• Glow Recipe Moisturiser (deluxe sample, $10 value)
• Complex Culture Brush (full-size, $18 value)
• Hydrating Lip Gloss (sample, $5 value)
• Overnight Mask (deluxe sample, $12 value)
• Total Value: ~$59

Not bad for $14.

Even if you only love two items, you’re likely still ahead.

Reader Case Study: Emily’s Experience

Emily, 29, signed up for Birchbox and Ipsy for six months each.

• She discovered three products she now buys full-size
• She gifted unused items to friends and family
• She cancelled during a no-buy month and found the pause option easy
• Her verdict? “It’s totally worth it if you love testing and sharing.”

Get the Most Out of Your Box

• Review your items every month to ensure you receive better matches that suit your preferences and needs.
• Maintain a list of the products you absolutely loved so you can purchase full sizes of those that worked well for you.
• Utilise boxes to create travel kits or for gifting purposes, making it easier to organise your items.
• Remember to cancel or pause your subscriptions if necessary to avoid unwanted charges or deliveries.

Conclusion: Value Depends on You

So, are beauty subscription boxes worth it? That depends on your goals.

If you enjoy sampling, discovering, and rotating through new products, absolutely. For the cost of a lunch out, you can receive a curated beauty experience delivered to your door.

But if you’re selective, want full sizes only, or avoid surprises — you may be better off buying what you need directly.

Try one for a few months. See how it fits your lifestyle. Beauty boxes are fun, flexible, and surprisingly affordable — if used wisely.