We all love a little surprise in the post – and there’s no better way to scratch that itch than by treating yourself to one of the best beauty subscription boxes. Not only do they keep your beauty shelf stocked with essentials, but they also invite you to step outside your usual routine and discover new, under-the-radar brands.
After skyrocketing in popularity around 2010 (thanks to the then-groundbreaking launch of Birchbox), the beauty box boom has only gained momentum since. Today, it’s a category shaped as much by TikTok-driven trends as it is by derm-approved advice and and editor-led seasonal curation. Whether you’re after full-sized cult favourites, makeup minis for on-the-go or clean and conscious formulas, there’s a box tailored to every beauty lover’s taste and budget.
As far as the frequency goes, there’s no shortage of options. Whether you sign up for a one-off, one-month purchase or three, six and 12-month subscriptions is totally up to you – and if your box isn’t themed, it’s likely you might be able to curate a beauty edit yourself.
As it happens, our very own beauty editors are always hard at work curating GLAMOUR’s bi-monthly Beauty Box, which coincides with the latest trends and offers a ton of seasonal must-haves. Not to brag, but our latest iteration – the Getaway Edit – is our best box to date. From sample-size haircare and skincare goodies to full-size makeup heroes and even K-beauty favourites, it offers everything you might possibly need for a getaway (hence, the name). Think plane-friendly compact products and poolside must-haves that will take the fuss out of packing.
Of course, there’s also plenty of other beauty subscription boxes that are equally as deserving of your attention – including those coming from brands like LookFantastic, Beauty Pie and Skin + Me. So, whether you’re in need of a healthy top-up of eye cream, tanning products, hair products, moisturisers, face masks, vitamin C serums, mascaras, cleansers or nail polishes (and the list goes on), we’ve put together a definitive edit of only those that are genuinely worth the commitment. Here’s everything you need to know.
How we test beauty boxes:
We’re dedicated to providing our readers with independent, honest and trustworthy reviews – and there are a multitude of reasons why you can trust us.
We do not let commercial values affect our editorial judgement, and always maintain editorial integrity. Our product selections are based solely on the results of rigorous testing and research, and we regularly consult with the industry’s best experts for guidance – whether that’s dermatologists or makeup artists.
We’ve tested as many of these beauty boxes as possible and considered each subscription’s performance across five major categories: delivery options, product selection, packaging and value for money. We’ve also noted how suited their contents are to hair and skin types of all kinds.
For more beauty content from GLAMOUR‘s Commerce Writer, Denise Primbet, follow her on Instagram @deniseprimbet.
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