As a college student, frequent makeup shopping at Sephora is out of the question. However, I've found that sometimes drugstore brands can be less pigmented or less smooth than their high-end counterparts. Aagh!
I may have found a solution that will reconcile my desire for better beauty products and my lack of substantial funding; beauty subscriptions!
I first discovered the world of beauty subscriptions when I clicked on an advertisement on Facebook (which was probably ill-advised, but whatever). The ad was for a company called Ipsy that sends subscribers five higher-end beauty samples for $10 a month. I looked up some beauty subscription reviews before making any rash decisions and was baffled by the number of beauty boxes available! To save time and energy for anyone interested in subscribing to one of these companies, I thought I would compile the information that I've gleaned here for you! You're welcome.
1. Ipsy-$10 a month
Ipsy was founded by YouTube beauty guru Michelle Phan, and sends subscribers five deluxe samples and full-size products in a cute new makeup bag each month! Ipsy tends to send more makeup than hair or skin products, so it's great if you're looking to expand your makeup collection. The "Glam Bags" tend to feature brands like NYX, theBalm, tre'StiQue, Benefit, and dozens of others. When you sign up for Ipsy, you'll take a beauty profile so the company can personalize your Glam Bag to fit your coloring and preferences.
2. Birchbox-$10 a month
Birchbox was designed for women with all difference levels of expertise with beauty products. Like Ipsy, Birchbox sends five samples a month. The main differences are that Birchbox tends to send higher-end samples, usually smaller sizes. Also, Birchbox tends to send more hair and skin products (i.e. cleansers, bodywash, lotion, dry shampoo, etc) and less makeup than Ipsy. Some brands that Birchbox often sends include Stilla, Benefit, Coastal Scents, and Liz Earle. Birchbox also has a beauty profile, but it is less in-depth than Ipsy's.
3. Glossybox-$21 a month
Glossybox is more than 2x the price of the aforementioned beauty subsciptions, but not without reason. Glossybox sends five travel-sized products, usually a lot larger than what you'll get from Ipsy or Birchbox. The type of products that they send are very high-end and they often send nail polish and fragrances. Some of the brands that the company works with are Burberry, essie, pixi, Skin & Company, and Too Faced. Glossybox does have a beauty profile, but I don't know what it's like because you have to be a subscriber to take it.
4. Sample Society-$15 a month
Sample Society is a beauty box from Allure and BeautyBar.com. The boxes contain five to six travel and full-sized beauty products. It also comes with a little Allure magazine that explains each product in the box. Sample Society tends to not send full sized products as often, and many subscribers feel that this beauty subscription has decreased in quality. However, it can be benefiecial if you're looking to try new skincare products. Some of the brands that Sample Society works with are Lorac, tarte, Estee Lauder, and L'Oreal. This box mainly sends skincare products, with a few makeup or haircare products on occasion.
My overall consensus about the beauty boxes?
Ipsy is by far the best value for makeup lovers.
Birchbox is the best for those who want to try new skincare products.
Glossybox is the best quality (but also the priciest).
Whichever beauty box you choose, it's always exciting to open a new box of surprises each month! And much more manageable for us busy college gals.
