Makeup is equal parts wonderful and daunting. For someone who doesn’t know the ins-and-outs of the beauty world, one can easily get confused. So how do you try all that there is to offer in makeup without spending hundreds? Well ladies and gentlemen, the answer is beauty box subscriptions. These monthly subscription boxes range from $10 – $40 and contain an array of products. There are multiple companies that offer this service but I’m going to tell you about the two best beauty boxes for makeup lovers on a budget.
Ipsy and Birchbox offer five monthly products in sample sizes for $10 a month. Each box is customized to the subscriber’s specifications so you’ll always get something interesting and just for you. I’ve put together all there is to know about each with some photos of the products they’ve sent me.
Ipsy is the most well-known and subscribed-to beauty box, so much so that there is a wait-list (yes I said wait-list) for the boxes. When you first sign up to the site, you’ll be prompted to take a quiz so they can better customize your products. Some of the things you’ll be asked about are skin tone and skin type, what kind of products you would like and even if there are specific brands you would prefer. Each month is themed and comes with a cute pouch (that can double as a pencil case or makeup bag) that the samples come in. At first the products might look small but these samples can go a long way. Another great thing about Ipsy is that every now and then they’ll offer deals for different products at amazing prices. How does five Too Faced lipglosses for $19.99 sound?
Birchbox on the other hand, is similar but different. One great thing about this product line is that there is no wait-list and they even offer a men’s version. Just like Ipsy, you are prompted to take a quiz when you sign up but the questions are a bit different. Since Birchbox offers a wider range of products, you have the option of receiving everything from makeup to skin care to accessories and even sweet or savory treats in your box. Their products don’t come in a cute pouch but they do come in eco-friendly boxes that are great for storage or decorating. One downside to Birchbox is that they double as a store. The same samples they give out are sold full-size on their site. However, you receive email after email about new products or deals constantly.
Beauty boxes come in all shapes, sizes and colors but it’s easy to say Ipsy and Birchbox make the top of the list. Seeing that cute pink mailer in your mailbox is always a mood brightener and it’s a small splurge every makeup lover should have. After all, there’s no such thing as too much makeup. Below is a slideshow of the wonderful treats I’ve received from Ipsy and Birchbox.
