Three monthly subscriptions that will change your buying habits

No matter what your interests or hobbies are, there’s a subscription box service for you. From Dollar Shave Club to Bark Box, there’s a box for everything. You can subscribe to receive dog toys, wine, groceries, feminine care products, makeup, arts and crafts, clothing, fitness accessories and more.

It seems as if every company is trying to cash in on the box trend. Everywhere you look there is a new subscription box popping up. My Subscription Addiction, a website that publishes reviews of subscription boxes, lists more than 2,000 box services in its database. These services range from meal subscriptions like Hello Fresh, to the more obscure such as  J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World Crate. According to a study by Hitwise, subscription company websites experienced around 37 million visitors in April 2017, an increase of 800 percent since 2014.

With an oversaturated market, deciding what box to try can be overwhelming. Coming home to a delivery is fun, but a good subscription service can be more than just a surprise on your doorstep. Here’s a roundup of three fashion and beauty subscriptions that will completely change your purchasing habits and your wardrobe.

You might be familiar with Rent the Runway and its special occasion gown rentals. But with the launch of its RTR Unlimited membership, Rent the Runway has cashed in on the subscription trend.

How it works

For $159 a month, the company offers access to unlimited rentals of clothing and accessories. You can receive up to four pieces at a time and swap any or all of the pieces as often as you like. The subscription also covers insurance and dry cleaning.

Why it’s great

Rent the Runway gives you access to top designers and brands like Diane von Furstenberg, Tory Burch, RED Valentino, Badgley Mischka, See by Chloé,  Jason Wu and Marni to name a few. Most pieces retail for significantly more than the monthly rental price making it a great way to test out brands and styles without making commitments.

How it has changed my habits

Fast fashion is a huge problem for the environment and, in the long run, your budget. But what makes fast fashion so appealing is being able to get trendy items at a cheap price. Let’s face it, we are never going to stop wanting new styles. RTR Unlimited allows you to try new and trendy styles without the commitment of owning them. I have tried brands that my college budget wouldn’t normally allow me to purchase, and I have actually saved money in the process. Spending $20 here and $50 there for fast fashion looks that I’ll be sick of by next season really adds up. So I use Rent the Runway for trendier items that I may only wear once or twice. I leave my real purchases for staple items, like denim, that can be worn for multiple seasons. Smiles all around for the environment, your wardrobe and your wallet.

Switch is a designer jewelry rental company based in Los Angeles. Started by two brothers, the company is a lot like Rent the Runway but for designer jewelry.

How it works

Switch carries new and vintage styles of major designer brands like Hermès, Chanel, Balenciaga, Gucci and David Yurman. The company offers three different subscriptions starting at $29 a month for one piece, $49 for two and $69 for a maximum of three pieces. Like the RTR Unlimited membership, Switch allows you to change out your pieces as many or as few times as you like. Plus, every month you are a member they give you $10 toward purchasing a piece at a discounted price.

Why it’s great

Fine jewelry is an investment that you will have for years making it hard to justify buying trendier pieces, especially on a college budget. Switch allows you to experience brands that may be above your price range, without the commitment.

How it has changed my habits

Switch has definitely made my wardrobe more glamorous. The right piece of jewelry can completely transform an outfit. I was always hesitant in the past to spend money on costume or trendy jewelry. Switch is a great way to freshen up your wardrobe without spending a lot of money. Most of the pieces retail for at least 10 times the price of the subscription.

Allure Beauty Box is a monthly box of beauty items curated by Allure editors. Each box contains top editor-tested picks valued between $50 and $90.

How it works

For $15 a month, Allure Beauty Box surprises you with full and travel-sized products curated by the magazine’s beauty experts and editors. The box comes with a mini magazine of tips, guides and coupons for each product.

Why it’s great

Everyone likes surprises and gifts. Allure Beauty Box is like a little present you give yourself every month. With so many beauty products out there, it’s impossible to keep track of all the new ones or test them all. It’s nice to have a curated collection of products to try that women in the beauty industry recommend.

How it has changed my habits

Have you ever gone to a beauty store like Sephora or Ulta and gotten lured in by all the beauty products you wanted to try? You go in for one item and come out with five lipsticks and an empty wallet. It’s so tempting to try new products thinking, maybe this one is going to be that elusive miracle product, only to find out its not your shade. Allure Beauty Box gives you the ability to test out products without having to spend money on full-sized items you might not even like. Plus, if you do fall in love with one of the products, there is usually a coupon included to purchase the product at a special discount.

Subscription boxes are fun, and a great way to reevaluate your spending habits while simultaneously elevating your style. To discover more subscription boxes, check out Cratejoy here.