We all want to try new makeup without dropping serious cash on full-size products we might hate. After years of testing different beauty subscription boxes (and yes, my bathroom shelves are overflowing), I've discovered some absolute gems that deserve your attention. Let me spill the tea on which subscriptions are actually worth your coins in 2025!
Glow Collective: My Current Obsession
Y'all, I cannot stop raving about Glow Collective! For $25 monthly, they send you 4-5 deluxe samples focusing on emerging indie brands. What sets them apart? They actually care about matching products to your skin tone and type. Last month, I received this gorgeous cream blush from a Black-owned brand I'd never heard of, and honey, it's become my daily go-to. They also include at least one full-size product in every box, which honestly makes the price worth it.
Sparkle Box: Perfect for My Fellow Experimental Souls
If you're like me and live for trying bold, unique products, Sparkle Box is your new bestie. At $35 monthly, it's pricier than some others, but here's why I'm obsessed: they partner with queer-owned brands and send the most incredible editorial-worthy products. I'm talking duochrome highlighters, multichrome eyeshadows, and lip products that'll make everyone ask what you're wearing. Plus, they donate a portion of profits to LGBTQ+ youth organizations - we love to see it!
Sample Society: The Luxury Experience Without Breaking the Bank
When I tell you I gasped opening my first Sample Society box! For $50 quarterly (yes, quarterly!), you get deluxe samples from luxury brands that would normally cost a fortune. I'm talking Chanel, Pat McGrath, and Charlotte Tilbury. Last quarter's box included a generous sample of that viral $250 La Mer cream everyone's been talking about. Did I feel fancy testing it? Absolutely. Was it worth the full price? Girl, that's debatable - but that's exactly why I love this subscription!
The Eco Edit: For My Sustainable Beauty Queens
I started this subscription when trying to make my beauty routine more environmentally conscious, and it's been a game-changer. At $40 monthly, The Eco Edit sends you full-size clean beauty products with zero plastic packaging. Everything comes in glass, aluminum, or compostable containers, and they carbon offset all shipping. The products are incredible too - last month's refillable cream bronzer has me looking sun-kissed even in the dead of winter.
Lip Lovers Club: The Niche Subscription I Can't Quit
Okay, this one's super specific, but if you're as obsessed with lip products as I am, you need this in your life! For $18 monthly, you get two full-size lip products - could be anything from liquid lipsticks to lip oils to plumping glosses. The best part? You can set preferences for finish and color family, so you're not stuck with shades you'll never wear. My collection has grown embarrassingly large, but I regret nothing!
Beauty Lab: For the Ingredient-Obsessed
This box feeds my inner skincare nerd while satisfying my makeup addiction. Beauty Lab focuses on makeup products with skincare benefits, and they include detailed cards explaining all the ingredients. At $45 monthly, you get 5-6 products that are actually good for your skin. Their curation is super thoughtful - like sending brightening products in winter and SPF-infused everything in summer.
Small Batch Beauty Box: Supporting Indie Brands
For those times when I'm tired of seeing the same brands everywhere, this subscription delivers the goods. At $30 monthly, Small Batch Beauty Box focuses exclusively on indie brands producing small-batch, handcrafted products. I've discovered so many amazing brands through them, including this incredible color-shifting setting powder that I now can't live without. Fair warning: many of these brands are so small you might have trouble finding them again, so stock up on your faves!
Pro tip: Most of these subscriptions offer special deals for first-time subscribers, so keep an eye out for promo codes. And don't feel pressured to keep a subscription forever - I often subscribe for a few months, take a break to actually use what I've received, then try something new. Your wallet (and bathroom storage) will thank you!
