Beauty Subscription Boxes: Are They Worth It?

Beauty subscription boxes have become a buzzword in the cosmetics and skincare industry. With promises of high-end products, new discoveries, and great value, they seem like the perfect way to indulge in a little self-care. 

But are they truly worth the investment? Let’s take a peek into beauty subscription boxes and find out if these boxes live up to the hype.

What Are Beauty Subscription Boxes?

A beauty subscription box is a curated package of beauty products sent to your doorstep on a regular basis, typically monthly. These boxes can include a mix of makeup, skincare, haircare, and even perfume samples or full-sized products. 

The idea is to provide subscribers with an array of beauty items to try out, often at a fraction of the retail cost.

How Do They Work?

Most beauty subscription services ask you to fill out a beauty profile upon signing up. This profile helps them tailor the products to your preferences and needs. 

The box is then curated based on your profile, current trends, and new product launches. 

Popular subscription services available in the Philippines include Glam.ph and the international Birchbox and BoxyCharm.

Are They a Good Value for Money?

One of the main selling points of beauty subscription boxes is their value. For a set monthly fee, you receive products that collectively are worth more than what you paid. For example, a subscription might cost PHP 1,500 per month, but the contents could be valued at PHP 3,000 or more. 

This sounds like a great deal, but it’s important to consider a few factors:

Product Usefulness

Are you likely to use all the products in the box? The value diminishes if half of the items are unsuitable for your skin type or preferences.

Sample vs. Full Size

Some boxes predominantly feature sample sizes. While this allows you to try many products, it may not be as economical as it seems if you rarely receive full-sized items.

Retail Prices

Sometimes, the stated retail price can be inflated, making the perceived savings larger than they actually are.

Are They Convenient?

The convenience of having a curated selection of beauty products delivered to your door cannot be overstated. It saves time on shopping and researching new products, which can be a significant advantage for busy individuals or those who live far from major shopping centers. 

However, there are a few considerations:

Shipping and Customs

For international boxes, shipping fees and customs charges can add up. It’s important to check if these are included in the subscription cost or if they will be an extra expense.

Customer Service

The quality of customer service can vary. Look for reviews and feedback on how responsive the company is to issues like missing items or billing problems.

Are They Sustainable?

In recent years, the beauty industry has faced scrutiny regarding its environmental impact. 

Subscription boxes contribute to this in a few ways:

Packaging

The amount of packaging used for samples and shipping can be substantial. Some companies are making efforts to use recyclable or minimal packaging, but it’s not universal.

Product Waste

Receiving products you won’t use contributes to waste. It’s important to consider if the products you receive align with your ethical and environmental values.

Do They Introduce You to New Favorites?

One of the joys of beauty subscription boxes is the discovery aspect. They can introduce you to brands and products you might never have tried otherwise. For beauty enthusiasts, this can be incredibly exciting. 

However, it’s a bit of a gamble. You might find a new holy grail product but could also end up with several items you’ll never use. The success of a subscription box depends heavily on how well the curation matches your personal preferences and needs.

Subscription boxes also often include lesser-known or indie brands, which can be a delightful discovery. However, some subscribers may prefer boxes with more established and recognizable brands.

Do They Offer Personalization?

Personalization is a key selling point for many beauty subscription services. The initial beauty profile helps tailor the box to your needs, but how well does this actually work?

The effectiveness of personalization can vary. Some subscribers report highly accurate matches to their preferences, while others find their boxes hit or miss.

Some services, however, allow you to give feedback on the products you receive, which can improve future boxes. Check if the service you’re considering offers this feature.

Are There Alternatives to Beauty Subscription Boxes?

If you’re hesitant about committing to a subscription, there are alternatives:

Sample Programs

Some beauty stores offer sample programs where you can choose samples with purchases.

Single Purchase Boxes

Occasionally, subscription services offer one-off boxes without a subscription. This can be a great way to try out the service without a long-term commitment.

Gift With Purchase

Many beauty brands offer generous gifts with purchase promotions, allowing you to try new products without subscribing.

Final Note: Are They Worth It?

Beauty subscription boxes can be a fun and exciting way to explore new products, but whether they’re worth it depends on your personal beauty habits and preferences. They can be a fantastic treat if you love trying new things and enjoy the surprise element. 

However, if you’re particular about your products or looking to reduce waste, you might find more value in other product discovery methods.

Local options might offer better value for those in the Philippines due to lower shipping costs and no customs fees.

But before subscribing, consider your beauty routine, budget, and how much you value the experience of discovery versus the practicality of getting exactly what you want. 

Happy exploring, beauty lovers!

Jenn

Jenn takes her interest in fashion, health, and wellness in every piece she writes. Between crafting articles, she tries to stay fit during lengthy bouts of sitting with at-home workouts and indulges in empowering reads. And yes, she also finds herself browsing through random YouTube content when feeling laid-back.