What a makeup subscription box delivers each month
A makeup subscription box is a monthly delivery of cosmetics and beauty products sent to your home. You pay a set price each month — usually between $10 and $50 — and receive a curated selection of items like foundation, eyeshadow, lipstick, brushes, or skincare products. The contents vary by service and by month; you do not choose individual items, though some boxes let you swap one or two products before shipment.
The products inside are typically full-size or deluxe sample sizes. Full-size means the same product you would buy at a store. Deluxe samples are smaller versions — often one-third to one-half the retail size — but still usable for several weeks. Most boxes include a mix of both, along with occasional bonus items or trial sizes of new products.
Boxes arrive on a schedule you set: monthly, every other month, or quarterly. You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time without penalty, though some services charge a cancellation fee if you stop within a certain window after signing up. Shipping is included in the monthly price.
Key Takeaways
- Makeup subscription boxes deliver a curated mix of cosmetics and skincare products monthly, with most boxes costing between $10 and $50 per month.
- Products arrive as full-size items or deluxe samples, and you typically cannot choose individual products, though some services offer one or two swaps.
- You can pause, skip, or cancel your subscription at any time, though a few services charge a fee if you cancel within the first few months.
- Different boxes target different preferences — some focus on luxury brands, others on indie brands, and some on specific skin tones or beauty concerns.
How to decide which box matches your needs
The first step is to identify what you actually want from a subscription. Are you looking to try new brands you would not normally buy? Do you want full-size products or are samples fine? Do you have specific skin concerns like acne or sensitivity? Are you interested in a particular makeup category, like eyeshadow and palettes, or do you want a mix of everything?
Once you know what you want, read the descriptions of what each box typically includes. Most services publish their past box contents on their website or on beauty forums, so you can see whether the box usually skews toward skincare, color cosmetics, tools, or a mix. Check whether the box focuses on mainstream brands (like MAC or Urban Decay), indie brands (smaller companies you may not have heard of), or luxury brands (high-end lines like Charlotte Tilbury). Some boxes specialize in products for specific skin tones or skin types, which matters if you have particular needs.
Look at the price and calculate whether you would actually use the products. A $50 box sounds expensive until you compare it to buying those items separately — but only if you would use them. If you know you will not wear certain product types, a box heavy in that category is not a good fit, even if the price is low.
Popular makeup subscription services and what sets them apart
Birchbox sends five to seven deluxe samples and one full-size item each month for $15. The box includes a mix of makeup, skincare, and haircare from mainstream and indie brands. You can swap one item before shipment if you do not want what is selected for you. Birchbox also offers a points system where you earn credits toward full-size products.
Ipsy delivers five deluxe samples monthly for $13, with a focus on color cosmetics and makeup tools. The service uses a quiz about your beauty preferences and skin tone to customize your box. You can swap up to three items before shipment. Ipsy also offers a higher-tier subscription called Ipsy Plus ($23 per month) that includes full-size products and more items per box.
Glossybox sends five to seven full-size or deluxe items monthly for $21. The box emphasizes luxury and prestige brands, so products tend to be higher-end. You cannot swap items, but the curated selection is based on your beauty profile. Glossybox also includes a magazine with product information and beauty tips.
FabFitFun is a broader lifestyle box that includes beauty products alongside home goods and wellness items. The beauty portion typically contains two to four makeup or skincare items per quarter (it ships four times per year, not monthly) for $50 per box. This is better if you want variety beyond just cosmetics.
Allure Beauty Box delivers five full-size or deluxe products monthly for $15. The box includes makeup, skincare, and fragrance from a mix of mainstream and luxury brands. You can see what is in the box before it ships and swap items you do not want.
What happens when you sign up
To start a subscription, you create an account on the service's website or app and provide your shipping address and payment method. Most services ask you to complete a beauty profile or quiz so they can customize your box to your preferences. This usually takes five to ten minutes and covers questions like your skin type, favorite colors, and product categories you prefer.
Your first box ships within one to two weeks of signup, depending on the service. Subsequent boxes ship on the date you choose — the 1st, 15th, or another day each month. You will receive an email notification when your box ships, usually with a tracking number so you can see when it arrives.
Before each shipment, most services send you a preview of what is in your box (or at least a partial preview). This is when you can swap items if the service allows it. If you do not want that month's box, you can skip it without losing your subscription — you straightforward will not be charged that month and will not receive a shipment.
Costs and what to watch for
Monthly costs range from $10 to $50 depending on the service and tier. The lowest-priced boxes typically contain deluxe samples, while higher-priced boxes include more full-size products or focus on luxury brands. Calculate the retail value of the products you receive — most services publish this on their website — to see whether you are getting a discount compared to buying items separately.
Watch for cancellation policies. Some services charge a fee if you cancel within the first three months, while others let you cancel anytime. Read the fine print before you sign up. Also check whether the service charges tax on top of the subscription price; this varies by state and by service.
If you receive a damaged item or a product you are allergic to, most services will replace it or refund the cost. Contact customer service through the website or app to report the issue. Keep the original packaging if possible, as some services ask you to return damaged items before sending a replacement.
How to cancel or pause your subscription
To pause or cancel, log into your account on the service's website or app and look for a "Manage Subscription" or "Account Settings" section. You can usually pause for one to three months without losing your subscription, or cancel entirely. If you cancel, you will not be charged again, but you will lose any unused credits or points you have accumulated.
If you cannot find the option in your account, contact customer service through the website's chat, email, or phone line. Most services process cancellations within one business day. If you are charged after canceling, contact your bank or credit card company to dispute the charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change what is in my box after I receive it?
No, you cannot exchange items after the box arrives. However, most services let you swap items before shipment if you see the preview and do not want something. If you receive a product you truly cannot use, some services will accept returns within 30 days for store credit, but this varies by company. Check the return policy on the service's website.
What if I do not like the products in my box?
You can skip the next month's box without canceling your subscription, so you do not have to receive a box every single month. You can also swap items before shipment if the service offers that feature. If you consistently dislike your boxes, update your beauty profile to give the service more accurate information about your preferences.
Do I have to commit to a certain number of months?
Most services do not require a minimum commitment, though some charge a cancellation fee if you cancel within the first two or three months. Read the terms before you sign up. You can always pause your subscription for a month or two instead of canceling if you want to take a break.
Are the products in subscription boxes real and not counterfeit?
Yes, legitimate subscription services source products directly from brands or authorized distributors. The brands themselves often partner with these services to introduce customers to new products. If you receive a product that seems fake or damaged, report it to customer service when ready.
Can I gift a subscription box to someone else?
Most services offer gift subscriptions that you can purchase for a set number of months. The recipient receives a code or link to set up the subscription and create their own account. Gift subscriptions typically range from three to twelve months. Check the service's website for gift options and pricing.