Let purchase-regret and play-it-safe ruts be things of the past. Lisa Haynes reveals the shopping solutions that really deliver.
It’s all too easy to get stuck in a beauty rut, especially since buying new products, when you don’t know whether you’re going to like them, can be hit-and-miss.
Step forward beauty subscription boxes. The convenient new way to ’try before you buy’, simply sign up online, and then wait for the carefully curated edit of luxe samples and full-size products to land on your doorstep.
Curious? Here’s our signed, sealed, delivered guide to the best beauty boxes.
FOR EXPERIMENTERS: GLOSSYBOX
:: What’s in the box? Five hand-picked beauty heroes, ranging from niche and new to prestige brands.
:: What makes it different? Glossybox partners with more than 600 global brands, so there’s a diverse mix of products. That French pharmacy brand you’ve always wanted to try? It’s probably in there.
:: Special edition boxes? Mark your diary for the Festival Edit box in June and “the biggest limited edition collaboration to date” in November.
:: How do I sign up? Subscriptions start at £10 (+P&P) for one month, through to £102 (+P&P) for 12 months. Visit www.glossybox.co.uk/beauty
FOR FRAGRANCE ADDICTS: THE PERFUME SOCIETY
:: What’s in the box? Mini fragrances curated from mainstream and niche perfume players, from Coty to L’Artisan Parfumeur and Prada to Penhaligon’s.
:: What makes it different? Besides the fact it’s perfume only, scents come with ’smelling notes’ on keepsake printed postcards, so you can explore each fragrance in depth.
:: Special edition boxes? Prepare your nose for this summer’s Jet-Set Box featuring holiday-ready scents, Hidden Treasures showcasing niche fragrances and the (currently top secret) designer exclusive box.
:: How do I sign up? Boxes are available individually at £15 (inc delivery) and don’t require a subscription. Become a VIP for extra perfume privileges. Visit www.perfumesociety.org/shop
FOR STYLE MAVENS: BIRCHBOX
:: What’s in the box? Five deluxe-sized samples, targeted to your cosmetic bag favourites after filling out an online Beauty Profile.
:: What makes it different? It’s subscription box meets beauty shop. Find something you can’t live without in your decorative box (designs change each month) then head to the Birchbox online shop to buy the full-size version – and earn Birchbox points.
:: Special edition boxes? Fashion meets beauty with June’s ’Step Outside’ French Sole collaboration box. Choose from one of three box designs containing a matching shoe bag and five to six beauty products.
:: How do I sign up? Subscriptions are £12.95 per month (inc delivery; French Sole box available from June 1). Visit www.birchbox.co.uk/subscribe
FOR NAIL OBSESSIVES: NAILBOX
:: What’s in the box? A mix of on-trend nail polishes, tools and mini hand treatments – like a mani in a box.
:: What makes it different? It’s all about nails, nails, nails, so if you’re the kind of person that has a whole polish wardrobe and manicurist on speed-dial, then this is one for you.
:: Special edition boxes? Sink your talons into the Neon summer special or Metallics Christmas box.
:: How do I sign up? Subscriptions are £15 per month (inc delivery). Three, six and 12-month packages also available. Visit www.nailbox.co.uk/subscribe
FOR COMMITMENT PHOBES: LATEST IN BEAUTY
:: What’s in the box? A mix of full-size products and luxury-sized samples from leading brands.
:: What makes it different? There is no subscription. Preview the products in each box before you buy, or go totally bespoke with Build Your Own Box.
:: Special edition boxes? Check out the beauty industry specialist boxes, with curated edits from the likes of BritishBeautyBlogger, Glamour magazine and Get The Gloss.
:: How do I sign up? Boxes start from £8.99 (+P&P), through to £18.50 for limited editions. Visit www.latestinbeauty.com/collections
FOR GREEN BEAUTIES: LOVE LULA
:: What’s in the box? Between five to seven all-natural products, featuring brands like John Masters Organics and Madara.
:: What makes it different? If you want products that are SLS, paraben and cruelty-free, these recyclable, no-frills boxes only contains natural and organic brands.
:: Special edition boxes? None planned.
:: How do I sign up? Subscriptions are £12.50 per month (inc delivery), or choose a three-month (£37.50) or 12-month (£150) package. Visit www.lovelulabeautybox.com/sign-up-here/