Subscription boxes are all the rage right now. A subscription box is where you sign up to receive various retail items, on a recurring basis. Most subscription boxes are shipped monthly. Anything that interests you, there is probably a box for that.
Maybe your dog wants a box. There is even a box for that.
I may or may not have a subscription box addiction. There is nothing better than opening the door and finding a package of goodies waiting, with your name on it. I love beauty boxes the most. They are a great way to find new products. Many boxes offer sample sizes. That way if you don’t like something in the box, then you haven’t made a huge commitment. Try it before you really buy it, so to speak.
I had never been THAT into beauty products. Funny how youth makes you think you have all of the time in the world. A decent moisturizer was about as fancy as I took it. I have actually used the exact same eyeliner brand since 1994. (Revlon Color Stay FOREVER!) But something about the aging process, makes you want to try new things. Desperately.
At age 43, I started noticing subtle changes in my skin. Fine lines were more noticeable. My skin texture seemed to change. And the area between my jaw and neck started doing this weird sagging thing. As though after only 43 years, my skin could not fight gravity, for even one more second.
This is when I got a little more interested in various products. So subscription boxes seemed perfect for me. I have received all kinds of things: moisturizers, serums, creams, masks, cleansers, exfoliants, pore refiners and scrubs. My technique has been to throw a little bit of everything at my skin and see what happens. If one product is good for my skin, then three must be great.
Okay I wouldn’t actually recommend this approach. Everyone’s skin is different. But I did survive being a child of the seventies. That’s why I knew my skin could take it.
I also receive fun, new cosmetics in the boxes. I will never have to go purchase eyeshadow, blush, bronzer or lipstick again. The boxes that I dabble in, keep me in great supply. I will say that not everything is a home run though. There have been some products that have been entirely too fancy for a girl who grew up in rural Alabama.
Take eyeshadow primer. I didn’t even know that you had to prepare for eyeshadow. As a mother of four, I am usually too busy for eyeshadow. If I decide to apply some then I am either going somewhere fancy or I have an extra 30 seconds in the bathroom. I wasn’t even planning on eyeshadow and therefore I certainly didn’t pencil in time for primer. I guess I’ll just save that product for my Middle Aged Modern(ish) Mom magazine cover.
There is also this super-fine, white highlighting powder that I get every now and again. I have no idea what that is for. If I am left alone with bronzer, blush AND a highlighting powder, then I am probably walking out of the bathroom resembling a circus clown. I do not need THAT many options in my life.
Let me share with you some of my personal favorite boxes. First the beauty boxes:
Allure Beauty Box $15 a month for seven products, hand selected by the editors of Allure Magazine. And they know their stuff.
Ipsy $10 a month for 5/plus sample-size products. This box is always so much fun.
Two of my most favorite boxes are lifestyle boxes. In these boxes I have received books, games, candles, totes, scarves, jewelry, exercise dvds as well as beauty supplies. You name it, it could be in there. Part of the fun is the surprise.
FabFitFun This box comes quarterly instead of monthly. It is called a seasonal box. It is $49.99. It always contains full-sized products and goods, for a Fab, Fit and Fun life.
PopSugar Must Have $39.95 monthly. This one is a little more expensive for a monthly box, but it has always blown me away. Each box has cool stuff from fashion, beauty, home and more.
A few months ago, I was diagnosed with a laundry list of food allergies. Well there was a box for that, too! Love With Food is a healthy options snacking box and it even comes in a gluten free version. This box has been so much fun. I have discovered healthy snacks for my entire family. And as a bonus, for every box you buy, at least one meal is donated to a food bank in America. This box starts at $7.99 a month.
Last but not least, I have already devoted a full post to this subscription box. By now most everyone knows about Stitch Fix. This is a clothing box where you pay a $20 styling fee and receive five item of clothing/accessories/jewelry. You keep only the things that you like and return the rest. Shipping both ways is on Stitch Fix. The $20 styling fee is applied toward any item you purchase. If you keep all five items you get a 25% discount off your entire order. This box is delivered as little or as often as you request.
Some people love this box and others weren’t impressed. For me it is perfect. You fill out a detailed fashion profile, complete with the prices that you are comfortable paying for various items. I absolutely hate putting cloths together. It is not my thing. Stitch Fix sends trendy, fun pieces accompanied with style cards that give you several options for wearing each piece. I have really learned a lot.
Maybe next time I get a box, I will share the unboxing on the blog. Any company out there that wants to send me a product or box to try for a review, please do so. I could think of nothing more fun. I am excitable and easily impressed.
Ask anyone.
Actually, I just love talking about things that I love. It is why I even have this blog.
What are your favorite subscription boxes?
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This sounds like it could be fun!! I may have to try it. Lord knows, I need all the help I can get.
Awww you’re gorgeous Mama Annette!!!