Being a beauty editor certainly has its perks, but the biggest benefit has to be the beauty samples. I transform into a human guinea pig the very moment I rip into the pretty packaging and see the bottles of nail polish, perfume and shampoo that have yet to hit shelves. Now, thanks to the rise of beauty subscription boxes, women (and men) who may not work within the fashion industry can now get their hands on the goods.
Beauty subscriptions are also a great way to try out under-the-radar brands without committing to a full-size product or the full price. And if it doesn't make the cut for space on your bathroom counter top, you can always spread the love and share with family and friends.
Below are six of the best beauty subscription boxes you can get delivered at your doorstep. Read on to find out how each of these sampling services measure up against the competition.
Hair and Makeup: Birchbox
As the premiere beauty subscription service, Birchbox offers an assortment of product samples that are handpicked based on your lifestyle and beauty features (i.e. skin type and tone). Since its debut in 2010, the brand has partnered up with TV shows, fashion glossies and designers for themed boxes that create an "insider" feel.
Pros: Great mix of oversized samples from beauty brands like NARS, Davines and Origins. Members can purchase full-size versions of the products they love directly from Birchbox, as well as earn reward points for simply shopping, referring friends and taking surveys.
Cons: You must request an invite for a Birchbox subscription and wait up to a month to receive your first box.
Cost: Women's subscription is $10 per month and men's subscription is $20 per month.
Nails: Julep Maven
If you have trouble picking out the perfect nail polish, then you may want to consider becoming a Julep Maven. Your results from a fun style quiz helps the brand curate a selection of two stunning nail colors and other beauty essentials just for you.
Pros: The first box ships within three business days, and you can even get a sneak peek of what's to come before the end of each month. So if you're not feeling the shades, you can skip that month and the fee or ship it to someone else. We also love the foot care products that are packed into the tiny box (our toesies and heels are forever grateful).
Cons: The nail polish colors tend to lean towards the fashion forward side, so there is a big chance you may not be feeling one or two lacquers.
Cost: $19.99 per month.
Luxury: Sample Society Box
If you don't have your nose buried in a beauty magazine or spend every weekend perusing the beauty counter, it's hard to stay abreast of the latest trends. Sample Society has you covered with their "best-of-the-best in beauty" box packed with deluxe-sized samples. (There's no need to squeeze the last bit of moisturizer from that flimsy packet.)
Pros: You get to experiment with top beauty brands like Murad, Phyto, Diptyque and Kate Somerville. Each box comes with a mini mag with tips and news from Allure editors. Plus, there's a $15 monthly gift code.
Cons: Compared to other beauty subscription boxes, this one falls on the slightly skimpy side. But it's all about quality over quantity.
Cost: $15 per month.
Affordable: Target Beauty Box
The American retailer has made a huge impact since entering the beauty subscriptions game with its super inexpensive sample box filled with classic brands and a few cult favorites. If you aren't already shopping for beauty products at Target, this may change your mind.
Pros: You get a lot of bang for your buck (and shipping and tax is included), and there's a gift certificate to use online or in-store.
Cons: The last time we checked the new program's site, it was sold out.
Cost: $5 per month.
Eco-Friendly: Goodebox
Goodebox is a godsend for those women who are becoming more aware of the type of products they put onto their bodies. It features an array of trial-sized natural and organic beauty and personal care items, including Josie Maran, Tatcha, Dr. Hauschka and Coola.
Pros: It has introduced us to a lot of lesser-known brands that are cleaner and safer for our bodies and the environment.
Cons: Natural beauty products tend to translate into thicker formulas -- be prepared.
Cost: $16 per month.
Curl-Conscious: Curlbox
As a curly-haired girl, I was super stoked to learn about CurlBox. The affordable and easy-to-use products tucked inside this beauty subscription box have completely taken over my Instagram feed, as natural hair bloggers praise its offerings.
Pros: It includes five to seven samples and a super cool magazine full of hair styling tips and inspiration. Plus, there's CurlBox Man and Kids!
Cons: You can't purchase the actual products featured on the website.
Cost: $20 per month.
Which beauty subscription box do you like best?
Meanwhile, check out these apps that make getting dressed less stressful:
A highly-rated wardrobe-organizing app, Stylebook allows you to upload photos of all of your clothing and edit out the backgrounds for easy collaging. With additional features that help users with packing for trips and tracking their outfit trends, the app is easily worth the $3.99 price tag. The comprehensive closet management tool was named the "Best wardrobe organizer ever" by the 2012 Wired App Guide.
Navigating beauty aisles to find products that are safe, healthy and cruelty-free can add another level of difficulty to your beauty routine. Stay informed with minimal hassel using the free app GoodGuide, which allows you to scan barcodes to find product details and rating for health, sustainability, social responsibility and more.
If you're looking for a quick manicure, blowout or massage on the go, the free SpaFinder app will make your life a whole lot easier. Users can use their current location to track down nearby salons and spas, and immediately book appointments. Includes access to customer reviews, as well as special deals and promotions.
This free app by Clothes Minded just might be your new best friend. Use your phone to upload photos for your favorite outfits and various pieces in your wardrobe, and keep track of them via practical tags to create a master database of your entire wardrobe. If you're an aspiring fashion blogger, the app also allows you to share your ensembles across social platforms.
Not sure about your outfit? Get a second (and third, and fourth...) opinion using the free app Go Try It On, a mobile style social network. Post your look and get feedback from the network's community on how it really looks before you purchase (or just before you leave the house).
Are you always carrying around crumpled-up hair inspiration photos torn out of magazines for your next trip to the salon? Try upgrading to Bangstyle, a free app that allows users to browse images and save favorites on a profile, upload hair photos, and locate salons.
Does dressing for the weather stress you out? Let the Feather Report (fashion and weather -- get it?) app give you tailored outfit suggestions based on the current climate. Add outfits to your favorites to keep on file for the whole season. You can also input other qualifications (height, occasion, etc) to get the perfect outfit for your needs.
We've all had those days when you're running out the door in a rush, forced to apply lipstick and mascara in the subway using your camera on selfie mode as a mirror. Get a better reflection on your iPhone with the free Mirror app, which allows you to choose from different settings, including office and night to get a better sense of how your makeup will look in different lightings.
Mix and match pieces from your own wardrobe with Gap items with the retailer's popular app, Gap StyleMixer ($0.99). Once you find a new piece to complement your existing outfit, use the app to locate stores, find discounts, and purchase.
If a lack of inspiration is your fashion dilemma, the free Polyvore app has everything you need so you don't have to spend hours browsing through personal style blogs. Mix and match piece from the app's extensive catalogue to create your own shoppable outfits, and find styles that are currently trending.
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