“So Choix is a new way to try and buy makeup where we bring the makeup counter to you!” So Choix is a makeup sampling subscription service that sends you hand-made samples of brand name, beauty counter products. Each month, subscribers have the options to choose all or a few of their beauty samples or to be totally surprised. FYI - Choix now offers a “No Subscription”/a la carte option for those that want to try a few things without the commitment.
All the samples they send are hand-made from authentic full-size products and brand new sample containers. They use high hygiene standards and never even touch the product itself. This is a process which allows them to send completely uncontaminated products to you, which I really appreciate considering that the lipsticks and products sitting on some stores’ shelves have been touched and poked by hundreds of other people.
You can click here to learn more about how they make their samples.
My Subscription Addiction pays for this subscription. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
The Subscription Box: So Choix
The Cost: $15 a month + free shipping, with discounts available for longer-length prepaid subscription commitments. You also get 250 points ($5 Choix store credit) each month (click here to read more about their points system)
The Products: 5 luxury beauty samples of your choice from the Choix store. I chose all of my own samples this month.
Ships to: US only
Check out all of our So Choix reviews and the Beauty Subscription Box Directory!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
Each box has a sticker on the inside listing the details of each of your samples. They also always send you fresh disposable application tools to use with your samples!
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation in Alabaster, full size - Value $50
Bobbi Brown is a brand I haven’t had the chance to try much of so I’m really happy that So Choix carries it! I’m a bit of a foundation junkie… it comes from never being able to find any pale enough for me so I feel like I’m on a constant search to try every single foundation even if I currently have one or two I really like that work for me. So, here I am trying this one!
It IS pale enough for me! And the texture is really nice. It feels hydrating and goes on (with my Beauty Blender) really smoothly. The finish is a more natural matte finish and the coverage is pretty full, too.
Chanel La Nuit De Chanel Evening Recharging Face Care, full-size - Value $85
This Chanel moisturizer has Frankincense extract and hyaluronic acid to repair, hydrate, and plump. I really like this moisturizer. It’s a nice texture – not too heavy – and my skin feels very silky with it on. I also felt like my skin looked better and more even and hydrated the next morning.
The next three items – a blush duo, lipstick, and eyeshadow, were packed together in a little plastic tin holder. When I took them out of the box, they each had circular stickers over each pot to keep them in place and prevent any fallout.
Cle De Peau Beaute Powder Blush Duo in 101 Plum Flower (full size price: $50)
I seriously love these blushes. The formula blends super well and looks very natural, and these colors are gorgeous. Especially the pinker/lighter shade. I would love a full size of this blush duo, especially because my only gripe about the sample is that it was pretty difficult to get the blush on my brush well/evenly due to the split pan here. I do like the fact that I can get a sample of both colors in a “duo” product though – it sort of makes it feel like getting 2 samples in one, so I guess it’s a trade-off.
Cle De Peau Beaute Extra Rich Lipstick in S209 (full size price: $40)
Cle De Peau is a brand I have never tried before so I was really happy to test it out with this lipstick and the previously shown blush. This lipstick is a pretty, plummy-rose. I was impressed with this lipstick formula! You can apply it lightly for a sheer look or build it to a fuller opacity. This color is so pretty and had great staying power, too.
NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in Dione (full size price: $29)
This shadow is sort of a pewter/medium taupe. These Dual Intensity shadows from NARS are designed to be worn dry for more ready-to-wear pigmentation or wet for an intense look. I really love this shadow, but it’s a softer formula so when I used my finger to swatch, it got all broken up. I could use it that way dry but I didn’t have much left to try wet.
This shadow packs some serious shimmer and I love this color. I’m a huge fan of shimmer shadows so I’m really happy with this.
Here’s swatches of the foundation, blush duo, lipstick, and eyeshadow.
And here’s how it all looks on! I love how natural the finish of the foundation is and the blush is such a great everyday shade that will work well with just about any makeup color story.
Here’s a better look at the eyeshadow – it’s worn here alone and applied dry. I love the subtle color and shimmery finish. Eyeshadow singles are sometimes a hit or miss for me, but since I can totally see myself wearing this on its own (without crease or corner shadows too) on quick-makeup days, I can totally see myself really using a full-size. I’m hoping I can scrape together enough of what’s left of the sample after swatching and this application to try it wet, too. The lipstick feels great on my lips and stayed for a couple hours, even with light eating and drinking.
Verdict: I am seriously having so much fun with So Choix thus far. I loved trying brands and products that are new to me and that aren’t sold anywhere near me. It’s hard to do an exact cost breakdown for this box because of the hand-made samples, but being able to try so many different brand name cosmetics and skincare products plus getting 250 points ($5 store credit) every month feels fun and worth it to me, especially considering my own lifestyle (toddler mom, living far from any kind of access to any of these). I’ve loved browsing their products and creating my queue online so I can’t wait for future months!
I think they have implemented some great packaging for the samples and I trust their authenticity and also their hygiene standards, having been trained in such when I worked at Sephora. I also really enjoyed reading about their mission and So Choix's founding story. The founder was inspired to create an easy, convenient way to sample and test cosmetics and skincare in your own home when her sister was due with her second child and felt that she would have to give up makeup or feeling put-together and that she’d never be able to go and play at beauty counters with two children in tow! As a mother myself, that resonated with me. A quote I loved from it is “We bring the makeup counter to you because we don’t ever want you to lose your desire to shine when life bogs you down.” I also want to note that it seems like they’ve come a long way with making their packaging for the samples feel more professional and easy-to-use.
What do you think about So Choix? Have you tried their service before?
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.