Makeup subscription boxes are one of the most popular subscription box categories out there, and it's no surprise why. This type of subscription box lets you try new beauty products and discover new makeup brands without paying the full retail price. MSA reviews quite a few makeup subscriptions, and we've just about seen it all. If you're looking for a new monthly subscription for makeup products, then you're in the right place.
Every year, we ask our readers to share their top recommended subscriptions of all types. Then we ask our experts to share what they know about each subscription to make it easy for you to pick which subscription is right for you. Here you’ll find our insights for shopping makeup subscription boxes and see our readers’ top choices for the best beauty subscription box.
We're here to help you decide which subscription service and makeup boxes are right for you. Beauty lovers of all backgrounds and preferences are bound to find their favorite new brands below. Whether you want makeup products only or a mix of makeup and skin care products, there's definitely something here that's perfect for you!
Top Subscription Boxes Featured In This List:
Ipsy Glam Bag PlusBest Overall Makeup Subscription Box
Starting at $28.00Get Ipsy Glam Bag Plus
BoxyCharmThe Best Subscription for People Who Want Full Beauty Products
Starting at $28.00Shop at BoxyCharm
IpsyBest Subscription For Those Who Are On A Budget
Starting at $13.00Try Ipsy Glam Bag
Allure Beauty BoxBest Subscription For Those Who Would Love To Try Products From Allure Magazine
Starting at $23.00Order From Allure
IPSY Glam Bag xBest Subscription for The Ultimate Ipsy Experience
Starting at $55.00Get Ipsy Glam Bag X
The 17 Best Makeup Subscription Boxes in 2023
Read on for our reader’s recommendations for the best makeup subscription boxes currently available. If we missed anything, drop us a comment. If you’ve tried one of these makeup subscription services, be sure to leave a quick review (even if you had a poor experience — your review can help other readers avoid subscription remorse).
1. IPSY Glam Bag Plus
Best Overall Makeup Subscription Box
Image via our review.
About the Subscription: New and existing IPSY subscribers who want to punch up their collection of cosmetics can subscribe to the Glam Bag Plus. This subscription box comes with five full-size products from well-known and up-and-coming brands — members get to handpick three of the items they receive.
This beauty box offers an even greater variety of palettes, lipsticks, brushes, and skincare selections, and it arrives in a stylish drawstring bag. Members also have the option to add on up to eight additional exclusive products per shipment.
When you join, IPSY will ask you a series of questions about your looks, your makeup preferences and even the names of brands you currently buy. This is a way for them to curate a bag that matches up with the kinds of products you receive and use. Past brands have included Murad, Fenty, tarte, Christophe Robin and Glossier.
Is It Customizable? Yes, subscribers can choose three items each month (customization is on the second of each month).
Key Features
- Expect high-end brands like tarte, Fenty, Murad, and Viseart
- Being able to customize three of the five items increases the likelihood you'll love your box
- Reviewing the products sent in each month's bag will give you points you can spend on new products
Shipping: is free to the US.
2. BoxyCharm
Best Monthly Subscription For Full-Size Beauty Products
Image from our review.
About the Subscription: BoxyCharm is consistently one of our readers’ top picks for best makeup subscription boxes. This subscription service combines high-quality products with expert curation, and our readers love the BoxyCharm approach. Boxycharm targets those who know the latest beauty trends, know what’s out there and want products that work well–so you’re sure to get products that are popular and great additions to your makeup collection.
In other words, if you love makeup, this monthly box delivers: Each delivery is filled with high-end brands and at least five full-size products, valued at $175 per box. Each delivery includes amazing cosmetics like eye shadow palettes, lip colors, and eyeliners, along with skincare products and beauty tools- and they include well-known, recognizable brands to really make it feel like you're getting a steal of a deal.
Members also gain access to exclusive product deals and giveaways along with redeemable points that can be used in the Charm Shop. You can also discover creative ways to use products through the BoxyCharm social media community. That’s not a minor point — the welcoming community is a big part of the draw.
When you sign up, you’ll be asked some questions about your preferences–and even better, with your Complexion Customization Feedback Form that helps the company better match foundations and concealers with your skin.
Is It Customizable?
BoxyCharm base subscribers get to choose one item in their upcoming box; the rest are customized based on your preferences (not all subscribers receive the same box).
Charmers can also upgrade to the Premium membership and receive more products and more customization options. They can also upgrade to a seasonal Boxycharm Luxe subscription and receive higher-end products along with greater customization choices.
Key Features
- You can expect to receive premium brands (some that are even sold at Sephora!) like Natasha Denona, Glow Recipe, Violet Voss, KVD Beauty, and more
- You can almost always count on at least one big item making the cost of the box worth it to you
Shipping: to the contiguous U.S. is free. Shipping to U.S. territories, Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada is $5.
3. IPSY Glam Bag
Best Value Makeup Subscription Box
Image via our review.
About the Subscription: The IPSY Glam Bag makeup box subscription boasts a satisfying haul at a gloriously low price point ($13 per month). This makeup monthly box delivers five deluxe samples of high-end and drugstore products. You’ll receive a combo of makeup and skincare selections along with bonus beauty tools based on your requests. That’s right: You choose exactly what type of products you’re interested in, then wait for your bag to be delivered right to your door. Start by filling out the IPSY beauty quiz, which collects basic information about your skin tone, beauty preferences, hair color, eye color, and current favorite brands. It’s a stress-free way to explore. When you finally get your bag, you can review your items, and that gives you better matches for the future.
What’s more, you get a cute little bag to hold your samples. The bag changes from month to month and their in-house design team choose a new look for every bag.
Is It Customizable? Yes, subscribers can choose one item each month.
Key Features
- One of the most affordable makeup subscription boxes out there
- Giving reviews each month allows the IPSY algorithm to better match you with products in future months
- Each month's box comes with a cute makeup bag
Shipping: is free to the US and $2.95 to Canada.
4. Allure Beauty Box
Best Beauty Box For Trying Out a Great Selection
Image from our review.
About the Subscription: The Allure Beauty Box is a monthly beauty subscription offering a selection of deluxe samples and full-size products from well-known brands. Each box comes with at least six Allure-approved makeup and skincare products (three samples and three full-sized), valued at over $100.
The Allure Beauty Box is curated by beauty magazine Allure’s editors, so it’s a great way to try the latest and greatest cosmetics, face masks, and skincare products at a great price. Most products have won Allure reader or editor awards, and with every box, you get a newsletter outlining what each product does, why editors love it, and how you can get the best results.
You’ll even get access to exclusive limited-edition boxes, members-only prices, and virtual events, and product promo codes — this makeup box subscription has an incredible list of add-on perks, so if you’re serious about beauty, you’ll find plenty to love.
Is It Customizable? The December 2021 box allowed subscribers to choose which shade of lip liner they wanted in their box, however outside of that Allure does not offer customization with this box at this time.
Key Features
- Expect a good mix of drug-store, mid-range, and even prestige beauty brands
- Previous boxes have included full-size products from Sunday Riley, Rare Beauty, Christopher Robin, and more
Shipping: is free to the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
5. IPSY Glam Bag X
Best Monthly Subscription Box For Trendy Makeup Items
Image from our review.
About the Subscription: IPSY Glam Bag X is a quarterly upgrade that is available for current IPSY subscribers. It’s an additional $43/per shipment for Glam Bag members and $30/per shipment for Glam Bag Plus members.
Why check out this quarterly upgrade? Celebs and products. If you love celebs and love knowing what kinds of products they use, each quarter Glam Bag X has a surprise celebrity curator that chooses the eight (!) full-size items you’ll receive. Previous curators have been Halsey, Khloe Kardashian, and Huda Kattan. New products are frequently included (like the highlighters from Halsey's About-Face makeup line in the August 2021 box) and you're able to select three products included in your quarterly box.
Is It Customizable? Yes, subscribers can choose three items in each box.
Key Features
- Previous boxes have included brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Patrick Ta, Fenty Beauty, and Rare Beauty- and you can expect future boxes to continue to do the same
- The cost-per-item breakdown in this box is $6.88, which is a downright steal
Shipping: is free to the US.
6. Birchbox
Best Monthly Subscription Box for Discovering New Products
Image from our review
About the Subscription: Love samples? So do we.
Each Birchbox delivery is packed with an amazing variety of samples, and that’s why this beauty box has been a reader favorite for years. The box mixes drugstore beauty, new beauty and known beauty products so that you can always try something new and find new staples. Birchbox has found and boosted a number of new beauty brands that have since become popular, like Beauty Protector.
The makeup subscription is somewhat customizable, so you only receive products you’re interested in. Simply set your personal preferences in your beauty profile, and Birchbox will send 4-6 deluxe samples right to your door.
Sign up for your Birchbox subscription, and answer questions about what your needs and wants are, and you’ll receive a selection of hair care, makeup, body care, skin care, and fragrance products, along with tips on how to use and enjoy each item. When you find a sample you love, you can purchase the full-size product from the Birchbox store.
Is It Customizable? You can choose one of your beauty samples each month beginning the second month of your subscription.
Key Features
- Birchbox is one of the OG beauty subscription boxes, so you can trust that they know what they're doing
- One of the most affordable options on this list
- Longer window of time to make your customization selection compared to other boxes
Shipping: Birchbox ships to the U.S., France, Spain, and the U.K.
7. GlossyBox
Best Beauty Subscription For Monthly-Themed Boxes
Image from our review.
About the Subscription: GlossyBox is a perfect box for anyone who loves all things beauty. Each delivery includes five curated products valued at $60 and comes hand-wrapped in the iconic bright pink box. Every box has a different theme and products to support that theme. Past themes have been Imperfectly Perfect and Summer Rendezvous. You can expect to receive expert-approved beauty products like makeup, skincare, fragrance, and haircare in every shipment.
Members also collect GlossyCredit (usable for full-product orders) and gain access to limited-edition boxes, which include different boxes for most holidays, like their Easter Egg collection delivered in a pretty pink egg-shaped box. Subscribers also enjoy access to tutorials and product guides.
Is It Customizable? No, not at the time of publication.
Key Features
- Monthly boxes pay attention to the seasons, and curation can be themed around the time of year
- Subscribers get access to exclusive beauty offers and other benefits every month
Shipping: is free to the U.S. and to Canada for $5.
8. Tribe Beauty Box
Best Makeup Box To Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Image via our review.
About the Subscription: If you’re addicted to YouTube makeup tutorials (and really, who isn’t?) the Tribe Beauty Box makeup subscription is an excellent choice. Each bi-monthly option provides enough products to hone your skills — and since the curation focuses on indie and female-owned makeup brands, you’ll discover incredible new items over time.
Tribe Beauty Box includes 4-5 full or deluxe-size products, and unlike some of the other makeup subscription boxes on the list, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting, a face product, one beauty tool, an eye product, a lip product, and/or one skin prep product. You’ll still find plenty of surprises, of course, but Tribe Beauty Box always delivers everything you need to get to work.
Is It Customizable? No, not at the time of publication.
Key Features
- Emphasis on supporting indie and women-owned brands
- Colorful eyeshadow palettes are common, and they are fun to get creative with
- Bi-monthly shipping cadence means you have plenty of time to play with the items in each box before the next one arrives
Shipping: Ships to the US & worldwide.
9. LOOKFANTASTIC Beauty Box
Best Makeup Box To Try More European Brands
Image via our review.
About the Subscription: LOOKFANTASTIC Beauty Box— wait for it — looks fantastic. This U.K. company regularly teams up with top European brands to create boxes that celebrate a different theme each month.
Members receive six handpicked items; cosmetics are regularly included, but LOOKFANTASTIC Beauty Box also sends out haircare, skincare, and body products. We appreciate how the company posts the retail value of each selection on its site; this makeup subscription offers an incredible overall value, and they’re not afraid to show off. It’s like a spa trip to the U.K. without ever leaving home (though you’ll have to make the fish and chips yourself).
Is It Customizable? No, the LOOKFANTASTIC Beauty Box is currently not customizable.
Key Features
- The LOOKFANTASTIC Beauty Box is a great way to try European brands US-based subscription boxes may not include
- A good choice if you're looking for a makeup subscription that also features other categories
Shipping: is free to the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia.
10. Kinder Beauty
Best Eco-Friendly Beauty Box
Image from our review.
About the Subscription: The Kinder Beauty Box is a cruelty-free, vegan beauty box that lives up to its name. You’ll get curated monthly boxes (in eco-friendly packaging, of course) filled with at least $85 in cruelty-free makeup, skincare, haircare, and other beauty essentials.
None of the products contain talc, parabens, sulfates, EDTA, siloxanes, or anything else you can’t pronounce — and nothing you wouldn’t want to put on your body. The company also donates a portion of its proceeds to charities, so you can enjoy the excitement of a monthly makeup subscription while supporting some great causes.
Is It Customizable? Kinder Beauty Box releases two versions of its subscription box each month, only subscribers with a 6-month plan can choose which of the two boxes they receive.
Key Features
- Compassionate curation delivers cruelty-free products at a reasonable monthly price
- Expect to receive a good mix of full-size and sample-sized products
Shipping: Kinder Beauty Box ships to the U.S. and most countries around the world.
11. Petit Vour
Best Makeup Subscription Box For Vegan Beauty Products
Image from our review.
About the Subscription: Petit Vour’s vegan beauty box has a simple goal: to bring cruelty-free makeup to a wide audience. When you sign up, you’ll answer some quick questions about your cosmetic preferences. This allows the curators of this subscription service to find makeup products that you’ll actually use. You’ll receive an assortment of four beauty products with a total value of over $50. In addition to cosmetics, Petit Vour’s beauty subscription box includes occasional body, hair care, and skincare products.
The price is pretty fairly priced considering this box exclusively sends vegan and cruelty-free products— and you can get $4 in store credit every month for reviewing each box. It’s a simple way to find the best plant-based, cruelty-free products in the industry, and the rewards program allows you to order your favorites at a low rate.
Is It Customizable? No, not at the time of publication.
Key Features
- At least one item will be full-sized and usually has a significantly higher value than the cost of the box
- A good mix of brands you may already know and quality brands Petit Vour introduces you to
Shipping: is free worldwide.
12. Nourish Beauty Box
Best Beauty Box For Discovering Independent Clean Beauty Brands
Image from our review.
About the Subscription: Nourish Beauty Box is a natural beauty box, and their emphasis on sustainable, skin-loving products provides plenty of value at an affordable rate. The site also allows shoppers to build their own boxes — ideal for giving a personalized gift or treating yourself to a few of your favorites.
Nourish sends four full-size vegan products each month. One is typically an in-house selection–a reminder that you can shop their store between box deliveries if you like. All selections are cruelty-free, and you won’t find any parabens or other potentially harmful additives in the ingredient list. The goal here is to deliver clean beauty products that are absolutely free of toxins.
We love that the company carefully curates each box, and its website includes detailed information about each brand to help shoppers make informed decisions. The modest monthly price makes this a great option for expanding your skincare regimen, and discounted rates are available for long-term orders.
Is It Customizable? The monthly box isn’t customizable, but shoppers can select a one-time customizable box. Choose from a selection of over 90 products, then enjoy luxurious skincare with total peace of mind.
Key Features
- Only full-size items are sent every month
- The individual products sent frequently have a higher value than the cost of the entire box
Shipping: is free in the US.
13. NewBeauty TestTube
Best Makeup Subscription Box For a Well-Curated Mix
Image from our review.
About the Subscription: Looking for a beauty subscription that doesn’t skimp on full-size products? You’ll want to check out NewBeauty TestTube. It’s one of our community’s favorites, and for good reason: Each bi-monthly makeup box contains an editorially curated selection of beauty products from both well-known and indie brands. Our readers most appreciate that each Tube offers them the chance to try something that they otherwise may not have sampled before.
You’ll also get a NewBeauty Magazine subscription, which will help you stay informed about the latest industry trends.
The perks don’t stop there. Members receive exclusive offers with discounts on their favorites, and if you’re not sure whether TestTube is right for you, the company offers “legacy tubes” (boxes from previous months) for individual purchases.
Overall, this is an excellent way to explore beauty products without overspending. The every-other-month delivery schedule keeps your makeup kit stocked without overwhelming you with options.
Is It Customizable? No, not at the time of publication.
Key Features
- Emphasis on trying out new products and discovering new brands
- Most, if not all, of the products sent, are full-size
Shipping: $8.95 per tube.
14. Vegancuts Beauty Box
Best Makeup Subscription Box For Cruelty-Free Must-Haves
Image from our review.
About the Subscription: Here’s another great box for filling your makeup bag with clean, cruelty-free products. Each monthly Vegancuts box contains a mix of 4-7 full and deluxe sample-size beauty selections ranging from cosmetics to skincare to hair care. All items are free from toxic ingredients and animal byproducts.
Vegancuts’ curators highlight indie brands, and each box is valued at $60-$100. With easy subscription management and stellar curation, this makeup subscription is well worth your attention. We’re also fans of the company’s Snack Box, which offers vegan-friendly foods at a great price.
Is It Customizable? No, not at the time of publication.
Key Features
- Indie beauty brands are frequently featured
- All products are vegan, and most are natural and cruelty-free, too
Shipping: is free to the US, $6,95 to Canada, and worldwide for $14.95.
15. Cocotique
Best Beauty Box For Women of Color
Image from our review.
About the Subscription: Your makeup subscription should suit your body, and that’s the appeal of Cocotique’s self-care box. Each monthly shipment includes 5-8 beauty and lifestyle products for women of color.
Selections include both full-size and deluxe-travel-size items. You’ll find a versatile assortment of makeup, hair care, skincare, fragrances, and nail care products, all of which are available in Cocotique’s store.
You’ll also receive a free reusable tote with each month’s box. At only $25 per month, it’s a bargain, and long-term subscriptions cut the cost further. Cocotique also operates a social responsibility program that highlights a different woman every month; the goal is to support women, promote self-care, and encourage people to “pay it forward.” Check out their site for more information.
Is It Customizable? No, not at the time of publication. However, full-size products are available through Cocotique’s web store, so subscription addicts can easily order more of their favorite selections.
Key Features
- The only subscription box on this list curated specifically for women of color and their skin tones
- Each month comes with a bonus reusable tote
Shipping: is free to the US.
16. FabFitFun
The box that does it all
Image from our review
About the Subscription: FabFitFun is a lifestyle box that sends subscribers over $200 worth of full-size makeup and beauty products, accessories, and home decor items every season. Recent boxes have included makeup from brands like ILIA, Laura Geller, Phase Zero, Stila, Anastasia Beverly Hills, and Beauty Bakerie.
The FabFitFun staff curates their boxes carefully, but they offer ample customization options, so you’ll never be disappointed. Seasonal subscribers can pick one item from four customization categories, and annual subscribers can choose one item from all six categories. This subscription box ships seasonally, so you’ll receive a total of four boxes per year; we’d recommend trying a single box to make sure it’s your thing, then upgrading to the annual plan to save a bit of money. Subscribers also receive access to year-round flash sales, exclusive offers, and other perks.
One of the best things about FabFitFun is the robust community. If you’re a beauty lover, it’s helpful to know that they manage several forums for subscribers where you can discuss spoilers, how to use box products and how to make sure the products look best on you. FabFitFun also offers cooking tips and recipes, as well as exercise videos you can take advantage of on day one of your membership.
Is It Customizable? Yes! Members get to select 4 to 6 items in each box depending on your subscription level, so you have the option to choose even more makeup items where possible if that's what you're looking for.
17. Walmart Beauty Box
Most Affordable Quarterly Subscription for Sample Size Products
Image via our review.
About the Subscription: Drugstore makeup gets a revamp with the Walmart Beauty Box. This quarterly makeup and beauty sample subscription delivers subscribers a shipment of samples at $5 a box.
When you sign up for Walmart Beauty Box you will answer a series of questions such as your ethnicity, hair color, skin concerns, and a few other preferences. The answers are used to provide a more personalized experience so that they can tailor your box to you.
If you can't get enough of this try-before-you-buy model, Walmart Beauty Box also offers themed seasonal limited edition boxes for $12.98.
Is This Box Customizable?
No, Walmart curates the box for you.
Key Features
- Affordable beauty products
- Only $5 per box
Beauty Lovers, What Do You Think Of Our List?
That's it for our list of the best makeup subscriptions! Have you tried out any of these makeup subscription boxes/beauty boxes? Are there any other beauty subscriptions we should add to our list of the best makeup subscription boxes? Let us know in the comments section below!
Looking for More Beauty Subscription Boxes?
Want more options for beauty boxes that contain both makeup items and skin care products? Check out our article on the best beauty subscription boxes here. It covers brands like See New Skincare and GlossyBox, and there are other beauty subscription box options similar to First Aid Beauty, such as Function of Beauty.
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