Over the past year, there are have been subscription beauty programs popping up every time you turn around. Birchbox, Julep Maven, Beauty Box, Glossy Box, etc. It’s this year’s sample sale website. Is it worth it?
In my opinion: no. I started out by trying Birchbox last fall upon wonderful reviews from a co-worker. The first couple of months I was impressed. I thought, “I get all of this stuff for $10? Wow!” And then the excitement faded. Not only did I spend the $10 a month on miniature sample products, but I never found anything I liked. I then felt my bathroom get cluttered with all of these samples. And as you know, I do not like clutter or useless things.
The fourth month was my final. While companies claim to provide you with a few miniatures and one full-size product, you never actually get a big bottle of anything. It’s still travel-sized. I would rather save the $10 a month and actually buy a nice face cream or eye serum that I know suits me.
While I understand that these subscriptions can be helpful for both beauty newbies and junkies alike, I just can’t get into it.
Am I the only one?
I’ve heard people rave about things like this, but they’ve just never really appealed to me. I’m with you – I’d rather KNOW I’m spending my money on something good.
Yeah and they must make a killing on these sets. Samples are basically $.25 of product.
I totally agree! I haven’t actually TRIED any of these subscriptions, but I just can’t get into it. Whenever I order online from Sephora, they include 3 free samples. And what do these samples end up doing? Cluttering my bathroom, just like you mentioned. I’m not much of a beauty junkie, I just buy what I know I like. When I need to try something new, I go to a store and ask a sales associate for help. These subscription services just aren’t for me!
I agree. I never use samples. I hear they’re good for traveling, but it’s not like I do that too often. I have heard it’s a good idea to collect them and put them in a makeup bag to use a gift or for guests.
I guess, I’ve been under a rock for the last year. I just learned about birch box after receiving one in my bag at BNONYC last week. I was skeptical about the $10 per month charge for the sample products and after spending the last 2 days doing some further “edits” to my condo, I don’t think this would be a good idea for me at all. Obviously it’s working for some people, but I personally just can’t see the value of participating in a program like this. When I want to sample a product I go to my local Sephora and ask for one. The girls there are really generous and they usually give me enough product to last me several days.
Yeah, that way it more successful I think. Honestly if you go to events or work with brands/PR agencies, you get samples of things anyways.
P.S., I just read your “About Me” page. Bugs Bunny and Style With Elsa Klench were my two Saturday morning programs. These shows might be before your time….
Unfortunately yes, but I just googled her! I love finding new fashion folks. Thank you!
I have to stand up for the pro-Birchbox viewpoint here. As a beauty brand-snob but also a broke graduate student, I find myself having to skimp on my usual lavish make-up/skin & haircare purchases this year. The small fee of $10 per month lets me try the products of some great brands without feeling guilty about the splurge. Last month I got a full sized Stila eyeliner in my box and that alone was worth it! I have had the service for 5 months and already found 3 products that I would have never tried before and now love. (<3 and miss you LMo!)
That’s great! I knew there was a customer for it. It’s just hard not seeing it. I need to hear about this grad school stuff. Call me! Miss you lots!