Beauty subscription? Explain.

Sep 4, 2016

Abby G.

Hey lovely ladies and gents.

I've seen a lot of 'beauty subscriptions' around so I decided to look into them. Didn't find too much and I'm a little confused about what they are, especially Ipsy and the Sephora one (unsure of the name) and if they're even worth the amount of money a month. Anyone want to give me some more information and opinion? Thanks!

Sep 4, 2016

Kitty K.

Sephora Play!, Ipsy, Birchbox, etc. are monthly cosmetics subscriptions in where you pay a fee, and they send you a box of samples or full sized products.
You usually take a quiz, and from that quiz they send you products relating to your answers. (So if you're into bold looks, they'll send you bold lipstick samples, colorful eyeliners, etc. )

Do I think they're worth it?
I haven't subscribed to any box... so my opinion is based solely on what I've seen my friends receive and what I've seen.
Sephora Play! seems to send extras of samples they haven't been able to give out. I honestly rather just go to the store myself and ask for samples of what I am interested in. Or just make my purchases online and pick from the available samples.
I have friends subscribed to Ipsy, and do not take this the wrong way... but I've seen the make up they're received for sometimes 50 cents and cheaper at a local discount pharmacy which makes me question whether you are truly getting products worth more than the subscription.


Overall, I am not impressed by any of the subscriptions I've seen. My friends are always trying to hand out the items afterwards even though they are initially excited when they receive it.. which says enough about the whole thing. The last gift I accepted was a NYX liquid highlighter and it is literally chunks of glitter in a tube. I have even used it on my eyes and it's very glittery, will not use it for the face unless there's a disco theme going on lol.

There are some more expensive boxes, which give more products or better quality. But I rather save that money towards a product I am interested in than a box full of stuff I'll end up trying to give away.

Now, Beautylish does a once year thing around New Years where for $70.00 they send out like $110.00 of product. It's not a subscription service, it's a one time thing. But girls have received Wayne Goss brushes, Kevyn Aucoin items, etc and that's probably the only one I would actually do.
(After the costs of holidays, I have to go on a no buy so I always miss it! )

That's just my personal take on it. I'm sure there are subscribers who enjoy their boxes, but I am particular about make up anyway :)

Sep 4, 2016

Abby G.

Thanks for all that Kitty! This helps a lot!!

Sep 4, 2016

Angela J.

I agree about Ipsy. It's rare but I have received Tarte, UD, Smashbox, and Too Faced items all in my Ipsy but that was over the course of 6 months. A lot of the stuff they send seems like dollar store makeup like Kitty said. I like my Sephora play though but she's right about that one too. I just don't spend a lot at Sephora so I get embarrassed asking for samples. If I go in and spend $50 I'll ask for 1 or 2 but that's not a regular occurrence for me:(

Sep 4, 2016

Abby G.

Thanks Angela. Good to know

Sep 4, 2016

Angela J.

I spend a lot more at Ulta bc they have everything there plus sales, points you can actually use for money off, and they don't treat me like shit when I return something pardon my language lol. Now if they would get in on the subscription thing...or give free samples with minimum purchase maybe to weed out the moochers that'd be the dream lol!

Sep 4, 2016

Angela J.

You're welcome! When I get both of mine this month I'll post pics to your profile if this thread is gone. That may give you a better idea:) Also watching unboxings on YouTube may help you decide:)