Beauty subscription boxes can be a fun way to try out new products without spending a lot. They can also make it easier to refresh your usual routine without spending hours comparing products; great for busy professionals. The best beauty subscription boxes aren’t the ones with the highest advertised retail value, though. The best choice for you will depend on whether you want full-size or travel-sized products, editor-curated surprises or being able to choose all of your own products, and a price that fits well within your budget.
Our team tested four popular beauty subscription services, considering ordering/customization, shipping/packaging, product quality, and overall value.
Best Beauty Subscription Boxes of 2026
- Best Overall: IPSY
- Best Makeup Subscription Box: Allure Beauty Box
- Best Clean Beauty Subscription Box: Beauty Heroes
- Best Customizable Beauty Subscription Box: FabFitFun
Best Beauty Subscription Boxes Table
Best Overall: IPSY
IPSY
| Fortune score | 5/5 |
at IPSY
- Our thoughts: An approachable way to discover new products
- Who it’s for: Budget-conscious professionals who want a low-commitment way to test skincare, makeup, hair care, and fragrance products before buying full sizes
- What makes it different: Has a personalization quiz
Pros
- Easy-to-complete customization quiz
- Includes a reusable drawstring beauty bag
- Good low-commitment option
Cons
- Actual retail value may differ by month
- Focused on multiple categories, so products may be broader than some folks prefer
- People with specific brand preferences may not like the surprise aspect of the products
Our Thoughts on IPSY
IPSY is our pick for the best overall beauty subscription box because it has some customization, three subscription options, and a broad selection of products. The original subscription costs just $15 per month, and you’ll receive five deluxe-size products. Product options include skincare, makeup, haircare, body care, fragrance, and beauty tools.
Regina tested IPSY; she’s most interested in skincare, makeup, and fragrance products. She rated the ordering and customization offered as a 5 out of 5. “Sign up was really easy and only took a few minutes,” Regina said. “The process is clear and easy to follow. Their customization quiz was very thorough and asked for my personal preferences as well as my skin type and appearance. I got to choose which types of items I wanted to receive in my boxes, and frequency (rarely, sometimes, often).”
IPSY made it very clear to Regina how much the subscription cost, when billing would occur, and when the box would arrive.
Shipping and packaging received a 5 out of 5 score from Regina. “The box arrived on time, and all items were packed inside an IPSY bag, which itself was inside a shipping mailer. All items and their packaging were pristine on arrival, and I really enjoyed the drawstring bag IPSY included with the order,” she said.
Our tester was pleased with the quality of the products, rating it a 5 out of 5 in this category. “The products felt high-quality and premium. The price of the subscription was very much worth it for the items I received. The products were all from reputable brands, and I recognized a few of them. The products were all fresh and in pristine condition; they were all full-size,” Regina said. “I was pretty impressed by the value of the products in the box.”
Regina highly recommended IPSY for folks with tight schedules. She said, “This subscription was definitely really easy and painless for me; it delivered products that I needed for my daily routine as well as products that I was excited to get to try out. I think the convenience of the box is well worth it. I would recommend this box to a busy professional; it has great value, was easy to get, and included a great mix of products.”
Specs:
- Monthly price: $15/month original, $32/month extra, $65/month ultimate
- Total box value: Up to $70
- Delivery frequency: Monthly
- Customization level: Types of products and frequency of receiving types of products
- Products offered: Skincare, makeup, haircare, body care, fragrance, beauty tools
Best Makeup Subscription Box: Allure Beauty Box
Allure Beauty Box
| Fortune score | 4.5/5 |
at Allure
- Our thoughts: We like that you get to choose one product and then be surprised by the rest
- Who it’s for: Makeup-forward shoppers who value editor-curated product discovery, appreciate polished presentation, and are comfortable choosing one item while leaving the rest of the box to Allure’s editors
- What makes it different: Doesn’t use a personalization quiz, relies on editor curation
Pros
- Easy to cancel
- Contains beauty staples
- Aesthetically pleasing packaging
Cons
- Not built around beauty quiz results
- Not fully customizable
- More expensive than other beginner beauty boxes
Our Thoughts on Allure Beauty Box
Allure Beauty Box is our pick for the best makeup subscription box because it includes an editor-curated selection of products for just $30, valued at $125+ in retail value. The assortment of products may include makeup staples like mascara, lipstick, and eyeshadow.
Emily on our testing team (distinct from the staff writer of the same name) tested the Allure Beauty Box. She is most interested in skincare, makeup, and fragrance products.
Our tester rated the ordering and customization process a 4.5 out of 5. “It was super easy to sign up,” Emily said, adding, “I could pick the shade of eyeshadow that I wanted, which was nice. The box came relatively quickly, and the subscription management was straightforward and easy to cancel if needed.”
She was pleased with the shipping and packaging. “The box arrived on time and was packaged securely and beautifully! I loved the presentation of the box and was so excited to look through the little pamphlet they provided, which explained all of the products,” Emily said, rating it a 5 out of 5 in this category.
Our tester rated the quality of this beauty subscription box a 5 out of 5 as well. “This box had a great variety of types of products. I received a mascara, perfume sample, hair clip, moisturizer, serum, lipstick, and eyeshadow. I liked that there were brands I had heard of but also new ones for me to try. I have already started to regularly use the perfume, mascara, lipstick, and moisturizer. I really love the variety of this box, and I am excited to see what I get to try out next month,” Emily said.
She also added, “This box is a great opportunity for a busy professional to try out products without having to do the research and order online to find products that work. You can repurchase the stuff you like, which makes it super easy!”
Specs:
- Monthly price: $30
- Total box value: $125+
- Delivery frequency: Monthly
- Customization level: Choose one product each month, the rest are a surprise
- Products offered: Skincare, makeup, haircare, fragrance, body and self-care
Best Clean Beauty Subscription Box: Beauty Heroes
Beauty Heroes
| Fortune score | 4.5/5 |
at Beauty Heroes
- Our thoughts: We like the brand’s commitment to sustainability
- Who it’s for: Ingredient-conscious shoppers who prefer full-size skincare and are willing to pay more for a curated, one-brand monthly discovery rather than a highly customizable assortment
- What makes it different: One brand per month, with at least two full size products
Pros
- Includes full-size products, rather than travel or sample sizes
- High monthly box value of $125 to $300
- Brand says products are cruelty-free and ethically sourced
Cons
- No personalization
- Not all products are vegan
- Only one brand per month
Our Thoughts on Beauty Heroes
Beauty Heroes is our pick for the best clean beauty subscription box because it focuses on two or more full-size products each month that are “free of harmful ingredients and full of healthy ingredients” and “ethically sourced and mostly certified organic,” per the brand. You can purchase a one-off box or subscribe for three, six, or twelve months to get each box cheaper per month. Subscribers also save 15% in the Beauty Heroes store. Keep in mind that “clean” skincare and beauty aren’t a certification or approved by a certain organization; it’s an industry term used to broadly describe products without allergens, irritants, endocrine disruptors, and potential carcinogens.
Ann tested Beauty Heroes. She is most interested in makeup and skincare products. Ann rated the sign-up and customization process for this beauty box a 5 out of 5. “There are options for a three-, six-, and 12-month subscription box. You can also get a one-time box instead of subscribing,” she said. “While you can’t personalize it or request exactly what comes in the box, I did have the option to purchase last month’s box if I didn’t like the current month’s box. I did this since the previous month’s box was a brand I’m super familiar with (and love!). Since I purchased a one-time box, everything was easy.”
On product quality, our tester rated Beauty Heroes 4 out of 5. “I received two full-sized products from the brand Ursa Major. I’m a huge fan of this clean beauty brand, and I was so glad that I hadn’t tried the products in the box before. I got a Glow Serum that helps to firm and brighten skin, and a Golden Hour Body Serum that can be used all over, not just the face. These two products are similar, so I wish I had gotten a bit more variety. However, I was very happy with the products,” she said.
Ann was pleased with her overall experience, rating the brand a 4.5 out of 5 in this category. “I’m happy with the clean brands the brand offers, the overall value, the products themselves, and the fast shipping. The products can be used daily and incorporated into my skincare routine. While the packaging is clean and minimal, I was expecting a bit more, but what you see on the website is exactly what you get,” she said.
Our tester also stated, “I would recommend this subscription box to a busy professional. Signing up is extremely easy, and the emails keep you in the know. Shipping was fast, and all the products are practical. Also, the two products I tested are easy to apply in a hurry. However, the products aren’t travel-sized and are larger than what can be brought in a carry-on. But that might not be the case for each box.”
Specs:
- Monthly price: $58.95, unless you subscribe for 3, 6, or 12 months
- Total box value: $125 to $300
- Delivery frequency: Monthly
- Customization level: None
- Products offered: Skincare
Best Customizable Beauty Subscription Box: FabFitFun
FabFitFun
| Fortune score | 4.5/5 |
at FabFitFun
- Our thoughts: We like that you get full-size products from trending brands
- Who it’s for: Professionals who want the value and convenience of a subscription but prefer to choose every product, especially if they have specific shade, fragrance, or routine preferences
- What makes it different: It’s completely customizable, so you know exactly what you’re getting
Pros
- $29.99 for four full-size beauty products each month
- Features popular brands
- Large selection of products
Cons
- Product availability varies
- Popular products or shades of makeup may sell out before all members get to make their choices
- Category balance varies from one month to the next
Our Thoughts on FabFitFun
FabFitFun is our pick for the best customizable beauty subscription box because no matter which plan you pick, you get to choose all the products. The monthly beauty subscription allows you to select four full-size products, while the seasonal subscription lets you choose all six full-size products. If you select the annual subscription, you’ll get six full-size products of your choosing and a bonus box for the year, too.
Ann tested FabFitFun. She’s most interested in skincare and makeup products. She rated the ordering and customization a 5 out of 5.
“I chose the Beauty Edit box and could customize what I wanted. I had about five options to select for each of the four different products,” Ann said. “While some of the more popular products were sold out, I was very happy with my choices (a Briogeo hair product, a Kosas setting powder, Versed retinol serum, and Laneige lip balm). My account overview made it very clear when I was being billed and when I would receive my box.”
She loved that she was able to select from a large list of products, rating FabFitFun a 5 out of 5 on product quality. “There was a huge variety to choose from. There were hair serums and masks, full makeup products, perfumes, face washes, moisturizers, sunscreens, nail polish, and various makeup tools. Although some products were out of stock, I didn’t feel stuck choosing between products I didn’t like. I also loved that I knew and used almost all of the brands offered. Plus, I had the option to pay a little extra to get additional items if I couldn’t decide on just four,” Ann said.
Our tester rated her overall experience a 5 out of 5. “Not only are the products full-sized, but the brands are very popular and widely loved. Picking each product was so fun, and I even got to see user reviews for each to fully help me choose. Best of all, the value is great for my wallet. I paid $33 for a box of products (this includes tax) that would have cost me over $100,” she said.
Lastly, Ann stated, “This subscription is super easy and has saved me a lot of research and time on new and well-loved brands. I love how I was able to find new beauty products (such as my retinol) that I know I’m going to continue to use. I think a busy professional would love FabFitFun because there is so much to choose from, it requires little maintenance, and the products are consistently great.”
Specs:
- Monthly price: $29.99/monthly beauty edit, $63.99/monthly seasonal, $64.99/monthly annual
- Total box value: $150+
- Delivery frequency: Monthly
- Customization level: Choose all products
- Products offered: Monthly: beauty; Seasonal and annual vary: beauty, skincare, home decor, kitchen tools, and more
Why the Right Beauty Subscription Box Matters to Professionals
Selecting the right beauty subscription box can help simplify product discovery and refresh your routine, especially for professionals who want to maintain a skincare, makeup, hair care, or other routine without having to do a ton of research to find new products. A subscription can be particularly helpful when you get to test products in smaller sizes (travel) before committing to (and spending money on) full-sized products.
The real value in a beauty subscription box is not the box’s retail value. It’s whether the subscription itself saves you time, brings you joy, introduces products that you end up using long-term, and fits your budget. All of this works well if it doesn’t create too much clutter (product overload) or add recurring charges you forget to manage, so keep that in mind.
How We Tested and Selected the Best Beauty Subscription Boxes
Here’s how we tested and selected the best beauty subscription boxes.
Ordering Process
Testers provided feedback on the sign-up process, ordering, and customization for the beauty subscription boxes they tested. They rated the ordering process on a scale of 1 to 5.
Shipping and Packaging
Testers noted that their beauty subscription box arrived on time, was packaged well, and that they paid attention to any sustainability efforts. They rated the shipping and packaging on a scale of 1 to 5.
Product Quality
Our testers reported back on the quality of the products they received, whether they selected them or if they were chosen for them. Testers also made note of the types of products they received: mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow, lipstick, lip gloss, facial cleanser, moisturizer, body care, fragrance, lifestyle products, and more. Testers rated the product quality on a scale of 1 to 5.
Overall Experience
Testers made note of their overall experience with the beauty subscription boxes, including brands offered, overall value, product selection, shipping, and more. Testers rated their overall experience on a scale of 1 to 5.
Value
Benefits of Beauty Subscription Boxes
Here are some benefits of beauty subscription boxes:
- Discover new brands
- Refresh your routine
- Delivery convenience
- Customization
What to Avoid in Beauty Subscription Boxes
Here’s what to avoid when shopping for a beauty subscription box:
- Confusing subscription terms or cancellation information
- Long commitments
- Overvaluing of retail price
- Add-ons, which may lead to overspending
How to Find the Best Beauty Subscription Box for You
Here’s what to consider when shopping for the best beauty subscription box for you.
Type of Box
Consider the types of products you’d like to receive in your beauty subscription box. If you’re interested in sticking with skincare products only, we recommend trying Beauty Heroes. If you want more options (including lifestyle products), we recommend FabFitFun’s seasonal or annual subscription box.
Product Size
Decide if you’d like to receive sample/travel-size products to try out, or if you’d rather get full-size products. It can be easy to get overwhelmed with samples you aren’t interested in, or to be stuck with a full-size product that you don’t actually like.
Customization Options
Check to see if the beauty subscription box offers complete customization, some, or none at all. This is totally up to your personal preference; it could be exciting to be surprised by all of the products you receive, you may prefer to select one or two, or you might want to select everything so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Cancellation Terms
Before signing up, we recommend reading the terms of the subscription. Is it easy to manage your account status and cancel?
Your Budget
Keep in mind that sometimes the overall value of a beauty subscription box is exaggerated. What’s more important is the amount you want to spend monthly on a subscription and whether you’ll actually use all of the products that you receive. You could also budget to try one beauty subscription service for just three months, see how it goes, and then adjust based on your experience.
Fortune’s Final Thoughts
When selecting a beauty subscription box, consider any gaps in your beauty routine and what types of products you’ll realistically use. IPSY is our best overall pick because it has a low barrier to trying new products, a straightforward customization quiz, and great value at $15 a month. If you prefer color cosmetics and editor-curation, consider Allure’s Beauty Box. If you’d prefer “clean” skincare products only, choose Beauty Heroes for their full-size options. And finally, if you’d prefer to select all of your own products and avoid things you don’t need or want, FabFitFun offers full customization.
For busy professionals, a beauty box can be a helpful way to discover new products without having to do any heavy lifting. Before signing up, however, consider what beauty categories you already have in your routine, what you’d like to try, and the amount of customization you’d prefer.
Frequently asked questions
Are beauty subscription boxes worth the money?
We think beauty subscription boxes are worth the money, at least for a little while, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try new products. Subscriptions like IPSY may cost just $15 per month and are a great way to find out about brands and products without a big monetary commitment.
Do beauty subscription boxes include full-size products?
It varies; some beauty subscription boxes include a mix of full-size products and sample/travel sizes, while some include only full-size or only sample/travel sizes.
Can beauty boxes match your skin tone and makeup shades?
Yes, some beauty subscription boxes have customization quizzes that will match your preferences for skin tone, eye color, makeup shades, and more.