The Siberian American: My Favorite Subscription Boxes (Plus Some Not So Favorites)

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

My Favorite Subscription Boxes (Plus Some Not So Favorites)


Confession: I’m addicted to subscription boxes. My bathroom cabinets are overflowing with samples, and many of my favorite beauty products and jewelry have come from subscription boxes. Today I wanted to share my favorite subscription boxes, and boxes I have cancelled.

Note: This post contains referral links. If you purchase these boxes, I would love it if you used my referral links. 

Favorites 

PopSugar Must Have Box
PopSugar is my absolute favorite box. Every month, Lisa Sugar curates must-have items that include products such as makeup, perfume, snacks, books, jewelry, candles, and other lifestyle wants. I don’t love everything in each box, but there is almost always an item that I adore. Recently, I received Kendra Scott Elle Earrings in Slate. They are absolutely gorgeous and retail for $52—more than the cost of the entire PopSugar box. My PopSugar review can be found here. Let me put it this way: my hubby is not the biggest fan of my subscription box love, but he recently told me that he wants me to keep my PopSugar subscription because it’s a great value.

Bottom line: This is the best subscription box ever. Get it here.

Ipsy
I have tried (too) many beauty boxes, and Ipsy is consistently my favorite every month. I prefer makeup to skincare samples, and Ipsy has sent me the smallest number of skincare samples. I have been subscribed to Ipsy for almost two years, and I feel like Ipsy really pays attention to my beauty profile. It’s been a fun way to discover some of my new favorite brands and products. Plus, it’s a great value at $110 a year (or $10 a month) and includes a cute bag each month.

Bottom line: My favorite beauty subscription box. Get it here.

Love with Food
My hubby loves food subscription boxes, and we have tried three different ones so far. For the price, Love with Food is his favorite. For only $10 a month, Love with Food includes at least eight organic or all-natural snacks. We have tried many new brands, and it’s been a fun way to try healthier snack options. The best part is that Love with Food donates a meal to a hungry child for every box sent!

Bottom line: Healthier snack options at a good value. Get it here.

On the Fence

Birchbox
Oh, Birchbox, I just can’t quit you. Birchbox sends more skincare samples than Ipsy, and the samples are smaller (in general). The products are also more high-end so even when I do fall in love with an item, I usually can’t afford it. However, Birchbox gives you points for reviewing each product that you sample in your box, so I’ve purchased some great products with my points.

Bottom line: Birchbox was the subscription that started it all for me, and I love its point system. Get it here.

Munchpak
I purchased Munchpak for my hubby for Christmas in 2013, and he has enjoyed trying new and popular snacks from all over the world every month. The reason we are on the fence about it is that the full price of the subscription is $21 a month. Since there is no way of knowing what kind of snacks will arrive, the price is a little too much for us. I bought it at a discounted price, and for now we decided not renew it in the future.

Bottom line: It is fun to try snacks from all over the world, but the price is too high for us. If you’re interested, you can get it here.

Not for Me

Beauty Box 5
I received an annual subscription to Beauty Box 5 at nearly half the regular price, but I will not be renewing once it’s over. Honestly, the boxes have just been boring to me. I am rarely excited by the products—I can quickly name some of my favorite products from PopSugar, Ipsy, and Birchbox, but I can’t think of any favorites for Beauty Box 5. Since I don’t need more than two beauty boxes, this one doesn’t make the cut.

Bottom line: This subscription box didn’t work for me, but if you want to try it for yourself, click here

Have you tried subscription boxes? Which one is your favorite?

PS-Today I am over at Venus Trapped in Mars talking about travel tips for couples. We also teamed up for a fun beauty and ad space giveaway so hop on over and check it out!

20 comments:

  1. Excellent post! I still need to break down and try one of these monthly things!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've been trying to decided between Birchbox & Ipsy, and it seems like most people feel the same way about Ipsy being more well rounded, and that also Birchbox sends one too many skincare products!

    Great post!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is super interesting! I tried Birchbox and pretty much agree with your assessment, and when I cancelled my credit card last year and forgot to update it on that account, I just decided not to renew. I'm also surprised to hear you love the Popsugar box so much, because to be honest I've only felt so-so about the stuff I've seen them send you. How much does it cost?

    My favorite subscription box hands-down is Barkbox. It's pretty affordable at $20 a month and they definitely send you way more products than that. It keeps us in stock with snacks for that entire month, plus they send extra cool goodies like doggy water bottles and super-soaking towels. Love it!

    Cat
    http://oddlylovely.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love how you wrote this with a "bottom line." I actually don't have any subscription boxes but that PopSugar box sounds pretty cool!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I havent tried any subscription boxes.. the idea of getting something that I didn't choose kind of unnerves me. I have signed up for my first stitch fix, so we'll see if i like them.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I really love glossy box for makeup - I didn't like birchbox when i got it - just really boring samples most of the time for me!! xo, Biana

    ReplyDelete
  7. I didn't know that popsugar had a subscription box. I've tried a lot of them... but I never stick to them. I'll have to give the popsugar one a try though. Maybe I'll love it too!

    Sarah
    Midwest Darling

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really hope you love it if you try it, Sarah! It's such a fun box to receive every month. :)

      Delete
  8. I'm dying to get a beauty box, but I told myself that until my barkbox subscription ends I won't get one. I'll definitely check out the pop sugar one first!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I looove ipsy and I'm currently trying out beauty box 5. I'm giving birchbox another chance for a few months. If I remove both of those I'm trying out popsugar must have!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I've only ever tried Naturebox, but some of these look seriously awesome!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have wanted to try the Naturebox! I definitely want to look more into the healthy food boxes. :)

      Delete
  11. I only subscribe to Ipsy at the moment. I love it too. I have been considering getting the Luxe Box though. :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I have Birchbox & Ipsy & I love them both! I really cannot decide which I like more. Ha! I would like to get a food box for the hubby & the one you have listed here sounds interesting but with it being organic or natural, I'm not sure that he'll dig it. Now, if they had a candy one, he would be game. Tee hee!

    Mandie ~ http://badbrewpack.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  13. great review! i haven't ever tried a box … but have always wanted to so this was really helpful!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love sub boxes too! I have tried SO many, I swear at one time I probably had about 20 between all the different types (food, snacks, clothing, jewelry, beauty). My very favorites are the ones I kept - Rocksbox and Birchbox. Occasionally I will get Julep, Golden Tote, and StitchFix. I also have ipsy, but I'm not sure that I will keep it much longer.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for reading my blog! I love hearing from you and respond to every comment. :) If you're a no-reply blogger, I will respond below your comment.