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Updated 10/1 to reflect updated pricing for Allure Beauty Box. Lean more here!
We're ready with our Community Picks for the most-recommended subscription boxes for newbies!
Remember the first box to steal your heart? Which subscription jumps to mind if you're advising a friend who's never subscribed before? We asked our expert-level subscription addicts to recommend the best boxes for newbies who are just starting out. Their votes are in!
Here's what they chose as the Best Boxes for Subscription Box Newbies!
The 10 Best Subscription Boxes for Newbies
1. FabFitFun
Cost: $49.99 per quarter. Subscribe here!
Coupon: Use code MSA10 for $10 off your first box!
What Our Readers Say:
"For a nice selection of lifestyle products for a relatively low price, and with lots of choices and customizations, this box is a real treat!" - Valerie B.
"With customization options and a community of people it's a wonderful intro in the sub box life!" - sneakertree
"I choose this box due to the variety, customization options, and the choice to be an annual/select or seasonal, as well as the amazing edit and add-on sales. There truly is something for everyone with FFF regardless of age or preferences!" - MosleysMomma
Why It's Great for Newbies: The FabFitFun subscription includes awesome beauty items, accessories, and cool stuff for your home, health, and wellness. You also get a ton of personal customization, options for add-ons, or the choice to keep it all a surprise. You're guaranteed 8 to 10 full-size products that total at least $200 in value. It's a great box when you want a little bit of everything to keep you inspired.
Check out all of our FabFitFun Box reviews and our FabFitFun details to learn more. Ships to US and Canada.
2. Ipsy
Cost: $12 per month. Subscribe here!
What Our Readers Say:
"With a low monthly pricepoint, the ability to skip, and a great product/profile customization request system, it's a great way to get started in subscription boxes." - robyn
"You can't beat the value! Plus, if someone has never tried a beauty box subscription before, it's a good start with an inexpensive subscription and start small and work your way up to more subscription beauty boxes." - Karin B
"ipsy is the best deal for someone who is completely new to beauty usbs. At $12, it is a no-lose proposition and very FUN." - Dea
Why It's Great for Newbies: Your Ipsy subscription is an easy, breezy, (and super affordable) way to try out new beauty products. You can customize your beauty profile, and count on 5 sample-size items each month. Sometimes there's even a full-size product (or two) too! Plus, your items are delivered in an adorable make-up bag. Ipsy also offers a great rewards program for subscribers. You can also check out our Ispy Glam Bag Plus details if you're ready for more.
Check out all of our Ipsy reviews and Ipsy details to learn more. Ships to free to US and $4.95 to Canada.
3. POPSUGAR Must Have Box
Cost: $75 per quarter. Subscribe here!
COUPON: Get $20 off your first box with code MSA20
What Our Readers Say:
"Beautifully curated. A nice mix of exclusives, limited editions, and popular products."- Melissa O.
"I selected this because you get such a great variety of items-skincare, makeup, books, clothing, etc. It's a great box to start with. It's a little pricey but you cannot beat the value!" - LeClair G
"Everything in the box they send you just makes you happy." - Siham
Why It's Great for Newbies: The POPSUGAR Must Have subscription box delivers exclusive, sought-after fashion, beauty and home goods on a quarterly basis. Products include unique and luxurious items for your home, your fashion sense, and your lifestyle. You have the option to customize products with choices that are carefully curated by editors to delight, surprise and inspire. Plus, each box has a total value of $300 plus. This is the perfect subscription when you're in the mood for a worth-it splurge.
Check out all of our POPSUGAR Must Have reviews and our POPSUGAR Must Have details to learn more. Ships to US.
4. Allure Beauty Box
Cost: $23 per month. Subscribe here!
Coupon: Sign up here to save $5 off your first box!
What Our Readers Say:
"Best bang for your buck. High end products with many full sized. Nice variety of makeup, skin care and hair products each month." - Sharon Paige
"It always has a mix of makeup and skincare. And the price is perfect for a newbie to get started." - Lisa
"Gives a taste of higher-end products at a good price." - jaq
Why It's Great for Newbies: If you love the magazine, you'll adore the Allure Beauty Box. This subscription emphasizes high-end, luxury brands and gives you 6 samples (some full-size) that span the whole beauty product constellation, from haircare to skincare to makeup and more. You'll love trying out chic choices curated by beauty experts.
Check out all of our Allure Beauty Box reviews and our Allure Beauty Box details to learn more. Ships to US only.
5. CAUSEBOX
Cost: $49.95 per quarter. Subscribe here!
Coupon: Use coupon code WELCOME10 to save $10 off your first box.
What Our Readers Say:
"This box is great because the companies have a cause, there isn't a lot of makeup, so some items can always be gifted, and most of all, the items are UNIQUE, but appeal to the masses!" - Kristin
"CAUSEBOX always has a great a mix of home, fashion, beauty, and paper goods - and all from companies that you can feel good about. Since it's a quarterly subscription, it's not too expensive and feels very special." - Anonymous
"You get a variety of ethically-made beauty, fashion, and accessories. I think the cost and the intentionality behind each product are valuable for first-timers." - Katie
Why It's Great for Newbies: The CAUSEBOX mission empowers artisans by sharing their artwork across the globe. Your box may include handicrafts, decor, beauty products, apparel, and other artisanal goods. CAUSEBOX partners with companies who support artisans through socially-conscious business practices. Boxes have a value of at least $200 each, and contain items that have been ethically-sourced and curated. CAUSEBOX is a subscription you can truly believe in.
Check out all our CAUSEBOX reviews and our CAUSEBOX details to learn more. Ships to US.
6. Birchbox
Cost: $15 per month. Subscribe here!
What Our Readers Say:
"I have already recommended it to many people. First, the price is great for people who don't really understand about subscription boxes. Second, their loyalty program is the best! And third, the items are totally worth the money." - Coli
"Their model to pick one or all items is a lot easier to control than being 100% surprised" - Anonymous
"It's tried and true and I think it's the perfect box to welcome a new future addict! :)" - Rowan
Why It's Great for Newbies: Birchbox makes it easy and affordable to sample exclusive beauty products that are customized to your preferences. You can also let the editor's curate your box. Your choice! You create your profile to customize the products you get--mostly sample sizes, but on occasion full or deluxe sizes show up. Product samples include skin care, cosmetics, hair care, and more. The Birchbox point program allows you to "shop" with earned points. This is a great beauty box when you'd like an expert guide.
Check out all of our Birchbox reviews and our Birchbox details to learn more. Ships to the US.
7. Boxycharm
Cost: $21 per month. Subscribe here!
What Our Readers Say:
"I'm a makeup junkie and every time someone asks me about a good deal to get beauty products, I'm always referring them to Boxycharm...it's a great and affordable way to build up a makeup collection since they send full size products." - Dida
"Because you get a bargain for what you pay for. For just $21 you get way more for what you pay for and highend brands which is crazy!!" - cindyr
"Very affordable box with products you'll actually use-fall in love with & order more." - Sonja B
Why It's Great for Newbies: Boxycharm charms you with 4 to 5 full-size products each month--box contents have a retail value of at least $100. Each box features beauty products such as skincare, cosmetics, tools, and more, from both indie and name brands. You can connect with the Charmer community on social media for tutorials, and join the rewards program for offers and giveaways. If you consider yourself a true beauty buff, you'll love Boxycharm.
Check out all of our Boxycharm reviews and our Boxycharm details to learn more. Ships to US and Canada.
8. Beachly (formerly Coastal Co)
Cost: $99 per quarter. Subscribe here!
What Our Readers Say:
"The coastal co box was my first actual subscription box and I love it so much! I love all every piece that was in my first winter box. Everything is useable and the clothes fit great!" - Kali B.
"You get a little bit of everything." - Julie
"A variety of products that inspire the soul and make an environmental difference." - Jacquie M
Why It's Great for Newbies: Beachly subscriptions bring you beachy vibes and vacay-inspired products every quarter, themed around the four seasons. Set up your detailed profile, and your box arrives with 6 to 8 beach-inspired items including clothing, accessories, skin and hair care, decor, and lifestyle products. Each box has a retail total of $200 plus, so you get a great value. Plus, Beachly also uses a portion of proceeds to help "Heal the Bay" with beach clean-ups. It's a great box to bring the beach right to you.
Check out all of our Beachly (Coastal Co) reviews and our Beachly (Coastal Co details to learn more. Ships to the US (for $4.95,) and internationally.
9. Stitch Fix
Cost: $20 styling fee (pay for whatever items you keep minus the $20 credit). Sign up here!
What Our Readers Say:
"Love stitch fix!"- Allison
"Amazing clothes for a reasonable price." - Kaneika
"You would try clothes you never would have bought for yourself, they get you out of your box" - Anonymous
Why It's Great for Newbies: Stitch Fix styling service gives you custom fashion selections from your own personal stylist. You set up an intensive style profile, tailored to your size and taste. Your stylist hand-selects 5 clothing and accessory items. You keep what you like and return the rest. The return envelope and free shipping (minus the $20 styling fee) make this a great subscription when you want stress-free style updates without going shopping. Stitch Fix stylists are great at finding that "just right," unique, and unexpected item you love.
Check out all of our Stitch Fix reviews and our Stitch Fix details to learn more. Ships to US only.
10. GlobeIn Artisan Box
Cost: Starts at $33 per month. Subscribe here!
COUPON: Use coupon code MSAWELCOME to save $10.
What Our Readers Say:
"Gorgeous products!" - Toni A.
"It's easy and fun to select boxes and other items that come up for sale. And it has the Mavens group to socialize and learn from other members." - Vicki Halls
"Great way to decorate your home or gift to others while making a worldwide impact. Plus referral perks!" - Laura T.
Why It's Great for Newbies: The GlobeIn subscription box lets you discover artisans from across the globe. GlobeIn boxes aim to connect high-quality, handcrafted products to subscribers worldwide through fair trade practices and ethical sourcing. Boxes include 4 to 5 uniquely themed home goods, such as hand-woven baskets, textiles, and pottery. You have options for customization or add-on items, and each box includes profiles of featured artists, with info on their products and stories. You'll love supporting GlobeIn's empowering mission.
Check out our GlobeIn reviews and GlobeIn details to learn more. Ships to US (starting at $3 per month,) and internationally.
That wraps up the list of 2019 Subscription Box Award Winners for Best Subscription Boxes for Newbies! Which box would you recommend? Which subscription was your fave when you were still a newbie?
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