Makeup subscription boxes are a fun and exciting way to discover new beauty products, but the cost of monthly or quarterly plans can add up quickly—especially for premium services. Fortunately, there are several budget-friendly alternatives that offer great value without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re a student, on a tight budget, or simply want to save while still exploring makeup and skincare, this guide highlights the best affordable alternatives to popular makeup subscription boxes in 2025.
Why Look for Affordable Alternatives?
Popular subscription boxes like Ipsy, BoxyCharm, and GlossyBox are known for their high-quality products and well-curated selections—but they can range from $20 to $60 per month. Affordable alternatives allow beauty lovers to:
- Try new products without financial pressure
- Explore indie or lesser-known brands
- Stick to a monthly budget while still enjoying variety
- Avoid long-term commitments
With beauty on a budget becoming more popular than ever, many brands and services now cater to cost-conscious consumers.
1. Elf Beauty Box (by e.l.f. Cosmetics)
Price Range: Around $10/month
What You Get: Deluxe samples and occasional full-size products from the e.l.f. line
Why It’s a Great Alternative: e.l.f. is known for quality, cruelty-free, and vegan products at drugstore prices. The e.l.f. Beauty Box offers a curated set of new launches and bestsellers, ideal for beginners or fans of minimal, clean makeup.
2. ShopMissA Monthly Beauty Picks
Price Range: As low as $5–$10/month
What You Get: Full-size makeup, skincare, or tools from their AOA Studio brand
Why It’s a Great Alternative: ShopMissA is famous for $1 beauty products that perform surprisingly well. Their curated monthly picks give you a themed bag of products that focus on specific looks or needs, like “Summer Glow” or “Daily Essentials.”
3. YesStyle Beauty Box (Mini Edition)
Price Range: Around $12–$15/month
What You Get: A selection of Korean and Asian beauty samples and minis
Why It’s a Great Alternative: If you love K-beauty but don’t want to spend on luxury boxes, YesStyle offers great value with trendy products from top-rated Korean brands like Etude House, Tony Moly, and Innisfree.
4. Target Beauty Box / Beauty Capsule
Price Range: $7–$15 (varies by release)
What You Get: Seasonal boxes with a mix of drugstore makeup, skincare, and samples
Why It’s a Great Alternative: While not a subscription, Target’s Beauty Capsules offer incredible value and feature both new and classic drugstore favorites. You pay per box, so there’s no ongoing commitment.
5. Walmart Beauty Box
Price Range: $6.98/quarter
What You Get: 5–7 samples from popular drugstore brands like Maybelline, L’Oréal, and Neutrogena
Why It’s a Great Alternative: Delivered every season, this box is one of the most affordable beauty subscriptions. It’s ideal for trying drugstore favorites and discovering new products on a low budget.
6. Beauteque Monthly Beauty Bags
Price Range: $12–$20/month
What You Get: Korean skincare and makeup in themed pouches
Why It’s a Great Alternative: Beauteque offers specialized subscriptions like Mask Maven and Beauty Box that are focused, affordable, and curated with skincare lovers in mind. Their K-beauty picks often include generous sample sizes.
7. The Lip Monthly Bag
Price Range: $12.95/month
What You Get: 4–5 full-size lip products (lipsticks, glosses, liners)
Why It’s a Great Alternative: If lip products are your main obsession, this subscription focuses entirely on them—making it a great value for lip product lovers compared to broader boxes with just one or two lip items.
Tips for Maximizing Value with Affordable Boxes
- Look for discount codes or introductory offers—many brands offer 20–50% off your first box.
- Read reviews before subscribing to make sure the quality aligns with your expectations.
- Avoid long-term plans unless you’re confident in the subscription; monthly billing is safer when trying something new.
- Consider alternating boxes monthly to get variety without subscribing to multiple services at once.
Conclusion
You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the fun of makeup subscription boxes. From e.l.f. and ShopMissA to Walmart and Target, these affordable alternatives offer excellent value, reliable quality, and a chance to experiment with makeup and skincare. Whether you’re new to beauty or a seasoned enthusiast looking to cut costs, these budget-friendly boxes prove you can still indulge without overspending.