Beauty subscription boxes have become a favorite way for makeup and skincare enthusiasts to explore new products conveniently. Popular boxes like Ipsy, BoxyCharm, and Sephora Play! dominate the market, but they aren’t the only options out there. Whether you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, eco-conscious, or tailored to specific beauty needs, there are excellent alternatives worth considering. This article highlights some of the best alternatives to popular beauty subscription boxes that offer great value, unique curation, and fresh experiences.
1. Allure Beauty Box — Alternative to Sephora Play!
Why Choose It?
Curated by the editors of Allure magazine, this box offers expertly selected skincare, makeup, and haircare products. It emphasizes innovation and quality, similar to Sephora Play!, but often with more surprise elements and exclusive items.
What to Expect
- 5 deluxe sample products each month
- Access to emerging beauty brands and trends
- Educational tips and tutorials
2. FabFitFun — Alternative to BoxyCharm
Why Choose It?
FabFitFun is a lifestyle subscription that blends beauty with wellness, fitness, and self-care products. It offers full-sized items quarterly, appealing to those who want more than just makeup and skincare.
What to Expect
- Seasonal boxes with 8+ full-sized products
- Mix of beauty, wellness, fashion, and home goods
- Customization options available
3. Birchbox — Alternative to Ipsy
Why Choose It?
Birchbox remains a classic choice for sample-sized beauty products tailored to your preferences. It’s perfect if you want to test a variety of brands without a full-size commitment, similar to Ipsy’s sampling model but with a slightly different curation style.
What to Expect
- 5 personalized sample products monthly
- Points and rewards for reviews and purchases
- Mix of skincare, makeup, haircare, and fragrance
4. Scentbird — Alternative for Fragrance Lovers
Why Choose It?
While most boxes focus on skincare and makeup, Scentbird specializes in designer and niche perfumes. This is a great alternative if you love discovering new scents but don’t want to buy full bottles upfront.
What to Expect
- Monthly 30-day supply of a chosen fragrance
- Access to over 600 designer and indie brands
- Option to purchase full-size bottles at a discount
5. The Detox Market — Clean Beauty Alternative
Why Choose It?
For clean beauty enthusiasts looking for eco-conscious options beyond mainstream subscription boxes, The Detox Market offers curated clean beauty sets with non-toxic, cruelty-free products.
What to Expect
- Regular clean beauty boxes or curated kits
- Focus on sustainable, ethical brands
- Educational content on ingredient transparency
6. Paletteful Packs — Alternative for Makeup Enthusiasts
Why Choose It?
If you love experimenting with bold colors and palettes, Paletteful Packs provides high-quality, artist-focused makeup products with an emphasis on palettes and tools.
What to Expect
- Monthly box with 3-5 makeup items, including palettes
- Trendy and colorful product selections
- Great value for makeup lovers who want variety and creativity
7. Lookfantastic Beauty Box — Global Luxury Alternative
Why Choose It?
Lookfantastic’s subscription offers luxury and niche brands from Europe and beyond, perfect for those wanting an international beauty experience distinct from US-based boxes.
What to Expect
- 6-7 deluxe samples and full-sized products monthly
- A mix of skincare, haircare, and makeup
- Access to exclusive brand launches
Final Thoughts
Popular beauty subscription boxes are fantastic, but exploring alternatives can bring fresh excitement and better alignment with your preferences. Whether you want eco-friendly products, fragrance-focused boxes, or more wellness items, these alternatives provide excellent curation and value. Try one or mix several to keep your beauty routine inspired throughout 2025!