Birchbox Review: How to Get the Most Out of Your Beauty Subscription

If you’ve seen friends posting unboxing videos with tiny perfume bottles and mini lipsticks, you’ve probably heard of Birchbox. It’s a monthly box that sends you a curated mix of makeup and skincare samples, all for a flat fee. The idea is simple: try new products without committing to full sizes, then decide what to keep.

What You Actually Get Every Month

Each Birchbox arrives with five to six sample-sized items. You’ll see a mix of known brands and indie launches, plus a small beauty accessory or a full‑size product once in a while. The box also includes a printed guide that tells you how to use the items and why they were chosen for you. All the products are chosen based on a short quiz you fill out when you sign up, so the selections should match your skin type, color preferences, and concerns.

The price is usually around £15 plus shipping, which works out to about £2‑£3 per sample. If you love trying new formulas, that’s a pretty good deal. If you end up throwing most of the items away, the cost can add up quickly.

Tips to Stretch Your Birchbox Budget

1. Choose the right subscription plan. Birchbox offers a regular monthly box and a quarterly “plus” box with more products. If you’re new, start with the monthly plan to see if you like the curation before upgrading.

2. Use the guide. The booklet inside explains which skin types each product fits. Following those tips can help you avoid products that will just sit in your drawer.

3. Turn samples into full‑size purchases. Many items come with a discount code for the full-size version. If you find a product that works, use the code to save up to 20%.

4. Swap with friends. If a sample isn’t right for you, chances are someone you know will love it. Swapping keeps waste down and spreads the fun.

5. Keep an eye on special editions. Birchbox occasionally releases themed boxes (e.g., holiday, travel). These often include exclusive items you can’t find elsewhere, making them worth the extra cost.

Overall, Birchbox can be a useful way to discover new makeup and skincare without blowing your budget. It works best if you’re open to experimenting and willing to give the samples a proper trial. By following the tips above, you’ll get more value out of each box and avoid the trap of accumulating products you never use.