During fashion week, Birchbox held a fun Sample Stop which was like a huge “candy shop” for beauty girls. There were treats and beauty samples for the taking.
How does it work?
Birchbox delivers luxe beauty samples to your door each month, for a small monthly fee of $10. Each month, you’ll receive a selection of samples that their team has tried and samples can be from established brands to emerging. The women’s subscription includes everything from skincare to makeup, as well as fun non-beauty extras. The men’s subscription (recently launched) delivers grooming products in addition to lifestyle accessories (socks, tech accessories, etc.).
Competitors?
Birchbox - to my knowledge - was the first subscription based beauty company to hit the streets but nowadays I feel like I’m learning about a new company every week! The standout competition, in my opinion, would be the UK-based GlossyBox. GlossyBox has actually sent me two of their boxes gratis and I was intrigued. They also have a mix of high-end products, newer brands and luxury samples. The caveat? It’s $21 a month. Yikes!
Verdict?
I think it’s just the idea of me paying each month for samples that freaks me out. I mean, why not just go to Sephora and ask for a few, right? After receiving my GlossyBox and hearing my friend’s squeal over their Birchbox mailers, I get it! It’s fun! It’s a surprise! Someone else is doing the legwork of picking samples and all you have to do is relax. Plus, it’s a great way to be introduced to newer brands, or even brands that are big overseas and haven’t quite made it stateside. Will I sign up? Who knows…
What about you? Are you on Birchbox? Why (or why not)?!
I signed up a while ago and I’m waiting on my first box. Whether I keep it going or not depends on the types of samples I get. I plan on blogging tweeting and instagramming about it…