This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2014/jul/05/beauty-subscription-boxes-sali-hughes

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Beauty: beauty subscription boxes Beauty: beauty subscription boxes
(2 days later)
When I was little, I joined a book club. Each month a parcel would arrive at my granny's, addressed to me. Frankly, this was the giddy highlight of an otherwise anticlimactic event. Inside was a cheap book printed on greying paper, somew scratchy crayons and a flimsy toy that looked like something from the market. This isn't far off my experience of beauty subscription boxes, the now hugely popular way of buying products. When I was little, I joined a book club. Each month a parcel would arrive at my granny's, addressed to me. Frankly, this was the giddy highlight of an otherwise anticlimactic event. Inside was a cheap book printed on greying paper, some scratchy crayons and a flimsy toy that looked like something from the market. This isn't far off my experience of beauty subscription boxes, the now hugely popular way of buying products.
The idea is that subscribers pay £10-25 a month for a box of branded beauty goodies, mainly (but not all) in mini size. They include some of my favourite brands, including Ren, Laura Mercier, Caudalie and others. The problem is their lucky dip model: you don't get to pick what you receive. Some companies claim to choose them in accordance with your personal beauty profile, but I've rarely seen much evidence of this being done effectively.The idea is that subscribers pay £10-25 a month for a box of branded beauty goodies, mainly (but not all) in mini size. They include some of my favourite brands, including Ren, Laura Mercier, Caudalie and others. The problem is their lucky dip model: you don't get to pick what you receive. Some companies claim to choose them in accordance with your personal beauty profile, but I've rarely seen much evidence of this being done effectively.
I understand the concept's appeal, but I'd argue there's more satisfaction to be had from spending the same sum on one lovely product per month to suit your tastes and skin. Below are some ideas.I understand the concept's appeal, but I'd argue there's more satisfaction to be had from spending the same sum on one lovely product per month to suit your tastes and skin. Below are some ideas.
Sali loves… great products under £25Sali loves… great products under £25
Homeoplasmine, £6, thisisbeautymart.comA product so raved about by industry types that I was almost put off trying it. But I'm so glad I did. Soothes anywhere dry and sore, from hayfever noses to sundried lips, without a sticky finish.Homeoplasmine, £6, thisisbeautymart.comA product so raved about by industry types that I was almost put off trying it. But I'm so glad I did. Soothes anywhere dry and sore, from hayfever noses to sundried lips, without a sticky finish.
Eyeko Brow Liner, £15, spacenk.comBrilliant: a very fast and surprisingly natural-looking way to shape and define brows. Just draw on in light, feathery strokes. In one adaptive shade for all colourings – really.Eyeko Brow Liner, £15, spacenk.comBrilliant: a very fast and surprisingly natural-looking way to shape and define brows. Just draw on in light, feathery strokes. In one adaptive shade for all colourings – really.
La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes, £24.50, escentual.comHands down the best anti-wrinkle eye cream I've tried this year. Contains a decent dose of Retinol, one of the few proven anti-ageing ingredients.La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes, £24.50, escentual.comHands down the best anti-wrinkle eye cream I've tried this year. Contains a decent dose of Retinol, one of the few proven anti-ageing ingredients.
• Join Sali on Mondays at theguardian.com/fashion• Join Sali on Mondays at theguardian.com/fashion