In the past few years, there has been an explosion of different subscription types available on the market. We now can all sign up to monthly deliveries of wine, gin or cheese - as well as the more traditional magazine subscriptions.
One subscription that has gained popularity is the beauty box subscription. These subscriptions deliver a certain amount of products to your door for the same amount each month. However, there are so many available on the market now that it can be overwhelming to choose just one.
Discover the best beauty brands, products, and essentials that will keep you looking your best no matter what.
We spoke to Chloe Brewer from the Lady Writes blog, who told Age Times: "A good subscription box is the best way to meet your beauty needs both for everyday essentials and those little 'treats' that we often find ourselves curious about, but sometimes wavering on.
"It's a great way for women of all ages to experiment with products that sometimes take us out of our comfort zone and find great new additions to our beauty regime - more often than not, things we wouldn't usually buy ourselves. A monthly treat, a daily staple 'top up' and a reason to never get complacent with our current products: beauty boxes are a must for women over 50."
Here, we look at the top beauty subscription boxes for women over 50. Given the specificity of a woman’s needs over 50, it is beneficial to use a subscription service tailored to those requirements - or, at the very least, suitable for a woman in her 50s.
Which beauty subscription box is the best?
1. BirchBox
BirchBox is an extremely popular beauty box subscription service. For subscription service novices, popularity can provide you with a great deal of comfort before signing up to a plan. What is excellent about BirchBox, in particular, is that you have to complete a survey before BirchBox sends you a box. The survey helps ascertain what you want and need for your beauty regime. As a result, BirchBox will only include products suitable to you, which is crucial for any women with specific needs. Boxes cost from £10 a month and include five beauty samples or travel size beauty products.
2. Cohorted
Cohorted is one of the more expensive beauty subscription services on our list, but it is also one of the most stylish. Each box comes in a sleek black box and only ever includes the ultimate powerhouse brands of the luxury beauty world. For those that crave luxurious products for their skin, this could be the service for them as the likes of Perricone MD, Laura Mercier and Rodial are all regularly included. At £39.99 a month, it is not cheap, but you do get what you pay for. Each product is carefully selected so you can be sure you are only receiving the best of what the market has to offer.
3. LookFantastic
For those that want to try out new or cult brands, LookFantastic is an excellent option. For those in their 50s or above, cult products are a perfect way to go as they often have achieved cult status for a good reason. For example, products like Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask produce noticeable results like firmer-looking skin that is brightened and tightened. LookFantastic boxes always include six products and are delivered monthly for a term of your choice. Included is a magazine that helps you make the most of the products in each month’s box. You, therefore, have an idiot’s proof guide on how to reach each product’s true potential. Prices start at £15 for one month’s subscription plan.
4. Glossybox
Glossybox does not scrimp on the brands that it includes in its monthly deliveries. Well-known names are always part of each box, so you know that you are getting your money’s worth for the £16.95 monthly subscription price. If you sign up to a 12-month plan, that price reduces to £11.75, yet the contents often amount to £50 when bought separately. You can even benefit from gaining credit to put towards buying products on the LookFantastic website. Finally, what sets Glossybox apart from its competitors is its own brand skincare that was formulated using feedback from its users. The result is a potent range that will address many of the issues that women in the 50s have with their skin - like its leading night serum which both nourishes and repairs your skin.
5. Mintd
Mintd is one of the more expensive subscription beauty boxes on the market at the moment. While it is not directly targeted at women in their 50s specifically, the higher price bracket naturally lends itself to the inclusion of products that will help address the needs of the over 50s. All products are luxurious and as a result, pack a bit more of a punch in terms of the quality of ingredients used. You can choose from a range of plans to have a box delivered every month for a month, two months, three months or six months. Each box costs £70 and includes 4-5 deluxe size beauty products.
Which is the best beauty subscription box UK?
Choosing the best beauty subscription box in the UK comes down to your own specific needs. Even within the bracket of being over 50, you will still have different requirements in comparison to a woman of a similar age. Such factors include price, skin type or ethical demands. While many brands are paying more and more attention to sustainable and ethical practices in producing their goods, some are better than others. For example, Glossybox’s skincare range is vegan and cruelty-free. That said, any of the above recommendations will often meet the criteria of a large proportion of women over 50.
Remember, beauty box subscription services are meant to be fun and enjoyable, but you should also be sent a product or two that will revolutionise your skincare and beauty regime. If you find that your subscription service is not providing you with this, stop your plan and try out another.
Are beauty subscription boxes worth it?
Beauty boxes may sound like a luxury, but they can be excellent value for money. Most boxes include products that, when bought separately, add up to more than the monthly subscription price that you pay. Plus, if spending money on skincare or makeup is something that you are going to do regularly anyway, it can make sense to sign up for one of these services. And, with such a wide range of price points available, it is always possible to find a subscription plan that suits you.