Sample Subscription Services

Try saying that ten times fast! SSS are basically programs that you sign up for, pay a fee (monthly or otherwise, depending on the program), and you receive really great, well-branded samples as well as some full-size products to try out and review (if you choose to do so). You also can gain points, gift cards and other special deals for purchasing items on the programs' websites.

These programs are still fairly new to me, my friend Lori turned me onto Birchbox back in January. When I went online to sign up, there was a wait list, so I did a search for similar sample programs, and discovered more out there. They aren't absolutely free (we'll get to that), so between other people's reviews and my own experience, I found the three Sample Subscription Services I like the best.

Birchbox- This is probably the most popular SSS in the beautysphere right now. The sample selection in your "box" is based on how you fill out your profile on the website. Usually there are 20-something different boxes each month, my friends and I never get the same box. As of this post, there is a waiting list for new members. My wait was not long, only a couple of weeks tops, and worth it. Price: $10.00 a month, free shipping.

Sample Society with Allure- My newest Subscription. The real bonus with this one is the Allure magazine subscription that comes with it. The sample sizes are deluxe, not super-tiny, for multiple uses. Price: $15.00 a month, free shipping.

TestTube by New Beauty- I'm like a kid on Christmas Day with this one. Price: $29.95 plus S&H, quarterly. You get a new TestTube every three months. Everyone gets the same TestTube. The price more than pays for itself- you get the New Beauty magazine, which is about 10 bucks at the bookstore, and chock full of great information. You'll also get at least two-three full-size products whose individual prices alone cost more than the subscription. Pictured above, the tube of lotion and the Moroccan Oil Hair product would add up to a minimum of $60, that's off the top of my head. You also receive gift cards for the spalook.com website, but they have stipulations, $10 off $60, $25 off $125, $50 off $200.

All of these programs have wonderful products to try out from all different brands- Dr. Brandt, Skinceuticals, Pangea Organics, Boscia, Philosophy, Stila- just to name a few. I'll be posting as I get my new boxes in, and will have my friend Lori's v-log on here with her review of the latest from the SSS!