We Asked the Beauty Buddy Squad: Are Beauty Subscription Boxes Worth It?

There’s something about a beauty box landing on your doorstep. The tissue paper, the little card, the moment you discover a new favourite you’d never have picked off the shelf yourself. It’s basically a monthly present to yourself.

But are subscriptions actually worth the money? We asked the Beauty Buddy Squad what makes them sign up, what makes them stay and what sends them straight to the cancel button. Here’s what you told us.

The Deal Breakers: Why the Squad Hits Cancel

Here’s where boxes win or lose. When we asked what would make the Squad cancel (and yes, they could pick more than one), value came out on top:

Nearly half have no patience for getting the same products over and over. Discovery gets you in the door, but feeling short-changed shows you out.

Make It Personal, Please

If there’s one thing that turns a maybe into a yes, it’s this. 67% of the Squad would be more likely to subscribe if the box were personalised to them. Your skin, your hair, your vibe. Not a one-size-fits-all mystery bag.

Exclusive brands matter too. 48% say exclusive brands are very or extremely important, with another 31% calling them somewhat important.

Monthly Treats and Full-Size Rewards

When it comes to timing, the Squad likes a regular treat. 45% want monthly deliveries, 27% prefer every two months, 18% would go quarterly, and 9% want the freedom of a flexible plan.

And rewards? It’s not even close. 63% say full-size products are the reward that motivates them most, way ahead of gift cards (11%), exclusive events (8%), extra loyalty points (8%), cashback (6%) and VIP access (4%). Minis are cute, but full sizes are love.

The One Non-Negotiable: Quality

Strip away the surprise and the pretty packaging, and one thing still decides whether a box earns its place. 41% say product quality is their non-negotiable, followed by variety (21%), brand selection (14%), price (14%), personalisation (9%) and sustainability (1%).

What Would Make a Membership Worth It?

When we asked which perks would make a membership feel truly worthwhile:

And here’s the exciting bit: 54% of the Squad would definitely or probably join a Beauty Buddy subscription. We hear you loud and clear! 💜

Thank You, Squad!

A huge thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts. Your honest answers help the whole community shop smarter, and help brands create boxes that are actually worth opening.

Want to see which products the Squad rates before they land in your box? Download the Beauty Buddy app to explore real reviews from real users, and join the conversation!