If you're stuck buying a gift for a beauty lover who seems to have everything, you might not find your answer in a cosmetics hall. If someone's a true connessieur (or, alternatively, a keen amateur who's looking to explore), then instead of trying to guess their favourite blusher, you could consider buying them a subscription to a monthly beauty box. It's the gift that keeps on giving - for a fee every month, your lucky reciepient (or you!) will receive a slimline box through their postbox with a bevvy of beauty treats to try. The only problem is, there's so many on the market now, it's hard to know which brand to plump for. We've broken down five of the best out there to help you choose the perfect treat for the beauty lover in your life.
Birchbox was one of the first on the market, and often feature more luxe brands like Benefit, and cult finds like Trilogy. Their December box was designed by Sophia Webster, and is all kinds of pretty - plus, it has a cute little coin purse. Birchbox also get exclusives from time to time, making it the box for that friend who has to have things before they're cool.
From £10 a month plus P&P
**2. For the luxe beauty fan - Glossybox
Glossy by name, glossy by nature, this box serves up a lot of covetable goodies from premium brands every month. Sometimes with full-size products, Glossy have a whole host of big names on board like Becca, Ciate, Revive and Redken. Plus, their special collaboration boxes, like this year's Harvey Nichols one, are a sure-fire sell-out.
£30 for three months plus P&P
Unlike some other boxes, Love Me Beauty actually tailor what's in your box to your tastes rather than a blanket mail out. On joining, you fill out a comphrensive questionnaire and are assigned a personal consultant who will help choose your products. If you don't need advice, you can select all the products you want yourself and just wait for it to arrive. Products are almost always full-size, too.
From £7.50 a month
If your pal loves everything organic, and shuns parabens and other nasties, LoveLula's box might be the one. All products are organic and cruelty free, making it ideal for someone who likes to keep it clean. The offerings aren't lacking in efficacy though; a team of experts hand-pick them every month.
From £12.50 a month
Let's not beat around the bush; your er, time of the month, is never a walk in the park. But this where Pink Parcel steps in - every month, a selection of treats like dark chocolate, teabags, beauty products as well as sanitary essentials. Perfect for those who really get it bad around that time, or just to make Mother Nature's visit a little more palatable.
£9.95 a month