The short version
- Many beauty boxes offer a cheap first box or a free gift, but almost all renew automatically at the full price.
- Allure Beauty Box (US) adds a free gift to new subscribers' first box and has a one-time box option.
- In the UK, GLOSSYBOX (first box £8) and LOOKFANTASTIC (first box £10) have the best intro prices.
- Set a reminder to cancel before the next billing date if you only want one box.
Beauty subscription boxes are a fun way to try new products, and the first box is often the best deal. Here are the beauty box deals with a cheap first box or a free gift, and the catch with each one.
US beauty boxes
Allure Beauty Box sends editor-picked products each month with free shipping. New subscribers get a free gift in their first box. The monthly plan renews until you cancel, but there's also a one-time box with no renewal.
FabFitFun is a seasonal box where you choose six full-size products, often beauty and skincare. Bonus-box offers are tied to the annual plan, which is billed upfront, and the box isn't beauty-only.
UK beauty boxes
GLOSSYBOX sends 5 products a month. New monthly subscribers pay £8 for the first box, then the regular price until they cancel.
The LOOKFANTASTIC Beauty Box is £13 a month, with the first box at £10 on any monthly plan.
Is a beauty box worth it?
It can be if you enjoy trying new brands and would use most of what's inside. If you'd rather choose exactly what you try, free samples and birthday gifts cost nothing at all.
Frequently asked questions
Do beauty boxes renew automatically?
Most do. Intro prices usually apply to the first box only, after which the plan renews at the regular price until you cancel.
What is the cheapest first beauty box in the UK?
GLOSSYBOX offers new monthly subscribers their first box for £8, and LOOKFANTASTIC's first box is £10 on any monthly plan.
Can I get just one beauty box?
Allure Beauty Box has a one-time box with no renewal. For other boxes, cancel in your account before the next billing date.
How we research: we check every offer against the brand's or program's own website before publishing and when we update a guide. Programs change, so always confirm the details at the source before you sign up. Read our editorial standards, or tell us about a correction. Some links may be affiliate links; see our disclosure.