Hey Jen!

Whether it's a beautifully wrapped box on your birthday, a goody bag from a party or a student care package from home, there's something about the surprise of an unexpected gift that's so exciting. It doesn't even matter what's in it, we'll still enjoy the thrill of ripping it open and finding what's inside. This is why subscription sampling boxes have become so popular. What's better than getting a fun surprise in your mailbox every month? 

If you're unfamiliar with how they work, I'll break it down for you. Once a month, you're sent a box. The contents of the box vary depending on what type of subscription service you've signed up for. The most common boxes are filled with beauty samples but there are also boxes out there filled with samples of healthy snacks, crafting supplies, homemade jewelry kits and even socks. Yes, socks.

Of course these boxes aren't free but for around $10-25 per month, you're likely to get enough samples and full size products to make that fee more than worth it. There are a lot of choices out there and it can be a little overwhelming. So I tried out a bunch of beauty boxes and listed my five favorites:

1. Glossy Box
What You Get: 5 high end beauty samples
Cost: $21/month
Recent Month's Haul: Killer Queen fragrance from Katy Perry, Monu Illuminating Primer, MeMeMe Cherub's Blush Cheek & Lip Tint, Premae Smoothie Serum

2. Beauty Army
What You Get: 6 beauty samples
Cost: $12/month
Recent Month's Haul: You get to pick your own!

3. Birchbox
What You Get: 4 samples + 1 full size item.
Cost: $10/month
Recent Month's Haul: Color Club Nail Polish in Top Shelf, Ayres Midnight Tango Body Butter, Eyeko Black Magic Mascara, Serious Skincare Glycolic Extreme Renewal, Ahmad London Assorted Teas

4. Beauty Bar Sample Society
What You Get: 5 high end samples + mini mag from Allure magazine
Cost: $15/month
Recent Month's Haul: Borghese Brightening Makeup, Murad Ultimate Moisturizer, Illume Candle, Jane Iredale Lip Balm, Annick Goutal Eau d'Hadrien

5. Julep Maven
What You Get: 2 nail polishes + 1 nail care item
Cost: $19.99/month
Recent Month's Haul: Cherry Pie Red Creme nail color, Desert Sand Microglitter nail color, Sheer Light Pink lip gloss