8 Lipstick Subscription Boxes Reviewed

Subscription boxes have taken over the world of lifestyle and beauty, offering a "surprise and delight" experience delivered straight to your door. For the lip-obsessed, a lipstick subscription box can be a great way to discover new brands, try experimental shades, and build a collection for a fraction of the retail cost. But with so many options—from prestige-heavy boxes to indie-focused mailers—how do you know which one is worth the monthly commitment? Today, we’re reviewing 8 of the top contenders.

The Big Players: Variety and Value

General beauty boxes like Ipsy and BoxyCharm are often the first stop for subscription seekers. While they aren't exclusively for lips, they frequently feature full-sized products from major brands like MAC, Fenty, and Rare Beauty. The value is undeniable, but the drawback is that you don't always get to choose your shades.

This is where technology comes in. If you receive a shade in your box that you’re unsure about, use our Shade Matcher to see how it looks on your skin tone virtually. If it’s a miss, you can use our Dupe Finder to find a similar product in a tone that actually works for you, ensuring that no part of your subscription goes to waste.

The Lip-Centric Specialists

For the true enthusiast, there are boxes dedicated exclusively to lip products. Lip Monthly is the most well-known, delivering 4-5 lip products every month for a very low price. While the brands are often more affordable or "up-and-coming," it’s an incredible way to explore different finishes and textures without much financial risk.

To see which indie brands featured in these boxes are currently trending, check out our Trending Shades section. We often see a spike in popularity for certain niche brands right after they’ve been featured in a major subscription box.

The Luxury and Niche Options

If you prefer a more curated, high-end experience, the Allure Beauty Box is frequently praised for its inclusion of luxury lip products from brands like Dior and Chanel. It’s a great way to try "splurge" items before committing to a full-priced purchase. On the indie side, Cococatique offers a curated box specifically for women of color, ensuring that every lip shade included is designed to look stunning on deeper skin tones.

Is a Subscription Right for You?

A lipstick subscription box is perfect for the "explorer"—someone who loves trying new things and isn't afraid of a bold color. If you have a very specific "signature look" and rarely deviate from it, you might find that much of the box goes unused. However, for the price of one high-end lipstick, you can often get 10-15 products over the course of a few months, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to play with beauty.

Ready to find your perfect shade? Skip the guesswork — try POUT's free Shade Matcher and discover your match in seconds.