I’ll admit it: I’m a complete sucker for subscription boxes. There’s just something magical about getting a little surprise package on your doorstep each month. It feels like a gift to yourself—a mix of products you might have never picked up on your own but end up falling in love with. For me, it’s the easiest (and most affordable) way to try new beauty and lifestyle goodies without dropping a small fortune in-store.
I’ve dabbled in plenty of beauty subscriptions over the years, and each one has its own charm. But lately, there’s a new one on my radar that’s been winning me over: Cosmopolitan magazine’s CosmoBox. Curated by the editors of one of my favorite glossy reads, this subscription feels like getting insider access to their beauty closets—minus the Manhattan apartment rent.
What Makes CosmoBox Stand Out
Each month, CosmoBox brings together a mix of makeup, skincare, haircare, and lifestyle treats, all handpicked by Cosmo’s editors. And unlike some boxes where you get a tiny sample or two, this one comes fully loaded: the value of each box is always at least $60, yet the subscription is only $29.99 per month.
To sweeten the deal, subscribers often discover brands they already know and love—like Sunday Riley, Dove, Biore, Neutrogena, Garnier, and Klorane—alongside fun extras. Think Sugarfina candy, stylish jewelry, productivity tools for your desk, or even playful games to spice things up with your partner. It’s not just beauty; it’s lifestyle curation in a box.
If you’re curious, they even offer a promo code (COSMOINF20) for 20% off, which makes the first month even more tempting.
Inside the May CosmoBox: A Peek at the Goodies
A friend recently gifted me the May CosmoBox, which celebrated the winners of the Cosmo Beauty Awards—basically a roundup of products the editors already tested and swear by. This particular box had a jaw-dropping value of over $160, and when I cracked it open, here’s what I found inside:
- Neutrogena Radiance Boost Brightening 100% Hydrogel Mask
- L’Oreal Paris Ever Pure Deep Moisture Hair Sheet Mask
- Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Detangler + Air Dry
- Biore Acne Cleansing Foam with Baking Soda
- Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
- E.L.F. Cosmetics Blend It Out Silicone Sponge Duo
- Dove Anti-Stress Micellar Water Beauty Bar
- Invisibobble Slim Hair Rings
- Finishing Touch Flawless (facial hair removal tool)
- Skin Better Hydro Boosting Creme
- Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle-Natural Tint
It was like Christmas morning—but with skincare.
My Favorite Finds (So Far)
I dove into the box almost immediately, and one product in particular surprised me: the Finishing Touch Flawless. I’d seen it advertised everywhere but was skeptical, because let’s be real—infomercial-style beauty gadgets don’t always live up to the hype. But this one? Total game-changer.
It’s a sleek little device about the size of a lipstick tube, designed to painlessly remove facial peach fuzz. I tried it on my jawline and upper lip, and it worked like a dream—no redness, no irritation. It’s now a permanent resident in my makeup bag for quick touchups.
The other product I’m over the moon about is the Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum. I’d been eyeing it for months but hadn’t taken the plunge because of the price tag. Imagine my delight when it showed up in my CosmoBox! This serum is loaded with 15% ultra-stable vitamin C to brighten skin and even out tone. I’d just finished my old vitamin C serum, so the timing couldn’t have been better. It’s already giving my complexion that lit-from-within glow.
The Value of Discovery
And that, to me, is the beauty of a subscription like CosmoBox. For under $30, you get to test out products that might already be on your wish list, alongside others you didn’t even know you needed. Some become staples, some are just fun to try, and others surprise you by being exactly what your routine was missing.
There’s also something about the element of surprise that makes it worth it. I love walking into Sephora as much as the next beauty enthusiast, but there’s a thrill in letting someone else do the curating and simply enjoying the unboxing moment at home.
Should You Try It?
If you’re the type who loves trying new products but doesn’t want to splurge on full-size bottles every time curiosity strikes, CosmoBox is worth considering. Between the beauty must-haves, the occasional lifestyle goodies, and the generous box values, it feels like a monthly treat that pays for itself.
Plus, with codes like COSMOINF20 floating around, the first box is even more budget-friendly. It’s a low-risk way to elevate your beauty game—and maybe even discover a new holy grail or two.
Final Thoughts
Subscription boxes aren’t for everyone, but for me, they’ve become a little monthly ritual of joy. CosmoBox in particular nails that balance of quality, variety, and fun—bringing together cult classics, innovative finds, and playful extras that keep things fresh.
So yes, I’m officially hooked. And with the August CosmoBox already out, I’m tempted to keep the streak going. After all, who doesn’t love a little surprise happiness arriving at their doorstep each month?
