Ditch the vouchers, says beauty expert Lyn Page, and this Christmas treat your bestie to a beauty box subscription instead.

Great British Life: Lyn Page is a skincare and makeup expert based in TarporleyLyn Page is a skincare and makeup expert based in Tarporley (Image: c. Lyn Page)

When it comes to finding the perfect gift, it can be a challenge to strike the right balance between personalisation, uniqueness and, in recent times, sustainability. This year, I’m ditching the vouchers for my girlfriends and thinking outside of the box. Well, not entirely... Enter the beauty box subscription, a thoughtful and eco-friendly gift option that offers a delightful surprise on your chosen friend's doorstep every month.

Here’s why it’s a no brainer this holiday season.

1. Variety and personalisation: beauty box subscriptions provide a diverse range of products that cater to various beauty preferences. Whether the gift recipient is a skincare enthusiast, makeup lover, or someone looking to explore new products, the variety offered by beauty box subscriptions ensures there is something for everyone. Such personalisation makes it more likely that the recipient will discover new favourites and feel delighted every month as they unbox their curated selection.

2. Discover new brands: beauty box subscriptions often include products from both well-known and emerging brands, providing an opportunity for the recipient to discover exciting new products. By offering a platform for lesser-known brands, these foster a sense of discovery that can't be replicated by simply purchasing products individually. Not only are your besties getting first dibs on the newest products, but encouraging the exploration of new brands also supports diversity and innovation within the beauty industry.

3. Sustainable beauty: beauty box subscriptions are increasingly focusing on sustainability and ethical practices. Many companies are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint by using eco-friendly packaging materials, promoting reusable or refillable products, and partnering with environmentally conscious brands. By gifting a beauty box subscription, you not only introduce your loved one to a world of beauty, but you also contribute to a more sustainable planet.

4. Minimise product waste: one of the downsides of beauty products is the potential for waste when a person purchases a full-size product only to discover it doesn't work for them. With a beauty box subscription, the recipient can try sample or travel-size products, minimising product waste. This in turn saves the recipient from investing in full-size products that may not suit them and contributes to reducing overall waste.

5. Cost-effective: beauty box subscriptions often provide exceptional value for money. Monthly or quarterly subscriptions can be more cost-effective compared to buying individual products separately. Instead of spending £70-£100 on a gift that your loved one may or may not use, a fresh new batch of products per month has so much more value in it. Think of all the times you’ve been given gifts and not used them yourself. This way you know the recipient will use all items and possibly purchase their favourite product, thanks to you.

So there you have it, my top five reasons to ditch the vouchers and go for a beauty box subscription gift. Piles of choice, sustainability, cost effective and, remember, yours will be the gift that keeps on giving.

Here’s two fab ones a handful of my nearest and dearest will be receiving in December:

Glossy Box, £11.50 per month or pay upfront for 12 months.

Glossy box is great for emerging brands, I love the number of independent brands in these boxes I wouldn’t otherwise learn about.

glossybox.co.uk/subscribe.list

The Beauty Drop by Liberty London, £20 per month

Now this I love. Liberty have such amazing products, including Le Labo (my absolute fave) and Loewe. The lucky recipient will receive 4 boxes per year and boy are they good!

libertylondon.com/uk/beauty-subscription-box

Lynette Page is a Tarporley-based professional beauty expert with over 25 years of experience in the skincare and makeup industry