Special delivery: the best beauty subscriptions

The Buzz: It's like having a best friend in the beauty biz. The Philosophy: Birchbox is about original editorial and a hand-picked shop; we help you find the latest and best, says Katia Beauchamp, co-founder. The Goods: Four trial-size (under 1 ounce) samples; brands like DDF, per-fekt beauty and Juicy Couture. The Terms: There's a wait list, but at $10 a month, it's a deal. The Perks: Earn points with purchases, referrals and feedback.

The Buzz: From the pros at New Beauty magazine. The Philosophy: This club allows you to play editor. The Goods: New Beauty magazine, discount cards and at least six deluxe-size (2 to 4 ounces) and full-size beauty products from brands like Smashbox and Jane Iredale. The Terms: Quarterly; $30 plus shipping and handling.The Perks: Big samples make it a good value.

The Buzz: High-end designer luxury. The Philosophy: Glossybox subscribers gain access to amazing global products, says co-founder Charles von Abercron.The Goods: Five deluxe-size goodies from high-end brands like YSL and Clarins.The Terms: $21 per month, $115 for six months, and $220 a year; tax for N.Y. or Calif. The Perks: Receive a complimentary box by racking up Glossydots.

The Buzz: Fill out a profile and select from a list of pro-approved samples.The Philosophy: We connect women with products made just for them, says founder Lindsey Guest.The Goods: Pick six from sample packets and deluxe tubes from brands like StriVectin. The Terms: Beauty Army lets you opt for $12 a month, or $132 a year (a month free).The Perks: Get your own home page on the site and score discounts and freebies.

The Buzz: Beauty insiders select samples each season. Members tailor their own boxes. The Philosophy: All products are vetted. Since you pick what you want, you can test out the products and find what gives results, says Dan Obegi, CEO.The Goods: Select eight deluxe or generous (larger than trial-size, but not full-size) items from brands like Decleor, Colorescience and Bliss.The Terms: $50 a quarter.The Perks: Gain gift cards by writing reviews.

The Buzz: Buy each month at your discretion. The Philosophy: Total Beauty Collection offers a chance to experiment and make educated purchases, says CEO Emrah Kovacoglu.The Goods: Up to six deluxe samples from cult favorites like Murad and Alterna. The Terms: $15, but act fast—they often sell out. The Perks: Freedom, since you can buy at anytime.

The Buzz: Made with African-American girls in mind, the site zeroes in on hair supplies. The Philosophy: Curlbox is an affordable approach to finding the best for you, says founder Myleik Teele.The Goods: Five to seven deluxe and full-size samples from companies like Hair Rules, Ouidad and Ultra Sheen. The Terms: $20 monthly, $220 a year.The Perks: Every box has discount coupons for full-size products; their blog gives tips.

The Buzz: Choose a monthly, green-oriented box of food and beauty items. The Philosophy: Blissmo helps you discover healthy products, says founder Sundeep Ahuja. The Goods: Method and Pur Minerals are sample brands; products are deluxe to full-size. The Terms: $19 monthly plus $6 shipping, or $228 yearly with free shipping. The Perks: Don’t like a month’s offerings? Skip it and receive a credit for a future one.