When my friend Sarah mentioned she’d been getting the Walmart Beauty Box for over a year, I laughed. Walmart? For beauty products? But here I am, eight months later, writing about why this $6.98 quarterly subscription might be the most intelligent beauty decision I’ve made all year. Please note that this is my personal experience, and your results may vary.
Look, I get it. When you think of beauty subscription boxes, your mind probably goes to those Instagram-worthy unboxings with fancy packaging and luxury brands. The Walmart Beauty Box isn’t that – and honestly, that’s precisely why it works.
What’s Actually Inside a Walmart Beauty Box?
Each quarter, Walmart ships out a simple cardboard box packed with 4-6 beauty and personal care products. We’re talking a mix of sample sizes and full-size products from brands you actually recognize and can buy anywhere.
My last box had:
- A full-size Aussie dry shampoo
- Olay Regenerist Serum Sample
- Maybelline mascara
- Crest 3D white strips (just two, but still!)
- Some random hair ties that I’m currently using
The whole thing costs less than a fancy coffee drink, and I’ve discovered at least three products I now buy regularly. Not bad for something that shows up automatically every few months. And let me assure you, the quality of the products is not compromised despite the low cost.
Why I Look Forward to These Boxes
The price point is unbeatable. At under seven bucks, even if I only like one thing in the box, I’m probably breaking even. But here’s what sold me – these aren’t obscure brands I’ve never heard of. Everything in my Walmart Beauty Box is something I can easily find in any store and buy more of.
Last month, I fell in love with a Neutrogena face wash sample. Two days later, I grabbed the full-size version during my regular grocery run. No hunting down some boutique brand online or paying shipping fees. Just easy, accessible beauty shopping.
The Discovery Factor That Works
I’m not someone who usually tries new beauty products. I find something that works and stick with it for years. But these little samples? They’re low-pressure ways to test things out.
The beauty subscription aspect means I’m trying products I’d normally walk past in the store. That dry shampoo I mentioned? I never would have picked it up on my own, but now it’s a bathroom staple.
Breaking Down What You Get
Over the past eight months, I’ve received some genuinely helpful information alongside the usual suspects. Here’s the reality check:
The hits:
- Full-size products that alone justify the box cost
- Drugstore beauty samples that last weeks, not days
- Hair care products that make a difference
- Skincare samples from trusted brands
The misses:
- Toothpaste samples (seriously, who needs these?)
- Deodorant varieties I’d never choose
- Makeup shades that don’t work for my skin tone
But even the misses aren’t total losses. I keep a little basket of samples for travel, and these work perfectly for weekend trips.
How It Stacks Up Against Other Beauty Boxes
I’ve tried Birchbox and Ipsy in the past. Both left me feeling like I was paying for fancy packaging and brands I couldn’t afford to repurchase. The Walmart Beauty Box takes an entirely different approach.
Birchbox sent me luxury samples I loved but couldn’t justify buying at full price. Ipsy was better with the personalization quiz, but half the products were from brands I’d never seen in stores.
Walmart’s version? Everything’s available at regular retail prices in regular stores. When I find something I love, I can afford to keep using it.
The Real Value Calculation
Let’s talk numbers because that’s what matters with any beauty subscription box.
- Each box costs $6.98 (shipped quarterly)
- That’s about $28 per year total
- Average retail value per box: $15-25
- Products I repurchase: 3-4 per year
The math works out. I’m getting $60+ worth of products annually while spending just $28, and I’ve discovered several new favorites that’ve upgraded my routine without breaking my budget.
My Month-by-Month Experience
March box: Started strong with a full-size Batiste dry shampoo and some Garnier samples. The dry shampoo alone was worth more than I paid.
June box: This one was unusual – it contained a lot of oral care products and a random nail file. Still used everything, but felt more like a pharmacy sample bag.
September box: Hit it out of the park with Olay anti-aging serum, L’Oreal mascara, and a hair mask that left my hair incredibly soft.
December box: Holiday-themed, featuring festive nail polish and peppermint lip balm. Not groundbreaking, but seasonal and fun.
The inconsistency is part of the charm. I never know what I’m getting, but at this price point, I’m not stressed about it.
Who Should Get This Box
Perfect for you if:
- You shop primarily at drugstores and big-box retailers
- You’re curious about new products but don’t want to commit to full sizes
- Budget-friendly beauty is more important than luxury brands
- You prefer practical products over Instagram-worthy packaging
Skip it if:
- You only use high-end, prestige beauty brands
- You have particular product needs or allergies
- You want customization based on your preferences
- Surprise beauty products stress you out
The Practical Side of Walmart’s Beauty Subscription
Here’s something other reviews don’t mention enough – the convenience factor. Every product in my Walmart Beauty Box is available at the store I already shop at for groceries.
When I love something, I don’t need to place a separate online order or make a memorable trip to Sephora. I added it to my regular shopping list. For busy individuals who don’t want beauty shopping to be a separate endeavor, this approach makes sense.
Getting Started (And What to Expect)
Signing up is straightforward – visit Walmart’s website and search for “Beauty Box.” You’ll pay $6.98 plus tax, and your first box ships within a few weeks.
Pro tip: Don’t expect it to arrive on a specific date. These ship quarterly, but the timing can vary. I’ve gotten boxes anywhere from the first week to the last week of the quarter.
The packaging is basic – just a cardboard box containing your products — no fancy insert cards or detailed product information, which some people might miss. However, at this price point, you’re paying for the products, not the presentation.
Common Questions I Get About This Subscription
“Is the quality good?” The quality matches what you’d find in any drugstore beauty aisle. These aren’t luxury formulations, but they’re not dollar store quality either. Most products are from well-known brands with solid reputations.
“Do you use everything?” Honestly? About 80% of it. The other 20% goes to friends, family, or my travel bag. At under $7 per box, I’m not stressed about a couple of products going unused.
“How easy is it to cancel?” Super easy through your online account. I paused mine once when I was traveling for work and had too many samples piling up. Reactivated it two months later without any issues.
The Environmental Reality Check
Let’s address the elephant in the room – subscription boxes and waste. The Walmart Beauty Box does better than most here:
- Minimal packaging compared to luxury alternatives
- Focus on sample sizes, people finish
- Products from established brands, not wasteful one-offs
- Easy access to full sizes means less online shopping packaging
It’s not perfect, but it’s more sustainable than boxes that send you products from brands you can’t find anywhere.
What I’ve Learned After 8 Months
The Walmart Beauty Box works because it doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It’s not competing with luxury subscriptions or trying to introduce you to the next big indie beauty brand.
Instead, it’s helping you discover gems hiding in plain sight at America’s most accessible retailer. Sometimes the best beauty finds aren’t in fancy packaging – they’re in that drugstore aisle you usually speed past.
My biggest discoveries:
- A drugstore foundation that matches my skin perfectly
- A hair mask that rivals salon treatments
- A face serum that’s now part of my daily routine
None of these cost more than $15 full-size, and I never would’ve tried them without these sample introductions.
Making the Most of Your Subscription
If you decide to try the Walmart Beauty Box, here are some tips from someone who’s been getting them regularly:
Keep a running list of products you want to try in full-size. I use my phone’s notes app and check it during regular shopping trips.
Don’t expect perfection. Some boxes will be more exciting than others. The low cost means you can afford to have a few duds mixed in with the hits.
Share what you don’t love. My mom has discovered several new favorites from products I passed along to her.
Frequently Asked Questions About Walmart Beauty Box
How often do you receive a Walmart Beauty Box?
You’ll receive a Walmart Beauty Box four times a year, approximately every three months. The timing isn’t always exact, but it’s consistent enough that I know to expect one each quarter.
Can you customize the contents of your box?
No customization is available – everyone receives the same seasonal selection. If you want personalized products, Ipsy or Birchbox might be better options, though you’ll pay more.
What happens if you don’t like something in your Walmart Beauty Box?
At this price point, it’s not a huge loss. Most subscribers either save unwanted items for travel or share them with friends and family. The samples are small enough that you’re not stuck with a lot of product.
Are Walmart Beauty Box products available in stores?
Yes! This is the most significant selling point for me. Every single product can be found in Walmart stores or easily ordered online—no hunting down obscure brands or paying premium shipping.
How do you cancel your Walmart Beauty Box subscription?
Log in to your Walmart account online and manage your subscriptions. There are no phone calls required or cancellation fees. You can also pause your subscription if you want a break.
Is the Walmart Beauty Box worth it for teenagers?
Absolutely. At under $7 quarterly, it’s perfect for young people who want to experiment with different products without spending a lot of money. Parents often appreciate that everything is available at regular retail stores.
What’s the difference between Walmart Beauty Box and Target’s beauty box?
Both focus on accessible, drugstore-type brands at similar price points. Target’s boxes are more seasonal and cost about the same. The main difference is product availability – you’ll find Walmart Beauty Box products more widely available.
Do you get full-size products in every Walmart Beauty Box?
Most boxes include at least one full-size item, although this is not guaranteed. However, the full-size products I’ve received have always been worth more than the entire box cost.
The Walmart Beauty Box has earned its place in my routine not because it’s fancy or Instagram-worthy, but because it’s practical, affordable, and consistently helpful. Sometimes the best beauty discoveries come in the simplest packages.
Don’t Miss These: I Tested the Black Beauty Mattress for 180 Days – Here’s What Nobody Tells You
