Introduction
The beauty world is full of subscription boxes, but few made an impact like Sample Society. Launched through a partnership between Allure Magazine and BeautyBar.com, it was one of the first beauty boxes to combine editorial expertise with luxury samples. The goal of Sample Society was simple — give beauty lovers a way to explore premium products without buying full sizes first.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into what Sample Society was, how it worked, why it became so popular, and how it evolved into today’s beauty box culture. If you’ve ever been curious about how beauty sampling became a trend, this guide covers it all.
What Is Sample Society?
Sample Society was a monthly beauty subscription box that delivered five deluxe-sized samples to subscribers. Each box was carefully curated by the editors of Allure, one of the most respected beauty magazines in the world.
For just $15 per month, members received high-end beauty, skincare, and fragrance samples from luxury brands. The box also included a mini-magazine with expert beauty tips and a gift code for discounts on full-size products from the samples they received.
The idea was revolutionary — allowing customers to “try before they buy.” Instead of spending hundreds on full-size beauty products, Sample Society gave them the opportunity to test new items first and discover what truly worked for them.
The Story Behind Sample Society
Sample Society launched in 2012 as a collaboration between Allure and BeautyBar.com, an e-commerce site owned by Amazon. The concept was designed to help consumers discover new beauty brands in a fun, affordable way.
At the time, the beauty box market was just starting to grow. Companies like Birchbox and GlossyBox were gaining attention, but Sample Society stood out because of its editorial edge. The Allure team personally selected products based on performance, innovation, and popularity.
Each month, subscribers received a mix of products from skincare to makeup, including brands like Butter London, Diptyque, Murad, and Stila. These weren’t tiny sachets — they were deluxe samples meant to last several uses, helping users experience the real product before deciding whether to purchase it full-size.
How Sample Society Worked
The process was simple and appealing. Subscribers signed up online for $15 per month and received a beautifully packaged box every month.
Each box typically contained:
- Five deluxe beauty samples
- A mini Allure magazine with expert advice and beauty stories
- A promo code for discounts on full-size versions
The samples ranged from moisturizers, serums, and lipsticks to fragrances and hair care products. Allure’s editors ensured the items matched seasonal trends and high-quality standards.
Unlike random beauty boxes, Sample Society focused on curated, premium products. This editorial curation made it more trustworthy and exciting. Subscribers felt like they were getting insider access to the best in beauty each month.
What Was Inside the Sample Society Box?
Every month brought a surprise, which was a big part of the excitement. A typical Sample Society box might include:
- Murad Essential-C Cleanser (skincare)
- Butter London Nail Lacquer (makeup)
- Diptyque Fragrance Sample (perfume)
- Stila Lip Glaze (cosmetics)
- Alterna Haircare Product (haircare)
The packaging was elegant, and the presentation reflected Allure’s reputation for sophistication. Beauty enthusiasts and bloggers often shared “unboxing” videos on YouTube, creating a wave of organic marketing and social engagement.
These unboxings became a monthly ritual for subscribers, who loved guessing what would arrive next. The surprise element, combined with the Allure editorial trust, made Sample Society one of the most exciting subscription boxes of its time.
Why Sample Society Became So Popular
The success of Sample Society wasn’t random. It became popular because it delivered real value and credibility in a crowded market.
Here’s why people loved it:
- Editorial Expertise: Each box was handpicked by Allure’s beauty editors, ensuring quality and relevance.
- Affordable Luxury: For just $15, subscribers got access to high-end beauty products worth much more.
- Discovery Factor: Members could experiment with trending brands before committing to full-size purchases.
- Trust & Consistency: The Allure name added authority, making people confident in the product selection.
- Community & Excitement: The unboxing videos, reviews, and discussions created a loyal online following.
The brand built a reputation for being reliable, stylish, and consumer-friendly — something many subscription services struggled to achieve.
The Transition – From Sample Society to Allure Beauty Box
As the beauty subscription industry expanded, Sample Society evolved. Around 2015, the brand transitioned into what we now know as the Allure Beauty Box.
This change allowed Allure to take full ownership of the program and modernize its approach. The new Allure Beauty Box continued the same philosophy — offering premium products curated by beauty experts — but with more flexible plans, improved packaging, and stronger brand partnerships.
While Sample Society technically ended, its legacy continues through the Allure Beauty Box, which remains one of the most respected beauty subscriptions today.
Sample Society vs. Other Beauty Boxes
When Sample Society was active, it faced tough competition from other beauty boxes. However, it maintained a distinct identity due to its editorial approach.
| Feature | Sample Society | Birchbox | Ipsy |
| Price | $15 | $10 | $12 |
| Samples | 5 deluxe items | 5 mini samples | 5 personalized items |
| Curation | Allure editors | Brand partnerships | Influencer picks |
| Magazine | Included mini Allure mag | None | None |
| Discounts | Yes, with gift codes | Limited | Sometimes |
Compared to others, Sample Society offered better quality samples and editor-approved selections, giving it a premium feel. Subscribers didn’t just get random items — they got products recommended by professionals who knew what worked.
Reviews and Public Response
The response to Sample Society was overwhelmingly positive. Bloggers, YouTubers, and beauty influencers praised the box for its quality and curation.
Pros people loved:
- Excellent value for money
- Trusted Allure curation
- Larger and more useful samples
- Beautiful packaging
Cons mentioned:
- Limited customization
- Occasionally repeated product categories
Despite minor drawbacks, most users agreed that Sample Society offered an exceptional beauty experience. Many reviewers said it felt more “luxurious” and “editorial” than its competitors.
Lessons Learned from Sample Society
Sample Society taught the beauty industry an important lesson — personalized sampling works. Consumers love trying products before committing to full sizes. This concept reshaped how brands market their products today.
The success of Sample Society inspired many other brands and subscription services to follow suit. It also showed that editorial authority could enhance trust and drive engagement in e-commerce.
Even though it’s no longer active, the Sample Society model continues to influence modern subscription programs like Allure Beauty Box, Birchbox, and Ipsy.
Alternatives to Sample Society (Today’s Options)
If you loved the idea of Sample Society, you can still enjoy similar services today. Some of the best alternatives include:
- Allure Beauty Box – The direct successor of Sample Society.
- Birchbox – Focuses on personalization and discovery.
- Ipsy Glam Bag – Offers a mix of sample and full-size products.
- GlossyBox – Highlights premium and luxury brands.
- Sephora Favorites – Curated sets of top-selling products.
Each of these boxes carries forward the spirit of Sample Society — offering beauty lovers affordable access to luxury products and the thrill of monthly surprises.
Final Thoughts on Sample Society
Though Sample Society is no longer around, its legacy remains strong in the beauty industry. It pioneered the idea of editorially curated sampling, making beauty discovery exciting, affordable, and personal.
The partnership between Allure and BeautyBar.com changed how people shopped for beauty. It wasn’t just a subscription box; it was an experience that connected experts, brands, and consumers in a fun and valuable way.
Even today, the Sample Society concept continues to inspire how beauty brands engage with customers — proving that a little box can make a big impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What was Sample Society by Allure?
A: Sample Society was a monthly beauty subscription box curated by Allure editors that offered five deluxe samples from luxury beauty brands.
Q2: Is Sample Society still available?
A: No, it was later rebranded as the Allure Beauty Box, which continues to deliver similar curated beauty experiences.
Q3: How much did Sample Society cost?
A: The subscription cost about $15 per month, including deluxe samples, a mini-magazine, and discount codes.
Q4: What type of products were in Sample Society boxes?
A: Each box featured a mix of skincare, makeup, fragrance, and haircare products from premium brands.
Q5: Why was Sample Society discontinued?
A: It transitioned into the Allure Beauty Box as part of Allure’s strategy to expand and modernize its subscription offering.
