Subscriptions I Can't Live Without

Subscription services exist for almost everything now. Heck, even Amazon offers subscriptions on things that people order frequently and I swear there is some kind of box for almost every type of person.

My subscription obsession started with Birchbox. I loved the convenience of getting new makeup, skincare, and hair care samples every month. I even found my go-to skincare products thanks to them.

Due to the popularity of subscription services, options for new subscriptions started popping up everywhere. I felt...overwhelmed by the options and I just couldn’t buy into the “$50 a month for this random box of things” idea. From my experience with Birchbox (which I canceled a year into it), I knew that the likelihood of subscription items finding their way into that drawer you never open was very very very high.

Because of this, I am always wary of subscription services, but I have found four that have honestly changed my life for the better, made me healthier, given me peace of mind, AND saved me money. So I wanted to write a post about my four favorite subscription services.

To be clear, I haven’t been paid for this by the companies. I honestly just want to tell people about these services to potentially help make their lives better.

So, first thing’s first: Quip

Subscribing to Quip was honestly one of the best things I have ever done. It is a toothbrush and toothpaste service and it is amazing! They have the best customer service and an incredible product. In college, I had picked up the electric toothbrush trend via those Oral-B Pulsar toothbrushes. I just could never get behind the huge Sonicare toothbrushes. The brush heads were pricey and I HATED that you had to charge them. And they are honestly super cumbersome and kind of ugly...so…no dice.

Almost two years ago, I had purchased a different type of electric toothbrush with a removable and replaceable head and it was fine...but I hated going out to find and buy the expensive replacement heads. Finally, through the magic of Facebook ads, I found Quip.

The service is amazing and their toothbrushes are damn pretty. You buy the initial brush set which includes the handle, brush head, battery, and case for $55. The $55 plan is for the metal handle (I have gold) and three free brush head refills. (You can get a plastic handled brush set for $25, but the metal feels so nice and I just wanted the gold one so…$55 it was).

The deal is that you get this brush set and then in three months (the recommended length of time to use a brush head), they send you a new brush head and battery. Pop the old head off, change the battery, and voila! New toothbrush.

You can add on toothpaste to your plan for $5 extra. Nate does this, but I don’t because I don’t like the taste. For the record, it was fine, I just prefer Crest. Refill heads are just $5 after that initial 3 months. So essentially, you commit to $55 for a new awesome electric toothbrush and then you pay $5 every three months for a shiny new brush head. It’s a great deal and has made our oral health care so much better.

The brush also has a timer for the 2 minute vibration (the recommended toothbrushing time). It pauses every 30 seconds to cue you to switch to a new quadrant of your mouth (upper left, upper right, lower left, lower right). This makes brushing for the proper amount of time thing a breeze.

You can learn more about their service and get $5 off here.

Next: Dollar Shave Club

I know that everyone and their brother had heard about DSC and let me tell you, they are right to brag about being amazing. I subscribed to DSC after I got sick of paying $20 for four refills of mediocre Venus Embrace razors.

I kind of agonized over if I would like the DSC razors because I had used the “women” razors since I started shaving. I finally told myself that my worries were dumb. These razors are for faces...why aren’t they good enough for my legs?

I signed up for the Executive razor. For $9, I get a four pack of razors with six blades and a weighty stainless steel handle (and it ships free). After the first use, I swore to never go back to “ladies” razors ever again. Guys...my legs have never been smoother.

I subscribe to their every other month plan, so I use each blade for 2 weeks and then replace it. (I wasn’t changing them more than every month or six weeks before so...dramatic improvement).

I also add on the Dr. Carver’s Shaving Butter. I got a sample in one of my boxes and I was sold. I add that in once every three months or so for $8 and it ships free! If you are sick of buying pricey razors and using old blades, do yourself a favor and give their $1 trial plan a go.

Learn more about their magic razors here.

Step On Up: Native Deodorant

If you follow any health news, you’ve probably heard about the big drama with aluminium in deodorants. Now I checked the Secret that I had been using and it was aluminum free, but I felt compelled to look into the natural care options.

That is how I found Native.

Native sells all natural deodorants that are aluminum free. This means no potential for nasty infections and diseases and no more white stains on your clothes.

As with any new thing, I was hesitant but curious. So I signed up for their subscription service. My plan is one deodorant shipped every two months. First I tried the Lavender Vanilla scent but have since switched to the coconut vanilla (it’s amazing).

Each order ships free and it costs $10 if you have a subscription. Now $10 may seem pricey, but it works as well as all the leading brands and it doesn’t have chemicals. So...I think it is worth it.

For those wondering if it works, the answer is yes. Of course there was an adjustment period as my body detoxed from the chemical deodorants I had been using since I was 10, but now it lasts all day. It even keeps me dry and fresh smelling during my sweaty workouts.

If you have been looking for a natural deodorant, I highly suggest checking them out here.

Finally: Hair Tie Society

I honestly can’t really remember how I stumbled across Hair Tie Society but I can’t believe something like this didn’t exist before. As any girl will tell you, losing hair ties and bobby pins is part of our life. I was refilling mine at least once every three months or so. Hair Tie Society has an elegant solution to the problem. 5 hair ties and 12 bobby pins delivered to you monthly.

I never run out now.

But, because I always lose at least a few each month, I never end up drowning in bobby pins or hair ties. I now just don’t have to worry about running out when I need them.

They have a variety of hair color options so you can pick the one that matches your hair and for $3 a month, it honestly can’t be beat.

You can look into their options here.

It goes without saying that you should only choose subscription services based on your preferred lifestyle (and budget) but these have changed the game for me and maybe they will for you too!