Something strange happened this week. It was the middle of the month, and I was anxiously awaiting a package. I’m not usually one to get too excited about the mail. It’s often just notices from my bank or my health insurance, sometimes a magazine, but this week I was quite literally excited. You see, since sometime last year I’ve been subscribing to a variety of monthly subscriptions. There are a lot out of options out there—from magazines (Stack) to underwear (The Underwear Expert), but recently I’ve been obsessed with a more holistic option: the beauty box.
I signed up for Next Gay Thing when it first launched years ago. I tried it out a few times, but it wasn’t until this year when I committed (scary, I know!) to a monthly subscription. Now, I just love receiving the beauty box each month, with its gay underwear brands, beauty samples and little surprises. It’s been a great way to try out new products. Plus, the small sizes mean everything is travel-friendly, perfect for my on-the-road lifestyle.
Ever since turning 30, I’ve taken on a new way of living. My daily life has gotten a lot more adventurous, but I’ve also simultaneously started paying more attention to my body and my health. And not just in the way to “look good,” but in every aspect of my life. I’m more aware of what makes me happy and what doesn’t. But, to be fair, I’m not even sure this change is due to my age or my attitude. I think it’s a global change.
Male beauty is a booming business. It’s changing the way we look, the way we dress, even the way we act. Gender is changing. Or, at least the way we talk about gender. It’s an exciting time to be a guy. These beauty box subscription services are helping. They’re making fashion and beauty more accessible—no matter your gender, your identity. They’re making fashion more enjoyable.
It’s a bit of a guilty pleasure—the beauty box. Sure, you could buy most of the products yourself, doing the research and finding out what works for you. But receiving a random variety each month just makes the process that much more fun—and even rewarding. Shopping has never been easier.