I'm no beauty expert, and I'm thankful every day for the beauty bloggers who have slowly taught me how to apply the once terrifying stuff. First Dressjunkie, then London Beauty Queen, I've picked up tips and they've patiently answered my questions over the years. Now I think I know what I'm doing, and can tell a good product from bad.

So the second monthly subscription box suggestion I'm bringing you this January, is the Starbox from Starlooks. Not being a beauty genius, I hadn't heard of this US brand, but they are a pro-quality full range of make-up, which is now available to the UK, including their box subscription. All products are cruelty free. Factories are frequently visited to check on their very high standards, and any brushes they manufacture are from shaved animals, kept on farms. As you would expect, no product is tested on any animal.

Starlooks sent me the December Starbox to have a play with. They promise each box will be great value, with the product included costing more than the $15 subscription. December's surprise box worked out as very good value, the eyeshadow palette sells for $99 in th Starlooks Store.

I was very pleased to receive the palette as I desperately needed new coloured shadows. There is a great neutral skin tone which I can use as a base, and the coloured shadows are very high in pigment. I tried to take a good photo to show just how rich and deep the colours are, but I need to work on my skills! The 'glitter' shadows are amazing quality too, more shimmer than glitz, so they don't look too 'young' on an older eye, and could even be used during the day to brighten a look.

If you subscribe before 10th January then you'll receive the very next box. Also keep an eye on the past boxes page to pick up the palette for $15 instead of $99 in their main store.

Well worth subscribing.

Over the next fortnight or so I'll be introducing you to some unusual, lesser known box subscription services. Treat yourself for January and sign up for a monthly delivery.

First up is Vegan Cuts, the animal friendly site with two box services on offer.

December's Vegan Beauty Box came with eye shadow, lip salve, and my favourite part a set of seasonal gold, silver and glittered nail polishes. The box ships from the States, but costs only $15 a month to any worldwide address, which is a super price for a service which can introduce you to cruelty free brands you may otherwise never hear of.

If a beauty box isn't your thing, and perhaps you'd like to start 2014 with some healthier snacks, why not try the Vegan Cuts Snackbox? Again it's $15 worldwide for the monthly box, less than that if you're in the US.

I love trying new snacks, so I was intrigued to try the crisps made from beans, which were black. They are delicious. The product I'm going to have to hunt down a supply of though, is the coconut milk chews, seasoned with sea salt. Outstanding!

Any questions? Find Vegan Cuts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Sign up before mid-January and you should receive your first box, or both boxes, around 20th January.