ScentBox

What's in the box: Each month brings an 8 ml atomizer of a designer fragrance you picked (two on the larger plan) and an atomizer case, in a keepsake box.

ScentBox is a US fragrance subscription that sends a 30-day supply of designer perfume or cologne each month in an 8 ml (0.27 oz) atomizer. It does not send a random surprise. You add scents to a fragrance calendar from a catalog the company says has over 1000 designer scents, and it ships whatever is next in line. Plans cover one or two fragrances per month. The site lists the first month at $9.72 and $17.95 per month after that, with free shipping, free exchanges and month-to-month billing you can cancel anytime. The service also sells full-size items such as bath and body products, candles and skincare.

The main appeal is trying a scent before buying it. A full bottle of designer fragrance is a real commitment, and wearing a scent for a month tells you much more than a paper strip at a counter. The catalog on the homepage leans toward familiar department store names like Marc Jacobs Daisy, Versace Bright Crystal, Coach and Ralph Lauren, plus celebrity scents.

The tradeoff is cost per milliliter. At the regular rate, 8 ml costs more per ounce than many full bottles bought on sale, so the service makes more sense for trying new scents than for restocking a favorite. The amount is based on about four sprays a day, which heavy users may find too little. Remember that the intro price renews at the full monthly rate.