Hellooo Malaysia!
If the beauty sample box phenomenon had a voice, that is probably what it might say 😀 I don’t believe that we, here in Malaysia have yet had access to beauty sample box programs (do correct me if I’m wrong – clearly I’m not always up to date on latest trends 😉 ). We’ve sat here at our desks and stewed as we watched our friends across the causeway in Singapore revel in their myriad of beauty box programs, notably Bella Box, Glamabox and a new addition, Vanity Trove.
Well ladies, Vanity Trove has taken the plunge to extend its reach all the way to us, right here in Malaysia! So we in Malaysia now have access to a monthly beauty box subscription service – a phenomenon that’s taken the beauty world by storm. I know you’re wondering if its worth all the hype? Well, lets take a look at the Vanity Trove box and you can make your mind up yourself 🙂
I was sent the debut Vanity Trove box back in December. I’m only telling you about it now because the Malaysian subscription service has just been launched – no point my telling you about something without being able to share prices and such right?
I didn’t know what to expect, to be honest. I just knew that each box would be a surprise as to what it contains, on a monthly basis. The box itself, when it arrived from Singapore was simple and, rather large.
* lipstick not included, shown for size comparison
The box is sturdy and the contents are nicely insulated and made to look like a gift box, so each box you receive is akin to receiving a gift. Inside, was a card with a welcome note from the company, and on the back, a list of products and how to use them. I thought this quite a good touch – sometimes, products that come in these sample beauty boxes may be from obscure brands, or a product you aren’t familiar with. Telling you how to use it, will minimize wastage.
The products in the debut box were quite impressive, considering they contained some high end deluxe sized samples. 2 notable brands it included were SK-II and Lancome. When I was an SK-II user, I could get these deluxe sized samples as a GWP with purchases. However, since I stopped using the brand, you will likely never be able to beg a sample product of this size from the counters.
Ditto the Lancome Genifique sample which was a generous enough size for sampling. The GWP sized Lancome mascara is useful too if you just want to try it. It is however, the Virtuose formula, which I’m unsure if it has been discontinued in favour of Virtuose Precious Cells. The 2 Snail Street sheet masks were, naturally full sized products.
2 other items included were a little misplaced, I felt. One was a Skin Inc voucher worth S$50 for purchases at certain counters/stores in Singapore and another was a small bag of coffee beans you could take down to a cafe and have them brew a cup of coffee worth S$5 for you. Both were limited to locations Singapore and so, they would have been a waste for me here. For future reference, I do think it would be advisable for Vanity Trove to ensure that their sample boxes contain something a little more relevant to their Malaysian customers.
Here are a few points to note about beauty sample boxes:-
- Products in the boxes are sample sizes – they are usually deluxe-sized samples and are good enough for you to try a product out to see if you like it, before buying. Some items may be full sized products but they are the exception rather than the norm.
- Each box is a surprise so you do not know what you will be receiving – sometimes a product may not be suitable for your skintype or if it is a makeup item, for your skin colouring. Sometimes, you may find a gem in there.
- Brands may be obscure or hard to find – sometimes, products included may be from brands that are a little more obscure or hard to find and when you want to purchase the full sized product, it may be a problem.
- Its a good way to try different products at a fixed price – for those who like experimenting with new and different products, these sample boxes will be a good way to try new products at a fixed price. Granted, you may be able to get similar samples free of charge at a cosmetic counter, but those samples may not be sufficient for you to properly evaluate how they work on your skin. Samples included in sample beauty boxes are usually more generously sized so you can use them for longer.
- Programs are subscription based – You may subscribe monthly or for a certain length of time, but do take note of the cancellation terms in the event you wish to stop your subscription for any reason.
The Vanity Trove beauty box will be RM50/box or RM600/13 boxes, delivered for free to you each month. You will have to sign up at the Vanity Trove site and check for their terms or contact them if you have any questions.
My feedback to the company was that I felt RM50/box to be a little pricey for us here in Malaysia. Granted, I understand that the samples included will be of high quality and possibly from more exclusive/deluxe sources, I would personally find it hard to shell out RM50 a month, not knowing what I was going to get. Its a lot to do as well with comparative cost of living, because RM50 can get you quite far here. At RM30/box I might be more willing to consider subscribing, in all honesty.
In a nutshell
A new sample beauty box subscription service from Singapore that is available to Malaysian subscribers. Each box will contain 6-7 beauty product samples each month. Shipping from Singapore is free and each box each month will retail at RM50, or RM600 for 13 months. The contents in the first box for December contained some deluxe sized samples of high end brands but also contained vouchers and items only available for redemption in Singapore. That will likely be removed or replaced in Malaysian boxes in future. You will not know what you will get until you sign up and receive your first box so its pretty much a lottery. I think its a good way to try out new products and brands, but the cost is a little high for Malaysians.
Pros: Interesting and novel concept, Good way to try out new and different products each month
Cons: Pricey for Malaysians, Products you receive may not be suitable for your skintype or colouring
The January 2012 Vanity Trove Box contained some brands I’d never heard of, including samples of Olivella hair and body care products, Yadah sample face kit, an Angel lip tint (full size), Leader’s clinic sheet mask and Clinique moisture surge. Not bad, except I found out that Yadah is a range formulated for young adults and teens so I wouldn’t have used that whole pack. It would have been quite hit or miss, that one.
I don’t deny I’m quite curious to see what will come in the future boxes, but for now, I’m not up to subscribing to any of these services, primarily because I’ve never been one for samples, and I just have too much stuff lying around. However, if you are a curious sort, or like trying different products or just don’t know what to buy that friend who seems to already have everything, then a box or two would be a fun indulgence if your wallet allows 🙂
Does Vanity Trove catch your fancy? Would you subscribe to a sample beauty box service? Have you tried any of these services or wanted to? I’ve already told you what I think so now lets hear your thoughts 😉
Paris B
Vanity Trove Sample Beauty Box Subscription Price: RM50 or S$25/box ; RM600 or S$300/13 months (Prices have since increased to RM60/box) Availability: Vanity Trove website Questions: Vanity Trove Facebook and Twitter
Update: Some comments from Vanity Trove 🙂
– RM50 includes shipping from SG right to the doorstep! Shipping, handling and delivery charges are all inclusive – which explains the slightly higher price point.
– Other than classic favourites, we also source for trending products for people to sample. To highlight, in Dec’s trove, we had snail street masks that contains snails secretion which is AMAZING for anti-ageing, blemish control and pimple busting! (These were from reviews of our users)
– Understand about the SKINC voucher and coffee beans, we’ll take that into serious consideration for future troves.
– We will never favour SG buyers over MY ones, both are as important to us! Beauty discovery should know no bounds! We are honestly sold out for Dec, Jan and very very soon, Feb! 😀
– We are definitely fighting to get full-sized items of the latest products from labels for our subscribers.
Celeste says
February 9, 2012 at 8:52 amRM 50 !? Given the standard of living, there’s no way I’d pay that. I already consider paying 15aud for my boxes a bit extravagant considering I remember seeing some overseas at 10usd.
I love the idea of beauty sample boxes, but not at that price. Having said that, for a first box, SK II and Lancome are pretty decent brands to have onboard.
Paris B says
February 12, 2012 at 5:47 pmI had the exact same reaction you did Celeste! 😀 Although the price includes shipping and everything I do still think it pricey for the average Malaysian to participate in. Perhaps for novelty factor, but not for the long term.
LeGeeque says
February 9, 2012 at 8:58 amI would have loved to receive this box because bar the voucher, I can use everything (especially the coffee at home! Slurps!) And that’s a very generous size of Genefique – been dying to try that. Been looking forward to this writeup for a bit cos I love peeking into stuff like this 🙂
Paris B says
February 12, 2012 at 5:52 pmI think these beauty boxes are a fun concept and very fun for someone who enjoys a little surprise each month, and who likes playing around with beauty products. I must agree too that the first box was quite impressive and I’m told it will continue in this vein so those who have subscribed will be pleased to know that.
Bee Romperz Laila says
February 9, 2012 at 9:14 amI am thrill that something has arrive in Malaysia…although the price is quite high compared to other box that is in US and so on..but I would try it once just to see what’s inside….hopefully the samples itself is divine..by far the voucher from Singapore is not a problems since I can go there when I go back to my hometown..thanks Paris for the info..might try in..but not sure for long run I would subscribes hehe…
Paris B says
February 12, 2012 at 5:54 pmIsn’t it fun to know that we now have access to services like this too? 😀 I think its wonderful and if the promise from Vanity Trove to continue providing high quality samples in their boxes, maybe RM50 isn’t that expensive as we think? 🙂
Lily says
February 9, 2012 at 9:18 amBeen waiting for this post! A little disappointed with the price though. RM50 is too much. Maybe it’s the cost of shipping from Singapore? If it was a little cheaper, I’d definitely give it a try!
Paris B says
February 12, 2012 at 5:55 pmI think they took a simple exchange rate calculation and factored in shipping from Singapore so all in all, maybe its not “that” pricey but it will still hurt the wallet. That said the Singapore version is S$25 which is also on the pricey side because the other boxes are, I believe only about $15. Perhaps the others will come in soon with a more wallet friendly pricetag 🙂
electronicfly says
February 9, 2012 at 9:24 amI think I’ll stay away for now. RM50 is too expensive for me, especially when you compare to say the US versions where boxes are about $12+ only. I think I rather use that RM50 a month to buy full sized products of items I’m interested in =/
Paris B says
February 12, 2012 at 5:56 pmI have to agree with you – not so much on comparing other beauty boxes but that RM50 can get me quite far if I choose to stretch my ringgit! 😉
Cas says
February 9, 2012 at 9:37 amRM50 a box? RM600 for 13 months? Do not want! I would rather take that money and go splurge on things that I want or get myself full sized products. Like you said, would totally consider if it was RM30. These are samples afterall.
Paris B says
February 12, 2012 at 5:58 pmI think most Malaysians will have to agree that RM50 a month can be painful on our wallets – comes down to comparative cost of living too.
Jesslyn says
February 9, 2012 at 9:45 amActually i think RM 50 is alright, considering makeup / beauty products don’t come cheap these days. Only query is will they automatically charge you monthly though you’ve subscribed fr the 1 month package ? otherwise, no harm trying new products really, just got to take the risk 🙂 But yeahh that Lancome & SK-II package was really worth it, i must say !
Paris B says
February 12, 2012 at 6:00 pmI’m not sure how the subscription system works so you may have to double check with the company 🙂 For a first box, I think they did well. I was less impressed with the second box, based on the list of products in there because I would not use most of them. That said, perhaps it just comes down to our personal choices and whether we enjoy the element of surprise and playing around with beauty samples every month 🙂
rinnah says
February 9, 2012 at 9:45 amRM50?! Hmm, thanks but no thanks. I reckon that they probably factored in the currency exchange rate as well as shipping in arriving at that price, but that will likely put it out of reach of the average consumer in Malaysia. If I were back in Malaysia, I wouldn’t consider it to be affordable.
Paris B says
February 12, 2012 at 6:01 pmTaking a straight conversion, we actually get a pretty good deal here 😉 But you’re right, all things considered, I think it is a tad out of reach for the average person here.
dom says
February 9, 2012 at 9:47 amAh likewise…I was excited to see this post but at RM50, no thanks!
Paris B says
February 12, 2012 at 6:01 pmLOL that seems to be the biggest stumbling block for all of us!
xin says
February 9, 2012 at 9:55 amfor rm50, i honestly do not think i will subscribe to it monthly knowing that i will prob use only 30% or 50% of the stuff, and the rest will only pile up my collection
Paris B says
February 12, 2012 at 6:02 pmPerhaps for people like us who are already prone to hoarding stuff this program won’t be ideal eh? 🙂
Sukie says
February 9, 2012 at 9:57 amI was really excited when you mentioned these beauty boxes have arrived on Malaysian shores but the size of the products just don’t do it for me. I’ve subscribed to Glossybox and Bourdoir Prive (now Joliebox) and I find their samples a lot more generous than this. Furthermore, they cost about the same at £10.
Paris B says
February 12, 2012 at 6:03 pmAnd this, coming from someone who has had the chance to do comparison shopping! 😀 Thanks for your input Sukie 😀
Sue says
February 9, 2012 at 9:58 amRM50 huh? That’s quite pricey for Malaysia… will skip this for now
Paris B says
February 12, 2012 at 6:03 pmSeems to be how most of us feel about this for now 😀
lemon says
February 9, 2012 at 10:02 amI remember seeing little samples like these selling in Watson or Borjois Hong Kong. It could be cheaper there, plus you can pick up your own samples for trial.
Paris B says
February 12, 2012 at 6:04 pmYes, these samples are quite freely available in Bonjour and Sasa in Hong Kong – I love shopping there! 😀 But over here in Malaysia I don’t think we have this sort of access although I know some websites sell deluxe sized samples too.
Applegal says
February 9, 2012 at 10:07 amErm. I don’t think I’d warm up to this idea, because I wouldn’t know whether the products will be suitable for my skin. I can imagine that I won’t use or finish a lot of the products and my table will be just filled with random stuff. I would also prefer to buy over the counter so that I can pepper the SA with my questions on how to use the products and what not. So it’s a naw for me.
Paris B says
February 12, 2012 at 6:05 pmPart of my mental block is in having lots of small sample packs lying all over, half finished. I can’t stand that and I don’t travel enough to use them all up in one go LOL!
Hanny Daforcena says
February 9, 2012 at 10:12 amRM 50?? That’s my parking $$ for 1 month in Uni!! Defo not for me, seeing that I have to scrimp and save for 1 lipstick hahaha
electronicfly says
February 9, 2012 at 10:09 pm(Totally out of topic) Hanny why is your uni’s parking so cheap!
Paris B says
February 12, 2012 at 6:05 pmI like that! Parking for a month is putting things in perspective! 😀
Tine says
February 9, 2012 at 10:35 amSKII! I’m impressed. And the sample of the Genefique is definitely generous. In one of my Bellaboxes, I received the tiniest tube of the Visionnaire.
I signed up to a couple to experiment, unsubscribed to one, and will be unsubscribing to Bellabox once I get the February box. The problem with these beauty boxes are, often the first couple of boxes are really impressive, and then the rest are just mediocre. That’s why I never recommend subscribing for a full year, even though it comes up to be cheaper per box.
RM50 is expensive for a box of samples. Dollar for dollar, it’s like paying $50 for one, and there’s no way it’s going to sustain over here.
Paris B says
February 12, 2012 at 6:07 pmThanks for the input Tine! Its a good tip about not subscribing for a year even if it seems more worth it in the long run. We just never know if this fad will die out in a year’s time 😛
Ling says
February 9, 2012 at 11:02 amOMG!! SK-II and Lancome! Luxe box!!!! But yeah, I’m with Tine…I subbed to a couple but then un-subbed. Too many samples are too cute…but not used 🙁
Paris B says
February 12, 2012 at 6:08 pmI think people like us – who buy and hog and hoard beauty products – won’t appreciate beauty boxes as much as those who don’t have as much and aren’t as overwhelmed as we are all the time 😀
Ling says
February 9, 2012 at 11:03 amWoops. Commented as my alter ego 😛
Alyssa says
February 9, 2012 at 11:06 amI like the idea, its like receiving presents every month! but the price of RM50 per box?? omg i can go naked like this. hahahahahaha.
Paris B says
February 12, 2012 at 6:09 pmHaha! Naked? I don’t think so 😉 But the idea of receiving a box every month is quite fun isn’t it?
peach_ says
February 9, 2012 at 11:38 amHmm, I’d be slightly disappointed if I’d received SK-II and Lancome samples the first month, but only obscure, unknown brands in the 2nd box. I guess the point is to try something you hadn’t thought to try, but the samples are essentially ones you can get for free, even if they’re GWPs, right? Smart of you to consider cost of living as well. I agree it should be priced accordingly!
Paris B says
February 12, 2012 at 6:12 pmWell most samples can be gotten for free although GWP ones do tend to be more generously sized than freebies that come in sachets. But its hard to price a sample, personally. I don’t think they should be given a value based on the full sized e.g. Full size is $100/50ml so the 5ml sample is worth $20 Just me though 🙂