TAKE NOTE: Fabulous Finds has been discontinued for now due to the owners’ health constraints.
A couple of weeks back, I “launched” the MWS Beauty Box subscription which was my tongue-in-cheek poke at sample beauty box subscriptions. Being hypothetical and pretty much a joke, it was priced at a staggering RM90/month. Ridiculous, if you ask me. But it also drew quite a bit of attention from many of you here in Malaysia, asking how you could subscribe.
Well, the MWS Beauty Box subscription remains pretty much a hypothetical joke for now, but I’m pleased to let you know that we in Malaysia now have a beauty box subcription service on our shores through Fabulous Finds. Hurray! 🙂
It isn’t RM90 (whew!) and because I’m a big fan of local businesses, and of giving them all the support I can, I’m going to tell you about it despite all my misgivings about beauty box subscriptions 🙂 I’ve also got a short interview with the owner, Hui Ling which includes the question – why would we want to pay for a box of samples if we can get it at the counter? Yep, tough one that 😛
But first, I know you want to know what you’re getting in the Fabulous Finds beauty box? Hop along and take a look! 😉
Fabulous Finds is, as far as I’m aware, the first Malaysian sample beauty box subscription service available. (I don’t count Vanity Trove as a Malaysian service because they come in from Singapore.) Fabulous Finds was launched over the weekend with some fan fare.
The melon pink box is sturdy and large. Slightly wider than a shoe box and as its so sturdy, you can easily recycle it to house other items. Inside, is silver tissue paper holding your monthly surprise, tied with a matching melon pink ribbon. You may start running into problems once you have accumulated a few boxes though.
Fabulous Finds has also chosen to give back to the community by hiring women from disadvantaged backgrounds to pack their boxes, thereby supplementing their income. I like this touch, and the fact that they state it right from the beginning and make it one of their company’s practices.
Each box is priced at a monthly fee of RM35 which includes free shipping by courier service within Malaysia only. There will be limited boxes for sale each month (about 200) so it operates pretty much on a first-come-first-served basis.
But I know what you’re thinking – SHOW US WHAT’S IN THE BOX ALREADY!!
Patience… grasshopper…
ommm…..
Ok here we go 🙂
This was the box unveiled during the launch and this will be the July Fabulous Finds box that you will receive if you choose to subscribe now. Future boxes will be a surprise as is the case with almost all sample beauty box subscriptions.
Brands on board for now include Burt’s Bees, Benefit Cosmetics, Kanebo Lunasol, Shu Uemura, Crabtree & Evelyn and Beaubelle. I was quite happy to see the Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Therapy cream in there because I do like it. The small tube works out to something like RM25 or RM30 I believe (usually sold as part of a set) so if you factor in shipping and the more generously sized Beaubelle samples and the deluxe size Benefit Porefessional sample, then this first box is quite fairly priced. The note from the owner, together with a list of products and how to use them is a nice touch. Sometimes, even I forget that not everyone understands what “Porefessional” means and how one should use it 😛
I must say that I feel a bit iffy about the inclusion of sample sachets. I don’t believe that a sample sachet of anything should count as one of the items in the box, and ditto coupons. However, if it was included in as an “extra” then that’s fine. Fabulous Finds promises 4-5 deluxe sized beauty samples from high end and niche brands so if I do a quick head count, there are 3 good sized samples (Crabtree & Evelyn and Beaubelle) and 2 fair sized samples (Benefit Porefessional and Lunasol Skin Fusing Powder Foundation) so that’s 5 items. I’d treat the Burt’s Bees and Shu Uemura samples as “nice extras” – its nice that its included, but if it wasn’t I shouldn’t expect it.
As a first box, I’d say its a good attempt. The Crabtree & Evelyn hand cream more than makes up for it. It slips nicely into handbags and travel bags (I should know, I have tubes of these all over even if I rarely use it!) Do bear in mind that most sample boxes will feature products available locally. It only makes sense as the cosmetics companies would only provide samples if there’s a chance of making a future sale in store or at a counter, right? So I won’t expect to see many brands that aren’t already available locally, somewhere or another. I personally will not consider this box “high-end” for now although it is “higher than normal”, but at RM35 I think its fairly priced for the local market. The challenge for Fabulous Finds, will be to top this and make that RM35 a steal!
In a nutshell
Fabulous Finds is a Malaysia based sample beauty box subscription service. There will be a limited number of boxes sold every month on a first come first served basis. Boxes cost RM35/month and includes shipping. Each box will contain 4-5 deluxe sized beauty product samples from a variety of brands and categories. The contents of each month’s box will be a surprise, known only when it is received by the subscriber. Subscription is available monthly or for a year. This service no longer exists
Pros: Fun, New samples to try out every month, A surprise every month, A good way to discover new products or brands
Cons: Not for those who have very sensitive skin because skincare products may not suit everyone, Not for those who already buy or own a lot of beauty products or those who hate surprises
Who will like this: Anyone who likes getting a beauty surprise every month, Anyone who isn’t as cynical as I am about beauty box subscriptions 😉
I got hold of Hui Ling, owner of Fabulous Finds, and a lovely friendly lady who is a self proclaimed beauty junkie, to answer some quick questions I had. It was a bit unnerving to know that she’s been a long time reader of MWS too LOL!
Q: What was the inspiration behind Fabulous Finds?
A: The idea to have a Malaysian beauty box service came early this year from my reading of beauty blogs (My Women Stuff being one the blogs that I avidly follow). Beauty bloggers, being the first in the know, started writing about beauty boxes which took off in Hong Kong and Singapore. The idea fascinated me. And I thought to myself, what about starting a Malaysian beauty box subscription? The timing was right – I was looking to start something of my own and this was something I was passionate about. Being a beauty enthusiast myself and frequent user of beauty products, this was something I was very familiar with. The joy of sharing specially curated beauty boxes to subscribers all over Malaysia and the opportunity to connect with them and bring delight truly drives me/ Fabulous Finds forward.
I also wanted to start a company with strong leanings towards social enterprise – hence the inspiration to provide employment opportunity and income to women from disadvantaged backgrounds as they pack our beauty boxes. It will not be able to replace their main source of income, but at least supplement it in some way.
The name Fabulous Finds comes from our hope that each beauty box will be a fabulous find to our subscribers. It’s a name we aim to live up to in the coming months as we bring in the the best and latest samples from high-end and niche brands. 🙂
Q: Why did you choose to use pink for your Fabulous Finds box?
A: This particular melon pink hue was chosen because it’s my favourite colour. 🙂 It warms my heart every time I look at it and I have such positive feelings when I think of this colour. I hope that as the Fabulous Finds boxes go out to our subscribers, they too would connect with the warm and vibrant colour. Each melon pink box conveys my warmest regards and appreciation to every subscriber.
Q: Will there be any full size products in the boxes or will they be kept strictly as samples?
A: For now, the samples that we are receiving from beauty brands come in deluxe travel sizes (15g, 20g, 25g) and the occasional sachets. We try as far as possible to encourage beauty brands to provide meaningful sized samples or even full sized products so that our subscribers can try them out for a longer period of time. We hope that some of the future beauty brands we work with will be providing full size products to come.
Q: As your boxes may contain facial skincare products, how will you tailor it to suit the different skin types of your subscribers?
A: At present, we are not able to tailor our skincare samples to suit the different skin types of our subscribers. As such, we will try as far as possible to have products which are for suitable all skin types. However, it may be inevitable that we will have products in some months which may not suit a subscriber’s skin type. I feel it’s important that we be upfront about this so that our subscribers are aware of this.
In the long term. we are looking to overcome this by coming up with a user-specific questionaire to chart the beauty profile of each subscribers. Our aim going forward is to be able to offer some sort of customisation of beauty samples sent out to subscribers. This will be in the next phase of our development.
Q: Will we expect to see more niche brands or products featured in your boxes as opposed to common counter/department store brands?
A: Yes, most definitely. We are already in conversation with a few niche / upcoming brands. We hope to have a good mix of niche and department store brands in the coming months.
Q: A common lament/complaint will be that anyone can pick up a sample at a beauty counter at no cost. How will paying for a Fabulous Finds box make it different?
Good question. Hence the aim for Fabulous Finds is to make sure that we offer samples of a meaningful sizes which are not available at beauty counters. We need to be able to deliver value to our subscribers.
For instance, a majority of products in our July box are not available at beauty counters for free. e.g.
(i) Beaubelle: CLARITY Brightening Cleansing Exfoliator 15g
(ii) Beaubelle: GORGEOUS Multi Defense Total Protection 15g
(iii) Benefit Cosmetics: The POREfessional 7.5ml
(iv) Crabtree & Evelyn: Iris Ultra-Moisturising Hand Therapy 25g
(v) Lunasol: Skin Fusing Powder Foundation (travel size)
In addition, we provide the value added service of selecting the latest products offered by these beauty brands, and include their best-selling items for the sampling pleasure of our subscribers. We believe the value add is in the selection of products for sampling.
There are only 180 Fabulous Finds boxes available for July (which is the box featured here) and you’d have to subscribe by July 14, 2012 as boxes start going out on the 15th of every month.
I am personally not into sample box subscriptions so if anyone is wondering, my answer is no, I will not be subscribing as I have said before. However, I can understand that many will be interested to. Its a nice monthly surprise, you get to try a variety of beauty products and its fun to discover something new. And that is, I believe what ultimately drives the sample beauty box subscription service – the challenge to provide subscribers with Fabulous Finds 🙂
Would you subscribe to the Fabulous Finds Beauty Box? I wouldn’t but then its mostly because I already have a ton of stuff I need to get through first. Its nice however to know that if I wanted to, I could subscribe for a beauty surprise every month, and its even nicer to know that something local looks this good. I’m all for supporting a local business 🙂
Paris B
Fabulous Finds Beauty Box Subscription Price: RM35/month terms apply Availability: Unavailable Delivery: By courier within Malaysia only
Your MWS beauty box looks much better but this is a third of the price, so… yeah. If this is the first box, I’m curious to see what the second box looks like, if it can maintain the consistency of having a good mix in the box. I’m still a bit ho hum about this but like you said, I’m sure there are many out there who will subscribe.
I couldn’t agree more! Over the years, I’ve seen people raved ’bout how money-worthy the beauty boxes were for the first few months, and then they went kinda meh and blah for the following months! We’ll see how this goes 😉
I’m wondering the same thing! It
L be good to see what happens past the 6 month mark 😉
I think it’s a great concept for the masses too, and I too am curious to see what happens 3-4 months down the road. It’s a great way to introduce new items to the consumers, that’s for sure! But for people like us, I think we might find it more of a bother to have more
little samples lying around lol!
Hahaha.. You got me on the MWS beauty box!!!
This FF beauty box is affordable and I do love how they commit to the community. However, I will think twice on subscribing it cause I don’t think I need more samples in my drawer. The hand cream is my favorite item in the box too!!
Now I am kinda hoping that the MWS beauty box real. =p
Haha someday if it happens, you’ll all be the first to know 😉 as for samples, I’m with you. For those of us who already have lots of beauty stuff, it doesn’t make sense (except for the fun bit) but for others I think they might find it fun especially if they can get a sample without having to go to the counter 😉
I am really happy that Malaysia came out with its own beauty box which is affordable and quite nice~~ The item I like the most is the Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Therapy cream in this box =) Congrats to Fabulous Find~~
I’m pleased to see we have our own box too! It’s like a step up int eh right direction 🙂 would you subscribe though? Or have you already done so? 😉
Totally agree with you =) I’m thinking to subscribe them but haven’t do so 😉
Super nice! i wish we have something like that here and the Crabtree & Evelyn hand cream is a good size!
Same as you, I don’t like counting sachets and gift certs as 1 sample product so I’m glad Fabulous Find did not overcharge too! 🙂
It might just appear there soon, who knows! It seems to be catching on here like wildfire! 😀
Well I realyy want to recieve a beauty samples box becuase in Mexico it isn´t any of them, maybe I after the second I’ll say no more but for no I really like to have one as a present made by myself for me >.< I think I'll make the first box to Mexico
No beauty boxes in Mexico yet? We didn’t get one till now so maybe one is in the works, or you could start a company and do this! Go Efrain! 😀
Hi, is it possible if I only have the intention of subscribing to this box you mentioned above (July’s)? I don’t really enjoy surprises in terms of not knowing what I’m gonna get in the following month =/
Hi TY, you might best take it up with the folks at Fabulous Finds. I think there’s a contact email on their website. From what I understand, you can cancel anytime with a certain grace period of notice so I suppose you could subscribe for this July box, the cancel after that. But as I said, best take it up with them. Good luck!
I’m also all for supporting local businesses as much as I can and at RM35, it’s not THAT bad for people like me who don’t spend that much on department store products to get sample sized ANYTHING. Getting samples when you’re not buying anything there and then is like pulling hen’s teeth, more so when they know they’re not getting commission off you. And who says you can get samples from counters for free? Kiehl’s is comparatively liberal when asked, but they make a note on their system before giving it to you.
I already have plenty of samples and stuff I have not gone through and as it takes me forever to finish anything, lagi lah 😛 Then, there’s the trouble of clearing the stuff I don’t/can’t use. You could reuse the boxes for gifting once you disguise/cover the logo… 😀
If I had that kind of money to burn or if it took people’s beauty profile into consideration…. maybe?
The box is of very good quality and I suppose even if the logo isn’t covered, it’d still make a good box to house a gift. However, the possibility of getting a box of inappropriate skincare did bug me too. It’s be more fun of there was some makeup, but even then, colour selection can be a nightmare! I think it’s fun for a short term, or as a short gift subscription. The novelty may wear out after a while.
Finally! RM35 is not too bad. Not at all.
I’m keeping an open mind. Let’s see how the subsequent boxes go, and I’d decided whether to subscribe or not. Hehe.
I’m thinking of giving them a couple of months, then do a trial subscription and see how it goes. Maybe it’ll be good, maybe it won’t, but can’t know till we try! 🙂
wow that tis a lot of stuff 😀 SAdly I can’t get this where I am 🙁
Aww that’s a Pitt, but I’m sure you’ll have similar boxes where you are?
I’m enjoying the splurge on my beauty boxes at the moment (whether I will in 6 months, I don’t know!) I like the Burt’s Bees and Shu samples in the FF box. The June Bellabox in Australia also had the Benefit sample.
I think for us down here, it is a little harder to get samples (you really have to work for them from SAs, and usually get snide comments if you don’t purchase anything) so I’d rather pay for samples sent to me than be belittled by someone at a counter!
Now hat you mention how hard it is to get samples where you are, I can understand why a beauty box concept can do well here. Over here, it is possible, just some SAs are nastier than others. I think I’d be watching to see if there are fewer “normal” brands and some maybe more exclusive ones. That would really tip the scales for me 🙂
That is actually really cool…I hadn’t heard of that one yet… I am really enjoying my Birchbox.
I was just shocked to see the resemblance between “ff” and “bb”! I just subscribed to Bellabox in May, but have already gotten used to the hot pink and sometimes baby pink boxes with pretty “bb” printed in the middle of it too. The more coral pink of “ff” is just way too close, and the font for “ff” is exactly the same. I hope Hui Ling reads your posts on her beauty box, because I think Bellabox may have a case to sue Fabulous Finds for copy.
I did a double take when I saw your instagram for this. Like, isn’t this Bellabox? A sister company?
No offense, Paris B, it’s really just a heads up for Hui Ling. I hope she reads this.
Do delete my comment if it is inappropriate. Just wanted to let Hui Ling know. =)
Hi Jyoan,
Thank you for notifying us of this. This is really worrying, as any resemblance to Bellabox is purely coincidental. I paid a considerable fee to work with a design company to conceptualised the design of the logo from scratch. Inspiration behind the double ring and double ff was to create a simple and elegant logo to encapsulate the essence of Fabulous Finds. The melon pink colour comes from my favourite colour as explained. I have never seen a Bellabox myself (since they don’t ship to Malaysia) and I notice from their website that the boxes are generally beige in colour. Perhaps they have changed to hot pink and baby pink variants of the box in recently months.
Thank you Jyoan for highlighting this. Truly appreciate your feedback. Thank you for the opportunity to explain and reiterate that in no way was there any intention to copy Bellabox.
I actually didn’t post this to instagram, but not being familiar with Bellabox, I can’t comment 😉 I did check with friends who are, and they said that there is some similarity but also a lot of differences but as I said, I’m not familiar enough with Bellabox cos they don’t ship here and vice versa. Maybe Hui Ling can address this when she sees it.
I’m still unsure abt beauty box subscription. It sounds sooooo much fun when I read the reviews from the subscriber. But I’m really afraid of what I’m gonna do with piling products that are unsuitable for my skin. I have to give this a serious thinking before purchasing it. And as you said, I also like to support local business. Besides the box is also fairly priced. Maybe I should try for 3months? >.<
I have the same fear you do about skincare products. Personally, I am planning to give it a few months before seeing if it’s worth my doing a trial subscription. Who knows, I might just like it! That’s the problem. By the time we see what’s in the next box, we won’t be able to get it. Dilemma!
Tugging my heart string – should I, should I not? Debut box items looks very good! Well, if I work it out correctly, if I forego 3 cups of my Starbucks fix a month, I can save about RM35 and spend it subscribing FF! I agree with the other readers, the excitement and quality of products may usually be contained within the first few months and then the content may start to get meh…
But I like the flexibility that FF has offered through their subscription options – renewable monthly, 3,6, 9 or 12 months. At least the subscription duration is short and nice for the monthly or 3/6 months one.
I am still waiting for my PB Box lol 😀
Hahaha! The MWS Box will have to wait, I’m afraid 😛 but like you, I’m curious to see how this will fare a couple of months down the road. I might do a short trial after a few months and see how they fare then. Maybe I’ll get caught up in the excitement and change my mind about beauty boxes! 😉
After reading the hypothetical pieces from earlier postings, this one pales in comparison. Don’t get me wrong – I am a sucker for BB but if this is what I’ll be getting, and in an inaugural issue for that matter, I am better off keeping my 35 bucks for sure!
PB, make your BB happen!!!
Haha well, our beauty boxes are hypothetical for a reason – we aren’t in the business of having to stay afloat! 😉 I’m adopting a wait and see attitude for now. Will give me a couple of months, then try out a trial subscription and see how they hold up to scrutiny. To be fair, that Crabtree & Evelyn hand cream made this box worth it’s while cos usually, its not available for sale individually and only comes in a set 🙂
I have a lot of free samples stored in my drawer but I used it only when I’m travelling. I have to say I’m quite surprised that it only costs RM 35/mth but the items for July didn’t tempt me at all.
Maybe with time FF will be able to offer better selection for their subscribers, once skincare and make-up brands decided that beauty box is a good marketing channel in Malaysia.
Let’s hope so! I’m sort of curious to see what they’ll have in the coming months so will be keeping an eye out for it 🙂
Oh, to whoever may chance upon this article.. Just to update – Fabulous Finds has stopped operating.. I guess the trend didn’t quite catch on in Malaysia. Sigh…
Thanks for the update Carol. I did have a disclaimer right at the top. The reason was because the owner was not feeling well and had to give up the business for the sake of her health. Its a pity because she was a pioneer in the field and from reports, the boxes were doing very well.
I see.. Sorry I did not notice that disclaimer.. Just happen to read an article on the trend of beauty boxes businesses in Asia. Fabulous Finds was in the article, and they claim that it’s perhaps because the trend hasn’t quit catch in malaysia.. Here’s the article if you’re interested.
http://sgentrepreneurs.com/2012/12/06/in-asia-beauty-box-companies-are-the-next-clone-rush/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+sgentrepreneurs+(Singapore+Entrepreneurs)
Anyway, thanks for the info Paris! 🙂
No worries, Carol. Hui Ling had a big notification and explanation on the Facebook page but I saw the page is no longer available which is a pity. It would have avoided a lot of misunderstanding 🙂 I know someone who’s her friend too so the reason is definitely health related not trend related 🙂
Is it FF not available anymore ? Can’t access into the website. 🙁
No it’s been discontinued.