Alrighty, I think the title says it all really! 😀
At one time, about 2 years ago, I remember everyone drooling over these beauty box subscriptions that were available to our beauty loving sisters overseas and when the concept exploded on the local scene last year, I noticed a huge response.
There are quite a few companies around locally now that offer these monthly beauty box subscriptions and while I don’t stay in touch with the scene because it isn’t a scene I’m interested in, it does make me curious as to whether any of you are long time subscribers. As in, you have been subscribing to these boxes for over 3 months (not offered free) and actually paying for them. Anyone?
Part of the reason I’m asking is because I do receive now and again emails from some beauty box subscriptions companies seeking to sponsor their boxes to which I always decline because, as I have oft-said I don’t subscribe to the idea.
Some of the boxes out there do look quite impressive, I don’t deny but as with everything, they do come at a price. I believe the more expensive boxes nudge RM50 while the cheaper ones aren’t further behind at over RM35 a box.
I much rather tell you about a wonderful lipstick that you can get for RM30 that I know you’d like, rather than tell you about a wonderful box of samples that I received, but then in the same breath tell you I don’t know what you’d be getting the following month. But you see, that’s just me. I was never sold on the idea from way back and so it’s hard for me to get sold on the idea right now.
This is more so when I’ve recently cut my beauty budget to funnel my funds to bigger things and suddenly the idea of paying RM50 a month for something I’m not sure I’d like seems like a lot. Many of these beauty box companies have branched out into organizing events for their loyal subscribers or bloggers which is I suppose, an added benefit.
So, is that what’s keeping you subscribed? The bonuses of being a subscriber? Or do the monthly boxes still get you excited.
What say you? Are you a subscriber to beauty boxes still?
If you are a long time subscriber (from anywhere that has this service) I’d love to hear your thoughts. Are you subscribed to many companies? Are you still enjoying the surprises? Do you think you get your money’s worth? If you were a subscriber and no longer subscribe, I’d love to hear your thoughts too of course! 😀 You know mine already. Never subscribed, never will, not sold 🙂
Paris B
Angelina says
Still subscribing to few but thinking to cut down on it soon, like very soon. I have too many products at home, and it keeps increasing. Haha.
Paris B says
That would be my fear too! As you can see, I haven’t even opened up a single item from the boxes I have haha! 😛 Too much of my own stuff to go through, much less mess around with samples 😛
Fiona says
You still have the 1st FF box 😀
I dig the idea but not subscribing to any now. The amount of deluxe sizes and samples lying around the room is too overwhelming 🙂
Paris B says
I know! Embarrassing right? 😛 I remember you were subscribed to a few a while ago but I suppose, after a while, it all adds up. Can’t possibly finish using the stuff within a month (unless they come in a sachet) 😛
Sze Ling says
Never subscribed, and don’t think I’d start anytime soon. Being the picky me, I just don’t see myself enjoying everything that comes in the monthly box. If that is the case, then the money that I paid for it would be no good anymore. Make sense? 😛
Paris B says
I know exactly how you feel because when I opened the ones that were given to me, I was underwhelmed 😛 Much rather put my money towards something I really want and you made perfect sense 😀
Beeromperzlaila says
I am subscribing to Beauty Bag monthly because it is one of the worthy bag ever. It has a lot of free gift and some of it are quite good so that’s why this is my 4th bag…other than that I am not subscribing because most of the time they tend to give the same things all over round ….
but I guess if you don’t like it…then you shouldn’t subscribe right..because it’s would only waste money receiving the same thing ……
Paris B says
I think the Bag of Love was an innovative idea and the product sizes are a little more generous than others. I think many people are taken with the idea initially but I’m really curious just how many are as excited about it after a while. I suppose, there still are! 😉
Lily says
Nope, never subscribed. Don’t see myself doing it in the future either. I guess it’s because i already know what i want, and surprises might just turn into disappointments most of the time. Lol!
Paris B says
Yeah, you and I both 😛 I suppose, I’m not that keen on the stuff to start with, much less get excited about them haha!
xin says
i had a subscription for a quarter, things were interesting in the beginning (the first month), then, I realized, I am accumulating MORE and More samples that I don’t use, or I wanted to use, but eventually I didn’t. So, I guess, these boxes are really not for me
Paris B says
You lasted a quarter! :O Hats off to you haha! But yeah, as you can tell, I didn’t even use any of the samples in the box. Most of the time, I’ve got all my GWP samples or samples that I pick up from the counter of stuff that I’m really interested in, so those come first. I better give away my boxes haha!
LeGeeque says
Same here. Never subscribed to them. I simply dislike the “surprise” factor. You never know what you will get and I don’t like to pay and be at the mercy of someone else. (See the control freak in me surfacing?)
Paris B says
Yes I do 😛 But like you, I’d like to know exactly what I’m getting for my RM50 and no, don’t tell me that it’s a surprise because the odds are I’m not amused 😛
Tine says
I did it a couple of times for “research” :P. It didn’t work for me and I felt as though I was wasting money buying things I don’t use or even like. I can do without the element of surprise. I recently subscribed to a fashion and beauty box which was recommended by a friend. It has accessories and just a couple of beauty items. I’m going to try it out for 3 months and see if they’re worth subscribing to. 🙂
Paris B says
LOL I bought one of the bag things for research purposes too 😛 As you can tell, the research didn’t go very far LOL! I’ve stopped doing that to be honest. All this research just clutters up my home and soon I will have no space to store everything so I’m on a major decluttering binge. Things will have to go! 😛 The accessories box sounds interesting except I have such set ideas about accessories and colours that I just know that sort of “style” box will never fly with me. Will see how it fares for you 🙂
Ting says
I have subscribed to Pambox, a Thai beauty box service. It was OK just trying out, like some things I never thought of buying (eye gel mask, Thai spa sort of body scrub). Pambox has more skin care products than cosmetics, and it’s quite difficult using sample sizes to see any effects. However, it’s from one of the Pamboxes that I recently got to love the Laneige Sleeping Pack (which then led to trying other Laneige skin care range). I do notice that the products made my skin nice and smooth. 🙂
I am no longer subscribed to it, as I thought skin care sample sizes doesn’t make sense. Also, there was one sunscreen product that absolutely refused to work with my foundations. I spent nearly half an hour in the hotel room trying to get rid of it from face while husband and kids couldn’t wait anymore so they went ahead to have their breakfast… Total nightmare!!
Paris B says
Pambox – such a cute name! It’s good to know they had introduced you to a nice brand like Laneige. Some of the products aren’t bad right? And the story about the sunscreen cracked me up! Your poor family, having their breakfast with Mom ruined by crappy sunscreen 😛
shannen says
All the FF until they closed down. Then 3 LilacBox. First 2 boxes is good. I found some products I like. And there are always perfume vials. The 3rd make me so disappointed, I refused to even login to my account and give review to collect points. Box 4? Never. Then Bag of Love. June’s bag is ok. Except for the bunch of tiny Korean brand skincare. Can’t even tell what they do. Then I got the Limited Edition bag. Arrived last week. Not happy. And so.. this ends my beauty boxes/bags subscription journey… Still miss FF 🙁
Paris B says
It was interesting reading your views on the Lilac box because another reader just said she thinks they are the best! Haha! Goes to show, we all have different ideas and expectations eh? 🙂 I think sometimes, getting foreign or unknown brands can be very irritating. As you said, you don’t even know what they do or how to use them and it can be so frustrating because you technically paid for them! 😛
CY says
Heh… I did try a couple in one month.. now just probably going to try out Lilac Box, and whatever left of Mivva.
and no more after that. Heh.
Paris B says
Heh, testing the different services eh? 😉
CY says
yeap, just to see what the fuss is all about.
jst going to stick to one or two for now.
Jean says
Never paid to subscribe.. I didn’t really like any of the boxes I received except the one that comes with cute pouch, that’s a bonus point but not enough to make me start subscribing. Anyway, am not really looking at any beauty box anymore.
Paris B says
It’s a lot of money isn’t it? Money that could be put towards a nice meal, that we know what to expect haha! 🙂
Su Lyn says
I did try a few out at first, but after a while the “surprise” factor that they are all pivot on just started to get stale. They always try and entice you with full sizes in the initial few boxes then it starts going downhill from there.
I think what’s interesting now is that VanityTrove has changed their subscriptions to a “customized” box. You choose what you want to pick instead of a surprise. That way if you’re not happy with the selection, you simply don’t pay!
Paris B says
That was what I thought too Su Lyn. The initial few boxes always look so promising, but I suppose after a while, competition catches up and there are only so many brands around for them to collect samples from that eventually every box will end up with similar products! I have seen something about the customized Vanity Trove box, and the idea of picking what you like from a selection of samples is certainly new and unique. At least you’ll end up with something you actually want instead of being horribly surprised 😉
Dee says
I’ve tried 1 FF, 1 Cosmobox, 1 Mivva, 3 Wonderbox, 1 VT, 1 Bag of Love and all The Lilac Boxes so far! 😛 Wonderbox started great, but soon lost my interest as the brands kept repeating.. I love VT’s drawer box that it comes in! but not enough to pay RM40 for it monthly.. 😛 Moreover, the VT box that i subscribed to was an exclusive Kose box, have always wanted to try Kose products, so i think one brand boxes are definitely worth a shot. Bag of Love offers great samples and full size products as well, not to mention the brushes that comes with, but I am currently infatuated with the Lilac Box as it really offers samples of products that I normally don’t try or can’t afford. Plus, TLB does not require any commitment (mayb a bummer to some) but its average bimonthly release suits me perfectly~ 🙂 So far, TLB has not disappoint me!
Paris B says
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Dee! Lots of research done there! Haha! I thought it interesting that you are enjoying the Lilac box most because another reader has just shared about how disappointed she was with their boxes! I suppose that’s what makes this discussion interesting. We just never know what interests different people. Good that you’re still enjoying your experience 🙂
Honey says
Nah, I won’t subscribe cos I like to know what I’m buying especially when it comes to skincare. The only thing I have currently on monthly subscription is audible.com books ie audio books. Love them!
Paris B says
Mmm I didn’t know there are subscriptions for audio books! Now this, I have to take a look at! 😀 Thanks Honey!
Honey says
If you love reading but can’t find time, then audio books is up your alley. Just download your books into your iphone/smartphone and read whenever you can. I now ‘read’ when I’m stuck in traffic jam, at least it keeps me from being a road bully! Go to audible.com and check it out. First book is free!
PS, I’m not getting commission for this :). Just sharing how this has kept me sane travelling to and fro office daily!
Paris B says
I will definitely check it out. Could be a good accompaniment to when I’m in the office and don’t want to be distracted 😀
Sam Bear says
Initially I thought it was a good idea, then I realised that you will never know what you’ll receive until you get them and I knew that it just wasn’t for me.
Paris B says
Haha let me guess – odds are, the surprise might not be a happy one? 😉 But yes, I thought it an interesting concept but ultimately, not something I’d actually enjoy.
Rute says
Well I haven’t tried any beauty box, because until recently we haven’t had them in Portugal! Now we’ve got two box subscription, but they’re like 17€ and 20€ with shipping. The first one is not very good, it comes with a lot of sample sizes, and not very interesting ones. The second one has very good products and brands, I’ve been wanting to try it, but for your comparison, a MAC lipstick here in Portugal is 18,50€, and a box with surprise products for 20€… leaves me wondering a bit if it’s worth it or should I just save that money to buy a product that I really want!
Sorry for the long comment, just giving my 2 cents on the subject 🙂
Paris B says
Wow, I think those prices for a box of samples is really pricey! :O Well, to me at any rate 😀 You know what, if you’re really curious about it, it might be fun to subscribe for a month or two to see just how interesting it can be. That said though, I think a lot has to do with how a person thinks. Like me, I like knowing just what I’d get for my money so if I was eyeing a MAC lipstick, I’d spring for the lipstick instead of a box of samples that I may never use. However, if I were interested to try something new then maybe the box may appeal! 😀 No need to apologise for leaving a long comment – I love getting them! 😀
Jennifer says
Interesting topic for the day! I am intrigued with the beauty box idea but do not subscribe to any of the ones around. I love reading the beauty box reviews from the beauty blogs that I frequent, sometimes I thought wow, that’s a good deal! Some days, I felt it was meh and imagined my disappointment if I had spent the money only to receive some sachets or unknown brands.
Now having said that, clearly I am not an adventurous person when it comes to skincare as I have sensitive skin and I only trust certain reputable brands and feel more comfortable if I recognize those brands…and not being adventurous probably defeats the purpose of beauty box subscription I guess 🙂
So yeah, my taste and behaviour are at odds with the concept of beauty box which I think is to explore and try etc. I must say though, it is a joy to see the innovations from various companies, some offering affiliation with some leadings brands, some comes with bags instead of boxes etc…
Long before I hop onto the bandwagon of proper beauty counter skincare products, yes I admit, I love to stock up on deluxe and miniature sized products, sometimes even sachets would be great. But I now recognize GWP and these are probably the worthwhile miniature products to stash as I will use them.
Having said all these, still…I am open to eventually subscribe to a beauty box if it’s called MWS Box by Paris B (sorry, for lack of better and sexier name) :D:D I remember that post you had a while back that got my heart racing!
*The end* Thank you for the space and airtime at channel PB 😀
Paris B says
Hahaha I love nice lengthy comments. It matches my long lengthy post 😀 You are right you know. I think beauty box subscriptions only really appeal to those who are open to trying various products and brands and who are perhaps not as calculative I think LOL This is because we have to expect that part of the cost goes into the packaging and if the packaging is unappealing, the companies receive complaints. If the products are too little, they get complaints. But I learned that most of the products in there are actually sourced gratis! No doubt the company would have to take the trouble to source it, but it still doesn’t detract from the fact that there was no cost involved there. So yeah, when I learned the backroom secrets it sort of made me queasy 😛 I did toy with the idea of doing a one off box just for the fun of it, but I can’t imagine it right now to be honest. I’d love to though if I could get someone to handle the admin side haha! 😛
Jyoan says
I have been subscribed to Bellabox for a year now. And I still enjoy the feeling of surprise. But I feel I do not get what I pay for.
However, because I still do enjoy the element of surprise, I am open to subscribing to another box that I feel, gives me what I pay for.
Currently, I do buy Little Black Beauty Box, by our local TV station. And I intend to cancel my Bellabox subscription.
It does not offers much, other than points accumulated with each box, that I can use to offset part of anything that I want from their webpage.
I must admit that the webpage sells products that can’t be found in Singapore, but are very popular in the US. So this is a big plus. However, I do not mind paying the full price for these items, so I don’t really need the points.
Paris B says
I have friends who subscribed to Bellabox and are happy with them but I haven’t been keeping up with the newest boxes so I don’t know how those are faring. But I did learn that Bellabox’s business model derives most of their income from the sales of products which I suppose makes sense. I learned the samples in the boxes are sourced gratis anyway or for a small little fee. It’s samples anyway! 😉 Hope your new box lives up to expectations!
Philippe says
I think the idea started out great, but it’s not possible to keep up great boxes every month. It’s a “cheap” way of discovering products you’d never find or buy yourself, but is it really worth all that money?
I never subscribed to any of those boxes and I know plenty of people that did but now cancel theirs. The quality goes down so fast and you cannot empty products every month if you have multiple boxes running..
Paris B says
Hi Phillippe, thanks for weighing in with your thoughts on this! I do agree wholeheartedly with you about the monthly quality of the box. Generally, most will start out very promising but as they go on, I think even the sponsors will tire of providing the samples if they don’t get something in return. I’m just curious to see how long this can last before it implodes LOL!