If you’ve been on the fence about the new trend in beauty – monthly subscriptions for deluxe samples delivered right to your door – you’re not alone. Last year I profiled Luxe Box, one of the pioneering companies of this service in Canada – and my review was met with mixed feedback. While many of y’all loved the element of surprise, and the ability to try products you wouldn’t normally have access to (without paying full price, that is), just as many readers were concerned about the lack of relevance and fit, and the absence of consistency from month to month. Since I was only given the opportunity to review one box – which was admittedly a “deluxe” version that subscribers wouldn’t necessarily receive – I had no basis for comparison to comment on fit or consistency. I’ll admit it – it was a #reviewfail
So when the makers of Topbox approached me to review their service, I was quite insistent that I would need to receive a minimum of two regular boxes – at a 3-month interval – to adequately appraise the quality and consistency of their products. The company had absolutely no problem with that, which is not only a testimony to their confidence in the service, but the realization that regularly impressing customers is the cornerstone of their business.
My first Topbox for review was November 2011 – which included a Cake Velveteen Hand Creme (full size), Deborah Lippman “Some Enchanted Evening” Nail Lacquer (full size), Dr. Brandt Time Arrest Eye Serum and Stila Lip Glaze in Raspberry, all packaged in a reusable cardboard cylinder (LOVE the reduced packaging. I have no use for all the frills; it’s about the beauty, not the beautiful container!).
My first reaction to the contents was “Now THIS I can use!” I don’t have to tell you that I’ve been a long-time fan of Cake products, and any time I can get my hands on Deborah Lippman nail lacquer – which normally retails for $20 a pop – let’s just say I do a happy dance. Plus, I adore the mini Stila Lip Glaze; the mini tube is the perfect size for popping in a purse or pocket. And finally, Dr. Brandt… HELLO! The eye serum retails for $85.00, so what better way to put it to the test before doing major damage to my wallet?
The November 2011 had an average retail value of $69.00 – not bad for a $10 monthly service fee! Overall I was thoroughly impressed and can truly say that I’ve used EVERY product in the Topbox. I couldn’t wait to receive the next one!
Fast forward to February 2012 – after a slight mix-up with Canada Post (story of my life! That’s 4 opened investigations and counting…) I was able to get my hands on the February Topbox. Touted as one of their best boxes (er, cylinders) to date, I had pretty high expectations, especially since I was duly impressed with their November offering. In February’s Topbox:
Shu Uemura Art of Hair Illuminating Shampoo (though not full size, a very generous 75 ml), YSL Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cils, LillyPilly Kakadu Plum Hand and Body Care, Pari Beauty Eyeshadow in #54 and YSL Touche Eclat.
While I really wanted to love this Topbox as much as November’s, unfortunately, it was a #fail. Perhaps I should break it down:
What I Loved
First, I’m quite the fan of Yves Saint Laurent and am always pleased to collect mascara samples. Plus, at $36 for a full-sized product, I’m even happier to use this one until the tube is dry. Second, the She Uemura shampoo happens to be for colour-treated hair, and if there’s one thing my hair is, it’s colour treated. So I’m quite looking forward to popping that into my shower caddy.
Why It’s a #Fail
I suppose that my expectations were deliriously high after the full size Deborah Lippman nail lacquer in November’s Topbox; beauty addicts across Canada declared a collective SQUEE! when they discovered that jewel. So while it may seem unfair to judge the quality of February’s Topbox based on that one product alone; the purpose of this review is to measure the consistency of the offerings between months. I shall continue…
First, the only full size sample in this Topbox was the Pari Beauty eyeshadow – personalized in a complementary shade. While the custom shade was a nice touch, Pari is hardly a “premium” brand – in fact, after catching a few reviews of the February Topbox on some of my favourite makeup blogs, the majority of women had not even heard of it. Although, from a marketing perspective, perhaps that’s exactly why it was in the Topbox – to help spread the word. Effective from a potential sales standpoint; not as effective from the customer’s viewpoint.
Second, what’s up with the mall-grab samples of LillyPilly? I can pick these up from a makeup counter; I don’t need them delivered to my door. Sadly, not a “deluxe” sample by any stretch of the imagination.
Finally, I’ve been dying to try YSL Touche Eclat – but this one-time use sample, in a shade entirely too light for my skin tone, just doesn’t do the trick. And, please tell me that the 10/11 is the date of manufacture and not the expiration date… yikes!
All in all, while I was really hoping for consistency and quality across the months, I feel that the February Topbox fell short of my expectations. That being said, at $10 per box and the impressive roster of brands they currently work with, there is definitely room for improvement – and the assured ability to come back from a not-so-stellar month. I will have my eyes peeled for March reviews, and will absolutely circle back to let y’all know what other beauty bloggers are saying.
In the meantime, tell me – Topbox, Luxe Box, Glymm or Glossy Box – which one comes out on top for you?
Um, not really about these ‘box’ things… but if you’re looking for the BEST version of the touche eclat thing…. Caryl Baker Visage – its called Mineral Brights in light, medium, or dark. I have been using this since they brought it out. I’ve tried several other brands (high-value and drugstore brands alike) and NONE comes close to the Mineral Brights. At aprox $27, its a steal :0 I love it, and I think you should at least give it a try :)
Great post!
Thank you so much for the tip! I will definitely check this out – I’ve been meaning to re-visit Caryl Baker for some time now. Duly noted, will give it a try!
I wish I could subscribe to all of the boxes, because they are so fun! But alas, I am on a budget and subscribe only to Glymm right now. I’m not too big of a makeup person, so I’m not looking for incredible deals, just to get to try some new things out for pretty cheap. And they are so much fun to get in the mail!
I hope to subscribe to more in the future :)
Thanks for the great, honest review!
YW! I haven’t had the chance to review Glymm yet, but do pop by and let me know how you find the consistency and quality of products!
I cancelled Luxebox last year when the price went up. I was still subscribed to Glymm, but cancelled that one last month too. Too many hand creams, too many hair oils. I was going to get Topbox, but kind of thought that first box was too good to be true. I’d rather put my $10-12 towards buying something I want instead.
Ah, too many hand creams and hair oils! I’ve seen this complaint on multiple blogs. And you brought a very valid point: if you’re consistently disappointed with the products, it does make more sense to put that money towards items you actually want. Thanks for the feedback!
Thanks for linking this post to me on Twitter Lena!
Really, really great review. I had the same thoughts as you when I reviewed the November Top Box, I was really impressed! Although I haven’t had the opportunity to do a comparison review in terms of consistency I have heard some complaints that when the box was first introduced they were filled amazing products such as the full size Deborah Lippman polish and many people were disappointed with the items in they boxes when they finally received them. I say “finally” since I’m pretty sure the Top Boxes in particular were sold out for months so people’s high expectations as well as the anticipation left them disappointed.
YW! And I really do appreciate you weighing in. I noticed that you too had reviewed the November Topbox so I was incredibly interested in your opinion re: consistency. Thanks hun!
I too cancelled my subscription to Luxebox when the price went up. The key reason for me was consistency which is basically what you’ve stressed in this review. Really wish the companies would get that its not good enough to put out just one good box, it has to be good month after month. Thanks as always for your honest review.
Well, that says it all. If you aren’t consistent, you’ll lose customers as fast as you can woo new ones :) Thanks Jenny!
Love this review! I’m on the waiting list for Topbox and Luxe Box and have been wondering if I should just bail. After all this time I think I’ll hang on to experience at least one for myself. Really love that you posted this!
Jana, I would definitely experience at least a couple before you bail. It’s a wonderful way to test out new products, and the element of receiving a “gift” from yourself is magical :) That being said, after 2-3 boxes you can develop a sense of quality – make your decision then. Good luck and enjoy!
I’m a fan of Glymm. But I’ve also been disappointed. I think more than anything it’s the wow-factor mentioned, kind of like being surprised every month.
That’s a huge part of it, for sure!
I’ve tried them all and have just cancelled them all (almost! still waiting on a Glossy Box, as they claimed to have sold out of the Feb. ones… didn’t tell me though until I contacted them about the missing shipment)
They were fun at first, but getting lackluster items (for the majority) wasn’t worth the one or two amazing items. I’ll just stash away my monthly $10(s) and splurge on something I normally wouldn’t buy.
Well I think you nailed it there, Bailey. It’s like going crazy on sale items; after a few ill-fitting clothes or styles that are out of date, you realize you could have just bought that regular-priced top that you really wanted :)
I was DYING!!! over Topbox’s November boxes and subscribed but have been disappointed since. Yes February was their worst box ever, couldn’t use the Touche Eclat and didn’t like the hand cream I got either. Lucky you got the shampoo! I’m sticking it out for March though.
Tell my what you think about the March box! Anxious to see if they redeem themselves.
I’ve been so tempted to try these box things, but I just can’t get over the fact that everyone says they tend to be heavy on hair serums and hand creams. Plus, I already find I have so many unused free samples, why would I want to pay for extras?
As a recipient of a few of these boxes, I can confirm that hair serums and hand creams definitely tend to dominate the deluxe samples. That being said, sometimes you’ll stumble across a jewel – and my hope is that those jewels begin to show up in the boxes more often!
I agree completely about the last offering from Topbox: not exclusively “premium” brands or “deluxe” samples. I have received the 4 boxes from, and including the “Lippmann” one and have now cancelled my subscription. I have tried all the other 3 boxes available to Canadians and can honestly say at this point there is no clear winner. They all seem to have issues with communication as well, but hopefully the competition factor will help one, or all of them to improve and step up their game; it’s a lot of fun to get these boxes in the mail and it does save you money to try before you buy.
Thank so much for the valuable feedback, Laura – I’m sure my readers will appreciate you chiming in.
thx Lena. i was on the fence about subscribing but after your review, i’ll hold off for now. it’s funny when a company receives a measure of success then cuts corners. that’s how you slowly go out of business.
Yes, that’s exactly what happens too many times. Sad that the February box was such a bomb; I was reading my review again and am still disappointed with the less than stellar samples.
I am a beauty box addict. I subscribe to Luxebox, Topbox and GLYMM. addicted… To date I still think that luxebox is the best. They consistently make me happy every month – especially the double box 2 months ago!
I subscribed to TopBox in October but couldn’t get my hands on a box(cylinder) until March. Dying for it to arrive I was somewhat happy with the results. A couple of the video reviews I had watched showed 5 products but my box only arrived with 4 and the 5th item was a cargo eyeshadow:(
GLYMM has been hit or miss every month. One great product and 3 or 4 meh items.
Also worth noting – eyeliner is not a ‘luxury beauty product’. It is a $4 filler that I now have 4 of…
Thanks for weighing in with your feedback Lisa! It’s good to hear from someone who has tried them all. And BOO! on the missing CARGO eyeshadow :(
I subscribed for many years to Topbox and it was okay. My favorite right now is Ipsy!