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! …
