Instead of going through the contents of each box product by product, I'm going to write a brief overview of each, touching on packaging, contents and value for money, before coming to a final decision who gets crowned "best beauty box"!
Month after month my most read post is “Birchbox Vs. Glossybox Vs. Latest In Beauty – Which is Best?” and it’s also one of my oldest, so I thought it was high time I updated it.
The first big difference between my original post and this one, is I’ve swapped out Latest in Beauty for Look Fantastic. Please correct me if I’m wrong but I feel Latest in Beauty has fallen from its once pedestal since the arrival of stronger and better competition. Look Fantastic has firmly cemented itself as a box dominating the market and is certainly vying for that coveted “best beauty box” title.
Instead of going through the contents of each box product by product, I’m going to write a brief overview of each, touching on packaging, contents and value for money, before coming to a final decision who gets crowned “best beauty box”! The reason for this is these are all last month’s (August) boxes, so discussing if the products are fabulous or not, will most likely have no relevance if you’re thinking of signing up for September’s box. Secondly, there are an array of great blogs and websites out there which already do that, such as All Subscription Boxes, where I use to be a contributor and I know how comprehensive their reviews are so would happily recommend them as a great resource.
Glossybox
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Packaging
Glossybox tends to keep their packaging boxes the same month after month. Thankfully they are very pretty and make for adorable storage boxes. If you’re a true girly girl this powder pink box is impossible to resist!
Contents
Glossybox has managed to stand the test of time and August’s box marked their impressive 5 year anniversary. I tend to find they specialise in more interesting products, so don’t expect purely beauty in a Glossybox! Most months include some sort of beauty tool such as a makeup brush, beauty sponge or detangling hairbrush. This makes Glossybox far more unique in its contents than some its counterparts.
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On the flip, I side I feel their brands are less high end or well known. Brands they work with include Hawaiian Tropics, Revlon, Aussie Hair and MUA.
I thought the addition of the adorable canvas makeup bag in August’s box was lovely. However, it is worth noting the inclusion of it was at the cost of another product, whereas Birchbox always provides a small cosmetic pouch as an added extra and not as an alternative.
Value for Money
Glossybox has a fairly comprehensive offering of subscriptions, ranging from 1 month to 12 months and the longer you sign up for the less you pay per box. Glossybox and Birchbox cost the exact same on a month per month basis but do vary slightly by a couple of pounds if you opt for a longer time period.
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Birchbox
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Packaging
The August Birchbox box is a classic example of what they do best. Each month Birchbox has a different theme and always comes up with something unique and surprising. In August Birchbox had a serious makeover and became a Birchbag! The Birchbag, was made out of scuba material and followed its theme, “Dive In”, to a T. It’s fun quirks like these that keep Birchbox fan hooked.
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Contents
Birchbox is a big player in the beauty box market so they certainly have access to some of the best and higher end brands. You can expect the likes on Caudalie, Laura Mercier, Rituals and Beauty Blender to name but a few. Contents vary across the box from makeup, skincare, haircare and bodycare, so there’s a wide variety.
The thing I like the most about Birchbox is the, “a little extra”. This usually is more lifestyle related than beauty and can range from an exert from a book to yummy snacks or generous discount codes.
Value for Money
Birchbox has 3 offerings, a monthly, half annually or yearly option. Personally, I don’t think the financial benefit of signing up to the 6 months subscription is at all worth it. All you get is free shipping on your first box, saving yourself £2.95. If you opt for the annual option, it comes to £100 (plus p&p) which means you receive the equivalent of two free boxes.
The one great plus about Birchbox is you can really tailor your boxes when you initially sign up, as there’s a detailed questionnaire which gives you the option to prioritise or opt out of certain product types. At least if you do splurge on a whole year you’re safer in the knowledge that you’re more likely to receive products suited to you.
Look Fantastic
Packaging
There isn’t a huge amount to say about the Look Fantastic boxes, other then they are very big! Much bigger then Glossybox or Birchbox. Depending on your outlook, it’s either a good thing because you can store far more in them or a total waste of packaging as the products are often swimming in all that space.
Contents
Look Fantastic is unlike other beauty subscription services as it began as an online beauty boutique before launching a beauty box. It’s definitely evident being a leader in the online beauty market provides them access to the pick of the crop in terms of contents for their boxes. The brands included are always strong, samples sizes are generous and you get a bigger selection of products.
My experience with Look Fantastic is it’s a skincare based box. Personally, I’m a big fan of that, I prefer to receive that over makeup, as I nearly always get the wrong shade or a colour I would NEVER wear! Also, it’s great to get the opportunity to road test skincare for a week or so before splurging on the full size.
Not every month but on some months they also throw in an Elle magazine which I think is a huge bonus and if I’m honest one of my favourite features about Look Fantastic.
Value for Money
With Look Fantastic’s boxes you do pay extra for the quality and quantity. Boxes are £15 on a monthly subscription basis and like the other two boxes, the individual cost decreases the more months you commit to. Although, unlike the other two boxes, the savings are much more considerable and worthwhile.
Conclusion
When I did this post two years ago I struggled to pick an overall winner and there was a neck and neck tie (click HERE to find out who it was between). This time around I have no doubt who’s top in the battle of the beauty boxes. They win by a mile based on the quality of their brands, the quantity products and the generous sample sizes. The crown, without a shadow of a doubt, goes to Look Fantastic.
Let me know which is your favourite beauty box is and why. I would definitely be interested to hear about some more unusual ones, after all the world of beauty box subscriptions is a vast one and I’m sure there are loads out there I’ve never heard of!
IKR! Yeah it is such a struggle to pick a fave when you love both!
<3 | X ALY | Aly In Wanderland | Black Rompers on Borders
Lovely colors 😉
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: BLUE LACE IN VEGAS
NEW POST: LINGERIE DRESS + SNEAKERS
I love beauty boxes! I get the glossybox every month since years and I am very happy. I have an old monthly subscription so I am paying almost nothing for the box. Other than in UK Glossybox in Austria has almost every month a new packaging, they are all sooo pretty! xoxo
http://www.naomella.com
Oooh, I haven’t tried ANY of these boxes (because I live under a rock, apparently), but I want to give Look Fantastic a shot!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
This is so helpful! I got to try GlossyBox for free briefly and loved it. I’m not much of a beauty person, so I don’t know enough about the rest to ever make a subscription decision.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Oh I love the style of this box! And of course the products of it sound great. I would love to try out this body scrub 🙂
xx, Carmen – http://www.carmitive.com
Great post… Love your blog 🙂
https://outfitsandmakeupblog.wordpress.com/2016/09/16/layering-tips-for-fall-autumn-lookbook/
Wonderful products. ^^
Lovely greets Nessa
Hey this was a great review and comparison of these boxes. I have yet to do one except Rocks Box put your post made it more tempting
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
I like the Birchbox the best I think in this review! I actually like that it just comes with the same packaging. I always wonder what people will do with all those makeup bags the products come in every month. You’d have a million makeup bags! lol. Ipsy does that with a different bag every month too. I really like Boxycharm. I think they are my fav! Great review of these. 🙂
-Emily http://www.coatandcoffee.com
Thanks for these comparisons! I love Birchbox and have gotten it for years. GlossyBox is new to me so I need to check that out. Great post!
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Wow! This is absolutely gorgeous.
http://www.tessyonyia.com
I’ll need to try Look Fantastic then! I’ve never ordered a beauty box!
Chelsea
Chow Down USA
Instagram
So many nice stuff inside <3
Federica Di Nardo
http://federicadinardo.com
I’ve always wanted to subscribe to the local beauty boxes here in the Philippines, but the thought of receiving products which I may not be interested or would like in the first place kind of scares me. I hate wasting money. Maybe I’ll try it for like 6 months then assess if I’d want to continue after that. 🙂
xoxo,
Gelleesh.com
Wow these all look amazing
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
Love the look of these!
Have a lovely day 🙂
Rosanna x
that looks so good!
The Fashion Matters- Travel & Fashion blog | Instagram: TheFashionMatters
Such lovely items!
x Sandra
http://www.morestylethanfashion.com
I’m in love with your juice bottles and the neoprene box!!!
Great post dear:)
HAPPY WEEK
xoxo
http://stylishpatterns.blogspot.com.es/
Nice post!!
Hope you can check out my last post! Kiss!
http://www.dressingmissjoe.com/mono-largo/
http://www.instagram.com/dressingmissjoe
Nice review.I wish I could get these.So great.
http://sophieatieno.com
I like the products you got in Glossybox. I’m not member of any Beauty box company but I’d love to try it someday. It’s cool to get gift every single month 🙂
http://www.beautiliciousd.blogspot.com
Great post, I have tried all of the boxes too but always preferred the Look Fantastic contents.
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
I’ve tried a couple of boxes from Look Fantastic before as a one off purchase and whilst I agree that they have some fab products and brands to try out… I soon realised beauty boxes are not for me as I end up with too many samples that never get used up x
Beauty with charm
The content is the packages is amazing especially the eye shadow palette!!
http://www.fashionsylemogul.com
This is such a great, informative post, girl! With so many beauty boxes to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming to narrow it down to the one that’s most suitable for what you’re looking for. This post provided some great insight in narrowing it down and selecting one that’s ideal for each person, Thanks so much for sharing, beauty, and I hope you’re having a great day so far!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
So adorable
Kisses
Maggie Dallospedale Fashion diary – Fashion blog
I loved this article! To be honest, I’ve never really tried any type of “beauty box” before, I’ve been meaning to but then I realized I’m far too picky when it comes to products I rather spend money on things I know I’ll love but I still like the general idea behind it.
Your flatlays are so pretty! I’ve actually never heard of the Look Fantastic box but it sounds great. I might have to check it out!
Best,
Christina
Looks by Lau
what a colorful and beautiful post!
xoxo
Patinka
http://www.patinkasworld.com
Haha, right!? Although Look Fantastic was a hands down winner for me! xx
Thank you xx
Oh my goodness you lucky thing! That’s interesting that they change the packaging up more with Glossybox Austria xx
Haha!! If you can get Look Fantastic in the US I definitely recommend it! xx
It’s always fun to try them out for a bit. I love getting the chance to try some new products xx
Thanks hun, although honestly I didn’t rate the body scrub that much. There are so many better ones out there (Jo Malone or Rituals are my fave!) xx
Aww thanks hunny xx
Haha good, I hope it’s helped you figure out which beauty box suits you best hun xx
We don’t have Ipsy of Boxycharm in the UK, I wish we did though! So happy you liked the review hunny xx
Yes do, I think it’s in the US. I just love the pretty pink Glossyboxes! xx
Thanks hun xx
Haha you should give one a go. It’s s nice little treat! xx
Thank you sweetie xx
I totally understand that but then it’s so worth it when you discover one amazing product you would never have discovered normally. Even just try ordering one and see if you like it before you commit to a full subscription xx
Thanks dollxx
Thank you so much sweetie xx
Yea, they’re pretty great and full of lovely things to try! xx
Thanks girl!! xx
I’m kinda in love with the neoprene bag too! It’s the perfect makeup bag! xx
Thanks xx
So glad you liked the review hun! Thank you for the lovely comment xx
Love these box!
Kisses, DadieB. ~
dadiebradshaw.com
Thank you sweetie xx
I understand that. Personally I love having to try loads of new products. I’m a bit of a beauty product fiend so always keen to try something new! xx
It’s definitely a good one and would highly recommend! xx
Thanks hun xx
I totally agree, the market is so saturated with different boxes now. So glad you found the post useful! xx
There were definitely some great products included!! xx
Haha I understand that, I tend to use mine once but occasionally I find a holy grail product and it’s totally worth it! xx
That’s so interesting that we agree on Look Fantastic! xx
It’s definitely a fun concept and a nice little monthly treat xx
Have not tried any of these beauty boxes!!!! Thanks so much for sharing your personal favorite. I will for sure check it out!
xoxo
Fe
http://www.fesamaia.com/top-5-brunch-spots-in-los-angeles-for-the-sweet-tooth/
Thank you sweetie xx
Aww thanks xx
Definitely worth trying Look Fantastic’s box doll!
Nice collections.
Thank you! xx