One of the most commonly asked questions I get is, "Which beauty box is the best?". Now I can answer that question with conviction. If you'd like to watch my youtube "Beauty Box Smack Down" video, you can watch it here.
Here is a quick over view of each of the companies:
LUXE GLYMM TOP GLOSSY
$/month $12 $10 $10 $15
# samples 4-5 4-5 4 5
free
shipping yes yes yes yes
online
shopping no yes* yes no
engages w
the local
community** yes no yes yes
hosts
giveaways
& contest yes yes*** yes yes
rewards yes yes**** yes yes
First in
Line yes***** no no no
deals &
coupons yes yes yes no
treats used to used to no no
* this actually woks against Glymm in my opinion b/c they feature some really awesome brands on their online shopping page, yet I never seem to receive any of the awesome brands in my box.
** features local Canadian beauty bloggers and vloggers on their website. Allows comments on their Facebook page and communicates with their subscribers
***not done as frequently as the others
**** Redeeming your points through Glymm has not been easy in my experience.
*****First in Line allows you to reserve one product in your upcoming box based on a selection of available products.
Here is what they say about themselves on their websites:
At LOOSE BUTTON, our mission is to help consumers discover, try and purchase quality beauty products through a quality shopping experience. The samples range from skincare and makeup to fragrance, body, and haircare. Members also get exclusive access to beauty tips, contests, and promotions with our brand partners on a monthly basis.
Every month, your GLYMM BOX will contain 3-5 luxury samples that span over several beauty categories including cosmetics, fragrance, skincare, tools, spa and body, nails and lifestyle. Glymm works to ensure that samples are luxury and deluxe sized, meaning that they offer multiple uses so that you can really see the benefits of the product over a longer period of time. Also, each sample is hand-picked in accordance to your beauty profile. We filter through the cosmetic clutter to handpick and send you products that are hot, products that work and products that are worth the splurge so that you can put your best face forward and make your life more beautiful every day.
TOPBOX: Our mission is to surprise and delight beautiful women (we're talking to you!) every month, with a box of the top hand-picked beauty samples. In joining this exclusive ladies club, you are signing up for 4 generous helpings of premium delight each and every month. We cherry-pick all kinds of beauty products to help you discover brands that pour their hearts, time, and research into their products. You'll find top prestige brands, designer brands, socially responsible brands, make-up artist brands, and up-and-coming niche brands.
GLOSSYBOX - Your individualized makeup box will be tailored to your beauty profile and will be filled with all sorts of cosmetic and beauty samples from your favourite brands. Only the best makeup is included. It doesn’t matter if you are searching for the perfect mascara, shampoo and conditioner, concealer, the premiere in hair care, a miracle working anti-aging cream or super-power sunscreen, you can count on GLOSSYBOX to source these beauty treasures. We make sure you get to try the most luxurious products on the market. This decadent and indulgent experience is packed with perfume samples, concealers, foundations, skin care products and more. All of these treats are tailored to what you want and need in cosmetics and beauty, and then you get to experience them in the comfort of your own home! Stay up to date with current trends and discover new niche brands.
REWARDS SYSTEMS:
Loose Buttons - For every 3 friends who sign up through your referral link, you'll receive one free Luxe Box
Glymm - Glymm Points that you can use at their online shop, earned through referrals, purchases on site, and when you review the products in your box.
TopBox - 10 topbox points when you complete the feedback sheet, when you get 1000 points you get a free Topbox
Glossybox - For every product you review and for every friend that subscribes based on your recommendation, you can now earn GLOSSYDots. Once you have collected 1000 GLOSSYDots, we will send you your GLOSSYBOX for that month completely free!
HOW I RATED EACH BEAUTY BOX
I went through every box I received from each company, and each product in a given box could score up to 3 points. One point given if it was a luxury product, another point given if it was a quality product (something I would go out and purchase with my own money) and another point given if it was a multi use sample size. Then I added up all the box scores for the given company and got an average score. Here is how they did:
LUXE GLYMM TOP GLOSSY
APR 5/12
MAR 11/12 8/12 15/15 11/15
FEB 12/12 N/A 11/12 13/15
JAN 14/18 10/15
DEC 16/18 9/12
NOV 12/15 10/15 12/12
OCT 12/12 12/12
SEP 12/12 8/12
AUG 7/12
JUL 8/12
overall
% 85% 69% 97% 80%
Final Thoughts:
I really tried to be as fair as possible to all the companies. It is somewhat of an individual review/comparison because each box that I received can be quite different then what someone else receives. And we all have different tastes when it comes to beauty products. This is based on my experience, with the products that I received. Someone else could have a very different opinion on their own individual experience.
But I have to say, that so far Topbox has been the best out of all the beauty boxes. I do highly recommend them. I hope they keep up with the same quality of products that I have seen in the past. Glymm came out with the lowest overall score. But as you can see, it was their inconsistency in the products they put in their boxes that gave them such a low score. I feel like out of all the boxes Glymm needs to figure out what/who their market is. Maybe they should be the only green beauty box out on the market, or maybe they could be the box that provides the small "indie" beauty brands type of box. I feel like Glymm just isn't sure what kind of box it should be and that results in disappointed/unhappy subscribers.
And for only receiving 2 Glossy boxes to date, I am still really impressed with Glossy box. They have provided 2 really good boxes with lots of full size products. They are certainly another beauty box worth the subscription!
