Glossybox review: how good is the beauty subscription box?
RECEIVING a parcel through the post is always exciting, especially when the contents come wrapped in pretty tissue paper, and when that parcel contains a selection of skincare and make-up, well that’s even better.
So I was thrilled to be asked to write a Glossybox review and couldn’t wait to receive my mystery beauty products. Glossybox sends subscribers five products from well-known and niche brands each month, many full-size and some sample size, so you can try out goodies you’ve not used before and discover new favourites.
Read on to find out if I thought Glossybox was worth the money.
- Buy a Glossybox subscription from £11.50 - here
Pros
- Affordable
- Cute packaging
- Mixture of make-up and skincare
- Playful, positive vibes
- Inclusion of lesser-known brands
Cons
- You don't get to choose any of the contents of the box
- Less sophisticated than other beauty subscriptions
Rating: 4/5
Glossybox review: how does it work?
A subscription costs £11.50 a month for 12 months or £13.50 on a rolling monthly basis, and this covers a box of five beauty products: think fun sheet masks, moisturisers, serums, fruity lip balms and little make-up must-haves.
The Glossybox team are constantly working to discover new brands and give you advice on the "tips, tricks and trends" of the beauty world. The website is always full of influencer-led videos and articles so you'll never be sent anything without info on how to use it.
The January box was all about 'Mindful Mornings' and was worth over £70 - not bad for a service that costs less than £15 a month.
Subscriptions can feel a little permanent, but you can opt-out at any time without ever having to commit to more than a month, which is more flexible than other beauty boxes on the market.
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Glossybox review: first impressions
The January Glossybox arrived in its familiar pink box, promising a surprise of skincare and beauty goodies.
Inside, there was tissue paper that matched the pink of the outer packaging wrapped neatly around the products and a delicately tied ribbon securing it together.
First impressions were that it had been put together with care which made it feel like a gift rather than a subscription service.
The January box was all about 'Mindful Mornings' and the products inside reflected that. It contained Dr Botanicals Co Cleansing Bar, Glow on 5th Lip Dew Tinted Lip Balm, Eyeko Spotlight Highlighter Pencil in Champagne, Mudmasky Vitamin A Booster Blue Clay Mask and Nails Inc Gel Rehab Strengthening Treatment.
They were all full size except for the Nails Inc Gel Rehab Strengthening Treatment which is definitely a one-up on some similar services.
How much is Glossybox?
Glossybox costs from £13.50 per month on a monthly subscription.
However, you can opt for a 12-month subscription which is just £11.50 a month, saving you £18 a year.
You can also pay for three, six, or 12 months upfront and with the latter, each box works out at £10.83.
Is there an alternative to Glossybox?
There are many alternatives to Glossybox both in the form of monthly subscriptions and one-off collections where you simply pay for the individual box, whether that’s skincare, hair care or make-up.
For monthly beauty boxes check out LookFantastic and Roccabox, which start from £13 per month when you take out a one-year plan, and Birchbox, which costs from £15 per month for a 12-month prepaid subscription.
Latest in Beauty offers a selection of curated collections and you can even find beauty boxes in high-street names such as Boots and John Lewis.
Glossybox review: final verdict
The range in this box was good, although the brands were a little lower budget than I expected, with Mudmasky being the only higher-value product at £40.
Otherwise, everything was £15 or less and the only truly recognisable brand for those not in the beauty know was a mini.
Having said that, once I gave them a go, I did enjoy them.
Like the Eyeko Spotlight Highlighter Pen in Champagne for example, which was smooth and pigmented, and worked as a sparkling make-up finisher.
Or the Nails Inc Gel Rehab Strengthening Treatment which did exactly what it said it would and gave nails a healthy boost.
The Glow on 5th Lip Dew Tinted Lip Balm was definitely January-appropriate, soothing dry and chapped lips while adding a whisper of colour but wasn't as long-lasting as it could have been.
In terms of size and price, the most generous offering is the Mudmasky Vitamin A Booster Blue Clay Mask, which encourages smoother skin using clay and natural retinol alternative, Bakuchiol.
If brands aren't the be-all and end-all for you then the full sizes available in Glossybox will rival any competitor but don't expect designer products.
- Buy a Glossybox subscription from £11.50 - here
Glossybox review: FAQs
What is Glossybox?
Glossybox is a beauty subscription service that's delivered to your door from £11.50 a month.
Whether you're looking for a monthly pick-me-up or want to widen the breadth of your beauty knowledge, this little pink box arriving at your door is a real treat.
When does Glossybox charge?
The first subscription fee is taken the moment you sign up if you've opted for a rolling monthly subscription.
Following that, payments are taken around the 1st of every month.
- Buy a Glossybox subscription from £11.50 - here
What day does Glossybox arrive?
Glossybox dispatches its boxes on the 5th of each month, but it can take up to a week to leave the warehouse and arrive at your door.
To make sure you know they've got your order, Glossybox will send out a dispatch email telling you your goodies are on their way.
The boxes are always delivered monthly but it's up to you how you pay for them. If you sign up for 12 months it'll cost you £11.50 a month and for a rolling monthly subscription, it is £13.50.
- Buy a Glossybox subscription from £11.50 - here
Is Glossybox or Birchbox better?
For a little pick-me-up with lesser-known brands and full sizes, choose Glossybox.
If you're looking to try out high-end products before you buy them then opt for Birchbox.
Birchbox also offers a wide range of skincare and makeup just like Glossybox - think face masks, scalp cleansers and primers - but they're often more luxe.
Both boxes have variety, but it just depends on what you're after. If you're a skin-care obsessive who's looking for your new favourites then you might prefer Birchbox. However, Glossybox gives you actual full-sized products which means you're physically getting more for your money (there's a few pounds difference between the two).
There's a wider range of high and lower-end products in Glossybox too, meaning if you find something you love and want to repurchase individually, they're more budget-friendly.
How to cancel Glossybox
If you don't want to get caught in the middle of a payment cycle then axe your Glossybox subscription before the 14th of the month.
If you leave it past then, the next month's box will be delivered and you'll be charged for it.
Plus, you're out of luck if you want to cancel a 12-month contract early.
When you do want to cancel, you can talk to one of the customer care team via the live chat on the site, or click on the account tab and then 'subscriptions'.
- Glossybox subscription from £11.50 - buy here