Back in October I told you guys that Essence Magazine would be releasing the Essence Beauty Box, a subscription beauty box marketed toward women of color. I was a little skeptical about another subscription beauty box being on the market, and thought that Essence’s Beauty Box would be just like the rest. So I was excited when Essence sent me over the February Essence Beauty Box so that I could give you guys a look inside in case you were thinking of subscribing.
Before I show you what’s inside, let me tell you a little bit more about the Essence Beauty Box. The box features five sample and/or trial size products along with tips and tricks from beauty experts, and every month at least one featured product will be from a black owned business. The subscription costs $15 a month, and there are three subscription plans to choose from. Is it worth the price? Let’s take a look inside of the February box.
Miss Jessie’s Coily Custard
Retails at $14 for 8.5 oz
Excellent for transforming frizzy fros to soft curls, fighting curl shrinkage and wash ‘n go styling.
Dark & Lovely Au Naturale Soak It Up Oil Cocktail
Retails at $9.99
Blends rich hydrating oils to penetrate each strand for instant moisture and shine, without a greasy build up. This is a full size product.
Colgate Optic White Platinum Express White Toothpaste
Retails at $3.99 for 3 oz
With regular use, this high-impact whitening toothpaste whitens teeth more than 3 shades; results start in just one week.
Kiss Looks So Natural Shy Lashes
Retails at $3.99
Revolutionary tapered end technology delivers real-like lashes that blend seamlessly with your own lashes. Essence even included an adhesive from Broadway Eyes to apply the lashes.
Cover FX Mattifying Primer with Anti-Acne-Treatment
Retails at $16 for Mini (.5 fl oz)
Banish blemishes, pores and shine with this lightweight gel primer.
Iman Luxury Lip Shimmer
Retails at $9.99 for full size
A high-shine gloss that is long wearing, packed with vitamin E, chamomile, and shea butter for “kiss me” lips.
The Essence Beauty Box surpassed my expectations and I’m thoroughly impressed. The February box features a great selection of products that are definitely women of color friendly, and I plan to use every single product in the box. The Coily Custard and Soak It Up Oil Cocktail appear to be great contenders for my 4c hair, the Mattifying Primer is just what my oily skin needs, and the lashes and lipgloss will fit right in with my Spring Beauty Routine. I’ve tried the Colgate Optic White Toothpaste in the past and it really works, so I’m glad to be able to use it again.
Overall, I’m giving the Essence Beauty Box a thumbs up. I’d still like to see more products featured from black owned businesses (at least the majority) as that would really make the box stand out. As far as the product selection goes though, it’s a winner. I’d be just as satisfied if I had purchased the February Beauty Box with my own money!
If you’d like to try the Essence Beauty Box for yourself you can sign up at essencebeautybox.com.
