The more time I spend reviewing beauty trends and subscription boxes, the more I realize how much I love simple products. You know, the ones that don’t try too hard to impress with trendy ingredients, don’t go overboard with the packaging, and above all else, have an accessible price.
This is my second Target beauty box, and not to jump the gun, but I’m super impressed, again. For $7 (less if you have a Target credit card and/or coupons), you get six deluxe-sized samples and a $3 off $15 coupon towards another Target beauty purchase.
The samples usually aren’t high-end brands like other subscription boxes, but that’s nice, because if you fall in love with a product, it won’t be $100 to get a full-sized version (RIP fancy eye cream from that one Ipsy bag).
Target features two different beauty boxes each month – one for skincare/body, the other for eyes/makeup. I wasn’t thrilled with the makeup one, so I opted for the skincare box this month. I’m a big fan of this month’s selection because the whole box is something I could take on a trip and be covered from head to toe. Inside you’ll find: a facial moisturizer, makeup remover, shampoo & conditioner, toothpaste, and a body lotion.
You couldn’t go to Sephora, CVS, or even Target and get each of these samples for that price! Plus, a lot of the products featured in Target boxes are “clean beauty” items, so you don’t have to worry about harmful toxins, preservatives, or chemicals, like parabens and aluminum. Without further adieu, let’s breakdown what’s inside.
CONTENTS:
TOM’S Luminous White Toothpaste with Flouride
- Full-sized this item is 4.7oz and retails for $4.99. The sample that’s included in the box is .75oz, which gives it an estimated retail value of $0.80. This is a “clean” beauty item that has ten ingredients, leaves your mouth feeling fresh, and when paired with a dash of baking soda, makes for a super bright smile.
Love Beauty and Planet Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Shampoo
- Target sells this travel-sized shampoo, so it’s actual retail value is $1.99. This has a subtle smell (but I might be biased because I really like the smell of coconuts) and comes in at exactly three ounces (aka the perfect amount to get through TSA).
Love Beauty and Planet Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Conditioner
- Target sells this travel-sized conditioner, so it’s actual retail value is $1.99. Same as the shampoo, a little coconut with a hint of citrus (that’s the mimosa scent); again three blessed ounces, just right to pop in a carry-on for a weekend getaway.
Bliss Makeup Melt Dry/Wet Gentle Jelly Cleanser with Rose Flower
- Full-sized this item is 6.4oz and retails for $9.99. The sample that’s included in the box is 1 fl oz, which gives it an estimated retail value of $1.56. I really like this product because it gently removes makeup, without leaving your face dry (as so many astringent removers do).
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
- Target sells this travel-sized lotion, so it’s actual retail value is $3.22. This lotion is 100% fragrance free, so I’ll probably give it to my boyfriend because he’s a fan of lotions that keep his hands from getting dry, but don’t leave him smelling like he spent the day in Bath and Body Works.
Olay Total Effects Whips
- Full-sized this item is 1.7oz and retails for $27.99. The sample that’s included in the box is .5oz, which gives it an estimated retail value of $8.23. This is the priciest sample in the box, and for good reason! It’s formulated with VitaNiacin Complex II and Vitamins C and E, which all help to reduce signs of aging – what’s not to love there?
TOTAL VALUE: $17.79
FINAL THOUGHTS: Originally I paid $7 for this box, but when I went back to double check prices for this review, I noticed that it’s now listed at $5…which makes this an even better deal; that’s less than $1 an item! If you’re at all inclined to try these boxes, this would be a great time to do so because (a) it’s not sold out and (b) the price is almost 30% less than normal!
When I realized the price had been lowered, I contacted Target and learned about their price adjustment policy (lots of companies offer this to keep their prices competitive). If you buy something from Target and the price goes down after you buy it, you have 14 days to get a price adjustment, no questions asked! You might say, “well, it’s only two dollars,” but if you’re like me, that’s $2 I can now spend on something else fun to review.
Another thing about this box, or any subscription box in general: you’re bound to get items you don’t want and/or can’t use. Instead of throwing them out, consider giving them to friends or family…or, if you’re looking for another way to pay it forward, consider donating!
Personally, I’m a huge fan of giving my extra beauty products to local women’s shelters and domestic violence centers. I try to keep the donations to unused makeup and hygiene items (if I’ve swatched or opened it, I label it as such and put it in a ziploc). I also like to pair beauty items together (e.g. nail files & a polish, shampoo & conditioner, etc.) in little bags I acquire (e.g. Ipsy, freebie Sephora bags, and the like).
Overall, I really like this month’s box. I couldn’t get everything in it for $5 if I tried, plus I get to try some new brands like Tom’s and Love Beauty & Planet. Not only are these boxes great ways to discover new products, but they’re also quite handy if you travel a lot and don’t want to spend on travel-sized products (the shampoo and conditioner alone at Target, as samples, retail for $4).
That’s all for now!
xx,
2LWithIt
This Target beauty box was paid for by 2LWithIt; all thoughts, opinions, and photographs belong to 2LWithIt.
