I used to subscribe to Birchbox and enjoyed the $10 monthly treat for a while, but I stopped the subscription sometime last year because my bathroom was overflowing with sample-sized beauty products that I wasn’t able to use up fast enough.
Target has come out with a similar sample-box for beauty items a while ago, but other than Birchbox, it wasn’t a subscription-based service. They’d curate a box, make it available at the beginning of spring or fall and when it was sold out, it was sold out.
I had my eye on a Target Beauty Box for a long while now, but the last few times it was made available, it was sold out so fast that I never was able to get my hands on one of them. There was no way to sign up for it or get on a wait list. The only option was to keep checking for a new box to come out and try to be fast enough to order one before they were all snagged up again.
A few weeks ago, I got lucky! I learned (via Twitter) of the new box on the morning it was going on sale and was able to place an order. I ordered with my RedCard (which has a built-in 5% savings plus free shipping) which brought the price of the box down to $4.95 and then applied $5 gift card, which meant I practically spent $0 on this box. Isn’t that nice! For a box that is valued at $19, I think that’s a pretty good deal (even though earlier boxes have had even higher price:value ratios).
So here’s what was in the box (*calculated value of the samples in parenthesis):
Curls Creme Brule Whipped Curl Creme (Sample Size 2 oz $2.75) regular 8 oz $10.99
Jane Carter Solution Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner (Sample Size 2 oz $2.25) regular 8 oz. $8.99
Shea Moisture Strengthen, Grow & Restore Styling Lotion (Sample Size 3.2 oz $4.40) regular 8 oz $10.99
Aquaphor Healing Ointment (Sample Size 0.25 oz $.50) regular 3.5 oz $6.99
Colgate Optic White Express White Toothpaste (Sample Size 0.75 oz $1.00) regular 3 oz $3.99
Dove Quench Absolute Creme Serum (FULL SIZE! 3.3 oz Value $5.99)
Total (actual calculated) value: $16.89. Paid: $0.00 ( $4.95 with Target RedCard discount paid with a $5 promo gift card).
Overall, I am pretty happy with this box. I do like all the products that were in there, although they were a little hair product heavy and there are two products for curly hair and I really don’t have thick, curly hair, but my hair is a little bit on the wavy side when I don’t blow-dry and straighten it, so maybe I can still get some use out of these products (hoping they won’t wear down my fine hair too much).
There also was a Target “$3 off any beauty purchase $15 or more” coupon in the box that I will most definitely use!
For $5, I’m planning to definitely order this box again.
Heather
November 3, 2015 at 6:53 amI’ve always wondered about the Target box! I had to quit Birchbox too due to sample over load. I eventually sorted through all the excess and purged what I didn’t want and gave away to the seniors. They loved it!
san
November 4, 2015 at 12:37 pmI definitely had sample overload… and I think I might switch to planner subscription boxes for a while ;)
Marie
November 3, 2015 at 7:22 amI’ve never signed up for one of those types of beauty boxes only because I really wouldn’t be able to use it all up that fast. Plus I don’t use many beauty products to begin with. I will say though I love aquaphor for my lips, especially in the winter. It helps keep them from getting chapped.
I wish there was a photography type of monthly or quarterly box. Now that would be amazing!
san
November 4, 2015 at 12:40 pmOh, a photography-type subscription box would be awesome!! Somebody needs to get on that ASAP!
Tina
November 3, 2015 at 11:32 amHaha I never know these are out until they are gone. Maybe in Spring….
san
November 4, 2015 at 12:41 pmI’ll let you know when I see a new box coming out… ;)
Kate
November 3, 2015 at 7:37 pmI’ve long wanted to try this one but never know how to get it. Seems to always be sold out!
san
November 4, 2015 at 12:42 pmI know! I felt the same way… I just got lucky last time. I’ll try and let you know when I see a new box announced!
Gina
November 3, 2015 at 8:21 pmI didn’t even know Target had this! Sounds like such a good deal. I want to try it, but it sounds high in demand! :(
san
November 4, 2015 at 12:44 pmYeah, they’re hard to get your hands on… but I’ll try to let you know when I see that a new box is going to come out.
katelin
November 4, 2015 at 9:49 amOh I’m glad you liked this one, those products look good and I’m always in the market for new hair products, ha. Hopefully I can snag a future box.
san
November 4, 2015 at 12:43 pmI hope you can snag up a future box, too! :)
Stephany
November 4, 2015 at 11:55 amI’m not a huge fan of beauty boxes for me personally because I don’t feel like I would use the products enough, but the Target box seems like something I’d love to try! I just wish it was more accessible.
san
November 4, 2015 at 12:43 pmI was definitely intrigued by the Target Box because it has more “drugstore products” and is therefore less expensive than other beauty boxes!