SHINE, SHIMMER & SPARKLE

Hello!

I received Bella Box's December Party In Style Box recently and will share my thoughts about the box of goodies as well as the general concept of luxury sample boxes with you J

For a fee of SGD$15 a month, Bella Box subscribers receive a pretty pink box containing a mixture a mixture of full-sized or sample products and if they like what they’ve received, they have the option of purchasing the product online at Bella Box’s website. The theme and contents of the box change every month and the best bet for guessing what might be in the box would be to check out what are the brands Bella Box partners.

Here is a quick look at what is inside the December Bella Box

And here is a closer look at the items:

Sachets of Sothys' Brightening Mask and Brightening Fluid (only available at salons that carry/use Sothys)

*shhh, don't wake the Asleep Potion*

Faust's Asleep Potion which is said to promote restfullness.

OPI (mini) in Not Like The Movies (I have the full-sized version which I hunted down earlier!)

Eylure False Eyelashes - Sex And the City Version

And the star of the box - Savoir Faire Cosmetics Lipstick in Miss You

I really liked the packaging and the heft of the lipstick case itself. And I loved the way the insignia is etched on the lipstick case - the scroll design lends it a regal touch.

The closest thing I have to compare would be my Burberry lipstick case - both are squared, have heft and close reassuringly with magnets. Although slightly smaller, the Savoir Faire lipstick casing is heavier than the Burberry lipstick.

Miss You is a light pink with slight gold shimmer (it looks a tad darker here) - it'd probably be something I use to layer over another lipstick as it is a little on the light (frosty) side for me.

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Here are my thoughts on the contents of the box and the whole idea of subscribing to a luxury sample box service like this:

I like how there is a theme to the box – for the festive season, Bella Box thought about the things that go into prepping and getting dressed and put the items together. I like how the theme is explained in an almost story-like manner; it makes it sound less like a pushy advertisement and more like guide to the products in the box.

I also like the menu card – a succinct description of each product including the price of the full-sized product available at Bella Box’s website (or where it can be purchased).

The price is also really pretty reasonable – for SGD$15, you do get an interesting assortment of products to try (then again, I’m basing my opinion solely on the December box at this point). In some way, its value for money because in the case of the December box, the actual price of the contents far outstrips the SGD$15.

I also think that these luxury sample boxes (there are several other companies, local and international which provide these services) are a good way to try and get acquainted with new brands which are in partnership with the box service - sometimes, its next to impossible to get hold of samples of some exclusive, salon based brands.

I visited the Bella Box website and went through the FAQ (you can check it out HERE) – I noticed that they mention filling out the Customer Profile accurately to ensure that products sent will work for your skin type and shade (I didn’t realise this at first since the box was sent to me and I didn't fill out any customer profile)

"It is important to fill out the Beauty Profile as we customise the boxes to fit your profile. Many samples are sent to everyone – these products are chosen carefully to ensure that they’ll work for a wide range of styles, skin types, and colourings. Other samples are chosen specifically for your skin and beauty needs and style."

(Taken from the Bella Box website)

I've noticed that there IS a variety in the boxes sent out - there are different versions of the Eylure eyelashes (some are the pre-glued versions while there are other designs in the Sex and City range). My box contained the Savoir Faire lipstick in Miss You but I saw some other blog entries feature a gorgeous browned red lipstick shade in Deja Vu (which I would have been thrilled with and would be more suitable for my skintone! Sads!). So if you're going to subscribe to Bella Box, make sure you fill the profile out carefully. This feature is good - it makes it more worthwhile since there is some assurance that the box will contain products I can use.

I like how the subscription is flexible – you can always opt for the monthly subscription and you can cancel anytime. You can always also try the 3 or 6 monthly options (under the gifting option and have it sent to yourself! :P). I also like how it is fuss-free – pay online (currently via PayPal with more payment options soon) and delivery via registered mail right to your home.

Here’s the thing – I’ve been hearing some people question whether it is worthwhile to shell out SGD$15 every month "blindly" - really, the subscriber has no idea what she will receive that month. So here's my take:

(1) If you’re the type who is open to trying new things all the time, then luxury sample boxes like Bella Box would be a fun and easy way to do so. In fact, in some sense, the mystery quotient is the real draw!

(2) On the other hand, if you have extreme skintypes (eg. Very sensitive) or you subscribe to a particular lifestyle (eg preference for vegan or organic products), then such luxury sample boxes may not be suitable for you.

You can check out Sesame (who uses mainly organic products)’ thoughts on luxury sample boxes HERE.

Personally, I’m rather intrigued and the idea of a mystery box definitely has its appeal. I think it’s a cute way to spring a surprise gift on someone too! Maybe I’ll opt for one during dreary months to treat myself :P

You can check out Bella Box’s website HERE

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Will you be interested in subscribing to such luxury sample boxes?

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Thanks for stopping by and have a good weekend!

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Disclaimer: Products sent to me for consideration; all opinions are my own and have not been influenced by anyone.