Stowaway Cosmetics just launched a new lifestyle box called their Essential Edits! Each box is “a unique monthly curation” and has value between $70-$200.
If you’re not familiar, Stowaway Cosmetics is a beauty brand that sells “right-sized” cosmetics – smaller versions made for tossing in your purse or clutch, and also for you to finish them before they expire.
They’ve also released the themes for the upcoming months:
- July: BBQs, Stars & Stripes draw string
- August: Pools, Long Reads & Road Trips
- September: Back To School, Back Being Cool
- October: Nest, Rest & Discover Your Best
- November: How To Be Thankful For The Family Circus
- December: Holiday Parties, Being Foolhardy & Getting On With Gifting
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
The Subscription Box: Stowaway Cosmetics Essential Edit
The Cost: $50/month + free shipping
The Products: “Smart women know life requires an essential edit! Simplify your busy life with our unique monthly curations for only $50 per month with surprises that could be worth up to $200, including items from brands like Blow Pro, Flight 001, Baggu, Bkr, and more.”
Ships to: US
Check out all of our Stowaway Cosmetics reviews and the Beauty Subscription Box Directory!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
July 2016 Issue of Allure Magazine – value: $3.99
So, this box apparently varies across subscribers, and last month some of our readers mentioned getting a magazine and others mentioned getting an actual product/item instead. Personally, I’m pretty underwhelmed at the inclusions of a magazine as an item, especially because it’s one I don’t read.
Paper Straw Set – value: $1.50?
The theme for this month is “Stars and Stripes,” so these festive paper straws are included for festiveness, I suppose. I don’t actually use paper straws, either, but my sister-in-law loves them so I’ll probably pass these along to her.
Physician Endorsed Women's Sanibel Two-Tone Packable Fedora – value: $23.25
This hat is cute if you’re a hat person! I’m not sure I like the ribbon with it, though. The blue and ivory stripes make a cool pattern, and I can see someone wearing this on the beach or at an outdoor social event. Unfortunately, it’s just not something I’ll wear.
Zest Cocktail Napkins – pack of 4, value: $9.95?
In my box, I had a note thanking me for my subscription and adding that these cocktail napkins were a “surprise and delight,” so I think that might mean they’re a bonus? I wish there were an info card. These go along a “BBQ/Summer entertaining” theme, and I like the design:
It’s a four pack and I like the dark red color of the pattern.
So that’s the lifestyle part of the box – now onto the cosmetics!
Stowaway Tinted Lip Gloss 3 pack – value: $20
This little bag contained 3 individually boxed little lip glosses.
I love that there’s a clear stripe to see the color of the lip gloss easily. The shades, from left to right, are honey, rosewood, and petal.
The formula is quite opaque and has a lot of pigmentation, and applies smoothly with no stickiness.
Here they are applied. Peony is on top, then honey, and rosewood.
Stowaway Cosmetics Cheek and Lip Rouge in Peony – value: $15
Stowaway Cosmetics Cheek and Lip Rouge in Canteloupe – value: $15
Stowaway Cosmetics Cheek and Lip Rouge in Burnt Rose – value: $15
The other little package was three cheek and lip rouges wrapped in tissue paper.
They sent all three colors they sell, which are cantaloupe, peony, and burnt rose.
Here are swatches for you, from top to bottom they’re cantaloupe, peony, and burnt rose. The formulas are creamy and buildable. They melt a little for easier application with the warmth of your fingers, and the formula builds well.
For this look, I used the cheek and lip rouge in Cantaloupe on my lips and cheeks. I like multitasking products, but I prefer this as a check rouge over a lip rouge. The matte color tends to cling to and emphasize dry skin on my lips, and settle into creases.
Verdict: This Stowaway Essential Edits box is okay to me. Personally, I don’t feel that the lifestyle part of the subscription adds much of anything for me (a hat I won’t wear, a magazine I won’t read, straws I won’t use, etc…). However I do think Stowaway has an interesting idea with their vision (the “right size” products so you use them up before expiring). I think their products are great for minimalists, people who travel light, or even people who just want to make sure they have a set of touch-up makeup with them or in their purse. Part of me thinks they’d do well to just release a monthly delivery of these different and new items they’re including from their cosmetic line.
What do you think of this new Essential Edits box from Stowaway Cosmetics?
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