Beauty Box 5 Review – January 2015

I LOVED/LOVE the mascara. I put it into my everyday makeup pouch that I keep in the bathroom separate from the rest of my makeup collection and I am super bummed that their site is no longer active. I will probably try to find it on eBay once I run out of the sample.

I absolutely loved, loved, LOVED that mascara and was so very sad to not be able to find it to purchase. That’s the only thing that pisses me off. If no one wants theirs, just let me know. I bought it for $3 shipped off someone else, but I would love more!

Has anyone contacted their customer service? (One to one, not Facebook?)

I like drugstore products. I like receiving brands and products I am familiar with. I love Ipsy but most of the time I never heard of the product. It is good to try new brands but I am a fan of the drugstore so this works for me. I actually liked this month’s box. I can always use a travel shampoo for those times when I realize I ran out of shampoo. I actually got a glitter gold french tip manicure from sally hansen versus those red striped ones and I think the one I got is gorgeous. I received a eyeshadow duo from Hard Candy (Ive seen this line at Walmart) in a gold and blue color. It was pretty. I am disappointed about the mascara being old. That’s disgusting and disappointing. I can tolerate drugstore products but not old ones. Overall, I feel BB5 doesnt deserve so much bad feedback. I don’t think think they send all old products though because the Dove Bodywash that was sent a few months back is new. (I see the ads for it on tv) and a revlon mascara that was sent awhile back was fairly new. It’s just unfortunate they did that with this mascara.

I too am locked in with BB5 for a few more months. I also got the annual sub for the sale price of $6 per box. I regret this decision and it is so disappointing that they would send out expired product. Every month this sub just gets worse and worse. I tossed the mascara. This month was a complete waste for me. Not one item this box that I like. I have received about 5 of these little Coastal Scents eyeshadows in the last several months so I am stocked up on these for a long time!

I got the same box as Liz, except my eye shadow palette is Set 43, with the super-bright ORANGE & golden yellow colors: Mimosa, Deep Cantaloupe, Bright Tangerine & Volcanic Blast. I generally love Coastal Scents palettes, but these are just too over the top for a middle aged woman. This was my 11th BB5 box of my second one-year subscription, and I’ve officially called it quits with them. When I received that empty plastic bottle from BB5 2 months back, I knew the love affair was on rocky ground. BB5 used to be so much fun to receive, but the last couple of boxes have been super-disappointing. I’m so glad I read all the posts about the old mascara – I’m chucking mine out right now, and I was planning to try it tomorrow morning, too. Saved by the blog! The Softsoap body wash bottle is made of such hard plastic that it was impossible to dispense it with one hand in the shower. I hade to S-Q-U-E-E-Z-E it with both hands to get the product out. The hideous black and red striped Salon Effects nail strips are too gruesome to comment rationally on, the less said about them, the better. The Garnier Fructis travel-size shampoo for normal hair did a number on my color-treated hair, leaving it clumpy and stuck-together. There was nothing good about this box at all, except that it made up my mind not to renew my subscription, so it actually saved me money!

A huge warning about using expired mascara – I thought it was safe to use an older one, only about 18 months old, that was still sealed. I wound up with a horrible bacterial infection AND a scratched cornea. It took 3 months, a ton of antibiotics/drops and 8 ophthalmologist visits before I was healed. Just. Don’t. Do. It. The fact BB5 is sending long ago discontinued makeup (it’s likely 3 years old, at least), drug store freebies, and other lower end samples should be all that’s needed to stop folks from subbing. For another $1 (ipsy or BB) you get products that are safe, often full size, and not consistently drug store cheapies. I can’t believe they thought no one would notice the mascara’s age or the fact the manufacturer hasn’t been in business for YEARS. That to me means they’re buying from a third party wholesaler of discontinued (and likely expired) cosmetics. While safe to shop for discontinued items, it’s never a good idea to buy expired ones, or even those that are questionable. When it comes to your vision, it’s not worth the risk.

I tried BB5 for one month (twice). Both times I was so unimpressed (and kind of ticked) that I vowed never again. Every month when I see the reviews it re-affirms my decision.

Actually, I am so glad that there is a box I do not want.

I received the same as pictured except the eyeshadows I received are bright and scream primary school art project or hooker. How is a 44 year old woman supposed to wear school bus yellow, dark purple, royal blue and grass green eyeshadow and not look like a hooker? WTH, BB5? Add the red and black striped nail strips and I’m sure I’d spend time locked up for prostitution in the county jail. No disrespect meant to anyone who can carry the look. I’m just not someone who can. But there are some brave souls out there along with some excellent makeup artists who know how to blend, blend, blend and create amazing looks. I’m kind of basic and go with classic styles. Hmm, I wonder if the yellow could be blended to cover my dark circles? I saw an article about using yellow or even red to even out skin color under the eyes. It’s a thought.

I thought the shampoo and body wash were going to be larger than they were so it’s disappointing but they will be used.

The mascara isn’t dried out but it is a thin amount. I’m not even sure it would cover my lashes. But I do like the brush so I’ll hang on to that to use with other mascaras whose brushes I don’t like as much.

Here’s a little makeup tip, reuse your mascara brushes (after washing with soap and water, soaking in alcohol and allowing them to dry) to separate your lashes after putting on a different mascara. It works so much better than those little eyelash/eyebrow combs we’ve used for years.

I am so glad I saw this review before trying the mascara.I don’t like the idea of using a product that old – even if it was sealed, but if I had really like the mascara and wasn’t able to find it in a store? Well, I’d have been pretty upset.

I had already canceled my subscription to BB5, but if I hadn’t, I probably would have canceled receiving this box. Overall it has been very disappointing. This isn’t the first time I’ve received products that seemed suspiciously old, and I have only subscribed for about 6 months.

I am so glad last month was my last box. What garbage for a box that is higher priced than Ipsy or Birchbox

I’ve been so disappointed with BB5. I foolishly signed up for the annual sub back when they seemed to be sending out more interesting stuff, and then within a few months, the quality declined so noticeably. When I wrote in to complain that my box contained an empty package for one of the items (and that generally I was dissatisfied with the increasingly drugstore selections), the Customer Service Rep just said, “Oh, we’re sorry you’re not happy with the boxes. I’ve gone ahead and set your subscription not to renew at the end of the year, so August will be your last box.” Sounds like they’re used to bad feedback and don’t care much anymore!

The shampoo and body wash were hella disappointing, but they’ll get used on vacation. I got a hard candy eyeshadow duo which I really like, the mascara which I love (I prefer old mascara actually. Brand new stuff is too liquidy and burns my eyes) and I got the nail polish strips in gold cabaret. Not a great box, but everything will get used, so…

I’ve only been a subscriber for a few months but I’m confused. I thought all boxes sent out were identical. My January box had a few of the items in this review but I also had a couple different. Can someone clarify?

I’ve used plenty of older mascara without problems. As long as it hasn’t been opened of course. I get so many in subs and other package gifts etc. that I always seem to have a ton. However sending out some that’s already old is not acceptable. I have been considering getting rid of BB5 but I need a good replacement. Sample Society and I had issues but it looks like that’s imporved this year. Birchbox and I went our seperate ways last year as well. Sigh. Any other suggestions??

my box was different and i loved it!! i got the nail stuff, but mine was different. i got the body wash and mascara. i didnt realize it was old, but it worked great. i also got a hard candy eyeliner and hard candy eye shadow duo. i wouldve been mad if i got your box.

BB5 is really hit and miss these days. I am shocked they’d include such old stock mascara. The oils in the formula will go rancid even unopened after a year or so. As soon as my box arrives, that mascara is going in the trash.

Another poster above asked about their Lilee box. Well, I wasn’t floored by mine at all. The Jessie & Co “Curated” necklace is cute, but too short for me to wear. (Plus it arrived a tangled mess that took me 20 minutes to sort out.) Also included was ANOTHER Pur-Lisse moisturizer. It was full size, but this brand was EVERYWHERE in 2014. They also weren’t specific about when the free jewelry item I was supposed to receive would arrive. I assumed it was supposed to be in the box, but it wasn’t. Just as I was about to email them about it, they contacted me saying it was shipping separate. I imagine they got an earful about that. That’s the bad (and the ugly).

The good was the packaging is quite nice, complete with a Lilee box wax seal atop the ribbon. They included ADORABLE rubber mana-“tea” infuser and a package of loose tea from a specialty company to use in it. The Cult nail polish is nice, a pretty light lavender color, and a quality “You’re a Gem” stationary card. So overall, it was a mixed bag. I am willing to give them a few more months to improve their curation.

I got a year subscription last February when they had that crazy deal so I’m only paying about $6 a box and I still don’t feel this subscription is worth it. I have already canceled it so next month is my last. It wasn’t that bad at first (at least worth the $6) and now it’s just pointless. The eye shadow I got was set 39 which are super bright primary colors and everything else are essentially free samples.

My mascara was pretty dry when I attempted to use it the old stock age might be the reason it was like that. It went on eventually and gave me no issues but I dont have sensitive eyes like some people have. I am probably going to toss it now that I heard they arent around.

This is my third and final box with Beauty Box 5. This box was the last straw. Among the items I received was a glitter pink eyeliner and a pink and blue “baked” eye shadow. When I signed up I used a coupon code for October’s box free. I still haven’t received it….

If a mascara has never been used but is old and dried out, you can add several drops of visine to moisten it enough for use. I’ve heard of people using water (or spit, yuck!) but visine is safest for your eyes. Coconut oil would also moisten but would probably cause raccoon eyes within a few minutes of wear.

Have you tried any of the mascara topcoats that turn any mascara into a waterproof mascara? I saw one on Birchbox.com and thought about getting it but haven’t yet. It’s definitely something I want to try.

I like coastal scents eyeshadows. I received the full palette of nudes (value $39.99) in my Boxycharm box this month, which was pretty cool. I really like them. I received a sample quad from Birchbox last year like the one you received in your BB5 box this month only mine was called Ballet. It was pretty nudes and pinks. I love the size of it since I can easily slip it into my purse or pocket to use on the go if I was running late and didn’t have time to put my makeup on at home.

I haven’t received my BB5 box yet this month. How long ago did you receive yours? I recently moved and hope that they got my change of address request. They customer service isn’t as speedy or communicative as I’d like.

I generally like BeautyBox5. Not everything is a winner but sometimes there are real treats and treasures in the box. It might not be something I’d ever think of buying but once I receive it, I find use for it.

Lip Monthly had an Ultraflesh mascara in one of its early boxes too. Much discussion at that time about it being discontinued.

And if you read the 2nd review on Amazon (the link BB5 gave) it states that they found the mascara right when it got discontinued and they were so happy to find it on Amazon. That was in 2013. Just because the company is still offloading old stock doesn’t mean it is still being “sold” (as in bring currently manufactured). Boo BB5.

This box is my last box of a 3 month Sub to bb5. I didn’t like any of the boxes, they all had cheap products in them. Very dissappointed

Wow… I keep thinking BB5 will get their act together, but it seems that they just don’t care. I’ve never encountered a subscription service as bad as BB5! Every single month they send cheap, discontinued and boring products.

The box in December made me lose interest, I did end up getting this January box as my last one. When I saw it I was so glad I did cancel, the mascara seemed dried out and I found it online for $2.99 http://www.allcosmeticswholesale.com/product/UFMASCBLKOUT/ULTRAFLESH-The-Gold-Standard-Mini-Mascara—Blackout.html#.VLiUgUZOKJI