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Essence Beauty Box Subscription Box Review – March 2016

Celicia Gantz
ByCelicia GantzMar 28, 2016 | 6 comments

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Essence Beauty Box
3 overall rating
12 Ratings | 0 Reviews

Essence Beauty Box is a beauty subscription service geared for Women of Color (WOC).  Each month, the Essence Magazine beauty team puts together a box to give you the opportunity to discover brand new products and Essence’s staple favorites.  

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My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

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The Subscription Box: Essence Beauty Box

The Cost: $15 a month (Discounts available with 12-month subscription)

The Products:  A variety of hair care, beauty, and lifestyle products

Ships to: US only

Check out all of our Essence Beauty Box Reviews and the Women of Color Subscription Box Directory!

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The insert card always has a list of all the products included this month as well as some great tips!  The note from the EBB Team says they themed March’s box to bring products that work magic when we’re in a pinch.  These items can be easily carried throughout the day from work to play and everything in between.

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La Belle Femme - Body Butter in Pomegranate Kiss - 2oz? - Value: $6.25

Body Butter! Yes please and thank you!  I go through oils and butter so fast.  I’m always happy to receive more.  And this one smells very good.  I’ve never heard of this brand before and I couldn’t be happier with the fragrance.  It’s citrusy with a touch of vanilla, I think. Love it!

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Uncle Funky’s Daughter - Curly Magic Curl Stimulator - 2oz - Value: $4.25

Cool! I just received a product from this brand through another subscription.  This one is has a very earthy scent, if that makes sense for a hair product.  It’s unlike anything I’ve received before and I’m excited to try it out.  The consistency is very thick and gooey at the same time.  I’m use to seeing these types of products come in a jar, but the full size bottle comes with a pump, so I’m not sure how well I’ll be able to distribute the product from this container.

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Biossance - The Rivitalizer - 4ml - Value: $4.75

I’m not feeling this oil.  I think it’s way too expensive and the sample to too small to see if I like it for my body, face and hair, which it says it can be used.  I’m going to continue using it on my skin until it’s all gone, but I’m mixing it with other oils because there’s not much of it at all.

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Creme of Nature -Perfect Edges with Argan Oil - Full Size - Value: 4.75

I’m not opening this container. It’s going to the donation bin.  I have entirely too many hair gels open around the house.  And we’ve seen this one from Creme of Nature a million times.  It comes in a solid gel form/ paste.  Apply a small amount to the edges of your hair and smooth out with a brush or fingers.

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Bite Beauty - Creme Lip Gloss in Opal - Mini - Value: $10.00?

Sorry, I couldn’t make out the sizing.  If it’s even on there, I’m not sure!  I love Bite Beauty products and I hope to see more from this brand in this subscription service.  I actually swatched this at Sephora and decided against getting it because of the price.  It was beautiful then and still now, I’m so happy I have it!  My camera doesn’t do the swatch any justice.  It has a beautiful glowy, purple sheen to it.  It mixes really well with mattes and it’s sticky on the lips.

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Verdict:  This month, Essence Beauty Box had an estimated retail value of $30.00.  Not a bad value at all!  I’m enjoying the variety of brands throughout the months so far and I’m really surprised by the mix between well known and small business brands.  I hope the Essence team continues to scout out for up and coming, and unique businesses for the beauty box.

What did you think of Essence Beauty Box for March?  What’s your favorite item this month?

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Each box includes Sample or trial sizes of five hair and beauty products. More from Essence: The ESSENCE® BeautyBox is a service to help women of color discover beauty products. We understand the challenges and frustrations in finding a variety of products for our shades and skin tones, identify... read more.
Celicia Gantz
Celicia Gantz
Celicia was introduced to both The Honest Company and CurlKit in March 2013 and has been addicted to subscription boxes ever since. Always on the hunt for the undiscovered family staple, she loves trying new skincare, natural hair care, makeup, and finding delicious snacks with hidden veggies for her kids (and Hubby too). Favorite finds: Body Oil, Stuffed Animals, Books, non-GMO Tortilla Chips and Perfume Samples.

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6 comments

Christina

Oh, wow, I had no idea Essence had a monthly box and thank you for the link to the WOC directory. I love body butters and creamy hair products.

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Sunita Magar

Wasn’t this month’s box supposed to come with Paula’s Choice Vit C thingy?

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Liz Cadman

That will be in the April box! 🙂

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Karisha

Omg thank you for this review. I didn’t get this box & I am so sad about it, but I did subscribe, and I look forward to April box. I would love the edge control. 🙁

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babez

I have both the entire Feb & March box up for swap if you guys are interested! Looking forward to the April one ? Thanks, Liz for the spoiler!!

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Nicky

The item in this month’s box that I would have loved to try is the Uncle Funky’s Daughter product. Heard a lot of good things about that line.

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