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Cosmo Box Subscription Review – May 2018

Liz Cadman
ByLiz CadmanJun 20, 2018 | 95 comments

There's a new subscription box from Cosmopolitan - CosmoBox! Each month you'll receive items selected by Cosmopolitan editors.

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

The Subscription Box: CosmoBox by Cosmopolitan

The Cost: $29.99 a box + $6 shipping

The Products: "Curated by the editors of Cosmopolitan magazine, this unique monthly subscription box brings you full-size quality goodies that compliment and empower your multidimensional lifestyle."

Ships to: US

Keep track of your subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wish list!

Each box comes with a card detailing the items included:

Now, on to the items!

Neutrogena Radiance Boost Brightening 100% Hydrogel Mask - Retail Value $2.50

This sheet mask comes in two parts, so it's easier to apply and fit your face. It has a floral fragrance and the formula is hydrating and gentle. Nothing game changing for me, but a sold sheet mask for the price!

L’Oreal Paris Ever Pure Deep Moisture Hair Sheet Mask - Retail Value $3.59

This hair mask is designed to be used in-shower, post-shampoo. You put on the cap that is coated with the hair mask, secure it in place, then let it sit for 5 minutes before removing the cap and rinsing your hair. (I found the mask impossible to secure with the sticker while my hands were wet, but it still stayed in place without it.)

It left my hair feeling soft and hydrated, and super straight. (My hair in this review is the product of just this mask + blowdryer.)

Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Detangler + Air Dry - Retail Value $4.89

This mist is great! Both the formula itself and the scent are light, and it did a great job of detangling my hair and adding a little moisture without weighing my hair down.

Biore Acne Cleansing Foam with Baking Soda - Retail Value $5.59

This formula is designed to help clear out oil and dirt from pores without stripping your skin of moisture. I felt it delivered on both aspects, and while I typically don't get major acne breakouts, I can always use help with blackheads!

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum – Value $85

This serum is designed to “fight the look of dullness, dark spots, and discolorations, while instantly increasing brightness, radiance, and luminosity.” The cream formula has a light citrus scent (which I love), and it instantly helped give my skin a boost of hydration.

I’ve sampled this before thanks to a few other subscription boxes, and after using it for months I’ve definitely noticed a difference in my skin – I’m happy to have more!

E.L.F. Cosmetics Blend It Out Silicone Sponge Duo - Retail Value $8

I like the Makeup Drop silicone makeup applicator, and I think this set is comparable.

Typically, I use a beauty blender or a stippling brush to apply liquid foundation. This silicone applicator gets the same flawless application look of the beauty blender, but it has additional benefits:

  1. No foundation absorbing into it! With a Beauty Blender or brush, I’m always losing some foundation to the tool itself, but this silicone isn’t porous, so all makeup goes on your skin!
  2. Super easy cleanup! Just soap, water, and towel it off and it’s good to go! No waiting for beauty blenders/brushes to dry!

This set comes with two sizes, and the smaller size has a band on the back to make it easier to hold:

Dove Anti -Stress Micellar Water Beauty Bar - Retail Value $3.99

I use Dove's Sensitive Skin Unscented Beauty Bar as a body soap, so I'm familiar with Dove soap, but I was not expecting how fragrant this soap is! You can smell it before you take it out of the box!

This soap itself felt gentle, moisturizing, and it didn't dry out my skin.

Invisibobble Slim Hair Rings – Retail Value $8

I use Invisibobbles often (thanks to subscription boxes) and I’m digging this new slim design.

If aren’t familiar with Invisibobble, these hair ties don’t tangle hair, and they stay in place, too.

Finishing Touch Flawless in Blush - Retail Value $19.99

This is a rotary shaver that comes with a battery so it's good to go!

The case is similar in size to a tube of lipstick, so it's great for travel/throwing in your makeup bag.

And here's a closer look at the shaver head. The blades aren't exposed so you can put this directly on your skin without any irritation. Goodbye, peachfuzz!

And the top is removeable so you can clean out any hair.

Skin Better Hydro Boosting Creme - 10 ml Value $16

This was one of my favorite discoveries in the box - it's an ingredient-conscious (and fragrance-free) face moisturizer. The formula is light, absorbs quickly, and even though this is the smallest item in the box, the tube is completely full, so it should last for weeks!

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle-Natural Tint - 50 ml Value $10

This dry shampoo is formulated without parabens or sulfates, and it is great for both absorbing oil and also adding texture and volume.

I used to only use dry shampoo on days when my hair was looking a little greasy. But now I use it every day for extra volume and texture. (And thanks to subscription boxes, I have plenty of dry shampoo to support this daily habit!)

Verdict: This box has a retail value of $167.55. I think that value is great for a $35.99 box. (FYI - they recently upped the cost of the box by $10.) This box was full of awesome beauty products, and it gives me Allure Beauty Thrills Box vibes.

I'm really happy with CosmoBox this month, but I think it's important to call out that this box seems to vary so much from month to month. It's hard to recommend subscribing to this box when I have no idea what types of products you should expect to see in future boxes. (Check out my reviews of past CosmoBox to see what I mean.)

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? I believe so, but I recommend contacting their customer care to be sure.

What do you think of the May CosmoBox

Liz Cadman
Liz Cadman
Liz is the founder of My Subscription Addiction. She's been hooked on subscription boxes since 2011 thanks to Birchbox, and she now subscribes to over 100 boxes. Her favorites include POPSUGAR Must Have, FabFitFun, and any box that features natural beauty products!

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95 comments

JuJu

Why can’t every month with this box be an all-beauty box? Then I would subscribe. 🙂

But I looked at prior months’ reviews, and the curation is just so random, I really wouldn’t be happy receiving something like that for $36 a month.

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Laura Z

I just got the tracking number and it says for the May box!!! I’m so excited now to see when the June box gets billed

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Mamabear

I am wondering if Cosmo’s June is just another May. I looked at what was on the website it is excately the same products.

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Lara Z

Yeah the fact there’s no spoilers and it’s July already. I appreciate them going out of there way for the May box, but just don’t like this part of it I emailed them about billing but haven’t heard back yet so we’ll see.

Laura M

Hi Girls! Today I got an email with my tracking number! Finally my May box is on its way!!

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Bets

This box is amazing! We’re so excited – my daughter and I were both able to sign up and get the May box!

It’s a rare sub box that will go out of their way to provide us with a past box. They have gone out of house to secure the items, to build more May boxes. I’m blown away by how many of us have asked and been confirmed to get the May box! Wow.

Customer service has been great too. They have responded to every question I’ve sent their way.

I’m so excited!

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Laura

Hi Bets. What do you know about the shipment? I subscribed on June 20 and I don’t know when my box will be shipped. I’m so excited for get this amazing box! Please share with us the info they gave you about it.

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Bets

Hi Laura,

I don’t think I’ve received any special info.

I was blown away by this review and even though I figured it was impossible to get one a month later I asked. (I ask a lot of questions, that’s how I’ve learned how great the CS is. I get answers sometimes in a matter of minutes) We were amazed. My daughter & I were both able to sign up in the latter part of June and were assured we would get the previous month’s box. That’s just not typical.

Then I read these comments on MSA and saw they were doing the same for a bunch of us. So cool.

When I got the email that they were having to reorder products for these boxes:

“Hi Cosmo Box Subscriber,
Due to the overwhelming response for the May Beauty Box, we are securing additional inventory to meet everyone’s needs. Your orders are confirmed and the box will be shipping soon. We will send an email with tracking information once your box is en route.
The Cosmo Box Team”

It hit me they aren’t just sending out overstock. They are going out of their way to build these boxes for us.

I became a sub-box addict in Feb 2015. (While going thru a difficult time – coming home to a present made life bearable.) I’ve had over 30 subs at my lowest point. I imagine I’ve subbed to well over 70 boxes in total. I have NEVER experienced a sub box willing to go to all this trouble for us. It just makes me so happy, and I’m as excited as you to get this box!!

I sent an email this afternoon asking for a status update and in about 15 minutes got a response that they are still moving forward on this. I guess I was just so excited I had to share (my husband doesn’t understand, lol.)

Long story for a short answer, sorry. 🙂

Laura Z

Did anybody else just receive an email about the May box? It says that due to overwhelming Intrest in the May box that they are securing inventory and that the my boxes will ship soon with email confirmation.

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Nich

The email specifies for their June box

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Laura Z

Nich, I just saw the June email about June boxes being delayed on this site. But didn’t get that email glad to know this for the June box. Thanks

Laura Z

No, the May box. I contacted them after seeing the May box review I believe others did as well and they replied saying I could still get the May box so I signed up. And the email mentions the May box not the June. Is there a June box email? If so I haven’t recieved that one

Heather

I decided to subscribe after confirming I’d get this box. Unusual that no spoilers or anything for June and it’s 6/28, but I’m hopeful with the price increase and this amazing box that this is what we can expect now. Hopefully just took some time to get their groove.

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lori

Heather, may I ask when you confirmed that and subscribed?
Thank you.

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Heather

6/27 I subscribed. I bet tam hat even now, 7/1 you could get the may box since there have been no spoilers
Or anything regarding June

Laura Z

Same here after reading all the past reviews I was iffy but hopefully they are better boxes now I would hate to pay more for stuff like the past ones lol

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Gloworm

Still waiting for May box, and it’s June 27. They said it won’t ship out till the end of the week (so, 29th?), and as I understand it you can’t cancel next month’s until you receive the current month’s. No charges for June box yet… this sub seems really behind schedule?

I changed my billing info to a $25 debit card so they don’t auto-charge me. I just don’t trust it.

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Laura M

Gloworm, Did you get this email? Hi Cosmo Box Subscriber,

Due to the overwhelming response for the May Beauty Box, we are securing additional inventory to meet everyone’s needs. Your orders are confirmed and the box will be shipping soon. We will send an email with tracking information once your box is en route.

The Cosmo Box Team

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Laura

Did they already charge the payment for June’s box? Any active subscriber could let me know please??

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Mamabear

Yes, I was charged on the 20th still waiting …something about problems with shipping.

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Mamabear

Yes, at least I was on the 21st I believe it was.

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Laura

Thank you mamabear!

Mamabear

Yes, at least I was on the 20th I believe it was.

Laura

I contacted them before I signed up and got a response later that day saying yes if I signed up today (20th) that I would get the May box. And then I contacted them again after subscribing about June billing. Smthey reolied saying they had to override the subscription to send out the May box and that I will then be billed shortly after for the June box so I’m assuming then next few days: so let’s see what happens

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Laura

Oh! I’m on the same page lol. Plz let me know when you get billed. I really want the May box!!!

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Laura Z

I got billed when I signed up. But basically I’m going to be billed twice this month one for May box they had to over ride the subscription to start as of May then I’m assuming before the end of the month I’ll be billed for June all they said was here shortly I’ll be billed for June. Keep you posted

TK

Skin Better is a great skincare line. Their retinol product is by far the best I’ve ever used. Both my Dermatologist and Esthetician recommend this brand. This box looks great but with all the CS issues I’m afraid to try it.

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Debbie

I would be tempted to get this, but the customer service bs keeps me out.
Maybe when or if they revamp their cancellation ways.

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Paula

Very true! Having said that, you can always pay via PayPal – and then “inactivate” them in your paypal for recurring payments. That’s what I did when I cancelled a couple of months ago – because I do not trust their customer service. No amount of good products for a great price are worth the headache these guys cause. They’re horrible…

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Amanda

I bit the bullet and signed up today since it still shows the May box.
I think it’s ridiculous and insane that you can’t just buy 1 month, if you only purchase the month-to-month option.
I have a feeling they won’t be around for long unless they change their operations and get their customer service together.

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Paula

I just cancelled the month previous because of bad boxes and poor customer service, and now they have the box worth over $100! Great!

I would re-subscribe if I knew I was going to get this box – but knowing my luck, I’d get stuck with another box with a mug and pens – so not gonna do it.

I’m happy to leave this one and never go back…

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Ayesha Hussain

how did u cancel the subscription?? i cant seem to find a cancellation option anyhwere!

Cynm

I can’t decide I like what is in this box but hearing it is not always this good plus hearing they will not let you cancel after one box makes me very leery and no coupon this gal likes her coupons.

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Emily

be careful everyone! this company is overcharging, charging multiple transactions and NOT responding to emails!! Even the bank investigator is having issues trying to get a response from them!

This is SO not worth the headache and awful business practices!

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Paula

Wow! Good to know – thanks for posting. It solidifies my opinion of them…

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Kady

Hey guys, I just got this email from Cosmo with respect to the coupon code and if it is still available:
“ We have received several emails today from the My Subscription Addition community. Unfortunately, they posted the same “spoiler alert” from last month. The code they provided expired on 5/31/18 and was featured in Cosmo magazine. The May box is selling out and unfortunately we cannot guarantee availability. However, we are a monthly subscription box program and provide cool.. Fearless, Female boxes each month. “

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Paula

And there you have it: this completely contradicts someone else’s response that said the May box is still available!!! I’ll be curious to see if anyone actually does get this box! Almost seems like a bait and switch to me!!!

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Danette

I received this box a few ago. I haven’t had any issues, as of yet. I’m still waiting to be billed for June’s box, though.

Laura

Oh no! I subscribed yesterday, I hope I can get the May box…

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Laura

I just placed the order after hearing back that it would be the May box. Does anyone know how the billing is? And is the June box going to come out July?

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Lisa

Warning. They will not let you cancel until you receive the current month’s box. Even if you cancel before you are billed for the next month. My account said it was cancelled and I still was charged. I emailed them to say I cancelled and my account said cancelled. They stated that it is a monthly subscription not a one time box.

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Jennifer

That’s fine. This box alone pays for more than two months worth. Everyone is so entitled wanting something for nothing. Sub boxes are good deals for the most part. Seems this one is one that is, per the May box.

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Paula

This box does pay for two months subscription, but I’d hedge bets that no one here is getting the May box. They’re gonna get June’s box – that has a mug and pens again…

MeowKitty

Super frustrating people got charged even after cancelling and now Cosmo is not responding to their emails.

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Emily

Same here!! Highly recommend escalating and disputing with Paypal! They are just ignoring customer service emails and I’ve been charged multiple times by them, despite cancelling!!

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Cat

I’ve contacted customer service 2x today and received a same day response both times. That said, what I did was send the same e-mail 3x an hour until they responded. So, that might be a strategy for those that need to get in contact with them. The first time I asked was about availability for the May box, and I contacted them through the info and the support e-mail, and got a response from the support e-mail. The second time it was because their website was doing weird stuff that made it look like my order wasn’t going through, except I got 5 e-mail confirmations and wanted to make sure I was only charged 1x. It looks like spamming them is the answer to getting a response back??

Lori

I tossed the dice on this one and will keep my fingers crossed. I thought this box was garbage the last few months, but May was irresistible. If they are going to increase the price, they better back it up.

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Jennifer

Well, they did just have the May box that valued at $167 for $35 so I’d say they’re backing it up. You have to pay SOMETHING for things sometimes, you know. Geez. Lol. Back it up? You’re funny.

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Kathleen

I’d be interested in the May Box too. Please someone let us know if it’s still available – I can’t even find the contact info on the site!

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Jen

I just got the following reply from customer service: Thanks for reaching out to us. Yes, if ordered today you can still receive the May Box.

The Cosmo Box Team

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Laura

Thank you Jen for sharing!!

Kady

Is there a coupon code that is working ?

lori

YAY!!!!!! Thank you for posting this 🙂 Does make you wonder how they intend to keep up a monthly box though…

Tina

I looked too but couldn’t find it. I’m not sure I want to subscribe to a box where they don’t have an email for customer service. I did see an email address if you have a broken or damaged product: [email protected]

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Jess

Cant wait to see the june spoilers for this box

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bb

I bought this box for the Sunday Riley but found a great product – the Finishing Touch Flawless hair remover. I used it on the strip from the bottom of my nose to my lip and it was fast and painless. I would never have tried this product otherwise. And I liked the drugstore products as well. This box was a surprising hit. I was going to cancel after this one box but now I’m keeping the sub and will see how much I like the next box.

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Jennifer

Same! I got the box for the Sunday Riley, but have found a lot of other faves including the Flawless Razor which is great for the face. I’m happy to get another hair detangler as well, though I’m not quite out of my current one, and most of the products in the box actually look to be very useful.

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Kristine D Schicker

Liz, do they ever offer spoilers? It would be nice to see spoilers before buying the box. I wish I would’ve got this box. I love Sunday Riley. Everything else would be a bonus.

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Liz Cadman

Yep! Here are the past spoilers: https://www.mysubscriptionaddiction.com/category/cosmobox-spoilers (We had spoilers for this box on May 24th)

Hope that helps!

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Kristine D Schicker

Sorry I can’t believe I missed it since I check this site 10 times a day. You’re the best! Thanks Liz

Cat

Would be curious to hear if anyone hears back from customer service about whether or not the box is available. I’ve contacted them, will let people know what I hear back.

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Jennifer

I emailed them today and got a response in less than an hour from [email protected].

The answer was yes, if ordered today, you can still receive the May box!

Of course, the answer could change as inventory changes etc., but at least you know May boxes are still a possibility.

Yess! I’m super excited to receive it!

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Chantel

Haha this is my snarky response:

Hi Chantel,

Thanks for reaching out to us. We received all of your messages. No need to SPAM us (as someone made the comment on My Subscription Addition to do so). We are always happy answer your questions! Smile

Yes, you will receive the May box. However, get one soon as they are selling out quickly.

Jennifer

I just heard back from them and they said if I ordered today I can still receive the May box. So I did. All for the Sunday Riley! lol

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Laura

Lol same here! I

Cat

Ok well I just tried to order it and the order is not going through. Hmm…

Jennifer

It’s so hard to tell on their website. They have this box pictured, but according to their FAQ we’d get June’s box. And really, what sense does it make to get a May box this late in June?? I wish I’d seen this in time because I love the Sunday Riley!!

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Anna

The email listed on my subscription resulted in the email bouncing back to me this one didn’t but I received no response.
[email protected]

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Anna

I emailed them over three weeks ago and never heard back maybe try their social media. They did send my box fast though. Good Luck

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Kady Seecharan

Please let us know, I would like to subscribe to it just for the Sunday Riley.

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Amanda

I really want to try this box. Does anyone know of a working coupon code?

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Anna

Cosmobox25 takes $9 off.

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Liz Cadman

I tested that coupon before I posted the review and I wasn’t able to get it to work. If anyone is able to use it, please let me know!

Elizabeth

Coupon not valid