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NewBeauty TestTube Subscription Review – January/February 2019

Megan K.
ByMegan K.Jan 18, 2019 | 71 comments

New Beauty Test Tube

NewBeauty TestTube
3.5 overall rating
122 Ratings | 31 Reviews

NewBeauty TestTube is a bi-monthly beauty and makeup subscription box. Every other month they send you a tube full of deluxe and full-size beauty samples and you also get a digital subscription to New Beauty Magazine. It’s a little pricier than other beauty subscriptions, but in general, the value is usually great.

New Beauty Test Tube open

This box was sent to us for review purposes. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

New Beauty Test Tube all contents

About This Box

The Subscription Box: NewBeauty TestTube

The Cost: $29.95 a box plus $8.95 shipping (ships every other month)

The Products: Deluxe and full-size beauty products. (This subscription also includes a subscription to New Beauty Magazine).

Ships to: US only

Our January/February 2019 Review

New Beauty Test Tube booklet cover New Beauty Test Tube booklet intro New Beauty Test Tube booklet lumify New Beauty Test Tube booklet serum New Beauty Test Tube booklet balm New Beauty Test Tube booklet toothpaste New Beauty Test Tube booklet birdie New Beauty Test Tube booklet mask New Beauty Test Tube booklet vitamins New Beauty Test Tube booklet gel New Beauty Test Tube booklet leave in New Beauty Test Tube booklet back cover

NewBeauty TestTube is one of my favorite subs because they send really unique and new items, many of which I have never even heard of! This booklet is a great reference for each item we received this month. It is full of additional info, interesting facts, and editor commentary.

Now, on to the items!

New Beauty Test Tube lumify drops New Beauty Test Tube lumify drops back

Lumify Eye Drops, 2.5 ml- Retail Value $11.99

I don't regularly suffer from red eyes and I had never looked in the mirror before and thought that the whites of my eyes could be whiter. I have heard that a lot of people like this product because it makes your eyes look brighter in pictures so I thought I would give it a go. I am a contact lens wearer, so I waited to put them in until 10 minutes after using these drops. I chose to use them in one eye at first so I could see any difference. They do not burn, and actually feel nice and hydrating! Although the box says you can see results in as little as a minute, I didn't notice anything for closer to 15. I had pretty much given up on this product but then my husband peered and me and triumphantly announced: "It is happening!" Sure enough, one eye was absolutely more white. It wasn't that the actual surface was whiter, but more like all the red veins had shrunk or disappeared. Honestly, it was incredibly weird. The effect only lasted about 4 hours for me, but I did notice a difference. Would I buy this product again? Probably not, as I don't usually have red eyes and I don't spend much time thinking about the whites of my eyes. I could see using this product before having photos taken, or for some other random event where you want to look extra bright though! It wasn't a "smack you in the face" type of difference, at least for me. At the very least, it is a super unique and inexpensive product to experiment with, and that is what this sub is all about!

lumify test

Left: No Lumify, Right: Lumify after 15 minutes.

I think I needed more than one drop because my eyes are rather large. I also think that if I had dropped the drop in the far corner of the eye, those red veins would have also vanished. I did notice that that eye reached peak whiteness after closer to 30 minutes.

New Beauty Test Tube serum New Beauty Test Tube serum back

Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum, 1 oz - FULL SIZE! Retail Value $69.00

I always turn into such a ridiculous fangirl whenever I get  Perricone M D product in a box. I absolutely adore this brand! This serum is super light and full of skin-loving vitamin C! Use it to add radiance to your skin, reduce discoloration, and improve overall texture. It smells so good, like a very herbal citrus. It is also not sticky at all, meaning you can wear it under makeup if you want. I have heard so many good things about it that I can't wait to add it to my regular rotation. This brand is probably the most effective one I have found that helps with fine lines and wrinkles, so though it is expensive, I am a lifelong convert.

New Beauty Test Tube balm New Beauty Test Tube balm back

Doctor Rogers Restore Healing Balm, 0.5 oz - Retail Value $30.00

This multi-purpose balm was recently featured in Goop's recent Dry Skin Guide. While I sometimes think Gwyneth's product picks are a little nuts, she was spot on with this recommendation. This wonder balm was so protective and hydrating on my elbows and lips! It had no real scent and no gross taste. It actually only has two ingredients: glycerin and castor wax. I liked the aluminum tube, though it didn't come with any tool to puncture the metal seal, so I had to use a fork. It was worth the extra hassle for discovering a new winter skincare staple.

New Beauty Test Tube toothpaste New Beauty Test Tube toothpase back

Hello Activated Charcoal Epic Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste, 4 oz.- FULL SIZE! Retail Value $5.99

Guys! This toothpaste is BLACK! It is the edgiest looking thing I have ever brushed my teeth with. In addition to being the more hardcore looking toothpaste out there, it is also so minty and fresh! The charcoal gives it its cool color as well as whitening power. It is a little grainy, but I don't mind this and I suspect that it only adds to the whitening.

New Beauty Test Tube birdie in package New Beauty Test Tube brdie New Beauty Test Tube birdie front New Beauty Test Tube birdie side New Beauty Test Tube birdie wipes New Beauty Test Tube birdie back packaging

Birdie by OLIKA Robin's Egg Hand Sanitizer, 0.7 oz - FULL SIZE! Retail Value $8.99

This little bird is very cute. I like the color and the name makes me smile because Birdie is also my cat's name. I have mixed feelings about it on a practical level. You press the little bird's head to spray the hand sanitizer, but you need a few sprays to get enough out to coat your hands. It also squirts out with such force that it hits your hand then sprays everywhere from the impact. It is really messy. The bottom has a little compartment for wipes, but I think the bird looses some of its convenience when you have to pull wipes out to use with the sanitizer to keep it from spraying everywhere. For me, this is absolutely a form over function sort of product.

New Beauty Test Tube scrubbing mask New Beauty Test Tube scrubbing mas back

Pumpkin Turmeric 2-in-1 Radiance Polishing Mask, 2.5 fl oz - FULL SIZE! Retail Value $45.00

While I am not usually a fan of pumpkin and other autumnal smells, I did like this one. It feels much more herbal than Pumpkin Spice Latte. It is an interesting formula as well! You basically smooth it onto your skin, leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then wash it off in a circular motion. The coco shell powder is gritty and gently exfoliates your skin. The honey in the formula leaves your skin very hydrated and dewy. It would make a great once a week ritual/treat for your skin.

New Beauty Test Tube vitamin c New Beauty Test Tube vitamin c box open New Beauty Test Tube vtamin c pouches

Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C, 30 0.2 fl oz packs - FULL SIZE! Retail Value $32.95

Vitamin C works wonder when applied to your face and this product is a way to also use it from the inside out. Vitamin C has more benefits than glowing skin: it supports your immune system and also promotes collagen production. Winning! Apparently, this weird gel helps your body absorb it more effectively than the normal capsule supplement. This goo didn't have a taste or really even a smell, which made mixing it with your drink a very easy way to take it, though it does not dissolve.

New Beauty Test Tube cleansing gel New Beauty Test Tube cleansing gel back

Georgette Klinger Argan Oil Cleansing Gel, 1.7 oz- Retail Value $12.00

This cleanser's main sell is that it has super moisturizing argan oil. I really liked it because it didn't leave my skin feeling overly dry while it removed the makeup and dirt from my day. The scent is just ok, but because this formula does it job so well, I am willing to overlook this. It also has green tea extract which is very soothing.

New Beauty Test Tube leave in conditioner New Beauty Test Tube leave in conditioner back

Hot Tresses Moisturizing Rehab Leave-In, 1.4 fl oz - Estimated Value $7.56 (buy a full size 5 oz here for $27.00)

This is a leave-in conditioner that you use on your damp hair then allow to dry before you style. This product did make my hair less frizzy, but I honestly couldn't get past the smell. It is really odd and just not pleasant.

New Beauty Test Tube sheet mask front New Beauty Test Tube sheetmask back New Beauty Test Tube sheetmask part one New Beauty Test Tube sheetmask part two

BONUS: Mask Me Hydrogel Mask - Retail Value $9.50

This two-piece hydrogel mask set is interesting because the bottom half has hair inhibitors. One side had a felt fabric texture while the other was super sticky but not wet at all. There was absolutely no serum which was weird. The whole experience was just ok. It was a bonus gift included this month from European Wax Center.

Verdict: This box has a value of $232.98. That is a great value for a $38.90 subscription (this price includes shipping). I always adore the super different products that the team curates. They always send high-quality items that I am excited to use and try out. This month my favorite item was without a doubt the Perricone MD serum, but that is no surprise. I love the brand. I enjoyed that really unexpected products like Lumify and the Vitamin C pouches were included because this sub is truly all about experimentation. Although the Birdie and the Hot Tresses Leave-In were both busts for me, everything else totally made up for that! If you enjoy testing out new and exciting beauty products, you can't go wrong with NewBeauty TestTube.

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Make sure to email [email protected] before you order to confirm which box will be your first shipment.

Value Breakdown: At $38.90 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:

  • Lumify $2.00
  • Perricone MD Serum $11.52
  • Doctor Rogers Balm $5.01
  • Toothpaste $1.00
  • Olika Birdie $1.50
  • Pumpkin Mask $7.51
  • Vitamin C Pouches $5.50
  • Cleansing Gel $2.00
  • Leave-In Conditioner $1.26
  • Sheet mask $1.59

Alternatively, each of the 10 items in this box has an average cost of $3.89.

Check out all our NewBeauty TestTube reviews, and the Beauty Subscription Box List!

Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

What do you think of the January/February NewBeauty TestTube?

Starting at $50.15
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New Beauty Test Tube is a beauty and makeup subscription service. Every quarter, they send full size skincare, haircare, and makeup products. A quarterly subscription is $59/quarter or $200.60 for the entire year.

Megan K.
Megan K.
I love natural/vegan beauty products, Korean skincare, unique jewelry, and weird candies from far away places. When I am not waiting for my next exciting box you can find me painting or taking photographs of interesting people. I never leave home without pug hair somewhere on my shirt and a bold lipstick on my smile.

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71 comments

Karen Fernandez

This box looks awesome. Too baby it is sold out 😓

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Amy L

The March/April box contents are up on the new New Beauty Testtube site!! Looks pretty good. Just google New Beauty Testtube.

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Flora

I caved too! I’m a sucker for anything with vitamin C and this box has 2 full size items! I just bought Physicians Formula Vitamin C skin booster shot at Walgreens for $5 off.

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Rebecca

Can you give more detail about the strong unpleasant smell from the hot tresses? I’m really interested in that item. Smells usually don’t bother me but I’m curious how bad/what type of smell it is. Also did it work as far as styling air dried hair? Thanks much!

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Flora

Great review, Megan!
It figures! I read about your glowing comments for Perricone MD after I passed on the deal at Costco (and now it is out of stock of course). I assume 2 full size bottles for $55 is a steal.

https://www.costco.com/Perricone-MD-Vitamin-C-Ester-Brightening-Serum-Duo.product.100463996.html

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Deborah

I Signed up yesterday does anyone know if I will get the Jan. Box I hope so. Their boxes seem to have gotten a lot better though the years

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TC

Ordered this 12 days ago, and no email on shipping, emailed them and No Response, not very Happy

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Preetam Singareddy

Yes me too. I signed up on Jan 20th, I only received an email saying ‘Welcome’
I wrote to them about shipping dates, havent got a response yet to my email.

Kristin

My confirmation email says January I signed up yesterday.

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Kristin

Caved…

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Ms. B

This box is going to be my one and only! They seem to knock it out of the park consistently.
Loving the full size products, idk how they do it!

One product that caught my eye, was the Lumify drops. I had tried it from a bullseye sample box and noticed a heavy feeling in my eyes, headache.
Please be careful when using this product, it has some serious side effects!
https://www.drugs.com/cdi/lumify.html

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Megan Kirkland

Yikes! Good to know Ms. B! I hope your symptoms have gone away. It’s a good thing I wasn’t totally sold on those drops.

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Cp

Hmm so I wonder when they will be changing us for march/April box since they charged us in dec and received our boxes in dec.

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Heathers

I reached out to CS and in the email i asked. I was told Feb 15 would be billing. I didnt start this sub until Dec 29 so dont know if that makes any difference.

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Luna

Hi Megan! Since you love Perricone so much, I thought I’d mention that Marshalls actually carries a lot of Perricone products at a really good discount! Of course, it’s always hit & miss on what they have in stock with those stores, but it could be worth checking out if ever you run out of a Perricone product you love or want to try something new from their line. 🙂

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Megan K.

Thanks for the tip Luna! I haven’t seen any yet, but I also didn’t think to look! I might have to go scout out my Marshall’s tomorrow in depth! I always feel the need to stockpile!

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Mikenzel

Hi just be careful when buying skincare from Marshalls. Make sure to check the expiry date as I have bought expired products before.

Marie

Hi Meghan! I have a question in regards with the the test tube box that were special edition, like the beauty report in fall and can’t remember the name for the summer one, maybe best of beauty.. I haven’t seen one for winter; have they discontinued releasing these? Thx u

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Megan Kirkland

Hi Marie! I honestly am not sure, but let me pick a few brains tomorrow at the office. I will try to get any deets I can! <3

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Diane

I’m constantly looking for there beauty expert or report box! I’m not sure but I don’t think they do a winter one… but I check anyway 😀

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Luna

I’ve seen this question be brought up before, and I’m fairly certain that Beauty Report has only done boxes in the Spring & Fall, and New Beauty does their rewards box in the Summer, but now I’m wondering if I’m just drawing a blank on any Winter boxes since others have been asking about a Winter box. I guess it would make sense that they could have had one since Winter is the only season not represented. 🙂

I just saw today (although it could have already been out for awhile and I’m now just noticing) that New Beauty’s magazine for Winter is now out, so maybe a Winter box could be mentioned in it! I plan on picking up a copy today at the bookstore. 🙂

Michelle

Thanks for the thorough review Megan! Out of curiosity, which Perricone MD product have you had success with decreasing fine lines?

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Megan K.

Hi Michelle! I thought I posted a reply to this but apparently, it didn’t go through! Sorry for making you wait! I really love the Face Firming Serum, though the smell can turn people off. It is pretty strong, so if you have sensitive skin I would try it every other day. My skin takes all sorts of torture, so I do it nightly!

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Megan Kirkland

My favorite would be The Face Firming Serum (which I actually got in the last Test Tube!) It is wildly expensive and I dread when I run out, but it has dramatically improved the texture of my skin and helped with my fine lines. I admittedly don’t have a ton (yet, I’m 32) and I do stay out of the sun and use sunscreen daily, which helps! I would absolutely test out a sample if you can first, some people hate the scent and if you have super sensitive skin it might not agree with you.

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Eliza

This was my first New Beauty box and I LOVE! I also agree that the Birdie is pretty impractical, but it’s so cute I don’t really mind 🙂 Thanks for the review Megan!

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Megan Kirkland

You are welcome Eliza! I appreciate you reading it!

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sam

this books looks fantastic but I am on product overload right now and trying to be good. will definitely keep an eye out for this one.

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Luna

I’m in the same boat…. product overload, but trying to be good. 🙁 I still have a handful of subs I just can’t let go of, because… well, hey(!) I’m not active on a sub box addict site for nothing! 😀 , but even though Test Tube was cut, it was always one of my most favorite subs, and I’m always tempted to resub whenever I see spoilers or reviews of the box. Like Allure & Beautyfix, which were cut from the line up, but I’ve always loved, I think I’ll consider this sub box-by-box, and resub based on spoilers. 🙂

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sam

box not books (dyslexia strikes again)

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Luna

What’s funny is when I read your comment I read it as “box” not “books”. 😀

AmyM

How have I been sleeping on this sub? The value is amazing!

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MissJ

@Megan – to open the Restore all you had to do was use the top. There’s a tip in it specifically to open it. So look on top of the top, lol. Same as Grown Alchemist, same as flea medication, like Frontline, for your animals, etc. etc. No fork necessary!

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Megan Kirkland

I totally looked for one but my top was totally flat and tipless! I thought I was losing my mind honestly.

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MissJ

So weird! I’d hate to open that tube without it. I’ll keep the fork method in mind!

Jessica

The healing balm was the surprise winner for me. It works great on cuticles.

Also, when I first saw the spoiler picture for this box, without the item descriptions, I thought the Birdie was an, ahem, self pleasure device 😳 Somewhat disappointed it wasn’t.

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Megan K.

Not going to lie, I thought that at first too. If you love that sort of thing, the Heart & Honey box is INCREDIBLE!

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Dea

Jessica’s comment posted immediately, but my comment that this box was a solid winner and thank you for the great review hasn’t posted. Interesting.

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michelle

You knock yourself out with that Birdie, Jessica, and please report back. I haven’t tried mine (for any purposes) yet, but another poster mentioned a strong stream! Hahaha.

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Jessica

Can you imagine the explanation to the doctor? 😂 But I appreciate taking this bad joke even further!

Kristine

I’m loving this box since the make over. The last two boxes are killing it. Skipped beautyfix last two months and order 2 of these. Such a great deal. Cant wait to see the March box.

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Megan K.

I can’t wait either. In my dreams it is a monthly box but still just as amazing…

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Gina

This box looks amazing. After the last 2 reviews I just messaged to see which would be my first box.

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Megan K.

The Perricone MD full-size items twice in a row has me SPOILED!

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Dea

This seems like a solid box! Wish I could spare $38 right now. Just the Perricone and Dr. Rogers products would make it worthwhile. Thanks for your review!

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Megan Kirkland

You are welcome Dea! The serum is dreamy!

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Sheila

This sub is a great combination of products for both your inner and external beauty. I love the results I’ve noticed from using Dr. Rogers balm on scabbing (gross, sorry!) issues since a bad recent fall. It’s kinda crazy how certain products just appear at the perfect time.

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Megan Kirkland

It also works on my eczema! I am going to need a bigger tube….

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Diane

I absolutely love this subscription! Best out there 🤗

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Megan K.

Couldn’t agree more!

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Maria

Megan, do you have eyelash extensions? Or are you wearing falsies in that Lumify picture? Your lashes look incredible! What’s your secret? Thanks!

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Megan K.

Hi Maria! You are too sweet. Those are just my natural lashes with mascara. I think the upward angle of the photo is making them look extra impressive. I use Clinique Power Lash and I really love it.

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Maria

Well they look fabulous! I’m always trying new mascaras to help my straight, long but sparse, blonde lashes so thanks for the recommendation!

Cyndi

They sent me a dead tracking number on Dec 19, so I had to ask for an update. They said it will take 2 – 3 weeks to get a replacement to me. I hope I get it, this looks like a really great box.

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Megan K.

I hope you do too, and soon! It was a really fun one. 🙂

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Tlc

I’m surprised to see this is a Jan/feb box…mine arrived prior to Christmas 😊

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Megan K.

Wow! That is so early! What was your favorite thing?

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