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Macy’s Beauty Box Review – January 2020

Marne Orenich
ByMarne OrenichJan 24, 2020 | 35 comments

Macy's Beauty Box
3.5 overall rating
95 Ratings | 23 Reviews

Macy’s Beauty Box is a monthly beauty subscription box that sends you deluxe product samples of skincare, makeup, fragrances, and beauty tools for $15.00/month. Plus, you also get a $5.00 beauty coupon for use at Macy's in-store and online.

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

About Macy's Beauty Box

The Subscription Box: Macy’s Beauty Box

The Cost: $15.00/month + free shipping

The Products: Each month you will receive five deluxe beauty samples, a collectible cosmetics bag or beauty tool, and a $5.00 beauty coupon exclusively for Beauty Box subscribers, available for use at Macy's online and in-store.

Ships to: The 48 contiguous United States. The Macy's Beauty Box cannot be shipped to PO Boxes, APO/FPO/GPO address, Hawaii, Alaska or U.S. Territories at this time.

Macy's Beauty Box January 2020 Review

 

Each box comes with a fold-out card detailing the items included, a pro tip, and your $5.00 beauty coupon code to be used at Macy's stores or online.

 

Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, 0.5 oz. - Estimated Retail Value $10.50 (Buy a full-size 1 oz. for $21.00)

This jar is a really nice trial size for this gel-cream. I love the pale pink color and it feels so light and cooling when I spread it on my face. Gel-creams like this are packed with hydration but especially in the winter, my skin is used to heavier oils and this leaves my skin wanting even more hydration. For me, this would be better suited for the summertime.

 

Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum, 0.33 oz. - Estimated Retail Value $16.17 (Buy the full-size 1 oz. for $49.00)

I've been a long-time fan of Caudalie products but haven't tried this serum before now. Macy's has sent a somewhat larger sample size than I'd expect which is nice. This will go on before moisturizer in the morning and at night and contains powerful ingredients like olive squalane to heal and smooth skin, hyaluronic acid to plump, and organic grape water to moisturizer while soothing. This serum has a nice slip to it and has the consistency of a thinner moisturizer. It quickly penetrates the skin and gets it ready for the rest of my routine. There is also little to no fragrance which I always find to be a good idea.

 

AHAVA Deadsea Water Mineral Hand Cream in Sea Kissed, 1.3 oz. - Estimated Retail Value $5.43 (Buy a full-size 3.4 oz. for $24.00)

This is the perfect time of year to stock up on hand creams. My paws get extra dry in the winter so I need to moisturize constantly and keep tubes of product in my purse, my car, and around the house. This cream from AHAVA is super whipped and feels soft and hydrating right away. The sea kissed scent is light and pleasant and dissipates over a few minutes. The cream is a little oily while it penetrates the skin, but does make my hands feel a lot less tight.

 

Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment, 0.17 oz. - Estimated Retail Value $14.45 (Buy a full-size 1 oz. for $85.00)

I am no stranger to Sunday Riley products and that goes for Good Genes as well. The first thing I love about this product is the light lemony scent it has. This little tube contains a lactic acid treatment that will chemically exfoliate dead skin on the surface to make way for fresh new skin that looks brighter. It will also help with fine lines by plumping. I've used this as an overnight treatment for a couple of days now but you can also use it as a 15 minute mask for sensitive skin. Be sure to not use this more than 3 times a week since it's an exfoliant so you don't overdo it with your skin.

 

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex, 0.1 oz. - Estimated Retail Value $12.40 (Buy a full-size 0.5 oz. for $62.00)

The consistency of this eye cream is glorious. It's quite rich and feels like it's going to make some changes to my eyes, ya know? It also has a smooth powdery finish to it that makes it seem super luxurious. I've used this for a few nights and even put some on my BF, with no physical results yet but the ritual is nice and it includes something called chronoluxcb which helps promote skin’s natural repair process. Over time this eye cream aims to brighten dark circles, decrease fine lines, and help reduce puffiness. I'll be keeping an eye on this one...

 

Burberry Her Blossom Eau de Toilette, bonus sample

This smells sort of standard florally to me. Not really up my alley. Its main notes are peony and plum blossom, with some citrus and musk mixed in. It is inspired by the city of London and aims to "capture the adventurous and bold spirit of the city."

 

Versace Eros Flame Eau de Parfum, bonus sample

This one is quite a bit spicier than the other perfume sample and made for "him" although anyone who likes it can give it a whirl. It has notes of black pepper, wild mountain rosemary, pepperwood, patchouli, vetiver, and citrus. This one isn't really for me either, so I'll be passing it to a friend.

 

Jade Roller

Ah yes, the jade roller. I have many of these already so I keep passing them on to girlfriends as I receive more. It does still delight me to receive tools in a beauty box though since its something I'll have for a long time and won't run out like a sample size of product would. If you're not familiar, this roller is made with jade and has two sides for smaller and larger areas of the face. These can be even more beneficial for reducing puffiness if popped in the refrigerator before use so that they're nice n' chilly. You can use this alone on a clean face, or with your favorite oil for a bit of slip. Simply roll the jade upwards and outwards along your face to stimulate circulation and reduce inflammation. Always remember to clean your roller before and after each use so that you're not transferring any ickiness to your skin. If you want a more in-depth look, check out our past how-to here!

Verdict: My first Macy’s Beauty Box was full of great products by some classic brands that have been around a while. I thought most of the sizes they sent were nice and substantial which is great to see and I loved getting a beauty tool like the jade roller even though I already have one. The fragrance samples didn't add anything for me personally, but they're a cool bonus for those who like to experiment with new scents. Overall, I estimate this box to have a retail value of $58.95 even without the jade roller which can have a value of at least $10. I'd say this is well worth the $15 to check out expensive beauty products at a more palatable price.  

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Check this page to double-check what you'll receive when you sign up. As of publication, it looks like March will be your first box.

Value Breakdown: At $15.00 for this box, here is what you are paying approximately per item:

  • Moisture Surge: $2.67
  • Thirst-Quenching Serum: $4.11
  • Hand Cream: $1.38
  • Good Genes: $3.68
  • Eye Cream: $3.16

Alternatively, each of the 7 items has an average cost of $2.14.

Check out all of our Macy's Beauty Box reviews and take a peek at some of our other favorite beauty subscription boxes!

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

Do you subscribe to Macy’s Beauty Box? What do you think of January?

Starting at $15.00
Subscribe Now

Each month you will receive five deluxe beauty samples, one bonus item, and other beauty-related products. You'll also receive a $5 off $20+ beauty coupon exclusively for Beauty Box subscribers, available for use online and in-store.

Marne Orenich
Marne Orenich
Marne is a lipstick connoisseur, record collector, and twice over cat mom. She loves discovering new clean beauty brands and has quite the collection of beautifully packaged serums and moisturizers.

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35 comments

Mimosa

Hi Marne, thank you for the terrific review. I so wish that Macy’s would expand its delivery destinations – would love to be able to get this box (without having to pay a freight forwarder another $60).

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Beth

I get excited when I see my macys box in mail. It always it the first subscription i get in the beginning of the month. The sizes of samples are always good any their makeup bags are always a great size and pretty. I also love that if they do not put a bag in box they always add something very nice instead. I do love most of the items they add each month from highend brands which is amazing. My only issue is I have seen most items before. They don’t really add any brand new products or brands very often. If I unsubscribed thats when the best box ever comes out too. Don’t need this box AT ALL but I want .

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Melanie

I was really looking forward to this one, but unfortunately UPS lost my package. Macy’s couldn’t provide me a replacement. Bummed. That hand lotion is wonderful was looking forward to trying the other products.

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Marne Orenich

Oh no! Did you get refunded?

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Cindy

I wish I was getting this box!

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Christa H.

Oh shoots! Just checked my Macy’s account and I actually re-subscribed right after Christmas, so I didn’t get January but will be getting February ❤

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Cynthia

Why are you teasing everyone with January’s box when if you sign up now, you’ll receive March’s? Not cool!!!

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Erica

If you subscribed the box today, you’d get March. It states it on their website when you subscribe. It’s not MSA’s fault. They’re being kind enough to review it for us. I am thankful for that.

BE THE FIRST IN LINE FOR
MACY’S BEAUTY BOX
To get your March Beauty Box

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Megan K.

Hey Cynthia! We review this box every month, and sadly this is a bag where the spoilers aren’t released until after the bag ships. We don’t have early access to this box and have to wait to review it when it arrives in the mail. I am guessing February might have sold out since the Macy’s site is listing March as the next one new subscribers can expect. Hope this helps! 🙂

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Julie

It’s Macy’s policy to not spoil contents until it is too late to sign up. Not MSA’s fault, they just review boxes.

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Liz L.

Is Macy’s not including a little make-up bag anymore? I have never been a subscriber of Macy’s subscription box but I read the reviews on them every month. I think it’s kind of disappointing because I thought they always included the cutest little bags.

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Nan

Those bags were my favorites! I liked that they were so varied.

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Cheryl Hicks

Personally, I’m on bag overload so I would rather only get them occasionally and get various H&B items instead. The compact we received in one of the recent boxes was gorgeous. I would much rather have that as it gets a lot more use than a bag, for me anyway.

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Jynxx

I agree! Bags are great but when you get them (multiple, even) every month they really start to pile up and lose any excitement value. An occasional, nice bag would be nicer than every month. Ipsy seems to think we use one bag for each item that we own.

Julie

I love that compact. December was a really great box.

Julie

There is a bag occasionally, just not every month. Check out December’s bag! It was super cute, went straight into my purse as my new makeup bag and has not shed one piece of glitter! Very cute and well made!

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Pooja

Wow.. such a solid box..

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Mellissa

Your “Ah, yes, the jade roller” made me laugh. How many of these things did they make? 🤣

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Marne Orenich

1 bajillion, I believe? 😉

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Melissa

I’m fancy. I received a rose quartz roller in one of my boxes. Or maybe I’m not fancy. Rose quartz is probably more common than jade. Lol!

Cheryl Hicks

I love the Macy’s boxes! I always use the coupon they include and I find at least one new item that’s a game changer in every box. In this one it’s the Estee Lauder eye cream. I have tried so many and this is the only one that has made a dramatic difference in the appearance of puffiness and fine lines. I will be using my coupon on a full size, for sure.

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Mel

Nice box! If I wasn’t on overload already, I’d subscribe.

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Amy in KC

This looks like a nice box!

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Julie

I’ve only had it for about 6 months, but have been consistently happy. Wish I had subscribed sooner!

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Michelle Whitehead

I miss it too but not 1 cosmetic item just all skincare? I would have been dissappointed.

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Denise Atkinson

I’m waiting for the spoiler for next month should be any time now…. I like these and close to a Macy’s so I can use the card, but I bought more when the shipping was free. They shot themselves in the foot there I feel because I bought a LOT of the beauty specials because of the free shipping.

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Kim

I agree. the free shipping was an amazing perk. I don’t buy as much there anymore for that reason. And I love that Clinque power surge.

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Erica

I’m impatiently waiting too!!

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Grace J Mock

I agree on the fact that the really screwed up when the d/c the free shipping on beauty items. It was in January of last year. I always used the use the 5 coupon on the gel NYX eyeliners. They stay in my waterline extremely well and last all day for the fraction of some higher end ones. I also was disappointed when they stopped sending the beauty bags every month because they were made insanely well. I have found it hard to actually find where to buy really nice quality makeup bags. I have the one that was long and skinny with two closed eyelids and writing on it holding all my different colored liners, a rose gold one, a sequin one, and a few others that I use from them all the time that were from when the sub box was first launched. They all have a nice inner lining as well. Now the only time I seem to be able to get really nice bags like that are when Ulta offers the makeup bags with samples if you spend x amount of dollar promotions. The last one was a half fabric half sequin one before Christmas if you spent $125. Luckily they had some really cool deals for platinum members that made me reach that mark (I probably won’t ever make platinum status again till I seriously pay down that credit card, LOL) But I did notice over time with the Macy’s sub that they did tend to send repeats often. The value for what you pay is decent, but from when I first jumped on the sub box bandwagon almost 2 years ago, I was getting Macy’s, Allure, Birchbox, Ipsy, Ricky’s Cult Crush, Lola beauty (before the went chapter 11), Sephora play, and Boxy Charm, I have plenty of sample size items from going overboard, (I confess I’m a makeup junkie, LOL) now I would much rather receive full size items items for my money and save those sample items for friends if they need something in a pinch or to put away to travel with or if it’s something that I know will not work out for me or my skintone or condition, i will donate it to my local women’s domestic violence shelter or group home for teens and young adults with mental health issues like depression and stuff. When i first learned how to do my own makeup 2 years ago at 42, it made a huge difference in my life. I myself struggle with depression, anxiety, and weight issues and never had friends and people would make comments about my weight when I was out grocery shopping and doing other things. Now when I go out I am confident and strong and instead of getting comments about my weight, I get COMPLIMENTS from people on how beautiful I look, they ask where I went for cosmetology and do I do it for a living, and I am completely self taught thru expirementation, watching YouTube videos, and get a makeover at Ulta 2 years ago when I went to go visit my best friend that I had not seen in 13 years. She wanted to get the makeover at Ulta as our ‘girls’ time together like we used to do when we were younger that now as a single mom of 2 autistic children she was no longer able to do. She was the one that thought it would push me into believing in myself and it was a total game changer for me. Now I just get BoxyCharm, BoxyLuxe, and BoxyPremium. I am trying to save for another vacation to go back to see her again within the next 2 years. I have even sent her some of the eyeshadow palettes I have received that were too neutral for me (I love bold colors, jewel tones, etc) to keep her supplied with makeup since she can’t afford it with her kids so it’s a win win for the both of us. I still may not have any friends around where I live, but I have 1 best friend that has always been there and always will be and knew exactly what I needed to be the person I used to be before my dibillating depression, anxiety and other health issues, that turned my life around, ALL THRU THE POWER AND LOVE OF MAKEUP!!!!!

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Mimosa

Hi Grace, thanks for the inspiring account! I absolutely believe that despite them being a luxury, makeup and skincare can have really positive mental health benefits. I don’t know if I’ve ever heard of anyone with such a wonderfully transformative experience before, but my own experience would be close. Hope you stay well, happy and beautiful!

bdubs

I keep seeing free shipping on $25 regularly. It takes a little bite out of it.

I used last month’s $5 in store at the MAC counter. They had eyeliners for 40% off ($20 regular) so the added $5 off was nice.

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Margo

I used the $5 coupon on the Macy’s advent calendar when it’s price dropped to 39.99, along with a gift card. Ended up paying about twelve dollars out of pocket. Even better- it delivered Thursday, and the price had dropped again, to 29.99, so I used the $15 coupon in the advent to order a second advent to gift my sons gf!

Marne Orenich

Ahhh! Thanks for the reminder, I always forget that they have a MAC counter!

Christa H.

I miss the Macy’s box, but had to cut back $$$

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