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NewBeauty TestTube Subscription Review – March 2021

Megan K.
ByMegan K.Apr 30, 2021 | 34 comments

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 NewBeauty Magazine. It’s a little pricier than other beauty subscriptions, but in general, the value is usually great.

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

About this Beauty Subscription 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 NewBeauty Magazine).

Ships to: The continental U.S. only

Our March 2021 Review

 

Usually, this subscription arrives with a very informative booklet, but it looks like they have gone digital.

Now, on to the items!

 

U Beauty Resurfacing Compound, 10 mL – Estimated Value $49.33 (buy a full size 30 mL for $148.00)

I recently received this in an Allure box and I really liked it a lot! I also liked that loads of before and after images are included on the brand's website that showcases people of different skin tones, types, and ages. Super refreshing! Inside is a combination of performance AHAs. peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, and retinol. Over time, products like this can help minimize pore appearance, smooth skin's texture, and create a glow by helping to remove dead skin cells.

 

Marvis 'Jasmin Mint' Toothpaste, 10 mL - Estimated Value $1.40 (buy a full size 75 mL for $10.50)

I so wish I wasn't someone who only used fluoride toothpaste formulas! I absolutely love this slightly odd and totally addicting mint + jasmine flower flavor. Something about the cool mint and the creamy floral taste really works for me. And the tube is stunning! Maybe I will just start brushing my teeth twice in a row to use this?

 

East 29th Vital Serum,  fl oz - Full Size! Retail Value $69.00

I liked the ingredient list of this product more than I liked it on my face I think. I found it to be a little sticky, despite the slippery gel absorbing pretty fast! Inside there are loads of goodies like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, and green tea extract, but something about the texture was just off for me. I do think I will give this stuff a longer trial, and see if combining it with different moisturizers helps.

 

{save} Skin Care Anti-pollution Sleeping Mask, 30 mL - Retail Value $23.00

This heavy, white cream feels like pure velvet on my skin and is basically a dream if you are prone to dryness. I think I loved this stuff so much (and my skin did too!) mostly due to the bacillus ferment, an ingredient that my skin tends to really respond to for some reason. It is a natural exfoliant that is gentler than most AHAs and also one of those things that creates a silky smooth finish. It is combined with shea, allantoin, and ectoin in this sleep mask to form an ultra-moisturizing and ultra-soothing skin treat.

 

Manna Kadar Sea Minerals Face Mist, 180 mL - Retail Value $19.00

Eh, I thought this mist was just ok. It is no secret that I am not a huge Manna Kadar fan but I am a big toner fan, so I thought maybe this would win me over. The scent reminded me more of hairspray than a facial product, which was the first strike. The second was that this formula includes DMDM Hydantoin, a slightly controversial preservative. It does have portulaca oleracea extract and some allantoin, but this just wasn't for me.

 

Ada Lip Beauty Lip Rally - Retail Value $14.00

I really like when lip scrubs are in a stick form because they are so easy to use and I find them really effective. This one had extra small granules of sugar and smelled like Sweet Tarts! I loved it! The sugar granules were exfoliating and felt great on my lips, getting the job done without being too harsh. And the oils in the stick itself (cocoa seed butter, shea oil, and jojoba oil) leave your lips soft and hydrated after you lick the sugar off!

 

Cosabella Face Mask - Retail Value $18.00

I really liked the dark teal color of this mask. It was a nice alternative to my black masks but I still felt like it matched everything I wore it with. I also thought it fit well, likely due to the pleating and elastic ear loops. Because this mask is made out of the same materials that Cosabella lingerie is made of, it was stretchy and comfortable, and very pretty on.

 

La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum Sample

This was another product that gave me pause after looking at the ingredient list. The fifth ingredient is alcohol denat, something I personally avoid because it makes my already dry skin act out. It does have many other great things inside (vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, adenosine, salicylic acid, and vitamin E) but I have other vitamin C serums to choose from that won't dry me out.

 

I also received this info card for something I am still really confused by. It isn't uncommon for this subscription to include a free or discount card for services that you have to locate a professional to actually enjoy, but this was just a very odd experience that I have yet to unpack. I scanned the code on the back, went to the website directed, then allowed the site to use my camera where I was instructed to point a blue circle at a flat surface.

Then this weird little woman started wandering across my table and dancing before laying down on some sort of treatment table?

The whole thing was so weird and so confusing I don't know if it was just a very... unique marketing card or if there is more?

 

Verdict:  This wasn't my favorite NewBeauty TestTube, but it did feel a lot like a discovery sort of curation. I did enjoy the lip scrub, sleep mask, mask, and resurfacing compound, but the rest was kind of a bust, aside from the magical toothpaste. There usually feels like more of a value inside this subscription, and depending on how you felt about the vital serum, that might still be true for you. I think I am just used to really loving most everything in this Tube that this curation didn't feel like previous ones. Either way, I still calculated a value of at least $193.73 which is great for a $38.90 subscription. This one just wasn't for me.

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes! But these do often sell-out!

Value Breakdown: At $38.90 for this box, each of the 7 items in this box has an average cost of $5.56. I did not include the sample packet or the digital card in this breakdown.

Check out all our NewBeauty TestTube reviews, and some of our other favorite beauty boxes!

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

What do you think of this 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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34 comments

MK88

Aren’t we suppose to have spoilers by now?

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Doreen

They just put up the spoilers on their website. I can’t say I’m super excited about it..

1. Glo skin beauty – anti-stress drops
2. U beauty – the super hydrator
3. Dose & co – unflavored collagen peptides
4. Hello – antibacterial hand sanitizer spray
5. David’s premium natural toothpaste in herbal citrus peppermint
6. Floss – lip advocate (was in the Feb Allure box)
7. Daily concepts – daily exfoliating dual texture scrubber

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Deanne

I feel like an aesthetician would know better than me, but alcohol denat isn’t really an issue for a lot of people and is common; and DMDM Hydantoin- seems to be formaldehyde, is obviously there to give it preserving properties, many off-the-farm serums go bad very fast because there are no preservatives.
I know people are freaking out about ‘clean beauty’ nowadays, but that’s a bit disingenuous and there are many articles explaining why in part it’s a sales gimmick. Our bodies produce formaldehyde naturally, I’m glad the article you linked put it plainly, it’s the dose that makes the poison; but that’s not something many people understand. I don’t like linking the thought that chemicals=bad. Life IS chemicals.
Knowing certain ingredients are known to be carcinogenic or that they cause irritation/sensitivity/allergies is very important and valid, being wary of anything that doesn’t sound ‘all-natural’ is not good science or common sense.
I’m not calling the author out, I’ve just noticed this before in the language and wanted to put this out there so people have more info.

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Linda

NBTT won’t get my money again for the mere fact they told me that I didn’t “order” their NBTT in the Fall of last year while I had proof otherwise. They legit asked me where I ordered their NBTT from. Uh… your website? And then I had to get a chargeback on my bank account. No matter what they’re selling, I won’t buy when you treat a customer like that and said customer provided proof of said purchase. There are far too many subscription boxes out there and I’m glad for that.

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TestTube

Linda,

Thanks for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry your experience didn’t match your expectations. It was an uncommon instance and we’ll do better in the future!

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jenny

Just as an FYI, the mask, while pretty, does not pass the “candle” test: I could easily blow a candle out while wearing it, so it is best used as a pretty “top coat” for a disposable mask.

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Anna

Mine was pink and looked like panties so I can’t make myself wear it

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Deanne

Same! I got a good laugh out of it, but I’m not wearing lingerie over my face to the grocery store LOL!

Amy

You could brush with the toothpaste and then do a fluoride rinse/mouthwash after!

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TestTube

Thank you for the great tip, Amy!

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Cheryl Zaccone

I keep lookiing to get another Test Tube Beauty but they are not great. I was subscribed probably in 2019 and got amazing products. I cancelled due to $$ but always look to see if there is month that is worth the money, and so far none have been great.

This one is just awful.

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TestTube

Cheryl,

We’re sorry this TestTube was a miss for you! Your feedback helps us get better, we hope you love the next one we release in July ☺️

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Sarah

I know people have mentioned issues with cancelling, but if you call they are VERY responsive. I know we hate talking to humans these days, but they really have been great when I have spoken to them.

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TestTube

Thank you so much for your comment Sarah 💛We appreciate you sharing your experience.

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shakingmyhead

I would advise getting the name of the person you talked to and a confirmation number when canceling if calling. I would email as well. I did get the customer service rep name and confirmation number and even then they still tried to tell me I didn’t cancel. The male I talked to was so rude. Very bad experience and I would never sign up for this again.

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Carol

I wish that fluoride toothpastes came in more interesting flavors.

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Milena

Hello has a matcha flouride toothpaste that is very interesting!

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Snow

Lady on the table, uh say what? I guess it’s some sort of body shaping device? I’ll stick to my sit ups lol.

I agree with you, Megan, this box seems a little off this time. The U beauty and Manna Kadar products I received in other subs (and yes that toner spray legit has a hair spray smell to it.)

Loving the lip scrub and that mask has definite lingerie vibes (I’m not complaining!)

And yes, I too would definitely brush my teeth twice (once with fluoride) just to use that jasmin mint toothpaste lol.

Fun review, Megan! 😊

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Cassandra

You got a pretty mask. Mine was a yellow/green color. I wish they pick more wearable colors. I bought an annual sub but i emailed them right away to cancel after the year and got a reply that i am unsubscribed after the year i paid for.

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Christy

Hi Megan,

I have a question about the resurfacing compound. Is it a serum? Is it an extra to add to your skincare routine? Just curious about how to use it.

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Colleen

According to the u beauty website, you should only use this product ( in the am and pm) and no others for 2 weeks. And especially do not exfoliate. I imagine it would be ok to put a moisturizer on top of it.

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Snow

I use this product and have no issues with extra exfoliation. I can’t say I’ve noticed anything different since adding it into my routine (in the evening.) Definitely use a moisturizer on top.

PA

Be warned: if you choose to sign up for this subscription, it is impossible to cancel. And I don’t mean it’s really difficult, I actually mean impossible. I’ve been trying to cancel this subscription for 6+ months and have a dispute with my credit card company over the matter. The credit card company even informed me that even though they put a stop on payments from NewBeauty, that NewBeauty still repeatedly tried to push my order through. The company is impossible to reach via email or phone

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TestTube

PA,

We always aim to deliver a great experience, and we are gutted when we don’t meet expectations. Thanks for taking the time to bring this to our attention. Please contact us at [email protected] or call our team at 888-974-6042. We’ll work with you to resolve any issues as quickly as possible.

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Amy

I had a similar experience trying to cancel last year. Total nightmare. Sounds like it’s hit or miss when speaking to customer service, too—I had super long wait times by phone and not terribly helpful or pleasant reps; email was even worse. This one isn’t worth the headache for me.

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DST

I had to cancel twice, both times via email-got response within 24 hours, no issues there. But, I ordered Free Gift Friday, got shipping email on April 14, USPS is showing “Currently Awaiting Package”, I emailed TT a week ago-no response, called few days ago and was told that supervisor will contact me on my email with solution- silence! NOTHING! I had to pay only $9 for shipping, but still, if they charged me, I expect to receive my order.

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Cindy

This is why I always use a prepaid cc for subscriptions. I’ve had to contact my bank one time too many to have charges reversed.

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Whitney Earl

Leave an externally negative review/ comment on the BETTER BUSINESS BEREAU!! I did that with another sub box . I’d been canceled from Lola box for 2 YEARS and all of a sudden I was charged TWICE for 2 sub boxes and TWICE for shipping for those boxes and I was dumbfounded. I emailed them, nothing. Tried logging into my account that I’d canceled, could not even log in, but yet they charged me and resubscribed me to not just 1 box monthly, but 2. So I took the advice of a friend and left a honest, negative review on the BBB and within 18 hours, the head honcho at Lola box emailed me and asked what they needed to do for me to take my review down! I said refund all of my money, and remove me from ALL FUTURE subscriptions. They did and I removed the review, but not the rating. I also canceled that debit card with my bank. I tell everyone who has any problems with companies that are scandalous, to do just this. Good luck and thank you for the warning.

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Christina F.

They cancelled mine right away. I believe I did it through email. (probably about a year ago.)

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Pam

I’ve subbed and cancelled at least 4 different times now with no issues.

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Anne

weird – same here. knock on wood…

Diamond

Report them to the BBB!

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Cheryl

Try calling 888-974-6042. I just spoke with them and only had to hold for about 30 seconds.

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Ivy

Wow… just another word of caution to add to that for potential subscribers: I liked the subscription but ending up canceling because the account log-in just stopped working. I tried for multiple months and reached out to them every few weeks and kept getting a response that there was a site issue that would be fixed soon. Eventually I did end up canceling because Im not willing to be unable to update my account info if needed— somehow I was able to do over email, but I hate any site that doesn’t let you cancel at your discretion via your account (instead of over email/phone). Good luck!!

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