Shape Magazine is a magazine that covers health, fitness, beauty, and everything in between. They recently released a Beauty Lab Summer Box, and MSA snagged one to review.
This review is for Shape Beauty Lab Summer 2021 Box which is now sold out. You can sign up here to get notified when they release their next box.
My Subscription Addiction purchased this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
About the Shape Magazine Beauty Box
The Box: Shape Beauty Lab Box
The Cost: $44.99. This is a one-time purchase and not a subscription.
The Products: 21 coveted products for wellness-minded women
Ships to: The US for $5
Good to Know: This is not a subscription box. Additionally, when I checked out Shape said the box may take as long as 4-6 weeks to arrive. Luckily, this shipped out much faster than that estimated wait time!
Shape Beauty Lab Summer 2021 Beauty Box Review
1 of 2
As you can see, this box actually sent an individual info sheet for each product. Rather than have one massive photo gallery here with endless scrolling, the info sheet for each product is grouped with that item's product photography. Now let's dive in!
1 of 2
Batiste Volumizing Dry Shampoo, 50 ml x 2 - Retail Value $7.98 ($3.99 each)
I don't really use dry shampoo that often, but I love that instead of a huge bottle this box sent two trial sizes- it's easier for me to share with a friend, and it's handy to have around on the few occasions I do need some help with an oily scalp. I also tested this on dry hair to see if it really did add volume, and I definitely noticed a little bit of lift at my roots!
1 of 2
BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner, 1 oz - Retail Value $80.00
I actually had this serum in my stash after receiving it in my Ipsy Glam Bag Plus subscription, but getting it in this box meant it was time to open a bottle up. This serum is made with 20% L-Ascorbic Acid (a highly sought-after form of vitamin C), and it also has squalane and green tea. The ingredients list is rather short (only eight ingredients), and I was surprised by the texture of this serum-it's very silicone-heavy, and also slightly gritty? It still absorbed into my skin with ease, but this formula is one I would be conscientious of layering too much because of pilling concerns. My skin can be pretty sensitive to vitamin C, but I haven't experienced any irritation with using this. In terms of actual results, you need to use a vitamin C serum for 4-6 weeks, but I like that this was hydrating and not sticky and since it didn't irritate my skin, I can give it a go for the next few weeks to see if I can notice a difference in the evenness of my skin tone.
1 of 3
Bella Spirit Self Tanning Bronzing Drops, 2 oz - Retail Value $60.00
I see Chaz Dean with the sneaky marketing- even though this isn't branded as Wen, both brands come from the same person. I don't really care too much about looking tan, but even if I did, these bronzing drops are not ones I would recommend- I didn't notice a difference in the color of my legs after multiple uses even though I only applied it to one leg so I could easily compare. I washed my hands after using this and I didn't have any orange residue staining my knuckles or hands the way other tanning products have, but other than that I am pretty meh about this.
1 of 2
Bogavia Firming Body Serum, 6 oz - Retail Value $38.00
This firming body serum is definitely one of the most lightweight body products I have ever tried- it's perfect for summer. Made with green coffee beans, sea algae, hyaluronic acid, and rosehip, this absorbed super fast while still leaving my skin feeling soft.
1 of 2
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Sheer Tint SPF 30, 1.7 oz - Retail Value $16.99
I wanted to love this sunscreen so bad- it's affordable, it's gone viral on TikTok, and I just really love sunscreen. Alas, this was, quite frankly, a disaster. The tint is too dark for my fair skin, but I don't think this would work well for those with deep complexions, either. It was hard to rub in all the way, and when I used the proper amount (1/4 teaspoon for your face and neck), it left me looking orange. I tried applying it two different ways but this just was a big fail.
@letthemsparkle Tik tok loves it but my skin doesn’t #spffail #ceravesunscreen #ceravemineralsunscreen #mineralsunscreen #shapebeautylabbox #subscriptionbox
1 of 2
Degree Apple & Gardenia Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant, 3.8 oz - Retail Value $6.99
I'm a Secret Outlast Extend kind of gal, but I'll never say no to getting an antiperspirant in a subscription box. This is a heavily fragranced deodorant- I wore it before going to work out, and when I was halfway up a rock climbing wall I got a strong whiff of that floral, fruity scent. It did its job by keeping me dry and smelling nice, and the dry spray is a cooling blast to my underarms that made for a pleasant application.
1 of 3
FOAMIE® Aloe You Very Much Shampoo Bar, 2.8 oz - Retail Value $9.70
My hair is really picky with shampoos, and I have had even less luck with shampoo bars- but this worked really well for me! I have dry hair, and while most shampoos dry my hair out this left my hair feeling clean but not like it was stripped of moisture. I appreciate that this comes with a loop already attached so it's easy to hang up when I am not using it- that should help prolong it since it won't be sitting in water!
1 of 3
Fortify+ Protecting Facial Mist, 2.87 oz - Retail Value $9.99
This mist is pretty neat- it's designed to hydrate your skin while also slowing the growth of acne-causing micro-organisms (aka, it's perfect to wear under your face mask). The spray is alcohol-free and is made with aloe, hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica, and zeolite, and it didn't irritate my sensitive skin. I am happy to have this product now, but man would it have been handy to have this a year ago.
1 of 4
Grande Cosmetics GrandePRIMER Pre-Mascara Lengthener & Thickener, 10 ml - Retail Value $25.00
I have yet to try a Grande Cosmetics products that I actually liked, and this primer didn't do much to change my mind. When I used it underneath my regular mascara it clumped really easily, really fast, and I didn't actually notice much of a difference in the length and thickness of my lashes. I applied this to only one eye and applied my mascara sans primer to the other eye, but when it was all said and done I couldn't really tell much of a difference.
1 of 3
Hello Activated Charcoal Fluoride Free Toothpaste, 4 oz - Retail Value $5.99
I am a big believer in fluoride in my toothpaste, but this toothpaste by Hello is actually my favorite one out of all of the fluoride-free ones I’ve tried. I’ve already gone through a full-size tube of this stuff, and I saw a noticeable difference in the whiteness of my teeth. I also appreciate that this leaves my mouth feeling minty fresh- I love that about toothpaste, but not all of the more natural kinds of toothpaste deliver on that. The biggest drawback of this one is that the charcoal makes this toothpaste black, so you’ll definitely need to rinse your sink after every use if you like your bathroom looking neat and tidy.
1 of 3
impress Color Press-On Manicure in Pick Me Pink - Retail Value $6.99
I actually have my natural nails grown out to be a touch longer than these fake nails, but while I couldn't use them today I have used these multiple times in the past. My least favorite thing about fake nails is using the nail glue (making sure to use the right amount, letting it dry for a second but not for too long...), and these solve that problem because they come with adhesive backs on the nails- just peel the plastic covering off, press, and you're good to go for 3-5 days (that's how long they lasted on me, at least). The light pink shade of this set is really pretty, too.
1 of 3
Invisibobble® Power in Crystal Clear, 3 ct - Retail Value $7.99
I have loved Invisibobble for years, even though lately I have been in a silk scrunchie phase. Since I have a lot of curly hair I buy the Power instead of the regular when I buy these for myself, so I was really happy that was what was sent in this box. The hold is strong and doesn't snag in my curls, and when the spiral gets too stretched out from use I can pour some hot water over them to shrink them. I prefer to use these when I am working out because I can rely on the spiral to keep my hair out of my face, but I will happily use them for any hair tie needs. Can you tell I'm really pleased I receive something so practical and useful in this box?
1 of 2
Mediheal W.H.P Brightening & Hydrating Charcoal Mask - Retail Value $1.99
I absolutely love sheet masks, and I really enjoy the ones made by Mediheal. The sheet mask material is made from charcoal (so it is a fun black color instead of your typical white or translucent), and the serum features niacinamide, acai extract, natto gum, and centella asiatica. I found this sheet mask to be incredibly hydrating, and the sheet mask fit my face well.
1 of 2
Purlisse Blue Lotus Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30 Sunscreen, 1.7 oz - Retail Value $45.00
Purlisse isn't really a brand that excites me- maybe they're in subscription boxes *too* often? That being said, this moisturizer with SPF was surprisingly lovely. It absorbed just like a regular moisturizer (that is to say, quickly with no white cast) and had a slight sunscreen-y scent, and along with chemical sunscreen filters providing SPF 30 protection the formula also has algae extract, blue lotus extract, white tea, and vitamin E. When using this I paired it with heavier serums but not an actual moisturizer underneath, and using this as a combo moisturizer and SPF was more than enough moisture for my dry skin.
@letthemsparkle Trying out the @purlisse #spf #spfeveryday #dailysunscreen #dailyspf #spfismybff #sunscreenisimportant #sunscreenreview
1 of 3
SeneGence® ShadowSense® in Ballet Slipper, 0.2 oz - Retail Value $22.00
SeneGence® ShadowSense® in Bella Cream, 0.2 oz - Retail Value $22.00
SeneGence is a multi-level marketing company, and I don't love to see those types of brands in boxes like these. That being said, I've still been curious to try this brand out. I actually wish the lip products had been sent instead because I've heard some positive reviews but will not buy them myself. Also, I think these pink shades would have been better suited for lip colors than eyeshadows? I digress. These are matte cream-to-powder liquid eyeshadows that have a doe-foot applicator, making them easy to apply. The color starts off a bit sheer when I am applying it to my eyes, but the color easily builds up. I didn't use a primer while wearing these and didn't have issues with creasing, and while an all-pink eyeshadow look isn't what I would normally create, the finished look was actually pretty alright.
Here are the swatches.
1 of 2
Here I am wearing the shade Ballet Slipper all over my eyes, the shade Bella Cream as a liner, the Grande Cosmetics primer on my left eye only (well, technically my right eye but when you're looking at the photo it's the eye on the left), and the CeraVe sunscreen all over my face.
@letthemsparkle GRWM featuring #shapebeautylabbox #grwm #grwmmakeup #makeuptutorial #subscriptionbox #makeuphowto #CompleteMyLook #selfcaretiktok
1 of 3
Skintimate Bloom™ Razor - Retail Value $7.99
I am genuinely happy whenever I see razors in a subscription box- I hate buying them, but my legs won’t shave themselves this summer. This razor has four blades and an aloe strip, and I was able to get a really close shave without accidentally cutting myself. I shaved my legs with this razor before trying the tanning drops and wen body lotion, and I’m happy with how soft and smooth my legs were when it was all said and done.
1 of 2
StriVectin SD Advanced™ PLUS Intensive Moisturizing Concentrate, 2 oz - Retail Value $79.00
You know those products or brands that keep randomly popping up like the universe is trying to tell you something? It feels like I’ve been experiencing that with StriVectin (I tried a sample through the Macy’s Mother’s Day box, liked it, and then a few days later won an Instagram giveaway for a few of their products). Now in this box is the full size of their expensive stretch mark cream. I’ve had stretch marks since I was a teenager, and while there are tons of things I feel self-conscious about with my body, stretch marks have been a part of me for so long that they're not one of them. That doesn’t mean I’m not interested in what this cream can do for them, though. This features a collagen complex, copper peptides, and marine ferment- talk about a plethora of fancy ingredients. I definitely think I would need to use this entire tube before I could reasonably expect to see results, but I do really appreciate this box sending the full-size.
1 of 2
Swash™ Free & Clear Laundry Detergent, 30 oz - Retail Value $15.99
Score- another practical item that my household has already gotten a lot of use out of! I actually don't have a washer and dryer in my apartment- I have the hookups, but grown-up appliances are expensive and I always hated doing laundry so I was loathed to spend the money on something that would make a new chore for me. Of course, I still get laundry done, I just send it out (there's this neat service that will pick up my laundry from my doorstep, wash it, fold it, and return it in 24 hours- I love it). My boyfriend, on the other hand, sometimes wants to do laundry when he stays at my place, so he started taking advantage of the laundry facilities on the apartment property and using this laundry detergent, too. I didn't learn this until I sat down to write this review, but Swash was actually created by the Whirlpool Corporation, so they really know what a laundry detergent should be doing. This is an ultra-concentrated formula that means you only need a small amount (you squeeze the bottle and it will self-dispense the proper amount), and it is free from all fragrances and dyes. This just leaves our clothes smelling (and looking) clean, and it's convenient to use and a lot less bulky than other detergents. We haven't tried this out on any super heavy-duty stains, but for regular loads, it has been working like a charm.
1 of 2
Vichy Mineral 89 Booster Serum, 0.33 oz - Estimated Value $6.66 (buy the 1 oz version for $19.99
I was actually a little surprised that this item was a deluxe sample size instead of full considering so many of the more expensive items were full-size. I'm not mad, though. This serum is just a basic hydrating serum, but I don't mean basic as a bad thing- I think everyone should have a simple hydrating serum in their stash that can be used for quick and easy routines or layered in more complex routines. This fits the bill! It's a lightweight gel-like serum that absorbs into my skin quickly, and the formula is 89% Vichy Volcanic Water paired with hyaluronic acid. The ingredients list is short and sweet, and this serum is all around pretty solid.
1 of 2
WEN 319® Ultra Nourishing Intensive Body Treatment, 3 oz - Retail Value $40.00
WEN 319 is another brand associated with Chaz Dean, but other than not being the biggest fan of the brand owner, this body lotion was fantastic for me. It was deeply hydrating without being so thick it wouldn't absorb, and it left my skin feeling super soft. This has no added fragrance and has ingredients like arnica, aloe, and oat kernel extract. I think the $40 price point for 3 ounces is just silly, but considering it came in an affordable (and jam-packed!) box like this, I'm happy to have it. I used this with the Bella Spirit Tanning Drops not knowing the brands were related, but it was the perfect base to mix the tanning drops into.
1 of 5
YENSA Pink Lotus Peptide Renewal Eye Cream, 0.5 oz - Retail Value $48.00
I don't get excited about receiving eye creams in boxes just because they last *so* long- it is impossible for me to actually finish a jar or tube, especially since you only need a small amount. What I may start doing is just using eye creams all over my face and seeing how that works, but that's something to attempt another time. On this eye cream, in particular, I love that it has a squeeze tube with a nozzle tip- it's much more sanitary than a jar, and also it's easier to get the right amount you need. The formula has the essences and extracts of eight different pink botanicals (pink lotus, peony, and cherry blossom are a few) that are full of antioxidants, and it also has peptides to help with firmness, fine lines, and wrinkles. I like this eye cream- it's not too heavy but still feels moisturizing, and it layers well under makeup.
Verdict: This box was absolutely a knockout- sign me up for the next one. Along with having an awesome assortment of full-size products, including some I would consider being more higher-end, the products themselves all felt like they worked in this curation. None of the items are going to expire soon so it doesn't feel like this was a product dump to get rid of old product (we all know sometimes mystery boxes or curated sets have that feeling), and I appreciate the attention to detail like the individual info sheets and the laundry detergent coming securely wrapped in a plastic bag, so on the off-chance it leaked it wouldn't ruin the other products. Plus, everything except the Vichy and Batiste products was full-size- that seems almost crazy to me considering the relatively low price of $44.99 for a box that sent 21 products. Was every single item in this box a win for me? No, but the overwhelming majority were, and I am more than satisfied with that. Value-wise, Shape Beauty Lab promised a retail value of $550, and my math adds up to $564.25- that's more than ten times the cost of the box!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you order today? No- this is now sold out. You can sign up here to get notified when they release their next box.
Value Breakdown: At $44.99 for this box, here is what you are paying per item:
- Batiste: $0.64 ($0.32 each)
- BeautyStat: $6.38
- Bella Spirit: $4.78
- Bogavia: $3.03
- CeraVe: $1.35
- Degree: $0.56
- FOAMIE: $0.77
- Fortify+: $0.80
- Grande Cosmetics: $1.99
- Hello: $0.48
- impress: $0.56
- Invisibobble: $0.64
- Mediheal: $0.16
- Purlisse: $3.59
- SeneGence Ballet Slipper: $1.75
- SeneGence Bella Cream: $1.75
- Skintimate: $0.64
- StriVectin: $6.32
- Swash: $1.27
- Vichy: $0.53
- Wen319: $3.19
- YENSA: $3.82
Alternatively, each of the 21 products in the box breaks down to $2.14 per item.
Interested in more beauty? Check out our list of the best beauty subscription boxes of 2021, as voted on by MSA readers like you.
What do you think of the Shape Beauty Lab Summer 2021 Box? If you grabbed one, what was your favorite product inside?
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.