The GQ Best Stuff Box is a quarterly men's subscription from GQ magazine that's $50 a box with free shipping. The box features $200 worth of products the editors have curated after testing and finding them to be the best in their class. Although this subscription is geared towards men, women love it for themselves as well. This quarter's box is about prepping for the Fall.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
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This quarter's box has a new design. I like the change up. The index sheet with all the items and their prices is updated, too. It's larger, which keeps me from squinting too much. I also noticed that each item includes a code for a discount at each manufacturer. Also included in the box was a "Welcome to the Club" card. Not sure why – maybe everybody got one.
Inside the GQ Best Stuff Fall 2022 Box
Goodlife Clothing Terry Crew Sweatshirt - Retail Value $98
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Included in the box is a voucher for a terry crew sweater from Goodlife Clothing. It's a lightweight micro terry with a 80% cotton 20% poly mix. Its weight is between a traditional sweatshirt and a long sleeve shirt. It's ribbed at the collar, wrists, and waist. It feels incredible. I only wish it were a little cooler outside so I could wear it today (I guess I could just crank the AC). I went with a medium and, like a lot of my clothes these days, it fits a little snug. (I'm sucking in my gut a little in the photos). I'm wondering if I should return this for a large and hope it's not too baggy. Or, you know, hit the gym.
Oliver Cabell 4mm Cuban Bracelet in Silver - Retail Value $124
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This quarter's priciest item is a silver Cuban bracelet from Oliver Cable. It's handcrafted in Italy, measures 7-1/2 inches long, and features a reinforced lobster ring clasp. It is water, sweat, and heat resistant and won't discolor or tarnish, according to the website. The description on the website says "18k Real Gold." However, the listed materials say "pure 925 Sterling Silver coated in Rhodium." I have never been an accessory kind of guy, but have to say that I really dig the beauty, but simplicity of this piece. It doesn't draw a lot of attention, which I like, but if someone were to notice, this bracelet would be worth the look. I think the website calls it "understated."
Bombas Men's Performance Running Calf Socks - Retail Value $16.50
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I always get pumped up when I receive a pair of socks and, yes, I'm well into my 30s. These calf socks are from Bombas and come in many interesting styles. They are designed for running and feature airflow, cushioning, and moisture-management innovations, according to the website. I'm not much of a runner, but with cooler temperatures rolling in, I love a good, warm, breathable sock. So count me in.
Jason Markk Essential Sneaker Cleaning Kit - Retail Value $18
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Whether it's your precious kicks or your everyday beaters, it's good to have a solid cleaning kit to keep them looking their best. Jason Markk has you covered with this essential cleaning kit with a deep cleaning solution safe for most materials and a stiff-bristled brush. This kit is good for rubber or leather, according to the website.
Commodity Moss Expressive Fragrance (5 mL) - Estimated Value $12.50
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No GQ Box is complete without a new fragrance to try out. This one from Commodity comes in three scents. This one is called "Moss" and I love it. Although I would say it's more calming to me than exciting. The moment I smelled it, I felt soothed and comforted. Then I looked at the website for this description: "a blend of Oakmoss, Cedarwood, and Petitgrain is reminiscent of a walk in the woods at dawn—wet, cool, clean and reviving." As I'm sitting here smelling myself, I think I'm going to say this is my favorite fragrance I've received in a box.
This is a sample size. A 10 mL bottle costs $25.
Brickell Men's Products Acne Controlling Spot Treatment (0.5 oz) - Retail Value $20
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I've received some Brickell products before and have always enjoyed them. This is a spot treatment for acne control. I like that it comes in a small, pointed tube (although this product on Brickell's site seems to come in a small tub rather than a tube). While I cannot speak to its effectiveness, since I have no acne or time, it feels good going on and doesn't leave my face feeling like I've applied anything at all.
Brickell also included an offer for a free sample kit in this box. See below.
Jaxon Lane Bro Mask Eye Gels - Estimated Value $5
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Despite its name, this is not a full mask, but rather two cooling gels that go below the eyes. They sort of look like the things football players wear under their eyes, but these ones are clear so my wife doesn't see (except she saw me putting them on, so it was a moot point). They "specifically target puffy eyes, fine lines, and dark circles. Bakuchiol, nature’s gentler retinol alternative, smooths fine lines, while caffeine depuffs and brightens eyes." The eye gels come in a pack of six for $30.
Frontman Oil-Absorbing Paper - Retail Value $9
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I'm glad this box says "Don't smoke these papers," because that is exactly the kind of papers I thought these were when I first opened the box. Instead, they are oil-absorbing papers by Frontman that you press onto your face. They are made with charcoal and really show the amount of oil just sitting on your face. I received a very similar product in the Summer 2021 Box, which I also liked. I just want to use them all the time to see how oily my face is. They should make them paper towel-size!
Daily Concepts + Esponjabon Charcoal Multi-Functional Soap Sponge - Retail Value $8
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Speaking of the cleaning properties of charcoal, here is a charcoal soap sponge from Daily Concepts. "The Esponjabon Charcoal soap formula is instantly activated as the exfoliating sponge meets water to create a luxurious soapy lather." And I'd have to agree. I put this in the shower and my wife used it before I could, and we both love it. The website says the sponge lasts about 40 uses, but may be less in my household.
Liquid I.V. 3ct Wellness Pack - Estimated Value $4.69
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I got these samples in last year's Fall box. Personally, I'm not a huge fan, but that could be because I'm not remotely active and don't normally drink things like this. I preferred the lemon ginger flavor the most. I think that was in part because it was the flavor I had no expectations for. For what it's worth, the site says it will give you this sample pack for free. However, I didn't go through the sign-out process, so I don't know how true that is. They also say it's a $10 value, but a 16-count pack cost $25. So, I estimate this 3-pack is closer to $4.69.
Brickell Bonus Offer - Estimated Value $40
Thrown in the box, but not included on the index paper, is an offer for a "free" sample kit of Brickell products. (I say "free," because you have to pay $7 S&H). This looks to be similar to an offer I received in my first GQ box two years ago, back when it was $25. As I noted back that, this is not a special offer unique to GQ subscribers. Anyone can go to their site and get this for "free." Having said all that, Brickell does have some decent products and I still remember the face scrub I received in the aforementioned box.
Verdict
I liked every thing in this quarter's GQ Best Stuff Box. Even the things I didn't think I would. I never would have expected to like an accessory like a bracelet, but the understated look of the one in this box was a hit for me. The sweatshirt (and socks) has me pumped for autumn and looks great with the aforementioned bracelet. The sneaker cleaning kit will get used quickly in my household. The personal care products in this box were all great. I was particularly impressed by the soap sponge and, of course, the fragrance. The papers, acne treatment, and eye gels were all nice to try, but not items I would likely buy on my own. Overall, I thought this was a nice effort from the GQ Best Stuff Box. It had items and products I will actually use and include in my routine. That goes a very long way in helping me think the subscription is worth the cost. See below for a value breakdown.
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Let's Talk About Value
By my calculations, this box clocks in at around $298 That's nearly SIX times the subscription's cost and may be the biggest value I've seen from GQ Best Stuff Box. That is not including the sample package from Brickell.
For $50 for this box, here's approximately what you're paying for each item:
- Sweatshirt ($98): $16.66
- Bracelet ($124): $21.08
- Socks ($16.50): $2.81
- Cleaning Kit ($18): $3.06
- Fragrance ($12.50): $2.13
- Acne Treatment ($20): $3.40
- Bro Mask ($5): $0.85
- Charcoal Papers ($9): $1.53
- Soap Sponge ($8): $1.36
- Wellness Pack ($4.69): $.80
To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes. As of this post, the box is still available.
Would you grab the "Fall 2022" GQ Best Stuff Box for a guy in your life... or yourself?
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