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