The Box by Fashionsta Review – May 2020

ByTaryn LowmanJun 23, 2020 | 26 comments

The Box By Fashionsta is a monthly beauty box brought to you by online beauty store, Fashionsta, for $24.99/month with free shipping. Each box will include 5-7 full-size makeup, skincare, and other self-care products. They seem to focus on smaller indie brands that may be new to you, so it's a great way to discover companies that haven't blown up in popularity yet. They also have The Box For Men ($29.99/month) as well as a mystery box that costs $40 as an add-on with a subscription or $50 as a one-time purchase.

Reviewed by popular demand!

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

About this Indie Brand-Focused Beauty Box

The Subscription Box: The Box By Fashionsta

The Cost: $24.99/month w/ free U.S. shipping (Internationally for $65.00 USD/month w/ free shipping)

The Products: 5-7 full-size makeup and skincare products.

Ships to: The U.S. and worldwide for free

Good to Know: With each purchase, Fashionsta donates makeup, beauty, and self-care items to 1736 Family Crisis Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving vulnerable community members in the greater Los Angeles area.

The Box By Fashionsta May 2020 Review

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The Box By Fashionsta comes with a simple info card that gives a short description of each included product with their retail value. The other side of the card gives a quick thank you for the continued support, and goes into detail about the June box being paused to allow for a wonderful box curation coming to you in July. I really appreciate the detailed information and their work to keep everyone healthy and safe.

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Jet 2 in 1 Soothing Mask Kit by Double Dare - Retail Value $9

I have naturally very dry skin so anything that soothes and hydrates is going to be a winner in my book! This mask is filled with ingredients like cactus fruit and rosehip to provide a rich antioxidant to your skin. This is a two-part mask, which I love, so be sure to follow the directions before using each side. You simply start by using the cleansing towelette on your entire face. Then, apply the mask to your face and leave on for about 30 minutes. The mask is covered in a rich moisturizing serum with a lot left over to rub into your neck and hands. I used this mask before bed; once I took it off I just rubbed the excess serum in and went to sleep. I wouldn't say that I was completely blown away with this mask, but it did provide me with nice hydration that left me with an early morning glow when I woke up.

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OMG Hand Sanitizer Gel by Double Dare, 1.7 oz. - Retail Value $5.50

Hand sanitizer is a MUST for me at all times but especially right now. I have two little kids so I always have sanitizer on me, but when I wasn't able to easily buy some at the store I was pretty worried that I wouldn't have any for months. Luckily, stores are restocking them again, but I was so excited to see this gel that can fit perfectly into my diaper bag. It has a really nice pump that allows you to get just the right amount into your hand. This gel kills 99.9% of germs, meeting the CDC requirements of 60% ethanol and alcohol. Yes to boxes providing the goods that we all truly need right now and keeping hands clean!

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Shivani Marvel Elixir by Shivani Beauty⁣⁣, 1 fl oz. - Retail Value $54

This elixir is straight magic! No really, it is a hybrid formula that is both a primer and oil. The oil is super lightweight while still providing deep hydration. It also leaves your skin looking firm and plump, but what I love the most is that it gives me this amazing glow without looking greasy. This elixir is made with passion fruit (Maracujá) oil, pumpkin oil, rosehip oil, safflower oil, and jojoba oil. You can use a few drops morning and night to your face and neck (an important step that I think a lot of people forget), but most importantly you can use it under your makeup, mixed with makeup, or just as a part to your beauty routine. I have been using two drops of this at night with my moisturizer and then doing the same in the morning before applying my makeup and I swear it has left me with glowing skin! I love how quickly it absorbs into my skin, and again, it doesn't leave me greasy at all! This is a product that I will be purchasing again and again because it seriously is pure magic in a bottle for me!

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Herbal Dynamics Cucumber + Blue Lotus Micellar Water by Herbal Dynamics Beauty, 4 oz. - Retail Value $16

This is another product that can be used in a few different ways. You can use this as a toner or as a one-step cleanser. It doesn't have a strong smell to it as most toners do, it's just really light and fresh. For me, I have very sensitive skin so I love that this removes oil and makeup without being too harsh on my skin. It leaves me with a super clean feeling without any redness or burning, which I love! I can't say that I am noticing any big changes in my skin after using this a few times, but hopefully, I will continue to see smoother and clearer skin as I continue to use it.

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Emily Alexandra Cosmetics Lipstick - Retail Value $18

I don't think I have ever seen a lipstick be so pointy, hahaha! It was pretty hard to get on at first around the curve of my lips, but I eventually got it to sort of even out. Not a huge deal though! I was really excited about this color when I first opened the box, but then after I applied I was pretty shocked at how orange it is. I don't typically like orange tones on me, but my husband said he liked it so that made me feel a little better! I didn't feel super confident in it, but I am going to keep it for now and try a few new looks with it to see if it grows on me. The lipstick itself is incredible and provides intense hydration! It is water-resistant and has sunscreen, huge plus!

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Alondra Dessy Eyeshadow Palette by Glamlite Cosmetics - Retail Value $38 (currently on sale for $28)

Oh, this palette makes me so very happy! Not only is this palette big, but I am in love with pretty much all of the colors! There is a great mix of light, dark, and glitter shadows that you can really use with each other to build different looks and blend colors. The shadows are all pigmented mattes and they blend beautifully which is why mixing has been so fun for me. There is no fallout when I apply and the shadow really has lasting power throughout my busy day. The photo here shows one look that I did, but I have been using this for a few days now and have really been able to play around with so many different looks. This was a huge item to receive this month and I am truly blown away by the quality!

Verdict: This was my first time receiving The Box By Fashionsta and I absolutely loved it! The elixir for me was the biggest standout; it works so well with my skin and is something I would never buy for myself. I love that just one box has introduced me to a brand and product that I know I will be purchasing for myself again because of how amazing it is! The eyeshadow palette was just what I needed right now to really make myself feel good, and it has allowed me to be a bit more playful when I am doing my makeup in the morning (normally a pretty rushed routine). The hand sanitizer and cleanser were both products that I loved adding to my collection of products and will both get used. Honestly, I can't say enough about this box, the curation, and the overall quality of each item, I am so beyond happy with it! This box has a retail value of $140.50 which is incredible for a $24.99 box. This would make an amazing gift to yourself or a friend that truly loves receiving new beauty products and learning about new brands that you might not seek out on your own.

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Your box will ship within 1-3 weeks from the payment processing date, but the June box is paused so your first box will most likely be July. It's best to reach out to customer service and ask!

Value Breakdown: At $24.99 for the box, here's what you are paying per item:

Mask: $1.60
Hand Sanitizer: $0.97
Elixir: $9.60
Cleanser: $2.84
Lipstick: $3.20
Palette: $6.75

Alternately, you're paying $4.17 per item, on average.

Check out all of our reviews of The Box by Fashionsta right here!

Keep track of your subscriptions by adding this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

What do you think of May's The Box By Fashionsta?

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The Box By Fashionsta

4.1 overall rating

11 Ratings | 11 Reviews

THE BOX By Fashionsta is a predominately vegan and cruelty free indie-brand focused monthly box. Delivering 5-7 full-size items, intentionally curated with a useful array of skincare, beauty, makeup and unique products to explore and enjoy. This box is also a subscription with a positive mission and... read more.

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Posted in Beauty Subscription Boxes, Subscription Box Reviews, Subscription Boxes for Women

Taryn Lowman

Taryn's passion for subscription boxes started when she was gifted a monthly Birchbox. She is excited to discover more Mom and baby boxes to share with her family!

Read More By Taryn Lowman >

Taryn's passion for subscription boxes started when she was gifted a monthly Birchbox. She is excited to discover more Mom and baby boxes to share with her family!

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26 comments

OPAL

Hi⁣⁣,
I did not receive the Shivani Marvel Elixir by Shivani Beauty in my May box.⁣⁣,Wanted to know if any more subscribers have the same product missing from their box.
Have contacted them several times and after their first email saying that they are confused since there wasn’t a May box there has not been any communication from them.
I am not sure what my next step is,so I wanted to find out if any one else had the same or similar issue and whether it was resolved.Thanks in advance.

Terry

I finally got my box today, but no elixir. Instead, I received a note saying that they didn’t receive the shipment from the supplier, so it would either be sent with July’s box or shipped separately. I hope they don’t forget about me!

Also, I wish that had received a different shade of lipstick. Mine is “I Love Me”, which is a bright fuchsia, a color that I just can’t wear. I’m sure I’ll find someone who can use it!

Taren

So thinking of getting this sub because it looks petty good. Reading all the ethically conscious attributes was a plus as well, until I actually look at all the the items and see that they are just about ALL from CHINA (or “People’s Republic of China”) which has an atrocious track record for environmental oversight, human rights, quality control, Ingredient deception, need I go on? How ethical can these products possibly be if they all come from China? That’s not a complete deal breaker for me, but I’m weary of claims Of quality being made when we know so much now. Also, kinda weird I’m the first to actually point this out on such a long list of comments when I know so many MSA readers feel the same.

Jamey

They censor the comments here…I’m sure my other will will never get through the “filter”

Jamey

I agree. It’s all like aliexpress and Alibaba type things. The majority of the things I’ve recieved the value is overstated and I live and collect eyeshadow pallettes and love to try new formulas, but it’s so funny people call these “indie” brands, when its China junk. I’d rather have a nice pallette from a brand I recognize and a nice skincare vs 6 items of China gunk. They oooh and awwee over glass packaging when its what’s inside that counts and it’s always greasy and sticky type gunk. I’ve only recieved 1 name brand item in a year and it was a sigma brush (and I liked even tho I dont bake, I went out and have bought a few sigma brush sets, they are having a huge sale right now even) but this is one that I am only going to give it another month or so on and be done with it if items don’t get better. I’ve got moldy items, cracked eyepallettes etc and they dont replace them or care. I gave the November box to a friend unopened for a xmas gift last xmas, and the butt cream had mold in it..I was so embarrassed. And she didnt want to subscribe after seeing that.

Angel

I cancelled my Fashionista box (I get like 20+ sub boxes, and have waaaaay too much skincare/ etc type of stuff), but I do still get the Men’s box from them for my husband. This month it came with a knife necklace thing that he’s completely thrilled with. He wore that thing EVERYWHERE for several days lol. I have to admit it’s pretty cool looking. The box also came with a hat, men’s skincare, etc. I think it’s a good value for a decent men’s box. And this way he can’t complain as much about all of my sub boxes, because he gets a few too haha. I always make a big deal when his Men’s Box or his Jacked Pack come (oooooo, look, what did you get?!), while quietly sneaking my cardboard cubes of joy off to my bathroom/ vanity.

Tanya M.

I know!!! Love my subs and your comment gave me pure joy!!

SquirrelyGirl

This is the only non annual box I have kept during pandemic era. The CEO is very transparent and communication is excellent. They’ve caught on that not everyone uses social media and have gotten better about sending out emails as well.

Crudely free and indie brands take the center stage with this box and being fairly new, they’ve done an excellent job.

I also appreciated that they took the safety of their employees and consumers into consideration and shut down according to the governor mandatory S.I.P orders, unlike some other boxes [ahem FFF i am looking at you]

Taryn Lowman

Thanks so much for your thoughtful feedback!

Lauren

I had this box for a few months and liked it okay. I like the CEO and their mission of donating makeup to women in a tough spot, but man the subscribers are offputting! They treat this box like it contains the mana of heaven and whoe to anyone who has criticism or doesn’t like a product. I could look past that of course, but I just am sort of burnt out on beauty boxes in general, especially the ones that send an eyeshadow palette every month. So yeah box is fine and will probably get better, but if you are thinking of signing up, maybe don’t join the Facebook group.

Denise

Hi MicheleDeG,
Hi there hun this box is more than likely all sold out, so I don’t think you’ll be able to get this box!! If you sign up now you will be put on the wait list and they’ll usually open the wait list at the beginning of each month and that’s when you need to have your payment type ready to sign up, they normally only have Limited space for new listers!! So get on the wait list and when they open the wait list door you need to hurry and subscribe bcuz spots fill up quickly lol, so be ready for the open wait listers email to get the box!! You won’t be disappointed the box is worth every penny you pay!! Thank you in advance and have a fantastic day everyone!!

Amy

I purchased this box in March with a one time purchase of a mystery box. I finally got this box a few days ago but not the mystery box. Anybody else buy a mystery box?

Michelle Stiverson

Hi Amy , the mystery boxes will ship out soon , after reg boxes and men’s boxes are done ( :

Amy

Thank you for the update. I’m super excited to unbox it.❤

TNTriathlete

Me, and it is still shown in my account page as “processing.” I tried to get a refund a couple of months ago but wasn’t successful. I understand about the pandemic, but I still am not happy with the level of customer service (now watch me get jumped on by the Fashionsta groupies.) I am not exactly hopeful at this point that I will receive a box or a refund.

Tiffany

According to the email I received, the mystery boxes will ship out in July. They are going to pause doing mystery boxes after July so they can concentrate on their regular and men boxes.

MicheleDeG

FYI…I just tried to purchase this box and was put on a waitlist. This is the email I just received:

Your email has been added to our waitlist! Once our list opens you’ll receive an email with a link to sign-up and subscribe to THE BOX by Fashionsta. Limited spots will be available, so please act fast! Keep an eye on our socials for list and box updates.

Denise

Hi!! I receive this box and I love it!! This box is so good with the products they introduce to us have been AMAZING!! When I first signed up to The Box that’s what happened to me I was put on a waiting list and at the beginning of the month you’ll get notified that the wait list is opened up so you have to hurry and sign up bcuz they only have a limited number of boxes and they sell out quickly so when you get your email be ready with your payment type and subscribe when they tell you that the wait list is opened up!! I hope you are able to get the box for July, these boxes are AMAZING!! I love every box I have received so far and I’ve been subscribed for about 7-8 months now and every box I’ve received I can use most everything they put in the box!! I can’t say that with Boxycharm!! I hope you get in and start enjoying the box!!

Jackie

They open at a certain time of the month, they will send you another email. They don’t do a rolling admission like most boxes.

MicheleDeG

Thank you for the info. I specifically want this month for the elixir.

Nikkim

I agree with your husband, that lipstick looks beautiful on you and perfect for summer!

Taryn Lowman

Thank you!

Sandra

That elixir bottle is an artwork in itself. Also, that lipstick was made for you.

Taryn Lowman

Thanks so much!

Tiffany Schmidt

I wasnt sure how I was going to feel about the Marvel Elixir because I hadn’t heard of the brand before but oh my god it really is magic!! I’m obsessed with it, it feels amazing when you apply it and it absorbs quickly ¹which was huge because a lot of oils just sit on my skin and leave it greasy feeling. This one absorbed quickly and left my skin soft and smooth instead of greasy and oily. It works really well as a primer. It creates the perfect smooth, seamless canvas for makeup application. I also use it in my PM skincare routine because it has some amazing ingredients. I really loved the GlamLite palette as well, the color story is stunning and the shadows are very pigmented and easy to blend. The lipstick is so cute! I love the mermaid scales and it definitely is the most pointy lipstick I’ve ever seen lol. I got the shade Sexy Girl and it’s a gorgeous true red shade. This was a great box from Fashionsta and a really cohesive curation of products. I definitely appreciated getting the hand sanitizer.

Taryn Lowman

Totally agree! Thanks for your feedback!

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The Box by Fashionsta Review – May 2020

About this Indie Brand-Focused Beauty Box

The Box By Fashionsta May 2020 Review

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