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NewBeauty TestTube Subscription Review – July/August 2020

Megan K.
ByMegan K.Jul 31, 2020 | 103 comments

New Beauty Test Tube review unboxing July 2020

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 US only

Our July/August 2020 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!

 

Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment, 1.7 oz - Full Size! Retail Value $122.00

Alright, let's just get this big hero product out of the way first! NBTT sent us the larger bottle of one of my favorite treatments! With a value of $122, you have already gotten your money's worth about three times over, and we are still on the first item. Ok, ok, I am gushing. But I love a good value and I love this product, so this is starting out the box with a bang.

ANYWAYS, this formula contains glycolic acid, which is an AHA (fruit acid) and one of my favorite exfoliants. Seriously, if you have rough skin, clogged pores, or dullness, you need some glycolic acid in your routine. It has a really small molecule size which assists with better absorption, and can really kind of do it all when it comes to improving skin texture. It lifts up dead skin, promotes collagen production, can help fade hyperpigmentation spots, and firm up skin overall. The downside is that you really need to be mindful and wear sunscreen when indulging in an AHA because they make your skin more sensitive to sun damage. This isn't really a downside because you should be wearing sunscreen daily anyway, right? If you have drier skin (like myself!) you also will want to make sure you are utilizing a heavier moisturizer and/or night cream to offset the dryness you might experience from any AHA. I have larger pores and loads of texture on my lower cheeks and I have noticed marked improvement over the last year from using products like this. Needless to say, I am super thrilled with this addition to the Tube.

 

Commodity 'Orris' EDP, 10 mL - Retail Value $30.00

FYI: Scents may vary!

If you read my reviews at all, you probably aren't shocked that I already own the full bottle of this scent. I love Commodity and I was so sad when they went away for a little while. They are now back with a new owner, and are delivering the same scents that I loved then and still love now. Seriously, I own Nectar, Gold, Vetiver, Whisky, Orris, and Moss. I am not one for self-control. Orris is a rather special scent in my opinion because of the named ingredient itself! Made from the roots of the iris, it is one of the most expensive perfumery notes because it is labor-intensive to harvest and takes years to mature and develop scent. Basically, parts of the root system are dug up, hand peeled, and then stored for 3 years while that classic iris powdery scent develops. I have harvested these roots before, and I still have a year to go before I can even sniff them. But the scent is totally worth it in my opinion. This scent isn't going to be for everyone, which is exactly why I find it so charming. The first sniff is filled with powder and pepper, though the pepper winds down into something more woody pretty quickly. This is a wood+flower sort of deal, but I do notice a few very subtle red fruits hanging out in the middle too. I didn't love this scent the first time I wore it, but as the day wore on, I fell in love. Give this one a little time!

 

Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk, 3.2 oz - Full Size! Retail Value $20.00

Our third item is a dry shampoo that I have used before and I really like it because it is a lot more gentle than so many others out there but still gets the job done. It also has a very soft and creamy smell that I have found complements my perfumes rather than competing with them. I shampoo about every third day because my hair is already pretty dry and shampooing more often creates frizz that I just don't feel like dealing with. I use A LOT of dry shampoo and I am always pretty thrilled when a bigger bottle comes in any box. I also love that this one doesn't make my scalp feel dry or tight if I end up using it a few days in a row.

 

Grande Cosmetics Grandeglow Plumping Liquid Highlighter in 'Bronze Beam', 0.35 fl oz - Full Size! Retail Value $25.00

I have tried Grande Lash and love the Grande lip products, but I had no idea they launched a liquid highlighter. It smells great and comes with the biggest doe-foot applicator I have ever seen. This formula adds radiance but also plumps the skin, bringing firmness and tightness to cheekbones. You can actually kind of feel it on your face, kind of a cold and slightly tingly sensation that isn't unpleasant. I do think this bronze shade is too warm for me to really use as a highlighter but dang does it look great on my lids! They have different shades and I like this enough to buy a better color for myself. I am thinking the 'French Pearl' might be a better match, so in my cart it goes.

Here is it on my wrist blended. Hard to capture the shimmer, but it is very pretty.

 

Neuma Renu Scalp Therapy, 3.4 fl oz - Full Size! Retail Value $26.00

This might be the only product I didn't love this month, but I have really long and incredibly thick hair. Products like this with the little exfoliating beads tend to be difficult to wash out and I end up finding them days later, still hanging out in my tresses. I did try this and found the cooling sensation was very nice and the smell was arguably spa-like, but this just isn't for me. It didn't go to waste though, because Will is crazy for scalp scrubs like this. He has very short hair and really enjoys the scrubby feel of the little beads. He also loves anything with mint, and this formula is very, very minty! He wanted me to mention in the review that he was pretty thrilled I don't like this treatment because it means it is all his. Ok, Will!

 

10+ Free Chemistry Prep With Peptides Clear Base Coat, 13 mL – Full Size! Retail Value $18.00

I have troublesome nails that polish just doesn't seem to stick to for long, but I totally saw some improvement in terms of polish longevity from using this base coat. It dried very fast and improved the finish of my polish because it made the surface of my nail so smooth. This polish is 10-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and non-toxic. It also had ingredients that improve the health of your nail over time.

Also included with this polish was a promo card for a free topcoat (or color polish) of my choice from 10+ Free. FYI: Per NBTT, this was a limited-time code and has since expired. Please email [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

 

Luminess Crème Confession Lipstick in 'Blood Moon' - Full Size! Retail Value $24.00

Wow, this color! I LOVE orange-reds. I know they can be a harder color for everyone to feel great in, but I get a real confidence boost from a flame-inspired lip! This formula is great. It wore like a cream/matte hybrid, which I will take any day over a true matte finish. The color was over-the-top bold with a single stroke. The bullet itself even had a built-in mirror which is fantastic for a shade like this because it's one I would 100% need to look at while applying.

'Blood Moon' is a perfect name for this shade!

 

Hanhoo Collagen + Vitamin C Dietary Supplement, 3 packs inside - Retail Value $3.00

FYI: According to the booklet, there should have been two of these packs, but my Tube only had one. I reached out to the NBTT team and they offered to send me another. It appears this happened to a handful of Tubes, so if you are missing one, reach out to the NBTT team and they will take care of you!

Our last item is a collagen supplement that is already pre-portioned into easy to use, on the go packets. Inside is a dose of collagen and vitamin C, both of which help improve skin, hair nails, and bones, too. Win-win. It actually doesn't have a lot of taste (just a barely-there citrus vibe!) which means you can combine this powder with your fave juice, drink, or just water if you prefer.

Verdict: This was another stellar NewBeauty TestTube. It started off on a high with the Sunday Riley Good Genes bottle and the curation improved the further I got into the Tube. This felt like such an insane value. I calculated at least $268 worth of value inside my box (even without the free polish voucher!) making it a total steal for the subscription+shipping cost. The variety inside was A+ and the brands were also great, a nice mix of familiar and new. This is the second really stellar TestTube I have gotten in a row, and I am stoked to see what the September one brings!

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? NBTT has restocked a small number of this Tube, especially for MSA readers! They will only be available while supplies last!

Value Breakdown: At $38.90 for this box, here is what you are paying approximately per item:

  • Sunday Riley Good Genes $17.71
  • Commodity EDP $4.35
  • Klorane Dry Shampoo $2.90
  • Grande Cosmetics Highlighter $3.63
  • Neuma Scalp Scrub $3.77
  • 10+ Free Chemistry Base Coat $2.61
  • Luminess Lipstick $3.48
  • Hanhoo Supplement $0.44

Alternatively, each of the 8 items in this box has an average cost of $4.86.

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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103 comments

Rose

I am scathing when a subscription box fails me, but I will share when one works as expected. I just want to share that my box came fast and in great condition. So I am happy with this sub at the moment.

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TestTube

Rose,

Thanks for sharing! We’re happy that you’re happy ☺️

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Claire

My tube has been sitting in my local post office since 8th. This is the second package in 2 weeks that has been lost by PO. I filed a missing package with USPS. I’m contacting NBTT but since they’ve sold out I don’t have high expectations about receiving a replacement. 🙁

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TestTube

Claire,

We’re very sorry to hear that! Yes, please call/email us at 888-974-6042/[email protected] for a replacement ☺️

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MD

Test Tube arrived without Sunday Riley product. Contacted customer service and was assured that replacement is on it’s way and nothing yet. It’s been 28 days. Plus I never received January box. This is the only box I subscribe too and am disappointed.

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Mary

How did you contact customer service? My tube arrived without the Luminess lipstick. I think I was almost more excited for that gorgeous orange red lipstick than anything else lol. I’m bummed!

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TestTube

Hi MD,

We’re very sorry that! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us again, so we can look into this for you ☺️

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Ren

Does anyone else’s box not ship until the second month?

As in, my July/August box is set to ship in 5 days. Disappointed that the coupon code for 25% off Orly was invalid by the time I got the last box and now the free topcoat code is having problems. With my box shipping so late it seems that I won’t be able to use the discount codes. I’ve asked to have my shipping date moved to the first month and apparently it can’t (but was told a free gift will ship at the same time as my July box).

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TestTube

Hi Ren,

It’s important to us that our customers are more than satisfied. If you give us a chance, we are intent on making this right.

At your earliest convenience, please call/email us at 888-974-6042/[email protected] ☺️

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Ren

ok. They are trying to find me a July box and trying to find a way to work around the expired credit card issue. Apparently they don’t give refunds on prepaid annual subscriptions. It sounded like the supervisor was really trying to fix this.

Ren

OMG. Now I’ve received an email that says my current credit card on file is expired and they won’t ship my other FIVE boxes until I give them another credit card. I PREPAID. They are refusing to send the boxes I’ve paid for. I requested a refund for the last five boxes and am waiting for someone higher up in customer service to call me.

Stay tuned…this is becoming quite a sh** show.

Ren

I just called. I was told that due to being sold out (backordered) that my July box now has a ship date of August 23rd (was August 9th). I would have appreciated an email letting me know that my box was delayed instead of me having to log into my account and call to find out why my box hasn’t shipped. The free gift order is on my account with an August 1st order date but not shipped and the csr did not see the free gift on their end.

It appears that my July August box won’t be arriving until September.

As a subscriber who has PREPAID their subscription, I don’t appreciate not having a box available to ship to me. Why were you taking orders for this box when you didn’t have any to ship to customers that already PAID for it?

Jennifer

I can’t believe I missed the restock on this! I contacted them on Instagram and Facebook about a potential restock and didn’t get a reply. So close!

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TestTube

Hi Jennifer,

Unfortunately, we are sold out for the July TestTube. However, our Legacy TestTubes are still available. Please visit our website for more information 🙂

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Gisela

I look forward to my Test Tube Beauty box! I love every product they send us, its like Christmas evert time!!!

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T

I clicked on the link, but shows as sold out, again. 😞

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TestTube

Hi T,

Yes, unfortunately, we are sold out for the July TestTube. However, our Legacy TestTubes are still available. Please visit our website for more information 🙂

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Laurie

It was a great box. My son’s girlfriend and I open the boxes I get together and divvy up the contents. We both always get things we like. It’s a good time.

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TestTube

Hi Laurie,

This made our day, thank you for sharing ☺️

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Ellen

Did anybody else receive a rancid Sunday Riley?

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Joy-Not the Other One

This is the brand new Glycolic acid Good Genes and not the Lactic Acid Good Genes-I don’t believe the glycolic acid has been available from Dermstore before now so I’m sure you are comparing it to the Lactic Acid one. My guess is they smell different. Hope that helps!

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TestTube

Hi Ellen,

At your earliest convenience, please email/call us [email protected]/888-974-6042 for a replacement 🙂

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Karolina

Are you positive its expired? Sunday Riley products tend to have odd scents. My C.E.O. moisturizer smells like Elmer’s Glue lol.

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Ellen

I’m not sure, all I know is that it smells different than the one I got from Dermstore

Claire

I just read about the restock and resubscribed right away! Thanks NBTT and MSA for the update!

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CatG

What an amazing box with unbeatable value!!!

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Caligirl

Tried to buy but they do not take prepaid debit cards. So one less monthly for me. Weird I use same card for everything. Not meant to be.

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Taren

They want to make sure they can keep charging for recurring subscriptions and prepaid debit cards prohibit that.

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Michelle

Great review of a great Box. I just subscribed. Really hoping I will get the July box.

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Robyn

I think this box was amazing. I had to order more for gifts! Thank you so much for restocking!!

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TestTube

Robyn,
We ‘re glad we hit the mark for you with this TestTube ☺️ We value your input and encourage you to let us know more details about your experience with us.

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Joy

By the way, Commodity currently has a special where you can refer friends to get a free rollerball, and if you have 5 referrals, you get a free sample kit. Just go into the Portfolio under Samples, and you’ll see the option to send referral emails if they are still doing the offer.

The rollerballs your friends can choose from are Gin, Nectar and Moss and cost $5 to ship. They didn’t charge me shipping for the sample set. I’m so excited to get to try these fragrances. I’ve tried the Vetiver and the Bergamot and both are really nice. If one of the sample set they send me is amazing, I’ll definitely buy a full bottle. I love unisex fragrances.

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Joy

I received the Vetiver scent, and turned it over to my husband. It smells great on him- I’m definitely going to have to try some more from Commodity. I like the looks of many of them. I love being able to try perfume in subscription boxes at larges sizes, like this!
Klorane dry shampoo is my favorite, but I use Batiste because it’s cheaper, so I’m always thrilled when I can get a bottle. I had the lactic version of Good Genes from Ipsy, and was really excited to try the glycolic version in TT. This was a great tube for me!

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Jana

Joy – You are my New Beauty Test Tube twin! Except – I really like the Vetiver on me! I would like to try Orris next! Klorane – YES! I am really loving the Glycolic version of Good Genes!

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PatriciaG

Like everyone else I was having issues trying to complete my order. I finally called them and Steve took great care of me!

Had to cancel back in April due to not knowing what would happen with funds etc. So excited to receive this Tube, it looks to be great!

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TestTube

Hi Patricia,

We’re glad Steve was able to help you 🙂 We’ll be sure to share your praises with him.

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TestTube

Hi all,

The site is up and running now. We apologize for the technical difficulties.

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cc

Thank you! Got mine!

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Mia

Yay! I finally got this! I was trying all morning!! 🙂

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Joy-Not the Other One

I wrote a three paragraph comment on this box about 2 hours ago. No idea why it’s not being posted. There have been 12 other comments allowed to post since I submitted mine…

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Cc

it’s showing down below. Probably took a while to come up since it’s longer

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Beth in Oklahoma

It appears to be sold out, unfortunately. I would have loved the Sunday Riley item.

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TestTube

Hey Beth,

We’ve restocked the July TestTube, feel free to visit https://testtube.newbeauty.com/#CHOOSEYOURMEMBERSHIP to purchase yours while supplies last 🙂

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Annette

oh no, I already got this and now I had to get another!!!

Oz

It looks like it’s back in stock. I loved this tube except for the fiasco with the nail polish. I have 2 subscriptions and couldn’t get a response back from 10+ Free Chemistry regarding refunding my shipping cost or being able to get the 2nd polish. I will have to check the collagen supplements for the shady expiration date. NBTT has really great customer service, so I am sure anyone who wants a replacement will be able to get it.

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Alison

I’m down to just two subs now, NBTT and Allure. I love the monthly gratification of Allure, and the really high value and innovative Test Tube. Super happy with my box this month. My annual to NBTT is about to expire but I’m going to reupp for September!

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Melissa

I thought this was an awesome box and well worth the money.

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TestTube

Melissa,

It means so much when our valued customers share their feedback.

We’re glad we were able to meet your expectations ☺️

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Joy-Not the Other One

This was my first test tube ever and I loved it so much. I received the Vetiver fragrance and it is so pretty. I also love that full size dry shampoo. I use dry shampoo like 4 times a week and I’ve tried over a dozen so I consider myself an expert 😉 and this one is GREAT! Lipstick color was beautiful and the mirror was a first for me and so handy. I don’t wear highlighter but I use the Grande brand of eyelash serum, lash conditioner, and lip plumper so I was impressed that a full size from this brand was included. I passed it along to someone who was thrilled.

The only product I was not thrilled with was the scalp scrub. Not because I don’t love scalp scrubs, I actually use Christophe Robin scrub as my regular shampoo. The instructions on this one just seemed to indicate that this was a second step to be used after using the first step from the same brand. I wasn’t sure how to use it. Is it a shampoo on its own?

I don’t think I’ve ever received a beauty box I was so completely happy with. Even though the code for the polish didn’t work, I cannot imagine that being an issue for anyone with the value that is here. I am so glad I subscribed and I am so excited for September!

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TestTube

We are thrilled to have you as part of the TestTube family! Thank you for sharing your kind words with us, it means the world to us and to our entire team! We look forward to you receiving the September tube as well 🙂

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Carol

Love that lipstick! Orangey-reds are one of my favorites to wear on Zoom lol.

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Megan K.

I get compliments each time I wear this on Zoom!

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Audrey

I also tried for the free topcoat the day I got my box and it never worked. It claims to expire on October 10th, 2020 so it SHOULD work. Just tried it again now and still nothing. Pretty disappointing.

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Taren

It worked for me, but I bought another item alone with it. You may need to make a purchase in order for the coupon to work.

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TestTube

Audrey,
We’re sorry to hear about your bad experience! At your earliest convenience, please reach out to us! If you give us the change, we would like to make it up to you!

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Ren

Even more disappointing is that my box isn’t set to ship until August 9th. Not only are the coupon codes that I tried to use from a past box not valid but the code from this box is not valid before I’ve even gotten my box!

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