Today and tomorrow only, you can try the Essence BeautyBox, a beauty subscription service for black women, for just $1! Use the code FIRSTBOX to try the service, which usually costs $15 a month, for $1. My first unboxing of an Essence of BeautyBox won me over because every product, from the hair products to the beauty products, was wearable.
I had a chance to chat with Brandi Shipp, Vice President and General Manager at ESSENCE BeautyBox. I was so curious to know more about the inner workings of the subscription service that I’ve found so useful.
1. How do you decide which products to include?
The Beauty Editors at ESSENCE thoughtfully curate each month’s box, recognizing that great beauty products can come from anywhere. Each ESSENCE BeautyBox includes a mix of hair, cosmetic, skincare and fragrance products that span from tried-and-true favorites to brand new or indie products. What is most important is that each product has been vetted by the ESSENCE team who knows Black beauty better than anyone!
2. How do you stay abreast of the latest beauty trends that are most relevant to women of color?
Our editors spend a great deal of time meeting with beauty companies and leaders in the industry to learn about what is new and innovative in the space. We also feature at least one product each month from an independent, African-American-owned brand. So, we are always on the lookout for entrepreneurs within the black community.
3. What feedback from box subscribers has been most helpful to you?
Our subscribers give up lots of feedback, all of which we love! One of the most important pieces of feedback early on was that our women wanted the opportunity to be able to get products that are most relevant for their needs, for example, natural hair vs relaxed hair. So, we’ve started curating the boxes with different products that can work for different needs.
I especially enjoyed the June Essence BeautyBox, and I’ve already added a couple of the products to my beauty routine. I’ve been wearing the NYX Ombre Blush in “Feel the Heat” and will likely buy additional colors. I enjoyed experimenting with the Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Color in possessed plum. It’s a beautiful dark hue with a surprisingly hydrating formula that’s not at all matte. I still have to try my samples of the Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Silkening Conditioner and Silkening Blow Out Creme. I can’t wait.
Big thank you to the Essence BeautyBox team for providing my box free of charge for review purposes.
