Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and if the mother figure in your life is a beauty and skincare enthusiast, a box brimming with treats could be the perfect gift. The market is flooded with options, with high-street giants like Boots, Next, and Marks and Spencer all offering their unique boxes for makeup and skincare aficionados.
However, if your mum prefers luxury beauty brands, the Lookfantastic With Love box might be an excellent place to start. Lookfantastic already provides a monthly subscription beauty box, but they release limited editions for special occasions, including Mother’s Day.
But with a plethora of beauty boxes available, is this one worth the investment?
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The Lookfantastic Mother’s Day Box includes:
- bareMinerals Ageless Phyto Collagen Face Cream 50ml (full-size) – worth £64
- Eve Lom Cleanser 50ml (full-size) – worth £48
- Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair 100ml (full-size) – worth £36
- Natasha Denona I Need a Rose – Lip Styletto Gigi (full size) – worth £24)
- Clinique Moisture Surge Lip Hydro-Plump Treatment 10ml (full size) – worth £20
- Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base 15ml – worth £19
- GHOST Orb of Night 10ml – worth £8
As a beauty writer, I’m aware that some don’t offer value for money, especially when filled with sample-size products. The Lookfantastic Mother’s Day box presents a significant saving – the contents are valued at over £215, but the box is priced at £50, saving you £165.
How I reviewed the Lookfantastic beauty box
When the Lookfantastic Mother’s Day box first arrived, I evaluated the presentation of the products, the design of the box, and the quality of the packaging to determine whether it was gift-worthy. Subsequently, I unboxed and tested each product individually, integrating them into my regular routine where applicable, reports the Express.
For instance, I used the Eve Lom cleanser to remove my makeup for several consecutive days instead of my usual cleansing balm, allowing me to assess the texture, fragrance, and effectiveness of the product.
Finally, I evaluated the overall value for money by considering the price, savings, and product sizes.
Lookfantastic Mother’s Day Beauty Edit review
Upon first glance at the Lookfantastic Mother’s Day Beauty Edit, I was pleased to see a well-stocked box, primarily filled with full-sized products.
Often, beauty boxes can appear promising online but fall short upon arrival – not so with the Lookfantastic offering. The box’s lilac packaging is understated yet stylish, without overly emphasising the Mother’s Day theme, making it suitable for gifting on other occasions.
On opening, the box reveals a ‘with love’ message in a rich purple font. Lookfantastic also provides free delivery within two-to-three days.
The box houses seven items, boasting a good variety – a fragrance, hair mask, two lip products (lipstick and balm), and three facial skincare pieces. The only thing missing is a body product.
All brands in the Lookfantastic box were familiar to me, with big names like Eve Lom, Aveda, Clinique, and bareMinerals included. I appreciated that five out of the seven products are full-sized – while travel sizes have their place, they don’t allow for extensive testing of a new product.
One of the main concerns for my mum is ageing, so she was keen to have the anti-ageing moisturiser included in this box. The standout product, in my view, is the bareMinerals Ageless Phyto Collagen Face Cream.
This full-size item, valued at £64, is the priciest in the box. Although my skin concerns differ from my mum’s, I found that its thick texture feels nourishing and it has a very light scent, which I prefer in a moisturiser to reduce skin irritation.
Its all-natural formula includes hyaluronic acid to hydrate and firm the skin, while ceramides aid skin renewal and form a barrier against moisture loss. In a clinical test involving 57 consumers, 81% reported their skin appeared firmer and tighter after one week.
The Eve Lom Cleanser, suitable for all skin types, has a balm-like texture and a spa-like scent. It contains four plant oils that claim to produce clear, soft, and radiant skin when used to remove dirt and makeup, or it can be used as a fresh skin base in the morning before applying makeup.
I would likely use it for both purposes. It’s meant to be used with the branded 100% muslin cloth, which, although not listed in the online contents, is included in the box.
A product that would be a hit with most mums is the Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair, a leave-in mask that can be used weekly as a treat after washing hair. It promises to reduce breakage and protect against heat styling damage.
This universal product adds a touch of luxury to the box. The Clinique lip treatment is perfect for keeping in your bag to maintain lip hydration and prevent chapping during the day.
Its texture lies between a thick lip balm and a lip mask, and both my mum and I would use it. The Ghost Orb of Night perfume is also conveniently sized for on-the-go use and comes in a mini version of the iconic moon-shaped bottle.
It’s a dabber perfume, not a spray, and its cherry-almond and floral fragrance has a universal appeal. Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Face Base is a cult favourite, so it’s a treat to find it in the box if you’ve never tried it before.
It’s designed to prepare the skin for makeup – ensuring the skin is well-hydrated first can help makeup appear smoother and more flawless. I’ve tried it before, and while it’s an extra step I wouldn’t do daily, it helps my dry skin stay supple throughout the day when I’m wearing makeup.
The product included in the box is a mini size, so it’s more of a trial than anything else.
Finally, the Natasha Denona Lip Styletto comes in a super-slim tube and boasts a classic, true red shade, making it a perfect choice for red lipstick enthusiasts. Unlike some lipsticks that can leave your lips feeling parched, this one offers a hydrating feel.
The Verdict
In conclusion, I believe the Lookfantastic Mother’s Day box presents good value, especially when you consider the individual prices of the products. The presentation is appealing, and it serves as a convenient alternative to assembling a gift yourself – no need for wrapping even.
From personal experience, I know my mum seldom indulges in high-end skincare, despite her enjoyment of it. That’s why gifting her something she will actually use is such a thoughtful idea.
I would gladly present this to my mum. It has an impressive look, and the full-sized products offer a great opportunity to sample new premium brands – particularly with the inclusion of the Eve Lom cleanser and bareMinerals anti-ageing cream.
One of the key positives is the diverse range of products included, ensuring there’s likely something for everyone. However, I would have preferred the Natasha Denona lipstick in a more universal shade.
My mum wouldn’t wear the red shade, though it might appeal to those wanting to experiment with a bolder colour.
Looking for alternatives?
OK! have a bunch of beauty boxes that are cut price in time for Mother’s Day. You can try the Say It With Beauty box, worth over £225 but currently on sale for £30. Inside you’ll find brands like Dr.PawPaw, Bloom and Blossom, and Balance Me.
Or Marks and Spencer have the Made for an Icon Beauty Box, worth £130 but currently selling for £30. This box contains a full-size Clinique All About Eyes™ Serum De-Puffing Eye Massager, L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil, the Floral Street Sunflower Pop fragrance and the Color Wow Xtra Large Bombshell hair treatment.