Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Beauty Review: Be Your Own Beauty Editor With Loose Button!

Imagine that you could test out luxury brands without making a commitment to buy at full price. Imagine that the products would magically appear at your door-step. Imagine cutting down on wasted products and only buying the ones that work for you. 

Stop imagining because the brilliant on-line social shopping brand, Loose Button, is bringing this to all beauty consumers! What is Loose Button? Loose Button gives beauty lovers the opportunity to try out deluxe size samples from a variety of brands, sent to you in a chic box with free shipping all for a monthly fee of $9.95 CAD (right now the program is invite-only and you only pay a one time fee for your first luxe box). 

The samples are deluxe or travel size and have enough product to thoroughly test for at least a month. You also receive about 4 items per order and each box is a surprise! The products are chosen by real beauty editors so you know the items you will be receiving are the best. 


This is the lovely box I received the products in - cute isn't it? I was ecstatic to open this pretty little present and couldn't wait to see what was inside. 


The presentation of the box is very impressive. When you first open the box, a card with product information is included along with a message from Loose Button. It's a nice touch especially if you are not familiar with the products.


My box included: 
  • Ahava Mineral Hand Cream ($20)
  • Benefit Moon Beam ($24)
  • Balmshell Lip Gloss ($22)
  • myfaceworks I Need To Replenish Mask ($60)
  • Cellnique Total Day Time Protection 30 ($50)
Call me spoiled, but I was a bit underwhelmed by what was in the box because I had tried both the Benefit and Balmshell products - not to say I don't love these products but it's always nice to try something new. However, being a hand cream junkie I was really happy to try the Ahava hand cream  and the myfaceworks hydrating mask, similar to SKII's. I receive so many products almost on a daily basis to test, but for someone that doesn't you would be overjoyed to receive these products, no?

Would I pay for this convenient service? No. I think the price is reasonable and according to some market research done by Loose Button many of you said you would pay up to $15 if there were more samples in the box, more luxury brands, and you were able to customize the box according to your needs. I'm lucky enough to receive products all the time so this service wouldn't benefit me. However, if you are a regular beauty consumer who doesn't have the same opportunity I would definitely recommend this service.

Women spend so much on beauty products every month. Beauty counters don't always give you samples especially deluxe sizes. With the Loose Button service you will save money and cut down on consumer waste. I mean, how many of you have products laying around that you don't use or end up giving away? Another great aspect is that you won't have to deal with that pushy sales person. You can test the products in the convenience of your own home and make a clear decision on whether it works for you or not.

My only other issue was not being able to choose the products. According to their research, most of you prefer an expert picking out beauty products that suit you. It is helpful if you are not familiar with the product and don't know how to use it, but for those that do know what works I think there should be an option to choose your own.

Overall, I think it's a great service for you beauty lovers that love testing and trying new products. I really think the presentation and customer service is wonderful. It's also a terrific way to treat yourself every month - because you deserve it!

Have you tried Loose Button? Would you pay for this service? For more information, visit www.loosebutton.com.

Products were sent for editorial consideration. 

9 comments:

Tracy D said...

I signed up for it just over a week ago & am awaiting my first box. I think you make a great point, that those of us who don't regularly receive product samples might appreciate this differently. Thanks for the honest review :)

Make-up Junkie said...

@Tracy - You're welcome and thanks for your feedback! It really is beneficial especially if you buy tons of beauty products!

. said...

this is kinda like birchbox

Unknown said...

Thanks Joy! I just signed up too and am waiting for my first box to arrive. I'm glad you wrote about this since I COMPLETELY trust your opinion and know you are a real live person LOL!

I was hesitant about it since I didn't know what I would be receiving but thought I would give it a try out of curiousity. I actually did the 3 month ordering thing since I want to compare what I would be getting over those 3 months. You make an excellent point that for someone that gets to test out new products all the time this probably isn't beneficial. I also understand the flip side of wanting an expert choose products for me. Perhaps I could suggest a happy medium to Loose Button - have beauty experts recommend products to the customer based on how they filled out the survey and the customer can then choose to accept the recommendations or pick another product.

Make-up Junkie said...

@bettzy93 - exactly like Birchbox but the Canadian version. Loose Button is fairly new and doesn't have as many brands as Birchbox...

Make-up Junkie said...

@Elaine A - LOL Thanks for the feedback! I think it's important to give an honest yet fair review especially if you paying a monthly fee. I think your suggestion is perfect! Be sure to submit your feedback to them!

Janalyn said...

This is a really great concept! Im curious to try it but not sure yet.. still on the fence.. the box just looks so pretty its tempting! lol

Samantha said...

This service seems like something I would definitely be interested in! I absolutely love trying out new beauty products, and here is my chance to try brands I would have never tried otherwise.

I do agree with you that once I have tried many of these brands, I would like to pick certain items.

Check out my blog when you have a chance...it's still in the works but I'm just trying to start a following of beauty bloggers like myself!

sambeautyblog.blogspot.com

Make Mommy Chic said...

Mmm... I have mixed feelings on this. Normally I like samples because they are free, and don't know if I would pay especially if I'm not aware of what products they are sending me. That said though, this service would take me out of my product comfort zone and that's not necessarily a bad thing. I'm going to check out the site for sure though! Thanks for the post.