We tested three OK! Beauty Boxes – here’s what we think

Since Covid, the UK’s wellbeing market has grown more than any other globally, as people have shifted from being reactive to proactive about their health and wellbeing. 

In fact, the UK’s wellbeing market began to boom following the pandemic, with a 30% increase in sales in 2021 compared to 2019. This trend has shown no sign of slowing down, with the market projected to continue growing at a rate of 14% annually between 2022 and 2029.* 

With all that said, beauty box subscriptions have grown in popularity, driven by a growing appetite for self-care and curated skincare experiences. Subscription services like OK! Beauty Box are becoming an increasingly attractive way to discover new products, indulge in selfcare, and make sure that skincare and wellbeing remain a priority. But do they actually deliver?

I put the OK! Beauty Box’s Mum and New Baby Gift Box to the test recently, while my colleagues at HQ, Hannah and Charlotte, trialled the brand’s monthly subscription box and the Sleep Better Box. Here’s what we found. 

OK! Beauty Box’s monthly subscription box, tested by Hannah

The OK! Beauty Box subscription is a monthly edit of skincare and beauty favourites, packaged up in a compact, letterbox-friendly design. Hannah loved the unboxing experience, telling me: “Very exciting packaging, felt like opening a Christmas present. Really appreciated the compact letterbox size - meant it could still be delivered whilst I was out at work.”

Inside, each product was carefully explained in a handy leaflet, making it clear why they had been chosen. Hannah, who has sensitive, acne-prone skin, found a few standout products that worked particularly well for her. 

(L) Inside the monthly subscription box and (R) two of Hannah’s favourite inclusions

Hero product: Saint Luxe Brow Gel 

“I always use a coloured brow gel, but I find it more so just adds colour, rather than gelling into position”, shared Hannah.

“So [I] was very pleased to give this a go. I have worn for full days out and about, going into the office, and it keeps my brows in place all day long. 

“I personally don’t like the ‘gelled’ or ‘laminated brow look’, and this just gives my brows a fluffy looking hold, without a hard residue left behind.”

Hannah particularly loved the Saint Luxe Brow Gel for its fluffy styling

Other highlights for Hannah included the Hello Skin Black Pearl Charcoal Infused Eye Masks, which she loved for their cooling effect, and the Canopy Retinal Ritual Botanic Bright Eyes Eye Cream, which she described as having a luxurious thick consistency. 

The Bellapierre All Eyes On You eyeshadow palette, however, wasn’t quite her style: “Simply down to personal preference, this would be my least favourite product.”

Hannah’s verdict

If you love trying new beauty products and don’t mind the occasional wildcard, the OK! Beauty Box subscription is a great investment. 

At its price point, you’re getting well over your money’s worth in products.

OK! Beauty Box Sleep Better Box, tested by Charlotte

Designed to help you relax and drift off, the Sleep Better Box includes a mix of pillow sprays, skincare, and silk accessories. Charlotte, a self-confessed restless sleeper, put it to the test.

Her first impressions? “The box came in an easy to unpack design that was easily recycled - it felt eco-friendly but equally premium! (It smelt amazing too).”

Charlotte’s bedside table featuring her favourites from the limited edition sleep box

The standout product was the Disciple London Downtime Sleepy Mist and NEOM Sleepy Mist duo. “I’ve used both products every night for a week and they send me to sleep within minutes. Both have slightly different scents, with NEOM being slightly more potent (which I love). There is something about hopping into a bed that smells of roses that really knocks you out.”

Charlotte also praised the satin pillowcases, which she credits for reducing irritation and helping prevent wrinkles: “Since adding these products to my nighttime routine, I’ve felt significantly more relaxed. 

“As an over-thinker, I often struggle to unwind after a long day. Plus, with a partner who moves around like a Tasmanian devil in his sleep, I can honestly say these products have helped me achieve much deeper sleep, with far fewer disruptions.”

Waking up refreshed and well rested, Charlotte’s loved each item in the Sleep Better Box

Charlotte’s verdict

If you struggle with sleep, the Sleep Better Box offers a carefully curated selection of genuinely effective products. 

Charlotte especially loved the scents and luxurious feel of the satin pillowcases.

OK! Beauty Box’s Mum and New Baby Gift Box, tested by me

If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift for a new mum, this box leans heavily into postpartum self-care. Especially at a time when everybody is so focused on how the baby is doing—it’s nice to have a product that’s tailored for mum’s wellbeing primarily.

While the box does include some baby-friendly products like the Skin Sapiens Baby Lotion, My Expert Midwife Mega Calm Massage Balm, and Little Butterfly Nappy Cream, the majority of the selection in this edit is about treating mum.

The Mum and New Baby Gift Box is a carefully curated selection of selfcare products

Hero product: Mio Gel Waisted Sculpting Serum

This has quickly become my favourite in the box. I’m a huge advocate for finding time for self-care as a new mother and how important it is to both physical and mental wellbeing, so this Mio inclusion along with the second Mio product - the Body Motivator Revitalising Gel - are sure to be handy to have when mums are ready for some self-TLC.

Other highlights for me included the Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Soothing Cleansing Balm and De-Stress Candle, which were both a lovely surprise as I’m a fan of Aromatherapy Associates ever since testing their products last year. 

I personally love the Mio sculpting serum to help firm my stomach after two kids

I’m also fond of the Dr.Lipp Original Nipple Balm. Ask any of my friends and I LOVE using nipple balm on lips. I usually go for Lansinoh’s but this Dr.Lipp original nipple balm has been a lovely go-to for my lips in the colder weeks we’ve had recently.

My verdict

This box makes a fantastic gift for a new mum but might not be something she’d buy for herself. In fact, I plan to buy one for my best friend who is due her second child in the summer.

Final thoughts

OK Beauty Box offers a mix of great value, luxury treats, and practical essentials. 

Whether you’re after a monthly surprise, a better night’s sleep, or the perfect gift for a new mum, these boxes cater to different needs. OK! Beauty Box has a range of different boxes and edits to choose from - including brand specific ones, like REN Clean Skincare and Rodial. 

Just be prepared for the occasional wildcard product – but that’s half the fun, right?

About OK! BeautyBox

OK! Beauty Box curates a mix of premium and emerging beauty brands in their subscription and one-off beauty boxes. Their boxes aim to deliver great value, combining skincare, makeup, and wellness essentials tailored to different needs.

About the author

Rebecca Roberts is a Senior Content Editor at Mumsnet with a passion for beauty, self-care and wellness. With years of experience testing wellness products alongside beauty favourites, multiple advent calendars and similar beauty boxes, she knows what makes a box worth buying. When she’s not working, she’s wrangling two young children and hunting down the perfect gel-based moisturiser.

*Source: Global Wellness Institute (01.01.2019 - 01.01.2022); Statista Market Insights (2024)