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Would a Beautifect Mini be a disappointing birthday present if empty?

143 replies

LouXx12 · 18/08/2026 22:36

Thinking of buying the beautifect mini for a birthday present for D.d. My D.h thinks its expensive for what it is and that it would be shit to just receive it empty so therefore would need to spend more money filling it. What do you think? Dd is really into makeup and already has a styl pro but I thought the beautifect is a bit more grown up and luxury, just thought it was a nice idea for a big birthday. Would it be shit to receive it empty? It cost £150 for the mini one

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12
Dragonflyspeeding · 19/08/2026 10:58

RenoSweeney · 19/08/2026 07:32

I have a Beautifect box which I was given as a gift. It looks very pretty on my dressing table but honestly, I use it to store products in and that’s it. It’s too heavy to use for travel and although the light up mirror is good, it doesn’t angle so I find it difficult to use. I know they’re not as exciting, but the see through Space NK travel bags are very in at the moment and come in lots of colours. Might be worth a look?

I just had a look at the Space NK bag and it is VERY similar to one I bought a couple of months ago in Boots for 1/4 of the price.

SheilaFentiman · 19/08/2026 10:50

AmyDudley · 19/08/2026 10:36

Shein use child and forced labour, they are morally disgusting. And your post sounds suspiciously like an advert,no one says 'come check them out'

I think Shein (and other companies) auto-add that to links. If you post a rightmove link, say, it does that sort of thing ("check out this 20 bedroom mansion for sale on rightmove")

Namechangefordaughterevasion · 19/08/2026 10:49

I bought one of these about three years ago. My adult DDs saw it and fell in love and bought their own.

All of them ended up in local charity shops. They are too bulky and heavy for travel. The dividers are not helpful as they takeup space and it is unlikely her preferred products will fit efficiently into any configuration. It's much easier to store them in a fold flat make up bag like the one below.

The mirror was dazzlingly bright in all modes and even without the light it couldn't be set to an angle that was practical for makeup application.

All in all it is a triumph of design over function. Learn from our mistakes and save yourself the money.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/BAGSMART-Waterpoof-Cosmetic-Organiser-Essential/dp/B0GGZM8NZK/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2LN73DC9P5AFJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QrTzs-Fdp1gqj7WKzmZ5LuMfbz9EsML-mD1vvB-gW6NPGsHDoxjdzJfdyWUhtR_xYgpP7jstkXKhmS6RisVs_Ux4pATZl3aIx-futkcnAo6qmpJuWhbPQ1H3xRP2OuRM8X9gN-ZqPitDQXpvPTC473qyt7vHf_WKWdALRswh4B_lX8RCP6lsEPN_Tv8nAeBTBEGD_8CSFy-MEUgrMlmBl6v_FFxwPyqQU5gKb7hFt74uSfQS_JOcIM0yls-kltYFtcwH2ZVaEDOcfAfSDVDozWNxzmPZ4vcstqtihYi9xtc.lsSCp-ztrrEk9oIUqmJIt-DYVXM11eRW3_nsCCANr1Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=Leather%2Blay%2Bflat%2Bmakeup%2Bbag&qid=1787132752&sprefix=leather%2Blay%2Bflat%2Bmakeup%2Bbag%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-6&th=1

BAGSMART Large Travel Makeup Cosmetic Bag, Lay Flat, Clear Brush Pocket | PU Leather, Waterproof Make up Case, Women's Essentials, Holiday Gifts, Denim Blue : Amazon.co.uk: Beauty

BAGSMART Large Travel Makeup Cosmetic Bag, Lay Flat, Clear Brush Pocket | PU Leather, Waterproof Make up Case, Women's Essentials, Holiday Gifts, Denim Blue : Amazon.co.uk: Beauty

https://www.amazon.co.uk/BAGSMART-Waterpoof-Cosmetic-Organiser-Essential/dp/B0GGZM8NZK/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2LN73DC9P5AFJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QrTzs-Fdp1gqj7WKzmZ5LuMfbz9EsML-mD1vvB-gW6NPGsHDoxjdzJfdyWUhtR_xYgpP7jstkXKhmS6RisVs_Ux4pATZl3aIx-futkcnAo6qmpJuWhbPQ1H3xRP2OuRM8X9gN-ZqPitDQXpvPTC473qyt7vHf_WKWdALRswh4B_lX8RCP6lsEPN_Tv8nAeBTBEGD_8CSFy-MEUgrMlmBl6v_FFxwPyqQU5gKb7hFt74uSfQS_JOcIM0yls-kltYFtcwH2ZVaEDOcfAfSDVDozWNxzmPZ4vcstqtihYi9xtc.lsSCp-ztrrEk9oIUqmJIt-DYVXM11eRW3_nsCCANr1Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=Leather%2Blay%2Bflat%2Bmakeup%2Bbag&qid=1787132752&sprefix=leather%2Blay%2Bflat%2Bmakeup%2Bbag%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-6&th=1&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-am-i-being-unreasonable-5568338-would-a-beautifect-mini-be-a-disappointing-birthday-present-if-empty

Idontjetwashthefucker · 19/08/2026 10:38

Bloody hell, how much make up does a 15 year old need on holidat that she has to transport it in a bin liner?!

Also, I wouldn't spend that on a plastic make up bag

AmyDudley · 19/08/2026 10:36

XiCi · 19/08/2026 08:08

I think its lovely OP and a really good idea for a present given she used a bin liner for her holidays! I definitely wouldn't give her money either unless she was saving for something big and asked for it, thats really thoughtless and shit. I bought dd a light up make up case from shein for Christmas, she loves it and its been away with us a few times and lasted well. There are mini ones on the site as well if you prefer those. Mine was about £30. [[Travel Makeup Bag With Mirror LED - Rechargeable Light-Up Mirror, Adjustable Dividers, Multi-Compartments For Easy Organization
I discovered amazing products on SHEIN.com, come check them out!
https://onelink.shein.com/48/5zc45fcds0ua?shc=2_Rpzf8x5lU3R

Shein use child and forced labour, they are morally disgusting. And your post sounds suspiciously like an advert,no one says 'come check them out'

Bulbsbulbsbulbs · 19/08/2026 10:32

I'd get her a nice make up travel bag. Cream Cornwall have got some lovely velvet ones in the sale. Then add a really good folding travel mirror that fits inside.

Gengha · 19/08/2026 10:28

That is giving off massive “I saw you coming” vibes. Yes it would be a bit crap for it to be empty, could you ask other people if they are looking for present ideas to buy products?

NewGoldFox · 19/08/2026 09:34

Yesiamstressedactually · 18/08/2026 23:06

Would she prefer an Elizabeth Scarlett open flat makeup bag, then you have money left over to fill it.

Seems more like what a 16 year old would love.

www.elizabethscarlett.com/collections/open-flat-makeup-bags

Edited

Seconding this, the strawberry print one is gorgeous and you could have it personalised.

Furrydogmum · 19/08/2026 08:46

What about something like this and a voucher inside for her favourite cosmetic brand..

Buy SENSSE Glow Up Vanity Case | Makeup sets | Argos https://share.google/HeA7Vbci1bTR46hIz

CaptainMyCaptain · 19/08/2026 08:45

WearingBeautifulShoes · 18/08/2026 22:44

I thought this was going to be about a car based on the thread title! It seems incredibly expensive but if that's what you really want to get for your DD then yes, I think you'd have to put at least a couple of make up items in it although not fill it if she's already got lots of stuff.

So did I.

eatreadsleeprepeat · 19/08/2026 08:41

Have a look at Stackers, they now do make up organisation as well as jewellery. They have caddies as well as bags. John Lewis do a good range of them.

Catza · 19/08/2026 08:32

LouXx12 · 19/08/2026 00:27

It was the first that popped up on Google, and I thought she would quite like the mirror 🤷‍♀️ it is expensive but she doesnt want anything so to me it would be a waste to give her 150 pounds that she would just waste on Coffees and food when she goes out with her friends

You don't get a say in how she spends her money. Besides "wasting it on food and coffee" is not really wasting it because food and coffee facilitates her social experience with friends. Money doesn't have to be spent on stuff in order to be spent wisely. Otherwise we may as well say that you wasted money spending on a holiday you say you took together.

XiCi · 19/08/2026 08:08

I think its lovely OP and a really good idea for a present given she used a bin liner for her holidays! I definitely wouldn't give her money either unless she was saving for something big and asked for it, thats really thoughtless and shit. I bought dd a light up make up case from shein for Christmas, she loves it and its been away with us a few times and lasted well. There are mini ones on the site as well if you prefer those. Mine was about £30. [[Travel Makeup Bag With Mirror LED - Rechargeable Light-Up Mirror, Adjustable Dividers, Multi-Compartments For Easy Organization
I discovered amazing products on SHEIN.com, come check them out!
https://onelink.shein.com/48/5zc45fcds0ua?shc=2_Rpzf8x5lU3R

Travel Makeup Bag With Mirror LED - Rechargeable Light-Up Mirror, Adjustable Dividers, Multi-Compartments For Easy Organization

I discovered amazing products on SHEIN.com, come check them out!

https://onelink.shein.com/48/5zc45fcds0ua?shc=2_Rpzf8x5lU3R

MissSookieStackhouse · 19/08/2026 08:03

100% agree with your DH. Unless she’s actually asked for this as a present I’d get something else for £150 instead.

Kepler22B · 19/08/2026 07:36

What about a roll up makeup bag? So she can still be organised but much more convenient for taking on holiday.

Given she already has a pod she doesn’t need another at home storage solution and the case looks very bulky for on the go.

RenoSweeney · 19/08/2026 07:32

I have a Beautifect box which I was given as a gift. It looks very pretty on my dressing table but honestly, I use it to store products in and that’s it. It’s too heavy to use for travel and although the light up mirror is good, it doesn’t angle so I find it difficult to use. I know they’re not as exciting, but the see through Space NK travel bags are very in at the moment and come in lots of colours. Might be worth a look?

moose62 · 19/08/2026 07:18

If you really think your DD would like it and you can afford it, get it.
But to answer your question: I think you should put something else in it as it makes it a more complete present.

FatMrsHoot · 19/08/2026 06:57

I think a travel make up bag is a brilliant idea if she was literally hauling it around in a plastic rubbish bag, but I think that price is obnoxious for a uPVC product.

Avoid the marketing and find her something leather which will stand the test of time - and be worth the cost! Then you can pop some make up shop vouchers inside as well, so she can go choose what she wants/needs.

SalmonOnFinnCrisp · 19/08/2026 06:46

LouXx12 · 19/08/2026 00:27

It was the first that popped up on Google, and I thought she would quite like the mirror 🤷‍♀️ it is expensive but she doesnt want anything so to me it would be a waste to give her 150 pounds that she would just waste on Coffees and food when she goes out with her friends

If she likes makeup you could buy a tonne of decent brushes for £150.

That is £150 for a plastic box?!?!
Madness...

ZenNudist · 19/08/2026 06:41

Raraskirtsagogo · 18/08/2026 23:04

£150 for a plastic makeup bag? Really?

Give her the money instead.

This. Absolute madness.

SheilaFentiman · 19/08/2026 06:39

ould you buy a makeup bag from spacenk or Sephora that she could use for travel and pop a gift card for one of those shops in it with a promise to take her shopping there? Or put in one or two items and a smaller gift card?

Something like this (check the size before you buy as some are teeny!)

www.spacenk.com/uk/brands/s/space-nk/travel-bags?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=snk-uk-search&utm_term=alwayson-all-nb&utm_content=nk-designer-static&src=ppc&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23856933288&gbraid=0AAAAAD9ohPrvT3kkCXHT0KlS92351JRRR&gclid=CjwKCAjwhZDUBhBGEiwAbi5bjrZezl0MwAQrEFbKWnRlZqqa4KL6oRnmcNsc0sKLwGTGU7YBdq_pThoClXwQAvD_BwE

Ilovemyfam · 19/08/2026 06:37

LouXx12 · 18/08/2026 23:11

The bigger one is £279!

But from the photo the mini looks big. Only fine if she spends lots of weekends away but too big for carrying her makeup around in a daily basis.

I have 4 nieces that age. They don’t seem to need anything these days.

AppleDumplingWithCustard · 19/08/2026 06:19

£150 and it isn’t even leather? What a rip off.

Sgreenpy · 19/08/2026 05:56

Yesiamstressedactually · 18/08/2026 23:06

Would she prefer an Elizabeth Scarlett open flat makeup bag, then you have money left over to fill it.

Seems more like what a 16 year old would love.

www.elizabethscarlett.com/collections/open-flat-makeup-bags

Edited

Oh these are very pretty! And much nicer imho. 50 quid is plenty enough to spend on s make up bag.