December 2013 Rubybox

I stopped my subscription to Rubybox, and then last month I decided to spoil myself with only one Rubybox.  I know it is a subscription service, but I decided I wanted one box only and would  cancel it after one month.  I did cancel the Rubybox, but got billed for another one and received another one.  This time I called their hotline to cancel the subscription.  So a warning out there, double check whether your Rubybox subscription is actually cancelled.  Mine said:  Waiting for cancellation and was never cancelled.

I received the December Rubybox, even though I did not want to.  I was fairly upset when I got a message from the courier that the box is on its way.  I wanted a refund and wanted to send the box back.  Of course when it arrived I had to look what was inside and then decided I would keep it.  This is therefore the first Rubybox ever that I decided I wanted AFTER I saw the contents.

What hooked me on this box was the smell.  It smelled absolutely divine when I opened it, all due to the lovely body lotion.  It included a full size product and it had some really large samples.  One of the best boxes I received in a long time.  If they were all like this, I might actually still have an annual subscription.

What did I receive?
Emanuel Ungaro L'Amour Fou Body Lotion, 50 ml. 
This lotion smells divine.  I love it.  It is incredibly expensive, R360 for 200 ml.  There is no way I would have been able to afford a full product.  It smells lovely, but moisturising wise, it is a fairly average lotion.

John Frieda Brilliant brunette colour protection moisturising shampoo and conditioner
Both of these were 50 ml sizes.  They came in lovely tubes.  This is a perfect fit.  I do not spend a lot of money on expensive shampoos, but always love to try them out.  (I think in an attempt to convince myself I am not depriving my hair of anything.)  I started using it immediately and cannot say that I am blown away.  My hair kind of feels like it always feels.  This was also a perfect fit with my beauty profile.  I have brunette coloured hair.  Thank you Rubybox for customising so well.

Nair ultra hair removal.
I received 2 30 ml sachets, which is fairly large.  I am keen to also try this new to me product. 

Rubybox beauty smooch stick in Tangerine Tango
This was a Rubybox product and is full size.  It is valued at R129.  I am not sure whether I can really rock very bright Tangerine lipstick, but have enjoyed wearing this.  It is a very greasy product.  I am not mad about the taste, but it is not awful.  It is very dark, with lots of pigment and it has staying power.  It feels a little bit sticky on the lips. This might be one of the longer lasting lipsticks I own.  I know orange is very fashionable, it might just not be me.
You can see a review here.

All in all a lovely box. I calculate the value to be around R277.  Not bad at all.  I have used 4 of the 5 products within days of receiving it.  Sometimes I just store away the samples till I need them. 

Rubybox Scentsational box

Note:  I am still here, still blogging.  I just had an insanely busy time.  Internet at home was slow and would not upload pictures and work was too busy to write blogs at work.  Between all of that I never managed to post anything.  This post is long overdue, but I think still interesting enough to put out there.

I was driving down from Johannesburg and checking facebook (yes, you have fairly good internet reception on the N3 these days).  I was a passenger in the car if you were worried.  And then I saw a notice for the SCENTsational  box from Rubybox.  It promised one 5 ml fragrance or 75ml body lotion and 10 fragrance sample vials.  All of this for just R100. I ordered it immediately.  Imagine, buying something while stuck in a car driving down the highway for hours.

 

I have written a blog post previously about my inability to choose a perfume in a shop and how much I enjoy the sampler boxes you get at some shops around Christmas time.  This box is therefore precisely what I needed.

 

It arrived a few days later and this is what was inside:

Small vials (1.2 to 1.5 ml) of Acqua di Gioia, Armani code, Euphoria and Latin Sensation from Avon.   Two sachets each of Madly Kenzo and Kenzo flower tag.  A larger vial of Elie saab (4 ml) and Arpege as the 5 ml sample.  It also included two men’s fragrances; Armani code men and David beckham men in small vials.

The box is good value for money.  If my sums are correct I received about 22 ml of fragrance.  If we assume that fragrance cost R689 for 50 ml (the sale price for Forbidden Euphoria on the Rubybox site) then the box was worth R303.  Even if I threw the two male fragrances away it is still worth R262.  (Roughly, plus minus:  I was too lazy to find the prices for each of the perfumes, and I used a sale price.)

My complaints: 

I received a duplicate of Armani code, therefore I only got 10 different perfumes and not 11 as I thought I would get.  Since Armani code smells really nice and might actually be my favourite from the box I am not complaining too much. 

I received sachets for the two Kenzo samples.  The little spray samples are so nice to use and carry everywhere and sachets are just a  pain.  The sachets are also smaller, but they made up for this by giving me two sachets of each, so in the end it is about as much as a vial would have been.

My main complaint.  The men’s fragrances.  I do not want men’s fragrances.  I am married, but my husband dislikes all men’s perfumes and would never wear it.  I sometimes wear the male samples I get.  In this unisex universe of ours you can get away with it, but I do not really like it.  There was absolutely no indication when I bought the box that there would be men’s fragrances in it.  (They also did not state that it would be female fragrances only.  I just kind of assumed it would be.)  And judging from some complaints online I was lucky.  Some other Rubies got half men’s fragrances.  Rubybox, please, if you do this again leave out the men’s fragrances or tell us up front how many of the fragrances would be men’s fragrances.

Three of the fragrances I received were fragrances I have had samples from in the past, mostly from Rubybox.  I was less excited to get these.  I guess it is not their fault and it would be really difficult for them to figure out who have had what in the past and only send me ‘new’ samples.  But, in a perfect world it would have been nice to have received a box with 11 fragrances I have never tried before.  Heaven!

There were some complaints about the box online.  Some people complained about the men’s fragrances, which I think is a very valid complaint.  Some people complained about getting duplicates, which I also think is a valid complaint.  And then some people complained about getting bad smelling perfumes.  This is just a ridiculous complaint.  Perfumes are so subjective.  Just because you do not like it does not mean it is not a good perfume and it would be impossible to pack 11 random samples in a box and have everybody like all the samples they receive.  The whole idea of the box is to receive new scents and see whether you like them or nor. 

This box was really nice, I like it and I hope Rubybox does it again soon.  I would definitely buy it again (and hope that I do not get the same fragrances I got this time!)  Please leave a comment telling me what was inside your scent box.

 

June 2013 Rubybox

What was in the box? 

Alilia lipstick, a full size. 

It is really nice.  Very moisturizing, and also quite matt.  The colour is very rich and it lasted well.  It went on very smoothly.  And it tasted nice.  I really like this lipstick, and I was really needing a new lipcolour, so this was a nice addition to the box.  There is no colour name on the lipstick.  The card says bright red, but I would rather call this pink or fuchia, not red.  The colour is a bit out there, very fuchsia and bright.  All in all, a winner.  Already made the box worth it.

Revlon colorsilk, luminista in dark golden brown.  Full size.

I can see how this could cause some complaints.  Not everyone colours their hair and not everyone would like this specific colour if they did colour their hair.  Rubybox always claim that the boxes are packed according to your beauty profile.  However, I often cannot see how some of the products I am sent relate to the questions I completed.  This one is different.  They know that I colour my hair and that I am a brunette.  So sending me this specific hair colour suits me perfectly.  I would be curious to know if everyone got hair colour and whether everyone got this specific colour, or whether only people who indicated that they colour their hair got hair colour.  This one is a definite win in my book.  I will use it and I am glad I got it.

Ponds all in one even tone expert BB cream.  Three small sample sachets

I am keen to use and try BB creams.  I have only ever tried the Garnier BB cream (also from a Rubybox).  I am thus happy to try this one as well.  Ponds is a very cheap brand, which I have used years ago and did not like much.  I do hope their BB cream is better.  I wish we could get to try some of the higher end BB creams.  I am no price snob, but it is easier to buy myself a ponds BB cream (since it costs only R89) than to buy myself a chanel BB cream for example.  Another win, hopefully.   All three sachets are medium, I hope the colour will work. 

Rubybox tools duel sharpener

I have a sharpener for my pencils.  I am not sure whether I am happy to get another one.  Two brushes are better than one; but I am not sure whether two sharpeners are better than one?  Rubybox sells a set of tools.  Except for the eye lash curler, which I really really wanted, I think I own the complete set now. 

I calculate the value of this box to be about R262.  All (except one thing) things that I would really use.  Sadly, no perfume this time. 

Thank you Rubybox, this was a winner.  And I received it on the 5^th of the month, no delays.

I have found a review by Pink Peonies , Becoming you and an unboxing by Rubybox and a Review by Rubybox themselves.  (This last review answers my question about the hair colour.)

 

Rubybox May 2013

While my Kiehl's series is interrupted, I will also give a review of this month's Rubybox, and then continue with the Kiehl's series.

This month my Rubybox was not dispatched.  Rubybox promise delivery between the first and the 15th of the month.  On the 16th I sent them an email, received no reply, but received an email from the couriers with tracking details the next day.  My box was only delivered on the 21st.  So my deduction is that they somehow missed sending my box and was only reminded when I asked.  Not nice.

This month Rubybox had a special Grazia box, which you had to opt in to receive.  The contents of the Grazia box was made know before you opted in .  It did not look very exciting, so I decided to take my chances with the mystery 'normal' box. 

Here is a review of the Grazia box.  And here are some more reviews.

 

 

In my box I received.

1.  Catrice precision pencil
Mine was 020 "Like a Grayer"; a nice charcoal colour.  I have never used these pencils before, but it seems like a nice pencil, soft and really applies easily.

2.  Dove essential nourishment body lotion
A 50 ml sample, with a divine smell.  This is a fairly low priced product, which I can easily try myself in the shops.  I would rather receive smaller samples of more expensive products which is harder to just buy and try.  I am sure I will like it.

3.  Prada Candy perfume
I love perfume samples in the boxes.  This one is an exception.  I have received it about a year ago in a Rubybox and have received one in a Glossybox.  It is therefore not a new perfume to try.  It is a very sweet smelling perfume.  It has a perfect name and actually smells exactly like candy.  Not a favourite.  It comes in a nice spray bottle of 1.5 ml.

4. Rubybox tools eyeshadow brush
This looks like a very nice eye shadow brush with a very long handle and nice soft bristles.  I have always used sponges to apply eye shadow.  These only last so long and I am now replacing them with brushes as they die.  This comes at a good time. 

This box is a bit underwhelming.  Both the eyeliner and the body lotion are cheap enough that I could just have bought it in stead of trying a sample.  It is the expensive products where it helps to know what you are investing in.   So I think this box kind of misses the point of a try before you buy service.  The perfume has been tried before and the brush would come in handy.

There were also a lot of complaints about late delivery and the contents of the boxes on their facebook page.  I do not think the box was a waste of money, but was not overly thrilled either. 

I should have opted in for the Grazia box.  I would have had the brush and a nice perfume, at least.  I also liked Lee Stafford products in the past and might have gotten one I have not tried yet.

Here is another review of the box, with much nicer photos than my review.  Here is another.

 

Kiehl's series Nr 3: Kiehl's Rubybox

 

I am really intrigued by Kiehl's.  I think it is such a pretty brand, with an interesting ethos and story and some different products.  It also has a bit of a cult brand image.  So I was keen to investigate and see whether their products are cool or not. 

I received the Rubybox Kiehl's box, which was my first introduction to the brand.  Rubybox had a Kiehl's box at the same time the brand launched in South Africa.  The box came with 6 products.  You can see a review and description of the Kiehl's box here.  and a review here. 

I received a few samples at the small shop at the Dubai Airport and I also bought a travel sized shampoo and the midnight recovery oil. 

I thought I would do a short series with a post every second day reviewing the Kiehls samples I received, both in the Rubybox and in Dubai.  The reviews will be short, since they are based on small samples and not long term use.  This is basically what you can expect to see reviewed.

My April 2013 Rubybox

Sooooo, I am late with the review of my April Rubybox.  I promised myself it would definitely be posted in April, but that ship has sailed.  The fact that my camera cable (that I need to move photos from my camera to my computer) has been missing for a few weeks definitely contributed to the delayed review.  Here is my very late review of the April Rubybox. 

 

I received the following in the April Rubybox.

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush

I do not really use dry shampoos en received one long ago in a Rubybox.  It was from Lee Stafford and although I loved other Lee Stafford products I did not like the dry shampoo.  I am therefore keen to find out whether I do not like dry shampoos in general or whether I did not like that one specific dry shampoo.  I have not tried it yet, but Batiste, you will now determine whether I ever again buy a dry shampoo (no pressure !).  I was thus quite glad to get this in the box.  The card claims it is a full size product, but it is really very small. 

Lamelle Correctives Recharge CE complex

This product improves skin firmness, fine lines and discoloration; thus in short an anti-aging product.  I am keen to try this.  It is a small 2.5 ml sample.

 

Beauty Factory C Originals Hand and Nail Cream

I am out of hand cream, this came at a great time.  I am keen to try it.  It is a 10 ml sample.

 

NYX single eyeshadow

A full size single colour eye shadow.  It is a lovely brown colour; between brown and olive green.  I have been using it almost daily since I received it and liked it.  The application is perfect and it provides good colour and lasts well.  My only complaint might be that it is a single colour, I do better with palettes.
 

Primeve Plus

Evening primrose supplement for PMS and menopause; 5 capsules.

B-Cal Ultra

Multivitamin and mineral supplement w, also 5 capsules

Although I know that multipvitamins are important for the health of your hair and skin and therefore influence how you look, I am not sure how receiving 5 capsules helps you to decide whether a product is worth buying.  I have popped the capsules, and my only comment would be that they are really, really big to swallow.  I do not know whether I am more healthy after using these capsules.  So a bit of a duh review wise.

 

My summary:  I miss the perfume.   Please, please Rubybox, put a perfume in every single box.  Please.  Other than that I liked the box – I like the eye shadow and would use everything else in the box. 

 



The advantage to taking so long with my review is that there are plenty of other reviews I can link to.  You can find other reviews of this Rubybox  here, here, here, and here.  All these boxes looked different from mine. 

My March Rubybox

This was a great box, and I am not the only one saying so.  On Rubybox’s fan page lots of people commented on how much they liked the box.  It made it even worse for me to keep waiting for my box.  And nobody said what was in the box.  They only said how great it was.

 

My box had the following.  (There are often more than one version of the box, so someone else’s box might be different.) 

1.       Rubybox hair head bands. 

These are said to cost R29.99 and I got two.  One is purple with little glittery bits and one is turkois.  These hair bands look like oversized hair elastics and you slip then on and they function like an allice band.  It is meant to keep hair out of your face, while washing it, but could also be great for going to the gym, working in the garden, or just being lazy with your hair.

2.      Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia

I have previously received this perfume, but like perfumes so much that I do not complain.  I like trying new perfumes.  It has a fresh smell, but is not something I would buy. 

3.      Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio

This is a male perfume.  My husband hates wearing perfume.  (At least he showers often!) so I will use this myself.  Some male fragrances are perfectly fine for me.  I hope this one also is.  It is great to receive two perfumes.

4.      Rimmel sexy curves mascara R110

Wow.  A full size mascara.  This is great.  I have not tried it yet, but simply receiving this mascara made me throw out two old mascaras.  One was hard and the other was very sticky.

5.      Sally Hansen complete salon manicure in Dorien Grey R130

I love nail polish as well.  At first I gave this sample a duh look.  It is a brand I would love to try and the description sounds lovely.  It is also not a cheap nail polish.  (I have recently decided life is too short for cheap nail polish that chips after one day)  But Oh my.  The colour.  It is grey!  Who wears grey nails.  I did however try the polish on.  I can happily say I am on Day 4 now and the nail polish is holding on well.  The finish is smooth and professional.  I might have a new keeper.  The grey looks OK on, better than in the bottle.  It is almost violet; which would have been just marvellous.

 

Thank you Rubybox.  This was a great box.  It was a treat; lovely things, usefull things, a perfume and a brand I have not tried before, but might just like. 

Here is an update to include a review by Becoming you.  She received a different version of the box than I did.  And yet another version of the box is reviewed here.  I also added another review a bit later.

February Rubybox

This month my Rubybox had four things in it.

 

1.       A 1.5 ml sample of perfume – Cacharel catch me.  I love, love, love the perfume samples in the Rubybox.  I have an inability to choose a perfume in a shop.  This whole try perfumes at home thing works so much better for me.  If Rubyboxes consisted of perfume samples only, I would definitely be a fan.  This perfume is no exception. 

2.      The second thing was a Rubybox tweezer.  It comes nicely packaged in a box and looks like a nice tweezer.  According to the little card in the box it is worth R50.  I am not really sure that a tweezer could be worth that much.  I already own two, so I am not sure what I am supposed to do with another one.  Rubybox has been giving one tool in every box for the last few months.  I think I only need the sharpener and eye lash curler to have them all.

3.      A full size, 200 ml bottle of Piz Buin In Sun Lotion SPF10.  I have never used Piz Buin prior to Rubybox.  I received a full size bottle SPF 30 last year in a box and I love it.  I am fairly religious in buttering up my boys with sunblock, but I hate sharing my Piz Buin with them.  It smells divine and is not greasy or oily.  It feels like a lovely moisturiser when applied.  I really am in love with the Piz Buin I already have.  This one has an SPF of 10, however, which makes me a bit edgy.  I have not used anything below an SPF 20 since the 80’s.  (I remember a factor 2 or 5 as a teenager.)  I struggle to see why anyone would want to sell an SPF 10.  The card in the box said this should be used in stead of a moisturiser on days you do not plan to spend much time in the sun.  I might just do that.  This product is as nice on your skin and non oily as the one I already have.  It also smells exactly the same.

4.      There is an envelope with three Elizabeth Arden products.  A wash, serum and moisturiser.  They are each a mere 2 ml and packed in small sachets which are hard to use.  But I love fancy skin care products and look forward to testing them.  The cleanser is soft smelling (a bit of an old lady cosmetic smell, smells like something your mother would use), has exfoliating granules and does a great job of cleaning your face.  The serum was a bit of a surprise, since it looks like a moisturiser and is not oily like most serums.  It seems to work well, but it is hard to see whether it is a good product with only a use or two. 

Insert in the box

 

Rubybox has received a lot of criticism lately for the content of the boxes.  I was not very happy with the November and December boxes, the January one was a bit better.  This month the box I grew to love last year was back.  It had what I would like to see – an expensive skin care product, a luxury slightly larger product (does not have to be full size, but more than a sachet), and a perfume. 

You can read one review here.

Inside the January Rubybox

I have mixed feelings about the box this month.  For the last two months the boxes were really not as nice as they used to be and I hoped this box would be better.

Most of the things in this box are products I am excited to use, but the box is not worth that much in monetary value.

 

Alila Professional Make-up Fix that Makeup Spray

According to the card:  A few spritzes ofver your makeup in the morning (and thrughut the day) will ensure your nakeup remains smudge-proof and in palce despite the heat.
This is a fairly expensive product (R130 for 150 ml) that I would never have bought.  It would be fun to try.  I wonder whether you can use this over your eye makeup?  Or should you not spritz close to your eyes.  I do not wear much makeup other than around my eyes.

Aussie 3 minute miracle frizz remedy deep treatment
According to the card: Dont let frizz or flyaways get the better of you this summer.  After shampooing apply for one to three minutes before rinsing.
I do not have particularly frizzy hair, but I live in Durban and anything to keep your hair manageable would be appreciated.  The sample is also relatively large (2 sachets of 20 ml each).  This one I like and look forward to trying.

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Total Repair 10 SPF20
A cute little pot of moisturiser.  I love receiving moisturisers in the boxes and would love trying this.  I also like the fact that it comes in a little pot and not in a fiddly, messy sachet.  I vowed to only use moisturisers with an SPF built in from now on, so this is a good one to try.

Schwarzkopf Gliss Marrakesh Oil and Coconut shampoo and Conditioner
Two small sachets, one shampoo and one conditioner.  This shampoo seems very affordable, so I might be able to replace my current shampoo with this .  The shampoo was enough for one wash only and it is a bit hard to judge on just one use.  I liked it, my hair was soft and managable all day.  Unfortunately I went swimming in the afternoon, so did not have the benefit of the shampoo for long.  I am happy with what I am currently using, but trying something new can't hurt.  I might buy the full bottle. 

Rubybox Tools Make-up Removal Tools
Rubybox sells a toolkit.  With the exception of the eye lash curler, I have now received everything in the tool kit.  (Hi Rubybox, if you read this, I would love to receive an eye lash curler, please.)  I use these sponges, and do not have one at the moment.  I will definitely use this.  The sponges are very soft and work really well.  Good !

A voucher
I have never been excited about the vouchers in the boxes, but this one is nice and I might actually use it.  R20 discount on a Piz Buin product at Clicks. 

Why am I torn about this box?
When I signed up for Rubybox they promised a box to the value of R250 every month on the website where I signed up.  There are always things in the box I do not use or would not have spent money on so I think the box needs to be worth more than R100 before it makes sense to spend money on it.  I calculate this box to be worth R91 (and if I end up using the voucher, R111).  I am not sure whether that makes Rubybox a worthwhile spend. 

Sure, I get to try things I have not tried before and if any of the products are great surpises and change my routine, this might be a reason to continue.  Previous Rubyboxes have introduced me to liquid eye liners, a hair protector spray, Kiehls and Palmers coco butter cream that I love and use a lot and have bought since.  If Rubybox keeps doing that it might be worth continuing just for the fun, not for the value of the products.  But I could just use the R100 per month and spoil myself with something I really want.  None of the products in this month's box is so expensive that I would not be able to have bought it and tried it in stead of getting the box.  However, if they gave small samples of really expensive products it would be different, because I would get to try the expensive products without wasting money on something I would not like. 

Inside the December Rubybox

I have never done a Beauty box review, mostly because there used to be so many reviews.  However, lately there seems to be less, so here I go with mine.  

If you do not know what a Rubybox is, you should first read this post. 

I received one of the ‘normal’ December Rubyboxes, not the Tanqueray one.

Inside were:

A Rubybox branded foundation brush

It is valued at R149.99.  Rubybox has been adding quite a bit of tools lately.  I wish I could get a lash curler, then I would have the complete set of Rubybox tools, all received in the monthly boxes.  I am not sure whether I like the brush.  I apply foundation with my fingers, which works just fine.  Might give it a try.  The brush is large and really, really soft.  (Updated:  I did try the brush and still think I prefer my fingers.  The brush is great for getting the BB cream out of the sachet, though!)

Garnier BB cream

Included were 7 sachets of the BB cream, nicely tied up in an organza bag.  Two colours were included, light and medium, which is nice, since I get to try both.  I have been itching to give a BB cream a try since I have read so much about it.   I am not sure that I am a fan of this BB cream.  It gave lovely coverage, but was a bit thick and oily.  It is really hot in Durban lately.  I will give it a second chance when it is a bit less hot.  In this heat everything feels oily.  (Updated:  I like the BB cream more and more as I use it more.)

Elizabeth Arden red door perfume sample and Issey Miyake perfume

This is a really old fragrance, but it smells wonderful.  I might even get myself a bottle.  I love the perfume samples in Rubybox and would be really sad if I received a box without a perfume sample.  There was also a tiny one use swipe of Issey Miyake men’s perfume.  Really small. 

Decleor eye and lip cream

I always like it when I receive serums, eye creams or any other anti-aging potions.  These are so expensive to buy and I never know what to get.  Being introduced to various options via Rubybox is perfect.  I have not used this one yet, but am looking forward to giving it a try.

The box came with a Beauty Bulletin, a small fold-up broshure advertising various beauty products.  It was done well, but looked a lot like any advertisement insert you would received in a newspaper.  The usual card describing the various products was absent, something I missed.

All in all this box was OK.  I estimated the value at R203, however most of this is because the foundation brush costs R150.  The actual products inside were only worth about R50.  I am not sure whether I appreciate tools in the beauty boxes.  I never buy tools and feel I do not need it.  However, I covet an eye lash curler and I really use the cheap looking make-up brushes I received in a Glambox a lot; so maybe I need tools more than I realise, and this is a great way for me to get it.

What is the Rubybox worth

I subscribe to rubybox.  I have explained, briefly, what it is in a previous post.    This post also explains it well.

You could also read about it here, here and here.

In trying to decide whether I wanted to subscribe to Rubybox I would have loved to have the information I am giving in this post.  I hope it helps someone.  Please let me know whether it does.

I am a little bit of a numbers geek and I calculated the value of each of the Rubyboxes.  I am slightly embarrassed to say so. 

Also because I am a bit of a science geek, I need to give my methodology.   I used the prices and sizes given for the full size item on the little card given with the Rubybox to calculate the price per mL of the full size product and then used the size of the sample given to calculate to total value of the sample.  This was not always possible, because a few samples (sachets) had no size given, but most did and I think my estimates of the sizes are fairly accurate where not supplied.   I used the prices given by Rubybox.  I guess it could be possible to find some of the products cheaper somewhere else or on sale.  I did see one of the products on special at DisChem for a lower price, but let's ignore that for now.   I did not add any value for the packaging, labour on their side or the cost of the courier.  Rubybox varied the content of the box some (most?) months and I only calculated the value of the box I received, but I assume they would try and send out boxes of equal value, if not identical products.  Some (most?) boxes came with discount vouchers at online stores, but since I have not used one of them (yet?) I did not add the value of the vouchers.  I guess the vouchers could have been worth an additional R50 some months. 

Thus:  The value of the products only (excluding vouchers).

Month	Value
February	277
March	217
April	262
May	251
June	251
July	181

The value of the box has always been more than the R100 you pay for the box.  And if you factor in that courier cost is, I guess, at least R30 then you do get a fairly good deal.  I do not think I would order the box if the value was less than R200, since you need to factor in that you might receive products you would never use.  So in my view getting product worth more than R100 makes up for the fact that there might be some products I do not want or does not suit me.  So far I have not had anything in the boxes I would definitely never use.  One thing that is true is that some of the boxes were only  worth the money because of the full size products included. 

Perfume samples are usually worth between R20 and R30.  Some of the samples were really expensive.  The 5mL sized Lancome youth activating concentrate I got in the first box was worth R100.  (Since a full size sample of 30 mL costs R600, and we received 5 ml.)   Just because it looks small does not mean it is not worth a lot of money. 

I have seen people all over the internet complaining that Rubybox is not worth the money, since they include only small samples.  Here is one.   I would argue that these people are wrong.  Small samples could be worth a lot of money.

For me the value of the sample lies a little bit in the packaging.  Some perfumes came in sachets, and since these are so hard to use and store without spilling, it should be worth less.  Samples coming in decent tubes (the majority) are a lot nicer.