First Impressions
There’s something about unboxing a beauty box that still feels like Christmas morning, even after a decade in this industry. When I first saw the Very Summer Beauty Box, I’ll admit I was skeptical. Very—formerly First Choice, the catalog retailer I used to dog-ear pages from as a teenager—isn’t the first name that comes to mind for curated beauty. But the packaging alone made me pause. A sturdy, glossy box with a magnetic closure, each item nestled in tissue paper like a little gift. It felt intentional, not thrown together.
I’ve been testing beauty boxes for years—from high-end subscription services to drugstore surprises—and the first impression here was genuinely impressive. The box retails for £45 and claims a value of over £200, with six full-size products. That’s a solid ratio. But numbers only tell part of the story. The real test is whether the products actually earn a spot in your routine.
The Deep Dive
Let’s start with the heavy hitters. The Iconic London Glow All Over Melting Balm Stick is a standout. I’ve used plenty of highlighters, but this one is different. It’s a balm stick with a built-in brush—yes, a brush—that twists up from the base. The formula is infused with refined pearls and plant oils, and it smells like coconut and shea butter. On the skin, it melts into a dewy sheen that doesn’t feel greasy or tacky. I swiped it on my cheekbones and brow bone, and the brush blended it seamlessly. It’s the kind of product that makes you look like you’ve just returned from a tropical vacation, even if you’ve been indoors all day.
The Elizabeth Arden Hydra Play Skin Perfecting Daily Moisturizer is another surprise. I’ve never tried this before, and I’m glad I did. It’s a lightweight, gel-cream hybrid that feels like a serum going on. On my hand, it absorbed quickly and left a subtle, natural glow. The formula claims to refine pores, control oil, and blur imperfections—lofty promises, but the texture alone makes it a winner for summer. It’s fragrance-free, which is a plus for sensitive skin.
The Benefit Bad Gal Bang mascara is a classic. I’ve used it for years, and the mini size is perfect for travel. It delivers dramatic volume without clumping, though you’ll need a good cleansing balm to remove it. The Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum is a 30ml bottle, which is decent. However, I’ve been using vitamin C and SPF 50 daily for years, and my pigmentation has faded completely. For me, this serum is redundant, but for someone dealing with hyperpigmentation, it could be a game-changer.
The Wella Professionals Ultimate Smooth Miracle Oil Serum is a hair oil that promises frizz control and heat protection. I tried a small amount on my ends, and it added definition without weighing my hair down. I prefer creams, but this is a solid option for those who like oils. The Gatineau Gradual Tan Golden Glow is a gradual tanner that builds a natural-looking tan. I’ve used it before—it works well if you buff it out, but on very pale skin, it can lean slightly orange.
The This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray is a familiar face in beauty boxes. It’s a strong lavender-based spray that helps with relaxation, but I’ve grown tired of it. The fragrance is intense and can trigger a cough reflex. The three perfumes—Calvin Klein Euphoria Magnetic Elixir, Lacoste Original, and Billie Eilish Eilish—are a mixed bag. The Calvin Klein is sweet and lovely but too sugary for my taste. The Lacoste is fresh and wearable. The Billie Eilish is powerful and almost cloying—definitely not for me.
Real Results
After a week of testing, here’s what I found. The Iconic London Glow Stick became a daily staple. I used it on bare skin over sunscreen, and it gave me that “lit from within” look without glitter. The Elizabeth Arden moisturizer worked well under makeup—no pilling, no greasy residue. My skin felt hydrated but not heavy, even in humid weather.
The Caudalie serum didn’t change my skin because I don’t have active pigmentation, but I passed it to a friend with sunspots. After two weeks, she noticed a slight brightening. The Wella hair oil was fine, but I still prefer my TIGI cream. The Gatineau tan developed nicely after three applications, though I had to be careful around my knees and elbows.
The pillow spray? I used it once and woke up with a stuffy nose. The perfumes are a personal preference—I gifted the Calvin Klein to my daughter, and she loves it. The Lacoste is the only one I’d wear myself.
The Honest Truth
Not everything in this box is a winner. The Caudalie serum is excellent, but if you already have a solid vitamin C and SPF routine, it’s unnecessary. The This Works pillow spray is overhyped and can be irritating. The Billie Eilish perfume is divisive—try before you buy. The Gatineau tan requires careful application to avoid streaks.
Who should skip this box? If you’re a minimalist who only uses products you know you’ll finish, the three perfumes and the pillow spray might feel like clutter. If you have sensitive skin, the fragrances in the Glow Stick and the pillow spray could be problematic.
Alternatives? Lookfantastic’s beauty box often includes more skincare-focused options, and Cult Beauty’s box leans toward high-end brands. But for a summer-themed box with a good mix of categories, Very’s offering is solid.
Pro Tips
1. The Iconic London Glow Stick works best on bare skin or over a lightweight moisturizer. Use the brush to blend, then tap with your fingers for a seamless finish.
2. The Elizabeth Arden moisturizer can double as a primer. Apply a thin layer, wait 30 seconds, then apply foundation.
3. For the Gatineau tan, mix it with your body lotion for a more gradual, even application.
4. The Wella oil is great for taming flyaways. Rub a drop between your palms and smooth over your hairline.
5. The perfumes are perfect for travel. Decant them into a rollerball for your bag.
Final Verdict
Would I buy this box again? Yes, but selectively. For £45, you’re getting a curated mix of staples and surprises. The Iconic London Glow Stick and Elizabeth Arden moisturizer alone are worth the price. The Caudalie serum is a bonus if you need it. The rest is nice to have but not essential.
This box is perfect for someone who wants to refresh their summer routine without spending a fortune. It’s also great for beauty enthusiasts who love trying new products. If you’re a Very shopper, this is a no-brainer. If you’re new to the brand, it’s a lovely introduction. Just don’t expect every item to be a holy grail—that’s the nature of discovery.
