Beauty boxes have been around for what feels like forever, and in more recent years have seriously taken off in terms of popularity, with launch after launch from the likes of Boots, Marks & Spencer, Debenhams and more. But a mystery beauty box? Now, that's a new one.
Brand-new for 2025, and selling ridiculously fast, Next has launched two beauty boxes, of which the contents are a complete and utter mystery until they're delivered to your front door. I decided to take my chances, and got my hands on both editions, including the skincare pick, and make-up bundle. And let's just say, I couldn't believe what was included.
For a glimpse at the products that make an appearance, keep reading, and if you don't want any spoilers, I would suggest you stop scrolling...
🛍️ Product reviewed: Next Mystery Beauty Boxes: Skincare and Make-up
⭐ Rating: 4/5
💸 Reasons to buy: Fantastic value for money, five products from big-name brands, well-packaged
✋ Reasons to avoid: Selling fast and running low in stock, not many full-size products
💰 Best deal we've found: Shop both editions for just £18 directly from Next, and save over 60% on the products inside
On receiving my delivery, I was excited. I don't know what it was exactly, but the mystery element certain played a big part in how eager I was to unbox my bundle of unknown beauty products. Which I think made the experience all the more fun and enjoyable (and one that I think would make a great gift).
But what about the all-important contents? What I came to find inside the boxes definitely took me by surprise, especially when they cost just £18 each.
Bag your myself beauty box now
Upon opening Next's Skincare Mystery Beauty Box, my eyes immediately bolted to Murad's AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser -- this alone costs the entirety of what the box sells for, making the four additional products included, simply a bonus.
But it got better. The next item I couldn't help but reach for was the fan-favourite Elemis Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser. This stuff is gorgeous under make-up, and gives the skin a really natural and healthy-looking glow, even on my oily combination skin.
Then there was ESPA's Resilience SOS Skin Clearing Serum; I haven't used this enough to validate its effectiveness, but love how it feels and applies. According to ESPA, it deeply nourishes the skin, and helps strengthen its moisture barrier, for a vibrant, healthy-looking complexion.
The two remaining picks are Emma Hardie's Brilliance Facial Oil, which I've been combining with my everyday moisturiser to add some plumpness to my make-up-free face, and a Brushworks Heating & Cooling Eye Mask, which simply brings this at-home spa-like experience together.
The Make-up Mystery Beauty Box is equally as impressive, with five picks from big-name brands like Nars, Clarins, Benefit and more. I was particularly happy to finally get my hands on the hugely popular Clarins Lip Comfort Oil, which has gained viral status over the last few years for being hydrating, with "just the right amount of colour and shine but not sticky".
Another lip product that makes an appearance is Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in a gorgeous plum shade. Non-drying and super easy to apply, it has a creamy texture with a velvet matte finish. I love it so much, I've been wearing it on its own.
Refusing to stop there, and perfect for those constantly on-the-move, there's a travel-sized Benefit They're Real Beyond Mascara. So far, I've been really liking how this applies over my lashes, it's not clumpy and does a nice job at elongating my natural lashes.
Elsewhere, there's a bold red polish from Nails Inc, and a handy eyelash curler from Brushworks.
There's very few full-size products included in the boxes, but for just £18, that's to be expected. In the skincare iteration, the only full-size product is the eye mask, whereas the make-up edition includes a full-size nail polish and eyelash curler.
As far as value for money is concerned, this deal is as good as it gets, with over a 60% saving on each of the beauty boxes. Many of the items included make up the cost of the entire box on their own, so there's no arguing with its value.
Available for just £18 directly from Next, we would hurry if you want a chance at sampling your way through these boxes and getting your hands on some otherwise pretty pricey picks.