Is the M&S summer beauty box worth it?
For £40, M&S’s summer beauty box feels unusually generous. Rather than relying on filler products or unfamiliar names (save for one M&S-own brand moisturiser), it brings together a line-up of covetable beauty brands, with several full-sized products that I’d happily buy in their own right. The inclusion of everyday staples alongside a few more indulgent treats makes it feel useful rather than gimmicky. Granted, it’s £5 more than 2025’s bundle, but it’s also worth an extra £20. Plus, when you factor in the £230 value, it’s one of the strongest beauty savings I’ve seen this year.
How I tested the M&S summer beauty box
Alongside unboxing the M&S summer beauty box, I closely examined the size, quality and desirability of each item featured, drawing on my previous experiences with many of the included brands and formulas, as well as acquainting myself with the products I’d not yet used. Specifically, I considered the following components:
- Brand selection: I assessed whether the box featured sought-after beauty brands with strong reputations among shoppers and the IndyBest team.
- Product mix: I considered how well the selection balanced skincare, haircare, fragrance and make-up, ensuring there was broad appeal.
- Size and value: I compared the retail price of the box against the value of the products inside, paying particular attention to the number of full-size items included.
- Product quality: Where products had previously been tested by IndyBest, I revisited our findings and considered how standout formulas contributed to the overall value of the bundle. I also took a closer look at the formulas not yet tested among myself and the team, gauging their quality in real-time as I played with the creams, scents etc.
- Practicality: I assessed whether the products felt useful enough to slot into an everyday beauty routine, rather than being novelty additions.
- Exclusivity: I looked at whether the box felt special and limited-edition, with a line-up compelling enough to justify the hype surrounding its launch.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
As IndyBest’s senior shopping writer, Lucy Smith is well versed in both the latest beauty launches and the formulas that have stood the test of time. As well as heading up the team’s guide to the best beauty advent calendars, where retailers set out to produce a curation of the most exciting products and launches, she’s also covered a number of 2026 releases, such as the new Dyson travel hair dryer, the Laura Mercier colour correcting setting powder and more. As such, she knows when a product is or isn’t worth your while, and was just the person to deem M&S summer beauty box a hit or miss.
Read more: I exclusively used Augustinus Bader skincare – here’s what’s worth buying
For £40, M&S’s summer beauty box feels unusually generous. Rather than relying on filler products or unfamiliar names (save for one M&S-own brand moisturiser), it brings together a line-up of covetable beauty brands, with several full-sized products that I’d happily buy in their own right. The inclusion of everyday staples – say, the Clinique moisturising lotion – alongside a few more indulgent treats – such as the Floral Street EDP – makes it feel useful rather than gimmicky. Granted, it’s £5 more than 2025’s bundle, but it’s also worth an extra £20+. Plus, when you factor in the £230 value, it’s one of the strongest beauty savings I’ve seen this year.
How we tested
Alongside unboxing the M&S summer beauty box, I closely examined the size, quality and desirability of each item featured, drawing on my previous experiences with many of the included brands and formulas, as well as acquainting myself with the products I’d not yet used. Specifically, I considered the following components:
- Brand selection: I assessed whether the box featured sought-after beauty brands with strong reputations among shoppers and the IndyBest team.
- Product mix: I considered how well the selection balanced skincare, haircare, fragrance and make-up, ensuring there was broad appeal.
- Size and value: I compared the retail price of the box against the value of the products inside, paying particular attention to the number of full-size items included.
- Product quality: Where products had previously been tested by IndyBest, I revisited our findings and considered how standout formulas contributed to the overall value of the bundle. I also took a closer look at the formulas not yet tested among myself and the team, gauging their quality in real-time as I played with the creams, scents etc.
- Practicality: I assessed whether the products felt useful enough to slot into an everyday beauty routine, rather than being novelty additions.
- Exclusivity: I looked at whether the box felt special and limited-edition, with a line-up compelling enough to justify the hype surrounding its launch.
As IndyBest’s senior shopping writer, Lucy Smith is well versed in both the latest beauty launches and the formulas that have stood the test of time. As well as heading up the team’s guide to the best beauty advent calendars, where retailers set out to produce a curation of the most exciting products and launches, she’s also covered a number of 2026 releases, such as the new Dyson travel hair dryer, the Laura Mercier colour correcting setting powder and more. As such, she knows when a product is or isn’t worth your while, and was just the person to deem M&S summer beauty box a hit or miss.
