Luxe Box | Winter 2014 Unboxing

I am pretty sure I forgot to do my last Luxe Box review.  Either way it was pretty un-exciting.  And here I am again, and tis official.  With Birchbox on the horizon, and a renewed sense of savings goals, something has to go, and, well, this is it.  Maybe I will come back in a season or two.  So, enjoy this final review (for now).  I haven't hated this subscription, I just haven't loved it.  It is a bit expensive, and lately I haven't felt thrilled.  I have decided to skip next season, and maybe I will give it another shot in the summer.

My box!

Luxe Box Add On | Stila Bronzer & Be a Bombshell

Luxe Box just released two of their Fall add-ons.  I always find their add-ons/upgrades to be a bit of a gamble since they don't release them all at once and once you pick one you are stuck with that one.  And once they sell out they sell out.  

That being said, I did decide to upgrade to add on the Stila Custom Colour Blush in "Self Adjusting Bronze" for $7.  This full sized product is worth $28, and I am a bit Stila fan.  Plus with this upgrade I am just adding an additional product to my pre-existing box, whatever that may be.  No substitutions, just a little extra for $7.

For $13 (in addition to the ~$30 you already pay) you can get a box full of full sized Be a Bombshell products.  I really don't care for Be a Bombshell products having tried several from subscription services.  For me the quality isn't there.  Not selecting this was easy.

I'm sure there will be more add ons, but in the mean time, will you be picking any?

Summer 2014 Luxe Box

I came home the other day to find my Luxebox.  Now, it wasn't a total surprise as I had peaked online to see what I was getting.  To be honest, I was pretty disappointed.  There were two foil pack samples being included in my "Luxe" box.  Not cool guys-- I could have got that for free at Shoppers or Sephora.

I really do not believe a foil pack sample has a place in a box I am paying $10 for, let alone $28 that this box costs.  Let alone two!  I am strongly leaning towards cancelling this box.  I think I will hold out for a bit to see what the bonuses are for next season.  I'll probably also call to complain and see what comes of it.  I just feel cheated.  On the bright side, I will be receiving my July Ipsy Bag so if that goes well I could very well see my self dumping Luxebox for Ipsy for the next few months.  Time will tell!

In the spirit of comparing to Ipsy, let's see if this box gets a passing grade.  Remember, foil pack samples get an automatic zero.  5/7 is a passing grade.

Each box costs about $28 and comes with 7-8 deluxe sized samples.

Here is my box in all its glory?  My butter London add-on will be featured at the end.

From Left to Right

Angled Tweezers - Loose Button, Full Sized $13*

KP Duty Moisturizing Therapy - DERMAdoctor, 30 mL $10

Butterfly - Hanae Mori, 4 mL $11

Skinny Liquid Eyeliner in "Black" - Eyeko, Full Sized $19

Introductory Collection - Eslor, 20 mL total $10*

Colour Assure Sulfate-Free System - Nexxus, 19 mL total, $2*

Island Palette Eyeshadow in "Paradise Bird" - Teeze, Full Sized $19

Crest Whitening Set x 3

*It is hard to believe the $13 price on a product they make in house that isn't for sale otherwise.

*Foil pack samples = Not welcome in a "Luxe" Box

*See above

Eslor Introductory Collection

The eslor sample came with 4 skin care samples including a scrub, a cleanser, a mask, and a moisturizer.  Its really hard to tell if a foil pack of skin care product actually works.  You can tell if it makes you break out, if it smells and feels good, but you can't know if it actually gets the job done.  I'll keep these on hand for nights away, but all in all I am just disappointed. 

Nexxus Colour Assure Sulfate Free System

Last month my mini shampoo and conditioner were travel sized.  This is just crappy sized.  I'll get one use, so I won't be able to tell if it actually does anything good for my hair.  Also, no where on my profile do  I mention having coloured hair.  Because I don't.  I have never ever ever ever dyed my hair. This makes my question if they even bother read my profile at all. I guess this will be nice to hold on to if I go to the gym?

Crest Tooth Whitening Set

This comes with free mini tooth paste!  And whitening strips!  I have no complaints that this is a "foil pack" because it was a bonus free add on!  Also I love the idea of having super mini tooth paste to have on hand.

Here are the non-foil pack samples I received.  Not sure if this is worth $28 to me...

Tweezers

I tried them.  They work.  Not much more to see here.  I like the rubberized texture.

Paradise Bird

This is a pretty golden-broze-brown.  I love the idea of using this in my creese to add some depth to a look.  A nice shimmer to it, over all I like this understated colour.  It goes on creamy (for a powder).  Looking forward to having some fun with this one!

KP Duty Lotion

So, I don't even know where to go with this one.

"This DERMAdoctor cult classic contains a patented blend of Glycolic Acid, Green Tea Extract and Urea to help exfoliate, calm and hydrate. Skin feels smoother, softer and hydrated. Helps improve the appearance of parched skin and rough chicken skin bumps (like keratosis pilaris). Ideal for use year-round as a moisturizer for body, arms, legs, hands and feet. Promote skin to silky perfection…it’s your KP Duty. Because a healthy complexion isn’t limited to just your face. Dermatologist Tested & Approved"

Oddly specific about the "chicken skin bumps".  Probably great if this is an issue for you.  But its not for me.  This is a pretty strange thing to include and really not catered to my needs.  As it turns out, about 50% of people have this issue, but still...I'm sure it will be nice to keep in my purse.

Butterfly

Not a scent that I would normally pick for myself, but I am warming up to it.  It has a nice fresh feminine scent to it.  I love that it is a tiny rollerball.  This is 100% perfect for travel and weekends away.  Speaking of which, next weekend is a weekend away :)

Skinny Liquid Eyeliner in Black

I tested out the line on my hand and it was not to thin, not too thick and very, very black. Aka, perfect.  I am a big fan of my Stila pen that I use almost daily.  This pen will go in to my stock to be used when I  finish up my usual.  I don't know if I would make the jump for good, but I think this will get the job done.  It also might be good to keep at the BF's house-- one less thing to pack!

The Good:

Skinny Liquid Eyeliner in "Black" - Eyeko, Full Sized $19

Island Palette Eyeshadow in "Paradise Bird" - Teeze, Full Sized $19

The Bad:

Introductory Collection - Eslor, 20 mL total $10*

Colour Assure Sulfate-Free System - Nexxus, 19 mL total, $2*

The Meh:

Angled Tweezers - Loose Button, Full Sized $13*

KP Duty Moisturizing Therapy - DERMAdoctor, 30 mL $10

Butterfly - Hanae Mori, 4 mL $11

Score: 3.5/7

I generally like the proper samples I got, but the foil packets really ruined it for me.

FAILED THE TEST

(1 point for each good, 1/2 points for each meh, 0 for each bad)

butter London Add-On

This was about $7.  Not too shabby!

Royal Navy - butter London

Jaffa - butter London

Scrubber(s) - butter London

Both nail polishes are mini's at 6 mL.  But when was the last time you finished a polish?  I never have, so no complaints here.  Both colours are stunning!  I love how deep Royal Navy is, and Jaffa completely reminds me of my trip to Israel!  Both go on great.  I can't wait to try them with my butter London Nail Foundation when I do my next mani!

My add on was advertised to come with 2 scrubbers, alas, there was only one.  I am pretty annoyed that I paid extra for this.  It might seem like a small thing, but I paid for two, I should get two.

Given that my box was missing a product I paid for, and gave me two foil samples?  Not a fan.  I have already reached out to the company with my concerns.  How they handle these issues will decide if I maintain my subscription.

The one scrubber I got removed a full mani on my right hand, and 3/5 of a mani on my left hand.  If my  box had the two that I was supposed to get then I would have been in the clear!  However I ended up spending 15 minutes looking through my house for some polish remover.  Ugh.

Over all I am not too happy with this box.  Depending how things go with Ipsy I just might cancel this box.  Also, it depends on how they deal with my customer service concerns.

UPDATE

Luxe Box called to follow up with my complaint, and were very understanding.  They offered me to have a free Luxe Box next season and guaranteed me the full sized So Susan Universal Blush!  It was framed as a choice between that and a Burt Bees Lip Gloss.  Buuuut I am a sucker for blush!  They did a great job handling my complaint.  I will be sticking around as a member :)

Did you order a Summer Luxe Box?  Did you get an upgrade?  How about any foil pack samples?

Luxebox Winter 2013

This is my second Luxebox by Loose Button, and my first regular box (last month I opted into the LouLou box upgrade).  I was very excited to open it when it arrived, and was not disappointed!

The box its self looks lovely.  I wrapped a friend's Christmas get in my last box and she commented on how sturdy and pretty it was.

Gold and white  <3

So excited!  I see some items from this season's LouLou box!

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer 30 mL

Value $8.80

Two days ago I ran out of my favourite Ole Henriksen moisturizer.  I wanted to go pick up another one, but decided against it for three reasons.  One, I put it on my Christmas List.  Two, I also put Sephora gift cards on my Christmas List.  And three, it is a rather expensive product.  If I buy it after January 1st it will count towards my 2014 VIB Rouge count.  Given that, I was happy to receive enough moisturizer to tide me over until January 1st.  While it doesn't leave my skin feeling as refreshed as Ole's does, this one does the job.  I probably won't buy this one again, but thats just my brand preference.  I have normal skin, and this product claims to work for everybody.  Its fine for me, but I don't love it.

EVOLVh UltraShine Moisture Conditioner 75 mL

Value $7.50

LUXE TIP---UltraShine will be unlike any conditioner you've used before. It will feel completely different, because it is. Rather than coating hair (as most other conditioners do), UltraShine penetrates the hair shaft to moisturize and repair hair from the inside out. Specialized amino acids rebuild damaged hair, gradually returning hair closer to its ideal composition. When you apply the conditioner it will feel as if it is vanishing. This is because it is being absorbed rather than just sitting on top of the hair. UltraShine will also balance the pH of your hair to its optimum level of 4.5 - 5.5.

I admit to having tried this product before reading the Luxebox website.  It was difficult to get out of the bottle (perhaps because it was so cold from transit, though I think it is more a formula issue).  At first I was confused as to why my hair didn't feel slippery when I applied the product, so I added more... and it still wasn't slippery.  I read the package and it all made sense, so I brushed it through and gave it some time to soak in.  Though my hair didn't feel conditioned in the classic sense, it was wonderfully soft and silky all day.  It was even good enough that I used it the next day.  My hair felt light, and dried quickly.  The brand celebrated being organic, vegan, and sulfate free (sulfate is what mass your normal shampoo foam up and removed a bunch of good and healthy hair oils).  Their website challenges consumers to a 2 week challenge.  Personally I would rather have two weeks of both their shampoo and conditioner to try out before investing in their products-- I think I will get about 3 uses, maybe 4, out of this sample.  While I am indifferent to organic and vegan labels on products I liked the results this one delivered.  I can't guarantee that I will purchase this product, but it makes my list of things to look out for in my travels!

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream 10 mL

Value $2

Love this product!  I have the full sized and I love it.  I will add this purse friendly mini to my collection as #3.  I love having these to toss in my purse to protect my hands from winter.  Anybody else noticing a "Moisture" theme so far in this box, or is it just me?  So happy to have another one of these!  At this rate I will never need to buy the full sized again... :)

L'Occitane Pivoine Flora Eau de Toilette

Value $2.93

This has a pretty floral, feminine smell.  The box is prettier than the bottle.  I haven't decided if I will keep it or put it in my gift bin.  Regardless, this is nice and light, just not entirely my style.  But I appreciate the brand, and the quality.  If I do keep it it looks like the contents will be easy to transfer to an atomizer.

Covergirl LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm "Ruby Twist"
Value $10 (Full Sized)

Mmmmmmm drug store brands...not exactly thrilling in a "Luxe" box.  Anybody else feel that way?  Maybe I am just biased.  Actually I am biased.  But this is not "Luxe".  Putting that aside, full sized products are good.  And this is a pretty colour that does its job.  I would not buy this again given that I have a fair number of other similar products.  But this is nice, and gets the job done.  I will probably toss this on for a less done up sort of day.

Clinique High Impact Mascara in Black
Value $5 (About? Full sized is $19 and this is a standard mini)

More mini-mascaras!  I will never ever ever ever ever run out of mascara.  I have about 10 minis I have obtained in various boxes and promotions, and some full sized mascaras Sephora gave me as a VIB Rouge thank you gift.  This will go in the little place where I stash future use mascaras.  Given that they only last about 4 months once you start using them (bacteria and such) I will not be giving this one a try for a while.  Sometimes I even end up giving my mini-mascaras to friends when we are getting ready for an event together and they forget theirs (WAY more hygienic than sharing a mascara).

Essie "Hors d'Oeuvres" Nail Polish

Value $11 (Full sized)

I know it looks silver in the bottle, but on my nails it is this amazing, complex glitter.  Okay, maybe not complex, butI would describe it as a gold micro-shimmer base with variously sized silver pieces of glitter. It isn't a pure gold, or silver, more of a white gold.  It feels very luxurious- I could't stop looking at it on my nails.  My only complaint is that it chips so easily.  Even with a base coat and a high quality top coat I found it chipping with in 12 hours of applying it.  If you are planning to wear this to an event I would recommend applying it the day of.  I can't wait to wear this on Christmas for dinner so I will apply it Christmas Day after all the presents are opened.  I recommend two coats to get the full coverage "luxe" feel.  Note: This polish was featured in their advent calendar.  Lucky me!

Loose Button Lip Brush

Value $14 (Full sized)

This is a neat little brush.  You need to put the two pieces together to make the brush emerge.  A lip brush has been on my list for a while, but I never get around to buying them because something prettier always catches my eye.  This is a great brush for lip balms in little pots (yay hygiene!) but I wouldn't recommend it for applying lip stick as it is too soft and the bristles too long.

Total Value $61.23 (+/-)

What I paid $26 (+/-)

I am beyond impressed with the value and quality of this Luxebox.  While I may not be in love with every single item I have a use for each of them.  I will note that I am very happy that I did not pay the extra money to upgrade to the LouLou box because of the items in the LouLou Box six were in my regular box (noted in bold).  The part that makes this better is that I actually got the items I wanted from the LouLou box (including an Essie nail polish in a colour I simply LOVE).  

• Kiehl’s | Ultra Facial Cream (7 mL)
• Essie | Assorted Shades (Full Size)
• L’Occitane | Shea Butter Hand Cream (10 mL)
• CoverGirl | Jumbo Gloss Balm in Ruby Twist (Full Size)
• No Dark Shadows | Complexion Enhancer (Full Size)
• L’Occitane | Pivoine Flora Eau de Toilette (5 mL)
• Loose Button | Lip Brush (Full Size)
• Pantene Expert Collection | Advanced+ Keratin Repair Split End Fuser (30 mL)
• Bonus 4-issue subscription to LOULOU Magazine

Fall 2013 Luxebox: LouLou Edition

Yay!  It arrived!  I have been especially looking forward to receiving this box.  It only ships 4 times per year, but given the quality that I received I am really not complaining!  Upon opening the standard brown shipping box I was created by this lovely little surprise.  Feeling the "Luxe" already.  So let us begin!

This box ships for $26, and the LouLou upgrade was $7, so $33.

Pretty!  I didn't want to open it it looked so perfect.

This fancy little list tells me everything in the box.  When I opened it I was hit with a beautiful mix of sweet smells.  Mmmm...

All of the products came in this little bag inside the box.

Ah!  Its like Christmas!

Look at all of it!

Products: CoverGirl Outlast (Full Size Nail Polish), Barefoot Venus Bath Bliss (Full Size), Eyeshadow Brush (Full Size), Michael Kors Fragrances (1.5 mL x 3), Be a Bombshell Eyeliner (Full Size), Klorane Dry Shampoo (50 mL), L'Occitane IMM Precious Night Cream (15 mL), L'Occitane Supple Skin Oil (15 mL).

Michael Kors Fragrances (1.5 mL x 3)

These fragrances are standard perfume sample sized.   However they came in a pretty little gold and cream match box styles box.  No detail to small!  I'm not huge on the Sporty scent, but Sexy and Glam small rich and deep.  I like it, but I don't know if I will end up buying them.  I have handfuls of mini perfume samples, a dozen deluxe samples, and a few full sized ones.  But if I ran out of perfumes, I would consider Sexy or Glam.  Just not Sporty. 

This is the Be a Bombshell eyeliner.  The eyeliner its self is a bit chubby (like a marker).  Currently I use the black Stila pen in Jet Black, which is skinnier.I have used thicker pens before, and will get a good use out of this one (I hardy leave the house with out a cat's eye, mascara, and lipstick).  The line is thicker than I am use to, but I'm not worried.

Not too sure how I feel about this colour.  Not quite my favourite.  It has a nice shimmer in the bottle- a gold hue with a pink-purple base.  I'm not going to test it out, incase I want to give it to a friend.  

Vintage package!

This.  Smells.  Delicious.  Coconut... Mango...Almond...so so sweet.  Inside is a plastic bag filled with powder to be put in a bath.  Tomorrow night?  Yeap.  I also adore the vintage package.  The back says "Being naked never felt so good."  The only thing that makes me feel better about this is that it was made in Canada in Kelowna B.C.

Inside!

Next up: L'Occitane products

The "Supple Skin Oil" smells divine.  I'll have to apply some after my next bath.  As for the "Precious Night Cream", I think I will set that aside for my mom for Christmas.  

The brush is tiny, but soft.  I'm looking forward to giving this a try this weekend.

There was also a dry shampoo in the box that has a clean smell to it.  That will be joining me in Calgary where its sole purpose will be to extend the life of my blow out.

This box also comes with 4 issues of LouLou magazine which I will receive over the next few months.  I actually got my first copy before my box arrived!

It claims to be worth $105.  I really don't have the time right now to do a full tally.  But I know I am impressed with what I received, and that I can't wait for my Winter 2013 box!  So many full sized items...this box just smells so good.

Bonus: The white box it arrived in is perfect to organize makeup, or to wrap up a Christmas gift in.

5 stars!