Review: April Luxe Box

Just in the nick of time, I received my April Luxe Box on the last day of the month. You know the drill by now – black packaging, personalized sticker, yadda yadda yadda.

Our first glimpse at the goods!

First up, LB sent this little daffodil pin in honour of their partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society. They made a donation on behalf of the Luxe Box community, which is great, but the pin isn't really my cup of tea. I'll pin it to my bulletin board for a bit of extra colour, I guess.

Hey! It's one of my favourite products ever! Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat is one beauty item I use all the time and recommend to anyone who'll listen long enough. I find it really prolongs the life of my mani and dries my nails to the touch in about a minute. It really is great stuff – I have a full size already, so I'll probably pass this on to a friend to share the gospel. (Note: the little LB card said they's included a full size bottle, but as you can see, a full-sized product this is not.)

Next up, I got this sample of Fekkai Salon Technician Color Care Rapid Results Moisture Mask, which, let's be real, is a mouthful to say. It claims to restore just-coloured silkiness and increase colour longevity, which is always good for gals like me who colour their hair often. Haven't tried this yet, but likely will soon, because "just-coloured silkiness" is just the kind of claim I find difficult to resist.

Lastly, I got these generously sized samples of Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light Shampoo & Conditioner. They claim to offer weightless, silicone-free nourishment for your hair, and that you can "feel the difference with one use". I tried them out this morning, and sure? I guess? My hair feels pretty good today, but I actually took the time to blow dry it, so that could account for the difference. It's definitely not a vast change, but at only $6 a bottle, this probably stand the best chance of being an actual purchase I'd make.

Oh, and Charlie approves.

The only thing left is my First in Line Program pick, which is a pair of underwear from a company called Panty By Post. I really liked that this was included as a First In Line choice, and that we were able to select our size and style (between hipster and thong). I picked hipster and I'm not sure which style I'll be receiving, but it doesn't really matter – based on their photo gallery, they're all pretty cute, and priced at $25-30 for a single pair, it's a really good deal. I should be getting these sometime soon.

And that's it! Overall thoughts? Decent box. I'd probably be disappointed if what I received was all I was getting, but the addition of the underwear really caps it off, and means I'll have a second surprise later this month. I really prefer getting hair products to skincare ones because I have such sensitive skin, so spreads like this are pretty ideal for me. A lot of other reviewers seem to be hitting Luxe Box fatigue, but I still enjoy receiving mine every month. 

If you would like to try Luxe Box for yourself and enjoyed reading my review,

Charlie would love it if you'd use my referral code.

Previous Luxe Box Reviews

October / November / December / January / February / March

Review: March Luxe Box

So I got home, and was so excited to unexpectedly receive my Luxe Box on the first day of shipping that I filmed a video review. And, hey! Surprise surprise, I'm an awkward human being! But I liked this month's box, so if you'd like, check out this video where I sniff my elbow.

It darkened up after posting, so I apologize that you can't see my face so well, but seriously, my voice and the audio feedback are so soothing, you won't even notice.


This is how you grow that seed card.

One thing I missed: the Consonant Organic Face Cream is in a totally rad pump that notes it is "Transit Canada and FAA carry on approved." Nice touch, Consonant! I appreciate that attention to detail. It also smells vaguely grapey but in a natural way, like the inside of green grapes. Plus, this size usually retails for $18! What a deal! I put a perfume sample beside it for size reference.

How do you feel about video reviews generally? Do you prefer photo ones? I promise, I won't be backlit next time. Do you feel neutral? Hungry? I'm hungry.

If you liked my review and would like to try Luxe Box for yourself, I'd be mighty obliged if you'd use my referral code.

Previous Luxe Boxes

October / November / December / January / February

Review: February Luxe Box

Before I get into the review, I'd just like to say today is the one year anniversary of this little corner of the internet, so happy birthday blog! I can't believe you're one year old, baby, but I think we've got a beautiful thing going. Thank you so much for reading and commenting along these few past months, and Laura and I look forward to making Burgundy Girls better than ever in 2012.



Luxe Box, congratulations. I was not expecting to be so awed.

Seriously. I gasped when I opened this edition.

I know everyone gets a little sick of the red-overload during February, but it felt like such a refreshing pop of colour when I opened it. (Although I was looking forward to collecting my next few boxes to try this killer idea, but I'll guess that'll just have to wait.)

This month, Luxe Box is partnered with Flare Magazine and boy, did they knock this one out of the park. Loose Button used Flare's resources to their best ability, and it helped create a much stronger box overall — the explanation card was bigger, obviously designed and written by the Flare crew, and felt pared-back, accessible and very relevant. A big kudos to the team behind this month's inserts.

The goods! A very nice-looking spread. I ooooh-d at the mascara, and was happy to see extra shampoo samples – I was a bit sad that last month's Fekkai sample only gave me one use, so I couldn't really compare the experience over time.

First up, the Beautiful Butter Balm by Mèreadesso. The cute bit of directional copy had me primed to like this. This made my hands feel very soft and protected, but not in a greasy way. It absorbed fast and the scent, a vaguely grapefruity floral, dissipated quickly but was nice while it lasted. The hard plastic makes me think I may not be able to squeeze the last little bits out that easily, but I guess that's just proof of how much I think I'll like this.

There was also a small squeeze sample of Face + Neck Toning Gel from Mèreadesso, which I have yet to try. It came in this big cardboard card that I feel conflicted about. Sure, it's executed well and I like a sense of drama, but find it a little excessive. Really? All those trumpets for such a little vial? Maybe I'll try this stuff and be crying out hallelujah, but until then, a few too many trees may have died for this sleeve. But I am curious to see this 3–5 day boost it boasts.

A rollerball perfume sample! Guys, this is huge! I know a lot of people don't like receiving perfume, but I'm a disloyal harlot who loves to cheat on her one true love, L de Lolita Lempicka. I don't mind a dabble in perfumes, and this awesome rollerball is surefire way to make sure I'll give CK one Shock for her a good trial run. Plus, I even like the scent! It's a fruity gourmand—that seems to be the arrangement du jour— that pairs passionflower, poppy and peony with blackberry, jasmine, cocoa and vanilla. It actually reads very citrusy, with a lemony open and the juicy berry remaining present through the drydown. I can see myself wearing this often.

I'm not going to lie, this little tube of Lise Watier 24 Hours Glam Mascara got me really excited. Gold giraffe print? Like, was this designed specifically for me? It helps that the mascara inside is rad too—the brush has lanky bristles, creating a comb-like effect that really extends your lashes. I tried this as suggested, in conjunction with my standard Cover Girl Lash Blast, and it definitely gave me a longer look (I wouldn't say a falsie look though, as this gives a skinny lash, not a full one). Over all, love it, and will definitely use it up. This is the perfect purse mascara size, and god, just LOOK at the packaging.

Finally, I got these samples of Redken Color Extend shampoo and conditioner. My box included three generous samples which I am thrilled about, so I can see if there's a difference over a period of time (I've been thinking about investing in better shampoo ever since our last Ask A Hairdresser). Offering extra samples of shampoo was one of the things I mentioned in their January post-box survey, so I'm glad they were able to offer more so quickly. Bang up job, Luxe Box gang.

All in all, I thought this month's Luxe Box was simply wonderful. It delighted me with great products in ample sizes, and included items I use regularly and would be interested in potentially upgrading. I thought the changes in the promo cards were very appealing, and really helped to make Luxe Box the beauty resource it aspires to be. Overall, well edited, well crafted, well done. It feels like I'm gushing, but really, this is the kind of box I've been hoping all along would be delivered. Here's hoping elements of this special-edition box make it into the regular rotation.

If you liked my review and would like to try Luxe Box for yourself, I'd be mighty obliged if you'd use my referral code. Or you know, don't, and make Charlie sad.

Previous reviews:

October / November / December / January

Review: January Luxe Box

It took a while, but when I finally got my hands on this month's Luxe Box, it was a nice surprise: a double decker.

Look at all the stuff!

And onto what's inside.

A full-sized China Glaze nail polish! This was a very pleasant surprise indeed. It's a pretty colour too, a rich bright pink creme called Wicked Style. A little sleuthing online tells me it's from the new Electropop Spring 2012 collection, which should be available in stores now. I'm impressed that Loose Button included a brand new colour – that tells me they've got a good relationship with their suppliers. I feel like my photo doesn't quite capture how fuschia this colour reads in person – this picture over at The PolishAholic reads much truer to life.

Hey, another NYX eye pencil. This one's a jumbo, a cool bronze colour called Iced Mocha. A very basic pencil, but it's in a colour I can see working with many complexions and it glides very nicely. It's very shimmery, but the colour reads as neutral. I'll use this for sure.

I guess Loose Button's cleaning out its drawers – they included a satchel with a couple perfume sample vials, some of which were included in previous Luxe Boxes I've received. (Note: apparently they did this on purpose, in case I'd run out of previous samples.) New to me are the Lady Million by Paco Rabanne, and the two Prada scents, Candy and Infusion d'Iris.

I was very surprised to find I really enjoy Lady Million, which is a strong fruity, woodsy scent, with notes of neroli, raspberry, gardenia, patchouli and amber. It does have a very strong drydown though, so I can see sensitive noses disliking this one.

Prada Candy is warm, sweet, caramel scent, with amber and vanilla notes in the mix. Very gourmand and very grown-up, which can be difficult balance to achieve. I can see myself wearing this a lot.

Prada's Infusion d'Iris had the most generous bottle of the samples, but it was not a spray bottle, so it's a little messier to apply. This is a very soapy scent, heavy on the floral and very clean smelling. Overall, not to my tastes, but one I can see being popular with an older demographic.



I also received a hefty sample of Biosilk Silk Therapy, a lightweight leave-in treatment that I've been curious to try for a while. The bottle has a enough for a few applications, and looks like a lighter formula than the Morrocan Oil I got a few boxes back. Yeah, I'm digging it.



And I received a sample of Seattle's Best Coffee in a medium roast. Seeing as I'm pretty addicted to my Tassimo disc brewer, I doubt I'll be using this. One of my pot brewin' friends, this is one's up for grabs.






In the additional Bath & Body Box, I received a Schick Hydro Silk razor. A few of my friends have tried this and loved it, but to be perfectly honest, it'll be hard to get me to try something other than my Intuition. What can I say, I'm a sucker for an all-in-one-step razor, since I hate shaving as is. I likely won't even open this one until the spring.


I also received a sample of the Fekkai Advanced Brilliant Glossing shampoo and conditioner that "everyone has been raving about". Sure? Okay? I mean, I've never heard of it, but I also don't have my ear to ground on the latest trends in shampoo. I tried it this morning and it felt pretty good. It lathered up really nicely, smells good and left my hair feeling very soft. It's a little flyaway-y than it usually is, but I didn't use anything other than my heat-protecting spray to style it. Not a product I'd likely buy, but it was nice as a sample. (Oh, and there was an included coupon for Shoppers Drug Mart when you buy any Fekkai products that I likely won't be using.)


Overall, a much better Luxe Box than last month's. Sure, getting doubles of previously received perfumes was a little disappointing, but overall, I feel very satisfied with the quality of this month's offerings. THIS is the kind of fun I've ben hoping for with this service – a little bit of everything. Okay, Luxe Box, let's stay together.

If you'd like to sign up and try Luxe Box for yourself, I'd very much appreciate if you'd use my referral code.

You can also see my previous Luxe Box reviews for October, November, and December.

Review: December Luxe Box

Another month, another Luxe Box. This month, just for the holidays, they've broken out the big guns and given us a shiny foil version of their usual customized sticker.

In addition to the samples, they've also included a letter thanking customers for their loyalty, and for making Luxe Box such a Big Deal since sending out their first box in February of 2011. That's actually pretty impressive.

First look at the goods:

First up, we've got a Slim Eye Pencil in black from NYX. It's a full-size version, but considering this is a drug store brand that retails for $4, I'd expect nothing less. It's a basic pencil—no bells or whistles in the form of a creamier or waterproof formula. As such, I probably wouldn't buy it because I'd prefer something with a smoother application, but no harm, no foul. My current black eye pencil is a stub, so thanks for taking that off my shopping list for now, LB!

I've also included the LB Belgian chocolate coin we received in this picture too. It's about the size of a chocolate loonie, but I could tell it was better chocolate—creamy and rich, not like cheap Easter chocolate (which has its place, don't get me wrong). It maybe lasted 10 seconds after this picture was taken.

In my little card telling me all about the products, LB tells me this full-sized sample of Yves Rocher's Rouge Dragée lipstick is my thank you for being an existing customer. And it's a pretty enough lipstick—I received colour No. 66, a soft creamy pink that goes on sheer and feels pretty nice. The packaging is a little tacky—the translucent fuchsia reads very '80s Barbie—and it smells like old-school lipstick, but overall, I'll probably wear this often. This is what it looks like on me:



But like, seriously guys? This full-sized "gift" costs $5 in store. That price comes straight from their own little info card. I'm not trying to be a greedy Gus, but I signed up for deluxe samples. And it kind of gets to the heart of my problems with this month's Luxe Box generally, but more on that in a minute.











I also received a bottle of Yves Rocher Italian Mandarin Shower Gel. Which, yes, smells like those delicious Christmas oranges we know and love so well. But also, this is a hotel-sized shower gel, full stop. And not even a good one. If it were Kiehl's or even Lush, I'd forgive you, but I don't need a tiny bottle of drugstore shower gel, LB. My shower is cluttered enough as is. This inclusion felt like a cop out.

And then I got two little spray sample vials of Nina Ricci perfumes, L'Air du Temps and Nina. L'Air du Temps is very floral and rose-based, while Nina is a much more modern scent, an apple-y oriental. Of the two, I prefer Nina—I like smelling a little bit like food generally.

And that was it.

If you didn't get the sense I wasn't impressed by this month's Luxe Box, let me make it clear – I was not impressed with this month's Luxe Box. Maybe it was because the first one I received was so good, but last month's and this month's have felt like they've been increasingly declining in quality. This month, I don't even believe the items I received even added up to the amount I paid for the box ($12)—sure, I got two full-sized items, but they total $9 (by LB's own admission) and then I got a hotel sample shower gel, two perfume samples I could get for free at any beauty counter, and a chocolate coin. And it's unlikely they're paying the retail price to send us these items.

I'm not trying to be greedy, but when you've promised and previously sent items like MoroccanOil, full-sized Lise Watier eyeshadows, and Benefit skincare products, that's what customers are going to expect. I don't care if you want to send me a couple items I can get at Shoppers around the corner, that's fine—but I do expect there to be some level of "deluxe" to your deluxe service. Otherwise, what's the point? Why am I paying full-price for these items I wouldn't have chosen myself? And including a note doubling over, thanking me so profusely for my support, while sending me a bargain-bin box didn't make me feel any better.

While I really like the idea of Luxe Box and I have received some good samples in the past, I don't know if it's going to continue to be worth it for me unless they step up their game. They are the most pricey of the monthly sample boxes (with both Glymm and Topbox being $10), and while last month's had better quality items, I didn't find I liked them that much. I'm going to give them one more month, and if I'm feeling similarly disappointed, I'm switching to another service.

If my review didn't scare you off too much and you'd like to try Luxe Box for yourself, please use my referral code!


Some quick notes from Laura Kathleen: I felt pretty similarly to Amanda on this one, though I didn't piece together the actual financial drawbacks of this month's box. The lipstick and eyeliner are both great—but perfume samples? On signing up for the service, you can "customize" what you are getting in the box (where I asked for no perfume samples, btw) but I'm not going to use these. Like, never. If you want mine, don't hesitate to get in touch!

I think people get this box for different reasons. I am not ordering it to find the next love-of-my-life product that I wouldn't otherwise buy, I'm getting it for the Christmas morning-like surprise I get when it comes in the mail and I open it. And this Christmas morning kind of got shrugged off.

December should be a month that's better than usual, not worse. Let's see what the next month or two has in store.

Did you get any different products in your box? Tell us about them!

Review: November Luxe Box

And just like that, it's time for my second Luxe Box. I really enjoy receiving these – it's such a lovely little surprise to come home to, and they're so well-executed. It's a nice little indulgence for myself, living like a beauty editor for just a day per month.

Let's look at the goods.

A large sample vial of Lise Watier Plumpissimo Le Gloss. The colour I got was "Nude," a pale rose with gold shimmer. I liked that it had a brush applicator but found it picked up too much product. I'm not a regular lipgloss wearer, and this had many of the characteristics I dislike about gloss – it felt goopy, thick, and overly flavoured. I felt like a Kardashian with it on. It might grow on me if I'm careful to apply less, or maybe I'll just give mine to Laura, who dug it as a nineties throwback.

Two samples of Paco Rabanne perfume: Black XS and Black XS for Her. I really like receiving perfume samples since I'm currently looking for a new scent. The bottles these came in had their highs and lows – nice heavy metal with little bag clasps, but the packaging looked tacky. The men's bottle has a fliptop like a Zippo lighter, which I really liked, and smells clean and woodsy, with hints of lemon, cinnamon and amber.

The women's scent is a dark fruity floral, heavy on the rose and patchouli. It's a little bit spicy and a little gourmand, with vanilla and cocoa notes. I'm digging it right now, but it does smell a bit young to me. Not one I'll purchase in full size, but I'm glad to hang out with it for a little while.

I'm actually really surprised they didn't send out the latest Paco Rabanne scents, 1 Million and Lady Million, if only because I've seen them promoting those pretty heavily on fragrance shelves.





I received a little pot of Lise Watier Couleur Folle Mineral Loose Powder Eyeshadow in "Folie Soleil", a shimmery yellow gold. I've been needing a replacement for my go-to gold shadow, so I was happy to receive this. Typical loose eyeshadow application – it tends to fall all over the place so I probably wouldn't choose it, but it looks like pretty pollen and I'm not overly picky. Because of the messiness, I wouldn't recommend this to people who like a precise application (or you can wet it, I think? I don't know from experience, so you tell me). Check out what it looks like on me, smudged on with my finger.

I LOVED the packaging for this Benefit B. Right Moisture Prep Toning Lotion – the glass is thick and the colour palette is reminiscent of shells and the beach, so I'm more than okay with adding this to my shelf. I used it before using my usual Weleda Almond Lotion and I noticed the moisturizer sunk in quicker. I don't know if it would be worth buying a full sized version, but it's a nice little treat and I'll enjoy using up the bottle.








Despite how much I love tea, I've despised Teaopia for a while because I hate their branding SO MUCH. It's just so awful – tacky tribal tattoo-inspired packaging and a garish black and orange colour scheme. I think they even use the dreaded Papyrus. I keep seeing new locations pop up whenever I turn my back though, so it's obviously working for some tea drinkers.

Though, this little sample tin of their Cactus Fig green tea blend isn't as ugly as it could be, and it's actually a pretty big sample – I'd imagine enough to make at least 5 cups of tea. Loose Button also included 3 paper sleeves in case you don't own an infuser. It's a mixture of organic Sencha green tea, aloe vera, fig pieces, sandalwood and orange flowers, and does, as promised, taste earthy and sweet all at once. It's a very nice green tea, but seeing as I'm more of a black and rooibos drinker, this small tin will likely last me all winter.

I also received a card for 20% off my next Teaopia purchase, which, holla at me if you want my code – my heart belongs with Davids.

I received Olay Regenerist Wrinkle Revolution Complex as an extra this month, with a little card stating I'd be contacted by Olay to provide them with feedback directly. Sure, Olay! I can't believe more companies aren't doing this, asking us obviously willing folk to be their guinea pigs.

This stuff absorbed quickly and left my face feeling very smooth. It really smells like conditioner to me, which isn't a bad thing, but was a little unexpected. I can't speak to its effect on wrinkles, but my skin overall feels very nice. I think this is a smaller sample than I'm used to receiving in the Luxe Box, even considering other products from Olay. I don't think this'll last me long, but I'll enjoy it for now.







Overall, this box had a lot of stuff in it, but it didn't feel as satisfying as October's did. I guess a lot of the products weren't particularly suited to my tastes. Such is the nature of the Luxe Box, I guess – you win some, you lose some. I saw other people received full sized Essie nail polishes (I know Laura did, that lucky duck) and another friend received a Moroccan Oil styling cream. Hopefully I'll have better luck next month.

As for the samples from my October Luxe Box, I'm still in total love with the Moroccanoil, which I use probably once a week, just to run through my damp ends when they're feeling dry. I use the Olay Pro-X eye cream when I remember to and do notice less undereye darkness, and I use the bronzer and Chloe perfume a couple times a week.

If you're interested in signing up for a Luxe Box,

I'd very much appreciate if you'd use my referral code.

Review: October Luxe Box

Last night I received my first Luxe Box, and guys, I'm keeping signed up to this until the day I die. Well, except that I'll probably die from a cupboard avalanche of tiny bottles of wonderful things.

What is a Luxe Box, you ask? Well, it's a box that comes once a month, filled with 4–5 deluxe samples of beauty products. The company who produces them, Loose Button, is partnered with some great companies, like Moroccanoil, Stila, Essie, and Benefit, and previous boxes have including full-sized versions of some products (small ones, like nail polishes, eyeliners, etc.). It costs $12 per month, and you fill out a questionnaire about you and the types of things you'd like to receive, and just like clockwork, your box appears around mid-month. All day yesterday, I knew my box would probably be waiting for me at home, and YES, it DOES feel like Christmas when you get to crack 'er open.

Onto the goodies!

I was really impressed with the level of personalization my package had. It opens with a card (addressed to me) that runs down everything that's in the Box, including what each item does, and the size and cost of the full-sized versions. The sticker holding the tissue paper together was also labelled with my name – classy.

I received a little $25 rebate to Dealuxe, an online retailer I've never seen before but that, at a cursory glance, has a wide selection of designer clothes and accessories. Maybe I'll indulge in a ballin' new ring from House of Harlow or something.

The goods! This month, I received:
– a Mineral Glow powder from Pur Minerals. This is intended to be a bronzer, but I used it as an eyeshadow this morning and really like it. It's a tawny, dark camel colour with a very pretty gold shimmer, and the particles are small so it looks very smooth. The size is really good too, bigger than a MAC eyeshadow.

– a vial of Olay Professional Pro-X Eye Restoration Complex. I've been thinking of trying something to reduce the dark circles under my eyes, so this came at the right time. Probably not the kind of thing I'll invest in (the full-size is $60), but it'll be nice to see if this sort of product makes a difference.

– a large sample of Moroccanoil. I've never tried this before either, but have heard so many rave reviews. They sent me a sample of the Light version, which is formulated for fine and lighter coloured hair. The sample I received was 25 ml, which is a quarter of the full-sized version which retails for $40. That means this sample alone is probably worth about $10. Score!

– a Lise Watier Flash Lift Radiance Vial. This is a new product that is apparently just launching – like, is not even available in stores yet. It claims to instantly revitalize your face and make you look more radiant and less tired. I'm not expecting miracles, but I'll give it a try one day when I've stayed up too late keeping up with the Kardashians.

– a pretty little sample of Chloe. I was very pleasantly surprised by this addition. I'd never smelled Chloe before and had been curious to try it. Plus, look at how adorable the bottle is! I'm wearing it today, and it's a really nice scent – probably a little more floral than I like to wear at this time of year, but very womanly and rich. It reminds me a lot of Miss Dior Cherie. It's a welcome addition to my growing little fragrance collection.



I know that not every Luxe Box is the same, so I'm curious to hear if any of my pals who subscribe received anything different in theirs. As for me, I feel completely satisfied by what I've got. It was well worth the $12, and I'm looking forward to what I might receive in future packages (now I just have to get over my irrational habit of squirreling away things I only have very little of).

For now, it is a Canadian-only service, so sorry to any American friends that might be interested (you can always sign up for  the US-only BirchBox and console yourself with all-American activities like listening to Pandora and eating Cheez-Its).

If you'd like to sign up, I'd very much appreciate if you'd use my referral code.