Poutbox Review January 2021
Poutbox is a new US subscription box that delivers 5+ full-size, cruelty free lip products each month for “beautiful, plump, hydrated and healthy lips every day.” Think lipsticks, lipglosses, lip balms, lip liners, lip masks and more — both boutique- and name-brand — with a guaranteed monthly value of $100+ USD. January’s box promises a collection of luxuriously rich colours and lip care to overcome what so many of us are prone to this time of year: dry and flakey winter lips. *
* They kindlly sent us this box for review.
Poutbox is available by subscription for $34.95/month USD, shipping included. (Poutbox currently ships US-wide.) Gift boxes are also available for $49.99 each.
Before we get into the products I have to say I how much I love the design on the box itself — those bright, beautiful lips and fruits look so pretty and fresh and really pop against the white. It looks wonderful repeated on the product guide and the colour-coordinated tissue and lip-shaped seal (can you make it out?) make a great first impression. It feels luxurious but fun, like your friend who’s always impeccably dressed but approachable too (always a warm smile and a hug hello, and that infectious laugh!).
Half Caked Candy Paint in Club Paradise
“Club Paradise is a warm terracotta with a dewy finish for lips and cheeks. This shade is so natural, people will think you’ve spent a week on vacation. Apply to the upper part of the cheeks and across the bridge of the nose for a sunkissed look and add to the lips for instant matching color. ($8)”
I’m a sucker for great packaging and I love LOVE! the heart-shaped case and the mirror inside. The shade is surprisingly flattering on my pasty white skin — I thought it might be too dark but it’s just right. I like it better on my cheeks than my lips just because I prefer a pink-ier peach but it feels great.
Bellapierre Kiss Proof Lip Set in Muddy Rose
“This Kiss Proof Lip Creme is a full coverage, high impact liquid lipstick that lasts for hours without the need to touch up. Its creamy formula goes on smoothly and dries to a beautiful matte finish in a snap! For best results, exfoliate, moisturize and apply to bare lips. Use with Kiss Proof Lip Finish to create a glossy look with no color transfer! ($20 and $10)”
I generally find matte lipsticks way too dry but a quick schmear of lip balm first makes all the difference. This muddy rose is more rosey than the peachy-brick it looks here and I’m liking it a lot. With and without the glossy Lip Finish.
Runway Rogue LuxGloss in Catwalk
“Have you been searching for the perfect shimmery pink lipgloss? Then we’ve got your covered with LuxGloss in Catwalk. This ultimate lipgloss, with its iconic pink shade and cult following, is perfect for that extra pop of color. Wear alone, or as a lip topper with any of your Poutbox lippies for icon status lips! ($22)”
I find this colour very similar to the Bellapierre muddy rose but the formula feels great on its own and has a pearlescent shimmer you don’t get in the matte. (In that it’s matte, LOL.) Smells like vanilla ice cream or vanilla cake but not so strong it’s offputting. And zero flavour, which I like.
Propa Beauty Lipstick in Clo$er
“This highly pigmented lipstick is extremely lightweight, comfortable, and buildable — perfect for day or night. Paraben and cruelty free. From a collection of 12 beautiful nude shades, Clo$er has plum mauve tones with a luminous and elegant satin finish. ($12)”
Lightweight, comfortable, buildable — sounds ideal! Only I know the colour will be terrible on me so I didn’t try it. Saving this one for my bestie.
KNC Beauty Lip Mask
“This all-natural sheet mask is dedicated to plumping and hydrating your delicate lips. Before masking, make sure your lips are clean and dry. If your lips are chapped, exfoliate first. Apply and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. ($5)”
I feel like I saw this mask everywhere on Instagram around Christmas so I was really excited to find it in the box. (It’s actually been around for a few years and is apparently a favourite of Kim Kardashian’s, Emma Stone’s and other celebs.) It’s quite large compared to my lips so I’m tempted to cut it in half so I can get two uses out of it but I haven’t yet decided. Have you tried this one? How did it work for you?
Privai Lip Creme Balm
“This hydrating lip conditioner from Privai is infused with the all-natural scent and flavor of spearmint, beeswax and shea butter. Extremely lightweight and deeply nourishing, this hydrating lip treatment helps protect and soften lips. Apply after lip scrub, as a lip primer or layered on top of long-lasting lip colors for extra moisture. ($12)”
I love the fresh minty smell and subtle minty flavours of this one and it feels so soothing. More liquid-y than creamy (if that makes any sense) and really lightweight like it says.
Sara Happ Lip Scrub in Pumpkin Spiced Latte
“Sara Happ is the creator of the original lip scrub and the top choice among beauty professionals. This limited edition Pumpkin Spiced Latte lip scrub is made of finely ground sugar crystals and nourishing oils that gently exfoliate dead skin and turn dry lips into smooth, plump and renewed lips! Use to prepare your lips for maximum absorption of treatments like lip balm or oils, or use before applying lipstick or gloss. Also use your Sara Happ scrub to gently remove your lip products at the end of the night. ($24)”
And last but not least this wonderful scrub, so luxuriously packaged. It’s gentle but effective for sloughing off dry skin and made my lips feel super soft. Smells like desert and also kind of like the beach.
January’s Poutbox impressed me on every point, from the packaging to the product guide to the products inside. I love the mix of lip colours and lip care and brands familiar and new and I feel like the products I tried performed as advertised. Poutbox promises new products month to month with no duplicates but I would be happy seeing many of these again. Every item arrived in impeccable, brand-new condition with minimal packaging (each product was wrapped in tissue paper but there were no additional packing materials). I’m excited to see what the next one will bring! January’s Poutbox is valued at $113.
Psst! Keep an eye out on Instagram feed this week for a chance to win a three-month subscription! (Yasssss!!)
Have you tried Poutbox? What brands or particular lip products would you like to see?
Try Small Things – https://trysmallthings.com