Poutbox Review March 2021
“Empty lipstick cases are like spent cartridges from the eternal war that is love. A used tube has the quality of those books you are reluctant to give away and they line the shelves in my bathroom, mementos of nights to remember.” ― Chloe Thurlow, Katie in Love
If my lipstick cases could tell a story I’m afraid they’d put you to sleep ha ha but I do love the romantic notion that a new tube invites adventures of all kinds. With spring springing I’m thinking pale pink lip glosses for socially distanced picnics in the tulips, apricot tints for planting marigolds around the vegetable beds and cheery coral lippies for lemonade on the porch. In that way you could say the lip beauty subscription Poutbox is like a treasure trove of possibilities, the March one “a collection of fun lip products with lighter textures and in a range of wearable, daytime shades.” Think full-size, cruelty-free lippies and extras, both boutique and brand-name. *
* They kindly sent us this box for review
Poutbox has two subscription options (all prices in USD):
Poutbox: 3 full-size, cruelty free lip products every month for $19.99/month (free US shipping; shipping to Canada is an additional $7.99/month).
Poutbox Plus (the one I’ve got): 6+ full-size, cruelty free lip products and accessories every month for $34.99/month (free US shipping; shipping to Canada is an additional $10.99/month).
Gift boxes with 10+ full-size, cruelty free lip products and accessories are available for $49.99 each (free US shipping; shipping to Canada is an additional $10.99/box).
Each Poutbox Plus includes a product guide with a picture and description of each item as well as the retail price. It’s easy to read and I love the vibrant colours and playful illustration. Makeup should be fun and the cheerful packaging puts me in the mood to play.
Now let’s look at the contents.
Cargo Gel Lip Color in Manhattan
“This rich but lightweight gel lipstick glides on like silk with a smoothing formula that moisturizes and protects lips for a comfortable, moisturized pout. Semi-sheet coverage with a shine-finish, this gel can be built for more intense color, used with a lip liner for evening wear or layered on top of other long-lasting lip colors. Cruelty and paraben-free. ($20)”
Spoiler alert: my favourite product in the box! The flattering colour, the moisturizing, buildable formula and the sleek, silver tube. I’ve never been to New York but I love Manhattan.
Unicorn Glow Squeeze Tint in Blushed Apricot
“The newest and cutest lip tint around! Formulated with hyaluronic acid and herb extracts, this lightweight, pigment-rich tint drenches lips in beautiful color and moisture for a bright, gorgeous and youthful look. ($11)”
Spring is for easy breezy makeup and less is more. This apricot tint is perfect for the season. Apply one coat and blot with your finger for a natural flush of semi-matte color. Add a second coat and let air dry for a long-lasting glossy shine.
Glamlite Liquid Lipstick in Churro Lips
“Have some fun with this dessert inspired liquid lipstick! Churro Lips is a smooth cinnamon color that will leave your lips looking oh so sweet! Dries completely to a soft, matte finish, doesn’t flake or crack, and is ultra long-lasting and water-resistant. ($14)”
Remember when all of those Disney Parks recipes were making the rounds last year? My bestie tried the churros so this made me think of her. She’ll look fabulous in this colour and think the packaging is hilarious so I’ll set it aside for curbside pick-up the next time she’s in the neighbourhood.
Au Naturale High Lustre Lip Gloss in Slip
“Wet-on-contact lip lacquer that delivers a slightly pearlescent sheen with buildable color. A best-selling formula that uses castor oil, jojoba oil and vitamin E to keep lips moisturized and cushiony. Ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients. Vegan and cruelty-free. ($18)”
Well if this wasn’t wet on contact I don’t know what it would be ha ha but I get it. This looks and feels very much like a Quo lipstick I’ve been wearing for longer than I’d like to admit (lonnnng past its best before!) so shocker! I love it! Bonus points for no discernible scent. (I especially don’t want a lip gloss that makes me hungry. I can do that all on my own.)
P/Y/T Double Duty Lipstick + Gloss in Icon
“This double-sided lip duo gives you two colorful pigmented looks in one: A bold satin-matte lipstick for a richly pigmented base, and a shiny, non-sticky gloss to use on top (or alone for a lighter look). Enriched with nourishing shea butter, mango seed butter, and vitamin E. 100% cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, vegan, silicone and harsh chemical-free. ($18)”
Double duty products are the best! This is a great colour, reminiscent of the Glamlite Churro Lips (maybe even more cinnamony than that one but pinky too). Great depth to the lipstick and I’m not getting any stickiness in the gloss, which is something. I’ll wear them alone and together.
Dr. PawPaw Original Multipurpose Balm
“This generous balm is an award-winning, 100% natural, vegan and cruelty-free multi-tasking balm that’s packed full of pawpaw (papaya) fruit, aloe vera and olive oil. Use to nourish lips, as a primer on dry skin, as a hydrating & soothing evening mask or to smooth eyebrows and separate eyelashes. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. ($8)”
Sparkle & Bash Spring-inspired Pocket Tissues
“These pocket-sized tissues are compact enough for any size purse and are perfect for lipstick blotting and makeup touch-ups on the go. ($1.50)”
The Dr. PawPaw sounds like a wonder balm! (How have I never seen or tried it?) Fab for hydrating all of your dry spots and also (as suggested on the package) relieving irritated skin and insect bites. I haven’t opened it yet as I’ve got another balm on the go but it sounds like a must-have.
And the tissues are so sweet and fancy! I feel like they deserve to go places — to the theatre, to afternoon tea, to dinner where the menu is printed on a thick linen-blend card stock and not on the placemat. In short, nowhere I’m going any time soon but I’ll gladly take on the town when it’s safe to do so.
All in all, a wonderful box! Flattering, spring-y colours, comfortable formulas, an award-winning, multi-purpose balm and tissues that make me feel fancy, all delivered in a pretty package that makes me want to play. Even if that’s just at home.
The March Poutbox Plus is valued at $90.50.
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