“I’m at the age now where I can do a daytime activity or a nighttime activity, but I can’t, under any circumstances, do both.” — My Therapist Says
Poutbox is a monthly subscription box for lip beauty lovers that delivers a variety of full-size, cruelty-free products from lip scrubs to lipsticks and everything in between. Where April’s box was inspired by California sunshine and Hollywood glamour, May’s Poutbox is serving up daytime looks with daytime shades for a range of skin tones, plus two nourishing lip treats you’ll want to use any time. *
* 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): 5+ 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 8+ full-size, cruelty free lip products and accessories are available for $59.99 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 of the contents, as well as the retail price. It’s easy on the eyes and easy to read, thanks in part to a reasonably large font. (Unless it’s an eye chart, I don’t want to have to squint to read anything.)
KAB Cosmetics In the Nude Lipstick in Teddy
“Creating the perfect nude lip is easy with this full-coverage, super pigmented natural finish lipstick. The creamy texture is smooth, long-wearing and won’t dry out your lips. An easily buildable formula that’s perfect for all day and all night wear. Created by the lovely Kim, Ariana, and Brielle, this lipstick is formulated to perfection and designed to match any and all skin tones. ($18)”
A lipstick that feels so creamy, so smooth, so luxe. I’m surprised it doesn’t come with a higher price tag as it could totally pass for a designer brand and the hint of colour is just what I want in a nude.
KAB Cosmetics Lip Liner in Chocolate Martini
“The perfect match for your new KAB lipstick, this liner will help create the perfect lip contour. Warm slightly before use and apply following your natural lip line, over line for the illusion or a fuller pout or use over the entire lip for more color intensity and a beautiful semi-matte finish. ($12)”
This liner has great staying power but I don’t love the colour on me — it goes on several shades darker than the lippie, an intense chocolate that’s muddier than I like to wear. Boo hoo.
Burt’s Bees Glossy Liquid Lipstick in Flushed Petal
“Burt’s Bees Glossy Liquid Lipstick saturates the lips in deep color and accentuates their beauty with a wet glossy finish. Enriched with apricot and babassu oils, shea butter, and essential fatty acids, this formula also cares about the lips’ health, leaving them soft and moisturized for a comfortable feel and natural look. ($9.99)”
Poutbox shared a sneak peek at this one on Instagram and it made me even more excited to see May’s box. I’ve been wearing Burt’s Bees lip balms and lipsticks for years and this playful pink is so flattering, so summery. Stays put too.
Sophia + Mabelle Lip Confetti in Latte Kisses
“This highly pigmented gloss delivers the most beautiful shine while conditioning the lips with weightless color. This gloss is rich enough to cover the lips (without needing lipstick underneath), and gives perfectly even coverage. ($15)”
Another product that feels much more high-end than the price. Incredible shine and coverage but unfortunately much more chocolately than it looks here so not the best on me. Wahhh! 😭
KANI Botanicals Mint Kiss Vanilla & Mint Lip Balm
“This soothing mint-infused balm forms a protective barrier on the lips, leaving them smoother, softer and fuller. Lips stay moist and protected while wintergreen and peppermint oils give breath long-lasting freshness. ($16)”
One of my favourite products in the box, this nourishing balm just melts into your lips. And the vanilla mint scent is a perfect balance of the two, not too much, not too little, just right. Fabulissimo!
Glow on 5th Beauty Scrub A Dub Lip Exfoliator
“Dry, cracked lips are no match for this strawberry sugar scrub. Gently buff away dead skin cells for a sweet, soft pout. Perfect for fixing dullness, dryness, and to smooth textured lips before applying lip colors or balms. ($15)”
It’s almost strawberry season here in Ontario — maybe with the vaccine roll-out speeding up we’ll be able to go picking this year? Strawberries are my favourite summer fruit and mmmmmm this exfoliator smells so berry good! It’s a rich formula with a great grit. Just a dab will do the trick to slough off any dry skin and soften your pretty pucker.
May’s Poutbox Plus is valued at $85.99 but the products feel so high-end that I’m surprised it’s not more. Every item arrived in pristine condition as usual, carefully wrapped in tissue and tied with a pretty bow. I had a couple of misses colour-wise and for that I wish it was possible to choose your preferred shades in advance, ‘tho one-size-fits-all boxes are understandably more accessible price-wise than ones you can customize. That said, I’d be willing to pay more for the option.
Are you curious to try Poutbox? What brands or products would you like to see in a future box?
Try Small Things – https://trysmallthings.com