You’ll remember that I previously had the opportunity to try out a complimentary October 2011 Loose Button Luxe Box for the first time.
Afterwards, I signed up for the service because I wanted to treat myself to a little Christmas gift. Plus I wanted to get a better feel for the company.
In this post, I’ll show you what I got in my December Loose Button Luxe Box!
(I won’t go into too much detail about the service or the packaging because I went into it pretty heavily in my post on the October edition. I’ll link to it later on in this post, though, in case anyone’s curious. Also, any products that I try extensively may be featured in a future review post.)
December Luxe Box Pictures
The box looks the same as the October one I previously reviewed.
The outside is a sleeve cover that you slide to open.
This month, there's crisp white tissue paper instead of black.
The silver personalized sticker is a lovely touch.
The Holiday Edition card is blue and white. (Hehe, reminds me of the Snowflake Nail Art I did recently!)
Message from the founders
Front of the little booklet with information about the products. I like how they got festive with a snowflake in the middle of the button.
Being a nerdy nailphile, I immediately noticed the China Glaze typo. A full-size bottle is 14 mL, not 5 mL like it says in the card. Maybe they were thinking of saying 0.5 fl. oz.? In any case, I was excited to see that they included the full-size China Glaze bottle in my box! 🙂
This time there were light-blue paper bits. I liked the frosty theme.
They included a silver-foil-covered chocolate coin. How cute! Love the little Loose Button logo on it. (I ate it right after photographing it.)
A Loose Button coin for your thoughts?
China Glaze Poinsettia from the Let It Snow Collection (2011)
Kerastase Elixir Ultime 5 mL/0.16 fl. oz.
Nina Ricci L'Air Eau de Parfum 1.2 mL / 0.04 fl. oz.
DDF Advanced Firming Cream 14 g / 0.5 oz.
Nina Ricci Nina L'Elixir Eau de Parfum 1.2 mL / 0.04 fl. oz.
Card that the fragrance sample came in
Card that the fragrance sample came in
Claims: TRUSTED
√ Box contains 4-5 deluxe-sized samples of beauty products
√ Comes in a chic box
Key Notes
- Name: Loose Button Luxe Box Holiday Edition (December 2011)
- Number of Samples in the Box: 5
- What I Paid: $12 CAD + tax
- Where to Sign Up for a Subscription: Loose Button website
My Thoughts
First in Line
This month, before they shipped out the boxes, they sent a First in Line e-mail asking for your preference between two products. I believe the options were a DDF product and the Kerastase one I received. (Obviously, I chose Kerastase, even though I received a sample of it before. When it comes to hair products, I like to try it more to see whether or not I like it.)
I think that this First in Line idea is great because it’ll help customers get more of what they want. It’ll be interesting to see how far Loose Button takes it. Maybe they’ll eventually offer separate boxes for skincare/haircare and makeup.
Full-Size China Glaze Nail Polish
I was happy to see that they included a full-size bottle again! And it was pretty surprising that I didn’t have this colour already in my 500+ bottle collection.
Haha, but it was a red, and you all know that it takes an awesome red like China Glaze Phat Santa or OPI Vodka & Caviar to get me excited. Still, I think it was a good choice because it’s traditionally festive. 🙂 Everyone needs a basic red in their stash.
Not everyone got the same polish in their Luxe Box. I saw someone else received China Glaze Lorelai’s Tiara! That’s the silver glitter polish with blue hexagonal glitter – I was drooling over hers, especially because I don’t have any colours from the Eye Candy Collection. (I wonder if anyone got Marry a Millionaire – that’s the colour from the collection I’m most excited about because it has bar glitter.)
I hope that Loose Button continues to include nail polish in their future boxes. Even if I got a back-up bottle, it’s still cool that it’s full-size.
Chocolate Coin
I really like the Loose Button logo, and it was fun seeing it on a chocolate coin. It shows that lots of thought went into its creation. Major kudos for companies that make the extra effort to include whimsical things like this that set them apart.
(Promptly after photographing it, I devoured it. The poor thing didn’t stand a chance. And if it had cheeks, I would’ve pinched them and said, “You’re so cute, I could just eat you up!” 😛 Makes you wary of aunts who do this to children, doesn’t it?)
Personalization
Since the October Luxe Box was personalized like crazy, I was expecting the same for December’s. So, I’ll admit that I was a little disappointed when I didn’t see my name everywhere like before. This time, I only saw “Mary” on the sticker – still cool, though.
I felt like the extreme personalization from before was something that set them apart. I still like the idea behind their service, but I miss the extra personalization. It’s not often when I see my name plastered everywhere…
(If this is the first time you’re hearing about Loose Button, be sure to check out my review on the October 2011 Luxe Box because I go into detail about the company, the packaging, and the service.)
What are your thoughts on the December 2011 Loose Button Luxe Box? If you have signed up for other services, too, how do you think they compare?
What a lovely present with some awesome goodies!! Enjoy!
Happy Holidays!
Hey karen!
Merry Christmas! 🙂
Thanks – I’ll definitely have to paint my nails with that red and see how it compares to some other red polishes I have. Maybe I’ll do more nail art with it. Not sure just yet.
Those are great items! I wish they had a box where they just gave out full sized nail polish bottles! I would definitely buy a yearly subscription to that! 🙂
Happy Holidays!
Hey maddy!
That’s not a bad idea, actually. 🙂 I was hoping that they’d offer something like that. I KNOW it would be a hit.
Merry Christmas! 🙂
There is one actually, a nail polish brand called Julep has a monthly Maven box that can be shipped to the U.S. or Canada.
… no, I don’t work for them, just something I’ve been thinking of getting 🙂
Hey Laura!
Oh yeah. I forgot about them. I was going to try them out, but then I read that a lot of bloggers have had major issues with them…so I’m still on the fence.
I just got my luxebox yesterday! Mine came with “Snow Globe” glitter polish and I was so happy (because it was actually my first China Glaze polish :0 ) I didnt see a chocolate coin though! Definitely going to have to re-examine my box to find it lol.
I as well got the first in line thing too and I have to agree that it’s a good idea and hope to see it more~
Hey Lawren!
That is an awesome first China Glaze polish! 😀 I have it, but haven’t tried it out yet. Hehe, I keep staring at the bottle because it’s so pretty. You’re going to have fun layering Snow Globe over any of the polishes already in your stash!
My chocolate coin was in between the cards when I opened my box. Maybe yours slipped out and went into the blue paper?
It’ll be exciting to see what other First in Line choices Loose Button gives us. 🙂
Yes, I immediately tried on on top of my nail polish i’m wearing now (Essie’s Chinchilly) and it looks so pretty!!
I’ve searched everywhere and it looks like I didn’t get a chocolate coin 🙁
I guess they ran out or only gave it to random people
Hmm…maybe. Did you read the blue card that came in your box? Mine talks about the Belgian chocolate at the very end of the note. Does yours say something different?
Yep, the message is the same on it about the chocolate, but I have no coin 🙁
Aww…that’s too bad. I wonder if it fell out. It’s small and thin, so it’s possible.
This is such a cool idea. I love that they included a full China Glaze polish!! 😀
Ashesela recently posted: Glitter Badge!! 😀 Also, Lorelei’s Tiara
Hey Ashesela!
Definitely – they get major points for being generous with a full-size nail polish! 🙂
Just curious—did you receive a November Luxe Box? And if so, did you receive the expired Moroccan Oil product?? There’s supposed to be a little something extra for those that did in the December box but it doesn’t look like you did…
Hey Yvonne!
No, I didn’t get a November Luxe Box. I initially received a complimentary October Luxe Box. Then, I signed up to start with the December one.
Oh wow…that’s too bad about the expired product you received, but I’m glad to hear that Loose Button provided good customer service and added something extra to the December box for those who did.
Now I’m curious what those people got. If anyone got something extra, please let me know. Curious cat here!
Still waiting to receive my email confirmation. Last month mine got lost. I’m in the GTA – so figured it would have shipped by now. I have a feeling I’m going to have issues again this month! I wasn’t that impressed with the boxes I’ve seen posted. I figured for a holiday box there would be some great goodies in there. My feeling is meh. I’ve had boxes from other months that were more interesting.
Hey Nicole!
In the e-mail that I got, they’re apparently sending out the boxes in waves, so you’ll probably get yours soon. Sorry to hear that you’ve had issues with your goodies in the past. Maybe you’ll like next month’s better? (I’m really looking forward to more nail polishes…hehe, that’s not shocking, is it? :P)
Hi,
Do you know how often Bath and Body Works does the 2 for 20 candle promotion in store? Thanks for help, Lils.
Hey Lils!
It’s usually every few months. (I live in Canada, and the 2 for $25 CAD sale is on right now, so maybe in the States, the stores are having 2 for $20 USD sale on now, too. If not, maybe wait for the Semi-Annual Sale after Christmas. They usually mark down their candles then.)
I’m really enjoying these posts… I’m getting the itch to sign up… I’m scratching it through your post before it gets too unbearable and I cave in to order 😉
Marta recently posted: 12 Days of Christmas Manicures
Hey Marta!
Hehe, eventually you’ll be like me and will just have to scratch that itch! 😉 There’s no moisturizer that can curb this kind of itch. (Heheh, now I’m grossing myself out…)
These seem really cool! It’s awesome that they give you a full sized nail polish, instead of a sample size. You can use it without worrying that you’ll run out just after a few times wearing it. As for the perfume, I’d understand why they’d give you sample sizes but imagine if you were to get a full sized bottle? That would be sweet. The chocolate coin was a nice touch too, as was your name on the sticker. Stuff like that shows that this company cares about its customers. Can’t wait to see what’s in your next box!
Melissa recently posted: Haul…yet again!
Hey Melissa!
Yes, I’m always grateful to get full-sized bottles instead of minis, although minis are cute, too. Really, I’m happy to get anything nail-polish-related. 🙂 I’m easy to please…in that sense!
Haha, the day that they ever offer a full-sized bottle of perfume will be the day when EVERYBODY signs up immediately for the service! 🙂 Hehe, that would be crrraaaazzzzyyy!
What a fantastic box! I can’t for mine to arrive!
Hey Candace!
Please let me know what you think of yours when it arrives. And I’m also curious as to what nail polish you get! 🙂
I just wanted to say that actually, you received both products from the first in line service. I’m not sure what the point of first in line was supposed to be if they’re sending everyone both products. I’m a little luxe box jaded at this point. Two minute perfume samples just doesn’t cut it for me personally but this will be my 4th luxe box.
Hey Mallory!
I guess they’re just testing it out first. Or maybe there was a hiccup somewhere along the line. Either way, I’m still going to try them out for a few more months. (Originally, I was just going to get one month’s box, but now I want to see what else they come out with for the New Year.)
Sorry that you feel burned out on Luxe Box. Did you receive any products in any of your 4 boxes that you absolutely loved?
Hmmm. I still haven’t signed up for any of these sample services because I find I’m not completely sold just yet. Of the samples, the frangrance ones you can get for free so I’m not counting those. Thus, it’s really more like paying $12+tax for 3 items. Plus points that you get the full sized polish and I have to admit that I’ve been wanting to try the Keratase line. Apart from that, this box wasn’t as spectacular as the one you got in October. Still, awesome packages in the mail is always a good thing. Aaaah! Cannot. Decide. 😛
Carmela recently posted: Nail Art Wednesday: Gift Wrapped Nails
Hey Carmela!
More money saved for you. 🙂 I’m still curious about what else Loose Button has to offer in their upcoming Luxe Boxes, so I’ll stick around with the service at least for a few more months. (I’m not sure if I can afford a full year right now, and originally, I was just going to get the one December box.)
Kerastase is phenomenal for haircare. I’ve tried one of their shampoos and this fortifying milk, and they’re great! But phew…so expensive. So that’s why I’m glad that Luxe Box had a sample. 🙂 Well, I have two samples of this particular product now, so it’ll last me a little while.
Hahaha, true. I *still* want to sign up for one of these services though. Just can’t decide on one. I think it’s such a cool thing to know that you’ll be getting great beauty stuff in the mail every month. In my head, I can justify slowing down on all other impulsive beauty buys knowing I’ll be getting something during the month. Also, it’s a great way to try something expensive before committing to full-size (and dropping more $$). Not to mention, good for beauty bloggers who like to review products without spending too much out of pocket. The pros definitely outweigh the cons. Now, if only I can figure out which service to go with. 😛 Any suggestions? How was the Topbox haul this month? Which would you recommend over the other?
Carmela recently posted: Nail Art Wednesday: Gift Wrapped Nails
I signed up for Topbox, too, but they were sold out until February, so that’s when I’ll get to try them out as a paying customer. 🙂 I’ll be sure to share my goodies on here.
Hmm…Loose Button’s Luxe Box has the awesome packaging and good products. Topbox doesn’t focus on packaging as much and also has good products. Even though I’ve made a choice one over the other before, I think it’s only fair for me to wait to see what’s in my next Topbox to get a better feel for the company.
I got the ‘happy blue years’ nail polish in mine! Also, about the person asking about the TopBox haul this month, I got a full size Cargo lipgloss (love!), eye syrum, a B5 gel and SkinFX primer. The lipgloss alone made me happy!
..and I agree with the others about the perfume samples being disappointing. I was really unimpressed that the freebie sized samples were counted as ‘deluxe’ :-/
Oh! And check out Glymm!
Y’know, I haven’t really paid attention to Glymm…but maybe I’ll take a look into it. It’s good to compare all the options.
Hey Jen!
Lucky – that blue is gorgeous! I have it, but haven’t tried it out yet.
Wow, a full-size Cargo lip gloss? Awesome! I’ve never tried anything from that brand.
Hi,
thanks for the box review!
I was very curious about Loose Button, but am very let down with this box 🙁 !
Two perfume samples that I can get at any Dept store and “deluxe”?
Deluxe would have been those miniature bottles I get as a gift when I buy things at the store or the ones in the holiday perfume samplers with the cute mini bottles.
So, to me this is just 3 samples. I know the Kerastasse is expensive, but the sample is quite small- 10ml would have been better for long hair.
I think for now I am going to wait and see on the Luxe Box/Loose Button concept!
Hey prettytastyreviews!
No problem – I was happy to share what I got with all of you. (I also love to see what others got!)
Even though the Kerastase sample was small, I was thrilled to get it because right now, I just can’t afford the full-size version, and this tides me over and allows me to test it out. 🙂
Hope that future boxes will excite you more.
Hi. I also ordered the december box and pretty much everything in my box was different. My nailpolish was china glaze crackled crushed candy (which I already had) 2 prada perfumes, I also chose the Kerastase. I will get the next month for sure but was a little disappointed. I didn’t actually like either scent and it was just bad luck of the draw that I received a polish I already had. I love the concept though! Great pics.
Hey Karen!
It’s cool how not everyone gets the same products – really keeps the surprise element alive! 🙂
Hope you’ll like your future box(es) better. Some months are better than others.
This was my first luxe box and I was horribly disappointed. My sister (who swears by them) talked me into it and she was lucky enough to get Mink Eyelashes as her full sized sample! unfortunately mine was only a $4 eye liner (not impressed). I also got two perfume samples (one of which was for men… again not impressed), a small body wash (full size value was only about $10), and the DDF cream (because when I went to select the other option from the website they were already all out). 🙁 rather sad that all of you got the nail polish… I would have actually liked that.
I’m glad I only got the three month subscription rather than the full year.. looks like I will be cancelling it pretty soon!
Hey Jessica!
Oh geez – you got men’s cologne? That is just ridiculous because I’m sure they know most of their subscribers are women. Sure, you can give it to a guy friend, spouse, etc., but…I think that a lot of people get the Luxe Box as a treat for themselves.
Even though the Mink Eyelashes would be cool to get, I wouldn’t like them only because I wear glasses and can’t wear false lashes. It’s cool that they added something different and unexpected like that, though.
I saw some Luxe Box reviews from people who got their box later than I did, and they also didn’t get any nail polish. It’s the luck of the draw. Some boxes, you’ll like more than others. Sorry to hear that you were extremely disappointed!