Amongst all the mass amounts of sample subscription services, how is one possibly supposed to choose a service to follow?  It seems like these days there are tons of them, all offering the same thing, 4-5 deluxe samples for a $10-12 price tag per month.  I’ve known of Loose Button for a long time, since before they started doing a sample subscription service, so I’ve seen the company evolve and grow.  This are my thoughts on the Loose Button Holiday Edition Luxe Box.

The Service

Loose Button offers 3 different Canadian-only subscription services. Monthy for $12/mo, 3-months for $36 and 12-months for $120 (all prices in Canadian dollars and include shipping).  As you can see by these different price points, the 3-month contract really has no better value than a month-to-month subscription which I think its a little odd. Why do it? I’d rather see a 6-month term for the price of 5 months (similar to the 12-month term for the price of 10 months).

Loose Button Holiday Edition Luxe Box

The Packaging

Each Luxe Box comes packaged in a gorgeous black box, encased in a chic Loose Button sleeve.  I love how they are also personalized.  Inside you’ll find an information brochure that gives a short description and retail price of all samples included.  Neatly placed in the paper padding, you’ll find 4-5 deluxe samples of various beauty products, from skincare to hair to makeup. Loose Button also likes to throw in a (very delicious) chocolate, which is always a nice touch.

Loose Button Holiday Edition Luxe Box

Loose Button Holiday Edition Luxe Box

Loose Button Holiday Edition Luxe Box

Loose Button Holiday Edition Luxe Box

Loose Button Holiday Edition Luxe Box (Information brochure)

The Samples

Of course the samples vary from month to month, and can also vary from person to person. This box was the Holiday Edition and it contained five different deluxe samples…

1. Velour Lashes in Doll Me Up - These lashes are a total treat in this box, retailing at $30-60 each, these authentic mink lashes are re-usable (up to 25 times).  The Doll Me Up lashes are stunning- the perfect combination of length & thickness- and they feel SO soft and real.  I probably would have never taken the plunge and bought these lashes because of their price tag, but after getting them in this kit I would honestly consider it now.
2. Prada Infusion D’Iris Eau de Toilette - The description ‘captures the ambiance of luxurious Italian voyages’ really doesn’t tell me much, but I’m not much of a fan of this one either. I like the pretty paper envelope it came in though.
3. Prada Candy Eau de Parfum - A vanilla, honey, benzoin and caramel concoction which to me actually just smells a bit like baby powder. Weird….not a fan.
4. Kerastase Elixir Ultime Versatile Beautifying Oil - This oil treats and nourishes hair deeply while smoothing the fiber for incredible shine and protection. I’m actually really excited to try this product and see what it can do for my hair.
5. DDF Advanced Firming Cream - A luxurious anti-aging, hydrating moisturizer to help promote cell turnover and reverse the appearance of aging skin.  I’ve heard good things about this brand, however I’m addicted to my current skincare routine so I don’t really want to try something new. I’m also 23, so I’ll just pass this one onto my mom.
6. Mmmmm chocolate.

Velour Upper Lashes in Doll Me Up

Velour Upper Lashes in Doll Me Up

Prada Infusion D'Iris Eau de Toilette Sample

Prada Candy Eau de Parfum Sample

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Beatifying Oil

DDF Advanced Firming Cream Sample

As you can see, I’m only really excited about 2/5 samples I got…and while the Velour Lashes are a total treat, I really think they made a special appearance in the Holiday Edition box and we probably wouldn’t see such a luxurious sample throughout the year (or at least I haven’t judging by others’ luxe boxes this past year).  The hair oil is exciting…but my problem lies within the 3 other products that I simply flat out didn’t like, or weren’t really appropriate for me. I really don’t like perfume samples or skincare samples, which pop up a lot in these types of boxes.  The perfume samples aren’t even really that ‘deluxe’ (they are the same sizes you get when you go to a counter and ask for free samples).

On one hand, I’m super excited about the mink lashes, and on the other, I’m disappointed that I didn’t like the majority of the samples. I feel like this would be a recurring feeling each month, perhaps getting excited for 1-2 samples in the box.  It’s nothing against Loose Button, it’s against all subscription services in general. I would feel the same, if not worse (with less luxurious brands) with other similar services.

Now…If I could CHOOSE my samples, perhaps out of a selection of 6-7 (sort of like how Sephora allows you to choose your 3 samples when ordering online), I’d sign up for a year in a heartbeat.  However, with the chance of getting samples I’ve already gotten, or simply being displeased with most of my samples, that is enough to deter me from signing up for a lengthy subscription, if at all.

Loose Button Holiday Edition Luxe Box Samples

Having said all of this, I do believe that Loose Button is one of the better sample services I’ve seen in terms of the brands they work with and the samples they offer. The brands are well known, luxurious and exciting.  If you’re a fan of trying out different scents, skincare & makeup then you’ll probably enjoy this subscription service.

Summary

• Price: $12/mo or $36/3-mo or $120/12-mo
• Availability: Loose Button
• Overall:  My box contained a super luxurious item which I love, but the rest of the samples are less than buzz-worthy.  I’m not a fan of fragrance and skincare samples, so I’d much rather love to pick out my own samples from a selection. However, if you’re in the mood to try anything and everything, you’ll love the selection of brands and top quality samples.
• Rating: B