Subscription boxes — to me — are like that.  Sort of the upscale versions (way upscale, actually) of grab bags.  We aren’t really sure what we’ll get, and we always look forward to the surprise.  The difference is that we pay for subscription boxes, so we expect good surprises.  And that is usually what we get.

Tokibox

Tokibox is a monthly vegan subscription box that contains 5-7 items (some are full-size).   Each item is cruelty-free, eco-friendly and non-toxic.  With a focus on small businesses (local to New York City, but also throughout the United States), you can try food, beauty and other items knowing they’ve been vetted against these criteria and passed the test.

According to the website, the name Toki comes from the Korean word for rabbit, which we easily associate with cruelty-free products.  As with many subscription boxes, you can choose the month-to-month plan ($34.95 per month for this option), or commit to a longer plan and save a bit (the 3-month plan is $32.95 per month and the 6-month plan is $29.11 per month).  There are also a few items you can buy individually on the website.

September Back to Basics Essentials Box

I received the September Back to Basics Essentials Box.  This included a nice variety of goodies, including a scrub, a nut milk bag (I can always use another one of those), a latte mix, Nibmor cocoa, a lovely-smelling sage bundle, and some chips from Vegan Rob’s.  My favorite item was the Vanilla Bean and Espresso Granola from Wildway.  I’ve had this before, so I knew what to expect, but I do highly recommend it.  Its a soft, grain-free granola that is super yummy.

It was a great mix of goodies and fit the monthly theme of getting back to the routine of school or work after summer.

The packaging was very sweet and the box included a card with a little description of each item and what I assume was the value of the item if purchased separately.

As with any subscription box, you may not always like what you get.  I subscribe to a couple of boxes and sometimes I’m not thrilled with one of the items.  So, I just give it away.  It doesn’t go to waste and that little gesture can bring a smile to someone’s face.  But if you are interested in trying new products on a monthly basis, Tokibox might be a good fit for you.

Discount Offer

Use the promo code “TRIBETOKI” for a $5 discount on any box. And, with the holidays coming up, why not buy a box for a friend?  The promo code “CHICVEGAN3” will save you $3 on another box.  Enjoy!

The post Tokibox Vegan Subscription Box appeared first on Chic Vegan.

If you haven’t heard of Love Goodly, they are a bi-monthly subscription box that introduces you to amazing health and beauty products.  Every item you get is non-toxic, cruelty-free, organic, non-GMO, eco-friendly, and vegan.  Pretty much, you’re getting high-quality products you can feel good about using!  Also, each box purchased helps support their charity partner Farm Sanctuary.  Amazing products and supporting animals? Win.

Let’s dive right in and see what this month’s Love Goodly box has!

Belle Pierre Blush Autumn Glow 
I’m starting with my favorite product in this box because I have seriously used it every day since I got it!  I hardly ever wear makeup since I work from home and I don’t feel the need to impress my cats or husband anymore.  But I loved how this blush made me look sun-kissed and shimmery and it’s made it into my very minimal morning routine.  Just a little swipe is all it takes and it lasts all day.  The color is flattering on pretty much all skin tones, either as a healthy glow for lighter skin or luminous highlight for darker skin.  Even better is that is made from cruelty-free and vegan ingredients that don’t upset sensitive skin!

100% Pure Blush Brush
Super glad that the good folks at Love Goodly realized that I wouldn’t have a blush brush of my own and included one in this box!  But this isn’t just your run of the mill blush brush.  It is made of antibacterial synthetic fibers so it is kind to the animals and your skin.  I’m no expert on makeup application, but I like to pretend I’m a pro as I swirl, tap, and swipe my blush on with this brush.

Mindful Skincare Blueberry Mask
I don’t know if it’s the changing seasons or what, but my skin has been freaking out lately.  I’ve been trying different face masks each weekend to see if I can help calm it down and wouldn’t you know?  Love Goodly sent a great one just in the nick of time.  First, this mask smells DELICIOUS.  Like, I have to stop myself from licking my face after I put it on.  It also leaves my skin feeling refreshed and hydrated and I have noticed a little clearer.  It’s made from ingredients like organic aloe vera, green tea, vegan Hyaluronic Acid, and of course, organic blueberries.

Mr. B’s Neccessities Calm Aromatherapy 
I’m already a huge fan of essential oils and have a diffuser going 24/7 in my apartment.  It’s amazing how certain oils can energize you or calm you down.  I usually spray a homemade concoction of lavender and rosemary over my pillow before I sleep, but I love this little roll-on.  It contains a blend of lavender, orange, spruce, almond, and jojoba oils and creates the perfect atmosphere for falling asleep.  I do a little swipe on my temples and neck, take a deep breath, and instantly feel a bit calmer.

Moondani Mystic Mint Breath Spray
I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect much from this breath spray.  After I stopped buying and using traditional mints, gum, and breath strips/sprays a few years ago, I tried a few more natural versions.  They never worked.  The never lasted, tasted horrible, or were way too expensive to purchase regularly.  So my expectations were low when I tried this spray.  I used it before an appointment where I would be talking a lot and not once did I feel like my breath was bad.  I like that it is made with simple ingredients that I recognize like ginger, cardamom, and fennel and love that it actually works.  This one will become a constant in my purse!

Since October is breast cancer awareness month, the wonderful people at Love Goodly also included a handy door hanger that reminds you to check yourself.  The Keep A Breast Foundation created this hanger with the notion that prevention is the key to lowering your chances of having breast cancer.  The hanger gives you a step by step process to check your breasts as well as simple tips on what to do if you find any abnormalities.  This is currently in my bathroom and I’m proud to say it’s reminded me to check every day!

If you want to get in on the Love Goodly fun (and you totally should), each bi-monthly box is $29.95.  That’s a total deal because most boxes have a value of over $100.  You can also shop for individual products through the Love Goodly site and get the items you loved from each box.

Thanks again to Love Goodly for making another awesome box!

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The post Get that Autumn Glow with the October-November Love Goodly Box appeared first on Chic Vegan.

The Petit Vour beauty subscription box is $15/month with free shipping in the US. Each box is packed with 100% cruelty free, vegan and non-toxic products, with typically 1 full size and 3 sample sizes. You take a survey when you first sign up, and they’ll use that info to help customize your boxes. There’s always an amazing mix of skincare, makeup, body and hair care and this month is no different.

Juice Beauty Green Apple Brightening SPF15 Moisturizer ($18 sample size)
Using a moisturizer with SPF is important, especially this time of year. You should always be wearing some if you step outside – whether it’s part of your moisturizer, foundation, or some good ol’ sunscreen! Recently I found an SPF30 moisturizer that I’ve been looooooving, so I was skeptical that this wouldn’t live up to my current fave.

Thankfully, it did! One thing to keep in mind is that the sun protection comes from zinc – as a result it has a thicker texture and a bit of a white cast. That may not work for darker skin tones, but was fine with my pale complexion. It did seem to stay a bit shiny, but didn’t cause me to break out or be irritated. My current fave is an SPF30, so I’m probably going to stick with that for the time being, but this is a great alternative.

EVOLVh SmartVolume Leave-In Conditioner ($11 deluxe sample size)
In my every day hair care routine I typically don’t use leave-in conditioner, but I was really intrigued by the idea that this could provide my hair with some volume. My hair is very fine and tends to lay pretty flat no matter what I do – I wound up really liking this leave-in. It has a very nice smell, but if you dislike fragrance you may not love it.

I didn’t notice my hair visibly thicker, but it definitely felt soft, healthy and shiny. The spray went on evenly while I mostly focused on the ends as they’re prone to split ends. I’m not sure if this is something I’d purchase for myself, but if I find myself needing a leave-in conditioner this stuff is great.

Suntegrity Lip C.P.R. SPF30 ($5 sample size)
Lip care with SPF? Sign me up! It’s hard to find a lipstick with SPF even though it’s a delicate area that needs SPF protection just as much as the rest of your face. The box came with a little info card about the lipsticks and two small sample pots with the shades Sable Shade and Solar Rose. I’m not sure if everyone got the same shades or if it was a mixture.

These shades are very pretty and wearable. The formula is nice – very creamy, not drying, pigmented. I will say that both of these shades were very natural on me and gave me that “my lips but better” look. They’re not transfer proof and come off as much as you’d expect from a traditional lipstick. You’ll need to reapply throughout the day. I did not like the little sample brush that came with them, and wound up using my own instead. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Precious Skin Elixirs Sea Pearl Exfoliating Clay ($4.50 sample size)
I’ve tried a lot of exfoliators over the years, and I haven’t yet found a vegan one I keep going back to. This exfoliating clay was very creamy and not too harsh – I think it would be great even if you have sensitive skin. The scent isn’t too strong, and felt really nice overall. I wouldn’t say it scrubbed off everything possible, but it definitely feels amazing to apply.

This exfoliator has Vitamin C in to stimulate circulation and brighten. It also has clarifying properties, which is great for my oily and acne-prone skin. The full size is a bit pricey, but I think it would last a while since it’s a powder-to-mousse formula.

This month’s box including $38.50 worth of product for just $15 – what an amazing deal! My favorite this month would probably be the Juice Beauty Green Apple Brightening SPF15 Moisturizer. It’s such a practical item that everyone should have as part of their daily routine.

Do you subscribe to Petit Vour? Share your favorite item in this month’s box in the comments!

The post The June Petit Vour Box appeared first on Chic Vegan.

The Vegan Cuts Beauty Box is a subscription service that delivers a box of cruelty-free beauty products to your door every month. The products are usually sample sized, but there are times when you’ll receive full-sized products too. It’s a great way for Chic Vegans to try new products and discover new brands. It’s also a wonderful way for new vegans who are just getting started in the world of cruelty-free beauty. And It’s perfect for people with sensitive skin, like me, because it means trying products without spending a lot of money. There’s really no reason not to subscribe to the Vegan Cuts Beauty Box!

The May Vegan Cuts Beauty Box Contained:

The Granola Goat’s The Amazing Face Serum – This serum is made from cold pressed raspberry seed oil and organic sea buckthorn berry oil. It helps to protect the skin and fight inflammation. It nourishes and leaves skin feeling radiant.

Everclen Facial Toner – I was so happy to see “for sensitive skin” in big letters on the packaging for this toner. It’s non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and fragrance free, so it’s perfect for my skin, which can get irritated easily. This toner is formatted to hydrate and nourish thirsty skin. I love that it cools my skin after a hot day. 

Terre Mère Cosmetics Contouring Brush – A lot of makeup brushes are made using animal hair, so finding a cruelty-free brush can be tricky. This sleek brush is made from synthetic hair, and it’s ergonomically designed to help you highlight and contour with ease.

Molly Rose Balms Body Scrub – This exfoliating scrub is made with sea salt and plant waxes and oils to leave skin feeling squeaky clean. It’s scented with zesty grapefruit and earthy basil, which helped to give me a little early morning energy boost!

Medusa’s Makeup Sun-Kissed Bronzer – I don’t usually use bronzer, but since I’m pretty pale, I decided to give it a go. I was worried that it would be too dark for my skin, but it wasn’t, and it gave my face a nice glow. It works well with the Terre Mère brush.

The Beauty Box is available as a monthly subscription, which means that once you sign up, a box of new goodies gets delivered to your door every month. If you like the samples in your box, you can order their full-sized counterpart from the Vegan Cuts Marketplace.

The post The May Vegan Cuts Beauty Box appeared first on Chic Vegan.

It’s my favorite time of the month! The Petit Vour Beauty Box arrived at my doorstep and I’m so excited to use these goodies.

The Petit Vour beauty subscription box is $15/month with free shipping in the US. Each box is packed with 100% cruelty free, vegan and non-toxic products, with typically 1 full size and 3 sample sizes. You take a survey when you first sign up, and they’ll use that info to help customize your boxes. There’s always an amazing mix of skincare, makeup, body and hair care. I can always find at least 1 item I love in each box!

Lauren B. Beauty Dual Base/Top Coat (full size, $22)

This baby alone covers the entire cost of the box! Personally I’ve been struggling to find a vegan base and top coat that can handle my hands – typically I chip nail polish in just 1-2 days

So far this dual base/top coat has not disappointed. I’ve been wearing the same nail polish for the past 4-5 days and NO chipping – it’s a miracle! The polish goes on evenly and it’s not too thick or thin. Out of everything in this month’s box, this one is probably my favorite.

Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser (deluxe sample, $11)

I love love love exfoliating my face! As someone with oily and acne prone skin, it’s important to exfoliate regularly to get off dead skin. Otherwise dirt and oil to get trapped underneath, causing pimples. While I love exfoliating, I haven’t tried a foaming exfoliator since going vegan, so I was super intrigued when I got this cleanser.

The Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser smells amazing – just like fresh lemongrass! It wasn’t too harsh on my skin, and the fine granules were very powerful. My skin felt so squeaky clean and soft after… I guess you could say I’m a fan

Little Barn Apothecary Geranium + White Tea Beauty Mist (deluxe sample, $8)

My first Petit Vour exclusive item since I subscribed! This mist smells lovely and is perfect if you’re looking for a simple, gentle toner to add to your routine. It is a nice pick-me-up if your skin needs a hint of moisture during the day, too. The geranium oil is an astringent to tighten and tone, minimizing the effects of aging. It’s also a stress reliever and mood booster, so try spritzing some if you’re feeling a bit on-edge.

Yarok Feed Your Moisturize Shampoo (sample size, $1)

This is the only product in this month’s box that I haven’t tried yet, but I’m super excited to! Yarok is a vegan hair care line that I’ve been hearing about for months and months, and everyone seems to swear by the Feed Your Ends product. Hopefully this shampoo will live up to the hype!

This month’s box including $42 worth of product for just $15 – what an amazing deal! Some subscribers got the Suki Purifying Mask instead of the exfoliator, but I’m happy with what I got. The Dual Base/Top Coat was probably my favorite this month since I know I’m going to be putting it to good use.

Do you subscribe to Petit Vour? Share your favorite item in this month’s box in the comments!

The post The March Petit Vour Beauty Box appeared first on Chic Vegan.

The February box was fantastic!  There are 4 products this time, but they are full size and will last you quite a while.  As always, with LaRitzy everything is 100% vegan and cruelty free!  Let’s look inside…

Lather Cucumber Milk Facial Cleanser: This non foaming facial wash is very creamy and gentle.  If your skin is sensitive or on the dry side, this will work well for you.  It contains cucumber and sea algae which cleanses well and has antioxidants to help prevent free radical damage caused by sun exposure and pollution. Sulfate- and paraben-free.

 
Palmetto Derma Rejuvinating Antioxidant Mask:  This clay mask is good for oily skin to help clear out your pores.  It also contains glycolic acid, which is great for exfoliating but be careful if your skin is sensitive. It does give a little tingle, so you know it’s doing it’s thing!  There was also a 20% discount code for future orders.  I love when that happens!

Doe Beauty Hair Pact Bora Bora nourishing hair mask:  This is enough for 4-5 applications on shoulder length hair.  My hair is very long, so I got 3 out of it.  It left my color treated and partially highlighted (bleached) hair soft and shiny.  The product is also sulfate & paraben free.

 

Love Fresh Moroccan Rose Absolute 100% Natural deodorant:  This Toronto-based luxury line of fun and natural beauty products includes this deodorant stick, which has a lovely, subtle scent.  The wax is coconut derived and contains baking soda to help keep you dry, as well as fresh, just where you need it ;-).

LaRitzy subscriptions are $24.99 a month and you get 4-5 full size products.  They also have a mini box with 2-3 full size products, for $14.99 a month.  All of the boxes are worth exponentially more, so it’s always a great deal!

Sign up for LaRitzy at www.laritzy.com and follow them on Instagram at @laritzybox

The post La Ritzy February 2016 Beauty Box appeared first on Chic Vegan.

This month was packed with moisturizing and brightening products for the harsh winters many of us experience.   But if your skin tends to be dry or mature, these products could work for you all year round.

Zoe Organics skin cream.  This shea butter based cream is thick and super moisturizing, developed specifically for very dry skin and conditions such as eczema. This ultra rich cream is packed with vitamins and nutrient-rich oils and botanicals that naturally heal and restore sensitive and damaged skin.  A little goes a long way and is unscented to prevent any irritation.

Otavea lemon body scrub.  The lemon scent is invigorating and the all natural ingredients will scrub away your troubles in the bath or shower.  It came with a bonus 20% off code for future orders!

Glam Natural Lip Cream:  I love this.  Sometimes lip glosses can be sticky and rub off too quickly.  This was really creamy and moisturizing.  It lasted a good while, even for me, who tends to “eat off” my lip products.  The color “Love Affair” was a very pretty and soft, pinkish neutral, as well.

Mai Couture Highlighting Papers:  Dab these disposable papers on your cheeks or anywhere you want to brighten up!  Our skin can look a bit dull in the winter and these are an easy, quick fix.

For $24.99 a month, you get 4-5 full size products. They also have a mini box with 2-3 full size products, for $14.99 a month.  All of the boxes are worth exponentially more, so it’s always a great deal!

Stay tuned for the February box review!

Sign up for LaRitzy at www.laritzy.com and follow them on Instagram at @laritzybox

The post La Ritzy January 2016 Beauty Box appeared first on Chic Vegan.

Beauty boxes are a great way to discover new products and brands at a fraction of the cost, and Petit Vour is no exception! They’re an entirely vegan, cruelty free and non-toxic subscription service and for $15 per month ($23 for our Canadian friends) you get 1 full size and 3 sample size products in a great mix of skincare, makeup, hair care and body care.

I just opened up my February box, and I’m so excited for all these goodies!

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Booster Serum (sample size, $19)
This serum is packed with fruit stem cells infused into Vitamin C with the goal of brightening your skin tone and improving its texture. So far I’ve only used it once, and it had a texture similar to a foundation primer – very gel-like. After I washed and toned my skin, I applied this serum with my fingertips in circular motions, and then applied my moisturizer. I haven’t gotten any acne, which is a huge win for me, and it made my skin feel so smooth. It’ll probably take some more time before I see any brightening effects, but this serum feels gorgeous!

Han Skin Care Cosmetics Taupey Plum Eyeshadow (full size, $13)
Non-toxic eyeshadow – yes please! This color is absolutely beautiful, and it’s rice powder based. I received Taupey Plum, but other colors in the boxes were, Chocolate Bronze, Cool Coconut and Golden Glow. It applied best with my fingertip, but not very pigmented with my eyeshadow brush. Once I wetted my eyeshadow brush with some Kat Von D Tattoo Lock It Setting Spray it came out better. Not as plumy as I expected, but still a gorgeous color.

Ultimately this will come down to how it applies and wears during the day. Follow me on Instagram for an upcoming #motd using this color!

Christy Organics Trance Natural Perfume (sample size, $5.25)
This perfume is a mix of Jasmine, Bergamot, Cedarwood and Ylang, Ylang with jojoba as the carrier oil. Apply this to your pulse points like behind your ears, on your wrists, inner elbow and neck and the heat of the skin activates the fragrance.

It smells mostly like Jasmine to me with a hint of Ylang Ylang. While I love Jasmine in my tea, it’s too flowery for me in a perfume. I prefer citrus, woodsy and herbal smells over flowery and sweet. However, if you know someone with a love of flowery perfumes, I think this scent would be an amazing, luxury (and non-toxic) gift!

Clinical Luxury Graydon Hair Smoothie (sample size, $2.50)
Out of everything in this month’s box, this is probably my favorite. It has the most delicious smell from a mix of parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme (does anyone get the joke here?). It’s very creamy without feeling heavy, which is important because I have very fine hair and too much moisture just causes it to look greasy and limp.

Now let me tell you, I just got back from vacation, and my hair was a wreck. I spent a ton of time in the sun and ocean, and it was dried out, frizzy and not in the best condition. After leaving the hair smoothie in for 2 minutes after shampooing, it left my hair feeling amazingly soft and smooth without feeling oily or thick like some conditioners. It also detangled my hair better than any other conditioner or treatment I’ve ever used! They mentioned you could also use this as a leave-in conditioner on the ends of your hair, which I’ll probably try soon.

This month’s Petit Vour box is worth $39.75, which is an amazing value for only $15! Out of everything I’ve tried so far, the hair smoothie and serum are my favorites. If you subscribe to Petit Vour, let us know what you think of the February box!

The post The February Petit Vour Beauty Box appeared first on Chic Vegan.

The Vegan Cuts Beauty Box is a subscription service that delivers a box of cruelty-free beauty products to your door every month. The products are usually sample sized, but there are times when you’ll receive full-sized products too. It’s a great way to try products without spending a lot of money, and it’s also a wonderful way to discover new brands. I have a sensitive skin, and I used to buy new products only to discover that they didn’t work well for me, but not any more! The Vegan Cuts Beauty Box has helped me to find products that I like without spending a lot of cash on something I might have to throw away.

I love that the Beauty Box is always perfectly curated for the season! The January box contained products that I really needed for this time of year.

The January Vegan Cuts Beauty Box Contained:

Aubrey Organics Revitalizing Therapy Moisturizer – A little goes a long way with this moisturizer. It’s made with natural ingredients and is formulated to revive the skin, improve texture, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles

Earth Lab Cosmetics Vegan Lash Mascara – When I first tried this mascara, I thought the tube was empty, because I didn’t see anything on the wand. Then I read the card that came with it and realized that there was mascara in there, I just wasn’t using enough of it. This mascara is meant to be light and buildable – it’s supposed to be applied in layers, so you can add as much color and thickness to your lashes as you like. Because it’s light instead of goopy, you don’t need to worry about the layers leaving you looking like Tammy Faye Baker. I like that it washes off easily with soap and water.

Lashea Butter Whips Essential Body Scrub – This freshly-scented scrub is handmade with natural oils to soften and soothe angry winter-ravaged skin.

Jojoba Company Youth Potion – This jojoba-based moisturizing oil is rich in vitamins and was developed to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while leaving skin looking radiant.

Jojoba Company Gentle Cleansing Balm – This cleanser feels silky-smooth on my skin, and I love its fresh scent! It contains jojoba, alpha hydroxy acids, aloe vera, and Vitamins E and C to cleanse the skin without striping it of natural oils. My sensitive skin loves it!

Wabi-Sabi Botanicals 3-in-1 Facial Cleanser, Mask, and Scrub – This simple powder is made with oats, kaolinite, pink rose petals, and activated bamboo charcoal. It banishes blemishes and brightens the complexion – perfect for use after digging your car out of 2 feet of snow!

The Beauty Box is available as a monthly subscription, which means that once you sign up, a box of new goodies gets delivered to your door every month. Gift subscriptions are available, and it makes a great Valentine’s Day present for your sweetheart!

The post The January Vegan Cuts Beauty Box appeared first on Chic Vegan.

Cuisine Cube is a subscription service that delivers a box of six or seven full-sized gourmet food items from small companies to your door each month. Cuisine Cube is not a vegan company, but they do offer a vegan subscription box. I’m really impressed that they have a vegan option, because it means that they realize vegans want yummy food as much as everyone else, and it also means that they’re paying attention to small vegan companies.

I was recently sent a Vegan Cuisine Cube to try, and it was a lot of fun. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I opened it, but I was pleased to find both snacks and meal items. There were products that I’ve tried before, products that I’ve seen in the store but have never picked up, and products that were totally new too me.

My Cuisine Cube contained two packages of Ines Rosales Tortas. I had never heard of them before, and wasn’t quite sure what they were, I was pleasantly surprised to find that they’re a very tasty large cracker or flatbread. They pair with vegan cashew cheese perfectly. I only wish there had been more!

The box also contained Maya Kaimal Madras Curry Simmer Sauce and Organic Planet Soba Noodles, both of which I’ve seen in the store but have yet to purchase. They were both pleasant, and made for a quick dinner. I was happy to find a package of Cocomels, which I’ve had before. They’re amazing, so I’m not going to complain about getting something that’s not new to me! There was also a package of Appleooz, which make a nice afternoon snack, as well as a container of Vigilant Eats Superfood Cereal, which is a perfect breakfast on-the-go.

Cuisine Cube plans start plans start at $34.99, which is a lower price than you’d pay for everything at a grocery store, and shipping is free. It’s a fun way to discover new products and I’d recommend it to any foodie. Visit their website to sign up for the vegan box. Gift subscriptions are available and holidays are just around the corner! Use the coupon code 15OFFCHICVEGAN for $15.00 off any subscription.

Cuisine Cube has generously offered to give 8 vegan boxes away. Simply sign up for their mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/bBWqNz

The post Product Review: Cuisine Cube appeared first on Chic Vegan.