When it was time to open my next 4 Seasons of LUX Box, I was thrilled to find three brands completely new to me: skyn ICELAND, Butter London, and Caudalíe. Ready for a little show and tell? Without further adieu, let’s dig in…
skyn ICELAND
I’ve mentioned before that I love when companies share the inspiring stories behind their success. If I connect with the message, I connect with the brand. But first, let me start by reviewing the four products that came in my skyn ICELAND sample pack:
- Glacial Face Wash with White Willow Bark
- The ANTIDOTE Cooling Daily Lotion with Icelandic Kelp
- Icelandic Relief Eye Cream with Glacial Flower Extract
- Oxygen Infusion Night Cream with Glacial Flower Extract
The Glacial Face Wash was the first one I tried, and I immediately loved how much it lathered up with just a TINY amount of product. I followed that up with the ANTIDOTE Cooling Daily Lotion, which lists Icelandic kelp and mint (my favourite!) as two of its anti-inflammatory, anti-redness ingredients. This lotion creates a cooling, relaxing effect that literally stops me in my tracks and honestly makes my skin want to sing.
At night, the silky Night Cream combined with the smooth Relief Eye Cream feel wonderfully self-indulgent. The only thing I’d suggest could be different is the eye cream applicator. I found the twisty pen system a bit inconsistent with the amount of product that came out. But, it made applying the product much more gentle on the skin, which was fantastic.
So, I mentioned that skyn ICELAND has an interesting story behind it. About 15 years ago, co-founder Sarah Kugelman found herself critically ill from chronic stress. Her doctor warned that if she didn’t begin to manage her stress, she wouldn’t live to see the age of forty. For her, this was a wake-up call, and she began taking charge of her life, her health, and her wellness.
She became interested in the connection between stress and skin (I’m sure many of us have seen that!). While vacationing in Iceland, Sarah was moved by the natural beauty around her. And so began skyn ICELAND, with its focus on creating “a solution for stressed skin” and developing products free of parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, petroleum, and chemical sulfates. The products are also vegan and 100% cruelty free.
I’ve been traveling a lot for work (hello, stressed skin) so not only did the messaging speak to me, but so too did the size of the products because they’re ideal for going through airport security. Bonus!
I love that skyn ICELAND not only explores this connection between stress and skin, but also educates people on how to recognize and manage that stress. Loved these products and can’t recommend them enough.
Butter London
Butter London is another brand that I see everywhere but have never tried. And LUX sent me the brightest, shiniest colour – Come to Bed Red – that you can’t help but notice. Their nail laquers all have fantastic names and their website lists more than EIGHTY-FIVE different colours ranging from bright, glazen, glitter and metallic to pastels, patent shine, dark, and signature. Many of their nail laquers are also “seven free” meaning they are free of seven key harmful ingredients like formaldehyde, toluene and camphor. The more “free” numbers the better in my view.
Although I tend to be more of a pedicure than manicure person, I busted loose with Come to Bed Red on my fingernails as well, keeping in the spirit of the 4 Seasons of LUX Box to dump my old beauty habits and break out of my minimalist shell.
How did Butter London compare to other brands I’ve tried it? They nailed it (no pun intended). Start with a base coat, apply laquer twice, finish with a top coat. My nails lasted five days easily. And, I’m tough on my nails so I was super impressed and am already planning out which colours I want to try next (the smoky Earl Grey laquer is at the top of my list!).
Caudalie
What I first noticed about this product was its intriguing name: the words “vine” and “body butter” drew me in. With my curiosity piqued as per usual, I did some research and learned that Caudalíe is, not surprisingly, a French company and that its trademark is, also not surprisingly, grape-oriented skin products (grapes = vines = aha!). Caudalíe has been in business since 1995 -- no small feat in the beauty industry -- and has a wide range of face and body products.
Now, one thing to know about me is that I adore nice packaging, and I was a big fan of the jar this came in. Not only was it a substantial size at 225 mL, but it also had a uniquely earthy feel.
According to the label, the jar is plant based, which gives it a natural texture. As for the product itself, I can sum it up in just one word. SOFT. This product is SO SOFT. Made with grape and shea butters, the ingredients listed are also 95% natural.
Interestingly, the scent of the vine body butter isn't one I would normally buy for myself. Usually, I gravitate towards vanilla and citrus scents, and this grape fragrance was definitely outside of my normal zone. But I soon loved it, and was grateful yet again for being able to try new products via the amazingness of the subscription.
To sum it up…
As I sit here wrapping up blog post number four – wearing my skyn ICELAND night and eye cream, my Caudalíe body butter, and my Butter London nail lacquer – I can’t help but think how the 4 Seasons of LUX Box has changed my routines, my habits, my preferences. I’m almost at the end of my one-year subscription, and I’ve been so fortunate to try a wide range of products that have completely changed how I view beauty products.
But, I'll share more on that next time...I need to go and open my fourth and final box now!
~ Jacquie