vegan cuts double feature :: beauty and snack box reviews

Press Samples for Review

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Monthly subscription boxes are all the rage, and there seems to be a box for everyone. Birch Box [a beauty product box], Bark Box [treats and toys for cats and dogs] and Lullubee [kits for crafters] to name a few. In fact, a co-worker friend recently enticed me to sign up for StitchFix and I'm hooked [I've been looking for perfectly-fitting skinny white jeans for 3 years now, and they delivered in one fell swoop.] But I digress: what about a fun, monthly box for those of us who like to sample the cool new plant-based, ethically sourced food and beauty products?

Enter Vegan Cuts! I've been a long-time fan of Vegan Cuts – and I'm not just saying that because they sent me boxes to review. You know me – I tell it like it is, and I liked it so much that I became a subscriber myself-- and I don't get any discounts. Cutting to the chase, I heart Vegan Cuts because they curate and promote fun, new vegan products. Plus, they create demand for vegan items – cementing veganism as both a lifestyle and a profitable business direction. And why shouldn't vegans make a profit as they purvey their respective passions? I so strongly believe in this business model that I decided to take them up on their offer of becoming an ambassador. First, if monthly subscriptions are not your thing, definitely check out the Vegan Cuts Marketplace, where they offer incredible deals on the latest, greatest vegan food, fashion and beauty and personal care items.


Here's how the boxes work. For $19.95 per month, including shipping, you get a box of cool products to try. In the Beauty Box, which I subscribe to, you get 4-7 items, and in the Snack Box, you'll get 7-10 vegan goodies to try. They range from trial size to full size, but bottom line is the value usually seems to exceed above and beyond $19.95.  These boxes make fabulous gifts for that "hard to shop for" vegan [You know who you are]. Also great for kids in college, to let you know you're thinking of them.

First, let's have a look inside a typical Vegan Cuts Snack Box. Each month's theme is different. They give you a little postcard, outlining what's in the box, a bit about each company and social media links. They sometimes also include coupons. This box included a sample of Loco Natural Soda, and also included a 50 cents off a four-pack coupon. The Choo bar was my favorite and I was so sad it was only a mini. I also loved the Earnest bar, the Loco Ginger Ale, despite the fact that I'm not much of a soda drinker. Since I love salty-crunchy snacks, the Tortatos, made from corn and potatoes, were right up my alley.

I was really skeptical about the Vigilant Eats Oat-Based Superfood because it looked like THIS when you added water as directed. But I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the taste – nutty, slightly sweet, chewy yet crunchy.

And any breakfast cereal that contains espresso is virtuous in my eyes. But seriously, look at that ingredient list – all whole foods, and many raw ingredients,

I was excited about this Roots powder since I drink a lot of smoothies.

Pretty decent 30-calorie nutrition boost, right? I liked the taste of this, but I didn't love it.

Another product that seemed perfect for me. Since I run a lot, I need more protein than the average bear, so I'm always trying out new protein powders.

This one provides 17 grams of protein plus  a slew of vitamins and probiotics. It's soy free and is sprout based. I tossed it into a post-long-run smoothie and really enjoyed the taste and texture. Creamy!

I took the Gluten-Free Soybean Noodle Soup to the office one day. It came with its own cute little fork. The pleasantly chewy noodles swam about in a mild broth, and it made a quick, nutritious lunch. I don't usually buy instant stuff like this, so I must admit, trying it out was fun.

I was shocked when I read the label. Twenty grams of protein? Plus tons of calcium, iron and fiber. Boom!

Vegan Cuts Beauty Box

Now, let's take a look at the Vegan Cuts Beauty Box. [Again, yours will be different, since this is a review from a box I received earlier this year.]

My favorite item in this particular box was these NCLA nail wraps. I love painting my nails [I find the ritual soothing, plus it makes me sit still] so I honestly thought I'd hate these. Plus, I wasn't a fan of the colors. But once I finally applied them, I was in LOVE. I definitely want to order more. They lasted so long, too. You get 44 – enough for 4 manis. If you have small nails, like me, you may need to trim some.

Here's what they look like on. I got so many compliments when I wore this mani.

Also received a sample pot of Schmitt's Bergamot-Lime Natural Deodorant. First things first, like most people who eat a plant-based diet, I find I can easily go without deodorant. Not that I would. But I can. I just don't emit offensive odors, even after 15 mile runs! – probably because I don't eat offensive [aka, dead] food. Still, for good measure, I use Thai Crystal Deodorant daily. It lasts forever and it's easy to apply. But Schmidt's deodorant smells so fresh and good. It's like applying all-natural perfume under your pits. I smelled fresh and clean all day each time I used it. If I didn't have long nails, I'd probably buy this again. My only gripe is that it gets under my long fingernail when I scoop it out.

Sunology Face and Body sunscreen samples. Nice product. Got the job done. I'll definitely be on the lookout for the full size bottles.

Reflexology Acne Spot Treatment. I'm lucky to have had clear skin most of my life. But like everyone, I get the occasional zit, even at age 49. This little baby dries out pimples without drying out your skin. The rollerball is a nice touch.

Being a lip balm fan, I was stoked to get two lip balms in this particular box. This Peach Lip Tint comes via Fanciful Fox.

It's super moisturizing, but I'm not a fan of the smell or the nubby texture. And the packaging needs a little TLC. But that didn't stop me from using it up.

My biggest gripe was that this was supposed to be a lip "tint." I applied it vigorously to my pale forearm, and as you can see, there's no tint. They should either add more pigment or simply rename it "lip balm."

Last but not least, I was thrilled to spy a stick of my very favorite silky lip balm by Hurraw! This is a night treatment but I've just worn it during the day, and I love it.

Just to give you some perspective, I just received this Vegan Cuts Beauty Box last week and actually remembered to take a photo. My favorite item was the on-trend, bright orchid Emani full size lipstick [a $16 value]. As you can see, these boxes are more than worth the money.

Which would you rather – the food box or the beauty box? To order, visit Vegan Cuts post-haste.