Laurel & Reed – Build Your Own Box

Where I got it

After purchasing my first Laurel & Reed skincare (referral link) box sometime in August (review here), we went into nation-wise lockdown in New Zealand and since I usually direct my online purchases to my office address, they were not able to deliver it, and now it is sitting in limbo (depot). It is now early September when I am starting to write up this post and I still have not received it. I guess I need to be proactive to see if I can redirect the delivery to my home address. Anyway, after signing up for the L&R newsletter, I received an email from them yesterday. They offered “Build Your Own Box” with 5 or 10 items. So you can choose between 5 items or 10 items and regardless of the value of the items, you either pay USD$59.95 or USD$159.95. You can only pick one product per bundle and the products on offer are from their past boxes. So if you need to replenish something you tried and loved, or if you have not tried their boxes before this is a good opportunity to pick the products you want to try.

It turns out the 5-item box is a better deal as it works out to be around $12 per item, but the 10-item box works out to be about $16 per item? Shouldn’t it be better value the more products you purchase? I checked out the items available to choose between the two and the only difference was the Leahlani Happy Hour Serum ($42) and the You Skincare NJAAS Serum ($109) are availabel in the 10-item box list, but not in the 5-item box list. Otherwise, everything else is exactly the same.

Anyway, I ordered the 5-item box (the total value of my box was USD$283!) on 1/9 and I had to pay around USD$24 for shipping to New Zealand. I have no idea when it will arrive, but I have directed this to my home address because we are in level 4 lockdown for at least another 2 weeks, and I think level 3 lockdown for another 2 weeks before we can go back to the office for work. Anyway, I will update you on this post again. **UPDATE: I received this box on 21/9 which is not too bad.**

What I got

I picked up 5 items from the L&R “Build Your Own Box” offer and there was a good 17 products available to pick, but they do sell out quick (I checked the next day and 2 items had already sold out). The items I picked out are the Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Drops, Kahina Giving Beauty Brightening Serum, Graydon Phyto Clear Botanical Retinol Gel Cream, PureCeuticals Ferulic C Antioxidant Serum, and the Holifrog Kissimmee Vitamin F Balmy Wash.

Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Drops ($55 for 30ml). A multivitamin super juice for the face, formulated with Niacinamide and 28 Dutch plant and botanical extracts, to deliver instantly dewy & glowing skin. This water-based serum instantly absorbs into the skin to provide deep hydration and protection against free radicals and pollution. With just a few drops, this flowering skincare formula enriched with Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), C, D & E along with Squalane, helps to improve uneven skin tone and texture while delivering an instantly brighter, all-day dewy glow.

Highlighted ingredients: Vitamin E – Helps heal, hydrate and protect the skin barrier against free radicals and environmental damage. Vitamin D3 – Contains anti-inflammatory properties to fight off free radical and environmental damage while preventing the breakdown of essential skin lipids to aid in skin’s repair and growth. Sugar Beet Extract – Bio-based amino acid derivative which uses osmoprotectant technology to protect skin from environmental damage and dehydration by controlling cell water balance. Works to tighten junctions in the epidermal barrier to moisturize and protect the skin. Hydrolyzed-Hyaluronic Acid – A powerful natural humectant and enhanced form of hyaluronic acid with a smaller molecule that allows for improved absorption and hydration.

Ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Squalane, Propanediol, Betaine, Methylheptyl Isostearate, Undecane, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Tulipa Hybrid Flower Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Atractylodes Macrocephala Root Extract, Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Cholecalciferol, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Allantoin, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Lactate, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Lecithin, Tridecane, Acacia Senegal Gum, Sucrose, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Calcium Gluconate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Mica/CI 77019, Titanium Dioxide/CI 77891.

Kahina Giving Beauty Brightening Serum ($72 for 30ml). A lightweight, easily absorbed brightening serum with a fresh, natural scent. This organic-certified treatment complex increases luminosity and refines skin tone and texture.  A non-vitamin C brightening alternative for those with sensitive skin. A blend of sea daffodil, Japanese wakame seaweed, blue tansy, and powerful antioxidants in argan oil, maritime pine, and spirulina work to visibly reduce discoloration, hyper-pigmentation, post-acne spots and dark marks in four to six weeks, boost radiance and even skin tone, prevent future discoloration by inhibiting melanin production, protect against environmental exposure, support skin’s natural defense system and fight free radicals that contribute to further signs of aging.

Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice*, water/aqua/eau, argania spinosa (argan) oil*, glycerin, lactobacillus ferment, undaria pinnatifida extract, butyrospermum parkii (shea) nut butter*, hydrogenated lecithin, oryza sativa (rice) seed extract*,cetearyl glucoside, xanthan gum, diglycerin, p-anisic acid, sclerotium gum, bisbolol, sodium hyaluronate, spirulina platensis (algae) extract*,maltodextrin, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flower oil*, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil*, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract*, pinus pinaster bark extract, mentha spicata (spearmint) leaf extract, santalum spicatum (sandalwood) wood oil,  pelargonium graveolens (geranium) leaf/flower oil*, boswellia carterii (frankinsence) resin extract, leuconostic ferment filtrate, sodium benzoate, pancratium maritimum extract, tanacetum annuum flower oil*,  rosa damascena (rose) flower oil*,  soybean peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, potassium sorbate, linalool†, citronellol†, geraniol†, farnesol†, limonene†

*Ingredient from Organic Farming. †Naturally occurring compound in essential oils; not an added ingredient.

Graydon Phyto Clear Botanical Retinol Gel Cream ($46 for 50ml). Good things come in twos. This gel-like natural retinol face moisturizer contains not just one, but two retinol-like botanicals, which makes it the perfect choice if you’re looking to get all the benefits of conventional retinol without the sensitizing effects. 

Key features: BRIGHTENS your skin with botanical retinol alternative bakuchiol, while minimizing flakiness. MINIMIZES the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with botanical retinol alternative moth bean extract. SHIELDS your skin from free radical damage with chlorella . MOISTURIZES the skin with plumping squalane oil. CLARIFIES your face with the tonifying properties of parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. TONES the skin for a more youthful look with neem oil. PROTECTS your skin from environmental pollution with sulforaphane-rich broccoli seed oil.

Ingredients: Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, *Phenethyl Alcohol, *Pentylene Glycol, *Propanediol, **Bakuchiol, **Vigna Aconitifolia Seed Extract, Maltodextrin, Squalane, Azadirachta Indica Seed Oil, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Seed Oil, Chlorophyll, Algin, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Juice Extract, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Carum Petroselinum (Parsley) Seed Oil

*100% plant-based preservative, **botanical retinol

PureCeuticals Ferulic C Antioxidant Serum ($68 for 30ml). Infused with 20% Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid), 0.5% Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E, formulated at a pH of 3.5. L-Ascorbic Acid is the most effective form of Vitamin C when stabilized and formulated at a pH of 3.5 or below.  A blend of potent antioxidants to protect against environmental damage, reduction of lines, while firming and brightening. This serum uses both Ferulic Acid, which is a potent plant based antioxidant, free radical scavenger and stabilizer along with Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP), which also works as a stabilizer, promotes collagen production and helps with fighting acne. Naturally derived fruit extracts aid in cellular interaction and encourage collagen synthesis. Gently exfoliating Malic Acid offers a greater penetration of Vitamin C and active botanicals, which enhance the benefits of this age reversing serum. Perfect for all skin types.

Key bioactives: 20% L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) – A powerful antioxidant, repairs and protects against sun damage, helps in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, while brightening the skin. 0.5% Ferulic Acid – A powerful plant-based antioxidant, free radical barrier with UVB protection, doubles the photoprotection capacity of Vitamin C and acts as a stabilizer. 2% Malic Acid – Alpha hydroxy acid derived from apples, aids in evening out skin tone, and offers a greater penetration of vitamin C. Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) – Helps fight free radical damage and promote skin healing to diminish signs of aging. Helps with stabilization. Resveratrol – A powerful antioxidant derived from red grapes, stimulating collagen, anti-inflammation, and aids in neutralizing free-radicals. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, (Vitamin C) – Known to promote collagen formation, has abilities to hold stabilization and work as an effective acne fighter. Asafetida and Sugar Apple Extracts – Naturally derived, helps with uneven skin tone, aids in cellular interaction and encourages collagen synthesis.

Ingredients: Aqua (Purified Water), L-Ascorbic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Silica, Cellulose Gum, *Vegetable Glycerine, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ferulic Acid, Resveratrol, Anona Cherimolia Fruit Extract, Ferula Foetida Root 1,2-Hexanediol (and) Caprylyl Glycol, Malic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), *Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, *Vitis Vinifera (Grape Skin) Extract, Chlorophyll.

*Certified Organic Ingredient

Holifrog Kissimmee Vitamin F Therapy Balmy Wash ($42 for 74ml). When your skin is chronically dry, or just dry right now, you need a wash that won’t suck the life out of your already-parched face. If you want bouncy, glowing skin that lasts, it all starts with your wash (the wrong one can leave you looking and feeling like dried-out paper). Holifrog blended together the best moisture-preserving ingredients that could find and kept away from anything that could potentially disrupt the skin barrier and spur on more dryness, including essential oils and sulphates. Imagine a reparative salve that also cleanses, dissolves makeup and daily grime while hydrating your skin and helps prevent moisture loss throughout the day, ensuring you stay dewy, not dull. Holifrog’s blend of dreamy natural oils and butters soothe dehydrated skin and non-foaming balm formula helps restore your skin barrier.

Highlighted ingredients: Linoleic Acid (Vitamin F): unsaturated fats, which are critical in promoting cell turnover and regeneration. Sunflower seed oil: Helps rehab a damaged or irritated skin barrier. Papaya seed oil: Naturally packed with fatty acids, it keeps precious moisture from escaping from your skin. Grape seed oil: Rich in essential fatty acids (palmitic, stearic and linoleic), beta-carotene and Vitamins D, C, E, this carrier oil moisturizes the skin by balancing both dry and oily patches. Jojoba oil: A skin identical non-fragrant monounsaturated oil that enhances skin’s restorative properties; its texture is similar to the skin’s sebum, so is brilliant for dry skin. Kokum seed butter: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that rejuvenate damaged skin cells. Mongongo seed oil: Containing Vitamin E, calcium, copper and zinc, it’s highly nutrient-dense for the skin. Marula seed oil: Rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, oleic acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, these fatty acids and antioxidants, keep skin smooth and protected from the effects of environmental stressors and free radicals. Cranberry seed oil: High in antioxidants, it also has the perfect ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acids, which means it absorbs super well into the skin, giving you excellent hydration. Avocado oil: Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, D and E, potassium, and lecithin, the epidermis easily absorbs these nutrients, which also help form new skin. Moringa seed oil: A plant oil that contains several antioxidants, including zeatin, quercetin, and vitamins A, C, and E. Spinach leaf extract: Its deep green colour makes it a rich source of antioxidants, including vitamins C, E, and K, all of which help defend skin from environmental aggressors.

Ingredients: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate, Beeswax, Silica, Jojoba Esters, Moringa Oleifera (Moringa) Seed Oil*, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil, Schinziophyton Rautanenii (Mongongo) Kernel Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Kernel Oil, Oleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Garcinia Indica (Kokum) Seed Butter, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Brassica Oleracea Acephala Extract, Spinacia Oleracea (Spinach) Leaf Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters, Tocopherol, Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides, Polyglyceryl-6 Pentaoleate, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Toluene Sulfonic Acid

How I find it

I have started trying these products and incorporating some of them in my skincare routine. Let’s start with cleansing. I picked the Holifrog Balmy Wash which is a makeup cleansing balm in a tube. I have been wanting to try this brand ever since it started popping up maybe 2 years ago? I thought the price of these were a little high so I didn’t really pursue it. This is the perfect opportunity to try it! I noticed that they have since changed the packaging slightly – the brand logo has changed and the colour of the illustration at the tube is now purple.

Anyway, the balm came out with a bit of oil, I would imagine if the temperature is quite high, this would melt even more? You squeeze out a little bit onto dry hands and then massage onto dry skin to melt down the makeup. Then you can add water to emulsify and break down the makeup even more. Then simply wash it all off and do a second cleanse with another cleanser. The balmy wash leaves my skin clean, but not dry and tight. It removes my makeup and after the second cleanse, my skin is all clean with no remaining makeup residue.

Next, the PureCeuticals Feruli C Antioxidant Serum is a vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) serum with ferulic acid. This I would use day and night and only a single pump would be sufficient as a little goes a long way. The ferulic acid in this does give that hot-dog water smell and it is probably not so pleasant to some people, but it does fade after a few minutes. It is lightly hydrating, but I would definitely welcome a hydrating serum next!

Then comes the Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Drops. This is a water-based serum packed with vitamins. It contains vitamin B3 (niacinamide), C, D and E. Also squalane provide moisture to the skin. You can also use this day and night to hydrate, plump and brighten the skin. It feels really soothing on the skin and not sticky at all.

Then we have another serum, the Kahina Giving Beauty Brightening Serum. This is a non-vitamin C brightening alternative for those with sensitive skin. It is in a base of aloe vera and a blend of seed and flower oils to brighten, and even out skin tones. It has a light serum texture that is also hydrating and calming.

Then we have the Graydon Botanical Retinol Gel Cream. This is an alternative to retinol, therefore this is NOT retinol, I just want to make that clear. It contains Bakuchiol and Moth Bean extract, which are plant-based ingredients (hence botanical retinol) that claim to achieve the effects of traditional retinol. Now I am a big fan of retinol and I have heard that there haven’t really been studies to indicate ingredients like bakuchiol will be nearly as effective as real retinol. Personally, I can handle 0.025% tretinoin every second night, but I know some people are really sensitive to most forms of retinol so they would like some alternative products. This one here has a gel-cream base, but when I applied it, it felt thicker than expected. It felt more like a cream than gel cream and I needed to give it a good massage to allow it to fully sink in.

I wouldn’t say that this will not be effective, but I don’t think it would be near as effective as treinoin, for example. However, it will be a good alternative if you prefer plant-based or you don’t want the side-effects of retinol (sensitivity, purge, potential peeling, etc.).

Overall

I am very happy with the overall idea of building your own box as well as the products inside the box. I always love exploring and trying new brands and new products, but I also love to be able to pick the products I want to try. For example, I would not pick an eye cream or another facial oil. I love facial oils, but it takes me over 6 months to finish a bottle because I mostly use it at night. I also wanted to pick something that is hydrating, soothing, repairing instead of something that is peeling or renewing for example. I’m not sure if L&R will do these build your own boxes every few seasons or maybe once a year?  Obviously, not all of the products that feature in their monthly boxes would be available, only a selected range would be, but I think that is still such a bargain!

Have you purchased any of these build your own boxes? What did you think of it?