Though I’d heard of subscription boxes for years, I thought they were a silly thing to get into. Why spend money on things you likely don’t want? My sister had subscribed to a box, though I can’t remember which one, and ended up giving most of the items away. Truthfully, I feel quite embarrassed when I mention that I’ve purchased a subscription box, and even more so when I mention that I’m at 11 so far (Ahhh!), with five more on the backburner. I just got a 15% off coupon for one, so I’ll probably be at 12 by the end of the weekend. 😐
I almost subscribed to The Maple Box when it first started, but figured that the money would be better off staying in my pocket. Now, with inflation skyrocketing and it feeling like the economy is collapsing, maybe my money would be best filling the pockets of other Canadians as another cog in the economic machine. I know I’m just rationalizing the imprudence of committing to something that might severely backfire, but I’ve got to make myself feel better somehow.
I first came across the Loti Wellness Box because of a purchase I had to make for a certain job that I have. They were quite excited that their product had been featured in the Loti box, and somehow inspiration sparked inside me. The job that I’ve been doing primed me for this, and for better or worse led me down this path. Now despite this being the box that hit the gas pedal on inspiration, it was actually the fourth that I subscribed to. Despite excellent reviews, I just wasn’t quite sure how I felt about the items inside, and the workbook included just seemed… useless. Now that I know they value that workbook at $10, I’m even more perturbed. This is one is one of my biggest commitments because it’s every month for a year.
Loti Wellness Subscription Box Overview
Cost: $55.95 CAD + $10 shipping + Tax
Value: $100+
Frequency: Monthly
Cancellation Policy: Cancel after minimum commitment
Payment: Every 10th of prior month
Focus: “Every month, receive premium wellness products & a therapist-curated activity to nurture your self-care.”
Ships From: Richmond, BC
Inside the Box
I was first aware of cacti being in vogue when I was living in Paris in 2016. My roommate at the time told me that it was all the rage, and I started to see cacti everywhere. Now, I’m seeing many items with different types of cacti as ingredients. This particular trio from Korea has agave and prickly pear as their “super” cacti. I’m not sure if this could be termed a “natural” product, but a couple things it has going for it are being, vegan, cruelty free, and biodegradable. Too bad the packaging isn’t more environmentally friendly. I guess Loti saying in their FAQ “Our self-care products include natural bath and body…” doesn’t mean everything is natural.
I used this trio last night. Looking back, I would have rationed the cleanser though it didn’t wow me, and the mask was fine. I do like the moisturizer, and should get a couple days out of the little package.
This deodorant smells so, so good, and I hope I’m able to use it up. Baking soda generally gives me horribly itchy and painful rashes. Back in 2019 it took me about 5 months to realize that my deodorant was giving me the rashes and I should probably stop using it. So for those 5 months I kept aggravating the wounds with the sharpness of the baking soda over and over again. It’s really a shame because that was hands down the best deodorant I’ve ever used. I did use this one today and it was effective in eliminating smell, including its own.
I’m really surprised that diatomaceous earth is one of the ingredients. I use it to help kill the parasites on my chickens. From what I’ve learned, it works by cutting open the exoskeletons, so I’m surprised it would be used in something that is used on skin.
Loti, you’re not Gucci. I don’t care about your self-branded headband that you’ve severely overvalued. This is something I’d expect for free in a gift bag. If you watch the video, you’ll see that I had no idea how to use it. I have since researched and now know how to use it (you twist it like bunny ears at the front), but I’m not impressed with the promotional branding and the valuation of the product.
For shits and giggles I’m wearing it right now.
I also wore it to an Alice in Wonderland themed scavenger hunt as my white rabbit ears. I guess it was useful after all.
This tumbler is advertised as spill-proof. I don’t know what they’re smoking because there’s a giant hole to drink from that does not have a cover. Just to make sure there wasn’t some amazing physics happening that I was unaware of, I tested it in the sink. It is most definitely not spill-proof, though it does have a good seal!
One thing I don’t like in a box is when they don’t give any information about what company the product came from. If it’s a specialty order bulk product, I want to know. If it’s from a small company, I want to know. What I also want to know is why I would want to punch today in the face. What’s wrong with today? Apparently the “today” when I recorded the video was a bad enough day that I wanted to punch it in the face, but overall it’s a silly idea. I’ve never punched someone in the face and I don’t think I would. I can’t imagine punching today in the face either. I don’t like violence. I’m more like a hen: I may try to run away, but eventually just squat down (or for me: curl into a ball) and relent. That is unless I’m being attacked by a passionate rooster. I used to have a tiny little fireball of a Polish rooster that attacked all humans whenever he could. Unfortunately for him that behaviour is unacceptable on my property and he ended up going to the auction. Maybe he found a good home. Maybe.
Here is another example of Loti overvaluing a product. You can get this on Amazon for $12.38, but they valued it at $19.50.
This book is cute and unique and full of lots of natural remedies, home-made cleaning recipes, and gardening know-how. I do already know a lot that’s contained in the book, but it’s a quirky addition to my shelf.
This is a lovely little candle with a pleasant scent. I am looking forward to using the tin to store the pile of washers that Tony recently purchased that were the wrong size. I’m always suspicious when “parfum” is listed as an ingredient, but it doesn’t seem to upset my stomach when not lit. Hopefully this stays the same when it’s on fire!
No way this is worth $10.
I’m not really a fan of the minimalist movement. I like having things ready when I need them. I would love a place to put all these things, though, as the layout of my house does not allow for that. I really do like it when things are nicely organized. I don’t like clutter, but I don’t think disposing of things you haven’t used recently is the answer. Cupboards are really helpful. Years ago I asked my (now ex) husband to put some cupboards he’d found for free in the laundry room. It made such a difference. The stress level went down because everything is nicely put away without bogging down the brain with too much visual stimulation every time I enter the laundry room. I love it. Even the shoelaces I’d been keeping for 8 years came in handy last year when my roommate broke his shoelaces and I had some on hand.
I looked through the entire booklet and then tossed it in the recycling. None of it was useful to me, and I feel it would be insulting to give away.
This is a bonus item, so I guess I can’t be too cranky that it’s a coupon. Er, pardon me: a free trial. I’ve downloaded the app but haven’t created an account yet. You can use the app for free as a guest, sign up for a free account, or pay for premium. Trends, personalized content, and full access to toolbox are the benefits of premium. I’m not sure if I’ll sign up for the 3 free months. It’s a lot of time to be spending on my phone, and I don’t like how much time I already spend on it.
I chose the option to spend $6.99 extra per month to get an extra item, and this appears to be the item. These cards retail at $17.95, so I think it’s a pretty good deal. These ended up being my favourite item in the box, so there is also that. It paid off this time to spend the extra $$.
Overall Impression
Overall I am not very happy with the items in this box. There’s nothing here to really get excited about. At least the first month was 50% off! I really do hope that the next 11 boxes are better, or I’ll be sure to cancel at first opportunity.
wanderingfawn 