SlutBox by Amber Rose is "an inclusive, feminist box, built each month to empower, uplift, and celebrate the fierceness of you (and give you all the tools you need to own your space and make your mark)". Learn more about Amber Rose (aka MUVA) on the SlutBox "about" page.
FYI – this post may not be safe to read at work.
UPDATE: We’ve gotten a lot of demand to post about and review this box, so we wanted to share it, but please note that it contains incendiary language. We’re also disabling comments of posts about this box.
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
About SlutBox by Amber Rose
The Subscription Box: SlutBox by Amber Rose
The Cost: $29.99 + free shipping to the U.S.
The Products: "Each SlutBox comes filled with carefully selected items to make you feel good from the inside out. We’ve got everything -- beauty and body care, safe sex tools and useful activism how-to’s -- and the list goes on and on."
Ships to: US and Worldwide (an additional International Flat Rate shipping charge may be assessed in checkout - usually $15.00)
SlutBox by Amber Rose May 2018 Review
The first thing SlutBox comes with is a large glossy "zine". After reading through it, I honestly think it's one of the best things about the box.
There's a page urging you to share on social media and a table of contents.
They, of course, want you to also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Then there's the SlutBox Manifesto that lets you know why this box was started and what it plans to do.
The next pages have a letter from MUVA herself, Amber Rose, and two short lists about what they are about and are against.
The next three spreads detail each item included, the retail price, and "Hoe Tips" on how to use them.
There's a timeline of "Sluts Throughout HERstory" that include women like Cleopatra, Frida Kahlo, Bell Hooks, Beyonce, and others that shook things up in different ways.
Plus, "Whoreoscopes"!
One of my favorite features is this flowchart for consent.
You can also get interactive with their Gif Challenge on Instagram. The other page has an important message that explains reclaiming the word "slut" and why they named the box after a word that makes many people cringe. They even go as far as making a new definition for the word:
A sexually liberated person who thumbs their nose at outdated Puritan standards of propriety, chastity, and docility.
Pages 21 + 22 teaches you how to give a compliment that praises more than just physical appearance (they give you 44 ways to do so) as well as a reminder about SlutWalk on October 6, 2018.
There's a chance to nominate a "Slut of the Month" to be featured in future issues as well as a crossword puzzle.
Finally, there is a list of the featured art + artists from the inside design of the SlutBox.
UPDATE + FYI from Liz 5/14: A reader has shared with us this post (NSFW) that states concerns that this product has a structural design flaw that will not let the user know when it has failed.
Lelo Hex Condoms, 3 pack - Retail Value $7.19
The first product from "luxury pleasure" brand Lelo comes in the form of a 3 pack of their Hex condoms. They claim to "deliver strength, thinness, and sensation through its revolutionary hexagonal structure. It's the first major innovation in years, and the media all over the world are calling it one of the most important advances in condom technology for decades". I love the idea of receiving a safety-provoking item like this in a subscription box and its fun to try something new like this!
Measurable Difference Lifting Cream, 5 oz. - Retail Value $60.00
When I heard there were two possible variants of this item, I had my fingers crossed that I'd receive the lifting cream and was excited when I saw it in the box! While a big part of the theme of this box is to embrace your body however it comes, I don't think that means you can't also want to make improvements at the same time that may make you feel more confident. The purpose of this cream is to reduce signs of aging on your neck and decollete with it's firming ingredients and special vibrating applicator (which I'm supes excited to check out). The tip of the tube has a rubbery-nubbed surface that you use to disperse and massage into your skin while the button turns on a soft vibration that enhances the delivery of the cream. The cream itself has a very light scent (almost like baby powder) and feels uber moisturizing. Very excited to see if this delivers long-term results.
Lelo Personal Moisturizer, 2.5 oz. - Retail Value $14.90
The second item from Lelo is a travel-size 2.5-ounce tube of personal moisturizer. It's water-based, unscented, and free of any nasty things you don't want near sensitive parts of your body. I find this moisturizer to be incredibly lightweight and it's not sticky or greasy at all! I love that this size is super portable so you can toss it in your bag if you're going to see a special friend, or tuck it into your nightstand (or heck, in a kitchen cabinet) so it's within reach at the right moment. Make no mistake that you don't have to have a partner to enjoy this either. Products like this one are great even when you're flying solo.
DeoDoc DeoSpray Intimate in Fresh Coconut, 1.7 oz. - Retail Value $22.50
I was unfamiliar with this brand until I received one of their washes in a different subscription a few months back. The DeoDoc products had three variations this month, and I ended up with one I can certainly get on board with now that we've had some hot (and sweaty) days here in the 'Burgh already. No one should feel embarrassed about their natural scent "down there" but I have to admit, things can get a bit swampy if I'm our wandering around outside in the hot sun and I don't feel super fresh and comfortable. Enter this spray that is small enough to toss in a bag before heading out for the day and pH-balanced to be used safely in the most delicate areas of our bodies. Plus, this Fresh Coconut scent smells like suntan lotion!
Pastease Glitter Heart Pasties - Retail Value $9.99
Pasties are a product that I've never used but always have thought are so fun. There were a few variations for these as well and I ended up with a cute pair of silver glitter hearts. They're latex free, handmade in the USA, and won't wrinkle or crease when wearing. I like that the zine says you can "conceal or reveal" these which is the perfect way to put it. You can just use these when a bra won't do the trick or incorporate them to be the center of an outfit. Whatever your comfort level is!
They also included a card with coupons codes to get a discount on the website.
SlutBox x Fashion Nova We the Sluts T-Shirt - Listed Retail Value $25.00
The only article of clothing this month is an exclusive t-shirt from Fashion Nova in collaboration with SlutBox that they call "We the Sluts". Hot pink and white letters spell out "I am Slut of the people, for the people, by the people. #slutbox" on the front while the back has "Slutbox by Amber Rose" and "Fashion Nova" at the top of this soft black tee. I put my size preference as a medium since it's hard to gauge how a shirt will fit, and this is a little bit oversized on me which is just fine. You could even customize it by cutting off the sleeves, tying it in a knot, or cutting the bottom to make it a crop top. It'd also make a great statement if you are planning to attend the SlutWalk.
Lipslut Matte Liquid Lipstick in F*ck Trump - Retail Value $19.95
If you're not the biggest fan of the current President, this is probably the right lipstick for you.
50% of all earnings from F*ck Trump go towards helping a civil rights organization targeted by the Trump administration. This organization is to be chosen by the people, as with every lipstick purchased comes an opportunity to vote.
The formula of this popular mid-tone nude/pink shade is rather nice! It's not too thick, goes on easily, and dries quickly to a matte finish that doesn't transfer to your drinkware or loved ones. It does feel a bit on the dry side like some matte lipsticks tend to, but you can slather on some balm before and/or after to make sure your lips are staying hydrated. Into it!
Sensuva Sizzle Lips Edible Warming Gel in Pina Colada, 0.20 oz. - Listed Retail Value 3.00 (buy a 4.2 oz bottle for $18.95)
I've tested out my fair share of warming gel in recent years and this one seems pretty responsive. All of the ingredients are deemed "body-safe" and it's cruelty and paraben-free. The use of just a little of this lightweight gel immediately heats up when you blow on it and tasting it gives a bit of a tingle to your tongue, so you can imagine the fun to be had. The Pina Colada flavor isn't half bad and is sweet like candy. Other variations include arousal oil or massage gel (in addition to several flavors).
Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream, 0.57 oz. - Retail Value $6.95
Oh, sweet Yu-Be. You seem slightly out of place with all these specific curated items, but I know and love you, so I will throw no shade. I've received this same hand cream and size in other boxes so it's not all that new or exciting for me, but it's great to keep on hand when your skin is getting dry. There's a strong mentholated scent at first but it quickly dissipates leaving you with soft skin.
Skin and Sense Conquer Lip Treatment in Banana Pudding - Retail Value $9.00
This is probably the least exciting item for me which is partly due because I cannot back the Banana Pudding flavor and am also a little shocked that this retails for $9.00. It does have a simple list of ingredients which is great (Candelilla Wax, Avocado Butter, Cocoa Butter, Rice Bran Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Vitamin E, Flavor Oil) and it's cruelty-free, but I don't see how this is set apart from other natural lip balms out there.
Dear Body Magazine by The Identity of She - Listed Retail Value $1.50
The last item of the box is a short magazine by the equality blog and apparel company The Identity of She. They focus on four important topics: sex, gender, race, and body identity to try and create an inclusive place for everyone. The magazine is only eight pages but covers a lot of areas that are important to have conversations about with each other (or even ourselves). My favorite part has to be the centerfold which includes 12 positive and self-love quotes like "make peace with your mirror and watch your reflection change". I personally have a great deal of work to do with my own self-image but it's comforting to know that I'm not alone and there are people stepping up to help one another.
The zine mentions a 12th item- an exclusive discount card for 30% off at divasfordefense.com, but I didn't see it in my box. I'll have to email them to find out what's what.
Verdict: SlutBox has been controversial since we first started posting about it, and I can understand why some people aren't buying it. It is certainly not everyone's cup of tea. No matter how you feel about Amber Rose or the words she uses, the overall purpose of this box seems hell-bent on changing the negative stigma of how some people are viewed based on how they act, dress, and carry themselves when it comes to sexuality. The contents are products you'd see in a variety of beauty and lifestyle boxes, but also leans towards positive sexual health with a strong message to love yourself no matter who you are. I personally think the content of the zine is wonderful, and a lot of the items are ones I've never tried but am excited to. Even though I may not be ready to sport the t-shirt on my next outing, I can appreciate the sentiments put into the literature and checking out the latest condoms, moisturizer, and lifting cream. Overall I received 11 items for a retail value of $179.98 for $29.99.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No.
Sales for the exclusive May launch box ended on 4/28 at 12 PM PST. If you signed up after this time, your first box will be the June box, shipping around the beginning of June.
Value Breakdown: At $29.99 for this box and an estimated retail value of $179.98, that means you are paying approximately the following per item:
- Condoms: $1.20
- Lifting Cream: $10.00
- Personal Moisturizer: $2.48
- Intimate Spray: $3.75
- Pasties: $1.66
- T-shirt: $4.17
- Lipstick: $3.32
- Arousal Gel: $0.50
- Skin Cream: $1.16
- Lip Balm: $1.50
- Magazine: $0.25
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