Brown Sugar Box is a monthly woman of color lifestyle subscription, containing exclusively curated tees, accessories, and lifestyle products. Everything is designed by and made for women of color.
Each month's box includes a graphic tee and 4-5 exclusive full-size products ranging from drinkware, accessories, bags, jewelry, makeup, housewares, and stationery from the Izzy & Liv brand.
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 20% off your first box!
CODE: FIRSTTIME20
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
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Each Brown Sugar Box used to include a mini-magazine that highlights the theme of the box, lists the products included, and offers interesting and inspiring articles. The mini-magazine has gone digital, and now, you can easily scan the QR code using your phone and swipe through the digitized version via your web browser.
This is the ‘Me, Myself, and I’ edition, and based on the selected name, I have a sense that this box will feature some self-care inspired products. I’m interested to see what this month’s curation holds, so let’s check it out.
Now, on to the items!
IZZY AND LIV Culture Confidence Soul Novelty Pillar Candle, 454 g - Retail Value $30
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Now, this is a statement piece if I ever did see one. It’s a pretty cool candle, and I’m digging the unique style. The candle itself is a deep purple shade, giving me goth vibes, and inspiring words like ‘soul,’ ‘confidence,’ and ‘culture’ grace the sides. Personally, I’m not much of a candle gal. I’m a bit sensitive to scents as are the exotic parrots who live in my home; so, especially due to the latter, as a rule I never light candles in my house. Although, I do see how this could be a stylish piece in a younger person’s living space. The scent is listed as ’cotton,’ but the scent is incredibly mild because I didn’t notice any fragrance whatsoever. Subscribers could have received one of four scents: Sage, Honeysuckle, Bamboo, or Cotton. I received Cotton.
IZZY AND LIV Afro Diva Lip Nourishing and Softening Lip Butter Set, 4-pc - Retail Value $22
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Here we have a four-piece lip butter set, each with a different scent including melon, coconut, grapefruit, and mint. My personal favorite is the mint scent. It’s very refreshing. I noticed that these lip butters have unique cardboard packaging paired with minimal plastic, which is a step in the eco-friendly direction. As someone who’s always working to reduce my carbon footprint, I appreciate this move. The only potential downside to cardboard packaging… I live in Los Angeles, and I’m interested to see how well the minimalist packaging holds up in the blistering heat. Overall, though, the formula of these lip butters is soothing and does a great job of moisturizing my lips. I also love the unique patterns on each tube; a very cute touch.
IZZY AND LIV Black Girl Illustrated 2023 Wall Calendar - Retail Value $18
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Well, it’s a calendar... If you’re someone who uses a calendar, you will find this to be very useful. I think it’s beautiful; the illustrations are stunning, colorful, and dynamic. That said, my life is almost entirely digital. I haven’t used a wall calendar in… Hm, I can’t remember how long it’s been. For the calendar lovers out there, this is a great option, and the imagery is a definite bonus. The quality of the calendar seems to be on par with any other wall calendar out there, with a nice glossy finish on each page. I do appreciate the extra lines on the side of each month for general notes and whatnot.
IZZY AND LIV She’s Focused 2023 Planner and Self-Care Journal - Retail Value $28
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Here’s another product that I think is adorable but unfortunately one that I likely wouldn’t use too often. As I mentioned above, I keep nearly everything digital. Everything’s in the cloud, whether it comes to my calendar, reminders, to-do lists, goals, notes, and more. If you are a fan of filling up the pages of a hard copy planner, then this could be just the thing for you. The way the planner is set up is seamless, and it’s very well composed when it comes to the overall structure of the book. I appreciate the elastic band that keeps the book from opening, and if I were someone who preferred having paper copies, this would be a great option. Plus, the spiral binding gives it a sleek look that I really enjoy.
IZZY AND LIV She's Zen Pajama Set for the Culture - Retail Value $55
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Oooh, last month’s box included a sleep bonnet and sleep mask set, and I received this exact same pattern. Now, this month, my nighttime ensemble is perfectly complete with a matching set of pajamas. This set is very nice, I have to say, and the material is lightweight while still cozy. No worries about getting too warm during the night if you’re a hot sleeper like myself. The pattern is incredibly bright, and the fabric is smooth and soft to the touch. It feels great against the skin, and overall, I’m really happy with this set. There’s even a little pocket on the front of the short-sleeved shirt that can fit your phone for ultimate convenience. Subscribers could have received one of four styles: Afro Flower Child, She’s Zen, Botanical Feathers, or Black Royalty. I received She’s Zen.
Verdict
I thought this was a solid month for Brown Sugar Box! The highlight for me was definitely the pajama set; it was the icing on the cake that the pattern just happened to match the pattern of my sleep bonnet and sleep mask set from last month’s curation. My lips can always use some extra hydration, so I was thrilled to see a lip butter set included, and I’m a fan of the eco-friendly packaging. Although I’m not much for candles, this deep purple one is pretty stunning in person, and if you’re a candle fan, it’s sure to deliver enjoyment. Lastly, the calendar and the planner… Since my life is almost entirely digital, the calendar and planner are two things that I likely wouldn’t get much use out of. Due to that, I’ll be passing these along to a friend of mine who’s still a fan of keeping their plans on a regular paper calendar (they do exist) rather than on their phone. Overall, I thought this was a good month. The items work nicely with the ‘Me, Myself, and I’ theme while also providing inspiration for the upcoming new year, and the value is there.
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Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $39.95 + $5.95 shipping
Value Breakdown:
- Candle: $30
- Lip Butter: $22
- Calendar: $18
- Planner: $28
- Pajama Set: $55
The total value of my box was $153, which is a great value for a $39.95 box.
Other Things You Should Know
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, but order today to receive the January box.
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 20% off your first box!
CODE: FIRSTTIME20
Do you have a favorite item from this month's Brown Sugar Box?
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