Looks Like Fall: My First Cause Box

I love fall.  I grew up in Vermont, which boasts the most beautiful display of autumn leaves.  I love watching the trees turn while wearing transitional layers and boots, and sipping pumpkin ale or spiced cider.  Not to mention that Halloween is my favorite holiday and has been since I was a kid.  My mom threw the best haunted house in town, and as an adult I have tried to follow in her footsteps.  This year I added something new to my fall traditions: the fall Cause Box.

I follow a fair amount of fair trade accounts on Instagram, and was excited to stumble upon a company called Cause Box: a subscription box that sells all items that are artisan made, sustainable, fair trade, or local goods.  Cause Box had a fall box that intrigued me but I was still a little on the fence.  I’ve ordered subscription boxes before and I have usually been disappointed, either because I only like a couple items in the box or was disappointed by the sample sizes that were included.  Still, I loved the idea behind Cause Box and couldn’t get it off my mind.  Cause Box sold out of the fall box and then offered a “Welcome Fall box” that included different items than the first fall box. I was sold when I saw that it included a S’well bottle and Soko earrings.  I decided I would give Cause Box a try.  I signed up as an annual member so I could customize my box.

Cause Box sends four boxes a year of 6-8 hand curated products for women.  The items include fair trade jewelry, clean beauty products, art made by local artists, home decor, and artisan made apparel.  Cause Box looks for the best products from the biggest socially conscious companies and emerging brands and designers.  Not only does Cause Box support companies that give back, they also give back themselves by partnering with and serving different charities.

I was delighted when my box arrived.  The box design was cheerful with whimsical drawings of women dressed in different fall outfits.  The packaging was clean and simple.  After carefully unwrapping the pink tissue paper I was excited to find several artisan made goodies: two nail polishes, a fall eye shadow palette and brush, a packaged S’well water bottle, gold Soko earrings, a cream and tan woven scarf, hand cream, a cream leather clutch, and a hand poured soy candle.  It felt like Christmas had come early!

 

One thing that impressed me about Cause Box was the the variety of items in the box and the attention to detail.  Each item came with information describing the cause it’s connected to.  The box also included a booklet explaining how Cause Box carefully selects items each season and their intent to be sustainable, fair, and support good causes.

Inside the Box:

Zoya Nail Polish

Zoya Nail Polish is made in the USA and is free of the many toxic chemicals you see in most nail polishes.  Zoya was one of the first companies to create clean, long lasting nail polish.  Zoya nail polishes come in a variety of colors, including these two autumnal hues called Jack and Ruthie.

S’Well Water Bottle

I’ve been a fan of S’well water bottles for a long time.  I first spotted these bottles for sale at my Barre3 studio in Raleigh.  S’well bottles are light, sleek, and keep water cold all day.  These reusable insulated bottles help cut down on purchases of plastic water bottles.  S’well is the fastest growing woman-owned company in the country and partners with UNICEF and many other important charities.

Soko Bow Earrings

I love Soko jewelry, and these earrings sold me on this box.  Soko designs some of the most contemporary pieces you will find among artisan made jewelry.  The Bow Earrings are hand made by artisans in Kenya, who have been empowered through their work and can sustainably support their families.  As an annual Cause Box member I was able to select gold or silver.

RealHer Eye Shadow Palette and Brush

Cause Box is committed to selling clean and cruelty-free beauty products.  Did you know that your skin absorbs as much as 64% of what we put on it?  Most beauty products have chemicals you wouldn’t dare put in your mouth, so why put them on your skin?  RealHer products come with empowering words for each customer and are safe for your body and the planet.  RealHer also donates a portion of proceeds to charities that promote inclusivity.  I loved opening this nine shade eyeshadow palette and brush.  The gold and rose hues are perfect for fall.  I am no makeup expert (if you’re looking for tips you’re reading the wrong blog), but I love this company’s mission.

Bloom & Give Scarf

This hand-loomed cotton scarf was made by artisans in India.  Cause Box partnered with Bloom & Give to sponsor tuition for 50 girls to attend the Doorsa Dashak Camp in Rajasthan, India, where they receive education and empowerment to change their lives.  Annual members got to choose between gray or beige.

October Jaipur Vegan Leather Envelope Clutch

This handcrafted clutch was made by artisans in Jaipur, India.  It includes a magnetic fasten zippered storage, and a card sleeve, and is made with vegan leather.  Its a small clutch that’s perfect for when you’re on the go.  This item was designed exclusively for Cause Box and annual members were able to choose between black and cream.

PF Candle Co. Soy Candle

PF Candle Co. sells hand made candles that are made with 100% soy wax and uses phthalate-free premium fragrance oil. The candles are hand-poured in Los Angeles into apothecary inspired amber jars.    You can find these candles in many boutiques across America.  The style I received was Number 32: Sandalwood Rose.  I love the subtle smell and simple look of this candle. It was the first item I used from my Cause Box!

Scentuals Grapefruit + Turmeric Hand Repair Cream

When it comes to skin, mine runs on the dry side, especially my hands.  In the fall and winter my hands start to crack, and it’s imperative that I have a good hand cream.  I love this Scentuals hand repair cream.  It smells good without being overpowering and is made with 100% natural and organic ingredients.  It includes shea butter, cocoa butter, organic argan, almond oil, and aloe.  It is fast absorbing and light.  To top it all off, Scentuals donates a percentage of its proceeds to the Canadian Cancer Society.  I will definitely be repurchasing this hand cream!

I was pleasantly surprised with the quality and variety of items in my fall Cause Box.  There were no sample sizes to be found and the items in the box retail for over $250!  The boxes come quarterly, one for every season.  The winter box is still for sale!  You can sign up for a subscription at the Cause Box website.