It may be a year since I got my first beauty box in the mail, but I still get giddy when I see one sitting in my mailbox.
What is Goodebox?
Goodebox is a monthly subscription service that delivers trial size healthy, eco-conscious, natural beauty and personal care products. Each month you will receive 6 or more products customized for you. The brands and products that Goodebox send out have been thoroughly evaluated upon the brand's use of non-toxic, natural ingredients that respect earth, animals, and humanity. The samples will range from make-up, skincare, body, fragrances, and some lifestyle and wellness products. Every month is a surprise, but the samples picked are based on a very detailed, thorough survey that even lets you indicate color preferences, any allergies, vegan, sensitivities, etc. Goodebox costs $16 a month, but the value of your box will be way above!
Click here to join Goodebox.
August 2012, Curated by Jean Seo
This month Goodebox is curated by Jean Seo who is a founder of a natural beauty boutique, Evolue. He opened the store in 2010 and has now branched out and created his own skincare line. What's awesome is we got to try out some of his products this month. Goodebox knows that by the end of summer we are transitioning out of summer into fall. Just a few days left to enjoy the summer so we shouldn't have to spend so much time on our routine. So they put together simple options to cleanse and moisturize our face, hair, and body. I have to say that outright this box disappointed me. But it looks like we are missing a product due to a production issue. Lots of sample packets and no make-up this month. Who knows, maybe after I try the products Ill be more excited.
To make up for the missing product all members could email Jean Seo's company and request extra goodies. Both extras that I'll be receiving were tailored to my skin issues: dry and flaky yet blackhead prone nose. And I received them yesterday. Just in time for photos!
Information Cards:
Products:
Arcona: Cranberry Toner
Three-in-one product cleanses, tones, and hydrates while removing dirt, oil, & makeup, infusing skin with protective antioxidants to leave it glowing and refreshed. Protects and clarifies with antimicrobial cranberry, vitamins, phyto-nutrients and essential fatty acids. Neutralizes free radicals with vitamin E tocopherols and tocotrienols while omegas 3, 6, 9 and rice milk nourish & protect.
Full Size: 3.7 oz ($32.00)
Size Received: 1.0 oz ($8.65)
I heard about Arcona in the past from a beauty blogger who was hosting a contest for the company's Cranberry Toner Pads. She swore by them. Arcona is a skincare line developed for Hollywood celebrities. They believe what we put on our skin must be good enough to go into our bodies; only the good stuff. Goodebox gave us the good 'ol liquid toner. I'm happy since I think the pads are a waste of money. Give me more real product any day. This toner uses witch hazel, rice milk, and extracts from cranberries, white tea, and grape seeds to get triple action. Cleansing from the witch hazel, hydrating from the rice milk, and antioxidants to protect and refresh. I liked the toner quite nicely. It left my face dewy fresh and soft. What I didn't like was the smell!! It smelled so heavily of grape seeds that I could barely tolerate the smell on my face when I was trying to fall asleep. There is no way I can get by it.
Cruelty-free!
Arcona: Raspberry Resurfacing Peel
Formulated specifically to give you a clear complexion. Detoxifying essential oils kill acne causing bacteria. Resurfaces skin to repair sun damage and reduce signs of aging. Smooths fine lines, minimizing pores, and improves skin tone & texture for greater clarity, firmness and density. Exfoliates, hydrates, and oxygenates skin to improve circulation and minimize irregular pigmentation.
Full Size: 2.0 oz ($68.00)
Size Received: 0.1 oz ($3.40)
What a teensy sample was my first though. And it was heightened once I opened the package to reveal just enough product for one application. Normally I can squeeze out two or three from satchels. No such luck. This expensive peel has a massive list of promises. Acne, sun damage, aging, and so on. My skin is not the happiest of campers lately, so I am totally psyched to try something that targets so many skin care issues in one swoop. I was immediately greeted with the Arcona grape seed smell when I ripped open the package. Almost smells like raspberry-grape jelly. The consistency is a little gel like and it went on my face in a very thin, invisible layer. I took off the peel after 15 minutes and my face felt soft, but Im not sure how I can judge a daily peel if I can only use it once. Most of these things take a few days, if not weeks, to show change. Oh well.
Cruelty-free!
Lady Jane: Flavor Balms in Crazy Coconut
Remember those flavored lip balms from your childhood...rhymes with dip thwackers? Welcome to the next generation; the most delicious way to moisturize & protect your lips with natural flavors and none of the old school nasties. Vegan & USDA Certified Organic Ingredients. Just try not to lick your lips.
Full Size: 0.14 oz ($4.00)
Size Received: Full-size received! 0.14 oz ($4.00)
Oh Lip Smackers. I had every color under the rainbow. I still have a few floating around my house. My favorite was definitely Dr. Pepper. It stained your lips so it was the closest I ever got to lipstick. So fancy. Lady Jane is an homage to Lip Smackers' fun and flavor. But a completely vegan and organic formula. I received the flavor Crazy Coconut and it tastes like summer on my lips. Pretty much the smell of sunscreen lotion. It is made up of many different organic oils, aloe, vitamin E, and a little stevia. It glides on slick and smooth and keeps my lips hydrated for hours. The only thing I don't like is that it leaves a weird flavor in my mouth. Maybe the castor oil? Just not so pleasant. But it is perfect to keep in my work desk.
Cruelty-free!
Rare Elements: Pure Shampoo Hydrating Hair Bathe
A daily shampoo for all hair types featuring nutrient rich & moisturizing exotic ingredients to nourish, preserve color & enhance shine. Removes residues & naturally dissolves excess sebum to prevent clogged follicles and thinning. Eliminates bacterial growth which can cause follicle weakening & recharges the follicle. Improves overall hair & scalp condition.
Full Size: 8.5 oz ($34.00)
Size Received: 2 0.24 oz satchels ($1.88)
Oh teensy little packets. I despise these so darn much. Thankfully we don't receive too many packets from Goodebox, which is why it is one of my favorites. This shampoo sounds great for my hair. I sometimes have issues with residue causing havoc on my follicles. It has very exotic ingredients. Such as: watermelon seed, marula oil (may be the new argan oil), blackseed, and others. I'll try this stuff out next time I go out of town.
Cruelty-free!
Rare Elements: Essential Conditioner Reconstructing Daily Mask
A daily conditions for all hair types, this concentrated formula repairs & rebuilds weakened, moisture deprived locks with deep penetrating Nutrient-Rich Moisture boosting complex made of exotic plant oils and rain-forest butters. Imstantly improves hair's condition & shine while providing a natural protective barrier.
Full Size: 6.5 oz ($44.00)
Size Received: 1 0.24 oz satchel ($1.56)
Weird we only received one satchel. It would have been nice to have two pairs. It might have been cute to lay it out for a guest. The conditioner also is full of natural ingredients. Most I have no idea what they are. Like baobab, phulwara butter, and meadowfoam. Each plays a role to strengthen, provide nutrients, moisture, and shine. I couldn't ever pay $44 for a conditioner. So this will be a one time experience.
Cruelty-free!
Evolue: Day and Night Cream
For all skin types, especially sensitive, this lightweight formula increases moisture, suppleness, softness, and elasticity. Three powerful moisture binders attract moisture while jojoba oil, close in molecular structure to our skin's own sebum, holds it there, supporting the skin's natural protective barrier.
Full Size: 1.0 oz ($80.00)
Size Received: 0.14 oz ($11.20)
Holy crap this is an expensive cream! Now I understand why the sample is so small, it is still an amazing value! Evolue is the skincare line of Jean Seo, this month's curator. It looks like his skincare line is so new it isn't even up for sale online! The frustrating part is I found out that these products are not vegan! It contains beeswax. Now last month Goodebox emailed me asking what my preference was on beeswax and I told them I do not want any beeswax in future boxes. So somebody messed up. I'm going to contact them since I was mislead. Looking closer at the info card I now see it doesn't have their vegan label on it, but I trusted it would be... I did use this product and it is a very thick, yet lightweight cream. A little goes a long way. It soaked in quickly and wasn't greasy.
Cruelty-free! (product not vegan)
Evolue: Gentle Cleanser & Makeup Remover
For all skin types, especially sensitive, this lightweight formula increases moisture, suppleness, softness, and elasticity. Three powerful moisture binders attract moisture while jojoba oil, close in molecular structure to our skin's own sebum, holds it there, supporting the skin's natural protective barrier.
Full Size: 4.0 oz ($23.00)
Size Received: 1.0 oz ($5.75)
Like the cream, this product also contains beeswax. And again I believed it to be vegan. I tried it a few nights ago and it worked very nicely. It took off my makeup, even my mascara and eyeliner, and left my skin feeling soft and fresh. Most of the creamy cleansers make my skin feel greasy and sticky, but this one was great. Too bad it has beeswax in it. I wonder if it is really an essential ingredient or not.Why does every natural company have to stick it in their products!?
Cruelty-free! (product not vegan)
Extras
Bamboo Lash and Brow Grooming Tools (2)
Use to separate clumped lashes for a killer fringe & to shape brows into the ultimate arch.
When I first saw these in the box I was like uhhh, really? I never noticed the card indicating why they were even in the box. Still kind of weird, especially since we didn't receive any lash or brow products. But luckily I've been looking for a small, bristled brush to use on my baby hairs. Michelle Phan had said in a video that a bristle brush with a little hair spray is perfect for controlling your crazy baby hairs. Now I have clean ones for my hair. Perfect timing.
Evolue: Day and Night Cream for Oily & Acneic Skin
Full Size: 1.0 oz ($62.00)
Size Received: 0.14 oz ($8.68)
I received a day and night cream for all skin types in my regular box and this one is for oily/acne skin. At first I thought it may be the same, but this one seems more water-based than the day and night cream. That makes me hopeful that this product may be beeswax free! I am almost out of my Verabella Rose Bella Rosa Skin Cream that I am happy to take more creams, cause I can't afford to buy the Verabella. I use heavier creams on my nose twice a day because my T-zone is a red, dry mess. Since I started using creams my skin is no longer inflamed nor red.
Cruelty-free! (Vegan)
Evolue: Resurfacing Grains
Full Size: 3.88 oz ($42.00)
Size Received: 1.38 oz ($14.89)
I told Jean that I have very flaky skin on my nose, so she recommended the resurfacing grains. She said I should make a paste with the fine powder and use it nightly until my skin is as soft as a baby's. This will be a gentle exfoliant made from oat protein and wheat bran that I can use every day. I am so impressed with the size of this sample. The label says 14g, but it actually contains 39g. It is at least a cup of product. But I got the ingredient list from Jean and it contains nonfat milk. Wah.
Cruelty-free! (NOT vegan, contains milk)
Total value of my August 2012 box:$60.01
Not my favorite month. I am disappointed that I got two non-vegan products. Beeswax isn't the biggest deal to me, but I paid for this service. It was nice getting extras, even if we didn't receive one of the normal products. I still love Goodebox and think it is worth my money.
What do you think of my August Goodebox? What did you get in yours? Have you tried any of the products I received? Let me know in the comments below!
Btw... I HATE the new blogger layout. HATE it.
What is Goodebox?
Goodebox is a monthly subscription service that delivers trial size healthy, eco-conscious, natural beauty and personal care products. Each month you will receive 6 or more products customized for you. The brands and products that Goodebox send out have been thoroughly evaluated upon the brand's use of non-toxic, natural ingredients that respect earth, animals, and humanity. The samples will range from make-up, skincare, body, fragrances, and some lifestyle and wellness products. Every month is a surprise, but the samples picked are based on a very detailed, thorough survey that even lets you indicate color preferences, any allergies, vegan, sensitivities, etc. Goodebox costs $16 a month, but the value of your box will be way above!
Click here to join Goodebox.
August 2012, Curated by Jean Seo
This month Goodebox is curated by Jean Seo who is a founder of a natural beauty boutique, Evolue. He opened the store in 2010 and has now branched out and created his own skincare line. What's awesome is we got to try out some of his products this month. Goodebox knows that by the end of summer we are transitioning out of summer into fall. Just a few days left to enjoy the summer so we shouldn't have to spend so much time on our routine. So they put together simple options to cleanse and moisturize our face, hair, and body. I have to say that outright this box disappointed me. But it looks like we are missing a product due to a production issue. Lots of sample packets and no make-up this month. Who knows, maybe after I try the products Ill be more excited.
To make up for the missing product all members could email Jean Seo's company and request extra goodies. Both extras that I'll be receiving were tailored to my skin issues: dry and flaky yet blackhead prone nose. And I received them yesterday. Just in time for photos!
Information Cards:
Arcona: Cranberry Toner
Three-in-one product cleanses, tones, and hydrates while removing dirt, oil, & makeup, infusing skin with protective antioxidants to leave it glowing and refreshed. Protects and clarifies with antimicrobial cranberry, vitamins, phyto-nutrients and essential fatty acids. Neutralizes free radicals with vitamin E tocopherols and tocotrienols while omegas 3, 6, 9 and rice milk nourish & protect.
Full Size: 3.7 oz ($32.00)
Size Received: 1.0 oz ($8.65)
I heard about Arcona in the past from a beauty blogger who was hosting a contest for the company's Cranberry Toner Pads. She swore by them. Arcona is a skincare line developed for Hollywood celebrities. They believe what we put on our skin must be good enough to go into our bodies; only the good stuff. Goodebox gave us the good 'ol liquid toner. I'm happy since I think the pads are a waste of money. Give me more real product any day. This toner uses witch hazel, rice milk, and extracts from cranberries, white tea, and grape seeds to get triple action. Cleansing from the witch hazel, hydrating from the rice milk, and antioxidants to protect and refresh. I liked the toner quite nicely. It left my face dewy fresh and soft. What I didn't like was the smell!! It smelled so heavily of grape seeds that I could barely tolerate the smell on my face when I was trying to fall asleep. There is no way I can get by it.
Cruelty-free!
Formulated specifically to give you a clear complexion. Detoxifying essential oils kill acne causing bacteria. Resurfaces skin to repair sun damage and reduce signs of aging. Smooths fine lines, minimizing pores, and improves skin tone & texture for greater clarity, firmness and density. Exfoliates, hydrates, and oxygenates skin to improve circulation and minimize irregular pigmentation.
Full Size: 2.0 oz ($68.00)
Size Received: 0.1 oz ($3.40)
What a teensy sample was my first though. And it was heightened once I opened the package to reveal just enough product for one application. Normally I can squeeze out two or three from satchels. No such luck. This expensive peel has a massive list of promises. Acne, sun damage, aging, and so on. My skin is not the happiest of campers lately, so I am totally psyched to try something that targets so many skin care issues in one swoop. I was immediately greeted with the Arcona grape seed smell when I ripped open the package. Almost smells like raspberry-grape jelly. The consistency is a little gel like and it went on my face in a very thin, invisible layer. I took off the peel after 15 minutes and my face felt soft, but Im not sure how I can judge a daily peel if I can only use it once. Most of these things take a few days, if not weeks, to show change. Oh well.
Cruelty-free!
Remember those flavored lip balms from your childhood...rhymes with dip thwackers? Welcome to the next generation; the most delicious way to moisturize & protect your lips with natural flavors and none of the old school nasties. Vegan & USDA Certified Organic Ingredients. Just try not to lick your lips.
Full Size: 0.14 oz ($4.00)
Size Received: Full-size received! 0.14 oz ($4.00)
Oh Lip Smackers. I had every color under the rainbow. I still have a few floating around my house. My favorite was definitely Dr. Pepper. It stained your lips so it was the closest I ever got to lipstick. So fancy. Lady Jane is an homage to Lip Smackers' fun and flavor. But a completely vegan and organic formula. I received the flavor Crazy Coconut and it tastes like summer on my lips. Pretty much the smell of sunscreen lotion. It is made up of many different organic oils, aloe, vitamin E, and a little stevia. It glides on slick and smooth and keeps my lips hydrated for hours. The only thing I don't like is that it leaves a weird flavor in my mouth. Maybe the castor oil? Just not so pleasant. But it is perfect to keep in my work desk.
Cruelty-free!
Rare Elements: Pure Shampoo Hydrating Hair Bathe
A daily shampoo for all hair types featuring nutrient rich & moisturizing exotic ingredients to nourish, preserve color & enhance shine. Removes residues & naturally dissolves excess sebum to prevent clogged follicles and thinning. Eliminates bacterial growth which can cause follicle weakening & recharges the follicle. Improves overall hair & scalp condition.
Full Size: 8.5 oz ($34.00)
Size Received: 2 0.24 oz satchels ($1.88)
Oh teensy little packets. I despise these so darn much. Thankfully we don't receive too many packets from Goodebox, which is why it is one of my favorites. This shampoo sounds great for my hair. I sometimes have issues with residue causing havoc on my follicles. It has very exotic ingredients. Such as: watermelon seed, marula oil (may be the new argan oil), blackseed, and others. I'll try this stuff out next time I go out of town.
Cruelty-free!
A daily conditions for all hair types, this concentrated formula repairs & rebuilds weakened, moisture deprived locks with deep penetrating Nutrient-Rich Moisture boosting complex made of exotic plant oils and rain-forest butters. Imstantly improves hair's condition & shine while providing a natural protective barrier.
Full Size: 6.5 oz ($44.00)
Size Received: 1 0.24 oz satchel ($1.56)
Weird we only received one satchel. It would have been nice to have two pairs. It might have been cute to lay it out for a guest. The conditioner also is full of natural ingredients. Most I have no idea what they are. Like baobab, phulwara butter, and meadowfoam. Each plays a role to strengthen, provide nutrients, moisture, and shine. I couldn't ever pay $44 for a conditioner. So this will be a one time experience.
Cruelty-free!
Evolue: Day and Night Cream
For all skin types, especially sensitive, this lightweight formula increases moisture, suppleness, softness, and elasticity. Three powerful moisture binders attract moisture while jojoba oil, close in molecular structure to our skin's own sebum, holds it there, supporting the skin's natural protective barrier.
Full Size: 1.0 oz ($80.00)
Size Received: 0.14 oz ($11.20)
Holy crap this is an expensive cream! Now I understand why the sample is so small, it is still an amazing value! Evolue is the skincare line of Jean Seo, this month's curator. It looks like his skincare line is so new it isn't even up for sale online! The frustrating part is I found out that these products are not vegan! It contains beeswax. Now last month Goodebox emailed me asking what my preference was on beeswax and I told them I do not want any beeswax in future boxes. So somebody messed up. I'm going to contact them since I was mislead. Looking closer at the info card I now see it doesn't have their vegan label on it, but I trusted it would be... I did use this product and it is a very thick, yet lightweight cream. A little goes a long way. It soaked in quickly and wasn't greasy.
Cruelty-free! (product not vegan)
For all skin types, especially sensitive, this lightweight formula increases moisture, suppleness, softness, and elasticity. Three powerful moisture binders attract moisture while jojoba oil, close in molecular structure to our skin's own sebum, holds it there, supporting the skin's natural protective barrier.
Full Size: 4.0 oz ($23.00)
Size Received: 1.0 oz ($5.75)
Like the cream, this product also contains beeswax. And again I believed it to be vegan. I tried it a few nights ago and it worked very nicely. It took off my makeup, even my mascara and eyeliner, and left my skin feeling soft and fresh. Most of the creamy cleansers make my skin feel greasy and sticky, but this one was great. Too bad it has beeswax in it. I wonder if it is really an essential ingredient or not.Why does every natural company have to stick it in their products!?
Cruelty-free! (product not vegan)
Bamboo Lash and Brow Grooming Tools (2)
Use to separate clumped lashes for a killer fringe & to shape brows into the ultimate arch.
When I first saw these in the box I was like uhhh, really? I never noticed the card indicating why they were even in the box. Still kind of weird, especially since we didn't receive any lash or brow products. But luckily I've been looking for a small, bristled brush to use on my baby hairs. Michelle Phan had said in a video that a bristle brush with a little hair spray is perfect for controlling your crazy baby hairs. Now I have clean ones for my hair. Perfect timing.
Full Size: 1.0 oz ($62.00)
Size Received: 0.14 oz ($8.68)
I received a day and night cream for all skin types in my regular box and this one is for oily/acne skin. At first I thought it may be the same, but this one seems more water-based than the day and night cream. That makes me hopeful that this product may be beeswax free! I am almost out of my Verabella Rose Bella Rosa Skin Cream that I am happy to take more creams, cause I can't afford to buy the Verabella. I use heavier creams on my nose twice a day because my T-zone is a red, dry mess. Since I started using creams my skin is no longer inflamed nor red.
Cruelty-free! (Vegan)
Full Size: 3.88 oz ($42.00)
Size Received: 1.38 oz ($14.89)
I told Jean that I have very flaky skin on my nose, so she recommended the resurfacing grains. She said I should make a paste with the fine powder and use it nightly until my skin is as soft as a baby's. This will be a gentle exfoliant made from oat protein and wheat bran that I can use every day. I am so impressed with the size of this sample. The label says 14g, but it actually contains 39g. It is at least a cup of product. But I got the ingredient list from Jean and it contains nonfat milk. Wah.
Cruelty-free! (NOT vegan, contains milk)
Total value of my August 2012 box:$60.01
Not my favorite month. I am disappointed that I got two non-vegan products. Beeswax isn't the biggest deal to me, but I paid for this service. It was nice getting extras, even if we didn't receive one of the normal products. I still love Goodebox and think it is worth my money.
What do you think of my August Goodebox? What did you get in yours? Have you tried any of the products I received? Let me know in the comments below!
Btw... I HATE the new blogger layout. HATE it.
