Vegan and beauty don't always play nicely. Many well known brands use animal byproducts or unethical testing methods to produce their products. I find it pretty easy to spot non-vegan ingredients when shopping for groceries, but beauty is a different story. All those long, chemical names sound alike. One type of glyercin or wax may be vegan another may not. If the company does not clearly state they are cruelty-free and are free of animal products I don't feel right buying. These subscription boxes are great, but every so often I do get a product I can't use. Well not anymore. Goodebox is here to rescue me and all my eco and animal conscious beauty lovers.
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.
March 2012, First Box!
The first month of Goodebox has arrived! I was a bit hesitant signing up for another beauty box, especially since it is a bit more expensive than the others. But, I could not resist because of Goodebox's mission to only provide products that do not hurt anyone. I was really impressed by the Goodebox survey that I took once I finally slapped down the plastic. It let me choose color options as detailed as 'what lip color do I like' and it had an option that clearly let me pick a vegan preference. Also, instead of being sent a long laundry list of product info and ingredients they email you a week after they ship with all product information, ingredients, instructions, tips, and coupons! Every month you will be eligible for a 20% discount at the brand's store for the full-size (25% if you fill out Goodebox surveys)! What I liked is that the promo codes are valid for a few months, I'll have time to decide if I love the product and want to buy the full-size. Plus, some of the promo codes are site wide coupons!
I'd say their website is still a work in progress, there is no login page to allow you to see your account details or allow you to easily update preferences, but that is on the way in the next few months. They said that if anything changes you can easily resubmit a form. So far I have found the company to have really great customer service by email, although their facebook page is a little slow moving. Hopefully the more people find out about this awesome box, the better it will get!
The products came taped to the information card. It looked nice opening the container and finding such a nice display. But I found some of the tape would not come off and ripped the print off the info card.
Information Card:
Products:
Alima Pure: Luminous Shimmer Blush in Freja
You know that rosy, 'just in from being outside' look? Now you can fake it naturally. Pure, luscious and richly pigmented. Alima's Luminous Shimmer Blush goes on sheer and blends beautifully for a natural glow.
Full Size: 0.16oz ($17)
Size Received: Petite Jar ($1.50)
Freja is sweet mauve color with glints of shimmer in it. It is a really pretty color and goes very well with my skin tone. It is almost the exact same color as my natural blush. I've never used a mineral blush, but I looked up online and it says to use a very soft brush with little product on the brush and sweep across as normal. It is better to build up then have too much product on. In the swatch,] I caked it on so you could see the color, but on my face it is very nice and sheer. And the shimmer, although more coarse than I'd like, does not look bad at all. The weird thing is the color of my Freja looks nothing like the website image; it looks more like Plush or Demeter...
Alima Pure: Bronzer in Belize
Ah, the soft, natural glow that comes from a good vacation. At least, that's the effect of Alima's Bronzer will have on your complexion. Enhance your lovely glow, even in the dead of winter, with a touch of Bronzer.
Full Size: 0.16oz ($17)
Size Received: Petite Jar ($1.50)
Oh mineral bronzer, I seem to attract the stuff like crazy. The info card said I was receiving a face shimmer powder, but it looks like the bronzer is a different product... Although, I do really like this color. It is a light/medium clay brown that has shimmer. I like that the color is less orange and more tan so it matches my skin tone a lot better than some of the other bronzers I have tried. At first I wasn't sure if I liked the shimmer, but once on your cheeks you can't notice it at all. It is a pretty shade and will look great for a natural, summer look. It has become one of my favorite bronzers and Im thinking about buying the full-size!
In general, I'm really excited about the brand. Cruelty-free, all vegan (except lip balms have beeswax), and they even have a jar recycling program (return 5 full-size jars for them to recycle, although they cant reuse them, and get you get a $11 credit!). I already bought the full-size of the bronzer using my 25% discount!
Clairvoyant Beauty: Depuffing Cucumber & Cranberry Eye Gel
Instant rescue relief for puffy eyes is in sight! An effective combination of Cucumber and Cranberry Seed Oil soothes and calms irritated eyes while reducing water retention.
Full Size: 0.5oz ($32.00)
Size Received: Full-size! 0.5oz ($32.00)
This gel uses cucumbers to heal and refresh tired eyes and reduce fluid build-up, while cranberry seed oil is full of antioxidants and fights signs of anti-aging naturally! They are blended into an aloe vera gel for a calming and gentle, tightening effect. The instructions say to just pat a small amount onto clean skin around the eye, but not to rub, pull, or tug. I would have probably rubbed it in. On their website it says it is certified vegan and biodegradable. There were some amazing reviews for the product, people saying that you'd see it working on puffiness in minutes and you could actually feel it tightening. I'm really excited about this product. I put it on tonight and felt it cool and sooth right away. Then just like the review I could feel it tightening! I was a bit worried it was burning, but my skin isn't raw or red instead it's actually less sensitive than normal.
Clairvoyant Beauty: Balancing Rosehip Oil & Hibiscus Facial Serum
Balancing, deep hydration for all skin types, even sensitive. Rich in essential fatty acids, B Vitamins plus C, and DMAE & MSM, this anti-aging formula is naturally astringent and highly antioxidant.
Full Size: 1oz ($69.00)
Size Received: 0.25oz ($17.25)
This serum focusing on balancing and hydrating skin. Rosehip oil is full of all sorts of fatty acids and vitamins and Hibiscus is a natural astringent and has antioxidant properties. I'm assuming by balance they mean skin tone will look even and hydrated. Im learning that even though my skin is oily it needs to be hydrated so I may try this out. If it doesn't work for me I think my mom would love it.
Stark Skincare: Grapefruit Cleanse + Hydrating Balm
This water-less balm is both cleanser and hydrator! Melt away daily grime and dirt, replenishing your skin with healthy, antioxidant-rich plant-derived oils and butters! Does double duty as a moisturizer, fly away tamer, and after-shave.
Full Size: 2oz ($35.00)
Size Received: ~0.5oz ($8.75)
I looked up Stark and it looks like the products I received are from their debut collection. They have a massive banner that shows they are an all vegan and cruelty-free company! The products are all molded around the fact that our city environments are harsher and more polluted but we keep putting harsh ingredients on and into our bodies. So instead they use plant-derived oils/butters, clay, and extracts to effectively and gently solve our city skin stresses. The Grapefruit balm is an interesting concept that is modeled after the oil cleansing method. All the chemicals in the cleansers we use actually dry out our skin and make it produce more oil, so instead the use of oils w ill remove dirt and makeup without leaving it dry. This has grapefruit extract to cleanse, shea butter to protect skin with natural SPF, coconut oil that has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties, soybean butter that stimulates collagen production, and green tea seed oil that is soothing. You just massage in, let sit for a few, and wipe away with a moistened wash cloth (or can use dry cloth). And afterwards you should tone your skin and moisturize. So you can just reapply the GF as your moisturizer! The website warns not to use your fingers directly into the pot as your hands have moisture and water and oil don't mix! Really happy about this one! It got rid of all my makeup (well I didnt use it on my eyes) and impurities and left my skin silky soft. I'm not sure I'd use it as a facial moisturizer just because it feels a little too heavy on my skin.
Stark Skincare: Green Tea Detox Clay Mask
Purify, detox, and brighten skin with this clay, green tea and fruit extract mask. Mixed with your liquid of choice, use it as a spot treatment or weekly for soft, supple skin.
Full Size: 2oz ($25.00)
Size Received: ~0.5oz ($6.25)
I have the sizes received as an approximation because they were not listed, but the Stark representative on their in-site chat let me know the two products were approx around .25-.5oz. This green tea clay powder is another cool idea. You just need to add a few drops of liquid, they mention water, green tea, pure fruit juice to 1/2 teaspoon of the powder. Apply an even layer and wash with warm water once it completely dries. Green tea helps repair damage from the sun and air, plus it has two types of clay that help tone skin and imrpove skin clarity. It also has apple and lime extracts that exfoliate away dead skin, improve elasticity, and leave skin refreshed. I love how it has so many roles and makes my regime a little simpler. I tried the mask yesterday, it dried realllly quickly. Like I had to rush to get it on my face because it was drying. It made my skin very tight while it was drying, but once I washed it off my skin felt smooth and refreshed. I may do this once a week and see if my skin tone improves.
Josie Maran: Bear Naked Wipes
Convenient cleansing with a blend of aloe vera, cucumber, and vitamin E. Free of fragrance, parabens, and petrochemicals, these luxurious biodegradable wipes are kind to tender skin, leaving it feeling nourished and refreshed!
Full Size: Travel Size - 8 Wipes ($6.00)
Size Received: Full-size! 8 wipes ($6.00)
It must be the month of makeup remover wipes. I don't mind these because they are my absolute favorite! While the LA Fresh wipes that I received were natural and vegan, they were like dry oil and not at all refreshing. But, I have used the Bear Naked Wipes for years and years and love them. They are moist, cool the the touch, and do an absolute amazing job removing make-up. I'll be going home for a week and half in May, so I'll be sure to bring all my makeup wipes!
Total Value of my March 2012 Goodebox: $73.25
I am beyond impressed with my first box. Quick delivery, awesome customer service, all vegan and eco products, plus I received such a range of products. I love that I have new makeup to try out since I have so many skincare products from my boxes. But the skincare products I did receive are innovative and really exciting! I am definitely staying on board and really look forward to future months.
What did you think of my Goodebox? How does it compare to yours? Did you receive any different products than me? Let me know in the comments below!
If you don't get Goodebox, click here to join!
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.
March 2012, First Box!
The first month of Goodebox has arrived! I was a bit hesitant signing up for another beauty box, especially since it is a bit more expensive than the others. But, I could not resist because of Goodebox's mission to only provide products that do not hurt anyone. I was really impressed by the Goodebox survey that I took once I finally slapped down the plastic. It let me choose color options as detailed as 'what lip color do I like' and it had an option that clearly let me pick a vegan preference. Also, instead of being sent a long laundry list of product info and ingredients they email you a week after they ship with all product information, ingredients, instructions, tips, and coupons! Every month you will be eligible for a 20% discount at the brand's store for the full-size (25% if you fill out Goodebox surveys)! What I liked is that the promo codes are valid for a few months, I'll have time to decide if I love the product and want to buy the full-size. Plus, some of the promo codes are site wide coupons!
I'd say their website is still a work in progress, there is no login page to allow you to see your account details or allow you to easily update preferences, but that is on the way in the next few months. They said that if anything changes you can easily resubmit a form. So far I have found the company to have really great customer service by email, although their facebook page is a little slow moving. Hopefully the more people find out about this awesome box, the better it will get!
Information Card:
Products:
Alima Pure: Luminous Shimmer Blush in Freja
You know that rosy, 'just in from being outside' look? Now you can fake it naturally. Pure, luscious and richly pigmented. Alima's Luminous Shimmer Blush goes on sheer and blends beautifully for a natural glow.
Full Size: 0.16oz ($17)
Size Received: Petite Jar ($1.50)
Freja is sweet mauve color with glints of shimmer in it. It is a really pretty color and goes very well with my skin tone. It is almost the exact same color as my natural blush. I've never used a mineral blush, but I looked up online and it says to use a very soft brush with little product on the brush and sweep across as normal. It is better to build up then have too much product on. In the swatch,] I caked it on so you could see the color, but on my face it is very nice and sheer. And the shimmer, although more coarse than I'd like, does not look bad at all. The weird thing is the color of my Freja looks nothing like the website image; it looks more like Plush or Demeter...
Alima Pure: Bronzer in Belize
Ah, the soft, natural glow that comes from a good vacation. At least, that's the effect of Alima's Bronzer will have on your complexion. Enhance your lovely glow, even in the dead of winter, with a touch of Bronzer.
Full Size: 0.16oz ($17)
Size Received: Petite Jar ($1.50)
Oh mineral bronzer, I seem to attract the stuff like crazy. The info card said I was receiving a face shimmer powder, but it looks like the bronzer is a different product... Although, I do really like this color. It is a light/medium clay brown that has shimmer. I like that the color is less orange and more tan so it matches my skin tone a lot better than some of the other bronzers I have tried. At first I wasn't sure if I liked the shimmer, but once on your cheeks you can't notice it at all. It is a pretty shade and will look great for a natural, summer look. It has become one of my favorite bronzers and Im thinking about buying the full-size!
In general, I'm really excited about the brand. Cruelty-free, all vegan (except lip balms have beeswax), and they even have a jar recycling program (return 5 full-size jars for them to recycle, although they cant reuse them, and get you get a $11 credit!). I already bought the full-size of the bronzer using my 25% discount!
Clairvoyant Beauty: Depuffing Cucumber & Cranberry Eye Gel
Instant rescue relief for puffy eyes is in sight! An effective combination of Cucumber and Cranberry Seed Oil soothes and calms irritated eyes while reducing water retention.
Full Size: 0.5oz ($32.00)
Size Received: Full-size! 0.5oz ($32.00)
This gel uses cucumbers to heal and refresh tired eyes and reduce fluid build-up, while cranberry seed oil is full of antioxidants and fights signs of anti-aging naturally! They are blended into an aloe vera gel for a calming and gentle, tightening effect. The instructions say to just pat a small amount onto clean skin around the eye, but not to rub, pull, or tug. I would have probably rubbed it in. On their website it says it is certified vegan and biodegradable. There were some amazing reviews for the product, people saying that you'd see it working on puffiness in minutes and you could actually feel it tightening. I'm really excited about this product. I put it on tonight and felt it cool and sooth right away. Then just like the review I could feel it tightening! I was a bit worried it was burning, but my skin isn't raw or red instead it's actually less sensitive than normal.
Clairvoyant Beauty: Balancing Rosehip Oil & Hibiscus Facial Serum
Balancing, deep hydration for all skin types, even sensitive. Rich in essential fatty acids, B Vitamins plus C, and DMAE & MSM, this anti-aging formula is naturally astringent and highly antioxidant.
Full Size: 1oz ($69.00)
Size Received: 0.25oz ($17.25)
This serum focusing on balancing and hydrating skin. Rosehip oil is full of all sorts of fatty acids and vitamins and Hibiscus is a natural astringent and has antioxidant properties. I'm assuming by balance they mean skin tone will look even and hydrated. Im learning that even though my skin is oily it needs to be hydrated so I may try this out. If it doesn't work for me I think my mom would love it.
Stark Skincare: Grapefruit Cleanse + Hydrating Balm
This water-less balm is both cleanser and hydrator! Melt away daily grime and dirt, replenishing your skin with healthy, antioxidant-rich plant-derived oils and butters! Does double duty as a moisturizer, fly away tamer, and after-shave.
Full Size: 2oz ($35.00)
Size Received: ~0.5oz ($8.75)
I looked up Stark and it looks like the products I received are from their debut collection. They have a massive banner that shows they are an all vegan and cruelty-free company! The products are all molded around the fact that our city environments are harsher and more polluted but we keep putting harsh ingredients on and into our bodies. So instead they use plant-derived oils/butters, clay, and extracts to effectively and gently solve our city skin stresses. The Grapefruit balm is an interesting concept that is modeled after the oil cleansing method. All the chemicals in the cleansers we use actually dry out our skin and make it produce more oil, so instead the use of oils w ill remove dirt and makeup without leaving it dry. This has grapefruit extract to cleanse, shea butter to protect skin with natural SPF, coconut oil that has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties, soybean butter that stimulates collagen production, and green tea seed oil that is soothing. You just massage in, let sit for a few, and wipe away with a moistened wash cloth (or can use dry cloth). And afterwards you should tone your skin and moisturize. So you can just reapply the GF as your moisturizer! The website warns not to use your fingers directly into the pot as your hands have moisture and water and oil don't mix! Really happy about this one! It got rid of all my makeup (well I didnt use it on my eyes) and impurities and left my skin silky soft. I'm not sure I'd use it as a facial moisturizer just because it feels a little too heavy on my skin.
Stark Skincare: Green Tea Detox Clay Mask
Purify, detox, and brighten skin with this clay, green tea and fruit extract mask. Mixed with your liquid of choice, use it as a spot treatment or weekly for soft, supple skin.
Full Size: 2oz ($25.00)
Size Received: ~0.5oz ($6.25)
I have the sizes received as an approximation because they were not listed, but the Stark representative on their in-site chat let me know the two products were approx around .25-.5oz. This green tea clay powder is another cool idea. You just need to add a few drops of liquid, they mention water, green tea, pure fruit juice to 1/2 teaspoon of the powder. Apply an even layer and wash with warm water once it completely dries. Green tea helps repair damage from the sun and air, plus it has two types of clay that help tone skin and imrpove skin clarity. It also has apple and lime extracts that exfoliate away dead skin, improve elasticity, and leave skin refreshed. I love how it has so many roles and makes my regime a little simpler. I tried the mask yesterday, it dried realllly quickly. Like I had to rush to get it on my face because it was drying. It made my skin very tight while it was drying, but once I washed it off my skin felt smooth and refreshed. I may do this once a week and see if my skin tone improves.
Josie Maran: Bear Naked Wipes
Convenient cleansing with a blend of aloe vera, cucumber, and vitamin E. Free of fragrance, parabens, and petrochemicals, these luxurious biodegradable wipes are kind to tender skin, leaving it feeling nourished and refreshed!
Full Size: Travel Size - 8 Wipes ($6.00)
Size Received: Full-size! 8 wipes ($6.00)
It must be the month of makeup remover wipes. I don't mind these because they are my absolute favorite! While the LA Fresh wipes that I received were natural and vegan, they were like dry oil and not at all refreshing. But, I have used the Bear Naked Wipes for years and years and love them. They are moist, cool the the touch, and do an absolute amazing job removing make-up. I'll be going home for a week and half in May, so I'll be sure to bring all my makeup wipes!
Total Value of my March 2012 Goodebox: $73.25
I am beyond impressed with my first box. Quick delivery, awesome customer service, all vegan and eco products, plus I received such a range of products. I love that I have new makeup to try out since I have so many skincare products from my boxes. But the skincare products I did receive are innovative and really exciting! I am definitely staying on board and really look forward to future months.
What did you think of my Goodebox? How does it compare to yours? Did you receive any different products than me? Let me know in the comments below!
If you don't get Goodebox, click here to join!
i haven't tried any of these monthly subscriptions yet, but i like the idea of this eco-friendly one! may have to look into this one.
ReplyDelete[oomph.]
They are addicting! But I enjoy the little surprise at my door every month. Goodebox seem like a really great company and really customer oriented. I'd definitely give them a try :)
DeleteI received the exact same products as you, including the bronzer which was called out as a face powder on my card! I thought receiving the bronzer was a mistake, but now I'm wondering if it wasn't the card that contained the error!
ReplyDeleteLike you, I have nothing but good things to say about all the products I received. This was also my first box - and I have to say, of the different monthly subs I have, this was the first box I ever received in which I fell in love with each and every product! Usually there's a dud or two in a box - but this one *felt* tailored to me (even if it wasn't).
I was hesitant because of the price, but this box really delivered the goods! I'm officially in love!
Yeah in the product email that they sent out they said that the card had the wrong product info. They probably had the card printed before the samples actually arrived. Im actually glad it was the bronzer since I love it so much! The color is such a warm brown without being orange.
DeleteI'm so happy with the service! Id even be ready to commit to a longer subscription (like 3 or 6 months pre-paid). I really have used every product in my box and already bought full-size products from Clairvoyant Beauty. And the fact that CS is so open to suggestions and customer input, I only see them moving up and up. I'm even tempted to email them with some brands that I've wanted to try. Like Devoo Skincare and Ella Rose Cosmetics.
I can't wait for the next box!