I got to test out Conscious Box back in April. I loved the idea of a conscious, eco subscription service catering to all sorts of product types. But I found that many of the products turned out to not be vegan. Looks like Conscious Box heard our feedback and is now coming out with an all vegan box!! The box debuts in September. To get ready for the launch, Conscious box sent me a complimentary regular August box! Schweeet!
Dont know what Conscious Box is? Conscious Box is a monthly lifestyle subscription service that delivers a box filled with pure and sustainable products from eco-friendly, ethical companies. Each month you receive a large assortment of samples from companies that are working to make a happier, healthier planet. Each business is chosen because of their commitment to bettering the world through sustainability and ethical practices. Expect some yummy edibles (not always vegan), cleaning supplies, household items (candles, seeds, etc), beauty, skincare, and much much more. Conscous box costs $19 a month and your box will always be valued above!
Click here to join Conscious Box.
August 2012
I'm not really sure if Conscious Box has real themes each month. Like the products being a reflection of the theme. But the information card states that August is a time to rediscover your groove. Rediscover what makes you happy and keep the summer's spirit moving forward. Like my April box, this was bursting at the seams with products. They must have packing these boxes down to a science! I was thrilled to see that there was far less paper cards this time around. Even better, Conscious box just announced that all information cards and paper will now only be provided electronically! How awesome is that!
Information Cards:
Products
+Skincare and Beauty:
Climb On!: Intensive Skin Repair Bar
Summer sports can take a toll on your skin; drying it out, shredding it, and leaving you feeling rough and scaly. Here's the cure you need - non-toxic, biodegradable, and made with organic Shea butter, unrefined beeswax, and pure essential oils.
Full Size: 1 oz ($10.25)
Size Received: 0.1 oz ($1.03)
This product isn't listed on the notecard, but I received my box a few weeks after the original batch shipped out. So I presume they ran out of a few items and found some fillers. I actually received this back in April with my first Conscious box. It is a hard moisture bar that can be used on cuts, scrapes, blisters, and what not. I was a bit hard on it the first time around because my bar was so hard it was almost unusable. But now that I've had it for a few months it has softened up nicely works amazingly! I use it all the time on cracked knuckles, cuts, and scrapes. Working in the medical field with so many blood-born pathogens I don't like having open wounds. I use this almost nightly now. I've since received other repair products, but this is the only one that doesnt leave my skin oily/greasy. No need to wait for it to soak in before putting clothes on.
Cruelty-free! (product not vegan)
I Love Chicken Poop: Lip Junk
Don't let the name throw you. This incredible lip moisturizer is made from high quality ingredients like avocado oil, jojoba, sweet orange wax, beeswax, and lavender. Smooth and therapeutic, this will soon be your new favorite. Contains no poop!
Full Size: 0.15 oz ($4.00)
Size Received: Full-size! 0.15 oz ($4.00)
Is this the not the strangest name ever? It got your attention though, didn't it? This is an all natural lip moisturizer that is made in the good 'ol USA. The ingredients listed above is it. It is so nice when a beauty product has a short ingredient list. I want to know what I am putting on my skin and lips. The sweet orange and lavender are a perfect combo together to make for a pretty great chapstick. It applies smooth, really moisturized nicely, and lasted for almost an hour. I have a billion chapsticks, but this one is pretty great. Especially with a name like Chicken Poop.
Cruelty-free! (product not vegan)
Sparklehearts: Shine Shampoo
Love your body just as much as you love the Earth! Environmentally friendly, never tested on animals, and packaged in 100% recycled material, Sparklehearts' natural beauty products are the perfect addition to any bathroom!
Full Size: 10 oz ($9.99)
Size Received: 0.2 oz ($0.20)
Another product not listed on the notecard. But interestingly enough I got the conditioner in the April box, so now I have the pair. I never used the conditioner, but I barely ever use conditioner to begin with. So Im happy to try this out. 100% natural and cruelty-free.
Cruelty-free!
Weleda: Firming Serum
At an incredible $45 value, Weleda's Pomegranate Firming Serum is the perfect food for your skin. Full of antioxidants and made with organic pomegranate juice and golden millet. Weleda helps you fight wrinkles naturally, with no synthetic preservatives, fragrances, or colorants.
Full Size: 1 oz ($45.00)
Size Received: Full-size! 1 oz ($45.00)
A new product from Weleda! This is a clear, serum made to renew and tighten aging skin. It contains millet, aloe leaf, and pomegranate juice which are rich in vitamin E and antioxidants to regenerate skin cells and increase cell turnover rate. Like most aging serums it moisturizes and helps firm. An in house study said that wrinkles were slightly reduced after using for a month. It has mixed reviews but I'm tempted to try it out. One reviewer said she had combination skin and it didn't dry her out or cause acne. So that is hopeful. Either way this is a great value! A full-size aging product, you never see that! Awesome job Conscious Box!
+Edibles:
Natural Vitality: Kids Natural Calm Multi
When the stressors of school and work begin to get on your nerves, take a moment to get calm. Made with fresh organic and natural ingredients, this is the perfect way to kick your energy into a different direction on those difficult days!
Full Size: 30 oz ($34.95)
Size Received: 1 oz ($1.17)
Funny enough I just received a different Natural Vitality product in my August Goodebox. Natural Vitality is a dietary supplement company that believes that the source of the ingredients is a major player in the quality of the nutrients. I completely agree. They use only certified organic fruits and vegetables, no GMO, nor pesticides.The sample I received is a liquid kids daily multi vitamin.What's great is that the vitamins are extracted from natural fruits and veggies! No synthetic sources, pretty cool. But unfortunately they use fish oils for Omega-3s. So I wouldn't be able to use it.
Contains FISH!
+Household:
Berry Plus: Berry Laundry Soap
Berry Plus uses 30% less packaging, requires 75% less truck space, and the ingredients are 100% plant based. These little capsules are also extremely powerful while staying sensitive, efficiently cleaning your clothes without worrying your skin. Switch to soap that grows on trees--they're first aid for your laundry and the planet!
Full Size: 40 microdoses ($16.00)
Size Received: 2 microdoses ($0.80)
Berry Plus is a laundry soap made of 95% real berries. It's made from a soapberry which combined with water gives off soapy suds that have been used to clean clothes in Asia for years and years. This laundry soap only contains soapberry extract, water, vegetable glycerin, olive leaf extract, potassium sorbate, and sodium benzoate. I think it is awesome to see a household product with such a short list of ingredients. No fillers here! I found mixed reviews on the cleaning power of Berry Plus. Some said it left clothes soft and clean, but others said it didn't remove heavy soil from clothing. And a few people were upset with the packaging since each load is contained inside of a small plastic tube. As long as it is recycled properly I dont see a problem with the packaging. I think it if was in a small bottle most people would use too much of the product, as you only need 2mls per load. I'm going to try one next time I do laundry. We will see!
Cruelty-free!
+Misc:
Conscious Box Postcard
A cute postcard with a winding forest trail that is labeled as being via Conscious Post! It also has a nice quote about friendship. Too cute. Who needs to go on vacation to send a postcard. Friends beware, I have a blank postcard.
Bloomin: Seed Paper Heart
This company provided a sample of their seed paper. I love the idea of having stationary that can be recycled. I have a little wooden cigar box for each year filled with mementos. But I know most people dont save cards and letters they receive like I do. So now they my words can have a purpose. This little paper heart is filled with wildflower seeds. All I need to do is plant under a thin layer of soil and water daily until the seedlings are established. I need to get a teeny planter!
Total Value of my August 2012 Conscious Box: $55.57
Dont know what Conscious Box is? Conscious Box is a monthly lifestyle subscription service that delivers a box filled with pure and sustainable products from eco-friendly, ethical companies. Each month you receive a large assortment of samples from companies that are working to make a happier, healthier planet. Each business is chosen because of their commitment to bettering the world through sustainability and ethical practices. Expect some yummy edibles (not always vegan), cleaning supplies, household items (candles, seeds, etc), beauty, skincare, and much much more. Conscous box costs $19 a month and your box will always be valued above!
Click here to join Conscious Box.
August 2012
I'm not really sure if Conscious Box has real themes each month. Like the products being a reflection of the theme. But the information card states that August is a time to rediscover your groove. Rediscover what makes you happy and keep the summer's spirit moving forward. Like my April box, this was bursting at the seams with products. They must have packing these boxes down to a science! I was thrilled to see that there was far less paper cards this time around. Even better, Conscious box just announced that all information cards and paper will now only be provided electronically! How awesome is that!
Information Cards:
Products
+Skincare and Beauty:
Summer sports can take a toll on your skin; drying it out, shredding it, and leaving you feeling rough and scaly. Here's the cure you need - non-toxic, biodegradable, and made with organic Shea butter, unrefined beeswax, and pure essential oils.
Full Size: 1 oz ($10.25)
Size Received: 0.1 oz ($1.03)
This product isn't listed on the notecard, but I received my box a few weeks after the original batch shipped out. So I presume they ran out of a few items and found some fillers. I actually received this back in April with my first Conscious box. It is a hard moisture bar that can be used on cuts, scrapes, blisters, and what not. I was a bit hard on it the first time around because my bar was so hard it was almost unusable. But now that I've had it for a few months it has softened up nicely works amazingly! I use it all the time on cracked knuckles, cuts, and scrapes. Working in the medical field with so many blood-born pathogens I don't like having open wounds. I use this almost nightly now. I've since received other repair products, but this is the only one that doesnt leave my skin oily/greasy. No need to wait for it to soak in before putting clothes on.
Cruelty-free! (product not vegan)
Don't let the name throw you. This incredible lip moisturizer is made from high quality ingredients like avocado oil, jojoba, sweet orange wax, beeswax, and lavender. Smooth and therapeutic, this will soon be your new favorite. Contains no poop!
Full Size: 0.15 oz ($4.00)
Size Received: Full-size! 0.15 oz ($4.00)
Is this the not the strangest name ever? It got your attention though, didn't it? This is an all natural lip moisturizer that is made in the good 'ol USA. The ingredients listed above is it. It is so nice when a beauty product has a short ingredient list. I want to know what I am putting on my skin and lips. The sweet orange and lavender are a perfect combo together to make for a pretty great chapstick. It applies smooth, really moisturized nicely, and lasted for almost an hour. I have a billion chapsticks, but this one is pretty great. Especially with a name like Chicken Poop.
Cruelty-free! (product not vegan)
Sparklehearts: Shine Shampoo
Love your body just as much as you love the Earth! Environmentally friendly, never tested on animals, and packaged in 100% recycled material, Sparklehearts' natural beauty products are the perfect addition to any bathroom!
Full Size: 10 oz ($9.99)
Size Received: 0.2 oz ($0.20)
Another product not listed on the notecard. But interestingly enough I got the conditioner in the April box, so now I have the pair. I never used the conditioner, but I barely ever use conditioner to begin with. So Im happy to try this out. 100% natural and cruelty-free.
Cruelty-free!
Weleda: Firming Serum
At an incredible $45 value, Weleda's Pomegranate Firming Serum is the perfect food for your skin. Full of antioxidants and made with organic pomegranate juice and golden millet. Weleda helps you fight wrinkles naturally, with no synthetic preservatives, fragrances, or colorants.
Full Size: 1 oz ($45.00)
Size Received: Full-size! 1 oz ($45.00)
A new product from Weleda! This is a clear, serum made to renew and tighten aging skin. It contains millet, aloe leaf, and pomegranate juice which are rich in vitamin E and antioxidants to regenerate skin cells and increase cell turnover rate. Like most aging serums it moisturizes and helps firm. An in house study said that wrinkles were slightly reduced after using for a month. It has mixed reviews but I'm tempted to try it out. One reviewer said she had combination skin and it didn't dry her out or cause acne. So that is hopeful. Either way this is a great value! A full-size aging product, you never see that! Awesome job Conscious Box!
+Edibles:
When the stressors of school and work begin to get on your nerves, take a moment to get calm. Made with fresh organic and natural ingredients, this is the perfect way to kick your energy into a different direction on those difficult days!
Full Size: 30 oz ($34.95)
Size Received: 1 oz ($1.17)
Funny enough I just received a different Natural Vitality product in my August Goodebox. Natural Vitality is a dietary supplement company that believes that the source of the ingredients is a major player in the quality of the nutrients. I completely agree. They use only certified organic fruits and vegetables, no GMO, nor pesticides.The sample I received is a liquid kids daily multi vitamin.What's great is that the vitamins are extracted from natural fruits and veggies! No synthetic sources, pretty cool. But unfortunately they use fish oils for Omega-3s. So I wouldn't be able to use it.
Contains FISH!
Crispy Green: Crispy Freeze-Dried Mangoes
Get a light, flavorful crunch of fruit with each bite of Crispy Fruit! With no additives or preservatives, this gluten, nut, and fat-free snack is the perfect lunchbox companion every health conscious parent is looking for--who knew freeze dried could be so fun!
Full Size: 1 pack ($1.59)
Size Received: 1 pack ($1.59)
Freeze-Dried fruit isn't always the most flavorful, but this stuff was amazing. I don't know if you can tell, but I couldn't wait to take the picture before I tried it. The slices of mango were really nice and thick so you got a nice bite to grab onto. Plus the flavor was just unbelievable!! They were tart and sweet and everything you expect a mango to be. This snack is perfect for lunch or just when you need a boost!
Vegan!
Get a light, flavorful crunch of fruit with each bite of Crispy Fruit! With no additives or preservatives, this gluten, nut, and fat-free snack is the perfect lunchbox companion every health conscious parent is looking for--who knew freeze dried could be so fun!
Full Size: 1 pack ($1.59)
Size Received: 1 pack ($1.59)
Freeze-Dried fruit isn't always the most flavorful, but this stuff was amazing. I don't know if you can tell, but I couldn't wait to take the picture before I tried it. The slices of mango were really nice and thick so you got a nice bite to grab onto. Plus the flavor was just unbelievable!! They were tart and sweet and everything you expect a mango to be. This snack is perfect for lunch or just when you need a boost!
Vegan!
Crunchmaster: Multi-Grain Crackers with Sea Salt
Gluten got you down? Try these tasty gluten-free multigrain crackers that will tantalize your taste buds. 100% whole-grain, cholesterol free, and low sodium!
Full Size: 4.5 oz ($3.59)
Size Received: 0.5 oz ($0.40)
It seems like many companies throw gluten-free and vegan together. I love that more and more products are vegan friendly, but Im not always crazy about gluten-free food. These crackers are gluten-free crisp multi-grain goodness. They definitely don't taste like a gluten cracker, but boy they are yummy. They are made of brown rice flour, yellow corn, and potato starch. They also have oat fiber, flax seeds, and millet for good measure. The texture is similar to the rice crackers you find in asian trail mixes. But they finish off like a tortilla chip in flavor with a hint of finely ground sea salt. I could see pairing these with a wedge of daiya pepperjack or just snacking. These were a hit.
Vegan!
Gluten got you down? Try these tasty gluten-free multigrain crackers that will tantalize your taste buds. 100% whole-grain, cholesterol free, and low sodium!
Full Size: 4.5 oz ($3.59)
Size Received: 0.5 oz ($0.40)
It seems like many companies throw gluten-free and vegan together. I love that more and more products are vegan friendly, but Im not always crazy about gluten-free food. These crackers are gluten-free crisp multi-grain goodness. They definitely don't taste like a gluten cracker, but boy they are yummy. They are made of brown rice flour, yellow corn, and potato starch. They also have oat fiber, flax seeds, and millet for good measure. The texture is similar to the rice crackers you find in asian trail mixes. But they finish off like a tortilla chip in flavor with a hint of finely ground sea salt. I could see pairing these with a wedge of daiya pepperjack or just snacking. These were a hit.
Vegan!
thinkThin: Crunch fruit & nut bar in blueberry & mixed nut
It's all about what's inside! thinkThin Fruit & Nut Crunch Bars have 2x the protein and 60% less sugar than other leading nut bars. Portable and power-packed with nutrition, thinkThin Crunch Bars are the perfect food-on-the-go! We've added an extra mini bar to your box as a bonus to say thanks for being such an awesome person :)
Full Size: 1.41 oz bar ($1.99)
Size Received: 0.45 oz bar? ($0.66)
Well I didn't get two bars :( I guess I am not awesome. I'm not complaining since this is a promotional box. I'm very particular with my granola/nutrition bars. The more natural/raw it is the more likely I'll hate it. Prune paste...sick! Millet sticks...yuck. But I still want great nutrition. These bars have 8g of protein and only 6g of sugar. Filled with whole peanuts, almonds, cashews, soy crisps, currants, and blueberries held together with brown rice syrup. My bar didnt want to stay together, it fell apart. But it was still delicious. I don't think I would eat these often because they have 11g of fat. It may be good fat, but for a snack that is a lot to me. Plus I need my fiber and 4g isn't cutting it. But if I saw it while in need of a yummy snack I'd grab for this any day!
Vegan!It's all about what's inside! thinkThin Fruit & Nut Crunch Bars have 2x the protein and 60% less sugar than other leading nut bars. Portable and power-packed with nutrition, thinkThin Crunch Bars are the perfect food-on-the-go! We've added an extra mini bar to your box as a bonus to say thanks for being such an awesome person :)
Full Size: 1.41 oz bar ($1.99)
Size Received: 0.45 oz bar? ($0.66)
Well I didn't get two bars :( I guess I am not awesome. I'm not complaining since this is a promotional box. I'm very particular with my granola/nutrition bars. The more natural/raw it is the more likely I'll hate it. Prune paste...sick! Millet sticks...yuck. But I still want great nutrition. These bars have 8g of protein and only 6g of sugar. Filled with whole peanuts, almonds, cashews, soy crisps, currants, and blueberries held together with brown rice syrup. My bar didnt want to stay together, it fell apart. But it was still delicious. I don't think I would eat these often because they have 11g of fat. It may be good fat, but for a snack that is a lot to me. Plus I need my fiber and 4g isn't cutting it. But if I saw it while in need of a yummy snack I'd grab for this any day!
Honest Tea: Super Fruit Punch Pouch
Finding a healthy drink for your kids can be tough! With certified ingredients, Honest Tea makes it easy to say "no" to high fructose corn syrup. They'll even help teach your child about tenets of social responsibility with their Honest Kids Brigade, where they can plant trees and help reduce landfill waste.
Full Size: 8 pack ($3.99)
Size Received: 1 pouch ($0.50)
The minute I opened my box I was sipping on this fruit punch pouch. Sometimes I am such a child. As a kid who died when my mom would give in and buy Capri Suns I love my juice pouches. This one wasn't the greatest. It was very bland without any real sweetness. With white grape, pineapple, watermelon, and yumberry, strawberry juice you'd expect an explosion. Nope. And it all makes sense when I see that this is only made with 10% real fruit juice. Watered down crap. It is lower in sugar and calories than a Capri Sun pouch, but only slightly. Did not quench my thirst or my love of juice pouches.
Vegan!
Finding a healthy drink for your kids can be tough! With certified ingredients, Honest Tea makes it easy to say "no" to high fructose corn syrup. They'll even help teach your child about tenets of social responsibility with their Honest Kids Brigade, where they can plant trees and help reduce landfill waste.
Full Size: 8 pack ($3.99)
Size Received: 1 pouch ($0.50)
The minute I opened my box I was sipping on this fruit punch pouch. Sometimes I am such a child. As a kid who died when my mom would give in and buy Capri Suns I love my juice pouches. This one wasn't the greatest. It was very bland without any real sweetness. With white grape, pineapple, watermelon, and yumberry, strawberry juice you'd expect an explosion. Nope. And it all makes sense when I see that this is only made with 10% real fruit juice. Watered down crap. It is lower in sugar and calories than a Capri Sun pouch, but only slightly. Did not quench my thirst or my love of juice pouches.
Vegan!
Maté Factor: Fresh Yerbe Maté Tea in Lemon Ginger
Mate enhances mental clarity, gives long lasting energy, while found by most to be free from unpleasant side effects associated with coffee and other energizers.
Full Size: 20 tea bags ($6.45)
Size Received: 1 pack ($0.32)
In Brazil my friends and I would sit outside in the afternoon and pass around a gourd of tereré. Tereré is yerba maté tea muttled with cold water. It is drunk out of a special vessel shaped like a gourd and drunk with a metal filtered straw. One of the things that I loved about Brazil was how moments we Americans rush through are savored. I need to start taking time out of my day to sit down and enjoy a cup of tea. Maté teas are strongly grassy and herbal. It is an acquired taste. Im normally not a fan of lemon flavored teas. I only like fresh lemon. I don't think this will be any exception, I got a headache just smelling it. Because I wake up at 5am, I can't have any caffeine past noon so I'll try this out one morning and see if it brings me back to the streets of Brazil or have me downing an Advil or two.
Vegan!
Mate enhances mental clarity, gives long lasting energy, while found by most to be free from unpleasant side effects associated with coffee and other energizers.
Full Size: 20 tea bags ($6.45)
Size Received: 1 pack ($0.32)
In Brazil my friends and I would sit outside in the afternoon and pass around a gourd of tereré. Tereré is yerba maté tea muttled with cold water. It is drunk out of a special vessel shaped like a gourd and drunk with a metal filtered straw. One of the things that I loved about Brazil was how moments we Americans rush through are savored. I need to start taking time out of my day to sit down and enjoy a cup of tea. Maté teas are strongly grassy and herbal. It is an acquired taste. Im normally not a fan of lemon flavored teas. I only like fresh lemon. I don't think this will be any exception, I got a headache just smelling it. Because I wake up at 5am, I can't have any caffeine past noon so I'll try this out one morning and see if it brings me back to the streets of Brazil or have me downing an Advil or two.
Vegan!
Berry Plus: Berry Laundry Soap
Berry Plus uses 30% less packaging, requires 75% less truck space, and the ingredients are 100% plant based. These little capsules are also extremely powerful while staying sensitive, efficiently cleaning your clothes without worrying your skin. Switch to soap that grows on trees--they're first aid for your laundry and the planet!
Full Size: 40 microdoses ($16.00)
Size Received: 2 microdoses ($0.80)
Berry Plus is a laundry soap made of 95% real berries. It's made from a soapberry which combined with water gives off soapy suds that have been used to clean clothes in Asia for years and years. This laundry soap only contains soapberry extract, water, vegetable glycerin, olive leaf extract, potassium sorbate, and sodium benzoate. I think it is awesome to see a household product with such a short list of ingredients. No fillers here! I found mixed reviews on the cleaning power of Berry Plus. Some said it left clothes soft and clean, but others said it didn't remove heavy soil from clothing. And a few people were upset with the packaging since each load is contained inside of a small plastic tube. As long as it is recycled properly I dont see a problem with the packaging. I think it if was in a small bottle most people would use too much of the product, as you only need 2mls per load. I'm going to try one next time I do laundry. We will see!
Cruelty-free!
+Misc:
A cute postcard with a winding forest trail that is labeled as being via Conscious Post! It also has a nice quote about friendship. Too cute. Who needs to go on vacation to send a postcard. Friends beware, I have a blank postcard.
Bloomin: Seed Paper Heart
This company provided a sample of their seed paper. I love the idea of having stationary that can be recycled. I have a little wooden cigar box for each year filled with mementos. But I know most people dont save cards and letters they receive like I do. So now they my words can have a purpose. This little paper heart is filled with wildflower seeds. All I need to do is plant under a thin layer of soil and water daily until the seedlings are established. I need to get a teeny planter!
Total Value of my August 2012 Conscious Box: $55.57
What did you think of my August Conscious Box? What was your favorite product? Are you excited about the first vegan Conscious Box? Let me know in the comments below!
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