Goodebox: July 2012

My July Goodebox was my first package at my new house! A nice house warming! Boy does my mailman have his work cut out for him. I think he has a good idea now that I've been here a few months.

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.

July 2012, Curated by Starre Vartan
Last month I got an email from Goodebox stating that due to the increasing difficulty of finding products without bee products that they've update the FAQ for new members that vegan boxes from time to time will contain products containing beeswax. Because I was an early member they wanted to email me specifically because I hadn't heard of this new policy. Also, one of the July products was initially believed to be fully vegan, but on review it contained beeswax. It was the one full-size product in the July box and Goodebox knew there was no way they'd be able to find a replacement in time. What was great is that Goodebox gave me a choice. I had the option to:

• Have the product sent to me anyways. And also update my profile to state Im okay with beeswax from time to time
• Don't include the full-size product and instead include a vegan sample
• Don't send the box at all

 I emailed them back and asked if I could make my own option. I was okay with them sending the beeswax product this one time, but I do not want to ever receive products with beeswax in the future. And they were totally cool about it!

This month Goodebox was curated by Starre Vartan who is the founder of www.Eco-Chick.com and an eco travel website. Just how Starre helps eco gals travel the globe and try new things, Goodebox is brining us new products this month that may help us be a bit more adventurous in our beauty routine.

 Information Card:

Products:
100% Pure: Fruit Pigmented Gel Cheek Tint in Strawberry
100% natural cheek tint gives your cheeks sheer, beautiful color from the pigments of antioxidant and vitamin rich fruit.
Full Size: 0.5 oz ($13.00)
Size Received: 0.05 oz? ($1.30)
I receive emails from 100% Pure and had no idea it was a beauty brand. I thought it was just a groupon style service for eco beauty products. How did I get added to it...who knows? This is the summer of cheek tints. I got a tint in every single subscription service. This tint from 100% pure is a bit pinker than any of the others I've received and I love it! It actually does an amazing job at staining so it lasts so much longer than the other ones I've tried! I get a fresh, dewy blush color from this tint. It is great for every day. I love that even sample sizes of tints will last forever!

100% Pure: Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream
Ani-inflammatory, caffeine rich green tea and coffee de-puffs while increasing circulation to brigten dark circles. Potent anti-aging vitamins, antioxidants & nourishing rosehip oil to make eye area look more awake, increasing hydrating, firmness and elasticity.
Full Size: 1 oz ($19.00)
Size Received: 0.5 oz ($9.50)
Waking up at 5am every day has done a number of my eyes. My dark circles are even worse than they were when I was in graduate school. This eye cream is infused with coffee and green tea that depuff and increase circulation which will help reduce fine lines, dark circles, improve firmness, and moisturize. Based on a study done by the company most people saw immediate results. And the reviews on other websites are just as positive. I loved the smell, like coffee, cherry, chocolate all rolled up in one. I almost wanted to eat it. I don't think I can say if it helped yet since I only used it once. But, it absorbed well and wasn't oily which was great. I'll keep using this and see if my eyes improve!

Benecos: Maximum Volume Mascara
Provide maximum volume instantly  for even the thinnest of lashes with this rich mascara with Vitamin E. Organic jojoba oil creates a silky smooth, non-clumping formula that's also gentle on eyes. Excellent for sensitive eyes.
Full Size: 0.27 oz ($16.49)
Size Received: Full-size! 0.27 oz ($16.49)
Last month we received a Benecos natural duo eyeshadow which I loved! I was more than excited to see that this month there was another Benecos products. It happens to be the full-size product that contained beeswax, naturally it was a mascara. Most volumizing mascaras use beeswax to help build thick, long lashes so I definitely understood once I saw the bottle.This is a deep black mascara that  has one of the smoothest applications I've ever tried. The brush is also pretty amazing. It is so soft and plush. My mascara lasted all day, had perfect separation, and didnt irritate my sensitive eyes. My only dislike is the raccoon eyes that occurred after I took a shower. I am so used to blinc and not having raccoon eyes that it surprised me. I tested it out today on my long, HOT run and it did hold up pretty well, but I did have some blackening. So maybe this is just for days with little physical activity or as a base layer before I put on Blinc, extra volume!

Natural Vitality: Natural Calm in Raspberry Lemon
Magnesium and calcium are fundamental nutrients that require balance for optimal health. Unless properly balanced, magnesium becomes depleted, which can negatively affect our ability to recover from stress and can itself be a source of stress.
Full Size: 8 oz ($23.95)
Size Received: 0.24 oz ($0.72)

I dislike with a passion taking vitamins. I always buy them and end up wasting half the bottle since I lose interest in large horse pills or nasty tasting organic crap. I know as a vegan I should be more careful, but I try and get all of my vitamins in my natural diet. I know I don't always get it so I am always up to try dietary drinks. I'm more likely to take my vitamins if it is delicious. Natural Calm is a magnesium supplement (350mg per 2 tsp). Magnesium is necessary for proper relaxation of muscles. Calcium on the other hand excites muscles. This ratio of calcium and magnesium is necessary for proper health, but if you don't have enough magnesium then your body will never fully turn off making you more stressed. So this supplement can help you relax, destress, proper muscle/nerve function, and keep your immune system healthy. The raspberry lemon flavor wasn't too bad. It tasted like cheap powdered lemonade, but good enough that I drank the entire glass without a fight. Im not sure if it worked or not, but I did sleep pretty well last night?

A Perfume Organic: Urban Organic Perfume

A sweet, delicious lemon sorbet day perfume, with bourbon, tangy lime peel, basil, lavender, grapefruit, and ginger. Ingredients are locally sourced, certified USDA organic & all fragrances are free of petrochemicals, solvents, dyes, pesticides, and synthetic chemicals.

Full Size: 12 ml roller ($65.00)

Size Received: 1 ml ($5.42)
This is such a complex fragrance! Just taking a simple wiff from the tester isn't enough. You need to let it settle on your skin and even then your senses are overloaded with such a complex mix. To me it is kind of awesome that you can still pinpoint each note. You smell the sweet lemon and lime at first, then halfway through you can smell the basil and ginger, and lastly just a hint of what I presume is the bourbon and lavender. It isn't a scent I normally would wear but I don't dislike it. But that price tag would never woo me over. 

Emtage Hair: SILKtage
A rejuvenating styling serum made with properieraty Organic Camellia, Organic Argan, Monoi oil - infused blend rich in vitamins, antioxidants, & essential fatty acids to beautify, nourish & protect all hair types. Absorbs quickly with no oily residue, creating silky smooth texture and shine.
Full Size: 3.4 oz ($39.00)
Size Received: 0.17 oz ($1.95)
I guess once you say you are willing to try hair oils the whole world hears. I'm excited specifically about this one as it is certified organic, vegan, and cruelty free. The company uses no synthetic fragrances or dyes, silicones, alcohol, parabens, petroleum, or preservatives. Plus the main ingredient is Camellia oil which is green tea. Green Tea Oil is great for a dry, sensitive scalp. I like that this oil is also marketed going beyond hair. It can be used to soften fine lines, moisturize even the driest skin, relax tense muscles, soften stretch marks, and it can be added to any cream/hair product for extra nourishment.

Miessence: Intensive Body Cream
Protect, nourish, and revitalize your skin with this rich blend of geranium, patchouli, organic shea butter, organic avocado, safflower oils, phospholipids, vitamins and antioxidants Restores & retains moisture, promoting elasticity and creating supple skin.
Full Size: 8.5 oz ($36.90)
Size Received: 1.35 oz ($5.86)
Summer may still be here, but Im already thinking about Fall. Body creams are just what I want to stock pile. I've never heard of the Miessence brand but it looks like it is an all organic beauty brand based out of Australia, but it is kind of like Avon in that there are home reps for the company that sell the product. I found a good 20 different websites that sell the products. Side income, anyone? I personally am not the biggest fan of the body cream. When I think of body creams I think thick mousse like consistency. But this is very runny. The smell is a bit too intense for me. Maybe the geranium, but it smells like hippy and incense, my least favorite combination. The product itself isnt too bad, it is a little greasy, but not terrible and it does absorb nicely. I'll still use it, but most likely only on my legs during winter since I dont want that smell lingering near my hands/arms.

Total value of my July 2012 box:$41.24
Another great month. At first it wasn't one of my favorites, but now that I've gotten to try out all the products I am really loving this box! It may have a lot of skincare products, but they are all great additions to my routine!

What do you think of my July Goodebox? What did you get in yours? Have you tried any of the products I received? Let me know in the comments below!

Goodebox: June 2012

Better late than never they say, eh? I'm sorry for being a crap blogger lately. The move is officially over, but now comes the settling in part. I sold all of my furniture so now I'm on the hunt for craigslist gems. So far each item I've found is a bit too loved for my taste, so painting is my new hobby. Nail polish and cute eyeshadows don't really go hand-in-hand with sanding and oil based primer. I got my June Goodebox right as I was about to move in with my Aunt's. So it has been in storage since I moved out of my apartment. Luckily I got a chance to revisit it and remember how excited I was when I saw what was inside!

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.

June 2012, Curated by Katherine Butler
Goodebox is gearing up for summer by giving extra love to elements-exposed skin. Think oil control, sun protection, and more. This month Goodebox teamed up with Katherine Butler who is a green beauty product guru. She serves as the beauty editor for EcoSalon which has scored her many green products to test out. She states that "Beauty is skin deep -- we're only helping ourselves by boosting it with good, green ingredients." I have to say I completely agree!

 Information Card:

Products:
Buddha Nose: Bodhi Sugar Scrub
Inspired by Buddha Nose's most popular massage & wellness balm, the Bodhi Balm Bodhi Sugar Scrub is made with the same unique blend of organic essential oils to quiet the mind while cleansing the face and body.
Full Size: 4 oz ($28.00)
Size Received: 1 oz? ($7.00)
I just realized that I got a body scrub in April box, but still haven't used it. I keep on wanting to use an exfoliating scrub before I try out my self-tanner wipes I got in my Birchbox. But Im so worried the self-tanner will turn out horribly and Ill have to wear long pants during the hottest month of the year! This one smells amazing! It is so refreshing! I almost want to sigh just smelling it. The oils that it is made up of is: cedarwood, frankincense, ho wood, and juniper berry. Things I'm not very familiar with, but it it is divine! The scrub can be used on your face or body.

Strawberry Hedgehog: Organic Glyercin Soap in Cooling Mint
Strawberry Hedgehog soaps are hand-crafted from natural plant-based ingredients. 100% certified organic coconut oil, a bit of organic palm oil, & pure veggie glycerin make the gentlest soaps that wash away smoothly, without residue or over stripping your skin. Free of artificial fragrances, dyes, or preservatives -- only essential oils, organic extracts, pure minerals, herbs, or spices for naturally scent, color, and texture.
Full Size: 5 oz ($8.00)
Size Received: 1.5 oz ($2.40)
I am not the biggest fan of bar soap. I always feel the residue and my hands feel dry afterwards. Not cool. Although I do love how handmade soap looks and smells. I received Cooling Mint which is pure peppermint oil with spearmint and a splash of vanilla. It perks you up a bit when you are using it and my hands feel so fresh. I am using it for hand soap in the kitchen and always love using it! With this soap there is no gross residue and my hands aren't too dry afterwards. I would definitely buy a full-size from this company.

Benecos: Natural Duo Eyeshadow in Noblesse
Eyeshadow duos offer two harmonizing shades, one vivid & one neutral, making it easy to create a variety of looks. Made with pure mineral pigment for brilliant natural color & organic jojoba oil for a light, comfortable feel.
Full Size: 4 g ($12.00)
Size Received: Full-size! 4 g ($12.00)
Oh eyeshadow, how I love thee! This duo is a perfect Neapolitan treat! A delicious rich and creamy brown and light pink. Both had a little shimmer and sparkle to make them a little extra special. The swatch I made was just using my finger and with only one swipe. I am so impressed with the color pay off! I used a thick, fluffy eyeshadow brush to apply it for the first time today and I got the same pigmentation. I was very happy with my look and it lasted all day. A great color combo that can be used together, separately, or easily with other colors I already own. I love this product!

EO Products: Lemon Verbena Body Lotion
A nourishing and protective moisturizer that applies easily and is quickly absorbed, leaving skin smooth and soft. Lemon Verbena Essential Oil reduces inflammation & tones ski; Oat Betaglucan moisturizers & promotes skin firmness; Rice Proteins diminish fine lines; Vitamin E improves elasticity; Mango Seed Butter and Olive Wax moisturize and protect, and Organic oils and botanicals condition, soften, harmonize, and nourish.
Full Size: 8 oz ($8.99)
Size Received: 1.5 oz ($1.69)
This has turned into my new crack. Who knew lemon verbena would smell so yummy. It pretty much smells like a lemon head. Or if you want to sound classy, tart lemon white tea. I've been using it as hand and arm lotion while laying in bed bored. But it is a great all around lotion. The scent sticks around for awhile which can be good or bad. It does a grand job moisturizing, but I do have to say that because it tones skin it tends to make me think my hands are dry. You know that after face toner feeling? But when I feel my skin it is silky smooth and not oily. Definitely loving this stuff.

Coola: Mineral Face Matte Finish Sunblock SPF 30 in Cucumber

Say hello to your new everyday sunblock. Ideal for all skin, especially oily or sensitive. Natural, mineral, matte formula provides broad-spectrum, SPF 30 UVA/UVB protection while hydrating & balancing skin with vitamins, antioxidants and repairing extracts that target early signs of aging. Refreshing, natural cucumber scent, 70% Certified Organic inactives, 95% natural, preservative free, water resistant, & no nano-particles.

Full Size: 1.7 oz ($36.00)

Size Received: 0.169 oz ($3.58)

I thought this would be the first product I used from my box, but I keep forgetting about it until after I put my entire 'face' on. This is the ideal sunscreen for my skin type. It mattifies the skin so it is perfect for layering beneath make-up on hot days like we've been having. This sunscreen doesn't stop there it is an anti-aging formula that will allow you to have a smooth line finish and improve skin's elasticity and retain moisture. And the cucumber helps to calm and sooth sun-exposed skin. I'm going to put this on tomorrow and am so excited about the product. However much I wish it could be my everyday sunblock I am having to save every penny so $36 is far too much for me right now.

Shamanuti: Activated Cleanser
A unique cleanser that utilizes the properties of activated charcoal to neutralize acidity and absorb impurities as well as gently exfoliate with maple extract. Beneficial for all skin types including sensitive or problem skin and is very effective as a treatment for reducing acne, rosacea, and eczema.
Full Size: 4 oz ($28.00)
Size Received: 0.5 oz ($3.50)
In January, everyone was raving about Shea Terra's Rose Hips Black Soap. Which had a similar black, molasses-like consistency. But instead of the main ingredient being black soap this is uses activated charcoal which is known to deep clean because of how absorbent it is. Apparently a single teaspoon of activated charcoal has more surface area than a football field! It is paired with natural ingredients like: lavender, cranberry, roobios tea, chamomile, maple and sugarcane, and more. All of these do so much for your skin, like toning and soothing, and exfoliating! I have very high hopes for this product. The rose hip didn't work too great for my skin, so who knows maybe activated charcoal is what I need! I haven't started using it yet, but I'm almost out of my current cleanser so I will try it out and see how it works.
(btw the labels (which were original scratched off with a sharpie) read 1oz, but they are 0.5oz containers)

Shamanuti: Seaweed Toner
Skin loves this nutrient and mineral rich toner. It will nourish and hydrate the skin while removing any residual make-up or cleanser, delicately adjusting pH, while nourishing, & refining pores.
Full Size: 4 oz ($28.00)
Size Received: 0.5 oz ($3.50)
When I first got acne I thought toners were products that were straight up oil. In other words I was scared of toners. I don't get why I thought it was oil, but what an idiot! Now I know oils are good for getting rid of acne,  but Ill stick to a toner and cleanser any day. This toner is alcohol free, which I absolutely adore. My only issues is every alcohol free toner I've tried makes my face feel slimy, almost like I have a layer of sweat. Yuck. This one not only left my face feeling residue free, but I also got that cooling/tingling feeling while it dried. I had to check twice to make sure I didn't read the ingredients wrong, but it is for sure alcohol free. Instead it is made of aloe, kelp, blue green algae, black willow bark, dead sea salt, and hyaluronic acid. Seaweed alone is absolutely amazing for your skin. It hydrates, it purifies, it soothes, it cleanses, and the list goes on. But the addition of willow bark and dead sea salts just makes this even more fab. I'm sold.
(btw the labels (which were original scratched off with a sharpie) read 1oz, but they are 0.5oz containers)

Total value of my June 2012 box:$33.67
I really enjoyed this box. It was a great mix of products that were perfectly in season. It's not like I got a heavy cream during the hottest month or a mattifier in December. Goodebox knows how to put together a box of goodies! If I had more money I'd already have bought the full-size of the Seaweed toner and looked in to getting more Benecos eyeshadows. Either way I loved this box and cannot wait to see what I get in July. And lucky for me it is on its way!


What do you think of my June Goodebox? What did you get in yours? Have you tried any of the products I received? Let me know in the comments below!