Showing posts with label Weleda. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weleda. Show all posts

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Goodebox: February 2013

It's officially summer! I hope everyone is enjoying the longer days to their fullest!

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.

February 2013, Curated by Paige Padgett
Spring is in the air (since this box technically arrived at the end of february for March), which means it is time for spring cleaning and DETOX. Goodebox put together an amazing collection of products to help you detox your skin, hair, eyes, and even your insides. This month Goodebox teamed up with Paige Padgett a celebrity makeup artist who is thought to be the green beauty expert. When the experts said she couldn't use only eco-friendly makeup and tools in her kit, she made it happen. And people started requesting to buy her kit! She is now a contributor of many popular magazines, blogs, and websites.

Information Cards:

Products:
MIM: Zen Detox & Scalp Therapy
A unique formula enhaced with special clays to support growth by detoxing the hair follicles, roots, oil glands, and scalp. Dynamically assists in reversing chemical damage caused by synthetic hair products & treatments by removing contaminants from the scalp for healthier hair. Multi-tasks as a facial mask and even helps stinky shoes and itchy feet!
Full Size: 4 oz ($23.00)
Size Received: 1 oz ($5.75)
I'm pretty sure me being stressed the past couple month is becoming a theme in my posts. My hair and scalp have not escaped the headache that has become my skin. The description seemed like the perfect solution to detox my scalp and hair follicles. I was a bit confused by the instructions, what did I mix it with? How much? How long did I let it sit? Did I wash it out without shampooing? So I watched a video from the MIM website. I about died because the lady in the video was so hippy granola-y. I know Im stereotyping but she seems like the perfect candidate for a local health food store product specialist. Anyways, I mixed it up with just plain water until it was like a yogurt and goopy. Let it sit on my scalp until it dried out (about an hour) and washed it out. They recommended not using shampoo, but my hair did not feel clean. While I had it on I had immediately relief, but a day or two later no more benefit. The sample was only enough for one try, so Im not sure if it would have done anything if I kept at it. Oh well.
Cruelty-free!

Weleda: Pomegranate Firming Eye Cream
Antioxidant-rich, fragrance-free formula featuring organic pomegranate seed oil protects the delicate eye area & helps repair cell damage. Organic macadamia nut oil, organic sunflower petal & rucus root extracts provide anti-inflammatory benefits and vitamin A to reduce puffiness, firm, and smooth skin around the eyes. Tests show a 23% wrinkle reduction after 28 days of use.
Full Size: .34 oz ($33.00)
Size Received: Full-size Received! .34 oz ($33.00)
Weleda is  extremely generous! This is the third (and fourth below) full-size item I have received varying sample boxes of the brand! I always get really excited about eye creams and forget about them a week later. Probably for a reason. This is an eye cream that works to reduce wrinkles and firm with antioxidant rich pomegranate. This stuff is a bit runny for my taste. I'm not sure if the tube is just not liking the heat of my old Kentucky home, but it did not absorb well on my skin. I currently feel a slight burn in my eye and a tugging feeling while it slowly dries. Even if it were to be the best cream, it feels so awkward on my skin it won't be a part of my routine.
Cruelty-free!

Weleda: Refining Toner
Toner is the unsung hero of really good skin. This refreshing natural facial toner purifies & balances skin while refining the pores after cleansing. Biodynamic iris root extract regulates moisture at the visible surface of your skin. Mildly astringent organic wild rose leaf extract clarifies while organic lemon juice, high in vitamin C and mildly astringent, refines pores.
Full Size: 3.4 oz ($17.50)
Size Received: Full-size Received! 3.4 oz ($17.50)
Two full-size products in this box! Already loving it! I knew I had tried this refining toner in the past and I couldn't figure out where. Well thanks to all my tags on my blog I quickly found out it was through a past Goodebox! Last time we just received a sample size, so I'll gladly take a full bottle! This toner has wild rose leaf extract and lemon juice to clarify and refine pores. The last toner I received in a subscription box was a Clairovoyant Beauty toner that I adored. It came in a spritz bottle that I came to adore. Spritzing on toner provides the quickest, most even application. I don't ever feel like I have too much, I stop wasting cotton squares, and don't feel like Im slapping dirt back on my face if the cotton was sitting out. The minute I ran out of that toner I pored the Weleda into that container. This makes my skin feel refreshed and clean.

Moom: Hair Removal Kit
A revolutionary sugaring product that provides the benefits of long term depilation with less pain & discomfort than waxing or other hair removal methods. Exclusive formula and precision adhesion gently removes hair from the root without damaging skin, leaving you hair-free for up to 8 weeks. Regrowth is sparser & finer. For stubborn hair & sensitive areas alike. Can be used anywhere on the face & body.
Full Size: 6 oz ($19.95)
Size Received: 1.6 oz ($5.32)
I couldn't have been more excited to see Moom in my Goodebox. This natural sugaring hair removal kit has been my favorite for over a year. Moom contains only 5 ingredients: chamomile  sugar, lemon, essential oils, and water. Sugaring removes only the hair (from the root) and is safe to use on your skin, meaning your skin would get ripped off and will be irritated less. And because it is just sugar, clean up is easy with warm water. What I have learned with Moom is to follow the instruction to the T or it will not work as effectively! You want a thick molasses like consistency before you apply in a thin layer, quickly put on the reusable fabric strip and then rub it down onto the wax and give it a few seconds to cool down and adhere to the strip and quickly take it off in the opposite direction of the hair growth. The faster the strip is taken off the more hairs will be removed completely. I may be pretty tolerant to pain, but this stuff is much more gentle than traditional waxes. No wincing or pain killers required. A full-size starter 6 oz container lasted me just about 6-8 months and the fabric strips are completely washable and reusable. After using Moom for over a year, I can attest to their claim that regrowth is sparser and finer and skin is practically hair free for 3-5 weeks! I love this stuff.
Cruelty-free!

Astara: Daily Refining Scrub
Gentle enough to use every day, this organic aloe-based exfoliant combines diatomaceous earth with soothing, nutrient-rich plant extracts for profound cleansing, buffing, and removal of dead cells to improve overall skin healthy absorption of nutrients. Refines fine lines when used consistently.
Full Size: 6 oz ($38.00)
Size Received: 2 oz ($12.66)
My skin has been hating me for a few months now. My body can only handle so much stress and my skin has seen the worst of it all. I feel like my skin looks like a teenagers. It's embarrassing. I will try anything at this point, and was grateful to have this to try. The scrub smells amazing as it is made with aloe, grapefruit, mandarain orange, and lavender oils which instantly relaxes me. The major scrub component is diatomaceous earth, which is silica from the ocean floor. It feels similar in texture to using a sugar scrub. The pieces are fine, but not so fine that it hurts. I have been using the Astara Daily Refining Scrub now for 4 days straight and I can officially say my skin finally has stopped breaking out! For the first time in months my skin looks like it is finally healing! I am in love and actually think I will be buying the full-size, even with that price tag. Clear skin means it is worth it.
Cruelty-free!

Yogi: Detox Tea
Help your body rid itself of every day impurities. Time-honored purifying herbs Burdock & Organic Dandelion support the liver, Juniper Berry promotes kidney function and Ginger, Black Pepper, and Long Pepper a traditional Ayurvedic blend, support blood flow for a gentle cleansing support.
Full Size: 16 ct ($4.99)
Size Received: 
1 ct ($0.31)
Tea that is said to help my internal organ function? Um yes? I mean I already fell for tea that helps fight aging. That being said this tea bag smells very uh intense. You immediately smell the ginger and peppers to the point I sneezed, but your nose senses the berry and dandelion that mellows it out a bit. I wanted to try it anyways, because duh detox. I steeped it for 10 minutes and it turned out to be a full bodied peppery chai. Just the right mixture of clove, ginger, licorice, cinnamon that lingered in your mouth until the sweet from honeysuckle, juniper berry, and winter melon overcame the spice. It was perfect. If I wasn't sold, the fact that it is caffeine free sold me. I like to drink tea before bed, so that is a must. If this stuff is at my local Kroger, Im getting it.
Cruelty-free!

Yogi: Skin Detox Tea
Skin reflects our diet & lifestyle choices, acting as a mirror to internal health. It's just as essential to cleanse impurities from the inside as from the surface for clear, glowing skin. Fragrant Rose Petal & Hibiscus cool and soothe the skin; Organic Green Tea supplies antioxidants & promotes rejuvenation while Burdock, Yellow Dock and Red Clover support the liver.
Full Size: 16 ct ($4.99)
Size Received: 
1 ct ($0.31)
I love rose-y green teas, but somehow this green tea is caffeinated so I have yet to try it. The bag smells heavenly though. It is so sweet with hibiscus, rose, pomegranate, grape root, and rose. If this tea can sooth and make my skin glow, well we will be friends. The samples also included a $1 off coupon that is inside my wallet waiting to be used.
Cruelty-free!

Total value of my February 2013 Goodebox:$74.85
One of my favorite Goodebox's to date! This box was filled with such a varied assortment of products. I love that I got two full-size products, a sample size of my favorite sugaring wax, and new products that fit my current needs! 

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

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Conscious Box: August 2012

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 VitalityKids 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!

Crispy GreenCrispy 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!


CrunchmasterMulti-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!

thinkThinCrunch 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!


Honest TeaSuper 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!

Maté FactorFresh 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!

+Household:

Berry PlusBerry 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.

BloominSeed 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!

Monday, June 4, 2012

Goodebox: May 2012

I received my May Goodebox a few weeks ago and was so excited about everything in it! But life got away from me. I'm getting behind on my blog posts! I thought being out of school would mean more time for blogging but the more hours I work the more I want to just relax when I get home.

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.

May 2012, Curated by Jessa Blades
This month's Goodebox has a little theme based on the fact that with the warming weather and all the color trends this season we are all looking to boost our own color palette to match. So they had the box curated by a make-up artist who knows color! It is curated by Jessa Blades a natural beauty expert and make-up artist. She believes that we must listen to our bodies and use products that heal, nourish, and protect while enhancing. Because of the bad expiration dates on the Weleda products last month, we have two extras from Weleda. And! Goodebox has officially started a reward recycling program through TerraCycle! Every month it just gets better and better!


Information Card:


Products:
Tatcha: Petal Fresh Original Aburatorigami Sheets
Intended for all skin types, these all-natural leaflets absorb excess oil withotu disturbing makeup for petal fresh skin anytime, anywhere. Will not steal moisture from skin or disturb makeup. Powder-free. Fragrance-free. Pulp-free.
Full Size: 30 sheets ($12.00)
Size Received: Full-size! 30 sheets ($12.00)
The packaging alone is gorgeous and the sheets have gold flecks in them! During imperial times thin sheets of paper were used to protect metals that were being hammered into leafs. Apparently geishas would use the papers, flecked with metal pieces to keep their skin matte. These sheets are made from abaca fibers which is a plant similar to a banana plant. I love that they are larger squares than most blotting papers. I can easily blot my entire face without loosing any of my make-up! They are almost too pretty to use, but since DC is so humid in the summer I know they will be a hot commodity in my purse.

 Kahina: 100% Organic Argan Oil
Extremely rich in Vitamin E & antioxidants, argan oil minimizes fine lines, restores elasticity, improves skin tone, soothes irritation, neutralizes free radicals that cause signs of aging and protects the skin from environmental agents. Light & easily absorbed, it gives skin a radiant glow.
Full Size: 1.0 oz ($36.00)
Size Received: 0.85? oz  ($26.20?)
The size is unlisted, but from my experience of this sample pack size it is around 0.1. I've never used argan oil, but I hear everyone talking about it. Kahina is an organic line that donates a percentage of their profits to support programs that improve the lives of Moroccan woman who extract argan oil. The creator works directly with these women to ensure ethical treatment and to source the oil. These women have used argan oil for centuries due to its high antoixidant and essential fatty acids and nutrients. You only need to apply 1-3 drops as needed to the face morning and evening after cleansing. Or you can use it for other purposes: restore hair shine and calm frizz, use to moisturize hands, treat skin conditions naturally, or use as a body oil. I have such oily skin that the word oil scares me. But I have heard that argan oil really helps with redness and acne! I'll report back after I use it for a week.

Kahina: Antioxidant Mask
Argan oil and silica-rich rhassoul clay combine with extracts of pomegranate and acai to detoxify, deeply drawing out impurities & replacing them with nourishing trace minerals. Stimulates collagen production & improves skin strength & elasticity. Delivers potent antioxidants & reduces signs of aging while gently exfoliating to reveal toned, smooth, supple skin.
Full Size: 1.69 oz ($62.00)
Size Received: 0.1 oz  ($3.00?)
This one is also unlisted, but it feels like 0.5. I have no idea though. The fact that argan oil on its own helps combat uneven skin and acne makes me believe this mask will be heaven. It is a nice thick clay mask that smells minty. It seems to be an all purpose mask that combats age, uneven skin tone, and acne/clogged pores. It uses pomegranate seeds as a natural exfoliant and has eucalyptus oil which my sensitive skin will love. I'm terribly at remembering to apply masks. I may do one mask every 3-4 weeks. I should set a reminder to make sure I do one a week. I am hopeful that this mask will be awesome and actually clear my pores!

Dr. Hauschka: Cleansing Milk & Make-up Remover
Ideal for removing makeup, this gentle cleanser features fermented grain extract to remove dirt & impurities. Jojoba and sweet almond oils maintain natural moisture balance, keeping skin soft and supple. Bentonite clay soothes and cools irritation while Anthyllis extract tones and balances. Excellent for all skin types, especially sensitive.
Full Size: 4.90z ($36.95)
Size Received: 1 oz ($7.54)
I heard about cleansing milks this year. Before that I had no idea there was such a product. I'm so lazy that I welcome products that can be used without water. Dr. Hauschka's is a German company, which I love, because Germany has very high standards for natural/organic ingredients and products. Cleansing Milks are creamier make-up removers that remove dirt while moisturizing. I used it last night using the instructions Goodebox gave. They said I could use it waterless and wipe it off. I did that, but I felt like I had a layer of slime left on my face. I looked at the instructions on the package and it says to wet face before and wash thoroughly with water or a moist wash cloth. So lies! It isn't a waterless cleanser! I'd definitely reuse this (with water). My skin felt really full and soft this morning. But would I really pay almost $40 for a cleanser, nope.

Zosimos Botanicals: Cream Eyeshadow in Ivory Sparkle
Full coverage, long lasting, rich color. Great for layering and blending with loose powder shadows.
Full Size: Minipot ($3.00)
Size Received: Minipot ($3.00)
The owner of this company is a vegetarian! This means that this company takes my issues to heart. On the website they have a DETAILED list of the few non-vegan products (and specific shades, which I learned some companies aren't willing to disclose) and gluten, soy, and nut charts. So awesome. This is a cream based eyeshadow that is made from oils and waxes. The minipots are apparently a concentrated version of the product. I found I had to actually scoop out the product and kind of smear it on. It almost reminds me of crayon eyeshadows, just in a pot. The color is a nice muted beige with a ton of fine sparkle. It is a very pretty color. I love that it came with a mini applicator. Since it is so waxy I don't really want to use any of my normal brushes in fear that it would be difficult to clean off.

Zosimos Botanicals: Eyeliner Pencil in Cobalt
Creamy, long-lasting eye pencils are easy to apply & come in a variety of colors to please any skin tone and eye color. Unlike wet, loose powder liners, these pencils go on smoothly, neatly, and evenly.
Full Size: 0.12 oz ($15.00)
Size Received: Full-size! 0.12 oz ($15.00)
Oh eyeliner, it's something I never go without. But I'm boring and tend to always stick to my plain black. But I was so excited to see that I got a bright, cobalt blue! It doesn't hurt to be adventurous every so often. The pencil is very creamy, but it doesnt apply evenly for me. I get spots that are weak and others that are really pigmented. I put it on my eyes and I couldn't get it as bright as I got it on my hand. But it did look like a steel, grey blue color which was really pretty. I'll definitely still use it and see how it wears.

Zhena's Gypsy Tea: Açai Berry Red Tea
Healthy beauty from the inside out. Enjoy this ultra premium, ultra-anti-oxidant, full leaf, organic tea for enhanced health and wellbeing. 100% biodegradable hot couture, corn silk sachets.
Full Size: 15 tea sachets ($6.99)
Size Received: 1 tea sachet ($0.47)
Mhm tea, my favorite extra. It is a caffeine-free tea so I was able to to drink it last night while I was winding down after work. This is a roobios red tea which I always love.  It reminds me of the roobios I always drink at the tea place in the mall. It had açai, blueberry, cranberry, elderberry, licorice root, hibiscus, rosehip, orange peel, lemon grass, and vanilla. All those flavors mixed together were delicious and refreshing. The tea bag was one of those mesh pyramid shapes that are so popular right now. I'd definitely buy this again if I saw it in the store.

Weleda: Pomegranate Day & Night Firming Creams
Full Size: 1 oz each($33.00 and $37.00)
Size Received: 0.23 oz each ($7.60 and 8.51)
These samples were included in the June box because of the expired samples we received last month. I didn't mind the expiration and have been using my products all month long. But it is nice that they took action. These two samples expire 12/2013 so much better! As Kahina taught us pomegranate is a great ingredient filled with antioxidants to help fight the aging process. The creams have shown to reduce wrinkles and improve elasticity when used daily, although their sample size was very small (21 individuals). I have such oily/acne-ridden skin that all the creams that I'll put on my face are laced with retinol or benzoyl peroxide, not aging ingredients. I'll probably give these away. But the gesture was appreciated.

TerraCycle: Bear Naked Granola Wrapper Recycled Zip Bag
This bag is so cute! And even better it represents the start of Goodebox's Beauty Packaging Recycling program. Now we can send cosmetic and beauty packaging that generally are not accepted by our home programs to TerraCycle. Every 0.05 lbs earns 2 points. Once we have 1 lb (40 points), Goodebox will give you a bonus sample in your next box! I think it is so awesome! They have a full list of what is accepted on their website. I've already started collecting a ton of empty containers. I never realized that my attempt to recycle those products may have useless. Now I know they will be recycle!

Total value of my May 2012 Goodebox:$83.32

What do you think of my May 2012 Goodebox? What products did you get in yours? Are you as excited as I am about the recycling reward program? Let me know in the comments below!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Goodebox: April 2012

After a horrifying and trying week, I'm thankful I have an outlet to relax and take a moment for myself. My Goodebox arrived this past Monday, just days after it shipped all the way across the country! Only after their first month, Goodebox has become my favorite beauty subscription service. Not only do they provide amazing, natural, and conscious brands; but, they also have shown me that they are here to provide for the consumers. And what I mean by that is, they are willing to take in any constructive criticism to better their brand and have been asking for their customer's opinions and brands that we want to see!

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.

April 2012, Curated by Renee Loux
This month Goodebox used a new, smaller box. No frilly paper nesting, but still arrived looking perfectly cute and organized. Plus I love that they kept the adorable pink ribbons! I'm a dork and am going to save them to reuse for gifts. They also changed the format of their information card. I actually really love it! They are able to provide so much information without wasting much paper. I love that it folds out and has all the possible products. This month there was 19 products being featured. And I received 8! The checkmarks made me feel special and loved. And it was great that all of the products were clearly listed as being vegan or not! This month the box was curated by Renne Loux who is all around eco all-star. She seems to do it all: chef, columunist, tv guest expert, and has all sorts of books on green living. Apparently this month we will have a chance to win one of her books!


I also realized that Goodebox uses their own plastic jars and packaging for many of the products. They may not be as cute as receiving colorful, original packaging. But I have a feeling the brands are able to give us bigger sample sizes because they dont have to pay for the extra sample packaging. Plus all of these plastic containers can be washed and reused, whereas most other samples I receive the packaging goes straight into the recycling. So win-win. Nice play. I would like to see more consistently labeled containers. A few have all the ingredients and the weight information,where others only have the name of the product. I emailed them about it so hopefully we'll see that in the future :)

Information Card:



Products:
Get Creamed Body: Antioxidant Body Scrub in Vanilla Cocoaccino
Dead Sea Salts + antioxidants, nourishing oils & nut buters clean, detoxify, moisturize, & impart vital minerals.
Full Size: 8 oz ($26.00)
Size Received: 8 oz ($1.63)
When I opened my box the first thing I noticed was that this sample's cap was unscrewed. Lucky for me none of the product leaked and it didn't see dried out or harmed at all. Whew! Then I was able to really enjoy just a whiff of how amazing it smells! Coconut oils, coffee, vanilla, and rosemary essential oils all packed together. Yum! When I was 8 I would eat chapstick that smelled good, Im quite sure I would have been licking this container. GCB creates all of their products in small batches to ensure freshness and uses only the most natural, highest quality ingredients. This body scrub can also be used as a bath soak and will not only exfoliate your skin, but it moisturizes, smooths, and detoxifies. I've never used a body scrub ever. So I looked up how to properly use it. Looks like you should use this product 1-2x a week and gently rub it over your skin in a circular motions starting from your fit and move upwards. Some say it is best to use a shower glove, but Ill use a wash cloth since I dont have a shower mit/glove. Then once you finish, right after you towel off slather on lotion so you get the most amount of moisture. We shall see how successful I am, either way I'll smell delicious.

Lavera: Faces Wild Rose Moisturizing Day Cream
Organic jojoba & wild rose deeply nourish dry and/or mature skin, restoring radiance. Hyaluronic acid hydrates while plant-based liposomes carry gingko & orange blossom nutrients deep in the skin.
Full Size: 1 oz ($30.00)
Size Received: ~0.2 oz ($6.00)
I learned about Lavera for the first time last month when I received their mango intensive repair treatment. I haven't used the product yet, but my hair feels so dry and itchy lately that I may use it soon. Lavera is a German natural skincare company that is certified cruelty-free, gluten-free, and GMO free. The face cream is meant for mature skin, but I think moisturizer is moisturizer. As long as it doesn't cause me to break out I'm happy. This is a very thick cream, but it does go on light and thin. It reminds me of some of the anti-stress creams that I have. I'm really excited to use this since my skin does get dry patches. And it smells lovely. It is formulated with Vitamin C and E to protect your skin against the environment.

Lavera: Body Spa Body Lotion in Orange-Sea Buckthorn
Energize dull, tired skin. Orange extract is mildly antiseptic to tone & clarify dull skin. Antioxidant rich sea buckthorn provides anti-aging benefits & its light orange hue gives skin a slight glow.
Full Size: 5 oz ($16.50)
Size Received: ~0.5 oz ($1.65)
I love that Goodebox's information card and email do all the research for me! Less work for me. And they explain the benefits a lot better than I do! I've never heard of sea buckthorn; its apparently a shrub that has these gorgeous tangerine colored berries. It is the berries that are used in cosmetics. They are highly acidic and oily when they are pressed the oils and fats are perfect for creating natural creams. There is possible links to sea buckthorn's anti-inflammatory benefits, they are high in Vitamin C (15x more than oranges!), and have Vitamin E. All things that I want for my skin! I don't ever use lotions but this one didn't leave my skin feeling greasy or heavy. It absorbs beautifully! And it has a nice citrus scent. I'm sold.

Linda Kammins: Daily Shine Shampoo
Regenerating formula with copper peptides & syngeristic actives to support follicle health. Daily Shine Shampoo is a concentrate. Dilute with water in a separate bottle.
Full Size: 8 oz ($14.00)
Size Received: 1 oz ($1.75)
This is an interesting concept. A concentrated shampoo? Linda Kammin's has been in the aromatherapy business for years and after much positive feedback from customers in her salon she started mail orders. The shampoo uses copper peptides that help to stimulate the blood vessels that supply nutrients and growth of the hair follicle. The shampoo of course is free of all chemicals and harsh dyes. I haven't tried this out yet, but Im intrigued by the formula. The ingredient list is super short: water, decyl glucosides, herbal extracts, lavender, and essential oils. Decyl Glucoside is a mild surfactant that is probably the best alternative to the harsher sulfates. It looks like a nice, gently formula that will work on my thin hair. I used it tonight. I started off squirting maybe 1/3 of the bottle and it didn't feel like enough, so I kept squirting until I realized that there was barely 1/6 left. I do like how it felt in my hair. I didnt even need to use my detangler tonight! Next time Ill use maybe 2 tablespoons. It's a bit inconvenient that I need to keep mixing it with purified water if it only lasts me a shower. But it smells great and made my hair feel good.

Linda Kammins: Daily Radiant Rinse
Loosens tangles, supports tensile strength and healthy tension of the hair. Restores shine and body, never dulls or weighs hair down & clear of buildup for radiant results.
Full Size: 8 oz ($14.00)
Size Received: 1 oz ($1.75)
Mhmm it smells delicious. I love minty conditioners and currently use Giovani's Tea Tree Conditioner. This rinse does not use chemical softening agents which cause the hair to swell and fall out. Instead this will help loosen the hair while keeping it tensile and still let you have shiny, silky hair. Like Linda Kammin's shampoo the ingredient list is short: Water, Dimethicone, Stearalkonium Chloride, Shea Butter, Peppermint Essential Oils. I wasn't sure what the second and third ingredients were so I looked them up. apparently dimethicone is a silicone product that attaches to weak spots and patches to fill in, providing your hair with more strength. Apparently this ingredient is okay if you are not using a shampoo with it and you wash it off properly. The Stearalkonium Chloride is an anti-static, surfactant, with antimicrobial properties. Some people are irritated by this product and it causes the hair to dry out. I will try this out since I have an issue with frizz. So maybe it will be okay for me?

Linda Kammins: Tea Tonic Rinse
For all hair types. Imparts body to fine, limp hair, & helps smooth coarse, curly hair. Silica rich hers assist repair, hydrate, & give life, body and shine to tresses.
Full Size: 16 tea bags ($22.00)
Size Received: 1 tea bag ($1.34)
I never thought of using tea as a treatment for my hair? It smells so good that I could drink it, like a herbal green tea. The tea bag has dandelion leaf, hibiscus flowers, chamomile flowers, irish sea moss, red clover, hops, and hydration minerals. The tea rinse is rich in silicas which hel mend connective tissues of the body. In our hair, it will help cleanse, tone, and hydrate. The instructions on the envelope are a bit in depth. First you boil the right amount of water for your hair length (3 oz for medium length hair like mine) then let it sit for 4 minutes. Add 6 more ounces of room temperature water and pour 2-3oz into the provided applicator bottle. The rest can be stored in the fridge for 2 weeks. So it says while in the shower after conditioning ring out excess water in hair, and pour the tea into your hair until fully saturated, massage into your hair, and leave on. OR you can use the tea tonic first, then rinse, and then shampoo and condition as normal. It doesn't really tell you what the benefit is of using one method or the other. I may email the company and ask because I do have very fine hair, leaving a treatment in my hair without rinsing may cause my hair to panic. I do really appreciate that Goodebox gave me the applicator bottles since I for sure do not have any sitting around.

Weleda: Gentle Cleansing Milk
Gentle & effective cleansing. Removes impurities & maintains skin's healthy balance with Biodynamic iris root extract, jojoba seed oil and witch hazel leaving natural protective barriers intact.
Full Size: 3.4 oz ($19.00)
Size Received: 0.34 oz ($1.90)
Oh Weleda, however much I think I'll love your products since you are organic and natural I get expired products. Every single sample I've received from Weleda (free samples from the company, Beauty Box 5, GoodeBox) have an expiration of 04 12. It doesn't stop me from using the products, but I wonder how many products they manufactured during that time period! Goodebox will be giving us some extra goodies next month since some members were concerned about the exp dates. I'm excited to try something other than a Weleda lotion. This gentle cleansing milk is for normal to dry skin that cleanses without drying out skin. I love that this cleansing milk, like the Vichy 3-in-1, can be used with just a cotton pad and wiped dry! I am the laziest person ever and don't ever use cleansers that require me to wash my face with water. The cleansing milk is formulated with jojoba seed oil to add moisture and witch hazel which is a natural astringent.

Weleda: Refining Toner
Purifies skin & refines pores after cleansing. Balancing Biodynamic iris root extract regulates moisture while mildly astringent organic wild rose leaf extract clairifes & organic lemon juice, high in vitamin C, refines the pores.
Full Size: 3.4 oz ($17.00)
Size Received: 0.34 oz ($1.70)
This facial toner purifies skin and refines pores after cleansing. I like how I received two products that can go hand in hand with each other. Although this toner is alcohol based, it has wild rose leaf extract and lemon juice that act as natural astringents to clarify and refine pores. Plus, essential oils and iris root extract will help regulat moisture balance. I didn't use toners for the longest times because I thought they were oil based! I dont know why, but I guess it looks like pure oil and not alcohol based. But anyways, now I love them. I like that clean feeling I get. But I guess I don't see how it actually affects my routine. Does it really make a difference? Who knows, but I still use them just for that clean feeling.


Total value of my April 2012 box:$16.72
A very big difference in value from last month. I think this month's box was a bit stale. It took me forever and half to even write this blog post since Im not excited about any of the products. It's not that I don't like the products or am not happy to try them and who I may buy a full size, but the products are all just nothing exciting. There are months of Birchbox that I find boring and others that I love, so Im assuming its just that. Im definitely sticking with Goodebox. I think they have amazing CS, are willing to listen to customers, and have worked with some awesome brands. I look forward to seeing what they have planned for next month!


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