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!

Free Target 'Beauty For Every Body' Summer 2012 Sample Bag!

Every few months Target offers a free beauty bag! I saw on my facebook newsfeed that the summer bag was going to be released last month and got ready to click away. Like last time it took a few tries to get the facebook app to successfully process. I expected the bag to ship mid-July so I put down my new address. Nope, this baby was shipped only two and half weeks after I signed up. And here we have my FREE Target Beauty For Every Body Summer Beauty Bag.

Inside the cute blue patterned linen bag was:

• Aveeno daily detoxifying scrub (1.0oz)
• Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 70 (1.0oz)
• TRESemmé Split Remedy Shampoo and Conditioner (1.0oz each)
• Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Peach Parfait (swatch)
• Garnier Fructis Color Shield Shampoo and Conditioner (satchels)
• Book of beauty coupons

Okay Sarah why in the world did you sign up for the Target sample bag if last time you complained that the majority of the products were tested on animals? Well the facebook advertisement showed a canister of Revlon's Colorblast Lip Butter. Revlon is a cruelty-free drugstore brand, so I was giddy thinking I'd receive a full-size or at least a pint sized lip butter. Sadly the contents are just a swatch pad. I haven't even used the swatch yet since I dont want to waste it when Im not going somewhere special. But I am still really excited at the prospects of getting to try the infamous lip butters.

As I discussed in a previous post, Aveeno although marketed to be natural is made by Johnson & Johnson one of the biggest animal testing companies. So although I love trying out scrubs (and this one smells amazing) I'll have to pass this one along. Neutragena is another company that is owned by Johnson & Johnson, so the sunblock is no bueno either. Garnier is part of L'Oreal which test on animals. And while researching for this post I found out Garnier is sticky with human rights too (would not hire woman of color, link and sell toxic shampoos to children, link).

The good news is that with a little research it looks like TRESemmé is a cruelty-free company! If I hadn't signed up for this bag I'd have never found that out. On full-size bottles it is printed right on the bottle! The samples I received are split end remedy shampoo and conditioner. I have such thin hair that split ends are inedible when I grow my hair out. I look forward to trying these out and cannot get enough of the green apple-ish scent!

Maybe the best part of the bag was the coupon book. This time there was a coupon for $3 off Revlon and $2 Pixi! Next time I head to Target I better not forget my coupons!

Make sure you like Target Style's facebook page so you find out when the next beauty bag sign-up begins!

Big News

I first want to apologize that I haven't been posting much. Life has gotten the best of me.

I have very good news to share with you all. I just landed my big girl job! This girl will no longer be a slave to retail, and I'll be starting my real career!! The job also means that I'll be moving to Louisville, Kentucky!
I'm very excited. Louisville seems like it is pretty vegan-friendly, lots of running paths and parks, decent cost of living, and it is only a 4.5 hour drive from my home!

I start August 1st. Which means I have exactly one month to finish up my two weeks at my current job, find an apartment, buy a car, and move. On Wenesday I will be moving in with my Aunt (who lives in DC) for the time being. Hopefully once my life is officially packed up I'll be better able to wrap my head around all that I've got to do. The good news is I have sold almost all of my furniture so I can start fresh and not have to worry about a costly move!

This does mean that I may not post much in the next month. I won't say a hiatus, but Mes Joies De Vivre is going to be on the backburner for the next few months. I plan to still post about all my subscription boxes (Birchbox, Goodebox, Green Grab Bag?) and a few other posts here and there.

I hope once I get settled in I'll be back full force!
Cheers!

Green Grab Bag: June 2012

I wasn't over the moon with my May Green Grab Bag, but I wanted to give them a second month to win me over. I was very excited once I got my shipping notification and even more excited when I received it a day sooner than I was expecting!

What is Green Grab Bag? Green Grab Bag is a a monthly subscription service that delivers eco-friendly and natural beauty samples to your doorstep! Green Grab Bag was started by the ladies behind White Apricot, a popular eco fashion/beauty newsletter. Each month you will receive 6 or more samples (sometimes even full-sized products) from companies that care about the environment and you. The samples range from makeup, fragrances, organic oils, skincare, body, hair, and more! Every month is a surprise, plus you get discounts on full-size items in your bag! Green Grab Bag costs $15 a month, and your bag will always be valued above!
Click here to sign up!

June 2012
This month's theme is products that will keep you looking 'cool' when the weather is hot. My assumptions are mattifying products, cooling products, sunscreens, and other summer worthy products. I have to say I do not see how any of the products are at all cool products for when the weather is hot. But let's take a look and see what you think.

Information Cards:

Products:

Organic Indulgences: Lip Butter in Chocolate Mint

Yummy Chocolate mint flavored balm keeps lips lusciously soft and kissably smooth with a blend of all natural ingredients. 

Full Size: 1 lip balm ($2.95)

Size Received: Full-size! 1 lip balm ($2.95)

From past reviews I've noticed a lot of the natural/organic subscription services love giving out chapsticks. But I guess I dont mind, I always love trying new lip products. Organic Indulgences is a cruelty-free company that boasts a line of all natural, affordable products. The lip butter is formulated with shea butter, coconut oil, and sunflower oil and organic beeswax. The formula and flavor greatly reminds me of the Julep chapstick I got in my June Julep Maven box. Which means I really like it. It is buttery and soft on my lips and adds a hint of mint. The chocolate flavor is not intense. If I saw these in the store and ran out of my lip balm I'd rebuy.

Brigit True Organics: Magic Skin Balm

This healing herbal salve combats everything from bites to burns.

Full Size: 0.15 oz ($4.20)

Size Received: Full-size! 0.15 oz ($4.20)

Brigit True Organics is a company based out of Charlottesville, Virginia that uses natural and organic ingredients that have herbal, healing power. This is a salve that is formulated mainly of olive oil and organic beeswax. Salves can be used any wounds or irritant to help moisturize and heal. I've received a lot of salves the past few months. I've been using Smith's Rosebud Salve and Climb On! Repair Bar that I received from Beauty Box 5 and Conscious Box respectively. I love my Rosebud Salve to pieces but Im open to trying new ones. I especially like that this is a stick so I dont have to get my hands all messy. Although the Brigit is a bit too oily for my taste. I applied it on a small paper cut on my hand and after 10mins its still got an oil sheen. But if it works it works. It had awesome reviews on amazon, so Ill still be trying it.

Pangea Organics: Facial Scrub

Polish your skin this award-winning scrub that is gentle enough for daily use.

Full Size: 3.8 oz ($32.00)

Size Received: 1.0 oz ($9.14)

A familiar brand. I've gotten to try out a few Pangea products in my Birchboxes over the months. None worked well for me but I love trying out new facial cleansing products. This scrub contains Egyptian Geranium oil to help tone skin, cranberry seed enzymes that dissolve away dead skin cells, and ground adzuki beans to gently exfoliate. It smells like cranberries and blood orange which is quite yummy. I used it today and I loved it. It didn't leave my skin tight, but my skin felt clean and fresh! This may be a new contender. Thank goodness it sells for $20 on Amazon because I would never pay $32.

JourneysMother: Lotion Pellet in Rosewood Geranium Shea

The natural alternative to liquid lotion, these little pellets melt with skin's heat for major moisturizing.

Full Size: 1 bag of 43 pellets ($10.00)

Size Received: 1 pellet ($0.23)

These lotion pellets are solid bar style lotion that melt in your hand while you use them. They are meant to take out the mess of liquid lotion and were developed by a mom and daughter duo. I have to say I dont see how liquid lotion is messy? I like liquid lotion because I am able to get water based lotions that are non-greasy and dry quickly. This lotion pellet just needs to be warmed up in your hand for a few seconds and then they are ready to use. I tested it out on my hands and I found it waaay too greasy! I feel like I shouldnt be touching anything! It reminds me more of a solid salve than lotion. I couldnt see using this on my legs, but more so on dry feet or cuts. One pellet probably would last a week.

Glam Nation: Natural Perfection Eye and Makeup Remover

This organic cleanser can tackle even the most stubborn mascara.

Full Size: 2.0 oz ($29.99)

Size Received: 0.1 oz?? ($1.50)

This is a lotion makeup remover made with emolient herbs and organic oils to sooth and cleanse all at the same time. Plus, it helps to reduce under eye bags and soften fine lines.  I've never heard of the Glam Nation company but they are an all organic and natural skincare line that hopes to provide all the natural nutrients that other brands strip away. I usually use oil based eye make-up remover, it just works the best for me. It glides on, doesn't dry me out, and I don't have to rub my face raw. I did use the lotion tonight taking off my makeup. The directions for this lotion says to apply the makeup remover on a wet cotton pad and cleanse thoroughly. I did so, but I had to use a quarter of the container for application and I still had a layer of makeup leftover that my toner picked up. Even after my toner my skin feels a bit sticky. Not sure this product is for me.

Lily of Hawaii: Hale O Moani Aromatic Balm in Earthen Spice

Bring the beauty of the islands to your beauty routine when you slather on this delicious smelling balm.

Full Size: 2.0 oz ($22.00)

Size Received: 0.25 oz ($2.75)

It looks like this item was customized (only a few people received it this month). Lily of Hawaii is an Etsy shop, so it is awesome to see Green Grab Bag supporting a really local business ;) The owner has received much of her inspiration for the aromatic balms from the elements in Hawaii. She originally made the balms as gifts and used them in her massage practice, but so many people wanted them she opened up her own shop. I received an Earthen Spice fragrance blend that is earthy, spicy, warming, with a hint of Bay Rum. Each is mainly formulated with organic, Hawaiian beeswax. The pot is solid, but it melts on the spot when you dab. I put it on my wrists to try it out, but don't think this scent is right for me. I normally don't gravitate to spice or woodsy scents. To me it smells like Christmas potpourri. It smells nice, but not for me. 

Total value of my June 2012 Green Grab Bag:$20.77

This bag did not wow me at all. How are any of these products geared for summer? The so-called theme is silly. And although I may use organic beeswax in moderation, this bag contained 4 products made of beeswax. I generally gravitate towards products that do not contain beeswax so I wasn't too thrilled about that. I am excited about the Pangea facial scrub and the chapstick but I don't think it is worth $15 a month to keep Green Grab Bag going. And I learned that the Lily of Hawaii owner had sent all 3 balms to be sent together so we could try all 3, but GGB split them up... Not cool. I'd have loved to try the others. I was already charged for July, but I decided to cancel. Either I'll receive July as my last or they will refund me.

What do you think of my June Green Grab Bag? Do you think I should have kept my Green Grab Bag subscription? Let me know in the comments below! If you don't get Green Grab Bag, click here to join! 

Favorite Music Friday: Beatriz Luengo

Summer is officially here in DC. The new season brought in temperatures above 100F. All I want to do is run off to a pool and drink frozen margaritas as if they were water. In all actuality, I spent most of the day working and then walking around the city with a broken flip flop... Now that I am home I can enjoy the AC, put my feet up, and enjoy some summer music. This week's Favorite Music Friday pick is a perfect summer beach song.

Beatriz Luengo is a Spanish actress turned musician. Well her early career was performing on TV and in Spanish musicals, but she became famous starring in Spanish soap operas. Apparently the most famous one is Un Paso Adelante, a adolescent program about a performing arts school. The tv show had a spin off music group called UPA Dance. The music is not my type at all, and the music videos are quite interested. I don't see how this show was for adolescents. In one video one of the dancers is dry humping one of the guys in the group! But she released her debut solo album in 2005. It wasn't until her third album, Bela y Sus Moskitas Muertas that she became known in the United States.

I really only know one song of hers. But I can't get enough of it. I don't really speak Spanish, but I pretend to shout out the lyrics to Como Tu No Hay 2. It is an adorable little love song telling her man that she needs nobody but him because there is no one like him. The song has topped charts all over the world and the video has won a few awards. I hope you like it as much as I do! I smile every time Beatriz smiles! Especially when she comes out in her wardrobe change at 2:13. Now I want pink tights.

If you want to skip the music video intro, skip to 0:55 for the start of the song.

Enjoy and happy weekend!