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!

Favorite Music Friday: Greg Laswell

One of my favorite singer's new CD was released this week!! Oh Greg Laswell, I have missed you!

My ears first heard the sweet bliss that is Greg Laswell when I was watching an overly emotional episode of Grey's Anatomy. I watched the first two seasons of Grey's Anatomy within a 48-hour marathon during my freshmen year of college. By the season finale, which was emotional on its own, I was crying as if a family member had died. Grey's Anatomy still gets me. It tugs at me in all the right ways. I can't watch it with anybody or I feel foolish that I'm in the corner sniffling. 

I don't remember what episode the first Greg Laswell song was on, but I can imagine hearing that voice made the episode even more of a sob fest. Greg Laswell is a singer song-writer from San Diego who released his first solo work after he parted ways with his band. The CD Good Movie received many local awards and landed him a record deal. His sophomore album Through Toledo was written after his divorce from his first wife (as of 2011 he is married to Ingrid Michaelson). All the songs came from the sudden pain and heartbreak that he felt when he was hit with the news. It features one of my favorite songs 'Sing, Theresa Says.' Although I have to say my FAVORITE album is Three Flights from Alto Nido, there isn't a song I could not listen to for hours on repeat. He says that all of his songs are pretty much autobiographical, and sometimes he shoots himself in the foot for a song. 

Greg Laswell has a very laid-back and subdued voice. Think scruffy, soft harmonies muddled with his deep, sweet voice. He has songs that will make you want to drown yourself in your own sorrows, others that make you want to move forward and up, and some that make you want to bask in the sunlight. 

Landline is 5th album released this week. It does not disappoint. What is great is that so many amazing artsits are featured. Sia, Ingrid Michaelson, Sara Bareilles, Redux, and Elizabeth Ziman. I haven't heard of the last two, but the songs are great. You can definitely tell that his music is happier, but what I love is that he hasn't lost his sound. Some musicians whose music is defined by their emotions completely change styles in a heartbeat (cough Sia cough) and they lose me. I guess I don't like such drastic change with my music and Landline does not disappoint.

The first single is 'Come Back Down' featuring Sara Bareilles and it is already one of my all-time favorites. Sara and Greg really compliment each other so well. The lyrics are humbling. We all need to come back down to earth and stop dragging and wallowing. We are alive! Such an amazing song. I hope you love it as much as I do! Plus a mega bonus, if you like the song it is currently iTunes' free single of the week! Download it for free here.

He is going to be on tour all summer. I've yet to see him live, but I'm hoping to get some of my friends together to see him when he comes to DC.

Enjoy the music and your friday! I know I will! I'll either be passed out or having a few too many drinks. By 6pm Friday I will have submitted and presented my graduate thesis!!! JOY!

Conscious Box: April 2012

The nice folks over at Conscious Box offered to send me the April box for free! How awesome is that? There was a few problems with shipping, apparently this month Conscious Box tried out Fedex Smartpost for the first time and boy was it awful! All was going well until it got to a city an hour away from house. From the time it left that city it took 6 more days to get to me! Conscious Box has officially decided that they will not be working with Fedex again and will switch back to their old shipping method.

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.

April 2012 Earth Day

This month's box was all about Earth Day! I mix of products that Mother Earth would be proud of. A great theme, but I'm assuming every month is full of eco products. I loved that there was so much variety. A little beauty, a little cleaning, some edibles, and others. I couldn't believe that they were able to fit all of this in the box! It was like Christmas taking out each and every product. I do think that they could improve the product info card. The bold product name sometimes would be the brand name and the product, sometimes just the product and sometimes just the brand. Also the description sometimes wouldnt say anything about the actual product we received, just a general advertisement for the brand.

I think it was insane how much paper was in the box. It may have been printed on eco-friendly paper but it was completely unnecessary. A lot of the papers seen in the photo below were advertisements for products I didn't even receive... Plus, from Conscious Box alone I received a Welcome card, a card letting me know my Gift subscription ended, the earth photo that was the cover of my box, the info card, and a card letting me know how to celebrate Earth Day. Way too much. I think the info card and the one theme card is all that is necessary.

Information Cards:

Products
+Skincare:

Bare Body Soaps: Organic Soap in Oatmeal
Vegan, certified organic, and only made with the purest, most natural ingredients, Bare Body Soaps promises only the highest quality cleansing for your skin. As they  say "We care for what's bare."
Full Size: 4 oz ($5.00)
Size Received: 0.4 oz ($0.50)
Soaps have never been my thing. I hate bar soap and couldn't believe my eyes when I learned about body wash. I hate that soap grime feeling after you wash with soap. I want to feel smooth and soft, thank you very much. Either way, this company is certified vegan, cruelty-free, and only uses organic oils. They have a ton of lovely flavors; I received plain ol oatmeal which is a nice neutral scent. I already put it into use in my bathroom and will use it until its gone. It left my hands smelling nice. I did still feel that soapy feeling afterwards, but not terrible, I think Im not crazy hyper-sensitive to it.

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 is used to moisturize and repair damage skin. Think cuts, scrapes, blisters, sunburn, chaffing, cracked cuticles, etc. It is formulated with essential oils (and beeswax, for  those who care) and has antibacterial, antiseptic, analgesic, and antiviral properties. I received a bar sample, but it seems almost unusable. I can't rub it to get any product on my hand. I tried taking the bar out and rubbing it directly on my skin, but that didnt work well. I asked a few people what the consistency of their bar and they said soft butter. But I think they may have received the creme. Apparently you need to rub the bar directly onto your skin. Oops. I feel bad since I contacted Conscious Box and asked about the consistency, and they said they'd send me a replacement. My cuticles are a mess right now and I did notice that my torn skin healed quickly over night, but my hands get covered in the stuff whenever I use it. I like my Rosebud Salve better. At least when I get it on my hands I can wipe the leftover on my lips. And if there is a product that doesn't use beeswax that works just as well I'll be more likely to buy it.

+Beauty:

Sparklehearts: Rainbow Soft ConditionerLove 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)
The packaging is adorable and helped me realize that this company is geared toward girls. But what is great is that they only uses natural ingredients, never tests on animals, certified vegan, and is eco friendly. They have body lotions, body wash, deoderant, shampoo, conditioner, and hair detangler. I use only a pea-sized amount of conditioner in the shower so this sample will actually last me a week, hah. The conditioner is formulated with shea butter jojoba, and wheat proteins for healthy, shiny hair. I'm excited to try this out. Although Im not sure I'd buy it on my own. Maybe if I was buying a gift for a little girl, this would be a cute gift.

Juice Beauty: Green Apple Peel Sensitive
When it comes to day-to-day skin care, Juice Beauty is the organic solution you need. Made with the purest ingredients, Juice Beauty is your source for complete personal care - from cleansers and toners to moisturizers and make ups!
Full Size: 2 oz ($39.00)
Size Received: 0.25 oz ($4.89)
I first have to comment on 'make ups,' lol! A guy must hace written the description sheet. This is probably the product that I'm most excited about. Birchbox loves Juice Beauty. I've only tried their Blemish Clearing Serum, although it didn't work well for me, I love that this company uses organic, natural ingredients. The company is obviously committed to sustainability and providing clean, safe products. Plus, they are cruelty-free and all products will be vegan by mid-2012 (they do use sustainably sourced honey and beeswax in the lip products). This peel helps to exfoliate the skin, reducing breakouts, discolorations, and fine lines. It is packed with vitamins and antioxidants from algae, green apple, white grape, and lemon to make your skin smooth and glowing. Plus, I received the sensitive version which seems to have more aloe and does not contain lactic acid or willow bark. Glad I got the sensitive version since their lactic acid is still currently sourced from milk proteins. I'm excited to try this out and hopefully it'll help my stressed skin.

Lauren Brookes Cosmetics: ColourFusion Lip Glaze in Guava (Supplied by Natural Joy Beauty)Natural Joy Beauty is the perfect online store for the eco-aware lover of beauty. With their careful research into the ingredients of every product they sell, you're sure to feel good about what you're putting on your skin!
Full Size: .07 oz ($8.00)
Size Received: sample size ($0.99)
This lip glaze is a more pigmented version of the Lauren Brookes lip gloss. I personally think it is more of a lip cream. I received a very pretty color called guava. The site explains it as a very soft, neutral mauve. It definitely is darker in the pot than I normally ever have tried, but on it is a very nice neutral dark color that really looks nice. I generally don't wear fancy lip colors, but this has just enough color that I'd feel comfortable wearing every day. I absolutely adore the formula, it made my lips so smooth and soft. It glided on like butter. It also has a really nice lemon-y fragrance. This product does have beeswax for anyone who does not use beeswax. I may have to take a look at the Lauren Brookes website to see what other products she offers.

+Edibles:

Oogie's Gourmet Popcorn: Kettle Corn
As summer cruises around the corner, it's time to rediscover the season's favorite snacks. Oogie's offers a perfect match for a summer blockbuster or day in the sun - a health-inspired popcorn that's GMO-free.
Full Size: 3 oz ($1.49)
Size Received: Full-Size! 3 oz ($1.49)
Boo, these guys have a natural flavor that is made of milk. I gave them to my roommate, but she never let me know how they were. Someone said they taste just like Cracker Jack (which is vegan). I took a look at the website and they have one vegan offering, Spicy Chipotle and Lime, which isn't really a flavor I would look for in popcorn.

Clandestino: Banana Bar with Dark Chocolate
Whether you're catching waves or taking that morning jog, these chocolate covered banans will give you a boost of clean energy. These power-packed snacks have no additives, and are full of potassium to help muscle contraction and prevent cramping.
Full Size: 1 bar ($1.30)
Size Received: Full-Size! 1 bar ($1.30)
There was a bit of contrevesy with this product. Many people, including myself, received bars that had already passed their 'best by' date. Since my family works in food and I know that the best by date really is more for the retailer and not the consumer. It is still safe to eat food that is past its best by date. Either way Clandestino bars were formulated for surfers, to provide an extra boost of energy. I don't think the bars are too high in energy/vitamins though. This to me is a treat, not an energy boost. I chomped down on this bad boy and loved every bite. It almost had the consistency of a marshmellow Moon Pie, but bananas. It was sweet and chewy and chocolatey. And at 109 calories not a bad treat. I would buy these again to put in my lunches.

Cloud 9 Raw Chocolate: Raw Chocolate in Original Flavor
Finding the best chocolate is tough, but for a mouth-watering option look no further! Made with 100% organic and vegan ingredients - from the bean to the coconut nectar - this tasty treat doubles as an organic superfood supplement.
Full Size: 25g ($5.00)
Size Received: Full-size! 25g ($5.00)
Cloud 9 Raw Chocolate's was created by Jennifer Popken, a nutritionist who was inspired by chocolatiers while living in Switzerland. She wanted a more natural, healthier option so she made it! Raw chocolate has high levels of antioxidants that help fight the signs of aging, increase heart health, and defend against free radicals. Cloud 9 chocolates are made from raw organic chocolate beans, organic dehydrates fruits, nuts, seeds, dates, among other organic ingredients. There are 4 different flavors, but I received the original, plain one. I generally don't have a taste for very natural chocolates, and this is no exception. It is a bit too raw for my taste. If you like cocoa nibs you'll like this. I do appreciate the dates that add a sweetness, but it still finishes out too strong. I could only eat a teensy bite at a time. 

Natural Health International: The Original Himalayan Crystal Salt
Looking for a healthy alternative to table salt? With 84 trace minerals and a balanced ionic form for absorption, Himalayan Crystal Salt from Natural Health International is the perfect selection. Use it however you would use regular salt...but prepare to feel the difference!
Full Size: 2 lbs 2.35 oz ($29.50)
Size Received: 0.2 oz ($0.17)
I appreciate that Conscious Box has a complete pamphlet explaining what Himalayan Salt is. If they didn't, I'd just think it was pink, lush salt. But table salt is stripped of all natural elements during processing and it takes the body a ton of energy to break down the salt to get at any minerals. Meaning the body uses more resources than it gains. Sea Salt (which my family generally uses) contains more minerals, but the content varies from source to source. Plus, sea salts come from our oceans that are more and more polluted, meaning the sea salts may have oils, heavy metals, and other toxins hidden away. But Himalayan salt, which comes from a Salt Mine in Pakistan (near the Himalayas) contains 84 minerals in an almost exact ratio to what exists in our blood. The salt is in a form that is easily absorbed, meaning that the minerals can go straight into our cells. Uhh, after all that I sort of am unsure how I feel about this. Online I found a few sites saying that it has a very high fluoride count and that they could only detect 10 minerals. Probably not unsafe, but just gimmicky. Salt is salt and we need to use is sparingly. End of story. 

+Household:

generationMe: All Natural Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent
It's time to start living more sustainable, and generationMe has got the tools you need. Whether its truly eco-safe detergent or one-stop shopping for those reusable necessities, you'll find that simple concepts can lead to the most effective designs.
Full Size: 32 tbsp ($6.50)
Size Received: 2 tbsp ($0.41)
I just finished a graduate research thesis that involved determining which cleaning agent was the most invasive towards bloodstains. In other words, I have so much detergent, bleach, and OxiClean I don't know what to do with it. I really don't need anymore. But I'll always try out a product that is natural and earth friendly. The detergent is made of castile soap, oxidizing agent, baking soda, and citric acid. Very basic and very clean. It is gentle enough for a baby or someone with sensitive skin. This may be a great product to use to for hand washing my delicates.

Earth Friendly Products: Parsley Plus All Surface Cleaner
Cleaning your home should never mean dirtying the earth, but this is the sad reality for many cleaners that leave behind trails of toxic slew. Put an end to this with Earth Friendly Products, nixed of the ammonia, phosphates, and petrochemicals.
Full Size: 22 oz ($5.49)
Size Received: 4 oz ($1.00)
Im OCD about surfaces in the kitchen being clean. My room is a massive disaster, but I do not like the kitchen being dirty. It may be because as a vegan I always worry that someone dribbled bacon grease or mayonnaise all over the counter and didn't clean it up. Then if I put down a slice of toast I may end up getting sick because of the contamination, or at least severely grossed out. I used to use all natural all surface cleaners, but it is just easier to use Clorox Wipes. I'm on my last few wipes so instead of buying wasteful wipes I'll go ahead and use this. I absolutely love the Parsley smell, it so fresh and reminds me of my mom's herb garden. It did a darn good job cleaning up my dirty counter. I'm very happy and would definitely repurchase once this trial size runs out. I may even keep the trial sized container since I love that I can just keep it on my counter for quick access.

Planet Inc: Dishwashing Soap
Celebrate the planet this month by cleaning smart! Planet's dish soap helps handwash those heavy loads of dishes without worry of the eco-impact of our dishwashing liquid. This is grease-cutting freshness you and Mother Earth can love!
Full Size: 25 oz ($4.69)
Size Received: 4 oz ($0.75)
This is a gentle and non-irritating formula that apparently does the job. It is certified biodegradable and is not tested on animals. What I do love is how short the ingredient list is. Just coconut oil based cleaner, salt, amine oxide, and baking soda. The formula is unscented and uncolored which will take some getting used to. I tend to smell my dishes to figure out if I cleaned well enough... Yeah I suck as dishwashing. But I mean it may look spick and span, but if I can still smell my garlic marinara I get grossed out. It has a lot of good reviews online so I'm excited, especially since it is so reasonable in price.

+Misc:

Glob: Natural Paint in Berry Blue
The eco-friendly life doesn't have to be drab; especially when it comes to art supplies! Glob brings us botanically crafted paints made from plants - just add water! What imaginations will you paint into life?
Full Size: 6 packets ($12.00)
Size Received: 1 packet ($2.00)
This is a water-soluble paint mix that is made from natural fruit, vegetable, flower, or spice pigments. I don't really paint ever, but my sister does. Although, I'm pretty sure these paints are more meant for little kids.

SeedBallz: SeedBallz
Want a fun way to spread the joy of spring? Toss these seed-loaded clay balls around your neighborhood and watch flowers sprout! Made by people with developmental disabilities, Seedballz are great for both backyard gardners and urban eco-advocates.
Full Size: 16 balls ($6.00)
Size Received: 3 balls ($1.13)
These are actually super cute!! These are an all-natural mix of seeds, red clay, and soil humus. The clay protects the seeds from drying out or being taken by birds or insects. Watering them melts the clay, allowing the seeds to sprout with a little mini-environment of nutrients! I love that these are made by people with developmental disabilities and are used as a therapeutic and fun exercise. Made with love. They sent 3 random balls to try out so it will be fun trying to see what blooms! They sell flower mixes, herb mixes, basil, and mesclun. I'm going to buy a small pot and soil just so that I can plant these!

Team Green Nature Trading Cards
This non-profit's trading cards feature the beautiful photography of Carol Freeman, and are great way to discover the wonders of the world.
Eh. Maybe if you have a kid, but I don't get the point of this. My trading card was for the Common Buckeye Butterfly. It did teach me that the eyespots may be used to scare away predators and that it likes nectar from peppermint and other flowers. The underbelly of the butterfly is actually really pretty. So if trivia ever has a fact about the buckeye butterfly...

Groovy Planet: Worry Doll
Worried about the world? Whisper your concerns into this little worry doll to keep thoughts on brighter days! This is an example of how Groovy Planet takes your kids around the world with their monthly subscription packed full of fun and learning.
You may think I'm crazy since there is no worry doll, but it looks like mine didn't make it to the box! I used to get these dolls at craft fairs or at the New Orleans' French Market when I was younger. I have had high anxiety since a little girl and these guys always sparked my interest. Which is why like a dork I contacted Conscious Box and they are sending me a replacement...

Whew! And this is what I do instead of working on schoolwork. Blogging / Product Research is so calming for me!


Total Value of my April 2012 Conscious Box: $20.86
I originally wasn't going to do the value of the box, but since I was thinking about the subscription I decided I better. I'm glad I took the time to figure it out because the boxes value is very low. You'd think the box would be at least $30-40 when you are paying $19. Have services like Birchbox spoiled me?

Either way I don't think it would have been worth $19 to find out about the awesome Parsley Plus All Surface Cleaner, the yummy Clandestino Banana Bar, or SeedBallz (the three products I love). If Conscious Box cost $10-12 a month I'd be more likely to subscribe. But at $19 it is out of my budget and would leave me with too many products I would have no use for. 

I have to say their customer service is awesome. First offering me this box for free and second sending me replacement products. So if you have the extra money, this would be a great way to get a wide range of eco-friendly products. I may keep my eyes peeled for monthly reviews of Conscious Box and pick up a subscription if my budget widens. 

What did you think of my April Conscious Box? What was your favorite product? Do you subscribe to Conscious Box? Let me know in the comments below!

Beauty Box 5: April 2012

After my buy one month get the second month free ended I decided to stick with BB5 to see if they kept moving forward and getting better....

Don't know what Beauty Box 5 is? 
Beauty Box 5 is a month beauty subscription service that delivers a cute Tiffany blue box of premium beauty samples to your doorstep. Each month you will receive  4-5 packet samples, deluxe samples, and a full-sized product. Brands are expected to vary from luxury high-end, department store brands, and anything in-between. The samples chosen are based off of a short profile, but it looks like the first few months all products will be the same. Beauty Box 5 costs $12 a month and your box will always be valued above!
Click here to join Beauty Box 5

April 2012

My box came super fast this time around. They finally got tracking numbers which I really appreciated. I just feel secure knowing where in the world my future belongings are. What I did notice is that before the boxes even shipped the Beauty Box 5 website had all the products that were going to be in the April boxes up. Some of them were even visibile in March. I guess it made it not very exciting when I was opening the box since I had a suspicion that these would be the brands I'd be seeing. Plus, when I realized that I was receiving mostly satchels and single use wipes I was really disappointed. Instead of moving forward, the company went backwards.

Information Card:

Products:
LA Fresh: Waterproof Makeup Remover
Say goodbye to the irritation of scrubbing off that waterproof mascara and those trendy lip stains.Full Size: 24 wipes ($9.99)
Size Received: 1 wipe ($0.42)
I received the full size wipes in my Sindulge box last month. Here I received a single, measly wipe? I actually have only use 2 wipes from that container because I found I feel the wipes are too greasy. My face has a slick oil feel after I wipe with these. They make work on getting make-up off, but I want to feel refreshed and completely clean when I use these wipes. I wouldn't use my eye makeup remover (which is greasy) on my skin too. What I do like about these wipes is that they are probably a third of the size of what most companies give. I think those giant wipes are so wasteful! How big is your face that you need that large a wipe? And like I said last month, the company uses only natural ingredients, is cruelty-free, and eco conscious.

Supergoop: Sunscreen Wipe SPF 30
For long-lasting, water-resistant SPF protection, gently wipe SPF 30+ Sunscreen Swipes evenly over your face and body before exposure to sun.Full Size: 10 wipes ($10.00)
Size Received: 1 wipe ($1.00)
Another singlet? I'm intrigued by the idea of a sunscreen wipe. I never remember to put on sunscreen, unless it is in my makeup (which I make sure it is). But there are many days that I don't realize that I'll be outside and exposed to all the harmful rays of the sun. Even a few days ago I had to do a project outside and ended up with red skin. I have to start protecting my skin if I don't want it to look 50 by the time I'm 30! The wipe is formulated with all natural ingredients, no parabens, and is fragrance free. I love when a company clearly states that their products are plant based! It makes my life easier. I'll be sticking this guy in my purse and using it on a sunny day! It just would have been nice to have gotten more than one wipe.

Makeup Geek: Eyeshadow Refill Pan in Shimma Shimma
All of the pigment for half of the price, Makeup Geek eye shadow pans will blow your makeup mind!Full Size: 1 refill pan ($5.99)
Size Received: Full-size! 1 refill pan ($5.99)
This is the only product in my box that Im excited for. They promised to always have a full-size product in the box and they did deliver on that. Although I see the website also sells compact versions of these for just $2 more. It would have been nice if they came in a compact since now I'll just have a random pan floating around. Makeup Geek is a cruelty-free, budget conscious company that knows that we want pigmented, long-lasting color for less. I received Shimma Shimma which is a metallic champagne color. I thought it was an exact dupe for my theBalm Mary Lou-Minzer, but when I put them next to each other the Shimma Shimma was much more taupe-y (included a photo since its hard to explain). Adding primer made all the difference with this shade. Using it without primer it is perfect as a brow highlighter and with primer it is a great light, blushing champagne.

What I did notice after I applied it to my eyelids is that it May contain carmine! Again! Another eyeshadow that may have crushed bugs. Why oh why do we still use this ingredient when there are so many alternatives? Especially companies that say they are cruelty-free. I contacted MUG and within minutes they replied back confirming that Shimma Shimma is vegan! They let me know that Razzleberry, Duchesss, Unexpected, Unicorn, Cupcake, Mango Tango, Country Girl, and Manderine contain carmine and therefore unsafe for vegans. I did ask if there was any thought of using a different red dye and the girl forwarded my suggesting to the owner, Marlena. Seems like an awesome company! And I may need to try out some other colors!

Pur-lisse: Pur-Protect SPF 30 Essential Daily Moisturizer
Powerful protection from the entire spectrum is yours, all in a lightweight, nourishing moisturizer.Full Size: 1.7oz ($55.00)
Size Received: 0.14oz ($4.53)
Yup, another little satchel. I received this same exact sample last month from MyGlam. The company may be great and all products are vegan and cruelty-free, but I really didn't like this moisturizer. As I stated last month, the moisturizer has lupine peptides that nourish the skin, blue lotus flower that detoxify, white tea to help destress and repair damage, soy protein to help skin retain moisture, and sea silk that reduce firm lines and firm. Plus, SPF 30. It felt so greasy and had a sunscreen like feeling on my skin. It did not absorb well at all for me. But I do have a very oily skin complex, so maybe this just isn't right for my skin type. I'll be passing this along hoping someone else will like this.

Freeman: Facial Exfolating Scrub in Pink Grapefruit

This scrub gently resurfaces your skin, removing dead cells so your skin experiences healthy cell renewal.

Full Size: 5oz ($3.99)

Size Received: 0.5oz ($0.40)

I can't stay away from this brand. This is the second month in a row that BB5 has had Freeman travel-size masks. The masks just dont seem to do what they say or if they do poorly. But I always fall for pink grapefruit face products. I love how they smell and feel on my skin, so Im excited to try this one. The scrub is made from natural fruit extracts and natural oils which I like, plus it has aloe to help soothe my sensitive skin. The scrub will hopefully make my skin feel smoother and more radiant. This satchel is enough for 2-3 uses. 

Total Value of my April 2012 Beauty Box 5 Box: $12.53

Really? I could have bought two Makeup Geek Eyeshadows on my own for the same price and been happier than this box. Instead of moving forward and continuing with the nice sized samples that were in last month's box, they moved backwards. I don't mind a few satchels, but every single sample was a satchel! At least they pulled through and still gave me my promised full-size item. I love the MUG eyeshadow and am excited to have learned about the company, but was it worth $12 to get the rest of the items that Im just meh about. No. I decided to cancel. I was so hesitant for some reason, but I was only half excited about any of the boxes that I received. I may sign up in the future if things change, but for now it isn't worth my money.

What did you think of my April Beauty Box 5? What did you get? Are you happy with the boxes? Let me know in the comments below!

Free Schick Hydro Silk Razor!

Yup. Free is always better!

Become a Schick Influencer and they will send you a free Hydro Silk Razor within 3-4 weeks! Just in time for smooth, summer legs!

Click here for your free razor!

(I think I only get to share this promo with 6 friends, so hurry!)