Agave Bun

Nourish Beauty Box is a subscription service based in the USA. Their selling point? All of the products included in the monthly box are vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free. What about P&P charges you say? They are included too! That's right, free worldwide tracked shipping. In fact, the customs must have also been pre-paid because I did not have to pay any additional fees when this lovely box finally founds its way into my hands. The subscription service is available on the rolling monthly, 3 monthly and 6 monthly services, ranging from $31.95 to $34.95 per box. The products tend to be revealed in the middle of the month, however, you are guaranteed to get the same items in you order the box before the end of the said month. Why it is great? If you are like me and you do not like surprises, you do not have to be subscribed before you find out the contents. Also, if you happen to catch a glimpse of the box you really like on someone else's IG post, you will probably have enough time to get a box yourself. Frequently, previous boxes are also available in the online shop for $45.

I quite enjoyed my last LoveLula Beauty Box and so I decided to keep the subscription going. The Beauty Box is still £12.50/month with free P&P within the UK with overall value frequently more than twice of what you pay and the contents are kept as a secret. LoveLula is a natural online store, however, it is not possible to have a preference for a fully vegan or gluten free box. Everyone receives the same contents except for international buyers for whom nail varnish and/or perfume will be substituted for something of equal value. I have found about the contents of the box from an Instagram post before I returned home to discover mine was sitting patiently on the stairs.

The Pip Box is a relatively new cruelty-free monthly subscription box which offers 5 full sized and travel sized skincare, makeup, body and hair care. The primary focus is on cruelty-free hence natural and vegan items are not guaranteed. 50p from every box is donated to Animal Free Research UK charity.

I started using Deep Steep products many many moons ago and I still love their products just as much as I did when this lovely discovery was made. 

This USA based company used to be available in the UK, however, for unknown to me reasons, all of the stockists have discontinued their products. Two out of three items below are actually from my old stash that I have purchased through the Feeling Unique website, the other was bought through Amazon when no local stockists were left. Currently, these products can only be imported from abroad and every time I have raised this fact on their social media, I was directed to purchase from iHerb. One might question why would a company not refer customers to their own website instead and this could be because the official website has a flat international shipping rate of $50 which is the highest I have ever seen. Fortunately, my local TK Maxx stocks a lot of items from the Deep Steep range. The whole range features over 15 different scent collections and I am slowly making my way through them. The majority of the products are vegan, with exception of the Fresh Honey collection and moisture sticks which contain beeswax.

I think one of my favourite times of the month is receiving this subscription box. Honestly, I think it is one of best available on the natural market. I enjoy many things about it - it is all vegan (apart from 1 item in the first box released in January), it is all safe, it introduces to well known and indie brands, you get good sized products (none of those 1ml samples) and so on and so forth. I am truly in awe how Emma (the founder of the Natural Beauty Box) puts so much effort into each box, creating a theme and carefully selects each item. I think this box, with the theme Gold and Delicious, is probably my favourite out of all.

Myroo Superfood Balm Raspberry and Cucumber RRP £25 for 40ml

I have oily skin on my face but the body is a different story. I have dry hands and dry patches on my legs. Recently, I came on the quest to find the best deodorant for myself (spoiler alert, I am still not there yet). Some of the deodorants I am using contain a high proportion of bicarbonate of soda to which I am sensitive. To protect my skin, I apply a layer of balm to my armpits before layering with a deodorant. So where was I? Oh yes, balms! This balm excited my eyes with its star ingredients - raspberry and cucumber seed oils which are anti-inflammatory, nourishing and strengthening. When I opened the box I was pleasantly surprised by the generous size of the tub. For some reason I was under the impression we will get a small travel sized version, however, it is full sized 40ml version.

First, look at this colour. Isn't it gorgeous? So rich and even. The smell was actually a lot less powerful than I expected but I do not like overly scented products because it is always a potential for irritation. The smell is very light and gives a fruity vibe. The best is the texture. As soon as you touch the balm this soft goodness melts, so you do not need to dig in with a spatula (or nails) and then warm it up between your hands. The balm glides nicely on my skin, leaving it soft and nourished. I love everything about this balm and more people do need to try it! 

Vegan, organic, made in the UK

Fitzjohn Golden Body Oil RRP unknown for 50ml

This travel sized version was exclusively available to the subscribers of the box, it was not even launched! There is one way to make you feel special. What surprised me the most is how rich the colour was. Deep orange, immediately making me think "Sea Buckthorn". Sea Buckthorn is one of my favourite ingredients because it has an endless amount of beneficial properties and full of fatty acids, amino acids and vitamins. And the most convincing argument? My granny used it and what can be a better trust test than granny's approval? If you are not sold on the sea buckthorn, the body oil also features nourishing coconut, macadamia and moringa oils. I think the slight sediment like seen in the bottle is due to coconut oil solidifying in cold temperature. This does not make a difference during the application, the oil glides and nourishes my skin.

Let's go back to grannies because the smell of this body oil brings me back to my childhood, when I am, as a little nosey girl, going through the makeup bag of my granny. I open up the powder compact and the powerful floral powdery smell hits me. This flashed in front on my eyes when I took the bottle to my nose. Such a sentimental detail to me about a forgotten memory. I love how this smell stays on my pyjamas and keeps bringing me back to my childhood again and again.

Vegan, made in the UK

Isla Apothecary Lemongrass + Rosemary Renew Foot Scrub RRP £14 for 120g

The majority of you do not know but, for some peculiar coincidence, Emma features many products that are on my mental wishlist. I do not know how she does it but so many times, during a product reveal, I was left speechless at this nearly magic ability. Isla is the brand I wanted to try for a while now and the luxurious copper packaging is just mesmerising. 

I have very tickly feet so feet exfoliation is not my favourite part but this step in body care is still important. The ground pumice and Epsom salts can help to buff away the dead skin, while baobab and sweet almond oils will hydrate and nourish. The blend can also be used as a soak after a tiring day on the feet. Plus, the travel size means the tub can be taken on holidays to pamper the feet after a long day of exploring.


Vegan, made in the UK

Fruu Mango Lip Balm RRP £2.99 for 4g

Lip balms and hand creams are 2 products that I go through like they are going out of fashion. I had an eye for a Fruu lippie for a while now so I was pretty happy to see one being featured in the box. Lip balms come in a variety of flavours such as pomegranate, watermelon and lime, however, this box contained mango flavour. When I first saw the shape, I became very excited because it resembles the oval shape of my favourite Hurraw! balms. These lippies are also cheaper and locally made so I was curious to see if these can become a suitable alternative. 

The consistency of the balm is very hard and it does not melt easily into lips. The smell is very faint and the taste is not offensive. What I did not like is how it feels on the lips. It is hard to describe but feels like a cheap lipstick, giving you the constant awareness of its presence on your lips. After 4 days of using it, I decided to get in touch with the company to see if they had any tips or suggestions. I sent my email on Sunday (during a long weekend) and received a reply within just a few hours. Indeed, my observations were not singular. The formulation is designed to provide more hydration than a conventional lip balm, hence the banana extract is added, which can give a tacky sensation on the lips. Due to such feedback, the company is working to provide the same benefit with a more pleasant finish. I was offered a replacement, however, I did not take it because it did not seem like there will be a difference in texture and I wanted to see if I can make my lip balm work. By Sod's Law, the same day I sent my email, I decided to apply the lippie after having a hot cup of tea. And guess what? It glided like butter and felt soft like velvet! It seems that warmer temperatures work better for this lip balm and since the summer is coming, I should be able to make a good use out of this balm. In the past couple of days the weather was very good and I have been frequently using Fruu lip balm without any problems. I am not sure if the issue was with cold weather or the top layers of the balm.

I really wanted to fall in love with this lip balm because the brand is local and supportive of small businesses and charity bake sales. Also, the products are vegan and affordable. Unfortunately, the decent competitor for my favourite lip balm is still to be discovered.


Vegan, made in the UK

Dreamybath Ylang-Ylang Bath Bomb RRP £1.80

I am not a huge fan of bath bombs or bath melts because these are really single-use products and are more aesthetically appealing rather than functionally. Plus, in a case of bath melts, oils will be floating above the water so only a small part of skin will be in contact versus scrubbing the whole bathtub as the aftermath. Despite that, I can see their appeal and they can be a fun addition to the pampering session. I really like the small rose petals detail in this bath bomb.  

The Healthy Body Kit from April 2017 edition is featuring some of my old favourites and new exciting additions. The selection for April offered a variety of food options in addition to the usual health and sports relations. I have previously provided the background information on the Healthy Body Kit here. All items selected for this box are vegan and the overall value of this box is over £25.

Terri Verde Yoga and Sports Massage Oil RRP £11 for 30ml

Beautiful body oil for massage or after a workout. Previously mentioned here. 

Green People Sun Lotion SPF15 RRP £6 for 30ml

The summer is approaching and I thought an extra SPF product is not going to hurt. While SPF 15 is not protective enough even during winter, I was thinking of using this cream as a hand cream when I am outside. In such case, the hands will get some sun protection but it should not be too greasy to be unusable. Unfortunately, this lotion has nano titanium dioxide so I will not repurchase it.

Ingredients: AQUA (SPRING WATER), HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL*, OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL*, ELAEIS GUINEENSIS (PALM) OIL*^, ISOAMYL P-METHOXYCINNAMATE (NATURALLY OCCURRING UV-FILTER), TITANIUM DIOXIDE [NANO] (MINERAL UV-FILTER), CETEARYL ALCOHOL (EMULSIFYING PLANT WAX), RHUS VERNICIFLUA PEEL CERA (BERRY WAX), DIETHYLAMINO HYDROXYBENZOYL HEXYL BENZOATE, GLYCERYL STEARATE (PLANT DERIVED EMULSIFIER), CETEARYL GLUCOSIDE (PLANT DERIVED EMULSIFIER), LEONTOPODIUM ALPINUM (EDELWEISS) LEAF EXTRACT*, ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) LEAF JUICE POWDER*, FUCUS VESICULOSUS (SEAWEED) EXTRACT, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (CHAMOMILE) FLOWER EXTRACT*, ALTHAEA OFFICINALIS (MARSHMALLOW) ROOT EXTRACT*, PERSEA GRATISSIMA (AVOCADO) OIL*, CAMELLIA SINENSIS (GREEN TEA) LEAF EXTRACT*, INOSITOL (FROM CAROB FRUITS), COMMIPHORA MYRRHA (MYRRH) OIL^, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT*, AROMA [LAVANDULA HYBRIDA (LAVANDIN) HERB OIL*], SODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE (PLANT DERIVED EMULSIFIER), GLUCONOLACTONE, SODIUM BENZOATE, SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE, PHYTIC ACID, LINALOOL*, LIMONENE*. *82.4% CERTIFIED ORGANIC INGREDIENTS, ^FAIRLY TRADED

Vegan, organic, made in the UK

Well + Happy Raw Chocolate Bar RRP £2.50-£4 for 45g

The addition of chocolate is always exciting! A selection of 5 raw chocolate bars which are free from dairy, gluten, refined sugars and soy. Raw chocolate can be very flavourful and my favourite brand is definitely Ombar chocolates. Unfortunately, the requests for specific flavours to be included in your box were not possible. I received matcha green tea infused white chocolate and topped with quinoa. The texture of the chocolate is very smooth, however, there was little flavour. These bars are more suitable for people who want to reduce their sugar intake but not those like me, who enjoy their treat with a cup of tea.

Vegan, organic

Urban Fruits Magnificent Mango RRP £1 for 35g

This is my most favourite item in the box and as soon as I had hands on it, I could not resist opening the packet of mangoes. These are baked and not dehydrated hence they are softer and less chewy but nonetheless delicious and sweet. I really hope it will appear again in the subsequent editions.

Ingredients: Mangoes

Vegan

Your Superfoods Power Matcha RRP less than £1 for 5g (sample)

Matcha blend is an excellent addition to smoothies and had been previously reviewed here.

Yuyo Yerba Zing and Yerba Mint RRP £0.62 for 2 teabags

I love getting tea samples because they are excellent for bringing to work and holidays! This edition featured 2 samples to satisfy both the desire for peppermint and fruits. Both of these taste excellent when are cooled down!

Yerba Zing - Ingredients: Yerba mate, lemon and orange peel, peppermint, rosehips and grapefruit essential oil.

Yerba Mint - Ingredients: Yerba mate, peppermint, lemon verbena and garden mint essential oil.

Vegan

Surprise items - Greenfrog Botanic Geranium and Peppermint Body wash RRP £3.90 for 100ml

Previously mentioned here.

Green People Hydrating Aftersun RRP £0.75 for 2 samples

Infused with nourishing olive and sunflower oils and soothing extracts of chamomile, calendula and aloe vera, this lotion is designed to aid healing of the skin after sun exposure. Great to toss into a bag when in case you have been caught out by the good weather!

INGREDIENTS: AQUA (SPRING WATER), ELAEIS GUINEENSIS (PALM) OIL*^, CETEARYL ALCOHOL (EMULSIFYING PLANT WAX), OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL*, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL*, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (CHAMOMILE) FLOWER EXTRACT*, CETEARYL GLUCOSIDE (PLANT DERIVED EMULSIFIER), GLYCERYL STEARATE (PLANT DERIVED EMULSIFIER), CALENDULA OFFICINALIS (MARIGOLD) FLOWER EXTRACT*, PRUNUS ARMENIACA (APRICOT) KERNEL OIL*, ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) LEAF JUICE POWDER*, SODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE (PLANT DERIVED EMULSIFIER), COMMIPHORA MYRRHA (MYRRH) OIL^, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF POWDER, AROMA [MENTHA PIPERITA (PEPPERMINT) OIL*^, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (LAVENDER) HERB OIL*^], BENZYL ALCOHOL, SORBIC ACID, GLYCERIN (VEGETABLE DERIVED), SALICYLIC ACID, LINALOOL*, LIMONENE*. *94.5% ORGANIC, ^FAIRLY TRADED
Vegan, organic, made in the UK

If you have been following me, you know I do not like receiving subscription boxes without knowing what will be inside before I open them. That is just how am I like and I tend to not like the contents in such cases. Go figure! I have been following LoveLula subscription boxes for a while now and recently they have stepped up their game and their boxes make me wish I was a subscriber. So I became one. This is my first subscription box from LoleLula.



Madara Brightening AHA Peel Mask RRP £20 for 60ml

I actually already had a full tube of it waiting to be used. I am a big fan of acid peelers, however, I do prefer a mixture of both AHA and BHA (beta hydroxy acid) acids. BHA (a.k.a. salicylic acid) can help to exfoliate, reduce sebum production and clear out those congested pores, whereas AHA is more geared towards those with dry and ageing skin. As with all acids, this might not be the product for those with hypersensitive and fragile skin. If you are new, it is better to "start low, go slow" - use a little amount and leave for a shorter period of time, gradually building up how long you can leave the mask on.


Vegan, gluten free, nut free




I have accumulated quite a number of shower gels from Greenfrog Botanic, all waiting to be used. However, handwash is not something I had tried from this company. I love that they make their products from soapberries which are very gentle to the dry and sensitive skin. My hands can get very dry, sore and itchy so I avoid overly drying soaps! The little travel size of hand soap has tempted me to pop it into my bag and use it when I am out and about (instead of that less pleasant soap in dispensers).



Vegan


Apple and Bears Grapefruit and Seaweed Luxury Body Wash RRP £5.00 for 50ml

I have been wanting to try something from this company for quite a while now! This travel size body wash is fantastic for keeping in a gym bag and the uplifting smell is great after a workout, none of that overpowering synthetic smell the person in the next shower cabin is using.

Apple and Bear donate a portion of their profits to Breast Cancer Care. Of course, donating money to charity is very important and demonstrates high moral values of the company which is not after making their money, but also gives back to the community. I am wary of human charities because of potential involvement with animal testing, which is particularly common with cancer charities. I have looked on Breast Cancer Care website and they do NOT appear to sponsor animal testing. The donations go to supporting individuals, providing information and campaigning for better care.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder*, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Sodium Chloride, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Oil Distilled, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract*, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract*, Laminaria Digitata Extract*, Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Flower Oil, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil, Myristica Fragrans Fruit Oil (Nutmeg), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Oil, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate, Ascorbic Acid, Limonene, Linalool. *Ingredients from Organic Farming
Vegan, organic, made in the UK


FoM Anti-oxidant Hydra Plump and Firm Cream RRP £14.70 for 15ml

This is the first time I have encountered this company and the luxurious packaging is quite a stunner. The cream is aimed at all skin types and light texture will give a matte finish, making it fantastic for day use. This does contain shea butter and brown algae, so bear in mind if it clogs your pores. Other fantastic ingredients include green tea extract, Vitamin B3 and hyaluronic acid.

Due to being a small (ish) sample, I have decided to keep it for my summer trips.

Ingredients: AQUA (WATER). ROSA DAMASCENA WATER. CETEARYL ALCOHOL (AND) POLYSORBATE 60. GLYCERINE. PRUNUS DULCIS (ALMOND) OIL. PERSEA GRATISSIMA (AVOCADO) OIL. VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) SEED OIL. ROSA CANINA FRUIT (ROSEHIP) OIL. SCLEROCARYA BIRREA (MARULA) OIL. CITRUS PARADISI (GRAPEFRUIT) OIL. BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA BUTTER). CETYL ALCOHOL. FUCUS VESICULOSUS (BROWN ALGAE). CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT (GREEN TEA) . NIACINAMIDE. SODIUM HYALURONATE. HYDROLYZED SILK PROTEIN. VERBASCUM THAPSUS (MULLEIN) EXTRACT. TARAXACUM OFFICINALE (DANDELLION). TOCOPHEROL. CENTELLA ASIATICA (GOTU KOLA). GINKGO BILOBA LEAF EXTRACT. PANAX GINSENG ROOT EXTRACT. RHODIOLA ROSEA ROOT EXTRACT. *SIGNATURE ESSENTIAL OIL COMPLEX PHENOXYETHANOL AND CAPRYLYL GLYCOL. CANANGA ODORATA (YLANG) OIL. PELARGONIUM GRAVEOLENS (GERANIUM) FLOWER OIL. XANTHAN GUM. *BENZYL ALCOHOL. EUGENOL. ISO EUGENOL. BENZYL SALICYLATE. GERANIOL. FARNESOL. LINALOOL. BENZYL BENZOATE. CITRAL. LIMONENE. CITRONELLOL. (NATURALLY OCCURRING IN ESSENTIAL OILS).
Vegetarian (silk), made in the UK
Contains phenoxyethanol


Marlenha Bloom Anti-Age Complete Rejuvenating Treatment Sample

Reading the ingredient list, my eyes were caught on "Parfum". As you may be aware, companies do not have to disclose the ingredients behind the "parfum" which gives a potential loophole to put anything, even very dangerous ingredients. I like to clarify what is the source of perfume if there is no information on the website or no asterisk saying it came from essential oils. I have emailed the company about the origin of "parfum" ingredients and received irrelevant (although quick) reply that the products are safe to be used in pregnancy. OK, that is great, please answer the question! Finally, the answer came - "our fragrance are not natural but they are only 0,15 % of the product and our "natural" customers are satisfied about it". Does that mean if you are not satisfied with artificial fragrances you are not their customer? Also, "it is only a small percent of the product" is a common argument for using parabens. Just because it is a small proportion, does it mean anything can be used? I am not prepared to debate these questions further so this sample will find another home. And I will not be using it or anything from this company.

Ingredients: Aqua, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glyceryl Stearate, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Behenyl Alcohol, Acetyl Octapeptide-3 Hexyldecanol, Hexyldecyl Laurate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Opuntia Coccinellifera Flower Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Rosa Moschata Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Glucose, Glycerin, Parfum, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Gluconate, Caprylyl Glycol, Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Lactic Acid.
Vegan


The value of the box according to my maths is £42.35 but LoveLula states £44. The subscription is £12.50 per month with free delivery so that is a great value. Overall I am very happy with this box and I hope they will keep up with the good work. The only product I did not like came as a tiny sample so I am OK with this loss.