Hey Sunshine! Let's talk about beauty boxes!
Who doesn't like delivery days when the postman drop by your doorstep with your fresh online purchase? I have to say I'm getting more and more efficient with unboxing mailing packages as the suspense just totally kills me! Who's with me?
So I guess that's the whole thrill about beauty subscription box that's been taking over the beauty world. These gorgeously wrapped boxes promise to give you the excitement of Boxing Day once a month (or every quarter) - that seriously sounds freaking tempting!
So I've finally jumped on the beauty box bandwagon when Lust Have It! introduced me to their quarterly eco box. Previously I felt so unloved as an eco beauty warrior because most other subscription box services in Australia don't cater for ladies like us - who refuse to layer our skin with iffy toxins. I was utterly thrilled that Lust Have It! is here to save the day!
Lust Have It! promises to include 6 - 8 natural beauty samples each season for $29.95 per quarter (or $110 per year). My Summer Eco Box came in a small brown paper envelope which was quite cute and sturdy. I'm glad there isn't much plastic used in packaging - a green tick from me.
Without further ado, let's unbox what's included in their Summer Eco Box here together, shall we?
Frist impression: This face scrub smells leafy, not the kind of scent that I like best but I know this is such a personal choice. They do small natural and nothing overpowering. The scrub is in a light brown shade while the scrubbing particles look like coffee grounds.
Verdict: This is a pretty intense scrub which I think it's ideal for my T-zone and chin areas where I tend to have breakouts. It leaves my skin very soft and supple. Although I feel it's too rough for my sensitive cheek areas so I'd keep it for T-zone only when I need a strong exfoliation in winter months. The smell was quite strong when scrubbing on my skin yet surprisingly it doesn't stay on. A blend of essential oils included in the ingredients makes this a pampering treat.
♠ Ethique Minute Manicure Solid Hand Scrub
Frist impression: The strong and heavenly citrus smell caught my attention as I was unboxing so I immediately followed my nose to look for where it comes from. This Solid Hand Scrub comes in the shape of a hand soap is packaged in a bright green box so it caught my eyes straight away. The very first thing I do with any beauty products with strong aromatic smell is an ingredient check to make sure no artificial perfumes are added. I was very glad to see that the lime smell comes from its Citrus essential oil added to the cube (though it didn't say whether it's pure and organic essential oil). But overall it was the product that I could not wait to get my hands on (literally)!
Verdict: It didn't disappoint as it's hands down my favourite product from the box! I crushed the cube as instructed (I used one-third of it), wet it with warm water and mash it into a paste. Just a tiny bit of water turns the cube into a rich, creamy paste which feels utterly pampering. The scrubbing particles are quite coarse yet they feel gentle enough on my hands. My skin feels conditioned, soft and supple after use, not to mention the divine scent that lingers for hours! I love it using it before bedtime as I find the smell very soothing and relaxing. It's a magical rough hand rescue in a cube! I'd consider purchasing them as a gift for my mum who sadly abuses her hands in the kitchen too often. Mother's Day gift sorted I think!
♠ Moo Goo SPF15 Anti-Aging Face Cream 6g
Frist impression: This is the only brand that I've come across before receiving this box so I'm quite confident with its quality. I've used its body wash which works gently on my skin. I don't usually purchase face cream with SPF as I prefer to keep the two separate. I don't wear sunscreen in the evenings as less chemicals (either good or bad) mean less burden on my skin.
Verdict: This cream has a medium consistency, I was expecting it to be much thicker as it's an anti-aging one. I love its consistency which is just perfect for use during the day. It rubs into my skin easily within seconds and doesn't leave me looking pasty white (the worst nightmare when testing sunscreen)! It's a mineral sunscreen using Zinc Oxide as the active ingredient to block off UV, rather than Oxybenzone which actually absorbs it ( I've previously written about natural v.s. chemical sunscreen here). It's definitely one that I would recommend if you're looking for an SPF day cream that is lightweight and clean.
♠ Nvey Eco Nourishing Bronzer (in Natural)
Frist impression: Solid black plastic packaging isn't anything too impressive. I think they could put more effort in their packaging to showcase the 'green' side of their formula. It comes with a powder puff in a separate compartment with a mirror which is handy for travel. Personally, I'd still use a contouring brush for precise application.
Verdict: The shade looks darker than other bronzers I've used so I wasn't sure how this one would go, but it actually suits me quite well as a contouring powder. I use it to create shades on both sides of my cheek and my nose hoping for a KK's style of magical transformation! So how did that go? It blends very well with a large kabuki brush and leaves no awkward contouring lines. It does sharpen some parts of my face and it makes a difference! The results don't look too dramatic in photos but it shows when you see me in person and I do want to keep it subtle. Not claiming my title as the contouring queen yet but I'm getting there!
♠ Nvey Eco Powder Blush (in Blushing Peach)
(#MOTD wearing Nvey Eco Blush & Bronzer from Lust Have It! Eco Box, INIKA Cosmetics Truly Organic Liquid Foundation in Beige, Antonym Cosmetics Noisette Eye Shadow Quattro, A Bit Hippy Tinted Natural & Vegan Lip Balm in Pomegranate & Julisa 5-Free Vegan Nail Polish in Tibetan Bride)
Frist impression: Packaging is the stock-standard plastic container with clear lid which feels a bit flimsy. On the package it clear states that the blush 'contains certified organic ingredients' which is a great sign. It also shows a 'green bunny' (which I'm guessing it means vegan-friendly) and Aus made symbols. The shade of the blush looks peachy which a subtle hint of pink. It looks very much like a 'beach day' kind of blush.
Verdict: I was worried that the shade would be too light to show on my skin (I have Asian skin with slight yellow undertone) but I was wrong. I pick up a small amount of blush using my favourite makeup brush and it gives me a very natural & luminous glow on my cheekbones. It's nothing too orangey or peachy as it looks. It's such a delightful surprise that it goes so harmoniously well with my skin tone- what a win! It's surely not only reserved for beach days and it's become my go-to everyday blush.
♠ LittleStuff4UFrist impression: A wonderful blend of natural ingredients including Organic Sunflower Oil, Soybean Oil, Jojoba Oil and Argan Oil got me so excited to test it out! This rich moisturising cream is ideal for very dry skin and is created with 98% natural ingredient oils. No fragrance added which is a massive tick.
Verdict: I feel this is a pretty powerful cream in a tiny jar that will help me get through the dreadful winter months! The scent of essential oils makes me feel I'm in a day spa. It's thick in consistency yet it absorbs within seconds into my skin, leaving it nourished and conditioned. I absolutely love how it's a multi-use cream for face, body, hand cuticles, knees and feet! This went straight into my travel beauty pouch.
♠ PHR Solar Oil Protection 10mlFrist impression: I knew it would be messy when hair oil comes in a small foil pack and I did end up creating a mess spilling some as this oil is very runny. I'd prefer they send oils in small bottles for no-mess application. It promises to protect and treat hair exposed to sun and salt water which sounds like what I desperately need after my all those summer poolside sessions!
Verdict: The 10ml pack was probably good for two applications but I only ended up using half of the pack and spilled the rest (lol). It's a very thin oil as mentioned and it's best to spray on for even application. I use it on my roots which immediately makes them feel velvety and gives a healthy glow. Great beauty hack for beach days when you still want to look on point with healthy-looking mane before you mess it up with salt water! UV filter in the oil is a plus. I was out in the sun for over two hours wearing it and I did notice my roots were less coarse than they usually are without wearing any hair treatment. Oh, and did I mention it carries a subtly sweet Pina Colada scent? Just get a cocktail in hand for a 'summer in Malibu' poolside session!
So there you go beauty babes, there were seven gorgeous items in this season's Lust Have It! Eco Box with over $140 in value. And I swear that the subscription box thrill is real - I felt like a kid in candy stores as I ripped open my box filled with eco beauty goodies!
If I weren't a beauty blogger I think I'd pay to subscribe to one for a few seasons. It's such a good way to test out different natural beauty brands, including lots of indie and Australian made ones which I'm passionate about!
So tell me dear fellow eco beauty bunnies, are you a beauty box addict? Have you come across any other eco beauty box services that focus entirely on green beauty products? How was your experience like with the boxes that you've received? Sharing is caring so be sure to comment below and let's chat further on all things eco beauty!
Until next time. Stay beautiful inside & out.
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