Review: Skin Organics Beauty Box (May)

What is it?

Skin Organics Clean Beauty is a subscription box with a selection of non-toxic, cruelty-free, organic and natural products.  These may be skincare, body care or beauty products.  Their aim is to help you discover clean, green and cruelty-free products and brands.  They dispatch on 20th of the month.

Cost:  £19.00 (+£3.95 P&P) subscription, UK

What was in my box?

Beauty Balm

This months theme is Beauty Balm. Inside the box were seven products.

The card has details about all the products and discount codes if you decide to buy.

A.S Apothecary:  Wild Beauty Balm (website lists price at £42 for 30mls & sheet lists price as £21.00)

AS Apothecary Beauty Balm

This is an everything balm.  The brand hand make all their products using natural ingredients.  They think of the way they do this as an artistic or meditative process.  They even create bespoke products for individuals as one of their services.

Just Be Botanicals:  Loved Aromatherapy Chocolate (website & sheet lists price as £2.75)

Just Be chocolate

I’m not really a fan of dark chocolate. I think I’ll pop round to see my mum and share it with her. I’ll try a tiny piece to check if I’m missing out but I think it will be more her thing than mine.

I checked their website and they do different chocolate like milk or white (more me) and a ton of other beauty products, tea and home-ware.  They appear to be pretty big – I’m surprised I’ve never come across them.

Isla Apothecary:  Neroli Body oil (website lists price as £32 for 100mls & sheet lists price as £4.50)

Isla neroli body oil

This body oil was the winner of the Beauty Shortlist Awards 2018 for best Body Oil.  It sounds very promising and I look forward to using this as specially as one of the benefits is preventing stretch marks which is great as I am in my third trimester of pregnancy and need to improve on remembering to use a body oil.

Bodhi & Birch:  Desert Rose Facial Oil (website lists price as £38 for 15mls and sheet lists price as £9.95)

Bodhi and birch facial oil

This facial oil also won the Beauty Shortlist Awards 2018.  I do love the scent of rose so perhaps this face oil will be a winner with me too.  This oil is designed to even skin tone, boost cellular regeneration and diminish age blemishes.

Lucky Cloud:  Nourishing Cleansing Balm (website and sheet lists price as £8.00)

Lucky Cloud Cleansing Balm

This certainly looks like the sort of cleaner that I love.  I do have a few cleansers on the go at the moment so I am not sure I’ll get a chance to use it this month but I’ll try to give it a try just so I can let you know my thoughts at the end of the month.

Roques O’Neil:  Himalayan Detox Bath Salts (website and sheet lists price as £10.00 travel size)

Roques Oneil detox salts

There is a warning on website to say that this product is not safe to use during pregnancy – perhaps because it is designed to make you sleepy and pregnant women are already struggling to stay away.

However, I’ve read that a salt bath is very healing after birth so I’ll use it when I return from hospital as a little pamper.

Botany Blend:  Meru Facial (sheet lists price as £2.50 sample size)

This facial oil was the winner of the Beauty Shortlist Awards 2018 for Editors Choice.  Another award winner and appears to be suitable for all skin types for reducing aging.  I hope the sample will be enough to get a good idea of what I think of the product.

Would I recommend?

Once again this is another great box, introducing the sort of brands I want to know and use. Everything feels like good quality and was beautifully wrapped.

All the products meet the promise of clean, green and cruelty-free – so if that’s something you desire, this is a great box for you. 

All May

Reflect on previous box

I’ve had a month to use the products I received and share my thoughts.

This is how I got on using the products from my April box:

Sadly, I have been a bit stressed at work and returning home too exhausted to even pamper myself which has resulted in some products not getting used as expected.  In addition, the past two weekends my little boy has been ill which steals my time and energy.  Hopefully, June will be a better month and I’ll find a little bit of ‘me’ time.  

Wild Source:  Radiance Mask (website RRP £24.00 & sheet lists price as £15.00)

I’ve not had a chance to use this.  Mixing up a face mask whilst my little boy was being sick didn’t seem like a good idea. I feel like I’ve constantly been doing laundry this month and I forgot face masks even exist.  

Mono Naturoils: Rose & Cucumber Cleansing Oil (website & sheet lists price as £20.00)

I have used this oil almost everyday and love it.  It is a bit rich on a hot day but my skin has been less problematic when I have used it.  My skin is definitely more hydrated by this product.  

Mono Naturoils:   Facial Steam (This trial size is a gift from the founder of Mono. No price is given.)

I still haven’t had a chance to use this.  I have been a little stressed at work this month and it has resulted in me being too tired to even pamper myself.  I really want to use it and I got as far as taking it to the kettle.

Naissance:  Certified Organic Rosehip Oil (website & sheet list price as £8.99)

I haven’t used it.  I don’t feel I need it at the moment so it is just sitting in my bathroom cabinet until I do.

Green People:  Quinoa & Calendula Shower Gel  (website RRP £9.99 (100ml), £4.00 on the sheet for sample size)

I have used this every time I’ve had a shower.  I can’t decide if I like the smell or not but it is friendly to my skin.  I’d definitely try other Green People products but doubt I’ll replace this one when it is used up.  

Anita Grant:  Vanilla Cocoa Body Butter Sample (website & sheet RRP £3.45 for 15g sample size)

I can’t use this.  It smells too edible and makes me hungry.  I really like the brand, it has a very luxurious feel to the products and I am keen to check out more they have to offer.

Anita Grant:  Coconut Rosewood Dry Oil (website & sheet RRP £2.99 for 15ml)

Maybe this product is the reason my skin is looking so good.  Every time my skin looks a little stressed I’ve dabbed a little of this oil on.  It feels lovely on my skin.  I wasn’t sure I’d have a need for this but I really love it and would buy again.  Did I mention how good it smells?  Mmm….

if_twitter-01-01_3066980  if_instagram-01-01_3066990  if_youtube-01-01_3066976  if_g-01-01_3066962

Ally plus text

Review: Skin Organics Beauty Box

What is it?

Skin Organics Clean Beauty is a subscription box with a selection of non-toxic, cruelty-free, organic and natural products.  These may be skincare, body care or beauty products.  Their aim is to help you discover clean, green and cruelty-free products and brands.  They dispatch on 20th of the month.

Cost:  £19.00 (+£3.95 P&P) subscription, UK

This is my second subscription to this box.

I have created a video to go with this post but it’s my first attempt and I think it needs a little edit before putting on YouTube. My plan is to figure out ‘how’ this weekend and update my post then. Sorry for the delay. Here is my written first impressions:

What was in my box?

Radiance

This months theme is Radiance. Inside the box was seven products!

The card has details about all the products and discount codes if you decide to buy.

Mono Naturoils

There were two products by this brand. Their products are cruelty free, vegan, zero waste, and the purest ingredients from the earth. The ingredients are botanical and infused with energy from crystals. For customers they have a loyalty program and free shipping.

Rose & Cucumber Cleansing Oil (website & sheet lists price as £20.00)

I’ve always wanted to try a cleansing oil as I’ve heard that contrary to logic that it can be good for acne prone skin. However, I’ve never got around to putting the theory to the test.

Since receiving the oil I’ve switched to give it a try and so far I like it.

Facial Steam (This trial size is a gift from the founder of Mono. No price is given.)

I haven’t tried this yet but I do get clogged skin so I think a steam will be really good for my face. I’m looking forward to giving this a go soon.

Wildsource Apothecary

Built on an understanding of aromatherapy, these botanical products use natural ingredients. The website hosted a number of interesting looking products that are very tempting.

Radiance Mask (website RRP £24.00 & sheet lists price as £15.00)

I almost tried this after my bath but I must confess, I am not great at mixing my own masks. I tend to get inpatient with adding water and then make them too runny. I will try and do it this month and share my thoughts.

Naissance

This brand provides ingredients to make your own organic beauty products (and sets to get your started). These oils come with a card with three uses and one is a serum recipe.

Certified Organic Rosehip Oil (website & sheet list price as £8.99)

I already have an Oil by this brand and found it to be of good quality. It smells just like an oil so I think they honestly don’t add anything to it – you really are getting what you pay for.

Green People

For a long time I’ve wanted to try this brand but never got around to buying it. They are all organic and worked with soil association to create a recognised standard for other brands to aspire to. They are ethical and support charities. Cruelty free.

Quinoa & Calendula Shower Gel  (website RRP £9.99 (100ml), 4.00 on the sheet for sample size)

I haven’t yet used this as I wanted to get some nice pics before jumping in the shower with it. It is SLS free (as are all their products), paraben free and a whole list of free from synthetic ingredients. The natural ingredients are all added for a reason such as Quinoa to lock in moisture.

Anita Grant

There were two generous sample size products in this box. The brand is….

Vanilla Cocoa Body Butter Sample (website & sheet RRP £3.45 for 15g sample size)

This body butter is sensitive enough to use on babies and suitable for pregnant women to treat stretch marks.

It has a very strong rich chocolate smell. The body butter is very moisturising and becomes oil like when it warms up. I really liked the texture but found the smell a little much for me. I’d be interested in trying it again with another scent.

Coconut Rosewood Dry Oil (website & sheet RRP £2.99 for 15ml)

The dried rose floating inside makes it feel special and pretty. This is suitable for combination and dry skin. It also can be used on your hair. I really like the smell. It’s early days but so far I’m very fond of this product and have been using it on my face to treat problem areas.

Would I recommend?

Once again this is another great box, introducing the sort of brands I want to know and use. Everything feels like good quality and was beautifully wrapped.

All the products meet the promise of clean, green and cruelty-free – so if that’s something you desire, this is a great box for you. 

Reflect on previous box

I’m going to include a new part to my article where I look back at the previous months box to see how I got on with the contents. I hope you find it useful.

This is how I got on using the products from my March box:

Apothaka:  Rejuvenating face oil – normal/combination skin (website RRP £19.50, Sheet lists price as £19.95)

I haven’t used this as much as I though I would.  It’s been so hot, I’ve wanted something lighter than an oil.

NKnaturals London:  Delicate – Healing Cleansing Balm (website RRP £25.00 for 60ml, Sheet lists price as £15.00 for 30ml)

This was being used every day and my skin loves it. I only stopped when it got so hot and I desired a lighter cleanser (a gel one). I am still using it to remove eye makeup as it is so gentle on my skin. I like the strong honey and lemon smell.

The Salt Parlour:  Calm – Salt and Sulphur Scrub (Rose and Shea Butter) (£15.00 RRP for 200g on the website, £5.90 on the sheet for 60g tin)

I keep forgetting I have this but when I did use it I was really impressed. I don’t usually like scrubs but this is the best one I’ve ever used.

North-burN:  Revive – Luxury Bathing Salts (Orange, Lavender and Palmarosa (£4.00 on the sheet)

I still have not used this product as I am saving it for after I have my baby (in August) as salt baths are a great way of healing after labour.

Beauty Kubes – Organic shampoo for normal to dry hair  (£1.00 on the sheet)

They now have a video on their website showing you how to use these kubes.  I think they are a really affordable and eco-friendly way of shampooing your hair and will think about repurchasing them in future.

Ally plus text

Holland and Barratt – shop

Early last month, I got some products from Holland & Barratt and have been waiting to have a chance to use them to write about what I got.

HandB pic 1

Yes To – Sleep Mask (RRP £2.99)

  • Coconut – moisturising (RRP £1.99)
  • Tomatoes – detoxifying (RRP £1.99)
  • Grapefruit – vitamin C Boosting (RRP £1.99)
  • Cucumbers – calming (RRP £1.99)

These masks were on offer, enabling me to buy them a pound less that the usual RRP £2.99.

I bought these because I wanted a mess free and quick method to give myself a facial. These certainly lived up to the claim.

You apply the mask before bed. It feels like a thick intense moisturiser. The product dries but didn’t feel crusty, more tacky. As you sleep, you skin absorbs the product. In the morning you wash your face as normal and you can feel it coming off as it becomes slimey once you add water to your skin.

I was pleased with the product and would consider buying again. I’m keen to try the brands sheet masks and more of the detoxifying tomato range.

Yes To is an organic and cruelty free skincare brand that produce affordable products available in many high street shops.

Salt of the earth – deodorant (RRP £5.99)

This is a popular organic deodorant as it was one of the first to go mainstream. Some time ago, I got the original version in a travel size and kept it in my handbag. I always intended to buy it again and seeing this scent tempted me.

I wasn’t sure I would like the smell as I’m not a fan of Lavender but it did smell lovely and lasted all day. You ought to know, that when you first spray it on, it makes your pit wet. You do need to give it a moment to dry before getting dressed. It didn’t irritate my skin and I felt good I wasn’t putting chemicals somewhere so sensitive.

Salt of the Earth have won awards for their vegan friendly deodorant. It lasts all day, doesn’t leave white marks and is 100% natural.

Dr Organic – Tea Tree Blemish Stick (RRP £4.99)

I have tried other Dr Organic products in the past and found then to be good quality, however, I wasn’t a fan of this. It worked to some degree but it didn’t feel hygienic. I wonder if the tea tree kills any bacteria on the application roller ball… I found the thought off putting.

Dr Organic aim to use organic or natural ingredients. Their products are suitable for vegetarian (some are not vegan, i.e. honey or snail slime). They don’t use mineral oils, harsh chemicals of GMs.

Good Bubble – Body care

  • Bubble bath – Dragon Fruit (RRP £3.99)
  • Hair & Body wash – Dragon Fruit (RRP £3.69)

This was a repurchase as I’m a big fan of Good Bubbles. My son loves it and I secretly steal it. The whole range is awesome – I’ve tried it all.

Click here for my Gruffalo Prickly Pear range review.

Click here for my Dragon Fruit range review

Good Bubble is a body care brand aimed at babies and children using gentle and organic ingredients. It is cruelty free.

Review: The Pip Box (March)

What is it?

The Pip Box is a beauty subscription box with a selection of cruelty free products.  A donation from the cost of the box goes to an animal friendly charity (This month is Animal Free Research).  The box contains a selection of five products – skincare, body care, makeup and occasionally a sweet treat too.

Cost:  £13.50 (+£3.95 P&P) subscription, UK

View this post on Instagram

The Pip Box (March) Unboxing ?

A post shared by Author Ally Aldridge (@redfae) on

How to get a free box?

In each box is a card encouraging consumers to share their pictures on social media.  They then choose a winner to get their next box free.  Last month, they chose my February pictures and I got my March box free.

What was in my box?

The box came with an information card to tell me all about the products inside and their value.

IMG_7990

Dr Botanicals:  Tropical Invigorating Cream (website RRP £29.00, Sheet lists price as £44.00)

Dr Botanicals is a London based vegan skincare brand and made from pure natural ingredients, paraben-free and no harmful preservatives.  They pride themselves on their products being kind to your skin and animals.

The cream is really light but moisturising and sinks in fast. The tropical smell isn’t strong and reminds me of grapefruit but that’s not listed as an active ingredient.  These are:

  • Elderflower:  to protect the skin from free radical damage
  • Chamomile Flower Extract: to heal and soothe irritated and damaged skin
  • Tiara Flower Extract:  to deeply nourish and purify the skin

I’m still really enjoying their day cream from last months edit too – click here to read.

IMG_7978

Saturated Colour:  Make Me Matt (website and sheet RRP £8.00) and Moisturising Lipstick – Naked Pink (website and sheet RRP £7.00)

This month I got two products by Saturated Colour.  This is a UK brand (Essex), cruelty free and vegan friendly.  The brand is affordable and they products have great colour and some clever ideas.

The Naked Pink lipstick is a gorgeous colour that would suit almost anyone.  It is a daytime pink and you could wear it to work.  The ‘make me matt’ is a clever product that can turn any lipstick matt.  If you have an old favourite that is the perfect shade but want it to be matt, then this is for you.  I think it is genius.

Her are some pics and swatches of the lipstick, Make It Matt and Lip Lock (another Saturated Colour product for longer lasting lip colour).

Top pic: Make it Matt (over lipstick)

Middle pic (L to R): swatch of lipstick alone, lipstick with Make it Matt, lipstick with Lip Lock, lipstick with Make it Matt & Lip Lock

Bottom pic: Naked Pink Lipstick

IMG_7964.jpg

Okko Skincare:  ‘Try me’ Natural foot balm stick (£21.00 RRP for 50g on the website, £3 on the sheet for 4.5g ‘try me’ size)

Okko Skincare use natural and organic ingredients in their products.  They are proud of their balms in a stick format as this enables you to throw it in your bag without the risk of spills.

I was impressed go easily the stick was to apply to my foot. It instantly turned into an oil. I used it straight out my morning shower but think this would be better before bed to allow the oil more time to penetrate. It has a nice smell and I’d be interested in trying more of their sticks.

IMG_7991

Raw-Ganic:  Refreshing Aloe and Green Tea Facial Wipes (£2.99 on the sheet and website)

Raw-Ganic is an English brand (Oxford).  The brand uses natural and organic ingredients that are environmentally sustainable and affordable.  It is vegan and cruelty free.

I like these wipes. I’ve used them to remove Make-up before bed and in the morning. I also tested them on removing the searches from my arm and it came off easily, even the swatches with Lip Lock. I’m thinking of putting them away in my overnight bag or next to my bed for when I’m too tired to take my makeup off with a full cleanse.

Would I recommend?

I am a regular subscriber to The Pip Box and never been disappointed by the contents.  It was really rewarding to get my box for free and goes to show that the company really do care about their customers.

I’m starting to grow a nice collection of Saturated Colour and Dr Botanics products and I am interested in buying more. I like being introduced to new brands I may not have discovered otherwise like Okko Skincare and Raw-Ganic both organic brands with great ethics.

IMG_7967

Ally plus text