The Natural Beauty Box: "Revitalize" Review

Hands up if you discovered something new in February's "Revitalize" edit of The Natural Beauty Box??


The Natural Beauty Box February subscription products

I adore this cruelty free, vegan, and all natural subscription box as I always find something I have not tried before, and this month was no exception.  Not only was I introduced to four new products, but three brands as well.  For someone who is pretty immersed in the green beauty world, that is a real feat to accomplish!

February's curation contains five products, three full size and two deluxe samples, all of which have been chosen for their ability to breathe new life into tired skin and hair.  The theme's goal was to give a boost of moisture and hydration during this cold and windswept season, add essential fatty acids and antioxidants to your beauty routine in an effort to repair and nourish, plus improve texture, suppleness, and appearance so you can be ready to glow when the sun finally decides to stay all day!

Overall, I think The Natural Beauty Box has delivered another home run.  With over £70 worth of product, this collection is sure to bring some joy to your month.

So let's dig in, shall we??


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* This post contains affiliate links
No matter how I have received a product, whether it has been purchased with my own money, gifted by a brand, been subsidized by a brand, won, gifted by friends/family, or purchased with a gift voucher, my approach is always the same -- honesty, integrity, and highlighting both the good and the bad.  You can find more information on Disclosures and Privacy here.


Clean U Skincare Lip & Cheek Balm (10g/£10):

Newly launched UK natural beauty brand Clean U Skincare is one that I was really looking forward to trying out:

After years of using products that were  packed with chemicals and 'natural' products having hidden ingredients, we decided to embark upon a journey of discovering, designing and formulating products that are not only Organic, Vegan and 100% Natural but also extremely beneficial for the skin. We use only the very best and responsibly sourced ingredients that have been used for centuries in India and across Asia for flawless skin and hair. We have transformed these ancient secrets into modern and easy to use products.

I saw the reveal over on Instagram and I loved the plastic free packaging so was keen to see how the balm worked.  Well, I have to say I am impressed by how potent this little product is.

open tin of Clean U Skincare Lip + Cheek Balm

I was interested to see an ingredient I have never come across before -- Kunzea Ambigua Leaf Oil.  After a dive into Google, I discovered this member of the myrtle family is known for its pain relieving properties and ability to reduce stress and anxiety.  Found mainly in Australia, this has been used by Aboriginal communities for centuries to treat muscle tightness, irritated skin, and pain, and has been certified by the Therapeutic Goods Association for its therapeutic benefits.

While Clean U's balm does not tout any of these qualities, I have to say that I find the aroma incredibly soothing and regenerating.  The mix of uplifting citrus fruits paired with invigorating juniper and heady geranium creates such an intoxicating aroma that I can't stop opening up the tin to get a fresh sniff.  Honestly, I could see myself carrying this around just to give me a mood boost!

I find the balm a bit too oily for use on most of my skin, but it does a lovely job at soothing and softening my cuticles.  I recently have been more stressed than usual and have found myself picking at the skin around my nails (awful habit, I know!), but a tiny bit of Clean U's balm has helped calm the irritation and heal the damage I've done.  I am also liking this as a base for lipsticks, as it helps give a smoother look and add much needed nourishment during this windy weather.

I just wish there was more about the founder and the brand itself on the About Me / FAQ page.  I love reading the stories behind businesses, and feeling connected to the creators is a huge part of the experience for me personally.  I would love to hear more -- anyone else??

Ingredients: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, *Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, *Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, *Juniperus Communis (Juniper) Fruit Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Leaf Oil, Kunzea Ambigua Leaf Oil, *Echinacea Purpurea Root.
*Organically Grown Ingredients.


BAO Reviving Hand & Body Cream (200ml/£23):

I was super excited to see BAO making an appearance in February's edit, as they are a rising star in the world of green beauty and create some wonderful products, including delightful face polish, bath salts, and lip balms.  I have been lucky enough to try quite a lot of their goodies and have really enjoyed all I tried.  And while I have one of their other lotions in my collection, the Reviving Hand & Body Cream is actually my first experience with this part of their range since I hadn't yet gotten around to testing my bottle out yet!

You may remember I mentioned last month that I am not overly fond of lotions generally.  I usually find them too thin and 'wet' and just am not super keen on the texture.  Well, just like I was challenged to try something outside of my comfort zone with the "Cosy Nights In" edit, I found myself reassessing my feelings about body creams thanks to BAO.

BAO Skincare Reviving Hand & Body Cream on top of books

BAO's Reviving Hand & Body Cream isn't your average lotion -- it is actually very nourishing and helps banish dry skin, plus it brings added aromatherapy benefits.  With lemongrass leaf oil, orange blossom floral water, mandarin orange peel oil, calendula flower, aloe vera leaf juice, and shea butter, this creation calms your skin and uplifts your mind thanks to the stellar plant based ingredients.  I love its light zesty aroma, and appreciate how gentle it is.  In fact, BAO's cream is so kind on the skin that even those with eczema and psoriasis should get on with it!  My partner is seeing some fab results with his "flesh rot" as he calls it, and has been less itchy and irritated since starting use.

As for me, I am really liking how moisturizing the formula is, but I am particularly happy with the smell.  Anything that helps boost my mood during the long grey months is a winner in my book, so I have been using this on my hands and body since my box arrived.  It absorbs well, isn't greasy, and leaves me feeling that little bit happier which helps me get through the day with a more positive outlook!

I've really enjoyed BAO's cream so far, and now I am really looking forward to trying the other bottle in my cupboard!  Thanks to The Natural Beauty Box for pushing my comfort zone and getting me to try things I wouldn't have otherwise!

Ingredients: *Citrus aurantium (Orange Blossom) Floral Water, *Butyrospermum parkii (Shea) Butter, *Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) Leaf Juice, *Adansonia digitata (Baobab) Seed Oil, *Calendula officinalis (Calendula) Flower, Emulsifier, *Citrus nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, *Cymbopogon flexuosus (Lemongrass) Leaf Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Sodium benzoate & Potassium sorbate (Preservative Eco) Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol, Citral. *Organic


Unearthd Company Good on You Organic Skin Repair Oil (50ml/£24.99):

One of my favourite things about The Natural Beauty Box is how the collections always manage to introduce me to a brand I have not yet discovered -- so finding Unearthd Company was a real treat!  Not only is this an award winning brand, but they are certified cruelty free, vegan and organic, 100% natural, and evolved from their sister company Naissance in an effort to create fabulous finished products.

Good on You was designed to lighten and fade stretch marks, heal skin damage, reduce wrinkles, improve elasticity, soothe and soften, and improve the appearance of scars.  How?  By utilizing Vitamins A and E and Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids.

This hydrating body oil contains a bioactive ingredient, which is clinically certified to improve the signs of scars, stretchmarks and fine lines and to help preserve the skin’s lipid balance, supporting with repairing damage and healing. ‘Good on You’ improves the texture and suppleness of your skin leaving it nourished and soft.


Unearthd Company Good on You oil

I'll be honest, I have not had much time with this oil yet, so longer term results are still to be shown.  What I can say so far though is this -- Unearthd Company has made a multi-purpose oil that highlights the power of pure ingredients.  The Good on You Organic Skin Repair Oil is a delight to use, and I am so thankful I get to try a full size bottle!

I enjoyed the ease of application from the pump action applicator and liked that I got a uniform amount of product each time.  While the lid is plastic, the rest of the packaging is glass (plus the cardboard outer box), so I appreciate that efforts were made to reduce waste.  The oil itself is a deep wholesome shade, almost like a burnt orange, and has a smell that evolves over time.  First it is sharply fruity, then it mellows out into a more grounded citrus scent with a hint of an herbal undertone.  I find it settling on my mind, so I breathe in deeply before and after massaging into my skin.

When it comes to oils, especially ones for the body, I tend to favour ones that absorb fully and don't leave me waiting to get dressed or worrying that my clothes will be stained.  Well, I can say that with Unearthd this hasn't been a concern!  The Good on You oil sinks in super fast, and I find this formula moisturizing without making me too slick.  My skin feels incredible after applying, and I look forward to seeing how things develop!

My only issue is the cardboard box which is far too large for the product.  It looks impressive, but all I can think is that it is a waste of materials.  Plus, the glass bottle with its vibrant label is gorgeous in its own right and I would love for it to stand on its own to showcase the essence of the brand -- simplicity is beautiful too.

I would love to hear how everyone is getting on with this, and in what ways you are using it.  Since this is so multi-functional, it would be great to get more ideas - let me know in the comments lovelies!

Ingredients: Simmondsia chinensis (Organic Golden Jojoba Oil), Rosa canina (Organic Rosehip Oil), Moringa oleifera (Organic Unrefined Moringa Oil), Hippophae rhamnoides (Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil), Prunus armeniaca (Organic Apricot Kernel Oil), Opuntia ficus-indica (Organic Prickly Pear Oil), Plukenetia Volubilis (Organic Lipactive Inca Inchi), Citrus Aurantium Amara (Organic Neroli), Helichrysum Italicum (Organic Helichrysum), Pelargonium Graveolens (Organic Geranium Rose), Boswellia Serrata (Organic Frankincense), Citrus Nobilis (Organic Mandarin), Citrus Medica Limonum (Organic Lemon), Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Organic Bergamot)


The Earth Works Cosmetics Regenerating Night Treatment (7g/£6.50):

The Earth Works Cosmetics is a brand I have heard of before but haven't had a chance to try until now, so I was pleased to find a sample pot of their Regenerating Night Treatment in February's edit from The Natural Beauty Box.  Based in Northamtonshire, this family run business focuses on creating skincare that is free from nasties like synthetic fragrances and colours, parabens, and petrochemicals.  The sample we got in this month's box is a balm designed to regenerate and recharge the skin overnight, and contains natural butters and oils that help boost radiance.

open The Earth Works Cosmetics Regenerating Night Treatment

I was worried that TEWC's treatment would prove too heavy for me, as the formula is incredibly rich, verging on a whipped/souffle-like texture, and full of super nourishing ingredients like borage oil and shea butter.  But luckily I have been pleasantly surprised - I haven't had any breakouts so far, and the irritation my forehead and cheeks have been experiencing has been soothed!  I use very *very* sparingly, and find that in small quantities the product provides a great moisture boost without compromising my congestion prone skin.

The treatment has a subtle frankincense aroma that is elevated by the sweet nuttiness of shea and macadamia butter, creating a grounding and soothing scent.  The texture is so lush, and it applies like butter, gliding across the skin smooth as silk.  I find it is especially lovely if you apply right after spritzing with a floral water.  My face always feels so soft with even just the tiniest bit, and I appreciate that the product doesn't leave my skin looking or feeling oily - it is actually left fairly matte!  Definitely a great treat for the skin, and one I am happy I was able to try.

I would say this product is most suited to dry or mature skin types, but as I have discovered it can also work for those of us with more testy faces as long as we take it easy.  But I would love to hear your thoughts on this -- what has your experience been??

Ingredients: Butyrosperum parkii (Shea butter), Rosa canina (Rosehip seed oil), Macadamia ternifolia (Macadamia butter), Borago officinalis (Borage oil), Simmondsia chinesis (jojoba oil), Tocopherol (Natural vitamin E), Boswellia serrata (Frankincense essential oil), Pelagonium graveolens (Geranium essential oil), Citrus sinensis (Sweet orang essential oil), Citrus aurantium bergamia (Bergamot essential oil), Rosa Damask (Rose absolute), Limonene, Citral, Geraniol, Citronellol, Linalool, Eugenol, Farnesol (allergens naturally occurring in essential oils)


Evolve Beauty Nourishing Hair Elixir (10ml/£6):

I adore Evolve, and have tried more than my fair share over the last few years.  This English brand creates stunning (and most importantly, affordable!) organic formulations that offer targeted and effective solutions for a variety of beauty concerns.

I believe it is time for beauty to evolve. Society is coming full circle and realising that choosing natural ingredients is better for us and our world. Together with a small team of artisans, I design and make each product carefully by hand in our small studio in Hertfordshire, England. This ensures the freshness of the precious antioxidants in the natural oils, butters and extracts.

Evolve Beauty Nourishing Hair Elixir with dropper showing oil

The Nourishing Hair Elixir is actually a staple in my beauty cupboard already, and this bottle will be the fourth or fifth I've had!  I adore everything about the oil -- the scent, the feel, the versatility...  And of course the results it gives!  In fact, I love this product so much that it made its way into my Best Ethical Beauty Products of 2018 series.

Evolve's elixir is the first hair oil I ever tried, and it is the one that got me totally converted.  In fact, I had such success with this formula that I pretty much stopped bothering with conditioners (except the gorgeous TJK Clean Conditioner we got back in September last year!) and began to incorporate a regular oil treatment into my routine.  My hair is naturally curly underneath and a weird mix of wavy and straight on top, and since introducing oils, specifically Evolve's Nourishing Hair Elixir, my curls began to develop into something more than just sad limp ringlets.  Plus, it became softer than it had been in years!  It looked so healthy despite me not having had a hair cut in over a year, and was shiny and refreshed.

Not only that, but the elixir smells divine.  The Tahitian Monoi gives the formula a delicious pseudo-vanilla aroma that is so unique and memorable, and I find myself feeling happier after breathing in the scent.  The natural fragrance doesn't hang around for super long, but while it lasts it is stunning.

Usually products that contain coconut oil make me break out, especially on my face and scalp, but Evolve's oil doesn't cause that issue for some magical reason (seriously, I have no idea why because EVERYTHING else creates some awful cystic acne that is painful and hard to treat!).  I am just super happy that I do not have any bad reactions, as I would be gutted.  This elixir is just so beautiful.

Ingredients: Isoamyl Laurate, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Oil*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Isoamyl Cocoate, Parfum (NaturalFragrance), Gardenia Tahitensis Flower Extract, Citral, Citronellol, Geranoiol, d-Limonene, Linalol. *ingredients from organic farming

February 2019 The Natural Beauty Box products


While many of the sizes were a bit smaller this month, the formulas were as exquisite as usual and the value for money offers a staggering amount of savings -- for just £24.95 you get over £70 worth of high quality vegan, cruelty free and organic products from a range of UK based artisan brands.  Can't beat that!!

What did you think of February's "Revitalize" box??  I for one think The Natural Beauty Box did it again and brought us a lovely edit full of new green goodies perfectly suited for this time of year.  But I want to hear your ideas!

And if you are interested in grabbing the February box, you're in luck -- you can still pick one up if you are *super* quick.  There are currently just four boxes left, so you can grab one for yourself and experience all the beauty this edit has to offer.  Or, if you want to grab the upcoming March box you can head over and subscribe so you don't miss out on a whole new theme.  Remember, you can get a cheeky 10% off your first box, making this incredible selection just over £22!  And as always, snippets of the upcoming subscription are shared over on The Natural Beauty Box's Insta leading up to the release, so be sure to check that out if you are curious about what will be in store for the "Mother Nature" box.

4 comments

  1. This sounds like such a great value box. I do like the sound of the hair oil too.

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  2. Love what this box offers! My favourite is the Good on You Organic Skin Repair Oil. I love that it helps with stretch marks and wrinkles.

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    Replies
    1. plus it's organic -- meaning no worrying that toxic pesticides are contaminating your product ;) love it! x

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