Summer sun means a seasonal inspired collection from The Natural Beauty Box - and that's just what the Summer vibes box was!


A little later than usual due to personal circumstances, but I'm super excited to share the incredible collaboration edit between The Natural Beauty Box and Rare Beauty today!  Not only did this have a great value for money, but it contained four full size green goodies plus a deluxe size sample!

I'm all about getting decent sized products when it comes to subscription boxes - for me there is nothing worse than paying, having your parcel arrive, and discovering you have teeny tiny sachets and single use tubes inside.  And with The Natural Beauty Box I'm never worried about that happening.  With at least five items inside every themed delivery, sachets are only ever counted as a bonus (freebies!) and the treats are always generously sized.

And when it comes to quality and unique finds, The Natural Beauty Box is number one for me.  So many small businesses represented, lots of respected names and products featured, always perfectly themed, and just that little personal touch added to every package.  So of course when Rare Beauty also got involved for a second collab, I couldn't be more excited -- TWO amazing women leading the charge for the July box??!  It was bound to be a smash hit.

July's "Summer Vibes" collection was just that.  Five brands from the Rare Beauty shop, five handy items ideal for summer weather and summer skin...  What's not to love??

Rare Beauty, one of my Christmas Guide retailer picks of 2018, is an online shop out to make a difference -- unlike the middle aged males who rule the top eight most influencial global beauty businesses, the brands represented on Rare Beauty are all led by women powerful in their own right.  That's right, from Corinne, the founder of Rare Beauty, and the business owners of the featured products to the "Rare Residents," each person involved in this luxurious ethical online shop is (or includes) a lady boss, pure and simple.  Their goal is to initiate a change in the beauty scene, and according to Rare Beauty, "buying their products and investing in them you are enabling this change to happen."

Inside July's edit you will find Soap Folk, Elsa's, Freyaluna, Silvan Skincare, and Pure Savvy, all of which are great green beauty brands in their own right, but have the added brilliance of having a woman in charge behind the label!  How great is that??




Silvan Skincare Bliss Balm (60ml / £14.50):
"Silvan Skincare create effective, affordable and gentle skincare using the highest quality organic and sustainable plant-based ingredients.  The Vegan Society, Leaping Bunny accredited brand was Founded by Marian who is ‘passionate about packaging’ and creating 100% natural skincare products to harmonise, stabilise and strengthen the skin."

This is a brand that is new to me, and I am so happy that The Natural Beauty Box and Rare Beauty presented me with the chance to finally try out their gorgeous formulation, especially once I realized it comes in plastic free packaging.  Because oh my goodness this is something special.


Not only is the packaging beautiful, with an eye catching and intricate design around the label that is wrapped around the glass pot, but the balm itself is pure bliss.  It smells so stunning, with hints of warming arnica that is at once grounding and awakening as well as calming lavender, earthy vetiver, and the more sweet and sensual notes of ylang ylang which I adore.

The texture is very unique, both slick and tactile making it perfect for massage as it provides lubrication without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin.  Plus, the ingredients work together in harmony to ease inflammation, calm minor aches and pains, and soothe tensions.

But don't fret if you are not one for regular massages - this balm is super versatile and is actually a great little multi-tasker.  Try it out as a hand or foot treatment, on dry patches like elbows and knees, as a post-shave moisturizer for your legs or other areas, or even as a lip balm if you are needing a bit of nourishment after a day in the sun.

Whenever you use, just be sure to breathe in those excess oils and butters - trust me, you will feel your mind and body relaxing as the essential oils work their magic.  Uplifting yet incredibly relaxing, this is a fab aromatherapeutic balm that I am thoroughly enjoying.

Ingredients: apricot kernel oil*; jojoba seed oil*; shea butter*; olive fruit oil*; sunflower seed oil; candelilla wax; arnica flower extract*; vitamin E; ylang ylang flower oil*; vetiver root oil*; lavender oil*      *organic ingredient


Elsa's Natural Deodorant Creme in Lemon Ice (45g / £11):
If you have been around The ecoLogical for a while, you will know I already love Elsa's natural deodorant.  Founder Henrietta set out to redefine personal care products, and she has most definitely succeeded with this range.  I got my first ever product from them in March last year, and was converted pretty much immediately.

Things I love about this natural deo in a nutshell: no bicarb, no plastic, no stains (at least so far and not for the ones I have used in the past!), and no nasties.


This all natural deodorant is free from alcohols, aluminium, artificial colourings and fragrances, parabens, and more, and it is suitable for both men and women.  They come in three scents for the plastic free variety: Lemon Ice, Ocean, and Sweet Clementine.  I've tried Ocean previously, and found the scent so fresh and rejuvenating, and as tea tree is perfect for protecting against bacteria that cause odors, and peppermint is such a refreshing essential oil that works simultaneously as an anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory, Ocean is great for those who shave their underarms.

While I have not owned Sweet Clementine for myself, I did get to sample a bit at Stylist Live earlier this year, and I found it had a hint of uplifting zest and the same texture and consistency as the other two deodorants.  It's great for those who want a morning pick me up, or those who prefer something a little more fruity.

And Lemon Ice... Oh how happy I am to have got this one in the box!  It's not in your face lemony, which to be honest I prefer, but it does have a zing to it that is perfect for summer weather.  The cream is easy to work with, fairly solid but melts down well with a bit of warmth, and spreads evenly without clumping.  I apply with my fingers (I know, I'm such a heathen) as I find it fastest, and just gently massage (or quickly rub in if I'm in a rush!) until it is fully integrated with my skin.

For me, this is one of the best options for natural deo as it lasts for ages and it is so gentle.  Recently I have been having a few issues with bicarb - possibly stress levels are changing how my skin reacts to things, as it has been more on the sensitive side in general.  And with Elsa's Natural Cream Deodorant I don't have to worry about having a reaction.  Win!

Ingredients: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Maranta Arundinacea (Arrowroot) Powder*, Ricinus Communis (Castor Bean) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Magnesium Oxide, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candellila) Wax, Himalayan Pink Salt, Kaolin Clay, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Oil, Limonene, Citral, Linalool, Geraniol *Certified Organic, naturally occurring in essential oils.


Soap Folk Organic Lip Balm in Lemon (12ml / £5):
If you got the first Rare Beauty collab box, then you may recognize Soap Folk as they were also included in the "Dreamy Days" collection.  This Gloucestershire based brand was created by Fiona after a call for local soap makers was made by an independent boutique.  She went from making products for her loved ones, to creating sought after ethical soaps that created quite the buzz with the likes of Country Living and Homes & Antiques.

This time, subscribers won't be finding one of their hand made soaps, but a newer creation -- their plastic free organic lip balm!  I got the flavour "Lemon" which is like a cocoa-lemon fusion, with just a hint of zingy lemon and a more lush cacao aroma pouring in on top, almost like a lemon and chocolate tart.  I love that it doesn't have coconut oil in, as that is a pet peeve for me when it comes to lip balms (because if it bleeds out at all and gets on my skin rather than just lips, I break out), and it is surprisingly lightweight for such a compact balm.


The formula is not sticky at all, but I do find it takes a while to absorb.  However, I kind of like that as I feel like my lips are protected during all this dry weather which is super important. As they say,  "Our lips lack the protective outer layer and oil glands the rest of our skin has which means they are more susceptible to the elements. This plant-based balm softens, soothes and protects lips in all weather, all day long."

The balm is nourishing, works as a great base for lip colours (especially more matte ones), and is so handy to have on the go since the tin is perfectly sized to pop in your bag or your pocket.  I'll definitely be keeping this in my purse over the summer, and I think it will be great for popping on any dry skin patches or around my cuticles when I travel -- I will definitely be giving that a go when on the flight to my family next week!

Any other creative ways you can think of to use a lip balm?  I'd love to hear!

Ingredients: Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil*, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter*, Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil*, Copernicia cerifera (carnauba) cera*, Ricinus communis (castor) seed oil*, Citrus limon (lemon) peel oil* Naturally occuring allergens: d-Limonene, Linalol


Pure Savvy Just A Minute! Brightening Facial Mask (30ml / £40):
Next up in the "Summer Vibes" collab box with Rare Beauty is a brand that had been on my radar but I had not yet got around to trying -- Pure Savvy!  Founder Steph wanted to create a line that offered maximum results with minimum effort, a range "for women who want high-performance skincare that delivers results in an instant," and if the Just A Minute! formula is anything to go by then I would say that's just what she's managed to do!

Just A Minute! is a vegan friendly liquid brightening face mask that you apply just once a week for a single minute.  During those sixty seconds fruit enzymes (including bilberry, lemon, grapefruit, and orange) work to exfoliate the skin and botanical extracts help transform dull and tired complexions into a healthy, fresh glow.  Talk about super-powered!


I was worried my skin wouldn't get on with this formula, as it can be fussy and fairly sensitive at times, but I was happy to find out the Just A Minute! mask didn't cause any reactions and my face totally embraced it!  I have been using this once a week as instructed since my box arrived (minus one week as we just weren't in a space to focus on masking), and I find it fab for a few reasons:

• it's SO easy - just pop on, and by the time you put the bottle away you're basically ready to rinse off
• it's SO fast - I don't always have the patience to wait 15-30 minutes for a face mask to work, so this is a wonderful option for times when my complexion needs a pick me up but my life is either too hectic or my brain is short circuiting and I just *can't* with anything
• it doesn't break me out
• it doesn't dry my skin out like crazy or leave in feeling tender like many enzyme masks can do
• it actually does what it says - fresher skin in just 60 seconds, plus it helps with redness!

The texture is really interesting, as it is not thick nor thin, but somewhere in between.  Pure Savvy has crafted a hybrid, almost like a gel that is sticky to the touch (gives me Oilixia vibes actually!) but then totally blends with the skin like a viscous serum.  I'm not super keen on the smell, as I find it too sharp, but since it is only on for a minute it is not a big deal.

Just one word of warning - since this contains Vitamin C, be sure to be extra careful when it comes to the rest of your skincare routine immediately after.  If you use retinols, skip that step when using Pure Savvy's mask.  Also, be sure to apply sunscreen and be aware of skin exposure to sunlight, as your newly exfoliated skin will be more prone to burning!

Ingredients: Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Aqua (Water), Xanthan Gum, Glycerin, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit Extract, Sodium Levulinate, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Glyceryl Caprylate, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Sodium Anisate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Acer Saccharum (sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus Aurantium v.sinnensis (Sweet Orange), Cupressus Sempivirens (Cypress), Boswellia Carteri (Frankincense), Citrus Limon (Lemon), Citrus Aurantium v.amara (Neroli), Citrus Aurantium v.amara (Petitgrain), Limonene, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Linalool.


Freyaluna Regain Your Balance Harmonising Facial Mist (10ml):
Another brand subscribers have seen before is Freyaluna, and it is a range that I have enjoyed trialing.  Founded by the fabulous Sami, Freyaluna is all about taking the time to take care of yourself.  From haircare to skincare, each of the products within the range aims to provide real results without the addition of any nasty or potentially harmful ingredients.

I've enjoyed their calendula salve, shampoos, and hair oil, so I knew that the Harmonising Facial Mist was going to be another product worth testing out.


"Ylang-ylang: While having an internal balancing effect on our hormones, ylang-lang also has a balancing effect on skin. It helps to balance moisture and oil levels, meaning it is good for both oily areas and dry patches found in combination skin types. The fragrance of ylang-ylang also has uplifting and antidepressant effects.

Red Jasper: Red jasper stimulates the circulation and energy flow, so improving the complexion (glowing skin, anyone?). It also helps to increase the body’s resistance to environmental stresses such as pollution and toxins. Red Jasper is still known as the Stone of Endurance, a gentle, but vital, stimulator of chi, bringing physical strength and energy, stamina, focus and determination.

Patchouli: This herb has long been known to help with the regeneration of skin tissue, helping with the regrowth of cells and healing scars. With its anti-inflammatory action, patchouli can help to reduce redness, while also working to nourish dry patches and balance oil levels."

So far I have been using this sparingly, as I tend to have reactions to mists that contain essential oils - my fussy skin just doesn't seem to agree with these types of products for some reason (EOs in creams and oils are totally fine - odd, right??) and for that reason I decided to introduce slowly and do several patch tests.  So far so good though!

I have largely been using this to mix powder clay masks though, as that way I have a little bit more of a buffer just in case - I find this works brilliantly and lends a lovely honeyed quality to my masking creations.  I'm tempted to try the remaining mist as a hair tonic, as I think that would be great for clarifying the scalp, cleansing my long locks, and adding a natural perfume that can follow me the rest of the day.  Thoughts??

Ingredients: Rosa demascena flower distillate (rosewater), essential oils of Cananga odorata (ylang-ylang), Pelargonium graveolens (geranium), Pogostemon cablin (patchouli).




So what did you think of June's "Summer Vibes" collab with Rare Beauty?  Did you love all five green goodies?  What was your favourite product inside this collection??  I am so curious to hear your thoughts!

I thought the value was great as always (worth over £75!), and it was lovely to explore more products from brand ranges I am familiar with as well as discover totally new names.  To me, that is always the beauty of The Natural Beauty Box - the surprise, the fun, and the constant learning that happens.  Plus, everything is so well suited to these warm summer months - so useful to have products and formulations that fit the weather, right??

If you have not checked out The Natural Beauty Box before and you are a lover of cruelty free, natural, and vegan-friendly products, you should definitely head over to their website and see all the lovely subscription and one off options they offer.  Each month is always perfectly thought through and the products come from both mainstream companies and bespoke brands, making it ideal for both the new greenie and the experienced ethical buyer.

Rolling subscriptions are only £24.95/month, but you can get money off for 3, 6, or 12 month packages.  Plus, you can grab 10% off your first box by using my link -- but be quick, the July box is bound to sell out as it is the second quarterly plastic free edit!  So be sure to get your order in for the "Summer Glow" box ASAP!