End of Summer Ethical Beauty Box Roundup *

Get ready to tuck into some amazing eco friendly beauty boxes, because oh boy did the last few weeks deliver!  Today I'll be revealing the contents of four fab collections and sharing my thoughts on each -- and spoiler alert, I LOVE them all!

It's not often it's a home run for every single box in a month, but August/September brought brilliant edits from The Cruelty Free Beauty Box, Love Lula, The Natural Beauty Box, and Naturisimo.  And even the services I didn't personally pick up looked so good and had me feeling major unboxing envy.

Now, usually I would dedicate an entire post to each of these beautiful boxes.  I adore reviewing ethical subscriptions (as you can probably tell from all my past articles!), and think each one deserves its time in the spotlight.  But sadly I have just run out of time this month.

As you know I've been working towards finishing my PhD for the last several years, and my submission deadline has finally arrived.  With hardly any support or assistance, I've managed to complete my research on time (well, nearly - I've got a few pages left to write!) but it has not been easy.  It has been serious crunch time since returning to the UK after a summer of family time, and things just got the best of me.  I promise I will be sharing more in depth reviews of my favourite products once all the craziness has passed, plus I will be posting even more details about these lovely subscriptions over on Twitter and Instagram.  I hope you understand, and I'll be back in business soon!

But I couldn't miss revealing the contents and giving at least a peek at what I'm thinking -- so without further ado, check out what the end of summer had to bring!:

Ethical Subscription Box Roundup Review


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* This post contains affiliate links.
The Love Lula Beauty Box was sent to me as part of the LLABP, and The Cruelty Free Beauty Box was kindly gifted to review.  But you all know these are boxes I have long been a supporter of!

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.



The Cruelty Free Beauty Box
Box Value: £80.90

I was so happy when I was asked if I wanted to review the latest edition of The Cruelty Free Beauty Box.  This is a subscription service I have been enjoying since the very first day they launched, and have continued to support them as they have grown.  And guess what -- they have been THRIVING.  Not only has The Cruelty Free Beauty Box totally refreshed their look with a whole host of new plans to choose from, but they also have reduced their plastic footprint considerably AND increased their  donations!  They donate 10% of profits every month to a different charity, plus plant a tree in Borneo's Rainforest for every five boxes sold.  Love it!!

There are now six plans to choose from, ranging from micro edits (3-6 products) to deluxe collections (6-10 products), and you can select your perfect pick based on what you are wanting.  Makeup?  Get the Ethical Glow.  Zero waste?  Grab The Beauty Box Mini!  There is seriously something for everyone, and the best thing -- everything is cruelty free and vegan as always!

The latest version I received includes:

Greenfrog Botanic Natural Konjac Sponge - I've tried konjac sponges before, but I have to say I'm loving this one in particular as it comes from a brand I know and respect.  Greenfrog Botanic is a vegan friendly business that focuses on sustainable ingredients.  This gentle exfoliating sponge is made totally from plants, and is 100% biodegradable when it comes time to replace!

Love Absolute Blue Moon Facial Bar - You may have seen plastic free cleansing bars before, but nothing quite like this.  With a unique cylindrical shape that fits in the palm of your hand perfectly, Love Absolute's product is non-drying and super gentle.  This is an updated formula from the one I previously enjoyed, but one I can love all the more as it is now free from palm oil!  Check out a all the reasons I love it here.

The Salt Parlour Salt & Sulphur Scrub - I adore this brand, and have actually tried every single one of their scrubs.  The "Calm" blend is a fab, with a pretty pink tint to the mixture and a super gentle formula that is ideal for those with eczema or irritated skin.  It smells so lovely, with a hint of rose, and you can totally pretend you are at the spa as you buff away dead cells and get your body looking fresh and glowy.

BAO Skincare Nourish Urself Treatment Balm - BAO is a green beauty brand I've been a fan of for a while now, so when I saw the latest edition of The Cruelty Free Beauty Box included a full size pot of their balm, I was super excited.  This formula is a great all-rounder, with vitamin rich plant oils and nut butters that make it perfect for soothing and healing skin.  Plus, it smells delightful!

Bloomtown Lemongrass & Peppermint Shampoo Bar - Another fav brand of mine, Bloomtown is known for their palm oil free approach and their latest creation is no different.  This shampoo bar is designed to cleanse your locks without drying them out, and contains peppermint, lemongrass, ginger, and rosemary essential oils which are brilliant for hair health and growth!

Bain & Savon Natural Deodorant - If you are looking for an affordable plastic free deodorant, you can't go wrong with this 100% natural and handmade creation.  The non-staining formula contains anti-bacterial ingredients that help keep you fresh all day long, plus it is not grainy at all.  It applies smoothly, sinks in well, and smells very nice.

The Cruelty Free Beauty Box Review

How great is this box, right?? I love the focus on introducing plastic free essentials as well as all the new options there are, plus I just think The Cruelty Free Beauty Box works so hard to balance  sensible products with exciting discoveries.

Want to try for yourself?  Be sure to subscribe soon so you can get their next launch which lands in October!  And if you are a new customer, you can grab 10% off your first box by using code ECOLOGICAL10 which will get you a fab discount off your first subscription delivery (not the shop though -- for 15% off your first shop order you can use this link here!) so you can begin your journey with cruelty free and vegan friendly products at an even more affordable price!


Love Lula Beauty Box
Box Value: £65

Another long term subscription I've had, Love Lula always promises great value, and September's edit was especially good!  The savings are fab, but the products inside are even more brilliant -- with four generous sizes (plus a sample sachet) and Bryanna approved formulas, this box had me smiling as I unboxed the collection.

You may remember I was split in my feelings towards the August box, but that definitely is not the case this time around.  No, this month I have to give two thumbs up!

Inside subscribers found five products, four of which are full size.  The representation of brands is great, with one totally new face in the mix and a few LL sweethearts.  Take a look!:

Madara Infusion Vert Body Cream - This body cream has such a unique scent, like fresh rain mixed with moss and rich herbs, and offers a rich but not heavy texture that makes for a rejuvenating treatment.  The formula has been designed to stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis, prevent neuroageing, treat dryness and roughness, and boost your mood - talk about potent!  I'm looking forward to testing this come winter, once I have finished my previous bottle of Madara body lotion.

Looking to check out more Madara?  Try these:
One of my stand outs is the Active AHA Brightening Peel Mask, and also the Smart Antioxidants range which works amazing on drier and more mature skin types.

Emani Soy Mascara in "Midnight" - This mascara has proven a fast fav with the LL Natural Beauty Club crew, and I can't wait to find out why.  Infused with soy, this product is both a lash enhancer that leaves them a striking 'midnight' black, but also a treatment that helps strengthen and nourish your lashes.  The vegan friendly formula promises sexy, full, and curvy lashes with no clumps, smears, or flakes.  Sounds perfect!

Looking to check out more Emani?  Try these:
I haven't actually had a chance to try any other products from this brand yet, so would love YOUR recommendations if possible :) Some I've got my eye on are the Hydrating Lip Colours and the Illuminator/Highlighter.

Balm Balm Little Miracle Cleanser - Balm Balm is one of my top affordable green beauty brands, and for good reason.  Their products are all such good quality, and I am sure the Little Miracle Cleanser will be no different.  The oil is so smooth and nourishing without being overly greasy or slick, and it has not led to any break outs so far.  I have previously loved their serum, so I am looking forward to breathing in the same amazing aroma while cleansing my skin.

Looking to check out more Balm Balm?  Try these:
I adore the Rose Floral Water Hydrosol, the single note perfumes, the Little Miracle Rosehip Serum, and the Chamomile Floral Water Hydrosol.

Kathleen Natural Tranquil Fields Bubble Bath - A long term staple in my bath and shower stash, the Kathleen Natural bubble baths are some of my favourites.  I love how gentle they feel, how fragrant (without being overwhelming) the aromas are when mixed in water, and how much they foam.  They're a delight to use, so I am so pleased I have another bottle to look forward to.  See why this is so good here.

Looking to check out more Kathleen?  Try these:
Any of the bubble bath range, or the body and massage oils!  They all smell lovely.

Urban Veda sample sachet - I got the Soothing Body Wash, which I will keep for travel.  The ingredients are not my favourite, but there are not any red lines for me (no phenoxyethonal yay!) so I will try this.  I actually quite like the Purifying version of this product, so am curious to see how the Soothing formula smells and feels.

Looking to check out more Urban Veda?  Try these:
I'm not super keen on this range actually, as many of the formulas contain phenoxyethonal or harsh alcohols.  However, I do like the Purifying Body Wash which is super refreshing.

Love Lula September 2019 Review

Overall, this proved to be an ace edit, and I am super pleased with all the discoveries, new and old! I can't wait to try the Emani in particular, as it sounds so good, and then maybe test out how good the Balm Balm cleanser is at removing eye makeup at the end of the day.  Perfect pairing!

Want to subscribe for yourself?  Be quick -- to get the October edit you need to sign up before the end of September!


The Natural Beauty Box
Box Value: £62.90

You all know my love for The Natural Beauty Box, so it won't come as a surprise that the Invigorate edit was another smash hit for me.  Emma never fails to introduce me to a new brand (or brands!) and share plant powered goodness with all her subscribers, and August's collection was certainly packed with lovely treatments.

The Invigorate box included six products, all of which are full size making this a wonderful pick for anyone tired of sample sizes.  And each of the six green goodies is full of aromatherapeutic qualities that will leave both your skin and your senses soothed and ready to take on autumn.  See for yourself:

The Natural Beauty Pot Soothing Cleansing Oil - This is the latest release from this beautiful brand, and I am really enjoying the nourishing formula.  The oil is not overly rich, which I really appreciate as I can't stand products that cling to the skin, but it does give a lovely moisture boost which will come in handy as the weather turns.  It has such a delicate aroma which is refreshing and makes this the perfect pre-bed treatment.  My pump isn't working, but my first impressions of this cleanser are still overwhelmingly positive!

Fruu Strawberry Creme Lip Balm - Why is it called a Colour Balm?  Because it delivers a fab tint to your lips!  This products looks and smells gorgeous (not too sweet which I like!), and I find it such a pretty tone that I can't seem to put it down.  The formula is moisturizing, but not sticky, and it is the ideal solution for those wanting a bit of a color pop without the drying sensation of a lipstick.  So happy to have been introduced to such a lovely item.

Bergamot & Me ENERGY Aromatherapy Roller Ball - Oh my goodness, this smells delightful.  It's no wonder this is an award winning aromatherapy treatment, as it is stunning.  With notes of sweet peppermint and a touch of warmth from the rosemary and orange, this oil is uplifting, energizing, and such a treat to use.  I love popping a little on in the morning while I drink my coffee, as it helps get me ready to start work for the day.

Nakin Natural Anti-Aging Revitalizing Face Oil - I'll admit I was a little nervous about this one, as my skin is pretty fussy and does not take well to anything overly rich or heavy.  Anti-aging products tend to lead to congestion and breakouts for me, so I usually steer clear.  But after looking over the ingredients (which include baobab and grape seed oil), I will definitely be giving it a try as it sounds too nice not to! Nakin promise an oil that is not greasy, plus it says it is suitable for all skin types.  Can't wait to start testing!

Organii Hand Cream - I have had the pleasure of trying this hand cream already, so I was happy to know subscribers were being treated to such a gentle formula.  Organii offers affordable products that are great for those searching for natural beauty on a budget.  This cream gives a light moisture boost that is ideal for autumn weather.  Not too heavy, not too light - it's just right!  Find my past review here.

Natura Tumeric Sheet Mask - Another brand I have tried and enjoyed previously, and I was happy to have another one of their lovely sheet masks to indulge myself with at the weekend.  These masks are made from biodegradable material, and the tumeric infused version is packed full of powerful antioxidants that work to re-energize your skin.  I find these gentle on the face, and not as awkward to use as some other designs I have tried.  Looking forward to trying this version and seeing how it compares to the previous rose one I used.

The Natural Beauty Box Review - Invigorate August Edit

The Natural Beauty Box totally rocked it again with the August collection, and I have to say I have still never been disappointed by this subscription.  Every month is so well planned, offers the best of British beauty, and is just so thoughtful.  I always look forward to the reveals, and there is always something that excites me - and that's saying a lot coming from me!

Want to try them out for yourself?  You can pick up a one off box or subscribe to a recurring plan that suits your needs.  And remember to use my link to grab 10% off your first box!


Naturisimo Discovery Box
Box Value: £102

Okay, so I know this technically is not a subscription, but it IS a beauty box, and a darn good one at that!  Every month Naturisimo release a "Discovery Box" that can be picked up as a one off collection.  They always have great themes (which I love) and offer exceptional value.  I've been very selective about my purchases this year, as I have so many products I love in my stash and loads on deck to still try, but the Organic September edit was one I could not resist.

With ten products, two of which are full size, the curated selection of green goodies was too good to pass up.  Inside you will find:

- Absolution La Brume Systemique Face Mist
- Dr Alkaitis Organic Nourishing Treatment Oil
- Evolve Superfood Shine Shampoo
- Green People Vita Min Fix 24 Hour Cream
- Dr. Hauschka Soothing Cleansing Milk
- Trilogy Organic Rosehip Oil
- Neal's Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Balm 
- Bamford Refining Exfoliator + Balancing Tonic (sachets)
- Odylique Avocado 24 Hour Replenishing Cream (sachet)

I am so looking forward to trying these green goodies (especially the Absolution mist and the Dr. Alkaitis oil!), and revisiting some old favourites like the Trilogy oil.  The only thing I was not keen on were the sachets, as I find the single use plastic wasteful (#SkipTheSachet!).  But overall the Naturisimo Discovery Boxes are always incredible, but I have to say I love the focus on organic ingredients in this edit.  And I'm already curious to see what the next month will bring!

Naturisimo Organic September Discovery Box Review

All the end of summer beauty boxes won my approval this time around, and I am so happy I am able to enjoy all the green goodies inside!  From the Emani mascara and the BAO balm to the Bergamot + Me rollerball and the Evolve shampoo, there are so many amazing products showcased in these subscriptions. 

So what did you think of the last several weeks of subscription boxes?  Did you have a favourite?? I am so keen to hear your thoughts, so let me know which edits won your appreciation or caught your eye! And if you got a box delivered that I didn't talk about, share the contents so we can all hear about even more fab edits xx

3 comments

  1. The Balm Balm Miracle Cleanser is one of the first I ever tried from the brand and I really liked it x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ooh I think you'd love the rest of the range. their serum in particular is lovely x

      Delete
  2. I love the sound of the Love Absolute Blue Moon Facial Bar. It sounds very gentle and suitable for sensitive skin.

    ReplyDelete

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