I am so happy to be back this month reviewing (in full!) The Natural Beauty Box.  The September edit was one I had been looking forward to, as the collection celebrates all things organic -- and it did not disappoint!

With five products worth £56, the curated "Holding Onto Summer" September box features a great variety of brands, both big and 'small' including Terre Verdi, Odylique, Lucy Bee Skincare, Casa Mencarelli, and Botanicals.  Each and every one of the green goodies inside last month's subscription is natural, vegan, cruelty free, and of course certified organic by Soil Association as this is The Organic Edit arranged to coincide with Organic September.  It's a greenies dream come true really!



I love that every product is perfectly planned for the changing seasons along with being free from potentially toxic ingredients -- there are nourishing formulas, heavier duty oils, and aromas that help keep the light of summer living that little bit longer (perfect for a sunshine soul like me!).  Emma always thinks these boxes through so well, and I appreciate these little touches.  They make the collection all the more special!

So what was inside The Organic Edit??  Well...


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* This post contains affiliate links
some of these items have been gifted
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.

1] Terre Verdi AquaDiRosa Balancing Mist (100ml/£17)

I love a good face mist, so anytime I see an edit that includes hydrosol or a gentle toner that can be spritzed and sprayed, I am immediately excited.  I don't know what it is about floral water I find so wonderful, but I truly do adore them!  I'll be honest, it's not that they make the biggest difference in my skincare routine.  There are not many mists that radically change my complexion or offer noticeable results.  But I love them for a different reason -- they relax me, are the perfect refresh on a sticky or hot day, can be used to set makeup, and are great focus aids for me personally.  And the AquaDiRosa Balancing Mist from Terre Verdi provides all of these benefits, and more.

This delicate alcohol-free organic rose water removes the residual make up and dirt after cleansing, and re-balances your skin’s PH, leaving it ready to be moisturised. A gentle floral water, known for its anti-septic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties.


Terre Verdi is a brand I have been a fan of for a long while now.  Ever since I tried a sample of their NeroliPom Moisturizer I was totally sold.  So of course I was pleased when I saw a full size bottle from this beautiful brand would be included.

With a lovely lightweight even spray from the nozzle, the AquaDiRosa Balancing Mist is so simple to use, and is a delight for both senses and skin.  It's not overly wet when you apply, as the mist is super fine, making this a great option for morning, night, and anywhere in between.  Terre Verdi's 100% organic rose floral water feels really hydrating, and it does help soothe any tightness your face might be experiencing (a huge plus as the weather gets colder and dryer!).  I pop this on after a warm shower, as our hard water really does a number on my face (even despite keeping it cooler so as to not strip the natural oils from my skin!) and it sorts everything out so I don't end up with that itchy uncomfortable feeling.

Plus, it smells sweetly floral without being overly heady or overpowering.  It's the perfect aroma to ease your mind and reduce any anxieties.  Pure rose, delicate, light, and calming.  It brings warm sunny breezes and the height of summer afternoon to mind, and is such a mood boost as it really captures the magical seasonal bloom that is so blissful and nostalgic.

I've been really enjoying this balancing facial mist since it arrived, and find it works great on its own or mixed up in a mask.  It adds a delightful scent to mask blends, plus boosts the formula with additional hydration and anti-inflammatory qualities.  I've even tried it as a hair tonic, and that was brilliant too!  AquaDiRosa is such a good multi-tasker, and I'm so happy I have a full size bottle to play around with thanks to The Natural Beauty Box.

Ingredients: rosa damascena (rose) flower water

2] Botanicals Rosa Renew Anti-Ageing Serum (10ml/£14)

Oh Botanicals, you have done it again!

I have slowly been working my way through this certified organic range, and I have been pleased with pretty much everything I have tested so far!  And the Rosa Renew Anti-Ageing Serum is no different.


A concentrated skincare treatment, made entirely from high performing pro-active botanical seed oils. Botanicals serum works in harmony with the body, supporting the skin’s natural ability to regenerate new skin cells. Its easily absorbed, non-greasy formula helps skin look visibly plumper, firmer and lifted, with a healthy glowing radiance.

With a super calming aroma, the serum is ideal for evening use in particular.  The blend of rose, lavender, ylang ylang, and palmarosa is intoxicating, and really works to slow you down and take a moment for yourself.  It elicits peaceful vibes, and is just so beautiful.  And it is not super perfume-y either -- it is a gentle fragrance (all natural of course!) that sweeps over you and slowly fades over time.  You are enveloped in bliss while you apply, and then can feel the healing oils work their magic even well after the scent dissipates.

Unfortunately this is a little heavy for my skin, so I have been using only a drop on the areas of my face that need a little bit more moisture (such as under my nose and on my forehead).  It's not greasy though, which I appreciate.  I just find my skin has a hard time absorbing more than a single drop, and if I use more I have had the odd spot appear.  That being said, I do think this could be a skin rescue treatment come mid-winter, so I will definitely be saving the rest for the height of the cold, dark days.  I'll be sure to report back!

I have also really been loving it mixed in with clay face masks, as it is the perfect way to add a dash of nourishment to formulas that otherwise might be a little drying.  Anyone else a fan of adding oils to face masks??  I find it adds a level of silkiness to the blend, and helps provide super soft, smooth, and radiant skin after rinsing.  Just what I need in this wacky weather we are having!

Ingredients: prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil*, rosa canina fruit oil*, oenothera biennis (evening primrose) oil*, Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil*, camellia sinesis leaf extract*, daucus carota sativa (carrot) root extract, tocopherol***, parfum*; rosa centifolia (rose) flower oil*, pelargonium graveolens (rose geranium) flower oil*, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flower oil*, cymbopogon martinii flower oil*, cananga odorata flower oil*, tocopherol***, geraniol**, citronellol**, linalool**, benzyl salycilate**, citral**, farnesol**, benzyl benzoate**, limonene**. (*Certified organic ingredients. **Natural constituents of essential oils. ***Natural origin

3] Lucy Bee Vanilla Lip Scrub (10ml/£5)

I really appreciate a good lip scrub, as something so simple is actually pretty hard to perfect.  Often I find exfoliants for lips are too abrasive, too oily, or just don't deliver the results I want.  Lucy Bee has delivered a fab formula though, and I am so happy The Natural Beauty Box featured such a find.

The Vanilla Lip Scrub is suitable for sensitive skin, contains 95% organic ingredients, is fairtrade, and comes inside a plastic free jar - YAY!  I so appreciate their transparency too, especially when it comes to where the coconuts they use in the formulations are sourced.  Take a look:

Lucy Bee Coconut Oil is organic and the coconuts grow in agroforestry, a natural environment working in harmony with and supporting nature.  Our Coconut Oil is also Fair Trade, with a guarantee that monkeys are not used to pick the coconuts.

This is a brand that clearly cares about all aspects of the environment, and models brilliant ethical practices.  I can't believe I hadn't discovered them until now!


You all know I am not the biggest fan of coconut oil when it comes to skincare.  Even beyond the ethical questions that arise when looking into sources (something Lucy Bee addresses!), I find coconut oil a no go ingredient for me usually.  My face, hands, arms, and head just cannot deal with it, and even small amounts tend to break me out with painful cystic acne.  That being said, I have had no issues using this scrub, and as long as I take care not to get any beyond my lips, I am sure it will continue to be a fabulous indulgence for me!

Lucy Bee's lip scrub is a great in so many ways.  It smells like a freshly made crumble, or a warm sticky pudding, and it leaves a lovely sweetness to your lips even after you have wiped off the product.  I do find it quite oily, but not in an unpleasant way.  The oils make the actual buffing action so much easier and less harsh, as it softens the lips and gives some glide to the sugars.  It's really effective too, leaving my lips so smooth and perfectly primed for a balm or lipstick.

A little of this goes a long way, so I have a feeling this jar will last a fair amount of time, evening using it the recommended two to three times a week!  And for the price, I really don't think you can find anything better.  It's great value for money, especially when you consider all the things Lucy Bee is doing to ensure this product is "guilt free."  Definitely need to look more into their offerings, as I am really liking this particular formula!

Ingredients: Cocos Nucifera Oil*†, Cocos Nucifera Sucrose*†, Sucrose*†, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil*, Candelilla Cera, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride*, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract*
Of total ingredients: 95% organic
*organically produced
†Fair Trade certified

4] Odylique Lemon Butter Hand Smoothie (60ml/£12)

Odylique is another brand I am already familiar with, and I have enjoyed several goodies within their range (and am actually currently testing many more!).  But of course I was looking forward to trying out another one of their products, especially when I heard it described as a 'smoothie.'

Our tastiest and best organic hand cream yet is guaranteed to soothe and moisturise the most sensitive, dry, cracked or hard-working hands! We make this lovely quick-absorbing lotion with hydrating coconut and cocoa, organic sea buckthorn, healing aloe vera and a lightly fragrant blend of skin soothing essential oils. The delicious fresh scent – a little like a Mediterranean garden - is irresistible.


This hand smoothie truly smells incredible, like a tart dessert with hot lemon drizzle dripped across the top.  It's fresh and fragrant, and so different from the scents of other creams in my collection.  I really love it, and find it quite addictive actually.  It's a dose of sunshine, a reminder of summer, and brings warmth even on the coldest day... Gorgeous!

However, I sadly have had a few hiccups with this product.  My main concern is that the formula separates within the tube, so if you forget to shake it first or if you don't shake long/hard enough, you get a thin liquid first followed by the thicker cream.  It's like the water and oils don't want to fully mix, so it can be a bit frustrating making sure you are applying the proper smoothie rather than just getting a wet serum-like puddle that you then massage in beside the lemon butter blend.  However, as long as you shake - shake - shake -- you end up with the intended semi-thick but fast-absorbing cream that is a delight to use.


And it really is lovely in so many ways.  It is not wet or sticky, and does not leave any residue behind once it sinks into your hands.  To be totally honest, if a hand cream in particular creates a greasy or super oily feel on the surface of the skin I end up wiping it straight off as I can't bear the sensation.  And with Odylique that has not proved to be an issue at all.  My hands are just soft, silky, and feeling calmed!

I have found I need to stagger when I use this on my hands a bit though.  Like I mentioned already, coconut oil isn't my friend when it comes to skincare.  My skin just revolts, sometimes immediately with angry spots, other times it happens more slowly and I get little blemishes popping up.  Sadly that is what happened here - after about a week I noticed I had small spots on the tops of my hands.  I'm gutted, as this left my hands so velvety and soft, and I thoroughly enjoyed the product despite the issue with separation.  And because I love the smell and the feel so much, I have decided to use it twice a week, plus have been applying it to dry spots like elbows and knees.  It really helps add a boost of long lasting moisture, and I could see this being a fab treat throughout the winter months.

Ingredients: Aqua, Cocos nucifera oil*, Theobroma cacao seed butter*, Persea gratissima oil*, Helianthus annuus seed oil*, Glycerine**, Cetearyl alcohol, Hippophae rhamnoides fruit extract*, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder*, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract*, Cetearyl glucoside, Citrus limon peel oil*, Cymbopogon citratus oil*, Pelargonium graveolens oil*, Vanilla planifolia bean extract*, Lactic acid, Sodium anisate, Sodium lauroyl lactylate, Sodium levulinate, Xanthan gum, citral*, geraniol*, limonene* & linalool* (in the essential oils) Plain English: Aloe vera juice*, Coconut* and cocoa bean butters*, Cold-pressed avocado* & sunflower oils*, Calendula*, Rosemary*, Sea buckthorn*, Vanilla*, Non-palm plant glycerine**, Essential oils of Geranium*, Lemon* and Lemongrass*, Plant origin moisturisers & emulsifiers *Organically grown & produced (total 93% of product) **Organic origin

5] Casa Mencarelli Green Clay & Lemon Mask (12g/£8)

Oh, the beauty of a face mask.  I tend to use two or three a week, depending on how my skin is feeling/looking, so discovering creations is always exciting to me.  And let me just say, Casa Mencarelli has been on my list of brands to explore for a long while now, so when I saw that this product would be inside the Organic September edit from The Natural Beauty Box I was overjoyed.

Italian born, Scottish made, and family inspired, this brand is a testament to what passion, skill, and nature's ingredients can lead to.  I've been hearing wonderful things about founder Lucia's creations for some time, and have been a follower/quiet supporter on social media since first learning about their vibrant products.  I have to say, the Green Clay & Lemon Mask is a great introduction to the range, as it captures the Mediterranean roots and highlights the delicate balance at work.

This mask encapsulates the colours and aroma of the Sicilian landscape. Beautiful yellow lemons give it a delicate natural zing, while the powerful yet gentle action of uncontaminated marine mineral rich Sicilian Green Clay cleanse your skin. 


I was surprised by Casa Mencarelli's mask, as I wasn't expecting effective results from such a simple formula.  But this is a three ingredient wonder, truly.  Detoxifying, toning, and refining all in one little jar, the Green Clay & Lemon treatment is like a multi-tasking marvel!  The clay draws out impurities and cleanses daily toxins and grime from your skin, while tapioca starch offers a smoothness to the mask and helps soothe and condition your face, and lemon peel powder works to add a dose of vitamin C and gently exfoliate so any buildup of dead cells is buffed away.  Together, you have a recipe for a clean and clear complexion.

The mask itself is a lovely shade of light greyish green, almost like a delicate and ultra fine pastel pistachio.  I find the colour really welcoming and approachable, as it signals just how gentle it will be when activated.  And it really does offer a soft touch, even with the exfoliating action when you massage the mask into your face and neck.  There isn't much of a smell, so if you want to add aromatherapeutic benefits I would suggest mixing with a floral water and/or oils, as Casa Mencarelli's formulation contains no essential oils.  This means you do not have to worry about irritation if you have super sensitive skin -- it's a great treat, and one I find ideal for those days when my face is being even fussier than usual.  How about you??

I really have enjoyed this sample so far, and find it smooths, softens, and refreshes my skin.  I have been using it on weekends mainly, as I do find it draws out impurities and leaves me with a few small spots, but nothing too angry or long lasting -- they disappear after a day or so and then my complexion is clear and ready to take on the new week!  Plus, when I blend the mask with even more anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients, like the Terre Verdi spray and an oil from my collection (lately Okoko Cosmetiques' L'Élixir de Manuka), I find I can even combat that stage of post-detox.  And that might be one of the things I love the most about this mask -- it's just so versatile!

Ingredients: Solum Fullonum (Fuller's Earth, Green Clay), Tapioca starch*, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Powder*.    *organically grown, 44% organic of total




I really loved the contents within the September box, and found a few new favourites inside which is always a big plus!  And I thought it was great that so many worked really well together.  I could use the serum, spray, and mask all in one session and even blend them together to create a supercharged skin treatment.  I also was so excited to finally get to try Casa Mencarelli, a brand that has been on my wishlist for a long while now.  That's one thing I can't say enough about The Natural Beauty Box -- they always deliver brilliant surprises, and introduce the most wonderful brands!

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.