The days have grown darker, but that's not a problem thanks to the well timed Bedtime Bliss collection from The Natural Beauty Box -- what a great solution to daylight savings leaving us with long nights!

With three full size products and two deluxe sizes, this edit was as fabulous as usual in terms of value for money.  Worth £63 (over double the paid price!), this box of green goodies is not only bringing loads of savings, but tons of brilliant discoveries from small UK businesses!

And even more exciting??  This was the next installment of the plastic free series!



I have been loving the plastic free edits The Natural Beauty Box has been putting together, and this new quarterly option has most definitely proved itself to be a *must* in the beauty box world.  Those who pick these up are able to learn about low waste and zero waste alternatives, all without having to skimp on quality.  Seriously, if you haven't tried this out yet, I highly suggest you do in the new year!

Inside October's box were a few brands that I already adore, plus a couple new faces as well which is always exciting.  The Bedtime Bliss selection includes tons of moisture packed formulas, soothing scents, and multi-tasking geniuses that will bring calm and soft skin all through the winter months.  Just check it out!:

1] Skin Alchemists Intensive Skin Treatment (120g/£36.00):

Oh how I adore Skin Alchemists.  I first discovered their gorgeous range through The Natural Beauty Box when subscribers were blessed with The Gorgeous Solider, a divine scrub that is incredibly nourishing and out of this world.  I have slowly been exploring the products ever since, finding the beauty in The Humble Warrior and Sesenne, and most recently, their Intensive Skin Treatment candles.

Subscribers who received the October collection got one of two blends: Sweet Dreams or Midnight Serenade.  I've actually been lucky enough to have the chance to try both, so I'm excited to compare the two today!  And if you are curious and want to learn even more about these aromatherapeutic creations, don't fret -- another review will be landing just in time for the holiday season!

For now, I have to say this: if you love massages and like to have soft skin -- this candle is most definitely for you!


The Intensive Skin Treatment is a multi-tasking marvel, simultaneously a candle that fills the room with a beautiful aroma and warm flickering light, a massage oil that offers an effortless experience, and an all over body moisturizer that provides deep nourishment and soothing properties that heal, repair, and soften.

And if that isn't enough, the fragrance is delectable.  Truly.  Midnight Serenade brings exotic and mysterious vibes with vibrant notes of delicate jasmine, slightly sharp elemi, and a dash of headiness thanks to the likes of lavender, rose, and geranium.  This has such a warmth to it, and is an exquisite mix of sweetness, spice, zest, and fragrant florals.  While it inspires serenity, it also prompts clarity of mind and helps energize your spirit as all the negatives from the day melt away.

Sweet Dreams, on the other hand, is much more traditionally calming with soft but clear notes of sweet and soothing florals with the slightest hint of herbs lurking beneath the surface.  I find this blend is the epitome of tranquility, and it is like a comforting blanket that brings rest and relaxation.  With gorgeous amyris, lavender, and passion flower, Sweet Dreams is a ticket to dreamland.

The first is a sensuous, complex, captivating aroma that is like fine velvet and sunsets on the beach, and the second is a peace inducing creation that wraps around you and soothes mind and body with its gentle touch.  Both are perfect for a pre-bed ritual, and both are works of beauty.

The oil, when drizzled across the skin, is warm but not hot, so you don't have to worry about burning yourself or anything like that.  In fact, I found this such a lovely treatment on a cold day -- made me feel really cozy and relaxed!  I also liked that despite how luscious and nourishing the oil is, it's not super greasy.  Sure, it is slick -- a massage oil should be!  But it slowly absorbs into your back and shoulders, leaving your skin incredibly soft.  Just a tiny drizzle, and you're set for a luxurious massage where your muscles can unwind and your whole body can begin to reap the restorative benefits of this brilliant oil treatment.

Also, while I have had to immediately rinse of some other massage oils in the past or risk a breakout, the Skin Alchemists' candle doesn't present that issue at all.  I can go straight to sleep afterwards if I want and still have clear, blemish free skin the next day.  Definitely a win, don't you think??


Midnight Serenade Ingredients: Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, passiflora incarnata (Maracuja) seed oil, Theobroma cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter,Butyrospermum parkii (Shea Butter), Pelargonium graveolens (Geranium)Flower Oil, Cymbopogon martini (Palmarosa) Oil,Cedrus Deodora (Cedarwood) Bark,Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil, Canarium commune (Elemi) gum oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Jasminum sambac (Jasmine) Flower Extract, Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg) Kernel Oil, Rosa centifolia Flower Oil. Naturally occuring Allergens from essential oils: Citral, Eugenol,,Geraniol,Limonene,Linalool, Farnesol

Sweet Dreams Ingredients: Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, passiflora incarnata (Maracuja) seed oil, Theobroma cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Butyrospermum parkii (Shea Butter), Amyris balsamifera Oil, Pelargonium graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, Citrus aurantium bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Cymbopogon martini (Palmarosa) Oil, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil, Cananga odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil, Pimenta racemosa (Bay) Leaf Oil,Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg) Kernel Oil,Pimenta officinalis (Pimento) fruit oil, Rosa centifolia Flower Oil. Naturally occuring Allergens from essential oils: Citral, Eugenol,,Geraniol,Limonene,Linalool, Farnesol

2] Ezape Naturals Ylang Ylang & Lavender Body Oil (50ml/£13):

You all know I am already a fan of Ezape Naturals.  Ever since I first tested out their mini body balm and butter, I was impressed by the quality, gentleness, and gorgeous scents.  So when they released their new body oil, I knew I had to try it!  Imagine my joy and surprise when I found out subscribers of The Natural Beauty Box were being sent a small bottle of this latest release!

The Ylang Ylang & Lavender Body Oil is bedtime bliss in a bottle, truly.  Super luscious, non-greasy, and incredibly nourishing, this 100% natural and 69% organic formula is also packed full of dreamy botanicals like lavender, chamomile, and ylang ylang.  This creates an aroma that is deeply calming, slightly herbal, with a hint of sweetness lurking beneath the floral notes.  It's so lovely, and ideal for evening use.  I like to just breathe the oils in deeply, closing my eyes and letting the tension leave my body as I begin to relax.


The oil itself has a lovely golden hue and is not too heavy, but definitely packs a moisture punch.  With castor seed, macadamia seed, peach kernel, hemp seed, camellia seed, and sunflower seed oils, this is a potent creation designed to regenerate the skin and assist with healing.  The high levels of vitamins, minerals, and  oleic, linoleic and palmitoleic acids also are ideal for restoring the skin's natural barrier and reducing water loss.  Seriously, it's ideal for winter, but I could see this also serving my skin well throughout the summer months too, especially after a long stint out in the sunshine!

I've been enjoying this after the shower mainly, but also tried it out for a massage recently and it worked a treat.  I've also applied to the ends of my hair as a mini treatment pre-shower, and it has helped keep my dry hair from frizzing and splitting further.  All in all, a great multi-tasker, and a beautiful blend to help with sleep -- so happy to have finally tried this out!


Ingredients: Organic Castor oil Organic Macadamia oil Peach Kernal oil Organic Hemp oil Camellia oil Vitamin E Organic Ylang Ylang Organic Lavender Organic Chamomile Roman

3] Eden Days Rooibos Rush Whipped Body Butter (60ml/£7):

There surely is a lot of moisturizing body treatments in this month's box, but honestly with all of them being as stunning as they are it is hard to fault this "repetition" of products.  I'm adoring each one, and Eden Days' Rooibos Rush Whipped Body Butter is no exception.

Eden Days is a mother and daughter team from Surrey and Swansea, and their products are all made by hand, are 100% natural, and involve eco friendly packaging that is easily recyclable or able to be reused.  I've not tried their products previously, so I was excited to check out the Rooibos Rush Whipped Body Butter when it arrived!


The texture of this is so lovely, as it is a hybrid between an airy whipped formula and a more dense and compact butter.  Eden Days' creation is easy to apply, and it melts immediately on contact with skin I find.  It is so velvety, and glides across the skin as you massage it in making it a delight to use.  Plus, it fully absorbs really quickly meaning you are not left with any slick residue -- perfect!

I'm finding this a pretty intensive treatment actually, as it tackles dry spots quickly and soothes irritated skin with ease.  The blend of coconut oil, shea and cacao butter, aloe vera, avocado oil, and other moisturizing elements make this a real powerhouse and I think it will really make a difference to my skin over the winter season.  While I can't use this all over my body (coconut breaks me out), I will definitely be using it on my legs and specific dry patches.  No more chapped elbows or rough heels for either of us no matter how bitter the wind or icy the temperatures, as I can just pop some of this on any problem areas and it will be sorted!

And the smell -- so interesting!  It really develops through each stage of application, and I appreciate the unique notes that appear in the scent profile.  In the tin, you get primarily the nutty, deep scent of the cacao and shea, but as you begin to apply and the oils begin to disperse you get a real freshness with hints of citrus and herbal undertones.  It's both rich and uplifting, and I really enjoy it.  What were your thoughts??


Ingredients: Organic Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil Organic Unrefined Shea Butter Organic Unrefined Cacao Butter Aloe Vera Butter Unrefined Avocado Oil Grapeseed Oil Jojoba Oil Vitamin E - Natural Non-GMO Organic Rooibos Patchouli Essential Oil Eucalyptus Essential Oil Grapefruit Essential Oil Orange Essential Oil And occurring naturally in Essential Oils: Limonene, Linalool, Citral

4] Friends of Gaia Spring Green Handmade Soap ( /£4):

FrOG, or Friends of Gaia, is a Brighton based business that specializes in low waste products.  Their mission is to spread a message of sustainability, share their passion for all things eco friendly, and bring customers the best products that are ethical, functional, and good for the planet!

Gaia is the ancient Greek name for the goddess of Mother Earth. It celebrates its beauty, abundance and nurturing nature. This is exactly how we see our magical home, not just because this is the only planet with chocolate on it (although on some days there is no need for a better reason), but because it keeps us loved, nourished, warm and helps us grow.

Spring Green was such a lovely discovery, and one that is super versatile too which is always a huge plus!  The handmade soap from Friends of Gaia is not only totally plastic free (with a lovely little cardboard tag wrapped around the bar with hemp twine), but smells AMAZING.

With green clay, geranium, and lavender, the soap gives off a gentle fragrance that is soothing, lightly floral, and with a hit of herbaceous notes coming through.  It's a great size, and really easy to handle, plus I find it suds up well.  It's not drying on the hands, but leaves them feeling fully cleansed.  It definitely tackles dirt, grime, and oils, so a great addition for those wanting a plastic free alternative to bottles and pumps.

This is a simple soap, but sometimes simple is what you need - it's beautiful in its purity, and I am really enjoying Spring Green.  Another great find thanks to The Natural Beauty Box!


Ingredients: Sodium cocoate (coconut oil), Sodium olivate (olive oil), Sodium Sunflowerate (sunflower oil), Sodium Cocoa butterate (cocoa butter), Sodium castorate (castor oil), Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), Kaolin (green clay), Pelargonium graveolens, Lavandula angustifolia, Citronellol*, Geraniol*,  Limonene*, Linalool*, Citral*
* Naturally present in essential oil

5] Sisal Soap Pouch (£3):

I got a soap pouch from Mallow + White last year and found it such a game changer for extending the life of bar soaps and getting the most use out of little bits and pieces as they break apart.  I'm so happy I now have a second one to use downstairs too!

The Sisal Soap Pouch is made from 100% biodegradable and plastic free material (sisal is a natural fiber from a variety of agave plant), and while it feels scratchy when dry, it is pretty gentle when saturated with water and soap suds.  I love how effectively this exfoliates, and I find it the perfect level of scrubby-ness.  If you're not keen on the oils in salt or sugar scrubs, then this is a great alternative to those types of product -- you can choose the exact type of soap you prefer (no slick oils involved!) and buff away dead cells so you are left with super soft and smooth skin.

And the pouch is fab for drying out your used soap too!  I just hang mine up with the bar inside, let it drip dry, and then it's all set to go for next time.  This is a great way to ensure your soap doesn't get mushy or stuck to the soap dish -- totally faff free!





Overall, I LOVED the October edit and thought it was absolutely perfect for this time of year.  With the shorter days and longer nights, having a peaceful evening and getting a restful sleep is imperative, and everything inside this collection helps inspire calm and blissful vibes.

I'm especially impressed by Skin Alchemists' massage candle, and I'm really enjoying the body oil from Ezape Naturals too!  And of course I'm liking the unique aroma of Eden Days' body butter - I think this is one of the first products I have had that contains rooibos.  I'm also getting a ton of use out of the soap pouch -- it's such a handy little accessory!

But what were your favourites??  Any stand out products that you are drawn to?  I would love to hear!

And if you missed out on the October edit but want to subscribe to The Natural Beauty Box for November's Defend & Protect theme, do be sure to sign up ASAP!  Last I checked there were only 20 boxes left -- and they're shipping soon so are bound to sell out.  If you're new to the service, you can even grab 10% off your first order!  The collection will be worth nearly £70, and will contain five green goodies -- who else is super excited??  I for one can't wait!  xx

P.s. find spoilers to the upcoming box over on Instagram!