Oh how I adore opening The Natural Beauty Box every month -- and November was no exception!  The Defend & Protect themed collection includes ultra nourishing formulas that are vegan, cruelty free, and made with natural ingredients, and also designed to heal environmental damage caused by the winter temperatures, prevent premature skin aging, and add much needed moisture to combat dehydration from central heating.

November's Defend & Protect box included five items, four of which are full size, and was worth a whopping £69.60!  And as always, everything is natural, vegan, and cruelty free -- what more can a green beauty wish for??

As always, there are some lovely discoveries to be made inside The Natural Beauty Box, from brands I've not heard of previously to cult hits that I've had on my wishlist for far too long!  All are UK based, independent, and truly invested in ethical standards.

So what was inside November's collection of Defend & Protect goodies??

1] Kri Skincare Bakuchiol Antioxidant Oil (30ml/£20):

You all know my love for the brand formerly known as Guiltless Skin, and you may even have read my recent review of this gorgeous product already.  But for those of you who have not caught my full thoughts, just know the Bakuchiol Antioxidant Oil from Kri Skincare is fantastic.

If you're not familiar with bakuchiol, it is a natural, plant-based alternative to retinol (a chemical compound of Vitamin A), and is much more gentle than the popular "anti-aging" ingredient.  Unlike retinol, bakuchiol causes no peeling, nor any irritation, yet it helps boost collagen and elastin production all the same.  Research shows both ingredients work to improve pigmentation, redness, fine lines, wrinkles, and firmness, and the stats are so close that even dermatologists couldn't tell the difference between the two!


In terms of the texture, colour, and smell, Krī's Bakuchiol Antioxidant Oil is lovely and light in every way.  Kalahari watermelon seed oil (the base of this product) gives the blend a nice shade of pale straw, a comforting and warming tone that is so welcoming and hints at the gentle qualities housed within the bottle.

Consistency wise, this is a delicate oil, not heavy at all which makes it great for a multi-step skincare ritual.  I find it absorbs well, and is not overly oily or slick on the face which is great.  Now the weather has turned even colder, I like applying Bakuchiol after my serum, then finishing up my pre-bed routine while it sinks in so by the time I have finished all the little tasks my face is ready for the final application of moisturizer.  It works really well, and has made sure my skin doesn't look or feel dry at all despite the chill, but also has proved lightweight enough to not cause me any breakouts.

Want an even closer look at this fab oil?  Find the full review here.

P.s. Want to grab 20% off your first order over £25 with Kri Skincare?  Just use code BRYANNASENTME and you'll be rewarded with savings!


Ingredients: Citrullus vulgaris seed oil (watermelon seed oil); Bakuchiol (Sytenol ®)

2] TEWC Grapefruit Facial Exfoliator (30g/£10):

Subscribers of The Natural Beauty Box will be familiar with The Earth Works Cosmetics already, as we have been sent some of their gorgeous green goodies in the past!  This month's edit brings their newly formulated Grapefruit Facial Exfoliator, a treatment designed to buff away dead skin cells and leave behind a brighter, more radiant complexion.

Made with a combination of moisturizing oils like castor, jojoba, and sweet almond, uplifting grapefruit essential oil, and exfoliating corn starch, this updated scrub is a great multi-tasker.  The formula manages to cleanse, exfoliate, and brighten all in one treatment, and you all know how much I love a good all-in-one product.


Unfortunately, I find the scrub too much for my semi-sensitive skin, as the grain is surprisingly rough despite the almost balm-like texture.  It starts gentle, but quickly becomes much more intensive - it would be ideal for those who regularly get flaky skin and want to ensure everything remains silky smooth all winter long, but for me it just wasn't to be.  However, I have made the decision to use this on my hands, chest, and body (perhaps even my scalp on occasion as it's stimulating for the skin!) instead of my face as this way I can still enjoy the refreshing qualities and energizing boost from the grapefruit aroma.

Because it truly is delectable, and I would be so sad not to be able to use this beautiful product.  With a luscious feel on the skin that is both softening and smoothing, and a natural fragrance that makes the mouth water, TEWC's Grapefruit Facial Exfoliator is a special scrub.


Ingredients: Ricinus Communis (Castor oil), Prunus amygdalus dulcis (Sweet almond oil), Simmondsia chinensis cera (Jojoba wax), Zea mays (Corn starch), Dehydroacetic acid & Benzyl alcohol (Preservative), Tocopherol (Natural vitamin E), Citrus grandis (Grapefruit essential oil), Citral, Limonene, Linalool (Components of natural essential oils).

3] Trulips Spearmint Lip Balm (10ml/£3):

I was excited to find Trulips inside this month's collection from The Natural Beauty Box, not only because they are a lovely British brand, but because they are one of the few to be featured in a beauty box that sell primarily through Etsy and selected stockists.  It's refreshing to discover such a treasure alongside cult hits you might see in Selfridges -- and this is one of the many reasons I adore this subscription box.


Trulips create handmade plastic free lip balms that are conditioning, healing, and softening.  Not only do they offer three traditional options, they also have three tinted versions that add a delicate pop of colour to your lips.  The November box included the Spearmint pot, which I have to admit is the one that suits me best -- spearmint is my FAVOURITE.  I love the sweet zing this ingredient brings, and it's proper nostalgic for me as I used to pick the leaves off the plants while collecting water with my grandma when I was a kid.

The lip balm is really convenient as it fits in your pocket and can be popped into any bag, purse, or pouch so you can keep your lips nourished on the go.  Plus, the packaging is stellar.  Not only is it plastic free, but it is a twist off lid making it all the easier to use.  I've found that the pop off lids can be super frustrating as they get stuck and require prying open, so I was pleased to find Trulips has opted for a more sensible approach!

In terms of how this actually applies, it has a very slight grain when you begin to massage in, but quickly warms up and turns into a smooth and soft texture that feels great on the skin.  It's very slightly glossy, super moisturizing, and has proved a great protection against the wind and rain so far!  And I have to say I really love how it gives a gentle tingle -- it's so reviving!


Ingredients: Mango seed butter, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, Candelilla wax, spearmint essential oil, vitamin e oil

4] Naturally Perfect Sheena's Gold Body Butter (60ml/£7.50):

A totally new discovery for me, and one I am so pleased to have found through The Natural Beauty Box -- Naturally Perfect is a London based brand that "use traditional natural ingredients that have for centuries been used by african women and their families to promote and maintain young and healthy skin."

Specializing in whipped butter blends, Naturally Perfect have created three special moisturizing formulas that address dry, irritated, and damaged skin -- Sweet Summer, The Remedy, and Cocoa Dream.  And subscribers have been treated to one that is just perfect for the harsh winter!

"The Remedy is recommended for those who want to revive and restore moisture back to damaged and irritated skin. You can trust that these ingredients mean business. In their former life before becoming an essential oil, they played an important role of plant protector. Frankincense, Lavender and Tea tree are the main fighters in this blend and they will do the same for your skin."


This body butter is rich, but not greasy or slick once massaged in, and it offers great protection against the cold, dry, bitter air.  My skin feels so lovely after I use The Remedy, and is most definitely replenished and restored by the mix of shea, avocado, coconut, and sweet almond.  As coconut breaks out some of the more delicate areas of my body (arms, back, etc) as I've explained many times before, I've just been using this on my legs and particular spots that need TLC like elbows and the heels of my feet.  It works a treat, and smells so fresh and grounding that it's a real delight for the senses.

One more thing I really appreciate about Naturally Perfect is the comprehensive approach to beauty.  It's not just the formula that is lovingly tended to, but the branding and imagery as well.  On the jar, the label explains the symbolism of each element, from the context of Adrinka designs to the specifically chosen wooden comb that slots into the name on the front -- everything has a purpose and a meaning, and I love that.


Ingredients: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Oil, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Persea gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Prunus amygdalus dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Lavandula officinalis (Lavender) oil, Boswellia Carteri (Frankincense) oil, Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea tree) oil, Citrus sinensis (Sweet orange)oil, Cedarus atlantica (Cedarwood atlas)  oil

5] Farryn Amber Botanical Balm (60ml/£29):

I'm so so pleased to find Farryn Amber inside November's collection, as this is a brand I have been wanting to try for ever so long.  From the Gold Coast all the way to bustling London, the founder is familiar with tackling huge journeys -- and that's just what she did with her brand!  From small start up to the shelves of Selfridges, Farryn Amber has been grabbing the attention of many in the beauty industry!

And now I'm getting to try one of the fab formulations thanks to The Natural Beauty Box -- yay!


The Botanical Balm is a versatile creation designed to address dry, damaged, and chapped skin thanks to the potent power harnessed through mother nature.  With shea and mango butter, hemp, grape, and raspberry seed oils, jojoba, calendula extract, and a variety of warming essential oils, this silky sensation is truly a powerhouse ready to take on even the most distressed skin.

"Can be used everyday. Massage a small amount into damp skin after cleansing. Can also be used as lip or beard balm, hand cream, make-up remover, after-sun or moisturiser."

Farryn Amber's Botanical Balm starts out with a mild grain from the organic refined shea butter, but transforms into a gorgeous satiny texture almost immediately.  Once you massage into skin, the beauty becomes all the more apparent, as the treatment sinks in fully leaving you noticeably moisturized but without any slick residue.  Instead, you have a body naturally fragranced with cinnomon leaf, black pepper, sweet orange, cedarwood bark, and vanilla bean extract.

The aroma is intoxicating -- like mulled spices, cozy fireside nights, the night before Christmas, long awaited warm hugs, and evenings spent curled up with a good book.  It's everything I could want this time of year and more!  This has been such a special find, and I'm loving it.


Ingredients: Organic Refined Shea Butter, Refined Mango Butter, Grapeseed Oil, Organic Golden Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Calendula Flower Extract, Organic Hemp Seed Oil, Raspberry Seed Oil, Organic Cinnamon Leaf Oil, Black Pepper Oil, Cedarwood Bark Oil, Sweet Orange Peel Oil, Vanilla Bean Extract




Overall, I'm loving the products I got to discover in the Defend & Protect edit from The Natural Beauty Box.  Everything is effective, smells lovely, and is packed full of potent ingredients.  I will say I am a little moisturized out though -- this might be because I have so many body butters and beauty balms on deck waiting to be used, but I'd love to hear your thoughts.

In terms of star products, I think my favourites have to be the Bakuchiol Antioxidant Oil from Kri Skincare which I have been loving since launch and the stunning Botanical Balm from Farryn Amber which is proving lightweight despite the super nourishing benefits it brings.  But of course I am also enjoying the other three goodies from TEWC, Trulips, and Naturally Perfect, and they each will find a spot on my skincare shelf for the winter months!

But what were your top picks from this month's subscription?  I'm curious to hear what you're using most, and what formulations have caught your eye!  Let me know in the comments below, kay?

And for those of you who are curious about The Natural Beauty Box and fancy you might like to subscribe either for the soon to be sent December collection (seriously, be quick if you want one!) or in the new year, remember you can grab 10% off your first order by using my link!  And of course you can always find spoilers and previews of products over on The Natural Beauty Box social accounts -- Instagram already has a few up for the Christmas Glow themed edit!




And guess what!  Today is the FIRST day of my 12 Days of Giveaways -- and the prize is one you don't want to miss if you weren't able to pick up the latest edit from The Natural Beauty Box!

Since I already have a bottle of the gorgeous Bakuchiol Antioxidant Oil from Kri Skincare, I will be giving this one away to one lucky winner!

Want to take part in the giveaway??  There are 12 chances to win, extra surprises in store, and lots of excitement in the lead up to Christmas day!  Enter below:



a Rafflecopter giveaway