The Natural Beauty Box Review - Cleanse Edit *

It's time for another review of The Natural Beauty Box!  This time I'm sharing the February "Cleanse" collection, an edit that includes four full size items, one travel pouch, plus a freebie sample sachet that came inside of an information booklet, and overall is worth a whopping £71.


The Natural Beauty Box curated this box to help subscribers cleanse and detoxify their skin in the lead up to spring, and I have to say it's a brilliant theme for this time of year.  Featuring brands I know and love as well as one I had not yet dipped my toes into, get ready to explore five green goodies that are vegan friendly, cruelty free, and full of cleansing ingredients ideal for resetting and restoring the skin!

The Natural Beauty Box Review - Cleanse Edit - vegan subscription box


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* This post contains affiliate links and gifted products
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] Balmonds Omega Rich Cleansing Oil (200ml / £22):

Though I am familiar with this natural beauty brand, I've not actually tried Balmonds before so this was a welcome surprise for February's delivery.  And it's perfectly fitting for the Cleanse edit!

The Natural Beauty Box Cleanse Edit - Balmonds Omega-Rich Cleansing Oil Review

The Omega Rich Cleansing Oil is a simple but effective formula that removes makeup and daily grime while also moisturizing and soothing the skin.  And because all of the ingredients are fragrance free and have a low comedogenic factor, this treatment is suitable for all skin types.  Whether your face is congestion prone, sensitive, oily, or dry, this blend should deliver the results you want!

"unlike most cleansers, our Omega-Rich Cleansing Oil contains absolutely no perfumes, preservatives or synthetics. We don't even use essential oils in this blend, to avoid the possibility of irritating the especially sensitive skin on the face. This means this lovely versatile product can also be used as an all-purpose oil for for anyone with sensitive skin, such as new mums or babies. Use it as a massage oil, a facial oil or as a body oil after bathing."

The anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties of calendula aid healing, while vitamin and fatty acid rich rosehip delivers needed nourishment that can help delay the effects of aging.  Pair that with safflower, an oil that promotes soft supple skin, and sunflower (which works to eliminate free radicals and toxins), and what you get is a balanced formula that is designed to target all of the skin's needs.

Balmond's Omega-Rich Cleansing Oil has a subtle scent that is slightly sweet and earthy (like fresh seeds), and the natural aroma is actually pretty calming.  I like how pure it is, and find it refreshing.  And the delicate touch of this product doesn't stop there - the oil is so silky and glides easily across the face, and it doesn't feel overly heavy which is a plus.  While you do need a muslin or a second cleanse to fully remove this, you can actually rinse away and leave the excess oils on your skin if you are wanting a quick all-in-one treatment.  This method is especially good for mornings when I'm in a rush I find.

I've definitely enjoyed testing out the cleansing oil from Balmonds, and I'm keen to explore this range further in future!

Ingredients: Helianthus Annuus (sunflower) seed oil*, Carthamus Tinctorius (safflower) seed oil*, Rosa Canina (rosehip) fruit oil, Calendula Officianalis (calendula) flower oil*
*organic ingredients


2] PHB Ethical Balance Blemish Gel (20ml / £22):

A tried and true brand of mine, PHB never disappoints.  So of course I was thrilled at the chance to try another one of their vegan friendly skincare treatments!  The Balance Blemish Gel is part of their rebranded line, and is a formula I had not yet tested.  So what did I think?

It's definitely a contender in terms of spot treatments, and one I will be making much use of!

"Target blemishes with this on the spot blemish control gel. Healing botanicals help cool, cleanse and rebalance skin. By encouraging the skin’s natural healing process it calms the appearance of redness, swelling and scarring. Use directly on the spot to blast away blemishes or as an all over preventative treatment to encourage a clearer, smoother, more balanced complexion."

With antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant rich heroes like bladderwrack, zinc, tea tree, lavender, patchouli, and neem as well as oil reducing ingredients like sea buckthorn and geranium, this Balance Blemish Gel is ideal for fighting back against blemishes and regulating sebum production.  The treatment takes a three-pronged approach, tackling current spots and reducing them, healing the skin to minimize the potential for scarring, and balancing the skin to protect against future breakouts.  The thoughtful formula is most definitely one that I'm finding useful, and I have been getting on with this well so far.

The Natural Beauty Box Cleanse Edit - PHB Balance Blemish Gel Review

The gel itself is not heavy at all and feels super lightweight on the skin.  It absorbs almost instantly so you're not left waiting for it to dry down once applied, and it doesn't have any sticky or tacky residue which is a huge plus.  It does feel very slightly drying, but I haven't noticed any flaking or dehydrated patches on my skin - just be sure to follow up with a moisturizing cream or oil and you should be fine!

PHB's Blemish Gel smells herbal, slightly anti-septic, yet bright and calming despite the medicinal notes to the aroma.  It's a lovely awakening blend, and it's great for use day or night I find.  And I've noticed that my skin overall is becoming clearer since introducing this into my routine.  It's not a fast fix, but it definitely has been making a difference.  Spots are far less red, not as irritated, and are smaller in size, and patches that are usually big problem areas are not as prominent.  I think using this daily will help keep the worst of it at bay, and for that I am thankful.

The only issue I've had is that I find the pump doesn't always give me the small amount I require, so that took a bit of getting used to.  However, I do like that it keeps everything sanitary and minimizes the gels exposure to air - will definitely help this last longer!

PHB has created a great anti-blemish treatment, and I'm really happy I am able to test this out thanks to The Natural Beauty Box.  All in all this is one of my star finds from the February box!

Ingredients: Aqua, Vegetable glycerin**, Biosaccheride gum, Fucus vescilosis extract, Coco-caprylate, Sclerotium Gum, Propandiol & Salix alba, Niacin B3, Zinc PCA, Rosa canina (Rosehip) seed oil**, Carrageenan, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) fruit Oil, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) flower oil*, Pelargonium graveolens (Geranium) flower Oil*, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) leaf Oil*, Sodium citrate, Sodium phytate, Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) leaf Oil*, Azadirachta Indica (Neem), Mentha piperita (Peppermint) leaf oil*, Persea gratissima (Avocado) oil**, Carthamus tinctorius (Safflower) seed oil**, Pogostemon cablin (Patchouli) leaf oil*. †Citronellol, †Geraniol, †Citral, †Limonene, †Linalol. *Organic, **Certified Organic. †Occurs naturally in Essential Oils.


3] Friendly Detox Soap (95g / £2.75):

Friendly is a wonderful plastic free brand that offers super affordable goodies, and I've had the pleasure of trying much of their range (and Tim actually loves their shaving and shampoo bars - so that speaks volumes!).  In fact, the Detox Soap is a long time favourite of mine, and I've gone through many bars of this over the years.

The Natural Beauty Box Cleanse Edit - Friendly Detox Bar Soap Review

"Our charcoal detox bar won’t help grill your lentil burger, but it will help make your skin look and feel amazing. The soap is made using activated charcoal that magically absorbs toxins from your skin, leaving it cleaner and healthier. We’ve added lime essential oil for its antiseptic, antiviral and antioxidant qualities, and rosemary essential oil to lift your spirits and enliven your mind. All in all, a restorative soap that leaves you feeling renewed and ready for anything."

This in-shower soap is designed to cleanse and exfoliate all in one thanks to the charcoal powder that is within the formula.  It's super gentle, and you can't feel any rough grain when you buff away dead cells so you aren't left with irritated skin, yet your body will feel smoother and look more radiant when you've finished using Friendly's Detox Soap.  Truly fab!

And the aroma is gorgeous too - the blend of rosemary and lime is uplifting, energizing, and soothing for the senses.  This is one I like to use when I'm feeling a bit down or need a boost of positivity, and I find it works a treat. 

I use this on my arms, chest, shoulders, and lower back.  It has really been helping regulate and balance my skin, and the little bumps I would sometimes get have completely vanished.  Plus it lasts quite a long time, making this a wonderful addition to any beauty cupboard.  It smells great, is cheap as chips, and has no plastic packaging, so it is a total win.

Ingredients: Sodium olivate, Sodium cocoate, Aqua, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) essential oil contains limonene, Citrus aurantifolia (lime) essential oil contains citrallimonene, Charcoal powder.


4] Lavera Detox Effect Mask (50ml / £16.95):

Next up inside the latest collection from The Natural Beauty Box is a full size tube of the Detox Effect Mask from Lavera.  This skincare treatment is an activated formula that contains sodium hyaluronate, shea butter, algae, mineral clay, white horehound, and aloe, and it is designed to provide your face with a fresh and radiant complexion.

Created with the intention of detoxing your skin from polluting dirt particles and daily grime, Lavera's face mask is formulated to cleanse, gently exfoliate, and absorb toxins.  It's an easy to use and easy to apply product, as all you need to do is squeeze the tube and massage wherever you wish to target. 

The Natural Beauty Box Cleanse Edit - Lavera Detox Effect Mask Review

I have a weird issue with the smell of Lavera skincare products as I find all of them have an underlying sweet plasticy scent which I just don't get on with, but I love how affordable this natural brand is and appreciate the efforts they make to keep clean beauty accessible for all.  This definitely has that smell, but I think many people will find it pleasant as it verges on sugary which is very different from other products.

In terms of look and feel, the mask has a striking seafoam shade that is soothing to look at.  I love the moody mint tone, and think it is so visually interesting that I can't help but be drawn to it.  As for the consistency, Lavera's treatment has a semi-thick yet suprisingly liquid texture that spreads well and does not feel at all drying on the skin.  It has a slight grain to it that works to buff away dead cells as you apply, but it never feels harsh.  It's a nice little mask overall, and I'm glad I had a chance to try it.

Subscribers were also treated to a sachet of the Hydro Effect Day Cream, an anti-pollutant moisturizing treatment that works to strengthen the skins barrier and counteract environmental induced aging.  While I am firmly against single use plastic samples, I know there will be many who try this and find another product from Lavera they enjoy.  I've tried the full size of this previously, and can say it sinks in very quickly and leaves the face feeling soft and moisturized.  The cream is pretty light and worked well for my semi-sensitive acne prone face with no breakouts after use.  I'm just not keen on the strong scent (or plastic tube).

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Alcohol*, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil*, Loess, Glycerin, Sorbitan Laurate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Zinc Oxide, Fragrance (Parfum)**, Cellulose, Fucus Serratus Extract*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder*, Coco-Glucoside, Hectorite, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chromium Oxide Green (CI 77288), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77289), Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Xanthan Gum, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Glyceryl Caprylate, Limonene**, Benzyl Salicylate**, Linalool**, Citral**, Geraniol**, Citronellol** * Ingredients from Certified Organic Agriculture ** Natural Essential Oils


5] Made By Coopers Eucalyptus Rosemary Bath Salt Blend (100g / £7.99):

I've had the pleasure of using several Made By Cooper's products in the past, so I knew I was in for a treat with the Eucalyptus Rosemary Bath Salt Blend.  I find this brand creates fab aromatherapy treatments, and this was no exception!

The bath salts come inside a resealable pouch (the full size comes inside a glass jar), and provide enough for 2-3 baths depending on how much you choose to use.  It's a great way to try out the salts before picking up the full size, and it is also a fab way to take this bath blend on the go if you're planning on travelling.  In fact, I'll be keeping the pouch even after this is totally gone as I will repurpose for weekends away or little holidays!

The Natural Beauty Box Cleanse Edit - Made By Coopers Eucalyptus Rosemary Bath Salt Blend Review

AS FEATURED IN THE ‘EVENING STANDARD’ – BEST NIGHT TIME BEAUTY PRODUCTS FOR A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP // A soothing bath salt blend with eucalyptus, rosemary and lavender essential oils to relieve muscular aches and pains.

The salts themselves are medium-grain (not too big, not too fine), and I find they disperse and dissolve easily under running water.  The scent is very strong, so if you are using these just for the scent rather than the salt benefits, you don't actually need to pour out much as the aroma is potent and carries through the whole room quickly.  It's clarifying, fresh, revitalizing, and grounding, making these excellent for times when you need a bit of balance, have a head cold or migraine, or need to clear your sinuses.  Definitely a blend I would find particularly perfect during sickness or times of stress!

I love that the formula contains three salts - epsom, himalayan, and dead sea.  The mix of minerals help relieve tired, stiff, and aching muscles plus soothe and repair damaged skin, promote cell renewal, and soften dry patches.  It's a fab way to transition from the cold dreary winter and into renewing spring!  I find salt baths very restorative, so what better way to bring in a new season than by totally resetting your skin?

Ingredients: Epsom salt, Himalayan salt, dead sea salt, eucalyptus, rosemary & lavender essential oils.


The Natural Beauty Box Review - Cleanse Edit - vegan subscription box


Overall I really enjoyed February's Cleanse Edit from The Natural Beauty Box, and I was pleased to find one of my favourite soaps as well as some new green goodies to test out.  PHB is a tried and true brand of mine, so it was great finding a formula I had not yet tried inside last month's collection, along with treatments from other clean ranges I've tried out in the past.  It was a fab box, and I think everyone who received this was bound to discover something special.

I love that The Natural Beauty Box hunts down the best of the best for us, and curates each month's box so it all flows perfectly together.  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.

And if you need an extra push to check this subscription out, you can grab 10% off your first box here!

So, what did you think of the "Cleanse" inspired edition of The Natural Beauty Box?  Did you love the theme as much as I did?  Let me know your favourites below, and any opinions you want to share -- I really LOVE seeing your thoughts!  And if you want to continue the conversation even further, you can join me on InstaTwitterPinterest, or Bloglovin! xx

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