Freedm Street: Plastic Free Mini Box Review

Freedm Street is turning four, so their cruelty free and vegan subscription box is celebrating in style!  For plastic free beauty, tasty treats, special discount codes, and more, tune in and discover all this 12th Edition has to offer! 


cruelty free vegan beauty and sweets on textured white paper


Freedm Street is celebrating their fourth birthday this summer, and so of course they released an extra special edit to spread the love.  I was so happy to be gifted one to review, but before we jump into that, let's take a second to appreciate all the wonderful achievements this ethical business has made over the years!

Year One: I discovered Freedm Street (then known as The Cruelty Free Beauty Box) in 2017 before they launched and so had the joy of receiving their very first box as an early subscriber.  I remember the excitement of that initial edit as I opened the square cardboard packaging, and I was thrilled with what was inside - a selection of goodies from Balm Balm, The Salt Parlour, Fairypants, and Bellapierre.  The boxes continued to impress each month, and the fact I could buy my favourites from each collection was just such a fresh and smart idea that I knew this was going to be an ethical business that would be around for a long long time...

Year Two: The first anniversary of The Cruelty Free Beauty Box seemed to come so quickly, and 2018 brought a whole lot of fun -- from own label products like the sugar scrub bars to even more wonderful vegan brands featuring in the shop, there was always something new to discover.  I remember the cute and youthful giant lollipop inside the birthday box was such a sweet surprise, and I found so many favourites over the course of the year.  This cruelty free subscription was picking up fans left and right it seemed, and it was definitely gaining momentum!

Year Three: Birthday two was the beginning of a new era for The Cruelty Free Beauty Box.  A new structure was brought in for the beauty boxes, and the bi-monthly schedule started up.  This was a huge overhaul, and I think it really shaped the future of this ethical business.  Unfortunately I missed out on most of the boxes this year as I had to cut out any non essential purchases, but I loved watching all the unboxings unfold on Instagram and different blogs.  And I did manage to enjoy one of the summer edits which was one of my favourites up to this point!

Year Four: Change is brewing as The Cruelty Free Beauty Box gets ready to transform into Freedm Street, and the vegan business continues to deliver exceptional value and customer service.  The third year was a turning point, and it brought so so so many exciting new enterprises like a full rebrand, another change in subscription options, and even an advent calendar.  The birthday box was full of fab goodies as always, and I remember loving the mix of skincare, body treatments, and chocolate.

Year Five: 2021 has brought a lot of struggle, but Freedm Street continues to bring positivity and moments of selfcare to customers with their vegan subscription boxes and their well stocked online cruelty free retail store.  From natural skincare and zero waste makeup to plant based snacks and super soft hoodies, this UK based small business continues to be a true one stop shop.  You can stock up your pantry, bathroom, bedroom, and more all in one place!  And the beauty boxes are always top quality of course.  The birthday collection is the perfect example of how much energy and effort goes into creating these collections...


So what was inside the fourth birthday edit from Freedm Street??


orange vegan sugar scrub bar from Freedm Street on textured white paper


1] Freedm Street Solid Sugar Scrub

The Freedm Street sugar scrubs have been a staple ever since they were first introduced to the shop in their second year.  These are a favourite in our house (especially for Tim) as they are great for exfoliating all over the body and offer a dose of moisture at the same time.  Plus they smell fab of course which is always a bonus.

Palm oil free, natural, and super long lasting, these bars are such a budget friendly treat and since they come in so many scents there is an option for everyone.  This time around I received the Freshly Squeezed version which is a new one to me.  It's super cute with it's summery orange shade and smells sweet and tangy which brings major tropical vibes.  It's a perfect addition for this summer box!

Ingredients: Sucrose, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Parfum, Citrus Sinensis (Orange) Fruit, Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Citrus Sinensis (Orange) Peel Oil, CI15985


Ascent Botanical Facial Steam with salts pouring out of the plastic free bag


2] Ascent Botanical Facial Steam

I was so happy to see Ascent featured in the 12th edition of Freedm Street's Mini Box, as this brand creates gorgeous aromas and are always a lovely treat for the senses.  I have not tried the Botanical Facial Steam previously, so I was excited to experiment with something new.

Steaming is meant to be beneficial for the skin as it helps open pores and loosens buildup so it is easier to get a deep and thorough cleanse.  It also can help calm, soothe, and hydrate the delicate facial skin while boosting circulation and collagen production so you are left with a natural radiant glow.  Plus, the essential oils within the formula offer an aromatherapy treatment at the same time!  This particular Be Happy blend is bursting with peaceful vibes from the lavender, rosewood, ylang ylang, and bergamot.  It brings tranquility and positivity, and is ideal for a spa day at home.

Ingredients: Maris Sal (Dead Sea Salt), Sodium Chloride (Himalayan Rock Salt), Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower, Lavender (Lavandula Officinalis) Essential Oil, Rosewood (Aniba Rosaeodora) Essential Oil, Bergamot (Citrus Bergamia Melrosa) Essential Oil, Ylang Ylang (Cananga Odorata) Essential Oil. Contains Caryophyllene, di-Limonene. 


Flawless plastic free body wash held up in front of colourful bunting and houseplants


3] Flawless Oriental Bliss Body Wash

I first experienced the plastic free body wash from Flawless after seeing it listed in the Freedm Street shop, and while I find the scent pretty strong it is a great option for those wanting a more sustainable option in the bathroom.  It's affordable, bubbly, and refreshing on the skin, and it is free from SLS and palm oil too.  I also find it offers a versatile formula which is always welcome.

Oriental Bliss has notes of ylang ylang and lavender lurking beneath the heady floral scent, and I find it mysterious and comforting.  The body wash has a full texture that makes it so easy to use in the shower, but I also find it works nicely for a foaming bath as well.  It's kind to the skin, and I find the size super handy as it doesn't take up much space and can even be ideal for travel (if that ever happens again in my lifetime!).

Ingredients: Aqua, Cocomidopropyl, Betaine, Sodium Coco Sulfate, Coconut Glycerin, Panthenol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf, Soldium Chloride, Benzyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Sorbic Acid, Ylang Ylang Essential Oil, (Cananga odorata), Lavender Essential Oil, Tonka Bean Absolute, CI 607 30.  Geraniol*, Linalool*, Limonene*, Eugenol*, Iso Eugenol*, Benzyl Salicylate*, Amyl Cinnamyl Alcohol*, Farnsol*, Benzyl Benzoate*


Balade en Provence plastic free solid face cream with the circular bar underneath the cardboard packaging and all surrounded by plants


4] Balade en Provence Solid Day Cream

I first discovered Balade en Provence in a box from Freedm Street, and so I feel it is a fitting addition to their fourth birthday subscription collection.  Revisiting brands is always a nice surprise, especially when the product is a new one to you - and that is just the case with the Solid Day Cream.

While I am always trying plastic free products, I have not braved solid moisturisers until now.  I am curious to see how my congestion prone fussy skin fares with this homemade bar, but seeing as the organic ingredients are simple and non irritating, I have high hopes.  The formula begins to melt on contact with the skin, and it is not too heavy and the oily texture sinks in nicely.  I also adore the scent which is uplifting, gently sweet, and reminds me of sunshine.  This might just be the stand out star for me!

Ingredients: Cocoa Butter, Immortelle Essential Oil,Safflower oil, Cetearyl alcohol (natural origin)


plastic free lipstick from Le Papier in shade Blush with swatch in the shape of a heart on an arm above


5] Le Papier Lipstick

Le Papier is another brand I first experienced through the Freedm Street subscription box, and I am beyond happy to get to try out a lipstick this time around.  This low waste makeup brand uses paper wrappings instead of plastic, and is all about making classic beauty products more sustainable.

The Moisturising Lipstick Glossy Nude is almost like a hybrid between a gloss and a lipstick as it offers shine as well as a nice pigment. I received the colour Blush which is a nice dusky pink with more neutral undertones, and I love everything about it.  It's silky smooth, applies like a dream, adds a dose of nourishment to your lips, is comfortable to wear, and offers a plastic free solution that is not often seen in the makeup community.  I could see this becoming a favourite of mine, and I might just need to pick up another shade in future.

Ingredients: SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS SEED OIL, RICINUS COMMUNIS SEED OIL, HYDROGENATED COCONUT OIL, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEED WAX, HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRAISOSTEARATE, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER, STEARYL HEPTANOATE, ORYZA SATIVA BRAN WAX, PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS OIL, HYDROGENATED SOY POLYGLYCERIDES, STEARYL CAPRYLATE, BEHENYL BEHENATE, GLYCEROL HYDROGENATED ROSINATE, POLYHYDROXYSTEARIC ACID, TOCOPHEROL, EUPHORBIA CERIFERA CERA, ORYZA SATIVA BRAN OIL, TURNERA DIFFUSA LEAF EXTRACT, PTYCHOPETALUM OLACOIDES BARK EXTRACT, VANILLA PLANIFOLIA FRUIT EXTRACT, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEED OIL, GLYCINE SOJA OIL, +/- CI 77492, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 15850, CI 77499.


Freedm Street colourful vegan sweets in plastic free packaging


6] Freedm Street Pick & Mix Sweets

Who doesn't love a sweet treat?  The birthday box from Freedm Street includes a little box of mixed vegan gummy treats, and I find this such a nice bonus surprise.  There is a good mix of tart and sugary options inside, and you will be tempted to order more as soon as this pick and mix runs out!

This is packed full of all different sorts of shapes, sizes, and flavours which makes it great for sharing with friends and family or gifting for a special day.  I love that it comes without any plastic packaging, and the texture of everything inside is seriously perfect.  For someone who doesn't usually love gummy snacks, this was a real home run.


Freedm Street vegan subscription box full of cruelty free plastic free beauty products with green plants in the background


The birthday box from Freedm Street is worth over £50 and is packed full of lovely ethical beauty products as well as sweet treats.  With nearly every single item being full size and the entire collection remaining plastic free, I think this is a great edit and one worthy of such a celebration.  But what did you think?  Any favourites stand out to you?  Let me know!

The years have certainly brought a lot of changes to Freedm Street, but I am so happy that they are still going strong and making waves.  With three different subscription box options to choose from (the Mini Box which is the 100% plastic free one I got, the Original Box which is all beauty, and the Deluxe Box which is a mix of lifestyle, snacks, and beauty), a tree planted for every five edits sold, 10% of all profits donated to animal charities, and continued efforts to minimize packaging and offer sustainable solutions like seed paper and recyclable cardboard...  Freedm Street is a superstar!

If you want to grab this box or one of the other birthday collections you have to be quick though.  Pick yours before the 20th of July, or subscribe for the next bi-monthly edit which lands in August!

And be sure to check out the shop as well if you are needing any staples or pick me up goodies.  You can get £5 off your first purchase, or sign up to the newsletter to be updated with all the sales and special offers.  There is always something great happening at Freedm Street, so you won't want to miss out! xx


Freedm Street Vegan Subscription Box from June 2021 filled with cruelty free plastic free beauty products and snacks


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