PRODUCT REVIEW: NATIVE BEAUTY BOX SEPTEMBER 2014

Another month has passed, and it is yet again time for the arrival of the monthly boxes. Unfortunately due to being overseas for a month, I wasn’t home when the box arrived, so hence my delay in posting about it. Anyway, here are my thoughts on the *September edition of the Native Beauty Box;

 

 

What They Say:

We will send you a different Native box every month with the very best eco-conscious, healthy and safe products to nourish the body, mind and soul. At Native Box we feature Australian brands, big and small, that provide exceptional eco-friendly and sustainable products. We continuously scour the market, making it easier for you to make good shopping decisions that are better for you, your family and our planet…. together with Native Box, these brands help positive change happen!  5-10 products monthly (Full &/or Samples)

RRP:

1 month: $24.95 (shipping included)

3 months: $69.90 (shipping included)

6 months: $134.70 (shipping included)

12 months: $264.00 (shipping included)

– Available from Native Box

 

What I Say:

The Native Box is committed to connecting its members with Australian businesses that provide exceptional organic and sustainable products, as they believe that each dollar spent on such products cast for a better world – and believe that they can help shift the balance towards a better Australia and safer planet. The Native Box has several different boxes available including the Mum & Bub, the Beauty Box, a Vegan Box, A Men’s Box, and of course the Classic Box, and you can find all of my previous reviews though my product directory.

But here are my thoughts on the September Beauty Box. These were the goodies included in the box;

 

Natures Organic Natural Skin-Expert Face Scrub – Full Size, 150ml

I have never heard of this brand before, but being Australian owned and made does excite me, as well as of course that it is made from 97% natural ingredients. This is a huge tube of face scrub, and as it is also fragrance free, it has a very gentle almost non-existent scent, which is also a refreshing change from often very over-perfumed products. A very welcome addition to this months box!

 

Anerah Skincare Rejuvenating Mineral Mask – Sample

This mineral mask was also included in last months classic box, so while I actually like the mask, and certainly don’t complain about getting another one, to me it is not a new item, so sadly it doesn’t excite me that much.

Available from Anerah Skincare

 

Pure by Phytocare Pure Papaya Ointment with Lip Applicator – Full Size

 

This was also included in last months Classic box, and while I have now more or less used it up, as I have been using it as a barrier cream on my son’s chin that is very affected with a dribble rash (and it works brilliantly for that), and hence I am again not complaining about getting a replacement, sadly, again, it doesn’t really excite me.

Available from Phytocare
 

Australian Bush Flower Essences Gentle Face Wash Serum – Sample Size

 

Again, sadly this is a repeat from a previous box, so again, I am not overwhelmed, although again, I don’t mind the replacement as I did enjoy using this cleanser.

 

Eco Toothbrush – Full Size

 

Hmmmm, sadly yet another product that has been included in a previous box. I am yet to use the first one as I generally prefer to use my electric toothbrush, but it will be handy to have at hand. And I do love the shaped 100% eco bamboo that it is made from.

Available from GoGreen At Home

 

Un-Tainted Gypsy Rose 2 in 1 Shampoo – Sample Size

 

Finally a new product!!! And this one looks quite interesting too. A natural shampoo made with cold pressed oils and 100% essential oils, fruits, vinegars, teas and rainwater from Australian and imported ingredients(where no choice), and hence it is without all the chemical nasties. It promises to give the hair volume and lift it at the roots. Very interesting, cannot wait to try it out!

Available from Gypsy Rose

 

Gypsy Rose Paw Paw, Carrot and Orange Dry skin Facial Soap Mixture – Sample Size

This tiny soap bar promises to remove the dead skin cells while refreshing the skin, being so gentle that it is suitable for dry skin. I have to be honest and admit that I am generally not that fond of soap bars, finding them a little messy. Also, I have combination skin, so not sure how I will go with this on my skin, but regardless I do look forward to trying this out.

 Available from Gypsy Rose

Sulkin Hand & Nail Cream – Full Size

 

I have previously received one of these in a sample box, so again, it is not really that exciting. But, I did use it up pretty quickly as I really took a liking to it, and had been considering purchasing one, so again, I am not complaining about getting a replacement.

Available from Sukin and Priceline

Natralus Pure Aloe Vera – 2 x sample sachets

 

These sample sachets are perfect to have at hand as we approach summer, as the aloe vera has natural healing powers that restores the skin and provides relief after sun burn, and helps stop the skin from peeling. I certainly don’t plan on getting sunburnt this summer, but still, they will be very handy to have at hand, should emergency strike!

Available from select Pharmacies 

 

So there you have it, this was the contents in the September Beauty Native Box. And as per previous months, the box is chock full of goodies, of a great variety, although sadly I do feel there are a few too many repeats for me to feel that it is a great box. For me, the subscription boxes are a great way of getting introduced to new products, and with close to half this month’s contents being a repeat, sadly it fails to do that this month – although again, I have really liked those products, so I mostly don’t mind getting replacements! The box still proves to be good value for money, especially considering the full sized face scrub!

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

What do you think of the products in the Native Box? Have you tried any of these products?
 

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PRODUCT REVIEW: NATIVE BOX CLASSIC JULY 2014

Hard to believe that yet another month has passed and we are in fact already half way through the year! Not sure how I feel about technically being 6 months older, but on the positive I do like that there is now only just over a month left of winter. Anyway, end of the month also means arrival of the subscription boxes, and today I’d like to share with you my thoughts on the *July edition of the Classic Native Box;

 

 

PRODUCT REVIEW: NATIVE BOX BEAUTY WINTER 2014

I have previously reviewed Native Boxes, which focuses on healthier products, including food, household and beauty items. However, there is also a box that focuses solely on beauty products, so here are my thoughts on the Native Box Beauty Winter 2014;  

What They Say:

Our most requested box which we are working hard to get it ready for you very soon!. Ideal for the eco conscious lady who loves to know that all things natural are going on her skin delivered straight to your work or home. A range of the newest and best selling natural and or organic beauty products. A box full of natural skin care and cosmetics for the healthy ladies!

RRP: Quarterly box: $24.95ea (shipping included) – Available from Native Box  

What I Say:

These days there are lots of different beauty boxes around, but I really like that the Native Beauty Box focuses on healthier and more natural products.

And this is what was in the Winter Beauty Box:

Australian Bush Flower Essences Intensive Evening Rose Hand Cream – Sample Size 20ml

 

This organic hand cream contains Australian Bush Flower Essences and rose stem cells and is an intensive treatment for dry and damaged hands. I am addicted to hand creams, and my hands always get terribly dry during winter, so this small size is perfect to keep in my handbag for emergencies.

Available from Australian Bush Flower Essences 

Essentially Natural Therapeutic Rose Bath Salts – Full Size, 100g

 

This pack of bath salts contains sea salts, Epsom salts, rose essential oil, white clay, sunflower oil and organic rose petals – and even before opening the pack, I can smell the amazing scent. It has been a while since I had a good salt soak, so I cannot wait to try this one – and moving house (again) next week, this will be perfect to help soothe my muscles which will no doubt be sore from moving boxes around.

Available from Essentially Natural 

 

ettitude Pure Bamboo Multi Purpose Cloth – Full Size

 

This cloth is made from 100% bamboo and is perfect for scrubbing your face and body, as well as it can be used to clean the bathroom – but obviously don’t use it for both!! It has natural anti-bacterial properties and is soft and gentle on the skin. And best of all, it can be machine washed, so you can use it again and again. I have to admit that I do like my mechanical cleansing brush, however, I only use it a few times a week, and on days that I don’t, this cloth sounds perfect. It is also perfect when you’re going away, and don’t want to carry too much around.

Available from ettitude

 

Seraphina Organics Body Custard – Full Size, 250ml

 

This body cream is certified organic and suitable for even the most sensitive skin and contains among others shea and cocoa butters, aloe vera, calendula, rose otto and vitamin E, and what’s even better is that it is completely free from sulphates, parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, mineral pils, artificial fragrances and colours. Thanks to the rose otto, it has the loveliest rose scent that continues to linger on the skin, and as it very moisturising without leaving the skin feeling greasy, it will be absolutely perfect to keep my skin subtle during the cold winter months.

Available from Seraphina Organics  

Care You Love Persian Rose Moisturiser – Sachet Sample

 

This cream from Care You Love promises to deeply hydrate the skin with a rich calendula infusion and exquisite rose oils. The calendula infused with cold pressed kernel oil and made in small batches with love! This sounds amazing, and I am expecting it to smell absolutely divine so I look very forward to trying it – and I just hope that it is not too rich for my combination skin, which is quite prone to breakouts!

Available from Care You Love

 

Rainforest Remedies Lemon Myrtle Lip Balm – Full Size, 5g

 

This lip balm is made from all natural ingredients including soothing fruit and nut oil, and lemon myrtle – and as a lover of all things lemon scented, this smells absolutely amazing. I don’t really have dry lips, and generally only apply lip balm before bedtime, but during winter I do up it a little and apply before going for a walk with my baby boy in the pram and my dogs, and this will be so perfect to keep my lips soft and moisturised.

Available from Rainforest Remedies

 

Refreshed Lemon Myrtle Exfoliating Soap – Sample Size, 40g

Another lemon scented product – so no complaints from me! I am not the biggest user of soap bars, finding them a little messy so generally preferring liquid soap. However, it smells so nice and refreshing that this one definitely won’t go to waste.

Available from Refreshed

 

Sanctum Hydrating Gel Mask - Sachet Sample

 

I have heard of Sanctum before, but never tried any of their products, so I am happy about the inclusion of this gel mask. It is made using 100% natural derived ingredients, including vitamin E and aloe vera. With combination skin, I generally don’t feel I need hydrating masks, however, but winter is definitely a time where it would need it more.

Available from Sanctum Australia

 

Byron Bay Company – Tea samples x 2

 

These organic herbal teas in calming and energy includes an fusion of herbs, berries, spices, and vanilla bean to care for your skin and body from the inside out. Generally I have to admit that I am a coffee drinker, however, during winter I always have a tea in the afternoon, so these will be perfect, so I cannot wait to try them out. I have also seen that there are Detox and Skin varieties available, and I am very keen on looking further into these.
Available from the Byron Bay Tea Company

 

La Mav Organic Skin Science Antioxidant Rich Nightly Repair Nectar – Sample Size x 2

 

This is an anti-ageing serum that helps provide dry skin with moisture and restore glowing softness. These samples are tiny, but at least there are two of them so you should be able to use it for a few goes to see how they perform on your skin. Again, I have combination skin so not sure how a serum intended for dry skin will go on my skin, but regardless I am looking forward to testing it out, as I’ve heard a lot of good things about La Mav.

Available from La Mav 

So there you go, the contents of the November Native box.

As I have mentioned in previous reviews, unfortunately the info sheet doesn’t specify the recommended retail prices, so it is difficult to say how the box performs in terms of value for money – however, I feel that this box is so chock full of goodies including a large full sized body cream that I do find that it is worth its cost.

I also like that the box contains a great selection of products, including serums, creams, hand cream, salts, body cream, and ‘beauty tea’ so there is something for everyone. I guess the only thing that is really is missing is makeup items, but hopefully future boxes will include those. So all in all I am very impressed with this box, and look forward to trying out all the products.

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

What do you think of the products in the Native Box? Have you tried any of these products? Do you use organic or natural beauty products?

PRODUCT REVIEW; NATIVE BOX - MAY 2014

Today I’d like to share with you my thoughts on the *May edition of the Native Box;
 

 

What They Say:
We will send you a different Native box every month with the very best eco-conscious, healthy and safe products to nourish the body, mind and soul. At Native Box we feature Australian brands, big and small, that provide exceptional eco-friendly and sustainable products. We continuously scour the market, making it easier for you to make good shopping decisions that are better for you, your family and our planet…. together with Native Box, these brands help positive change happen!  5-10 products monthly (Full &/or Samples)

 

RRP:

1 month: $24.95 (shipping included)

3 months: $69.90 (shipping included)

12 months: $259.20 (shipping included)

– Available from Native Box

 

What I Say:

In case you are not aware, Native Box is committed to connecting its members with Australian businesses that provide exceptional organic and sustainable products, as they believe that each dollar spent on such products cast for a better world – and they genuinely believe that they can help shift the balance towards a better Australia and safer planet. If you’ve missed my review of the November  2013 Native Box, as well as my review on the Autumn 2014 Native Mum and Bub box.  

As per pervious boxes, this month’s Native Box arrived in a recyclable postage box, and these are the goodies that were included;

Orgran Gluten Free Buckwheat Pancake Mix – Full Size

 

I love pancakes – and it has been ages since I had some buckwheat ones, so this packet is perfect to reintroduce me to it. It is gluten free, wheat free, dairy free, nut free, egg free etc, although I do not have any allergies to any of those, but I also like that it doesn’t contain any added cane sugar.
Available from Orgran

 

 

Sukin Hand & Nail Cream – Full Size, 50ml

 

I love Sukin products, but have not yet tried their hand cream, so I love the inclusion of this one. It contains among others rosehip oil, avocado and jojoba oils to hydrate even dry hands, and I love that it is free from parabens. The box also included a 20% discount off your first online order from Sukin online, which is a great addition too.
Available from Sukin

 

My Eco Sponge – Full Size, one sponge

This Eco Sponge is a natural sponge made from the root of the Konjac, which is a natural versatile and fibrous structure that is perfect for massaging the skin, stimulating blood circulation and encouraging  new cellular growth. This sponge is gentle enough too, and perfect for use on the face, without or without soap. I love the sound of this, and cannot wait to try it out.

Available from My Eco Sponge

 

Vitarium Sugar Free Drinking Chocolate – Two Sachets

This drinking chocolate is sugar free, and instead sweetened with Natvia. I am the first to admit that I love a good hot chocolate – especially when out little boy has woken me several times during the night, I find that I need something sweet for the energy mid-afternoon, so I love that this contains less than 10 calories per serve. I cannot wait to try these out! I have high hopes for this one.
Available from Vitarium
 

Adorn - $15 Gift Voucher

 

Finally, the box also contained a card with a $15 voucher to use on the Adorn Cosmetics website – I love the Adorn Cosmetics, so I will definitely make sure to check out their product range online.

Available from Adorn Cosmetics

 

Australian Bush Flower Essence – Sample Sachets; Body Moisturiser, Face Moisturiser, and Cream Cleanser, 3ml each

I have never heard of this brand before, but I love hearing the brand is Australian and the products made in Australia, and that the products are certified organic, and contain organic botanicals, plant butters, and Australian Bush Flower Essences. I can only imagine that these product will smell fantastic, so I cannot wait to try these products.

Available from Australian Bush Flowers

 

Alter Eco Foods – Mini Dark Velvet Organic Chocolate – Sample, 20g

I LOVE dark chocolate, my absolute favourite, so I love the sound of this organic dark chocolate with 47% cocoa… and I so wanted to devour it the moment this box arrived, but I had to control myself and wait until I had photographed the photos….and then checked that the photos had turned out ok… and then I could wait no more. And yummy. That was so nice. Just what I needed this afternoon, after yet another nights of broken sleep with a teething baby.
Available from Alter Eco.
 

Finally, the box also included a pen with the Native Box logo, and made using what appears to be recycled paper. I’ve been meaning to put a pen in my car for quite some time, so now I’ve got the perfect solution!

 

So there you have it, this was the contents in this months box.

As I’ve mentioned in previous Native Box Reviews, I am again unsure of the RRP of the different products as unfortunately the info sheet doesn’t specify this, so it is difficult to say how the box performs in terms of value for money. However, I think that the box contains a great selection and variety of products, all of which I am very happy with and will look forward to using. I look forward to hubby cooking me pancakes this weekend, and in return I guess I can let him taste one of the chocolate drinks…if I must, LOL! And I am addicted to hand creams, and have tubes of it everywhere, so a new one is also very welcome. And then there’s the sponge, - I do normally clean my face with an electronic brush, but on the days I don’t, I think this will be a great alternative, and I can imagine that it will be perfect to leave in the shower. So overall, I am very happy with this months contents!

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

What do you think of the products in the Native Box? Have you tried any of these products? Do you buy organic products? And eat healthy snacks?

PRODUCT REVIEW: NOTOX BOX MAY 2014

Monthly subscription boxes are very popular these days, containing anything from beauty products only, to accessories, and healthy products. Today I’d like to share with you my thoughts on the *May edition of the Notox Box;

What They Say:

If you're new to healthy living, want to find non-toxic products, or are overwhelmed by the choices available, this is the box for you!  We hand pick a range of the best natural, clean living products and pack them up in a surprise box for you to enjoy each month.   It has a little bit of everything!  

The box contains 5- 8 products including in a mix of full sized, travel and sample size products. All products are natural, organic, ecofriendly or ethical, organic food, health food or super-foods, natural and organic skincare and beauty products, wellness, eco home or healthy lifestyle products.

RRP: $25 per box – Available from Notox Box

 

What I Say:

I like the idea of exploring healthier option within both beauty, food, health and home, so I was quite excited when I was asked to trial a Notox box, although I have to be quite honest and admit that I’d never heard of the boxes before, I didn’t really know what to expect.

The box arrived in a standard brown postage box, with no inner box, but really I don’t mind, as I have heaps of those floating around from other beauty subscription boxes.

The box was full to the rim, and quite heavy too, and this is what was inside;

Forbidden Green Rice – Full Size (500g)

 

 

I am quite excited about this rice, which is made from organic brown rice infused with bamboo juise to give it a subtle green tea flavour and nutty texture. I have never had anything like it, but eat a lot of rice, so I cannot wait to put this one to the test.

 

From Japan Organic Green Pea Chips – Full Size (45g)

 

 

I’ve never tried pea chips before, but I love the fact that they are high in protein and low in fat too, and they can be can be enjoyed with hummus, dips or salsa- I look forward to trying them out.

 

Simply Raw Protein Bite – sample size

 

 

This mini bar is made with pea protein and the world’s most potent antioxidant fruit, maqui berry, and it is energising and super high in proteins – just what I need when I need an energy fix in the afternoon when I’ve been up numerous times during the night to soothe our little teething boy!

Soothie Foot Bath  - Sample Size

 

 

I have to be honest and admit that with a baby, there is not a lot of time to pamper yourself, and one of the things most neglected is my feet – so these magnesium bath flakes that help sore tired and swollen feet are well received – I love a foot bath, and is in high need of one, now I just need to find the time where I can relax!

 

Australian Bush Flower Essence Hand Cream – Sample Size – 2 x 20ml

I was only expecting to receive one sample tube, so I was pleasantly surprised that there was actually two tubes in the box – one with Evening Rose and one with Citrus Dunamis. These thick creams are intensive creams suitable for soothe and revitalise dry or chapped skin – and they both smell gorgeous and so natural thanks to the natural essences used. I like both, but the citrus one is my favourite as I just cannot go past a good refreshing and zesty scent. And I love hand creams, and have a tube everywhere, from my car, bedside table, handbag, you name it, I always have a hand cream within reach, so these two are a welcome addition!

Probiotic Solutions Cleaning Mop Me Floor Cleaner – Sample Size (50ml)

This is a cleaner made using healthy probiotic bacteria made using food grade ingredients with antioxidants, vitamins and essential oils… hhmmmmm, I never knew my floors needed vitamins! In saying that, I do love the fact that this cleaner is chemical free, especially seeing my 11 month old boy is crawling around on the floor. And it contains among others pink grapefruit and tea tree, which makes it smell fantastic.

The info card only mentions the one product from Probiotic Solutions, but the box also included two more samples from them;

Bathroom Bliss – Sample Size (50ml)

Yet again I love that these products are chemical free, and this one contains zesty ingredients from lemongrass, pink grapefruit and lemon myrtle, which I really like as they just smell so refreshing and clean, so I may actually be enjoying cleaning my bathroom!!

 

Anytime Anywhere All Purpose Cleaner – Sample Size (50ml)

This All Purpose cleaner also contains lemongrass, pink grapefruit and lemon myrtle, which I am far from complaining about, citrus scents are my favourite, after all. And this little spray bottle has already had a good workout cleaning my little boys table on the highchair, and it has moved into my nappy bag, as the little spray bottle is so handy to have at hand when we are out and about for cleaning highchairs both before use to get rid of any dirt and bacteria, as well as after use to clean up all his mess!

 

So there you go, the contents on this month’s Notox box.

So what did I think of it…. Was it worth the $25…. In spite of the box being full and heavy, the only full sized products were the rice and the pea chips, neither of which I cannot imagine having a high recommended retail price –and unfortunately the enclosed flyer does not include prices. However, the box contained quite a few deluxe sized samples, including two hand creams, three cleaners, a food bath and a snack bar, which is quite generous, and certainly helps to justify the cost.

And as the box also introduced me to a quite a few different products and brands – actually every single one of them was new to me, I do find it is quite a good way of getting to know and explore new products, and I look forward to testing out every single one of them – so no wastage there either! So if you too are interested in more natural products, then I highly recommend you try out the Notox box, you won’t be disappointed!

 *This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

Have you ever heard of the Notox box? Heard or tried any of the products in this month’s box? Keen on trying of subscribing?