Ireland's first Natural & Organic Subscription Box Review

Hello Lovelies,



Welcome back! And if you are new here, welcome 💕💕💕

Natural Skincare Emporium Beauty Box

How are you today? I can't believe it is the middle of November already! I know everyone keep saying that, but the Autumn seems to be gone in a blur. 

Today I am coming at you with a review of Ireland's first natural and organic subscription box. It is about time, isn't it? It is from Natural Skincare Emporium, Irish owned online shop for all things natural and organic - they carry loads of brands and you can get everything you want from skincare to supplements, baby care, cosmetics, you name it! Let's just say I perused their website and my wishlist is well over four figures 😉

A few months back they started doing their own subscription box, with all products natural and organic of course, and that's exactly what we will be looking into today. It retails for less than twenty euro a month, and that includes registered post delivery, which is music to my ears, as I am always afraid of losing my packages in the mail. Each box includes four or five items (some full size) not including sachet samples. I received November's box for the review purposes, so let's look into it, shall we?


Benecos Body Peel, Apricot and Elderflower

Ingredients INCI:
Aqua, Coco-Glucoside, Glycerin, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Prunus Armeniaca Seed Powder, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Shell Powder, Xanthan Gum, Tiliayphyllos Flower Water*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan), Parfum**, Citric Acid, Benzyl Alcohol°, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glycerin*, Arctium Lappa Fruit Extract*, Tilia Cordata Flower Extract*, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract*, Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract*, Hypericum Perforatum Flower Extract*, Urtica Dioica Root Extract*, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Tocopherol, Sodium Phytate, Dehydroacetic Acid°, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil*, Potassium Sorbate°, Sodium Benzoate°
° preserved with * certified organic ** natural fragrance

This is a full size item. It uses apricot kernels to remove the build up of dead skin cells. Darker in colour and smells amazing, but for me personally it lacks scrubby bits, I am one of those people who like to scrub their body skin raw. If you like gentle body scrubs, this might be a perfect product for you? Bargain too!


Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Cream

Ingredients: glycerin, olea europaea (olive fruit oil), avena sativa (oat kernel flour), lanolin, parfum (fragrance), cocos nucifera (coconut oil), quillaja saponaria (quillaja bark extract), avena sativa (oat kernel oil), rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary leaf extract), canola oil, tocopherol, glycine soja (soybean) oil, butylphenyl methylpropional, coumarin, limonene, linalool. 

I was pleasantly surprised by it, it left my feet soft and nourished, but not slippy. Some foot creams use too much oils or butters, and while that is good for the skin, they can make your feet slip around in your shoes. This does not do that. My hubs loves and uses the shampoo and hand cream from this brand and likes them a lot. You get generous 20g deluxe sample size in this box.


Dr. Hauschka Facial Toner

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Anthyllis Vulneraria Extract, Alcohol, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf Extract, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool*, Citronellol*, Geraniol*, Limonene* *Component of natural essential oils

I love love love Dr.Hauschka Rose Day Cream (look for review in the search box if you want to) and I repurchased it multiple times. So after having such success with it I am keen to expand my horizons with this brand, aka try more products! This facial toner is a second sample size I own, I got one just a couple of days prior this box arrived, so I can only give you first impressions on it, but I can say so far, so good! It has witch hazel and alcohol in it, two ingredients I am always afraid to use because of my sensitive skin, but in this combo they don't give me any hassle, my skin isn't tight or reacting in any way. Which is good, so I will continue to use what I have. If you aren't using a toner, please look into it, as it regulates your skin's ph after washing it.


Ren Evercalm Rescue Mask

Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate, Olus Oil, Lactobacillus Ferment, Butyrospermum, Parkii (Shea) Butter, Helianthus Annus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Simmondsia Chinesis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Glucoside, Propanediol, Algae Extract, Cetyl Alcohol, Lactobacillus, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Parfum* (Fragrance), Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Panthenol, Carbomer, Vaccinium Vitas-Idaea (Lingonberry) Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Camelina Sativa Seed Oil, Cocus Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Magnesium Carboxymethyl Beta- Glucan, Malachite Extract, Albatrellus Ovinus Extract, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Glucose, Phenoxyethanol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leat Extract, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool).
*100% Natural Fragrance 

What can I say, I want a full size of this, like asap! From small sachet I can already tell it is amazing for your skin - and I wish I have taken before and after photos, the difference is dramatic. I was sporting a dermatitis patch on my face due to accidentally glutening myself and it took care of it like no one's business - the redness was down and my skin soothed. This mask is specially developed to combat over sensitivity, which it does beautifully. Beta glucan will strengthen the protective barrier, and arnica will soothe any inflammation. Ren is definitely the brand I will dive into in the few upcoming months, starting with this mask. Calming serum is next on my radar.


Weleda Skin Food

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Lanolin, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Alcohol, Beeswax (Cera Flava), Glyceryl Linoleate, Hydrolyzed Beeswax, Fragrance (Parfum)*, Viola Tricolor Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Cholesterol, Limonene*, Linalool*, Geraniol*, Citral*, Coumarin*. * from natural essential oils.

Another sachet sample of great product, I have used it before, and have a review on my blog too, so all I can say is that you need this product in your life. Multi-use, but I mostly used it on my hands to protect them from harsh winter, and this product did that beautifully. A favourite with stars like Victoria Beckham. Apparently it sells out so much it even has a waiting list! Not for my vegan friends, sorry - it has lanolin in it.



Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Hydrating Cream

Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil*, Glycerin, Cetearyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate, Polysorbate 60, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) oil*, Triticum vulgare (Wheat) germ oil, Prunus amygdalus dulcis (Almond) oil*+, Prunus armeniaca (Apricot) kernel oil*+, Boswelia carterii (Frankincense) oil, Commiphora myrrha (Myrrh) oil, Sorbitan stearate, Tocopheryl acetate, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene.
*Organically produced ingredient. +Nut/seed based ingredient. Natural constituent of essential oils listed. Made with 41% organic ingredients. This is a vegan product. 

Deluxe sample of a product I am well familiar with - I had a full size of it a couple of years ago. NYR get much of my respect as a brand, and they do such a wide range of products, which I appreciate and keep coming back to. Despite saying this, I am sad to report this particular cream didn't suit me uber sensitive skin, probably due to too much of essential oils for my skin to handle. If you don't react to every single ingredient like I do, be my guest, the ingredient list is fabulous, and I certainly wish I could use it. This will be either used as a hand cream or passed down to someone who will be able to enjoy it.



Caudalie Cleansing Oil

Ingredients:
Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil*, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate*, Caprylic/Capric Tryglyceride*, Ricinus Communis (Castor) seed oil*, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) oil*, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) seed oil*, Tocopherol*, Parfum (Fragrance)*.
* Plant origin. 

You get very generous 30ml of product in this box, and that will certainly allow you to get the proper feel of the product, and you will be able to decide whether it is for you or not. It has a very faint natural smell to it. I have to be honest I haven't tried this product yet as I haven't worn any make up last week, and I am very conscious of not testing too many products at once. I will let you know once I will. Ingredients list is nice and minimal, it is suitable for sensitive skin, which gives me confidence I will get on with this product. Fingers crossed. 


So all in all, I enjoyed being test bunny and reviewing this Natural Skincare Emporium beauty box! It has a good mix of products, you can use them all to get your skin party season ready. And if you love natural and organic skincare and love testing new products like I do, this is definitely the box for you. I love the fact that it all comes in the recycled packaging, I am all about reusing things too, and quite frankly, who needs all these fancy boxes when no one tends to keep them anyway? 

As I mentioned, this box ships free in Ireland, and if you are outside Ireland but want to order it, you can contact them at info@naturalskincare.ie and they will do your best to accommodate you.


That is all for now, see you here shortly!

Lots of Love,
Renata.

 

Herbivore Brighten Pineapple & Gemstone Mask Review

Hi Lovelies,



Welcome back! And if you are new here, welcome 💕💕💕

Herbovore Brighten Pineapple & Gemstone Mask from eminessences.com

Today I am coming at you with a fabulous mask review. As you might know, I was 30+ years late to the masking game - shock horror, right? Needless to say I am making up for the lost time big time, and one of the masks I am currently using it Herbivore Brighten mask I got from Eminessences - thank you Emily! (not an affiliate link, nor this is a sponsored post. Just sharing my thoughts in a review). We connected via Instagram, and when she asked would I like to try something from Herbivore, I didn't hesitate - this is a fabulous natural brand I'd wanted to try anyway, so needless to say I grabbed the chance with both hands. Admittedly I had my sights on another mask from this brand - Blue Tansy one - but after asking Emily which one should I go for, I listened to her advice and went for Brighten mask as a more suitable option for sensitive skin. And I am so glad I did - I found a mask that suits me and it really makes a difference in how my skin looks - natural ingredients, gentle yet powerful enough to make a difference in five minutes - why yes please! And did I mention gemstone powder?? Gems on my face? Why yes please!

Herbivore is a brand co-founded by husband and wife Alex and Julia in their Seattle kitchen in 2001. They aim to bring you products that are safe, non-toxic, and highly effective. They believe in tangible results you can see and feel, and believe in the power of nature to bring these results. Every ingredient that is included in Herbivore products is there for a specific therapeutic reason. They do not use fillers of any kind, meaning that almost every ingredient in the products is an “active” ingredient. This results in pure, highly concentrated, and effective formulas that are a rarity in the skincare and cosmetics world today. All of their formulas are original, created and tested by themselves, on real people — never on animals and always from scratch, with an emphasis on organic, high quality, and food-grade ingredients.
Knowing that everything we put on our skin quickly absorbs into our bodies, they ethically source the finest raw natural materials the earth has to offer. With ingredients ranging from French pink clay to Brazilian gemstones, they formulate treatments that combine essential vitamins, minerals, and botanicals to restore skin to its optimum health and vitality.

Let's look at those fabulous ingredients in the mask, shall we?
Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf Gel, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (plant derived), Glycerin, Carica Papaya (Organic Papaya) Fruit Extract, Pineapple Natural Melange, Ananas Comosus (Organic Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Brazilian Micronized Tourmaline Gemstone Powder, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder, Leucidal (Radish Root ferment).

That's it! Minimal ingredients, all natural, all you can understand - don't you love it? I know I do.

Brazilian White Tourmaline Gemstone: Naturally brightens and illuminates the complexion. It also creates a slight warming effect and increases circulation within the top layers of the skin leading to healthier skin cells and more vibrant skin.

Pineapple and Papaya Enzymes: Natural forms of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that gently resurface and exfoliate the skin, leaving it smoother and brighter. Natural fruit enzymes are more gentle than traditional chemically produced alpha hydroxy acids, which tend to dry out the skin.

Rice Powder: Has been used in Japan for centuries to brighten, soften, and smooth the complexion.


Now, I have to say normally I shy away from anything with AHA's in it (I prefer gentle manual and minimal exfoliation with face cloths and kognac sponges) but I am so glad I gave this a shot - it lifts away that dead layer of your skin revealing new smooth and plump skin underneath - and that is exactly the results I get from it - smooth, lovely and bright skin. No irritations, just one thing to remember for my sensitive skin gals - don't keep it on for more than five minutes. Everybody else, be my guest to keep it on for 20 mins or until the face is dry. Rinse with warm water. You are supposed to do this mask for the first three days in a row, and then use it 2 to 3 times a week, and that is exactly what I've done. I use it twice a week, as I have sensitive skin and have to remember to take it easy, and you just see how your skin feels and use accordingly. Slight to normal tingling is normal when using this mask. They advise you to use this mask at night as you do not want to expose your skin to sun directly following use. And always remember to use SPF during the day to avoid sun damage. But I shouldn't be telling you all this, as it is a common sense with AHA masks and the sun, but you know, just in case!

By the way, if you are a reader from Europe, I suggest you check out that Eminessences web shop - they offer many non EU brands including Earthwise Beauty, Mahalo, Leahlani, Captain Blankenship, Fitglow Beauty and more - meaning that you would be ordering from inside of Europe and wouldn't have to worry about looming custom charges. I know I have this shop bookmarked for when I will be ready to stock up on Nap In The Meadow from Earthwise Beauty. And this mask, of course. I also got a sample of Fitglow Beauty foundation and I have to say I really like it! Oh, possibilities, possibilities! I feel my wishlist getting longer by the minutes :)

Check out Herbivore at:

AMAZON

The Detox Market

Safe & Chic

That's is it for today. Have you tried this mask or anything else from Herbivore? What are your thoughts on the products?



Lots of Love,

Renata 💕


Disclaimer: This should go without saying, but you can't use my photos without my permission, and after some recent events I will be including this into my blog posts. I am happy to lend them to brands or websites to use, as long as I am credited, using my photos without asking me first and not crediting me as a creator on social media = not cool.

Disclaimer II: Product was sent to my consideration. Opinions are always my own. I am always clear, you guys know me. Not paid, not sponsored to write this, the link is not an affiliate link too, purely for your convenience.

100% Pure Caffeine Mask review and one tip on how to make them last three times longer!

Hi Lovelies,


Welcome back! And if you are new here, welcome 💕💕💕

100% Pure Caffeine sheet masks

Let's talk about these amazing sheet masks, shall we? Until last year I wasn't into masks at all, and if it weren't for the awesome gift with purchase deal that 100%Pure had a while back, I wouldn't have tried these masks and would have missed out on such an awesomness! It truly does amazing things for the skin - it will look way more happy and plump, all the irritations and small red patches will be gone in a flash. I will spare you the Hannibal Lecter style selfie, but you can imagine how you look with it on! I am masking while I lay in the Epsom salts bath on Sundays in a bid to not scare the family members. You have to keep the mask on for around 20mins, but keeping it longer won't hurt.

These masks retail for €6 for one or for €25 for a pack of five, so they are not too expensive, and I highly suggest you would treat yourself to one (or five) sometime soon! I already told my husband that when we will come into money, I will make them into the regular occurrence in my beauty arsenal. You can get those and other type of masks (which I haven't tried yet) from their website. Let's have a look into the ingredients, shall we?

 Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe Juice)*, Coffea Arabica (Green Coffee) Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Arbutin Extract (from Bearberry), Camellia Sinensis (Organic Green Tea) Extract*, Fucus Vesiculosus (Seaweed) Collagen, Sodium Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Ilex Paraguariensis (Yerba Mate) Extract, Plant Cellulose, Glycerin * Certified Organic

Pretty fabulous if you ask me!

The official blurb:

 Caffeine effectively restores sun damaged skin, is anti-inflammatory, stimulates circulation, and soothes redness. The mask material "hydrogel" is composed from 95% organic aloe water and 5% plant cellulose made to intensely hydrate.The longer you leave the mask on your skin, the thinner the hydrogel mask becomes because the water gets absorbed into the skin. The hydrogel assists in delivering active ingredients onto your skin.

My comments:

I have to agree it does what it says on the tin, err, packaging. I already mentioned that my skin gets more plump and bright every time I use it. I am also very happy with it because the skin becomes very smooth and all the irritations in a form of dry patches and redness also disappear! Albeit the effect is temporary, but on the next day I can skip the face cream and make up, because my skin looks that good! I couldn't believe my eyes at the difference after my first use. 

My frugal tip:

No, it is not what you think, I am not about to suggest to reuse the same mask five times, my two cents on it would be not to throw the water from the packet, because that's where the active ingredients are at, I decant the liquid into small glass bottle and keep it in the fridge, and there's enough of it for one or more uses! You can use rice paper (which is easy to find nowadays in the oriental section of your supermarket or your local Asian store) cut to the size like I show you here, or clean muslin cloth if you can't find rice paper or you don't want to use it.

Rice paper has many good properties on it's own, so it will only add benefits to this DIY mask, it will help brighten the skin and face acne scars, as well as help to erase blemishes. Simply cut it to size, take a shallow plate big enough to fit the rice paper in, make some green tea and pour some of it into the plate (don't forget to sip the rest of it while masking), add the caffeine liquid and soak the rice paper. Place it on the face, and like with the original mask, keep it for around 20 mins and peel it off. Don't rinse.

By the way, remember this tip even if you don't have the liquid from 100%Pure, you can customise the mask in a million different ways, only with green tea, tea and honey, tea and clay, tea and spirulina, you get the idea!

This is how I cut the rice paper to size, the top is for forehead, the bottom is for the chin, the two parts for the cheeks and the middle one is for the nose. You can customise it your way too :)

My verdict:

Do I like and recommend this mask? Yes and Yes!! Overall, when it comes to this brand this is one of my top three items from them, probably at nr2, the first one being the maracuja mascara (review to come, promise) and the third being the powder blushes. It is truly safe to say that I've come to love this product and want to have it at all times. 2015 was the year where I tried loads of masks, from cheaper clay masks to very expensive rose ones with probiotics in them, and this mask blew all the others out of the water, in my mind it is simply the best from what I have tried so far. 

Psst! Get them from Amazon, Detox Market, Safe & Chic and other places :)

So that is all for now, I hope you enjoyed this post and found it helpful! See you next Monday, I will have a new blog post every Monday from now on. Why Monday you ask? Why, to brighten up your day of course!

 Please like and share my posts on social media, it really helps to get the green beauty word out - and you will forever have my gratitude! Follow me on my new blog Greenlifeindublin.com, Bloglovin, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and YouTube. (someday I will start making YouTube videos, promise!)

Lots of love,

Renata.