As usual, there was a string focus on skincare, which I don't mind as my other boxes have makeup in - I'll start doing a review of these soon too. However, it would be nice to try more organic makeup, so I'm hoping they add a few more makeup items in future boxes, especially highlighters and lipsticks.
Anyway, here's what was in this month's box and what I thought of everything:
Barefoot SOS Nourishing Cleansing Cream
The product smells nice and has a good texture, which makes it feel like a little goes a long way. However, I've found that I need a fair few pumps to cover my entire face and to get my eye makeup off, especially my mascara. It feels nice on your skin, gliding over it and not leaving it feeling greasy or sticky when it's removed.
I tried to use it in a number of different ways, including applying directly to my skin and removing with a wet cotton pad - as directed - and applying it with a cotton pad. It never seems to remove all of my makeup though, so I haven't been able to use it on it's own. Instead, I've had to use another cleanser afterwards to get rid of all traces of dirt and makeup, meaning it isn't ideal for a quick wash.
I could live with all of this though, but I definitely can't cope with how badly it upsets my eyes. The cleanser makes my eyes sting a lot and go really red. While I have sensitive eyes, I was hoping this would be okay as the brand is fairly gentle, but it definitely isn't. If you also have sensitive eyes, I wouldn't use it as the results don't make the pain worth it.
REN Flash Hydro-Boost
Not only is this a bit strange to do, it also means that you don't need a lot of product. I applied too much the first two times I used it, but you need less than half of the amount you would use for a standard serum. Using water to rub it into your skin means that it goes much further and if you use too much, it is hard to get your skin to absorb it all.
The results are great, especially as this time of year when my skin often gets dry. It leaves your skin feeling really soft and smooth, even before putting your moisturiser on. Some moisturising products cause your makeup to slide partway through the day, but this doesn't, which is a big plus for me.
I'd love to buy this product but I'm not sure I can justify the £34 price tag just now. If you can, though, I'd definitely say give it a go as you won't be sorry.
PHB Ethical Beauty Natural Soap
I got the Aloe Vera soap in my box, which has a really delicate fragrance and is suitable for hands, face and body. It produces a really soft lather thanks to all the natural oils it contains, which really feels like it's lifting dirt off your skin without stripping it. I've tried it just to wash my hands, on my face - both with and without an exfoliating brush - and in the shower. Each use left my skin feeling soft and fresh, but didn't leave any fragrance.
I was happy with this product, but I do prefer soaps that have a bit more of a smell to them rather than just that typical soapy fragrance, especially if I use them in the kitchen as this one didn't manage to get the cooking smells off my hands like other ones I've tried. It also wasn't quite as moisturising as the H&W soaps, although it didn't leave my skin feeling dry like chemical varieties.
If you have sensitive skin and prefer to stay away from essential oils, I'd give this one a try but for me, I'll stick with what I know.
B.O.N Natural Oils Pure Tissue Oil
Before using this, my scars were still fairly red and shiny, however, after a week of using this, they weren't as red and all the shine had gone. They looked like much older scars rather than ones that I've only had for a few months. The oil has also helped to reduce stretch marks and leave my skin feeling so smooth and amazing.
I cannot sing its praises enough and that's after only a couple of weeks of using it. Even if I didn't have scars I wanted to fade, I think this would be great for using as a daily body moisturiser, as well as night moisturiser on your face as it is so light and doesn't leave a greasy layer. You definitely need this if you want a good body oil.
John Masters Organics Lip Calm
It's chock full of natural oils, including olive oil - which gives it its lovely green colour - and borage oil, so it has a really nice citrus smell. There isn't much of a taste to it, just a subtle freshness, but that never bothers me. A small amount goes a really long well, soaking into your lips while still coating them slightly to keep them protected.
I've been using it everyday, a couple of times a day since I got it in my box, and I've only had to push it up once in all that time, as I've used to little but got great results. After using Lush lip balms for so long, I genuinely think this one is better so seriously recommend it.