I heard about the EcoSalon Summer Love box and really wanted to give it a shot. Only 40 boxes were sold, so I knew it would sell out quickly. I have tried other boxes from Organic Authority and really enjoyed the single purchase boxes as a way to try new items. I really liked that this box would be filled with beauty products that are organic, eco-friendly, and plant-based. What's not to love? The price was $129 including shipping and the website said it could be 3 weeks for shipping. I received my box in under a week.
CREO Hair and Home Decor Set Sun-splashed walls are made even more beautiful with original artwork. CREO, makers of cruelty-free and vegan personal care products, incorporates art into everything it does through its partnership with vastly talented, yet undiscovered artists. This fabulous CREO gift card is redeemable for two (2) of these artists’ beautiful original 8″ x 10″ prints, along with one each of CREO’s hair cleanser, conditioner, and masque. What more is there to love about a company, by the way, that also adorns its products with this original artwork? Oh, yeah, this whole initiative: In mid-June, the CREO Originals Project launched on Kickstarter.com to help create sustainable careers for these artists. It took a couple of emails, but I finally received a response. The product line is still in pre-production, so they said it would be several weeks, but that I would be receiving the following items. (Your certificate entitles you to over $200 worth of CREO products, including shampoo, masque and a conditioner of your choosing. In addition to the above products, your certificate entitles you to two high quality art prints of paintings by Brianna Deveraux. You will be receiving the paintings "Stella" and "Orchid" in 10" x 8" size. These high quality prints are suitable for framing and we hope you will find them enjoyable for years to come!) I like the concept.
Gift card redeemable for:Two (2) 8′ x 10″ artist’s prints, $75 each/$150 together
Hair cleanser: $19
Hair conditioner: $18
Hair masque: $19
Total value: $206
Devera Naturals Bye Lines: Yes, Mom: We heard your ample warnings about the sun and the wrinkles it will give us. Well, as luck will have it, the good folks over at Devera Naturals have created the revolutionary Bye Lines anti-wrinkle treatment. A topical alternative to Botox (hooray!) that can also be used as a spot treatment, Bye Lines uses revolutionary Matrixyl Peptides and Goji Berry Extract to dramatically help increase collagen, while reducing deep lines in the forehead, lips and around the eyes. So, go soak it up! I haven't started using this regularlly, but it smells great and has a wonderful texture. I think it has real potential. Value: $68
Azalia Spa Goods Refreshing Grapefruit Body Oil: It seems that “summer” and “fresh fruit” are mutually exclusive, along with the seasonal scents of both. You’ll be treated to one bottle of this body oil and its botanically lush grapefruit smell that slides us right into summer, helping to restore, protect, and smooth all the skin we bare during these hot months. The light, citrusy aroma of this vegan oil also energizes the senses, without any icky parabens, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, GMO, gluten, dairy, or nuts. Breathe deep! This smells amazing. Almost edible. It really is a skin oil, but doesn't have an oily feel after applying. I did a test patch and could feel the difference in softness and smoothness.Value: One (1) bottle for $41
Honey Girl Organics Summer Facial Duo Where there’s summer, there are visions of sun and sand, and where there are such visions, there are also dreams of Hawaii. Let Haleiwa-based Honey Girl Organics take you there, with its positively enchanting Face & Eye Crème and Facial Toner. A little bit of this tropically divine crème goes a long way, serving as both a nourishing and anti-aging formula that’s gentle, yet highly effective on the delicate tissues around the eyes. It will help repair skin on a cellular level, enhancing collagen production and a natural radiant glow. The Facial Toner, meanwhile, is wonderfully multi-purpose, purifying, hydrating and invigorating skin with its antiseptic properties and organic witch hazel to help combat wrinkles and puffiness. Bonus: It’s also great on hot days as a refreshing face and body spray, or after shave.I have received Honey Girl products in subscription boxes and was pleased in the past. I find the face and eye creme to be a little greasy and it leaves me shiny so I'm limiting it to nighttime use. The toner has a subtle alcohol scent to it. I will rotate this in to my daily routine. It is supposed to work well for both oily and dry skin. Face & Eye Crème: $32.49
Facial Toner: $21.99
Total value: $54.48
Lemongrass Spa Healing Elements Balm: Summer to-do list: Camping? Check. Beach volleyball? Check. Outdoor-activity-accidents? Check, and check. Luckily, for the adorably clumsy among us, there’s Lemongrass Spa’s Healing Elements balm. Containing a special all-natural essential oil blend of lavender and vanilla, it’s the ultimate healing formula, and perhaps the best-smelling one, too. It’s also enhanced with vitamin E oil and calendula extract for soothing even the most sensitive skin, and contains non-nanoparticle zinc oxide, which – good news for all of the eco-conscious moms out there – is the number one pediatrician’s choice for healing skin rashes for children.I started using this almost immediately. It's great for soothing after a sunburn. It has a nice thick, but non-greasy emollient. It smells wonderful, not medicinal. Value: $22
Zosimos Botanicals Smoky Summer Eye Combo: Smoky season, smoky eyes. These Shamrock and Amethyst cream eye shadows blend wonderfully to create gorgeous looks, and can be used as eye liner when applied with the right kind of brush. What’s more, we love how these vegan cosmetics are custom-made: By hand in the 100% wind-powered Zosimos Botanicals studio. An award-winning small business and certified green company that has earned the cruelty-free Leaping Bunny seal, the Zosimos Botanicals line of cosmetics, skincare and bath products is made in the USA, using only pure certified organic essential oils, organic waxes, mica pigments and nontoxic ingredients. A smoldering combo, indeed! I admit it, even though I don't wear make-up often, I love getting new colors. I have been using mineral powder shadows and the cream shadow is something I have to get used to. But, I love the vibrant jewel-tone colors. I will have to practice use so I don't over-do it. And, I'm super happy to have easily labeled vegan make-up. I love the eye pencil. I'll wear make-up just to use it. It all goes on super smooth and soft. Vegan Amethyst Cream Shadow: $20
Vegan Shamrock Cream Shadow: $20
Vegan Silver Shimmer Eye Pencil: $15
Total value: $55
Dropwise Essentials Aromatherapy Spray Mister Pair: Why, yes, I do wish there were a non-candle form of aromatherapy that I could use in my office. And, sure, I wish I could use it to make myself smell a bit nicer after a long day, too. Enter the Dropwise Essentials Aromatherapy Spray Mister: A water-based room and body spray mister that offers a quick and convenient way to instantly brighten up your personal space. Get this: It can even can even be used to scent your hair. This vibrant and sensual blend of lemongrass, lemon, lime, tangerine, vetiver, patchouli, and ylang ylang essential oils is a handy form of aromatherapy-on-the-go: The 2.75 oz bottles are not only reusable and recyclable, but also, FAA Compliant. One ticket to a weekend getaway, please! These both smell amazing. The Inspiration has a bright citrus scent that is very refreshing. The Enchant is a little more lemon (maybe?) but very subtle. I may try it in my hair and will use it in the office for pick-me-up when I need it. I swear, the test I did of Inspiration made me suddenly happy. Value: Two (2) misters at $12.75 each; $25.50 together
