I love the concept behind subscription boxes (even though they kind of go against the whole simplifying your life/KonMari method). The thought of receiving a gift in the mail once a month is so happy-making. Am I right? Initially I was thinking about trying out Ipsy, but because I’m working on switching out all my makeup to more all-natural products, I went with Petit Vour instead. It’s $15/month – so $5 more than Ipsy, but so far I it’s totally worth the money!
Here’s what arrived in my April box:
1. Konjac Facial Puff Sponge. It’s an all natural sponge that you can use as a cleanser even without any additional products. It has a kind of hard texture, but as soon as you soak it in water, it gets a nice springy texture. I’ve used it a couple of times in the shower on my face and really like it. It’s supposed to last around three months, so if I find that it makes a difference in my complexion, I’ll include it in my Q2 favorites post.
2. Box Naturals Luxe Towelettes. These are not your average face wipes – and I’ve used a number of different brands before. They’re made with all natural ingredients, scented with organic essential oils, and 100% biodegradable. I was kind of skeptical before using one of these, but ended up loving it so much that I’ve decided to save my other sample for Lar. Unlike most wipes these towelettes didn’t irritate my skin at all and left my face feeling both clean and moisturized. I’d love to buy a box of these, but at $10 for 12 towelettes, it’s a little pricy and I’d be tempted to use them everyday.
3. Suntegrity “5 in 1” Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen – Tinted. This is my favorite item in the box hands down. It’s like a sunblock, BB Cream and moisturizer in one. It goes on pretty thick, but absorbs into the skin fast. As soon as I run out of my current BB Cream, I’m getting this stuff!
4. Lauren B. Beauty Nail Polish. This polish isn’t just free of parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, sulfates, and triclosan, it’s also chip resistant and long lasting. I’m testing it out on my toes at the moment and love the color – perfect cherry color for the summer. I’ll post a photo either on here or on Instagram of my toes at some point this week.
My May box should be on its way and I can’t wait to see what’s in it. I probably won’t do an unboxing type post like this one for every box, but I’m sure my favorites will end up on this blog at some point.
Do you subscribe to any boxes? I’ve heard good things about Birchbox and I have a friend who is loving LeTote. Let me know what you like – I just might sign up!
Hi Cath!
So I am so impressed that you went with a more natural box because I know the non-natural ones are cheaper. But it looks like an awesome box.
It’s funny, when you first told me about the box I did immediately think (a la Konmari ;D) that I wouldn’t get one because I like to just get items I know I like and have a place for. But you are totally convincing me that it’s worth it to try this out!
Also, you are two sweet to save one of those expensive wipes for me — don’t do that! I’d love to try them though because they are my favourite things for traveling. A wipe down on your face and neck just so helps after you’ve been on a plane or train for many hours.
I love how everything seems to be okay for our sensitive skin too! That’s always what makes me so weary about trying new brands.
xoxoxo,
Lar
I used to think subscription makeup boxes were silly because I just figured I’d have a drawer full of samples I wouldn’t use. But since all-natural makeup and beauty products aren’t as easy to come by, a subscription box is the perfect way to find what works for me. Plus, their sample sizes are large and sometimes it’s a full size product like the sponge and nail polish. Totally going to save the towelette for you – I don’t care what you say!
xoxo, Cath
I was just sent my first Birchbox for review consideration—the Rifle Paper Co. special collaboration. I think if you’re not a beauty editor or a blogger, it’s a great way to feel like one and try a bunch of different products. 😀
Totally agree! I bet the Rifle Paper collab is lovely. I’m a huge fan of their designs.
I subscribed to Petit Vour for several months, but ultimately I decided to cancel because I had accumulated too many makeup products that didn’t work for me or were colors I hated. I kept thinking I would give them away to friends and then, when I was reading Marie Kondo’s book, I tossed them all out and canceled the subscription. I think the box is lovely though and a great introduction to natural beauty products. I also highly recommend the NMDL book and blog.
I have a feeling my Petit Vour experience might turn into the same as yours, but I’m enjoying it right now! I find it really hard to get my hands on decent makeup colors when limited to all natural stuff. I think that’s slowly changing, but right now all natural makeup just doesn’t have the diversity that chemical-filled makeup does.
I can’t believe I’ve never heard of NMDL before! It’s like I’ve been living under a rock or something! Thanks for the recommendation – i’ve already signed up for their newsletter 🙂
I love the idea of subscription boxes because I love being surprised with new things. I had the Popsugar boxes but had to cut it out when it started to get too expensive. Now I have the Glossybox ($21 a month) and it’s been pretty fun. It’s made me experiment more with make up and skin care (lots of masks and serums!). I do have a rule that whatever I don’t use within that month is given away – helps cut down on the clutter, lol.
That’s a great rule and definitely one I’m going to have to make if i continue with Petit Vour. I’ve hard great things about Glossybox!