October Eco Emi: Better Late than Never!

Disclaimer:  I purchased this.

This should be the last of my October subscription boxes, and it will not be as detailed a post as I usually do since I'm so late in posting it.  There were several beauty related items I'll highlight, so let's get started!

The All Natural Face (TANF) is a brand I originally discovered through Eco Emi, and they had two products in October's box:  a mineral eyeshadow and a gel liquid eyeliner.  The eyeshadow I already own and is a lovely brown shimmer called Warm Honey. 

 

I was intrigued by the gel liquid liner, as that's a TANF product I haven't tried yet.  The color is a warm reddish matte brown called Caramel Brownie, and I can see a very faint sparkle in it at some angles.  I was concerned that this eye liner would smudge on me, but it wore fairly well on my upper lash line. 

Caramel Brownie, Warm Honey

I did notice fading by the end of the day, but it had not smudge or migrated, which is a plus.  So, if you are in the market for a natural ingredient eyeliner, this might be one to try out. They are reasonably priced at $5.75 and I counted 14 different colors at their web site.

A shaving balm and a lip balm were also in October's box.  I'm not really sure what to do with the shaving balm at this point as I need to read up on it, but I've been using the lip balm and it's a basic but solid performer. 

My favorite beauty item from the box is not in the box shot above, as I'd forgotten I'd taken it with me to Albuquerque.  It's a dry shampoo made from cornstarch, cocoa powder, and spearmint oil.  Simple but effective, I liked the faint minty chocolate scent, and it was nice to have something in non-aerosole form to take with me on the plane.  I used a brush from Tarte to apply to sections of my hair, which while not as easy as a spray, worked fine.

Whew, okay now I'm caught up on all of October's subscription box contents! 

September Eco Emi: Fall is in the Air

Disclaimer:  I subscribe to Eco Emi for $15/mo.

Mobile is experiencing a small taste of fall like weather, as it was in the upper 60's this morning and I've got all my windows open.  Eco Emi is reinforcing this feeling of fall in the air with their September box, which features some drinks and beauty items to help up get me in the autumn spirit.  I'm more than ready, believe me!

 The non-beauty items this month were:

• Vitacare Whitening Gum in Cool Mint Freshness + Acai:  I've received Vitacare gum from Eco Emi before, and I like it!  Sample value $1.99.  
• Organic Peru La Florida Coffee by Cool Bean Perks Coffee:  I love coffee but am currently wedding to my Keurig, so this will go to my aunt who still brews the traditional way and only uses organic beans.  Perfect!  Sample value $1.06.
• Ginger Peach Iced Tea by Mighty Leaf:  This is a new flavor from Mighty Leaf and features sun swelled peaches and delicate ginger.  It smells fantastic, and I inhale iced tea, so it will definitely get used.  Sample value $4.50.

 The beauty and personal care items for September were:

• Organic Mayan Riviera Honey Moisturizing Exfoliant by Zola Jae:  This organic sugar and brown sugar based facial scrub also features organic honey, Vitamin E oil, pure vanilla extract, organic sunflower oil and castor oil for softening skin.  It's also reasonable priced at $3 for the 2 oz. container I received.  

 

• Cleansing Towelette by Desert Essence:  This all purposed cleansing towelette features a blend of tea tree oil, lavender, and orange extracts to cleanse, sooth, and refresh skin.  Sample value is 53 cents.
• Assorted Creme Foundation by Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques:  I received 3 samples in different color variations of these creme foundation, and I think the middle shade should work for me.  I can't say I completely understand the color ranges/naming, but that's okay.  The consistency of these is a nice, thick whipped creme designed to provide medium to full coverage.  I look forward to trying out this all natural cream foundation, as they are few and far between!  Sample value $6.

• Organic Sweet Orange Deodorant by Only NatCHeryl:  I switched to natural deodorants several years back, so I'm always interested in trying out new variations.  This would be the first natural deodorant I've tried that comes in a stick format, so I'm hoping it works. The scent is a faint orange creamsicle - quite pleasant!  I'm estimating sample value at $1.50.

• Ochre, Juicy Orange Flavor Lip Gloss by Purely You Minerals:  Great fall color and it does indeed have a faint orange flavor and scent.  It's a non-sticky gloss that is comfortable on, but I'm guessing the staying power is minimal  I am liking the gloss it has!  I'm estimating sample value at 75 cents, and a full sized tube goes for a reasonable $7.50.  

• All Purpose Healing Salve by The Natural Choice Apothecary:  This all natural herbal balm is good for small cuts, scrapes, sunburns, diaper rash, and chapped skin or lips.  The smell reminds me of Thanksgiving dinner in a good way - the herbs used in the dressing, perhaps?  Sample value $1.00.

There is not anything in this month's box that won't get used, so I'm a happy camper!  I'm most interested in the deodorant, foundation, and sugar scrub, but invariably I find surprise favorites.  Total box value for September is $20.33.

August Eco Emi: Summer Picnic

Disclaimer:  I purchased this.

Eco Emi's theme for August touched on picnicking, as the box included some take along snacks such as double chocolate chip mini cookies and raw organic walnut butter.  There were also some new beauty items from brands I've haven't seen in this subscription box before, so let's take a look!

• Natural Lemongrass Soap with French Yellow Clay by Craftsman Soap Co:  The yellow color of this soap comes from both the lemongrass and French yellow clay in it, and it is supposed to be good for both face and body use.  The craftsman behind the soap is a guy named Evan, who you can read more about here.  I love getting soap samples from Eco Emi, as they are a perfect size for washing my hands after I apply makeup.  Sample value is $3.25.

•  Gun Metal Gray Natural Eyeshadow by Gourmet Body Treats:  A dark gray mineral with a silver sparkle, this can be worn wet or dry as shadow or liner.  100% vegan and natural, gluten and paraben free.  I'm estimating the sample value at $2, and a full sized 5 gram container retails for $18.99.  That's pricey for a mineral eyeshadow, IMO!

• Vonnie Nail Lacquer by Coco Rae:  The sea foam green creme nail polish is 4-free, manufactured in the US, and part of a collection of 12 polishes from a new company established by Courtney Vines.  Their web page shows all of the polishes as out of stock and the press page has not been updated in 2013, so I have no idea if they are still up and running or not.  It looks like not. Sample value is $6, and a full size bottle was $10. 

• Cafe Machiatto Body Oil by Valenti Organics:  Infused with organically grown coffee extract and vanilla essential oil, this formula contains grape seed oil, sesame seed oil, soybean and vitamin E to repair damaged skin.  Sample value is $1.05 and the full sized sales for $21.00.
• Carrot, Grapefruit & Egyptian Geranium Rose Body Lotion by Valenti Organics:  A lightweight body lotion with noparabens,  GMOs, sulfates, phthalates, or artificial anything:-)  Features natural anti-oxidants from carrots, Vitamin C and Vitamin E with the floral aroma of Egyptian geranium rose and grapefruit essential oil.  Sample value is 52 cents, with a full size bottle running $21.00.

Food items in this month's box are Raw Organic Walnut butter by Artisana (sample value is $1.68), Gluten Free Double Chocolate Chip Cookies by Home Free Treat (sample value is $1.49 and they were yummy), and Edible Green Tea by Eat Green Tea (sample value is 75 cents).  There were also some wooden spoons by Baker's Confection, but I'm not sure if these are the real size or smaller sized samples, so I'm not assigning them a value.

Overall, August's box value is roughly $17, so just slightly above the $15 I pay for the monthly subscription.  This is a bit of a lackluster box for me, with the standouts for me being the soap and walnut butter.  Once I start sampling everything, I may find some other favorites though!

July Eco Emi: Endless Summer Spa

Although my life is usually relatively low stress, occasionally I get worked up about stuff and have to cajole myself with soothing self talk along the lines of "you have a wonderful life/job/whatever" and "things always work themselves out".  Plus I indulge in lovely smelling lotions, creams, or perfumes for their aromatherapy benefits.  Long walks with the dogs help with destressing as well.

Given that work stress will probably ramp up with the fall semester beginning in a few short weeks, July's Eco Emi featuring 8 eco-friendly solutions for pampering self and relieving the stress of daily life is very timely!

I received:

• Rose Cleansing Grains by French Girl Organics:  This exfoliating cleanser sounds like it will be perfect for my oily skin, as it is designed to increase circulation and gently exfoliate without disturbing skin's natural pH balance.  It can also be used as a mask by combining with honey, yogurt, or the liquid of your choice.  Lots of intriguing ingredients, including some Ayurvedic botanicals, have me quite excited to try this out!  Sample value is $18.

• Stress Relief Bath Soak by Eartha Essentials:  This is a bubble bath that will also sooth and soften skin.  Available in 3 scents, Stress Relief uses lavender and ylang ylang essential oils to tranquilize and calm.  I use items like these to soak my feet in when I giving myself a pedicure, as I don't take baths.  One day I'll have a lovely, deep tub to soak and relax in:-) Sample value is $2.00.

• Lushful Lips Lip Scrub by Eartha Essentials:  I had received an email from Eco Emi alerting me that one of the items in the box was a lip scrub that may have melted and to put it in the refrigerator to resolidify (it's melted below).  Mine had leaked a bit in the box, but fortunately no major damage was done.  Featuring mango butter, coconut oil, raw cane sugar, and essential oils, I like using lip scrubs like these right before I shower.  I received the lemon lip scrub, but coconut lime and coconut creme versions are also available.  Sample value is $2.50.

• Tangelo Twist Body Spritz by Aubrey Organics:  This body spritzer features a light citrus bouquet swirled with mandarin spice and is the perfect size to carry in my purse for quick refreshers on a hot day.  Using organic essential oils and fruit extracts to provide the fragrance and skin conditioning benefits, this will be the perfect pick me up for the summer doldrums.  Sample value is $2.79.

• Amend Facial Solar Repair Anti-Aging Serum by Blissoma:  Featuring Pomella trademarked pomegranate extract (as well as a host of other ingredients), this serum is designed to reduce UV ray related cell death and free radicals while fighting inflammation and reducing collagenase activity.   Very interested in this, as I've got sun damaged skin and live in a high risk area.  Sample value is $2.16.

• Whipped Cream Body Butter in Mother Pucker by Fortune Cookie Soap:  The description on the Fortune Cookie site says it all :-)  "The name sounds dirty but you sure won't be. This scent, with hints of Meyer lemon and garden mint, will leave others wondering who smells so delicious and you can say 'it's me Mother Pucker, it's me.'"  I've read lots of good things about Fortune Cookie Soap products so I'm excited to receive my first sample, valued at $2.19 (estimate).  

I also received a cucumber mint tea sample from Tea Forte (37 cents) and a sleep mask by Limitless Skies ($5.00) to add to the overall pampering experience, bringing the total value of July's box to $35.  Great box and I'm definitely excited about destressing with these products!

Disclaimer:  I subscribe to Eco Emi for $15/month.

June Eco Emi: Summer + Fourth of July

This month's Eco Emi had a 4th of July theme, especially reflected in the packaging with a stars and stripes bandana and lots of star glitter.  Festive!  There were 8 items, including a new favorite of mine that I already own.  So let's take a look!

• Badger Cuticle Care:  certified organic, this shea butter based ointment contains a host of lovelies such as extra virgin olive oil, caster oil, geranium, mandarin, lemongrass, cardamom, rosemary, seabuckthorn, and ginger essential oils.  I'm getting better at taking care of my cuticles, and this will help!  I find the more places I have a cuticle cream in plain sight, the more I use them.  Sample is full sized and valued at $5.99.

•  Vegan Lip and Cheek Cream in Peachy Rose by The All Natural Face:  This is the new favorite I was referring to!  Fitting that I was introduced to The All Natural Face through Eco Emi.  These creams have such a nice finish and they wear extremely well on my oily skin.  I know - surprised me too!  I like these so much I've purchased 8 of them, which is not hard to do considering their reasonable price of $5.75.  Sample is full sized.

•  Purifying Cleansing Wipes by Nelsons Pure & Clear:  these wipes contain natural ingredients designed to heal and calm acne prone skin, including homeopathic tinctures.  Nelsons is new to me, but I was interested to see they've been around since 1860, when Ernst Louis Armbrecht opened a homeopathic pharmacy.  Looking forward to using these!  Sample is full sized and valued at $8.75.

•  Coconut Hand and Body Lotion by Desert Essence:  coconut is a go to summer scent for me, and this lotion features a surplus of tropical extracts to nourish skin.  I'll be trying this one pronto.  Sample value is 28 cents. 

•  Vegan Bronzer by Purely You Minerals:  It's definitely bronzer season, and based on arm swatches alone, this one's a beauty.  It's got a nice glow without being overly shimmery.  I can see using this as an eye shadow, blush, and bronzer.  I've swatched it more intensely below, but it buffs out to a lovely sheen.  I'm estimating sample value at $1.75.

•  Chipotle BBQ Chips by Beanitos Black Bean Chips:  These were tasty, may have to track some down. I like that they have 7 grams of protein and 8 of fiber.  Sample value is 66 cents. 
• All Natural, Gluten Free Gummy Bears by Surf Sweets:  Mine arrived melted together, but they tasted great nonetheless.  Made with organic fruit juice and organic sweeteners, they include 100% of Vit. C per serving.  I also liked the texture better than other gummy bears I've tried.  Sample value is 45 cents.
• Wheatgrass Organic Heirloom Seeds by Botanical Interests:  I always think I'm going to grow something from seed, and I rarely do.  I'll add this to my other seeds that I've been meaning to plant:-)  Sample value is $1.69.

Maggie graciously modeling the bandana used in the packaging

Total box value is $25.32, so a good value for the $15 subscription box fee.  The value of Eco Emi to me is being introduced to new green and natural products and I've been consistently happy with this subscription service, but it's always nice to get bang for your buck :-)

Disclaimer:  I subscribe to Eco Emi for $15/month.

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