Hi friends,
I am back with another EcoEmi box and this one is by far the best one I have received! (I know, I know, I say that every month!).
My June 2013 box arrived a bit late (insert sad face here), it seems that the Post Office takes its time here in NJ. But, it was well worth the wait, and what a colorful box too, just in time for the 4th of July celebration!
And another fold was hiding these samples...By far the biggest box this year!
Here is what I received, at a glance, and I just can't stress enough that for $15/month, I continue to feel that EcoEmi gives back in a great way (notice the full size Badger tin)!
So here we go...
I always see these Badger tins at my local WholeFoods Market with "try me" samples. I have to say that I never miss on trying them out and I always thought these were great products! Since I never actually purchased one, you can imagine that I was pretty excited about receiving this full size tin, which retails at $5.99!
This is from the card:
It is no secret by now that when it comes to makeup, I am ready to try everything! This is actually a pretty good size as a sample and I dare say that the color is just lovely.
I only see one problem with this item: I usually do not care for multi-purpose products, in this case lips and cheeks. I personally do not like to have my fingers dipped into a pot, applying the product on my lips, only to follow with another round on my cheeks...bacteria, if you know what I mean. Over the years I have found that these kinds of products do not last long because of cross contamination and before you know it, I am breaking out. Hence the reason for my large collection of makeup brushes ( I avoid using my fingers as much as possible).
This is what it looks like on my unbelievably pale skin (sigh). Isn't it pretty?
I did not try it yet but I can already tell that I am going to like it more as a blush than as a lip tint. It is a soft peachy pink with a hint of coral. Feminine, understated, I can see this as being the perfect summer cheek color. I will let you know about its staying power in my monthly review. From the card:
I like it (aside from the lips to check business). Full size retails at $4.00.
I am not a big fan of bronzers, in particular those with a gold finish or patina. I find that they do not look natural (at least not on my skin tone). When I use a Bronzer, it is always for contouring and not necessarily for giving my face the appearance of a tan - I know all too well that I do not tan and look unbelievably fake and made-up with bronzer! With that in mind, my current bronzer has a matte finish and again, I only use it as a contouring powder (you know, to make the triple chin look more like a double chin - I am desperate like that!)
I was somewhat disappointed by the packaging for this sample too. I would have liked to see a dusting lid or at least some kind of stopper because, as you can see, I ended up with losing a lot of product while opening the sample jar (not happy). I am also weary of samples that look like someone just scooped the stuff in - I just can't trust that hygiene wise. Well anyway, back to the bronzer: to me it looks a bit too dark so I swatched it on my inner arm, and as expected, it is way to gold as a finish for me and of course, too dark!
This is a brand from England (pretty cool - never heard of it before today) targeting Acne prone skin. Now I can't say I have issues in this area but I do tend to have large pores around my nose and cheeks areas. This also looks like a full size product (retails at $8.75) or it is a very big sample of at least 25 wipes.
The wipes smell very fresh - clean and medicinal - though a tad pharmaceutical - and the wipes texture is a bit gritty but nothing like the Simple Exfoliating Wipes
(these are just horrible - think sand paper). Maybe I should start writing or vlogging about bad products I have tried too, Lord knows there are plenty of those! (again, you guys tell me what you would like to see more of on this blog or my YouTube channel).
I sampled one wipe and used it to remove the bronzer swatch...One clean sweep - gone! I like that, it seems to do a pretty good job as a makeup remover a well!
I am excited to try these wipes! I find that in the summer months I tend to wear less makeup and often go bare skin (no foundation) and I can see where these would be great, on-the-go, to refresh my skin and cool my neck as well.
I found out that they sell this brand at one of my (many) favorites store: C.O. Bigelow where you can find a good deal right now on their apothecary products (check it out):
Spend $50 on Bath & Body Products and Save 10% off your order! Promo Code: SHOP50
This is another brand I have discovered through my local WholeFoods Market and have already enjoyed a few samples of this particular lotion. I can tell you that it smells wonderful (very true to coconut - which is a great summer scent).
This is from the card:
Here is a tidbit for you: I went on an all organic Coconut face regimen last winter and it did miracles on my skin (pore shrinking - even tone), it's just too bad I cannot use it during the summer months! I know about this product and I can tell you already that it is a good one. Full size retails at $8.99 /8 oz.
And now, for the food items included in the June 2013 box:
These retail at $2.79 for a 2.75 oz. bag.
This is from the card:
I may have mentioned this in another post, in any event, I will mention it again: I am not one to judge Mexican or Tex-Mex foods, having little taste for it. So you will have to wait for my husband's review to find out whether these are any good!
They do not look all that appetizing, if you ask me. Then again, what would you expect from a chip made out of black beans. It's just weird to me!
From the card:
Okay, okay, I will try them too! They retail at $2.64 per 6 oz. bag.
That's really cool!
And now, I have to make a big statement!
I love EcoEmi, obviously, and have rarely been disappointed with my samples. However, this time around I simply cannot help but make a comment (and I hope I will not shock anyone in the process - If I do, I apologize). So here goes:
I was super excited about receiving the bandanna. I am not going to make a statement about whether or not we should wear our flag - I do realize that we live in a different era. Christine also included these pictures to provide examples of things one can do with the bandanna:
Pretty neat and here is a picture of yours truly (sans makeup and in PJ's no less) using it as a head scarf:
However, I was not pleased to see that the bandanna was Made in China! I find it particularly insulting (never mind sad) that we can't even be bothered to make our own flags anymore! Seriously?
EcoEmi has been promoting all these grassroots companies, progressive and very refreshing (I am all for Mom and Pop businesses) aside from a few foreign treats here and there and I have to say that it was shocking (yes Christine, I am sorry, I find it so) that the bandanna was Made in China! And the colors bled after one hot afternoon chopping wood in my yard...Our colors do not bleed - no they don't! (And this is not a statement against China, not at all, it is a statement about us not being able to make our own flags anymore!)
That's my statement and I am sticking to it! So there!
Aside from this little rant, this is a great (see awesome) box. I am still very much a fan of EcoEmi and am looking forward to each and every box!
I hope you have enjoyed sharing my June Box with me. I cannot wait for the full review next month! Let me know (in comments below) whether you would like to see full face makeups, how to and/or videos on product reviews).
Thank you for liking and sharing my post.
Sophia, NJ
You can find me on FACEBOOK and YOUTUBE
*This site contains affiliate advertising. I am not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned above or EcoEmi. I am however affiliated with C.O Bigelow and will receive a percentage commission for any purchase you may make through the links I provided. All opinions are my own.
I am back with another EcoEmi box and this one is by far the best one I have received! (I know, I know, I say that every month!).
My June 2013 box arrived a bit late (insert sad face here), it seems that the Post Office takes its time here in NJ. But, it was well worth the wait, and what a colorful box too, just in time for the 4th of July celebration!
Obviously this is a patriotic box and aside from the colorful bandanna (what a treat!), Christine added a few foil confetti shaped like stars in matching red, white and blue.
Three goodies were placed on top, wrapped like candies...So much thought goes into packaging!
And another fold was hiding these samples...By far the biggest box this year!
Here is what I received, at a glance, and I just can't stress enough that for $15/month, I continue to feel that EcoEmi gives back in a great way (notice the full size Badger tin)!
So here we go...
Badger - Cuticle Care with Soothing Shea Butter
I always see these Badger tins at my local WholeFoods Market with "try me" samples. I have to say that I never miss on trying them out and I always thought these were great products! Since I never actually purchased one, you can imagine that I was pretty excited about receiving this full size tin, which retails at $5.99!
This is from the card:
Cuticle Care will soothe and restore cuticles with Shea Butter and nourishing Seabuckthorn extract. Fragranced with essential oils of Geranium, Mandarin, Lemongrass and Ginger, this will repair and protect dry, splitting cuticles.It does smell very nice! A blend of citrus and herbs and I now come to realize that anything fragranced with Mandarin is probably a favorite of mine. Of course I tried it right away, it goes one very smoothly (but slippery) yet absorbs well. From my first impression, thus far, I have the feeling that this cuticle cream is going to become my new staple, alas replacing my all time favorite (Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream). I instantly loved it and cannot wait to give you a full review, next month.
The All Natural Face - Vegan Lip and Cheeks
in Peachy Rose
It is no secret by now that when it comes to makeup, I am ready to try everything! This is actually a pretty good size as a sample and I dare say that the color is just lovely.
I only see one problem with this item: I usually do not care for multi-purpose products, in this case lips and cheeks. I personally do not like to have my fingers dipped into a pot, applying the product on my lips, only to follow with another round on my cheeks...bacteria, if you know what I mean. Over the years I have found that these kinds of products do not last long because of cross contamination and before you know it, I am breaking out. Hence the reason for my large collection of makeup brushes ( I avoid using my fingers as much as possible).
This is what it looks like on my unbelievably pale skin (sigh). Isn't it pretty?
I did not try it yet but I can already tell that I am going to like it more as a blush than as a lip tint. It is a soft peachy pink with a hint of coral. Feminine, understated, I can see this as being the perfect summer cheek color. I will let you know about its staying power in my monthly review. From the card:
This on-the-go compact is versatile and the ingredients are some of the cleanest you will find.
I like it (aside from the lips to check business). Full size retails at $4.00.
Purely You Minerals - Vegan Bronzer
I am not a big fan of bronzers, in particular those with a gold finish or patina. I find that they do not look natural (at least not on my skin tone). When I use a Bronzer, it is always for contouring and not necessarily for giving my face the appearance of a tan - I know all too well that I do not tan and look unbelievably fake and made-up with bronzer! With that in mind, my current bronzer has a matte finish and again, I only use it as a contouring powder (you know, to make the triple chin look more like a double chin - I am desperate like that!)
I was somewhat disappointed by the packaging for this sample too. I would have liked to see a dusting lid or at least some kind of stopper because, as you can see, I ended up with losing a lot of product while opening the sample jar (not happy). I am also weary of samples that look like someone just scooped the stuff in - I just can't trust that hygiene wise. Well anyway, back to the bronzer: to me it looks a bit too dark so I swatched it on my inner arm, and as expected, it is way to gold as a finish for me and of course, too dark!
I can see myself using it as an eye shadow though and probably will try it as both a bronzer and a shadow. I will let you know about the results. In the meantime, this product retails at $7.00 full size (4 grams) and that is not a lot of bronzer for the price. This is from the card:
It is the perfect shade for lighter skin and works as a lovely highlighter for darker skin. This bronzer has just a touch of shimmer which provides a great sun-kissed glow!
I disagree! This is too shimmery (I am thinking Metropolis here!) and way too dark for lighter skins! But I will give it a try anyway. Maybe I should start taking pictures of myself with all this stuff - you guys need to let me know whether that would help with the reviews.
Nelson's Pure and Clear - Purifying Cleansing wipes
This is a brand from England (pretty cool - never heard of it before today) targeting Acne prone skin. Now I can't say I have issues in this area but I do tend to have large pores around my nose and cheeks areas. This also looks like a full size product (retails at $8.75) or it is a very big sample of at least 25 wipes.
The wipes smell very fresh - clean and medicinal - though a tad pharmaceutical - and the wipes texture is a bit gritty but nothing like the Simple Exfoliating Wipes
(these are just horrible - think sand paper). Maybe I should start writing or vlogging about bad products I have tried too, Lord knows there are plenty of those! (again, you guys tell me what you would like to see more of on this blog or my YouTube channel).I sampled one wipe and used it to remove the bronzer swatch...One clean sweep - gone! I like that, it seems to do a pretty good job as a makeup remover a well!
This is from the card:
Nelson's Pure and Clean Purifying Wipes soothe redness, refresh and cleanse the skin. These are great to use when you are heading out after work, packing for a weekend away or pop in to your gym bag. The ingredients act, in combination, to heal troublesome skin. The Witch hazel leaf extract also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent to calm red, irritated skin.
I am excited to try these wipes! I find that in the summer months I tend to wear less makeup and often go bare skin (no foundation) and I can see where these would be great, on-the-go, to refresh my skin and cool my neck as well.
I found out that they sell this brand at one of my (many) favorites store: C.O. Bigelow where you can find a good deal right now on their apothecary products (check it out):
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| Image source |
Desert Essence - Coconut Hand and Body Lotion
This is another brand I have discovered through my local WholeFoods Market and have already enjoyed a few samples of this particular lotion. I can tell you that it smells wonderful (very true to coconut - which is a great summer scent).
This is from the card:
Filled with tropical extracts and oils that provide deep nourishment to dry skin [ ] Organic Coconut oil helps repair free radical damage while Organic Shea Butter and Organic Jojoba provide intense moisture.
Here is a tidbit for you: I went on an all organic Coconut face regimen last winter and it did miracles on my skin (pore shrinking - even tone), it's just too bad I cannot use it during the summer months! I know about this product and I can tell you already that it is a good one. Full size retails at $8.99 /8 oz.
And now, for the food items included in the June 2013 box:
Surf Sweets - All Natural - Gluten Free - Gummy Bears
These retail at $2.79 for a 2.75 oz. bag.
This is from the card:
Surf Sweet Gummy Bears are made with organic fruit juice and organic sweeteners and include 100% of the daily amount of Vitamin C per serving. This is a great sweet and healthy snack for you or for your family. Great for satisfying that sweet craving!They're gone! Enough said.
Beanitos - Black Bean Chips - Chipotle BBQ
I may have mentioned this in another post, in any event, I will mention it again: I am not one to judge Mexican or Tex-Mex foods, having little taste for it. So you will have to wait for my husband's review to find out whether these are any good!
They do not look all that appetizing, if you ask me. Then again, what would you expect from a chip made out of black beans. It's just weird to me!
From the card:
Crunch into the distinctive BBQ and smoky Chipotle spiciness of Beanitos Black Bean Chipotle BBQ Chips! These chips are made with whole black beans and whole grain rice. They are loaded with the flavor you love in a traditional chip yet provide nutrition packed servings with heart healthy fiber and protein! Kosher, gluten free, wheat free.
Okay, okay, I will try them too! They retail at $2.64 per 6 oz. bag.
Botanical Interests - Wheatgrass
Organic Heirloom Seeds
Two reasons why I love this: 1. I have a cat and 2. I was looking to purchase a small plant for the kitchen counter, so why not grow my own!
From the card:
Wheatgrass also called "Liquid Sunshine", contains an abundance of nutrients. The seeds, also known as hard winter wheat berries, germinate rapidly into beautiful greens that can be juiced; The juice is packed with vitamins and minerals! Reserve some seeds from the packet to grow for lush greenery and create a decorative centerpiece!
That's really cool!
I love EcoEmi, obviously, and have rarely been disappointed with my samples. However, this time around I simply cannot help but make a comment (and I hope I will not shock anyone in the process - If I do, I apologize). So here goes:
I was super excited about receiving the bandanna. I am not going to make a statement about whether or not we should wear our flag - I do realize that we live in a different era. Christine also included these pictures to provide examples of things one can do with the bandanna:
Pretty neat and here is a picture of yours truly (sans makeup and in PJ's no less) using it as a head scarf:
However, I was not pleased to see that the bandanna was Made in China! I find it particularly insulting (never mind sad) that we can't even be bothered to make our own flags anymore! Seriously?
EcoEmi has been promoting all these grassroots companies, progressive and very refreshing (I am all for Mom and Pop businesses) aside from a few foreign treats here and there and I have to say that it was shocking (yes Christine, I am sorry, I find it so) that the bandanna was Made in China! And the colors bled after one hot afternoon chopping wood in my yard...Our colors do not bleed - no they don't! (And this is not a statement against China, not at all, it is a statement about us not being able to make our own flags anymore!)
That's my statement and I am sticking to it! So there!
Aside from this little rant, this is a great (see awesome) box. I am still very much a fan of EcoEmi and am looking forward to each and every box!
I hope you have enjoyed sharing my June Box with me. I cannot wait for the full review next month! Let me know (in comments below) whether you would like to see full face makeups, how to and/or videos on product reviews).
Thank you for liking and sharing my post.
Sophia, NJ
You can find me on FACEBOOK and YOUTUBE
*This site contains affiliate advertising. I am not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned above or EcoEmi. I am however affiliated with C.O Bigelow and will receive a percentage commission for any purchase you may make through the links I provided. All opinions are my own.
3 Studies REVEAL Why Coconut Oil Kills Fat.
ReplyDeleteThe meaning of this is that you actually burn fat by consuming Coconut Fat (including coconut milk, coconut cream and coconut oil).
These 3 studies from big medicinal magazines are sure to turn the traditional nutrition world around!