Hi friends,
Christine with EcoEmi did not disappoint in October, this was another great box with a lots of different products to try out, all interesting and great quality too! Check it out in the video below:
Here is my full review:
So you all know by now that I am always on the fence about Birchbox and I am thinking of adding Ipsy to my subscription as well. EcoEmi is a whole other story, rarely have I been disappointed with the selection and quite frankly, for $15 per month, I still think it is a great value! What's even better? The site will soon offer a shop where products can be purchased directly from EcoEmi...In the past, one had to go all over the internet to find the products, and to me, it is a testament that EcoEmi has a subscription box company is moving up in the ranks - A job well done and it is well deserved! Moving forward and as soon as the shop is up and running, I will provide links to all the products featured in each box.
Botanical Interests - Jack O'Lantern Seeds
Package - $4.29
Well, I can't really rate these, since they are pumpkin seeds, and we're starting winter, here in Northern New Jersey. But as a gardener, I sure appreciate the opportunity to plant pumpkins for Halloween 2014. The great thing about pumpkins is that they will grow pretty much anywhere and I have plenty of bare or unused spots in my yard to fill with pumpkin foliage. Not a gardener? The package is a great decorative detail or can be used in a scrapbook.
Lotus / Fuchs - Soft Pocket Travel Toothbrush - A
$3.95
How does one rate a toothbrush? This one contains up to 95% less plastic than other brushes so it is great for the environment. To be honest, I have not used it yet but the eco friendly mission of the company deserves nothing below an A. I just can't figure out how one is to pronounce the name F-U-C-H-S without being completely out of line! German names...LOL!
Grass Roots Essentials - Organic Shaving Cream - C
Full Size $5.00
I am sorry to say, I did not care about this product. It is supposed to be refrigerated before use and with my fridge being three floors below my master bath, it really was not a practical idea at all. In addition, I was a bit confused about how to use it. I watered it a bit and it did not seem to lather. So I applied it as is onto damp skin, then added a bit of water, it made a somewhat slippery coat over my skin, but the razor seemed to gather more product that it was actually shaving anything, basically, the razor ended up loaded with the cream and became ineffective, I had to keep rinsing the head off. It was however a great moisturizer for my legs, post shaving! I don't think I am going to go out of my way to find and purchase this product as a stand alone full size and replace my routine shaving by using this.
Eco Friendly Living - Natural and Organic Dry Shampoo - B
Full size - $8.00
My last experience with a dry shampoo was a complete disaster. It came in a spray and made my hair so dull looking I literally rewashed my hair that same day. This one is a bit different, because it is in a scoopable or shaker container, you actually have better control on the amount of product to use on your hair, as well as what particular area to use it on. I tend to get oily on the sides but not so much in the back or top of my head.
First, this has a wonderful scent, it is made of cornstarch and natural spearmint oil, so it is also deodorizing! I really love the refreshing scent! I applied it and massaged it in my hair for a few seconds then brushed off the remaining product. While the oil was absorbed, it still made my hair dull looking, having sucked all the shine out of my locks. But, I would probably be more likely to reuse this one rather than the spray bottle. So for the convenience of having control and the amazing scent, it is a B for me. Washing hair is still the best. I can see this as a great add on to a hospital kit for someone going to surgery or a mom -to- be.
The All Natural Face - Vegan Caramel Brownie Gel Eyeliner - B+
Full Size $5.75
I was just on the market for a new eyeliner but quite frankly, never thought of brown as an alternative to my usual jet black, purple or navy. This one comes with a fine brush (I prefer felt tips) and is a very nice rich chocolate color (think Hershey bar). It does not smudge much, but when it does, the darker brown turns to a coppery brown that is not the most attractive look around one's eyes. I was not wowed by the results. It also blended too much with my freckles, as expected, and ended up enhancing them rather than muting them (something I have been trying to do for years via full coverage foundation). So again, I was not crazy about the products but will keep using it on a pinch or when I know I will not be rubbing my eyes that much such as a quick in and out the door for random errands.
The All Natural Face - Vegan Mineral Warm Honey
Eye Shadow - A
Full Size - $3.50
I do not usually wear copper colors nor shimmery shadows. This however, is a very rich brown that has a copper finish but only from certain angles so it is highly wearable as a daytime shadow. It has amazing color pay-off and good staying power as well. What's even better than that? You can wear it either dry or wet. And this is what I did: I applied a layer of the eye liner mentioned above, and covered it with another layer of wet eye shadow. The result was very nice: a richer and deeper line with a hint of gold, it made my eyes pop!
Visit The All Natural Face!
Potion Witch Apothecary - Honey/Beeswax Lipbalm - A+
Full Size $4.00
This month, I received an item that was not on the card, I guess it was either an extra or they ran out of space on the card. Either way, what a treasure this is! By far the best lip balm I have tried this year. The scent is simply divine , it is a perfect blend of honey, beeswax and vanilla/chocolate. A warm scent and a great texture too, this lip balm delivers amazing moisture and is not tacky, it also tastes great! I am a fan!
So of course, I had to check out the company itself!
Potion Witch can be found on Etsy for purchase (I recommend). But here is the best part, this small business company started as a result of a lifetime change following sickness by cancer. Here is their story:
Welcome to Potion Witch Apothecary, my name is Mia Vitale Carrington. After surviving cancer, living a greener, healthier lifestyle in a world filled with too many chemicals has been important to me. That translated into finding natural, pure, organic products to use, eat and live with. Being a creative creature, I decided to try making my own lip balms… and I fell in love with the process. Creating something that feels good, makes life a little cheerier and can be customized in so many ways is a blast. The coolest thing: my friends like them too… et voila, a business is born. After 10 months of testing and perfecting new products, it’s time to expand The Potion Witch Apothecary line.
My sister, in remission from ovarian cancer, recently brought to my attention a cancer patient's need for good, natural skin care products that won't irritate sensitive skin. Chemo causes all sorts of side effects and finding good products to help with myriad skin issues is a struggle for patients. Creating a line of natural, pure, free from chemicals affordable products that help soothe some of the side effects of treatment and give the user a little spiritual boost also appealed to me.
It's an alchemy thing. Transmuting healthy, organic ingredients into lovely, luscious, luxurious potions to keep you soft, smooth and feeling wonderful. My products are small batch, gentle enough for all from the healthiest of us to chemo patients needing some extra love. They are made with great care and lots of love."
Awesome! Get yourself one, you won't regret it, it is a fabulous product and such a great cause. We need to keep companies like Potion Witch alive!
Simply Organic - Spicy Chili Seasoning Mix - B-
Full Size - $4.29
Well, I don't care for Mexican food and this was just okay for me. It is a blend of spices you add to your chili or burrito beans. We enjoyed a couple of tablespoons mixed in a soup and sprinkled some on sautéed vegetable. It just tastes all the same to me, and again, not one to judge Mexican dishes. My husband thought it was just okay too, a bit too salty.
Sun Cups - Dark Chocolate Mint Cups - A
Full Size $20 (24 chocolates)
While I don't care for Mexican food, you don't have to ask me twice about chocolate! This was delicious, true to mint chocolate with a creamy center. My only problem with it? There was only one in the box :-( Oh, they are also 100 calories per chocolate, making them very "unhealthy" - Who cares about that, it's chocolate, cane sugar, gluten free and totally delicious. I am a sinner anyway!
So? What did you think of the October Box? Pretty neat, no? I just love EcoEmi, can't see myself ever cancelling my subscription!
You can find me on FACEBOOK and YOUTUBE.
Thanks for reading and sharing my blog.
Sophia, NJ.
* This blog contains affiliate advertising. I am not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned above. I am not affiliated with Birchbox, or EcoEmi nor am I solicited to write reviews. All opinions are my own.
