My Subscription Addiction #MSA02 Quarterly Co. Subscription Box Review

If you've never heard of the blog My Subscription Addiction, it is essentially the home-ship for fellow subscription box addicts like me. The blogger, Liz, subscribes to every subscription box imaginable and provides her readers with what I find to be very honest reviews of their contents.  I probably check her website a few times a day and have found it an invaluable resource for making my own decisions on what subscriptions to purchase for myself.  

The Quarterly Co. is a really unique subscription box service.  They offer a wide variety of curated boxes from different celebrities and cultural icons.  Each box will have products which reflect that curator, along with a description card detailing why the curator selected each product in their box.  It's a fun way to learn the thought process behind everything in your box and really gives you a better understanding of the curator.

This is the second My Subscription Addiction box I have purchased from Quarterly.  You can check out the first box I reviewed here. 

The Quarterly Co. My Subscription Addiction Box #MSA02:

*Cost: $50/box.  Boxes are shipped every three months.
*Products: "Thanks to subscription boxes, Liz is now ingredient-conscious. Her picks in the categories of beauty, fashion and lifestyle will be free of ingredients like parabens and paraffin, and full of natural ingredients to keep you healthy and beautiful." (Quote via Quarterly Co. website)

Each box comes with a letter from the curator detailing the story behind the products chosen for that particular quarter.   The theme behind this box is "Everything you need for a cozy day at home," which I think is absolutely perfect for a winter box.  

Bauble Bar Ice Circle Pendant ~ $32  

This 14K gold plated necklace is really delicate, simple and beautiful.  It's 16 in. with a 2 in. extension.  You can wear it by itself or as a layering piece.  I love getting jewelry in subscription boxes.  I always seem to get something I love but I would likely have never purchased for myself.  

Au Naturale Creme Eye shadows (full size) ~ $20 each

Au Naturale make-up is "Organic, Non-Toxic, Gluten-Free, Paraben-Free, Vegan, Non-Nano,  and is Made in the USA at a certified USDA Organic Facility."  Each box included two eye shadows!  They are cream shadows and are very easy to apply.  I really like how smoothly they go on but I will say you need to apply an eyelid primer first or they will rub right off.  

The colors included are: White Quartz and Addiction.  The White Quartz has a touch of shimmer to it that is really subtle, with a brightening effect.  It is great to use as a highlighter for around your eyes  or to blend over another color.  Addicition is an exclusive color created just for the My Subscription Addiction box!  It is a beautiful metallic, antique green-gold shade that I simply love.  I've worn it pretty much every day since I've gotten it!
 

Yes To Carrots Fragrance-Free Intense Hydration Night Cream (full size) ~ $11.69
This product is made with 96% natural ingredients.  It is paraben, SLS and petroleum free.  I've used this night cream for a couple of weeks now and I don't really know what to think about it.  It feels kind of drying on my skin when I apply it which is weird because my skin isn't looking like it is drying out in any way.  There aren't any dry patches on my face at all.  I think my hang up is that I want something which says it is intensely hydrating to feel like it is, in fact, hydrating my skin when I apply it.  I can't get over this fact, so it makes me hesitant to say it is a great product.

Foot Traffic Non-Skid Fuzzy Slipper Socks ~ $9
I live in slipper socks during the winter time so I was very happy to see these socks.  They have a non-skid tread on the bottom so they are perfect for walking around on my wood floors.  They're also nice and warm!  The socks I received are a light pink.

Faribault Woolen Mill Co. Recycled Wool Throw ~ $64
This was immediately hijacked when I took this out of the box by my little dog, Lily.  I actually ended up wrapping it up and giving it to my husband for Christmas. One thing I love about subscription boxes is they are always have great items in them for gifting. I am always finding things that make me think, "Such and such would just love this!".  My husband did love this wool blanket.  It's super warm and is made of 65% recycled wool so it is also very eco-friendly! 

Exclusive offer for the Next Issue App ~ $14.99
Next Issue offered the first month of service for free to customers and the next 2 months for 50% off.  It's regularly $14.99/month and you get unlimited access to 140+ magazines from your tablet, phone or PC.  I am not a big magazine person, so this really wasn't my cup of tea.  The idea behind it is really cool though.

My Final Two Cents: 
This subscription box is definitely a winner in my book.  I paid $50 and received $171 worth of goodies. There was a great mix of beauty, fashion and lifestyle items.  It was a box that lived up to it's cozy winter theme.  I can't wait to see what's in my next box.  *UPDATE:  I am sorry to say that this is the last box from My Subscription Addiction for Quarterly.  :(  

~Chrissy

Review: Enessa Rescue Blemish Control

As a teenager, I can remember thinking acne would only be a brief stumbling block I'd have to endure for a few years on my transition from child to adult.  Boy was I totally and completely wrong!  Not only is it still a problem for me years later (hint: my 20 year high school reunion was last year), it is also still a problem for my Mom.  In other words, it is never, ever going to go away.  AHHHHH!!!!

Although, I've ultimately resigned myself to the fact that I will always struggle with those pesky, red bumps popping up on my face, literally overnight, I have found the perfect product to help me better control the breakouts.

Enessa Rescue - Blemish Control (0.5 fl.oz) $39.95

Ingredients: Golden Jojoba*, Neem Oil, Essential Oils of Tea Tree**, Manuka**, Cajeput**, Lavender*, Juniper**, Eucalyptus*, Cypress * and others. *Organic ** Wild Harvested

•  Recommended Use:  Enessa Rescue Blemish Control is recommended for use on topical, surface acne.
• Packaging: It is packaged in a dark blue glass bottle with a spray pump.  My only gripe with the packaging is that you can't see through the glass at all, so it is impossible to see when you are running low on the product. As someone who uses this product religiously, I would absolutely freak out if I ever ran out.  Please make the bottle a little more transparent, Enessa!  Pretty please! :)
•  Texture & Application:   The product is a mixture of oils a little will go a very long way.  Apply one drop directly to the blemish or to the problem area of your skin, two to three times a day.    
• Scent: I pick up on the eucalyptus essential oil the most in this product.  Overall the scent is really not overly strong though, and you won't even notice it when you put it on your skin. 
• Bonus:  This product is made with organic and/or wild harvested ingredients. 

Verdict:   I've been using this product for a couple of years now and I absolutely adore it.  Not only does it lessen the frequency of the breakouts I experience but it also really seems to help lessen the duration of them, too.   It won't dry out your skin like products containing salicylic acid are prone to do.  It also doesn't make my skin look like a oil slick.  A lot of people think putting oils on your skin would have that effect but it really doesn't at all.  The oils will absorb right in, and help keep your skin looking well hydrated!  As stated above, Enessa's Rescue Blemish Control is recommended for helping with topical acne. For those who have trouble with cystic acne, they have another great product called Enessa Clove Acne Control which is going to be a little bit more powerful since it has to get deeper under the skin to heal.

What is your go-to green beauty acne fighter? 

~Chrissy

Disclosure: All links provided in this post are Amazon Affiliate links.

Saffron Rouge Inner Circle January 2014 Subscription Box Review

Saffron Rouge is an on-line organic beauty store that also offers a monthly subscription service called the Inner Circle.  Every month, you will receive deluxe samples of product from any number of organic beauty lines.  As someone who is very interested in green beauty, signing up for this service was a no-brainer. Before signing up, I checked out a few reviews of previous months boxes to see what they typically offer.  I loved what I saw, so I was really excited to see what my first box would bring. 

Saffron Rouge Inner Circle Subscription Box:
*Cost: $24.99/month
*Products:  An assortment of deluxe sized samples of premium organic beauty products

All the products were wrapped up tightly in a Suki wash cloth.  I've never seen the products packed like this in any of the reviews I had read so I was pretty sure the wash cloth was somehow related to the contents of this month's box.  

Every box comes with a letter detailing the products in the box.  It also includes a discount code to Saffron Rouge for all the items featured in the box. This box was designed around a theme to "kick off 2014", featuring products used for cleansing. 

Sensitive Cleansing Bar To-Go 1.42 oz $5.95 ~Amazon Affiliate Link
This bar is made with Shea Butter and can be used on the face and body.  It has a very pleasant lemony smell. 

Suki Wash Cloth $11.95
100% organic cotton wash cloth.  This will come in handy.  I always have use for wash cloths.

Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream 1.01 fl.oz. $16.20 ~Amazon Affiliate Link
This is a really good size sample, the full size is only 0.7 fl.oz more.  I am not familiar with Dr. Hauschka's products.  The enclosed instructions say to only use once or twice a week for dry skin, which is my skin type, so I am not sure how this will work out with my skin.

Red Flower Red Flower Yuzu Mimosa Sea Algae Wash 32.5 ml $4.55 ~Amazon Affiliate Link
This body wash has a nice floral scent. I received one of Red Flower's candles in another subscription box.  So, I am a little bit familiar with this brand.  I'm excited to try out their body wash.

DR. ALKAITIS Organic Purifying Facial Cleanser  $5 (total guess on price) ~Amazon Affiliate Link
Dr.Alkaitis is yet another brand I haven't heard of before.  The sample included is rather small but it says only a dime size amount is needed per use, so I should get a few uses out of this to get a good indication on whether or not I like it. This is a rather high end product.  The full size is super pricey stuff at $65.  It would have to be pretty darn amazing for me to shell out that kind of money on a cleanser, but it kind of does sound like a pretty unique cleanser.  The soap base used for this cleanser has to mature for 6 months prior to use. Kind of sounds like fine wine, doesn't it? 

Konjac Pure Compact Sponge $10.99
I've been using a similar konjac sponge from a company called Dew Puff for awhile now to cleanse my face with. It was about time to replace it, so this one will do nicely.

My Two Cents:  This box cost me $24.99, and I received almost $55 worth of product.  Since I purchased this subscription hoping I would be introduced to new organic beauty brands/products, I am very happy that it delivered.  I was introduced to many new products I had never heard of before.  Overall, I am happy with all the different cleansers included in this box but I was really hoping for some kind of make-up product to try.  Hopefully the next box will be more make-up focused!

What are your thoughts on the Saffron Rouge Inner Circle January 2014 Box?

Quarterly Co: No More Dirty Looks #NDL09 Subscription Box Review

The Quarterly Co. is a unique subscription box service.  They offer a wide variety of different curated boxes from different celebrities and cultural icons.  Quarterly Co. states that each box will have products that reflect each curator and promise each box will have a story behind it thereby giving you a better understanding of that person. 

For my very first purchase, I choose the No More Dirty Looks subscription service.  No More Dirty Looks are a team of two women (Siobhan O'Connor & Alexandra Spunt) who are best friends, bloggers, and authors.  They specialize in non-toxic beauty products.  I first encountered them via Twitter and have enjoyed following them, so I was especially eager to see what they would be offering in their boxes. 

The Quarterly Co. No More Dirty Looks Box #NDL09:
*Cost: $50/box.  Boxes are shipped every three months.
*Products: "Spotlight the best clean products, reawakening a tradition of self-care and showing that organic ingredients are all you need." (Quote via Quarterly Co. website)

Each box comes with a letter from the curators detailing the story behind the products chosen for that particular quarter.   The theme of this box is "Bounce back, beautiful." 

Olivia Garden Healthy Hair Bamboo Hairbrush:  value $13.95
*made from eco-friendly, natural bamboo
*ion-charged bristles = no static
*anti-bacterial

From the two-toned stripe pattern to the beautiful swirling etching on the back, this brush is absolutely gorgeous.  I never thought I would ever say that about a brush but it's true with this one.  I would never have purchased this brush on my own, but it definitely puts all my other brushes to shame.

In the enclosed letter, there was a little side note in which Siobhan's nickname for Alexandra is in fact "Hairbrush".  It hinted at telling the story behind this in the future but stated it has nothing to do with her amazing curls.  Hmmm....very intriguing!  I really like the personal touch of adding this little "secret side note" to their letter.  It is nice to get a special glimpse inside the friendship between the two. 

Amazon Beauty Rahua Jet Setter Kit value $32 ~Amazon Affiliate Link
*Kit includes: Rahua Classic Shampoo (2 fl.oz.), Rahua Classic Conditioner (2 fl.oz.), Rahua Voluminous Shampoo (2 fl.oz.), Rahua Voluminous Conditioner and a clear plastic travel bag. 
*Products are 100% natural & organic.

I was completely surprised these little travel size products cost $32!  Wow,  these are definitely what I would classify as High-End products.  I have been having such a hard time finding a good, quality non-toxic shampoo & conditioner that works for my hair.  Just one bottle alone of the Rahua Classic Shampoo-9.3 oz. is $32 (Amazon Affiliate Link), so this is definitely the way to try these out before deciding if the cost is worth purchasing it in the full-size. I am excited to see how they perform on my hair!!!

Lulu Organics Hair Powder in Lavender & Clary Sage Travel Size: value $9.50

Rahua Shampoo & Conditioner (0.34 oz. samples ): value $2 (estimated)

We all have days when we don't feel like washing our hair.  Hair powder is the key to transforming that greasy, unwashed hair into looking clean again.  I've never tried the Lulu Organic Hair Powders before and am excited to see how they hold up. 

I thought it was sort of odd that there was yet another Rahua Shampoo & Conditioner sample in my box, even if it was just a one time use sample.  I'll definitely use it but I think they could have used the opportunity to include a sample of some other brand.

My Two Cents:  I paid $50 for this box and ended up with $57.45 worth of products.  One thing I enjoy about subscribing to subscription boxes is discovering new products.  This box has introduced me to 3 new brands of non-toxic hair care products and I can't wait to try them all out! I also really enjoy the letter from the curators with the story behind why they have chosen the products they did for the box.  It really does make the box feel all the more special & unique.

What do you think of the Quarterly Co. No More Dirty Looks Subscription Box? 

~Chrissy

Dr. Bronners Magic "All-One!" Organic Lip Balm Beauty Review

Temperatures here in Nebraska are ridiculously cold today.  We, along with many other areas of the US, are experiencing what the weather forecasters are calling a Polar Vortex.  Our wind-chills could dip down as far as -40F.  I'd say that is some dangerously, bitter cold. 

Even though this is definitely the extreme for here in Nebraska, our winters are nasty cold which always wreaks havoc with my skin.  I am always struggling to keep my skin from drying to the point it looks and feels like the Sahara Desert!  Blech!!!!

One area that is especially experiencing critical levels of dryness are my lips, so moisturizing lip balm is extremely important to have on hand at all times.  I've been using Dr. Bronners Magic "All-On!" Organic Lip Balm for a few weeks now and am very happy with the results. 

Dr. Bronners Magic "All-On!" Organic Lip Balm in Peppermint (0.15oz) $2.99

* Ingredients: Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Organic Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, Organic Mentha Peperita (Peppermint) Oil, Tocopherol

My review:

• Packaging: Packaged in a pretty standard Lip Balm plastic twist up dispenser.  The only gripe I have about the container is that they sealed it almost too good.  I had a heck of a time getting the sticker off of the cap so I could open it up.   
• Texture & Application:  The lip balm is semi-solid and glides onto the lips very smoothly.  There is a slight cooling & tingly feeling once on.
• Scent & Flavor: It has a very pleasing peppermint scent.  There really is no flavor to this lipbalm which I think is a good thing.  You don't want to be licking your lips anyway, because it aids in drying them out.
• Extra Bonuses:  The Dr Bronner brand is Made in the USA.  I love buying USA made products!  This product is also certified Organic and is not tested on animals! 

Verdict: 
I am very thrilled with how well this product has worked for me. First and foremost, I love that it is made with organic ingredients.  This is very important to me, besides, I once heard that the average woman will eat what constitutes to an entire stick of lip-balm over the course of a year.  This is so gross to think about but as long as it's not any of the nasty, un-natural chemicals and toxins then I am much more comfortable with the thought!  It has also, definitely, helped moisturize and heal my chapped, cracked lips which is sort of the whole point, right? :)

~Chrissy

Green Beauty Characters Tag

I was super excited when I was tagged by Sarita Coren at Edible Facial the other day.  It was my very first Tag here at Herban Adventures, so I was beyond flattered.  If you don't follow Sarita on Twitter, do it now!!!! I really think she deserves a special award for being the Sweetest Person on Twitter.  She is absolutely fantastic.  Thanks again, Sarita!

This Tag all began from the mind of Sonja at Life In Blush, another fantastic green beauty blogger I am learning a lot from. 

Ok, here goes nothing.....

1. On my nightstand you'll find: 

A photo of my husband with our dogs (The photo is an old one.  One of our dogs in it has passed on and we have since then added on to our furry family).  I am an avid reader so I am never far from my Kindle Fire, but I still like to read an actual book with real pages from time to time.  The book I have waiting in the wings is " Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns" by Lauren Weisberger.  I've got a sunflower coaster (my favorite flower), a sweet little Fairy girl nick-nack who is yawning big, ready to hit the sack.  I've got a couple hair barrettes, my alarm clock and lamp.  I am also constantly trying to hydrate my poor dry, cracked hands, so I've got a couple of hand creams/lotions that I am trying out:  Aubrey Organics - Replenishing Moisturizing Lotion in Honeysuckle (CoQ10) and Inesscents Aromatic Botanicals - Creamy Organic Cocoa Butter.  Fingers are crossed they'll help do the trick!

2. The Literary Character I am most like (via quiz found here):
I am Hermione from the Harry Potter series. "You are smart, witty, and love a challenge. You use rationality and reason in all things. You are measured and stable and you don't let people push you around." - I love Hermoine, so I am good with these results! :)

3.  I am Currently Obsessed With:
Subscription Boxes.  I can't get enough of them, which is not great on the pocket book, so I have to check myself from going overboard.  I really like that you can find some really great eco-friendly subscription boxes, with more popping up every day.  These have been a perfect way for me to test out and discover new green beauty/food/cleaning products.  You can read my October 2013 HomeGrown Collective Box Review, here, and my Season's Box (August 2013) Review, here.  I am also a huge fan of the PopSugar MustHave Box, as well as, Stitch Fix.  Oh, and I've asked my husband for a subscription to the Yuzen Box for Christmas this year, too! Yikes.....I really am obsessed, aren't I?

4. My Favorite Super Hero is: 
Like Sonja from Life in Blush, I, too, really love She-Ra, Princess of Power.  I really love childhood nostalgia, so when I found this adorable She-Ra vinyl "Action Figure" that I just had to have it! 

5. Favorite Beauty Product of 2013:
Without a doubt it has to my Schmidt's Natural Deodorant. Ok, so it is actually a personal care product but whatever.... You can read my review here.  I know some people have a lot of trouble with the baking soda found in many natural deodorant's but this one works great for me.  I love it! 

6. If I could have Dinner with anyone Dead or Alive it would be:
Jane Austen.  I would also have to invite my Mom to this dinner date as she would never forgive me if I didn't.  We both share an insane love of all things Jane.  I will admit that my Mom is arguably the super fan between the two of us though!  My BFF and I have a joint blog, Once Upon A Friendship, where I wrote about my love of Jane.  We've since then taken a bit of a hiatus with this blog but hopefully we will get back in gear sometime in the future. You can read my post, here. 

7.  Winter is Coming - How do you Prep your Skin for Battle?: 
So first of all, after reading this question the theme song from Game of Thrones started playing in my head. "Winter is Coming" happens to be a key quote from the book/tv series? Is anyone else a fan?  I can't wait for Season 4 to start again!!! 

But seriously, to answer the question, I moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.  I've been using coconut oil on my face and neck (which oddly enough seems to be helping with my acne. Has anyone else seen this result with coconut oil?)  and "Alba Botanica" - Very Emollient Body Lotion on the rest of my body. For what I've been using on my hands, refer to question #1. 

8.  My Perfect Date Night Make-up Consists of:
Honestly I am still working on finding the perfect green everything for my make-up routine.  Right now I am using Juice Beauty tinted mineral moisturizer for my foundation (I really want to try W3ll People's foundation next though) and "Mineral Fusion'- Loose Powder Foundation.  My mascara is Nvey Eco, which is nice but seems to run off my lashes fairly easily which is frustrating.  I am still using "Bare Minerals" in Golden Gate for my blush.  For my lips, I've been using "Pacifica"- Color Quench Lip Tint in Sugared Fig and I absolutely adore this lip tint!  It looks great on and smells fantastic.

9.  My Go-To Skin-Beautifying Snack/Drink is:
Green smoothies.  I add fresh/frozen fruit, spinach, or other greens, and water to a blender and, viola, a cold refreshing drink is born!  I drink at least one green smoothie a day.

10.  My TV Boyfriend is:
I am going to have to go with Jim from The Office.  I know it isn't on anymore but I just love his character.  I've always thought he would be the most perfect husband (other then my very own, real life, perfect husband that is!)  John Krazinski is absolutely adorable and the whole Jim and Pam love story still warms my heart in it's pure loveliness.  This YouTube video does a really fantastic job of summing it up.  Oh dear, I may have to sit and watch the first few Seasons of the Office now to get my Jim fix!!! :)
  

11.  If my Evening Clutch could only hold one Beauty item it would be:
The "Pacifica"- Color Quench Lip Tint in Sugared Fig.

12.  One Beauty Tip I would pass on to my Niece (since I do not have a daughter) is:
Go easy with the make-up. It's not a tool to hide behind, but a tool to enhance your natural beauty.  Keep it simple!

13.  The Most Nostalgic Item from my Childhood is:
Strawberry Shortcake.  I had all the dolls and my bedroom was all decked out in Strawberry Shortcake, from bedding to my curtains and even my trashcan!

14. My Favorite TV show of the Moment is:
It is way to hard for me to choose just one.  My must watch shows right now are: The Big Bang Theory, New Girl, Once Upon A Time, House Hunters and The Walking Dead.  Oh, and Game of Thrones when it comes back on in the Spring! 

15. My Favorite Quote is:
"Sometimes you will never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory" -Dr. Seuss
I am a very nostalgic person.  So this quote has always resonated with me. Think back on the people of your life and it is truly amazing what memories will pop up.  From the mundane to really big moments, it is really interesting which ones really stick with you for the rest of your life. It shows how precious every moment in life really is!


*House Rules:

• Tag other bloggers (If you've already been tagged in this, link to your post in the comments!) I am tagging Sarah from Sugarpuffish, Dana from Live Green Beauty, Karen from In My Humble Opinion, and Sophie from Practically Pure
• Title your post as I have done
• Mention the tag started by Life In Blush