curlBOX Body Volume II

Yet again curlBOX delivered exactly what I needed...when I needed it most.  The second volume was released during the summer months which I spent way more time at beach instead the blogging or filming YouTube videos but I promise you I used and I'm actually still using my products to their fullest potential. Honestly I didn't hear the same amount of buzz about this volume as I did volume one.  I'm not mad at contents of the box...everything was full sized. The theme was sun kissed and sexy...which was totally obtainable with the products selected.  

Photo Credit: www.olay.com

Olay Moisture Outlast Ultra Moisture Bar: 

The MSRP price ranges between $2.49-$6.99.  You can easily find this product at  drugstores, mass merchandise stores (like Walmart), supermarkets, club stores (like Costco), or online at Olay's website. The scent was a subtle shea butter type fragrance.  Here are the ingredients for those of you who like to know: Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, Paraffin, Sodium Cocoglyceryl Ether Sulfonate, Glycerin, Water, Talc, Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid, Sodium Isethionate, Magnesium Cocoate, Sodium Stearate, Coconut Acid, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Cocoate, Fragrance, Magnesium Laurate, Lauric Acid, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Laurate, Tetrasodium Edta, Etidronic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Extract, Peg-90m.  According to the packaging it says this soap claims it has 10x more moisturizers versus regular soap for smoother skin.  And it also claims it cleanses skin without leaving it dry.  My overall impression was a decent one.  I'm not a regular Olay user but I have used their bar soap in the past...so when I opened the box I thought the bar was a tad smaller from what I remembered. In stores it's 4 oz. per bar whereas this was 3.17 oz.  The fragrance was subtle enough that I could still use a body splash spray or perfume without it clashing.  It's super easy to find and its easy on the wallet.  I'm not too sure that it moisturizers better than other bar soaps that I've used but it definitely cleanses the skin without stripping it. 

Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex Hand & Body Scrub:

The price comes in at $9.99, but if you keep your eye out for those BOGO sales that stores like CVS or Walgreens has and you can rack up.  Thank me later!  Shea Moisture is found at drugstores, mass merchandise stores, and supermarkets.  As far as packaging goes...if it's a personal jar feel free to dip your hands in there...but if you're sharing you can use a mini scoop or even a disposable plastic spoon.  Charge that last sentence to my esthetician ways and having aseptic technique drilled into my head. I'll discuss my personal thoughts on scent in my overall impression.  Here are the ingredients for those who would like to know: Sugar, Safflower Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Theobroma Cocao (Cocoa) Seed Powder, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Jojoba Oil*, Vegetable Glycerin, Olea Eurpaea (Olive) Oil*, Coconut Shell Powder, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Proprietary Essential Oil Blend, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Extract, Raspberry Ketone, Lycium Barbarum (Goji) Fruit Extract, Green Coffee Extract, Psidium Guajava (Guava) Seeds *Certified Organic Ingredient.  This product featured the Superfruit Complex consists a mixture of red raspberry, goji, acai, and guava extract), mango butter, and green coffee bean extract.  These ingredients promote smoothness, provides moisture, and nourish the skin.  My overall impression: As a licensed esthetician I continuously preach the importance of exfoliation to clients.  So it's only right that I follow my own advice.  This scrub is the perfect consistency as it's not too aggressive.  The fragrance for this was a tad strong for my personal taste but once I started using it weekly it grew on me.  It's easy find but I recommend calling first because each store carriers different products.  I can't purchase it at the store closest to me but it's available at store that's slightly farther away.  I used this scrub as part of my weekly paraffin treatment for my hands and feet.  I simply washed my hands, gently work the scrub into my hands (or feet), washed if off, followed up with a rich moisturizer, then proceeded to perform a paraffin dip.  This product is also great for keeping troublesome areas like knees and elbows soft and smooth.  For my body I scooped some out and put it in one of those little small plastic cups to make easier to maneuver in the shower.  I'm a Shea Moisture fan so I would definitely recommend their hand and body scrub from the Superfruit Complex collection.  I always keep a jar of their scrub in my stash.  

Palmer's Eventone Sun Care Collection: 

I'm going to do this a little different since all products are from the same line.  First things first...I've only physically spotted this at Walmart.  I could not find a price for the product that's made specially for the face ANYWHERE...not even online. However the Balm retails for $5.97 (Walmart) and the lotion retails for $7.47 (Walmart).  All of them have that distinctive smell that sunscreen has...gag!  The ingredients varied among the products:

Moisturizing Sunscreen for Face: 

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 15%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 2.7%, Oxybenzone 6% 

Inactive Ingredients: Acacia Senegal Gum, Arcylates/C10-30 Alkyl Arcylate Crosspolymer, Acrylates Copolymer, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Butylene Glycol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cholecalciferol, Coco Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Disodium EDTA, Ethyhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Pentylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Polyester-8, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Retinyl Palmitate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethanolamine, Water (Aqua) Xanthan Gum, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil. 

Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion:

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 15%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 2.7%, Oxybenzone 6%

Inactive Ingredients: 

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, c12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Carbomer, Cetyl Alcohol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance (Parfum), Glyceryl Stearate, Myristyl Alchol, peg-100 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Propylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Tetradosidum edta, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Tochopheryl Acetate, Triethanolamine, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Water (Aqua), Xanthan Gum. 

Moisturizing Sunscreen Balm: 

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 15%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 2.4%, Oxybenzone 6%

Inactive Ingredients: 

Beta-Carotene (Cl 40800), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Dimethicone, Fragrance, Isopropyl Myristate, Microcrystalline Wax, Mineral Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Fruit Powder, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil.

Now onto the what these products are labeled as far as deliverance: no white residue, water resistant, broad spectrum, Cocoaplex™ technology, Sun Protection Factor, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil.

 

My overall impression: Although I talk about the importance of protecting the skin from sun damage via the use of sunscreen...I loathe wearing it myself.  But I'm a big girl so I do what I know is best and wear it anyways.  It's the smell that gets me...all sunscreen stinks to me.  The only product that remotely smelled more like cocoa butter was the balm.  Which I didn't care for because it reminds of straight shea butter.  My skin prefers water based products...I preferred the lotion over the balm.  Now if you can apply thicker products without issues you should be ok with the balm.  The prices for these products aren't bad...about average for sunscreen.  Now sunscreen only works if applied properly...I see people doing it incorrectly at the beach all the time.  There's a reason why you have to put it on 15 minutes before going outdoors.  It has to have time to allow UV filters have time to soak into your skin and form a protective layer.  If you're going to be outdoors for an extended period of time you need to go back indoors (if feasible) and wait 15 minutes, reapply, and wait an additional 15 minutes.  Especially if you're in and out of water.  Broad Spectrum is great because you're being protected from UVA and UVB rays.  No white residue if you take the time to rub it in well. As you read the ingredients list is rather long for all of them.  Would I purchase it? Possibly but more than likely I will opt for something a little more on the natural side...I literally ran out of sunscreen a week before that box arrived and it carried myself, my child, and friends who needed it over the summer and I still have plenty left over.  My child applied this every time she went outdoors.  

Overall the box had great products to keep you right for the summer.  The products totaled up to be a little over $26 and that's without the price of the Palmer's moisturizing sunscreen for face.   



07/18/15 #GirlsBeachDay757 at Buckroe Beach

07/26/15 Chick's Beach

curlBOX Body

   

So curlBOX has released another non-subscription box that's a one hitter quitter.  The curlBOX body was an instant hit with me.  First of all the selection of products was everything.  I enjoyed using all of the products.  

 

This box contained six full-sized items.  Which for $30 isn't a bad deal considering what these items would have cost individually.  Let's get down to what's inside!  

Image Credit: www.carolsdaughter.com
 

Carol's Daughter Almond Cookie Sulfate-Free Cleansing Gel:

The first item I tried was the Carol's Daughter Almond Cookie sulfate-free cleansing gel.  The scent is perfect for me...not too strong and not too subtle.  You can find this product at the Carol's Daughter site and places like Walgreens, Target, and Sally's Beauty.  The price of $10 is great considering that you're getting 12 fl oz.  I wouldn't considered myself to be an ingredients nazi but I do know ingredients can influence a purchase.  Here are the ingredients for those who are interested: Water (Aqua), Sodium Methyl 2-Sulfolaurate, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Fragrance (Parfum), Disodium 2-Sulfolaurate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol.  

My overall impression:  The fragrance was light and sweet and just right.  This cleansing gel makes tons of suds without stripping the skin.  I would recommend and repurchase this product.  When layered with dry oil and shea soufflé from the same collection it's the perfect combination.  And being sulfate free is always great.  Which leads me to the next product I tried. 

 

Carol's Daughter Almond Cookie Dry Oil Body Spray:

The Carol's Daughter Almond Cookie Dry Oil Body Spray was the very next product I tested.  I opted to use mine after showering while my skin was still wet to seal in moisture.  The fact that it's in a spray bottle made it easy dispense.  The fragrance didn't vary from the other items I tried from this collection.  Every once and I while I find that items from the same collection do not necessarily have the same intensity.  This can also be purchased from retailers such as Walgreens, Target, Sally Beauty, and the Carol's Daughter website.  Here are the ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Fragrance (Parfum), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Euterpe Oleracea (Açai Berry) Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract.  My overall impression: I really like the packaging...the fact that it's easy to dispense won me over.  The light and sweet fragrance compliments the cleansing gel perfectly.  It absorbs easily into the skin.  A little goes a long way.  I would definitely recommend and repurchase.  Combined with the shea soufflé you can't go wrong.  Also the fact that it doesn't contain silicone, parabens, petroleum, mineral oil, or artificial colors is a plus. 



Image Credit: www.walgreens.com

Carol's Daughter Almond Cookie Shea Souffle:

The final Carol's Daughter product that I tested from this box was the Shea soufflé.  This can found Target, Walgreens, and the Carol's Daughter site.   This was the final layer of products used and it was perfect because you can smell it and not think its overboard.  Sometimes fragrance layering can be a bit much depending on the scent.  Here are the ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Cetearyl Alcohol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Fragrance (Parfum), Isododecane, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Panthenol (Provitamin B5), Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Beta-Carotene, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyacrylamide, Polysorbate 60, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Steareth-2, Laureth-7, BHT, Aminomethyl Propanol, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Behenyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol.  Here's my overall impression: I usually swerve on thick moisturizers because I don't care for how they sit on my skin.  Rather than absorb it tends to just sit on top and feel greasy.  I also tend to avoid fragranced lotions because they tend to not to agree with my skin.  I've always had this issue since childhood days. This is the very first fragrance lotion that has not caused any issues for me. It's non-greasy, absorbs perfectly, and the fragrance is not obnoxious.  Initially when I stuck my fingers in the jar I thought hhhhmmm this feels a bit on the thick side.  But once I rubbed it on the back of my hand it was the perfect consistency. 

My overall thoughts of the Carol's Daughter products in this box was that it was a great selection and I wouldn't mind be purchasing any of it.

OGX Miracle In-Shower Oil: 

I'm just going to jump straight into my overall impression.  I loved this product from the first use for various reasons.  The packaging made it not only easy to dispense but also easy to control the amount of product you actually use.  This is a huge plus using it in the shower.  The fragrance is light and sweet.  I honestly didn't bother applying any fragrance afterwards.  It's easy to find at retailers such as CVS, Rite Aid, Target, Ulta (rack those points up), Walgreens, and Walmart...Sometimes you need to be able to run out and grab what you need rather than be restricted to only being able to purchase it online.  The prices varies from about $5.99 to about $8.99 depending on where it's purchased.  I just can't say it enough how much I loved this.  Here are the ingredients for those who are interested: Cyclotetrasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Silk Amino Acids, Water (Aqua), Fragrance (Parfum), Red 17 (CI 26100), Yellow 11 (CI 47000).    I loved this product from it's fragrance to it's purpose.  Obviously used after showering to seal in moisture.  I definitely plan on repurchasing.  Honestly I was on the fence about using a fragrances oil to seal my skin.  Typically I use coconut oil to seal my skin but OGX was a nice switch up from the norm.  It absorbed well without irritating my skin. 

Secret Clinical Strength Clear Gel:

This came at the perfect time.  The weather was beginning to heat up which for people like me who sweat profusely causes you to think twice about what you may wear to avoid those embarrassing sweat stains.  It's clear so no need to worrying about deodorant marks getting on darker clothing.  The completely clean scent was very subtle.  There are four scent options available in the gel.  It's deodorant so you can run out to the drugstore, grocery store, or a mass retailer to find it.  The price is around $8. Here are the ingredients:

• Active Ingredient: Aluminum Zirconium Octachlorohydrex Gly 20% (anhydrous)

  Inactive Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Calcium Chloride, Peg/ppg-18/18 Dimethicone, Fragrance.  

Overall Impression: Technically you're supposed to apply at bedtime because it works while you sleep to reduce that annoying excessive perspiration.  Did I use it that way?  No.  It is still work for me?  Yes.  I tested this deodorant on days I knew I would be super sweaty.  I've always accompanied my daughter on field day which this year was brutal.  There wasn't a cloud in the sky and it was in the upper 80s.  My under arms remain dry while the rest of me was practically drenched with sweat.  There are also a few outdoor festivals that I attended and decided to reach for this and it worked.  As I've grown older I've noticed I perspire much heavier and let's just keep it real... It's not cute and can be embarrassing at times.  I plan on using this again when summer rolls back around. 

Harlem Soap (Patchouli & Lavender)

Exclusively available at http://harlemsoap.bigcartel.com.  Initially I thought it was a heavily fragranced soap simply because it was the first item I could smell when I removed my curlBOX from the shipping box.  But once I used it I instantly changed my mind... It gently filled my entire upstairs with its fragrance without being overwhelming.  What I like the most about this so it was after using it I didn't need to use fragrance.  It didn't leave my skin feeling stripped and lathered nicely.  Both fragrance components alone are too strong by themselves for my personal preference.  However together they level each other out nicely.  The price is great as well...only $6 for a 4.5 oz bar.  And the ingredients are so simplistic:  Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Organic Palm Oil, Fresh Goat Milk, Organic Sunflower Oil, Shea Butter, Patchouli & Lavender Essential Oils.  They have other charities available as well.  I definitely plan to purchase from them in the future. 

Overall the first volume of curlBOX body was an instant winner for me.  Money well spent!  Mind you It's November and sadly I'm just now getting around to writing this yet I still have plenty of the Carol's Daughter Almond Cookie Cleansing Gel and the Dry Oil and the Secret deodorant.  As usual Myleik selected great products for this debut box.