So curlBOX decided to close 2015 out with a third volume of their body series. I'm already looking forward to what will be in the upcoming boxes for 2016. From the moment I opened the box I loved the selection of products. Who doesn't love moisturizer? Especially this time of year.
Bolden Butter Mint Shea Oil:
The first product I decided to try was the Bolden shea oil. It's only available for purchase at the Bolden website. An eight ounce bottle is priced at $29.50. The scent was a pleasant minty fragrance. There were only four ingredients which were:
- Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Oil, Natural Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Essential Fragrance Oil.Overall Impression: I typical apply oils immediately after bathing to seal in moisture. It's just an extra step prior to applying an actual moisturizer like lotion. I enjoyed the minty fragrance being that it was not overpowering. The product absorbs easily into skin. Now I don't give "bad" reviews...I believe all products are not necessarily for everyone. This product works for my skin to an extent. It sealed in moisture...just not to extent that I'm accustomed to. My daily go to sealer is organic coconut oil. With the Bolden shea oil I just didn't get the results that I was looking for when it came to using it on my body. The price was a little steep for my budget personally for eight ounces. I will be revisiting this product in another review to review how it works with hair. This review is about body products not hair.
Shea Yeleen Shea Butter Cream: - This was my first time trying a shea butter cream that had a whipped consistency that was practically lotion like once you rub your hands together. You can find this product at the SheaYeleen site and select retailers. The ingredients are as follows: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Bergamot Chamomile Essential Oil Blend, Tocopherols. Product retails for $19. I received the bergamot chamomile which was pleasantly subtle. Their products are formulated without parabens, petroleum, propylene or butylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfates, pesticides, phthalates, artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances. Also their products are never tested on animals.
- Overall Impression: This product absorbs into skin and doesn't leave it feeling greasy. I decided since it was a small sample to use it on a small area that could always use a boost of moisture this time of year so I choose my feet. My feet felt ultra moisturized after using this product. The fragrance was just right, not too strong and not to subtle. I would purchase this product with the mindset that will only be used on areas that need to be targeted for moisture. A little goes a long way with this product. Also the way they formulate their products and their no animal testing policy is always a plus in my book.
- Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream:
- I've heard of this product before and I finally have a chance to review it. This product is available at the Egyptian Magic website and nationwide at Whole Foods and Costco. You can input your zip code to find a local retailer on their site as well. It doesn't really have much of a scent to it. It has the consistency of a liquid like vaseline. It retails between $26-$39. The ingredients are as follows: Honey, Beeswax, Olive Oil, Royal Jelly, Bee Pollen and Bee Propolis. There are also no additives, preservatives, fragrances, chemicals or parabens. And no animal testing. This product has a multiple uses.
- Overall Impression: This product did not work for me. I used it as a moisturizer and my skin did not respond well to it. The product did not absorb well into my skin. About half an hour later my skin was flaky. It has several positive reviews on their website...so I'm just going to say it just didn't work for me. One positive thing is they offer a 100% money back guarantee if you aren't satisfied for a full refund.
- Jolie Bloom Royal Oats Honey & Oats Shower Bar:
- This bar retails for $10 at the Jolie Bloom site. The scent has a very sweet yet subtle honey fragrance. The packaging was quite attractive. The ingredients for the shower bar are: Sweet Almond Oil, Organic Oats, Vitamin E, Organic Raw Honey, and Vanilla Extract. This shower claims is made with those who suffer from: acne, eczema, dry skin, and/ or sensitive skin. This product can be used on the face and body.
- Overall Impression: I CANNOT say it enough...I was blown away for my first impression. This was the very first item that caught my eye when I opened the box. The packaging is absolutely amazing! It's so attractive and eye catching. It's so green friendly that it's reusable and recyclable. A card carefully tucked inside with the shower bar says lot. It tells you it was hand packaged. The shower bar itself was tightly wrapped to preserve the product. I could immediately tell that this product is produced in small batches. To me that means someone takes the time to ensure they create and deliver a quality product. The fragrance is sweet yet subtle honey fragrance. The lather is super gentle and rinses away effortlessly. My skin was left feeling soft and refreshed. It's super gentle as a facial cleanser. It doesn't leave your face feeling tight which is what typically happens to me when a facial cleanser is too aggressive. I can't wait to purchase another bar.
- OGX Nourishing Coconut Oil Weightless Hydrating Oil Body Mist:
This body oil retails for around $5.79 and can be purchased from a variety of online retailers as well as at stores such as Target or Ulta. So it's fairly easy to find. The fragrance of coconut isn't overwhelming. The spray bottle packaging makes it super easy to dispense without making a mess. The ingredients are: Cyclotetrasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Isopropyl Myristate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Bambusa Vulgaris (Bamboo) Extract, Fragrance (Parfum).
Overall Impression: I absolutely loved this product! First off the price is budget friendly and it's easy to find locally. The fact that it's in a spray bottle is another plus since I tend to apply body oils in the shower so I'm able to control exactly how much is dispensed. I'm weird when it comes to coconuts so I was concerned initially about the fragrance factor....it smells amazing! No need to follow up with a fragranced lotion, perfume, or body splash. The ingredients were non irritating which I would have known immediately because my skin will definitely let me know if a product is not for me. It's fame to claim is it will nourish your skin leaving it to feel soft and touchable...well let me say they aren't lying. I have repurchased this product since this body was released.
TGIN Natural Soap (Black Raspberry Vanilla):
This soap retails for $4.99 for a 4 oz. bar and it can be purchased at authorized retailers and at the TGIN site. The fragrance was beyond pleasant. The ingredients are: Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Soybean Oil, Corn Oil, Shea Butter, Hemp Oil, Fragrance. TGIN soaps do not contain sulfates, parabens, lanolin, or petroluem. It's recommended for those who have eczema, psoriasis, sensitive skin or allergies. They don't do animal testing.
Overall Impression: I'm no stranger when it comes to this brand. In fact their soap was the first product I tried from them. The price is typical for a soap that's handmade in small batches with ingredients that are natural. The fragrance is fabulous and had my entire second floor smelling great! You can't go wrong with a soap that only has seven ingredients. Accessibility wise I've seen for purchase fr the TGIN website and at a local retailer in Hampton, VA in the Hampton Woods Plaza Shopping Center at Desired Beauty Supplies. I think this makes the fifth or sixth soap I've tried from TGIN so it's definitely a winner in my book. The fact that it lives up to it's claim to fame by not using harsh ingredients says a lot. I have semi sensitive skin so if it didn't bother my skin then it is delivering the promise of being a product that's gentle for sensitive skin types.
Cantu Softening Body Butter:
This body butter can be purchased at various retailers such as Walmart, Target, Walgreens, Kroger, Fred Meyer, Harmon Discount Health & Beauty, Publix, Family Dollar, Dollar General, Sally Beauty, and other independant beauty stores. It retails from about $5.99 and up depending on where it's purchased from. The fragrance is very subtle so you can still use your favorite perfume without it being overwhelming. The ingredients are:Water, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Canola Oil, Fragrance, Cetyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Myristate, Polysorbate 60, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Polyacrylate, Steareth-2, Glyceryl Stearate, Polysorbate 80, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Benzophenone-4, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Yellow 6 (CI 15985). It's claim to fame is that: It intensively conditions & treats rough, dry skin. It's non-greasy and quick absorbing. It's free of mineral oil, sulfates, and parabens. Also it contains shea butter, cocoa butter, and vitamin E.
Overall Impression: First of all I had no clue Cantu made body products. I'm usually not too crazy about butter based products for my skin. My skin prefers more water based moisturizers. But this one actually worked for my skin and did not leave it feeling dry. It delivers the promise of quick absorption and not leaving your skin feeling greasy. The price isn't too shabby considering the size of the jar. I have yet to see it in my area but there are tons of online retailers that you may purchase it from. I liked that it had a subtle fragrance that can be worn alone or with your favorite fragrance. I would say it contains more shea butter than the other two featured ingredients I wouldn't mind having another jar come winter time.
All in all it was a great box and I enjoyed every single product down to the last drop. My top favorites were: Jolie Bloom Royal Oats Shower Bar, OGX nourishing coconut oil weightless hydrating oil body mist, and the TGIN olive oil soap. Patiently awaiting the next volume of curlBOX body.
