Avene Eau Thermale Ystheal Emulsion Moisturiser AND Eluage Eye Contour Cream, sample size 5ml and 2 ml respectively.
It's nice to try some skin care products from a more high-end brand to see if they really work. I couldn't afford to purchase full-size products from this brand, so this is where beauty boxes really come into their own! The 2ml/5ml tubes should last longer than your ordinary sachet, and it was nice to get two of them. However, having read the reviews on Beautypedia, I'm not expecting too much from these products.
Beautypedia Rating Summary: Moisturiser [see full here]: This formula has no Vitamin A, and not enough Vitamin E to be effective, so its anti-ageing effects are minimal. Straight face ('OK') rating.
Beautypedia Rating Summary: Eye Cream [see full here]: Anti-ageing ingredients are present in such tiny amounts as to be ineffective. Formula is almost identical to facial moisturiser, however eye moisturiser is much more expensive. Straight face ('OK') rating.
Conscience time: Avene is a French company. Avene do not test on animals but are owned by Beiersdorf, who do conduct animal testing.
A'kin Rose & Geranium Pure Creamy Cleanser & Toner in One, sample size 30ml.
I was very happy to get this. A'kin is one of my favourite brands! Their products don't have parabens or synthetic fragrances. The cleanser smells divine and I'm looking forward to using it. I've been thinking of changing my skin cleansing routine, so this has come at just the right time. Very happy.
Conscience time: A'kin is an Australian company, founded by an individual. It is not tested on animals.
Bobbi Brown Extreme Lengthening Mascara,sample size, 3g.
I received the exact same product in my February GlossyBox, but I don't mind. I've been using this mascara every day and really liked the way it separates and defines my lashes. Even though it doesn't get the best review on Beautypedia, I still thought it was better than the Maybelline one I'd been using before. I'd been starting to wonder what I was going to do when it ran out/got manky - go back to a cheaper brand or lash out and buy the expensive but good Bobbi Brown one?? Now I have a replacement tube, the dilemma has been put off for a few months longer.
Beautypedia Rating Summary [see full here]: Product receives a 'straight face' (OK) rating. Does not lengthen or darken any more than other, similar products.
Conscience time: Bobbi Brown is a U.S. company. They do not test on animals but are owned by Estee Lauder, who do conduct animal testing.
Silk Oil of Morocco Lip Gloss in Moroccan Ruby, full-size.
Apparently the boffins-that-be have now realised that Moroccan Argan Oil is good for more than just your hair, so they've put it in this lip gloss. This is almost exactly the same colour as the Model Co. lipgloss I received in my LustHaveIt box, even down to the long, slim shape of the tube! I feel a comparison review coming on!
Conscience time: Silk Oil of Morocco is an Australian brand. It is not tested on animals.
Sebastian Professional Volupt Shampoo, Volupt Conditioner and Potion 9 Wearable-Styling Treatment, sample sachets 10ml each.
I have never heard of this brand before, though apparently they've been around since the 1970s. They are only sold in salons though, so that might be why. It's nice to try some new hair products; I do like hair products. So we'll see what these are like.
Conscience time: Their website was really vague. Some sources say they have been bought by Proctor and Gamble, who do test on animals.
Summary: This month's BB lived up admirably to the rigours of recent box craziness. Some of the products I was very happy to have (A'kin Cleanser; Bobbi Brown mascara) and I didn't hate any of them. There was a good combination of skin care, makeup and hair products. Getting more than one sample in a couple of the categories added to the overall goodness. The value of the box was on the high end. My only concern is that- just like last month - the products weren't cushioned in the box and were rattling around inside. However, overall I liked this box.
Total Value: $80.98. Cost of Box: $14.95. Benefit: $66.03.
Rating: 8/10
