If you have not heard of The Natural Beauty Box yet (or if you have missed my many reviews of this fab UK business), definitely take a minute to check out this AMAZING ethical subscription service -- this is one that never disappoints! 

"Each month there is a new theme with eco-friendly co-ordinated packaging to match and products will always be worth over £50." But there is SO much more to The Natural Beauty Box. Every single item is chosen for its quality, so you can be guaranteed that what you receive is luxurious and effective, and the contents are always from eco-luxe British brands. Cruelty free, vegan, and all natural, these goodies are treats that are guilt free and deliver the perfect pamper.


This month's collection revolves around Quench and Glow, so every product works to "hydrate your skin to keep that youthful glow going from Summer to Autumn."  The August box contains six main items and two bonus samples: a cleanser, facial mist, face mask, body scrub, bath tea, and multi-purpose oil, and two serums.  As always, the representation of brands is above and beyond -- of the six included in this collection, I have only ever tried two!  No other box brings as many wonderful surprises as The Natural Beauty Box, and I love knowing I will always discover something new whenever the new edition lands at my door.


Nakin Natural Anti-aging Advanced Cleansing Milk:

I am not a newbie to Nakin, as I was lucky enough to try their Lip Treatment Balm back in May when I shopped the Rare Beauty launch.  This eco-friendly business was actually nominated for Best New British Brand at the Pure Beauty Awards 2017, and when you get a chance to test out their range you can see why.  Experts in anti-aging, the brand was born from founder Cris' dream to provide effective products without any added nasties: "Nakin was born to enhance skin and smooth away signs of ageing, using the best natural ingredients available. My ideal is to look and feel amazing, so I developed Nakin to give age defying results."  


While I am not yet in need of anti-aging products, I love that Nakin's Advanced Cleansing Milk is not just for mature skin.  The combination of grape seed oil and olive oil with pomegranate, rosemary, and seaweed extracts make for a rich lotion-like cleanser that glides smoothly across the skin and rinses off easily leaving skin soft, smooth, and totally refreshed.  The formula feels so gentle, so it perfect for sensitive or dry skin, something that will certainly come in handy as the weather turns colder once again.  

The ingredients work together to provide a deep clean and not only removes makeup (yes, even mascara!) but all impurities and pollutants that built up over the coarse of the day.  I was a little worried the formula would end up being too thick for me and lead to congestion, but so far I have not had any trouble.  I use only a tiny bit, as that is enough to fully cover my whole face, then use my muslin cloth to work the product around while giving a bit of an exfoliation, then rinse it all off.  The cleanser does leave some of the moisturizing oils behind, so if you do have acne prone skin I suggest either skipping the facial oil when using this and opting for a lighter product instead, or waiting a few minutes and then wiping the excess product off with a few spritzes of a floral water on a reusable cotton round.  

Overall I am loving Nakin's Advanced Cleansing Milk -- I think the price is excellent for such a large size (150ml) and I really like the consistency of the product.  It is hard to find a vegan-friendly 'milk' cleanser, and this one is so good that I feel like I do not have to ever look for another.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Isopropyl Myristate, Benzyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Sodium Hyaluronate, Parfum/Fragrance (Natural), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Dehydroacetic Acid, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Extract, Laminaria Japonica (Seaweed) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate. 98% Natural


Bespoke Aroma Peppermint Facial Mist and Uplifting Bath Tea Infusion:

Based in Windemere, Bespoke Aroma creates a variety of skincare goodies using 100% natural essential oils.  From their creams to pillow mists, everything in the range uses only well-researched ingredients and is created to nurture and help with all different skin conditions.

I have to say I was way too excited about this Peppermint Facial Mist -- it combines two things I LOVE, so can you blame me??  Peppermint is one of my absolute favourite scents as I just find it so refreshing and energizing and downright uplifting.  And as you might remember from my 8 Ways Clean Living Helps My ADHD post, I live for facial mists and sprays. Between the shock of the cool refreshing sensation and the soothing scent of the mist, I find my brain can immediately re-focus and I can get on with whatever task is at hand. 

This summer I have also found facial mists ideal for popping into my bag and carrying around for if I get too warm or just need an energy boost.  I always have a bottle when I am out and about, and it has been one of my summer essentials this year. 

Bespoke Aroma's Peppermint Facial Mist combines the benefits of both of my favourites and delivers the perfect tag team of hydration and a restorative cooling power.

While the bottle itself is smaller than I am used to (30ml), you only need one spritz to get the full effect so it should last a fair while.  I do hope they consider making a larger size in the future, as that is something I would buy in a heartbeat.  One thing I really love about this product is that the spray is evenly dispersed, as there is nothing worse than a mist that squirts out in one powerful line and hits you square in the face.  I like a soft and gentle application for floral and herbal waters, so Bespoke Aroma has definitely won me over.  

The bath tea is something I was not entirely new to, but it is something I have not used often so I was excited to see inside the August collection.  Bespoke Aroma offers six varieties: Hard Working Bodies, Moisture Shot, Relaxing, Skin Tonic, Soothing, and the one I received, Uplifting.  Each is made with plant botanicals and essential oils and expertly blended to address the needs of both body and mind.  

Word of warning -- open this up either over the bath or over a countertop that can be easily wiped down, as little bits of powdery residue will poof out when you open the zip lock bag and go to remove the tea bag from the pouch.  And even though I wasn't super keen on the extra plastic, I have to admit it did a brilliant job at keeping the fragrance fresh -- you open the baggie and you are hit with an amazing mix of zesty grapefruit and lemon, invigorating peppermint, and complex rosemary.  It's seriously stimulating and I have never smelled anything quite like it!

The product is inside what is essentially an extra large tea bag made of a flannel material, and this can be used as a flannel while you soak after the tea has infused into the bath.  It is super easy to use, as you just pop it under the running water and once the tub is full you are all set to go.  I found that the water turns into a type of tonic, so if you use a shampoo bar or use the oil conditioning method on your hair it might be worthwhile scooping out some of the water into a separate jug to use as a rinse when you have finished your bath.  It does a fantastic job at removing the extra oils and leaving your locks super smooth and shiny without any residue.

I was surprised to find that this is only a single use product, though if you have the resources on hand it would be pretty easy to refill the pouch with your own blend.  Maybe even the Villiers Floral Steam if you have any left from April's box!  

Mist Ingredients: mentha piperita (peppermint) floral water & essential oil. Allergens found naturally occurring in essential oil: limonene, linalool.

Tea Ingredients: Avena sativa (oat) kernel meal, sodium chloride (dead sea salts), cymbopogon schoenanthus (lemongrass), menthe piperita (peppermint) leaves, rosmainus officialis (rosemary) leaves,citrus x paradise (grapefruit) oil, menthe piperita (peppermint ) oil . Allergen naturally occurring in essential oils: limonene.Allergen naturally occurring in essential oils: limonene


Buff NUIT Warming & Relaxing Sea Salt Body Scrub:

I first heard of Buff last year, but I have not actually had a chance to try out any of their products yet.  So when I saw that the August Quench & Glow edition of The Natural Beauty Box included a full size body scrub from this British eco-luxe brand I was over the moon! 



Buff is a cruelty free, vegan, all natural skincare company that prides itself on creating products in 99% plastic free and 100% recyclable packaging.  Their founder, Jo, is an aromatherapist who uses her years of experience to produce expertly blended formulas that capture unique scents and provide incredible skin benefits.  NUIT is one of these creations.

Packed with warm and cozy essential oils, NUIT is a "great gift for someone who enjoys getting cosy and relaxing in the evenings, especially during these colder months."  The scent really does bring up memories of sitting near the fireplace on a snowy night, and is very woody, spicy, and earthy with just a hint of light floral notes.  I have a feeling this will be a fast favourite when the weather truly changes.

What's more, this green goody is actually much more than the average scrub.  All of Buff's Sea Salt Body Scrubs are actually 3-in-1 multi-taskers!  Thanks to the high coconut oil content, this little jar can work effectively as a body exfoliant, bath soak, or rich body moisturizer.  Perfect for the skin during the changing seasons!

Like I mentioned, this scrub has a much higher oil content than most, so do not be surprised if your pot 'melts' -- just stir it up and pop it in the refrigerator for fifteen minutes and it will be back to normal and as good as new.  However, if you want to use this as a body moisturizer it might actually be easiest to apply when it is a bit more liquid.  Just experiment and see what works best for you -- the fact that this formula is so versatile is the best thing about this body scrub!

Ingredients: 100% natural and lovingly handmade with Certified Organic Coconut Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Hand Harvested Sea Salt and a blend of Essential Oils of Bergamot, Ginger, Palma Rosa, Patchouli and sensual Sandalwood.


CHOBS Collagen Mask:

This is another brand I am familiar with, as I have received one of their face masks in a previous subscription box as well as purchased them on my own.  I now actually have pretty much the whole sheet mask collection (there are five varieties!) and have loved each and every one so far.

CHOBS is a South Korean brand (woah, getting international here!) that is COSMOS certified.  They create organic and natural cosmetics that are halal as well as vegan and cruelty free, and have a wide range to choose from.

I had been searching for an all natural sheet mask for a while, so when I discovered CHOBS I was thrilled -- not only are the ingredients clean, but the material of the mask itself is made from sustainably sourced pure natural tencel, a substance made from wood pulp.

The Collagen mask is ideal for anyone looking to increase their skin's elasticity or add an extra boost of plumpness.  Collagen, the substance that holds our bodies together, provides strength, firmness, and suppleness to the skin, and this sheet mask works to temporarily improve these qualities.  Added rosemary, matricaria, aloe, and lichen extracts also work to brighten skin tone and add hydration, making this mask a great all-around treatment.

For anyone who has never used a sheet mask before (or for any of you eco-lovelies who haven't been so keen on them) I highly recommend ripping off the upper lip piece of the sheet -- the mask will fit better and feel much more comfortable once you have done this!  Also, after you are finished with your 10-20 minute masking session you can use the extra solution in the packaging as a serum later in the day.  Keep that packet handy so you can get a second dose of the plant-based goodness!

Ingredients: Aqua, *Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Water, Collagen Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Usnea Barbata Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, *Chamomilla Recutita Flower Water, *Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Xanthan Gum, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Propanediol, Malt Extract, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Polygonatum Multiflorum Rhizome/Root Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Morus Bombycis Leaf Extract * : Organic Ingredients / 100% natural origin of total (by COSMOS-standard)


Divine & Handmade Pure Hazelnut Oil:

The last of the full size products is from Divine & Handmade, a London based beauty brand that has a firm stance against palm oil and is very upfront about all aspects of the business.

Natalia, the brand's founder, writes "Divine And Handmade is a small team, we all love nature and believe that a holistic, plant-based lifestyle is the key to optimal wellness. Every one of our products is inspired by nature, and every ingredient that we include in our products is there for a specific, therapeutic reason."  Not only that, but every product is handmade and created in small batches to ensure each bottle is of the highest possible quality.


I have been incredibly impressed with my first experience with Divine & Handmade, as they have created something I have never encountered before -- hazelnut facial oil.  As you eco-beauties know, I am a bit of a face oil junkie so I have tried out more than my fair share of formulas, but never once have I seen anything like this.

The oil itself is a light yellow in colour and has a very light nutty smell (barely perceptible, so don't worry about being overwhelmed by the fragrance!).  Like the product promises, it absorbs into skin really quickly and does not leave a greasy feel.  Instead, you are left soft and smooth and with a very healthy glow.

Hazelnut is rich in vitamins E and A as well as antioxidants, meaning it can work to regenerate the tissue, tone complexion, rebuild moisture levels, and boost the protective layer of the skin.  Over time, hazelnut oil can help eliminate acne as well as make the skin look and feel more firm and elastic.  And while the product itself says it is a facial oil, it is actually a total multi-tasker that is suitable for face, hair, and body. It can even help manage split ends - talk about a miracle worker!

So far I have used Divine & Handmade's hazelnut oil as a facial moisturizer at night and in the bath, both of which have been fabulous.  However, the uses are as many as you can think up -- cleanser, carrier oil, hair styling, lip treatment... Whatever you fancy, I am sure you can try it and get brilliant results!

Ingredients: Corylus avellana (Hazelnut) Seed Oil


Twelve Beauty Serum Sample Sachets: 

I only recently discovered Twelve Beauty, but as soon as I read up on this London based organic brand I was sold.  Created by Pedro, the Twelve Beauty genius "fuses his scientific knowledge in pharmacy, botany and cosmetology with 20 years of expertise in plants and herbology into a unique approach for modern urban skincare."  Each of the nine products on offer uses only eco-approved ingredients, meaning no parabens, petrochemicals, sulphates, glycols, silicones, or other nasties.  Plus, any ingredients that are known to have a sensitizing effect (yes, natural ingredients can do that too!) have been nixed.  

There were two samples included in the Quench & Glow collection: an Ideal Moisture Level Serum (1ml) and an Ideal Brightening Corrective Serum (1ml).  Both full size products come in a 30ml size glass bottle, so while the sample is quite small, it is also pretty generous considering.  Plus, in my experience serum samples do indeed last a little longer, so each packet should provide a few uses each.  

The Ideal Moisture Level Serum "combats damaging effects of adverse weather conditions, central heating and air conditioning" while also providing elasticity and moisture.  The Ideal Brightening Corrective Serum still works to provide moisture, but its main task is to "counteract the deposits of melanin and to give a boost of healthy radiance to dull skin even for those with sensitive skin.”  This formula reduces the appearance of dark spots and acne scars and illuminates and corrects uneven skin tone.  Both bring so many positive qualities to the table, I am so happy to get to try both!

I have not yet used these sachets, as I like to keep little trials like this for when I travel (they fit so easily in your carry on!), but I am already looking forward to seeing how they work.  According to Twelve Beauty's survey, 92% of men and women who tested their formulas stated their skin looked more firm, smooth, and clear after just four weeks of use.  Now that is what I call results!



The August Quench & Glow edition of The Natural Beauty Box just serves as another example of how Emma ups the game every single month.  I am always lost for words when I first open this subscription box and this time was no different.  The box was packed beautifully, and I was so happy to discover so many new brands and green goodies.  

This month's collection is worth £50.70, meaning as a subscriber you have saved over £25 on these six full size ethical skincare treats.  The Natural Beauty Box delivers exceptional value as well as incredibly high quality, and not once have I been unhappy with the contents.  This is one box I won't be cancelling anytime soon (or ever!).

So what did you lovelies think of the August box??  Did you have a favourite product, or were you as swept away with everything as I was?  

And if you are looking into subscribing, be sure to do so before the edition sells out.  Each month there is more and more interest and the boxes sell out pretty fast!  Don't worry though, you will have time to see a few spoilers of the upcoming theme over on The Natural Beauty Box's Instagram account before you have to decide if you are still a little unsure.  But when you are ready, remember to use this link to grab 10% off your first box!