October's Dreamy Days collaboration between Rare Beauty and The Natural Beauty Box proved to be incredibly popular - so popular in fact that it sold out well before the end of the subscription period!  With British natural beauty brands like Myroo, Freyaluna, Soap Folk, Oilixia, and Bloom Remedies involved, it was no wonder the boxes went flying off the shelves (or at least the virtual shelves!) -- these female founded brands are much loved, and for good reason!


Rare Beauty, one of my Christmas Guide retailer picks this year, is an online shop out to make a difference -- unlike the middle aged males who rule the top eight most influencial global beauty businesses, the brands represented on Rare Beauty are all led by women powerful in their own right.  That's right, from Corinne, the founder of Rare Beauty, and the business owners of the featured products to the "Rare Residents," each person involved in this luxurious ethical online shop is a lady boss, pure and simple.  Their goal is to initiate a change in the beauty scene, and according to Rare Beauty, "buying their products and investing in them you are enabling this change to happen."

This month's edit from The Natural Beauty Box and Rare Beauty included five products from five of the current twelve brands available from the online retailer -- three full size, one deluxe item, and one try me bottle.  Worth over £65, this box promised a range of 'dreamy' formulas with ingredients that are calming, restoring, and soothing.  And after testing each over the last few weeks, I have to say that each product was perfectly chosen to fit the theme as well as the changing weather.  I can rest easy knowing my skin, hair, and senses are all nourished and ready to take on the long cold winter!


Myroo Om Oil (85g):

One of my Best Natural Beauty Brands to Gift This Year picks, Myroo is a brand ideal for anyone who suffers from skin sensitivities or conditions like eczema and psoriasis.  This organic business was founded by the lovely Rachael, and is the UK's first totally free from skincare range, meaning their formulations do not contain any of the 14 food allergens or the 26 cosmetic allergens.  Each product has a Fragrance Free version ideal for those with allergies or suffer from sensitive skin, and a naturally scented option for those wanting a gentle aroma.  Om Oil is one of the latter, and utilizes herbs and botanicals like vetivert, marjoram, may chang, coriander, ginger, lime, and rosemary.


This (full size!) multi-purpose oil can be used for bath, body, or massage, making it an immediate favourite with me!  Of course you can use most oils in a variety of ways, but when a product is created with this intention from the start, the formula tends to be even more effective in my experience.  For example, Myroo's blend is more of a dry oil, making it perfect for those who do not like to wait ages for their products to absorb into the skin.  Within five seconds you are left with a moisture boost (thanks to vitamin rich rosehip and protecting jojoba) without any slick residue.  It sinks right in and leaves your body feeling super soft -- this is partially why I love using this after shaving, as it really helps prevent any irritation and helps keep my legs all the smoother.

Use a tad bit more of the Om Oil and you have the perfect consistency for an effortless and glossy massage!  The warming essential oils target sore muscles, meaning you will be left totally relaxed and ready to take on the next challenge after a gentle rubdown.  And if you decide a hot bath is more your style, no worries -- Myroo's oil is seriously stunning when things get steamy!  The Om Oil partially disperses in the water, and when you get out you can feel the product settling on your skin -- then a few minutes later it has sunk in and you are left glowing from head to toe.  Plus, the aroma fills the room and the calming properties really work their magic as you breathe in and out during your soak and after you get out of the tub to dry off.

That might actually be one of my favourite things about this expert blend -- it is effective for both soothing muscles and the mind, making it perfect to use post-workout or at the end of a long hard day.  Vetivert in particular is an excellent oil for those suffering from stress or anxiety, and I have noticed that my nerves are almost immediately settled after breathing in Myroo's product.  So if you are worried or overwhelmed, consider giving the Om Oil a go as an aromatherapy treatment -- it should help center you in no time!

Ingredients: Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Rosa Rubiginosa (Rose Hip) Seed Oil, Vetiveria Zizanoides (Vetivert) Root Oil, Origanum Majorana (Marjoram) Leaf Oil, Coriandrum Sativum (Seed) Oil, Litsea Cubeba (May Chang) Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Oil Distilled, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil, Rosmarinus (Rosemary) Officinalis Extract, Geraniol*, Limonene*, Linalool*, Citral*, Citronellol*


Soap Folk Lavender & Oatmilk Soap (115g):

Based in Gloucestershire, Soap Folk was created by Fiona after a call for local soap makers was made by an independent boutique.  She went from making products for her loved ones, to creating sought after ethical soaps that created quite the buzz with the likes of Country Living and Homes & Antiques.  Soap Folk are now available in both physical shops and with online retailers like Rare Beauty, and I am so pleased to have discovered them in this collaboration collection with The Natural Beauty Box!

Made in small batches, these soaps are certified organic by the Soil Association, are free from palm oil, and are vegan friendly.  Not only that, but they are entirely free from plastic packaging!  The beautifully designed paper wrap is "hand stamped and hand wrapped in FSC certified paper printed using non toxic vegetable inks."  For those looking for a product that is kind to the planet both in terms of ingredients and the item as a whole, Soap Folk are a great brand to check out.



I received a full size bar of the Lavender & Oatmilk variety, and I have to say that even before I pushed away the tissue paper inside my edit of The Natural Beauty Box, I could smell the essential oils.  As much as I adore lavender, I am not usually super keen on lavender soaps, but in this case I absolutely love it!  The scent lingered around the box for quite some time, and it is somehow both subtle and potent all at once, and even without lathering it up I could feel the powerful effects of the essential oil working to calm my mind.  Just imagine a mini-therapy session every time you use this, as that is what it feels like!

Soap Folk says that they "don’t use colourants, synthetic and nature identical perfumes, detergents, hardeners, synthetic foam boosters in our soaps. We prefer to let the natural qualities of the oils and butters shine through."  And that really is noticeable even on first use -- the soap itself is not drying at all, as the ingredients work to nourish and hydrate the skin.  Perfect for this cold weather!

Ingredients: Sodium Olivate, Sodium Cocoate, Sodium Shea Butterate, Sodium Sunflowerseedate, Aqua, Glycerin, Sodium Castorate, Sodium Cocoa Butterate, Avena Sativa Bran, Lavandula Hybrida Herb Oil. Naturally occuring allergens: d-Limonene, Linalol. Palm Oil Free

Bloom Remedies Serenity Slumber Hand & Body Wash (100ml):

Bloom Remedies, founded by Marie, is another brand I have tried previously and really enjoyed -- I got their Natural Toner with Orange Blossom, Geranium, and Rose Water and loved how gentle the formula was.  So when I saw the Dreamy Days collection from The Natural Beauty Box included a mini version of the Serenity Slumber Hand and Body Wash, I knew I was in for another treat!  The slogan for this Cornwall based beauty brand is "traditional alchemy meets aromatherapy," and once you have a chance to experience one of their products you will understand why.



Unlike soaps on the high street, Bloom Remedies' Serenity Slumber does not lather up, but don't let that dissuade your from trying this product.  Castille soap is a a vegetable based soap that contains olive oil and other 100% natural ingredients.  They are free from chemical detergents, artificial foaming agents such as SLS, synthetic colours and fragrances, petrochemicals, and harsh antibacterial agents like triclosan, making it gentle on the environment and on the skin.   So this all natural formula cleans thoroughly without posing any threats to your health or environment!

While castille soaps can feel a bit drying on the skin, I have not experienced this sensation or result with Bloom Remedies creation as of yet.   The Serenity Slumber Hand and Body Wash contains ylang ylang and geranium which are just so calming and bring a host of benefits for the skin.  Ylang ylang has antimicrobial properties and can help soothe irritations, and geranium can be fantastic for those with dermatitis or eczema.  And with this soap containing no harsh ingredients, the hands and body can truly benefit from the mild formula.

If this organic soap did not smell so incredible, I probably would have been a little underwhelmed by the addition of another soap to be totally honest.  There is a soap bar included in October's collection already, and last month's collaboration with Ana contained a liquid castille soap as well.  However, after just the first whiff of the Serenity Slumber Hand and Body Wash I couldn't help but be happy to be able to try such a lovely product.  It is so aromatic and when you wash your hands in the sink or body in the shower, the steam really brings out the gorgeous scent and provides a simple aromatherapy treatment without any extra planning.  I will just have to figure out some clever ways to use all these soaps up!  Any more ideas?

Ingredients: Aqua, Potassium cocoate*(from coconut oil), Potassium Oleate*(from olive oil), Glycerin, Citrus sinensis peel oil expressed*, Pelargonium graveolens oil*, Cananga odorata flower oil, Pogostemon cablin oil*, Cedrus atlantica wood oil*, Lavandula angustifolia oil*, Potassium citrate, Citric acid. *Organic ingredients


Oilixia Gummy Facial Cleanser (75ml):

Oilixia is one of the newest additions to the Rare Beauty shop, and when I first saw the reveal I was so intrigued.  One of the "Rare Residents" describes this Gummy Facial Cleanser as "witchcraft and I will consider worshipping it under the next full moon," and after reading a claim like that I knew I just had to test out the product for myself!

Founded by uber-traveller Alexandra, Oilixia utilizes many of the raw materials and extracts she discovered during her adventures around the world.  One such ingredient is kakadu plum, a flowering plant that contains the best natural source of antioxidant vitamin C, and the star of the show in the Gummy Facial Cleanser.  Primarily found in Northern Australia, this ingredient has been used for centuries in skincare products because of its ability to provide a natural glow and its anti-aging properties.  Perhaps this is the answer to that 'witchcraft' mentioned?



All I know is that Oilixia's Gummy Facial Cleanser is unlike ANY other cleansing product I have come across.  It doesn't have much of a smell, but the feel is so unique and memorable.  When applied to dry skin, the formula does genuinely create what can only be described as a 'gummy' texture.  When you first put it on the cleanser has a semi-thick viscosity and reminds me of something we made when I was in pre-school (in a good way!).  Over 10-15 seconds it slowly becomes sticky, almost like a paste, and that is how you know it is ready to rinse.  Once you add water it starts to go a bit milky and washes off without any issue, and your skin will feel squeaky clean!  

And even more amazing is that this Oilixia Gummy Facial Cleanser is actually an effective multi-purpose product!  Not only does it cleanse effectively and leave the skin soft, smooth, and clear, it can be used as a chemical exfoliant/face mask that can help create a truly glowing complexion.  That is due to the incredible kakadu plum once again, with its natural source of phenolic acids.  This plant-powered treatment works to renew and refresh the top surface cells of the face, which in turn can help with the skin's overall health.  I mean, what more can you want from a cleanser??

Oilixia's Gummy Cleanser is one of those products where all I can think is how??  How was this made?  How is this possible??  However Alexandra achieved this, I have to say I am well impressed by the consistency of the cleanser and how gentle it actually was on my skin.

My only downside in terms of this product is that it comes in a plastic bottle rather than glass or aluminium.  I do hope this changes in the future, as that would make the Gummy Facial Cleanser all the more tempting to keep buying over and over again.

Ingredients: Glycerin**, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil*, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Almond) Oil*, Aqua*, Macadamia Ternifolia (Macadamia) Seed Oil*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Cocamidopropyl Betaine**, Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu) Plum Extract*, Sucrose Laurate**, Caryodendron Orinocense (Kahai / Cacay) Seed Oil*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Xanthan Gum**, Glyceryl Behenate**, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice Powder*, Eucalyptus Globulas (Eucalyptus) Oil*, Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Flower Oil*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil*, Phytic Acid**, Gluconolactone**, Sodium Benzoate**, Calcium Gluconate**, Limonene+, Linalool+
*Natural **Natural Origin + Occurs naturally in essential oils

Freyaluna Geranium & Ylang Ylang Gentle Shampoo (30ml):

Once more I am pleased to be able to revist a brand I discovered previously -- Freyaluna.  Founded by the fabulous Sami, Freyaluna is all about taking the time to take care of yourself.  From haircare to skincare, each of the products within the range aims to provide real results without the addition of any nasty or potentially harmful ingredients.

I have used both their hair oil and their skin salve in the past, and I have been so impressed by both,  so the addition of this try-me-size bottle of their Geranium & Ylang Ylang Gentle Shampoo was very much welcomed.  I knew this would be something special even before I tried it out!  And you know what?  I was right.


The shampoo leaves my scalp feeling so clean, almost like I used a clarifying treatment, and my hair looks incredibly shiny and smooth.  Like, so shiny and smooth that I felt like I had gone to a professional salon or something!  You don't have to use much to get a nice lather going, so even this small sample bottle should last me a good long while.  Plus, I love that some of the oils (like chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm) in the formula are meant to help promote healthy sebum production, regulate dandruff and grease, and prompt hair growth -- literally everything one could ask for in a shampoo!

I mentioned that this Gentle Shampoo from Freyaluna almost felt like a clarifying treatment, and that is something I want to touch on briefly -- the formula, while not drying, does contain alcohol, something you can tell right off the bat when you uncork the top to smell the product.  Under the mouthwatering scent of ylang ylang, geranium, and lavender you get an astringent hit that (according to Tim) is reminiscent of an upmarket gin.  Because of this, I don't think I would make this shampoo my "everyday" hair product (although I only wash my hair twice a week usually, so my "everyweek" product is more accurate).  I might actually replace my current clarifying treatment with Freyaluna's formula, as it really does feel fantastic and make my hair look super healthy.  I just worry that my sensitive scalp and already dry hair would struggle if I incorporated this into a more regular routine.

That being said, I really have been impressed by Freyaluna's Gentle Shampoo, and I definitely will be looking to try even more of Sami's range in the future -- they are just too good to pass on!

Ingredients: Aqua, Mipa laureth sulphate, Cocoamidopropyl betaine, Decyl glucoside, Matricaria rucutita (chamomile) extract, Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) extract, Olive Oil PEG – 10 Esters, Guar hydroxy propyltrimonium chloride, essential oils of Lavandula angustifolia (lavender), Pelargonium graveolens (geranium), Cananga odorata (ylang-ylang), Benzyl alcohol, Salicylic acid, Glycerine, Sorbic acid.






Overall I was really happy with this collaboration between The Natural Beauty Box and Rare Beauty.  The products included in the Dreamy Days edit were really fitting of the theme I thought, especially in terms of therapeutic effects -- with essential oils like lavender, geranium, ylang ylang, chamomile, and vetivert, one cannot help but be calmed and ready to drift off to a restful night's dreams.  But what I loved most about this collection was the showcasing of brilliant female entrepreneurs.  Every single one of these brands was the brainchild of a passionate woman, and the fact that we can celebrate these lady bosses is just incredible in my opinion!

I would love to hear what each of you eco-beauties thought of October's subscription box -- do you have a favourite brand or product from the Dreamy Days edit?  And will you be browsing more of Rare Beauty's female founded natural beauty brands using your exclusive discount code from the box?  What are you hoping to check out next??  So many questions, I know - but I am genuinely curious!  Let me know in the comments below and we can have a chat!

If you missed this sold out collaboration, be sure to be quick and subscribe soon so you can grab the November edit -- the theme will be Winter Skin Saviours and there are already some fantastic reveals up on The Natural Beauty Box social pages!  And if you are a new subscriber, you can even grab 10% off your first month by using my link here.  Would love to hear if you end up joining the natural beauty club!