The Love Lula Beauty Box arrived earlier this month, and it includes everything you need to start getting your skin summer ready.  May's edit of this cruelty free subscription brings a collection of self care goodies for your body but also a few for your senses too - plus it features a brand new to the Love Lula fam and not seen before in these boxes, something that is always sure to excite customers!

Worth a whopping £67, the May beauty box contains five products, only one of which is a sample.  Brands include Seascape, Joik, and Madara, all of which have featured several times (or in the case of Madara pretty much every other box), along with Vestige Verdant and Ayuni which are both new faces for the subscription.

I have to admit, this edit both left me feeling a range of emotions.  There were moments of happiness as I definitely found a few items that I'm loving and am super thrilled about, but there was also disappointment and a bit of hesitation regarding one formulation I am still unsure about -- so be sure to give me your thoughts in the comments after you've read through my thoughts!

Overall, the variety of products is great - subscribers have been treated to two face masks, a tinted lip balm, a body exfoliant, and a hand lotion, making this a fab mix of items.  I love that we have gotten summer prep goodies, as they are perfect for the upcoming sunshine and warm days.  These will all come in handy for the bulk of subscribers, and the energy was definitely there over on the Facebook group.

But what about my reactions?  What items did I love and which was I not so keen on?  Well...



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Gifted product - this subscription was gifted as part of the LLABP

No matter how I have received a product, whether it has been purchased with my own money, gifted by a brand, been subsidized by a brand, won, gifted by friends/family, or purchased with a gift voucher, my approach is always the same -- honesty, integrity, and highlighting both the good and the bad.  You can find more information on Disclosures and Privacy here.



Madara Re:Gene Volume Rebuild Lifting Mask (60ml/£35):
This vegan friendly face mask is not only crafted from 99% natural origin ingredients, but is also 81% organic, so of course I was excited to try it out!  Madara is one of those brands that delivers results time and time again, but for some reason I feel it is underrated by many.  Maybe it is because their products don't have aromatic scents, or because Love Lula Beauty Box subscribers have been spoiled by so many of their formulations...  Whatever the reason, it doesn't stop me from being intrigued by another item in their range!


The Re:Gene mask is part of the "Time Miracle" range, and as such is designed to offer a "non-invasive treatment" that delivers plumping and lifting effects along with reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  Now, I have pretty young skin still, so these are not areas I am particularly looking to target, but after giving it some thought I actually realized this could be a brilliant mask to use before special events where I want to look my best.  Why?  Well, the blend of firming amino acids and revitalizing birch water help sculpt the face, something that will help you look super smooth and all the more youthful.

This mask promises a contouring treatment in a bottle, and since I am dreadful at makeup contouring I find this much more appealing.  I mean, if I can just pop a mask on for 15 minutes or so and have a similar effect to what I could achieve with two hours of shoddy makeup, then I'm all for it!  Madara even conducted studies to prove results, and volunteers reported some pretty stellar stuff.  83% experienced an increase in cheek volume, whereas 39% evidenced a reduction in deep wrinkles.  Impressive, yeah?

I admit I am still not loving the scent here, as it is just so bland, but the mask itself is pretty neat.  It has a silvery purple tint to it, and I found it very gentle on my skin.  It did not feel drying at all, but rather offered a moisture boost to my face.  It has a cream-like texture, not super thick or sticky, and very relaxing to use since you don't have to worry about continuously spritzing or about the mask slipping down your face.  I also found it very easy to wash off which is a huge plus for me since I hate anything that is a faff to remove.  One thing I have to say is I don't really have any wrinkles or "sagging" areas so it's hard to say how effective it is for that, but I found my skin definitely looked fuller and was glowing afterwards.  Tim has more mature skin than I do though, so I will do some tests on him soon and will report back!

Ingredients: Betula Alba (Birch) Juice*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Hydrogenated Macadamia Seed Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter*, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Extract*, Isoamyl Laurate, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Blueberry) Fruit Extract*, Trifolium Pratense (Red Clover) Flower Extract*, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract*, Alchemilla Vulgaris (Lady’s Mantle) Extract*, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Extract*, Galium Verum (Bedstraw) Extract*, Sodium Levulinate, CI 77019 (Mica)**, CI 77891 (Titanium dioxide)**, CI 77491 (Iron oxide)**, Cellulose, Aqua/Water, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Anisate, Stearic Acid, Lactic Acid, Palmitoyl Isoleucine, Xanthan Gum, Charcoal Powder, Aroma/Fragrance, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Betaine, Sodium PCA, Sodium Phytate

Further Recommendations:
I have tried a LOT of Madara products thanks to Love Lula.  You can find my thoughts on various formulas by clicking the "Madara" tag at the bottom of this post if you are interested in reading more about the brand and what they offer.  One of my stand outs is the Active AHA Brightening Peel Mask, and also the Smart Antioxidants range which works amazing on drier and more mature skin types.


Ayumi Sandalwood & Ylang Ylang Body Scrub (200ml/£6.99):
Okay, so this is the product that caused me to really think through ingredients and put on my thinking cap.  I personally avoid most sulfates with only a few exceptions, so when I saw the Ayumi scrub contained ALS (ammonium lauryl sulfate) I was pretty hesitant to commit to using this.  My skin has been so much better (less irritated, less dry) since reducing the amount of surfactants I am exposed to, but I also know that ALS is meant to be fairly gentle.  Since the molecules are bigger than those in SLS, less product is able to penetrate the outer layer of skin, meaning any potential health effects are also reduced.

After seeing everyone raving about the scent of this in the LL Facebook group, I decided to bite the bullet and just give it a go.  And guess what... I am pretty glad I did!


The aroma is not quite what I was expecting, as ylang ylang tends to be on the sweeter side with fruity elements, whereas Ayumi's body scrub is spicier, woody and warming.  There are juicy notes hiding in the background, making this scent fuller and complex - definitely a soothing sensation for the mind when the steam starts to fill up the room.

The scrub itself is the perfect grain - not too scratchy or harsh, but with enough to it to effectively buff away dead cells and leave you feeling smooth and fresh.  And luckily I have found this is a non-drying formula, so my bdoy isn't left itchy or tight after my shower.  Instead, I can just enjoy newly exfoliated skin that is cleansed and rejuvenated.

Will I be embracing ALS with open arms now?  No, but I am definitely more open to giving a product a chance as long as all the other ingredients are acceptable!  And Ayumi most definitely fits the bill.  Thoughts??

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Pumice, Acrylates Copolymer, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Glucoside, Parfum (Fragrance Essential Oil blend), Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Seed Powder, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Santalum Spicatum (Sandalwood) Wood Oil, Piper Nigrum (Black Pepper) Seed Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Jasminum Grandiflorum Flower Extract., Cinnamomum Zeylanicum (Cinnamon) Bark Extract, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone

Further Recommendations:
I haven't yet used anything else from the Ayumi range as I was not super into the ingredients.  And to be honest, many of them just don't suit my needs as they include harsh alcohols.  However, the pressed oils sound lovely and I am sure I will pick up a few when I need a top up!


Vestige Verdant Organic Peat Mask (50ml/£39):
I was excited to see Vestige Verdant featured in May's edit of the Love Lula Beauty Box, as this facial mask is such a delight to use.  I had a pot of this last year, and used every last drop - and my skin was all the better for it!  This face mask has all you need to detox, firm, and de-sensitize skin thanks to the sphagnum peat moss extract, and I was happy that others would get to test this deep cleansing formula for themselves.

Vestige Verdant was born after a decade of research, and they discovered that the purity of Nordic nature helps bring a fresh glow to the face.  Their Organic Peat Mask "will rid your skin of harmful ingredients, tighten your skin and smooth wrinkles and fine lines. It is designed to heal allergic and overly sensitive skin, boost blood circulation, decrease greasiness and acne and restore the natural pH level of healthy skin."


Plus, just look at that texture!  The consistency is incredibly smooth and glides on easily, and you only need to leave it for three minutes -- perfect for those of us who can't always find the time to mask!  It does begin to dry down, so be sure to spritz with a floral water to get the full benefits of the activated formula.  I find by keeping things moist, your skin isn't dried out but you still get that deep detoxifying treatment that draws out all the nasties from your pores.

I apply a thick coat at least once a week, and my skin always feels thoroughly cleansed and soft afterwards. It's especially good of you have any angry spots -- it calms them right down and reduces their appearance so quickly!

I was pretty impressed by this formula, can you tell?  And I was so sad when it was gone.  It's on my list to repurchase when my stash gets smaller, as I found it really helped soothe my skin and keep unwanted blemishes at bay.  Have you loved this one just as much as I have??

Ingredients: Sphagnum Peat Moss Extract, Aqua. Does not contain parabens, allergens or carcinogens. 100% Organic and Vegan

Further Recommendations:
I am intrigued by the Infinity Eye Serum, as it sounds pretty intensive. 


Seascape Island Apothecary Refresh Hand Lotion (300ml/£16):
We have seen Seascape in the Love Lula Beauty Box a few times before, and they have been well received by many subscribers in the past.  The Refresh Hand Lotion "contains 100% natural essential oils of Jersey Lavender to soothe and calm, Lemongrass to tone and refresh, Geranium to balance and cleanse the hands and natural Shea Butter to nourish and protect."

The hand lotion contains no silicones, petroleum, parabens, SLS, artificial colourings or synthetic fragrances.  Their aromas are inspired by the simplicity and natural charm of beautiful island living, and utilize ingredients that have been sourced from local producers on Jersey in the Channel Islands.  This is a UK brand through and through.


Sadly, unlike the Ayumi product where I decided ALS was safe enough for both environment and my health to try out, I just can't make the same concessions here.  Unfortunately the hand lotion from Seascape contains phenoxyethonal, a synthetic preservative I have ranted about many a time here on The ecoLogical.  This ingredient is a huge issue for me - it leaves my skin bright red, burning, and sensitized.  It's just not for me.  Plus I wasn't very happy to see the box covered in plastic wrap.  What's the point of that??

That being said, many people in the Facebook group seem to be loving this hand lotion, so it is yet another example that highlights how personal choice is everything.  Some people avoid essential oils.  Some people avoid synthetics.  Some people choose not to use palm oil (sustainably sourced or otherwise).  Everything is a personal choice based on personal rules and ethics and guidelines.  And that's okay!

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Stearic Acid, (a stabiliser derived from Palm Oil) Caprylic / Capric Triglyceride (an emollient sourced from Coconut Oil), Cetearyl Alcohol (an emollient sourced from Palm Oil), Glycerin (a skin conditioner derived from Rapeseed Oil), Triethanolamine (a synthetic ph adjuster), Phenoxyethanol (a synthetic preservative), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Limonene (a fragrance component naturally occurring in fruits and plants), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Linalool (a fragrance component naturally occurring in fruits and plants), Ethylhexylglycerin (a skin conditioner derived from glycerin), Citronellol (a fragrance component naturally occurring in fruits and plants), Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, Citral (a fragrance component naturally occurring in fruits and plants), Geraniol (a fragrance component naturally occurring in fruits and plants), Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Potassium Sorbate (a preservative in the form of salt derived from sorbic acid), Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Oil, Citric Acid (a ph adjuster derived from citrus fruit).

Further Recommendations:
I adore the Seascape Soothe Sleep Oil, and love the look of the Uplift Awake Oil too!


Joik Silky Lip Balm in Pastel Pink (7g/£6):
Okay, so some of you may be thinking - another lip balm???  But this is a whole different ballgame, as it is a tinted balm that offers a gorgeous natural tint to the lips.  Perfect for those who aren't keen on lipsticks but still want a little something extra.


"Silky lipbalm nurtures and nourishes lips with cocoa butter, babassu, avocado and jojoba oils, makes them silky smooth and gives a delicate pastel pink color and shine. This product contains only natural ingredients."

The colour is very subtle, more of a shimmer than a full tint, and it provides a great glow.  The balm is not super heavy or sticky at all, but sinks in well and gives a nice light moisturizing effect.  It feels great on the lips, and I love that is so natural.  It's the perfect addition for those days where I use only minimal makeup (let's admit it, that's most days!) but still want a bit of a pop!

I had the Joik Silky Lip Balm on my wishlist for a while, so I was very pleased to find it inside of May's box.  And I was even more excited to discover it was even better than I imagined!  This will become a purse staple for sure.  And for the price, it can't get much better.

Ingredients: Cera alba, orbignya oleifera seed oil, persea gratissima oil, ricinus commuunis seed oil, simmondsia chinensis seed oil, theobroma cacao seed butter, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499.

Further Recommendations:
There are a few Joik products that I enjoy, including the Energizing Bath Salts and the bath truffles.




Overall this month's Love Lula Beauty Box was a mixed bag, but one that ended up surprising me in the end.  I really enjoyed the products I can/will use, and actually found one that wowed me for such a budget friendly item.  And while the Seascape hand lotion isn't something I could use personally, the rest of the edit more than made up for that loss.  I'm impressed by the initial results from the Madara mask, and am finding the Ayumi scrub so grounding, and of course I was happy to have a wee bit more of the Vestige Verdant mask to use!

All in all, the May collection from Love Lula seems to be a hit among subscribers, especially seeing how much money was saved!

If you are interested in subscribing to the Love Lula Beauty Box, you can join at any point, but remember that if you sign up after the first of the month you will not receive that month's edit -- you will instead receive the next edition (so if you join in May, you get June).  You can choose from a month to month rolling subscription, or a pre-pay if you want a longer term option!


As always, let me know what you thought of this month's box in the comments down below.  Did you like the variety?  What was your favourite product included?  What are your personal thoughts on ALS??  I can't wait to see all your opinions! xx