Who else was head over heels for April's plastic free edit from The Natural Beauty Box??  The "Skin-Tritious" collection really blew me away, with five products with exceptional formulas and absolutely no wasteful or excess packaging!


If you have not heard of The Natural Beauty Box yet (or if you have not seen any of my many reviews!), definitely take a minute to check out this fab ethical subscription service -- this is one that never disappoints, and that's coming from someone who has been getting their boxes for well over a year now!

What is The Natural Beauty Box and what does it offer?  Well, "each month there is a new theme with eco-friendly co-ordinated packaging to match and products will always be worth over £50," plus every single item is chosen for its quality so you can be guaranteed that what you receive is luxurious and effective.  The contents are always from eco-luxe British brands, are cruelty free, vegan, and all natural, and these goodies are truly treats that are guilt free and deliver the perfect pamper!

April's box was an extra special edition, as it marked the launch of the plastic free quarterly boxes.  The Natural Beauty Box has decided to curate a totally plastic free collection every few months to help reduce the impact of packaging and address consumer concerns.

"Reducing plastic waste is very important to me and many of my subscribers, so from April onwards, every QUARTER, the box will be completely free from plastic.  Every little helps in battling the huge plastic pollution problem the world faces, and as more and more brands choose alternatives to plastic I'm sure we can improve on quarterly boxes in time." 

With a growing market for plastic free products, it can be overwhelming to navigate what is available.  Luckily for us, The Natural Beauty Box has hand selected some of the best green goodies out there and delivered them straight to our door!  Let's take a look at all the April box had to offer:


1] Love Absolute Deep Ocean Facial Mud Bar (120g/£15)
Love Absolute, founded by the lovely Sarah, is a brand that is vegan friendly, fully focused on sustainability, and prioritizes bee and bug friendly ingredients, and it has stolen my heart with all the fabulous formulations on offer.  I first tested their products when judging in 2019's BSL Awards, and was blown away by their Amoral Calm Blue Cleansing Balm.  So when I heard that April's edit of The Natural Beauty Box would be featuring not just one, but TWO products from Love Absolute I was over the moon.  I seriously couldn't wait to try out more of their creations!

The Deep Ocean Facial Mud Bar is absolutely beautiful to look at and use, and is totally different from what you're used to.  You may have seen plastic free cleansing bars before, but nothing quite like this.  With a unique shape that fits in the palm of your hand perfectly, Love Absolute's product is topped with natural wildflowers so it makes an impact from the very first moment you open the tin.


This 100% vegan cleanser is gentle, non drying, and packed full of super powered ingredients.  From sustainably harvested aquamarine sea clay that contains 60 rare earth minerals to blue chamomile with soothing azuline, every element has been picked to heal, balance, and boost skin health, and you can really feel that each time you use the Deep Ocean Facial Mud Bar.

"Blended carefully with U.K. grown blackcurrant seed oil, which contains a high percentage of gamma linolenic acid (Omega 6 essential fatty acid) and stearidonic acid (Omega 3 essential fatty acid) which help to keep the skin hydrated, firmer, and younger looking. The oil has approx 27-34% essential fatty acid content that supports skin health."

I found this bar worked great to wipe away the day's grime, and was a welcome addition as both a single wash or a second cleanse.  It smells lovely, delicately sweet and juicy with just a hint of herbal peace.  And unlike some other cleansing bars I have tried, it did not leave my face feeling tight or that stripped skin feeling.

I definitely needed a floral water spritz afterwards, but I basically need that no matter what cleanser I choose because our water is so so hard here.  The difference here is that there were no dry/flaky patches after use, and I found my skin felt refreshed and looked less red.  And, thanks to the addition of biodegradable Jojoba wax grains which provide an oh so gentle exfoliation treatment, this cleanser turns into a multi-tasker that leaves your face feeling softer too!

Overall I have really been enjoying the Deep Ocean Facial Mud Bar, and I expect it to last a long time since the product has barely shrunk down at all yet.  I like how easy to use it is, as I can choose to just swipe across my face or lather it up in the palms of my hands, and the fact that Love Absolute is dedicated to using only ethically sourced ingredients makes it even more fabulous!

Ingredients: Aqua *Glycerin **Sodium Palmate English Black Blackcurrant Fruit Oil Ribus Nigram Sucrose ***Sodium Cocoate **Decyl Glucoside *Aquamarine Ocean Glacial Clay (Pristine Sea Silt dry) Sodium Chloride Citric Acid *Helycrysum Essential Oil *Blue Chamomille Essential Oil ***Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder *** Sodium Citrate Sodium Palm Kernelate Jojoba wax exfoliation beads
* Organic  ** Manufactured from certified organic oils  *** Certified organic material

(p.s. did you know that many of the oils used in Love Absolute products are from Bee Friendly Association Registered Supplier, plus any palm derived ingredients are sourced from suppliers that are signed up to The Round Table for sustainable palm!)


2] Love Absolute Faux Lemon & Vit C Serum (15ml /£19)
Something I really adore about Love Absolute is how creative and fresh their creations are - they consistently make items with fun and fabulous colours, memorable scents, amazing textures, and brilliant results.  And I've got to say they have done it again with the Faux Lemon & Vit C Serum.

I haven't used many products like this, as they often leave my skin feeling more sensitive and irritated, yet Love Absolute has managed to craft one that is suitable for my fussy skin - yay!  The Faux Lemon & Vit C Serum is light enough for all skin types (including congestion prone!) and is rich in micro nutrients and vitamins which help to improve complexion over time.

With all the benefits of the serum's base, their signature Radiance Oil which won an Editor's Choice Award in 2019's BSL, this treatment offers up a host of wonderful effects: plumping, repairing, soothing, redness reducing, smoothing, nourishing, anti-inflammatory, protects against weather and pollution, softening, reduces fine lines, and glow boosting.  This is magic, right??

Well, pretty much!  So what is the secret behind this stunner?


"In this signature oil blend, our most unusual and unique ingredient amongst our Speciality English Grown and Biodiverse Oil Seeds is Avensis also known as (Ahi Flower)  and Corn Cromwell. 

Its to a totally new with unique benefits to skin.  it’s also very hard to use as it’s a fragile oil, absolutely loaded with actively absorbable Omega 3 stearidonic acid (SDA’S). in fact it contains more Omega 3’s than any other plant oils, including Hemp, Chia, Sacha Inche etc."

I love Sarah's alchemy, as it leads to such incredible results and really stands out from the crowd.  The Faux Lemon & Vit C Treatment Serum is a delight to use and I have been very impressed with it so far.  I'm actually working on a review of the Love Absolute range, so you will be able to find "final" thoughts there when it is ready, but for now know that this has wowed me.

The serum definitely has that lemon zing with a zesty herbal burst when you first apply, but this does soften after a little while and evens out into an uplifting aroma that quietly lifts your spirits.  The oil sinks in perfectly, not sitting on the top of the skin at all and absorbing so fast which is a huge perk in my eyes because I get a bit impatient waiting for products to sink in.  It's not greasy, making it good to use day or night, and I have found it is working well to keep blemishes at bay.

I have been all about this serum since receiving it in April's plastic free collection from The Natural Beauty Box, but I would love to hear your thoughts - are you finding this lightweight serum ideal for your skin?  What do you think of the scent??  Let me know!

Ingredients: Starflower oil Borage Officinalas (Borage Oil) Whirl flower oil (Avensis) Buglossoides Officinalisis (Blackcurrent) Oil Ribes Nigrum (Camelina) Camalina Sativa Papavar Somniferum (Poppy Seed) Natural Vitamin E Tocepherol *Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil Tea Tree *Litsea Cubeba May Chang Absorbyl Palmitate Vitamin C *Rose Marinus Officinalis Leaf Extract   *Organic Ingredients


3] Maison Meunier Purifying Face Mask (15ml /£12.50)
Maison Meunier is a lovely brand born in Paris and handcrafted in Manchester by Natacha.  I actually first discovered their vegan friendly range through judging for 2019's Beauty Shortlist Awards - I got to test several of their green goodies, then received another through the "Little Green Box" I picked up a while back.  And the Purifying Face Mask is a product I have also been loving for a while now, ever since Maison Meunier kindly gifted one to me.  I've actually been trying several of their products, so definitely keep an eye out for a full review soon!

In the meantime, I'm super excited to share my thoughts on this face mask, and even more excited that so many green beauty lovers will get to try this out for themselves thanks to The Natural Beauty Box!


The Purifying Face Mask is a mineral rich dead sea mud treatment that refines and revives the skin with the help of damask rosewater, green tea, apple, watermelon and cucumber.  It is a gorgeous slate grey that evokes feelings of calm and luxury, and that vibe continues with every other aspect of this beauty.  The aroma is so sweetly floral with undertones of something richer and warmer that give it an added element of dreaminess.  Seriously, everything about this mask is lush!

In terms of texture, I don't think I have used a face mask that comes close to how velvety and soft this one is.  Maison Meunier has perfected the consistency and has crafted a product that is somehow simultaneously thick but lightweight, super nourishing but purifying, and silky smooth but provides a gentle exfoliation.  Honestly you have to experience this to believe it.

I find this vegan friendly mask provides the perfect pamper session, as it draws out toxins without drying out the skin while the aroma washes over you and soothes your spirit as well as your skin.  I love how soft my face feels after using the Purifying Face Mask, and there is always a lovely glow to my skin after I rinse off.  One thing I will say is that if you have congestion prone or fussy skin like I do, you will want to be sure to thoroughly wash this off, as it does contain coconut oil.  If I am not super thorough sometimes I do end up with the odd blemish the next day, but as long as I take the time to cleanse properly I don't tend to have any issues.

This is the perfect face mask for anyone's collection, especially those with dry, mature, or oily skin.  The blend does a great job at balancing out the skins natural oils and providing both a moisture boost and glow up for dull or tired complexions, plus it doubles as a lovely aromatherapy treatment.  Overall, a wonderful addition to April's edit of The Natural Beauty Box!

Ingredients: Aqua, Maris limus (dead sea mineral mud), Helianthus annuus oil**, Vegetable glycerin, Olea europaea oil, Cocos nucifera oil**, Glyceryl stearate, Cetearyl alcohol, Sodium stearoyl lactylate, Butyrospermum parkii butter**, Prunus armeniaca oil**, Dehydroacetic acid, Benzyl alcohol, Rosa damascena flower oil, Allantoin, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Pyrus malus extract, Citrullus vulgaris extract, Cucumis sativus extract, Tocopherol, Sodium hyaluronate, Avena sativa meal extract, Stearic acid, Zinc Oxide, Xanthan Gum, Citric acid, Benzyl alcohol*, Citral*, Citronellol*, Eugenol*, Geraniol*, Limonene*, Linalool*.
* Naturally occurring in essential oils.  **From organic farming.


4] Buff Kid Hand & Body Butter (50ml /£7.99)
If you have been keeping up with my reviews of The Natural Beauty Box for a long while, you will know that Buff is a brand I first discovered and enjoyed through another one of these wonderful beauty boxes back in August last year.  This lovely natural and vegan friendly business is 99% plastic free, offers 100% recyclable packaging, and creates such amazing blends that you will want to keep going back for more.  So when I saw a tin of their hand and body butter was in April's box, of course I was thrilled to bits!



The Kid Hand & Body Butter was initially created for little ones, but since adults loved it so much they created a version that is now officially for big kids too!  I can see why it was so loved by parents and kids alike, as it smells so amazing.  It's almost like a blend between lemon drizzle cake and white chocolate, but more complex and fuller in fragrance.  I can't stop sniffing the jar - it's actually a bit funny how often I just open it to take a whiff!

The butter itself is just as gorgeous - so rich and delectable!  The product is not super hard like some body butters can be, nor is it grainy at all.  This formula is so easy to work with, scooping out nicely and instantly beginning to warm so you can apply.  It quickly melts down into a luxurious oil, and a little goes such a long way, meaning this tin should last a fair amount of time.

Kid For Big Kids is an incredible vegan hand and body butter, filled with nourishing ingredients like cocoa and shea butter plus gentle essential oils that are suitable for sensitive and irritated skin.  Many have experienced great results when using on psoriasis and other skin conditions, and while it is still early days in my "experiments" I have to say this is doing great things for Tim's eczema.  His "flesh rot" as he calls it has been soothed, and his skin overall seems to be less itchy and more calm.  

For me, I find this ideal for my legs, elbows, feet, and torso, as it helps keep the skin super soft and smooth and leaves me feeling totally taken care of.  It's perfect post shower or after a shave, and really helps lock in moisture and keep the skin soothed.  Unfortunately I can't use this on my hands, arms or back as sadly the coconut oil does make me break out in those more delicate areas, but honestly this is one time where I would risk a spot just so I could be totally enveloped by the mouthwatering scent.  This is a product I will be tempted to buy over and over again for sure!

Ingredients: Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Safflower & Essential Oils of calming Mandarin, soothing Lavender & sweet Flower of Heliotrope


5] Niskama Skincare Nutrient Boost Daily Moisturiser (30ml /£12)
Niskama Skincare is another brand we have seen before in The Natural Beauty Box, and one that was very much loved.  Subscribers were treated to a pot of their Gentle Smoothing Facial Polish back in November, and many fell for the Cornwall based brand quickly after opening the lid.  The vegan formula was aromatic, gentle, and effective, and so I expected another winner when I saw their Nutrient Boost Daily Moisturiser.

"Have you ever tried the luxuriously nourishing combination of Sea Buckthorn, Evening Primrose, Green Tea and Olive Squalene? I have created your every day hydrating moisturizer rich in Vitamin C, Gamma linoleic acid and antioxidants. The nourishing, protecting effects of this gentle, alcohol-free day&night cream help to prevent premature ageing. It is the most divine cream you will have ever used."



The moisturizer states that it is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, and that it will provide a treatment that rejuvenates, energizes, heals, decreases fine lines, and restores suppleness to the skin.  And not only that, but it looks and smells incredible.  With sweet citrus notes and uplifting aromatic qualities, this formula is sunshine in a jar.  There are some serious tropical vibes going on here, even down to the pastel orange shade of the cream and the lovely mulberry purple of the label.  Everything about Niskama's product prompts positive feelings!

Because the blend contains so many skin loving ingredients, this is pretty powerful stuff.  Just consider the benefits: skin hydration, improved elasticity, cell regeneration, prevention and treatment of acne (though this one didn't quite do it for me), reduced inflammation & redness from skin irritation, and prevents premature ageing.  Wow!

The Nutrient Boost Daily Moisturiser was unfortunately too heavy for my congestion prone skin, with coconut oil once again being the most likely culprit.  You all know how much my skin rejects and revolts against the stuff!  I was gutted, as I really love the texture of this cream - so soft, smooth, and silky!  But that means Tim gets another skincare treat for his pamper sessions - lucky guy!

For him, this moisturizer works magic.  The texture is so different from anything else I have tried, as it has an almost viscous quality to it.  This makes it a dream to apply, as it glides across the skin.  It sinks in fully after a few minutes, and leaves his face looking so nourished and plump.  His dry skin drinks up Niskama's product, and is responding really well to the semi-thick formula.  I find this works great as an overnight treatment especially, as he can wake up with glowing skin and look immediately more awake.  There is no tint to this once rubbed in either, so no worries about looking like an Oompa Loompa.  You'll just have a renewed radiance and have a lovely dose of cheer!

Ingredients: Aqua (Spring Water), Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Organic Jojoba oil), Glycerin (vegetable), Oenothera Biennis Oil (Organic Evening Primrose Oil), Cocos Nucifera Oil, Squalene, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil (organic Sea Buckthorn Oil), Cetearyl Glucoside, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Gluconolactone, Sodium Levulinate, Xanthan Gum, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Green Tea Extract), Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Anisate, Limonene*




Overall, the Skin-Tritious edit from The Natural Beauty Box was a total win in my eyes.  I love every single product, and even the ones that contain coconut oil won me over -- I just wish I could use them more!  The collection was worth £66 which means that as a subscriber you have saved more than double the cost on these ethical skincare treats.  With five amazing plastic free products that all capture the beauty of plant based formulations, this was a box not to miss.

And I was actually lucky enough to win another box in a giveaway hosted by Julia from Fresh Beauty Fix, so I will be sharing these amazing creations with my family when I visit them this summer.  I've got a feeling they will love them just as much as I do... Though I have to admit I'll find it hard to part with some of them!

Month by month The Natural Beauty Box continues to deliver exceptional value as well as incredibly high quality green goodies, and that's why this continues to be my favourite beauty box.  I regularly discover new brands, formulas, and staples from these edits, and that's something so special.

So what did you lovelies think of the April's box??  Did you have a favourite product, were you head over heals for one of the brands, or were you just blown away by it all?  Share your thoughts in the comments - I always love to hear what you think!

And if you are looking into subscribing, be sure to do so before the next edition sells out.  May's theme was announced a while back, and we already have several spoilers to get us all excited!  And since each month there is more and more interest the boxes sell out fast - be sure to get your order in before they all get snatched up!  Don't worry though, you can head over to see spoilers of the upcoming "Fresh & Fruity" curation over on The Natural Beauty Box's Instagram account before you 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!