Yuzen Box Summer 2014

Today I am ecstatic to share my first Yuzen Box with you! Yuzen Box is an original eco subscription box containing a mix of spa, beauty, and food items made with natural ingredients. Unlike a lot of subscription boxes, Yuzen ships quarterly instead of monthly.

Summer Yuzen Box

Yuzen 

Each box comes with a handmade Japanese paper, known as Yuzen or Chiyogami!

First look at the products!

Hugo Naturals Handcrafted Soap (Vanilla & Sweet Orange)

Full Size (4 oz)-$3.99 Value!

I like that this company doesn't test on animals. And I love how this soap smells-I can't wait to use it! I would also love to try this soap in Grapefruit and French Lavender!

Sencha Naturals Pink Dragonfruit Mints 

Full Size (0.75 oz)-$2.95 Value!

These mints are as cute as their packaging-they look like little leaves! And just 3 mints have the same amount of antioxidants as a cup of green tea! I will have to try these mints in other flavors.

Kerstin Florian Lavender Body Spray

Deluxe Size (1 fl oz)-$11.76 Value!

I've always been a lotion type of girl, but recently I've gotten into body oil. I am loving this body spray-it's super easy to apply, non-greasy, and has a very light smell. Now I want to try their Chamomile body spray!

Aromaflage Botanical Fragrance & Insect Repellent 

Sample Size (0.05 fl oz)-$1.92 !

 I couldn't find any measurements on the bottle, so I had to estimate its value based on an average size perfume sample bottle. This product really intrigues me because I've never seen anything like it. A fragrance that doubles as a insect repellent would come in handy on days spent outside for a long period of time. I plan to use it when going to festivals this summer. 

MyChelle Dermaceuticals Ultimate Lash and Brow Serum

Full Size (0.16 fl oz)-$62.50 Value!

I don't tend to purchase products like these, but I occasionally use them when I receive them. I may pass this on to a friend who could use it more than I.

Kneipp Balancing Lavender Herbal Bath

Deluxe Size (0.68 fl oz)~$5.50 Value!

I found the price of the .67 bottle on their website, so I used that as the value since it was close enough. They also offer this herbal bath in a 3.38 size for $20.00. I've always known lavender to be calming, but apparently it is also stimulating! I love taking baths, so I can't wait to try this out and see how it works!

Shamanuti Seaweed Toner

Full Size (1 fl oz)-$10.00 Value!

They also offer this toner in a 4 oz size for $28.00. It's interesting that they put this in a glass bottle since I've never seen toners in this type of packaging. I like the scent of this toner and the fact that it is cruelty-free. 

Total Cost: $33.00

Total Value: $98.62!

I've been more into spa products since studying aesthetics, so I absolutely loved this Yuzen Box!
 It introduced me to all new brands that are eco-friendly, natural, or organic! 

Have you tried Yuzen Box? What did you think of their summer box?

If you would like to sign up for Yuzen Box for $33/box, click here!

Birchbox July 2014

Hey Sirens! I really enjoyed this month's Birchbox and can't wait to share it with you!

July Birchbox

This month's theme is Power Up!

A peak at this month's goodies!

Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

Deluxe Size (1.06 oz)-$6.46 Value!

This is the best dry shampoo I've tried thus far! It is super easy to use and works well to clean my hair. This will be my new go to dry shampoo and I can't wait to try some of their other products!

Naobay Body Radiance Lotion

Deluxe Size (30 ml)-$2.88 Value!

 I enjoyed the Oxygenating Cream Moisturizer I received in my December Glossybox, so I was happy to get this in my box.  I liked the feel and scent of this lotion, and would like to continue to try other products from this brand.

Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner (Raina)

Deluxe Size (0.024 oz)-$4.40 Value!

 I was happy to get this navy blue eyeliner in my box because I just love Sumita Beauty! I have a full size of this pencil in Aruna Black, so I am excited to get the chance to try it in another color.

Vasanti Cosmetics Detox Nutrient-Rich Purifying Facial Cleanser

Deluxe Size (20 ml)-$3.20 Value!

This is the first time I've received a cleanser from Birchbox, so it was a nice change. I haven't tried any products from this brand before, but I thought it worked well and I like the look of the packaging. I would be interested in trying out some of their other products in the future.

Beauty Extra: 100% Pure Gingerade Shower Gel

Sample Size (2 x 0.067 fl oz)-$0.15 Value!

Birchbox has sent me some skincare samples from this brand before, but I've never received anything bigger than foil packets. It would be nice to get a bigger sample size to really get test out some of their items. But from the two uses I got from these, I can say that I like the scent of this shower gel.

Special Bonus: One-Year Subscription to Women's Health Magazine

Full Size (10 issues)-$9.99 Value!

I think it's cool that Birchbox added this in as an extra bonus. It's awesome that you not only get one trial issue, but a whole year for free! Plus they don't sign you up for auto renewal, so you don't have to worry about cancelling if you don't want to continue your subscription!

Total Cost: $10.00

Total Value: $27.08!

What did you think of this month's Birchbox? Do you read or receive Women's Health magazine?
What kind of other special bonuses would you like to see Birchbox include?

If you would like to sign up for Birchbox, I'd love it if you'd use my referral link!

Glossybox June 2014

Hello Sirens! Today, I'm excited to share last month's Glossybox with you!

June Glossybox

Stars & Stripes!

The Stars & Stripes Edition

First peak inside!

AYRES (Patagoina Body Butter)

Deluxe Size (1 oz)-$4.15 Value!

I really liked this body butter. I enjoyed the light scent of the essential oils, jasmine and rosemary. I would be open to trying some of their other products.

CAMILLE BECKMAN (Platinume Gold Imperial Repair Hand Therapy)

Full Size (1.35 oz)-$10.00 Value!

I absolutely love this hand cream! I like the scent even more than the Glycerine Hand Therapy I received in my May/June New Beauty Test Tube-I just love the lemongrass vert and sparkling grapefruit scent! Plus I like the packaging of this one better because it looks more premium. I would love to try their Imperial Cleansing Gel and Body Milk in the same scent!

Rusk (Texture Dry Finishing Spray)

Deluxe Size (1.5 oz)-$3.38 Value!

I'm pretty excited to try this product. I love the packaging and feel this is a good sample size. I'm also intrigued by the concept of this product since I don't think I've come across a product that combines hair spray with a texture spray. Since I'm all about multitasking products, this will be a great product to use on days I'm pressed for time.

STRANGEBEAUTIFUL Library of Color (Colorbloc)

Full Size (2 X 0.15 fl oz)-$18.00 Value!

Even thought I'm a huge polish addict, I wasn't too psyched about this polish duo. While the packaging is cute, I wish they would have included the color names on the bottles. And while I understand the color choice, these are colors I wouldn't normally pick out on my own. But they would probably work well for nail art purposes, so they won't go to waste. I also think these polishes are kind of expensive for the amount of product you get, but I haven't tried the formula to test the quality. 

SUMITA BEAUTY (Chamagne Eye Shadow Pencil)

Full Size (0.084 oz)-$18.00 Value!

This was one of my favorite items in the box! I've been a huge fan of Sumita Beauty since I received the Kala Color Intense Pencil I received in my February Glossybox and won the Eye and Brow Set in Glossybox's Facebook Fan Giveaway! While I'm more familiar with some of their products, I haven't had the chance to try one of their eye shadow pencils until now. I loved the color-it is absolutely gorgeous and perfect for every day wear. The pencil was very easy to use and had good pigmentation. I can't wait to try more products from this brand in the future!

Bonus Item: C Wonder Card

Promo Code-$5.00 Value!

I love that Glossybox threw in this card as a bonus item, but I wish it contained a higher value like the Bergdorf Goodman Gift Card we received in the May Glossybox. This card won't get you far considering they charge $9.50 for shipping! But luckily this card doesn't expire until January 31st of next year, so I have plenty of time to decide if I want to purchase anything. 

Total Cost: $18.33 (With Annual Subscription)
Total Value: $58.53!

I just love the Stars & Stripes design of the box!
What do you think of the June box?

If you would like to subscribe to Glossybox, email me at AquaticAllure@gmail.com and I will be happy to send you an invite!

Love With Food Box Tasting June 2014

Morning Sirens! I hope you had a Happy Independence Day! Today I have a different type of subscription service to share with you. I have been wanting to eat healthier especially since we've covered the Nutrition chapter at school, so I decided to sign up for some healthy snack subscription boxes! The first food box I signed up for is Love With Food!

Love With Food donates a meal to a hungry child for every box sold. 

This month's theme is Take Me Out To The Ball Game!

June Love With Food Tasting Box

They choose organic or all-natural food not containing artificial flavoring and coloring, trans fats, hydrogenated oils, and high fructose corn syrup!

YumEarth Organics Pineapple, Raspberry and Mango Fruit Snacks 

Snack Size (0.7 oz)-$1.08 Value!

These fruit snacks were delicious! I like that they were made with real fruit extracts. They also do not contain gluten, dairy, nuts, or soy. I would definitely like to try their gummy bears next!

Tree Hugger Gum Gum Balls

Size (One Gum Ball)-0.27 Value!

This non GMO food is all-natural and vegan, but it was my least favorite item in the box. I don't chew gum often, so I don't have much need for a product like this. But it's a nice option if you're a regular gum chewer.

Snikiddy Cheddar Baked Fries

Snack Size (1 oz)-$1.08 Value!

I really enjoyed this all-natural, non-GMO snack. They contain 50% less fat than regular potato chips, so I don't have to feel guilty when I do indulge.

The Cookie Department Snap Back Cookie

Snack Size (1.5 oz)-$2.64 Value!

I'm not a big sweets eater, but I absolutely loved this cookie! This all natural cookie consists of ginger, cayenne pepper, and black strap molasses to help snap you back to attention. This is one ginger snap cookie I would actually purchase!

G. H. Cretors Chicago Mix

Snack Size (1.5 oz)-$1.29 Value!

I don't care for regular popcorn unless it's from the movie theater and slathered in butter. But I love popcorn mixes like this, especially if it's natural!

Stoneridge Orchards Montmorency Cherries

Snack Size (1 oz)-$1.33 Value!

This was my favorite item in the box! I love cherries and these were especially delicious! I ate them right out of the bag, but I would like to try them in yogurt or trail mix. I like that these are all natural, preservative-free, sulfite-free, and grown in the USA.

Jolly Oak Good For You Granola (Almond Butter & Jelly Sandwich)

Snack Size (1.63 oz)-$2.50 Value!

I didn't really notice that this tasted of almond butter or jelly, but it was quite delicious and I like that it is low in sugar. I ate this all-natural, non-GMO granola for breakfast on the go one morning. I would definitely like to check out other flavors and try using them over yogurt or salad next time.

Dulcetto Chooclate Cookies

Deluxe Size (20g)-$1 Value!

These went well with a cup of coffee, but they aren't something I would normally eat. They would be good to serve with tea if I had company, but I don't think I'd purchase them often for myself.

Coupons

On top of providing great snacks, I thought it was awesome of Love With Food to include some coupons! I am happy they included a coupon for Stoneridge Orchards because I would love to try some of their other dried fruits! Unfortunately I couldn't find it at my local Wegmans, but it looks like it might be sold at Walmart. 

Total Cost: $2.00 
(Free box with $2.00 Shipping using code YUMMY)

Total Value: $11.19!

This box was awesome! I got to try 8 different products that I would have never known otherwise. While you don't get a high value of items like you normally see in beauty subscription boxes, you get the opportunity to try out some unknown brands you wouldn't normally pick up at your local grocery store. And more importantly a meal is donated to a hungry child, so I consider this money well spent! 

If you'd like to sign up to receive Love With Food, I'd love it if you would use my referral link!

You can get your first box for FREE (with just $2.00 shipping)!