For the past few months, I have been 'detoxing' my beauty rituals. I have pretty sensitive skin, and it was becoming obvious that my skin was reacting negatively to products with harsh chemicals. As much as I wanted to get rid of my acne, or cleanse my face of makeup or sweat, it wasn't worth the tingling sensation and the red cheeks that products would give me.
My skin and hair care routine now includes essential oils and products that only use organic ingredients. I wanted to grow my collection, but these products are pricey, and I was nervous that I would spend money on a product that I wouldn't love.
That's when I got the idea to find a subscription box, and after a quick google search, I was on Petit Vour's website.
Petit Vour is an online luxury beauty store. All of the products they sell are organic, cruelty-free, vegan, ethically made, and non-toxic. Not only do they provide a space for progressive brands to sell their products, but they offer a monthly subscription box.
For $15 a month, PV provides you 4 products (some sample sized, some full sized) that allow you to test brands without the commitment of buying. So, I quickly signed up and awaited my first box to arrive.
Fast forward about 2.5 weeks (I signed up the first week in July), and my July 2016 PV Beauty Box was at my door!
I was super excited, as I was seeing sneak peeks and hints on their Instagram page all month. I knew the theme was dewy, illuminated skin, which is exactly what I was looking for.
When I opened up the box, I was not disappointed by the presentation. It was so cute, all of the materials recyclable and a pink flamingo themed information card.
I spent a week trying out all of these products, which all happen to work together in one beauty ritual. Some of the products I absolutely fell in love with. Other ones, not so much. I'll review them all for you, and rate them out of 5 Cruelty-Free Bunnies.
1. Poetic Blend: The Hero Oil ($10 sample size, $50 full size)
Like I mentioned before, I'm a big believer in essential oils, so I was ecstatic to see blended oils in my box. My first impression was how generous (and affordable) the sample size is. Though it is only a 0.16 fl. oz. bottle, you only need about 3 drops to cover your entire face/neck. The Hero Oil is a mix of 'precious botanical oils' (olive oil, apricot kernel seed oil, grape seed oil, and more) and it smells heavenly. I can smell hints of eucalyptus and lavender as well. It smells like a spa, or a meditation center. I use this as a moisturizer in the morning (before makeup) and at night to sooth my skin. My skin drinks in this formula so nicely, and I don't feel oily at all. This is definitely my favorite product in this month's box. 5 cruelty-free bunnies out of 5.
2. Fior Minerals: Organic Ignite Illuminator ($12 sample size, $24 full size)
I'm all about hydrated, dewy skin, and I'm even more about highlighted contours. As a makeup lover, I was happy that my box included one product for my overflowing makeup bag. The color seemed versatile and good for any skin tone. The instructions told me to swirl my finger around the (very small) container and rub the creamy illuminator onto my cheekbones, nose, and cupid's bow, so that's what I did. I usually use a powder highlighter for these areas, but I was pleasantly surprised by how well the product brushed onto my skin. However, I was not so pleased with the results. I could barely notice a difference in my bathroom lighting. I put a little more on and I couldn't even get pigmentation out of it. I gave up, but the moment I stepped into natural lighting I saw how healthy and highlighted my skin looked. It looked natural and dewy. I liked how it looked outside, but I won't be using this product for an everyday look. 2.5 cruelty-free bunnies out of 5.
3. LilFox Botanicals: Kalahari Watermelon Eye Serum ($14 sample size, $68 full size)
Another blended oil! I was so pleased to see this! Especially something for your eyes-as I have pretty bad undereye bags. I usually use a nighttime cream, but this formula cleared up my bags and brightened my eyes much better. I was disappointed in the size of the 'sample size' (only 2ml!) but then realized how little you need to cover your undereye area. I use this after my morning skincare routine and before my makeup, and I look more awake and refreshed. The formula is a mix of cold pressed seed oils, argan oil, sandalwood, and floral oils. The 'star ingredient' is Kalahari, which is watermelon seed oil. Kalahari oil is awesome for refreshing and repairing your skin, because it is high in Omega 6 and Omega 9 essential fatty acids. 5 cruelty-free bunnies out of 5.
4. Juice Beauty: Cleansing Milk ($2.50 sample size, $22 full size)
I love cleansers. Nothing makes me feel more clean or refreshed. So when I saw a 'cleansing milk', i was intrigued. I imagined that the little travel sized sample (0.5 fl. oz.) would smell fresh, spa-like, and calming. Well, I was wrong. I opened it up to use that night and it smelled....weird. Not horrible, but not good. I quickly checked the ingredients to see what on Earth was that aroma, and was confused to see that it was mostly organic fruit juices and seed oils. I know sometimes organic products smell "natural", but this almost smelled like an expired moisturizer. I chose to ignore the smell, but when I put some product into my hands, it was watery and thin. I rubbed it into my damp skin, but didn't feel the 'cleansing' effect. I just felt like i was rubbing a makeup remover in. I tried to use this as a makeup remover instead the next day, but it wasn't too good at taking off my makeup (which isn't too stubborn). It did get the job done, technically, as my skin was clean afterwards. I have to mention that my skin felt soft and fresh. But it wasn't the same effect as any other cleanser I've tried. However, this was my first experience with a cleansing 'milk', so maybe I just have weird standards. 3 cruelty-free bunnies out of 5.
All in all, I really enjoyed my first PV Beauty Box experience. It's a wholesome company that values compassion, respect for all living beings, and natural healthy remedies. I am so excited to see what the next month's box has in store for me. I definitely recommend this for anyone who wants to try organic luxury products at an affordable cost.