Another month has flown by and I’m here again with my October subscription box favorites. And what a whirlwind of a month it was, and not even just because it’s literally getting more whirly and windy outside since we’re in the thick of fall now. It was just lightening fast and busy. I can feel the holidays in the air (among other crazy wild energies too, aka the pending election, the uncertainty of the pandemic – yikes!). I’m sure glad I have my subscription box reviews amidst it all to bring me good juju and keep my mind busy on a fun task. Thankfully this month really brought the arrival of a ton of good things to share!
As usual, I’ve picked an item to highlight from each subscription box review I’ve done in the last month so you can get a taste for what comes in each. Be sure to click the link to get the full box reviews so you can get the full box details too! Many are linked over A Year of Boxes where you can find discount codes and more if you’re interested in subscribing.
From Nourish Beauty Box (full box review here):
Fork & Melon Rich Hydrating Cream For Body & Hands ($15)
“A luxurious concoction made with watermelon seed oil that has moisturizing, detoxifying and clarifying benefits. This premium multitasking ingredient has been shown to help reduce puffiness caused by excess water retention.”
Yet another company I’ve not heard of before that’s highlighted this month – so fun! I love learning about new companies and products and I loved reading the behind the scenes interview (link right above) that gives more background on the company. I especially connected to this months highlighted maker because I learned she started her journey to using (and then creating) clean skin products because of an infertility diagnosis just like me. That instantly makes me feel connected to the product and more excited to try it out.
This lotion is a lovely hand and body lotion made with a special ingredient – watermelon seed oil which is light oil full of nutrients to help nourish and care for skin. This lotion lightweight, absorbs well into skin and smells so nice – maybe like sweet orange with a touch of floral? I can’t totally pinpoint it. Regardless, this is a really nice lotion that’s made with clean ingredients that of course also looks chic and perfect for display. I will be using this one a lot as temps drop and my skin starts to get parched!
From Crunchy Mama Box (full box review here):
Mable Self-Standing Bamboo Toothbrush
“MABLE’s mission is to deliver beautiful products made from natural and sustainable materials to prevent plastic waste from harming the environment, providing consumers with everyday alternatives that do not compromise quality or effectiveness. MABLE’s dream is to inspire and create a community of like-minded people, igniting a movement. We designed and developed our toothbrush to be elegant, ergonomic, and self-standing-something you could be proud to display on your countertop. No more unnecessary brush holder or clutter!
Our handles are hand-finished and hand-packed to ensure the best quality. We source our bamboo from a Forest Stewardship Council or FSC certified bamboo supplier to ensure it is sustainably grown and harvested. Our Bamboo is grown in a forest in Ningbo, China, close to our manufacturing facility. Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on earth. It’s naturally antibacterial and water-resistant, making it ideal for your toothbrush handle. To give your brush a splash of color that’s still eco-friendly, we use a plant-based, non-toxic paint, which is fully biodegradable.”
I’m such a bamboo toothbrush fan and have eyed these fun brushed before but have never tried them. I love that they stand on their own and have a little pop of color. My toothbrush stash is running low (if I’m not out already!) so this comes at the perfect time. Plus, I always think Halloween is a good time to remind kids of good brushing habits with all the sugary candy they’ll likely receive and consume. Great item!
Another pick from Crunchy Mama Box because I couldn’t decide:
100% Pure Creamy Long Last Liner
“100% PURE™ isn’t just our name. Or just our ingredient list. 100% PURE™ is a commitment to producing the purest, healthiest products and educating everyone on why being 100% PURE™ is so important. We strive to live with compassion, kindness and empathy; to be environmentally sustainable and to improve the lives of 6 billion people and animals while also being charitable and giving back to our global community. Creamy, long-lasting pencil eye liner glides easily onto lids to line and define your eyes. Jojoba, chamomile butter, and mango seed oil moisturize and nourish skin while ensuring a smooth, flake-free application with every use.”
I love 100% Pure cosmetics and really like these eye liners too. I only wear black eyeliner whenever I do wear it so I’m stoked that this one is jet black. Sometimes I’ve received liners in other boxes that are more non-traditional colors that I wouldn’t use too often so I appreciate how useful this one. Also, this is great because it could be used to amp-up a Halloween makeup look.
From Goddess Provisions Box (full box review here):
Nothingwild Lotus Protecteur Tattoo By Inkbox ($16)
“his temporary tattoo was designed by @nothingwildtattoo for times of growth & transformation. The lotus symbolizes rebirth and change while the amethyst crystals are soothing and stress-relieving. With skin-safe, cruelty-free ingredients, your tattoo will last for 1-2 weeks.”
This tattoo is really cool! I’ve never heard of these before but it’s a long term temporary tattoo that lasts up to two weeks. This is a fun way to have a tattoo with no regrets and no pain haha. The design is a lotus symbol with crystals (like it says above) which symbolizes dark and light, or balance. What an awesome way to be reminded of this, by wearing it around on your skin. This would be great for wearing while working through some shadow work since it has such great symbolism.
From Vegancuts Beauty Box (full box review here):
Earth Wise Beauty Ferns and Moss Face Serum ($24)
“The perfect cool weather skin food, this highly concentrated serum rejuvenates dry, damaged skin. All you need are a few drops of this thick, healing oil. Warm in the hand and massage gently for potent skin-clearing benefits.”
Oh, I love this brand of skincare! I’m so happy to find this item in this month’s box! I haven’t tried this serum before but everything they create is incredibly thoughtful and beneficial to skin. This serum sounds great for winter skincare needs since it helps revive dry and neglected skin. My skin is perpetually dehydrated so I could definitely benefit from using this one.
From Vegancuts Snack Box (full box review here):
Lil Bucks Sprouted Buckwheat Crunch (Original, Cacao or Matcha Flavor)
“Meet your favorite new superfood – sprinkle on top of smoothie bowls or use just like granola.”
I’ve always wanted to try these, mostly because they are unique and something I haven’t tried before, but also because it’s a company local here to Chicago and I love trying and supporting small businesses nearby. Out of the three flavors, I received the Cacao flavor which I’m really excited about – that one sounds the best of the three to me! I’ll probably use this as a topping replacement for granola, but I’m sure it’s good on it’s own too.
From Yogi Secret (full box review here):
The TubTonics Bath Soak ($12)
“Enhance your bath time experience with these luxurious bath salts.”
A bath is the perfect way to unwind so it so makes sense to find this soak in this month’s box. It’s aroma is vanilla myrrh which sounds so warm and soothing for the senses. It sounds like the perfect fall bath companion, well that and maybe some hot apple cider! I like that it’s intended to inspire abundance so when using it you can meditate on that thought and be grateful. I’m so looking forward to trying this out!
From Kinder Beauty (full box review here):
Earth Harbor Luna Rain Night Serum ($52)
“Endow your skin with raindrops of moonlight magic. This is a rich, featherlight serum featuring a medley of seaweed collagen, tropical superfruit acids, and botanical multivitamins that refine and retexturize skin to reveal a smoother and more radiant-looking complexion-all while you enjoy your precious beauty sleep. Formulated with our dream team-15 percent AHA + BHA blend, macro-algae collagen, and vitamin C-rich oils—Luna Rain Serum sinks in easily and delivers effective and precise exfoliation without harsh side effects like dryness or sensitization. Plus, it helps diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration along with excess oiliness and pores.”
Earth Harbor products are just so beautiful and this one sounds extra wonderful. Anything that mentions the moon hooks me in and makes me feel like it will be a real treat for the skin. I love that it’s an overnight treatment meant to nourish, repair and regenerate skin overnight while you sleep, a real set it and forget it kind of treatment. This serum is lightweight with a gel consistency that’s almost water-like since it’s made with aloe vera. It only has a slight aroma that’s a little citrusy and really pleasant. I’ve been working to see if I can smooth out my skin tone and this sounds like the perfect product to try for those kind of results.
From Earthlove (full box review here):
MASSAGE OIL ROLLER (VEGAN BOX ONLY) Mellow Root Herbals ($15)
“Handcrafted by Master Herbalist Aimee in Vermont, this organic and wildcrafted roll-on massages sore muscles or provides some relief. The tulsi and rose evokes a feeling of balance and relaxation. It also works great for meditation and setting positive intentions as an aromatherapy roller.”
For reviewing purposes, I was lucky enough to receive this item along with the Beegan-box-only item too. It’s a large massage oil roll on in which the roller ball itself would help ease muscle tension while the massage oil aroma provides relaxation. It smells so nice, like a sweet herbal scent. It’s made with three simple organic ingredients and feels so nice on the skin. This would be another great product to use in the evening to wind down the day.
Another pick from Earthlove because I couldn’t decide:
ORGANIC HYDROSOL Gemstone Organic ($24)
“This organic, all-natural hydrosol is handmade by Debra using her special blend of native trees, enhanced with essential oils, and includes a small amethyst stone and clear crystal points. The leaves and trimmings are hand-picked from a spiral grove held on sacred land in Northern California. This hydrosol is anti-septic, anti-inflammatory and energizing. It is incredibly healing to the skin and is made from trees that carry ancient wisdom. This earth knowledge grounds us and reminds us of our own ancient divinity.”
I’m so intrigued to try this hydrosol out. I love the benefits it says to have and think it would be the perfect treatment for inflamed or fussy skin. It’s very lightweight and has such an uplifting and crisp aroma- literally like the dew from a sunny forest. If I close my eyes it transports me there. I haven’t tried this on my skin yet, but I love it already!
From GreenUp Box (full box review here):
Bamboo Utensils & Case
“Light, durable, and all wrapped in a cute canvas case, you’ll never leave home without them. Made of sustainable, organic bamboo with an organic cotton travel case. These are a greenUP team favorite! Bonus, these come with a bamboo straw and straw cleaner. Bamboo lasts longest with a hand wash and air dry. Skip the dishwasher for their best life.”
This is the perfect partner to the lunch box above! It includes everything you’d need to eat any kind of meal – utensils and straws. This of course can be used beyond just in-office eating too. It would be great for dining out or take-out. I really like how each item has a place in the pouch and that it all rolls up for easy transporting. So convenient!
From Splendid Spoon (full box review here):
Red Curry Noodles
“Coconut-rich curry simmered with sweet potatoes and a squeeze of lime. COCONUT MILK Rich in electrolytes to aid hydration; CURRY An immunity superhero.; and SWEET POTATO Vitamin C rich, your immune system will thank you.”
The ingredient list includes: Rice Noodles (Water, Rice Flour, Canola Oil), Coconut Milk (Coconut Extract 60%, Water) (Tree Nuts), Sweet Potatoes, Kale, Water, Red Curry Paste (Chili Pepper, Garlic, Shallot, Salt, Lemongrass, Sugar, Kaffir Lime, Galangal, Coriander, Cumin, Cardamom, Citric Acid), Lime Juice, Tomato Paste, Olive Oil, Thai Basil, Cilantro, Garlic, Ginger, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Salt
This was delicious! These new noodle bowls are such a great idea. This was the first one I tried of the bunch. It has a mild curry flavor with a bit of a kick which was really tasty. The sauce is light and full of flavor. The noodles were perfectly cooked and you’d never know they were rice noodles (or maybe I’m just used to eating rice based noodles). They really do have a great texture very similar to traditional pasta though. The kale and sweet potato added perfect contrast in texture, flavor and even color to the noodles and made for a great overall meal. I would absolutely order this again. It was a nice change of pace from the usual soups and stews from them that I eat for lunch.
From Merkaela Box (full box review here):
Sage Body Oil ($30)
“Formulated to improve skin complexion, tone, and balance. Similar to a Sage stick, the herbaceous aroma of the Sage Body Oil protects the body from negative energy. This combination of oils will further deepen your botanical experience by providing the body with the essential nutrients it craves at the deepest levels.”
This body oil is divine! Not only does it feel luxurious and soothing to my skin but it smells SO good. I want to slather it everywhere! It’s made with a sage essential oil blend so I’m not sure what all is used, but it smells herbal-y with a soft and comforting floral hint too – like a hug from a flowery meadow. It sounds like this can be used on the face and body, a great multipurpose item. Since it says it helps with inflamed skin I might try it on my face first, but like I said I’ll probably end up using it for a fully body experience since it’s so delightful! I’m curious to see if it provides any benefit for my skin.
There’s my round-up of October subscription box favorites. Check back next month for more fun and favorites! 🙂
*All boxes were gifted, but all opinions are my own.
