PRODUCT REVIEW: AMIKA HAIRCARE

Today I’d like to share with you a new haircare range from amika, which is designed in New York (my dream holiday destination, hopefully one day!!); Here are my thoughts on the *amika Leave In Conditioner Cream, Oil Treatment and Perk Up Dry Shampoo;  

What They Say:

Love your hair - amika empowers you to start loving your hair and stop fighting it. amika lives up to it's name and truly is a girl's best friend. Healthy, easy, stylish. Born to perform. Live to Impress.

amika Leave In Conditioner Cream moisturises hair and eliminates frizz while providing a soft hold resulting in the texture needed for styling. For sustained repair, shine, protection and control.

amika Obliphica Oil Treatment nourishes and strengthens hair while eliminating frizz. The treatment deeply conditions and restores shine while providing protection against environmental and sun damage. The molecules in the formula penetrate the hair’s surface to get to the cortex. This process enables the oil treatment to seal split ends while improving shine, elasticity and nourishment. It is also perfect for providing protection before and after blow drying and is used to help reduce blow drying time. The oil treatment can also be added to enhance other conditioning or styling products. Your Styling Multi-Vitamin.

amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo cleanses by absorbing excess oil and dirt that weighs hair down. The light weight formula creates texture, adds volume and deodorises to refresh hair between shampoos with no chalky residue. Unlike other dry shampoos that use talc, the amika Perk Me Up Dry Shampoo uses only natural rice starch to absorb oil. The Obliphica extract conditions hair leaving it soft and manageable. For Everyday, Lightweight Conditioning


RRP:

Leave-In Conditioner: $32.95 (250ml) – Available from I-Glamour here
Obliphica Oil Treatment: $44.95 (100ml) – Available from I-Glamour here
Perk Up Dry Shampoo: $29.95(232ml) – Available from I-Glamour here


What I Say:

The name amika is derived from Latin and means ‘girlfriend’ or ‘friend’, and that’s what the amika haircare products intend to do to your hair, become the best friend. 

The products are made using the latest technology and designed to encourage creativity and promote healthy hair. The products are based on sea buckthorn berry which has repairing and replenishing properties leaving your hair glowing with health. 
amika Obliphica Leave in Cream

My hair is quite long and fairly thick, and due to the length, the ends are naturally a little drier than the rest of the hair. So when I wash my hair, usually every second day, I always without fail, use a leave in conditioner to give it a little extra moisture. But finding one that is not too heavy and doesn’t leave your hair feeling greasy if you add just a smidge too much, can often be tricky. But not with this Leave in Cream from amika. It is very lightweight, and just a pump or two worked through my mid-lengths and ends, leaves my hair feeling so soft and noticeably more hydrated, clearly sealing the cuticles to prevent any moisture loss. For an extra boost of moisture, you can also add a few drops of the Oil Treatment into the leave-in conditioner before spreading through the hair.


The Leave in cream among others contains cetyl alcohol, which is derived from coconut oil and provides moisturisation and gloss to hair while it softens and smooths damaged cuticles. It also contains dimethicone, which unfortunately is a silicone often used in conditioners and treatments. Over time it can build up in the hair, but I have as yet not noticed this happening. It claims to form a barrier on the hair that smooths down the cuticle, providing anti frizz benefits, as well as protecting the hair against thermal treatments and prevents moisture loss.
amika Obliphica Oil Treatment

 

I usually leave my hair to dry naturally, and it is, and on the days when I don’t wash my hair, I like to use a few drops of hair oil. This only gives my hair an extra moisture boost, it also helps smooth down any frizz, make my hair look so much shiner and healthier. And this Oil Treatment from amika doesn’t fail to impress either. It leaves my hair so glossy, and also helps make it more manageable, - and on the days where I use a hairdryer or a straightener, it also helps protect my hair from heat damage.


The oil among others contain Obliphica (Sea Buckthorn Berry), which is rich in antioxidants, essential amino acids, vitamin E, rare Omega 7 and 190 other bioactive nutrients which are instantly absorbed by hair to repair and replenish. It also contains wheat germ oil to replenish lost moisture and provide a natural UV filter, and adding shine, strength and softness. And finally also jojoba seed oil, which penetrates the hair follicle and strengthens from the inside out. It also helps to repair the hydrolipidic film by filling in cracks that are on the surface of the hair cuticle.

The Oil is quite heavy, so you only need to use the tiniest amount to avoid your hair becoming greasy, but that will only mean the bottle will last you so much longer! My one negative on the oil is the lack of a pump – it comes with a dropper (I had to punch the hole myself), and yes, admittedly, you can make the hole as big or as small as you like, so you can shake out just the amount oil you need at a time, but I would just find it so much easier with a pump, to avoid the product flying off everywhere!

 

amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo

 

On the days I don’t wash my hair, I cannot live without a dry shampoo, as it simply takes away any grease, especially around the hairline, and makes my hair look and smell freshly washed – and not to mention, the dry shampoo also acts as a kind of volume powder, giving my hair some much needed bounce. It is also perfect to have at hand on those days where you’ve hit the snooze button once too many times and are in a bit of a hurry, or simply cannot be bothered to wash your hair. A few sprays is simply all that is needed.


The Dry shampoo is made using Oryza Sativa (Rice Starch), which is a very light absorbent powder that absorbs dirt, oils and adds volume and texture to hair. And unlike some other dry shampoos, I like that it doesn’t leave my hair with a white coat of powder, that makes it look dull.


Similar to all the amika products are the bright and fun packaging, with bright colours such as pink, orange and yellow – they simply look fantastic in the bathroom, and it is such a refreshing change from the boring one-colour products otherwise dominating my bathroom.

All the products are fragranced with amika’s signature scent includes vanilla, citrus and sweet clover, which gives them the most stunning fresh and zesty scent, that I really like.


But great packaging and a beautiful scent is of course not enough – but lucky that these amika product really do perform, and I love how my hair feels and looks after I’ve used these products – so the name amika, a girl’s best friend, really is a very suitable name, as both I and my hair, have very quickly become dependent to these products, as you can always trust them to be there for you!

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy. 

Ever heard of amika? Keen on trying? Which haircare products are you dependent on? What’s your dream holiday destination?

 

TOY TESTER REVIEW: PLAYGRO ROCK 'N' STACK STACKING RINGS

My little baby boy is no longer a baby, he turned 1 on Friday, so he is now officially a toddler, although he will of course always be Mummy’s little baby boy. Anyway, as you know he is an official Playgro toy tester, and here’s his review on the *Playgro Rock 'n' Stack Stacking Rings;

 

What They Say:

A rainbow of five teeth-able rings fit over a cone with a rocking base. Baby can sort and stack the rings, then bat at the base to watch it rock back and forth. Playgro's textured stacking rings are an essential for baby. Their vibrant colours and fun design make them perfect for playtime.

 

RRP:  $6 – Available from Coles

What Oliver Says:

My new toy tester job has me now playing with Playgro Rock 'n' Stack Stacking Rings, and if you haven’t already, make sure you’ve checked out other Playgro reviews of the Bathtime Squirtees, Stacking Fun Cups, and Grip ‘n’ StackSoft Blocks.

I got very excited when Mum gave the Playgro Rock 'n' Stack, as I really like the bright colours, and I immediately had to knock the tower down and pull the rings off.

 

 

Mum and Dad have showed me to get the rings back on the spike, and I do my best to do it myself too, although sometimes I get the size order wrong and they won’t all fit. But it is all benefiting my cognitive skills, encouraging me to think, and learn how to do it myself.

 

The rings have a good size and thickness and are very light too, so even though I still only have small hands, they are easy to pick up.

I also like that the rings have different textures, where some have small dimples, others rings, and some are completely smooth, which helps with my tactile development and my fine motor skills, also teaching me to use my hands and fingers when I reach for them.

 

The brightly coloured ring help stimulate my visual perception. The stacking rings is a very simple toy, yet it is very good for my early educational teaching of the understanding of colour, size and shape, as well as hand-eye coordination and creativity.

 

I like crawling and walking around with a donut in each hand – yeah, Mum calls the rings for donuts, I don’t really know why as she hates donuts, so poor little me will probably not get to taste one until I turn 21!
 

According to Playgro, these blocks are suitable from 9 months, but I still enjoy playing with them although I’m one now, and I also think that someone at 4-6 months of age would have just as much fun playing with them.

 

I definitely recommend the Playgro Rock 'n' Stack Stacking Rings, as they are heaps of fun to play with, and Mum says that at just $6, they are a fantastic bargain too!

 

Thanks again for employing me Playgro!

Oliver xx

And don't forget to also check out the other great Toy Tester's reviews, as they are reviewing other cool toys suitable for various ages..

• Laura from Mizz Mummy            
• Lauren from Xavier Loves  
• Jennifer from The Professional Pram Pusher  
• Nikita from NJT Reviews  
• Olivia from Budget Conscious Beauty Mumma
• Peta from Great Googamoogas 
• Toni from Finding Myself Young 
• Jeanine from Vidot Family 

And of course, for more information make sure to visit Playgro as well as like them on facebook to be kept in the loop with all things Playgro including great offers.

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

What do you think of these Rock 'n' Stack Stacking Rings from Playgro? What’s your little ones favourite toy(s)?

SALON REVIEW: HYPOXI - TARGETED WEIGHT LOSS - PART 3 - FURTHER RESULTS

Did you see my previous posts where I have shared the start of my journey through HYPOXI? If not, I suggest you check it out here as well as check out my first results here.

HYPOXI helps to increase blood circulation, accelerating fat metabolism and detoxifying the connective tissue especially targeting stomach, hips, legs and buttocks, - or in other words, those areas women are always complaining about. According to HYPOXI, this leads to fast visible results that are long-term, so they won’t reverse as soon as you stop the treatments.

 

 

I have been using the L-250 at HYPOXi Berwick, and in this machine your lower half to be enclosed in an airtight vacuum alternating pressure chamber during the exercise. In this chamber, the therapy is applied to stimulate circulation in the problem areas, in order to remove fat and toxins from the stimulated tissue. The result is slimmer legs and a more tuned buttock.  

As I mentioned in my previous post, I am not expecting to see massive results and loss of weight and centimetres, simply because I don’t believe that I have a huge amount to loose – but what I would love is more toned thighs and bum and shave a few centimetres off as well. Obviously no treatment and weight loss is instant, but I am not really starting to be able to see and feel the results.

And as you can see from my next round of the measurements, the results are definitely there...

 

 

So there you go… without physically having lost any weight (my weight is always a kilo up and down), I have actually lost a total of 10.5 centimetres around my bum, hips and thighs… Wow!! May not sound like a lot, but I am very excited about this, and can now both see it, as well as feel it in the way my clothes fit me!!

For more information, make sure to visit the HYPOXI website, where you can also book in for a free trial session…

And make sure to check back in again next week to hear about my final weigh-in progress..

*These HYPOXI sessions were kindly provided for consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

What do you think of HYPOXI? Keen on trying?

PRODUCT REVIEW: NATIVE BOX CLASSIC JUNE 2014

Today I’d like to share with you my thoughts on the *June edition of the Classic Native Box;

 

What They Say:

We will send you a different Native box every month with the very best eco-conscious, healthy and safe products to nourish the body, mind and soul. At Native Box we feature Australian brands, big and small, that provide exceptional eco-friendly and sustainable products. We continuously scour the market, making it easier for you to make good shopping decisions that are better for you, your family and our planet…. together with Native Box, these brands help positive change happen!  5-10 products monthly (Full &/or Samples)

RRP:

1 month: $24.95 (shipping included)
3 months: $69.90 (shipping included)
6 months: $134.70 (shipping included)
12 months: $264.00 (shipping included)

– Available from Native Box

 

What I Say:

The Native Box is committed to connecting its members with Australian businesses that provide exceptional organic and sustainable products, as they believe that each dollar spent on such products cast for a better world – and believe that they can help shift the balance towards a better Australia and safer planet. The Native Box has several different boxes available including the Mum & Bub (check out my review of the Winter 2014 Mum & Bub Box), the Beauty Box (Check out my review of Winter Beauty Box), a Vegan Box, A Men’s Box, and of course the Classic Box, which I review the June edition here;

These are the goodies that were included in the box;

 

Bondi Chai – 2 x Sachets

 

I got one of the Club Cinnamon, and one of the Vanilla Honey varieties. I already know the Cinnamon one, and have a box, in the pantry – well rather, one stick left in the box, and as I really like these, and they are a perfect fix for the 3 o’clock slump and tiredness I usually experience,  and as they are 98% fat free, I don’t have to feel guilty either - so I have already added them to my shopping list. They are the closest I’ve come to a Chai in a café, and obviously at a much lower cost per cup too! I haven’t tried the Vanilla Honey option, and would probably not have purchased it before tasting it, as generally I am not too fond of honey as I often find it too sweet – so I look forward to trying out the sample, and you just never know if I like it better than the original.

Available from Coles and Woolworths

 

Sweet William Sweet As Dark Chocolate with Orange – Full Size, 100g

YUM – my favourite chocolate combination. Dark chocolate and orange together. And this block contains 75% sugar than normal chocolate as it has been sweetened with stevia, so you don’t have to feel so guilty when you indulge. Sadly my husband also loves Choc Orange, so I doubt I’ll be able to enjoy this on my own.

Available from Sweet William

 

Olivella Face & Body Bar – Full Size, 100g

 

Unfortunately I am not the biggest lover of soap bars as I simply find they quickly become very messy, so I much prefer liquid soap. In saying that, this soap bar is made using 100% virgin olive oil, and does not contain any parabens, dyes or animal fats, and it sis so gentle that you can use it every day, - and on your face too, which proves how gentle it is. So I may just have to give it a go.

Available from Olivella 

 

Weleda Oat Replenishing Shampoo and Conditioner – Sample Sachets, 10ml each

This shampoo and conditioner is intended for dry hair and uses the natural power of oats to nourish the hair, so perfect for my long hair and dry ends. I love that it is certified organic and uses natural organic ingredients. I have previously tried some of their baby products on my little boy, and really liked them, so I look forward to testing this shampoo and conditioner as well.

Available from Weleda

 

Probiotic Solutions Cuffs & Collars Fabric Spray – Sample Size, 50ml

This fabric spray contains a blend of probiotic bacteria which is to help clean dirty collars, stinky arms and greasy shorts – and I am thinking dirty bibs as well. I love that it is made using natural ingredients, so I look forward to testing out how tough it is on stains!

Available from Probiotic Solutions

Buckley & Phillips Gumleaf Essentials Relaxing Hand & Body Lotion – Sample Sachet, 5ml

 

I have never heard of this brand before, but I love knowing that it is made using 100% pure and natural ingredients with added aromatherapy benefits as it is scented with essential oils, so I cannot wait to try this cream out.

Available from Buckley & Phillips

 

Brookfarm Power Porrij – Sample Sachet

I was very intrigued by this product, which claims to be more than just oats, especially seeing my preferred breakfast is oats or porridge during winter. But this Porrij is supposedly a gourmet porridge made using organic super-grains rich in proteins including amaranth and quinoa and golden flaxseed, so I really look forward to testing this one out as I am always up for a more healthy alternative.

Available from Brookfarm

 

Natralus Sample Sachets x 3; Natural Paw Paw Ointment, Paw Paw Pure Gel and Aloe Vera Gel, 2g each

I love Paw Paw on my lips during winter when they are extra dry, and also on any cuts on my hands, which in turn seems to heal quicker. I have never tried Natralus before so I do look forward to seeing how these products perform.

I also usually have a bottle of aloe vera in the house, but mainly use it during summer when (usually) hubby has had too much sun while playing sports, but still, this little sample sachet will be handy to have at hand for soothing skin.

Available from Natralus

 

So there you have it, this was the contents in the June Classic Native Box.  

I think that the box contains a great selection and variety of products, all of which I am very happy with and will look forward to using. I particularly love the inclusion of the Dark Chocolate (who wouldn’t!), but also the Chai’s and the Porrij – it is great to be introduced to new food varieties, that are healthier. I also love the Fabric Cleaner, and really hope it does perform on tough stains, and the large Olivella Soap bar is lovely addition as well. Finally, all the sample sachets of cream and hair products – six in total, are also fantastic, and it is a lovely way of getting to try out new products before spending up big on full sized products you may not like. So overall, I am very happy with this month’s contents!

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

What do you think of the products in the Native Box? Have you tried any of these products? Do you buy organic products? And eat healthy snacks?

PRODUCT REVIEW: VIOLET BOX JUNE 2014

Time of the month again for the arrival of the beauty boxes – and here are my thought son the *June Violet Box;

 

What They Say:

Violet Box brands promises to every month include 4-6 premium beauty and lifestyle samples from well-known and trusted Australian beauty brands as well as exciting new International brands, one in particular is a revolutionary product currently trending in New York and has been featured in Vogue and on the Today Show!

RRP: You can subscribe to Violet Box for:

1 month – $22.95
3 months - $66.00
6 months - $130
12 months - $250

- Available from Violet Box

What I Say:

This month the Violet box didn't arrive in its usual black matte box, - but in stead it came in a little makeup bag – and as I by now have a whole heap of the empty beauty boxes that I am using for storage of other items, and actually was in desperate need of a new makeup bag, I really applaud this.

 

Caddy's Cosmetic Pouch – Full Size (RRP: $26)

 

The makeup bag has a fantastic size, and lots of zippers and compartments so it is so easy to store and separate even the smallest of items. I got a nude toned one with pink, grey and red dots on it, and it is so cute. I love it!

 

And this is what was in it;

ghd Straight and Tame Cream – Full Size (RRP: $24.00/120ml)

 

I already knew that this would be included as there was a teaser in last month’s box about it. This is to help tame your hair from frizz and make it even straighter, while protecting your hair from heat damage. I have to be very honest and admit that I very rarely straighten my hair, let alone use the hair drier – it simply dries naturally, even though it means that it is not straight and I have frizzy hair, but with a baby, I simply haven’t got the time at the moment. But regardless, it will be handy to have at hand, for special occasions.

Appelles Blackseed Shampoo and Tamanu Conditioner - Sample Sizes, 60ml each – (RRP: $18.95/150ml each)

 

I have never before tried any products from Appelles, so I am quite excited about the inclusion of these. The products smell lovely from the sandalwood and lavender essential oils used in the products, and are supposed to help strengthen the hair and fortify against dry and split ends – just what my hair needs, so I cannot wait to put these to the test. And the samples have a decent size so I will be able to try them a few times before casting my verdict.

Strange Beautiful Nail Polish – Full Sized  - RRP:?

 

This is a very cute two in one nail polish that includes a bright red shade and a dusty pink shade. Both shades are really lovely and very wearable, and as I’ve never heard of Strange Beautiful Nail Polishes before, I look forward to putting them to the test.

Bioderma Sebium Pore Refiner – Sample Size 15ml (RRP: $30.95/30ml)

 

Lately beauty boxes all seem to include Bioderma, but as I am still new to Bioderma and I’ve like what I’ve tried so far, I don’t mind the inclusion of this so I can try out some more of their products. This is a silicone based primer that contains, and it is supposed to be designed for oil skin to help minimise pores on especially nose, chin and forehead. This sounds absolutely perfect for my combination skin, so I am very excited about this one, and hope that it will make my skin look shine-free all day too!

Chella Brow Pencil in light brown – Full Size ($21.50)

 

This is supposedly a light brown pencil, but I do find that it is quite dark – but luckily it does suit my brows – unfortunately, my brows are the first thing I skip when I am in a hurry, so it is very rare that I use brow products, but in saying that, I do know what an amazing difference it makes, so I will definitely be giving this a go the next time I’ve got a few spare minutes to do my makeup.

 

So there you go, this was the contents in the June Violet Box. And yet again Violet Box has managed to impress me. Actually, I am amazed at how you just keep doing it so well month after month, with each box outperforming the previous month’s.

This month includes a fantastic variety of skincare, hair, nail, and makeup products, so there is something for everyone, and even better, there is also a mix of brand, including all except for ghd and Bioderma that are new to me. Thanks to the makeup bag, this month’s ‘box’ has a massive value, so definitely well worth the $22.95 it cost. My only negative about this month’s box, is that it did not include the usual card with product descriptions and values of the products (so please take the above listed prices with a grain of salt!), and I don’t know if this is general, or just an oversight in my box. And while I do not need to get the value of the products specified to see that this month is fantastic value, it is nice to have the product descriptions at hand.

Well done Violet Box – and yet again congratulations on your first year- you have gone from strength to strength, and I am already looking forward to seeing what you have planned for next month.

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

What do you think of the products of this month’s Violet Box? Did you get this months’ box too? What did you think? And if not, would you consider subscribing?

And of course, as always, if you’d like to see an in-depth review of any of products in the box, leave me a comment below..

PRODUCT REVIEW: NATIVE BOX MUM & BUB WINTER 2014

Today I'd like to share with you the Winter 2014 edition of the *Native Box Mum & Bub;

What They Say:

The Mum & Bub Box is intended to be an educational and informative tool along the journey or parenthood. Native Box work hard to source the very best natural and organic Australian products on the market and introduce them to you to try and experience. The Mum & Bub Box is focused on items for baby and some items to nurture and spoil mum or mum-to-be.

RRP:

Quarterly (=one box): $24.95 (shipping included)
Yearly (=four boxes): $89.80 (shipping included)
– Available from Native Box

What I Say:

Now on to what was in the very first Native Box Mum & Bub Box;

E-String Bags 100% Cotton Handle Carry Bag – Full size/one net

 

This gorgeous net from E-String Bags is 100% biodegradable, reusable, recyclable and compostable. It comes in a selection of colours, and I got a bright pink one!! And it can hold up to 14kgs, yet it weighs a tiny 4grams!!! This net is perfect to pop in your handbag to use in the supermarket, or just to have at hand when you suddenly need an extra carriage bag. I really like the concept of these nets, but as I already received one in the November Native Box, which I by the way have made good use of, but unfortunately receiving another one doesn’t excite me that much, although I know it will be put to good use. I would have loved to see for instance an toy or a piece of baby clothing included in its place. Available from E-String Bags

 

Ayana Organics Baby Butter and Baby Bottom Cream – 2x sachet samples

 

I have never heard of this brand before, but I am happy to trial these sachet samples on my little boy, knowing that the products are very gentle, and enriched with organic ingredients such as cocoa butter, calendula oil and lavender oil, and that the products do not contain any ingredients from animal products and no chemicals either. Available from Ayana Organics

WotNot Biodegradable Wipes – Sample pack/20 wipes

 

I have used the WotNot baby wipes, and really like them, so these wipes are well received. They are enriched with certified organic aloe vera, and 100% chlorine free as well as free from sulphates, petrochemicals, parabens, caustics, glycols and artificial fragrances. The small size is perfect to have in the handbag or in the car to prevent sticky fingers.  I will definitely be purchasing them again. Available from Eco Direct

 

Motex Eco Nappy – sample/one nappy

 

I am lucky that our little boy has never experienced anything in the form of skin irritations of nappy rash, but in saying that, I do like the sound of these eco nappies. They are made from biodegradable material and 100% chlorine free, so it is gentle on both your baby and earth! Unfortunately the sample included was for a newborn, and with my little boy now 1 year old, we will not be able to try this one out. But I will make sure to check out their website for more information about these nappies. Available from Eco Direct

 

Probiotic Solutions Anywhere Anytime – Sample size/50ml spray bottle

 

This is an all-purpose cleaner that is free from chemicals. It is suitable for use on all surfaces, so perfect to clean the kitchen table from those sticky fingers after dinnertime – but the small size is also handy to bring with you to clean up your little ones mess when you’re out and about. It contains lemon myrtle, lemongrass, pink grapefruit and rosemary, and smells amazing – zesty and refreshing, just how I like it! Available from Probiotic Solutions 

 

Hello Fresh - $30 gift voucher
 

 

This is a fantastic concept. You sign up and get all the ingredients delivered to cook your dinner – basically meal planner and a personal shopper in one. Genius. And you can choose between getting three or five meals a week, and a meat or vegetarian option. I have already received one of these vouchers in a beauty subscription box, and plan to make use of it when we’ve moved into our new house early March.  Unfortunately I can only use one voucher per household, so I cannot use this one as well, but I am sure one of my friends will happily make use of it. Available from Hello Fresh

 

Rainforest Remedies Lemon Myrtle Lip Balm – Full size/5g

 

This lip balm is made from all natural ingredients, containing a blend of soothing fruit and nut oils as well as organic myrtle to moisturise, protect and smooth the lips. One can never have too many lip balms, and as soon as I saw that it had lemon myrtle included, I was sold. I absolutely love lemon scented products, and this lip balm doesn’t fail to impress. It smells so lovely and refreshing. I am almost due for a new lip balm on my bedside table, so this couldn’t have come at a better time! Available from Rain Forest Remedies

 

Care You Love Persian Rose Moisturiser – Sachet Sample

 

This cream from Care You Love promises to deeply hydrate the skin with a rich calendula infusion and exquisite rose oils. The cream is infused with cold pressed kernel oil and made in small batches with love! And it is made without parabens, sulfates, glycols, petro-chemicals, artificial colours, and synthetic fragrances.

I got one of these sachets in the November Native Box, and while the cream is really lovely, and has the most beautiful rose scent, and will be used – having already tried it, means that I am not too excited about it, and I would have preferred to trial another product from the Care You Love product range. Available from Care You Love



NatraSan Antibacterial Instant Hand Sanitiser with Kakadu Plum & Vanilla

I don't really like hand sanitisers, and I am usually not one to carry around one and use it a million times during the day - but for keeping in the nappy bag and using when you have to do an emergency nappy change in the back of the car or somewhere where there is no toilet with soap and water in sight for you to use afterwards, then a hand sanitiser does come in handy. And this little pump bottle has the perfect size to pop into the nappy bag. And although the 28ml bottle is so small, its claimed there are 180 sprays, and hence 90 uses per bottle, killing 99.99% of germs in 10 seconds. Amazing.

Nourish Our Kids – Free Publication

 

Finally, the Mum & Bub Box also came with a small magazine called Nourish Our Kids. As the title suggests it has some great articles about nutrition for kids, and includes some yummy sounding recipes, so I will enjoy reading this to pick up any tips and meal ideals, and I will also make sure so check them out on facebook to be kept in the loop. 

So there you have it, this was the contents of the winter 2014 Mum & Bub Box from Native box.

Overall I think the box contains a great selection of natural products, and I like being introduced to new products, and in particularly I have high hopes for the Ayana baby creams and the NatraSan Hand Sanitiser and the Rainforest Remedies Lip Balm. Unfortunately I wont be able to put the Moltex nappy to the test, but at least there is only that one product that will 'go to waste'. And although the String Bag, the Hand Sanitiser (I think), and the lip balm are all full sized products, the remainder of the products are all sample sized, and of relatively low value, so I would have liked to see one or two more full sized products to ensure the box is worth its $24.95.
However, I do like being introduced to new products, and box is doing that very successfully!

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

And of course, as always, if you’d like to see an in-depth review of any of products in the box, leave me a comment below..

What do you think of the products in the Native Mum & Bub Box? Have you tried any of these products? Do you buy organic products?