I love natural beauty and wellness products. The less harsh, hard-to-pronounce chemicals and the more organic ingredients, the better. I also love having a more subtle look with my makeup in the Spring and Summer months, especially since I’m so active in the warmer weather. April’s GlossyBox, which I just finished playing around with, was inspired by Earth Day and was right up my alley- delivering luxury sized, good-for-me samples to indulge myself with and to help me achieve a fresh-faced finish.

What I Received:

Alterna Haircare’s “Bamboo Style Boho Waves Tousled Texture Mist”

The Honest Company Organic Lip Balm

TIGI Cosmetics Glow Blush (Full Size!)

Le Métier de Beauté Replenishing Daily Solution

WASH WITH JOE Coffeemint Invigorating Body Wash

Bulgari Eau Parfumée au thé Blanc Tea Bag for Bath

Product #1: Alterna Haircare’s “Bamboo Style Boho Waves Tousled Texture Mist” ($22)

If you’ve been reading this blog for any considerable amount of time, you’re probably well aware by now that I have naturally thick, curly, often unruly hair, and that trying to tame it is a challenge in itself. Creams, serums, sprays- I do it all, mixing and matching depending on my mood and how well my hair is behaving, if it’s even behaving at all. When I read the instructions to this light, clean-smelling spray- simply spritz some on from the root to the ends of damp hair and let air dry- I was a bit skeptical. Usually in order for me to obtain “just left the beach” waves, I need an arsenal of product, a flat-iron, a curling iron, and a lot of time and patience.

I was blown away by the results of this spray, however. While my hair wasn’t particularly wavy, my curls were touchably soft, considerably defined, and frizz-free. The spray cut my styling time in half, and the results were phenomenal.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I love this spray. It’s perfect for the Spring and Summer when all I want to do is get up and go. It’s lightly scented, it’s effective, and it doesn’t weigh my hair down or leave any kind of greasy residue. I’m completely smitten.

Product #2: The Honest Company Organic Lip Balm ($10.95 for a 3 Pack)

I have a few Spring & Summer lip looks. I love a good coral tint on some days, or a bold pop of neon pink on other days, but my go-to, always-in-my-purse standby is just a classic, clear, moisturizing lip balm. When I’m out in the sun or sipping on an iced GTL (green tea lemonade, and my warm weather on-the-go drink of choice), the only thing I’m concerned with when it comes to my lips is that they’re staying hydrated and smooth. This balm, loaded with olive, sunflower, and coconut oils, applied nicely, didn’t feel thick or sticky, and didn’t slide off too easily. It’s a nice and simple.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I don’t think I would go out of my way to purchase a pack of 3, since I have so many lip products already, but if I saw this in a store, I’d probably pick one up to keep in my purse. These would make a great gift for someone, too.

Product #3: TIGI Cosmetics Glow Blush ($22)

It took me a couple of tries to get acclimated with using a powder blush again since I’ve been using cream blushes for so long, but once I got the hang of this beautiful, flattering, flushed-pink shade, I knew there was no turning back. The color may look dark in the container, but it applies lighter and has a touch of shimmer to really highlight cheekbones. It lasts for a long time, so re-applying throughout the day isn’t necessary unless you want to gradually build up the color, and a little goes a long way, so you won’t be using a ton of it to get the desired look.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I never thought I’d stray from cream blushes, but this one has changed my mind completely. I love it, and I’d love to try a more nude-tone shade of it, as well.

Product #4: Le Métier de Beauté Replenishing Daily Solution ($225)

This is actually my second sample of this particular product. My first, received back in January, had yet to be reviewed at the time I posted the entry. Since then, my opinion of the product hasn’t really changed all that much. The price point to the moisturizer is a little shocking, even with a $75 voucher that GlossyBox included in this month’s package to apply towards the purchase of a jar of it. It wasn’t exactly a miracle product. Sure, it was hydrating, the SPF was a perk, and my skin felt soft all day, but I still don’t think I’d ever pay that much for it when I can achieve similar results with other products.

Would I Purchase?: No. The first “no” so far in this month’s GlossyBox. I’m all for splurging and treating yourself, but to me, this particular moisturizer just isn’t worth the price. That’s not to say it isn’t a good product, because it is, but it definitely shouldn’t be marked at $225.

Product #5: WASH WITH JOE Coffeemint Invigorating Body Wash ($28)

Two things I realized as soon as I poured some of this product onto a wash cloth in the shower: 1. It smelled delicious (think a peppermint mocha latte), and 2. It had the color and consistency of chocolate syrup, which I was NOT expecting. The unusual coloring and texture aside, this wash was really nice. It didn’t lather up particularly well, but my skin still felt soft, clean, refreshed and tingly after I rinsed it off. Just a reminder that when you’re done using it- it’s a good idea to rinse around your shower, just in case some of the product splattered against the walls. My shower curtain looked like I had been messily baking a chocolate cake after the first time I used this.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! If you want a really bubbly, sudsy body wash, this isn’t the product for you- but this product does thoroughly clean your skin without drying you out, and it smells so, so good.

Product #6: Bulgari Eau Parfumée au thé Blanc Tea Bag for Bath (9.50 per bag)

Some of you may remember my review of Bulgari’s Eau Parfumée Au Thé Blanc Soap from the GlossyBox I received in February, where although I was more than satisfied with the result the soap gave me, I was completely put off by the fragrance. When I saw I had received another product infused with the same perfume, this time a teabagged version of a bath bomb, I was a little disappointed. I decided to give it a try anyway, and took a nice hot soak earlier this morning before I got going for the day. Unrelated note: I think I need a bigger bathtub, but that’s a whole other story.

To my surprise, the scent in this adorable little white tea packed bag, although the same as the soap, was a LOT less overpowering. Even better? My skin was left with the same smooth, silky feeling that I had coveted with the soap sample. I couldn’t think of a more relaxing way to spend twenty minutes on a Saturday morning than with this soak, a good book, and the window open to let in some fresh air and listen to the birds chirping outside. I’m still in a zen state of mind.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! Absolutely. This is such a treat for myself, and would make a great gift for others. I loved the results, the scent was infinitely nicer than the soap from the same fragrance line, and unlike the clean-up with most bath bombs, this product was mess-free.

With the exception of one product that just didn’t “wow” me, I was so pleased with April’s GlossyBox. The samples were fun to try and gave great results, and now I have a few more full-sized products  to add to my “must buy” list.