The Detox Market: Best of Green Beauty Box 2019 – REVIEW

KOSAS
Kosasport LipFuel in Pulse | full size 0.17 oz | $18 value

I’ve wanted to try KOSAS for the longest time. They’re known for being the new hip kids on the green makeup block and their lip balm in the color Pulse is such a good universal pick and introduction to the brand. Not only is the lip balm something that is universally needed, but the color gives you a good idea of the formula sophistication when it comes to color intensity and wear, both of which are surprisingly good for a lip balm. It’s more exciting than the plain colorless variant but offers enough sheerness for those who don’t want to be too colorful. I love it because it gives just the right amount of pop that makes lips just look ever-so-slightly more defined without being obvious. And the texture is incredibly “balmy” which is good for a lip balm, as it provides sufficient nourishment and protection.

PAI SKINCARE
Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil – Mini | full size 10 ml | $28 value

This is one of the classics of green beauty and I’m glad it was included even in the cute mini size. Pai’s Rosehip oil really started the whole rosehip craze a couple of years back, and their rosehip oil has reached iconic status at this point. Rosehips are high in beta-carotene, omegas, and antioxidants so they’re just overall great skin protectors. What makes this oil different from others is that it’s a blend of rosehip seed and rosehip fruit oils of the highest purity. I think this is a very clean, simple yet effective product that can do so much from both nourishing skin to rejuvenating it. My deepest impression of this product came from an event in NYC where I met a 60-plus investment banker with beautiful skin who swore up and down that this was her entire anti-aging regimen, “rosehips are the new retinols” she declared.

MAYA CHIA
The Eye Achiever | full size 0.3 oz | $70 value

I’ve been curious about Maya Chia for the longest time, so when the Eye Achiever was included in this box, I was beyond excited to try it. Unfortunately, it made my eyes water and itch. And upon checking the ingredients, I was quite surprised to see spices like Black Cumin, Sea Fennel and Fennel, and Sweet Lupine (which can be an allergen for those with nut allergies). As many of you know, I’m not a fan of spices in facial care products in general, and I feel that many such active ingredients need to especially be used with caution around the eyes. This just irritated my eyes, and as I tried it on my partner and friends, I realized that it wasn’t just me. I wanted desperately to love this because the cooling rollerball is a great idea for stimulating circulation around the stagnant eye area, and some reviews were very glowing in how this can even temporary fill fine lines, but it just wasn’t a match for me. Nonetheless, that’s why these boxes are great, because it lets you try new products with lower risk than paying outright at full price.

RMS BEAUTY
Signature Set in Mod Collection | full size | $44 value

I actually wanted this the moment I saw it launch on RMS Beauty’s instagram. The signature set is available in two colors but Mod is perfect because it’s so versatile. The set functions as a cross between a “best of” sampler set and an on-the-go everything-in-one sort of thing, giving you blush, lipstick, lip balm, highlighter – specifically, there are two lip2cheek colors, a lip and skin balm, master mixer and the signature living luminizer all in one palette. Super convenient and useful, I’d pretty much purchase this box just to get this below normal price.

ODACITE
Blue Aura Cleansing Water | full size 120 ml | $39 value

This is a micellar water, but oh my goodness it’s so much more. There are ayurvedic herbs that fight pollution, aloe vera water to soothe skin, and French micellar water to remove the day. The scent is quite unwinding and I love using it at the end of a long day to remove make-up and sunscreen, especially applied on a cotton pad to remove eye makeup. You don’t need to rinse this off, it just wipes off but as a creature of habit, I just like to go over with a wash afterward as well. Definitely an upgrade to normal micellar waters and a must try. For the full bottle at 120ml for $39 retail, I think the price is really good for how much product you get and how long lasting it is, so it’s an even better value in the box.

W3LL PEOPLE
Expressionist Volumizing Mascara | full size | $23 value

Have not opened this yet just because I’m still using another mascara, but W3LL People is a great brand and I’ll update once I finish my current mascara.

INNERSENSE BEAUTY
Pure Travel Trio |  travel size | $27 value

I recently traveled with the conditioner and shampoo, and have to say my hair felt the most lustrous that it has in a long long time. I’m a huge convert to this brand now, and sometimes will use their leave-in conditioner just for fun because it feels like a vitamin for my hair.

DETOX MODE
Happening Scrub | full size 120 ml | $35 value

I didn’t love this at first because the scrub has a kind of oil/balmy texture that I thought would not rinse well. But as I kept using it, I noticed that while the refined granules did their job in smoothening out my skin texture, the oils (all from plants) really helped to soften and condition my skin such that my skin was both clean and well-nourished that I did not even need to use a body oil after stepping out of the shower. The smell is very herbal but in a meditative way that I appreciate. I’ve really grown to enjoy this both as an experience and as a really effective product.