Latest In Beauty - January 2021

I've been a little absent from my blog for the past few days and in the future I will be blogging a little less than usual so you can expect one blog post every week or every two weeks from now on. Today's post is my review of the January box from Latest In Beauty which you may have seen a sneak peek of if you follow me on Instagram. 

*Latest In Beauty Box - January 2021

The variety is fantastic for January and I was able to choose a great range of items from skincare, body care and haircare to hand sanitiser and an adorable sleep mask. Since I chose my items, many more items have been added to the selection including masks, skincare and wax melts! I'm really happy with the items in the box and as always I think the selection and value for money are fantastic. 

Foamie Papaya and Oat 2 in 1 Body Bar 

I'll begin with the most heavenly scented item in the box, the soap bar from Foamie which has the most fruity and fresh scent that's perfect to brighten up a dull wintery day. The design is quite unique and allows for a slightly massage when you use it because of the bumps on the bar. 

Smug Sleep Eye Mask 

Next up is the cutest sleep mask I've ever seen - this one isn't on the site anymore but you can choose the cherry blossom mask from the same brand. It's a blackout, padded eye mask that I think will be great for my sleeping problems. I love the design and it feels very soft, squishy and I think it is a great, unique addition to the January selection. 

Yardley Hand Sanitiser 

Hand sanitiser is one of the most essential items from 2020 and it's the same this year; we all need hand sanitiser so whenever I've seen it on the website recently, I've chosen it. This one is a huge 250ml bottle and it contains 70% alcohol - it will definitely be added to the car very soon for post-shopping sanitising. 

Colab Extreme Volume Dry Shampoo 

Colab is probably my favourite dry shampoo brand, I've tried so many of their scents but I haven't tried this specific one. It is the dry shampoo with a volume boost formula that helps to absorb oil, adds body and increases volume. I haven't tried it yet but I have high hopes as I've loved all of the others!

Skin Chemists Rose Illuminating Glow Peel Off Mask

I haven't used a peel of mask for so long (I've fallen in love with sheet masks in 2020) but I had to choose this item as it is one of their 'hall of fame' products - I always opt for their hall of fame products as they are usually quite special or well loved. I can't wait to try this mask as my skin has been very dull recently!

Oh K! Oil Controlling T-Zone Mask 

Lastly, a product from one of my favourite sheet mask brands - Oh K! I have tried many of their masks and love them all, especially the hydrogel and moisturising masks. However, as my skin has been oils and congested so I think that an oil controlling mask would be a great option for my skin right now. 

Have you tried any of these products? 

* AD - gifted item sent to me, not paid

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Latest In Beauty Box: December 2020

It's time for my final Latest In Beauty box review of the year and naturally the December box is their festive edit! The selection for the month of December was fantastic and I opted to choose my items early but there are still so many wonderful beauty products to choose from. To get a sneak peek of upcoming posts as well as PR mail and unboxings, follow me on Instagram (@ofbeautyand). 

*Latest In Beauty - December 2020

The festive edit contains a great range of items and brands including Umberto Giannini, Sally Hansen, Dr Teals, Zoeva and more as well as items from previous edits. I chose a few items I don't typically pick along with a few items I know I'll adore. In addition to the products you choose for your December box, you will also receive either a Look Good Feel Better makeup brush or sponge in your box too! 

*Umberto Giannini Temporary Hair Colour and Mask

Umberto Giannini is a brand I don't pick up very often, outside of subscription boxes but when I do I always tend to love their products. I adored a mask I tried from Umberto Giannini as part of a previous Latest In Beauty box so I wanted to give these a go. The mask also contains temporary hair colour in Pink Delight and Forget Me Not. I don't know how well it will work on my dark hair but I'm excited to give them a go. 

*Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair 

The November box contained the Aveda Daily Hair Repair (it was the November 'hall of fame' item) and I fell in love! Naturally I had to add another to my December box as I haven't come across a hair product for a long time that I have adored instantly like this one! It is a full sized item and worth £26 which is amazing value for money considering the box as a whole is only £12.95. 

*Dr Teal's Pure Epsom Salts 

Winter is now here and that means I can break out all of my cosy bath products! As much as I love bath bombs and bubble bars, I think that bath salts can be very effective especially for muscle pain. I didn't manage to order before the lavender scent sold out but the eucalyptus and spearmint scent was still available and it smells amazing. 

*Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish in Shooting Star

My favourite and the most long-lasting nail polish I've ever tried has to be the Insta-Dri range from Sally Hansen; the only polish I've worn all year has been the Salley Hansen Insta-Dri in 'Buff & Tumble' which is the perfect pinky nude shade. I am always happy to receive more polishes from this range and the glitter is so pretty - it's the perfect topper for any nude shade. 

*Rimmel 60 Second Polish in Rapid Ruby

Another nail polish I wanted to try was from the 60 Second range from Rimmel which I used to love many years ago but I haven't tried any Rimmel products for years. The shade is a gorgeous deep red which is ideal for the festive season. 

*Look Good Feel Better Detailed Eye Liner Brush

Lastly, the free gift for each December box. I received the detailed eye liner brush but you could have received the sponge instead. The brush is unlike any other I have in my rather large collection as it is almost composed of a silicone tip instead of bristles so I'm not sure how well it will work but I'm interested to give it a go! 

Have you tried any of these products? 

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October + November Favourites 2020

As the end of the year is approaching, I'm thinking about all of the products that I've loved throughout 2020 (my 2020 favourites posts will be live at the end of the month) and I realised that I haven't published my October and November favourites yet. Despite my freelance work being very slow this year and not wearing makeup as much as I used to, I've actually found quite a few amazing products this year that I can't wait to rave about very soon. Today's post features a variety of skincare products as well as makeup, supplements, tea and a beautiful necklace that are my stand out products from the past couple of months. 

*Magnitone Facial Steamer 

As the weather is becoming very wintery, let's begin with a couple of winter warming products, the first is a cute facial steamer from Magnitone. I adore the Magnitone cleansing cloths, I've been using them constantly for a couple of years now so I was happy to try another product of theirs (which I received as part of my wellness collaboration with Very). Until I received this product I hadn't tried a facial steamer since primary school and it definitely bought back memories of using a facial steamer with Spice Girls playing in the background. 

Thankfully this one is far less messy than my previous steamer from the early 00's! It is surprisingly quick and easy to use and it has been a great first step in my pampering skincare routine. I use the steamer for ten minutes (with breaks in-between) and follow with a hydrating mask then a facial oil, eye cream and moisturiser for a moisture boosting routine that my skin desperately needs during the colder months. If you're looking for a skincare gift for yourself or someone else, then this facial steamer might be a great option. 

*Teapro Subscription 

I also wanted to highlight a unique subscription box that would make an ideal winter warming gift this Christmas! The Teapro tea subscription box contains four packets of tea per month based on a specific theme, along with educational information to help you (or your gift recipient) become a tea-pro. Additionally, with your first box you will receive a three piece tea cup and strainer (which is the only tea cup I've been using as it is just so handy to have everything in one). I think it is such a great idea and I've been loving trying the different tea varieties, all of which I wouldn't have tried if it wasn't for the Teapro subscription box. 

Benefit Ka-Brow (4.5)

There are two makeup items I've been using non-stop recently, the first is a cream-gel brow colour from Benefit in the shade 4.5. The one makeup product I've used throughout the entirety of the year and throughout both lockdowns, have been brow products. I like no-makeup days but even then I always add a little brow product, otherwise I'll look like a babyfaced teenager! I adore the Barry M Brow Wand, Maybelline Total Temptation and Maybelline Brow Precise pencils but for a softer option I have been reaching for Ka-Brow. While the shade isn't dark enough for me, it is a very quick and easy product to use that leaves my brows looking fuller, filled in and more structured without harsh lines or overly 'drawn on' brows. It is the most foolproof brow product I've tried and I will be purchasing another in a darker shade soon. 

*Elemis Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser 

If you are looking for a glow boosting moisturiser that also doubles as a highlighting primer then look no further that the radiance boosting priming moisturiser from Elemis. I previously reviewed and raved about this product in my wellbeing post with Very and I've loved it ever since. The moisturiser gives the most wonderful, refreshing glow without looking greasy or glittery. It is great on it's own or applied underneath a base for a well rested and awake complexion. 

*Gold Collagen - Vegan Plant Based Liquid Supplement (£74, one month supply) 

Moving onto a few health related items, the first being a new and delicious supplement from Gold Collagen. Their famous supplement is now available as a vegan friendly option which is fantastic. I first tried the supplement drink as part of a previous Latest In Beauty box and I've been very kindly sent a supply to test out. The drink contains 28 active nutrients including Vitamin B12, rice peptides, folic acid, plant and fruit extracts, sodium hyaluronate and much more to help maintain normal hair, skin and nails. 

The drink itself has a very fruity and sweet flavour that I wasn't expecting but I do like the flavour; however I don't think it will be a hit for everyone. I've been consuming one drink (almost) everyday for the past couple of weeks and while I think it has been helping, especially as a vegan diet could be deficient in some of the nutrients included in the supplement, it will require continued use to see more results. Overall, I think it is a great option to try if you are vegan and want a supplement drink to support your diet and improve your hair, skin and nails. 

*Luna & Leaf CBD Oil 

Another health related item I've been experiencing positive results with is the 30% CBD oil from Luna & Leaf which I have already posted a full review of on my blog. I only have one negative point to mention about this oil - the packaging does seem to leak and waste a portion of the oil (it might just be mine that has experienced this issue). However, despite that issue I have noticed the oil has a calming effect which in turn has been helping my anxiety to an extent. Although I will need to use it continuously and for a longer period of time to see if there are more or lasting positive effects. 

*NeuroSkinFeeds The MicroOil (£49)

Moving onto a couple of skincare favourites. The autumn and winter months always test my skin and usually that means persistently dry skin; thankfully I don't experience eczema on my face anymore so it isn't as much of a problem but my skin still needs a little extra boost at this time of the year. The Micro Oil from NSF is packed with vegan friendly rich skin nourishing ingredients to help calm the skin, add moisture, protect against sun exposure and reduce the signs of premature ageing. 

I've been using the oil during the day, before my moisturiser, if my skin is very dry and uncomfortable or as part of my evening winter skincare routine. The oil has a subtle floral scent that is very pleasing and while it has the rich texture of an oil, it does absorb fairly quickly leaving my skin feeling nourished, comfortable and moisturised which is exactly what it needs during the cold winter months. 

*Glowlixir Mask 

Lastly for skincare is another moisture boosting product and one that after using a couple of times per week for the last month or so, has definitely been helping (alongside the oils and hydrating products I've been using), to keep dryness to a minimum. The mask contains lots of natural and cruelty free ingredients to hydrate, soften and smooth the skin. I adore the packaging, it is a quick and easy product to use and it has definitely been giving my skin a much needed moisture boost. It is a fantastic addition to my current skincare routine! 

*Wolf & Gypsy Sixpence Necklace 

For my final favourite I wanted to include the Wolf and Gypsy sixpence necklace which I've been wearing constantly since I received it; I have reviewed the necklace fully in a previous post. I adore the minimal but beautiful design, it is a perfect casual but sophisticated necklace and I think it would make a luxe gift this Christmas (or a treat for yourself as 2020 has been quite a year!). 

Have you tried any of these products? What have you been loving recently? 

* AD - gifted items sent to me, not paid

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Latest In Beauty - November 2020

It's time for my monthly review of the wonderful Latest In Beauty Box; this months box was themed around pampering products which I think is ideal for not only this time of the year but for lockdown pampering too - which is something we all need more of! I receive the boxes to review but I genuinely cannot recommend them enough and I've purchased a couple of the limited edition (and amazing value) boxes previously. 

*Latest In Beauty - November 2020 (£12.95 per month)

As always you can choose up to six products for only £12.95 per month and the selection is added to each day so there's always a new item to add to your box. The range of items is fantastic, as it is every month on Latest In Beauty; from high end makeup, skincare and beauty tools to supplements, body care, toiletries, haircare and more. As well as a treat for yourself, the box would make a fantastic Christmas gift for beauty lovers. 

*KVD Go Big or Go Home Mascara 

I'll start with the two high end makeup products from the November selection that I immediately added to my box! I have tried both of these products already from previous Latest In Beauty boxes and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to have a couple of backups as I love both! It is a very black, volumising mascara that makes my lashes look fuller, thicker and curled instantly. 

*Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Do Me Baby 

If I could only wear one lip product for the rest of my life, it would have to be the Nars velvet matte lip pencils as not only are they easy and quick to apply but they are also comfortable, lightweight, pigmented and the longevity is amazing. I cannot recommend both makeup minis enough especially if you are looking for long lasting and long wearing products. 

*Umberto Giannini Flowerology Coco + Rose Hair Mask 

Moving onto a couple of hair treatments, the first has to be the most beautifully packaged hair mask I've ever seen! It also has an absolutely heavenly scent of soft powdered roses which is a scent I'll always enjoy. The mask claims to be an intensely moisturise boosting treatment for those with dry and dehydrated hair which definitely describes mine so I cannot wait to try this mask soon. 

*Aveda Damage Remedy Hair Repair

The 'hall of fame' product for the month of November is the Aveda Damage Remedy Hair Repair which is a hair treatment featuring 98% natural ingredients and a well loved reputation. I typically tend to add the monthly hall of fame products to my box as they're always higher end product(s) or from a brand that I've wanted to try for a while. I've tried a few Aveda products but I definitely want to try more so I'm very interested to give this product a go. 

*So Eco Angled Eyeliner Brush

You can't have too many makeup brushes, right? I have so many that it might have become a minor problem but I can't resist adding another to my collection especially when it is is vegan friendly and has  copper details. I've tried many brushes from this brand and I've been very happy with all of them, particularly the longevity and how well they stand up to use over the years as well as washing. 

*Nilaqua Oatmilk and Honey Hand Sanitiser 

Last but not least for my selection is a very useful product to have in 2020 - hand sanitiser. I've never used so many hand sanitiser than I have since March! The Nilaqua sanitiser comes in two scents: fresh watermelon and oat milk and honey. It is vegan friendly, alcohol free and it is approved by the NHS so I had to add it to my box as an everyday essential in 2020. 

Finally, I wanted to mention the upcoming Black Friday markdowns that will be live on Latest In Beauty from midnight tomorrow. The Black Friday offers will include up to 40% off, a plethora of beauty products on offer and two boxes that will be exclusive to their Black Friday offers - you don't want to miss out! 

Have you tried any of the products I've reviewed? Will you be checking out the Latest In Beauty Black Friday offers on Thursday? 

* AD - gifted item sent to me, not paid

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Latest In Beauty - October 2020

One of my favourite beauty subscription boxes has to be the Latest In Beauty box, for so many reasons. It is a great price, there's always an amazing range of products and brands to choose from and the products on offer are always changing. I've been reviewing the boxes for a couple of years now and I genuinely cannot recommend them enough (I've purchased a couple of their limited edition boxes in the past). For blogger mail unboxings and sneak peeks of my upcoming posts, follow me on Instagram (@ofbeautyand). 

*Latest In Beauty - October 2020 

The monthly themes and product offerings were amazing for October! I was able to receive two items from a couple of higher end brands within my selection as well as four other goodies. Along with your chosen selection of items, occasionally a discount code or even a free product might be included in your box (especially if it is your first box) and the free extra within the October selection was a huge bottle of hand sanitiser from Estee Lauder!

*Nars Velvet Matte Mini Lip Pencil in Do Me Baby

One of my all time favourite lip products are the Nars velvet matte lip pencils as they are so quick, easy and fuss free to apply and they are so long-lasting! When I noticed a mini velvet matte pencil I may have squealed slightly (ok, a lot). I already have the shades: dolce vita (my favourite), rowdy and mayhem, all of which I'd recommend. However, I think this new shade is ideal for the autumn and winter months as it is such a beautiful dark bitten berry shade that can be worn lightly and blended for a berry stained look or built up for a more vampy shade. 

*Laura Mercier Lipstick in A La Rose

The second higher end product in the box was another lip product and this one is from Laura Mercier - a brand I've loved for years. The lipstick was the October 'hall of fame' product so I had to add it to my October selection; I always love the 'hall of fame' picks. It is the cutest mini lipstick and even though the shade is much more bright and vibrant than I thought it would be, I still love it as a rosey pink everyday shade. 

*Glow Me Up Makeup Remover

Next up, a couple of makeup and beauty tools. I have been trying to reduce how much plastic and waste products I use during 2020 so I've gradually switched from cotton pads to remove my makeup to reusable/washable pads. I love the thin cotton pads I've been using with all of my cleansers but I think I'll love this one even more as it is so smooth and incredibly soft on the skin. 

*Brushworks Crystal Glass Nail File 

The final tool is a glass nail file from Brushworks. One of the reasons I love the monthly selection on Latest In Beauty so much is because they have a fantastic range of products from makeup and skincare to beauty tools, toiletries, essentials and more. I always like to choose items I know I'll need in the future or run out of soon so I have a back up on hand. 

*Nursem Hand Cream 

Speaking of essentials, hand cream. Since the beginning of April my hands have developed eczema again which is just fantastic...but thankfully I don't have any on my face (so I must have a different kind of eczema on my hands?). It means that along with the cold weather and washing my hands more often, I have the driest hands I've ever had. Hand cream has been a desk, sink, couch and car essential for me and this one has been amazing so far!

*Puressentiel Purifying Gel 

Last but not least is a mini hand sanitiser that I thought would be the perfect tiny size for my handbag. The mini 25ml size is ideal for emergencies and storing in my handbag, which is always so full of items I don't need or include 'just in case'. It is a great purifying gel and I recommend it along with the huge Estee Lauder hand sanitiser too. 

You still have time to get your hands on the October selection; a few of the products I've reviewed (and loved) are still available. Also they halloween sale is coming up soon so stay tuned to Latest In Beauty on twitter!

Have you tried any of these products?

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Latest In Beauty - September 2020

I'm a little late with my review of the September selection and box review from Latest In Beauty but thankfully a few of the items are still available in the October selection (as I'm writing this post on the 10th October) so you may still be able to choose them for your October box. I'm very lucky to review the boxes each month but my opinions are my own. If you want a sneak peek of my blogger mail and upcoming posts, make sure you follow me on Instagram (@ofbeautyand). 

*Latest In Beauty - September 2020 

The September selection was the 'backstage beauty edit' and featured so many fantastic products. I opted for a few of the more unusual items for my box as well as a couple of everyday essentials. One of my favourites things about the Latest In Beauty boxes is the very wide range of products included, from toiletries and makeup to skincare, haircare, beauty tools and much more. They also always have a fantastic variety of brands to choose from such as higher end brands including: Molton Brown, Nars and Laura Mercier, to name a few. 

*KVD Tattoo Liner 

I'll start with my favourite product from the September selection, the KVD (Kat Von D) tattoo liner which is arguably the most famous and well loved product from the brand. I've tried the liner from a previous Latest In Beauty box and loved it so I had to choose it again as mine was finally drying out. The liner is incredibly black, long wearing and it has a thin tip so it is easy to create a sharp line and flick. I think it would be an amazing liquid liner for beginners especially as it is very quick and easy to use - I cannot recommend it enough! 

*Lee Stafford CoCo LoCo Heat Protection Mist 

Next up a heat protection spray form Lee Stafford which is a brand I've continuously loved since my teens and I am still finding new products of theirs that I love. The heat protection mist can help to protect the hair from the damaging effects of heated tools up to 220 degrees celsius. It also contains coconut and agave essence to detangle, condition and nourish the hair. 

*Sunday Rain Watermelon and Acai Berry Soap Gem 

One of the more unusual products I chose was the cutest bar of soap from Sunday Rain. It not only looks like a gemstone or crystal but it also contains contains flecks of shimmer. The soap is cruelty free, vegan friendly, gluten free, sulphate free and it smells heavenly - what more could you ask for! The Sunday Rain soap as well as the Masque Bar sheet mask, reviewed below, are still on the Latest In Beauty selection. 

*Gold Collagen Vegan

I have wanted to try this famous collagen drink supplement for a while, as well as others like it, but unfortunately they all seem to contain fish (the ingredient they obtain the collagen from) so I haven't been able to try any...until now. When I noticed a vegan version of their collagen drink, I had to add it to my box immediately. The drink claims to help promote healthy skin and hair, support collagen formation and improve general wellbeing. The drink flavour itself is very sweet and fruity which I did like but I think it won't be to everyones taste. As I only tried one drink I didn't notice any effects but I am interested to see if long term use could have any noticeable benefits. 

*Masque Bar Rose Gold Foil Sheet Mask 

Since the beginning of the year I've fallen in love with sheet masks, especially Korean masks, so I'm always happy to try another. The mask contains soybean extract, mushroom extract and witch hazel water to nourish and hydrate the skin. I haven't been able to try the mask yet as it states to avoid using the mask on irritated skin or blemishes which I am annoyingly experiencing currently but I'll hopefully be able to use it soon. 

*Waken Mouthwash - Spearmint 

Last but not least is the most beautifully packaged mouthwash I've ever seen! Naturally I had to add it to my basket as I was not only out of mouthwash but I also couldn't pass up that packaging - I do fall for beautiful or minimal packaging unfortunately. The mouthwash doesn't contain alcohol so it is a much more gentle option. I find that most mouthwash brands I've tried are very strong so much so that it can burn or cause sensitivity but thankfully this one isn't overly minty or too strong for my sensitive teeth. 

Have you tried any of these products? 

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Happy Planet Summer Box 2020

We all know how much I love subscription boxes, from food boxes (DegustaBox) to beauty boxes (LookFantastic and Latest In Beauty) but there's one that combines a few of my favourite things! The Happy Planet box from The Evolution contains a variety of vegan and cruelty free beauty and lifestyle products in one sustainability and eco-friendly focused box. 

I was very kindly sent the *Happy Planet Summer 2020 Box (£23.50, including shipping) which contains a selection of natural, eco-friendly and vegan beauty products as well as a couple of lifestyle items, all of which I couldn't wait to try, especially as the products smell very summery and fresh! For more information, check out The Evolution website linked above. 

*Organic Pure Green Tea by Clipper

There's a little extra within the summer box and it is a trio of delicious green tea bags from Clipper. I've tried a few flavours of tea from Clipper and I've loved all of them so I'm sure this one will be lovely too. Clipper is a fair-trade tea brand with plastic free tea bags which is fantastic - they have developed what is thought to be the first plastic free tea bag as it is composed of natural and plant based materials. 

*Exfoliating Soap Bag (£4)

The most interesting and unique item within the box is an exfoliating soap bag which is such a unique but very practical product that I can't believe I haven't seen before. You place your soap within the bag and it can be used to not only lather the soap and store it securely but also exfoliate the skin as the bag is composed of natural plant fibres. The bag also has a drawstring tie which makes it very easy to store and dry out in the bathroom too. 

*Organic Orange and Grapefruit Facial Oil (£10.50)

Onto the skincare and body care items, the first is a heavenly scented facial oil. It is made of sunflower and jojoba oils as well as essentials oils, all of which are natural and vegan. The scent of the product is so lovely and perfect for summer. It is a lovely oil and I've actually been using it on my nails (which have been suffering during lockdown) and drier areas of my skin. Sadly it is a little messy, unless I use a cotton bud to apply the oil, otherwise it's a fantastic, vegan friendly multi-use oil. 

*Handmade Grapefruit and Mandarin Soap (£2.50)

The penultimate item is another that reminds me instantly of summer! The scent of this handmade soap is my favourite out of all the products within the summer box, although the scent of the mango and lemon foot balm is a very close second. The soap is palm oil free (yes!), 100% natural and it contains calendula petals to create a soothing and gentle soap. 

*Mango and Lemon Foot Balm (£7)

Last but not least is the cutest little balm which, like everything else in the box, smells wonderful. It contains coconut oil, mango butter and moisturising aloe vera to exfoliate and soften the skin. I've been using the balm for the past week or so and I love how soft it leaves my skin, whether I use it as intended or on drier areas of my skin such as my elbows and cuticles. 

Overall, I'm very impressed with the Happy Planet summer box! All of the products are cruelty free and vegan (which is something I'm always looking for in the products I use) and they smell fantastic as well. My favourite product has to be either the exfoliating soap bag or the mango and lemon foot balm. For more information on their subscription box and online shop, check out their website and social media. 

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think of the Happy Planet Summer Box?

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