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Whole Foods Self-Care Sunday Beauty Bag Review

Jessica Hapak
ByJessica HapakApr 5, 2019 | 35 comments

Whole Foods Self-Care Sunday 2019 - Bag Front

Whole Foods Beauty Bag
4.8 overall rating
17 Ratings | 5 Reviews

The Whole Foods Self-Care Sunday Beauty Bag is a curated collection of beauty products selected from offerings available in Whole Foods Market stores. `This was a limited-edition one-time purchase available starting March 29th, and they usually sell out within an hour or so of the store opening that day.

Whole Foods Self-Care Sunday 2019 - Bag Open Top

My Subscription Addiction paid for this bag. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

Whole Foods Self-Care Sunday 2019 - All Contents Front

About Whole Foods

The Box: Self-Care Sunday Beauty Bag

The Cost: $20

The Products: New and trending products, along with some Whole Foods favorites.

Whole Foods Self-Care Sunday Beauty Bag Review

Whole Foods Self-Care Sunday 2019 - Bag 1 Front

This bag came in a handmade Queen Alaffia cosmetics bag, and it is gorgeous!

Whole Foods Self-Care Sunday 2019 - Info Card Front

Inside the bag was a small pamphlet about the products included in the bag.

Whole Foods Self-Care Sunday 2019 - Alaffia Cleansing Coconut Shampoo Front

Alaffia Cleansing Coconut Shampoo, 0.77 oz – Estimated Value $0.96 (buy an 8 oz. bottle for $9.99)

This shampoo is made with coconut, reishi mushroom, and shea butter to nourish your hair while gently cleansing.

Whole Foods Self-Care Sunday 2019 - Whole Foods Market Nourishing Royal Jelly Mask Front

Whole Foods Market Nourishing Royal Jelly Mask – Retail Value $3.99

I know the retail value of this mask because after I used it, I went back to Whole Foods to stock up before their beauty sale ended (I ended up getting 5 masks for $7, and I was stoked). Considering the plethora of sheet masks I already have in my life, that should tell you all you need to know about this nourishing, cooling bio-cellulose sheet mask.

Whole Foods Self-Care Sunday 2019 - Evanhealy Whipped Shea Butter for Lips Front

Evanhealy Whipped Shea Butter for Lips, 0.25 oz – Retail Value $9.95

This lip balm is made with USDA certified organic ingredients and features nourishing powerhouses like raspberry seed oil, beeswax, avocado oil, and shea butter. It is incredibly hydrating to my chronically dry lips (drink your water, y’all), and it leaves the slightest, softest sheen.

Whole Foods Self-Care Sunday 2019 - Pacifica Stress Rehab Coconut & Caffeine Facial Mask Front

Pacifica Stress Rehab Coconut & Caffeine Facial Mask – Retail Value $4

I was hesitant when I saw this was a coconut mask because I try to keep coconut oil away from my skin. Luckily this is made with coconut extract along with caffeine, turmeric, green tea, and chamomile to fight redness and puffiness while smelling deliciously like coconut and vanilla.

Whole Foods Self-Care Sunday 2019 - Weleda Almond Sensitive Care Facial Cream Box FrontWhole Foods Self-Care Sunday 2019 - Weleda Almond Sensitive Care Facial Cream Open Front

Weleda Almond Sensitive Care Facial Cream, 1 oz – Retail Value $27.99

This cream came at the perfect time - my skin has been an unhappy mess since I tried one too many new products and had an allergic reaction that caused some insanely rough texture on my face. I knew immediately exfoliating to try and fix that texture would make things worse, so I have been focusing on gentle, hydrating products that my skin was fine with. This was the only new product I have tried in the past few days, and it definitely helped to calm and hydrated my stressed out skin. I was skeptical when I first saw alcohol on the ingredients list, but Weleda uses non-drying alcohol made from raw grain, and I can definitely say this blend of sweet almond oil, beeswax, and glycerin was hydrating and is safe for sensitive skin. Pro tip for products that come in aluminum tubes like this: squeeze the very end of the tube to get the product out so you don't squeeze out too much at once!

Whole Foods Self-Care Sunday 2019 - Trilogy Ultra Hydrating Facial Cream Front

Trilogy Ultra Hydrating Facial Cream, 0.67 oz – Estimated Value $10.72 (buy the full-size version for $40)

This moisturizer was extra nourishing thanks to ingredients like sweet almond oil, manuka honey, and evening primrose. This was rich, but it didn’t feel heavy on my skin.

Whole Foods Self-Care Sunday 2019 - Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Paper Mask Front

Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Paper Mask – Retail Value $2.99

This sheet mask is formulated with charcoal to help clean out your pores, and the brand is leaping bunny certified. This wasn’t the best fitting sheet mask I have ever worn, but I am happy with the ingredients list that includes things like aloe, witch hazel, tomato extract and juice, and watermelon extract.

Whole Foods Self-Care Sunday 2019 - Acure Radically Rejuvenating Under Eye Hydrogel Mask Front

Acure Radically Rejuvenating Under Eye Hydrogel Mask – Retail Value $4.99

The thing that most stood out to me with the eye masks is the unnecessary packaging - when you tear open the outer patch there is an inner sealed pouch, and it just felt wasteful. These are made with interesting ingredients like Persian silk tree bark extract and oat kernel extract, and they were hydrating to my under eye area.

Whole Foods Self-Care Sunday 2019 - Acure Brightening Facial Scrub Front

Acure Brightening Facial Scrub, 1 oz – Estimated Value $2.50 (buy the 4 oz version for $9.99)

This scrub has a really popular following, but honestly, I found it to be a nightmare. It is made with walnut shell powder that gritty, and the grains are the perfect size to get stuck in your pores. That combined with the fact that I had a hard time washing all of it off makes me hesitant to even want to pass it along to a friend. It is rare that I have such a strong aversion to a product I try, but this really did not work for me.

Whole Foods Self-Care Sunday 2019 - Acure Seriously Soothing Blue Tansy Night Oil Box FrontWhole Foods Self-Care Sunday 2019 - Acure Seriously Soothing Blue Tansy Night Oil Open Front

Acure Seriously Soothing Blue Tansy Night Oil, 0.3 oz – Estimated Value $3.90 (buy the full-size version for $12.99)

This oil is considered to be a dupe of the Herbivore Lapis oil, but I personally don’t like this one as much as my Herbivore. Along with blue tansy (which is derived from chamomile), this also has rose oil, vitamin E, and kale extract. This adds a nice layer of hydration that is especially soothing when you’re dealing with an active breakout.

Whole Foods Self-Care Sunday 2019 - Alba Botanica Pore-Fecting Papaya Enzyme Hawaiian Facial Mask Front

Alba Botanica Pore-Fecting Papaya Enzyme Hawaiian Facial Mask, 0.3 oz – Estimated Value $0.98 (buy the full-size version for $9.77, found here for $6.56)

I really like Alba Botanica - the products are free of artificial colors, synthetic fragrance, and are cruelty-free. This mask only takes five minutes and is designed to gently exfoliate thanks to the papaya and pineapple enzymes while the aloe vera soothes and hydrates.

Whole Foods Self-Care Sunday 2019 - Burt’s Bees Sensitive Skin Facial Cleansing Towelettes Front

Burt’s Bees Sensitive Skin Facial Cleansing Towelettes, pack of 10 – Retail Value $2.99

These fragrance-free hypoallergenic cleansing towelettes are made with cotton extract, aloe, and glycerin to gently hydrate while wiping away dirt and grime. I threw these in my truck to use after participating in a 5k, and these were a godsend to wipe off all of the sweat on my face and hands before I joined the crawfish boil that was our reward for running on a Saturday. I'm going to be keeping these in my truck because I liked how they performed and I know that the next time I need these, I'll be appreciative of the decision to do so.

Whole Foods Self-Care Sunday 2019 - Derma-E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum Front

Derma-E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum, 0.25 oz – Estimated Value $3.06 (buy the 2 oz version for $24.50)

I already use a vitamin C every morning, so whenever I test out new ones I don’t expect to see dramatic differences. That is the case with this serum, but I like that along with vitamin C this also has green tea extract, hyaluronic acid, and aloe to be hydrating as well as brightening.

Whole Foods Self-Care Sunday 2019 - Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream Front

Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream, 1.7 oz – Retail Value $29

This was the priciest product in this bag, but it was also my least favorite. The cleanser is a thick paste you mix with water before applying it to your face, but this has alcohol pretty high up on the ingredients list and it has an artificial fragrance smell I don’t like applying to my face. This cleanser alone is worth more than the cost of the box, though, so props to Whole Foods for that.

The Verdict: Wow, I can see why the Whole Foods Beauty Bags cause such a craze! My bag was packed with both new products and cult classics, and I calculated a value of $108.02! That is insane for a bag that cost $20, and I am excited about my new product discoveries in the Weleda cream and Whole Foods face mask!

To Wrap Up:

Can you get this box if you sign up today? No, this is available in-store only once a year.

Value Breakdown: This box cost $20 and I calculated a total value of $108.02, which means I paid approximately the following per item:

  • Alaffia Shampoo: $0.18
  • Whole Foods Sheet Mask: $0.74
  • Evanhealy Lip Butter: $1.84
  • Pacifica Face Mask: $0.74
  • Weleda Almond Facial Cream: $5.18
  • Trilogy Facial Cream: $1.98
  • Yes To Tomatoes Mask: $0.55
  • Acure Eye Mask: $0.92
  • Acure Brightening Scrub: $0.46
  • Acure Blue Tansy Oil: $0.72
  • Alba Botanica Mask: $0.18
  • Burt’s Bees Towelettes: $0.55
  • Derma E Vitamin C Serum: $0.57
  • Dr. Hauschka Cleanser: $5.37

Check out all of our Whole Foods beauty Bag reviews and the best beauty subscription boxes of 2019, as recommended by our readers!

What do you think of the Whole Foods Self Care Sunday Beauty Bag?

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Deluxe samples of natural and ingredient-conscious makeup, skincare, and haircare. In-store only purchase at US Whole Foods Market locations starting March 18. Available while supplies last.

Jessica Hapak
Jessica Hapak
I am a staunch believer that pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza and when I’m not working as a family law attorney I enjoy hiking the Louisiana trails (alligator sightings are a favorite!) or relaxing with Duchess, my cat. I’m a sucker for anything labeled a mystery box and I’ve never met a bath bomb I didn’t like.

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35 comments

Heather

You just changed my life with the tip about the aluminum tubes! I hate products that come in those tubes because the product just comes out in waves and won’t stop. Your tip is genius!

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Kim

Putting one of each up for swap

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Michelle

May I ask why you bought them then? Many couldn’t get them but you bought 2 just to swap?

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Christa

Wasn’t so lucky in my area. I called all WF around and they all sold out soon as the bags were put out 🙁 Oh well, maybe next year

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Jessica

I love the Acure brightening scrub! For me, the trick was to use it in the shower, on fully wet skin. I find the effects less abrasive that way (and no issues with sticking in pores). It’s also easier to wash off in the shower. It leaves my skin baby soft.

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Carrie

Ditto. I only use it in the shower, too. Much easier.

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Flora

I was playing tour guide with my out-of-town family so I couldn’t make it but I called and they don’t hold bags and there was a limit of one bag per customer at my WF. The associate did tell me that they did not sell out until noon or so. I’ll try next year but I’m glad I won’t have to line up before 7am when the store opens. I think if you want one next year, go ahead and call your store and ask the beauty associate what their policy is, do they hold bags, if there is normally a line up and when they sell out, etc.

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Luna

My blue bag was missing the Trilogy cream, which I was a bit bummed about. But my mom’s bag had two Alba masks, and she loves enzyme masks, so that was nice!

The only item I’ve dug into are the Burt’s Bees makeup wipes. I’m liking them so far! They do a nice job of removing my makeup. I’ve tried the Acure scrub before, but it’s been a while, so all that I really remember of it was that it was green and fairly chunky. I think I’m most excited to try the Weleda face cream, and I ended up gifting the Acure oil since I’m not a fan of applying oils to my face with a rollerball. I know there are other methods of applying an oil like this (to the hands/fingers then face, or taking the rollerball off), but I already have the full size of this that comes with a pump, so I’m cool with letting this one go.

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Carrie

None of the bags in my local store had the Trilogy cream, either.

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Luna

Oh that’s so weird… and disappointing 🙁

Claudia

My box contents are:

Cocokind Golden Elixir
Weleda Almond facial cream
Alba Botanica Lip Care
Giovanni hot oil treatment
Yes to Coconut paper mask
Whole Foods Sheet Mask
Evanhealy shea for lips
Thayers witch hazel
Acure under eye hydrogel mask
Acure facial scrub
Burts Bees liquid lipstick
Burts Bees cleansing towels
Andalou Naturals eye cream
Mineral Fusion mascara

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Luna

Those look like the products that were in the black bag (I got these same products in the black bag). Did these products come in a blue bag for you?

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Retpunzel

Wish I bought one! Definitely will be getting one next year

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Melissa

I bought the full size of the Acure Brightening Scrub from Birchbox some time ago, and I don’t like it, either. 🙁

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MeowKitty

I use the Acure scrub on my feet and it works wonders. Perfect for spring sandals.

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Joy

In regards to the Dr Hauschka cleanser, it is very clearly labeled free of synthetic fragrances so although the scent may not be for you it’s not artificial. To me it smells like almond with a touch of rose and citrus.

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Nicole

Outstanding review!! I 100% regret not making the hour drive for this.

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Kay

Great review as usual! Will you be reviewing the other bag? Thanks to the Whole Foods that opened up by my office, I can get these beauty bags before getting to the office which is usually less people in line and better chance of getting them. I always enjoy the beauty bag filled with ingredient conscious and cruelty-free products.

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Jessica Hapak

Hi Kay!
Yes, I am finishing up the 24-hour beauty review now!

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Kay

Hi Jessica, I just saw your review. Hope your irritated skin is calming down 🙂

KW

Is the second review still forthcoming or has its moment passed?

Cassandra

Thank you!!! Looking forward to the review!

Kelly

I picked up both bags about 9:30 a.m. last Friday – no lines – no waiting and my Whole Foods is about 5 minutes from my house!

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Sarah

I went at about 2pm and got a bag, so I guess I’m lucky.

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Maria

I bought both bags and I returned them. Too many face masks.

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Claudia Stevens

I stopped by a NJ WF Saturday, the day after the release. They had two versions, a blue bag and a black bag. The bags were on a table with no signs anywhere. Two other women wandered up and we tried to figure out off there was a difference between the two bags. What we noticed waa that people had apparently picked through the bags and moved items around but we each managed to secure what appeared to be a full bag. The items i got were not exactly the same as above, for example, my bag had 3 different lip balms. Wheni get home later today i will list the contents.

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Miss Pippa

This sounds like a good bag & I do sometimes shop at Whole Foods, but the idea of standing around early in the morning to grab a bag before it sells out in an hour has zero appeal.

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Cinnamongirl

I went to my WF at 11:30 am and they had tons left. I bought 1 of each for me and my husband bought 1 of each for our daughter. I actually checked the bags before I paid to make sure I got everything because last time I was shorted a few products. And, since I was there I couldn’t resist the 25% off beauty sale plus I got the Amazon Prime discount so I left very happy!

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MzBev

This was the 3rd time I’ve bought one of these bags. I’ve never had to stand around in a line to get it. I’ve never been there when they first opened, either. Maybe it depends on location…

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Kris

I completely agree!!

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Lexie

Totally agree!

My time is priceless so honestly, even if it were free, I still wouldn’t leave the house early and stand around in line. Especially considering most, if not all, of these items are often on sale or clearance at Target and the like for the same as the price breakdown in the review.

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skylark

Whose time isn’t priceless?

As several folks already mentioned, the assumption of one getting early and standing in line for a bag is misconstrued. Maybe you experienced it (did you?), but it is not reasonable to generalize it.

Li

Thanks for the price breakdown! Love my bag so much! See you next year!

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