Essentials Crate is a monthly subscription featuring healthy and eco-conscious lifestyle items for day-to-day life. The cost is $44 per month and includes 4-5 full-size home, personal care, beauty, and/or wellness products from local artisans, small businesses, and bigger household brands.
ACTIVE DEAL: Get 15% off your first order!
CODE: MSA15
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
This month's theme wasn't up on their website yet, but it looks like all of the items pertain to facial skincare. I love that the themes change each month and I was excited to see what they had in store, especially since my face could use a little extra love during the winter!
Let's dive in!
Facial Cups by Viola Vann (set of 3) - Retail Value $25
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Okay, so this is really cool and totally something that I appreciate receiving inside of a box because I would never purchase it for myself. This set contains three facial cups of varying sizes for cupping. I am familiar with the concept although I have never tried it. The idea is that the cups create suction on your skin to increase the blood flow, reduce inflammation, activate lymphatic drainage, and even boost collagen to make your skin look wrinkle-free and minimize your pores. All of which are great things that I know to be beneficial or desirable! Normally this is one of those tasks that I would feel more comfortable having a professional do because it's a bit intimidating but of course, I had to try it now that I had the set.
Being that I was a little intimidated, I started slowly with just a few areas, but once I got going, I actually found it to be a rather simple process. I had to look up how long to leave the cups on and what I found was that these are meant to be used as more of a massage, so it's just a few seconds in each spot to stimulate the blood flow which wasn't as intense as I had feared! The suction was light (although you could go stronger if you wanted) and I actually felt like my skin was smoother to the touch afterward. The skin appeared to be supple, maybe even slightly puffy, but in a gentle way and just enough to make me feel like it was actually working. I do think I will continue practicing this and using it weekly for some skin rejuvenation! It will be nice to see what the long-term effects are of this process!
Super Bamboo Light Day Cream by Vitamasques, 1.35 oz. - Retail Value $25
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Considering how dry my skin gets in the winter, I was happy to have a new day cream to add to my skincare regimen for extra hydration on top of my serum. I was pleased to see cleaner ingredients in a formula that is free from fragrance, minerals oils, parabens, SLS, triclosan, and Phthalates, as well as being animal-cruelty and gluten-free. It is made with young bamboo leaves and is also anti-pollution, dust, and blue light, so it can provide protection for your skin as well as hydration. The cream is definitely lightweight and it absorbs well. It left my skin feeling hydrated and softer so this is one I'm excited about incorporating into my winter routine! I also love the pump-style tube, and of course, the fact that it can be recycled. It wore well underneath my makeup, too.
Herbal Eye Balm by Laguna Herbals, 1 oz - Retail Value $60
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This eye balm has a really lovely light herbal scent with just the faintest hint of florals from the rose. It also contains calendula, plantain, mullein, and chamomile which all work together to calm, soften, beautify, and nourish your skin. It feels like a balm, but not a greasy one, or too heavy of one which is great since I prefer lighter coverage around my eyes. It worked perfectly for hydrating my under-eye area in preparation for concealer because it is rather light. I love that it can be used as an eye makeup remover, too! This little jar should last me a long time since just a little bit seems to be enough and this jar is full of solid balm.
Firming Toner by Evolue Skincare, 5 oz - Retail Value $38
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I am not a big toner-user, but I think this bottle will definitely be incorporated into my routine thanks to the amazing smell of apple with a hint of citrus. This toner is made with minimal ingredients which include organic apple extract, Hydrolyzed Elastin, and grapefruit seed extract. It felt like it was cleansing without drying my face too much, and it did feel as though it might be able to firm up my skin! I think this bottle is a generous size and it will last me a while. I also really appreciated the packaging and how there is an extra tab to make sure this bottle doesn't leak if you happen to bring it with you while traveling!
The Verdict
What a great box from Essentials Crate this month! Value-wise it is already awesome coming in at $148 which is over $100 more than the cost of the box, but quality-wise, I think it was absolutely stellar! I liked each of the products and while some of them were new to me, I found that I am eager to incorporate them into my skincare routine. I liked the focus on facial skincare and the inclusion of the facial cup set made it a unique and interesting box for me. I felt pampered, got to try something new, and even found a few products that might even make their way into my permanent routine! I don't think I could have asked for more from this box!
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To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, your first box will be the January box.
ACTIVE DEAL: Get 15% off your first order!
CODE: MSA15
Value Breakdown: This box costs $44, including free shipping which means each of the 4 items costs an average of about $11.
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