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Retreat Yourself is an Australian quarterly lifestyle box that encourages you to slow down, make your health and well-being a priority, and put yourself first, as well as introduces you to conscious brands that have been carefully chosen to create a wonderful retreat at home.
For AU$79.95 ($53.07 USD), you'll receive over AU$300 ($199 USD) of Australian and New Zealand wellness products, the 20-page wellness Retreat Guide, playlists, rituals, and more. Items range from home goods, health supplements, beauty products, and accessories, plus other fun finds.
This review is of the Retreat Yourself Winter 2023 "Breathe" box.
Author's Note: Since the box is Australia-based, where it is currently wintertime, this is the current box that's still available to purchase.
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
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My box arrived bursting with so many new and cool finds; everything was packaged securely and there was a QR code under the lid that took me to a relaxing playlist to help set the mood.
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This leaflet has some of the answers to the questions you might have about the products included in this quarter's box. I like that they include a brand bio for each item so you can learn more about these local, conscious AU & NZ brands.
What's Inside This Box
ENIKŌ Glow Lipid Formula Mask - Retail Value - AU$89.00 ($59.08 USD)
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I was most excited to try this product and I'm glad to say that I really liked this mask. The soft caramel color was really enticing, but it looked like clear slime once it was on my skin. I slathered a generous layer over my entire face including my lips but I didn't apply any to my neck, décolletage or hands (maybe, next time) and left it on for a little over 20 minutes. It was a little difficult to wash off but I don't think you're necessarily meant to get it all off since the directions say to just remove the excess. But my skin felt really nice and glowy for the rest of the day.
Would I buy this? Yes. I think it'd be great to use as an overnight mask too.
ANTIPODES Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream - Retail Value -AU$64.00 ($42.49 USD)
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Color and scent are big for me when it comes to skincare and I really loved how pretty this cream looked and smelled. It was a light, kinda lavender scent that's very soothing for a night cream. The consistency is really slick and gives me a glass-skin look that I really adore. The cream feels surprisingly cool when you apply it and it's a nice final step in my nighttime skincare routine.
Would I buy this? Yes. I've been loving using this night cream every night.
KIND-LY Hydrating Gel Cleanser - Retail Value - AU$39.00 ($25.89 USD)
This hydrating gel cleanser has a subtle lime scent that is very refreshing. My skin feels really nice and clean after using it without any tightness. But even though I like the smell and how my skin feels afterward, I'm not a huge fan of the milky texture. I was surprised that this clear gel turned milky and doesn't really foam up.
Would I buy this? No. I prefer cleansers that are either foamy or balmy.
KIND-LY Aloe Vera Konjac Facial Sponge - Retail Value - AU$14.00 ($9.29 USD)
I've tried konjac sponges before but this one that's infused with aloe vera definitely felt different. It was softer and felt more moisturizing than usual but I'm still not a convert to this beauty tool. I like the idea of using this without a cleanser to wash my face in the morning but while it feels more effective than just splashing water on my face with my hands, it doesn't really feel like I'm getting a good clean. I tried it with the KIND-LY cleanser and the sponge just basically soaked up all of the cleanser and I didn't feel like any of it got on my face.
Would I buy this? No. I'm still not a fan of konjac sponges and this one didn't convince me otherwise.
ANIHANA Shower Bar in Raspberry/Lime - Retail Value - AU$9.99 ($6.63 USD)
The first thing I noticed when I got my Retreat Yourself box was how amazing it smelled. And I realized it was because of this luscious shower bar. The smell is truly scrumptious and I like the hexagonal shape, which is different and makes the bar really easy to hold. It lathers up really well and a little goes a long way. I generally prefer using soap bars, especially if they lather well, and the sustainability aspect is a big selling point for me.
Would I buy this? Yes. This smelled so yummy and it lathers up really well.
GROW Thicker Fuller Volumising Hair Mask - Retail Value - AU$19.00 ($12.61 USD)
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I'm very low-maintenance with my hair, probably too much so, but I was excited to try this mask because limp, flat hair is my chief hair concern. I like that you only need to leave this on for 5 minutes, so it's very easy to incorporate into your routine. After shampooing, I used this in place of conditioner and left it on while I showered. I can't say that I noticed much of a difference after letting my hair air dry but I like the bright, flowery scent of this mask.
Would I buy this? No. I'd use it again if I ever received it in another box but I didn't feel like it made much of a difference.
GROW Longer Stronger Stimulating Scalp Scrub - Retail Value - AU$17.00 ($11.29 USD)
Peppermint is my absolute favorite scent in hair and body products and I love the tingly, fresh feeling that it imparts. This scalp scrub is invigorating to use and my hair felt cleaner than usual after using it in place of my shampoo. I'm glad that it's formulated with natural sea salt, so I don't have to feel bad about exfoliants going down the drain. I was a bit deterred by the directions that said to work in sections but I only divided my hair into top and bottom halves and it seemed to work.
Would I buy this? Yes. The minty fresh feel on my scalp is worth the extra effort.
THE AROMATHERAPY Co. Blend Aroma Sticks in Palo Santo - Retail Value - AU$12.95 ($8.60 USD)
I love the smoky scent of these aroma sticks and how easy they are to use. There's no need to burn them or place them in liquid that might get gross after a while. I ended up putting two sticks in a glass and placing them in the bathroom. I found that two were enough to impart a noticeable fragrance and it's strong enough that I can smell it when I walk past the bathroom.
Would I buy this? Yes. The smoky scent is perfect but I'd also be interested in mixing scents together to create something different.
BOSISTO'S Australian Natives Aroma Mist - Retail Value - AU$21.95 ($14.57 USD)
At first, I thought this was a facial mist, so I was a bit disappointed to find out that this is a room mist. Honestly, I'm not sure if I'm using this correctly. The directions say to spray the mist into the air and then inhale. It smells nice and relaxing but it disappears very quickly. I'll keep using it but it doesn't seem like it does all that much.
Would I buy this? No. I'm not sure what the point is of this room mist.
RETREAT YOURSELF 'And Exhale' Collapsible Keep Cup - Retail Value - AU$19.95 ($13.24 USD)
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Yes! Love the idea of a keep cup and this collapsible one is pretty ingenious because you can easily throw it in your bag or put it in your coat pocket when it's not in use. I like that there's a hard protective sleeve that protects your hands from hot liquids and that it tucks in easily when the cup is collapsed. Bonus points for the fact that it's all dishwasher-safe!
Would I buy this? Yes. This is super handy for taking a coffee or tea on the go.
DAILY FOOD Super Bite in Choc Coconut - Retail Value - AU$3.95 ($2.62 USD)
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I love sweet (and salty) treats but I'm always looking for healthier options that don't taste healthy, and this delicious bite fits the bill. The vegan dark chocolate coating tasted really rich and decadent and the fudgy center had more of a chalky texture to me, which I didn't mind. But the best part of this bite is the crunchy pieces of coconut and nourishing nuts and seeds that make this delicious bite really satisfying to eat. This is the perfect size to enjoy as a guilt-free treat.
Would I buy this? Yes. Ordered more already!
ULU HYE Nut Mylk Base - Retail Value - AU$12.00 ($7.97 USD)
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I like using nut milks in smoothies and for making chia seed pudding, so I was excited to try making my own nut milk with this base. The directions said to blend two tablespoons of this base with 1 liter of water. I don't have a blender right now but I thought I could make it work by shaking the mixture in a mason jar but it was a massive fail. So, unfortunately, I wasn't able to try this but it smells really nutty and delicious.
Would I buy this? No. I don't use nut milk enough to need this but it would be nice to try it.
Daily Good Immunity Shots in Blackcurrant - Retail Value - AU$19.99 ($13.27 USD)
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I'm all about health shots! ACV, ginger, wheat grass, etc. I love how easy it is to down a quick pick-me-up with health-boosting benefits. This tonic is made with Organic Fijian Ginger, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Organic Manuka Honey, and Lemon Juice, as well as Organic Blackcurrant, so it's all the good stuff in one convenient bottle. I liked drinking it straight but I also tried it with sparkling water and hot water and both were great!
Would I buy this? Yes. This is delicious and so versatile.
20-page Wellness Retreat Guide
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The Retreat Yourself box also comes with a booklet filled with mindful activities, journaling prompts, and a healthy recipe. I have a lot of red lentils, so I'm definitely going to try making the Veggie Packed Dahl recipe. I'm also looking forward to trying out the breathwork exercises and I like the idea of the ritual planner to schedule in time for the different rituals.
The Verdict
The Retreat Yourself box really impressed me with its wide selection of natural wellness products. I love that there are so many different items, it feels really substantial and something that you'd need a whole season to explore, especially with the Retreat guide. My favorite item is probably the Antipodes night cream, and I'm interested in trying out other products from this brand now. This month’s box has a retail value of AU$342.78 ($227.55 USD), which is an outstanding value for its cost of $AU$79.95 ($53.07 USD).
What's more, the retail value of all the items that I would actually buy is AU$236.83 ($157.22 USD). I would buy 8 out of the 13 items in this box, so this box was definitely a win for me.
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Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: AU$79.95 ($53.07 USD)
Value Breakdown: This month's box has a retail value of AU$342.78 ($227.55 USD), a great value for a AU$79.95 box. There's free shipping to Australia and AU$30.00 International Express shipping to the U.S. making it AU$109.95 ($72.93 USD).
To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes, you can!
What do you think of Retreat Yourself box?
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