Mapleblume is now a quarterly beauty box (formerly once every two months), shipping every three months in February, May, August and November. This means the team at Mapleblume will devote more time to ensuring that each box is curated to contain even better products and have even higher value. This is already apparent in the latest box, which contains six full size products and has a value of over $290. Mapleblume boxes will be available for two months (e.g. February to March), as long as supplies last. Just last month I placed an order for a product that I tried in a Mapleblume box and had run out of, so these boxes are great for introducing me to my must-have skincare and beauty.
Here is a list of all of the products in the February 2019 box (get yours here):
Viva Health Skincare Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $43.95
Prim Botanicals The Hair Oil, $58.40
MS Skincare SUNDAYS Detox Bath Salts, $42.45
MS Skincare AUM Restorative Lavender Body Oil, $90.15
Ere Perez Avocado Waterproof Mascara, $30.40
Ere Perez Jojoba Eye Pencil in Stone, $25
Total value: $290.35
As you can see above, I couldn’t wait to use the SUNDAYS Detox Bath Salts and opened it before I had a chance to photograph it. I used it right after flying home from a work trip and it was everything I needed for my fatigued muscles and exhausted mind. I’ve used many types epsom bath salts before, but nothing as luxurious as the SUNDAYS Detox bath salts. In addition to European spa salt and epsom salt, it contains mint, lemongrass, cinnamon and tea tree, and smells incredible. It has all the tension-relieving benefits of an epsom salt bath with the scent and ingredients of a bath oil. It’s definitely pricy for a bath salt ($42.45), which is likely prohibitive for a first-time buyer, but that’s the beauty of subscribing to Mapleblume: the opportunity to try six full-size luxury products for much less than the total value! I loved the experience of the SUNDAYS Detox Bath Salts and have already used up the whole bag. Definitely recommend.
I’ve had a lot of mixed experiences with serums and while most of them are not bad, I don’t find them to make a significant difference enough for me to remember to add the extra step each day. So imagine my pleasant surprise when the Viva Health Skincare Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum turns out to be so hydrating that I can almost skip moisturizer! The serum contains sodium hyaluronate, pro vitamin B5 (panthenol), probiotics, radish root and geranium essential oil. It’s a clear, thick liquid that’s pretty much odourless. It’s easy to spread across the skin and absorbs quickly. Once it absorbs, it’s not sticky at all and leaves skin totally smooth. I did put moisturizer on top but honestly, I didn’t need to. In a more humid climate I think I can get away with just the serum and some light sunscreen. It comes in a small glass bottle with a cute bamboo twist lid. This product really impressed me.
How chic is the MS Skincare AUM Restorative Lavender Body Oil bottle? The frosted glass bottle is SO pretty. The first time I used this was right after I took a bath with the amazing SUNDAYS Detox Bath Salts (from the same company). I really cannot rave about the bath salt and body oil combo enough. It was such a relaxing, luxurious, and comforting way to wind down. The body oil has a lavender scent, so I highly recommend using this in the evening as you prepare for bed. I can’t think of a better way to relax your mind and body than to rub this oil over your skin, get into your pajamas, and maybe do a light stretch. The AUM Restorative Lavender Body Oil contains sunflower oil, coconut oil, gotu kola extract (known to help reduce the appearance of cellulite and scars – awesome!), lavender oil (which gives it the lovely smell), and amla oil and kakadu plum extract (high in vitamin C). It’s so lovely. You guys, this is over $90! Even though it’s totally worth it, it would be such a splurge on its own, so I love that it’s part of the February Mapleblume box!
Next up is The Hair Oil from Prim Botanicals. It’s an intensive treatment for hair and scalp and can be used in multiple ways: as a mask, hot oil treatment, heat protectant, and as a grooming aid. As a hair and scalp mask, you apply it all over your dry hair and leave for 30 minutes. I found a good way to do this was right after the gym, when I’d leave it on while I make my protein smoothie and eggs and then shower afterwards. I think it has an impressive list of very nourishing and hydrating ingredients such as coconut oil, camellia oil, argan oil, moringa oil, evening primrose oil, tamanu oil, marula oil, black cumin seed oil, lavender essential oil, rosemary essential oil, bitter orange essential oil, and vanilla oil. Based on the ingredients, this could be a luxury face oil. I was worried that the coconut oil would make it hard to rinse off (in the past I’ve had trouble with washing coconut oil off my hair), but my hair was soft and not greasy after shampooing. I would love to use this oil as a hair oil, as a body oil, and even as a face oil, but I’m disappointed to say that I can’t get over the scent. There are so many oils in the ingredients that smell amazing, but the black cumin seed oil overpowers all of them and gives it a very pungent smell that I’m not a fan of. It’s fine as a 30 minute mask, but the smell is too much for anything that you leave on your hair or skin. If you don’t mind the smell of black cumin seed oil, this would be a great product for you.
The last two items are from Ere Perez Natural Cosmetics, an Australian owned company producing healthy, natural makeup. I was really drawn to the packaging and spent some time checking out other Ere Perez products. She has a whole range of skincare and makeup, many of which I am keen to try. Her line includes products with cool, plant-based names like Oat Milk Foundation, Beetroot Cheek & Lip Tint, and Carrot Colour Pot. In the February Mapleblume box we get to try the Avocado Waterproof Mascara in Black and the Jojoba Eye Pencil in Stone.
The Avocado Waterproof Mascara is made with several oils like mamey, avocado, licania arborea seem, sweet almond, and orange oil. It’s designed to stimulate growth, regenerate and strengthen lashes. My first impression was that it smelled good. I couldn’t believe it so I sniffed it up close a few times, and yup, it smells good! I’ve never used a mascara that smelled good before! I used a light hand because I’m used to mascara depositing a lot of color, but barely any color went on my lashes. I re-dipped the band and brushed it across my lashes a few more times, and it added a natural looking black color and made my lashes look longer. I recommend using several layers to add color. It’s not a mascara for a dramatic look, but it’s great for sensitive eyes, has good-for-you ingredients and gives a natural but substantial look.
The Jojoba Eye Pencil in Stone is a gorgeous shimmery slate color and looks beautiful. It’s less bold and dramatic than black but makes a gorgeous statement in a more subtle way. The eye pencil contains jojoba oil, which helps protect your eyelid and stimulate lash growth. I love wearing it on my bottom lash line and I really love the white packaging. Check out all the glowing reviews on Credo Beauty.
I think this is my favorite Mapleblume box to date, given that I’ve already finished one of them and another is on my nightstand that I use every night. I’m excited that it’s now a quarterly box because I think it means even higher value boxes than before and more time for us beauty junkies to finish all of the products. Which product are you most interested in? Order your Mapleblume box here.