May Eco Emi Box 2012

The May box is the first Eco Emi Box I have received.  It was an extra box that I bought and not part of my subscription as my subscription is starting in August.  The box came in a regular USPS priority mailer and was full with items and nicely wrapped in tissue paper.

I did have a hard time opening the box as the sticky from the box was stuck to my pink tissue paper.  The only result was torn tissue paper which was thrown away anyway.  The concept of the box is eco friendly beauty, home and food items.  Even the lip gloss was wrapped in tissue paper which I thought was a nice touch.

Here is what i received in my first Eco Emi box.

Mangosteen and Pineapple Candle Tin by Beeluxe

Mint Infused Vegan Lip Gloss in the color Peppermint Icing by All Natural Face

Tangerine Vegan Lip Exfolient by All Natural Face

Spearmint Gum by Glee Gum

Wildly Natural Seaweed Argan Shampoos and Conditioner by The Seaweed Bath Company

Ellbees Original Garlic Seasoning and Rub

Pinto Beans and Flax Chips by Beanitos 

Omega Swirl Vegan Oil in Blackberry by Barleans

Fish Oil in Mango Peach by Barleans

Chocolat Lip Balm by Beeluxe

I have tried almost all of what was in this box with some mixed reviews.  First off, the candle smells wonderful but I have not burned it yet so I am unsure if the smell will continue with the burn.  I believe this is a full sized item and the information card states it retails for $10.00.  I have tried the Beanitos Pinto Bean and Flax Chips and have to say I was not thrilled with them.  The flavor was a little odd, it had a very nutty flavor reminiscent of sunflower seeds.  I had a few people I know try them out as well.  My mother and one of my co-workers felt the same way I did, that is to say not a huge fan.  My other co-worker didn't mind them, however, I don't see her running out to the local health food store to buy them.  This was also a full sized sample that retails for $3.  I have also tried the Chocolat Lip Balm and found that the smoothness of the balm is rather nice.  The chocolate smell was very prominent when first applying but quickly dissipates so I am not always craving a candy bar.  I am happy to say this was again a full sized sample that sells for $3.  The Peppermint Icing lip gloss, another full sized sample, is rather nice as well.  It is really smooth without any stickiness that some gloss have and the peppermint is not just in the smell but also makes your lips tingle.  The tube of gloss retails for $5.  From the same company is the Tangerine Vegan Lip Exfolient is a little odd looking, the color is not appealing as it is a dark brown.  The exfoliation works well but if you get some in your mouth the flavor is very tangy (it is not harmful to get it in your mouth).  After using the exfolient I did see improvement in the condition of my lips.  The shampoo and conditioner samples from The Seaweed Bath Company were foil packs good for 1-2 uses.  It was just enough to know that I was not happy with the products.  I have come to expect that the natural shampoos do not lather like the commercial brands, however this one also left my hair feeling striped of all natural oils and almost a squeaky feel to the hair.  I could not add the conditioner to my hair quick enough.  My hair seemed to style like normal but I felt that if got greasy quicker throughout the day.  The product also did not have an appealing smell, it didn't really have a scent at all.  I like to have a nice sent left in my hair after washing and conditioning it.  I would not recommend these hair products.  Lastly I tried the Fish Oil in Mango Peach and my mother tried the Vegan Oil in Blackberry.  These were both a one serving sample foil pack that was to deliver the essential fatty omega 3 acids in a pleasing way instead of the fishy omega 3 gel capsules.  The texture of these on the tongue was odd, they were smooth like the package proclaims and the initial flavor was good.  However, it soon felt like I had a mouth full of oil and the sweet smoothie flavor the company relies on turned sour and odd.  It was a flavor I cant explain because I have never had it in my mouth before.  My mother felt the same way with the vegan sample.  We were both excited to try this and even looked at the cost before we tried it. After trying the foil packets both my mother and I said that we will not buy the product.  Out of the box I have yet to try the seasoning rub or the gum.  I have high hopes that I will like both products.  

Over all I think that the Eco Emi subscription box is a good deal and a fun way to learn about new items that I wouldn't necessarily try on my own.  If your interested in trying the subscription, the link is Eco Emi.  The subscription is $15.00 a month and will start the following month after you sign up. 

Happy Sampling.