Mapleblume Review February 2019

What did the right eye say to the left? “Something in between us smells.”  My second Mapleblume beauty box that came in the mail this week and a couple of the products smell too. But really, REALLY good.  If you haven’t heard of Mapleblume, it’s a quarterly (formerly bi-monthly) subscription box of luxury cosmetics and skincare with at least five full-size or deluxe sample-size products in every shipment.

You can subscribe for a new box every quarter (the box ships in February, May, August and November) for $120 CAD per box or buy a single box to try for $130 per box. Subscriptions can be cancelled any time, you just need to let Mapleblume know by the 15th of the month before the next shipment.

Here’s what’s in February’s box. (All prices in Canadian dollars.)

Ere Perez Avocado Waterproof Mascara ($30.40)

The Avocado Waterproof Mascara (Black) is made with mamey and avocado oils, considered to stimulate growth, regenerate and strengthen lashes. It’s waterproof, smudge-proof, full black coverage and amazing 24-hour wear. Made with the highest quality natural ingredients and friendly to sensitive eyes.

 MS Skincare AUM Restorative Body Oil ($90.15)

The AUM Restorative Body Oil is an elegant Lavender body oil which combines coconut oil with koto kola extract, known to help reduce the appearance of cellulite, scars and skin damage. Vitamin C rich kaka plum and alma oil are known to brighten and firm skin for an even, all over glow. Recommended for use as a daily moisturizer and for self-massage each morning and evening for nourished, radiant skin.

I usually stay clear of waterproof mascara because it can be so damned difficult to remove, but this one easily came off with the drugstore make-up wipes I use for my everyday brand. It also goes on really nicely, separating the lashes without any clumps.

I should have taken the lid off the body oil to show you, but it’s got a great pump that dispenses a conservative amount so you don’t end up with more than you know what to do with. It also smells really good. (Big lavender fan here.) I’ve been using it on my arms and legs after the shower. It absorbs quickly and makes my skin feel soft. (Especially the back of my upper arms, which sometimes get those little chicken bumps. You know the ones I’m talking about?) I was surprised to see that some of it leaked through the box (you might have noticed that in the first picture) but it didn’t get on anything else so not a big deal. But it really should have a seal or some shrink-wrap plastic around the lid.

Prim Botanicals Hair Oil ($58.40)

A growing green beauty cult favourite, Prim Botanicals’ Hair Oil combines a medley of oils like Virgin Coconut Oil from the Philippines, Camelia, Moringa, Marula, and Black Seed to nourish, treat and hydrate your locks. You can use it as a 30-minute treatment, a hot oil treatment or apply it to your ends after styling.

Viva Health Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($43.95)

The Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum from Viva Health helps your skin to retain its natural moisture from morning to night, leaving you with a beautiful complexion all day long!

I love this little surprise when you open the box of hair oil. Hello, Lovely to you too!

I’ve never done an oil treatment on my hair (what about you? Is it something you swear by?) but I’ve been using a tiny bit of it to tame flyaways and smooth my ends after using the flat iron and it works well. And smells good! I smell lavender more than anything else, which is just fine by me.

And the serum I’ll probably gift as I’m leery about putting oils on my face, which tends to break out easily. (If you’ve got a serum that doesn’t make you break out, let me know!)

Ere Perez Jojoba Eye Pencil ($25)

The Jojoba Eye Pencil (Stone) is a shimmery slate super soft eyeliner pencil for a smouldering look. The soothing formulation of oils including jojoba, are considered to help protect your eyelid and stimulate lash growth. Gentle on eyes and suitable for sensitivities. Smudge it for a smoky eye shadow look.

I love LOVE the soft grey-brown colour of the pencil and how smoothly it goes on. (Much more forgiving than black, which can look messy if you don’t have the steadiest hand.) I really like this one.

MS Skincare SUNDAYS Detox Bath Salts ($42.45)

Naturally rich in magnesium, epsom salt baths have long been used in health and beauty treatments alike. Infused with the organic essential oils of Mint, Lemongrass and Cinnamon and Tea Tree, this powerful blend replenishes vital elements and nutrients to the body and aids in the relief of tired muscles.

And the bath salts feel like a bonus since they were hidden at the bottom of the box under the shredded paper. They’ll be fantastic after a workout or that time of the month when you feel like you’ve been hit by a truck (so achy breaky!) or any time you feel like treating yourself to something special. I have to say I can’t see how this package could cost $42 but apparently it does. (That said, SUNDAYS made the polish and top coat in my first Mapleblume box and I think they’re fantastic.) Needless to say, I’ll be rationing these babies.

Mapleblume Review February 2019 – Final Thoughts

l love the mix of skincare and cosmetics in the Mapleblume box. All of the products are generously sized to last a long while, and it was a bonus that two happened to have one of my favourite scents. A subscription would be a lovely gift for some special people in your life — great to go in on with some girlfriends for a wedding or baby shower, or as a Mother’s Day gift for the woman who has everything or the woman who treats everyone but herself.

Try Small Things – https://trysmallthings.com