Mintd Box – The Sleep Series – October 2021

Where I got it

For the month of October, Mintd Box has launched their Sleep Series box and I am lucky enough to still be on their PR list and they have sent me this month’s box. Unfortunately, I missed out on the Mintd Box x Oskia box as well as the Recovery 101 edit. We are in lockdown here in Auckland, New Zealand at the moment and the postal system has completely gone out of whack. Sometimes you get your items within the week, sometimes they can take up to 2 weeks. Anything that comes from overseas (US and UK) can take anywhere between 1 week or even 7 weeks (I have another subscription box that was sent out in mid-September, but only arrived to International arrivals in mid-October!).

Anyway, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of Mintd box* beauty subscription boxes if you don’t know already. If you do, you can skip ahead and check out my review. These are monthly subscription boxes that contains at 4-5 full-size/ deluxe sized skin or body care products. You can go for monthly subscription (£70 one off), bi-monthly subscription which bills you every 2 months (£70 per box), 3-month prepay (£205.50 for 3 boxes), 6-months prepay (£411 for 6 boxes), and 12-months prepay (£822 for 12 boxes). 3, 6 and 12 months gives you pretty much the same value per box, but these are fixed term so you cannot cancel mid-term. I personally have been going ofr monthly subscriptions and just cancel every time I am not too sure if I like the products in that months box. Also, when you get 4-5 full size products each month, you obviously cannot use these up as fast as they come in.

The boxes are always well over the value you pay and this time the value of this box is £244!

 

What I got

This is the Mintd Box* The Sleep Series for the month of October 2021. A year of isolation has passed, the world has reopened and we have edged out of the comfort and calmness of our homes and communities and back into the full swing of life! Lockdown for many inadvertently created the perfect environment for rest and self-care, but now with life getting busier and the winter months approaching, we are slowly forgetting the importance of resetting and refocusing ourselves. This month’s edit has been specially curated with a series of saviour products to repair, balance, and protect your skin as you slumber in these coming winter months. Drift into a restorative slumber with powerful plant based and penetrative ingredients; cannabidiol oil, prickly pear extract and hyaluronic acid- tackling signs of anti-ageing, promoting college synthesis and boasting results of radiance. Push the boundaries and optimise skin restoration and rejuvenation with powerful supercharged formulas of melatonin and B12 maximising your skin’s natural repair performance as well as reinforcing your skin’s protective barrier and minimising visible signs of fatigue. Relieve stresses and pressures, relax and refresh your mind and body with soothing and therapeutic aromas of lavender, bergamont, rosemary and ginger. So why not indulge in this month’s Sleep Series? After all, ‘Beauty Sleep’ is no myth! – Mintd Box.

Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Evening Mist (£55 for 50ml). Inspired by a perfume created in the fourteenth century for the Queen of Hungary, this mist features an evocative scent including the relaxing aromas of lavender and bergamot to help calm the senses. Containing anti-inflammatory ingredients such as cannabidiol oil and prickly pear extract, the mist works to soothe away redness and puffiness. Infused with melatonin and magnesium salts, this Evening Mist supports the skin’s natural repair process, while hyaluronic acid promotes intense hydration for skin that awakens rejuvenated.

Ingredients: Aqua (Hungarian Thermal Water), Triperlargonin, Glycerin, Diheptyl Succinate, Magnesium PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Parfum (Fragrance), Squalene, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Medicago Sativa (Alfafa) Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Saccharomyces (Hungarian Thermal Water) Ferment Extract, Citric Acid, Phospholipids, Melatonin, Sodium Hydroxide, Lactobacillus Ferment, Magnolol, Honokiol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Sorbate, Citral, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool.

Votary London Intense Overnight Mask (£85.00 of NZD$193 for 50ml). Votary’s Intense Overnight Mask, a plant-based skincare treatment designed to minimise the signs of ageing, allowing the complexion to awaken with a more radiant and youthful appearance in the morning. With a powerful concoction of natural plant oils and skin-loving actives, the Votary Intense Overnight Mask is ideal for dull or dry skin, helping to boost the skin’s nocturnal renewal cycle for a rejuvenated complexion.

Ingredients: ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) LEAF JUICE, AQUA (WATER), CETEARYL ALCOHOL, COCO-CAPRYLATE, GLYCERIN, GLYCERYL STEARATE, COCONUT ALKANES, SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM (TOMATO) SEED OIL, CETEARYL GLUCOSIDE, ROSA CANINA (ROSEHIP) FRUIT OIL, PERSEA GRATISSIMA (AVOCADO) OIL, PRUNUS ARMENIACA (APRICOT) KERNEL OIL, SODIUM HYALURONATE, NARCISSUS PSEUDO-NARCISSUS (DAFFODIL) FLOWER EXTRACT, AVENA SATIVA (OAT) KERNEL FLOUR, CHENOPODIUM QUINOA (QUINOA) SEED EXTRACT, MYRCIARIA DUBIA (CAMU CAMU) FRUIT EXTRACT, POUTERIA LUCUMA (LUCUMA) PULP EXTRACT, MAURITIA FLEXUOSA (BURITI) FRUIT OIL, NIGELLA SATIVA (BLACK CUMIN) SEED OIL, SALVIA HISPANICA (CHIA) SEED OIL, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) SEED OIL, GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) OIL, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (LAVENDER) HERB OIL, ROSA DAMASCENA (ROSE) FLOWER OIL, SALICYLIC ACID, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, CITRUS NOBILIS (MANDARIN ORANGE) PEEL OIL, CITRUS AURANTIUM AMARA (BITTER ORANGE) FLOWER OIL, SODIUM PHYTATE, SODIUM BENZOATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SORBIC ACID, ASTAXANTHIN, SODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE, CITRIC ACID, HYDROXYACETOPHENONE, COCO CAPRYLATE/CAPRATE, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT, BENZYL ALCOHOL, TOCOPHEROL, LIMONENE+, LINALOOL+, CITRONELLOL+, GERANIOL+, HYDROXYCITRONELLAL+, CITRAL+, EUGONOL+, FARNESOL+

Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Bath and Shower Oil (£49 for 55ml). A soothing therapeutic bathing oil loaded with the goodness of rosemary, ginger, lavender and black pepper essential oil. The non-sticky oil has a soothing aroma that helps to relax and refresh the body and mind. It gives tired muscles and limbs renewed energy to take on the rigours of life with ease, releasing stiffness and discomfort while elevating mood and spirit. Specially designed for an overworked body and mind, Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil is just what busy people need to relax after a hectic day.

Ingredients: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Melaleuca Leucadendron Cajuputi (Cajuput) Oil, Parfum**, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil, Juniperus Communis (Juniper) Fruit Oil, Pinus Sylvestris (Pine) Leaf Oil, Citral*, Coumarin*, Geraniol*, Linalool*, Limonene*, Citronellol* *Natural Essential Oil Contents **Natural Plant Extracts

Zelens Skincare Melatonin B12 Advanced Repair Serum ($147 for 30ml). Supercharged with melatonin enhanced with vitamin B12, and a powerful blend of restorative ingredients to maximise the skin’s natural repair. This silky, moisturising serum helps reduce visible signs of skin ageing, tiredness and stress. Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and unveils smoother, radiant and younger-looking skin. Dermatologist tested. Suitable for all skin types.

Ingredients: AQUA (WATER), GLYCERIN, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, PROPANEDIOL, HYDROLYZED GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS, BENZYL ALCOHOL, BEHENYL ALCOHOL, GLYCERYL STEARATE, PHOSPHOLIPIDS, PANTHENOL, DIMETHICONE, PALMITIC ACID, STEARIC ACID, CHONDRUS CRISPUS (CARRAGEENAN) EXTRACT, APRICOT KERNEL OIL POLYGLYCERYL-6 ESTERS, ORNITHINE, PROLINE, SODIUM PCA, BETA-GLUCAN, MELATONIN, LECITHIN, GLYCOLIPIDS, HYDROLYZED VEGETABLE PROTEIN, HYDROLYZED YEAST EXTRACT, POLYGLYCERYL-10 DIPALMITATE, ACETYL TETRAPEPTIDE-2, HEXAPEPTIDE-3, ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM EXTRACT, THYMUS VULGARIS (THYME) LEAF EXTRACT, SALVIA OFFICINALIS (SAGE) LEAF EXTRACT, LESPEDEZA CAPITATA LEAF/STEM EXTRACT, HYALURONIC ACID, ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATE, SACCHAROMYCES FERMENT LYSATE FILTRATE, ADENOSINE PHOSPHATE, GUANOSINE, URACIL, CYANOCOBALAMIN, ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) EXTRACT, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, POLYGLUTAMIC ACID, SODIUM HYALURONATE, PUNICA GRANATUM SEED EXTRACT, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT, GLUTAMYLAMIDOETHYL IMIDAZOLE, AGAVE TEQUILANA LEAF EXTRACT, TOCOPHEROL, ACETYL TYROSINE, LAURYL ALCOHOL, MYRISTYL ALCOHOL, CETYL ALCOHOL, CARBOMER, MALTOSE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, DEHYDROACETIC ACID, DEXTRAN, SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE, DIETHYLHEXYL SYRINGYLIDENEMALONATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, CITRIC ACID, HYDROXYACETOPHENONE, SORBITAN OLEATE, ALGIN, XANTHAN GUM, BENZOIC ACID, LEVULINIC ACID, p-ANISIC ACID, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, SORBIC ACID, SODIUM BENZOATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE.

How I find it

Let’s start with a nighttime routine with these new products. I pour just shy of a capful of this De-stress Muscle bath and shower oil into my hands and then quickly get into the shower and massage the oil onto my upper torso and just breathe in the aromas. Then I step into the water and let the steam further bring the aroma out. The shower oil does not emulsify so I do need to use a body wash afterwards. I usually use something less scented so it doesn’t cover the aroma, and I also like to use a little bit more after I used a body wash just to amplify the aroma after I step out of the shower. The smell fills the bathroom and really de-stresses my mind and also relaxes me physically. I would say it would work better in a bath!

I usually cleanse my face before I step into the shower and then when I step out, I continue my skincare routine. Now that my skin is cleansed and moist from the steam in the shower, I like to apply a hydrating mist or any mist toner product. this one here by Omorovicza, the Queen of Hungary Evening Mist is a dual-phased mist that you need to shake up.  I dare say this spray bottle is by far the best I have experienced. It feels like a puff of cloud when I spray it against my face, not even a mist, its like a clolud. It is so fine and so soft on the skin I have no idea how they do it! The scent is really mild, and lightly cooling as well. It feels so so good! Leaves my skin with a light layer of hydration and really does make me feel amazing overall.

After the mist, I will use the Zelens Melatonin B12 Advanced Repair Serum. This is a deluxe sample size, but you only need two pumps for the entire face. It is a lightweight serum without any particular weight or interesting texture. It absorbs easily into the skin and is lightly hydrating. It doesn’t have any scent which if you are sensitive to fragrance, this would be something you don’t need to worry about. I’m sure I need more time to finish this little bottle to see any results, but I have yet to see anything. What I did see is that Zelens is included in one of Caroline Hirons’ The Hall of Fame kits (The OGs), even though not the exact product, but at least she is recommending something from this brand. Sounds somewhat promising.

As the last step of the skincare routine, I would use the Intense Overnight Mask to seal everything in. Now I have used all of the products in the Votary London Super Seed range and I thinkg that is a really good line. It is moisturising, effective, soothing and great for sensitive skin. It stabilises my skin and makes it really predictable and does not cause any irritation. I know that Votary does really potent products and when I saw the name “intensive overnight”, I thought it was another peeling mask or renewing mask which indicates an exfoliating mask with acids. Now about a year ago, I really damaged my skin barrier and my skin was breaking out really bad because I over-exfoliated with acids and scubs, so I am really careful on the acids I use during the week and make sure I use more ceramides, peptides and niacinamides to replenish and rebuild my skin barrier.

Anyway, what I wanted to say was this isn’t an exfoliating or peeling mask, but an intensive moisture mask with rosehip and hyaluronic, so you that it is moisturising and nourishing. With my combination oily skin, I would use this only maybe once a week or twice a week at the most.

Overall

Overall I am really happy for the products in here. It might only be 3 full sized products and a deluxe size item, but all of these products I felt really excited for. The AA bath and shower oil is my favourite aromatherapy product for the year – their Rose oil, the Deep Relax, Morning Revive are all very very good and I did purchase them myself. As for the Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Evening Mist is also an amazing. I have heard my friends raving about this mist, but I have never taken the plunge to get this mist because it is quite expensive. So I was really excited to try the evening version of this mist in this box. It has a frosted bottle and you can see a pale pink colour to the bottle and there is a small layer of oil in the formula. What really wowed me is how the mist came out – it literally feels like a cloud on my skin! It hydrates my skin and the oil phase helps to keep the hydration in. The Votary Intensive Overnight mask was featured in a recent Boxwalla box as well, but I did not get it because it was accompanied with another product that I wasn’t really interested in. When this came into the Mintdbox Box, I was thrilled. I loved their Super Seed range already and I also use their Intense Night Face Oil which is a retinol oil. There are also other products in their range that I want to try and I’m waiting for them to come to Mintdbox! Lastly the Zelens serum was a little surprise because I have just recently saw this brand from a fellow skincare IG account and I thought the brand was interesting. I am still trying the product out to make up my own mind if I like it or not.

 

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