Hi everyone!
I am back today with another installment of my favourite subscription - Saffron Rouge's Inner Circle! Seriously, my friends, Inner Circle is hands down one of the best boxes I subscribe to. Not only does this sampling service allow you to try out various organic brands from around the world, these monthly boxes also continue to yield an incredible value of goods - with the February box being no exception. I actually find that I'm no longer worried about being disappointed when my Inner Circle packages come in because clearly Saffron Rouge knows what they are doing and they are clearly doing it well. To access my full review of the February Inner Circle package, please read further...
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What is Saffron Rouge? Saffron Rouge is an online eco-friendly & organic retailer (that operates in Canada) whose monthly subscription, Inner Circle, provides deluxe samples of products from organic beauty brands around the world.
Frequency: monthly
Cost: $24.99 + tax (in total, I am charged roughly $28)
Ships To: Canada, U.S., internationally
Added Bonus: A 10% off discount comes with every box (this month there was 14% off!)
Unlike many subscription services, Inner Circle products are not curated for each individual. Instead, the products are curated around a theme. Although everyone gets the same products (colours may vary), the items are pretty versatile in their use.
(New) Rewards Program: I recently found out from Tonya of Little Sustainable Me that Saffron Rouge has a rewards program that is conveniently available to all of its customers. As you order from Saffron Rouge, an account is automatically created for you that is associated with the email that you order with. For every 2,750 points you earn, you are able to redeem a $50 gift certificate that is transferable and never expires. I'm not sure how many points you earn with regular purchases (some items will offer bonus points), but you do get 75 points for every Inner Circle package you purchase.
Previous Inner Circle reviews: November 2013, December 2013, January 2014
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| Product Card |
Appropriate for February, the theme this month was "Romance & Roses."
Another beautifully wrapped package. Do you guys remember the one from December?
* Please note that all the prices are in Canadian Dollars *
1 || Velvet Moisturizing Cream (Suki)
(Sample size: $2.10 for 2 x 4 mL/0.13 fl oz | Full size: $31.50 for 120 mL/4.0 fl oz)
(Link to product)
I've been finding that I actually don't mind getting Suki foil packets. I haven't had a chance to try this moisturizing cream, but I think I will soon. Moisturizing samples are always welcome.
2 || Aiyana Perfume Roll On (Tallulah Jane)
(Sample size: $33.00 for 4 mL/0.14 fl oz | Full size: $66.75 for 8 mL/0.25 fl oz)
(Link to product)
Ingredients
"Ethyl Alcohol (Organic Grape Alcohol), Ricinus communis (Organic Castor Oil), Parfum (Fragrance)*
*100% Organic, wildcrafted or natural essential oils."
*100% Organic, wildcrafted or natural essential oils."
Directions for use
"Unlike its synthetic cousins, natural perfume doesn't need
chemicals to express itself. But it does need a little time to breathe.
Give it a minute or two after applying for full effect."
This is a really interesting perfume. I'm a big fan on the roller applicator, but I feel like you might be using a lot of product at a time. I've never had a perfume that is 100% organic, so the scent is a bit unusual for me. I'd say this perfume is predominantly spicy with hints of floral notes, and it does remind me of being in the woods or at a cottage. As stated in the directions, this perfume needs to some time to breathe/set in - the scent does become softer (not fainter) as you give it some time.
This product is currently available for pre-order.
While it's not specific to this Aiyana perfume, right now Saffron Rouge is offering a promotion for a 4mL bottle of the Tallulah Jane Tallulah Perfume with orders of $93. Enter CLASSY at checkout.
3 || Revitalizing Intensive Seed Capsules - 7 Day Treatment (Primavera)
(Sample size: $22 for 7 capsules | Full size: $94.00 for 30 capsules)
(Link to product)
The cap of this product features a floral and Greek motif, which I find both captivating and lovely. In general, I think it's very important for a product to look aesthetically pleasing. Having said that, I find containers such as this one sometimes tricky to open.
When I opened this product I experienced a wave of nostalgia - I remembered seeing these kinds of capsules in either my mom's or my grandmother's possession. As a child, I never found out what these were for or how to open them, but they looked so interesting! It has taken me all of these years since then to finally discover both the purpose and the directions for these capsules. :)
Basically, these capsules are filled with an organic wild rose essential oil that promises to hydrate your skin, promote cell renewal, smooth fine lines and prevent the appearance of wrinkles - all of which help to create the appearance of younger and healthier looking skin. Apparently, the oil is "beneficial for tired, pale, dry, inflamed, stressed and irritated skin." To use, you simply twist off the cap and massage the content into the face, neck, and décolleté. I haven't made up my mind yet, but I just might pass this sample on to my mom.
At $94 for 30 capsules, Saffron Rouge seems to be the cheapest place I can find to purchase this product. This is definitely way out of my budget. However, the reviews for this product are quite positive, so if you are interested in these capsules, it may be quite well worth the investment.
4 || Rose Absolute Revitalizing Face and Body Mist (The Body Deli)
(FULL SIZE: $26.50 for 120 mL /4.0 fl oz)
(Link to product)
"A misting regime of 2 to 3 times a day is best to help reduce fine lines
and wrinkles. The mist is great as a refresher after the gym or a long
flight. Breathe in the Bulgarian Rose essential oil aroma therapy as it
helps lighten the mood and balance the heart chakra."
Directions for use
"Mist can be used throughout the day to hydrate the face, body and hair.
Mist 4 to 6 times in a circular motion. Hold mist 8-10 inches from body
or face and with eyes closed. Can be used with serums, masques, helping
set and refresh make-up and is an excellent aftershave tonic. Also, use
to freshen up after sports or exercise. Refrigeration is not required,
but please store product in a cool environment away from direct
sunlight."
I'm really loving that this is a full size product. From what I understand, this is a spray that helps to not only refresh your face, body and hair (hair is an interesting one in this mix), but it also helps reduce fine lines and the presence of wrinkles. The scent is rather faint and therefore not overpowering. My face does feel pretty refreshed after using this product. I really like that this spray can be used with serums, and it helps to set and refresh makeup. This basically means that you can use this product at any time of the day. I might consider passing this spray on to Andrew, since it can be used as an aftershave tonic.
5 || Lubricant (Yes)
(Sample size: $8.95 for 25 mL/0.9 fl oz)
(Other available sizes: $25.95 for 75 mL/2.5 fl oz | $38.95 for 125 mL/4.2 fl oz)
(Link to product)
I found about this product before receiving it in my Inner Circle package. I was browsing the Saffron Rouge website one day and I found a section that was devoted entirely to organic products for men. Looking around, I stumbled across this product, which has an overwhelming amount of positive reviews.
To be completely honest, it felt kind of awkward to receive this in my package. I think it's complete appropriate to the theme of the month but I am not sexually active, so I'm sure it will be a long time before I am able to try this product out. On the other hand, I think it's awesome that Saffron Rouge has such an organic product available on their website because when you're dealing with sensitive areas of your body, the least amount of chemicals that you are exposed to, the better. Furthermore, I think it's fantastic that Saffron Rouge decided to include this lubricant in Inner Circle this month because a wide range of people (and couples) will get to try out a new product.
Please note that this product cannot be used with latex condoms. Also, due to its exclusively natural ingredients, the consistency of this product changes in colder temperatures. The consistency can become granular (as I think you can see a little in the pictures above. To make the consistency oily again, place the bottle in a slightly warm location.
6 || Nudist Colorbalm in Nude (W3LL PEOPLE)
(FULL SIZE: $21.50 for 2 g/0.07 fl oz)
(Link to product)
This has quickly become one of my favourite lip balms. As you can see in the pictured below, the lip balm is slightly pigmented:
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| L: no flash | R: with flash |
7 || Luminous Shimmer Blush in Zinnia (Alima Pure)
(Sample size: $2? | Full size: $21.00 for 5 g/0.17 fl oz)
(Link to product: Saffron Rouge | Alima Pure)
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| L: flash | R: direct sunlight |
Please note that you can find different shades depending on what product page you visit: Alima Pure has 10 available shades of this blush on their website; Saffron Rouge has only 6.
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Thoughts
Well, that brings me to the end of my review. Overall, I'm really happy with the products this month! With the exception of the lubricant, I know I will be trying out all of the products I received. In terms of value, this month's Inner Circle package was worth roughly $116 (CAD). Wow! That basically means that the products this month paid off this month's subscription four times over. With another month shortly coming to a close, I am really excited to see what kinds of products Saffron Rouge puts together for March! :)
What did you guys think of the products this month?
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On a different note - I decided to use a green background for most of my Inner Circle pictures because I feel like we are soo close to spring. Looking outside the window though, I see the promised snow storm starting up. Spring - come soon please! :)
Thanks everyone for reading! Enjoy your Thursday! -A.~
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