The April Boxwalla box is all about Monastery Made. Y'all know Boxwalla Beauty box is my favorite subscription box. It's bi-monthly which is great as I don't get overwhelmed with monthly deliveries. Monastery Made is founded by esthetician Athena Hewett who has been practicing for twenty years. The April box theme is 'When the Muses Sing of Spring' which has two full size items inspired by her grandmother's holistic recipes and her own experiences. This brand is made in small batches in a San Francisco studio and the retail value is $153 (which you get for $49.95 for subscribing).
I've dabbled a little in Monastery Made thanks to a friend who sent a few things my way. I love their recent packaging revamping, it really makes their line look streamlined and aesthetically pleasing. I've always wanted to try XX Rose Glycolic Gel which is an exfoliating serum. This serum has 10% glycolic acid in a soothing rosewater base. Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates, promotes skin cellular turnover, helps with pigmentation, brightens, reduces wrinkles and fine lines, smoothes and adds moisture to the skin. The glycolic acid is derived from sugarcane and papaya. It has a pH of 5 so it's mild and doesn't sting the skin.
I like an acid serum that isn't too powerful because then I can use it more often without irritation. The rose scent on this is very light and minimal, completely natural. So that gets a thumbs up from me. I love the light gel texture as it sinks in with ease and isn't sticky. Second thumbs up. It's lightly hydrating and has an extremely simple inci list. The rose water base and glycolic acid are it (minus water and natural preservatives/thickeners). It can be used as a serum or as a wash off mask. I think it will suit most skin types and I love how gentle yet effective it is. I love the simplicity, light non-sticky gel texture and it's such a really nice product. This is easily my favorite I've tried from the brand to date.
ALOE Hyaluronic Moisture Boost is a super lightweight hydrating serum. It has two weights of hyaluronic acid. I prefer a hydrating serum with multiple weights of hyaluronic acid as the lower weight sinks deeper into the skin plumping while larger weight sits on the surface hydrating. The hyaluronic acid is also suspended in the base of aloe resulting in an uber lightweight hydrating serum that sinks in like a dream. The light texture of this hydrating serum is superb. It's scented with clary sage & sage oils, white camphor & lavender. Normally I love all of these as an aroma in general. I love green, deep and earthy scents. I find them relaxing and soothing. I just prefer this type of scent on my body.
The level of scent is actually stronger than I prefer in a face product. I tried ALOE in the past and tried it again several times on my face in preparation for this post. Every time I woke up the next morning with mild rosacea bumps. It wasn't terrible but for the most part I never see my rosacea bumps. My rosacea is a problem I very rarely deal with. Every now and then I get a trigger of it and for some reason this product seems to do it to me. It's a shame too as I really adore the texture and feel of the product. So I've been using it on my hands & arms as a hydrating & soothing treat since I've been washing them a whole bunch lately. This makes a delicious body serum because it sinks in quickly and leaves no sticky residue. If you have sensitive skin or rosacea you might patch test this first. I know many who loved this and had no reaction like mine, I'm in the minority so keep that in mind. And if you're like me use it as a delicious body serum instead.
You have until April 1st to subscribe and get this box (Though the date has known to be extended so keep an eye out). Subscribe HERE.
*Box was gifted by Boxwalla and all thoughts are my own.