The Alluring Alchemist is a bi-monthly subscription box "offering meticulously sourced ingredients picked to create a customizable self-care experience (and with the knowledge of how and why to use them). It's beauty... deconstructed."
This month's box is being reviewed thanks to an MSA reader request!
The Alluring Alchemist gives you the option of choosing among a one-time box purchase, bi-monthly renewing subscription, or pre-paid 6 and 12 month plans. Individual box items are also available for purchase on their website.
For each box purchased, The Alluring Alchemist plants one tree via One Tree Planted.
My Subscription Addiction paid for this subscription. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
The Subscription Box: The Alluring Alchemist
The Cost: $38.00 for one-time box purchase, $36.00 for bi-monthly renewing subscription, $99.00 for 6 month pre-paid subscription, and $180.00 for 12 month pre-paid subscription.
The Products:
Every other month you will receive a box containing:
- 4 (1/2 oz) bottles with dry ingredients for mixing face masks (enough to make 9-12 masks)
- 1 (1/2 oz) dropper bottle of facial oil
- 1 (4 oz) jar of botanical facial steam
- 1 (2 oz) empty glass spray bottle for reusing your steam water as toner
Ships to: The US for free and Worldwide. Rates apply for shipment to Canada and 'Everywhere Else.' For example, the one-time purchase box is $38.00 for the US, $43.00 for Canada, and $50.00 for 'Everywhere Else.'
Check out more skincare and beauty boxes in the Women's Subscription Box Directory!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your Wish List or Subscription List!
Each box comes with an info card that details the monthly theme + products included. The The Alluring Alchemist website is also a rich source in providing guidance around how to best use the ingredients.
September/October brings us The Jupiter Box. The guardian of the abstract mind, Jupiter is the symbol of knowledge and expanding horizons. This box aims to "awaken your inner alchemist," so let's dive right into the mixing magic, shall we?
The Jupiter Box Botanical Facial Steam, 10 g - Value $15.00
Each item comes wrapped in tissue paper with the most enchanting celestial tape. The packaging really added to the mystery of the box-opening experience, and I was excited to unwrap each individual ingredient. Of course, beginning with the largest item... being this Botanical Facial Steam.
Now, I was fairly unfamiliar with the concept of a "facial steam," though I could imagine what it entails. The included info card describes Botanical Facial Steam as a cleansing and soothing pre-mask treatment, and it specifies that you may also use your steam water as a toner. I consulted The Alluring Alchemist site for more instruction.
This treatment is most beneficial before masking in order to open pores, release dirt and oil, and improve circulation. Taking the time to use a steam also allows you to build several minutes into your day for much-needed of self-care and relaxation. In order to perform the facial steam treatment, follow these instructions:
- Start with a makeup free face. No need to use a cleanser if skin is makeup free, just wipe with a damp cloth. Make sure your hair is tied back out of your face.
- Boil about 2 cups of distilled water (distilled is important if you plan to save the brewed water for later use).
- Pour your steam ingredients into a bowl (use the included, reusable bag if desired).
- Add the boiling water and cover with a plate to allow ingredients to steep for 2 minutes.
- Remove plate and lean over the water with a towel draped over your head.
- Breathe deeply and relax for 5 to 7 minutes.
Though I didn't get as much dramatic steam out of my boiling water as I would have hoped, I really enjoyed this treatment. The blend of organic lavender, organic calendula, and jasmine smelled divine. It reminded me a lot of a really lovely, floral tea. I'm not sure how successful this facial treatment was in opening my pores, but I certainly felt relaxed and refreshed after 5 minutes of inhaling the steam. I also saved the steeped water, strained it, and poured that into the glass spray bottle included in this box, along with a splash of apple cider vinegar. I'm keeping it in my fridge as a toning face mist, and I love the cooling sensation that it provides - especially after a long walk or workout!
The Jupiter Box Kalahari Melon Seed Oil, 0.5 oz - Value $10.00
I'm a huge fan of facial oils for use overnight, so I was excited to see this kalahari melon seed oil! It comes with a dropper which is nice for dispensing the correct amount. I found this oil to be very light and easily absorbed into the skin. There is no real scent, so it is very natural feeling on the face. This oil is rich in linoleic acid as well as anti-oxidants which provide strong moisturizing and restructuring properties and preserve skin elasticity. This face oil is also fair trade and sustainable. I used it before bed and awoke with nicely moisturized, dewy skin.
The Jupiter Box Dry Face Mask Ingredients, 6-14 g each - Value $16.00
These little glass jars of powder are so cute and pretty! I admired each one of their rich hues upon opening up a new container. All together, you receive 4 ingredients:
- Organic Hemp Powder
- Fuller's Earth Clay
- Organic Rose Petal Powder
- Organic Camu Camu Powder
You are to mix each powder at a 1:1:1:1 ratio with enough distilled water to reach your desired consistency. Most importantly, let's talk about each ingredient's benefits...
Organic Hemp Powder is packed with protein and contains over 20 amino acids. It helps keep skin from losing elasticity by supporting collagen production. It can also be used in a hair mask or as a powdered facial cleanser.
Fuller's Earth Clay absorbs oil to cleanse and brighten the face. I'm a big fan of bentonite clay and charcoal clay masks, but this pure clay powder is a little too intense on its own. That's why it works best when mixed with the 3 other ingredients.
Organic Rose Petal Powder has astringent, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties. It is also high in vitamin C to boost collagen production and protect skin.
When combined with water, these ingredients formed sort of a brown paste. I just dumped each full jar into a larger resealable plastic container since I figured that I'd be reusing this mask without adjustments to the ratio. I left the mixture on my face for about 15 minutes, being careful to not allow it to dry out too much. The result was a smooth, bright complexion. The clay component definitely worked its magic in tightening my pores, and my face felt glowy overall!
Verdict: I'm loving my first The Alluring Alchemist box! This subscription is wonderful for someone who enjoys natural and holistic beauty or is simply careful about the ingredients that their skincare products contain. There's something really fun about mixing your own mask, too! My husband is a scientist, and I kept remarking to him that I also felt like one while combining my mask ingredients (hey, he was amused). With a value of $41.00, this box is a great deal. That cost also doesn't include the extra glass spray bottle and plethora of amazing information that you receive via The Alluring Alchemist's website. I'm definitely feeling inspired to create my own concoctions right now!
What did you think of this month's The Alluring Alchemist box?
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