Review: The July H2BAR Beauty Subscription Box

By: Sassy Auburn

The July H2BAR Beauty Subscription Box has arrived. With summer upon us, we are always on the lookout for ‘Redhead Friendly‘ items to make this season shine a little brighter. This particular month, some items were familiar favorites and some were brand new:

1. Paul Mitchell’s Ultimate Repair Triple Rescue line ($32): 

This Paul Mitchell line (shampoo, conditioner, mask and SPF spray) is perfect for anyone who has natural or chemically enhanced red hair. The products are vegan-friendly and free of sulfates and parabens. I have been using these products faithfully since their release and could not be happier. The shampoo and conditioner are safe for all redheads, without damaging chemicals or additives.

When your hair needs a boost of softness and added nourishment (especially in the summer when you are by the pool or the beach), the mask is just the thing to turn to once a week.

The Triple Rescue Spray is a must-have in the summer months. It is just what those red tresses need for a little boost of leave-in conditioner plus an SPF to protect your hair from damaging rays.

All of the Paul Mitchell products in this line are made with quinoa which actually coats each strand of hair, locking in color. Here is a fun hairstyle to play with after styling with the products:

2. Medusa’s Makeup Witch Lash Mascara in Black ($12):

Mascara is always a challenge for me. There are SO MANY types, colors and formulas. I seriously can never find one I love. Usually, the deciding factors on a mascara for me are formula and the brush. When I opened the Medusa Mascara, I was immediately excited about the flexible brush.

It is a small, thin brush with little combs. I love this style of brush because it is perfect when you want to separate and coat each individual lash. It also is great for giving your bottom lashes a nice even coat without clumps or smudges. The formula has great all-day wear power without flakes or fallout and is still easy to remove.

3. Kleenex Facial Cleansing Wipes ($5):

I have always said the greatest thing the beauty industry ever did was create the facial cleansing wipe. It’s so convenient, easy to carry, perfect for travel and contains several steps in one product. Kleenex took that idea and ran with it.

First, let’s start with the fact that the container is FAB! A refillable mini box keeps your wipes from drying out and is also refillable to cut down on waste. The texture of the wipes is thick (like, really thick) — which I like. They won’t fall apart when you use them. The wipes are filled with water-based cleansers, as well as natural extracts such as cucumber juice to not just clean but to treat and fortify your skin.

4. TriDerma Facial Redness Cleanser ($20):

I waited a day when my allergies were aggravating me to see how it handled my red, puffy, irritated skin. The day came, allergy levels were high and I decided this was the day to give it a try. First, the texture is really nice. It was thin enough to go on easily but just thick enough for it to stay where you put it. In a circular motion, I massaged it all over my face. I could feel the makeup and/or dirt dissolving as I rubbed it in. The scent was natural and very, very light. My skin didn’t burn when I used it either. I rinsed with cool water & patted my face dry. It was so soft!

I use it now, allergies or not. I see and feel a difference in my skin. No redness, no itchies, no burning. Definitely a new buy soon—especially for summer.

 

5. pureSOL Konjac Sponge ($8):

Anyone who loves the feeling that they get from a pure, natural sponge will love this product. Because I know my skin is very important—head to toe—I try to use as few “gritty” products when washing my face or body. They tend to be a little abrasive. On a redhead? That’s not a good thing.

We want the exfoliation but in the most gentle way possible. Since the days of apricot shell exfoliators, many products have come out to get the same results in a less irritating way. This little sponge is perfect for just that.

Made for your face or body, this 100% natural sponge is made from the konjac root plant. It is steamed to remove all trace elements without adding trace elements. Its extra soft texture exfoliates, moisturizes and promotes cell growth. I like to take my cleanser, loosen the makeup and dirt, then use the pureSOL sponge to stimulate my skin while removing everything. I give my face a final splash of cool water, rinse out my sponge, and it is ready for use the next time I want to use it.

6. Kelapo Coconut Oil Packet ($2):

I cannot tell you how long I have been singing the praises of coconut oil. Of course, there are the cooking benefits which, when you use coconut oil, add lauric acid which helps the body absorb important nutrients and minerals more easily, eliminate harmful bacteria and fight the signs of aging. When my sensitive skin became terribly irritated and inflamed several years ago, I did a lot of research to find out what healthy ingredients I could use to help create items for my beauty routine.

One of the main ones I found was coconut oil. In addition to its anti-aging benefits IN the body, its anti-aging benefits ON the body are fabulous. It is good for the face on dry skin, chapped lips, and to remove makeup. On the body, it is a fabulous moisturizer to lock natural moisture into the skin. On the hair, it is a great deep conditioner that can be used when those split ends and frizzies are out of control. It can even be used in DIY recipes for face cleanser, sugar scrubs and lip balms. It’s never a bad idea to keep a packet of coconut oil with you for those occasions when you just need a touch for whatever you think will benefit from some healthy coconut oil.

Not a redhead subscriber yet? You’re missing out! Subscribe to the H2BAR Box!

Now that summer is in full effect, it is important that us redheads do not forget the little things that may be overlooked with upcoming vacations, changes in weather and temperatures and other things that can get forgotten. With this month’s subscription box, the great crew at H2BAR have given us many items to help us through the lazy days of summer while still taking care of our red tresses and sensitive skin.

Sneak peek of the August H2BAR Box:

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Rock it like a Redhead!