Cruelty-free Honeybee Gardens Minihaul!

I’ve been curious about Honeybee Gardens, a cruelty-free and vegan brand, since I noticed their cosmetics featured in an end-of-aisle display at Ulta this winter.  Fast forward to April when I learned, via the wonder of Instagram, about their monthly Buzz Boxes in which you get to sample several, full-size products, for only $25 (+ free shipping)!

Not surprisingly my next thought was, “Sign me up.”.  So off to their website I went.

I believe each month’s box has a somewhat different mix of cosmetics and more bathy type products.  April’s Buzz Box came with the one of each of the following for which I was able to choose my shades/scent etc.:

Luscious Lip Gloss

I chose Glam I Am, which is listed as being a neutral rose with a mango “flavor”. I can’t say I discern any much flavor (yay)and the scent reminds me distinctly of the scent of my Strawberry Shortcake  Doll circa early 1980s!  I’d say it provides a nice, moisturizing shine with a hint of color and without stickiness (yay, again).

Rock the Smokey Eye Shadow Palette

This was the palette that contained the most colors I thought I’d use and I am impressed with the pigmentation and softness, particularly of the more metallic shades.  I think Chrome is destined to become a favorite silver in my collection.  The packaging is reasonably sturdy cardboard, with a light magnetic closure and the palette comes with a dual-ended (sponge tip/brush) applicator.

Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation

I chose to receive Avignon, described as a pale to light neutral shade.  It seems finely milled and soft.  I don’t think I’m likely to use it as a foundation, but, due to its slightly yellow cast and petal-softness, I’m thinking it might be an ideal under-eye setting powder.  I tested in on my wrist, where I have some fairly pronounced blue-greeny veins and it did seem to diffuse and slightly soften the look of them.

Hawaiian White Ginger Honey Soap

I was immediately drawn to this soap, as I am obsessed with all things ginger flavored/scented.  Scent-wise, this does not disappoint.  It doesn’t have any listed in the ingredients, but I swear it smells just like the night jasmine I used to get nightly whiffs of back in the spring-time when I lived in Arizona.

Pearl/Leaf Lariat Necklace

The box was intended to come with a scented sachet, but, as explained in the hand-written note I received, they ran out of them.  So, they upgraded my final item to this necklace.  Fairly generous, I’d say.

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Overall, I’m pleased with what I’ve received and it’s an outstanding bargain in terms of getting a great sampling of their full-size products.  Other than the lip gloss, I haven’t actually used any of the products yet, so if you’d like an update, just let me know!

*These are only my opinions, formed through my personal experience as a consumer.  I am not a medical doctor, an aesthetician, or a health/beauty professional.  There is no guarantee what effect, positive or negative, these products may have on anyone else.

**All products were purchased by me from brands that, to the best of my knowledge, are cruelty-free.