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June Pearlesque Box ft. Farmaesthetics

June 29, 2016 by Melissa Gandarinho

Usually with my Pearlesque Box coming in, I feature it to showcase what came in it. This month though, I knew I'd be using 2 of the products at the music festival, so I figured I'd wait it out and give a full review of the products themselves, along with the box. 

If you haven't read about the Pearlesque Box on my site before, it's a really lovely monthly skincare/body care box for only $40. And I say ONLY $40, because the value of the box is usually triple that amount. 

This months box features a brand I have never heard of from Rhode Island, Farmaesthetics. I have linked the blog post from Pearlesque Box, so that you can get to know the brand a bit better. 

Now let's get to my review.


What first caught my attention was the bug repellent ($18). Unfortunately, I have the type of skin mosquito's LOVE! I knew that going to the music festival, I was going to get chewed up and this was the huge reason as to why I kept the box for the month of June. Well, not only was it amazing at not getting me bit like crazy, it actually helped build up my tan that weekend. It has a lovely smell, absorbs into the skin really well, doesn't feel tacky or slippery and WORKS! Before going cruelty free, I used to use the Off spray's and they sucked so so so bad. This was and is the best part of this box for me. I highly recommend buying it, 100%!

During that weekend, I also used up the entire bottle of the Cool Aloe Mist ($12/trial size) on my sunburn. One thing I will say, this burns on a sunburn, like....really really stings. BUT, with that said, it helped my sunburn like crazy. I was applying suntan lotion all weekend, and on Sunday, every 15 minutes. But alas, being under the sun all weekend did it's damage. This helped my chest, my face and more importantly, my skin overall. My sunburn went away in a couple days, I also put aloe vera gel, and I don't see any sun damage, which is fantastic. If it wasn't for the sunburn, I don't know how I'd feel about the product, but on a sunburn, 2 thumbs up.

I've gotten really into face masks lately, and this one being a full size, and kinda pricey at $50, I thought I'd love. Maybe it's because I'm used to detoxing face masks, and don't really need moisture put back into my skin, but I didn't see/witness anything I LOVED about this mask. Now, don't get me wrong, maybe I'm just not seeing what it's actually doing for me, and I'm missing the end results that'll happen with time. But for $50, I would not buy this on my own. We shall see what happens the more I use it.

Lastly, we have yet another lotion to add to my collection. I'm still using the Odeia one from last month and loving it, so I actually have NOT tried this lotion yet. I will say this, I really love the packaging, since it's a glass bottle. At $39, I'm expecting an impeccable body lotion. It actually states that this is safe to use on your face as well, but since my face is really sensitive and doing great currently, I'm not going to risk testing that out.


So there you have it, my final thoughts on the products. And what are my final thoughts on the brand itself? Well, I like how natural the ingredients are, and how it's usually less than 10 ingredients per product. What I don't like, is that even though it's cruelty free, it does have beeswax and that's unfortunate for those that really focus on a vegan lifestyle.

I cancelled my subscription for next month because it's products I won't use, nor do I need. I really like that Pearlesque Box shows you the brand and the products you'll be getting each month, so that you can decide whether or not the $40 are worth spending. Personally, I haven't regretted any of the boxes so far. 

Did you get the box this month? What are your thoughts?

Have you tried or heard of this brand before?

June 29, 2016 /Melissa Gandarinho
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What I'm currently reading. I've been slacking on reading so much. I told myself one book a month last year, and failed towards the end.

I did not start this year off right, I've just been so mentally exhausted. But I'm working on letting my brain just enjoy reading.

I have such a passion for reading, despite struggling with doing so lately.

How do you get yourself to read more? Chris was ordering a pair of @tuk_footwear so I finally took the plunge.

I had a hard time choosing just one pair, but I'm so in love.

These do run a bit big for a size 7, I'm wearing stockings so they end up sliding. BUT these are so comfortable. I'm already planning my next pair.

Do you have a pair of Tuk? Tell me which ones! Eccentric, Organic, Magnetic

@skinowl is one of my favorite brands and honestly one of the most underrated in the clean/indie world.

The Maqui Berry Whip is a must have no matter what skin type and the Maqui Drops are one of my top 3 oils of all time.

Skin Owl actually has these sweaters available to have you choose the words best describe you and I felt these suited me. Especially lately.

If you watched my IG stories, you see I'm not fake. I've never been fake. I'm sorry I've been distant, but I'm always here for advice, and to listen. Always. @magicianssyfy is back on tonight, who's watching? 👸I was feeling very Margo today and rocked a key necklace which Chris made a Magicians comment about. The addiction is real.

On the face:
@colourpopcosmetics Bambi on the lips
@shirocosmetics Lingered In Twilight on the lid, Rebellion in the crease
@alimapure highlight in whisper, all over face and brow bone, inner corner
@noto_botanics lip + cheek tint
@wetnwildbeauty concealer all over face
@cloveandhallow concealer under eyes
@essencemakeup brow and lash mascaras Hands down one of the best scrubs I've ever tried.

@firmearte makes some of my favorite products, including their soap, but this one wins. The scent is basically a sexy AC Moore.

If you're into the coolest LGBTQ, witchy, gender queer, Latina x stuff....go support this brand. You know how Mac, Colourpop, Wet N Wild and Urban Decay all have a shadow that changes from brown to green and purple all at the same time?

THIS IS THEM IN A NAIL POLISH! I kid you not. This looks like Lounge, Bae and whatever the other names are.

It's absolutely stunning and photos don't so it justice one bit. It's one of my favorite polishes of all time.

Round of applause to @lepolish. The easiest and best vegan and gluten free burgers out there. Even Chris eats my burgers. Given he eats it with real cheese, but whatevveerrrr.

@drpraegers burgers are my fav, but I also alternate with @aldiusa and @gardein.
No bread compares to @odoughs, especially these new sandwich buns.
@fieldroast Chao original cheese is my fav, tastes like provolone and muenster had a baby.
Pickles, lettuce, ketchup, avocado.
You're welcome. Outfit inspo is all @esteelalonde. I usually only wear these jeans in the summer, but have been so inspired by Estee and her combat boot/cropped jean outfits.

This is definitely something I'll be incorporating more.

Vegan boots from @callitspring, thrifted jeans are originally @uniqlousa, beanie is @obeyclothing, and my classy jacket is @kensie_clothing. @moonbodysoul shared some routille on her feed today, so I was inspired to share routille, shining with a rainbow on a smokey.

As many of you know, smokeys and rainbows are my weakness, so to find a piece with both AND routille, was a gift from the gods. Literally.

I cant recommend smokey enough for grounding, for security, for stress and anxiety. It's the one I gravitate towards most and feel mediated from.

My favorite shop where this piece is from is @villagesilversmithrocks. I've kept the shop a secret for a while, but sharing the love. Tell them I sent you.
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#crystallove #crystals #crystal #smokey #smokeyquartz #routillatedquartz #quartz #rainbow #smokeyrainbow #crystalhealing #crystalgems #nature #natural #villasilversmith #vsrocks #spiritualwitch #spiritual #spirituality #spiritualhealing New year, new self love!

I've been really into my self the past couple months, whether it's because of my hair or doing my makeup every day.....who cares. I'm all about it.

What makes you feel super loved by YOU?! @fairygirl Earth on the lips
@colourpopcosmetics Partridge on the lids
@noto_botanics lip +cheek tint on the cheeks
@essencemakeup brow and lash mascaras
@cloveandhallow concealer always
@wetnwildbeauty concealer always
@colourpopcosmetics Stole The Show hiigghhllight Today I went to the @acsbridalexpo and although it was a lot, it was refreshing to have everything all in one place. While my wedding isn't until next year, I'm trying to just get everything planned and out of the way.

I really liked this photo from this photographer (who I cant remember), but mostly I fell in love with this dress.

For me the dress and photography has been the hardest thing for me. As a photographer it's been a struggle finding someone I've fallen in love with within my budget.

When it comes to the dress, oh goodness today was eye opening. Dresses over $1000. No thank you. I just can't and won't justify it. Does anyone have any eco friendly options or recommendations?
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#bridalexpo #bride #njbride #wessingexpo #acsbridalexpo #acsbridal #acsbridalsweepstakes #weddingphotography #weddingdress #wedding #weddinginspo Are you ready for the first new moon?

This one comes with a partial solar eclipse. If you have intentions and resolutions, now's  the time to manifest the crap out of them!

I've already been feeling the strength of this eclipse, this morning had me so flustered, but I'm looking forward to the work it'll do to my intentions.

I'll share mine on a post soon. Till then, enjoy my peacock aka chalcopyrite.
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#spiritualwitch #spiritual #spiritualhealing #healing #chakras #peacock #chalcopyrite #teal #purple #rainbows #rockcrystal #crystals #crystal #cleanse #newmoon #energy #positivity #spiritualawakening #spirituality #crystallove #solareclipse #manifestation The only way to ever invite a new year, a new change, or to remove any negativity,  drama, and unwelcome energy.

Sometimes it's the little rituals that make all the difference. Like resetting and clearing out your closet and drawers, doing laundry, sitting down and setting intentions for the new year.

While I'm proud of many people for taking the initiative, remind yourself that with every full and new moon, you have the chance to change. Don't wait to depend on the new year to make a change you already want to implement.

Thanks for joining my Ted talk. Spent all day yesterday with a huge migraine, puking my brains out. Stomach bug or whatever it is, I couldn't eat anything.

I literally just sat by the toilet or in bed all day. I'm glad I'm better today. I needed food, since I couldn't hold anything yesterday and treated myself to @inspirationroll_morristown.

All the salty broth was what I needed.

Anyways, hears to starting the new year not puking.

I'll be working on intention and doing a blog post. What are you setting up for 2019? I'm watching @veganbodegacat macaroni and cheese adventures in the city, and I can't stop thinking about the cheese fries from @chickpeaandolive.

Honestly, New York vegans are so freaking lucky with all their choices and I miss going monthly just because of the food.

If you haven't been to @chickpeaandolive yet, you must. Their Phatty Melt is my favorite vegan burger in NY. Merry Christmas Eve. What are your plans today?

If you don't have plans RIGHT NOW, you should go read my q&a with the magical and down to earth lady behind @miakodanewyork!

I'm actually wearing my full moon leggings as I type this, and always have her bras on. I don't wear any other bra.

What are you hoping is under your tree this year? You guys seem to really like red lips and naked looks on me.

Also, thank you all so much for all the love on my engagement this year.

This year was a tough one, from getting laid off twice in one year, to being super depressed, broke and anxious all the time. I've begun opening up more about my issues and it feels like such a release.

Thank you all for being a part of my journeys. Hoping to make 2019 better than this year. Happy Winter Solstice! I'm looking forward to a long much deserved and needed weekend. What are your plans?

This candle from @dollymoobody has seriously been putting me in the spirit despite presents not being wrapped.

It smells like a straight up pine tree and I'm all about it! I need a back up innediately. Christmas all year round? Here for it. 💋🎄'Tis the season for red lips.

Eyes: @colourpopcosmetics super shock shadow in Rex, brow bone highlight @thebalm in Mary Lou
Lips: @100percentpure pomegranate lipstick in Poppy
Brows: @essencemakeup Brow Gel
Face: @cloveandhallow concealer and @wetnwildbeauty foundation
Highlighter: @milkmakeup in Lit (my #1)
Mascara: @essencemakeup Lash Princess
Blush: @noto_botanics in Oscillate (obsessed) It's not official until you blog about it. I wrote all about how Chris proposed to me, shared some photos along with mentioning my panic attack.💍 You may be surprised that I mentioned that at all, but life isn't all butterflies and rainbows. I struggle with anxiety and depression in which both have caused massive panic attacks all my life.

I want to be real with everyone and anyone and ensure you know it's ok to be anxious during a time of happiness. Nothing is wrong with you, and one day you'll find someone who expects that very reaction from you.