John Masters Citrus & Neroli Detangler Review

Am I the only one who thinks good detanglers are so hard to find?  I just have the hardest time finding something that detangles WITHOUT making my hair greasy.  Until...I came across John Masters.

Claim: This lightweight formula detangles and conditions with a highly-effective combination of 18 certified-organic ingredients: natural soy proteins and borage oil replenish lipid content, wheat & soy proteins restore strength and shine, and essential oils of grapefruit, lemon and neroli provide an uplifting aroma. Makes a great leave-in conditioner. Safe for color-treated hair. 8 fl oz.

My hair is weird.  I have chemically treated hair, which I'm currently growing out entirely, so it's dry BUT my roots and scalp get greasy very quickly. It's fine, but I have lots of it.  At first, I wasn't impressed with this product. I bought it to use as a conditioner, in the shower, and found myself going through so much of it.  I would rub it into my hair, after shampooing, leave it in for about 5 - 10 minutes and rinse.  After I rinsed, I felt like it all washed out and my hair felt dry again.  I had gone through 1/3 of the bottle in a week and was pretty upset.  THEN, I decided to use it as a detangler without using any conditioner in the shower.  (I know it specifically states that it's a detangler, but the bottle and associate at Whole Foods told me that it could be used in the shower as a conditioner.)  What a difference that made!  It left my hair so soft and easy to comb through.  The smell is very light and citrusy, definitely doesn't linger.  It's a lotion consistency that just rubs so nicely into your hair.  I use about a quarter size amount and that's enough to do from my ears down + rub the remaining residue on the top half to help comb it out as well.  I will definitely be repurchasing this detangler.

Retails for approx $22.50 CAD.  For more information, check out http://www.johnmasters.ca/.  You can purchase it from http://www.hipapotheca.com/, http://www.prettyinpinkspa.ca/ and most health food stores including Whole Foods.

                           

                   
Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera leaf juice) gel,* aqua (water), behentrimonium methosulfate, cetearyl alcohol, panthenol (vitamin B5), hydrolyzed soy protein, wheat amino acids, sorbitol, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil,* cocos nucifera (coconut) oil,* helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil,* lecithin, tocopherol, glycerin, citric acid, citrus grandis (grapefruit) peel oil,* citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel oil,* citrus aurantium dulcis (neroli) flower oil,* canarium luzonicum (elemi) gum nonvolatiles,* cymbopogon shoenanthus (lemongrass) oil,* sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, arnica montana (arnica) flower extract,* camellia sinensis (white tea) leaf extract,* chamomilla recutica (chamomile) flower extract,* calendula officinalis (calendula) flower extract,* equisetum hiemale (horsetail) leaf/stem extract,* foeniculum vulgare (fennel) seed extract,* lonicera caprifolium (honeysuckle) flower extract, linum usitatissimum (flaxseed) seed oil,* borago officinalis (borage) seed oil,* sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid), sulfur
* NOP Certified Organic

Hugo Naturals Handcrafted Soaps Review

I debated a little on how I should start off this review and because I feel I have so much to say, I'm going to start off with their claim/promise, as I usually do, and then get into my review of how I came across these and what I think about them.

Claim/Promise: This isn’t just soap: It’s a luxurious, all-natural skin conditioner in a bar. And it’s the 100% natural skincare product that our company was built upon. Our approach today is the same as it was when we began selling handcrafted soaps at our local farmers’ market all those years ago: we blend 100% pure and natural ingredients into a wonderfully luxurious cleansing bar that leaves your skin remarkably soft. All-natural vegetable Glycerin, nutrition-quality Vitamin E and pure essential oils of Coconut, Safflower and Castor create a rich, creamy lather that pampers and nourishes your skin while it gently cleans. Natural botanical extracts infuse a delightful fragrance that lightly perfumes the body. Cleanse your skin with confidence, knowing our all-natural soap is always safe for you and for the earth. Never any: parabens, phenoxyethanol, sulfates, PEGs, propylene glycol, petroleum products, silicones, phthalates, synthetic surfactants, artificial colors or synthetic fragrances.

• Made from 100% Natural Ingredients
• Vegan
• Soy Free
• Gluten Free
• Cruelty Free

The Review...

OH-EM-GEE, I just adore these soaps. It took me a little while to really fall in love with a natural soap that wasn't Dove (not natural). When I look for soap, I smell it and that's how I decide if I'm going to buy it or not. Yes, yes I purchase products based on smell I'm a horrible person. I dont want to gag through my entire shower. The point of bathing is to clean off the dirt and smell fresh and clean. I discovered the Vanilla & Sweet Orange scent at Whole Foods, that was the very first one that I tried of this brand. It was love at first wash *angels singing*. It smelled delicious, lathered nicely, cleansed great, didn't irritate my skin, lasted quite a few weeks (I'm the only one who uses it), left my skin so soft and is 100% natural. Could you really ask for anything else in a bar of soap?! Like really though, could you!? If so, I'd like to hear it.

As my Vanilla & Sweet Orange bar got littler and littler, I paid Whole Foods a visit. At Whole Foods, these bar soaps retail for $5.50/ish regularly. When I went in, they had them as 2 for $7. I immediately picked up an Shea Butter & Oatmeal bar as well as a Grapefruit one. All the bars are pretty much similar with the exception of scent, they do the same thing and work amazing. The Shea Butter & Oatmeal bar is different in that it has real oatmeal on the top of the bar. REAL OATMEAL *pause* TOP OF BAR *pause* AMAZING! It's like a gentle exfoliation with every wash. I just am so obessessed with this particular bar from them, I will soon put into perspective my obsession. It smells so light, yet fresh. It's a smell that anyone who's sensitive to smells could use. Anyone who has delicate or sensitive skin could also use. Oatmeal is not abrasive whatsoever. It's just lovely. Now, to put my obsession into perspective...I was at Whole Foods a couple of weeks ago and they had a 1 day only, 50% off Hugo handcrafted soap special. I purchased 5 bars of the Oatmeal & Shea. I regretted not buying more. I still regret it to this day. Crazy? Yes, very. Crazy for Hugo Naturals soaps!!

I have not used any other soap since trying Hugo Naturals, no word of a lie. I am a Hugo Naturals handcrafted soap convert and customer for life. I even got my mom on it, she's a huge fan of lavender and thought their lavender soap had the perfect lavender scent. Each soap has slightly different ingredients, to learn more go to http://hugonaturals.com/products/categories/handcrafted-soaps.

What is your favourite Hugo Naturals soap scent?

Antipodes Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream Review

Eye and face cream are the two hardest things for me to find and love, mostly because I'm easily irritated or breakout.  My eyes are sooooooooo dry, well...the skin below my eyes are.  Come winter or summer, they need a little extra love and attention.  I tried this eye cream in the winter and instantly fell in love.

Claim: Ultra-rich Vitamin C from the seed of the New Zealand Kiwi fruit works superbly to help repair damaged tissue. Containing carrot seed oil, aloe gel and 100% pure avocado oil, this is a fragrance-free product your skin will love. Kiwi seed oil helps restore delicate tissue, aloe vera plant gel both cools and calms, jojoba oil conditions. Scientifically shown to stimulate synthesis of collagen production in human skin cells by up to 82%.

This eye cream feels light but is pretty rich in texture.  The jar is big considering you just need the tiniest amout for both eyes.  Since we're on the jar topic, that's my only actual problem, I wish it had a pump :(.  I hate sticking my finger in it and when it got to the end, I had to scoop it with a Qtip to get it all out.  It doesn't smell like anything, it doesn't irritate my eyes and it's a multipurpose cream.  Multipurpose you say?  Yes, I do say.  I used this cream on my dry elbows, knees and my eczema patch that developed on my face from over exfoliation.  Miracleeee! Not only did it keep my eyes super hydrated, but also aided in the going away party for my ezcema and helped smooth out my elbows and knees better than any body cream I've ever tried.  I didn't see a difference in my fine lines and while that is a concern of mine, hydration is more important.  Most firming eye products are some sort of gel, they tighten but also cause my eyes to be a tad dry.  I know this eye cream didn't claim to tighten, it was more of a random thought lol.  It is supposed to stimulate collagen which would plump and smooth out wrinkles and lines but since that wasn't my main focus, I didn't notice if that part of the claim was true.  Would I repurchase?  Yes I most definitely would!  It was also a Bazaar Beauty Award 2011 winner!

What's your favourite eye cream?

Retails for approx $42 CAN. You can purchase it at www.hipapotheca.com  (they currently have 30% off Antipodes products), http://www.antipodesnature.us/ and Whole Foods.



Finished and threw out before taking a picture - taken from
 http://www.integralsense.com/antipodes-wins-best-global-eye-cream-2011-harpers-bazaar/

                       
30ML / 1.0 FL OZ

Weleda Almond Soothing Line Review

In the winter (more specifically January), while I was completing the chemical peel portion of my medical aesthetics program, my skin was dying.  It was red, super sensitive, dry, and I developed a small patch of eczema on my chin area.  Keep in mind I've never had eczema anywhere on my body before, I got it from over exfoliation.  My skin is usually sensitive and dry in the winter but it was extra horrible this time around.  I trucked on over to Whole Foods and tried just about everything, finally I got recommended the Weleda Soothing Almond line.  I purchased the cleansing lotion, facial lotion and facial oil. 
Below will be my review on all 3, Weleda claims that it will soothe and calm sensitive skin while hydrating.  That's the claim and it's true!

Cleansing Lotion:  I've tried cream cleansers before and hated them, probably because I didn't have the patience to figure out how they work.  I don't like the idea of using a tissue to remove it or the residue it leaves behind.  This one was different...sorta. It took me a little while to figure out the best way of using it but when I did, man did I fall in love.  It's a thick texture, it's not a milk but an actual cream cleanser.  It doesn't leave a weird residue behind like so many others (that I have tried before this one). I use about a quarter size amount, rub it into my damp skin and remove with a warm towel.  The towel helps remove all of the cleanser, makeup and provides a light exfoliation.  It totally calmed, hydrated and left my skin happy after the first cleanse.  I used only this cleanser for about 3 months, morning and night, and it brought my skin back to life!  It smells faintly of almonds, so the smell won't smack you in the face when you use it.  The only con to this product is the price.  A tube should last a month to a month and a half.  Would I repurchase?  Yes!  I went through 2 tubes before my skin finally got back to normal and I went back to testing different cleansers (I'm a skin care junkie, I can't help it!).

Retails for approx. $24.99 CAN.


Finished and threw out product before taking a picture - taken directly from Weleda

 
                                     Ingredients (INCI): Water (Aqua), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Alcohol, Prunus Domestica (Plum) Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid. .5 FL OZ (75ml)


Facial Lotion:   Weleda has a facial lotion and facial cream, I purchased the lotion and just stuck with it. I may try out the cream next winter though.  This is actually my morning moisturizer to this day, I love it so much.  It's light yet hydrating.  In the winter months, I combined this with the oil but now I just use it alone because I don't need the extra hydration.  It smells like the cleansing lotion, faintly of almonds which kind of makes me wants almonds now with all this almond talk! ugh.  Anyway..my makeup applies nicely, my face stays hydrated all day, it's very soothing, no dry skin and I will keep repurchasing.  It is a rather small tube but you only need a little amount of it (a tad more than a pea).  I won't even ask if I would repurchase because I stated above I would.  WOOHOO, I've been on the hunt for a holy grail facial lotion forever.  That doesn't mean I won't try other ones, I'll just always have one of these bad boys on hand :)

Retails for approx. $24.99 CAN as well.

                                
Ingredients (INCI): Water (Aqua), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Beeswax, Prunus Domestica (Plum) Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid.



and last but not least...

Facial Oil:  I enjoyed this product but my love for coconut oil took over, ahh it pains me to say that but it's true *sad face*.  This product is great though, it hydrated, soothed and smelled wonderfully like those nuts I wish I was eating at this very moment.  It's also great for use on face, body, scalp and hair.  I enjoyed using it on my scalp to soothe my winter itch, as an overnight leave in treatment for my hair and for added moisture with my lotion.  I love the dark blue glass bottle that it comes in with the dropper top, sometimes I wished the oil came out a little faster but it was great to avoid spilling. I likely won't repurchase BUT I got my mom on it!

Retails for approx. $25.99 CAN. 


Finished and threw out before taking a picture - taken directly from Weleda

                       Ingredients (INCI): Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Prunus Domestica (Plum) Seed Oil, Prunus Spinosa (Blackthorn) Flower Extract

I love how clean this brand is, the ingredients are short and sweet.  To read more on them head over to http://www.weleda.com/.  All of these products can be purchased at your local whole foods market, http://www.well.ca/, and The Big Carrot http://www.thebigcarrot.ca/.

Pretty Ginger & Cypress Soothing Mask Review

This is my holy grail mask, actually this is my favourite product ever, by any company!  I always have this stocked in my drawer even if I'm trying other masks.  It is the one item in my skin care regime that I have not changed since discovering it.  I am obsessed and if I cannot find this or it becomes discontinued I will be beyond devastated.  For the sake of not having this blog post go on forever, check out this company's website and read up on their story http://www.prettynaturalskin.com/index.php.  They are a clean Canadian brand that really values quality.  This is one of the first brands I was introduced to that aided and inspired my change to natural skin care products.  I have tried almost everything of theirs and will put up more reviews on their products.

Claim: French Montmorillonite Clay detoxifies skin by drawing out impurities while wild chamomile and ginger extract soothe redness and inflammation. Leaves skin rejuvenated and glowing.

This mask is targeted for sensitive skin and they have two other mask types.  Tea Tree & Rosemary Purifying Beauty mask for oily/acne prone skin and Licorice & Oatmeal Brightening Beauty Mud.  I have tried all three and this one is by far my favourite.  I use this mask twice a week, sometimes three, and mix it with their Roman Chamomile Facial Tonic.  I also use just regular chamomile water when I don't have their facial tonic on hand.  I like to slather on a thick layer and let it sit for 15 minutes or until fully dry.  I then wash it off with warm water.  The claim is 100% accurate.  It sucks out excess sebum, draws out impurities, soothes the skin without over drying it and leaves it feeling rejuvenated and glowing.  When my face is pissed off at me, I use this mask and it's instantly happy again.   It evens out my skin tone by calming the redness on my cheeks and calming acne (if I'm breaking out).  A miracle in beautful, environmentally friendly packaging.  I cannot say enough good things about this mask, you absolutely have to try it!  I recommend this to everyone and will repurchase forever, literally.  When it was on sale at The Big Carrot, I stocked up.  One container of this lasts anywhere from 4-6 months depending on how much you use and how often.  It's packed with goodness for your skin and, once again, I LOVE IT!

Retails for approx $22 CAN. You can purchase it at http://www.prettynaturalskin.com/, The Big Carrot www.thebigcarrot.ca and Essence of Life Organics http://www.essenceoflifeorganics.com/.

Lavender Facial Tonic, switching it up lol 

 Ingredients: French montmorillonite clay, kaolin clay, green tea extract, aloe extract, chamomile oil, ginger oil, cypress oil, grapefruit oil

100% Pure Pineapple Facial Scrub Review

I like to use a scrub 1 - 2 times a week in the winter and 2 - 3 times a week in the summer.  I actually do a whole mini facial routine when I do the scrub.  I cleanse, scrub, mask, tone, and apply serum.  Scrubs is one of those products you always change and try new ones of depending on your skin's needs, how sensitive it is, etc.  I originally purchased this scrub because I like the idea of enzymes in a scrub or mask.  Enzymes eat away dead skin cells instead of just buffing them away.  This product is a double whammey (is that right? lol). 

Claim: All natural facial scrub in a base of berries, sake, pineapple juice and papaya enzyme to make complexion appear more vibrant, glowing and healthy. Perfectly round jojoba beads buff away bumps and flakes without scratching your skin. Concentrated with anti-aging vitamins and antioxidants. This all natural facial scrub does not contain synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, chemical preservatives or any other toxins, Truly, 100% Pure.

When I was at Big Carrot looking at scrubs, the girl told me this was very abrasive and it irritated her skin.  I tried it on my hand, yes I know the skin on your hand is different from your face, and it seemed not abrasive enough.  I like my skin to get raw from scrubbing it lol.  I'm kidding, partially.  I decided to buy it anyway and I'm so glad I did.  I find the beads to be very gentle.  It doesn't turn my face red, irritate, sting or bother my skin in anyway.  It's a great exfoliation and smells wonderfully like pineapple.  It leaves my skin feeling soft, vibrant and bright.  Will I repurchase?  Very likely.  I like to try new scrubs, I'll likely come back to it at some point though.

Retails for approx $25 CAN. You can purchase it at http://www.100percentpure.ca/, Pretty In Pink Spa http://www.prettyinpinkspa.ca/ and The Big Carrot www.thebigcarrot.ca. 

                          

Ingredients: Organic Pineapple Juice1, Organic Lemon Juice1, Sake, Organic Rose Hydrosol2, Organic Rosehip Seed Oil3, Bromelian (Pineapple Enzyme), Papain (Papaya Enzyme), Vitamin C (ascorbyl palmitate), Vitamin E (a-tocopherol), Kojic Acid, Extracts of Organic Blackberry4, Organic Blueberry4, Organic Pomegranate4, Organic Strawberry4, Acai Berry, Organic Goji Berry1, Grapeseed, Organic Oregano1, Organic Thyme1, Organic Cinnamon1, Organic Goldenseal5, Organic Levender1 and Japanese Honeysuckle, Citric Acid, witch Hazel, Organic Lavender Honey Wax1, Organic Avocado Butter2, Organic Lemon Essential Oil1

1 certified organic by QAI
2 certified organic by Oregon Tilth Certification Limited
3 certified organic by Baystate Organic Certification Limited
4 certified organic by Organic Certifiers
5 certified organic by Maryland Department of Agriculture

Net Weight 100 g / 3.5 oz

Pangea Italian Green Mandarin with Sweet Lime Toner Review

Here's another gem from Pangea that I discovered in the discovery kit!  I hate that it's so expensive because I am so obsessed with it.  I didn't mention in the previous review, but Pangea cleansers and toners come in beautiful glass bottles.  While they're great to look at and great for the environment, they suck for traveling.

Claim: Balance and Restore. Toner completes the cleansing process by removing all traces of dirt and oil, refining pores, bringing the skin to balance and preparing it to thoroughly receive the benefits of our Facial Cream. Take your skin care regimen to the next level with this nourishing facial mist for use after cleansing and before moisturizing. Also ideal for use throughout the day to refresh, remove impurities and awaken your senses. Italian Green Mandarin & Sweet Lime Facial Toner delivers targeted herbal extracts that are ideal for normal to combination skin types.

It's very refreshing and smells wonderful, herbal-like.  I use this morning and night to remove excess cleanser and after makeup application to set it.  It doesn't dry out my skin, irritate it or cause any sort of discomfort.  I love that it's all natural, of course, and that it has natural purifying qualities that aid in killing acne bacteria.  It's just lovely.  I'd recommend this to anyone.  They do have 2 other toners targeting dry and oily skin types, I have not tried them but hope to at some point.  Will I repurchase?  Definitely.

Retails for approx $28 CAN. You can purchase it at http://www.pangeaorganicscanada.com/, http://www.well.ca/ (free shipping in Canada) and The Big Carrot www.thebigcarrot.ca. 

                                     
Ingredients: PURIFIED WATER (AQUA), ALCOHOL (SDA 38B ORGANIC LAVENDER), GLYCERIN (VEGETABLE), CITRUS NOBILIS (GREEN MANDARIN) OIL, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (ORGANIC LAVENDER) OIL, CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA (LIME) PEEL OIL, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) OIL, CALENDULA OFFICINALIS (ORGANIC CALENDULA) EXTRACT, TARAXACUM OFFICINALE (ORGANIC DANDELION) LEAF EXTRACT, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (ORGANIC LAVENDER) EXTRACT, MELISSA OFFICINALIS (ORGANIC LEMON BALM) EXTRACT, TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE (ORGANIC RED CLOVER) EXTRACT * ESSENTIAL OIL
THIS PRODUCT IS VEGAN AND GLUTEN-FREE.

Pangea Egyptian Calendula & Blood Orange Cleanser Review

I loooovvveeee ittttt *singing*.  This cleanser is the bomb.com, yep the bomb.com.  Laugh it up, that's the phrase of the season.  I discovered this gem after trying their discovery kit for normal/combo skin.  I use this every single morning and am in love.  The price tag is a tad steep BUT worth every penny.  Let me explain why..

Claim: Sweet Harmony. When it comes to delicate facial skin, Pangea’s number one goal is to bring your skin into balance. We start with a bounty of organic compounds that are rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids to support a healthy, radiant complexion. Optimal amounts of organic essential oils and herbal extracts help to soothe irritation, balance oil production and rejuvenate the skin. Our gentle yet effective Facial Cleanser removes excess oil, dirt and most makeup. It nurtures the skin with vital plant-based nutrients that nourish, protect, soften and soothe. Natural cleansing agents bind with existing dirt and oil molecules, break them down and loosen them up, allowing them to be rinsed away. The best part? This Facial Cleanser leaves your face fresh, soft and lightly moisturized without stripping your skin.

Preach it Pangea!  This makes my skin feel so amazing.  It cleans my skin beautifully without any dry patch/dry feeling/anything involving the word dry.  My face looks and feels dewy, soft, glowing, gorgeous, amazing, I can go on all day.  I haven't used it to remove makeup because I use it in the morning to cleanse without stripping my skin and leaving it tight.  It doesn't smell the best, but it's tolerable.  It's creamy textured and works into a slight lather.  Don't expect serious foaming action, you'll be disappointed if you do.  Now, the bottle says to use 3 - 4 pumps, however, I use 1 -2 pumps and that's more than enough.  It's so gentle but has a slight tingly feeling, it's not uncomfortable though.  It's almost like it's saying, "good morning skin! Wake up and plump up!".  I'm sure that's what it would say if it could.  The calendula in this cleanser is great to purify, soothe and has anti-inflammatory properties which makes it great for all skin types.  I don't enjoy the glass bottle, makes it heave to travel with BUT I do love the pump that locks.  If you had to travel with it, you could be sure it wouldn't spill.  Will I repurchase?  Yes, yes, yes!  I never want to run out, I am so in love.  This cleanser is targeted at normal to dry skin but I'd recommend for any skin type.

Retails for approx $30 CAN. You can purchase it at www.pangeaorganicscanada.com, http://www.well.ca/ (free shipping in Canada) and The Big Carrot www.thebigcarrot.ca.

                                         

no water

Ingredients: 
INGREDIENTS: PURIFIED WATER (AQUA), COCOS NUCIFERA (SAPONIFIED ORGANIC COCONUT) OIL, OLEA EUROPAEA (SAPONIFIED ORGANIC EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE) OIL, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (ORGANIC JOJOBA) OIL, CANNABIS SATIVA (ORGANIC HEMP) SEED OIL, RETAINED GLYCERIN (VEGETABLE), ALCOHOL (SDA 38B ORGANIC LAVENDER), HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (ORGANIC SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, GLYCERYL STEARATE, LECITHIN (NON-GMO SOY), CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE (DERIVED SOLELY FROM COCONUT OIL), SUCROSE STEARATE, ORYZA SATIVA (ORGANIC RICE) BRAN EXTRACT, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (ORGANIC SHEA) BUTTER, THEOBROMA CACAO (ORGANIC COCOA) BUTTER, PRUNUS AMYGDALIS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) OIL, XANTHAN GUM, CITRIC ACID, OENOTHERA BIENNIS (ORGANIC EVENING PRIMROSE) OIL, COCOS NUCIFERA (ORGANIC COCONUT) OIL, GLYCERIN (VEGETABLE), CALENDULA OFFICINALIS (ORGANIC CALENDULA) EXTRACT, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (ORGANIC LAVENDER) EXTRACT, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ORGANIC ROSEMARY) EXTRACT, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORGANIC BLOOD ORANGE) OIL, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (ORGANIC LAVENDER) OIL, ANTHEMIS NOBILIS (ROMAN CHAMOMILE) OIL, LAVANDULA MAILETTE (LAVENDER MAILETTE) OIL, CALENDULA OFFICINALIS (ORGANIC CALENDULA) FLOWER OIL, TOCOPHEROL (VITAMIN E), ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C) ESSENTIAL OIL
THIS PRODUCT IS GLUTEN-FREE.

100% Pure Lavender Seafoam Cleanser Review

This is the second 100% Pure Cleanser that I've tried.  Well, I actually tried it before the skin brightening one but I like this one way more.

Claim: Richly foaming facial cleanser made with nourishing organic seaweeds, softening rosehip oil, green tea, calming lavender and other organic nutrients to give you a healthy, glowing, radiant complexion. 100% Pure never use harsh detergents, synthetic chemicals, chemical preservative artificial fragrances or other toxins. Truly, 100% Pure.

The claim don't lie!  It is foaming, not too much though, more like a nice lather.  It smells so much like lavender, hence the name, DUH!  *BIG SNIFF* ahh.  I enjoy the smell.  If you are sensitive to smells or don't like lavender, then definitely keep away.  This cleans my face really nicely and leaves it glowing.  It's a little runny and the colour of green mud, sounds great doesn't it? lol.  I'm great with descriptions!  It really does look like that though.  I purchased this earlier in the year when my skin was still kind of dry and sensitive.  It did dry it out if I didn't apply a moisturizer directly after washing my face, which is what you're supposed to do anyway if your skin is dry (at night, I used this cleanser at night).  It removed my makeup nicely and really helped keep blemishes at bay, BUT it was too drying for everyday use.  SO I found another use for it.  I go to bootcamp 4 days a week, Monday - Wednesday and Friday.  I started using this on my chest, shoulders and back and man did it help with the breakouts I was getting.  Seaweed is nourishing but also great for sucking up excess sebum (oil) and lavender is great for calming and soothing.  I would highly recommend this cleanser for anyone with combo/oily/acne prone skin.  Will I repurchase?  YES!  I'm going to actually purchase this and use it as a body wash on breakout prone areas.

Retails for approx $25 CAN.  You can purchase it at www.100percentpure.ca and The Big Carrot www.thebigcarrot.ca.

Finished and threw out before taking a picture - taken directly from 100% Pure

                           

Ingredients: Seaweeds (Kelp, Sea Lettuce, Spirulina),Green Tea, French Green Sea Clay, Saponified Coconut Oil, Vitamin C (ascorbyl palmitate), Vitamin E (a-tocopherol), Sea Buckthorn Oil, Rosehip Oil, Extracts of Pomegranate, Grapefruit Seed and Rosemary, Lavender Essential Oil, Extracts of Cinnamon, Thyme, Goldenseal and Oregano

Net Weight 100 g / 3.5 oz

100% Pure Skin Brightening Facial Cleanser Review

Cleansers, the first step in most people's beauty regime.  I like to try new cleansers pretty regularly because I like to find new gems.  In the summer, my skin can handle all the testing of different products so that is the season where I try the most products.  In the winter, I stick to one cleanser because my skin will react to a snowflake.  Okay, okay I'm being a tad dramatic but my skin is super sensitive in the winter.  It's weird how different seasons can have such an impact on our skin and hair.  I have only tried a couple of 100% Pure's cleansers and this one was alright.

Claim: SKIN BRIGHTENING COLLECTION was formulated specifically to enliven dull looking complexion to make it more vibrant, healthy and glowing. Rather than using harsh chemical skin lighteners, this 100% Pure formula gets its brightening effect from all natural, gentle ingredients like bearberry, kojic acid, sake, fruit acids, licorice, vitamin c, lemon juice and strawberries. This skin brightening facial cleanser washes away makeup (including eye makeup) and other impurities while aloe juice and rose hydrosol hydrates and soothes. 

This cleanser smells really nice, I enjoy the foaming action, and it leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed.  BUT, of course there's a but, I don't see any brightening happening nor do I find it "hydrates".  Foaming cleansers in general are a tad drying, this one leaves my skin feeling a tad dry.  This would work great when it's warmer out because my skin will be oilier and this cleanser would create a wonderful squeaky clean feel.  I usually use this at night, after removing my makeup with coconut oil, but have used it to remove makeup on those lazy nights (you know what I'm talking about, we all have them).  It does sting my eyes a bit and it doesn't fully remove my mascara.  I would recommend this product if your skin is combo/oily or if you're using a moisturizer/serum after.  Will I repurchase?  No.  I would like to try some of their other foaming cleansers as they have about 5 different ones.

Retails for approx $25 CAN.  You can purchase it at www.100percentpure.ca , Pretty in Pink Spa http://www.prettyinpinkspa.ca/ and The Big Carrot www.thebigcarrot.ca.



Finished and threw out before taking a picture - taken directly from 100% Pure



                  

Ingredients:Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe Juice)1, Organic Rosa Centifolia Flower Water (Rose Hydrosol)2, Citrus Medica Limonum Extract (Lemon Juice), Cocos Nucifera (Saponified Coconut) Oil, Rice Ferment Filtrate (Sake), Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf (Bearberry) Extract, Kojic Acid, Extracts of Fragaria Vesca Fruit (Strawberry), Rubus Idaeus Fruit (Raspberry) and Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root, Sodium Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Extracts of Punica Granatum (Pomegranate), Bromelian (Pineapple Bromelian), Papain (Papaya Papain) and Vaccinum Macrocarpon Fruit (Cranberry), Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil (Pink Grapefruit), Citrus Medica Limonum Peel (Lemon) Oil, Lonicera Caprifolium (Japanese Honeysuckle) Extract

1 Certified Organic by SGS Organic
2 Certified Organic by Ceres GmbH

Net wt. 170 g/ 6 oz

Lavera Intense Volume Mascara Review

Ahhhh I love this mascara soooooooo much, like so so much!  If it wasn't for me getting styes from wearing it 8+ hours, it would be my holy grail and I would repurchase over and over again!

Claim: This super-intense formula creates longer, thicker, shinier lashes with serious impact thanks to a new extra-volume brush and an innovative quick-dry formula that prevents lashes from sticking. Natural ingredients such as organic beeswax and refined mineral pigments make for long-lasting hold.

I.just.love.it!  It doesn't irritate my eyes upon application, it thickens, lengthens AND holds a curl!! Hello!?  What else could a girl want or need?  Out of about 5 different natural mascaras I have tried, this is my all time fav.  It's super black, glides on like a dream and I just love it.  Once again, I love it!  I will now stop with the "love it" and "!!!".  While it's on the pricey side, it's worth the investment if you're able to wear all natural mascaras.  For the record, my lashes are long already.  I don't know how well this will work on short lashes, but I assume it would make them look amazingly amazing.  Yep, I just said that.

Retails for approx $26 CAN (give or take).  You can purchase it at http://www.lavera.com/ and The Big Carrot http://www.thebigcarrot.ca/.

Finished a threw out before taking a picture -taken directly from Lavera

                                     
These are the listed ingredients I was able to find online.
*With plant ingredients from our own production * NaTrue certified Ingredients CTFA/INCI : Water (Aqua), Alcohol*, Stearic Acid, Beeswax (Cera Alba)*, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Algin, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil*, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract*, Silk (Serica), Shellac, Jojoba Esters , Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Tocopherol, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Mascara Review

Mascara is a staple for me.  If there's one thing I'll apply before leaving the house, it's my brows (don't judge) and mascara.  I have tried multiple all natural mascaras and unfortunately they don't work for me.  After an extended period of time, 8 hour work day, my lids start to hurt and develop styes.  That being said, it hasn't stopped me from finishing my tube to give the mascara a fair chance.

On to the review..

Claim: 100% natural mascara lengthens, separates, thickens and glosses lashes with fruit pigments and Black tea pigments. Lash conditioning ProVitamin B5, Vitamin E, Oat and Wheat protein conditions for healthier lashes. Gentle, all natural, good for you formula is suitable for everyone, even if you wear contacts or have sensitive eyes. Water and smudge resistant. 

Hmm...I personally don't think it lived up to the claim or hype.  The best part, besides being all natural, is that it smells like blueberries! YUMMM! I have long lashes as it is and I didn't find this lengthened them anymore than usual.  It thickens and glosses but it's also clumpy.  Besides the eyelid bumps, it didn't irritate my eyes when first applied.  It is definitely NOT water and smudge resistant.  I found that it ended up smudging above my eye where my lashes touch, did that make sense?  Sounded better in my head but hopefully you can read my mind (haha)!

I will not be repurchasing. 

Retails for $23 CAN for the full size and $15 CAN for the mini. It comes in 4 shades: Black Tea, Blueberry, Blackberry and Dark Chocolate. It can be purchased at http://www.100percentpure.ca/, Pretty in Pink Spa http://www.prettyinpinkspa.ca/ and The Big Carrot http://www.thebigcarrot.ca/

Finished and threw out before taking a picture - taken directly from 100% Pure

                                       

Ingredients: Organic Green Tea, Vitamin E (a-tocopherol), Honey Beeswax, Contains All or some of the following Pigments: Blackberry, Blueberry, Black Tea, Grape Skin, Pomegranate, Acai Berry, Boysenberry, Blackcurrant and Raspberry, Oat Protein, Wheat Protein, Provitamin B5, Seaweed Powder, Coconut Stearic acid, Mica (for shimmer in the Blackberry and Blueberry), Cocoa Butter, Pearl Powder, Rice Powder, Cacao Powder and Powdered Coffee Beans, Lavender Honey, Extracts of Oregano, Thyme, Rosemary, Lavender and Goldenseal

Net wt. 0.176 oz / 5 g

100% Pure Pink Champagne Luminescent Face Powder Review

I love luminzers, they make a HUGEEE difference in the way your face looks.  You can use them to highlight the areas you'd like to enhance or as an all over glow.

Claim: This fruit pigmented Pink Champagne Luminescent Face Powder makes you sparkle and shine! This blush is colored with antioxidant and vitamin rich fruit pigments instead of minerals or synthetic dyes. All natural skin illuminizer that instantly makes your skin glow. Millions of light reflective "invisible" pigments diffuses the look of pores, lines and wrinkles while canceling out sallow, dull looking skin. Healthy formula packed full of nutrients to treat your skin while making you look instantly radiant. 

Another great product from 100% Pure.  I personally would not use this all over my face as I have combination skin, oily in the summer.  It is super shimmery and unless you want to look like a grease ball or Edward from Twilight, I'd stick to using it as a highlighter.  It does definitely add a nice glow while enhancing your features and minimizing fine lines.  Someone who feels they have a dull complexion could likely use it all over their face.  I usually put it just below my eye brow, the inner corner of my eyes, above my cheek bones and anywhere else I'd like to highlight that day.  It really helps brighten everything up.  It's perfect for giving you that youthful glow, especially in the summer.  It is a GORGEOUS, and I mean gorgeous pink champagne colour.  I find it too sheer to be a blush but perhaps someone with fair skin could make it work.  The packaging is beautiful, a pinky metal tin with a design on it.  Will I repurchase? Perhaps.  I like trying new things so I may test out other luminizers.

Gorgeous colour + all natural = winner!  Do you use a luminizer?

Retails for $33 CAN. It can be purchased at http://www.100percentpure.ca/, Pretty in Pink Spa http://www.prettyinpinkspa.ca/ and The Big Carrot http://www.thebigcarrot.ca/


mine broke before I was able to take a picture :( -taken directly from 100% Pure

                                     

100% Natural Ingredients: Organic Rice Starch1, Fruit PIgmentes of Organic Pomegranate2, Organic Cranberry1, Organic Strawberry2, Organic Raspberry2, Organic Cherry2, Organic Apricot2, Organic Peach2 and Organic Cabernet Grapes3, Organic Rosehip Oil4, Organic Avocado Butter5, Organic Lavener1, Organic Flax Seed3, Organic Chamomile5, Vitamin A (a-tocophero, Vitamin C (ascorbyl palmitate), Mica(natural shimmer mineral)

1 certified organic by QAI
2 certified organic by Organic Certifiers
3 certified organic by Soil Association Certification LImited
4 certified organic by Baystate Organic Certifiers
5 certified organic by Oregon Tilth Certified Organic

 Net wt. 9 g / .32 oz

100% Pure Luminous Primer Review

I've never been a primer girl, actually, I've never really been a makeup girl! This is the first primer that I've actually purchased and use daily. I have received samples of silicone based primers from Sephora in the past but hate the feeling of them.  That's probably why I've never bothered to use one before.

Claim: Light reflective pigments diffuse the look of lines and wrinkles and make skin instantly luminous, brighter, healthier and glowing.  Infused with red wine resveratrol, vitamins and antioxidants to shield from free radical damage.  

I have combo/sensitive skin and was worried that the light reflective pigments would make my face look greasy but it doesn't.  I actually don't notice a difference in the brightness of my skin after applying it.  I use about a pump or a little less and it's enough for my entire face.  It's hydrating, yet mattifying.  It hasn't made me break out and I've been using it for a solid month, if not longer at this point.  I like that it's packed with antioxidants and 100% natural, nothing but pure goodness.  It has a pump and cap which I just love, I'm a fan of pumps.  The odd part, and don't let this throw you off because it doesn't linger, is the smell.  It smells like dough.  What? Yes, like dough lol.  I can't explain it any other way. Aside from that, I love it!

Before using this primer, my makeup would last about 4 hours.  Now, I can make it through a whole 8 hour work day.  Obviously my make up doesn't look perfect at the end of the day, I do need to touch up if I'm going out.  Will I repurchase? Definitely.

Has anyone else tried it?  What are your thoughts?

Retails for $33 CAN. It can be purchased at http://www.100percentpure.ca/, Pretty in Pink Spa http://www.prettyinpinkspa.ca/ and The Big Carrot http://www.thebigcarrot.ca/

                                        

Ingredients: Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe Gel)1, Jojoba Oil, Jojoba Wax Esters, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Sodium Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Extracts of Organic Camelia Sinensis Leaf Ferment (Green Tea)2 and Resveratrol, Silica, Persea Gratissima Oil (Avocado Butter), Lonicera Caprifolium (Japanese Honeysuckle), Mica

1 certified organic by SGS Organic

2 certified organic by Oregon Tilth Certified Organic

Net wt.1 oz / 30 ml