Pai Echium Biorejuvenate Eye Cream Review

I'm pretty new to Pai, I can't even honestly remember how I heard about them but I'm glad I did!  Their products are all natural and targeted towards sensitive skin.

Claim:
Reduces the appearance of fine lines, soothes and revitalises delicate skin, unique concentration of stearidonic and γ‐linolenic acids (Omega 3 & 6) for optimum skin conditioning and suitable for sensitive and easily irritated eyes.  Rich in nature's most effective youth enhancers, this ultra gentle cream promotes supple and luminous skin around the delicate eye area.  Echium Seed Extract is the richest known plant source of both Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) and Stearidonic Acid, two of nature's most powerful skin calming agents.  Stearidonic acid helps to protect skin from visible irritation by inhibiting the release of the skin's natural inflammatory enzymes.  High proportions of GLA provides optimum protection of the skin's barrier and helps to promote skin softness

A++ eye cream.  This is moisturizing without causing millia (annoying little bumps under your eye) which I can get with heavy eye creams.  It makes my concealer go on flawlessly AND I've noticed that my fine lines are less apparent (especially when wearing makeup).  I really enjoy that it's in a pump, but you have to pump slowly to avoid too much coming out and wasting it.  It doesn't smell like anything, doesn't irritate, luxuriously hydrates, makes fine lines appear less visible and has a pump, what more could you ask for?  Maybe a tad more product or a less expensive price tag?  It's seriously worth it though,  I have falled in love with it and will repurchase.  I'm going to give this a go in the winter and see how well it hydrates when my skin is flaking off.  Otherwise, I've found a summertime gem for my eyes.  I highly recommend you give this a try if you can.

Retails for approx. $45 CAN for 10ml.  Check out http://www.usa.paiskincare.com/ for more info.  Can be purchased through them, http://www.well.ca/ or http://www.hipapotheca.com/.   I haven't really seen it in many health food stores in my area.

What's your favourite Pai product? Have you tried their eye cream?

Ingredients: purified water, rose water*, apricot kernel oil*, argan oil*, thistle oil*, coconut and corn derived emulsifier, rosehip oil*, shea butter*, echium extract, natural vitamin e, vegetable glycerine*, corn extract, basil extract, rose geranium oil*, orange oil*, natural lactic acid (from sugar beet)

*Certified Organic. Soil Association Certified. Suitable for Vegans

This product is free from irritating chemicals and ingredients including: alcohol, artificial fragrances, formaldehyde (including sodium hydroxymethylglycinate), parabens (including japanese honeysuckle), phenoxyethanol, propylene glycol and sodium lauryl sulfate.

John Masters Herbal Cider Hair Clarifier & Color Sealer Review

I love me some squeaky clean hair once a week, like I previously mentioned, my roots get so oily that I need the extra help. Blahh, stupid oil! And you'd think that with the extra my scalp produces that it would help my hair grow much quicker but it doesn't!

Claim: This mixture of 7 certified-organic herbs & essential oils and organic apple cider vinegar eliminates buildup on the hair shaft while restoring the proper pH level to the scalp, leaving hair and scalp feeling fresh and healthy. Excellent for sealing in color. 8 fl oz.

MEHHHH. I don't know about this product. It's expensive at approx. $24 CAN and as you can see from the picture, I've used up so much of it and I've only used it maybe a handful of times. I don't really notice my hair feeling any cleaner UNLESS I cleanse with baking soda first, wash it all off really well, and then apply this. It smells so much better than straight up cider vinegar but I bet you'd get better results for much less. This product was super disappointing to me and I won't repurchase it.

Check out www.johnmasters.ca for more information. Can be purchased at most health food stores such as Whole Foods as well as http://www.hipapotheca.com/.

Would you just make your own cider rinse or do you enjoy using this one?

Ingredients: Vinegar (apple cider),* aqua (water), chamomilla recutica (chamomile) flower extract,* calendula officinalis (calendula) flower extract,* camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract,* rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf/stem extract,* urtica dioica (nettle) root extract,* potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, citrus medica limonium (lemon) peel oil,* citrus aurantifolia (lime) peel oil*

* NOP Certified Organic

John Masters Lavender Rosemary Shampoo Review

I know I've said this before, about other products, BUT a good natural shampoo is hard to find. I mean, realistically, a good shampoo is hard to find. My roots are super greasy but my ends are so dry. Due to the high level of essential oils in most natural shampoos, at least the really clean ones, my hair gets even more greasy. It never really feels clean, if you know what I mean. I won't mention the other brands that I have tried because I don't want to discourage trying them, you need to find what works for your hair's needs.

Now for this deliciously scented shampoo..

Claim: Lavender and rosemary extracts are combined with 13 other certified-organic ingredients plus soy protein & wheat amino acids to leave hair healthy, shiny, & manageable. Does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate. Safe for color-treated hair. 8 fl oz.

It's a great shampoo. Leaves my hair feeling clean. My hair is always shiny, from my ears up anyway lol. It won't leave it detangled, I still need to use their amazing Citrus & Neroli Detangler after. If you're looking for a sudsy shampoo, this really isn't it. I mean, it does lather up a bit but not like drugstore SLS filled ones. What I do is wet my hair, lather a small amount in hands, apply to hair and massage, then apply another little bit to my hands, lather and apply to hair. I add a touch more water and just massage my hair from root to tip (I more pull my roots up to stick to my scalp if that even makes sense to anybody but me lol). I adore the scent, it smells exactly what it's called (Lavender Rosemary). It's pricey and I likely would repurchase but I'm going to give the "no shampoo" method a try. Basically just using baking soda to cleanse my hair. When I actually try it, I'll let you all know how it goes. If you're going to purchase a shampoo though, I have thoroughly enjoyed John Masters so far. I know I have only tried this particular one for normal hair, but I have no doubt the others are equally as great.

Retails for approx. $22.50 CAN. Check out www.johnmasters.ca for more information. I'm sure you could purchase it at most health food stores including Whole Foods, as well as http://www.hipapotheca.com/.

What are your thoughts on John Masters hair shampoos?

Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera leaf juice) gel,* aqua (water), decyl glucoside, sodium lauroamphoacetate, sodium cocoyl sulfoacetate, babassuamidopropyl betaine, panthenol (vitamin B5), lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil,* rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf oil,* hydrolyzed soy protein, wheat amino acids, sorbitol, symphytum officinale (comfrey) leaf extract,* chamomilla recutica (chamomile) flower extract,* lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flower/leaf/stem extract,* urtica dioica (nettle) root extract,* equisetum hiemale (horsetail) leaf/stem extract,* achillea millefolium (yarrow) extract,* camellia sinensis (white tea) extract,* salix alba (willow) bark extract,* lonicera caprifolium (honeysuckle) flower extract, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, guar hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride, linum usitatissimum (flaxseed) seed oil,* borago officinalis (borage) seed oil,* helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil,* simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil,* tocopherol, sulfur, glycerin

* NOP Certified Organic

More reviews coming soon

I have been SO busy with life that I'm surprised I was able to find 5 minutes to put up this post. I will get back into the groove of things soon, promise.  I've been trying a bunch of new products that I'm really excited to review.  I'd like to give them a good go around before I review them of course.  And by a bunch, I really mean like 5 lol.  I've been trying out Druide, DeVita, Alicia Silverstone for Juice Beauty and Pai.

This weekend is Canada Day and I will have plenty of time to get caught up on reviews.  I have a few more Pretty reviews as well as John Masters, Pangea and Pai.  I have two Pai products, one that I've been using religiously and one that I haven't been.  So I will review one this weekend.

Stay tuned!

My Summer Essentials

These are my current summer essentials.  I don't have any go to hair products at the moment but am definitely going to be checking out a few things, so I'll keep you posted.

1. Coola Natural Mineral SPF 20 Sunscreen (unscented): DUH, sunscreen should be an important step in anyone's daily routine (unless you're not going to be outside at all OR your makeup contains SPF) - this has been replaced with DeVita Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30

2. Hurraw! SPF 15 Lip Balm - your lips should be as protected as your skin

3. Physicians Formula Organic Wear Blush/Bronzer Duo - I picked this up on a whim and just LOVE IT!  Has a beautiful peachy blush and not so dark bronzer for contouring.

4. Pangea Organics Italian Green Mandarin with Sweet Lime Toner -wonderful pick me up

What are your summer essentials and what should I check out?

Andalou Naturals Fruit Stem Cell Revitalize Serum Review

As you may have read, I really enjoyed Andalou's Meyer Lemon cleanser, but I did not enjoy this product.  It hurts me to put up a bad review but my story must be told! Preach it!  Dramatic? Yes.

Claim: Highly concentrated Resveratrol Q10, Advanced Fruit Stem Cells and BioActive 8 Berry Complex, create a potent portfolio of antioxidants to slow cellular damage, stimulating circulation and healthy cell renewal for improved dermal structure and soft, smooth, ageless beauty.

First off, it's such a tiny bottle.  It would likely last a month, for someone who uses it morning and night.  Second, it made me break out like a champ.  Some may argue that it's supposed to do that because it stimulates circulation and promotes cell renewal, but no.  I have used acids (glycolic, lactic, AHAs, etc) and have not broken out into cystic, painful acne as I did using this product.  I used this for about 2 weeks, morning and night, and my skin just got worse and worse.  The texture is slightly runny, but thicker than water. It has an odd scent, a little fruity but not really. It didn't sting or burn my skin upon application.  I read some fab reviews and I'm disappointed that it didn't work for me. I don't doubt that this product will work for some (or many), it's still worth trying out.  Just because it didn't work for me, doesn't mean it won't become a holy grail product for you.  I obviously will not repurchase and actually ended up returning.

Have you tried this serum?  What are your thoughts?

Retails for approx. $25 CAN.  Check out http://andalou.com/ for more information.




Since I returned the product, I didn't think to take a picture - picture taken directly from Andalou Naturals

                                                  
Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Juice*, Aqua, Polysorbate 60, Cetearyl Alcohol, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Juice, Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos), Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Extracts and Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Extracts*†, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Vegetable Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Olive Squalane, Hydrolyzed Myrtus Communis (Myrtle) Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil*, Malus Domestica (Apple), Solar Vitis (Grape) and Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit Stem Cell Cultures and BioActive 8 Berry Complex*, Ubiquinone (CoQ10), Resveratrol, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Glyceryl Monolaurate, Borago Officinalis (Borage) and Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Oils*, Grapeseed Polyphenols, Linum Usitatissimum (Flax) and Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oils*, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Butter*, Laminaria Digitata (Kelp), Allantoin, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil*
*Organic
† Fair Trade
Made naturally without sulfates, GMO, petrochemicals, phthalates, parabens, synthetic fragrance, colors or preservatives. pH Balanced & Hypo-Allergenic. Vegetarian & Cruelty Free

EcoTools

I really enjoy EcoTools brushes, their customer service on the other hand is total crap.  Ugh, let's not get into that.  So, I've been slowly purchasing single brushes from them over the last couple of years and have collected the following brushes: angle, shadow, concealer, foundation, blush, finishing kabuki and bronzer (which I can't find this moment to include in the "group" picture below).  They last so long, I swear they look brand new and I wash the foundation and concealer brushes once a week and the others every 2 - 3 weeks.  The bristles are taklon and they're ridiculous soft.  I love that the metal part is made from recycled aluminum and handle from eco-friendly bamboo.

                                    

Now, a little about each brush...

Angle Brush: I use this to shade in my eye brows at the moment.  I love how thin it is, it makes me feel like I'm penciling them in because of how precise it is.  It looks really natural and deposits the perfect amount of colour.  I haven't tried it with liner because I don't use liner regularly and the odd time that I do, I use pencil.

Shadow Brush: I really love this brush, for putting powdered highlighter on my brow bone and inner corner as well as to apply shadow.  It really packs on the colour and can be used to blend.

Concealer Brush: I have a love/hate relationship with this brush.  I find it's a little rough and can get hard.  It doesn't blend very well but I can work with it. 

Foundation Brush:  I love this!  So, so soft and blends my concealer and liquid foundation beautifully (I still use a sponge to give it an airbrush appearance). 

Blush Brush: This brush is great!  It took me a little while to actually purchase it but it's perfect.  Perfectly adds as much or as little colour to your cheeks.  Fits on your cheek perfectly.  Perfectly perfect perfection lol.  Could I have used the word perfect more? Geez. It is dense so if you want light application, tap off excess.

Finishing Kabuki: This brush is the bomb.com.  I love to use it to apply bronzer because the bristles are so far apart, sparse?  Sounds cheap.  It's not a dense brush?  Not very dense.  Get to the point.  It lightly applies colour and is great for blending out to ensure there are no harsh lines between your contour and blush, unless that's the look you're going for.

Bronzer Brush: to be perfectly (here we go again) honest, this brush is wayyyyyyy too dense to be a bronzer brush unless you're already dark.  I'm light to medium and can only use this brush for bronzer in the summer when I'm tanned.  I use this to stipple on my setting powder, apply mineral makeup and sheer out blush or contour (if I've applied too much).

I've been trying to find the Buffing Brush but when I asked EcoTools, it took them like 3 months to respond.  When they finally did respond, they directed me to their retailer list after I specifically said I've looked in or called majority of those retailers.  Was the most annoying thing ever.

Due to their shitty customer service, I really don't know if I will repurchase.  I'm looking at purchasing some of Sigma's synthetic brushes.

Have you tried EcoTools and/or Sigma?  Which do you like better?

Andalou Naturals Meyer Lemon Creamy Cleanser Review

Cleansing is the most important part of a skin care routine, in my opinion, especially in the evening.  After a long day of wearing makeup, or not, it's important to cleanse your skin of all dirt and impurities.  About a month and a half ago, I purchased the Meyer Lemon cleanser and am pretty impressed. 

Claim: Andalou Naturals Advanced Fruit Stem Cell Science renews skin at the cellular level, blending nature and knowledge for visible Brightening results.  Advanced Fruit Stem Cells and creamy emollients, rich in enzymes and potent antioxidants, gently diffuse, creating a velvety lather to lift away impurities, as rejuvenating Meyer lemon stimulates circulation for improved tone and texture.  For fresh, clean skin and a luminous complexion.

It's really hard for me to determine whether a product actually "brightens".  It's different when you use a mask and you notice right away a brighter or more luminous appearance that obviously lasts for all of 15 minutes.  I don't notice a brightening effect with this cleanser but I do like it.  It's a gentle cleanser that removes makeup nicely (for the days I'm too lazy to use my coconut oil first), doesn't irritate or dry out my skin and smells slightly citrusy.  It doesn't crazy lather but lathers enough.  I enjoy that it has manuka honey in it, which has antibacterial properties and is great for all skin types.  It comes in a plastic, pump bottle that locks so it's great for traveling. Would I repurchase? Yes.  It's affordably priced for the size of the bottle.  You can't really see in the picture but I'm not even half way through the bottle AND I use like 2-3 pumps (which is way more than you need but I love the way it feels).  A little goes a long way with this cleanser even though I get pump happy.

Have you tried any of the Andalou cleansers or products?  If so, let me know your favourites!  I'm eyeing the Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask.

Retails for approx. $12.99 for 178 ml.  It can be purchased at http://www.well.ca/ and any whole food type market.  For more information, visit http://www.andalou.com/.

  
Ingredients:  Aloe Barbadensis Juice*, Aqua, Decyl Glucoside, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil*, Manuka Honey, Vegetable Glycerin, Sorbitol, Citrus Medica Limonum (Meyer Lemon) Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) and Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Oils*, Polysorbate 60, Cetearyl Alcohol, Malus Domestica (Apple), Solar Vitis (Grape) and Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit Stem Cell Cultures and BioActive 8 Berry Complex*, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Oil, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Grapeseed Polyphenols, Ubiquinone (CoQ10), Allantoin, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) and Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Extracts*†, Vanilla Planifolia and Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Extracts*, Phenoxythanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Oil, Styrax Benzoin Resin, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Oil*
*Organic
† Fair Trade
Made naturally without sulfates, GMO, petrochemicals, phthalates, parabens, synthetic fragrance, colors or preservatives. pH Balanced & Hypo-Allergenic. Vegetarian & Cruelty Free

Kiss My Face Pomegranate & Grapefruit Moisture Shave Review

I know that I'm not the only one who gets irritated from shaving, doesn't matter what area I shave, I get little red bumps ESPECIALLY if I shave too often.  I've always used shave gel and even if I hadn't shaved in a week, my skin would get so irritated.  I actually saw a youtube video on this stuff and decided to hunt it down, I have never looked back.

Claim: Soothing aloe and olive oil plus potent botanicals like lemongrass and orange flower combine to give the best shave on the planet.

Hells yes to the best shave on the planet!  I loveeee it.  I love most of the things I've reviewed apparently lol.  I really do enjoy this shave cream/lotion though.  It's a weird texture, kind of sticky, but that doesn't turn me off.  It glides on really nicely, a little goes a long way so the bottle will last for a few months (depending on how often you shave), it smells fruity, and soothes my skin while I shave.  I haven't gotten any little red bumps since using this and I've just repurchased as my current bottle is running low.

This product retails for approx. $9 CAN.  You can find it at any natural whole food store, Whole Foods, The Big Carrot and www.well.ca.

Ingredients: Aqua, Myristic Acid, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Allantoin, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Arnica Montana (Arnica) Flower Extract, Hydrastis Canadensis (Golden Seal) Root Extract, Equisetum Hyemale (Horsetail) Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris (Lady’s Mantle) Extract, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Extract, Saponaria Officinalis (Soapwort) Root Extract, Nasturtium Officinalis (Watercress) Leaf Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Extract, Natural Fragrance, Hydroxyethylcellulose
Product contains no animal ingredients, artificial colours or unnecessary chemicals and is not tested on animals. 325ML

Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow Review

While I know Tarte isn't exactly the cleanest or purest brand, I do enjoy a couple of their products.  I have been hunting for a natural (or natural-er) cream shadow to use on it's own or as a base.  I had a gift certificate for Sephora and decided to give this shadow a try. 

Claim: Ideal for creating a soft or smoky look, micronized Amazonian clay intensifies color pigments while working to nourish lids, reduce surface oil, and improve overall texture. Natural carnauba wax acts as a built-in shadow primer to ensure smooth application by softening the skin and increasing hydration.  Doesn't contain:  Parabens,  sulfates,  synthetic fragrances,  petrochemicals,  phthalates, GMOs or triclosan.

I love it.  It applies really nicely (probably because of the dimethicone) with my finger, lasts the whole day with little to no creasing, it actually is waterproof and I'm just loving the colour.  I purchased Seashell Pink which is a shimmering light pink, it's gorgeous for day and night.  It's actually one of the only shadows I own, weird right?  I'm not much for makeup, I like a natural look and just sexy it up with liner, lashes and a bold lip if I'm going out at night.  I am seriously tempted to purchase another colour, as they have 5 shades, but am looking for a more natural alternative.  A natural alternative to this natural alternative, makes sense, you get me! haha.  If you're not ready to make the switch or only shop t Sephora, this is my recommendation. It's a step in the right direction.

I'm open to suggestions, which natural cream shadows should I check out?

Retails for approx. $25 CAN and can be purchased as Sephora.

Ingredients: Isododecane, Mica, Dimethicone, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Polyethylene, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Candelilla Cera/Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Cire De Candelilla, Cera Carnauba/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire De Carnauba, Squalane, Hydrogentated Polyisobutene, Lecithin, Barium Sulfate, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Carbonate, Trihydroxystearin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Tin Oxide, Kaolin, Retinyl Palmitate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499

What I Use Coconut Oil For

Coconut oil is amazing and if you google it, you will see the many benefits of it.  While I can copy and paste or re-word from other sites the many uses and benefits of this amazing oil, I will just tell you what I personally use it for.

Makeup removal - removes all of my makeup and wipes off brilliantly with a wet facial cloth.  I choose to wash my face again because I like a deep/intense clean after a long day of wearing makeup.

Moisturizer: It's great for face and body.  It's antimicrobial which is great for acne/cuts/scrapes.  It also works to hydrate skin and is beneficial to those with conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.  It's been said, and I can't verify this through personal experience, that it's great for speeding up the healing process of bruises and helps ease arthritis pain.

Scalp treatment/hair mask: once a week I will massage coconut oil on my scalp and run in through my hair, let it soak overnight and then wash it out in the morning.  It really helps relieve itchy/dry scalp and condition dry hair.  Just make sure you tie up your hair and put a towel over your pillows to avoid stains.

Eat it: I loveeeeee to apply it on toast with organic peanut butter. YUM, YUM, YUM.




http://fitnessforce.ca/2012/03/06/health-benefits-of-coconut-healthy-recipe-using-coconut-oil/

How do you use coconut oil?

My Current Skin Care Routine

My skin care routine changes depending on whether it's spring/summer or fall/winter, as I'm sure most people's do. As of right now, my routine is as follows:

Morning: I use Pangea's Egyptian Calendula & Blood Orange cleanser to remove oil yet maintain hydration, spritz Pangea's Italian Green Mandarin with Sweet Lime toner to wake up and refresh my skin, hydrate with Weleda's Soothing Almond Lotion which provides the perfect amount of hydration without feeling greasy, apply 100% Pure's Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream and finish off with Coola's Mineral SPF 20 Unscented Sunscreen.

Night: I remove my makeup with 100% raw & organic coconut oil (which I put into smaller containers so I no longer have the actual bottle it came in), then I use my Clarisonic Mia 2 (not shown below) with the Andalou Naturals Meyer Lemon Creamy Cleanser to remove any extra makeup or oil, tone with Pangea's Italian Green Mandarin with Sweet Lime toner and finish it all off with Pai's Rosehip Bioregenerate Fruit & Seed Oil Blend.  I don't apply eye cream because there's usually enough hydration left from the coconut oil.


                               


Scrubs/Masks: Twice a week I will scrub with 100% Pure's Pineapple Facial Scrub & apply my favourite mask of all time, Pretty Ginger & Cypress Soothing Mask which I mix with Chamomile Water.  I also use Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask mainly as a spot treatment, it's great for acne, but if I'm breaking out badly then I will layer it on all over my face (I will have a review on that mask soon).

Do you have any suggestions for products I should try/add to my skin care routine? What products can't you live without?

Hurraw! Balms - A Must for your Lips!

I am a lip balm addict.  I literally have one in my bag, car, bedroom, jacket, bathroom, work desk, etc etc.  I love trying out new balms and butters for my lips and am obsessed, OBSESSED with mint flavored balms.  For the longest time I continuously repurchased Dr. Bronner's lip balm in peppermint.  In the last few months, I've started to dislike it.  It gets kind of grainy and hasn't been very hydrating.   

I was searching for a natural SPF balm to use.  It's hard to find one that smells nice, doesn't leave a weird film and glides on like a dream.  I was at Big Carrot (in Toronto) and started looking at the Hurraw! balms since my boyfriend raves about them.  He literally only has one (Vanilla Bean, I believe) and it's with him at all times.  I spotted an SPF version that smells like tangerine and chamomile and bought it without giving it a second thought! 

Claim: It glides on silky smooth *(and virtually clear) like our regular balms but we formulated it to be extra thick and creamy for longer staying power
while out in those shining rays! Juicy Tangerine, Roman Chamomile and a hint of Vanilla make it nourishing and calming for your lips.
Packed full of amazing cold pressed oils to moisturize, protect and heal.

Oh my gosh, it is amazing and lives up to the claim.  It's so smooth and silky when you apply it to your lips, it smells heavenly (wish it was mint but I'll survive), doesn't get grainy, makes my lips soft (even after it's worn off) AND it doesn't leave a weird SPF taste or film.  ADDED BONUS - the ingredients which I will list below- are so natural and pure.  It's raw, vegan and organic.  Oh and it goes on clear regardless of it's brownish/greenish/purpleish colour.  Excuse me while I reapply Hurraw! heaven on my lips *puckers*, perfect.

This is my new daily lip balm, I will always have one on me (regardless of season) as long as they're available. I'm definitely trying the mint and grapefruit ones next!

Have you tried Hurraw!?  What's your favourite flavour(s)?

If you haven't, check them out at http://www.hurrawbalm.com/ or visit The Big Carrot http://www.thebigcarrot.ca/. I purchased it for just over $5 CAN.

                                        

                                             
Ingredients: *Prunus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, ***Euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax, **Theobroma cacao (cocoa) butter, **Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, Citrus Aurantium dulcis (orange) peel wax,
*Ricinus communis (castor) oil, *Rubus ideas (red raspberry seed) oil, *Hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) oil, *Punica granatum (pomegranate seed) oil, *Citrus reticulata (tangerine) essential oil,
Tocopherols (vitamin e), ***Anthemis nobilis (roman chamomile) extract

Pretty Rich Foot Butters Review

It's sandal season and nobody wants cracked, dry, flakey, gross feet.  I mean, if that floats your boat then all the power to ya BUT I like baby soft feet.  To get baby soft feet, I use Pretty's foot butters at night.  I slather on some butter, wrap my feet in plastic wrap or plastic bags (you will definitely look weird, so make sure nobody is around that will judge) and then put socks on and crawl into bed.  I actually do this in the winter too and not every night because I'm super lazy.  When I wake up in the morning, it's like I just had a pedi but better.  Is that possible? I think so.  I mean, I ain't lyin!  It really is better than a pedi.  Now, if your feet are REALLY dry and cracked then you should go for a pedi first or continue to do this for 7 nights in a row.  You will see a dramatic difference.

Claim: With all the abuse that they take, our feet deserve a good foot rub at the end of the day. Our Rich Foot Butters soothe and soften dry, tired and calloused feet. The generous amount of shea butter found in this recipe make this cream extra rich. Healing essential oils penetrate deep into the inner layers of the skin and provide nourishment to prevent dry, cracked heels. Super concentrated, so use sparingly by melting on skin before applying. Available in 30 grams.

This butter isn't a typical butter, it's not like a Body Shop butter.  It's a solid that you scoop out and rub on.  As it melts (like a butter does) it turns into an oil rich heaven for your feet. It does soak in nicely and smells great,  it's a treat for your nose and feet!  If you don't like oily textures, then this may not be for you.  I have gotten all the ladies at work into this foot butter and it is one of the most repurchased products by the group.

They have 3 scents: Fresh Mint (tried), Winter Pine (don't like pine scents) and Citrus Cardamom (tried).  The two of three that I have tried, I have very much enjoyed the scents.  The mint is minty but not overpowering, I'm a fan of mint foot creams/scrubs and lip balms so I enjoy this one the most.  Citrus Cardamom is nice as well, very light citrus scent.  It's not what I expected from "citrus" but I wasn't too disappointed.  I have smelled Winter Pine and it is like a pine tree has shot right up your nose, literally.  I hate the smell of pine, if you like it then you'll like this scent.  All the butters work amazing, so it just comes down to preference.

Have you tried these gems?  What scent do you like or would you like to try?

Retails for approx. $15 CAN.  To read more about this product or to purchase, visit http://www.prettynaturalskin.com/



Picture taken directly from Pretty

Ingredients: Organic oils of shea butter, sweet almond, olive, jojoba, neem, peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, spearmint



Picture taken directly from Pretty

Ingredients: Organic oils of shea butter, sweet almond, olive, jojoba, neem, fir needle, cedar, juniper berry, clove, patchouli, rosemary.



Picture taken directly from Pretty

Ingredients:Organic oils of shea butter, sweet almond, olive, jojoba, neem, star anise, cardamom, orange, tangerine, spearmint, lime

Pretty Facial Tonics Review

In my review of the Pretty Ginger & Cypress Soothing mask, I mentioned their Facial Tonics.  I more specifically mentioned their Roman Chamomile one, however, I have tried their True Lavender as well.  They also have a Triple Rose Facial Tonic, however, I'm not a fan of rose scents so I steer clear of it.  I'm sure it's amazing thought because I love their other two.

Claim: Pure organic floral waters contain the beneficial nutrients and essence of each flower. We use the classic age-old method of steam distillation. Our flowers are harvested from small, organic farms using only the freshest plant material. These precious waters are rich in antioxidants and protect the skin from free radical damage at the cellular level. They should be used throughout the day to refresh and hydrate skin. With continued use, skin will be soft, smooth and revitalized. Available in 90 mL.

I love that the smell of them isn't overpowering.  I have regular chamomile water which although very soothing, the smell can be a bit much for me.  These tonics definitely have the chamomile and lavender scents without making everyone around you plug their nose when you walk by.  It's just so fresh!  It instantly calms and soothes the skin upon spritz or application (if you prefer to put on cotton pad first, then wipe face).  I use it to refresh my makeup, extra hydration in the winter and to soothe my skin all year round. 

Story time!  Who doesn't love a story!?

I actually work with this lady who has rosacea and she always asks me for advice on what makeup or skin care she should use to help her.  It's really hard to tell someone what they should use, even when you know skin or skin care because it's all trial and error.  People react differently even if they have the same skin issue.  For example: tea tree is great for acne and dandruff, but it irritates my skin to the point where I have to avoid it entirely.  Anyway, when the ladies (and I) placed a large order with Pretty a year or so ago, I suggested the True Lavender Facial Tonic without even trying it myself.  I had already tried so many other products from this line, and loved them all, I had no doubt it would work for her.  She LOVES (loves as in still uses and loves) it!  She uses it to this day, obviously not the same bottle, but continues to repurchase.  It really helps calm and soothe her rosacea.  I have seen a huge improvement in the redness and texture of her skin.  And that my friends, says it all!

Which would you be interested in trying?

Retails for approx. $16 CAN.  You can read more about and purchase them through http://www.prettynaturalskin.com/
 


Picture taken directly from Pretty

Ingredients Triple Rose: Organic Rose Damascena water distillate



Picture taken directly from Pretty

Ingredients True Lavender: Organic True Lavender water distillate



Picture taken directly from Pretty

Ingredients Roman Chamomile: Organic Roman Chamomile water distillate