Alima Pure Foundation in Warm 2 Review

After being so impressed with the Alima bronzer and lip balms, I decided to try their foundation.  I needed a new one anyway and prefer mineral powder over all others because they look more natural (on me anyway).  It was really hard to decide what colour to get since swatches all looked fairly different online and with all the redness in my face, I didn't want a pink toned shade. So I figured out what undertone would best suit my needs and went from there.

Alima Pure has the following 6 different foundation undertone types:

COOL: Your skin tends to be pinkish, and you burn rather than tan in the sun. If your skin is a bit deeper, your tan tends to be reddish rather than brown.

NEUTRAL: Your tone is peachy without obvious yellow or pink tones. You either burn immediately or burn and then tan slightly.

BEIGE: Your colouring is beige-peach with a touch of yellow, and you may tan a bit.

WARM: You have noticeable peach-to-yellow undertones and tend to tan easily. If you are very pale, you may still burn a bit at first. Your tan tends to be warm golden brown.

GOLDEN: You have a rich yellow skin tone without a hint of pink or beige. You tend to tan easily, unless you are very pale.

OLIVE: Your skin tone is beige without a hint of pink or yellow (like café au lait). You probably tan easily, even if you are pale.

I decided to go with warm 2 because of the obvious yellow undertone and I'm glad that I did.

Description: Silky, weightless, and easy to apply, Alima Pure's Satin Matte Foundation evens out skin tone, enhances your complexion, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and pores. This award-winning formula is free of irritants, nano-particles, dyes, fillers, bismuth oxychloride, glutens, and toxins. Minerals form a protective barrier on the surface of the skin rather than cross the dermal barrier as some liquid cosmetics do. Mineral makeup works well for both oily and dry skin.

Review: Warm 2 is a bit light for me but I love how it completely reduces any redness on my face. I'd honestly rather my foundation be lighter and warm it up with bronzer, than have it be too dark. It doesn't enhance any dry patches and looks really natural when I spritz it with some toner.  The packaging is so cute, the box has such a beautiful design and it's recyclable.  I LOVE that the foundation has a stopper, to avoid the powder from going all over the place, and wish that the bronzer had the same thing. It's smaller than I expected, which is great for travelling, and a little goes a long way. I'd say the coverage is medium, very buildable though and more can be used on blemishes/imperfection. This foundation lasts all day and I only touch up if I'm going out at night.  A light dusting of it all over my face usually does the trick.  I apply it with my EcoTools Bronzer Brush and just love the combo of the two.  It is my new HG foundation, I highly recommend everyone try it and I will definitely be repurchasing.

Retails for approx. $25 CAN and can be purchased through Fresh Faced or Alima Pure.  I'm sure there are other retailers but I just love Fresh Faced.

Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, mica.

Weleda Almond Soothing Facial Cream Review

I've mentioned the Weleda Almond Soothing line before and even swore by their facial lotion for months.  I had the opportunity to try the facial cream, which is thicker, and had high hopes that it would be as amazing as their lotion. I was pretty disappointed.

Description: Sensitive dry skin gets deep, calming nourishment with this hypoallergenic facial cream. It’s a moisture-intensive, fragrance-free treatment that restores your skin’s natural balance and strengthens its protective barrier without irritating your skin. Organic sweet almond oil contains a high amount of essential fatty acids that are extremely well tolerated by sensitive skin and protect your skin from drying out. Plum kernel oil absorbs quickly and easily, rushing in antioxidants and vitamins A and E to smooth and soothe your reactive skin. Your skin feels as calm and soft as a newborn baby’s. Indulge in intensive skin care and give your dry, sensitive skin the delicious drink of protective nourishment it deserves.

Review: This cream comes in the same apothecary tin as most of Weleda's other facial products, which is light and perfect to travel with.  The lotion itself smells faintly of almonds and is definitely a richer texture than the facial lotion.  I didn't find that this absorbed into my skin as well as the lotion, it left me feeling a bit greasy, still dehydrated in certain areas (nose & forehead) and gave me red bumps on my forehead.  I used it for about a week and then gave up on it. I have started using this on the back of my arms, hands and feet and love it for that purpose.  I will not be purchasing this nor do I recommend it but I love every other Weleda product that I have tried and do recommend trying out the Almond Facial Lotion instead.

Retails for approx. $27 CAN for 30ml and can be purchased at any health food store including Noah's, which is who I won this cream from.

What's your favourite Weleda product?

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

Shea Terra Bourbon Vanilla Whipped Shea Butter Review

I love Shea Terra, I just love them. Love, love, love!  I haven't been disappointed with any of their products, that I mentioned in my haul, thus far and that really excites me. It's getting chilly in Canada and Jack Frost will soon be nipping at my nose. Someone should tell Jack Frost that's just rude, you don't nip at someone's nose! Cold = dry skin, and my skin is beginning to get pretty dry.  I needed a very hydrating body cream/butter to get me through these freezing days and am thrilled that I picked up this Whipped Shea Butter from Shea Terra.

Description: Nothing protects skin or makes it look more beautiful than pure shea butter. Wild harvested from the dry, African savannah, this natural, sustainable butter offers hours of moisturizing, healing relief. The high concentration of shea butter used in Shea Terra Organics Ultimate Moisturizing Body Creme softens skin while reducing rashes, scaling, stretch marks, and a multitude of other skin conditions. Combined with real Bourbon vanilla, our Ultimate Moisturizing Body Creme is a premium source for healthy, beautiful and younger looking skin.

Yummmmmmmm vanilla! I love all things vanilla and coconut, whether separate or mixed together.  This whipped shea butter is just delicious without being sickening sweet.  The scent is so light once applied to the skin and although it doesn't linger all day, I love it. This creamy goodness is incredibly hydrating and massages into the skin with ease. It keeps my skin moisturized all day long, no dry patches! A little goes a long way and therefore, I think it's definitely worth the price.  I would have preferred a pump instead of the glass jar, but I know it's a bit impossible because of how thick it is.  The jar is super heavy and not practical to travel with unless suitcase weight is not an issue.

The Rooibos & Berries Whipper is just as lovely as the Bourbon Vanilla in terms of hydration BUT (big but) it's absolutely not worth the price for the amount that you get. It's almost a third of the price for a crumb of the amount.  I'm being dramatic, but not really lol.  It's totally not worth it and I love minis.  The scent is not what I expected but luckily it doesn't linger.  It's a weird sweet and not as berry-like as I was hoping it would be. I keep this little jar in my purse to use on my dry hands.

I love this whipped shea butter, highly recommend and would definitely repurchase the larger jar! I really want to try Mango, White Chocolate, Gingered Pumpkin and Bananas and Baobos.

Retails for approx. $18.99 for 9oz/255ml or $6.99 for 1oz/29ml.  They can be purchased in store at Healthy Planet or online at Shea Terra.

Both sizes come in the following scents:

Bourbon Vanilla

Rooibos Berries

Menthe cardamom

White Chocolate

Marula

Gingered Pumpkin

Cape Lavender

Pink Guavas and Pomegranates

Bananas and Baobos

Cape Chamomile

Frankincense Meditation

Mango

Which scent would you like to try most?

Ingredients Bourbon Vanilla: 99.7% natural. Pure spring water (no recycled water), USDA certified organic shea butter (butyrospermum parkii), natural emulsifying wax NF, vanilla extracts (vanilla planifolia), naturally based preservative (glucono delta-lactone, sodium benzoate)

Ingredients Rooibos & Berries: 99.7% naturals. Pure spring water (no recycled water), USDA certified organic shea butter (butyrospermum parkii), natural emulsifying wax NF, certified organic rooibos tea, natural berry extract, naturally based preservative (glucono delta-lactone, sodium benzoate), less than 0.1% natural fruit/vegetable coloring (natural coloring fades over time)

Love! - Eminence Organics Starter Set for Normal Skin Review

If you read my original post of when I got this set, you'll know that I've been wanting to try Eminence for probably ever. Let's be realistic, I want to try everything I see lol.  I've read and seen (on YouTube) nothing but rave reviews of their products and couldn't wait to try some out. Originally, I thought it was a tad overpriced and I still sort of do, but the samples are pretty large.  I have only finished up three of the five samples and have been using these products for about a month now.

The set includes the following, which came in a gorgeous wooden box:

Eminence Sweet Red Rose Cleanser - 0.5 oz

Eminence Rosehip and Maize Exfoliating Masque - 0.5 oz

Eminence Stone Crop Masque - 0.5 oz

Eminence Apricot Whip Moisturizer - 0.5 oz

Eminence Naseberry Treatment Cream - 0.5 oz

I purchased it from Spa Boutique for $49 CAN.

I also received two additional (mini) samples with my order from Spa Boutique, the Sugar Plum Whip Moisturizer and the Blueberry Soy Night Recovery Cream.  I'll review them first and then review the actual set.

Sugar Plum Whip Moisturizer Description: The sweet scent of plum and the active action of evening primrose revive your complexion to leave it comforted and hydrated. Plums are proven to have high levels of phyto-nutrients to fight free radicals and the signs of aging and this smooth whip of nutritious fruits gives your skin the moisture that it needs to look younger and line-free. For normal to dry and sensitive skin. Full size retails for $60 CAN for 2oz.

Review: This smells delicious, just like candied plums.  It's a fairly thick cream but can be diluted with a bit of water as all of Eminence's other moisturizers.  I found that it didn't absorb well into my skin and just left it looking greasy but still dry in certain areas.  I began using it as a mix with my Jane Iredale concealer until it was finished. I won't be purchasing the full size.

Blueberry Soy Night Recovery Cream Description: Designed to rejuvenate your skin while you sleep this scrumptious cream repairs the signs of aging and returns firmness. The most active renewal happens while we rest and by harnessing the active nutrients of blueberry and soy milk, skin wakes up looking great and well rested every morning. Sweet dreams. Full size retails for $60 CAN for 2oz.

Review: Again, smells delicious! It's a thick textured cream, as most night creams are, but I feel the same about it as I do about the Sugar Plum Whip...it didn't absorb into my skin.  I actually would wake up with little red bumps on my forehead as well when I applied this at night.  It didn't do anything for me and so, I won't be purchasing the full size.


Time for the set itself! Eeeee, so excited to share my thoughts of this set with you!

Sweet Red Rose Cleanser Description: This hydrating, soothing cleanser is a delicious light cleansing milk with the fresh juices of fragrant roses and maize germ oil. It's a bouquet of roses for your skin! In one step, it thoroughly cleanses your eye and face area as well as hydrate and vitalize your complexion. Full size retails for $42 CAN for 8oz/250 ml. 

Review: You can't see it, but this cleanser is a very light pink rosey colour and it smells exactly like roses.  I don't personally enjoy the smell of rose(s) unless it's the flower itself and even that can get annoying to me.  Scent preference aside, this milky cleanser does a brilliant job of removing all of my makeup (including mascara) without irritation. My skin is left very soft, moisturized and clean.  While I wouldn't purchase a full size, because of the scent, I would definitely love to try one of their other cleansers.

Ingredients: Red Rose Petals, Red Rose Juice, Corn Germ (Zea Mays) Oil, Natural Cream Base, Bioflavonoids, Red Rose Distillate, Calendula Oil, Natural Moisturizing Factor, Biocomplex™ (Vitamin A, Esther C, Vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10, Alpha Lipoic Acid), Red Rose Oil, Xanthan Gum, Glycerine, Glycine Derivative

Rosehip Maize Exfoliating Masque Description: Think all purifying masks are too irritating for your sensitive skin? Let rosehip and maize clear and cleanse your pores while calming, hydrating, and soothing your skin at the same time. The gentle exfoliating properties of maize flour remove dead skin cells without damaging your delicate skin. Full size retails for $42 CAN for 2oz.

Review: First off, this masque/mask smells like a bathroom cleaner. It was the least appealing scent of them all, just throwing that out there.  This is a gritty but slightly sticky product that isn't really a traditional exfoliator.  I applied this to my face, let it sit for about 10 min, then removed it with a hot towel or I'd wet my fingers and massage it into my skin.  I found the towel worked best to exfoliate than fingers, but I guess it depends on how rough you like it.  No comment. While my skin was left super soft, it was also a little irritated and that's because it has salicylic acid (which I didn't know until I emailed Eminence asking for an ingredient list). Salicylic acid irritates my skin just as much as tea tree does. Luckily, I only used this about twice a week and therefore my skin didn't go too crazy on me. If you can use salicylic, I'd recommend trying this as a weekly treatment because it really did leave my skin incredibly soft yet still hydrated.  I will not be purchasing the full size.

Ingredients: ROSEHIP, ROSEHIP JUICE, CORN EXTRACT, ZINC OXIDE, CORN GERM OIL,
BIOFLAVONOIDS, HONEY, CORN GRANULES, NATURAL MOISTURIZING FACTOR, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, NATURAL CREAM BASE, BIOCOMPLEX™ (VITAMIN A, ESTHER C, VITAMIN E, COENZYME Q10, ALPHA LIPOIC ACID), SALICYLIC ACID, XANTHAN GUM, LEMON OIL, MINT OIL, GLYCERIN, GLYCINE DERIVATIVE.

 

Stone Crop Masque Description: Stone crop, an exotic succulent that excels in increasing the moisture content and health of all skin types, leaves the skin radiant and more youthful looking. Sensitive skin is calmed, oily to dry skin is normalized, and pigmentation is reduced. Stone crop is an intense healing plant used by herbalists for centuries to heal a multitude of skin conditions. Now you, too, can experience its wonderful effects. Full size retails for $42 CAN for 2oz.

Review: This smells exactly like Herbal Essence shampoo!! If you have ever used or at least smelled a bottle of their shampoo, you know what I'm talking about.  If you haven't, then just take a sniff next time you're at the grocery store or something, smells yummy. This mask is a bit sticky and there are chunks of, what I'm assuming is, stone crop but it glides onto the skin so nicely. It actually lasted me an extra couple of uses compared to the Rosehip Masque because a little goes a very long way.  It instantly soothed and reduced any redness, got rid of any dry patches and made my skin glow. I can honestly say that this was my second favourite item in the set and would recommend it to anyone who has sensitive skin.  It's great for all skin types but I'd say especially for those prone to redness  There is a stone crop set that I'm considering trying out because of how much I love this masque. I may purchase the full size of this masque, if I don't end up purchasing the set first.

Ingredients: STONE CROP, STONE CROP JUICE, ALOE, HONEY, BIOFLAVONOIDS, NATURAL MOISTURIZING FACTOR, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, BIOCOMPLEX™ (VITAMIN A, ESTHER C, VITAMIN E, COENZYME Q10, ALPHA LIPOIC ACID), XANTHAN GUM, VITAMIN B5 FROM SOY, LAVENDER OIL, LEMON OIL, CHLOROPHYL, GLYCERIN, GLYCINE DERIVATIVE.

Apricot Whip Moisturizer Description: Complexion is revitalized with vitamins A, B, C & D found in pure apricot and carrot juice. Pectin enriches, nourishes and moisturizes; skin is smooth, supple and has a youthful glow. Apricot has long been known for its age-defying properties and makes this moisturizer extra special to use. Full size retails for $54 CAN for 2oz.

Review: Seems I like starting off with scents first sooo....without further delay...this smells like delicious apricots and I want to eat it.  This is also my absolute favourite item in the set. It hydrates so beautifully, soaks right into the skin, no greasy feeling, perfect base for makeup, soothes any redness and didn't cause any reactions or breakouts whatsoever! I have about half the sample left because I only need to use a tiny amount, diluted with water. It's just a gorgeous facial moisturizer and I am very much thinking about purchasing the full size once I use up the sample from the kit.

Ingredients: APRICOT, APRICOT EXTRACT, CORN GERM OIL, CARROT, BIOFLAVONOIDS, NATURAL MOISTURIZING FACTOR, NATURAL CREAM BASE, BIOCOMPLEX™ (VITAMIN A, ESTHER C, VITAMIN E, COENZYME Q10, ALPHA LIPOIC ACID), GLYCERINE, GLYCINE DERIVATIVE.

Naseberry Treatment Cream Description: Let the superb rejuvenating fruit acids and vitamins of naseberry, grape and apple work all day or while you sleep. Realize a smooth and vibrant complexion without irritation. Moisturizes and enriches the skin, ensures long-lasting, in-depth lifting action, reduces wrinkle depth, smoothes and vitalizes the epidermis, supplies a combination of nutrients and glycolic acids to the epidermis, assists in the natural rejuvenation process of the skin. Full size retails for $62 CAN for 2oz.

Review: I swear they put Sweet Tarts into this moisturizer because that's what it smells like.  Candy!! Hello, who doesn't love candy? I don't like Sweet Tarts but I sure do enjoy the sweet scent of them. While I prefer to use oils at night, I did use this most nights and enjoyed it.  It's quite thick and can be a tad greasy even when diluted with water.  It definitely brightened and restored moisture to my skin however I still prefer using oils at night.  I've been alternating this with the Apricot Moisturizer during the day and think that it's a wonderful product but it's not worth the splurge for me. I think this would be a great night cream for all skin types, especially dry and/or mature skin.

Ingredients: NASEBERRY, APPLE, GRAPE, CORN GERM OIL, SWEET PAPRIKA EXTRACT, BIOFLAVONOIDS, NATURAL MOISTURIZING FACTOR, CERA ALBA, NATURAL FRUIT ACIDS 3%, NATURAL CREAM BASE, BIOCOMPLEX™ (VITAMIN A, ESTHER C, VITAMIN E, COENZYME Q10, ALPHA LIPOIC ACID), LEMON OIL, GLYCERINE, GLYCINE DERIVATIVE.

Just when you think this never ending review is ending, it doesn't. I was curious to know what they meant by "natural cream base", "natural moisturizing factor" and glycine derivative, so I asked! Eminence sent me the below information.

Natural Cream Base
Stearic Acid: a plant based vegetable oil, commonly derived from sugar cane, corn or soy.
Plant based vegetable oil
Coconut Extract
Glucose Sesquistearate (corn derived)
Maize Extract
Glycerin: plant based

Natural Moisturizing Factor
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (Wheat Protein & Water).
Citric Acid: derived from fruit, preservative
Tocopherol: vitamin e, antioxidant

Glycerine Derivitive
Preservative derived from Soy. It is also an amino acid used for texture

All in all, I highly recommend trying any of their starter sets. Since Eminence is fairly expensive, it'll give you the opportunity to try several of their products before splurging on specific ones.

Will you be picking up a starter set?  Do you already have a favourite Eminence product?  Let me know!

Shea Terra African Black Soap Bar Review

This is another black soap item that I picked up in my Shea Terra haul a few weeks back. I bought this with hopes that it would help clear up the little acne that I have on my chest, shoulders and back as well as lighten any acne scars I have in those areas.

Description: 100% Natural. Genuine African black soap for smooth, blemish free skin. Ancient formula naturally breaks down dead skin revealing firmer, younger looking skin beneath.

It smells exactly the same as the Rose Hips Black Soap Face Wash which doesn't tell you much except that it's masculine. It tingles when applied to any break outs, I felt it mostly on my chest. I didn't really find that this worked at getting rid of any acne but it did work really well to exfoliate. It's not a smooth textured soap, it's almost like a light sand paper. Not gritty where it feels like you have sand particles all over the place, but the soap itself feels like sand paper when you rub it on your body which creates a deep exfoliation. I did use this soap daily when I first got it, but realized that it wasn't helping with what I initially bought it for and decided to use it as an exfoliation bar instead.  I use it a few times a week and really love how soft it makes my skin. Also, using it daily made my skin dry out a bit. It lathers up quite nicely considering there's no SLS in it and I didn't use it on my sensitive bits, if you catch my drift lol. I haven't noticed my skin looking firmer or anything so I can't vouch for that claim. It is black soap and therefore rubs off on my skin as brownish/black soap but doesn't stain my skin nor my white shower at all. I don't think that I would repurchase this specific soap again, however, I would like to try one of Shea Terra's other bar soaps.

Retails for approx. $8.99 and can be purchase through Shea Terra or in stores at Healthy Planet.

What's your take on black soap for cleansing your body?

Ingredients:  USDA certified organic virgin coconut cream oil, African black soap (cocoa pod ash, plaintain peel ash, palm kernel oil, camwood), 24% USDA certified organic shea butter, certified organic, extra virgin olive oil, spring water, sodium hydroxide.

Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Soap Deep Pore Face Wash and Mask Review

That title is a mouthful eh? My skin has been going through hell lately with all of the products that I have been using, so I thought why not add another product to the mix? lol.  I have my moments. I read what it's supposed to do for your skin as well as rave reviews online and couldn't help but try it out.

Description: Based on an ancient African formula, using REAL African Black Soap, this wash works like microdermabrasion to get rid of dead skin, even skin tone, firm skin and fight acne. Look younger in just minutes of use. South African Rose Hips Oil calms skin and works wonders on maturing skin.

I have to start off with the packaging, I love it.  I love the label really, it's super pretty.  The product comes in a dark glass bottle which isn't travel friendly, but I don't mind pumping some into a travel container. I like the pump because it allows me to dispense as much or as little product as I want.  I can't really explain the scent of this product, it's sort of  masculine, but I like it.  It's not a strong scent and it doesn't linger, so if scent is an issue, it should be fine. 

The first time that I used this product I rubbed it all over my face, left it on for 5 minutes and rinsed.  My skin was instantly brighter, softer and a bit red. It tingles when applied, especially if you have any acne at all, those areas tingle more.  It removes face makeup really well , however, I don't and haven't tried using it on my eyes.  I do notice that my skin is brighter and some of my acne scars seem to be fading but since this is such a powerful product, my skin is getting a bit dried out. That being said, I have started using this as a mask 2 - 3 times a week instead of a face wash and I love it even more.  I would repurchase and do recommend giving it a try if you can get your hands on it.

Retails for approx $18.99 for 4 oz and can be purchase through Shea Terra or in stores at Healthy Planet.

Have you tried this Shea Terra black soap face wash or any other black soap?

 

Ingredients: deionized water, Yoruban black soap (cocoa pod ash, plaintain peel ash, palm kernel oil, camwood bark), certified organic shea butter, certified organic coconut oil, potassium hydroxide (electrocuted salts- what makes oil into soap), certified organic rose hips oil, rose hips fruit, aloe ferox, rooibos tea, kigellia africana, certified organic marshmallow root, licorice root

My Lip Collection

My makeup collection is pretty limited in general and what I have most of are lip products.  I just love playing up, mostly down, my lips with any look I wear.   Even if I'm not all dolled up, having a nice, moisturized and slightly glossy lip makes me look and feel better.  I've seen a few lip collection posts and while mine doesn't even compare, thought I'd do it anyway!

These are my basic, reach for, lip balms. Depending on what my needs or wants are, I generally pick one of these before adding some gloss.

Hurraw! SPF Lip Balm is my go to for sun protection and extra hydration if my lips need the lovin'.  I absolutely love this stuff and will definitely be trying out other flavours once I use up some of the others I have.

Antipodes Organic Lip Balm is my night treatment and lip saviour! If my lips are seriously chapped, then I apply this constantly until they go back to normal.  In serious cases, my lips are healed within a day or two.  Great, great lip balm.  Wish they had other flavours though.

Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Balm was in my Sephora Give Me Some Lip set.  I use this if I want a nice, just bitten rosey lip + SPF protection.  I don't enjoy the rose taste to it and won't purchase a full size, but I am enjoying this mini for now.

Alima Pure Lip Balms in Mango and Rhubarb really grew on me.  I really enjoy them and they're great for getting a light layer of colour.  I sometimes apply gloss over it but other times I wear them alone.  They're more of a sheer lipstick than a balm I'd say, they kind of dry out my lips if I apply it multiple times a day with no gloss.  I'm tempted to buy more but I may just end up trying a different tinted lip balm or maybe even, dare I say it?, a lipstick!

Mary Ginseng House Lip Balm (not shown below) is my car lip balm and that's exactly where it was at the time of these pics lol.  I love that stuff because it makes my lips so soft and glossy.

Left to right: Hurraw, Antipodes, Fresh, Alima in Mango, Alima in Rhubarb

Top to bottom: Hurraw, Antipodes, Fresh, Alima in Mango, Alima in Rhubarb

Next up is my one lip stain(ish) and glosses!

Tarte Matte Lip Tint in Hope was also in my Give Me Some Lip Set and the reason I even purchased the set to begin with.  I love applying this when I'm a little more done up, and by done up I mean full face of makeup whether natural or not.  I can really layer it for an almost pinkish/purple lip or I can sheer it out for a more just bitten lip.  I can wear this matte or with gloss on top.  I just love it!

MarieNatie Lip Glosses in Nearly Wild and Cotton Candy are delicious and lip nutritious! I like to wear these alone or over any of the balms or Tarte stain.  They are so hydrating and while I was on the fence in the beginning due to how sheer they are, I have fallen in love and must try more!

Revolution Organics in Truth is amazing to wear on its own or over a balm as well.  It's sheer but buildable and I love the colour on my lips.  It's very hydrating and all around beautiful.  It smells and tastes weird but I'd totally buy more.

Bite Beauty Lip Shine in Vintage from the Give Me Some Lip Set is a great for wearing alone because it's such a beautiful Fall/Winter colour.  It's a purple mauve colour that I personally love layering over the Tarte stain for a more dark purpley lip.  It's hydrating and slightly sticky so it lasts quite awhile on the lips.

Hourglass Extreme Sheen Lip Gloss in Child was, of course, also part of the Give Me Some Lip Set and I love it to lighten the Tarte stain or wear alone when I have a smokey eye.  It's so hydrating and creamy on the lips. 

Left to right: Tarte, MarieNatie in Nearly Wild , MarieNatie in Cotton Candy, Revolution, Bite, Hourglass

Left to right: Tarte, MarieNatie in Nearly Wild , MarieNatie in Cotton Candy, Revolution, Bite, Hourglass

I have absolutely no lipsticks but would love to try a few natural ones.  I've been thinking about trying 100% Pure lip glaze since they have gorgeous colours!

What are some of your favourite lip products?

Delicious Obsession: John Masters Zinc & Sage Shampoo with Conditioner Review

I absolutely love John Masters hair and body care products.  His products will cost you a pretty penny but I think they're totally worth it because they last such a long time and are very luxurious.  My boyfriend was never into natural products, healthy eating and exercising yes, but not skin/hair/body care.  While I introduced him to John Masters, he introduced me to this product and I'm so happy he did.

Description: The natural scalp regulators zinc and sage help alleviate itching and flaking caused by over-drying products and cold weather. Wheat protein conditioner leaves hair shiny and manageable while papaya extract and 11 more certified-organic extracts and essential oils help to condition hair, leaving it stronger and fuller. Does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate. Safe for color-treated hair. 8 fl oz. Cruelty Free. Key ingredients: zinc reduces scalp irritation; natural sunscreen, sage is antibacterial/astringent and strengthens hair, wheat protein helps with comb-through and shine and papaya regenerates and firms hairshaft, making it stronger and fuller.

My boyfriend was originally attracted to the intoxicating scent of this shampoo, it smells like friggen cupcakes!! Who doesn't love cupcakes!? The vanilla scent is so sweet without being sickening, it's my new delicious obsession.  He purchased it based on the scent (mostly) and the claim. He loved it so much that he purchased a backup bottle! What? I couldn't believe it.  He says that it's not only the best smelling natural/organic product ever but it delivers on its claim to alleviate itching and flaking. With a rave like that, how could I not try it out for myself?  Normally I (and apparently my boyfriend as well) don't like the idea of a shampoo and conditioner in one because it can be too heavy but damn this product is good.  It instantly soothes my seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff filled scalp.  I make it sound like my scalp is disgusting, it's not as bad as it sounds but it definitely can be.  Really!

As if I don't tell enough stories, here's another one.  I made a vow in January not to colour my hair after having it screwed up three times by a horrible colourist.  I had most of the colour stripped out of it in January and because it was pretty damaged, I decided I didn't want to further damage it with dye.  The blonde highlights were driving me crazy, so I decided to colour everything below my natural re-growth to make it blend and look better.  Whatever shampoo they used on my scalp just about killed it.  I had flakes everywhere and kept itching it to the point where I was literally bleeding.  The very next morning I washed my hair with Zinc & Sage and my scalp felt so much better.  The itching and flaking were significantly reduced with just that one wash. 

I tried JM Lavender Rosemary Shampoo a few months ago and found it very hard to lather since there is no SLS.  Zinc and Sage on the other hand, lathers really well.  My boyfriend had no problem making it work for him but it took me a few washes to get the right technique down.  I take a quarter sized amount and rub it in-between my hands, pat (yes, pat) it all over the top of my wet hair and begin massaging it into my scalp.  It quickly lathers beautifully and the scent fills my shower with heavenly vanilla.  My hair is left clean, soft, and shiny.  My scalp is left hydrated and soothed. I have no idea how well this will work for me in the summer, but it's definitely a repurchase for both my boyfriend and I in the colder months.

What's your favourite shampoo for Fall/Winter?

Lathers so much better on your scalp, trust me.

Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera leaf juice) gel,* aqua (water), babassuamidopropyl betaine, decyl glucoside, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, glycerin, zinc gluconate, zinc salt, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf/stem extract,* urtica dioica (nettle) root extract,* chamomilla recutica (chamomile) flower extract,* salvia officinalis (sage) leaf/stem extract,* equisetum hiemale (horsetail) leaf/stem extract,* lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flower/leaf/stem extract,* salix alba (willow) bark extract,* carica papaya (papaya) extract, yucca schidigera (yucca) leaf extract,* panthenol (vitamin B), allantoin (comfrey-derived), wheat amino acids, chlorophyll, riboflavin, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, vanilla planifolia (bourbon vanilla) fruit oil,* rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf oil,*salvia officinalis (sage) leaf oil*

* NOP Certified Organic

Sukin Natural Skin Care Giveaway!! - Closed

This is my first giveaway since starting my blog in May, woohoo!  I woke up and just randomly decided that I wanted to do a giveaway.  Since I really enjoyed using Sukin I thought, why not giveaway some of the products that were sent to me?!

Sukin is free of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES), synthetic fragrances, animal derivatives, harsh detergents, propylene glycol, artificial colours, triethanolamine, mineral oils, EDTA, and parabens.  They also do not test on animals.

The winner will receive the following:

• Travel size Cream Cleanser 50ml - This gentle cream cleanser is the perfect preparation for your skin. Essential oils and botanical extracts work to remove make-up and surface grime as it nourishes the skin with oils of rose hip, avocado and wheat germ. An infusion of aloe vera, burdock, horsetail and nettle will leave skin feeling clean and refreshed.
• Full size Hydrating Mist Toner 125ml - This alcohol-free, skin hydrating mist combines chamomile and rosewater to help soothe, tone and cool tired skin. Use after cleansing or whenever your skin feels tired or stressed. Perfect for hot days, long flights or long days in an air-conditioned environment
• Travel size Purifying Shampoo 50ml - A gentle daily shampoo to cleanse, nourish and soften any type of hair especially sensitive scalps.
• Travel size Nourishing Conditioner 50ml  - This conditioner adds volume and shine while preventing tangles and static. Combines a delicate infusion of aloe vera, nettle, horsetail and burdock with rosehip, avocado, jojoba and sesame oils.

This contest will be open until 11:59 pm EST on Sunday, November 18th. I will pick a winner at random and announce their name on this post.

To enter, you must

1. Be age of majority in your country or have your parent's permission because I will need some personal information
2. Follow me on Bloglovin (http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3850094/ecochicbeautydiva)
3. Subscribe/Follow via email
4. Leave a comment below telling me what product you'd like to try most and why

GOOD LUCK!
_____________________

Since there were only two entries (sadly), I just flipped a coin to get the winner.  The winner is mangomadness!!  Congrats! Send me an email with all of your information and I will send out the products.

Shea Terra Organics Haul!

I vaguely remember hearing about Shea Terra months back and honestly couldn't remember them until I came across their products at a local health food store, Healthy Planet.  I went home and started looking at their website, as well as reading reviews on all of their products.  I knew I had to pick up a few things to try! 

Just wanted to give you guys a little background on Shea Terra before telling you what I picked up.  Shea Terra Organics was founded by Tammie Umbel.  Tammie looks to source the wonderful ingredients in her products by helping preserve wildlife habitats and being the backbone of economic sustainability for many families across Africa.  She does that by working with cooperatives and conservation groups.  It's great to know that these products are great for us and the environment.

I picked up the Rose Hips Black Soap Deep Pore Facial Cleanser, African Black Soap Bar and Tamanu Oil from Healthy Planet and ordered the Burbon Vanilla Whipped Shea Butter and Rooibos & Berries Mini Whipped Shea Butter from Shea Terra.  I am loving all of these products!  I have been using the black soap items for about 2 weeks now.  I received the whipped shea butters a couple of days ago and will say that I didn't expect the mini to be so small.  That was the only piss off for me and I say piss off because I was pretty upset when I opened the box and realized I (my boyfriend) paid like $8 CAN for this tiny little pot of lotion.  I suggest that you pick a scent you think you might like and just get it because the scent isn't as strong once applied on the skin and dies out throughout the day.  Aside from over charging for the mini, I'm pretty happy with my purchases and will do a review soon!

Have you tried Shea Terra before?

Purchased this after I did this post

 

Sukin Natural Skin Care Review Update

I mentioned in my October Empties post that my Sukin Gorgeous Getaway Sample Set was expired the whole time that I had it.  I emailed Sukin and told them about my experience and their Canadian broker/distributor offered to send me a new travel set and full sizes of each product.  I'm going to do a quick updated review on each of the products.

Cream Cleanser - It really is a cream, it's thick but spreads nicely.  It removes all of my makeup and rinses off without leaving a weird film or residue on my skin. I probably wouldn't purchase it because I like using coconut oil to remove my makeup.

Indredients: Aqua, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Ceteareth-20, Glycerin, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil (Rose Hip), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Equisetum Arvense Extract (Horsetail), Arctium Lappa Extract (Burdock), Urtica Dioica Extract (Nettle), Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Vanilla Planifolia Extract, Linalool,* Limonene.*
* Natural component of essential oils.

Hydrating Mist Toner - I haven't used this as an actual toner but I do love it to set my mineral foundation.  It's very light, fresh and hydrating.  It makes my makeup look so natural and I would likely purchase the full size to use as just a setting spray. This is my second favourite product of this whole set.

Ingredients: Aqua, Rosa Damascena Flower Water (Rose), Glycerin, Chamomilla Recutita Extract (Chamomile), Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid.

Facial Moisturizer  - I really enjoyed using this lightweight lotion back in September, but it's too light for me now that it's getting much colder out.  I think this would be ideal for normal to oily skin types. I actually gave the larger bottle to my friend who has oily skin. I will be keeping the travel size to try out in Spring.

Facial Moisturizer Ingredients: Aqua, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Ceteareth-20, Glycerin, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil (Rose Hip), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Equisetum Arvense Extract (Horsetail), Arctium Lappa Extract (Burdock), Urtica Dioica Extract (Nettle), Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Vanilla Planifolia Extract, Citrus Paradisi Extract, (Grapefruit Seed), Linalool, * Limonene. * * Natural component of essential oils.

Purifying Shampoo - This is a great shampoo to use once a week (for me).  It can be drying but it gives my hair a really deep clean.  I do need to follow up with conditioner since I have damaged hair.  I wouldn't purchase this once I run out due to my scalp condition, it's just not suitable for me.

Ingredients: Aqua, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cocoamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Equisetum Arvense Extract (Horsetail), Arctium Lappa Extract (Burdock), Urtica Dioica Extract (Nettle), Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Vanilla Planifolia Extract, Citric Acid, Linalool,* Limonene.*
* Natural component of essential oils.

Nourishing Conditioner - I love this conditioner!  It doesn't weigh down my hair but leaves it silky smooth and tangle free. This is by far my favourite product of the entire set.

Ingredients: Aqua, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil (Rose Hip), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Urtica Dioica Extract (Nettle), Arctium Lappa Extract (Burdock), Equisetum Arvense Extract (Horsetail), Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Vanilla Planifolia Extract, Citrus Paradisi Extract (Grapefruit Seed), Linalool,* Limonene.*
* Natural component of essential oils.


What's your favourite Sukin product?