Odacité Pure Elements: Pa + G (Papaya Geranium)

Odacité is a FRESH, high end, and quality skin care line created by Valérie Grandury. I've reviewed her 10 day treatement kit last year, and while I wasn't overly impressed it didn't stop me from wanting to try out the Pure Elements collection. Saska and Monique, of Anise Apothecary, both convinced me to give one of the serums a go. With sun damage and acne scarring on my face, I decided to purchase the papaya geranium serum for hyperpigmentation.

The Pure Elements collection offers 18 ultra-targeted skin remedies, for remarkable results in minimal time.

Each Serum Concentrate is born of the alliance of ancient medicinal plant knowledge with the research and clinical studies of modern science, to create powerful skin boosters.

Each drop is a concentrated dose of vitamins, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, which are all essential in skin regeneration as well as detoxification.

Formulated for perfect skin compatibility and deep absorption, wether your skin is mature, sensitive, devitalized or fighting pimples , there is a perfect formula for you.

Super concentrated, 2-3 drops - morning and night - mixed in your dose of moisturizer is all it takes!

You can read more about the Pure Elements range here.

Description:

• Multi-active rejuvenating serum that helps to reduce brown spots while preventing the apparition of wrinkles and further pigmentation.

• Papaya seed oil is rich in fruit enzymes that help to fade brown spots and dissolve dead skin cells, unveiling a fresh and more even-toned glow.

• Geranium oil combines with Lemon oil, further encouraging wrinkle reduction and more evened-out skin tone.

• In aromatherapy, Geranium oil is known to have a harmonizing effect on the mind & body, helping to avoid emotional roller coasters.

I know that Odacité's packaging is fairly simple, but it's so chic. The dark glass bottle ensures that the product isn't tainted by UV rays and really preserves the oil. The idea behind the serum, as you've read above, is to be able to mix the concentrated formula with your daily moisturizer (cream or oil). The dropper on this bottle allows you to experiment with different ratios to find the perfect combination. I absolutely love mixing two drops of this serum with just about any oil or cream, at night, a few times a week. I find that it has really helped with hyperpigmentation and leaves my skin glowing. It smells of geranium but isn't at all overpowering, and while it does linger, it fades in intensity. Since I only use it a few times a week, the one bottle has lasted me several months. I'd definitely recommend this serum for brightening the skin, it works a million times better than LBF and costed a fraction of the price.

Retails for $37 USD/$38 CDN for 5 ml. With 18 different treatments, you're bound to find one for your skin.

All Pure Elements concentrates can be purchased through Odacité, Anise Apothecary, and these other retailers.

Which serum concentrate appeals to you most or which have you already tried?

Ingredients (INCI): Highest-grade cold-pressed certified virgin Papaya (Carica papaya) oil, Certified organic Geranium, Lemon (Pelargonium graveolens, Citrus limon) essential oils, Certified GMO-free Vitamin E (Tocopherols) oil.

Brand Focus: Me & The Girls (+Giveaway! - CLOSED)

In January of this year, I created a wish list. On that wish list was the Me & The Girls Moon Serum. Imagine my excitement when Sharon, Founder and Creator, contacted me to help launch their Canadian shipping. Before officially beginning to ship to Canada, Sharon and her team, wanted to make sure that the entire process was easy and quick. I have to say, I don't think that I've ever received a parcel from the USA quite as quickly, we're talking days here. Me & The Girls were kind enough to send me the *Mini Beauty Luxury Trial and Travel Set. The entire line is sustainably sourced, mostly organic, and entirely vegan!

A little about how the brand came to be...

After raising my family I sought a new life that would combine my knowledge as a critical care nurse, my passion for developing healthy, luxurious beauty products, and my responsibility to support the social needs of women and girls. I reminisced about being a young teen concocting potions in my mother’s kitchen. So I began experimenting. Mixing rich botanical oils and exotic butters resulted in lush body polishes and moisturizers that smelled good enough to eat and left my skin soft and radiant. With the steady demand from friends to “cook more cream” new opportunities evolved and I knew my dream had come true. “Me & The Girls Alternative Skin Care, L.L.C.” was born and I finally had my heart’s desire. “I want my life to matter by changing the lives of women and girls one fabulous beauty product at a time.”

Read more about Sharon and the brand here.

Description: OUR BEST SELLER. Here's your chance to try all of our intensely moisturizing and therapeutic products. Includes mini versions of: Limonum Body Scrub, Lavandula Revive Softening Creme, Moon™ Anti-Aging Night Facial Moisturizer, Moon™ Serum, Lavandula Revive Foot Scrub, Bamboo spoon, Signature logo travel bag and BONUS Bar Beleza Multi-Use Beauty Bar and Lip Combo Moisturizer. Retails for $64 USD.

Ingredients will be posted for each product at the end of this post, scroll all the way to the bottom to see them :).

Lavandula Revive Foot Scrub: This amazing foot scrub revitalizes tired feet with invigorating infusions of imported lavender, fine-grain organic sugarcane, and a rich spearmint butter crème base. Exfoliates rough, dry skin and restores smooth, soft, sexy feet. 
Full size retails for $28 USD for 28g.

I love the little wooden spoon that comes with both the full sizes (and this travel set) of the foot and body scrub. It's so handy for scooping out product. This foot scrub smells refreshingly of mint and really helps to exfoliate, moisturize, cool, and soothe my feet. I've been enjoying using this scrub, as you can see above, both after exfoliating with a paddle and to maintain the softness between my at home pedi treatments.

Limonum Sugar Body Scrub: VOTED BEST NEW BEAUTY PRODUCT! THIS LUSH VEGAN BODY SCRUB IS SECOND TO NO OTHER BRAND! Fine-grain raw organic sugar cane exfoliants and stimulates your skin while fragrant, hydrating coconut oil and superior cupuacu seed butter is layered into a luscious lemon creme and avocado butter blend that nourishes and polishes your skin to silky-soft perfection. An excellent remedy for Summer parched, Winter dry skin. 

Full size retails for $32 USD for 224g.

The body and foot scrub look and feel practically the same, they just smell differently. It's exfoliating, without being too aggressive, and leaves my skin super soft. I've used it on my body but much prefer using it on my hands. I'm not a huge fan of the lemony scent though, that's just preference, and wish they had more options. 

Lavandula Revive Foot Softening Creme: KNOWN AS "THE BEST ORGANIC FOOT CREME." RICH EXOTIC CUPUACU SEED BUTTER AND LUSH AVOCADO OIL IS BLENDED WITH THE FINEST FRENCH LAVENDER AND CALMING MINT INFUSIONS. RESTORE BEAUTIFUL SOFT SKIN AND REVITALIZING COMFORT.

Full size retails for $26 USD for 42g.

Again, the minty scent is just so refreshing and feels so cooling on my feet. This balm textured creme is lovely to use after exfoliating and melts right into the skin like buttah. Throw on a pair of socks and you got yourself a moisturizing foot treatment. Remove the socks, and you got the softest feet ever!

Mentha Revive Lip Moisturizer Lipstick Topper and Base: 

LUSCIOUS MULTI-USE LIP MOISTURIZER Give your lips the ultimate moisture experience. Our VEGAN lip treatment is a superior lipstick topper, LIPSTICK base or wear it solo for long lasting moisture and soft, kissable lips! Retails for $7 USD (full size came in the kit).

I was a little skeptical about this being a lipstick "topper and base" but have been impressed! It works great as just a good ol' lip balm as well, but it really does create a lovely base for lipstick. Over lipstick, it leaves a gorgeous glossy finish that I especially love with matte shades. The peppermint in this is slightly plumping and freshens my breath instantly. I also love how smooth the formula is.

Bar Beleza Multi-Use Beauty Bar: MOST UNIQUE, MULTI-USE MAGIC! Rich in luxurious cupuacu seed butter, unique Bar Beleza performs as a light non-greasy day moisturizer, a nourishing non-foaming oil cleanser and perfect all-in-one facial primer and conditioner. Superior hydrating effects promotes natural elasticity and restores suppleness for all types of skin. Packaged in a convenient twist-up tube. Experience glowing refreshed skin immediately.
Full size retails for $42 USD for 52g.

This is product that I've heard most about, from their line. Seeing as the sample is the size of a lip balm, I haven't tried using it to cleanse my skin and, because it contains coconut oil, I haven't used it as an all over primer or moisturizer. My favourite way to use this is after my makeup is already on, I just dab it on any dry patches and find it works well to smooth them out.

Moon™ Beauty Serum: Moon™ Beauty Serum is a luxurious penetrating oil serum rich in anti-oxidants and essential fatty acids. Promotes regenerative moisture for normal, dry, sensitive, mature and sun-damaged skin. Excellent moisture source for day or night treatment.

Full size retails for $40 for 28g.

Ahhh, the product that I most wanted to try. Ladies and gents, this serum does not disappoint! It only takes a couple of drops to completely moisturize the skin. It sinks in beautifully, has virtually no scent, and works as a primer for makeup or as an overnight treatment. It contains absolutely no coconut oil (score!) and does include tamanu oil (double score!). I'm in loveeee!

Moon™ Anti-Aging Night Moisturizer: AWARDED AT THE HBA GLOBAL BEAUTY EXPO 2012 this superior moisture and Vitamin-E rich creme softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and restores soft supple skin. Exotic cupuacu butter is layered in the purest certified organic ingredients. Suitable for Normal, Dry, Sensitive, Mature and Sun Damaged Skin. This intensely therapeutic natural cream is unmatched in its effectiveness. Feel the difference overnight!

Full size retails for $40 USD for 28g.

I'll have to be honest here, I haven't even tried this yet. It does contain coconut oil, therefore it's unlikely that I'll actually use it on my face. I'll probably just end up using it on my feet, elbows, and knees.

Last but not least, the travel bag. It's so effen adorable! It feels like linen or burlap, maybe burlap, and works well to pack up the travel set or makeup brushes or makeup or whatever really. They should really consider selling this separately.

I'm really loving this entire kit, but have to say that the stand out products (for me) are definitely the serum, lipstick topper and base, and travel bag. I love the concept and woman behind the brand, the clean and beautiful ingredients, and overall packaging of Me & The Girls products. I highly recommend checking them out and what better way to do so than with a giveaway?

Me & The Girls has generously offered up a kit for one of my readers! Canada/US Residents only. Please use Rafflecopter below AND be sure to follow Me & The Girls on Instagram.

a Rafflecopter giveaway *Set provided for review consideration. All opinions are entirely my own.
Lavandula Revive Foot Scrub: Sucrose (Sugarcane)*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil)*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Persea Americana (Avocado Oil)*, Olea Europaea (Olive Fruit Oil)*, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree Leaf Oil)*, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint Leaf Oil)*, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint Oil)*, Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuacu Seed Butter)*, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla Wax)**, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender Oil)*, Vitamin E - Tocopherol.
*98% NOP Certified Organic ingredients **Wildcrafted Limonum Sugar Body Scrub: *Sucrose (Sugar Cane), *Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil)*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Persea Americana (Avocado Oil)*, Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuacu Butter)*, Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu Oil)*, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Butter)*, Olea Europaea (Olive Fruit Oil)*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower Seed Oil)*, Vitis Vinifera (Grapeseed Oil)*, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon Peel Oil), Vitamin E - Tocopherol
*NOP Certified Organic Ingredients Lavandula Revive Foot Softening Creme: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil)*, Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuacu Seed Butter)*, Olea Europaea (Olive Fruit Oil)*, Persea Americana (Avocado Oil)*, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint Leaf Oil)*, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint Oil)*, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree Leaf Oil)*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender Oil)*, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla Wax)**, Vitamin E - Tocopherol
*98% NOP Certified Organic Ingredients Mentha Revive Lip Moisturizer Lipstick Topper and Base: Organic sunflower oil, candelilla wax*, organic cocoa butter, organic coconut oil, organic essential oil of spearmint, organic cupuacu seed seed butter, mixed tocopherol (non GMO vitamin E), organic rosemary extract, organic calendula extract

*Candelilla Wax is Wildcrafted

Bar Beleza Multi-Use Beauty Bar: Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuacu Seed Butter)*, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Butter)*, Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu Oil)*, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Virgin Coconut Oil)*, Vitamin E - Tocopherol *99% NOP CERTIFIED ORGANIC INGREDIENTS Moon™ Beauty Serum: Punica granatum (Pomegranate Seed Oil)*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Seed Oil)* , Vitis Vinifera (Grapeseed Oil)*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower Seed Oil)*, Calophyllum inophyllum (Tamanu Oil)* , Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuacu Seed Butter)*, Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla Oil)*, Vitamin E- Tocopherol
*NOP Certified Organic
MADE WITH 99% CERTIFIED ORGANIC INGREDIENTS Moon™ Anti-Aging Night Moisturizer: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Oenothera Biennis (Eve Of Primrose)*, Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuacu Seed Butter)*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil)*, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate Seed Oil)*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Seed Oil)*, Rosa Rubiginosa (Rosehip Seed Oil)*, Vitis Vinifera (Grapeseed Oil)*, Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla Oil)*, Vitamin E - Tocopherol.

Brand Focus: Gemstone Organic

Gemstone Organic is a very special and unique line created and founded by Debra Haugen. Whether you believe in the beneficial properties of gemstones and crystals or not, you can easily enjoy the other amazing ingredients and reap their benefits. I don't have a crystal or gemstone collection nor do I really have a concrete opinion on them, but the concept of the brand and limited number of ingredients is what really encouraged me to try out the products.

These unique essences are created from select crystals and powerful gemstones.
The energy of the earth, fire, water and air are all carried in the gemstones as they are being weathered and formed. Infused into purified and ionized water they create a highly vibrational, pH balanced H2O. Gemstone Essences offer your skin a revitalizing energy similar to mineral springs, which have been used for centuries as a regenerating modality for both internal and external healing.

Read more about the Gemstone Organic by reading this letter from the Founder, Debra Haugen.

They were kind enough to send me samples of the *Organic Calendula Gem Hydrosol and *Ruby Creme. Ruby was the only one that didn't contain coconut oil and my skin gets very irritated during the colder months, so it seemed like the perfect fit for me.

*Organic Calendula Gem Hydrosol (with Quartz Crystals): Healing and gentle for all skin types, use on abrasions, sun burns and skin disorders, fresh herbal and slightly floral scent, and infused with Quartz Crystals to renew and refresh body and spirit. Along with containing Quartz Crystals, this Hydrosol is Gem Essenced using color coded stones to work in conjunction with the plant, bringing its full healing potential to you. Keep these Quartz Crystal points long after you Hydrosol is gone!

Retails for $22.95 USD/4 oz, $14.95 USD/2 oz, or $10.95 USD/1 oz. Available in Calendula, Rose, Lavender, Wild Sage, Ylang Ylang, and Helichrysum.

I love calendula and I love hydrosols, seems like a match made in heaven no? It is! The mist that comes out of this little blue bottle is super fine and lovely. I hate when a toner/hydrosol basically spits in your face instead of evenly distributing the mist. The refreshing scent is both calming and uplifting, and I feel as though it instantly calms my skin when it's a bit red. The quartz crystal is actually at the bottom, you can hear it when you shake the bottle. Since I didn't receive a full sample (the tiny bottle pictured above only came about 1/4 full, if that), it was used up within a week of receiving it. Based on the short amount of time that I had to use it, I really enjoyed it and will be purchasing a full size once I use up some of the toners and floral waters that I currently have.

Ingredients: Calendula floral water/hydrosol and Quartz Crystal.

*Ruby Creme:  Organic Ruby is a face and body créme perfect for extra dry skin and skin conditions. Made with Gemstone Essence from Ruby and other select Crystals this créme raises skin temperature promoting circulation and the elimination of toxins, improving skin disorders. It is our only créme with Shea Butter and it's high Vitamin A content soothes dermatitis. Essential oils from Lavender and Sandalwood enhance blood circulation and are anti-inflammatory to the skin. Lemongrass and Neroli essential oils give this créme a fun and bright citrus scent.

Ruby is our Fire & Passion Créme. It connects your Root and Heart Chakras and brings wisdom in teaching you how precious you are. The oldest healing uses for Ruby gemstones have been found to be cleansing the blood of toxins. Ruby ignites your creativity with vivid strength, vitality and confidence. 

Retails for $24.95 USD. Available in Ruby, Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Jade, and Gold.

I. Love. This. Creme. Face creams are really hard for me to try, I'm always worried that they're going to break me out or mess up my skin, but this one blew me away. The scent of lemongrass is mild but uplifting as I inhale while massage it onto my skin every morning. The creme quickly melts between my fingers and applies beautifully to the skin, leaving a demi matte finish. Not quite matte, not quite luminous. Just perfection and a great base for makeup. It also immediately calms down my skin and takes down any redness, seriously! This little jar is jam packed with amazing ingredients to help nourish, heal, calm, and moisturize the skin. Oh, and don't be fooled by how small the jar is because a little goes a very long way. This jar also wasn't full, however, I still have some left after using it for a couple of months.

Ingredients: Hemp Oil*, Rose Water*, Gemstone Essence, Shea Butter*, Beeswax*, Capuacu Butter*, Babassu Oil*, Borage Oil*, Black Seed Oil*, Aloe Vera Powder*, Lavender*, Lemongrass*, Neroli* and Sandalwood* Essential Oils

*100% USDA Certified Organic

I am incredibly impressed by this brand and their products, and would 100% recommend to anyone. The cremes don't necessarily need to be used on the face, they can also be used on the body to help alleviate or keep skin ailments at bay, as well as soften super dry skin. One thing that I will note is that international shipping is a bit steep. If you live in the USA, shipping is free (I believe) so you're golden.

All products mentioned, and more, can be purchased through Gemstone Organic.

Have you ever tried this brand? Is there a particular product that you'd love to try of theirs?

                                                         

*Products provided for review consideration. All opinions are entirely my own.

Baby Bottom Soft: Andalou Naturals Chia + Omega Radiant Skin Polish

If you've been following my blog for a while, then you'll already know that I love Andalou Naturals. Their products come at a fantastic price point and work really well for my skin. Andalou's Probiotic Cleanser and Illuminating Toner are already in constant rotation, in my skin care routine, so it only seemed natural to include this scrub in the mix. Did it make the cut?

Description: Fruit Stem Cell Complex, omega-rich emollients, and micro-polishing chia seeds gently buff and exfoliate dull, dry, flaky skin. Stimulating healthy cell turnover for improved hydration and smooth texture with fewer lines and wrinkles, skin appears younger and fresher with a radiant glow.
It made the cut! This scrub is lovely to use. The packaging makes it perfect to travel with or leave in the shower, like I do. It smells like fresh oranges, which is really quite uplifting, and provides a fantastic exfoliation without irritating my sensitive skin. At the end of my shower, when my skin has had time to steam, I take a large pearl sized amount and just massage it for a minute or so all over my face. Then I rinse it off and my skin is left feeling like a baby's bottom! It also boasts some pretty impressive ingredients, such as flax oil, white tea, tumeric, and vitamin C. I highly recommend giving this scrub a try and am happy to have it as part of my skin care routine.

I purchased mine from Winners for $8 CDN, however, it generally retails for approx. $15 CDN. Available at most health food stores such as Whole Foods, The Big Carrot, Goodness Me!, and online at Well.ca, Vitarock, iHerb and Vitacost.

What are your favourite Andalou Naturals products?

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Juice*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) and Borago Officinalis (Borage) Oils*, Cetearyl Alcohol, Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Powder, Linum Usitatissimum (Flax) Oil*, Fruit Stem Cell and BioActive 8 Berry Complex*,Cyamopsis Tetragonolobus (Guar) Gum*, Juglans Regia (Walnut) Powder, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Extract*, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Extract*†, Phenethyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Agathosma Capensis (Buchu) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil*.

*Organic, † Fair Trade
I purchased this product with my own money. All opinions are entirely my own.

Guest Post: Toronto Bee Rescue - Saving Honeybees in Toronto, One Hive at a Time

Hi lovelies, Nicole here! I know it's super late in the season for this but, I really wanted to show support for a super cool business here in Toronto (that I just discovered). I've asked Sarah, of Toronto Bee Rescue, to write up a guest post and she was thrilled to do so. After meeting her in person and reading the below article, I had a million and one questions about bees and her business. There is definitely a lot of information over on their website and you can leave any questions that you may have below, she will be checking them and responding. I hope you enjoy! xo Nicole

Toronto Bee Rescue began by somewhat of an accident in 2011. My husband (Peter) and I wanted to get honeybee swarms for free, so we posted an advertisement on the internet for free removal of swarms. We soon began to get requests to remove hives from within people’s homes – in their walls, ceilings and other structures. With Peter’s beekeeping experience and our construction experience, we decided to offer honeybee hive removal service to the public.

You may be wondering how Peter convinced me to take up beekeeping. Well, it began innocently enough with an invitation to tag along for a swarm removal. I had been reading up on beekeeping, so I had gathered some fun facts that I was happy to share with anyone willing to listen. The homeowners, that had the swarm in their backyard, were interested in hearing more about honeybees, so I took the opportunity to share. I had a great time talking to them and sharing the importance of honeybees. After that, I decided to take the plunge and get some real hands on beekeeping experience.

I began by tagging along to hive checks and even helped with a few hive removals. I was having a great time getting the hands on experience with honeybees and meeting some really interesting people along the way. However, in the back of my mind, I kept wondering when the dreaded day would come that I would be stung. That one fateful day happened had come. As we were cleaning up a removal site, I was getting very comfortable with the bees and had already taken off all of my beekeeping protective gear. While loading the bee vacuum up into the trailer, I grabbed the vacuum hose without giving it a look-over and one little lady (males can’t sting, they don’t have stingers) was right under my hand and she let me know that she was not happy about it! There were definitely some curse words and I may have even uttered something along the lines of “Peter, how did you *expletive* convince me to get into this?!”. Poor Peter. Being the calm and totally understanding guy that he is, he calmly asked me “Did you get the stinger out yet?”. As my anger began to subside, and the venom continued to pump into my hand, I ask “What does a stinger look like?”. And that is when I learned what a stinger looks like and how to remove it (the quicker the better so that less venom gets pumped into you). I now have ninja-like speed after getting stung. Area is exposed, locate the stinger (with my bullseye vision) and scrape the stinger out with my nail (where the stinger meets the skin). Then high fives all around.

Beekeeping has not only allowed me to reconnect with nature and opened doors for me to so many new areas of interest (raising quail and permaculture anyone?), but it has also improved our marriage. Communication has never been better. There is nothing like telling your honey as they are bending over, bum exposed, “Watch out! There’s a bee about to crawl down your bum. Your pants are too low. Let me get that for you!”. While beekeeping, communication needs to be loud and actions need to be swift. Love for the bees and each other helps too, I guess.

Want to hear more about Toronto Bee Rescue and support their cause? Check out www.torontobeerescue.ca. Follow on Twitter and like on Facebook .

Post written by Sarah Allinson-Chorabik of Toronto Bee Rescue.

September 2014 Empties

Another day, another bundle of trash to share with you all. My empties really need no introduction.

*Shamanuti Face Oil - review here - I've had this facial oil since January, probably even before that actually, and have loved it as an eye serum. It never gave me milia, wasn't strongly fragranced, and worked to moisturize the delicate eye area. Since I have so many other oils, I will not be repurchasing this one right now.

*Gemstone Organic Calendula Hydrosol - review here - I'm a huge fan of calendula and hydrosols, so you already know I like this one. There was only enough in the bottle to use a handful of times. May purchase a full size.

*evie Amazingly Soothing Makeup Remover - review here - Loved how well this cleanser removed makeup and how well it rinsed off. The smell was very faint but towards the end, it started to smell different...stale, if you will. Not sure I'd repurchase based on that alone.

Pretty Rose Petal & Oatmeal Cleansing Grains - review here - These were my favourite cleansing grains of the two that I've tried and I've had this since January! It worked well as a second and morning cleanse to gentle exfoliate and promote circulation. Will be repurchasing at some point.

*New Leaf Naturals Chamomile Lemongrass Foaming Hand Soap - review here - Lovely company, lovely soap, but too drying for my hands. Will not repurchase.

*Sigrid Simply Beautiful Unscented Body Butter - This body butter has three ingredients; water, beeswax, and olive oil. I questioned how long it could really last without a preservative, especially since there's water in it. I didn't enjoy the olive oil scent and had to add in some peppermint and lavender EO to make it tolerable. Loved it on my feet in the summer time but would not repurchase.

*Organic Bath Co. Zesty Morning Scrub - review here - I stand behind my review of this scrub, sooooo good! It smells like fresh oranges, works well to exfoliate without being too abrasive and I love that the company gives back. I'm hoping they'll be available in Canada soon so that I can repurchase!

*Huckleberry Limoncello Peel/Mask - review here - Incredible! There's not much else to say. Would purchase more if they were available in Canada or would just pick up a large size of the peel if that was available at all.

Living Libations Wild Child Healthy Gum Drops - review here - Love these drops! They're mild and I swear they've been helping my sensitive gums. I've already repurchased and mix it with a salt water mixture to use as a mouth rinse.

Living Libations Frankincense Tooth Paste - Hated the taste and texture of this toothpaste. It also ended up irritating my mouth and leaving me with canker sores, which I haven't had since going natural with my toothpaste. Will not repurchase this particular one.

*Meow Meow Tweet Face+Body Toning Mist in Geranium Basil - There wasn't much in this baby tube to determine whether I liked the formula, but I certainly decided that I didn't like the scent.

Boscia Blotting Papers - I've had these for years and years. They worked well and, as you can see, were well loved. Not sure if these are even still available but I'd repurchase. MarieNatie Lip Gloss in Love Struck - review here -  I love the formula and scent of MarieNatie lip glosses. This one had more pigmentation than the other 2 that I've tried, however, it was still pretty sheer. Would 100% repurchase. *Sappho Liquid Foundation in Rachel - review here - Sappho makes THE best (liquid) foundation that I have ever tried. There are certainly some downfalls, like how it oxidizes, but I still love how natural it looks on my skin and how well it wears. Rachel is a great shade match when I'm tanned, however, I have purchased Leisha (a shade lighter) and am using that now. I've had this bottle for well over a year and have had Leisha since December. The bottle is small but a little goes a long way and is totally worth the $52 price tag! *Red Apple Lipstick The Lash Project Mascara (not pictured) - review here - I've tossed out my RAL mascara after using it for a month because it dried out. I mean, it was already dry but I literally couldn't get any on my lashes anymore. Would not repurchase.
What have you finished up this month?  *PR SAMPLE

Huckleberry - #hellohuckleberry

Women (and I'm sure men) don't often take time to sit back, relax, and enjoy a mini facial at home. It's important to give yourself a little facial to increase cell turnover, remove dead skin, and refresh the overall complexion. If you can't make it to the spa, let the spa come to you with Huckleberry.

I was introduced to Huckleberry through Sarita, of Edible Facial. She held an Instagram contest in which we could win our own customized exfoliant/mask duo for a truly spa-like at home facial. Huckleberry was kind enough to send all participants, "grand prize winner" or not, a duo to experience the brand and products. I was sent the *limoncello peel & mask, as well as a *brush.

How Huckleberry works is that you take a skin quiz, in order to determine your skin's needs. Then you pick several kits that you'd most like to try and Huckleberry chooses one from your facial menu to send to you. Lastly, you choose whether you'd like to receive a treatment set bi weekly, weekly, monthly, or a sampler which is 12 treatments over 3 months. How cool!?

You can read more about them and how to sign up by clicking here.

These cute little duos come in small plastic containers, that are tucked into a velvet(ish) purple pouch. Each one comes with a card detailing what the exfoliant/mask are, what they do, how to use each one, and a list of ingredients.

The Limoncello Peel was incredible! I've mentioned time and time again how much I love chemical exfoliants, this one did not let me down. It felt like an actual peel! Now, when I saw an actual peel, I don't mean a peel that leaves your skin super raw and you have to hide for weeks until new skin grows. This peel isn't an intense dermatologist peel, it's superficial (top layer of skin/dermis level). It's ideal for anyone who cannot use a manual exfoliant because they're too sensitive or have pustules (pimples with white heads in them). The Limoncello Mask was great as well, and worked great in combination with the peel. I didn't use the brush, so I have no thoughts on that. It's great that they include one though!

I applied this peel on clean skin, let it sit for about 10 minutes and then removed it with warm (on the cooler side) water. Note: peels do tingle. Then I applied the mask for about 10 minutes and removed that with warm water as well. Once I was done my little facial routine, my skin was definitely red and a bit sensitive. I applied my favourite facial oils and off to bed I went. In the morning, my skin looked incredible! Honestly, my skin was so soft, even toned, and clear. Each little container was enough for 3 uses, however, I made stretched them to 4 uses. I'm beyond in love with this little kit and this company. My only two wishes are, 1. That this service be available in Canada and 2. That there were larger sizes available for purchase. I was explained that the reason larger sizes aren't available is because this service is meant to be customized based on your skin's needs that week/month. Still, I wish I could buy a big jar of that peel.

As an aesthetician and lover of facials, I'm incredibly impressed with the two products that I received from Huckleberry. If you live in the USA (which is where they ship to/within), then I highly recommend giving them a try.

To sign up or learn more, visit Huckleberry.

Have you tried Huckleberry before? What was your experience like?

*Products were sent to me without any mention of a review. All opinions are my own.