June 2014 Empties!

This post should have been up last week but, it's never too late to talk about trash. Right? I haven't really been buying new products or accepting PR samples, I'm just working on my stash in hopes of simplifying my entire routine.

Lulu Organics Hair Powder in  Lavender + Clary Sage (sample) - I really enjoyed the scent of this hair powder and it worked nicely at refreshing my greasy hair, however, straight up arrowroot powder works even better for me.

Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser (sample) - This cleanser didn't wow me like I had expected it to. It had exfoliating bits and left my skin soft but, it also left it really red.

100% Pure Burdock & Neem Healthy Scalp Shampoo (sample) - There's something about the 100% Pure hair care range that just doesn't work for me. This left my hair clean but my scalp irritated.

*SBT Seabuckthorn Juice Bar - I used this as a hand soap and while it was nice, I prefer something with a scent (like lavender). I also didn't like that it contained canola oil.

Province Apothecary Regenerating + Stimulating Exfoliator (sample) - This stuff was seriously exfoliating! It didn't irritate my skin at all, just left it super soft and bright. I may need to pick up the full size at some point.

*Mont Echo Sea Buckthorn Cleansing Cream - review here - I forgot how much I liked this cleanser. It left my skin so clean, soft, bright, and even toned. Mont Echo actually sent me this bottle because they've changed their packaging! It went from a jar, to this lovely airless pump. If you do try this cleanser, note that you need to pump it a million times before any product comes out. I actually thought it was broken at first. Will repurchase at some point.

*Consonant The Perfect Sunscreen - review here - So sad to have finished this bottle :(. It really is the perfect sunscreen. It left absolutely no white cast and created the perfect base for makeup. I find it works best for my skin in the warmer months though, is that weird? I do have a couple of sunscreens to use up but this one will be on my repurchase list!

Andalou Naturals Illuminating Toner - review here - I've talked about my love for this toner many, many times. I've already repurchased.

Pretty Ginger & Cypress Mud Mask - review here - This is another long time favourite and staple in my routine, I've already repurchased.

Weleda Calendula Face Cream - review here - Yes another favourite and staple in my routine. I love this for the ezcema/dermatitis on my hands, as well as my face. I'm currently trying out some other hand and face creams, however, it's very likely that I will be repurchasing in the near future.

OM Organic Matter Shampoo (Damage Level 1) - review here - I can't be without this shampoo! It works so well for my hair and scalp. Already repurchased.

On a Branch Soaps in Tea Girl - review here - I love the On a Branch Soap soap range and while this one was lovely to use, I had mixed feelings on the scent. Sometimes I smelled the lavender, other times it smelled a little weird. I won't be repurchasing this particular scent.

*nyl Whipped Hand & Body Lotion - review here - Another sad empty. This lotion was super hydrating and left my skin incredibly soft. Will be repurchasing at some point.

*Dr. Sponge Original Body Sponge - review here - Sorry, I can't get into these sponges.

Origins Planscriptions Concealer - This concealer has been sitting around for a long time and I almost never reach for it. It's not the worst, in terms of ingredients, but it's also not the best. Tossing it out and will not be repurchasing. Pure Anada Mascara in Black - review here - I believe this was my third tube of Pure Anada mascara and I can now officially say that it really irritated my eyes. I stand by my initial review of how well it holds up in heat, doesn't smudge, budge, smear, melt, flake, etc. If it didn't burn my eyes, it would be my holy grail forever. Sadly, I've had to move on. Alima Pure Blush in Freja (sample) - Loved this beautiful blush! It was a gorgeous shimmery (not glittery) pink blush that I think would suit most skin tones. May purchase the full size. That's it! Hope you enjoyed my trash :). *PR SAMPLES

Consonant Healthy Skin Care Swap

It's that time of the year again folks, Consonant is doing their Healthy Skin Care Swap! This is a fantastic opportunity to swap your 'dirty' products for clean ones, all while getting to try out Consonant at 50% off. The swap is only on from June 15th to June 22nd and valid on face wash, face cream, and eye cream.
Don't miss out, follow the guide below or click here (for a list of stores that are participating) and get swapping!

Reveal My Stash #2 - Skin Care: Cleansers, Toners, Moisturizers & SPF

And the reveal continues. I do have quite a bit of skin care, much of which I'm currently testing and haven't yet done full reviews of. Skin care is my life, that's the aesthetician in me speaking, and hopefully this will be a fun post for all you product hoarders junkies out there. 

CLEANSERS

One Love Organics Cleansing Oil was a wonderful Christmas gift from my boyfriend and is used to remove makeup. On days that I don't wear makeup or am in the mood for a double cleanse, I use *Antipodes Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser. *Therapi Rose Otto Honey Gel Cleanser and *Shamanuti Activated Charcoal Cleanser are not suited to my very sensitive and reactive skin right now. Although, I am using Shamanuti on my acne prone chest, shoulders and back. I usually don't have more than 2 cleansers going at one time or in my "stash", so this is a little excessive for me.

TONERS

Pretty Chamomile Facial Tonic is my morning cleanse, Graydon Face Food is my before oil/moisturizer skin prep and Andalou Naturals Illuminating Toner is my makeup setter, mid day refresher, and basically whenever toner. I love and use all 3 daily.

MOISTURIZERS

*SBT Seabuckthorn Tea Cream was my summer love but, it's not hydrating enough for my skin right now. It'll get used up as soon as it warms up, not that I have much left. *Therapi Orange Blossom No. 3 Honey Moisturizer is my current go-to day and night moisturizer. S.W. Basics Cream is used on any super dry patches day or night.

SPF/SUNSCREEN

  *Graydon Sun Cream is perfect for the colder months because of it's moisturizing properties. I have been using it daily mixed in with the Therapi moisturizer and find the combination amazing. *Consonant The Perfect Sunscreen worked better for me in the warmer months, however, I find myself using this a couple of times a week mixed with the Therapi moisturizer as well.   My goal is to work through the cleansers, I'm quite happy with everything else and don't feel overwhelmed by the quantity.    What's your stash like? *PR SAMPLE

Consonant HydrExtreme Review

I really don't think that Canadian brands, for the most part, get talked about enough. As a Canadian blogger, I feel that it is my duty to mention and try as many brands from my part of the world as possible and Consonant is one!

Consonant is a Toronto based company and all of their products are proudly made, with love, in Canada. They believe that "what goes on your body goes in your body" and that it's important to pick products with natural, yet effective, ingredients. That is why they've created a 100% natural product line, with as many organic botanical ingredients, that will give you the results you're looking for. I've already fallen in love with their The Perfect Sunscreen, but how did *HydrExtreme work out for me?

Description: HydrExtreme is an extreme hydration booster that is clinically proven to deliver potent and persistent moisturization that significantly outperforms Hyaluronic Acid. Formulated with a proprietary blend of exotic Cassia Angustifolia Seed Extract and Glycerine, this product is unparalleled. You will see more smooth, youthful and hydrated skin instantly. Also helps to sooth eczema, post waxing irritation and other skin ailments.
In a panel study, after one week: 100% saw improved hydration & 90% saw a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Those are some hefty claims, no? I'm sad to report that this did not work for me. It actually broke me out with the first use, so I gave it another go the following day and same thing. Cystic acne exploded all over my face, and I don't normally get cystic acne. I honestly think it was the glycerin because cassia angustifolia is supposedly anti-inflammatory, which should help with acne. I wish I had thought to try it on the small patch of eczema on my hand, but I didn't. Don't get discouraged though because my mom fell in love with this stuff! She doesn't have problematic skin in terms of acne; just sun damaged, dry, and aging skin which I feel is better suited for this product. Let's talk packaging. I loveeee the matte black box with white lettering, it's very high end looking. The bottle pretty much mimics the feel of the box, making it look chic and fancy on the bathroom counter. It has a dropper that allows you to dispense the perfect amount of product. The texture of this serum is almost like an oil, but not, I guess like glycerin (which is one of the two ingredients in it, imagine that). My mom would apply two drops in her hands and massage into her skin, AM and PM after cleansing, for all day and night hydration. She said that she definitely saw an improvement in hydration levels, which gave her skin a plumping effect, and a slight decrease in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. She loved this so much that she took it on her European vacation, in place of her other serums and treatments. The downside of this product is that it's very expensive. This tiny 10ml bottle is a steep $72 CAN, and there's also a 30ml bottle available for $149 CAN. While my my mom won't be purchasing a new bottle right now, I think she'd love to receive it as a gift (*cough* birthday, christmas, mother's day, etc *cough).

Do you think this product would be worth the splurge?

Pick yours up through Consonant or any of their other retailers here.

*Product provided for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

July 2013 Favourites!

I've been fairly adventurous lately with trying new products and July was a month filled with them. Many of them were used for only half the month, and no reviews have been written yet, but I'm including them anyway! Sue me (don't actually).

Jojoba Oil - Since running out of my DIY Oil Cleanser, I decided to use up this bottle that has been hanging around to remove my makeup. It's so lovely! It works very well to remove my makeup, is a light and almost water-like textured oil that never feels heavy, and it hasn't broken me out (A+ for that).

DIY Toner (in Pangea bottle) - I have been playing around with different toner ingredients to find something that is affordable and works well. This is basically a mixture of aloe and apple cider vinegar. My previous bottle was the same with the addition of essential oils. My next bottle with likely include green tea. When I get a bottle/batch that I'm beyond in love with, I'll do a post. For now, know I'm enjoying the current mixture and plan on making it better.

Sephora Silicone Cleansing/Exfoliating Pad - I've had this pad for ages, like well over a year. I use it, stop, use it, stop, and have finally decided to just incorporate it into my skin care regime daily. It's extremely gentle, easy to clean and affordable. Love it to bits, so much that I have a backup..what? Judge free zone, remember that.

SBT Seabuckthorn Tea Cream - This is a lovely light moisturizer that's been working well to keep my dehydrated skin hydrated. It has virtually no scent and is chock full of my beloved sea buckthorn oil. Review to come.

Pure Anada African Gold - This gem is pure, unrefined shea butter infused with African Marula Oil. It's worked wonders on my dry patches (face and body) and I swear it's lessened the appearance of my frown line. Review to come.

Consonant The Perfect Sunscreen + Alima Pure Foundation - For the first half of the month, I was mixing the sunscreen with the foundation to create a beautiful light to medium coverage tinted moisturizer. The combo worked really well, even though the colour was slightly off, and it just gave my skin a really nice glow while offering a sufficient amount of coverage..but...then..the next item came along.

Pure Anada Pressed Foundation - I have two shades, Very Fair and Light, both of which work for me. I played with both shades and Light seems to be a good match for me with my tan. It's amazing! It creates a flawless finish, wears beautifully all day, and doesn't cling (too much) to dry/dehydrated patches. Review to come.  Side note: I have a swatch on my hand below, of my next two favourites, which allows you to see my skin tone shade right now and might help you put Very Fair and Light in perspective.

The All Natural Face Touch of Rose Cream Blush + Alima Pure Freja Luminous Shimmer Blush (swatch below) - most beautiful combo ever. Touch of Rose just gives the cheeks a beautiful glow on it's own, then you add Freja to give it that gorgeous pink pop. It's so natural and so beautiful. I can definitely see myself picking up a full size of Freja when my sample runs out.

Top to bottom: Touch of Rose, Freja

Dr. Mist Deodorant - This stuff is fantastic for summer. It's unscented, keeps me fairly dry and stink-free for most of the day. I added some peppermint oil for a little spunk and to keep it fresh and cool when applying to my underarms. LOVE!

What did you love in July?

Review: Add a Luminous Glow with Consonant The Perfect Sunscreen SPF 30

With Summer officially here and the sun shining, most days, I want to protect my skin. And while sunscreen should be worn during all seasons, of course there's more emphasis put during the warmer months. Finding the perfect sunscreen to wear on it's own or under makeup can be pretty challenging, and when I received Consonant's "The Perfect Sunscreen", I was beyond excited to see if it lives up to its big claim. All companies claim their products are the best, but Consonant actually named it the perfect sunscreen. Quite daring Consonant, quite daring.

Description: Hydrating SPF 30 protection for prolonged sun exposure. The Perfect Sunscreen is unlike other 100% natural sunscreens as it is a smooth, non-greasy formula that leaves no white residue. It delivers optimal SPF 30 protection using uniquely micronized (non-nano particle) Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide minerals to block the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays. The newly developed formula has light, hydrating benefits with aloe vera, grape seed and rice bran oil, and evens skin tone with a touch of natural mica tint.  Like all Consonant Skincare products, this product is fragrance free, containing no perfume or even essential oils which can play havoc with your skin, especially in the sun! The Perfect Sunscreen is ideal for days when you're going to be out in the sun for prolonged periods. It is water resistant, but we recommend re-applying after swimming or doing water sports.

I friggen love this stuff!! The bottle is so light, perfect for travelling with, and the pump makes it easy to dispense product and avoid spillage. My only issue with the pump is, which we all already know, you can never get every last drop of product out. The sunscreen itself is beautiful. It's moisturizing, easy to blend, non-whitening, not greasy, glow enhancing, and hasn't broken me out at all. It doesn't matter how much or little I apply, it always applies beautifully. There is no scent, not even that nauseating unscented scent. The lotion-like texture makes it ideal for all skin types because it works well over a moisturizer or as a moisturizer. Also, the tint is fantastic. I don't think it would matter what skin tone you have because it blends to give you a luminous glow. Who doesn't love a fresh, glowy face? I mean really though. Oddly enough, I see slight shimmer on my hands after applying it but never on my face. The tint, and texture, create the perfect base for makeup. I literally sometimes just apply this SPF, add a little concealer, set with my Alima Pure, and my base is done. If I want more coverage, I'll mix in my Alima Pure with the Consonant SPF and buff into the skin for a flawless complexion. It's also SPF 30, which is what I prefer to wear on my face daily. I cannot say enough good things about this sunscreen and it's now my favourite facial SPF. I didn't think anything would beat my love for Devita! Seems too good to be true, doesn't it? The bad news is that it's expensive. At $45 CAN for 50ml, it's not quite the affordable replacement for my $35/75ml Devita. Still, I love it. The fact that it doubles as a tinted moisturizer and can be made into a foundation seals the deal for me. It really is The Perfect Sunscreen and I will definitely be purchasing once I run out.

Retails for $45 CAN for 50ml. Can be purchased through Consonant and other retailers across Canada. Click here to find the one closest to you.

What is your perfect sunscreen?

Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 6%; Zinc Oxide 10%. Ingredients: Reverse Osmosis Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Glycerin, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Isoamyl Laurate, Olea Europaea, Ginkgo Biloba, Calendulla Officinalis, Hippophae Rhamnoides, Curcuma Longa, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glucose, Lactoperoxidase and Glucose Oxidase, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Xanthan Gum, Mauritia Flexuosa Oil, Golden Bronze Mica Powder, Yellow Iron Oxide, Potassium Sorbate, Tapioca Starch, Red Iron Oxide, Black Iron Oxide.

*PR SAMPLE sent for review consideration.  I wasn't paid or compensated for writing a rave review, I actually did fall in love with it and highly recommend.