May/June/July 2014 Faves!

I have been big time slacking on these favourite posts, but i've managed to narrow it down to the items that have stood out to me most over the last three months. All of these have been well loved, as you might notice if you've already seen my empties.

Physicians Formula Organic Wear CC Cream in Light - Sometimes I adore this CC cream, other times I don't. For the most part though, it has been a favourite. It provides medium to full coverage while leaving a dewy finish. On really hot days, it needs to be set with a powder or it makes me look greasy. The colour matches me well, but oxidizes quite a bit. Overall, great introduction to CC creams for me (it was the first one that I've tried/used).

Sappho Liquid Foundation in Leisha - review here - This is a long time favourite of mine. It provides beautiful coverage without ever feeling heavy/cakey. It's like a better second skin.

FitGlow Lipgloss in Nude - I purchased this from Anise Apothecary a couple of months ago and have fallen more and more in love. It's a mauve-ish nude shade that looks great over any lipstick or over my natural lips. It's a slightly sticky formula, but that makes it last even longer. It's also super moisturizing.

*Earthlabs Raw Mascara - Anise Apothecary gave me this mascara to try and I'm so glad they did. It's awesome! No clumps, flaking, smudging, transferring, or burning. Lasts all day long, even on super hot and humid days.

*Queen of the Hive Peppermint Lip Balm - This stuff works incredibly well, tastes great, and I love it. The only thing that I don't like is that when it gets hard, it tugs at the lips a bit.

Wedderspoon Manuka Honey - Do I really need to explain this favourite? It's a holy grail skin care item for me. I use it to mix clay masks and on it's own, just works wonders for my skin.

*Pai Comfrey & Calendula Calming Body Cream - I've been using this as a hand cream and it instantly soothes the ezcema on my hands. It's been a friggen dream come true and I may even like it more than the actual hand cream. I also use it on my legs as they can get super itchy and dry.

*evie Lovingly Pure Toning Rose Water - review here - I am obsessed. I love the smell, how it works, the bottle, the misting top, just the whole thing. It's so expensive that I'm still debating on whether or not to splurge. I guess if I love it this much I really should eh?

Odacite (Pa + G) Papaya and Geranium Pure Elements - These serums are a game changer. They're meant to be mixed with other oils/serums/face creams. I've seen great results, in terms of brightening, with this particular one.

Badger Balm Joint Rub - If you've ever been looking for a natural rub for sore muscles and joints, may I introduce you to this miracle worker. As someone who's constantly hunched over (I know, I know. Pull those shoulders back!), bending, standing, sitting, for long periods of time, my body needs a good rub every now and then. This has gotten me through some long days at work, days I wouldn't have made it through otherwise. Never discontinue this item Badger!

Traditional Medicinals Organic Chamomile with Lavender Tea - This tea...this tea tastes incredible AND puts me right to sleep! A must try if your mind goes into overdrive at night :). Hope you enjoyed! Let me know what you've been loving. *PR SAMPLE

Blog Birthday Giveaway! [CLOSED]

Hello lovelies! In May, my little blog turned 2 years old. Go ahead, take a moment to sing Happy Birthday....     Thank you, thank you :). With work keeping me busy, I wasn't able to do this giveaway last month even though I really wanted to thank you guys. Thank you all for your support, love, and encouragement. Whether you just read my blog, comment, send me emails, Tweet me, or whatever, I appreciate it so very much.   On that note, my blog will be very quite for the next few months. Not only have I lost some of my blogging mojo, but work is insanely busy this time of year (I ain't complaining!). There will still be posts, just not as frequently and I'll still be active on Twitter and Instagram :).'   GIVEAWAY TIME
If you follow me on Instagram, then you may have already seen a picture of what I said was one of two giveaway prizes. I changed my mind and decided to mix up the prizes to give them a lovely variety of products. I may also throw in some additional items that you won't know about until you open the box. How to enter:

• Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, and/or Bloglovin (let me know in the comments section which social media platform(s) you follow me on and your name on those platform(s))
• Let me know, in the comments section, what you have planned for the summer OR what your fondest memory of summer is
• Only leave one comment with all of the above information please :)

 What you'll win:

Prize #1:

• Lyck Bodycare Body Butter in Pink Lemonade
• Lyck Bodycare Lip Butter in Candied Orange
• Evie Miracle oil (basically rosehip and rose otto oil)
• One Love Organics Brand New Day Scrub + Mask
• Sappho Pressed Shadow in Craving Cocoa (see swatches here)

Prize #2:

• Lyck Bodycare Body Butter in Exotic Kiss
• Pure + Simple Pressed Blush in Soleil (see swatches here)
• Physicians Formula Organic Wear CC Mascara (this came in a duo pack. I took a tube for myself and kept one for you guys. It has never been used but will ship without a box)
• Myra Aso 100% Pure Marula Oil
• Lyck Bodycare Glossy Box (mini)
• S.W. Basics Cocoa Butter Lip Balm
• Sephora Silicone Exfoliating Pad

Official Rules:

All entrants must be 18 years of age (or older) or have permission of their legal guardian, as I will need your mailing address. Contest will end at 11:59 pm EST on June 23rd, 2014. Winners will be chosen at random and announced here. Winners will have 48 hours to email me at ecochicbeautydiva@gmail.com. If one or both winners do not claim their giveaway prize within 48 hours, another will be chosen. Giveaway is open internationally. Void where prohibited by law.

*WINNERS ARE: Avigayil & Lauren. Thank you to all who participated and for all your kind words. There will be more giveaways in the future. LOVE YOU GUYS!

Faves Friday + A Fail

Today is Monday and I'm a little late with Faves Friday, with good reason! My internet was down (which seems to happen all the damn time) and I had no time to upload Saturday or Sunday. I really wanted to get this up because I have some old, new, and rediscovered faves.

Pretty Ginger & Cypress Mask (review here) mixed with Wedderspoon Manuka Honey - I forgot how amazing this combination works when my skin is freaking out. It's gentle and effective at reducing redness, irritation, and speeding up the healing time of breakouts.

La Bella Figura Modern Radiance Concentrate - If you follow me on Instagram, then you may have already seen that my amazing boyfriend surprised me with this serum. I was worried that it would piss off my skin but, it hasn't! In fact, I've noticed that some of my sun spots and acne scars have significantly faded in the few weeks that I've been using it. For reference, I only use it at night.

Physicians Formula Organic Wear Liner in Black Woods - I'm not one for eye liner, but lately I've been loving this one. I smudge it across the top lash line and outer bottom lash line for a semi-smokey, smoldering eye.

*Red Apple Lipstick in Coral Crush - review here - The sun has been shining, the weather has been somewhat warm, and orange lips just seemed like a good idea. Stunning shade!

And for my one fail product...

EO Organic Deodorant in Lavender - Simply put, this doesn't work as a deodorant at all. The scent disappears within minutes. I've even added in some additional essential oils and that didn't help. I do, however, enjoy this as a room, body, and car spray. Even used for those purposes, the scent doesn't last longer than a few minutes.

I'd love to hear what you've been loving this month, let me know or link your post in the comments section :).

*PR SAMPLE.

Reveal My (Makeup) Stash #3: All About Eyes

I'm not adventurous with my eye shadows, I much prefer a neutral eye but still love a nice pop of colour on occasion. That being said, I rarely ever apply more than just mascara to my eyes because a eye primer doesn't exist in my collection. Creased shadow just annoys the heck out of me. Caitie has raved about the Faerie Organic Forty Winks Eye Primer and I keep meaning to pick it up. Perhaps it's about time that I do? Probably.

I'm going to list the shadows by row, starting at the top. To see swatches of Pure Anada shadows, click here. To see swatches of Sappho shadows, click here.

First Row: *Pure Anada Pearl (loose), and Cheeky Cosmetics Samples in Aubergine, Midnight, & Cocoa (loose).

Second Row: The All Natural Face Sample in Smolder (loose), Silk Naturals Custom & Satin (loose), and W3LL People Holiday (loose).

Third Row: The All Natural Face Diva Stix in Milk.

Fourth Row: *Sappho Turtle, *Pure Anada Whisper, Pure Anada Burlap, and *Sappho Craving Cocoa.

Fifth Row: *Sappho Norma, *Pure Anada Mirage, and *Sappho Chloe.

Sixth Row:  *Pure Anada Blackberry, *Sappho Beckitt, *Pure Anada Onyx, and *Sappho Raven

Youngblood Pressed Mineral Eyeshadow Quad in Eternity is the only quad or palette that I own. It comes with me whenever and wherever I travel because they, to me, are the perfect colours for a subtle or smokey neutral eye.

Silk Naturals Satin & Custom, Pure Anada Burlap, Sappho Craving Cocoa, and W3LL People Holiday

Here are four shadows that I have yet to swatch and thought it would be a great time to do so, in case you're thinking of picking them up. Holiday I'm not too crazy about but, the other three are stunning! Also, Craving Cocoa is a bit more or a red brown, almost burnt orange or brick.

Left to right: W3LL People Holiday, Silk Naturals Satin, and Silk Naturals Custom

Left to right: Pure Anada Burlap and Sappho Craving Cocoa

Left to right:  W3LL People Holiday, Silk Naturals Satin, Silk Naturals Custom, Pure Anada Burlap, and Sappho Craving Cocoa

Bottom to top:  W3LL People Holiday, Silk Naturals Satin, Silk Naturals Custom, Pure Anada Burlap, and Sappho Craving Cocoa

Here we have Youngblood Eye Illuminator, Zuzu Brow Pencil in Russet, Physicians Formula Organic Wear in Black Woods, Benecos Kajal in Black, Pure Anada Mascara in Black, and Zuzu Liquid Liner in Raven (AH-MAZING). I've since added Sante Brow Pencil in No. 2 Brown to my collection. Stay tuned for my lippy collection! *PR SAMPLES. The two Silk Naturals shadows were sent to me by the lovely Cori from Well Beauty Blog.

August 2013 Empties!

I've been pretty MIA this month, mainly because my weekends have been jam packed + I've been working + I've been trying a bunch of new products that I needed to actually try before reviewing. The point is, sorry for being MIA and look out for some reviews :)

Now, let's talk trash. Woohoo!

Nature's Gate Pomegranate Conditioner - review here - This really didn't work for me. Didn't work as a conditioner or shave cream, but I managed to use it up somehow. Definitely won't be repurchasing.

Dr. Bronner's Eucalyptus Liquid Soap - review here - LOVE this scent so much. I use this to clean my stinky bits, tub, and sink. I already have another bottle.

Mont Echo Sea Buckthorn Cleansing Cream - review here - This was a really great cream cleanser. It cleaned off most of my makeup, calmed my skin, and left it hydrated. I wish that it was in a pump so that when the water (in it) separated from the cleanser, I could just shake. Having to stir prior to each use is a little inconvenient. I also don't think I would have gone through it as quickly had it been in a pump. Won't be repurchasing right now.

Pangea Organics Egyptian Calendula & Blood Orange Cleanser - review here - This has been my holy grail cleanser for a long while. I'm sad to say that it is no longer holy grail status. My skin craves something creamier, thicker, more moisturizing and this cleanser has fallen short now. I will not be repurchasing.

Weleda Baby Calendula Face Cream - review here - I.LOVE.THIS.STUFF.SO.MUCH! I use this as a hand cream now, since my hands are constantly being washed and I have a little eczema, and it works like a damn dream. I have already repurchased.

Olie Biologique 004 Huile Moderne Hydrating Oil - review here - I can't use argan oil on my skin, like many of you lucky bit....umm, like many of you lucky people out there. I CAN, however, use it to smooth out my hair. I really loved this small, travel sized, argan sample. It smelled gorgeous and worked beautifully on my end. Unfortunately, it's a tad expensive to just use on my ends, I won't be purchasing the full size.

ilike St. John's Wort Eye Cream Sample - no review - This eye cream is really great for hydrating the eye area. I noticed a slight plumping effect, upon application, and loved how my concealer looked over it. It lasted me a long time and I'm ready to try something new. I won't be purchasing the full size.

Physicians Formula Fake Out Mascara - review here - LOVE! It darkens, is buildable, lengthens, kind of thickens, makes my lashes look great, affordable, etc etc. I went through it REALLY quickly though. Mind you, I apply it every single day whether I wear a full face or not. I bought a duo pack, so I have another one already otherwise I would have repurchased.

Pukka Chamomile & Vanilla Tea - review here - Best.tea.ever. I've gone through several boxes of this stuff and it's the only tea I always have on hand. I love it before bed and when I have an upset stomach. Already repurchased.

Sunflower Seed Butter - no review - I'm really new to seed butters, I usually stick to almond and peanut butter. This was surprisingly tasty, despite the fact that it tasted a little like oil (if you don't know what I mean, I can't even explain it). I ate it on toast, with a little organic jam for sweetness. I'd probably repurchase. - Has anyone tried pumpkin seed butter? Any good?

New Chapter Probiotic Florall - no review - I'm pretty sure I've had a probiotic empty the last few months. They really help, or at least I think they help, keep my tummy feeling good. I don't find it keeps me regular, just feeling way less bloated. These are great, already repurchased.

That's all I finished this month. Wasn't too much right?

What have you finished up this month? Link it below if you have a blog or YT video :) xo

MUST HAVE: Physicians Formula FakeOut Mascara Review

Mascara is one of those makeup items that women (and some men) just can't live without. We all want to look like we have naturally full, long lashes without having to wear false lashes. Or, perhaps you like wearing false lashes and that's cool too. After hearing other bloggers talk about this mascara, I was super stoked to see it in my local Wal-Mart, on sale might I add. I picked up a 2 pack for something ridiculous like $8 bucks when just ONE is, I think, around $17. Quite the deal. A deal means nothing if the product doesn't live up to the hype and promises made on the package.

Description:

• 100% Natural False Lash Effect!
• 100% natural origin lash extension fibers for the full-on fringe of false lashes without irritation.*
• Innovative formula amplifies lash volume, length & curl.
• 24 hr wear.
• 100% Free of Harsh Chemicals, Synthetic Preservatives, Parabens, Synthetic Fragrances & Colors, Cruelty Free, GMO's (Genetically Modified Organisms

* Based on a panel of women using Organic Wear® 100% Natural Origin FakeOut™ Mascara.

Hi, I'm addicted! From my findings, basically watching YT videos, reading blogs and my own personal experiences, most of the other PF mascaras are known to transfer, smudge, and flake. This one doesn't! Well, not entirely. At the end of a long day I can sometimes find a few flakes, but I feel that's pretty normal with any mascara. My lashes are long, they touch, it's normal to me. Does it wear for 24 hours? I've never tried, but it does last at least 12. Does it create a natural false lash effect? Not sure because, like I mentioned (not bragging), my lashes are already long. It does enhance my natural lashes, making them darker and appear slightly fuller. This mascara doesn't irritate my eyes or cause styes, which has happened with other natural mascaras in the past. I adore that this product is widely available, I don't have to travel to different health food stores or purchase online. The packaging is super cute, and I don't find the leaf handle uncomfortable to hold. What I do find, at times, uncomfortable is the massive wand. It's super massive, and the bristles are super short, which can be such a pain sometimes. Either way, I'm in love with this mascara. Because of that, you should go buy it :P. It will be a definite repurchase for moi!

Retails for approx. $17 CAN and can be found in most drugstores and grocery stores.

Have you tried this mascara yet?

no mascara

with mascara (top lashes only)- K maybe not a major difference but they are slightly darker and a tad fuller.  When I apply several layers, for a night out, people ask if I'm wearing false lashes.