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

Rave Review: Red Apple Lipstick

Earlier this year, Lisa from Serenity on the Humber did a kick ass post on Red Apple Lipsticks. Since that post (not saying it's because of that particular post), there has been non-stop buzz around RAL. I couldn't stand it anymore, I knew I had to try them for myself!

Red Apple Lipstick is the brain child of  Jay Adam Harper. This project was started in 2007 and it's been nothing but innovation from there. Our lipstick is outstanding and for this simple reason it is used by scores of women worldwide. But we know this isn't enough reason to get you off your duff and order some, here's 10 more! Paraben free, gluten free, lead free, soy free, animal parts and testing free, nut/tree nut free, and vegan.

Read more about Red Apple Lipstick here.

After contacting Red Apple Lipstick and begging to get in on the action, they were kind enough to send me *Coral Crush, *Hibiskiss, and *Oh My Guava. I'm in love with all three, seriously. The colours are vibrant and the formula is perfection. I've always hated lipsticks, even though I have quite the collection now, because reapplying is a drag. These, however, are a pleasure to reapply because of how amazing they feel and how effortlessly they go on. They're also long wearing, meaning that I don't need to reapply as often. Bonus!

As for packaging, I think that the box is really nice and the tubes are chic looking. The textured bottom makes it a breeze to hold and less likely to drop. I also absolutely love the RAL logo detail on the top of each tube, how cute! Personally, I love the packaging but don't care for the black tubes. I don't carry much, but always find it difficult to find black anything in my purse. Anyone with me on that? No? Okay..

 L to R: Coral Crush, Hibiskiss, & Oh My Guava.

Here's a closer look at the shades that I received. I also want to note that none of these have sparkle, shimmer, or frost, just a beautiful sheen.

*Coral Crush is the epitome of a true coral color. A pinkish-orange color representing the beautiful oceanic coral reef. This is the MOST requested color that we have ever had in RAL history, and here it is - a classic coral. Smooth and dreamy, you will be the talk of your block next week when you walk out with Coral Crush on. It has a satin finish which produces a lovely sheen, without any glitter, frost or shimmer. Lovely all by itself or paired with a gloss to add sparkle.

Beautiful! As someone who isn't into coral or orange lips, this one is so easy to wear and looks gorgeous on. I've actually been reaching for it a lot lately.

*Oh My Guava is destined to be your favorite nude-pink color. This nude color has less brown than most nudes, and more pink undertones to complement your natural pink lip color. Let your quiet, creative side live through this uniquely simple color. This peaceful summer color is perfect for a relaxed calming day. Yet, sexy and romantic enough to be paired with bold, smokey eyes at night, if you desire. Oh My Guava is amazingly smooth, creamy and moisturizing. It is simply lovely without any glitter or frost.

When I think of nude, I think of a lip balm over top of my own lips. Since trying Oh My Guava, I see the difference that a good nude lipstick makes. It completes any look whether it be a "no makeup makeup look" or more dramatic look. I also enjoy that it has more pink than brown in it.

*Hibiskiss is a luscious and vibrant true raspberry color. A deep, berry pink with a hint of red. This color is so amazing - it can be worn bold or as a berry stain. Hibiskiss is incredibly long lasting and creamy. You'll really love the perfectly even "wear down" - as this color becomes a deep pink/berry stain. This shade is totally free of glitter and frost, it has a satin finish that isn't too glossy. It feels weightless and moisturizing.

This is my absolute favourite of the three! I love me raspberry lips and cheeks all year round, it's a sick obsession I tell ya. Hibiskiss is very long lasting and can be worn bold or as a stain, as mentioned in the description. I find that this one definitely lasts the longest and wears beautifully even as it fades.

Okay, I get it people. I officially understand all of the hype and rave reviews that RAL has received for their incredible lipsticks. While they have an impressive and extensive shade range, their formula is what stands out the most to me. No other brand, that I've tried, even comes close. It is hands down my new favourite lipstick brand because of how smooth the formula is and how it doesn't settle into my lip lines throughout the day. Obviously the ingredients add to the amazingness.

Red Apple Lipstick also makes and sells lip glosses, lip pencils, a lip exfoliator, RALLYE BALM™, eye shadows, eye pencils, and a new eye primer (which I have my eye on, no pun intended).

Retails for approx. $23.50 USD/$27 CDN. Can be purchased through Red Apple Lipstick and Serenity on the Humber (Canadian Retailer).

What's your favourite Red Apple Lipstick product or lipstick shade?

Ingredients: Helianthus Annus (Sunflower oil) - 100% pure organic cold pressed, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Butyrospermum Parkii, Synthetic Beeswax, All Natural Gluten Free - Soy Free - Corn Free Vitamin E Tocopheryl Acetate, May Contain: Titanium Dioxide ,Manganese Violet, Mica, Iron Oxide.

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