Live It, Love It, Green It: canadian

Showing posts with label canadian. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 09, 2015

Brand Focus: Fitglow Beauty

How I came to discover Fitglow is a bit of a long story with no short version. All I'll say is, small world. Fitglow is a Canadian brand started only a couple of years ago by Anna Domi. Anna is a down-to-earth, beautiful, and smart business woman who just draws you in. I've met her once, briefly, and literally couldn't help being drawn to her and wanting to know her whole story. Her beautifully and chic packaged products and colours are hard to resist, so hard that I had to purchase the mascara and a gloss.

Fitglow Beauty was started as a personal dream to find effective natural products that would not irritate rosacea-sensitive skin while providing effective ingredients to fight free radical damage and slow down the effects of aging.
Understanding that our skin absorbs what we put on it was critical to developing a skin care line that both nurtures the skin and provides a beautiful transition to makeup. From start to finish, Fitglow Beauty products work together to bring out your best.

Our line of makeup and skin care are always cruelty-free, natural, non-toxic and are the result of our passion for everything we do.

Wednesday, June 03, 2015

Brand Focus: Pure Daily Essentials

Discovering new products is fun, but discovering new Canadian products is even funner! That's a word, right?

Pure Daily Essentials is a small home-based business in Langley, British Columbia. We are committed to providing all natural skin care products working with ethical ingredients. All of our products are paraben and chemical free.

Being small, all of our products are handcrafted in small batches and made fresh to order. We respect that what goes onto your skin, goes into your body! We are environmentally friendly and are against animal testing. We test all products on ourselves and family members.

Read more about Pure Daily Essentials here.

*Makeup Remover ($16.95 CAD/50 ml): Our all natural Make-Up remover easily removes all make-up without rinsing. Remove all traces of eye shadow, eyeliner and mascara with this gentle natural eye make up remover but also use it as a dual cleanser for the rest of your face. It's gentle enough for all skin types and won't dry your skin or clog your pores.

This makeup remover is light, effective, gentle, soothing, calming, and wonderful. With oils like sweet almond and olive, and extracts of comfrey, calendula, and chamomile, it's no surprise why. It easily removes makeup, smells heavenly, and doesn't break me out. I enjoy how fluid it is and those that cleansing oils with castor will understand what I mean, as castor oil is pretty thick. Of the four products that I had the opportunity to try, this one is hands down my favourite.

*Revive Hydration Mist in Sandalwood ($14.95 CAD/60 ml): A refreshing and nutritious tonic of all natural skin care ingredients blended to provide hydration and balance for your skin, while counteracting the damages from environmental influences; it regulates your skins natural oils. This skin tonic is made with healing essential oils such as Sandalwood essential oil to help soften skin by increasing and restoring its ability to retain moisture. Using this tonic after cleansing, prepares your skin for the ultimate experience of whichever Pure Daily Essentials moisturizer you choose.

This mist feels really nice on the skin, is refreshing, and hydrating but I don't enjoy the scent. It's a combination of geranium, sandalwood, vetiver, palmarosa and ylang ylang. If you're into either of those, or all of them, then you'll love this.

*Gentle Oatmeal Scrub ($24.95 CAD/60 ml): Our oatmeal face scrub is made without harsh chemicals that often strips away too much of the skin. This all natural cleansing and exfoliating scrub is gentle enough for everyday use and is the basis for every effective facial care routine. Our oatmeal facial scrub, made with plant granules such as Lavender and Chamomile flower tops, will polish the skin just enough to rid dead skin cells without irritating the skin.

I was really hoping that this would replace my beloved Angels on Bare Skin by Lush, but it's completely different than what I was expecting. It's oilier, as you can see from the picture, and chunkier. While I do love how soft it makes my skin feel and the fact that I don't need to moisturize after using it, I do wish it wasn't as oily and the oats were ground up more. Still, this scrub is gentle yet effective, and a little goes a long way.

*Lavish Hydration Lavender ($26.95 CAD/250 ml or $11.95/60 ml): The best body lotion to deeply balance, soften and delicately scent the skin with the aroma of Lavender. Our rich and luxurious all natural body lotions are formulated with botanical infusions that are known to revitalize, rejuvenate, and nourish the driest of skin. Full of fatty acids, antioxidants, and a concentrated blend of vitamins and minerals, we worked with the earth to create a luscious treat for all skin types.
This is my least favourite of the bunch. I chose it because I love lavender, but the ylang ylang and geranium essential oils completely take over. Also, the lotion doesn't fully absorb and leaves me feeling greasy. It definitely boasts a list of impressive ingredients, like coconut oil, sunflower oil, calendula, chamomile, and comfrey, so it's unfortunate that it didn't work for me.
Get it here: Pure Daily Essentials and these retailers. post signature

*Products provided for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Makeup Remover Ingredients: Prunus amygdalus dulcis (Sweet almond) oil, Olea europaea (Olive) fruit oil, Symphytum officinale (Comfrey) root extract, Calendula officinalis (Calendula) flower extract, Anthemis nobilis (Chamomile) flower extract, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender).
Revive Hydration Mist Ingredients: Aqua, Pelargonium graveolens (Geranium) oil, Santalum album (Sandalwood) oil, Cymbopogon martinii (Palmarosa) oil, Vetiveria zizanoides (Vetiver) oil, Cananga odorata (Ylang ylang) oil.
Gentle Oatmeal Scrub Ingredients: Avena sativa (Oatmeal), Prunus amygdalus dulcis (Sweet almond) oil, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) flower tops, Matricaria recutita (Chamomile) flower tops, Plantago lanceolata (Plantain) leaf extract, glycerin, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) leaf extract, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender), Styrax benzoin.
Lavish Hydration Lavender Ingredients: Aqua, helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) oil, Cera alba (Beeswax), Calendula officinalis (Calendula) flower extract, Symphytum officinale (Comfrey) root extract, Anthemis nobilis (Chamomile) flower extract, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis (Orange peel) oil, Cananga odorata (Ylang ylang) oil, Pelargonium graveolens (Geranium) oil, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) leaf extract, Styrax benzoin, Prunus oenothera biennis (Evening primrose) oil, Glycerin, Sodium borate, Xanthan gum, d-alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E).

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Brand Focus: ZAYA Oils (+Giveaway: CLOSED)

If I haven't said the following enough, I'll say it again, I love finding local brands! Canadians make some incredible products and many of my favourite skin care and makeup items are made right here, eh. I was thrilled with Anna, one of the beauties behind the brand, reached out asking if I wanted to try out some products. They are based out of Toronto and handcraft each of their beautiful oils using only wild-harvested and organic ingredients. I had the pleasure of meeting Anna at the Green Living Show earlier this year and wow, what a friggen beauty! Her skin was flawless, along with the other two ladies (whose names I forgot because I'm a horrible person).

Anna offered to send whichever oils appealed to me, and based on the ingredients and scents, I picked the *Eye Oil ($69.90 CAD/30 ml), *Face Oil ($59.90 CAD/50 ml), *Belly Oil ($49.90 CAD/100 ml), and *Body Oil ($43.90 CAD/100 ml). All of them came housed in dark glass bottles with pumps, for freshness and easy dispensing, and gorgeously packaged inside of a chic cardboard box with their corresponding characters. While I don't leave the boxes on my dresser, because I like to keep it minimal, these boxes have worked well to store larger pieces of jewelry that are kept in my dresser. I absolutely adore the packaging and appreciate the effort to create an artistic piece that can be re-purposed.

Our strong belief in natural skin care is blended with our passion for elegant beauty. We create them in desire to remind women that their beauty has countless number of faces. To inspire them to bring out their natural beauty, to be different, but irresistibly charming and elegant every day!

All our products are created in Canada (Toronto) in our own facility using only natural, wild-harvested and organic ingredients. The product compositions are thoroughly developed by the team of PhD chemists who have 15 years of experience on the natural skincare market. No synthetic ingredients ever cross the doorway of our manufacturing site. Our manufacturing is cruelty free and not harmful for the environment.

Like many responsible businesses nowadays we are trying our best to use only recyclable and environmentally friendly materials to package our products. The carton boxes we use are made of 100% recycled paper [and can be used as a jewelry box]. Our bottles are made from beautiful high quality dark violet glass that offers optimal protection against the ageing processes that are released by visible light. So, you can make sure that the potency of our blends will not decrease over a long time period.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Brand Focus: Silkka Garden Apothecary

I've said it time and time again, I love discovering new Canadian brands. I feel as though Canadian brands don't often get recognized, despite having such fantastic products, and it's such a pleasure to see more brands putting themselves out there and getting recognition. Silkka Garden Apothecary has been raved about on several blogs around the globe, like Short, Small, & Sweet (USA), several times on Small Bits of Loveliness (Slovenia), and Elegantly Eco (Canada), just to name a few. It was only natural (pun intended) that with the brand's focus on pure, simple, and clean ingredients, that I'd have to try them out

Silkka is Finnish for pure and simple, and it's a nod to both my ancestry and the principles which guide the creations. While nature serves as inspiration, simplicity is always the intention. Using pure, natural ingredients known for their abilities to protect, heal and nurture the body's largest organ (our skin!), my goal is to create skincare products that are simple, beautiful and, most importantly, effective. As the old saying goes, less is more (and yes, this even applies to skincare).

Silkka products are handmade in small batches each week, using timeless ingredients from around the world. They'll always be free of harmful additives, and packed with good-for-you ingredients, like plant, nut and fruit-based oils and butters, essential oils, dried herbs and flowers, and unrefined Ontario beeswax. Product packaging is both recyclable and reusable (amber glass and tin), and packing materials used in shipping orders are always kept to a minimum. (And packaging material from supply orders are always re-used.)

Tuesday, March 03, 2015

Brand Focus: North Hill Soap Company

I love bar soap and find myself using it to wash my hands and, of course, my body, on a daily basis. It's important for me to support local soap makers that avoid the use of palm oil and any other questionable ingredients, and really put an emphasis on sustainability. When my friend Lisa, from Glam Goes Green, told me about North Hill Soap Company, I knew I had to try them out!

Welcome to North Hill Soap Company! We have been manufacturing hand-crafted, artisan soap since 2008. Our emphasis is on natural, sustainable ingredients, and 100% post-consumer recycled packaging.

My name is Kelly Martin, and I am the soaper-in-chief at North Hill Soap Company, directing my family of four children and web-savvy husband in all their bubbly endeavours.

Our family journey in soapmaking began with an innocent conversation. A family friend who owns a small-town art shop was lamenting her inability to find a soapmaker. I have always suffered from OCD- Obsessive Crafting Disorder. I have to try whatever craft is going by, and I thought, “I’m sure I can make soap!”

I could never list all of the crafts I have dabbled in and moved on from, but soapmaking stuck. I fell in bubbly love almost immediately, and I haven’t looked back since. Not only do I enjoy the process, but once you start using handmade soap, you really can’t go back to store-bought. The difference in your skin is so obvious, you would never want to feel dry, itchy and rough again. Not to mention the confidence in knowing what you and your family are putting onto (and hence into) your body.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Brand Focus: Province Apothecary + Giveaway (CLOSED)

Earlier this year, I had heard a lot about Province Apothecary but never really came across it in stores. It wasn't until I attended a media event, for a Fresh Faced and Health Hut pop up, that I had the opportunity to truly experience the line and chit chat with Julie (Creator and brilliant mind behind PA).

After struggling with allergies and eczema all her life, Julie Clark began crafting natural, organic beauty products out of her kitchen in New York’s Hell's Kitchen. Despite her busy schedule as a costume designer and stylist, Julie found herself drawn to holistic skincare, using her time off to experiment with oils, waxes and herbs- all in pursuit of the perfect skin care regime. In 2010 Julie left NYC to study Aromatherapy, Holistic Health and Esthetics in Toronto. Here she formed the foundation of her skincare expertise, experimenting with raw materials and natural ingredients.

For Julie, natural beauty goes beyond simply organic and wild-crafted ingredients; natural beauty means a pledge to helping clients feel good in their own skin. “I gather so much inspiration from my clients, the weather, and the seasons,” says Julie, of her individually-tailored approach to skin care. Her facial treatments often include hand-blended masks using local produce and seasonally appropriate, farmer-friendly ingredients. While PA has long outgrown the kitchen, Julie’s devotion to fresh, wild-crafted, seasonal, and organic beauty continues. Now a certified holistic esthetician and aromatherapist, Julie remains committed to innovation, sustainability, and small-batch skin care of the highest quality.

Read more about Julie and Province Apothecary here.

While I had received a few samples (mask, exfoliant, and lip balm) in my swag bag from the event, I really wanted to try other products from the range. Julie was kind enough to send me some items to play with and I must say, these products live up to the hype. Oh, and PA is also Canadian! Actually, Julie offers services, facials and custom perfume blending, at her Kensington location. If you're in the GTA, check her out.

Moisturizing Cleanser + Makeup Remover Description: Our Moisturizing Cleanser + Make Up Remover with Avocado & Raspberry Oil is great for all skin types. These hydrating oils remove make up & excess oil, restoring your skin’s natural radiance while gently cleansing without over-drying your skin or destroying its natural pH. Raspberry Oil stimulates cell turnover, rejuvenating skin. Bergamot Oil clears congestion. Frankincense tones the skin. Lavender heals blemishes and works as a restorative. This essential oil blend calms, reduces stress, and relaxes your parasympathetic nervous system. Our cleanser helps your skin stay nourished, balanced, and healthy.
Retails for $16.00 cdn/30 ml or $42.00 cdn/120 ml.

This cleanser is entirely oil based, with no emulsifier, and is an absolute pleasure to use! It's light fragrance makes you feel as though you're at an organic spa and the oils just melt away makeup with ease. It leaves my skin soft, nourished, well cleansed, and vibrant. I love that there are two size options available because the small one is perfect for travelling. The dark glass bottle ensures the oils stay fresh for as long as possible, and the pump ensures you use as little/much product as needed. Corpa Flora is still my favourite, but this is a very close second. I would 100% pick up the 30 ml bottle if I was going to be travelling or a full size to alternate with Corpa.

Invigorating + Balancing Toner Description: Our Invigorating + Balancing Toner with Geranium & Witch Hazel is great for normal, combination, oily, and congested skin. Our toner restores skin’s natural pH, shrinks pores and blemishes with the astringent properties of Witch hazel, reduces inflammation and redness with Rose water, stimulates and tightens skin with the essential oils of Clary Sage and Geranium, and heals and hydrates with Lavender and Calendula.
Retails for $14.00 cdn/30 ml or $40.00 cdn/120 ml.

This little bottle creates the finest of mists, it's literally perfection. The scent is an exact representation of the ingredients; clary sage, geranium, witch hazel, frankincense, all blended together to intoxicate your nasal passage and perk up your skin. After cleansing, morning and night, I'd spritz some on my skin before applying oils. I'd even use this as a morning cleanse on a cotton pad to, obviously, cleanse the skin and help with any blemishes that I may have going on. I will definitely be picking up the full size.

Rejuvenating + Hydrating Face Serum Description: Our Rejuvenating + Hydrating Face Serum with Neroli & Frankincense is great for all skin types: dry, normal, combination, oily, and mature skin. It replenishes your skin’s health while hydrating and stimulating skin on a cellular level. High in antioxidants and powerful anti-inflammatory oils, Neroli and Frankincense reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin tone. Jojoba balances skin’s sebum production, controlling shine and congestion. German Chamomile and Rose reduce blemishes, redness, and the appearance of scars.

Retails for $26.00 cdn/7 ml, $44.00 cdn/14 ml, or $76.00 cdn/30 ml.

I have such a love/hate relationship with this oil. Sometimes I feel as though it works wonders and other times I feel as though it does nothing. Mind you, the weather is changing and my skin is becoming bipolar, so that could definitely be the reason I feel like this. Like the other two products, this one is very fragrant and a perfect representation of its ingredients/essential oils. A few drops is all you need and it quickly absorbs into the skin. Some days, this oil was more than enough for my skin, created the perfect canvas for makeup. Other days, I needed to layer a moisturizer over top. I'm not entirely sold on this serum, although I've heard many swear by it, so I'll update you all in an empties post.

Hang Over Remedy Description: Our Hangover Remedy is a handcrafted botanical tincture that uses traditional herbal methods to help alleviate nausea and headaches, while cleansing and toning the liver and detoxifying your body. It is an all natural blend of flowers, herbs, seeds, and roots, combined to ensure adaptogenic, tonic, carminative, and anti-emetic effects.

Retails for $16.00 cdn/30 ml.

If only this had been available in my early 20s, when I would party like a champ several times a week and sometimes even need to drag my hung over ass to work. Now, I don't really drink. Ever. I had all intentions of trying this out for its intended purpose during Canadian Thanksgiving, but I didn't drink. Then I meant to try it when my parents invited my boyfriend's family over for dinner, for the first time, but I didn't get drunk (even though I drank). Sigh! I decided to give this a go sober, and it was very refreshing and gave me the slightest of energy boosts. Hopefully I'll get hammered during Christmas, then update you in an empties post :P!

I'm a huge fan of Province Apothecary and now understand, and believe, all of the hype. Exceptional products, exceptional ingredients, reasonable price point. If you haven't already tried PA, I recommend getting your hands on some samples or minis. If it's not available where you are, come visit me in Canada and we'll get you some!

All products mentioned can be purchased through Province Apothecary and any of these stockists.

Time For a Giveaway!

Julie has kindly offered to giveaway one Hang Over Remedy to one of you guys. Now you can have that extra glass of whatever and beat that hang over the next morning, then let me know how it worked for you :).

This giveaway is open to Canada and USA residents only, must be legal age of majority or have a guardian's permission to enter, void where prohibited by law. Contest closes on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 11:59 EST. Winner will be chosen at random and announced here and through Twitter. Winner will have 48 hours to collect their prize. If I do not hear from the winner within 48 hours, another will be chosen.

In order to qualify, you must:

Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect or Email (on main blog page)
Follow Province Apothecary and myself on Twitter
Follow Province Apothecary and myself on Instagram
Follow Province Apothecary on Facebook
Join Province Apothecary's mailing list (for great promotions)
Comment down below letting me know one of the wildest nights you had, where the Hang Over Remedy would have come in handy AND let me know which steps you have done and your corresponding email address, social media names, etc.

GOOD LUCK! - Congrats Heather, you won!

*Products provided with no mention of review consideration. All opinions are entirely my own
Moisturizing Cleanser + Makeup Remover Ingredients: Sunflower Seed Oil*, Jojoba oil*, Avocado oil*, Evening Primrose oil*, Raspberry Seed oil*, GMO-free Vitamin E, Rosemary leaf extract, and therapeutic essential oils of: Bergamot, Lavender*, Frankincense* and Petit grain. *Certified organic ingredient. Our Bergamot is Bergamotene-free (not photo-toxic).

Invigorating + Balancing Toner Ingredients: Aqua, Rose flower water*, Witch Hazel Water*, Lavender flower water*, Calendula flower extract*, and therapeutic essential oils of: Geranium Oil*, Clary Sage Oil*, Frankincense Oil and Rose Otto. *Certified organic ingredient.

Rejuvenating + Hydrating Face Serum Ingredients: Apricot kernel oil*, Pumpkin seed oil*, Jojoba Seed Oil*, Avocado oil*, Grape seed oil*, Pomegranate oil*, Raspberry seed oil*, Sea buckthorn oil*, Calendula oil*, Rosehip oil*, Borage oil*, GMO-free Vitamin E, Therapeutic essential oils of: Neroli, Frankincense, German chamomile, and Rose otto.*Certified organic ingredient.

Hang Over Remedy Ingredients: Ethyl alcohol, Water, Milk thistle seed, Ginger root*, Peppermint*, Black Horehound, Fo-ti, Centaury, Meadowsweet. *Certified organic ingredient.

Wednesday, February 05, 2014

Rave Review: Pure Anada Mascara in Black

Mascara is a daily staple for me. I just love how it darkens my lashes and makes me look a little more put together and awake, even if I don't wear much else. With long lashes and oily lids, it's important for me to find one that doesn't smudge, transfer, and/or flake. I also want my mascara to lengthen and thicken, giving me that falsies effect. Pure Anada's doesn't disappoint...entirely.

Spoiler Alert: Pure Anada sent me their mascara to try, however, pictured below is a fresh tube that I've purchased with my own money from The Big Carrot. I also didn't bother snapping a picture with and without it on because of the fact that my lashes are long and somewhat full already.

Description: Finally, a natural mascara you can feel good about putting on your lashes!It is naturally paraben-free, gluten-free, and mercury-free.You will be amazed at how well this mascara builds volume and length to your lashes. We trust that this will be the natural mascara you’ve been waiting for!

I have to admit, I didn't like this mascara at first. It lengthens and separates, but doesn't thicken. I think that's due to the wet formula because once it dries up, it totally performs to my liking. Mind you, I don't like any mascara at first. It wears all day long, 10+ hours with absolutely no flaking. By the end of a very long day, there is minimal smudging and/or transfer. The natural bristle wand is curved and so easy and comfortable to use. It helps give lashes a little more oomph, but I don't find it holds a curl well (at least on my lashes). A possible deal breaker for some is that it contains phenoxyethanol. I don't apply the mascara directly at the roots, so I'm not entirely turned off by it. However, I know that there are many green beauties that like to avoid that ingredient. The last thing to note is that when this stuff gets in my eyes, it burns like hell. My eyes are super sensitive and this mascara doesn't irritate them on a regular basis. It only burns if my eyes water and a little mascara drips in from the tears. Know what I mean? It's happened less than a handful of times, that's why I've repurchased. OH, OH and it doesn't dry out to the point that it can't be used within a month or two. I used my previous tube for a solid 3 months and probably could have used it longer, if it weren't for the fact that I shouldn't because of bacteria and all that stuff. Based on performance, price, and availability, this is definitely my current favourite and holy grail mascara.

Retails for approx. $14 CAN and is available in black and brown. Can be purchased through Pure Anada and any of their online or retail stores.

What's your favourite and most purchased mascara?

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Oryza Sativa Wax (Rice Bran Wax), Olea Europea fruit oil (Olive Oil), Vegetable Source Cetyl Alcohol (Coconut), Coernica Cerifera (Carnauba Wax), Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla Wax), Vegetable Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Acacia Gum, Black Iron oxide (CI 77499), Aminomethyl Popandiol (Ph Adjuster), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative).

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Saturday, October 05, 2013

Rave Review: Pretty Skin Savior Herbal Wellness Oil

Pretty is one of my all time favourite Canadian brands. I have loved almost every product that I have tried and their ingredients are exceptional. It was started by two sisters, one a Registered Dietitian and the other a Makeup Artist and Aesthetician, who wanted a line free of all nasties and suitable for the most sensitive of skins. Their products are free of synthetic fragrances and colours, sulphates, propylene glycol, phenoxyethanol, harsh preservatives, and pretty much anything else that you can't pronounce. You can read more about them here. For the record, they are not paying me to say anything nice about them and have never sent me free product. My love and passion for this line goes back to the beginning of my journey into natural products as it was one of the first brands I ever tried.

With that out of the way, let's talk body oil! Body oils are all the rage now and that's because they supply the skin with superb nourishment and benefits while still allowing it to breathe.

Description: Relieve dry, itchy skin without the use of cortisone or harsh ingredients. Calming oatmeal and soothing calendula are infused into a base of sweet almond and white tea oil. Lavender and juniper berry replenish moisture, relieve irritation and protect skin.

Guess what? I love this! Betcha didn't see that coming ;). The packaging is beautiful and very eco friendly, as it is with all of their products. The tinted glass bottle is light and comes with an upside down dropper that you can swap out for a pump. Don't you just love options? I personally prefer the pump because it's more convenient. The oil smells like the beauty section at a health food store, which is just lovely. It's not too overpowering and dissipates throughout the day. The oil absorbs into the skin really well, softening and moisturizing it while leaving a beautiful sheen. It hasn't stained any of my clothes or sheets, that I've noticed. I tend to get red patches on the back of my arms. There's no bumps or anything, it just looks irritated. This oil has helped reduce that redness upon application with it's soothing oatmeal and calendula infused almond oil and essential oil blend. Does it get any damn better?! I solely use this on my arms and any other irritated areas, like my hands. While it's targeted towards a specific skin type/condition, I think this would be a great all over body oil for anyone (unless you have sensitives to any of the ingredients of course). They have several other oils to choose from, if this one doesn't appeal to you. This oil is a beautiful indulgent treat for your skin that I think is well worth the price, especially considering the simplicity of the ingredients. I highly, highly recommend and would definitely repurchase!

Retails for approx. $24 CAN for 90ml. You can purchase it through Pretty. You can connect with them on Twitter, Facebook or send them an email to find a retailer closest to you.

Have you ever tried Pretty? If not, would you?

Ingredients: Oatmeal & calendula infused almond oil, camellia oil, safflower oil, jojoba oil, lavender oil, juniper oil, palmarosa oil, patchouli oil, rosemary oil, bergamot oil, rose geranium oil, orange oil post signature

Thursday, October 03, 2013

Delizioso Skin Care Ocean Kelp Dead Sea Mud Mask Review

I think that it's important to have a variety of face masks because they're great for targeting specific problems/concerns and "treating" them quickly. For example, if your skin needs hydration then you apply a hydrating mask and more often than none, it'll actually hydrate and refresh your skin instantly. The hard part is finding masks that are suitable to your needs and most importantly, effective. That being said, we all need a nice detoxifying and deep cleansing mask. This *Ocean Kelp Dead Sea Mud Mask could be one to add to your arsenal.

Description: The Kelp 100% natural Dead Sea mask is made with Dead Sea mineral mud. This mud is super high in mineral content which infuses the skin with minerals leaving it clean, refreshed and hydrated. It not only removes toxins and impurities from the skin, but also tightens and tones the skin, improves blood circulation, hydrates the skin and aids in skin regeneration. With pure sea Kelp to exfoliate and renew dead skin this Dead Sea Mask will help restore impurities in the skin

If I'm being honest, which I always am, I didn't have high hopes for this mask. After my last experience with a mud mask, I was worried that this would irritate or be too intense for my sensitive skin. I was wrong! This mask is nowhere near as harsh as the last and I've loved using it. Like all Delizioso Skin Care products, those girls are great at describing the benefits of what's in their product(s). Why is dead sea anything so great for us? Because it's rich in minerals, detoxifying, blood circulating, deep cleansing, tightening, etc (see description). The rich, deep green colour comes from, what I assume is, the kelp powder. Kelp, also known as seaweed, is a great skin softener, anti-aging warrior, and wound healer (think acne). However, I don't find this mask hydrating at all regardless of the moisturizing properties in it. My skin feels smooth after using it, but I definitely need to apply a facial oil. This mask smells lovely, lavender with a mix of something else, that isn't too strong and doesn't linger. One really interesting thing about this mask, that I've never experienced with any other, is that once removed I can see it still in my (rather larger) pores. That means a couple of things to me: a. you have to make sure to take your time removing it and b. it's deeply penetrating and pulling out the gunk and sebum from your skin. While I enjoy using this once every couple of weeks, all over my face, I've been mostly using it as a spot treatment. I put it on any spots and leave it on for as long as possible, then wash it off and the blemish is virtually gone or at least reduced in size. The mask comes in a glass jar and will last a long time, a little goes a long way. Highly recommend and would consider purchasing once this jar runs out.

Retails for approx. $38 CAN/USD and £24.00 GBP. Can be purchased through Delizioso or one of their retailers.

What's your take on mud masks? Love em? Hate em?

INGREDIENTS (*Certified Organic): Dead Sea Mineral Mud, *Laminaria digitata (Kelp) Powder, *Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Calendula officinalis (Flower) Extract, *Vaccinium myrtillus (Bilberry) Extract, *Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Extract, *Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Acer Saccharinum (Sugar Maple) Extract, *Grapefruit (Citrus Grandis) Extract, *Camellia sinensis (Green Tea) Extract, *Tilia Cordata (Linden) Flower Extract, *Prunus armeniaca (Apricot) Extract, *Myrciaria dubia (Camu Camu) Berry Extract, and *Lavandula officinalis (Lavender) Essential Oil
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*Product sent for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Consonant Great Canadian Face Wash Swap

Yesterday (Monday, September 23rd), Consonant Skin Care launched their annual skin care swap program. Sadly, it only applies to their best selling Foaming Face Wash and not their amazing sunscreen. Either way, you get the opportunity to try out a best seller from the brand or top up if you're already a lover of their face wash.
How it works:

1. If you’ve never tried Consonant’s face wash: Bring in your old, non-Consonant cleanser into a participating retailer and get 50% off their Organic Foaming Face Wash.

2. If you use and love their face wash: They've created a special duo just for you! Buy one face wash and get the second 50% off. Click here to get it.

3. If you can’t make it into one of our participating retailers, simply follow these steps to swap:

Take a picture of the non-Consonant face wash that you want to "swap".
Upload that picture to Twitter or the Consonant Facebook Page with the following message (make sure it links to them so that they can see it): "Hey Consonant I want to swap this face wash for your Organic Foaming Face Wash! #naturalskincare"
They will private message you with a code for 50% off one face wash or you can call to place your order (416) 925-2855

Participating Retailers:
Consonant Flagship Store - 2479 Yonge St, Toronto
Outer Layer Queen Street - 577 Queen St West, Toronto
Beauty Mark - 1268 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver
Selsi Sea Rocks - St. Lawrence Market - Lower Level, Toronto
Earthroots - 5451 Hwy 7, Woodbridge
Saltridges - 389 Brant St, Burlington
Sessabel - Online only

I haven't personally tried their face wash, but I love that they offer a money back guarantee with it. I also love the idea of this program because it generates buzz around the brand (duh) and encourages people to make cleaner skin care choices. More brands should do something like this, it's a smart idea. Good job Consonant! This program ends on Sunday, September 29th, so hurry up and get your 50% off face wash or duo pack!

I'd love to hear if any of you have tried this face wash, let me know your experience(s) with it in the comments below :)

Rave Review: Pure Anada Pressed Eye Colour & Pressed Cheek Colour

If you've read my reviews on the Pure Anada *Sheer Matte Pressed Foundation and *African Gold, then you'll already know that they are a Canadian brand and that I'm beyond impressed with their products. That being said, it comes as no surprise that I'm head over heels for their *Pressed Eye Colour and *Pressed Cheek Colour as well. Shall we just get on with the review? I think so!

Cheek Colour Description: We’re pleased to bring you a lovely selection of convenient pressed mineral colours! You’ll love the silky texture and longevity of our 7 wearable cheek colours. Mineral pigments and organic Jojoba are pressed together to create a natural makeup product. You can have confidence that you are making a beautiful, healthy choice! I received Bronzed Clove.

Eye Colour Description: We’re pleased to bring you a lovely selection of convenient pressed mineral colours! You’ll love the silky texture and longevity of our 20 wearable shades. Mineral pigments and organic Jojoba are pressed together to create a natural makeup product. You can have confidence that you are making a beautiful, healthy choice! I received Whisper, Mirage, Blackberry & Onyx.

Demi-Matte shadows are a combination of opaque matte minerals and luminous satin mica. This provides both true colour and a light-reflecting finish.
Matte shadows are soft, silky shadows that do not exude any sheen whatsoever.

Both products come in the same cardboard sleeves as the foundation, which is recyclable, practical and not bulky whatsoever. You can then put the individual pans in the Pure Anada magnetic palette or your own (ex. Zpalette). I personally like that idea, however, some may not so keep that in mind when purchasing. On the plus side, their magnetic palette is quite compact which is great for travelling. It fits 1 cheek colour and 1 foundation, OR 1 cheek colour and 4 shadows, OR 8 shadows.

Cardboard Sleeve

Magnetic Palette

Bronzed Clove is a really pretty pigmented bronzed, almost copper shade. I haven't played much with it on my cheeks and I can't see it being the best of contour shades, however, I have used it as a shadow and love it all over the lid and in the crease. My lids are oily and so it doesn't wear that long without a primer. I will try wearing Bronzed Clove on my cheeks while on vacation and report back on longevity. If you're a bronzed cheek gal, I think you'll really love this! If you're not, then there's 6 other beautiful shades to choose from. Totally eyeing Day Lily, just saying.

These pressed shadows are so pretty and I'm in love with the shades that I received. They're all demi-matte which "are a combination of opaque matte minerals and luminous satin mica", have great pigmentation, are buttery soft, and apply like a dream. Whisper is a fantastic highlight and all over lid colour, I tend to wear this one most often because it just brightens up my eyes. Mirage is lovely all over the lid and as a crease colour. Blackberry is just beautiful! I mean, who doesn't love a rich, true purple? I enjoy wearing this on my lash line for a pop of colour, in the crease, and to smoke out and tone down a smokey eye. Onyx isn't as pigmented as the others, however, I do like to use it to set my liner (whenever I actually wear liner). Again, my lids are oily and therefore wear time isn't that long. With a primer it lasts pretty much all day (7 hours or so), without a primer it lasts maybe a couple of hours. Pressed shadows are my favourite because they're easy to travel with, less messy, can be easily applied with fingers or brushes, and can be stored in a palette (less clutter). I highly, highly recommend these affordable shadows and already have my eye on a couple more shades.

The Pressed Cheek Colour retails for $12 CAN, Pressed Eye Colour retails for $8 CAN, & the reusable palette retails for $5 CAN. You can purchase them through Pure Anada, Serenity on the Humber Day Spa, and any one of their retailers.

Will you be trying any of Pure Anada's makeup? What would you like to try most?

Left, top to bottom: Bronzed Clove, Whisper, Mirage, Blackberry, & Onyx

Left to right: Bronzed Clove, Whisper, Mirage, Blackberry, & Onyx

Bottom to top: Bronzed Clove, Whisper, Mirage, Blackberry, & Onyx