July & August 2015 Empties!

Hi, my name is Nicole and I hoard garbage. I'm usually so good with posting my empties each month, but the last couple of months have really kicked my ass. Here is what I've been hoarding for you.

Andalou Naturals Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk - review here - This is my favourite cleanser, ever. It just works so well for my sensitive, acne prone skin and is can be found at Winners/Marshalls for under $10. It also doesn't hurt that it smells like apricots! Already repurchased.

Andalou Naturals Illuminating Toner - review here - Another favourite product of mine. Like the Andalou cleanser, this toner works well for my skin and is also really affordable. It smells fresh, like clementines (as the name suggests) Already repurchased.

Heritage Store Rosewater - I really liked this rosewater for setting my makeup and keeping in my purse to hydrate parched skin in the winter. Will likely repurchase for the Fall/Winter.

*Month Echo Eau Divine - review here - The scent of this toner was horrible but it did work well mixed into clay masks. At almost $40 though, it's not a toner I'd repurchase.

*Pure Daily Essentials Gentle Oatmeal Scrub - review here - I enjoyed how gentle this scrub was, but not how greasy it was. I still prefer Lush's Angels on Bare Skin. Wouldn't repurchase.

Andalou Naturals Super Goji Peptide Perfecting Cream - Surprise, surprise, another fave from Andalou. This berry smelling cream works amazing mixed with a couple of drops of oil, both day and night. It hasn't irritated or broken me out, and creates the perfect canvas for makeup. Already repurchased.

*Noer Organics Facial Elixir (sample) - This facial elixir was really nice, but incredibly small to decide whether it was worth the investment. I do love the lavish and chic look of Noer, though it does have a matching price tag.

*Noer Organics Cleansing Balm (sample) - I'm not a fan of cleansing balms, but really enjoyed this one! It removed makeup like a dream and left my skin feeling incredibly soft. Not sure if it was the clove or anise, or both, that tingled and left my skin a bit red. It definitely wouldn't work for me in the colder months when my skin is most sensitive.

*Noer Organics Masquerade Purifying Mask (sample) - This mask boasts some impressive ingredients, like five varieties of clay to draw out impurities, papaya to gently exfoliate and brighten, cinnamon to stimulate, gotu kola to brighten, and aloe and chamomile to calm and soothe. It was nice, but I expected more. I much prefer The Body Deli Peel (also an empty this month).

*Myra Aso 100% Pure Marula Oil - review here - This stuff works wonders for my hair, especially now that I've bleached the ends. I always use a drop or two either while my hair is wet, after I've dried it, or after I've styled it. Sometimes a combo of the three. Already using another bottle.

*Kari Gran Essential Serum (sample) - review here - This serum was nice but the rosehip (or possibly the combination of rosehip with other oils) gave me little red bumps with continued use. It was nice as an eye makeup remover though. Wouldn't repurchase.

*Zaya Face Oil - review here - I absolutely adored this facial oil. It was nourishing, smelled nice, didn't irritate or break out my skin, and was a real treat to use. I've decided to start switching up my facial oils, as I finish a bottle. Trying to keep my routine more minimalist with only using one oil at a time. Will definitely repurchase in the future.

The Body Deli Radiance Enzyme Superfood Peel - review here - LOVE. This mask works wonders for my skin. It moisturizes, brightens, evens out the skin tone, and reduces breakouts. Will be repurchasing.

Meow Meow Tweet Baking Soda Free Deodorant Cream - review here - This stuff works and I love it, what else can I really say? Already repurchased.

*NBW Body Scrub (sample) - I really enjoyed the new formula of this body scrub. It wasn't as greasy as their original formula and washed off nicely. I've mentioned before that I'm not a huge fan of scrubs, and that still stands.

Theraneem Neem Toothpaste - This toothpaste did contain glycerin, if that's an issue for you, and it wasn't all that breath freshening and teeth cleansing. In fact, my teeth were worse when I went to the dentist. Wouldn't repurchase.

Andalou Naturals Shea Butter + Sea Buckthorn Hand Cream - I have a thing for Andalou Naturals, can ya tell?? This hand cream is my fave. It smells nice, is affordable, and works wonders on my dry hands. It was the only one that worked on my ezcema (which I no longer have). Already working on another tube and will pick up a backup.

Deep Steep Body Mist in Honeydew Spearmint - Love the scent of this fresh honeydew and spearmint body mist. The scent doesn't linger for long but it is a nice refresher on a hot day. Already repurchased.

Nature's Pure Bliss Keylime Pie Soy Candle - This candle smelled really nice and was reasonably priced ($8 cdn). It definitely didn't fill the room with its scent though, which was a bit disappointing. Would consider repurchasing.

The Body Deli Living Hair Shampoo - review here - This shampoo is incredible. It leaves my hair and scalp happy, and smelling nice. Check out my rave review if you want to know more. Already repurchased.

Ilia Lip Conditioner in Shell Shock - review here - My love for these lip conditioners is long gone. I can't stand the formula or taste and am so glad to be finished this one. The last of these lip conditioners, that I'm working through, is Bang Bang (red) and I'm tempted to just call it quits. Also, the price has significantly increased by $10! Ridiculous. Will not be repurchasing. FitGlow Good Gloss in Nude - review here - I am so sad to see this gloss go. I had a tiny bit left, but then I dropped it and the cap broke. It is such a beautiful feeling and tasting gloss, and it was perfect alone or over any shade of lipstick. Will be repurchasing more of these glosses. Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Waterproof Mascara - meeeeh! I really liked this mascara for the first two weeks but then it got flakey. It was waterproof, so if you're looking for a natural waterproof mascara option, this is it! Wouldn't repurchase. Sappho Liquid Foundation in Leisha - review here - I have gone through at least three, if not four, bottles of this amazing foundation. The coverage is medium, and the feel and finish is natural. It was a favourite for a couple of years but I've come to realize that it irritates my skin. Since I've stopped using this foundation (it's been months now), my skin has cleared up and I have no forehead bumps. Sadly, I will not be repurchasing. I now use Alima Pure's mineral foundation in Warm 3. Sante Brown Pencil in No. 2 - The best brow pencil that I have ever used. It lasts pretty much all day and is very much a neutral/cool brown that works for my shade of brows. Already repurchased. Let me know what you've finished, if you spot any faves, or if you have any product recommendations!
*PR SAMPLES

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.

Read more about Fitglow Beauty here.

Good Lash Mascara ($25 cdn/8g): Create super VOLUME and LENGTH without toxic chemicals or parabens. Good Lash natural formula with Organic Rice Bran Oil coats lashes with VITAMINS and ANTI-OXIDANTS enhancing the condition of your lashes and promoting growth. GLUTEN FREE/ MERCURY FREE.

This mascara darkens, lengthens, and volumizes my lashes really well. It doesn't irritate my eyes, flake, peel, and only minimally transfers after a 7+ hour work day (keep in mind my lids are crazy oily). It's completely vegan but does contain phenoxythanol, which doesn't bother me since most of my products don't contain it. Plus, mascara goes near your eyes and should be well preserved to avoid bacteria growth (aka eye infections). I absolutely adore the natural bristle brush, they tend to make lashes look nicer and is generally more comfortable to use.

One thing to note is that my tube dried out so quickly. I noticed the texture change within a couple of weeks of opening it and within two months, it was dry. Lisa, from Glam Goes Green, told me to let the (closed) tube sit in warm/hot water and that would help, it totally did! I was able to get another couple of weeks from the tube. Either way, it's a fave of mine.

Good Gloss in Nudie ($24 cdn/15g): Treat your lips to super shine and nourishment with Good Gloss natural formula with certified Organic COCONUT OIL, SHEA BUTTER and JOJOBA. This advanced gloss will hydrate, enhance and protect lips without petroleum-based ingredients.

This nude gloss is the perfect nude that looks gorgeous alone or over top of lipstick (of any colour, really) and on any skin tone. It's comfortable to wear, moisturizing, long wearing, and offers pretty good colour pay off for a gloss. It is slightly sticky, but I feel like that is what helps make it long wearing. It boasts incredible ingredients, like coconut oil, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil, all very nourishing for that pout. I'm not a huge fan of the cocoa butter taste, but it is mild. Will definitely be picking up Jam (purple shade) for the Fall/Winter!

Please note that since purchasing these products, the packaging has changed and the line has expanded. They now have lipstick and a contour shade, oh-em-gee. Hold me back!

Get it here: Fitglow Beauty, Glam Goes Green, Anise Apothecary, and these retailers.

Good Lash 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), Phenoxythanol (Preservative).

Good Gloss Ingredients: Ricinus Communis Castor ) Oil, * Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Bis Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate, Cera Alba (Bees Wax), Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax,Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Butter)*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) , *Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E), *Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, *Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, *Cinnamomum Zeylancum (Cinnamon) Bark Extract, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, *Lavendula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, *Hydrastis Canadensis (Golden Seal) Root Extract, *Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Extract, *Citrus Grandis (Grape Fruit) Seed Extract May Contain : Titanium Dioxide

(CI- 77891)Iron Oxides (Cl-77499), (CI-77491), (CI- 77492) Tumeric Powder Kaolin Mica

June 2015 Empties!

Another month, another pile of empties to share with you. I am so excited for July as it is my birthday month AND there are some exciting things happening at work.
Diving right in..

Kiss My Face Creamy Face Cleanser - Brianna, Iluvjesse444, raves about this cleanser, so I thought I would give it a go. It removed makeup well, but left me feeling a bit dry and the tacky texture wasn't my favourite. Worked fantastically as a shave cream though! Wouldn't repurchase.

HollyBeth Marigold Toner - I picked up this toner from The Truth Beauty Company when I was visiting my brother in Kitchener. What drew me to it was the use of calendula and lavender oils in a base of witch hazel. My thought process was that it would help with acne while soothing the skin. Unfortunately, it was too drying for me. Wouldn't repurchase.

Andalou Naturals Illuminating Toner  - review here - Not much to say here, besides that I am already working my way through another bottle. It is my absolute favourite toner of life.

Saje Konjac Sponge with Yam Extract - I have reviewed konjac sponges before and they don't tend to work well for my skin with the exception of in the summer, as my skin isn't as easily irritated or sensitive. I picked this one up in January, used it a couple of times, it irritated my skin, and so it sat in my skin care drawer until April. In April, I busted it out and have been using it ever since. It gently exfoliates, removes any makeup that has been left behind from my first cleanse, and the yam extract apparently works to brighten the skin. Already repurchased.

*Pure Daily Essentials Revive Hydration Mist *Canadian Brand* - review here - This was an okay mist, it left my skin feeling soft and hydrated but I was not a fan of the scent. Wouldn't purchase the full size.

*Pure Daily Essentials Makeup Remover *Canadian Brand* - review here - Loved this makeup remover! It was so gentle and smelled faintly of lavender, removed all of my makeup and left my skin feeling so soft. Would consider purchasing the full size.

*Zaya Rosewood Eye Oil *Canadian Brand* - review here - As I am lazy and cannot be bothered to use a legit eye product, this was my eye makeup remover (a lush one at that). It was gentle, removed all of my eye makeup, nourished the delicate eye area, smelled gorgeous, and was an absolute treat to use. If you are looking for an eye oil, I would 100% recommend this one without hesitation. Since I only used it to remove makeup, it's not one I'd repurchase.

Honey & Glow Lip Scrub *Canadian Brand* - I found this lip scrub months back at Anise Apothecary and was so excited at the limited ingredients list; honey, brown sugar, and olive oil. That's it. It worked really well at first, despite needing to be massaged between my fingers to separate the sugar granules. Over time though, it became too hard (you know how brown sugar and honey get) to use, so I'm tossing it. Considering the large container and price point ($8), I would recommend if you can use it up quickly enough. I've found a lip scrub that I like better though, so I will not repurchase.

Andalou Naturals Beta Hydroxy Complex Recovery Cream -  This was a major fail product for me, so I am tossing it. I love Andalou products but this one just did not want to work for me. It left my skin red and irritated with continued use, and even broke me out despite it being targeted for acne prone skin. Wouldn't repurchse.

Deep Steep Body Wash - review here - The Deep Steep body washes have been a staple in my shower for over a year. They are moisturizing, lather well with a loofah, smell nice, and are generally affordable. The tangerine melon scent reminded me of an orange freezie, which was alright but definitely not my favourite. I have since discovered Sudsatorium shower gels, which are even more affordable and the brand is Canadian. Would repurchase Deep Steep, but won't for right now.

*Zaya Belly Oil *Canadian Brand* - review here - Another amazing oil by Zaya. This body oil was so beautiful, warm smelling, nourishing, and all over beautiful. It lasted me a good 5 months, making the $50 price tag worth it. I would definitely repurchase.

*Poppy Jane Candle Co. in Sleep Tight - review here - I am SO sad to have used up this candle. It was so beautifully fragranced, comforting, packaged, and filled my room with its beautiful scent. If you live in the states, you must try these. They are worth every penny! Sadly, shipping outside of the USA is insane. Last time I checked it was more than the candles themselves. If they were to become available at a shop in Canada or shipping was more reasonable, I would repurchase.

Meow Meow Tweet Baking Soda Free Deo - review here - This is THE best natural deodorant that I have ever used. I am a stinky person and this gets me through most of the day, a reapplication is required with most natural deos. It smells like oranges, doesn't irritate my pits, and one jar lasts me months. Would loooooveeee different scent options though, wink wink nudge nudge. I've already repurchased.

John Masters Vanilla Orange Body Wash (sample) - review here - Love the smell of this body wash and how it fragrances my skin. Picked this up just to travel with and would definitely pick up another travel size just to have around.

Living Libations Wild Child Healthy Gum Drops *Canadian Brand* - review here - These drops worked to keep sensitivity away and freshen breath. I liked using them in a salt water mouth rinse and directly on my gums. Will be repurchasing.

Alima Pure Mauna Loa Bronzer - review here - Two and a half years later and I have finally used up this bronzer! It was the perfect medium matte bronzer for my skin tone. I loved it to warm up my skin in the winter, as a foundation in the summer (or after a beach vacay), to contour, as a crease colour, etc. Love and will likely be repurchasing.

LoveFresh Eucalyptus Spearmint Deo *Canadian Brand* (sample) - Anise Apothecary gave me this on my last visit, as I was thinking of venturing away from MMT, just to try something new, but this deo left my pits feeling super wet upon application. It smells nice but I can't deal with wet feeling pits.

John Masters Lavender Avocado Conditioner (sample) - Glam Goes Green gave me a sample of this to try. Since my ends are bleached and I am trying to grow out my hair, I figured a conditioner would be handy. Love this stuff! So much so that my boyfriend picked me up a full sized bottle.

*Tata Harper Lip Treatment - I got this from an event that I attended about a year and a half ago. It's a really expensive lip product but it worked really well. I enjoyed the slight reddish tint, packaging, and how soft my lips felt. There are more affordable brands, so I wouldn't repurchase.

FitGlow Mascara *Canadian Brand* - review to come - This was a lovely mascara that didn't smudge, flake, or irritate my sensitive eyes. It was volumizing, lengthening, and the pigmentation was great. Would repurchase.

*Kari Gran Mineral Foundation (samples) - None of the foundation shades match my skin, so I used them all as bronzers which was really nice.

Celebration Herbals Turmeric Ginger Lemon Blend Tea - This tea deserves an honorable mention because it was so damn good! Turmeric has many health benefits, one being that it fights inflammation in the body. Since I don't eat it as often as I should, I thought incorporating a tea would be beneficial. Little did I know that it also contained ginger and lemon, great for detoxifying the system. This tea was warming, comforting, tasty, body loving, and I am absolutely in love with it. I have already repurchased two boxes, one to keep at work and one to keep at home. Highly recommend.
What have you used up this month? *PR SAMPLES

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