Live It, Love It, Green It: giveaway

Showing posts with label giveaway. Show all posts

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.

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.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Brand Focus: Me & The Girls (+Giveaway! - CLOSED)

In January of this year, I created a wish list. On that wish list was the Me & The Girls Moon Serum. Imagine my excitement when Sharon, Founder and Creator, contacted me to help launch their Canadian shipping. Before officially beginning to ship to Canada, Sharon and her team, wanted to make sure that the entire process was easy and quick. I have to say, I don't think that I've ever received a parcel from the USA quite as quickly, we're talking days here. Me & The Girls were kind enough to send me the *Mini Beauty Luxury Trial and Travel Set. The entire line is sustainably sourced, mostly organic, and entirely vegan!

A little about how the brand came to be...

After raising my family I sought a new life that would combine my knowledge as a critical care nurse, my passion for developing healthy, luxurious beauty products, and my responsibility to support the social needs of women and girls. I reminisced about being a young teen concocting potions in my mother’s kitchen. So I began experimenting. Mixing rich botanical oils and exotic butters resulted in lush body polishes and moisturizers that smelled good enough to eat and left my skin soft and radiant. With the steady demand from friends to “cook more cream” new opportunities evolved and I knew my dream had come true. “Me & The Girls Alternative Skin Care, L.L.C.” was born and I finally had my heart’s desire. “I want my life to matter by changing the lives of women and girls one fabulous beauty product at a time.”

Read more about Sharon and the brand here.

Description: OUR BEST SELLER. Here's your chance to try all of our intensely moisturizing and therapeutic products. Includes mini versions of: Limonum Body Scrub, Lavandula Revive Softening Creme, Moon™ Anti-Aging Night Facial Moisturizer, Moon™ Serum, Lavandula Revive Foot Scrub, Bamboo spoon, Signature logo travel bag and BONUS Bar Beleza Multi-Use Beauty Bar and Lip Combo Moisturizer. Retails for $64 USD.

Ingredients will be posted for each product at the end of this post, scroll all the way to the bottom to see them :).

Lavandula Revive Foot Scrub: This amazing foot scrub revitalizes tired feet with invigorating infusions of imported lavender, fine-grain organic sugarcane, and a rich spearmint butter crème base. Exfoliates rough, dry skin and restores smooth, soft, sexy feet.
Full size retails for $28 USD for 28g.

I love the little wooden spoon that comes with both the full sizes (and this travel set) of the foot and body scrub. It's so handy for scooping out product. This foot scrub smells refreshingly of mint and really helps to exfoliate, moisturize, cool, and soothe my feet. I've been enjoying using this scrub, as you can see above, both after exfoliating with a paddle and to maintain the softness between my at home pedi treatments.

Limonum Sugar Body Scrub: VOTED BEST NEW BEAUTY PRODUCT! THIS LUSH VEGAN BODY SCRUB IS SECOND TO NO OTHER BRAND! Fine-grain raw organic sugar cane exfoliants and stimulates your skin while fragrant, hydrating coconut oil and superior cupuacu seed butter is layered into a luscious lemon creme and avocado butter blend that nourishes and polishes your skin to silky-soft perfection. An excellent remedy for Summer parched, Winter dry skin.

Full size retails for $32 USD for 224g.

The body and foot scrub look and feel practically the same, they just smell differently. It's exfoliating, without being too aggressive, and leaves my skin super soft. I've used it on my body but much prefer using it on my hands. I'm not a huge fan of the lemony scent though, that's just preference, and wish they had more options.

Lavandula Revive Foot Softening Creme: KNOWN AS "THE BEST ORGANIC FOOT CREME." RICH EXOTIC CUPUACU SEED BUTTER AND LUSH AVOCADO OIL IS BLENDED WITH THE FINEST FRENCH LAVENDER AND CALMING MINT INFUSIONS. RESTORE BEAUTIFUL SOFT SKIN AND REVITALIZING COMFORT.

Full size retails for $26 USD for 42g.

Again, the minty scent is just so refreshing and feels so cooling on my feet. This balm textured creme is lovely to use after exfoliating and melts right into the skin like buttah. Throw on a pair of socks and you got yourself a moisturizing foot treatment. Remove the socks, and you got the softest feet ever!

Mentha Revive Lip Moisturizer Lipstick Topper and Base:

LUSCIOUS MULTI-USE LIP MOISTURIZER Give your lips the ultimate moisture experience. Our VEGAN lip treatment is a superior lipstick topper, LIPSTICK base or wear it solo for long lasting moisture and soft, kissable lips! Retails for $7 USD (full size came in the kit).

I was a little skeptical about this being a lipstick "topper and base" but have been impressed! It works great as just a good ol' lip balm as well, but it really does create a lovely base for lipstick. Over lipstick, it leaves a gorgeous glossy finish that I especially love with matte shades. The peppermint in this is slightly plumping and freshens my breath instantly. I also love how smooth the formula is.

Bar Beleza Multi-Use Beauty Bar: MOST UNIQUE, MULTI-USE MAGIC! Rich in luxurious cupuacu seed butter, unique Bar Beleza performs as a light non-greasy day moisturizer, a nourishing non-foaming oil cleanser and perfect all-in-one facial primer and conditioner. Superior hydrating effects promotes natural elasticity and restores suppleness for all types of skin. Packaged in a convenient twist-up tube. Experience glowing refreshed skin immediately.
Full size retails for $42 USD for 52g.

This is product that I've heard most about, from their line. Seeing as the sample is the size of a lip balm, I haven't tried using it to cleanse my skin and, because it contains coconut oil, I haven't used it as an all over primer or moisturizer. My favourite way to use this is after my makeup is already on, I just dab it on any dry patches and find it works well to smooth them out.

Moon™ Beauty Serum: Moon™ Beauty Serum is a luxurious penetrating oil serum rich in anti-oxidants and essential fatty acids. Promotes regenerative moisture for normal, dry, sensitive, mature and sun-damaged skin. Excellent moisture source for day or night treatment.

Full size retails for $40 for 28g.

Ahhh, the product that I most wanted to try. Ladies and gents, this serum does not disappoint! It only takes a couple of drops to completely moisturize the skin. It sinks in beautifully, has virtually no scent, and works as a primer for makeup or as an overnight treatment. It contains absolutely no coconut oil (score!) and does include tamanu oil (double score!). I'm in loveeee!

Moon™ Anti-Aging Night Moisturizer: AWARDED AT THE HBA GLOBAL BEAUTY EXPO 2012 this superior moisture and Vitamin-E rich creme softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and restores soft supple skin. Exotic cupuacu butter is layered in the purest certified organic ingredients. Suitable for Normal, Dry, Sensitive, Mature and Sun Damaged Skin. This intensely therapeutic natural cream is unmatched in its effectiveness. Feel the difference overnight!

Full size retails for $40 USD for 28g.

I'll have to be honest here, I haven't even tried this yet. It does contain coconut oil, therefore it's unlikely that I'll actually use it on my face. I'll probably just end up using it on my feet, elbows, and knees.

Last but not least, the travel bag. It's so effen adorable! It feels like linen or burlap, maybe burlap, and works well to pack up the travel set or makeup brushes or makeup or whatever really. They should really consider selling this separately.

I'm really loving this entire kit, but have to say that the stand out products (for me) are definitely the serum, lipstick topper and base, and travel bag. I love the concept and woman behind the brand, the clean and beautiful ingredients, and overall packaging of Me & The Girls products. I highly recommend checking them out and what better way to do so than with a giveaway?

Me & The Girls has generously offered up a kit for one of my readers! Canada/US Residents only. Please use Rafflecopter below AND be sure to follow Me & The Girls on Instagram.

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*Set provided for review consideration. All opinions are entirely my own.
Lavandula Revive Foot Scrub: Sucrose (Sugarcane)*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil)*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Persea Americana (Avocado Oil)*, Olea Europaea (Olive Fruit Oil)*, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree Leaf Oil)*, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint Leaf Oil)*, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint Oil)*, Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuacu Seed Butter)*, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla Wax)**, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender Oil)*, Vitamin E - Tocopherol.
*98% NOP Certified Organic ingredients **Wildcrafted Limonum Sugar Body Scrub: *Sucrose (Sugar Cane), *Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil)*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Persea Americana (Avocado Oil)*, Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuacu Butter)*, Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu Oil)*, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Butter)*, Olea Europaea (Olive Fruit Oil)*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower Seed Oil)*, Vitis Vinifera (Grapeseed Oil)*, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon Peel Oil), Vitamin E - Tocopherol
*NOP Certified Organic Ingredients Lavandula Revive Foot Softening Creme: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil)*, Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuacu Seed Butter)*, Olea Europaea (Olive Fruit Oil)*, Persea Americana (Avocado Oil)*, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint Leaf Oil)*, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint Oil)*, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree Leaf Oil)*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender Oil)*, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla Wax)**, Vitamin E - Tocopherol
*98% NOP Certified Organic Ingredients Mentha Revive Lip Moisturizer Lipstick Topper and Base: Organic sunflower oil, candelilla wax*, organic cocoa butter, organic coconut oil, organic essential oil of spearmint, organic cupuacu seed seed butter, mixed tocopherol (non GMO vitamin E), organic rosemary extract, organic calendula extract

*Candelilla Wax is Wildcrafted

Bar Beleza Multi-Use Beauty Bar: Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuacu Seed Butter)*, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Butter)*, Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu Oil)*, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Virgin Coconut Oil)*, Vitamin E - Tocopherol *99% NOP CERTIFIED ORGANIC INGREDIENTS Moon™ Beauty Serum: Punica granatum (Pomegranate Seed Oil)*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Seed Oil)* , Vitis Vinifera (Grapeseed Oil)*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower Seed Oil)*, Calophyllum inophyllum (Tamanu Oil)* , Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuacu Seed Butter)*, Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla Oil)*, Vitamin E- Tocopherol
*NOP Certified Organic
MADE WITH 99% CERTIFIED ORGANIC INGREDIENTS Moon™ Anti-Aging Night Moisturizer: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Oenothera Biennis (Eve Of Primrose)*, Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuacu Seed Butter)*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil)*, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate Seed Oil)*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Seed Oil)*, Rosa Rubiginosa (Rosehip Seed Oil)*, Vitis Vinifera (Grapeseed Oil)*, Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla Oil)*, Vitamin E - Tocopherol.

Wednesday, June 04, 2014

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!

Thursday, October 10, 2013

SBT Seabuckthorn Sample Pack Mini Review + Thanksgiving Giveaway!

Canadian Thanksgiving is upon us! From my computer to yours, I hope you have a fantastic long weekend filled with family and food. Don't forget to be thankful and wear your stretchy/eating pants. In the spirit of this giving holiday, SBT Seabuckthorn has graciously sent me a sample pack to try and one to give to a lucky reader. They are a Canadian company, located in Peachland, British Columbia, who create products using the amazing sea buckthorn berry, seed and leaf. Before I get into the rules of the giveaway, I wanted to share with you my thoughts on a few of the products that I've tried from the pack.

22 Samples!!

This sample pack contains 22 generous sized samples, which consists of soap bars, tea, salves, and creams. I have tried:
Tea Scrub Bar: Smells like sea buckthorn oil and offers great exfoliation. I still prefer a dry brush, but this was a fun sample to use.
Sea Buckthorn Tea (bags): I love tea and really enjoyed this. I also have the loose leaf version, which is best for smoothies, but the bags are much easier to work with and convenient. It's not super strong in taste and goes down smoothly.
Berry Cream, Night Cream, Hand Cream & Skin Cream: I didn't enjoy these. I, personally, didn't find them hydrating enough for my face or body with the cold weather rolling in. On the plus side, neither irritated or broke out my sensitive skin.

Day Cream: LOVE this stuff! It's much more hydrating than the night cream and I find it's a fantastic base for my makeup. I'm still using the sample, sparingly, and might purchase the full size. We'll see how it works after my vacay, when my skin needs the most love.

Eczema Dermatitis Salve: These salves all have the same base, just different essential oils for targeted needs. This one in particular is great because it's helped alleviate the itching and dryness of the eczema on my hands, sinks in, and smells nice. Diaper Rash Salve: If you follow me on Twitter, then you may already know that my underarms are raw and red from, perhaps, a new deodorant that I'm trying. So many lovely followers sent me suggestions on how to help reduce this torture going on under my arms. I remembered that I had this salve and along with aloe, it's helped reduce the redness and burning. Hopefully, it'll be completely cleared up by Sunday morning. If I had diaper rash or a baby, I have no doubt that this would work wonders.

Tea Scrub Bar, Shampoo Bar, & Sea Buckthorn Tea (bags)

Berry Bar, Juice Bar, & Tea Bar Soap

Berry Cream, Day Cream, Night Cream, Hand Cream & Skin Cream

11 Sample Sized Salves

Giveaway Time!

With Fall here and Winter not far behind (sorry, touchy subject?), this is the perfect time to try out SBT products (especially the salves). One lucky reader will get the entire box of goodies! This contest will run for 2 weeks - Friday, October 11th to Friday, October 25th, 2013 11:59 PM EST. It will be open to Canadian residents only. You must be 18 years of age or older, or have your parents permission. Please note that I will be away from October 13th to 20th, in that time any comments made will remain unpublished until I find wifi connection or return. Basically, don't freak out or post the same message if you don't see it up. Happy Thanksgiving and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congrats Heather!
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Monday, July 01, 2013

Happy Canada Day + June 2013 Favourites + Giveaway!!

Happy Canada Day!! It's a little late in the day, but I mean it just as much as I would have this morning. This month, I have quite a nice selection of products that I have been loving and a wonderful surprise at the end. Jumping right into it...

Makeup

Revolution Organics Lip Gloss in Truth - review here - I've been loving this lip gloss on it's own and over a lipstick. It just adds a beautiful sheer pink wash of colour to enhance bare lips or whatever lip product that I have on.

Honeybee Gardens Lipstick in Valentine - review here - This has been a definite favourite this month. I've been using it with the Truth lip gloss for a gorgeous summertime lip that goes with any look.

Sappho Cosmetics Concealer in Neutrality - review here - I have been reaching for this constantly. I apply it on any imperfections or redness, apply powder, and I'm done.

Physicians Formula Fake Out Mascara - review to come - LOVE this stuff. Even when I don't wear makeup, I'll apply some of this to my top lashes and it makes them look fuller and my eyes more awake.

Skin Care

ilike St. John's Word Eye Contour Cream Sample - I LOVE this eye cream! Oddly enough, I was going to toss it out when I got it because I thought I wouldn't like it for some whatever reason. It hydrated, plumps, and doesn't cause milia. Between this and the Dr. Alkaitis one, I much prefer this one.

One Love Organics Morning Glory Serum Sample - This serum is divine. It really does wake-up my skin and give it a glow. It smells slightly minty and has worked wonders are brightening my complexion.

Consonant The Perfect Sunscreen SPF 30 - review here - This has been my go-to sunscreen this month because of the fact that I can make it into a foundation or use it alone to even out my skin tone.

Body Care

Bee 23 Hotty Body Balm in Mango Mornings - review here - I cannot get enough of this stuff and need to apply it after my daily shower. It absorbs wonderfully well to moisturize my skin without any greasy after feel. LOVE!

GIVEAWAY TIME!!

In honor of Canada Day and my love for this balm, the beautiful Michelle, from Bee 23, is going to give one lucky reader a Hotty Balm of their very own! You can choose between Honey Love, Lazy Afternoons, or Mango Mornings. This giveaway is only open to those living in Canada and USA, and you must be 18+ years old or have your parents permission. Contest will be open until Friday, July 12th, 2013 11:59 pm EST, I will then pick a winner using random.org. The winner will have 48 hours to claim their balm, if they don't then I will pick another winner.

In order to win you must:

Follow my blog via Bloglovin, or any other way located on the right of my blog
Follow Bee 23 on Facebook (BEE 23 Natural Beauty Products)
Follow Bee 23 on Twitter (@BeeFree23)
Follow me on Twitter (@EcoChicBeautyD)
Comment letting me know which "scent" you'd prefer, what your Twitter name is, what your Facebook name is (if different than Twitter), and leave me your email so that I can contact you if you win.

Good Luck!
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Congrats Katt B on winning the Hotty Body Balm! xo

Saturday, June 01, 2013

New Love!: Earthpaste Amazingly Natural Toothpaste Review + Giveaway (CLOSED)

One of the best parts of my day (besides removing restrictive clothing, cuddling my dog, washing my face and crawling into bed) is brushing my teeth. I love everything about it; removing the gritty texture, freshening my breath, and having a clean mouth. I first learned about Earthpaste from Caitie. She did a fantastic review (which you should check out) in January and also tied in the cons of glycerin in toothpaste. Since then, I've not only stopped using toothpaste with glycerin but, have also been compelled to try Earthpaste. Imagine my excitement when I finally found it at the Big Carrot!

Description: Earthpaste began because we couldn’t find a natural toothpaste we loved for our families. We wanted a toothpaste that was as natural as possible, so we started with hydrated Redmond Clay and added Xylitol, essential oils, and Real Salt. And that’s it. Earthpaste is amazingly natural toothpaste.

Does it get any better than that?! I don't think so. I'm a big fan of DIY projects but, making my own toothpaste is not something that I want to do. I adore how clean my teeth feel after using this toothpaste, seriously, it's fantastic. I wasn't expecting the peppermint flavour to be as bold and my breath (and mouth) to feel as fresh as it does when after brushing with it. If you're used to a little foaming action when you brush, I warn you, you won't find any foaming here. It's literally mud that gently cleanses your teeth and melts away with water. Normally, I wouldn't like that however, after brushing my teeth for 2 weeks with just water and a toothbrush, I don't mind it at all. Also, I think I've mentioned that I can't use tea tree. Weird thing is that I can't apply it on my skin, but I'm totally fine with it in my toothpaste. Earthpaste is hands down my new favourite toothpaste and I will forever buy it.

Retails for approx. $6 - $7 CAN for 4oz. Can be purchased from Big Carrot, Truly Organic Foods, Nature's Emporium, Vitacost, iherb, Purely Natural Cosmetics (UK), Ph Wisdom and Earthpaste or Redmond Trading.

That's it?! Yes!!

Giveaway Time!
Since I love this toothpaste SO much, I wanted to share the love with you guys. Earthpaste is giving one lucky winner a tube of their very own. You can choose from Peppermint, Cinnamon, Lemon Twist, or Wintergreen. This contest is, sadly, only open to Canadian and US residence. If the winner is from Canada, it will be shipped from Truly Organic Foods directly. If the winner is from the US, it will be shipped from Earthpaste/Redmond Trading directly.

Use Rafflecopter down below to enter this giveaway. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congrats to Jennifer! Thank you all for entering, there will definitely be more giveaways coming up. Perhaps Canada Day long weekend :) xo

*A big thank you to Earthpaste for the giveaway

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Blogiversary: Pure+Simple Giveaway! (CLOSED)

A year already? Where does the time go!? My first blog post was on May 13, 2012, I'm a tad late but HAPPY BIRTHDAY to ME...to my blog? Umm, maybe just a happy birthday will suffice. It's been a fun year of growing, learning, experimenting, and (virtually and personally) meeting some amazing bloggers and companies. I very much appreciate all of the support and kind words that I've received, over the last year, and would like to thank you with a giveaway!

I've teamed up with Pure+Simple to share with you a couple of my favourite products from this fantastic company. The winner will get a Face Colour in Glow, which is my absolute favourite blush of life, and a Calming Cucumber Mask. With Summer around the corner, the mask will be especially cooling after a day of fun in the sun!

This giveaway is open internationally, yippee, and you must enter using Rafflecopter below. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner is S. Montoya. I had a few issues with Rafflecopter, that's why her name isn't displayed above. Congrats Sara!

**A big thank you to Pure+Simple for this giveaway

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Sukin Natural Skin Care Giveaway!! - Closed

This is my first giveaway since starting my blog in May, woohoo! I woke up and just randomly decided that I wanted to do a giveaway. Since I really enjoyed using Sukin I thought, why not giveaway some of the products that were sent to me?!

Sukin is free of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES), synthetic fragrances, animal derivatives, harsh detergents, propylene glycol, artificial colours, triethanolamine, mineral oils, EDTA, and parabens. They also do not test on animals.

The winner will receive the following:

Travel size Cream Cleanser 50ml - This gentle cream cleanser is the perfect preparation for your skin. Essential oils and botanical extracts work to remove make-up and surface grime as it nourishes the skin with oils of rose hip, avocado and wheat germ. An infusion of aloe vera, burdock, horsetail and nettle will leave skin feeling clean and refreshed.
Full size Hydrating Mist Toner 125ml - This alcohol-free, skin hydrating mist combines chamomile and rosewater to help soothe, tone and cool tired skin. Use after cleansing or whenever your skin feels tired or stressed. Perfect for hot days, long flights or long days in an air-conditioned environment
Travel size Purifying Shampoo 50ml - A gentle daily shampoo to cleanse, nourish and soften any type of hair especially sensitive scalps.
Travel size Nourishing Conditioner 50ml - This conditioner adds volume and shine while preventing tangles and static. Combines a delicate infusion of aloe vera, nettle, horsetail and burdock with rosehip, avocado, jojoba and sesame oils.

This contest will be open until 11:59 pm EST on Sunday, November 18th. I will pick a winner at random and announce their name on this post.

To enter, you must

Be age of majority in your country or have your parent's permission because I will need some personal information
Follow me on Bloglovin (http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3850094/ecochicbeautydiva)
Subscribe/Follow via email
Leave a comment below telling me what product you'd like to try most and why

GOOD LUCK!
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Since there were only two entries (sadly), I just flipped a coin to get the winner. The winner is mangomadness!! Congrats! Send me an email with all of your information and I will send out the products.

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