Alima Pure Natural Definition Mascara

Alima Pure is a fantastic brand that I wish was more accessible in Canada. Sure I can order it online, but I'd love to be able to physically touch and swatch their products. I absolutely adore their bronzer, as well as their foundation, and when a reader offered to give me the Natural Definition Mascara to try, I couldn't say no. She had purchased one and received one for free, I believe, and wasn't keen on the brush or formula. 

This mascara is as described, a "natural definition mascara". It adds length and separates the lashes, but certainly doesn't thicken or provide any volume. The brush is synthetic and I find it pokes (and hurts) when trying to get close to the lash line. Anyone else have that problem with synthetic brushes? A natural bristle brush would have been much preferred. The formula is on the wet side and can be layered without clumping, and actually makes an awesome bottom lash mascara because of that. I really enjoy layering it with Zuzu for a falsies effect. One lengthens (Alima), the other thickens (Zuzu). Surprisingly, this mascara doesn't transfer, smudge, flake, or irritate my eyes at all. If you're looking for a quick, easy to apply, lengthening mascara that looks incredibly natural, this is the one for you. If you prefer volume and fullness, I'd say skip it.

Retails for $22 USD/$26 CAD for 8g. Available in Black and Brown.

Find it here: Alima Pure, Eco Diva Beauty, and any of these retailers. 

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Hydrolyzed Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Esters, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Sodium Carboxyethylsilanetriol, Stearic Acid (Plant derived), Cera Alba (Beeswax), Euphorbia Cerifera (Candililla) Wax, Zea Mays (Corn) Propanediol, Acrylates/Octylacrymide Copolymer, Sodium Hydroxide (mineral derived), Cetyl Alcohol (plant derived), Lanolin Oil, Glycerin (plant derived), DL Panthenol (Provitamin B5), Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Ozokerite Wax (mineral derived), Glyceryl Caprylate (plant derived), Glyceryl Undecylenate (plant derived), Copernicia Cerifera (Carnuaba) Wax. [+/-: (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)].

Brand Focus: Gabriel Cosmetics & Zuzu Luxe

Gabriel and Zuzu Luxe are sister brands, and definitely well known worldwide.  I've already tried (and loved) their mascara, brow pencil, and liquid liner, and although I've always wanted to explore more, the price point in Canada is quite high. When I say high, I mean almost double the American pricing and it hardly ever goes on sale. I think it's amazing that their products are made in the USA, with the exception of their pencils which are made in Germany. But what I absolutely love most, is that they are vegan and free from the following:

• Coal Tar Derivatives or FD&C agents
• Parabens
• Soy
• Mineral Oil
• Peanuts & Tree Nuts
• Lanolin
• Talc
• Propylene Glycol
• Hydrogenated Oils
• Gluten
• Phthalates
• DBP
• Toluene
• Lead
• Formaldehyde
• Nano/Micro sized particles

You can read more about Gabriel/Zuzu Luxe here. 

I was given the opportunity to try out a few of their products and decided on the *Zuzu Luxe Dual Powder Foundation in D-10, *Zuzu Luxe Mascara in Onyx, *Zuzu Luxe Lipliner in Bounce, *Gabriel Lipliner in Berry, *Gabriel Moisturizing Liquid Foundation in Soft Beige, and *Gabriel Eye Primer in Neutral.

For ingredients, click here

Good eye primers are hard to come by, especially when you have really oily, deep set lids. Every brand boasts theirs as the best, but so far only the *Gabriel Eye Primer ($13.55 USD/2.5 g) has worked for me. It's extremely creamy, offers pretty good vein coverage, evens out the lids well, and keeps shadows from creasing for several hours. Not sure that it would last quite as long in the middle of a super hot Canadian summer day, when humidity takes over and you can barely breath, but I guess we'll find out in a few months. The neutral shade is slightly darker than pictured above and leans cool. On medium to dark skin tones, this could appear white on the lids. I've applied this primer with fingers and brushes, and much prefer the even application that a brush gives. The packaging is lovely, super small and sturdy, and great for travelling with. If you're looking for an eye primer, I highly recommend this one.

For ingredients, click here.

I'm beyond in love with the *Zuzu Luxe Dual Powder Foundation ($28.30 USD/9 g) and have used it every single time, without fail, since receiving it. It provides such beautiful coverage on its own and extra, flawless, coverage over top of my beloved Sappho Liquid Foundation in Leisha. It can sometimes cling to dry patches, although it's not often that I find my skin looking cakey or flaky when wearing this foundation and my skin tends to lean dry in the colder months. I don't want to jinx it but, it hasn't developed a crust on the top like most pressed powders do. You know, when you have to scrape the top layer in order to get the product to actually come off on your brush or sponge? So annoying. The shade is a tad light for my skin but is easily manageable. D-10 is described as Pale Ivory Skin/Pink Undertones, however, I don't find that it leans pink at all. I chose this shade prior to them revamping their site and could swear it was described as neutral, which I find it is. The compact is a bit bulky, but it's great for taking on the go because of how sturdy it is and the great sized mirror (which I've covered with the sponge). My only issue, being Canadian, is that I cannot find the damn refill pans ($21.25 USD/9 g). I've called 4 different stores within the GTA and nobody carries them. What's up with that Gabriel?? It is probably the best foundation that I've ever used, to date, but if I can't easily get my hands on a refill, I may need to find another powder :(:(:(.

For ingredients, click here.

I really wanted to love this *Gabriel Moisturizing Liquid Foundation ($28 USD/30 ml), like really wanted to love it. I didn't play with it much because it was way too pink for my warm/neutral skin tone, however, I did wear it once (around the house). It provided beautiful medium to full coverage, minimally clinged to dry patches, provided a dewy finish, and wore pretty well. I've swatched all of the available light to medium shades, of this foundation, and find that they're all cool toned, which is really disappointing. Hopefully they include a wider range of undertones at some point.

For Gabriel ingredients, click here. For Zuzu ingredients, click here.

I've never been a lipliner girl, until now. They really do make a difference in how your lipstick wears and helps define your lips, especially when wearing bolder shades. Both the *Gabriel Lipliner ($12 USD/1.13 g) in Berry and the *Zuzu Luxe Lipliner ($13.80 USD/1.13 g) in Bounce are stunning. Berry is described as a Pinkish Plum/Cool Blue Undertone and Bounce is described as a Deep Pinkish Plum/Cool, both are accurate descriptions. They're incredibly long wearing, pigmented, creamy, and just an absolute pleasure to use. I love wearing them on their own and under a lipstick or gloss. The only negative I have is that the caps don't stay on tightly, specifically the Gabriel one. Aside from that, I'm hooked and desperately want to pick up a few more (Innocence, Port, and Red).
Get it here: Gabriel, Pharmaca, and most health food stores (including Whole Foods, Goodness Me!, The Big Carrot, and Nature's Emporium). 
*Products provided for review consideration. All opinions are entirely my own.

Earthlab Cosmetics Raw Mascara + Coupon Code

I love me a good mascara and am always on the hunt for one that's better than the last. When Monique, of Anise Apothecary, asked if I wanted to try *Earthlab Raw Mascara, I couldn't resist. Her and her beautiful daughter, Saska, both raved about it and so naturally, I had to see if the hype was real. They (Monique, Saska, and Earthlab) did not let me down!

Description: This 100% natural, botanical based formula glides on effortlessly. You’ll enjoy the silky smooth application which easily separates lashes and the best part – No Clumping, No Flaking, No Smudging, No Toxic Chemicals and No Parabens! Once you’ve tried “Raw Mascara” you’ll want to throw your old brand in the trash!

This mascara really doesn't clump, flake, or smudge. I wore it to an amusement park, on a friggen hot as hell day, and it stayed on from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. without any of the above happening. I love the big natural bristle brush, mainly because it doesn't poke my eye when I'm using it and is easy to use. As mentioned in previous mascara reviews, my lashes are pretty long and thick naturally. I like that falsies effect, without looking like a drag queen, and prefer a mascara to thicken (very important), lengthen (not as important), and hold a curl. This one thickens and lengthens beautifully, but doesn't hold a curl on my lashes all that well. Also, for those of you who aren't a fan of phenoxyethanol, this mascara contains it. I'd rather my mascara be well preserved and even though I actively avoid phenoxyethanol, I'm willing to let it slide every so often. All in all, I'm a big fan of this mascara and would definitely repurchase.

Retails for $23 CDN and can be purchased through Anise Apothecary.

Anise Apothecary has generously offered my readers a 10% off coupon code (EL10) to use towards the purchase of this mascara or any other products both in store and online. It'll only be active for a week (Tuesday, September 9th, 2014 to Monday, September 16th, 2014). Hurry up and get shopping!!

Ingredients: Water/Aqua, Natural Beeswax, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Lecithin, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Celluloses, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis) Oil, Tocopherol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Silica, Mica, Iron Oxides

*Product provided for review consideration. All opinions are my own. The coupon code is solely for the benefit of the individual using it and no commission/compensation has been or will be given to me from the use of it.

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).

MUST HAVE: Physicians Formula FakeOut Mascara Review

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

Description:

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

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

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

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

Have you tried this mascara yet?

no mascara

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

December 2012 Faves!

I've decided not to do a 2012 favourites list because I have tried and fallen in (and out) of love with so many products and while some have been consistent, many have not.

Here is what I have loved this month...

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel Toner - review here - I have fallen in love with product again! It's so gentle and does a great job of cleansing/removing excess oil, makeup and cleanser.  I have added some lavender and clary sage essential oils to help with acne, balancing and soothing and really love the mix.

Evanhealy Lavender Facial Tonic Hydrosol (sample size) - review to come - Enjoyed this toner while it lasted and used it for the whole month of December.  It was a favourite of mine but not something I will be purchasing the full size of.

Eminence Apricot Whip Moisturizer (sample size) - revew here - I love this moisturizer and am still considering purchasing the full size once this sample is used up.  It smells nice, hydrates beautifully and doesn't irritate or break out my skin. Been loving it!

Tamanu Oil - review here - My original review was for Shea Terra's Tamanu oil but there was a little problem with it.  The oil was reacting with the rubber of the dropper and black rubber was getting into my oil.  They were nice enough to get me in contact with the manager of Healthy Planet (where I purchased it) to get it exchanged.  I didn't end up getting the Shea Terra one for fear of the same thing happening so I picked up Aura Cacia, it works exactly the same.  It's hydrating and great for healing any cuts, acne, burns, etc.  I love this oil!

Apricot Kernel Oil - no review -  I picked this up to make my own serums but have been loving it to remove makeup and as a facial moisturizer.  It absorbs and hydrates the skin beautifully without any negative reactions.  One of my new fave oils!

Hugo Naturals Vanilla & Sweet Orange Shower Gel - review here - I have been alternating this with my Hugo Soap all month long and really enjoy it.  Smells wonderful and cleanses without drying out my skin.

Kiss My Face Whenever Shampoo - review to come - This was a complete impulse buy which I'm glad happened because it's fantastic.  If I use it on it's own, it can be a drying to my scalp.  I find it works best when I alternate or even mix it with my JM because it cleans my hair and scalp without being drying. 

Zuzu Luxe Mascara - review here - Okay, I LOVE this mascara.  I have already purchased another one for when this one runs out or dries up.  I originally didn't enjoy it but since purchasing a new eye lash curler, I can't live without it! It makes my lashes so long and thick, doesn't flake or smudge and lasts all day. It's fantastic and I will continue repurchasing.

Everything in December has been a new love except my Tamanu Oil and Apricot Moisturizer.

What have you loved this month?  Any new or old loves?

ZuZu Luxe Mascara in Onyx Review

I think that I have mentioned in a couple of older posts how natural mascara actually causes me to get styes on my upper lid right by my lashes, so annoying.  While I'd prefer a natural mascara, I usually stick to chemical filled ones and just don't apply it directly to the roots.  Yes, it makes me feel better even though it's probably bad for me anyway lol.  I happened to be browsing the Whole Foods cosmetic section, shocking right?, and found this mascara on sale.  It was still $19.99 CAN, but that's better than the usual $28.99.

Description: This gentle and non-irritating formula enriched with vitamins and herbal extracts will help protect each fragile eyelash and encourage maximum growth. The luxurious nylon brush is especially designed to add length while being clump proof and non-smudging. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

I've been using this mascara for about 2 weeks and am on the fence.  I like having really full lashes and this just doesn't do that for me.  I love the wand and expected big things from it but it let me down :(.  It's great to pop on quickly but if I try to build up my lashes with multiple coats, it gets clumpy.  It also makes my lashes hard which makes them fall out much easier. If anyone has tips on how to apply this to get amazing lashes, let me know please! I do like how natural looking it is, doesn't flake and hasn't given me styes.  While it's natural and doesn't irritate my eyes I don't know if I'd repurchase.  I may just use this on a day-to-day basis and get a chemical filled one for days that I want va-va-voom lashes. Is it even worth it then?  I don't know.  Maybe if I can figure out a better way of applying it, I may just fall in love.  I'm going to play with it a bit more and perhaps it'll end up in one of my monthly favourites!  I'd recommend it to those who just want a bit of definition but wouldn't recommend to those that like big, full, thick lashes.

Retails for approx. $28.99 CAN and can be purchased at most health food stores like Whole Foods Market.  Check out ZuZu for more info.

What's your favourite natural mascara and why?

 

Lavera Intense Volume Mascara Review

Ahhhh I love this mascara soooooooo much, like so so much!  If it wasn't for me getting styes from wearing it 8+ hours, it would be my holy grail and I would repurchase over and over again!

Claim: This super-intense formula creates longer, thicker, shinier lashes with serious impact thanks to a new extra-volume brush and an innovative quick-dry formula that prevents lashes from sticking. Natural ingredients such as organic beeswax and refined mineral pigments make for long-lasting hold.

I.just.love.it!  It doesn't irritate my eyes upon application, it thickens, lengthens AND holds a curl!! Hello!?  What else could a girl want or need?  Out of about 5 different natural mascaras I have tried, this is my all time fav.  It's super black, glides on like a dream and I just love it.  Once again, I love it!  I will now stop with the "love it" and "!!!".  While it's on the pricey side, it's worth the investment if you're able to wear all natural mascaras.  For the record, my lashes are long already.  I don't know how well this will work on short lashes, but I assume it would make them look amazingly amazing.  Yep, I just said that.

Retails for approx $26 CAN (give or take).  You can purchase it at http://www.lavera.com/ and The Big Carrot http://www.thebigcarrot.ca/.

Finished a threw out before taking a picture -taken directly from Lavera

                                     
These are the listed ingredients I was able to find online.
*With plant ingredients from our own production * NaTrue certified Ingredients CTFA/INCI : Water (Aqua), Alcohol*, Stearic Acid, Beeswax (Cera Alba)*, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Algin, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil*, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract*, Silk (Serica), Shellac, Jojoba Esters , Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Tocopherol, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Mascara Review

Mascara is a staple for me.  If there's one thing I'll apply before leaving the house, it's my brows (don't judge) and mascara.  I have tried multiple all natural mascaras and unfortunately they don't work for me.  After an extended period of time, 8 hour work day, my lids start to hurt and develop styes.  That being said, it hasn't stopped me from finishing my tube to give the mascara a fair chance.

On to the review..

Claim: 100% natural mascara lengthens, separates, thickens and glosses lashes with fruit pigments and Black tea pigments. Lash conditioning ProVitamin B5, Vitamin E, Oat and Wheat protein conditions for healthier lashes. Gentle, all natural, good for you formula is suitable for everyone, even if you wear contacts or have sensitive eyes. Water and smudge resistant. 

Hmm...I personally don't think it lived up to the claim or hype.  The best part, besides being all natural, is that it smells like blueberries! YUMMM! I have long lashes as it is and I didn't find this lengthened them anymore than usual.  It thickens and glosses but it's also clumpy.  Besides the eyelid bumps, it didn't irritate my eyes when first applied.  It is definitely NOT water and smudge resistant.  I found that it ended up smudging above my eye where my lashes touch, did that make sense?  Sounded better in my head but hopefully you can read my mind (haha)!

I will not be repurchasing. 

Retails for $23 CAN for the full size and $15 CAN for the mini. It comes in 4 shades: Black Tea, Blueberry, Blackberry and Dark Chocolate. It can be purchased at http://www.100percentpure.ca/, Pretty in Pink Spa http://www.prettyinpinkspa.ca/ and The Big Carrot http://www.thebigcarrot.ca/

Finished and threw out before taking a picture - taken directly from 100% Pure

                                       

Ingredients: Organic Green Tea, Vitamin E (a-tocopherol), Honey Beeswax, Contains All or some of the following Pigments: Blackberry, Blueberry, Black Tea, Grape Skin, Pomegranate, Acai Berry, Boysenberry, Blackcurrant and Raspberry, Oat Protein, Wheat Protein, Provitamin B5, Seaweed Powder, Coconut Stearic acid, Mica (for shimmer in the Blackberry and Blueberry), Cocoa Butter, Pearl Powder, Rice Powder, Cacao Powder and Powdered Coffee Beans, Lavender Honey, Extracts of Oregano, Thyme, Rosemary, Lavender and Goldenseal

Net wt. 0.176 oz / 5 g