December 2014 & January 2015 Empties!

Since I somehow forgot to do my December empties, I'm combining December and January (as the title suggests). I do have quite a bit, although definitely not as much as I expected. Trash talk time!

*Acure Balancing Rose+ Red Tea Toner - review here - I stand by my initial review, it was a bit too drying for my skin and would be ideal in the summer months or for oily skin types. Will likely not repurchase.

Andalou Naturals Illuminating Toner - review here - Best toner of life, seriously. I can't seem to find any other toner (high end or not) that works as well as this one does for my skin. It's hydrating, gives an instant boost of radiance, smells lovely, and is affordable. Already working through another bottle and have a backup.

Heritage Store Rose Water - I really enjoyed using this when my skin was super irritated and to set my makeup. I currently have a small bottle in my purse to mist when I'm feeling dry.

*Weleda Almond Soothing Cleansing Lotion - review here - This cleansing lotion was as lovely as I remember. It didn't remove makeup very well, but was gentle enough to use as a second and/or morning cleanse. Only issue is that I go through it extremely quickly. Would likely repurchase again.

*Wild Honey Apothecary Moringa Honey Mud - I won this little bottle from a contest that Anise Apothecary was having on Facebook, and wasn't all that impressed. I just find that regular honey doesn't work as well for my skin as manuka. It did leave my skin soft, but I wouldn't repurchase.

Andalou Naturals Lemon Sugar Facial Scrub - review here - This scrub smelled so weird. I couldn't stand using it on my face, so I used it on my body. Wouldn't repurchase.

*Mont Echo Sea Buckthorn Facial Mask - I have mixed feelings about this mask. It has incredible ingredients, like oats and calendula, but never left me wowed. Wouldn't repurchase.

Pangea Organics Japanese Matcha Tea Facial Mask - review here - I loved this mask, although I think I prefer it in the warmer months as it can be drying. It evened out my skin tone, brightened, and helped with any acne. Would totally repurchase.

*Gemstone Organic Ruby Creme - review here - This creme was amazing! When I first received a sample from the company, I couldn't stop raving about it. When I finished the sample jar, the company was kind enough to send me a full one. Not sure what happened but half was through the new jar, it started to smell funny and separate. I tried using it up on my body but the smell just kept getting worse. Not sure if I would repurchase.

The Body Del Radiance Enzyme Peel (sample) - I picked up this (one time use) sample from Husk and really enjoyed it! It contains manuka honey, probiotics, and a bunch of other raw delicious ingredients. It left my skin glowing and radiant! I'm considering splurging on the full size.

*Tres Pure Mini Face Cleanse (sample) - This came in the Petit Vour Limited Luxury FW14 box, from September, and was sooo nice. I mixed it with my cleanser, daily, as a gentle exfoliant and found my skin less congested and much softer. As we got into the colder months, it was a bit much for my sensitive skin. Since it's not easily available in Canada, I wouldn't purchase the full size.

Pelle Beauty Stellar Multitasking Face Oil (sample) - A blog reader came into the spa that I worked at and was kind enough to bring me a bunch of goodies, this was one of them. While it is a nice oil, it's too light for my skin and I don't enjoy the scent of neroli. Wouldn't purchase the full size.

*Province Apothecary Regenerating+Hydrating Face Serum (sample) - review here -  Still not sold on this face serum. It worked so well some days, and other days I felt as though it just sat on my skin. Wouldn't purchase the full size.

*Me & The Girls Moon Serum (sample) - review here - Great oil serum! Absorbed well and left my skin nourished and moisturized. I don't love it more than my Corpa Flora though, so I won't be purchasing the full size.

Myra Aso 100% Marula Oil - review here - Love, love, love! This oil worked so well in my hair and on my face. Already have another bottle on the go and a backup.

Tamanu Oil (in the Corpa bottle) - I had to transfer the oil into the Corpa Flora bottle because the original bottle kept leaking. How annoying! I don't find tamanu is working as well for my skin as it used to. I still highly recommend and will likely repurchase at some point.

*Odylique Lemon Butter Hand Smoothie - review here - This hand cream was a pleasure to use, despite not being fond of the lemongrass scent. It moisturized, without feeling greasy, and helped soothe eczema patches. Since the Andalou Sea Buckthorn hand cream works just as well, is less expensive, and easier to find in stores, I won't be repurchasing this one.

*Me & The Girls Moon Night Moisturizer (sample) - review here - I have to admit, I didn't use this on my face because it contains coconut oil, however, I did use it on my feet! It worked great to keep my feet supa dupa soft. Wouldn't repurchase though.

*Me & The Girls Moon Body Scrub & Foot Scrub (sample) - review here - Both of these scrubs were lovely. I enjoyed the fresh peppermint scent of the foot scrub over the lemony scent of the body scrub, but they had the exact same texture. Scrubs are one thing I never commit to, since I only ever end up using them on my hands, so I wouldn't purchase the full size of either. They are really nice though.

John Masters Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Wash - review here - oh-my-gosh, this body wash smelled so friggen good. I literally wanted to eat it! It lathered well and never left my skin feeling dry. Deep Steep is much more affordable, however, I certainly would repurchase this one just to switch it up.

Clean Well Antibacterial Soap in Spearmint Lime - Love that this hand soap contained no triclosan or other nasty bacteria killing crap. It also never dried out my hands, which is a bonus when you have eczema or are prone to it on your hands. Sadly, Clean Well is no longer available in Canada. Luckily, I still have 2 more bottles in my bathroom (lavender and orange vanilla).

Dr. Bronners Castile Soap in Peppermint - review here - This gigantic bottle took forever to use up. I use Dr. Bronners to clean my bathroom and alternate between peppermint and eucalyptus. Will be repurchasing soon.

*Zuzu Luxe Mascara in Onyx - review here - This was a fantastic mascara, but I found it got super clumpy too quickly. It's really expensive in Canada, so I won't be repurchasing right now.
*Pure Anada Pressed Foundation in Very Fair - review here - Great pressed foundation. Covered well and didn't really cling to dry patches, but it did smell a bit off (that's just the ingredients), the shade range is limited, and it constantly formed a crust on the top. While I love Pure Anada and their pressed shadows are my absolute favourites, the Zuzu Powder is much better and offers a wider shade selection (it's also more expensive though). Wouldn't repurchase.
What did you finish up this month?

*PR SAMPLE

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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway *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.

#NoBuyJanuary + Top 10 Wish List for 2014

Well hello there #NoBuyJanuary! You seemed like a good idea at first, but now I'm even more tempted to buy stuff. I have problems don't I? Don't answer that. In case you haven't heard about #NoBuyJanuary, it's basically a spending ban where you shop your stash and use up things you have. Obviously if you run out of an essential, which I doubt most bloggers will, you can go ahead and replace it. You can read more about the details and see which bloggers are participating by going over to Naturally Paula, the mastermind (or one of, can't remember exactly) who came up with the idea. Anyone is welcome to join in!
I'm honestly not much of a hoarder (no really!) and my beauty cabinet is a little sad and sparse in comparison to most beauty bloggers, from pictures that I've seen. Of course I have a few more products than I actually need, but if you've seen any of my empties then you know I'm good at using things up. I like to use up products before buying or opening others, unless you're a toner. There's no such thing as too much toner in my world.
In honor of #NoBuyJanuary, it makes the most sense to kick it off with a wish list..right? Right. In no particular order, I wish for....

**S.W. Basics Toner - I've loved every one of their products that I have tried and think it's time to take this relationship to the next level by adding this toner to my routine! $26 CAN.

**La Bella Figura Modern Radiance Concentrate - It's no secret, La Bella Figura is a very luxurious brand with a price tag to match. My biggest fear with high end brands is that the product won't work for me. Sure I can pass it to my mom or a friend, but when I drop that kinda money on a product I'd like to be the one to enjoy it. Know what I mean? I was fortunate enough to meet Victoria not too long ago, who's beautiful and sweet, and she had recommended the Organic Barbary Fig Seed Oil or Daily Elements Defense Face oil for my skin. This serum just sounds so good though, I can already see my acne scars disappearing just by reading the description. $163 CAN.

Me & The Girls Moon Beauty Serum - I love facial oils. I love tamanu oil. I love facial oils that contain tamanu oil and not a drop of argan oil. Basically, this was made for me. $38 USD

CV Skinlabs Calming Moisture - After seeing this post by the beautiful Britanie, I knew I needed to get my hands on this moisturizer. I have sensitive skin with dry patches on my cheeks, nose and forehead, totally opposite from my oily teenage years. Must have been the abuse I put my skin through by using stripping products. Live and learn people. $49 USD.

Aurelia Miracle Cleanser - Can't go wrong with a beautifully rich, probiotic cleanser! I'd love to compare it to the Andalou Probiotic Cleanser. £34.

Osmia Active Gel Toner - Calendula? Aloe? Hyaluronic Acid? Sign me up! $58 USD.

**Marie Veronique Organics Everyday Coverage - I got a sample of this baby from Fresh Faced and ended up really enjoying it! On lazy days I'd mix the medium shade with some moisturizer, add a little powder, and go on my merry way. It's so easy to wear and has SPF 30. $42 CAN.
**Kjaer Weis Cream Blush in Lovely - I just want to sing, "Isn't she looveelllyyy, isn't she beauuuttiful" when I see the shade name. Anyone? Anyone? No. Okay. This brand has been raved about non-stop, I feel I should give in to the peer pressure and just try it already. $56 CAN or $30 CAN for the refill.
**W3LL People Universalist Multi-Use Color Stick in #7 Creamy Peony - I love cool toned pinks and I cannot lie. I have a sample of this that I'm still using up and I just love it so much. Once I use up a couple of blushes, this one will be mine! $34 CAN.
**Ilia Lipstick in Femme Fatale - It's about time this grown woman introduces a real red lip to her life, am I right ladies? This is a beautiful cool toned red, that's not quite as dark as swatched above. $24 CAN.
That's it ladies and gents, that's my wish list for 2014 and that's me narrowing it down to just 10 items. What are you lusting over this year?
**These items can be found online at Clementine Fields, Fresh Faced and/or Eco Diva. I'm sure there are other Canadian e/retailers, however, I'm too lazy to search for them all.