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

Favourites of 2014 - Part 1

In 2014, I really sucked with keeping up with favourites posts. Come to think of it, it was probably because I enjoyed all of these products throughout the year and hardly strayed. This post will be dedicated to my favourite skin, hair, and body care products of the year. There will be a part 2, dedicated to makeup, and a part 3, dedicated to random things like food, blogs, etc.

Cleansers: I've tried several cleansers over the year, and the clear standout is Corpa Flora Beaute Divine. It melts away my makeup, emulsifies with water, and leaves my skin super clean and soft. It doesn't hurt that it's also a Canadian brand.

Toners: Not sure what it is about the Andalou Illuminating Toner but for the price, it's unbeatable. It smells of fresh oranges, moisturizes, refreshes, and brightens my skin.

Masks: The Pretty Ginger & Cypress Soothing Mask (not pictured) has been a favourite since I transitioned to natural products. It smells lovely, helps draw out impurities, and calms any redness. Since my next fave works great alone and mixed with Pretty, I had to include it as well. Manuka Honey has helped my skin in so many ways. It brightens, moisturizes, calms redness, and helps clear acne and acne spots.

Facial Oils: There were three can't-live-without oils in 2014; *Sea buckthorn (I now use the SBT brand), tamanu (I now use some other brand), and Corpa Flora Eclate Citrouille. All three of these oils, alone and mixed together, work incredibly well to combat acne, dry skin, uneven skin tone, acne scars, and redness. Eclat Citrouille especially gives me a beautiful glow, Love, love, love!

Shampoo: It's no surprise here, Organic Matter Level 1 Shampoo. I love this stuff so much. It works as a shampoo/conditioner (for my hair anyway), never irritates the dermatitis on my scalp, leaves my hair and scalp clean, smooth, soft, and shiny. It's also Canadian!

Conditioner/Treatment/Styling Product: I only use *Myra Aso 100% Marula Oil . This is my everything oil. With one drop, it styles, smooths, and conditions my hair.

Body Wash & Soap: I love the Deep Steep range, and their body wash is the best that I've tried. It lathers well, smells nice, is affordable, and leaves my skin well nourished. Honeydew Spearmint is my favourite scent. For soap, local company On A Branch Soap has blown me away. With no palm oil or canola oil, their soaps feel, smell and leave my skin feeling incredible. Lavender Oatmeal and Winter Chai are my faves.
Body Scrub: I'm not a huge fan of body scrubs, even though I've experienced some amazing ones this year, like Organic Bath Co. and Nyl, and much prefer using them on my hands. For an all over body exfoliation, I like using my Merben Sisal (medium) hand held dry brush.   Hand Cream: I've loved many hand creams this year, but the standout due to its affordability and performance is definitely Andalou Sea Buckthorn Hand Cream. It moisturizes, smells nice, and soothes my ezcema prone, dry, and irritated hands.
First Aid(?): As you can see, I wasn't sure what to classify this product as but it definitely needed a mention. The NBW Healing Balm has been a major favourite this year. I use it on ezcema patches, dry skin, cuts, and irritations. It quickly heals and soothes whenever applied and I can't be without it.
Spot any of your faves?
*PR SAMPLES. All opinions are entirely my own.

August 2014 Empties

Well ladies and gents, don't hate me buuttt Summer is kinda over and I'm beyond excited for Fall! Anyone else love Fall as much as I do? This month I ended up finishing quite a few items, mostly skin care and samples, which was exactly what I had predicted in my last empties post. Come Winter (I know, too soon), my skin gets extra sensitive and so I really wanted to focus on reducing my stash to the bare minimum since I know I won't be as adventurous with my skin care.  Here is what I finished this month...

Corpa Flora Beaute Divine Cleansing Oil - review here -  This is probably my favourite cleansing oil of all time. It's Canadian (major bonus in my books), gentle, effective at removing makeup and cleansing the skin, rinses off better than I remember, and leaves my skin so soft. I am currently working through one other cleansing oil and am hoping to try the Province Apothecary one, but will likely end up repurchasing this one in the near future.

Andalou Naturals Illuminating Toner - review here - Can't say enough good things about this affordable toner. Will be repurchasing.

*Pai Rice Plant & Rosemary BioAffinity Toner - review here - I really did enjoy using this toner. It worked well at reducing redness and refreshing my skin. It's a little too expensive for me though, especially since the spray apparatus doesn't work well. Will not repurchase.

Pretty Black Tea & Raw Cocoa Cleansing Grains - review here - This gentle exfoliating cleanser worked great as a second and morning cleanse, and was gentle enough to use daily. Not only did I end up using it on my face, I also enjoyed using it on my chest, shoulders, and back to combat acne. This container lasted me about 7 months, which goes to show that a little goes a long way. I much prefer the Rose & Oatmeal version, so I will not be repurchasing this one.

La Bella Figura Modern Radiance Concentrate - review here - I really liked the short term results that this serum produced; even and glowing skin, but it fell short in the long term results department (specifically with pigmentation). At a steep $170, it's a serum that I'm glad I had the opportunity to try but not one I plan on repurchasing.

Living Libations Frankincense Fresh Toothpaste - I did not like this toothpaste at all. It was really runny and left a weird aftertaste. Since the texture was off, LL sent me another jar of it and it was exactly the same. Usually it takes about 2 months to finish an LL toothpaste jar but, this one was gone in a month. I will repurchase the Clay version (mentioned here) but not this one.

*Pai Comfrey & Calendula Calming Body Cream - review here - This stuff was incredible and worked like a dream for my ezcema. I'm so sad that I used it up :(. Will definitely be repurchasing.

Himalaya Neem Tablets - Neem is a fantastic blood purifier and has many other health benefits. I purchased these tablets months ago, when my skin was freaking out, in hopes that it would help my skin. It didn't do anything except help my bowel movements, which is cool too. I won't be repurchasing. Has anyone else taken neem before?

Corpa Flora Eclat Citrouille (not pictured) - review here -  AHHHH I can't live without this serum! Seriously, I went without it for a couple of weeks and ended up repurchasing (today). It smells incredible, evens out my skin, helps with pigmentation, and makes my skin glow. A must try for all!

Dr. Bronner's Coconut Oil - This is my favourite coconut oil because it has a slight buttery flavour that makes it ideal for baking and tastes great when frying up pancakes. Will be repurchasing.

Clean Well Antibacterial Hand Soap in Lavender - This all natural hand soap uses thyme oil instead of harsh/nasty ingredients to disinfect and kill bacteria. The thyme smell is definitely obvious but the lavender works well to tone it done. It didn't dry out my hands or leave them feeling tight. I've already repurchased another lavender and am currently using a spearmint lime scent (which is also nice).

*Myra Aso Hair Oil (sample) - I love Myra's Marula Oil for my hair and at the Green Living Show, earlier this year, she was kind enough to give me a sample of a custom made hair oil. This one contained marula, broccoli seed oil, jojoba (I think), and sweet orange essential oil. It was only enough for 3 or 4 uses but it rinsed out well and left my ends feeling super soft. I don't often do oil treatments, so I will not be purchasing the full size.

One Love Organics Chia Oil - I purchased this from Eco Diva  and wasn't impressed. I felt like it just sat on my skin, never sinking in.

*May Lindstrom Honey Mud - My girl Lisa, from Glam Goes Green, gave me this sample to try. I wasn't fond of the scent but it did leave my skin feeling incredibly soft!

*Pure Anada Lavender Hand Cream - Another sample that Lisa gave me and I loved this one! It smelled like calming lavender and moisturized my hands without leaving a greasy finish or irritating my ezcema. I may pick up a full size.

*Haut Cosmetics Bio-Mineral Foundation in Burnt Almond - The beautiful Monique, from Anise Apothecary, just started carrying this line and I was stoked to get a sample. The colour matched me well but I'm not sure I'm sold on it. I felt like it caked up a bit but it could just be how I applied it. Might have to purchase or pick up another sample.

*Joyous Health Minty Fresh Toothpaste - Another lovely sample from Lisa! She hooked me up! Loved this toothpaste. It cleaned my teeth well and left my breath minty fresh. Will be picking up a full size.

*Pelle Beauty Luxe Beauty Oil - Received this sample in the Petit Vour box and was really impressed by it. I used it morning and night, and found my skin was well nourished and soft. I may pick up the full size.

Kjaer Weis Foundation in Just Sheer - I purchased this sample from Clementine Fields and chose the wrong shade. It was too dark which means I didn't take the time to play with it.

*Corpa Flora Grenadine - review here - Celine, Creator of Corpa Flora, was at my spa in August and gave me a sample of her day oil. She mentioned that she reduced the coconut oil in it, which I think is why it initially didn't work for me, and I have to say that I really liked it! It's light, soaked in beautifully, worked well as a primer for makeup, and didn't irritate my skin. Will definitely be picking up a bottle next year as it'll be too light for me in the Fall/Winter.

Physicians Formula Organic Wear CC Cream - I initially loved this CC cream but the colour has totally changed, it's so orange now. I purchased it when it was on sale and only have a bit left, so I'm tossing it. Will not be repurchasing. *Sappho Concealers in Undo and Neutrality - review here - I really liked these concealers in the beginning as well, but the texture has changed and they smell funky. Mind you, I've had these for well over a year and a half now. Chucking them and will not be repurchasing. Let me know if you've tried any of the products mentioned and what you've finished up this month :). *PR SAMPLES

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!

Myra Aso 100% Pure Marula Oil Review + Giveaway

Towards the last half of 2013, I attended the Whole Life Expo in Toronto. Shows like that are great for discovering new brands that are eager to get their products seen, tried, and loved. Myra Aso instantly grabbed by attention. Her beautiful smile and knowledge of marula oil intrigued me. She was in no way pushy, which I liked. After walking around the entire show, I knew I had to go back and pick up a bottle.

Marula oil actually comes from a fruit, which I didn't know. Correction: The oil is extracted from the nut of the seed of the fruit. The marula fruit is edible and inside is a seed. When the seed is cracked open, there is a nut. The oil is then extracted (cold pressed) from that nut. It grows on a tree that is Native to Africa and considered a miracle oil for it's ability to moisturize dry skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, reduce stretch marks, reduce facial redness, and much more. It's high in antioxidants like Vitamin C, and minerals like zinc and magnesium.

Myra Aso is a natural hair and skin care company, founded in 2012 by Myra Moyo and based in Pickering, Ontario, Canada. The company specializes in marula oil and the formulation of marula body and hair care products.  

The company educates women in the importance of natural beauty, through private consultations, workshops and seminars held at various community health organisations. 

As a young woman, Myra maintained a natural approach to her beauty, preferring short cropped hair and natural styles even in the face of opposition from accepted social standards, often finding herself forced to use products with synthetic ingredients which never solved any problems but created new ones.

As a wife and mother of four, the need for good products with clean and healthy ingredients is a passion. She has spent many years studying natural health and beauty alternatives and has decided to share her research with other women, who often are left with little option but to use products and services offered by people unqualified to address their, more natural, needs in managing beauty.

All product formulations are created by Myra, based upon the success of her hand-made formulations for family and friends. Myra is dedicated to using natural, earth-derived ingredients that take the health of the user into consideration. She is also dedicated to the empowerment of women through education, providing alternatives they seek as they become more aware of the options that are available to them, as they take their beauty and self esteem into their own hands. Naturally.

Read more about Myra Aso here.

Description: Organic Marula oil can be used for dry, chapped skin, stretch marks, redness, scars, as a facial moisturizer, around the eyes, for babies and small children and as a massage oil for the whole family.

Although I have used this a few times on my face and initially bought it for that sole purpose, I've quickly come to love it as a hair oil. My hair is fine, straight, and gets easily weighed down. That's why I only use a shampoo (all over) and oil (on my ends), no conditioner or styling products. Ever. This clear, light oil works like a charm to smooth frizz and makes my ends shine without weighing it down. I just apply one drop (yes, just one) between my hands and work it into my ends after my hair has already dried. I even apply it after using a sea salt spray to get beachy waves without looking like I need a deep conditioning mask. As for the scent, it's really hard to describe. I will say that it's not strong and doesn't linger, anyone sensitive to scents will not be bothered by it. Marula oil is hands down my new favourite hair oil and a must try for all of you who have yet to do so.

Myra Aso can only be found in Ontario, Canada at these retailers. She has told me that she's working on an online store. Fingers crossed that happens soon! If you live in the GTA and will be attending the Green Living Show, go visit her at booth #429!

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Myra Aso was kind enough to offer one lucky reader the opportunity to try the magical oil that I just raved about, as well as some additional goodies. How exciting is that!? The winner will receive:

• Pure Organic Marula Oil
• Marula Jojoba Facial Serum
• Marula Coconut Hair & Scalp Oil
• Marula Argan Body Cream - scented and unscented

To enter, you must subscribe to my blog and complete Rafflecopter below. Winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize. After 24 hours, I will pick another winner. Myra Aso will ship the products to the winner, however, you are also welcome to pick them up at the show. Just let me know which option you prefer. Open to Canadian Residents only.

Good luck :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Faves Friday!

Hello Friday and lovelies! Bet you're surprised that this is actually up on a Friday instead of the usual Saturday or Sunday. Be proud of me! I have a bunch of new things, and a couple old, that I have been loving over the past couple of weeks.

Deep Steep Body Mist in Honeydew Spearmint - I am beyond obsessed with this scent in the Deep Steep range. It's sweet and fresh and delicious. The mist doesn't last very long on the skin/clothes but, I don't mind reapplying and my clients probably appreciate that I don't smell like a fragrance counter. Sea Salt Spray (in the silver bottle) - When I went to Jamaica, I filled up this Aura Cacia bottle with sea water. Since we were going into Winter at the time and beachy hair wasn't all the rage, I kinda just kept it in a drawer. Now that the sun is finally shining and beachy hair is back in style, I've been using it regularly to give my fine, flat hair some texture and volume. Myra Aso 100% Marula Oil - Have I mentioned my love for marula oil yet? It works wonders for my hair. Since my hair is short and fine, I literally use one little drop and work it into my ends after drying/styling. It completely eliminates frizz and leaves my hair smooth, shiny, and glam. Never tried it? Don't worry, I got a special giveaway coming your way. Sante Eyebrow Pencil in No. 2 Brown - When my brows are full and luscious, I use Zuzu, but when they get a little sparse, it just doesn't do the job. I knew I needed something new and after swatching several brow pencils, Sante was the clear winner. It's not a warm brown so it works great for very dark brown/black brows like mine. I freakin love it. Living Libations Neem Enamelizer Toothpaste - I won't lie, this stuff tastes horrible and often times makes me gag a little. Why's it in your faves then Nicole? Because since I've started using it, my teeth are noticeably whiter and less sensitive. *Lyck Lip Butter in Crushed Berries - This lip butter smells, tastes, and feels divine on my lips. It leaves my lips super soft, makes my lipstick look better and last longer, and crushes candy cravings with each lick of my lips.  Hope you all have an amazing Friday :) *PR SAMPLE

Reveal My Stash #3 - Skin Care: Exfoliants, Masks, & Oils

Does the skin care stash reveal fun ever end?! It ends here my friends. This is the last of my skin care and the section that I'd like to shrink down, big time. I'd mainly like to shrink down the exfoliants that I have, it's more than I need or care to have. In this post, I'm not going to explain how or why I use each individual product.

*Sweet Leaf Bath Co. Adzuki Bean Rice Bran Face Polish, One Love Organics Brand New Day
& S.W. Basics Exfoliant

These are my physical exfoliants that I don't use that often. Physical exfoliants basically require an ingredient (ground almonds, oats, salt, etc) and your hands to gently massage the skin to remove any dead skin cells. I find this irritating to my skin, especially in the colder months. Out of all 3 of these though, the S.W. Basics seems to be my favourite.

*Shamanuti Pumpkin Enzyme Masque &
The Body Deli Blueberry Fusion Cleanser (which I use as a mask)

Chemical exfoliation is the use of enzymes or acids to eat away at the dead skin cells on your face and my favourite form of exfoliation. Yes, it can irritate the skin as well but I find these work best for me. Call me crazy!

Wedderspoon Manuka Honey, Pretty Ginger & Cypress Soothing Mud Mask, Evanhealy French Rose Clay,
& *Yula Organics Seaweed Facial Masque

Not much to say about these. Manuka honey, clay masks, perfection. That's all.

Hedd Wynn Tamanu Oil, Skin Essence Nourish Oil, Corpa Flora Eclat Citrouille, *Shamanuti Face Oil,
Myra Aso 100% Marula Oil, & *SBT Seabuckthorn Seed and Fruit Oil

I loveeeeee oils! I use em morning and night, switch em up, and mix em up! This is my favourite section in my skin care collection and I wouldn't change a thing, except add more oils haha.  I hope you enjoyed seeing my collection of body, hair and skin care products. Will definitely be revealing my makeup stash too, keep an eye out for that. *PR SAMPLES

#NoBuyJanuary Update + Faves Friday

#NoBuyJanuary has been very interesting thus far. There have been many bloggers writing about their experiences and why they decided to take part in this "event", which has lead me to many good reads. Everyone has their own reasons, but it seems like waste is one of the biggest. I don't believe in wasting money and under the umbrella of money comes food, skin care, electricity, etc. It's important to realize that not everyone can afford certain luxuries and we must not take what we have for granted. I've gone from a well paying corporate job to not even making 1/4 of that as an aesthetician. While I am fortunate to still live at home, I do have expenses and would like to eventually own a home. Using up products is not an issue for me, usually, and this month has been no exception. I have purchased a few items though and in honor of full disclosure, this is what I've picked up: Osmia Spot Treatment (why did it take me so long to get this?!?), 100% Pure Coconut Conditioner, coconut oil, Hurraw lip balm, and CV Skinlabs Calming Moisture for Face.  And now, my faves of the week! It's been all about hair care, surprisingly.

Lisa, from Serenity on the Humber Spa, has been telling me to try Alaffia Scalp Recovery Shampoo for like a year now and gave me what was left in her bottle to try. I've previously tried shampoos with tea tree in them and have ended up with a severely itchy scalp...which I've scratched..until it bled. Nice eh? My fear of tea tree oil is real people! Having used this shampoo twice already, and having one more use left, my scalp is almost clear! I can't even believe it. My mom was even shocked and asked what I've been using. I'm singing Lisa's praises right now, and this shampoo of course. I do find my hair looks a little oily the next day, but I think my scalp and scalp just need a little adjusting period. I may have to pick up a bottle of my own and use the other shampoos for something else or give them away. Having suffered with dermatitis and dandruff for years, it's such a relief to find something that works. Fingers crossed that it continues to work this well!

Myra Aso 100% Pure Marula Oil - review to come - I purchased this at a show a couple of months ago with the intention of using it on my face. Since I ran out of all my hair oils, I decided to try this on the ends of my hair. AH-MAZING! I can honestly say that I prefer it to argan oil and I literally use just 1 small drop. It doesn't smell the best, but the scent isn't too strong nor does it linger. Leaves my ends looking silky smooth and healthy.

What have you been reaching for most this week?