Odacité Pure Elements: Pa + G (Papaya Geranium)

Odacité is a FRESH, high end, and quality skin care line created by Valérie Grandury. I've reviewed her 10 day treatement kit last year, and while I wasn't overly impressed it didn't stop me from wanting to try out the Pure Elements collection. Saska and Monique, of Anise Apothecary, both convinced me to give one of the serums a go. With sun damage and acne scarring on my face, I decided to purchase the papaya geranium serum for hyperpigmentation.

The Pure Elements collection offers 18 ultra-targeted skin remedies, for remarkable results in minimal time.

Each Serum Concentrate is born of the alliance of ancient medicinal plant knowledge with the research and clinical studies of modern science, to create powerful skin boosters.

Each drop is a concentrated dose of vitamins, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, which are all essential in skin regeneration as well as detoxification.

Formulated for perfect skin compatibility and deep absorption, wether your skin is mature, sensitive, devitalized or fighting pimples , there is a perfect formula for you.

Super concentrated, 2-3 drops - morning and night - mixed in your dose of moisturizer is all it takes!

You can read more about the Pure Elements range here.

Description:

• Multi-active rejuvenating serum that helps to reduce brown spots while preventing the apparition of wrinkles and further pigmentation.

• Papaya seed oil is rich in fruit enzymes that help to fade brown spots and dissolve dead skin cells, unveiling a fresh and more even-toned glow.

• Geranium oil combines with Lemon oil, further encouraging wrinkle reduction and more evened-out skin tone.

• In aromatherapy, Geranium oil is known to have a harmonizing effect on the mind & body, helping to avoid emotional roller coasters.

I know that Odacité's packaging is fairly simple, but it's so chic. The dark glass bottle ensures that the product isn't tainted by UV rays and really preserves the oil. The idea behind the serum, as you've read above, is to be able to mix the concentrated formula with your daily moisturizer (cream or oil). The dropper on this bottle allows you to experiment with different ratios to find the perfect combination. I absolutely love mixing two drops of this serum with just about any oil or cream, at night, a few times a week. I find that it has really helped with hyperpigmentation and leaves my skin glowing. It smells of geranium but isn't at all overpowering, and while it does linger, it fades in intensity. Since I only use it a few times a week, the one bottle has lasted me several months. I'd definitely recommend this serum for brightening the skin, it works a million times better than LBF and costed a fraction of the price.

Retails for $37 USD/$38 CDN for 5 ml. With 18 different treatments, you're bound to find one for your skin.

All Pure Elements concentrates can be purchased through Odacité, Anise Apothecary, and these other retailers.

Which serum concentrate appeals to you most or which have you already tried?

Ingredients (INCI): Highest-grade cold-pressed certified virgin Papaya (Carica papaya) oil, Certified organic Geranium, Lemon (Pelargonium graveolens, Citrus limon) essential oils, Certified GMO-free Vitamin E (Tocopherols) oil.

Rave Review: Corpa Flora Discovery Set 21 Days - The 5 Essentials

Discovery sets are amazing and the perfect way to try out a brand without committing to (and investing in) full sizes. I came across Corpa Flora after reading an article, which I now can't remember the name of, and knew I had to try them. After reaching out to them, Celine was kind enough to send me the *Discovery Set 21 days “The 5 Essentials". 
Celine Champigny, founder of Corpa Flora water-free skin care products, was founded in early 2012 in Montreal, Quebec (Canada). She originally studied food sciences, but has worked over 20 years in academic research biochemistry labs at McGill and the University of Toronto. Celine has combined her interest in nutrition, free-radical warriors and cosmetics to build a simple and natural skin care line centered around treatment oils (as well as a powdered exfoliant) containing essential ingredients to nourish and restore the healthy glow of all skin types. Corpa Flora pays particular attention to the primary products that it uses, the majority of its ingredients have been certified as Biological either from Ecocert or the USDA/NOP. They use only 100% recyclable glass bottles and discourage over packaging. Less packaging = Happy planet. The company has made an ecological and economical choice aimed at promoting the product itself rather than the exterior packaging. There are no chemical nasties in any of the products and no animal testing is conducted.

Description: Now you can try CORPA FLORA botanical cocktails for 21 days. You will find in this Discovery Set "Beaute Divine" our camelia cleansing oil, "Grenadine" and Eclat Citrouille" our antioxidant and anti-aging botanical cocktails, our ultra-fine exfoliating powder "Rock'n Rose" and our ultra-soft bamboo facial cloth from Shoo-Foo. This discovery Set 21 days can be used as a beauty booster for all skin types , as a travel set or simply as the perfect gift for your best friend.

Beaute Divine Oil Cleanser (2 x 30 ml): I love me an oil cleanser for removing makeup and I love the light scent of this one. If I use the perfect amount, it rinses off with ease. I usually double cleanse (oil followed by a cream cleanser) but there are days where I'm just too lazy, so I appreciate how easy it is to wash off. It leaves my skin well cleansed and hydrated. Would totally purchase the full size! Full Size: $37 CAN for 120 ml/4fl oz

Grenadine Antioxidant Day Cocktail (8 ml): Nice day oil, but not my fave of the kit. I don't find it does much for my skin in terms of adding a glow or making it look any better. I still need to use a moisturizer over top, it's not sufficient on its own. Wouldn't purchase the full size. Full Size: $37 CAN for 30 ml/1 fl oz.

Éclat Citrouille Antioxidant Night Cocktail (8 ml): Obsessed! It absorbs beautifully and depending on how my skin is acting, I won't apply a cream over top. Sometimes I apply African Gold to any dry areas, but I usually find this oil enough. When I wake up, my skin is glowing, even toned, soft, and looks absolutely amazing! Already purchased the full size. Full Size: $37 CAN for 30 ml/1 fl oz.

Rock'n Rose Exfoliating Facial Powder (4 ml): This is a super fine powder that exfoliates really well. It's gentle enough for my sensitive skin, yet still effective. Leaves my skin super soft and bright. I wouldn't purchase the full size though because I prefer a chemical exfoliant to a physical one. Full Size: $23 for 30 ml/1 fl oz.

SHOO-FOO Facial Cloth: This facial cloth is SO soft and such a joy to use. It gently helps remove makeup (and the cleanser) without irritating my skin. I use it a few times before tossing it in the wash. I'm thinking about picking up a pack of three. Set of 3: $14 CAN

Overall, I'm very impressed with this line. When I received the set my skin was in a horrible state. It was dry and breaking out really badly. This set transformed my skin by restoring much needed hydration and helped clear up my crazy breakout. I find all the products smell lovely but are in no way over powering or obnoxious. I think it'd be ideal for all skin types, especially with Fall here and Winter coming. This set is supposed to last 21 days, however, I haven't used any of them up yet. In fact, a little goes a very long way. I'm still on my first bottle of cleansing oil. I highly recommend trying out this Discovery Set, you will not be disappointed. 

Discovery Set 21 Days retails for $51 CAN. Can be purchased through Corpa Flora, Serenity on the Humber Day Spa (got her hooked on these products), and any of their other retailers.

Have you ever tried Corpa Flora? Which product stands out most to you?

Ingredients

Beaute Divine Oil Cleanser: Helianthus Annuus(Sunflower) Seed Oil *, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Camellia Sinensis (Camellia) Seed Oil*, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate**, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Extract* Cupressus Sempervirens (Cypress) Oil,* Backhousia Citriodora (Lemon Myrtle) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract (and) Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*. * Organic ** PEG-free emulsifier ECOCERT certified

Grenadine Antioxidant Day Cocktail: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil *,Camellia Sinensis (Camellia) Seed Oil*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Rubus Idaeus (Red Raspberry) Seed Oil*, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil,* Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil (and) Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower extract, Punica Granatum(Pomegranate) Seed Extract *, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) Fruit Extract*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract (and) Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil,* Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Oil*, Citrus sinensis dulcis(Orange) Oil*, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Petitgrain) Oil*, Citrus Junos (Yuzu) Oil, Bachhousia Citriodora (Lemon Myrtle) Oil. *Organic *Organic

Éclat Citrouille Antioxidant Night Cocktail: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Camellia Sinensis (Camellia) Seed Oil*, Cucurbita pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil*, Macadamia Ternifolia (Macadamia) Seed Oil*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil (and) Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) flower Extract (and) Plantago Major (Plantain) leaf Extract**,Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Extract*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil*, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium)Oil*, Boswellia Carteri (Frankincense)Oil , Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract(and) Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*. *Organic **wild harvested

Rock'n Rose Exfoliating Facial Powder: Phasedus Angularis (Adzuki) Powder, Sodium bicarbonate *, Oat flour, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Petal Powder. *Aluminium-free

*Set provided for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Rave Review: Pretty Skin Savior Herbal Wellness Oil

Pretty is one of my all time favourite Canadian brands. I have loved almost every product that I have tried and their ingredients are exceptional. It was started by two sisters, one a Registered Dietitian and the other a Makeup Artist and Aesthetician, who wanted a line free of all nasties and suitable for the most sensitive of skins. Their products are free of synthetic fragrances and colours, sulphates, propylene glycol, phenoxyethanol, harsh preservatives, and pretty much anything else that you can't pronounce. You can read more about them here. For the record, they are not paying me to say anything nice about them and have never sent me free product. My love and passion for this line goes back to the beginning of my journey into natural products as it was one of the first brands I ever tried.

With that out of the way, let's talk body oil! Body oils are all the rage now and that's because they supply the skin with superb nourishment and benefits while still allowing it to breathe.

Description: Relieve dry, itchy skin without the use of cortisone or harsh ingredients. Calming oatmeal and soothing calendula are infused into a base of sweet almond and white tea oil. Lavender and juniper berry replenish moisture, relieve irritation and protect skin.

Guess what? I love this! Betcha didn't see that coming ;). The packaging is beautiful and very eco friendly, as it is with all of their products. The tinted glass bottle is light and comes with an upside down dropper that you can swap out for a pump. Don't you just love options? I personally prefer the pump because it's more convenient. The oil smells like the beauty section at a health food store, which is just lovely. It's not too overpowering and dissipates throughout the day. The oil absorbs into the skin really well, softening and moisturizing it while leaving a beautiful sheen. It hasn't stained any of my clothes or sheets, that I've noticed. I tend to get red patches on the back of my arms. There's no bumps or anything, it just looks irritated. This oil has helped reduce that redness upon application with it's soothing oatmeal and calendula infused almond oil and essential oil blend. Does it get any damn better?! I solely use this on my arms and any other irritated areas, like my hands. While it's targeted towards a specific skin type/condition, I think this would be a great all over body oil for anyone (unless you have sensitives to any of the ingredients of course). They have several other oils to choose from, if this one doesn't appeal to you. This oil is a beautiful indulgent treat for your skin that I think is well worth the price, especially considering the simplicity of the ingredients. I highly, highly recommend and would definitely repurchase!

Retails for approx. $24 CAN for 90ml. You can purchase it through Pretty. You can connect with them on Twitter, Facebook or send them an email to find a retailer closest to you.

Have you ever tried Pretty? If not, would you?

Ingredients: Oatmeal & calendula infused almond oil, camellia oil, safflower oil, jojoba oil, lavender oil, juniper oil, palmarosa oil, patchouli oil, rosemary oil, bergamot oil, rose geranium oil, orange oil

May 2013 Faves!

I skipped out on doing an April faves post because I was finishing up some products and really had nothing exciting or new worth mentioning. This month, however, I have a few honourable mentions.

DIY Clay mask - I do have a post on my mask concoction, however, I've been changing it up a bit. Instead of using toner to mix the clays and honey, I sometimes used (and still use) Raw ACV (apple cider vinegar) and pass on the neem. Either way, I was using this mask at least 3 times a week to help draw out impurities from the heavy, HD and waterproof makeup that we were using in the makeup course I took.

Honey - With all the makeup and washing my face so frequently last month, I loved applying honey every other morning on my face and just leaving it on for 10 - 30 minutes.

Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil - review here - Such a beautiful, beautiful oil! It smells lovely, feels lovely, hydrates lovely, it's just lovely and I've been really enjoying it.

Bee 23 Hotty Body Balm - review here - I stand by my bees knees comment, it's amazing. I was using the Weleda body oil all over, but decided to use it on the bits that need firming and this balm everywhere else. Moisturizes like a dream!

Weleda Skin Food - review here - I carry this in my bag at all times, in case you couldn't tell by how banged up it looks. Wonderful for dry patches on your body and face. A definite love and must have of mine.

Pure+Simple Face Colour in Glow - review here - Shocking right? Love this blush so, so much. If you follow me on Twitter, then you know mine actually shattered. P+S were kind enough to send me a new one but, I've been using my broken one because there's no way I'm tossing that baby out.

Ilia Lip Conditioner in Arabian Knights - review to come - I do have a review coming, promise! This is the most beautiful and perfect berry shade. I reached for it all of May..well..since I got it really!

Gabriel Brow Pencil in Russet - review to come - This is my first natural brow pencil and it's great. My brows are pretty dark but I hate using a dark brown pencil because I don't want them to appear darker, just fuller. This taupe-ish shade is perfect and so natural looking.

Olie Biologique 004 Hydrating Oil - review to come - I got sent this to try out and while it's basically Argan Oil, which I can't use on my face, it has been amazing in my hair. I apply it on dry hair to smooth away any frizz and keep my ends conditioned. Oh and it smells lovely!

What did you love in May?

DIY - Makeup Removing Oil Cleanser

This is my first DIY ever, I think. I love removing my makeup with oil because it really just dissolves and removes it well, as I'm sure many makeup wearers would agree with. To be honest, you don't really need to make any sort of mixture, you can use straight oil, but I like to incorporate other ingredients for added benefits.

What you'll need:

• carrier oil of choice
• castor oil
• essential oils (can be omitted)
• container/bottle to store it in

I originally made this makeup remover without castor oil, but heard that it's fantastic for acne prone skin and couldn't help but buy and throw some in there. The pump bottle is the one from Pure+Simple, it's 50ml, but you can use any bottle you want. I find (smaller) pump bottles so much easier to use, and I had it laying around :P.

Ready for the extremely difficult steps?

Step 1: Fill 3/4 of the bottle with your carrier oil
Step 2: Fill remainder 1/4 of the bottle with castor oil
Step 3: Add 5 drops each of essential oils (or skip this step) - I used lime for it's brightening properties and chamomile for it's soothing properties

You're done! Hard eh? This has been working really well for me and I notice a difference when I don't use it. It remove all of my makeup, helps clear up my skin, and keep it soft. I gently rub it all over my face to loosen and melt any makeup and then apply a wet warm towel to help draw out impurities remove the oil and makeup from my skin. I do this (the towel) a few times before cleansing with a regular cleanser. It may seem like a lot of work but washing off all of my makeup is such an enjoyable experience. It's like removing your bra when you get home from work, seriously!

What do you use to remove your makeup?

Badger Seabuckthorn Apricot & Pomegranate Antioxidant Hair Oil Review

I love hair oils and I usually make my own. They're fantastic for scalp and hair health, in my opinion. Marcella has a sick obsession with Badger and kindly sent this to me to try out. This is another winning product from Badger! They can do no wrong!

Description: Daily life takes a toll on the hair: sun, wind, earth, water, pollutants, and styling can impact hair health. Badger’s here to help restore the balance – let us pay the toll for you! Treat your hair to vitamin and antioxidant-rich oils and extracts, and watch the shine and luster return to overworked hair. We’ve selected our most powerful oils to deliver naturally occurring vitamins A, B, C, E, and K to nourish and replenish hair. Seabuckthorn and Pomegranate promote hair strength and elasticity, and Apricot is a potent emollient, imparting moisture and shine. Rosehip possesses regenerative properties, helping hair to return to its healthiest state.

This oil is beautiful! First off, I love the packaging. The oil comes in a sturdy, leak proof (so it seems), clear glass bottle with a pump. The pump is convenient because you can dispense as little or as much as you want/need and it's not messy. It smells like seabuckthorn oil but sweeter. If you haven't smelled seabuckthorn before, it smells very similar to rosehip but not as intense. The smell doesn't linger at all once washed out. It applies really nicely to the hair and scalp, leaves them both nourished, smells nice, washes out great and doesn't weigh down my fine hair.

I like using this treatment twice a week because my scalp hates me and my ends are damaged. I put a few pumps in my hand and fully saturate my scalp and hair, massage my scalp for a few minutes, and then tie my hair in a bun. If I'm leaving it on overnight, which I usually do, I put a towel on my pillows and rinse out the morning. I do wash my hair twice, to remove it all, only because my hair is so fine.

I highly recommend this oil and would definitely repurchase!

Retails for approx. $22.99 CAN for 2 fl oz.  You can purchase directly through Badger or your local health food store.

Have you ever tried any of Badger's wonderful hair oils?

New Roots Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil Review

I've been hearing about Sea Buckthorn Oil for a little while now. It's a semi-rich oil that's great for calming and healing rosacea, eczema, acne, dry skin, balancing oily skin, anti-aging and much more. My skin is so sensitive and reactive all year round, I've finally come to terms with it. The constant weather change here has made me extremely dry and I just love playing with facial oils, so I thought what the heck! Side note: my journey into making my own facial serums is still going to happen, my first batch wasn't impressive and now I want to see what oils do great things for my skin before mixing another batch.

Description: Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil is an excellent source of both omega 3 and 6 fatty acids in a naturally effective 1:1 ratio, along with being a rich source of omega 9. Sea Buckthorn seed oil fast absorbing, and light in colour and texture yet rich in vitamins E and K, its antioxidant properties rank it among the premium oils for nurturing and protecting skin. Stronger skin cell membranes and better collagen creation will improved the elasticity of skin for a healthy, youthful appearance. 

The Good:

• light fragrance
• moisturizing
• acne reducing/clearing
• calming
• balancing

The Bad:

• worst bottle ever

Verdict: I'm really thrilled to have discovered a new type of oil that works well with my skin. I was using it for about a week, morning and night, and noticed a significant improvement in the hydration level, tone and number of breakouts. I then started playing with a mixture of 1 pump tamanu and 4 drops sea buckthorn and I swear they are a dream team together! I apply it to my face, neck and chest and can honestly say that my skin hasn't looked this good, for this long in a very long time. I still have acne scars and haven't really noticed those fading. There are so many brands of sea buckthorn oil and I will say that I don't recommend New Roots because of the bottle.  The bottle leaks and doesn't close properly. No matter how tight I turn the top, it slides (yes, slides) open and causes such a darn mess. I had to put it into another glass dropper bottle because oil was leaking everywhere. I will definitely repurchase sea buckthorn oil, however, it will be from a different brand.

Retails for approx. $23 CAN for 30ml. Sea Buckthorn Oil is sold at most health food stores.

What are your thoughts on sea buckthorn oil?

Ingredients: sea buckthorn oil

Oil Cleansing Method

A little while back, I tried the oil cleansing method using coconut oil.  For those of you that don't know what OCM is, it's basically cleansing your skin with oil (duh!).  Oil is great for cleansing makeup, dirt and drawing out oil from deep down in your pores.  Coconut oil is great because it has antimicrobial and healing properties which is great for acne.

I decided to go all in and use the OCM morning and night.  My skin was looking amazing for the first week.  It was soft, even complexion, no pimples, minimal black and white heads, hydrated, glowing, etc. After that, my face began breaking out like a champ.  I heard that it's supposed to "purge" and all that jazz, which is fine, but my face just kept purging.  I thought maybe it was too much oil and my skin was getting clogged up.  I would apply a small amount of coconut oil to my hands, warm it up, massage on face and remove, multiple times, with a hot face towel, then tone and go on with life as usual.  I stopped cleansing with oil in the morning and returned to my Pangea cleanser which brought my skin back to normal.

I now only use oil to cleanse off makeup as well to moisturize, otherwise, I use Pangea or any other facial cleanser that I have on hand morning and night.  I might give this another go using a different oil, but I'm not sure yet.  I would like to and will be trying out the honey challenge as soon as I'm close to running out of my facial cleansers.  Honey is antibacterial, full of antioxidants and a natural humectant (attracts and retains moisture) which I think would work amazingly well for my skin and all other skin types.

Have you tried either the Oil Cleansing Method or Honey Challenge? Let me know!
  

   

Shea Terra Tamanu Oil Review

I love me some oil! I have raved about coconut oil, which is still amazing and I love it, but wanted to play around with other oils as well.  You don't know what's going to give you the best results unless you play a little. Oil party anyone?

Description: Shea Terra Organics' 100% Pure Tamanu Oil from Madagascar has nothing added and nothing taken away so you get maximum anti-acne, anti-aging, and anti-bacterial benefits. Shea Terra Organics' 100% Pure Tamanu Oil is flown in from a Madagascar forest saving project. The oil continues to work more effectively against bacterial and fungal infections than many anti-biotics. It has an amazing ability to help promote the formation of new tissue which makes it perfect for those suffering from acne, rashes, sunburn, insect bites and eczema, not to mention as a daily standby for razor nicks to speed healing and avoid scarring as well as anti-aging.

The Good:

• wonderfully hydrating
• reduces acne
• multi use product
• quickly heals any cuts or burns
• great amount of product
• dark coloured bottle preserves the oil
• doesn't stain clothing or sheets even though it is a yellow coloured oil

The Bad:

• smells awful
• not a fan of the dropper. A pump would be less messy and easier to control the amount. 

Verdict:  I have been using this for the last month or so and have seen great results. I first began using it morning and night but now I just use it as a night serum and wake up with less acne, redness and my skin is radiant. If only I could stop touching my damn face now! Ugh, I have a problem which involves me constantly touching my face for no reason which then spreads bacteria which then causes acne.  You'd think I'd better right? I do, I just have a problem!  I also use it on any cuts or burns that I get and it works like a dream! The smell does linger and it is quite strong, beware lol. I absolutely hate the dropper and wish I had the option of a pump.  Online they show it as having a pump but Healthy Planet only had droppers. This oil is pretty thick so it gets all around the dropper instead of just in it and makes a mess on the bottle and releases too much oil.  You only need 2 - 3 drops for your entire face, neck and chest. I really like this oil and would definitely repurchase. I would only repurchase Shea Terra's version if the bottle came with a pump, otherwise I'd find a different one.

 

Retails for approx. $24 CAN for a 2 oz bottle.  Can be purchased in store at Healthy Planet or online at Shea Terra.

Have you heard of or tried Tamanu Oil?

Ingredients: 100% Pure tamanu oil