June 2014 Empties!

This post should have been up last week but, it's never too late to talk about trash. Right? I haven't really been buying new products or accepting PR samples, I'm just working on my stash in hopes of simplifying my entire routine.

Lulu Organics Hair Powder in  Lavender + Clary Sage (sample) - I really enjoyed the scent of this hair powder and it worked nicely at refreshing my greasy hair, however, straight up arrowroot powder works even better for me.

Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser (sample) - This cleanser didn't wow me like I had expected it to. It had exfoliating bits and left my skin soft but, it also left it really red.

100% Pure Burdock & Neem Healthy Scalp Shampoo (sample) - There's something about the 100% Pure hair care range that just doesn't work for me. This left my hair clean but my scalp irritated.

*SBT Seabuckthorn Juice Bar - I used this as a hand soap and while it was nice, I prefer something with a scent (like lavender). I also didn't like that it contained canola oil.

Province Apothecary Regenerating + Stimulating Exfoliator (sample) - This stuff was seriously exfoliating! It didn't irritate my skin at all, just left it super soft and bright. I may need to pick up the full size at some point.

*Mont Echo Sea Buckthorn Cleansing Cream - review here - I forgot how much I liked this cleanser. It left my skin so clean, soft, bright, and even toned. Mont Echo actually sent me this bottle because they've changed their packaging! It went from a jar, to this lovely airless pump. If you do try this cleanser, note that you need to pump it a million times before any product comes out. I actually thought it was broken at first. Will repurchase at some point.

*Consonant The Perfect Sunscreen - review here - So sad to have finished this bottle :(. It really is the perfect sunscreen. It left absolutely no white cast and created the perfect base for makeup. I find it works best for my skin in the warmer months though, is that weird? I do have a couple of sunscreens to use up but this one will be on my repurchase list!

Andalou Naturals Illuminating Toner - review here - I've talked about my love for this toner many, many times. I've already repurchased.

Pretty Ginger & Cypress Mud Mask - review here - This is another long time favourite and staple in my routine, I've already repurchased.

Weleda Calendula Face Cream - review here - Yes another favourite and staple in my routine. I love this for the ezcema/dermatitis on my hands, as well as my face. I'm currently trying out some other hand and face creams, however, it's very likely that I will be repurchasing in the near future.

OM Organic Matter Shampoo (Damage Level 1) - review here - I can't be without this shampoo! It works so well for my hair and scalp. Already repurchased.

On a Branch Soaps in Tea Girl - review here - I love the On a Branch Soap soap range and while this one was lovely to use, I had mixed feelings on the scent. Sometimes I smelled the lavender, other times it smelled a little weird. I won't be repurchasing this particular scent.

*nyl Whipped Hand & Body Lotion - review here - Another sad empty. This lotion was super hydrating and left my skin incredibly soft. Will be repurchasing at some point.

*Dr. Sponge Original Body Sponge - review here - Sorry, I can't get into these sponges.

Origins Planscriptions Concealer - This concealer has been sitting around for a long time and I almost never reach for it. It's not the worst, in terms of ingredients, but it's also not the best. Tossing it out and will not be repurchasing. Pure Anada Mascara in Black - review here - I believe this was my third tube of Pure Anada mascara and I can now officially say that it really irritated my eyes. I stand by my initial review of how well it holds up in heat, doesn't smudge, budge, smear, melt, flake, etc. If it didn't burn my eyes, it would be my holy grail forever. Sadly, I've had to move on. Alima Pure Blush in Freja (sample) - Loved this beautiful blush! It was a gorgeous shimmery (not glittery) pink blush that I think would suit most skin tones. May purchase the full size. That's it! Hope you enjoyed my trash :). *PR SAMPLES

February 2014 Empties!

Oh ya baby, I'm killing these empties posts! I have been making a big huge dent in my stash and am beyond excited about it.

Deep Steep Repairing Shampoo - review here - I really did enjoy this shampoo at first, but I noticed it starting to irritate my scalp with continued use. I began using it only once a week for a "deep clean" and must admit that most of it ended up spilling in my tub because of the water-like texture. Won't repurchase.

Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap in Eucalyptus - review here - I love this soap for cleaning my bathroom. The eucalyptus scent is uplifting and one of my faves. Repurchased in peppermint (my other fave scent).

Batch Naturals Lemongrass & Sweet Basil Soap - review here - While the scent wasn't something that I'd normally go for, I REALLY enjoyed it. This soap contains clay, which worked wonderful for my bacne. The disappointing part is that it didn't last too long. With regular use, and me being the only one using it, it lasted about 3 weeks. Will likely not repurchase because of how quickly it gets used.

Pretty Goat Milk & Honey Soap - no review coming - This soap was not as awesome as I was hoping, seeing as it's from one of my fave brands. It's creamy and moisturizing, but I didn't feel like it really cleaned me. Not that it left me stinky, I just didn't feel clean. I think it would be amazing for someone with super dry skin or babies. Also, it contains palm oil. Won't repurchase.

On A Branch Soap in Monday Morning - review here - Great company and great soap. The coffee grinds were a little too sharp for my liking but I still enjoyed it, especially the cinnamon scent of Monday Morning. Will repurchase in another scent.

Pretty Ginger & Cypress Soothing Mask - review here - Hands down my favourite clay mask ever. I always come back to it, even though trying to DIY it would be much cheaper. It works at pulling out impurities and calming my skin all at the same time. Will repurchase at some point, but I'm currently debating on splurging on a La Bella Figura mask.

*Shamanuti Pumpkin Enzyme Masque - review here - As my skin was freaking out this month (with acne) and not as sensitive as usual, I was able to use this mask more frequently. I really enjoyed how it left my skin soft  and helped to get rid of pimples quicker. May repurchase at some point.

*Therapi Honey Skincare Orange Blossom No. 3 Moisturizer - review here - This is a fab UK brand. They use honey (obviously) in their products, along with other great ingredients. I loved using this morning and night, the scent, and how it left my skin so soft. I do have to note that since running out of this moisturizer, probably about a week and a half ago, my skin hasn't been breaking out as much. So I'm not sure if this is what was causing my skin to freak out, along with hormones, but that's why I haven't written a review yet.

*Sweet Leaf Bath Co. Adzuki Bean Rice Bran Face Polish - review here - Even though this scrub smelled like grass, it worked really well at exfoliating my skin. I especially loved mixing it with honey and using it as a mask. I did end up using it this last month on my face, chest, shoulders, and back regularly. Since I'm not a big fan of physical/mechanical exfoliants, I will likely not repurchase this.

*Thayers Peach Witch Hazel Toner - I used to love Thayers and even got my boyfriend hooked on using it after shaving. This one smelled like fuzzy peaches, which I loveeeeeed, but it contained alcohol. I don't like to use anything too astringent on my sensitive facial skin, so I opted to use it on my chest, shoulders, and back. It did help dry out some of the acne spots I was getting. Won't be picking up the full size.

Pretty Roman Chamomile Floral Water - review here - This is my favourite floral water and I've raved about it enough. I've repurchased in rose.

*PurelyGreat Citrus Cream Deodorant - review here - Aside from the irritation this gave me, it worked amazingly well at keeping me stink free ALL day long. I started applying a water/apple cider vinegar mix to my underarms about 20 minutes before applying this deodorant and it kept the irritation (mostly) away. The most annoying part about this deodorant, was constantly having to mix it prior to use. Because of that, I will not be repurchasing.

*Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion Mini - This sample came with their Sea Buckthorn Hand Cream that I have already reviewed. The scent was light and fresh, same as the other products in the sea buckthorn range. I was really surprised by this product! It moisturized really well and absorbed nicely. I may pick up a full size once I use up some other body lotions.

Pai Fragonia & Sea Buckthorn Instant Hand Therapy Cream - review here - Lovveeeed this hand cream! It was super hydrating and absorbed ridiculously well. The packaging is too big to carry around with me, which is one of the biggest downsides..along with the price..but I think I'm going to repurchase it soon.

S.W. Basics Cream - review here - I took this picture on Tuesday and have since finished off what was left in the jar. This was deeply moisturizing and an absolute pleasure to use. I loved applying it all over, especially on my knees, feet, and elbows. Will repurchase next Fall/Winter.

First Aid Beauty, Niora & Aromatherapy Associates were sent to me by Cori (Well Beauty Blog). The two unmarked jars in the middle were sent to me by Sabrina and Mayah (Call It Vanity)

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream (sample) - Not entirely natural but it did work well to moisturize my super dry hands.

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask (sample) - This mask didn't burn or tingle at all, and left my skin brighter and softer. Since it was a one time use, I'm can't tell if it's worth the splurge.

Raw Gaia MSM Beauty Scrub (sample) - I didn't understand this exfoliant because I didn't feel it exfoliating. It felt more like a cleansing balm.

Aurelia Miracle Cleanser (sample) - I loved the invigorating eucalyptus scent of this rich cream cleanser. It left my skin soft, cleansed, and more even toned. I see myself purchasing the full size at some point.

Niora Alpha Clear Cleanser (sample) - This cleanser is designed for adult acne, which is pretty cool. It cleansed my skin well (didn't remove makeup though) all while leaving it well hydrated. Not sure the sample was large enough to notice a different in my acne though.

Aromatherapy Associates Soothing Treatment Mask (sample) - I didn't find this mask to be anything special although I only had enough for one use. It did moisturize my skin, and calm the redness on my cheeks a bit. I also enjoyed the fact that it was scentless.

*SBT Soothing Salve for Stretch Marks/Scars (sample) - I got this in a sample pack back in October and have been using it for several months now. The smell is really nice, almost like a herbal apple, but might be a little much for some. Did I notice a change in the appearance of my stretch marks? No.

Benecos Natural Multi Effect Mascara - no review coming - This mascara was a major flop for me. I loved the large natural bristle brush but hated that it smudged and flaked within minutes of application. When I wore this to work, I'd have to constantly check the mirror to make sure that it didn't look like I went straight to work after a night of partying. On a positive note, it didn't irritate my eyes. Cheeky Cosmetics Eye Shadows in Pebble & Truffle (samples) - review here - I really love the Cheeky eye shadows. They are beautiful and so pigmented. These two taupes were stunning all over the lids, outer corners, and in the crease. I'm extremely tempted to pick up full sizes, however, I don't use eye shadow often enough to justify adding more to my already (kinda) large collection.
W3LL People Universalist Multi-Use Stick in #7 Creamy Peony (sample) - This cool toned vibrant pink is stunning, stunning, stunning! My boyfriend already purchased the full size for me.
Zuzu Luxe Brow Pencil in Russet - review here - The most perfect shade for my brows. I just wish there was a way to use ALL of the product. Already repurchased.
What have you finished up this month? *PR SAMPLES

On A Branch Soap: Monday Morning Review

Hi lovelies! Sorry that I've been MIA. My internet has been up and down, friggen technology, and I haven't had the patience to deal with it. Going to try and write a bunch of posts now so that I can just upload them should it go down again :). Now for the review!

I love soap. While there's almost always a body wash in my shower rotation, soap is where my heart and addiction lays. During my visit to Anise Apothecary, On A Branch Soaps suckered me in with it's beautiful and creative packaging (just look below), and scent selection. My boyfriend was sweet enough to pick me up Monday Morning.

Image from the Anise Apothecary Facebook Page

On A Branch Soaps is a Canadian brand, made in Burlington, Ontario. Tara Patey, owner/creator/artisan, is very passionate about the products that she creates and makes each one with love and care. She's constantly playing with different soap ideas, scents, designs, and even willing to make one unique to your business/event.

Monday Morning is scented with cinnamon and blood orange, and while it does contain coffee grinds, it doesn't smell of it (sadly). The scent that comes through most is the cinnamon, which I absolutely adore. I will say that the scent isn't as strong in my shower (during use) as it is when I smell the bar directly or even packaging. Speaking of packaging, how effen cute? She hand wraps each one in beautiful decorative paper, which is both eco friendly and pretty to look at, and stamps them with her logo. Her logo, the bird, was actually created by her. See what I mean, a whole lotta love goes into each soap! Back to Monday Morning. While this soap is lovely, I find the coffee grinds to be a little too sharp and harsh on my body. I did mention that to Tara, and she quickly apologized and made a note to grind them up a little more in the future. Aside from that, I have nothing bad to say about the brand. The ingredients are fantastic, the soaps affordable, and Tara is a pleasure to deal with (should you purchase from her and not a retailer).

Retails for $6 CAN for a 4.5 - 5 oz bar. Can be purchased through Etsy and Anise Apothecary. I believe that Tara takes down whatever scents are not currently available on her etsy store, so you may need to contact her (through etsy) if you're interested in this (or any) specific scent to find out what they will be available.

Ingredients - no palm oil, just sayin!