Trash Talk July 2014 (Empties)

Another month has passed us by, and I'm thrilled to be killing my stash. August will likely be all skin care and the last of these huge empties posts. As I've mentioned before, I plan on taking the minimalist approach to my skin, body, and hair care routines. Especially with the colder months coming, less is more for my skin.
Grab a drink and snack, and let's get started! 

*New Leaf Naturals Chai to Relax Hand Soap - review here - I really did enjoy this hand soap, despite the scent not being as strong as I normally like, and it worked really well for cleaning makeup and dirt off of my hands. Sadly, castile soap bases irritate my hands.

*Pure+Simple Organic Hair Oil - I've had this hair oil for a very long time and never reviewed it because they've discontinued it. It had a unique scent, that I can't even described, but worked well to condition my scalp and hair.

Deep Steep Body Mist in Honeydew Spearmint - Maaaaan, this is my favourite Deep Steep scent. So refreshing! This body mist was lovely as a refresher, especially when I worked long days and felt stinky. The scent wasn't overpowering and didn't linger for long (sadly) but filled its purpose. I have already repurchased.

Deep Steep Body Wash in Honeydew Spearmint - review here - Love, love, love! The scent was perfect, the foaming action was great, and my skin always felt soft after using it. My boyfriend used up most of this bottle (Thanks Chris) and so I didn't get to enjoy it for as long as I had hoped. Iherb was out of this scent, so I picked up Chamomile Lavender and will say that I'm not loving the scent as much as this one.

*New Leaf Naturals Stink Stopper - review here - Fantastic deodorant! It never irritated my pits and kept me stink free almost all day. I wasn't a fan of the scent and didn't like that it turned white close a bit green (even though it washed off). If there were more scents available and shipping wasn't insane to Canada, I'd 100% pick up another one.

*Organic Bath Co. Stress Less Body Scrub - review here - Nothing has changed from my initial review. It exfoliated really well and left my skin soft without feeling greasy. The scent grew on me, but it wasn't my favouritet. I'm currently using Zesty Mornings...swoon.

*Hush & Dotti Original Cleansing Balm (sample) - I cannot get into cleansing balms. I struggled to use this up and while it was nice, it's just not my thing. I also found the essential oils a little much for my sensitive skin. Will not be picking up the full size.

*Blissoma Mild Rice Facial Cleanser - review here - I thoroughly enjoyed this cleanser. It was actually used on my face and shoulders to keep acne at bay, worked well! The scent wasn't my favourite though and I'm not sure this would work as well for me in the colder months. May repurchase next summer.

*evie Lovingly Pure Toning Rose Water - review here - Loved this soooo much! The smell was beautiful, it hydrated my skin well, set my makeup, and refreshed my skin mid-day. This beautiful bottle comes with a $50 price tag and I'm still debating on whether to splurge.

*Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel - review here - I forgot how long a bottle of Thayers lasts, geez. This was a long time favourite of mine, until I started branching out a bit. The ingredients, size, and price are all right. I really liked using this to mix up clay masks, but can't see myself repurchasing as I've found other toners I love even more.

*Wedderspoon 100% Manuka Honey - This is one item that I can't live without, I actually have a tablespoon left that I scooped into a smaller container. Works well as mask (alone) or mixed with clay. It reduces redness, softens my skin, and kills breakouts. Will definitely be repurchasing.

Living Libations HealthyGums Clay Toothpaste - review here - This toothpaste worked just as well as the one I originally reviewed (Neem Enamelizer) but tasted a billion times better. Living Libations has their toothpaste perfected. They have worked so well for my teeth and gums, and I can't even believe the positive changes that I have seen. I've since picked up the Frankincense Fresh Truth ToothPaste and have been enjoying it.

Zoe Organics Everything Balm - I picked this up to see how it would compare to my beloved NBW Healing Balm and it doesn't even come close. Don't get me wrong, the packaging is super cute, application is easy, and ingredients are incredible but it doesn't work as well for me and my skin issues. Will not be repurchasing.

*The Mystic Masala Spicebodhi Kapha Body Oil - review here - While I never got used to the scent, this was a lovely body oil. I enjoyed using it on my legs and sore lower back. Will not repurchase.

*One Love Organics Gardenia Body Serum (sample) - The scent of this body oil was to die for, so damn good! It moisturized my skin beautifully and never left me feeling greasy. My only issue was that the scent didn't last longer. For that reason, I will not be purchasing the full size.

Physicians Formula Organic Wear CC Mascara - As with most of PF mascaras, this one smudged within minutes of applying. At work, I'd have to constantly check my eyes to ensure I didn't look like I had slept with makeup on and just rolled outta bed. The wand is similar to their others, large with short synthetic bristles, however, it's curved. The curve makes for easier application and the outcome was long, thick lashes. Of all the PF Organic Wear mascaras, FakeOut remains my fave.

*Graydon SPF 30 Sun Cream - review here - So much sadness going on, the pump on this amazing sunscreen stopped working (for the second time) and refused to pump out what's left :(. Still, this remains one of my favourite sunscreens. I loved how it could be used on face and body, didn't leave a white cast, moisturized, and blended with ease. It was a little gritty, but that disappeared the more it was blended in. Will be picking up a jumbo bottle for my next vacation. 
Update (Aug. 3) - I did contact Graydon before doing this post and she was kind enough to offer a replacement, without hesitation, and her apologies. Really though, it's not her fault and that's why I didn't want to accept a replacement bottle. I was able to pop the top and scoop out the remaining sun cream into a little container. No waste!
Told ya it was a long one. Guess that's just expected of me now, eh? haha. What have you finished up this month? See any faves in my empties? *PR SAMPLE

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!

April 2014 Empties!

Where did April go? It zoomed by so quickly. I'm sorry that I've been MIA, it's been super busy at work (which is fantastic) and blogging has been on the back burner. What better post than an empties to kick off May though, right? Let's take a look at my trash.

One Love Organics Vitamin B Cleansing Oil - review here - Since the pump on the original bottle stopped working, I transfered the rest over to a jar for easy use. This cleanser smelled delicious and worked incredibly well for removing makeup. I have a few other cleansing oils on the go right now, so I won't be repurchasing at the moment.

*SBT Seabuckthorn Tea Cream - review here - I really loved how light, yet moisturizing, this cream was. It didn't irritated my skin or break me out at all, which is a total bonus in my books. I may repurchase at some point.

*OM Organic Matter Shampoo Level 1 - review here - Obsessed with this shampoo! It left my hair clean and moisturized, and didn't irritate the dermatitis on my scalp at all. Already repurchased.

Dr. Bronner's Coconut Oil - This is probably my favourite coconut oil. It tasted like coconut but, it had more of a buttery taste that made it perfect for pancakes and other cooking. Already repurchased.

*Antipodes Joyful Hand & Body Cream - I wasn't a huge fan of this cream. The scent was overly sweet and it lingered all day. It also took some effort to work it into the skin. Won't be repurchasing.

CV Skinlabs Calming Moisture - review here - This cream was very disappointing. Considering it's steep price tag, I was hoping it would be my holy grail moisturizer. It's lotion like texture would be ideal for warmer months but, it didn't deliver on the claims it made. Won't be repurchasing.

NBW Healing Balm - review here - LOVEEEEE! This balm worked like a dream on my hands and any other skin ailment that I had pop up on my body. Already repurchased.

Crazy Rumors Lip Balm in Pineapple Peppermint - Meh. I guess I'm not much for flavoured lip balms because none of the flavours available, at my health food store, tickled my fancy. Scent/flavour aside, the balm had a really nice texture. I liked that it remained smooth even when it was left in the car on a super cold day. Won't be repurchasing.

Clean Well Sanitizing Hand Wipes - These were handy to keep in my purse but, they smelled strongly of thyme oil (which is the main antibacterial oil used to kill germs). I've purchased the vanilla orange scent, in the tub, and it still doesn't smell very nice. Nonetheless, they work well and I'd repurchase. *Tata Harper Refreshing Cleanser (sample) - This cleanser worked well to remove makeup and didn't leave my skin dry. It also had a mild scent, which is unusual for Tata skin care. Not sure I'd pick up the full size. *Tata Harper Restoritive Eye Cream (sample) - I felt like this gave me milia and I didn't notice a difference in fine lines or moisture levels. I've gone back to using oils. *Shamanuti Creme No.1 (sample) - This cream smelled awful! The scent lingered and even got on my dog (from cuddling) and my pillows. Even though it left my skin beautifully moisturized, I had to wash it off because of the strong scent. La Bella Figura Purifying Mask (sample) - This mask was as beautiful as I've heard it was. It left my spots (and skin) calm and I found it helped speed up the healing time of my breakouts. Once I use up some masks, I will very likely pick up the full size. On A Branch Soaps in Breathe - review here - The eucalyptus in this soap was very uplifting and awakening. I had purchased it because of the clay, was hoping it would help with breakouts on my shoulders and back, but it dried out my skin. Perhaps in the hot Summer months it would have worked better for my skin. Repurchased in another scent. BeautyBlender - Love this sponge for blending out my foundation. I've had this one for about 4 or 5 months and thought it was time to toss it. Got backups for Christmas and already started using a fresh sponge! *Dr. Sponge Green Tea Sponge - review here - Still not fully in love with these sponges. It worked amazingly well at removing my makeup on a lazy day, but was irritating with continued use. May or may not repurchase. That's all I've finished up this month ladies and gents! What have you used up? *PR SAMPLE.

Rave Review: One Love Organics - Vitamin B Active Moisture Cleansing Oil and Makeup Remover

During my visit to Anise Apothecary, my (amazing) boyfriend bought me a couple of things as part of my Christmas gift. I'm super picky to shop for and always change my mind, so I'm more than happy to pick things out myself on occasion. One of the items he got for me was the One Love Organics Cleansing Oil. I had purchased a sample from Fresh Faced and fell in love with it. As written on Fresh Faced,Vitamin B Active Moisture Cleansing Oil & Makeup Remover is part the Elizabeth Dehn for One Love Organics collection. Dehn, the beauty enthusiast behind Beauty Bets, paired with One Love's Suzanne LeRoux to create the ultimate in natural, plant based moisture, focused on the idea that prevention through proper hydration is key for anti-aging. Pure plant oils are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that are vital to well being, health, and beauty and offer the skin perfect moisture when used sparingly. These products are rich and luxurious and are meant to be savored drop by drop. 

Description: The ultimate in multitasking luxury, One Love Organics Vitamin B Active Moisture Cleansing Oil & Makeup Remover effortlessly lifts away impurities and makeup while restoring skin's natural moisture and pH balance. The unique creamy formula features papain, a fruit enzyme that helps to exfoliate and soften skin, and a natural vitamin B complex to detoxify and tone. Concentrated yet gentle enough for all skin types.

Man oh man, this cleanser is bomb.com. It removes all of my makeup without any effort, rinses off beautifully with water, and leaves my skin super soft. What more could you ask for? That it smell like a tropical paradise? No problem, it does! Whenever I cleanse my face, the scent of pineapple instantly transports me to paradise. I close my eyes and pretend I'm sipping a pina colada on the beach....

I love that this dispenses as an oil and you can massage it on your skin as such, but once water joins the party it turns into a milky fiesta. It literally melts the day off your face, all makeup and dirt is gone. I like to double cleanse with an oil first and cream cleanser after, but on lazy nights I can rest peacefully knowing that the OLO Cleansing Oil did it's job well with just one cleanse.

With all the singing praise that I'm giving this cleanser, there are a couple of negatives to mention. The biggest one is the pump. It needs to be pulled up before each and every use, such a pain in my behind. Luckily, I've been told that there are new pumps and we shouldn't be experiencing this problem going forward. Unless you happen to buy a bottle with the old one, then you'll just have to deal with the agonizing pain of lifting the pump before using it. Life is so cruel isn't it? I apologize for my dramatic moment. The second thing to note is the ingredients, specifically the "di-ppg-2myreth-10 adipate". Jade, the beauty behind Nephriticus, addressed this in her review as well and I've taken the below directly from her post:

Hi Jade,  

di-ppg-2myreth-10 adipate is an ingredient that helps the oils rinse clean with water. The ingredient does not have harmful PEGs and is rated a zero by the Cosmetic Safety Data Base: See http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/701913/DI-PPG-2_MYRETH-10_ADIPATE/
It is a hybrid between a skin emollient and a surfactant so it helps to clean and condition the skin simultaneously. We wanted our cleansing oil to rinse off completely with water so we chose this ingredient to help us with that function. 

Please do let us know if you have any other questions. 

Warmly,
Suzanne

While EWG gave it a rating of 0, it also states that there is no data available. Take that as you will people. I'm still on the fence about it but, at the end of the day, it's a fantastic cleanser and I see myself repurchasing it.

Retails for approx. $38 USD/$39 CAN for 120ml. Can be purchased through One Love Organics or any of their other retrailers.

Ingredients: helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil*, caprylic/capric triglyceride, di-ppg-2myreth-10 adipate, polyglycerol-3 beeswax, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil* (and) lecithin* (and) cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed oil* (and) papain*, carica papaya (papaya) seed oil, tocopherol (natural non-gmo vitamin e), proprietary natural & organic fragrance

*indicates organic

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

Reveal My Stash #2 - Skin Care: Cleansers, Toners, Moisturizers & SPF

And the reveal continues. I do have quite a bit of skin care, much of which I'm currently testing and haven't yet done full reviews of. Skin care is my life, that's the aesthetician in me speaking, and hopefully this will be a fun post for all you product hoarders junkies out there. 

CLEANSERS

One Love Organics Cleansing Oil was a wonderful Christmas gift from my boyfriend and is used to remove makeup. On days that I don't wear makeup or am in the mood for a double cleanse, I use *Antipodes Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser. *Therapi Rose Otto Honey Gel Cleanser and *Shamanuti Activated Charcoal Cleanser are not suited to my very sensitive and reactive skin right now. Although, I am using Shamanuti on my acne prone chest, shoulders and back. I usually don't have more than 2 cleansers going at one time or in my "stash", so this is a little excessive for me.

TONERS

Pretty Chamomile Facial Tonic is my morning cleanse, Graydon Face Food is my before oil/moisturizer skin prep and Andalou Naturals Illuminating Toner is my makeup setter, mid day refresher, and basically whenever toner. I love and use all 3 daily.

MOISTURIZERS

*SBT Seabuckthorn Tea Cream was my summer love but, it's not hydrating enough for my skin right now. It'll get used up as soon as it warms up, not that I have much left. *Therapi Orange Blossom No. 3 Honey Moisturizer is my current go-to day and night moisturizer. S.W. Basics Cream is used on any super dry patches day or night.

SPF/SUNSCREEN

  *Graydon Sun Cream is perfect for the colder months because of it's moisturizing properties. I have been using it daily mixed in with the Therapi moisturizer and find the combination amazing. *Consonant The Perfect Sunscreen worked better for me in the warmer months, however, I find myself using this a couple of times a week mixed with the Therapi moisturizer as well.   My goal is to work through the cleansers, I'm quite happy with everything else and don't feel overwhelmed by the quantity.    What's your stash like? *PR SAMPLE

Faves Friday! - New Series

My attempt at doing a Faves Friday every Friday has already started off poorly. It's Saturday, as you all know, and that's that. I will be better prepared next week, promise!
Anyway, I will be doing a weekly faves in place of a monthly one because I was big time slacking on those. I also think it's easier to remember what I've been using and loving weekly vs. monthly. Every week I'll choose the top 3 products that I've been loving, excluding this post as I'm covering the last two weeks, and tell you why. Blah, blah, blah. Shall we just start now?

One Love Organics Vitamin B Active Moisture Cleansing Oil & Makeup Remover - review here - This stuff is amazing! It removes makeup beautifully without drying out my skin AND having to do a double cleanse. 

Skin Essence Organics Nourish Moisturizer Serum - review here - I have mixed feelings on this product, but do find it moisturizes incredibly well. I've been loving it mixed with the next fave.

Tamanu Oil - review here - I'm almost running out of this bottle and will NEED to repurchase whether it's still #NoBuyJanuary or not because it's a staple for keeping my skin happy. Skin Essence mixed with this has been very nourishing, especially with the extreme weather killing my skin.

*Therapi Orange Blossom No. 3 Honey Moisturizer - review here - What a beautiful moisturizer! I have been using it morning and night for an extra moisture boost. It's great alone, when my skin isn't so dry, but has been working even better with oils underneath or mixed in. It creates a beautiful base for makeup and deeply nourishes at night. 

*Pure Anada Pressed Foundation in Very Fair - review here - This foundation is amazing. My cheeks have been tomato red and this works to cover that up without having to apply too much. I'll use this shade if I'm doing a full face of makeup and Light on "no makeup" days. Love applying it with the EcoTools bronzer brush.

*Sappho Concealer in Neutrality - review here - This neutral pinkish shade has been working well under my eyes. I finally gave up my favourite Origins concealer and while this isn't as good, it works. Neutrality makes me look more awake and polished.  I apply it with the Real Techniques domed shadow brush. Oh Sudz is on my radar though!

That's what I've been loving for the last 2 weeks. What have been some of your faves lately?

*PR Sample

Fresh Faced Sample Haul Review

A couple of weeks ago, I ordered some samples from Fresh Faced. I've pretty much finished most of the skin and hair ones, and figured it's about time that I give you my impressions on each of them. In no particular order....

One Love Organics Vitamin E Eye Balm: I was hoping that this balm would hydrate my dry under eyes, but instead I found it didn't do much. It felt as though it just sat on my skin, never sinking in. Won't be purchasing the full size.

One Love Organics Vitamin B Active Moisture Cleansing Oil & Makeup Remover: I only had enough to use 2, maybe 3, times and fell in love. It smells like pineapple, first of all. Aside from the tropical scent, it removes makeup like a dream! I don't need to double cleanse or even use a wash cloth. My boyfriend bought me the full size for Christmas. Will do a full review in the new year.

S.W. Basics Cream: AH-mazing! I was worried it would clog my pores and break me out, but it hasn't. I only apply it on dry patches, like under my eyes, nose, cheeks, and forehead, and it's worked wonders at eliminating them. I've already purchased the full size.

Rahua Voluminous Shampoo: This was a disappointing sample, I didn't even have enough for one wash. It smells nice, that's all I got for you.

MVO Everyday Coverage in Light (left) & Medium (right)

MVO Everyday Coverage in Light (left) & Medium (right)

MVO Everyday Coverage in Light & Medium: Another disappointing sample, mainly because the product leaked all over the inside of the lid making it very difficult to get enough product out to actually use. From what I have tried, it provides light coverage and evens the tone fairly well. With Mary's suggestion, I mixed whatever I could with my Sappho foundation and really loved the combo. Light seems to be a better match for me, however, I like the glow that medium gives. Once I use up the sunscreens that I currently have, I might pick up this one.

#8 Creamy Dusty Rose (top) & #3 Berry Aubergine (bottom)

W3LL People Universality Multi-Use Colour Stick in #3 Berry Aubergine (luminous) and #8 Creamy Dusty Rose (matte): I've already fallen in love with #7 Creamy Peony and the formula of this product, and wanted to try more. When I first saw the shades in person, I thought I would end up loving #8..I don't. It's a beautiful pink, on the melon side, but I just don't like how it looks on me. #3, on the other hand, is surprisingly beautiful on! It's definitely an aubergine shade that can be sheered out or built up. I even like using it on my lids, although it does crease. Both wear well, all day, on the cheeks. Will likely purchase the full size of #7 at some point.

L to R: Ilia Lipstick in Femme Fatale and Lip Conditioner in Crimson & Clover

Ilia Lipstick in Femme Fatale and Lip Conditioner in Crimson & Clover: I love Ilia and my all time fave is the lip conditioner in Arabian Knights. Femme Fatale is a beautiful true red that can be sheered out for daily wear or intensified if you're going out at night or feeling cheeky during the day. I won't lie, I wish I had picked it up instead of Bang Bang. Crimson & Clover is a super bright, pigmented orangey red. I think it's more on the red side than orange when compared to Wild Child, correct me if I'm wrong. It's absolutely beautiful, but it's not a shade I feel comfortable wearing often. It's definitely the most pigmented and long wearing lip conditioner, of Ilia's that I've tried, because it acts like a stain. Will pick up Femme Fatale once I use up Bang Bang.

There are more swatches below, should you want to take a look. I think it's great that Fresh Faced offers samples but, be cautious of which samples you choose because some of them are totally not worth it (for example shampoo).

L to R: Light, medium, #3, and #8

L to R: Light, medium, #3, and #8 

L to R: Ilia Lipstick in Femme Fatale and Lip Conditioner in Crimson & Clover

One Love Organics Sample Kit Review

One Love Organics has been getting a crazy amount of attention, both inside and outside of the green beauty community, for their skin perfecting line of products. I was lucky enough to win a sample set, back in May, from The Daily Beauty Blotter and have finally worked my way through the samples.

Description: A cute little sample pack of our entire line, A Little Love Sample Pack includes single use samples of Easy Does It Foaming Cleanser, Brand New Day Microderma Scrub and Masque, Skin Savior Waterless Beauty Balm, Morning Glory Brightening Complexion Booster, and Love Springs Eternal Youth Preservation Serum. Included: 1.5 ml sample of Easy Does It Foaming Cleanser, 4 ml sample of Brand New Day Microderma Scrub and Masque, 4 ml sample of Skin Savior Waterless Beauty Balm, 1.5 ml sample of Morning Glory Brightening Complexion Booster, and 1.5 ml sample of Love Springs Eternal Youth Preservation Serum. Note: This sample set includes a informational card that tells you what to use and when to use it, it also lists ingredients.

I'm always hesitant to start using new products because my skin so easily freaks out. Plus, I figured I should use this kit solely, to really get an idea of how they work in conjunction with each other. It's rare my entire skin care routine is comprised of one brand.

Easy Does it: I've tried a sample of this cleanser before and wasn't a fan, but for some reason I really liked it this time around. The best way (that I've found) to use it is to dampen your skin, apply a little cleanser to it, then add a little more water to emulsify. It left my skin mostly makeup free and super soft. Wasn't expecting that from a foaming cleanser!

Skin Savior: When I think of OLO, I think of this Skin Savior Waterless Beauty Balm. It has a million and one uses and everyone raves about it, but I didn't enjoy it at all. I tried it as a cleanser, and while it worked, I found it too heavy. I tried to use it on dry/dehydrated patches on my face and found it never absorbed nor did it help get rid of the patches.

Brand New Day Scrub: This scrub/mask is really nice. I tried it as a scrub and as a mask, both times my skin was left super soft and bright.

Morning Glory Brightening Complexion Booster: I loved this stuff! I found it really brightened up my skin and woke it up in the morning. I would even apply it at night, before going out, and it just made my skin glow.

Love Springs Eternal Youth Preservation Serum: I didn't quite use this, to be totally honest. I stuck with my tamanu and sea buckthorn mix at night because it works for keeping blemishes at bay. I will likely give it a go or pass it along to my mom. Either way, I will give you a mini review in an empties post.

While I was using the cleanser and Morning Glory serum, my face was absolutely glowing. What I did find, is that once the cleanser ran out and I was using the serum with a different cleanser, it didn't quite produce the same results. I won't be purchasing full sizes of anything right now, however, I am very glad that I got to try this sample set and highly recommend giving it a go.

I (believe) this set retails for $4.95 USD and has free shipping. US residence can pick it up through One Love Organics. I'm not sure if this set is available in Canada or anywhere else in the world.

Have you tried any of the OLO skin care? Any faves?

Ingredients
Easy Does It Cleanser: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Sodium Coco-Glucoside Tartrate, Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Laurylglucoside Crosspolymer, Sodium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Amaranth Protein, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Lauryl Glucoside, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Oil, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract

Skin Savior: organic cocos nucifera (virgin coconut) oil, organic glycine soja (sweet soy) seed oil, organic beeswax, mangifera indica (mango) seed butter, salvia hispanica (chia) seed extract, avena sativa (oat) extract, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel wax, simmondsia chinesis (jojoba) seed oil, organic vanilla planifolia fruit extract, tocopherol (natural, non-gmo vitamin e)

Brand New Day Scrub: Organic Zea Mays (Corn) Starch,Organic Pisum Sativum (Sweet Pea) Flour, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Organic Ananas Comosus (pineapple) fruit extract, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, proprietary natural and organic fragrance compounds

Morning Glory Brightening Complexion Booster: organic wild raspberry leaf, organic lemon balm, and organic sweet mint, capric/caprylic triglyceride, organic essential oils of lemon, ylang ylang and peppermint

Love Springs Eternal Youth Preservation Serum: citrullus vulgaris (watermelon) seed oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride (and) phoenix dactylifera (date) seed extract, organic rosa damascena (rose) oil, citrus aurantium (neroli) oil, organic boswellia carteri (frankincense) oil, organic cymbopogon martini (palmarosa) Oil, tocopherol (natural vitamin e)