#NoBuyJanuary Update + Faves Friday

Can I get a heck yes for the end of #NoBuyJanuary?! Heck yes! I'm so excited that this month is over, not because I'm going on a spending spree or anything but, because I hate feeling like I'm not allowed to do something. I've managed to make quite a dent in my stash, as per my empties, and feel like I still have a long way to go. That is why I plan on continuing the spending ban through February, including PR samples which I have already been turning down. There are a couple of makeup items that may be added to my collection soon though, just saying. All in all, it's been a successful month!
Faves Friday!

Even though this is a weekly faves post, I've been consistently reaching for these two products all month long (daily), and they are..

*PurelyGreat Citrus Cream Deodorant - review here - Since Ms. Pemberley Jones told me to apply a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water to my pits, 20 minutes before applying a baking soda deodorant, I've been reaching for this baby again. The mixture totally works in keeping any irritation from the baking soda at bay, and this deodorant has been keeping me stink free. The one annoying thing about this deodorant is that it has to be stirred before each use. Not that big a deal, but definitely annoying.

Pai Fragonia & Sea Buckthorn Hand Cream - review here - I received this in a swag bag and am so glad that I did. I've been wanting to try it for ages, based on all the rave reviews, but couldn't justify spending $26 CAN on a hand cream. I'm totally in love! It moisturizes amazingly AND still fully absorbs. The packaging is too big to carry in my small bag though, so I've mostly been using it when at home.

I'd love to know what you have been enjoying, as always, so let me know below :)

*PR SAMPLE

PurelyGreat Citrus Cream Deodorant Review

My search for a deodorant or combination that works is ongoing. This may be a little too much info but, my pits stink....always. I'll be the first to admit that it's gross and I wish that I could find a deodorant that keeps me stink free all day or almost all day. It's one part of my journey into natural products that I'm not enjoying at all. It was Lisa, from Serenity on the Humber Day Spa, who first told me about PurelyGreat. She swore up and down that it actually works, so I reached out to them and Debbie was kind enough to send me the *Women's Citrus Cream Deodorant.

Description: 
• No more worrying about long-term affects that using aluminum may cause!
• Keep your lymph nodes healthy and let your pits breathe and release those toxins!
• Our natural deoodorant for women is effective, keeps you smelling great and uses natural ingredients
• Essential oils used are good for hormone balancing and deodorizing
• No need to reapply during the day or worrying that you smell!
• Our natural deodorant for women is packaged in eco friendly glass jars
• Purelygreat deodorant is vegan friendly
• Each jar lasts about 2-3 months

First off, this smells like Fruit Loops!!!! Omg, best smelling deodorant ever! Second, it actually works! I was overwhelmed with joy to have found a deodorant that keeps me stink free all day long, whether I'm active or not. Even though many have had a bad reaction to baking soda, I didn't worry or think too much about it. After a week or two in (can't remember now), I experienced inflammed and pissed off pits. I couldn't use any deodorant for almost a week and instead slathered on SBT Diaper Rash Salve, which luckily reduced the redness in 3 days. Lisa had experienced the same thing, must be the baking soda. Ugh, isn't it so sad when you fall in love and the feeling isn't mutual? I like the eco friendly jar, however, it needs to be stirred before each use which can be annoying. Application can be a little gritty and chalky, but it immediately blends into the skin to neutralize odours. To be totally honest, had it not irritated my skin, this would have been holy grail status. I only use this a couple of times a week now, when I know I have a long day at work. Pemberley Jones had mentioned balancing the PH of my pits, via Crunchy Better, which she says has been working for her. Haven't tried it yet, but plan to at some point. I'm not giving up on this deodorant just yet. If you can use baking soda, give this a try! If you can't, join the club of miserable stinky people with me.

Retails for approx. $15 CAN for a 45g jar. They have cream deodorants for men, women, teen girls and teen boys in a variety of scents. Can be purchased through PurelyGreat or you can use their store locator to find a location closest to you.

What deodorant or combo works for you? Can you use baking soda?

Ingredients: natural soda-sodium Bicarbonate U.S.P., corn starch, vegetable glycerin
Essential oils: grapefruit-citrus paradis, orange- citrus sinensis, geranium-pelargonium graveolens, lime key-citrus aurantifolia, cypress-cupresus sempervirens, coriander-coriandrum sativum

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

September 2013 Faves!

It seems lately I've been going through phases. One month I won't have any new faves to share with you and the next I have nothing but new products. This month is no exception! I have a bunch of new products that I've been loving and can't wait to share with you. Reviews to come. Guess this is a bit of a spoiler post though eh? :).

*SBT Seabuckthorn Day Cream - This stuff is fantastic. With the weather changing, my skin has been a little parched and this day cream has really helped restore hydration and help my makeup go on smoother. *Corpa Flora Beauté Divine Camellia Facial Cleansing Oil - I don't normally go for cleansing oils because a bottle of plain oil (coconut, jojoba, apricot kernel, etc) works just as well and costs much less, BUT this stuff is sooooooo good. It removes makeup beautifully, rinses off easily, smells nice, and leaves my skin soft. *Corpa Flora Éclat Citrouille (night serum/oil) - Ahhhh I adore the smell of this product! I apply it after cleansing and toning, at night, and wake up with plump and nourished skin. *Purelygreat Women's Citrus Cream Deodorant - I didn't think this would work and there's definitely things that I don't like about it, but this keeps me stink free virtually all day. AND, and it smells like fruit loops! Will be testing it out on my sun vacation in a couple of weeks, that will be the true test.

*Pure+Simple Organic Bringraj Hair Oil - I've had this bottle for a little while now and with the weather cooling down, I've just started to use it again. It helps with my scalp dermatitis and leaves my hair silky smooth. I've been using it once a week, leaving it on overnight, and washing it out in the AM.

*Delizioso Skincare Organic Body Oil in Passion Fruit - review here - I still don't like the smell of this oil and that's why I only use it from the waist down, but I do love how nourishing the oil itself is. It leaves my skin silky smooth!

Pretty Skin Savior Body Oil -  Love, love, love. This is one of my favourite lines ever and this body oil has no disappointed me. The oil is infused with oatmeal which makes it very soothing for eczema prone and sensitive skin. I've been using it on my upper body and don't have one negative thus far.

*Graydon All Over Soap - This is a soap that can be used on your body and/or hair. I've tried it as a body wash and shampoo, but I love it as a hand soap most of all. Doesn't dry out my hands and smells lovely.

*Pure Anada African Gold - review here - I love this stuff. I apply it to dry patches on my face and body at night and used some in a recent DIY body butter. It's truly a must have for Fall/Winter.

Tassi - This was sent to me by the lovely Alexis, The Green Beauty Bunny, and I have been using it ever since. It's a wide towel-like head band that you use to keep your hair out of your face, brilliant! I use it to wash my face morning and night, and to apply makeup. Seriously, I friggen love it so much! I need to try and find them in Canada so that I can have a backup. Thanks so much Alexis!

What have you been absolutely loving in September?

*Press Samples