The Going Green Tag

Image courtesy of Mary, Makeup by Mary B

You know how much I love tags, so of course I was excited when the lovely Sarah, from Sugarpuffish, tagged me to do the "Going Green Tag". This tag was created by the equally lovely Rachel, from All Natural Aspirations, out of her interest for discovering how/why others went green.

What started it all off for you? 

One of my best friends actually got me into the world of natural products. We were roaming the streets of Toronto together and she took me to a natural/organic market that she frequents. As we looked around the skin care aisles, we got talking about ingredients and how they can be harmful. I did a little research and was shocked at what I discovered. That was the day I began changing over my products.

What was the first thing to go? (Ingredient or product)

SLS in toothpaste. I actually use to get canker sores all the time and once I switched to SLS free toothpaste, they went away. True story.

What are you/did you struggle to let go of?

I struggled with letting go of shampoo. The Aveeno and Pantene ranges worked really well for me and they were my go-to, it was hard to begin experimenting with shampoos again. While I'm constantly trying out new shampoos now, I absolutely hate it and wish I could find one that worked for me all the time. Damn you dermatitis!

What has been your best find or change? (i.e a green product or a tip that you're really glad you've found/learnt)

Clays! Mixing my own clay masks based on my skin's needs has been amazing. What a damn life skin changer! I just love how simple they are to make and how many options are available in terms of customizations.

What has been the worst thing about going green? What has been the hardest to transition or find an adequate green replacement of?

The worst thing about going green has been the endless articles on ingredients to avoid. It never ends and it's so annoying. My journey began as a learning process, one I was excited about, but quickly became cumbersome.

I've had the hardest time finding an adequate green replacement of the Origins Quick, Hide Concealer. It just worked so well for circles and blemishes, and I'd usually just use that with a bit of powder for a flawless finish. I've been trying natural alternatives and just can't seem to find anything that I like better. Well, I kinda found something that's been working well but am still testing it out. Also, perfume because they're such a personal thing. I haven't fallen head over heels in love with any natural fragrances that I've tried/smelled. They're all way too floral for me.

Anything else to add? Any tips or tricks to pass on?

Have fun with it. Try different products and learn about ingredients as you go along. There will always be things to avoid and conflicting reports but, you can't stop living your life or let it consume you :)

I tag:
Heather of Eco Diva Blog
Jen of Dear Diary, Love Jen
and whoever else hasn't already been tagged.

Leave me a link to your blog or YouTube video once you've done the tag :)

Tag: Green Beauty Characters

The beautiful Sonja, from Life in Blush, is being quite adventurous by creating her own tag. I love the fact that she incorporated personality discovering questions because they'll be hard to duplicate, which means those who do this tag will likely have different answers. Making them even more fun to read than tags already are.

on my nightstand you’ll find: a box of tissues, alarm clock, cell, iPod, stereo, and Badger Sleep Balm. I don't think I have enough electronic devices on it, do you?

the literary character I’m most like is (take this quiz and share your answer!): Apparently Juliet from Romeo & Juliet. 

I’m currently obsessed with: American Horror Story, The Mindy Project, Pukka Relax Tea, Sappho Liquid Foundation (review coming soon), and W3LL People Universalist Multi-Use Colour Stick in #7 (I have a sample that I'm using sparingly).

my favourite superhero is: does Daryl from The Walk Dead count? He's pretty bad ass. If not, I go with Iron Man because he's also bad ass.

favourite beauty product of 2013: Hmmm..I'd say Zuzu brow pencil and Corpa Flora Eclat Citrouille......and sea buckthorn oil, tamanu oil, and Ilia Arabian Knights Lip Conditioner.....

if I could have dinner with anyone dead or alive it would be: Emily C from The Beauty Plan. She's such a beautiful person (inside and out) and I think that her knowledge of so many different areas (life, beauty, health, etc) would make for an interesting and informational dinner. I'd probably leave with my mind blows and a new outlook on life.

winter is coming – how do you prep your skin for battle? exfoliation, facial/body oils, and butters.

my perfect date night makeup consists of: smudged liner (just to make my lashes look more lush...I sadly can't do winged liner), lots of mascara, and a beautiful bold lip ( red or a berry that's more on the purple side).

my go-to skin-beautifying snack/drink is: mmm kale chips for sure and water. 

my tv boyfriend is: I have 3....1. Danny Castellano from The Mindy Project. Hot; 2. Elijah from The Originals. There's something so sexy about a gentleman who always wears a suit and; Marcel from The Originals. That sultry stare, sexy smile, and commanding roar...damnnn. Yes I am in my late 20's and watch The Originals. What?

if my evening clutch could only hold one beauty item it would be: Ilia lip conditioner in Arabian Knights. It's my favourite lip colour ever.

one beauty tip I would pass on to my real/fictional daughter is: Ignore what others think. When you stop living for the approval of others, that's when you can truly accept, love, and embrace yourself. 

the most nostalgic item from my childhood is: Easy Bake Oven!!! I loved it so much and I remember my mom would always put a little batter into my EBO cake pan when she was baking. 

my favourite tv show of the moment is: American Horror Story and The Mindy Project. They're so different, but equally amazing

my favourite quote is: I got 99 problems but a b*tch ain't one! Just kidding lol.

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.” ― Bernard M. Baruch.

That doesn't mean call your boss an a**hole. There's always got to be some filtering happening but, I believe in being yourself always. People will either love or hate you for it, but nothing is worse than pretending to be someone that you're not. Plus, it's exhausting and ain't nobody got time for that!

Thank you Sonja for creating such a spectacular tag and tagging me. Pretty sure this has been my favourite thus far.

I tag: 

Call It Vanity

Ecoholic Beauty

Naturalla Beauty

NatuRia Beauty

Bailey Blush

and all of you :)

house rules: 

be sure to tag other bloggers 

title your article as I have 

mention the tag started at lifeinblush.com

TAG: I ❤ FALL!

I'm back atcha with another tag! Stunner Ashley Nicole, Green Beauty Life, tagged me and I couldn't be happier that she did. Fall is my absolute favourite season and, I warn you now, we have very similar answers.

Favourite Fall lip product?

This is a toss up between Ilia's Bang Bang and Arabian Knights. I adore both and love that they can be built up for more intensity or sheered out.

Favourite Fall Nail Polish?

Since I don't often wear polish, I don't have one. Plus, I love nudes and dark shades so it would end up being impossible to decide!

Favourite Starbucks Fall Drink?

I'm not a Starbucks gal but....Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate! I limit myself to only one or two every Fall. 

Favourite Fall Candle?

Leaves from Bath and Body Works. Totally not natural and I didn't buy one this year, but I adore the scent.

Favourite Fall Scarf or Accessory?

Does a sweater count as an accessory? Love wearing all sorts of sweaters, and scarfs, but can't narrow it down to just one!

Haunted house, haunted hay ride, or haunted corn maze?

Haunted house for sure. Canada's Wonderland Halloween Haunt (or whatever they've changed the name to) is my favourite place to go every October.

Favorite Halloween movie?

Hocus Pocus, classic!

Favorite candy to eat on Halloween?

Peanut butter cups! 

What are you dressing up as for Halloween?!

I won't be dressing up this year.

What is your Favorite thing about Fall?

As the wise Ashely Nicole said, "Cuddling up with some hot tea, sweaters & boots!". Perfectly said girl!

I tag...

Call it Vanity

Sugarpuffish

Eco Diva

Elegantly Eco

and whoever else would like to do it!

If you decide to do it or have done it already, link it in the comments so that I can read it :).

Beauty Routine Tag!

I was tagged by the beautiful Ashley Nicole of Green Beauty Life. I love tags, so thanks for tagging me doll!

1. Name a beauty routine you rarely do.

Apply a full face of makeup. I'm lazy and hate the feel of a caked on face, so I opt for a quick dusting of powder, mascara, brow pencil and gloss on a daily basis.

2. Is washing your makeup brushes something you do regularly?

Definitely! I don't wear makeup that often, but I still tend to wash the brushes that I use (usually powder brush) at the end of every week.

3. How long will you last with chipped nail polish?

As an aesthetician, I can't wear polish. If I do, it's only for a couple of days anyway. Probably not long though, since I hate the way it looks.

4. How long do you put off buying/replacing a product even if you really need it?

If I need it, then I buy it. I don't put it off unless I can't physically get to it.

5. What is your worst beauty habit?

I'm a picker! PICK, PICK, PICK! Ugh, hate admitting this. I totally pick my face and that's why I have so many scars. I also touch my face all the time. Yes, I know that touching and picking spreads bacteria. Learn from my mistakes people.

6. Name something non-beauty related that you put off all the time.

Clothes shopping. I hate the process because there's far too many options. Plus, I gotta be in the mood for it.

7. When going out somewhere, do you leave getting ready to the last minute or not?

I like to take my time. Even if I could get ready within a few minutes, I like to have plenty of time to do things in between. I loathe rushing.

8. Can you commit to spending bans?

Yeah, I've done it before.

9. How organized are your makeup/nail polish collections?

Both collections are rather small and I'd say pretty organized!

10. What is the longest you've gone without writing a blog post?

Probably a week or two. I love life, always, but sometimes it gets in the way of blog posts :).

I tag:

Lilly from Genuine Glow

Jana from Small Bits of Loveliness

Sonja from Life in Blush

Anyone is welcome to do this tag and I'd love to know if you did, so leave me a comment below linking to it!

Rules of the Tag:
-State that this tag was created by www.thebeaubow.blogspot.com
-Tag other bloggers
-Title as I've done to show what the tag it about

TAG: Skin Care

The lovely Ana, Ana Goes Green, tagged me to do this...tag. I've always had a love for skin care and, as an aesthetician, I know the importance of finding a good regime. Seeing as I love tags, I was super excited to do this one.

Describe your skin care routine in 5 words.

It's really hard not to copy Ana's answer to this one because it was bang on, but I''ll just add to it.

Simple, gentle, calming, nourishing, and effective. Regardless of skin type, you should always keep your routine fairly simple and always use products that work to maintain your skin's moisture levels without irritating it.

What’s your skin type?

Dehydrated, sensitive, and hormonal (imbalance). When I say hormonal, I don't mean I get breakouts only  during my period. I can get and generally have a bit of acne along my chin, jaw line and neck. It's not extremely horrible and I find it actually clears up when I'm on my period, imagine that.

What’s your favourite skin care product?

I honestly don't have just one, don't make me choose! Fine, toner and facial oils. I love toner year round as a refresher, cleanser (on no makeup days), makeup setter, etc. Facial oils are so nourishing to the skin and they have the ability to heal, correct, and protect.

Top blemish zapper.

Clay & honey mask and/or tamanu & sea buckthorn oil. Both work well alone or in combination with each other.

Face wipes yay or nay?

Ugh *cringe*, nay. If I'm desperate, then I'll use one but I won't enjoy it.

High-end skin care or high-end make-up?

Skin care for sure!! Skin care is a daily thing for me and my true love.

What’s the most unusual skin care product you've tried?

There is no such thing as an unusual skin care product...or maybe there is...I have no clue. Can I say pass?

You’re in a pharmacy and can only pick up one item – what is it?

Aloe vera juice/gel/liquid. It can be used as a cleanser, toner, moisturizer and skin soother all in one.

Tell us your top skin care tips:

Be good to your skin. It's essential that you use gentle products and keep your skin care routine simple. From someone who loves trying out new things, I know that sometimes all the stuff I try/use causes me to breakout, dry out and get blotchy. Why complicate your daily routine with too many products?

Be sure to exfoliate regularly. If you use a very gentle exfoliator or a silicone pad (like Sephora's), you can likely exfoliate daily. If you're using a more abrasive scrub or acid, try only using it 1 to 3 times a week.

Masks, masks, masks. They're great for degunking your skin and/or hydrating your skin.

Facials oils are a must. They're perfect for use at night when your skin is looking to reboot itself after a long day of fighting off free radicals, pollution, weather, etc, all while allowing your skin to breathe still.

These are my three favourite facial oils, powerhouse facial oils. They work wonders at keeping my skin clear because of their ability to fight acne, UV damage & prevent/fade acne scars. 

Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil, Fruit Oil & Tamanu.

ADORE this Sephora Silicone pad for gentle, yet effective, cleansing & exfoliating. I use it morning & night, my skin loves it.

I tag all of you, and make sure you link to it below so that I can read them. I also tag: Marcella (Naturally Marcy), Caitie (Naturally Beauty), Vivi (Eco Beauty Secrets), Jana (Small Bits of Loveliness), Alexis (Green Beauty Bunny), and Sarah (Sugarpuffish).

xo

Makeup Highlights of 2012 Tag

Caitie from Naturalla Beauty has tagged me to do the Makeup Highlights of 2012 tag. This is the first time that I've been tagged, that I've noticed anyway. Since I didn't do any 2012 favourites for makeup or skin care, I thought it would be fun.

Here we go!

1. Which makeup brand stood out to you most in 2012? (Drugstore and High End)
I don't really buy makeup from the drugstore. The brands that stood out most would have to be Alima Pure and Pure+Simple. Alima Pure is fairly affordable and great quality. I've tried their tinted lip balms, foundation and bronzer. Pure+Simple has absolutely fantastic blushes, that I've been using daily for months and haven't hit pan yet!

2. Best new discovery of 2012?

Zuzu Luxe mascara! I didn't like this mascara at all when I first tried it.  I am now on my second tube and realized that I like it better once it dries up a bit.

3. Best re-discovery -- A product that you fall in love with over and over again?
I actually don't have one. All of my makeup from 2012 is new and I don't have much to begin with.

4. Best seasonal product 2012? Winter / Spring / Summer / Fall
I'm with Caitie, I don't change up my makeup based on season.  If I want to rock a dark bold lip in the middle of summer, I will dammit! I actually really loved Physicians Formula Organic Wear Bronzer & Blush for the Summer. I still wore it in Fall and Winter, but not nearly as much as Summer. I also absolutely adored the Tarte LipSurgence™ Natural Matte Lip Tint (in Hope) combined with Bite Beauty Lip Shine (in Vintage) for Fall and Winter.  Both were in the Sephora Give Me Some Lip Set.

5. Best and worst limited edition collections of 2012? (Drugstore and High End)
I actually have no answer for this one. I'm lame, what else can I say?!

6. Most regretted purchase of 2012?

It pains me to say this, only because my boyfriend bought it for me and he reads my blog, BUT the Jane Iredale Disappear Concealer. This stuff is so sticky and hard to blend. I really enjoyed it at first, but I can't wait to use it up now.

7. Youtube and beauty highlights 2012?

Again, gotta agree with Caitie! Finding more green YouTubers and bloggers really stood out to me. I'm not going to list them all, you can check out the bloggers that I follow on my main page (some of them are YouTubers). Beauty highlights would be getting into makeup and discovering new makeup brands.

8. What is your favorite / best video on your own channel?

I don't make videos, but have thought about making some!

9. Best recommendation of 2012 from someone else?

I didn't actually get recommended anything, but read reviews on the Zuzu Luxe Mascara that I fell in love with.  So much so that I bought another one before finishing my first tube!

10. Best makeup tool 2012?

My EcoTools Bronzer brush! This brush is fantastic for mineral makeup and sheering out heavy contour and blush. I literally use it every single day and love it to bits.

11. What are the products you are excited to try in 2013?

I am excited to try a bunch of products from The All Natural Face, Vapour Organics, Everyday Minerals and whatever other brands I have yet to try!

12. Will you do a Makeup Collection in 2013, or an updated version?
Yes! I've actually been thinking about doing this.  I literally don't have much makeup, so it's all thrown into a makeup bag.

That's it, that's all!

Let me know if there are any tags you'd like me to do. Also, if you've done this tag, link it below. If you haven't, then I tag YOU! I also tag Naturally Marcy :)