September 2014 Empties

Another day, another bundle of trash to share with you all. My empties really need no introduction.

*Shamanuti Face Oil - review here - I've had this facial oil since January, probably even before that actually, and have loved it as an eye serum. It never gave me milia, wasn't strongly fragranced, and worked to moisturize the delicate eye area. Since I have so many other oils, I will not be repurchasing this one right now.

*Gemstone Organic Calendula Hydrosol - review here - I'm a huge fan of calendula and hydrosols, so you already know I like this one. There was only enough in the bottle to use a handful of times. May purchase a full size.

*evie Amazingly Soothing Makeup Remover - review here - Loved how well this cleanser removed makeup and how well it rinsed off. The smell was very faint but towards the end, it started to smell different...stale, if you will. Not sure I'd repurchase based on that alone.

Pretty Rose Petal & Oatmeal Cleansing Grains - review here - These were my favourite cleansing grains of the two that I've tried and I've had this since January! It worked well as a second and morning cleanse to gentle exfoliate and promote circulation. Will be repurchasing at some point.

*New Leaf Naturals Chamomile Lemongrass Foaming Hand Soap - review here - Lovely company, lovely soap, but too drying for my hands. Will not repurchase.

*Sigrid Simply Beautiful Unscented Body Butter - This body butter has three ingredients; water, beeswax, and olive oil. I questioned how long it could really last without a preservative, especially since there's water in it. I didn't enjoy the olive oil scent and had to add in some peppermint and lavender EO to make it tolerable. Loved it on my feet in the summer time but would not repurchase.

*Organic Bath Co. Zesty Morning Scrub - review here - I stand behind my review of this scrub, sooooo good! It smells like fresh oranges, works well to exfoliate without being too abrasive and I love that the company gives back. I'm hoping they'll be available in Canada soon so that I can repurchase!

*Huckleberry Limoncello Peel/Mask - review here - Incredible! There's not much else to say. Would purchase more if they were available in Canada or would just pick up a large size of the peel if that was available at all.

Living Libations Wild Child Healthy Gum Drops - review here - Love these drops! They're mild and I swear they've been helping my sensitive gums. I've already repurchased and mix it with a salt water mixture to use as a mouth rinse.

Living Libations Frankincense Tooth Paste - Hated the taste and texture of this toothpaste. It also ended up irritating my mouth and leaving me with canker sores, which I haven't had since going natural with my toothpaste. Will not repurchase this particular one.

*Meow Meow Tweet Face+Body Toning Mist in Geranium Basil - There wasn't much in this baby tube to determine whether I liked the formula, but I certainly decided that I didn't like the scent.

Boscia Blotting Papers - I've had these for years and years. They worked well and, as you can see, were well loved. Not sure if these are even still available but I'd repurchase. MarieNatie Lip Gloss in Love Struck - review here -  I love the formula and scent of MarieNatie lip glosses. This one had more pigmentation than the other 2 that I've tried, however, it was still pretty sheer. Would 100% repurchase. *Sappho Liquid Foundation in Rachel - review here - Sappho makes THE best (liquid) foundation that I have ever tried. There are certainly some downfalls, like how it oxidizes, but I still love how natural it looks on my skin and how well it wears. Rachel is a great shade match when I'm tanned, however, I have purchased Leisha (a shade lighter) and am using that now. I've had this bottle for well over a year and have had Leisha since December. The bottle is small but a little goes a long way and is totally worth the $52 price tag! *Red Apple Lipstick The Lash Project Mascara (not pictured) - review here - I've tossed out my RAL mascara after using it for a month because it dried out. I mean, it was already dry but I literally couldn't get any on my lashes anymore. Would not repurchase.
What have you finished up this month?  *PR SAMPLE

Huckleberry - #hellohuckleberry

Women (and I'm sure men) don't often take time to sit back, relax, and enjoy a mini facial at home. It's important to give yourself a little facial to increase cell turnover, remove dead skin, and refresh the overall complexion. If you can't make it to the spa, let the spa come to you with Huckleberry.

I was introduced to Huckleberry through Sarita, of Edible Facial. She held an Instagram contest in which we could win our own customized exfoliant/mask duo for a truly spa-like at home facial. Huckleberry was kind enough to send all participants, "grand prize winner" or not, a duo to experience the brand and products. I was sent the *limoncello peel & mask, as well as a *brush.

How Huckleberry works is that you take a skin quiz, in order to determine your skin's needs. Then you pick several kits that you'd most like to try and Huckleberry chooses one from your facial menu to send to you. Lastly, you choose whether you'd like to receive a treatment set bi weekly, weekly, monthly, or a sampler which is 12 treatments over 3 months. How cool!?

You can read more about them and how to sign up by clicking here.

These cute little duos come in small plastic containers, that are tucked into a velvet(ish) purple pouch. Each one comes with a card detailing what the exfoliant/mask are, what they do, how to use each one, and a list of ingredients.

The Limoncello Peel was incredible! I've mentioned time and time again how much I love chemical exfoliants, this one did not let me down. It felt like an actual peel! Now, when I saw an actual peel, I don't mean a peel that leaves your skin super raw and you have to hide for weeks until new skin grows. This peel isn't an intense dermatologist peel, it's superficial (top layer of skin/dermis level). It's ideal for anyone who cannot use a manual exfoliant because they're too sensitive or have pustules (pimples with white heads in them). The Limoncello Mask was great as well, and worked great in combination with the peel. I didn't use the brush, so I have no thoughts on that. It's great that they include one though!

I applied this peel on clean skin, let it sit for about 10 minutes and then removed it with warm (on the cooler side) water. Note: peels do tingle. Then I applied the mask for about 10 minutes and removed that with warm water as well. Once I was done my little facial routine, my skin was definitely red and a bit sensitive. I applied my favourite facial oils and off to bed I went. In the morning, my skin looked incredible! Honestly, my skin was so soft, even toned, and clear. Each little container was enough for 3 uses, however, I made stretched them to 4 uses. I'm beyond in love with this little kit and this company. My only two wishes are, 1. That this service be available in Canada and 2. That there were larger sizes available for purchase. I was explained that the reason larger sizes aren't available is because this service is meant to be customized based on your skin's needs that week/month. Still, I wish I could buy a big jar of that peel.

As an aesthetician and lover of facials, I'm incredibly impressed with the two products that I received from Huckleberry. If you live in the USA (which is where they ship to/within), then I highly recommend giving them a try.

To sign up or learn more, visit Huckleberry.

Have you tried Huckleberry before? What was your experience like?

*Products were sent to me without any mention of a review. All opinions are my own.