#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

#NoBuyJanuary Update + Faves Friday

Friday? So soon? Not that I'm complaining or anything but damn, where are the days going? This week has been an interesting one for two main reasons. 1. I ran out of tamanu oil, sad truth. 2. I discovered that The All Natural Face cream blushes are breaking me out. Well, with daily use they give me little bumps and the odd cystic pimple. I've suspected that since I got them, but recently did an actual experiment. I wore TANF for a week (got bumps and pimples), then nothing at all (cleared up), and W3LL People this week (no bumps or pimples). Could be a weird coincidence, so I'm going to do another experiment.    Anyway, #NoBuyJanuary has been alright. This week I picked up a brand new bottle of Alaffia Scalp Recovery Shampoo, which was featured in last week's faves. When I ran out of that sample, I used the Deep Steep shampoo and my scalp went insane. It's an amazing feeling to have a semi-normal scalp now. Temptation kicked in for items that aren't a necessity right now, like makeup, but I stayed strong! That's it.   Faves Friday time! This week I've been loving...  

W3LL People Multi-Use Colour Stick in #8 Matte Creamy Peony - I got this as a sample from a Fresh Faced order, months and months ago. It is such a gorgeous shade and pairs beautifully with my beloved Pure and Simple Blush in Glow. I'm totally picking up the full size as soon as #NoBuyJanuary is over.   *SBT Soothing Salve for Eczema/Dermatitis - review here - It's been very cold and I've been washing my hands like a champ. Whether I use cold, warm, or hot water with soap or no soap, the eczema on my fingers has been brutal. For the past couple of days, I've been using this salve. I kid you not, the eczema is almost gone. My problem is being consistent with applying it, especially when I'm at work and need to wash my hands in between clients. Either way, I love this stuff.   *SBT Seabuckthorn Seed Oil - review here and here - Since running out of tamanu oil (which had SBT seed and fruit oil mixed in), I've been using this as a spot treatment and mixed with other oils all over my face. I just love it. Definitely an oil I can't be without.    Have you tried any of these products? What have you been reaching for this week? *PR SAMPLES

#NoBuyJanuary Update + Faves Friday

#NoBuyJanuary has been very interesting thus far. There have been many bloggers writing about their experiences and why they decided to take part in this "event", which has lead me to many good reads. Everyone has their own reasons, but it seems like waste is one of the biggest. I don't believe in wasting money and under the umbrella of money comes food, skin care, electricity, etc. It's important to realize that not everyone can afford certain luxuries and we must not take what we have for granted. I've gone from a well paying corporate job to not even making 1/4 of that as an aesthetician. While I am fortunate to still live at home, I do have expenses and would like to eventually own a home. Using up products is not an issue for me, usually, and this month has been no exception. I have purchased a few items though and in honor of full disclosure, this is what I've picked up: Osmia Spot Treatment (why did it take me so long to get this?!?), 100% Pure Coconut Conditioner, coconut oil, Hurraw lip balm, and CV Skinlabs Calming Moisture for Face.  And now, my faves of the week! It's been all about hair care, surprisingly.

Lisa, from Serenity on the Humber Spa, has been telling me to try Alaffia Scalp Recovery Shampoo for like a year now and gave me what was left in her bottle to try. I've previously tried shampoos with tea tree in them and have ended up with a severely itchy scalp...which I've scratched..until it bled. Nice eh? My fear of tea tree oil is real people! Having used this shampoo twice already, and having one more use left, my scalp is almost clear! I can't even believe it. My mom was even shocked and asked what I've been using. I'm singing Lisa's praises right now, and this shampoo of course. I do find my hair looks a little oily the next day, but I think my scalp and scalp just need a little adjusting period. I may have to pick up a bottle of my own and use the other shampoos for something else or give them away. Having suffered with dermatitis and dandruff for years, it's such a relief to find something that works. Fingers crossed that it continues to work this well!

Myra Aso 100% Pure Marula Oil - review to come - I purchased this at a show a couple of months ago with the intention of using it on my face. Since I ran out of all my hair oils, I decided to try this on the ends of my hair. AH-MAZING! I can honestly say that I prefer it to argan oil and I literally use just 1 small drop. It doesn't smell the best, but the scent isn't too strong nor does it linger. Leaves my ends looking silky smooth and healthy.

What have you been reaching for most this week?

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

#NoBuyJanuary + Top 10 Wish List for 2014

Well hello there #NoBuyJanuary! You seemed like a good idea at first, but now I'm even more tempted to buy stuff. I have problems don't I? Don't answer that. In case you haven't heard about #NoBuyJanuary, it's basically a spending ban where you shop your stash and use up things you have. Obviously if you run out of an essential, which I doubt most bloggers will, you can go ahead and replace it. You can read more about the details and see which bloggers are participating by going over to Naturally Paula, the mastermind (or one of, can't remember exactly) who came up with the idea. Anyone is welcome to join in!
I'm honestly not much of a hoarder (no really!) and my beauty cabinet is a little sad and sparse in comparison to most beauty bloggers, from pictures that I've seen. Of course I have a few more products than I actually need, but if you've seen any of my empties then you know I'm good at using things up. I like to use up products before buying or opening others, unless you're a toner. There's no such thing as too much toner in my world.
In honor of #NoBuyJanuary, it makes the most sense to kick it off with a wish list..right? Right. In no particular order, I wish for....

**S.W. Basics Toner - I've loved every one of their products that I have tried and think it's time to take this relationship to the next level by adding this toner to my routine! $26 CAN.

**La Bella Figura Modern Radiance Concentrate - It's no secret, La Bella Figura is a very luxurious brand with a price tag to match. My biggest fear with high end brands is that the product won't work for me. Sure I can pass it to my mom or a friend, but when I drop that kinda money on a product I'd like to be the one to enjoy it. Know what I mean? I was fortunate enough to meet Victoria not too long ago, who's beautiful and sweet, and she had recommended the Organic Barbary Fig Seed Oil or Daily Elements Defense Face oil for my skin. This serum just sounds so good though, I can already see my acne scars disappearing just by reading the description. $163 CAN.

Me & The Girls Moon Beauty Serum - I love facial oils. I love tamanu oil. I love facial oils that contain tamanu oil and not a drop of argan oil. Basically, this was made for me. $38 USD

CV Skinlabs Calming Moisture - After seeing this post by the beautiful Britanie, I knew I needed to get my hands on this moisturizer. I have sensitive skin with dry patches on my cheeks, nose and forehead, totally opposite from my oily teenage years. Must have been the abuse I put my skin through by using stripping products. Live and learn people. $49 USD.

Aurelia Miracle Cleanser - Can't go wrong with a beautifully rich, probiotic cleanser! I'd love to compare it to the Andalou Probiotic Cleanser. £34.

Osmia Active Gel Toner - Calendula? Aloe? Hyaluronic Acid? Sign me up! $58 USD.

**Marie Veronique Organics Everyday Coverage - I got a sample of this baby from Fresh Faced and ended up really enjoying it! On lazy days I'd mix the medium shade with some moisturizer, add a little powder, and go on my merry way. It's so easy to wear and has SPF 30. $42 CAN.
**Kjaer Weis Cream Blush in Lovely - I just want to sing, "Isn't she looveelllyyy, isn't she beauuuttiful" when I see the shade name. Anyone? Anyone? No. Okay. This brand has been raved about non-stop, I feel I should give in to the peer pressure and just try it already. $56 CAN or $30 CAN for the refill.
**W3LL People Universalist Multi-Use Color Stick in #7 Creamy Peony - I love cool toned pinks and I cannot lie. I have a sample of this that I'm still using up and I just love it so much. Once I use up a couple of blushes, this one will be mine! $34 CAN.
**Ilia Lipstick in Femme Fatale - It's about time this grown woman introduces a real red lip to her life, am I right ladies? This is a beautiful cool toned red, that's not quite as dark as swatched above. $24 CAN.
That's it ladies and gents, that's my wish list for 2014 and that's me narrowing it down to just 10 items. What are you lusting over this year?
**These items can be found online at Clementine Fields, Fresh Faced and/or Eco Diva. I'm sure there are other Canadian e/retailers, however, I'm too lazy to search for them all.