January 2014 Empties!

This month has been a fun one for empties because I've managed to finish so much, as you can see below. #NoBuyJanuary really forced encouraged me to use up samples and minis, as well as finish off products that were just about done. Don't be fooled though, I still have a boat load of stuff to get through.

This picture made me feel like a garbage hoarder haha

Here's what I've finished this month...

Coconut Oil - I mostly cook or eat this delicious goodness, but I also used it in this body butter. I've already repurchased.

Deep Steep Body Wash - review here - This was such a great body wash. It was fragrant without being overwhelming, nourishing, lathered well on a loofa, and felt very luxurious. I really enjoyed this particular scent, but will be trying a different one. Will be repurchasing.

Alaffia Scalp Recovery Shampoo - This wasn't actually a full bottle, it only had a few uses in it. My friend wanted me to try it to see if it would help my scalp dermatitis and dandruff. It did! I already picked up a brand new bottle.

Pretty Skin Savior Oil - review here - Body oils are wonderful and this one was no exception. It smelled lovely and moisturized well. Once I get through some other body products, I may repurchase this or one of their other oils.

Earthpaste Toothpaste in Peppermint - review here - There's not much to say about this product, it's the only toothpaste I use. Already repurchased.

*Weleda Sea Buckthorn Hand Cream - review here - This month was exceptionally cold and my hands (and entire body) were craving more moisture. This hand cream smelled nice and absorbed well, but wasn't moisturizing enough for me. I found myself constantly reapplying, hence why I finished up a tube in less than a month. May repurchase in the warmer months.

Weleda Calendula Face Cream - review here - I love this stuff soooo much. It's great for hands, face, and body and moisturizes so well. I especially love that it's small and light enough to carry in a small purse. Will definitely be repurchasing because I can't be without it.

Badger Sleep Balm - review here - This was a skin savior this month. I applied it to super dry bits like knees, elbows, feet, face, and hands just before bed. Not only did it fill the room with the beautiful fragrance of lavender, it also left my skin super soft. Might repurchase at some point.

*Pure Anada African Gold - review here - This marula oil infused shea butter was perfect for this DIY body butter and by itself. I loved using it all over, including my face, to help with any dry patches. Will very likely repurchase next Winter.

Andalou Naturals Illuminating Toner (not pictured) - review here - Went through another bottle and still love it! Will be repurchasing.

Tamanu Oil - review here - Ahh, my love for tamanu oil runs deep. I was heart broken when I used up the last drop and may, or may not, have shed a tear. My goal with facial oils is to use them all up before repurchasing, that way I can decide what works best for my skin and what should be repurchased. I just made up that goal recently, but I see myself repurchasing very soon.

*Lina Hanson Global Body Serum - This body serum smells so amazing, it's the perfect scent. Vanilla with a hint of citrus, delicate and feminine. I didn't do a full review because the few times that I did use it on my body, I broke out badly. I actually received this months ago, before I discovered (100%) that argan doesn't agree with me. I have been using it on the ends of my hair and can't even describe how intoxicating the scent is. I hope Lina makes a perfume oil with this scent, minus the argan. Will not be purchasing the full size although you should for the scent alone, if you can use argan.

*Aroma M Camellia Hair Oil - review here - What a sexy scent this hair oil has. It made me feel so sexy when I used it. It worked just as well as Lina's body serum did on the ends of my hair. I've since started using marula oil instead and much prefer it to both of these. Will not be purchasing the full size.

Dr. Hauschka Facial Toner - This was sent to me by the lovely Cori, from Well Beauty Blog, and it was nice. I've tried it before and enjoyed it. I go through toner rather quickly though and don't love it enough to spend as much as it costs. Will not be purchasing the full size.

One Love Organics Vitamin D Active Moisture Time Release Mist - This was a two time use sample that didn't really give me a good idea of whether I liked the product or not. It's very unlikely that I'll be spending $40 CAN on the full size though.

*Corpa Flora Rock'n Rose Exfoliating Facial Powder - review here - I love Corpa Flora products and have purchased full sizes since that review to prove it. This was a very gentle, yet effective exfoliating powder. I much prefer chemical exfoliants though. Will not be purchasing the full size.

S.W. Basics Exfoliant - review here - Hands down my favourite physical exfoliant.ever. It just worked so well for my skin without irritating it and it smelled like oatmeal. If I ever purchase a scrub in the future, it'll be this one.

The All Natural Face Cream Blush in Cotton Candy - review here - My favourite and, obviously, most used ANF blush shade. The purple worked with my naturally red cheeks without enhancing the redness. Since discovering that I can't use these blushes anymore, because of the argan oil,  I'm glad that I finished at least one. Won't be repurchasing.

*Pure Anada Mascara in Black - review here - This mascara kinda sucked at first, it was too wet for my liking, but amazing once it dried up a bit. It was great wet as well, but I found it separated my lashes too much for my liking. This mascara held up in Jamaica (hot as hell) and in the cold. It didn't flake, smudge, run, or transfer unless I fell asleep in face plant position. I won't do a full review now, but I will say that I purchased another tube.

The Body Deli Blueberry Cleanser Sample - This cleanser surprised me. It's full of fruit acids, which is what I consider a chemical exfoliant. I used this sample every second or third day as an exfoliator, left it on for a minute or two and washed it off. My skin was left noticeably softer and even toned.  I purchased a mini bottle back in December, love it!

The Body Deli Almond Cleanser Sample - Really wanted to love this cleanser. It smelled delicious and cleansed well but I didn't find it anything spectacular. Perhaps the sample was too small or I just like other cleansers more. Won't be purchasing the full size.

Evanhealy French Rose Clay - I've had this sample in my collection for months and months. I decided to use it recently, since my skin freaked out and grew little people pimples all over. What a fantastic clay mask! It never dried out my skin, even though I used it three days in a row, and helped to calm the acne down. I may pick up the full size at some point, may.

Suki Intensive Nourishing Masque Sachet - Another item sent to me by the beautiful Cori. I didn't like this at all because of the nasty film it left on my skin. My face felt super greasy and uncomfortable. The Suki range hasn't been a hit with me. Will not be purchasing the full size.

*Rahua Conditioner Sachet - Monique, from Anise Apothecary, actually gave me this along with the shampoo sachet to try. I wasn't impressed by the conditioner, it didn't seem to do anything for my hair at all. Will not be purchasing the full size.

Red Flower Purifying Body Wash in Icelandic Moonflower and Italian Blood Orange - Both of these smelled lovely, one floral and one citrusy. They foamed up on my loofa beautifully and left me clean without drying out my skin. I prefer Deep Steep though and won't be purchasing full size.

Done, done, done!

*PR SAMPLE

aroma M Camellia Oils Review

In November, the lovely Maria McElroy from aroma M contacted me and asked if I would like to try her new Camellia oils for hair, face, and body/bath. Intrigued by the concept of the brand, I obviously said yes but had to decline the face oil as it contains argan. She was also kind enough to include a few samples of her perfume oils.   Maria is an artist on paper and at heart. After receiving her Masters of Fine Arts, she went on to become a Certified Aromatherapist. Spending seven years in Japan, her line is influenced by Japanese culture and aesthetics. "Blending fragrances in a bottle is like mixing colors on a palate," says Maria. "The scent becomes pigment, the body becomes the canvas. The nose responds to scent like the eye to color." The wording chosen to describe the comparison is so beautiful, don't you think?

Maria McElroy - Picture courtesy of aroma M

L to R: Camellia Hair Oil, Camellia Body/Bath Oil, Geisha Pink, Geisha Rouge, Geisha 

Description: Warm a dropper of oil into palms, apply from the end to the roots into wet or dry hair. For hair mask apply two droppers of oil into wet hair and leave in for 20 min. then shampoo out. 

Full size: $65 USD for 40ml.

This hair oil smells divine! Floral scents aren't my thing and I've never really liked them but, that must be changing because the scent of this makes me feel so sexy. I haven't tried it as a hair mask, however, it works great to smooth and moisturize my ends wet or dry. I only apply a drop or two and it doesn't weight down my hair at all. The scent lasts for hours! For those that can use argan oil on their skin, this would make an amazing all over perfume.

Ingredients: Organic Camellia Seed Oil, Organic Virgin Argan Oil, Organic Golden Jojoba Oil, Organic Rosemary Oil, Tuberose Oil. Size: 1.3 oz. /40 ml $65 USD

Description: To create a luxurious moisturizing bath add a tablespoon of this luscious oil to a cup of milk, and soak in it's near magical powers. This is the ideal liquid moisturizer for hydrating skin to create a luminous, complexion. Full size: $60 USD for 100 ml.

I'm sad to report that I hate the smell of this body oil. It's a little too "mature" for my liking, my grandma loved it if that tells you anything. I can't even tell you which notes stand out most as I haven't smelled them individually. Aside from the scent, the oil is really nice on the body. Moisturizes beautifully, yet soaks in with ease.

Ingredients: Organic Camellia Seed Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Organic Golden Jojoba Oil, Organic Essential Oils of Jasmine, Neroli, Geranium, Frankincense and Moroccan Rose Oil.

Perfume Oils in Geisha Pink, Rouge & O-cha

All of the perfume oils below wear for several hours, at least 5. I`m sure it`ll differ from person to person though.

Geisha Pink: A shot of sugared plum, with fresh orange added for tang, and vanilla for seductive staying power. This is a young Eastern-accented scent, brimming with sophisticated sass.When to wear it? At the big Saturday Night date ... when you want to daydream ... whenever you want to ever so slightly misbehave. What will it do for your psyche? Sweeten it, re-charge it, speed it up

If you like super sweet scents, this is for you. Had I received this a few years ago, I would have been all over it, but it makes me a little sick with how sweet it is. At one point, there was no such thing as too sweet in my books! I also can't smell the vanilla in it, which is disappointing.

Geisha Rouge: Geisha Rouge is warm, beckoning, enticing. Its blend of tonka bean, tobacco and vanilla, combined with cinnamon, star of anise, clove, and sandalwood traditional Japanese incense ingredients--give it a mellow yet racy, smoky, appeal, not unlike that of a gentle, irresistible red flame. Here is one beautiful, feminine fragrance that is not based on flowers, but on seductive spices and woods that convey the meaning of vivacious sensuality held in check but barely so.

I've always loved the smell of tabacco and perfume, even though I never smoked. Don't ask. "Mellow yet racy, smoky appeal" describe it quite well. I love the scent in the bottle, but hate the way it smells on me. Enter broken heart.

Geisha O-cha: Tea ceremony. An everyday task becomes a meditation, a dance, a graceful art. Traditional Japanese green tea is the heart of this delicate, refreshing scent and it stays true, unlike some green tea-based scents that become too floral or too fruity as the day wears on. Transparently luminous like fine porcelain, Geisha O-cha roll-on is a long lasting light scent particularly perfect when worn on warm days. Spiked with the clean crisp flavors of green tea and the revitalizing notes of sweet orange, o-cha is mellowed and feminized with the addition of bois de rose of vanilla. This is a scent of vital serenity. Wear Geisha o-cha morning to twilight. O-cha’s harmonious essential oil blends will add sparkling warmth to your day, promote self-awareness, and balance your spirits.

This smells very similar to Geisha Pink but fresher, if that makes sense. Not for me.

In conclusion, this is a very fragrant line and those who are sensitive to scents should probably steer clear. While most of the products weren't a hit, due to their scents, there are people out there who I know would absolutely fall in love with these products. Scent is a very personal thing and so all I can say is, try some samples first.

Check out aroma M for more information on all of her products.

Are there any essential oils or products from aroma M that stand out to you? Have you tried any of the aroma M products?

*All products mentioned were provided for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

December 2013 Empties - Beauty Edition + A Love Note

As this will be the last post of the year, I thought I'd get a little sentimental and sappy. Thank you so much for all of your love and support this year. The comments left on my blog, love notes through email, and interactions on social media encourages and motivates me to continue blogging and strive to make this blog better. With that said, I wish you a very Happy New Year filled with love, laughter, health and wealth.
Sap time over.
Ah, I love ending off the year having finished so many full sized beauty products. This will be my last post until the new year and what better way to end 2013 than with an empties beauty edition post?!
Jumping right in!

Andalou Naturals Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk - review here - What a fantastic cleanser. I don't think I realized how much I enjoyed it until I finished it up. It smelled great, cleansed well (after already removing makeup), and was very affordable. My only beef is that the pump stopped working when there was about 1/4 of the product left. Was super fun trying to use up the rest...it wasn't fun at all, that was sarcasm. Would repurchase though. Andalou Naturals Illuminating Toner - review here - Love! Already repurchased. Pretty Triple Rose Floral Water - review here - These are my favourite floral waters ever. I didn't love the rose scent, since I'm not a rose fan but it worked well as a morning "cleanse". Repurchased in Chamomile.

George's Aloe - no review - This product has been a favourite of many green bloggers for months. I didn't do a full review because there's no point. I used it in masks and as I would a toner or floral water. It was nice and the price point was fantastic, but it won't be a repurchase.

Weleda Calendula Shampoo and Body Wash - review here - LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. This was the ultimate multitasking product for me. It worked as a shampoo, body wash and AMAZING hand wash. I will repurchase for sure!

REN Glycol Lactice Radiance Renewal Mask - review here - My heart broke a little when I finished this baby up. It was such a beautiful mask that produced results and even though it contains phenoxyethanol, I would repurchased if the price was right. 

*Odacite Hydration Masque Sample - review here - I tried and wanted to love this mask, however, it just didn't do what I expected it to do...like hydrate.

*Delizioso Skin Care Dead Sea Mud Mask - review here - This actually dried out before I could finish it, so I added a little bit of water and used what I could before it grew a furry family. There are other mud/clay masks that I prefer though. Won't repurchase.

Badger Balm Cocoa Butter Lip Balm in Mint - review here - One of my fave lip balms. I hate how cocoa butter lip balms change texture in extreme weather, which is what happened with this one. I've already used up 2 and have another left. Will likely repurchase at some point.

Ladybug Jane Sweet Strawberry Lip Balm - review here - Ugh, the taste of this balm is delicious and it's vegan! Will definitely repurchase.

Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Solid Perfume - review here - I've had this for months and months, it's lovely! Worked as a perfume, brow wax, etc. Will repurchase at some point.

*aroma M Camellia Body/Bath Oil - review here - This body oil is lovely, except for the scent. It's a little too floral and mature for my liking but, the oil itself absorbs and moisturizes beautifully. Won't purchase the full size.

Deep Steep Hand Wash in Honeydew Spearmint - review here - Great scent, great ingredients, not great for my dry hands in the cold months. Would repurchase in the Summer.

*Corpa Flora Beaute Divine Cleansing Oil - review here - Gorgeous cleansing oil that lasted me a very long time. Removed makeup without irritating or breaking out my skin. I'm using something else now and will likely purchase the full size in the future.

Konjac Sponge Company - no review - I tried so hard to write a review on this sponge but, whenever I sat down I just couldn't type anything. It's a lovely sponge that works to remove makeup and cleanse the skin with or without cleanser. I still prefer my Sephora pad though. Won't be repurchasing.

That's it for my last post of the year! Are you ending off 2013 with a lighter bathroom? Let me know what you finished off this month.

*PR SAMPLES