March 2014 Empties

Here we are again, at the end of another month and about to peak through my trash. The most exciting part about this empties, is that it's now Spring. Hello Spring! We still have some snow on the ground but, that's okay because it's been warming up. So.excited.ashfioashigfsh. Anyone else as excited as me?

*The Mystic Masala Kapha Spicebodhi Soap - review here - Loved using this daily. It lathered nicely and left me feeling super clean.
May repurchase at some point.

Earthpaste in Wintergreen - review here - I've gone through several tubes of this stuff, always alternating between wintergreen and peppermint. It cleaned my teeth really well and left my breath fresh but, I've decided to try something new. Living Libations new, to be exact :).

Coconut Oil - Loveeee coconut oil. I mostly bake with it but sometimes I use it as a hair mask or cuticle oil. Already repurchased.

*Shamanuti Activated Charcoal Cleanser - review here - I really enjoyed the scent of this cleanser and how well it removed makeup/cleansed my face. It helped clear up my bacne (when I had a breakout), however, I didn't find it did much for my face. In fact, I think it was a little drying. Perhaps it would have worked better for me during summer.

Corpa Flora Eclat Citrouille - review here - This oil is amaze-balls! It makes my face glow and evens out my complexion over night. When this bottle ran out, I debated on trying something new until I realized that if it ain't broke, don't fix it! Am I right?
Already repurchased.

*SBT Seabuckthorn Seed Oil - review here  and here - Sea buckthorn is one of my favourite oils. I liked using this as an all over facial oil, spot treatment for pimples, or mixed with tamanu. It really helped control any breakouts and brighten the skin. I prefer the SBT brand over others because they're Canadian, the bottle is much easier to travel with, and it comes in 3 sizes.
Will be repurchasing at some point.

*Nyl Gentle Sugar Body Polish - review here - What a lovely scrub this was. I mainly used it on my lips and hands, and not only did it leave my skin incredibly soft, it also left it smelling (and tasting) delicious! The minimal ingredients and fact that it didn't leave me feeling greasy made it my favourite body scrub to date. Will likely repurchase.

Batch Naturals Abyssinian Body Whip - review here - I really liked how quickly this absorbed and how light it was, perhaps a little too light for me during the brutal Winter.
May repurchase in a different scent, at some point.

Dr. Haushka Lavender Sandalwood Body Moisturizer (sample) - I'm not usually a fan of this brand but, this lightly scented body lotion was a delight to use. It left me nicely moisturized without any heavy fragrance. *SBT Eczema Dermatitis Salve - review here - Despite how well this worked for my hands, it's being tossed because the texture, scent, and colour has changed. Pretty sure it's gone bad.
La Bella Figura Barbary Fig Seed Oil (sample) - Clementine Fields was kind enough to send me a sample with an order that I made in January. I've heard amazing things about it but, didn't see any improvements with my skin while using it.  Aurelia Cell Revitalise Night Moisturiser (sample kindly sent to me by Sabrina from Call It Vanity) - This stuff smelled so good and was one of the richest night creams I've ever tried. It was actually a little too heavy for me to use all over my face, so I would just apply a tiny, tiny amount on any dry patches. Pure Anada Mascara in Black - review here - My favourite natural mascara! It's affordable and lasts all day. My only issue, which I'm letting slide, is that it contains phenoxyethanol.  Already repurchased. Pretty Rose Facial Tonic (not pictured) - review here - I'm not a fan of rose scents but I find this rose facial tonic works amazingly well for my skin.  Will repurchase at some point. Weleda Calendula Face Cream (not pictured) - review here - I can't say enough good things about this cream. I mainly use it on my hands and face, but don't hesitate to use it on my body as well.  Already repurchased. Happy Spring lovelies! *PR SAMPLES.

February 2014 Empties!

Oh ya baby, I'm killing these empties posts! I have been making a big huge dent in my stash and am beyond excited about it.

Deep Steep Repairing Shampoo - review here - I really did enjoy this shampoo at first, but I noticed it starting to irritate my scalp with continued use. I began using it only once a week for a "deep clean" and must admit that most of it ended up spilling in my tub because of the water-like texture. Won't repurchase.

Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap in Eucalyptus - review here - I love this soap for cleaning my bathroom. The eucalyptus scent is uplifting and one of my faves. Repurchased in peppermint (my other fave scent).

Batch Naturals Lemongrass & Sweet Basil Soap - review here - While the scent wasn't something that I'd normally go for, I REALLY enjoyed it. This soap contains clay, which worked wonderful for my bacne. The disappointing part is that it didn't last too long. With regular use, and me being the only one using it, it lasted about 3 weeks. Will likely not repurchase because of how quickly it gets used.

Pretty Goat Milk & Honey Soap - no review coming - This soap was not as awesome as I was hoping, seeing as it's from one of my fave brands. It's creamy and moisturizing, but I didn't feel like it really cleaned me. Not that it left me stinky, I just didn't feel clean. I think it would be amazing for someone with super dry skin or babies. Also, it contains palm oil. Won't repurchase.

On A Branch Soap in Monday Morning - review here - Great company and great soap. The coffee grinds were a little too sharp for my liking but I still enjoyed it, especially the cinnamon scent of Monday Morning. Will repurchase in another scent.

Pretty Ginger & Cypress Soothing Mask - review here - Hands down my favourite clay mask ever. I always come back to it, even though trying to DIY it would be much cheaper. It works at pulling out impurities and calming my skin all at the same time. Will repurchase at some point, but I'm currently debating on splurging on a La Bella Figura mask.

*Shamanuti Pumpkin Enzyme Masque - review here - As my skin was freaking out this month (with acne) and not as sensitive as usual, I was able to use this mask more frequently. I really enjoyed how it left my skin soft  and helped to get rid of pimples quicker. May repurchase at some point.

*Therapi Honey Skincare Orange Blossom No. 3 Moisturizer - review here - This is a fab UK brand. They use honey (obviously) in their products, along with other great ingredients. I loved using this morning and night, the scent, and how it left my skin so soft. I do have to note that since running out of this moisturizer, probably about a week and a half ago, my skin hasn't been breaking out as much. So I'm not sure if this is what was causing my skin to freak out, along with hormones, but that's why I haven't written a review yet.

*Sweet Leaf Bath Co. Adzuki Bean Rice Bran Face Polish - review here - Even though this scrub smelled like grass, it worked really well at exfoliating my skin. I especially loved mixing it with honey and using it as a mask. I did end up using it this last month on my face, chest, shoulders, and back regularly. Since I'm not a big fan of physical/mechanical exfoliants, I will likely not repurchase this.

*Thayers Peach Witch Hazel Toner - I used to love Thayers and even got my boyfriend hooked on using it after shaving. This one smelled like fuzzy peaches, which I loveeeeeed, but it contained alcohol. I don't like to use anything too astringent on my sensitive facial skin, so I opted to use it on my chest, shoulders, and back. It did help dry out some of the acne spots I was getting. Won't be picking up the full size.

Pretty Roman Chamomile Floral Water - review here - This is my favourite floral water and I've raved about it enough. I've repurchased in rose.

*PurelyGreat Citrus Cream Deodorant - review here - Aside from the irritation this gave me, it worked amazingly well at keeping me stink free ALL day long. I started applying a water/apple cider vinegar mix to my underarms about 20 minutes before applying this deodorant and it kept the irritation (mostly) away. The most annoying part about this deodorant, was constantly having to mix it prior to use. Because of that, I will not be repurchasing.

*Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion Mini - This sample came with their Sea Buckthorn Hand Cream that I have already reviewed. The scent was light and fresh, same as the other products in the sea buckthorn range. I was really surprised by this product! It moisturized really well and absorbed nicely. I may pick up a full size once I use up some other body lotions.

Pai Fragonia & Sea Buckthorn Instant Hand Therapy Cream - review here - Lovveeeed this hand cream! It was super hydrating and absorbed ridiculously well. The packaging is too big to carry around with me, which is one of the biggest downsides..along with the price..but I think I'm going to repurchase it soon.

S.W. Basics Cream - review here - I took this picture on Tuesday and have since finished off what was left in the jar. This was deeply moisturizing and an absolute pleasure to use. I loved applying it all over, especially on my knees, feet, and elbows. Will repurchase next Fall/Winter.

First Aid Beauty, Niora & Aromatherapy Associates were sent to me by Cori (Well Beauty Blog). The two unmarked jars in the middle were sent to me by Sabrina and Mayah (Call It Vanity)

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream (sample) - Not entirely natural but it did work well to moisturize my super dry hands.

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask (sample) - This mask didn't burn or tingle at all, and left my skin brighter and softer. Since it was a one time use, I'm can't tell if it's worth the splurge.

Raw Gaia MSM Beauty Scrub (sample) - I didn't understand this exfoliant because I didn't feel it exfoliating. It felt more like a cleansing balm.

Aurelia Miracle Cleanser (sample) - I loved the invigorating eucalyptus scent of this rich cream cleanser. It left my skin soft, cleansed, and more even toned. I see myself purchasing the full size at some point.

Niora Alpha Clear Cleanser (sample) - This cleanser is designed for adult acne, which is pretty cool. It cleansed my skin well (didn't remove makeup though) all while leaving it well hydrated. Not sure the sample was large enough to notice a different in my acne though.

Aromatherapy Associates Soothing Treatment Mask (sample) - I didn't find this mask to be anything special although I only had enough for one use. It did moisturize my skin, and calm the redness on my cheeks a bit. I also enjoyed the fact that it was scentless.

*SBT Soothing Salve for Stretch Marks/Scars (sample) - I got this in a sample pack back in October and have been using it for several months now. The smell is really nice, almost like a herbal apple, but might be a little much for some. Did I notice a change in the appearance of my stretch marks? No.

Benecos Natural Multi Effect Mascara - no review coming - This mascara was a major flop for me. I loved the large natural bristle brush but hated that it smudged and flaked within minutes of application. When I wore this to work, I'd have to constantly check the mirror to make sure that it didn't look like I went straight to work after a night of partying. On a positive note, it didn't irritate my eyes. Cheeky Cosmetics Eye Shadows in Pebble & Truffle (samples) - review here - I really love the Cheeky eye shadows. They are beautiful and so pigmented. These two taupes were stunning all over the lids, outer corners, and in the crease. I'm extremely tempted to pick up full sizes, however, I don't use eye shadow often enough to justify adding more to my already (kinda) large collection.
W3LL People Universalist Multi-Use Stick in #7 Creamy Peony (sample) - This cool toned vibrant pink is stunning, stunning, stunning! My boyfriend already purchased the full size for me.
Zuzu Luxe Brow Pencil in Russet - review here - The most perfect shade for my brows. I just wish there was a way to use ALL of the product. Already repurchased.
What have you finished up this month? *PR SAMPLES

Faves Friday!

Hello lovelies and Happy Valentine's Day! While I don't partake in the fluff of this day, I realize that some of you might and I hope that it's a wonderful a day for you.
Last week I got super busy at work and by the time Monday came, I figured it made the most sense to just wait for today and combine the faves in one post. My skin has been really shitty lately, I've been breaking out and was even getting cystic acne (which isn't the norm for me). I simplified by skin care routine and took to these few items to help clear up my skin.

Aurelia Miracle Cleanser Sample (not pictured) - Mayah, one half of Call it Vanity, was kind enough to send me a sample...after I begged and threatened her. Kidding, I just begged. The cleanser was fantastic and I saw a reduction in redness and spots within two uses!!!! I've since run out and my skin just doesn't look as good. I need it in my life asap. 

*Shamanuti Pumpkin Enzyme Masque (not pictured) - review here - I've been using this mask on my face, neck, and chest to help clear up any break outs. My skin hasn't been nearly as sensitive as it was in January, so I've been able to use it more often. I love that it exfoliates without having to use my hands, as to not spread bacteria around.

Pretty Ginger & Cypress Soothing Mud - review here - I've been mixing this mask with Wedderspoon 100% Raw Manuka Honey and Graydon Face Food Mist for an acne busting treatment every third day. Pretty draws out impurities with clay, manuka softens and aids in killing acne bacteria, and Graydon helps to soothe and heal acne/scars. It's a straight up dream team!  

Lastly, I've been loving this Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in Amarone, which is described as a raisin berry. It's definitely a berry and I find it looks a little more purple on my lips than it may seem in the tube. It's just so pretty and easy to wear. It feels like a moisturizing gloss but has the staying power of a stain and the pigmentation of any amazing lip product. I love it so much (even though it's not the most natural). Makes me feel sassy!

What have you been reaching for 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.