Trash Talk July 2014 (Empties)

Another month has passed us by, and I'm thrilled to be killing my stash. August will likely be all skin care and the last of these huge empties posts. As I've mentioned before, I plan on taking the minimalist approach to my skin, body, and hair care routines. Especially with the colder months coming, less is more for my skin.
Grab a drink and snack, and let's get started! 

*New Leaf Naturals Chai to Relax Hand Soap - review here - I really did enjoy this hand soap, despite the scent not being as strong as I normally like, and it worked really well for cleaning makeup and dirt off of my hands. Sadly, castile soap bases irritate my hands.

*Pure+Simple Organic Hair Oil - I've had this hair oil for a very long time and never reviewed it because they've discontinued it. It had a unique scent, that I can't even described, but worked well to condition my scalp and hair.

Deep Steep Body Mist in Honeydew Spearmint - Maaaaan, this is my favourite Deep Steep scent. So refreshing! This body mist was lovely as a refresher, especially when I worked long days and felt stinky. The scent wasn't overpowering and didn't linger for long (sadly) but filled its purpose. I have already repurchased.

Deep Steep Body Wash in Honeydew Spearmint - review here - Love, love, love! The scent was perfect, the foaming action was great, and my skin always felt soft after using it. My boyfriend used up most of this bottle (Thanks Chris) and so I didn't get to enjoy it for as long as I had hoped. Iherb was out of this scent, so I picked up Chamomile Lavender and will say that I'm not loving the scent as much as this one.

*New Leaf Naturals Stink Stopper - review here - Fantastic deodorant! It never irritated my pits and kept me stink free almost all day. I wasn't a fan of the scent and didn't like that it turned white close a bit green (even though it washed off). If there were more scents available and shipping wasn't insane to Canada, I'd 100% pick up another one.

*Organic Bath Co. Stress Less Body Scrub - review here - Nothing has changed from my initial review. It exfoliated really well and left my skin soft without feeling greasy. The scent grew on me, but it wasn't my favouritet. I'm currently using Zesty Mornings...swoon.

*Hush & Dotti Original Cleansing Balm (sample) - I cannot get into cleansing balms. I struggled to use this up and while it was nice, it's just not my thing. I also found the essential oils a little much for my sensitive skin. Will not be picking up the full size.

*Blissoma Mild Rice Facial Cleanser - review here - I thoroughly enjoyed this cleanser. It was actually used on my face and shoulders to keep acne at bay, worked well! The scent wasn't my favourite though and I'm not sure this would work as well for me in the colder months. May repurchase next summer.

*evie Lovingly Pure Toning Rose Water - review here - Loved this soooo much! The smell was beautiful, it hydrated my skin well, set my makeup, and refreshed my skin mid-day. This beautiful bottle comes with a $50 price tag and I'm still debating on whether to splurge.

*Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel - review here - I forgot how long a bottle of Thayers lasts, geez. This was a long time favourite of mine, until I started branching out a bit. The ingredients, size, and price are all right. I really liked using this to mix up clay masks, but can't see myself repurchasing as I've found other toners I love even more.

*Wedderspoon 100% Manuka Honey - This is one item that I can't live without, I actually have a tablespoon left that I scooped into a smaller container. Works well as mask (alone) or mixed with clay. It reduces redness, softens my skin, and kills breakouts. Will definitely be repurchasing.

Living Libations HealthyGums Clay Toothpaste - review here - This toothpaste worked just as well as the one I originally reviewed (Neem Enamelizer) but tasted a billion times better. Living Libations has their toothpaste perfected. They have worked so well for my teeth and gums, and I can't even believe the positive changes that I have seen. I've since picked up the Frankincense Fresh Truth ToothPaste and have been enjoying it.

Zoe Organics Everything Balm - I picked this up to see how it would compare to my beloved NBW Healing Balm and it doesn't even come close. Don't get me wrong, the packaging is super cute, application is easy, and ingredients are incredible but it doesn't work as well for me and my skin issues. Will not be repurchasing.

*The Mystic Masala Spicebodhi Kapha Body Oil - review here - While I never got used to the scent, this was a lovely body oil. I enjoyed using it on my legs and sore lower back. Will not repurchase.

*One Love Organics Gardenia Body Serum (sample) - The scent of this body oil was to die for, so damn good! It moisturized my skin beautifully and never left me feeling greasy. My only issue was that the scent didn't last longer. For that reason, I will not be purchasing the full size.

Physicians Formula Organic Wear CC Mascara - As with most of PF mascaras, this one smudged within minutes of applying. At work, I'd have to constantly check my eyes to ensure I didn't look like I had slept with makeup on and just rolled outta bed. The wand is similar to their others, large with short synthetic bristles, however, it's curved. The curve makes for easier application and the outcome was long, thick lashes. Of all the PF Organic Wear mascaras, FakeOut remains my fave.

*Graydon SPF 30 Sun Cream - review here - So much sadness going on, the pump on this amazing sunscreen stopped working (for the second time) and refused to pump out what's left :(. Still, this remains one of my favourite sunscreens. I loved how it could be used on face and body, didn't leave a white cast, moisturized, and blended with ease. It was a little gritty, but that disappeared the more it was blended in. Will be picking up a jumbo bottle for my next vacation. 
Update (Aug. 3) - I did contact Graydon before doing this post and she was kind enough to offer a replacement, without hesitation, and her apologies. Really though, it's not her fault and that's why I didn't want to accept a replacement bottle. I was able to pop the top and scoop out the remaining sun cream into a little container. No waste!
Told ya it was a long one. Guess that's just expected of me now, eh? haha. What have you finished up this month? See any faves in my empties? *PR SAMPLE

May 2014 Empties!

Oh boy have I finished up a good chunk of my stash this month. I apologize now for a couple of the dark pictures, I took them late at night in order to be able to toss this stuff out for garbage day. Anyway, let's get to it!

Alaffia Neem & Shea Butter Scalp Recovery Shampoo - This shampoo worked brilliantly in the colder months. I tend to have seborrheic dermatitis on my scalp, all year round, with dandruff on top of that in the winter. This helped clear up my scalp immediately and then stopped working. Will give it another go next winter.

Shoosha Baby Calm Baby Massage Oil - review here - This was a fantastic cleansing oil (for face) and moisturizing body oil, however, I hated that the bottle cap always leaked. Definitely not travel friendly and just plain annoying. Still, it was lovely and I would repurchase.

Andalou Naturals Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk - review here - Ignore the fact that the picture shows that this bottle is not completely empty, it is now. Loved and still love this cleanser so much. The scent was beautiful, it made my skin so soft and helped calm any redness that I had going on on my face. My only issue is that the pump stopped working (again!) at about the point displayed in the picture. Will 100% repurchase this cleanser, once I use up some of the others that I have in rotation.

Andalou Naturals Lavender Shea Hand Cream - I purchased this when the contact dermatitis on my hands, now confirmed ezcema, cleared up with hopes that it would keep my hands clear. Sadly, it irritated my eczema and so I ended up using it as a body lotion. It smells beautifully of lavender and moisturizes well but, I will likely not repurchase.

Aubrey Men's Stock Pine Deodorant - review here - Despite the spray apparatus constantly not functioning properly and the bottle randomly leaking, this worked great for me in the stink department. It is strongly fragranced and contains alcohol, however, it also contains calming ingredients like calendula and arnica. Would definitely repurchase.

Living Libations Neem Enamelizer Toothpaste - review here - Holy moly batman, this toothpaste made my teeth glow. Who knew teeth could glow? I guess anyone who's been using this toothpaste. The flavour isn't my favourite, neem *gags*, but it worked incredible well and I noticed a positive change in my teeth. I've picked up a different toothpaste in their range and see myself repurchasing this one again.

Living Libations Sea Buckthorn Shampoo - review here - Sea Buckthorn is one of my favourite oils, so naturally I had high hopes for this shampoo. It left my hair feeling oily and my scalp itchy. The scent was delicious and I enjoyed using it as a body wash though. Will not repurchase.

SBT Seabuckthorn Fruit Oil - review here - Speaking of sea buckthorn oil....This staining and oompa loompa orange oil was used diluted with other facial oils and in smoothies. As a supplement, it was great. As a skin care oil, it was also great but I much prefer the seed oil. Will not repurchase.

Osmia Spot Treatment - This worked as amazingly well as everyone said it would. I loved how little the bottle was, perfect for tossing in my bag, and smelled really nice. Will likely repurchase.

The Body Deli Blueberry Resurfacing Cleanser - review here - Ahh, this cleanser was a lovely weekly treatment for my face. It smelled incredible and worked well to chemically exfoliate my skin. The tiny bottle lasted me about 5 months, money well spent. Haven't decided whether I will repurchase or go for the scrub in the same family.

Tamanu Oil - review here - Love, love, love. Won't rave about it or say too much besides the fact that I will be repurchasing.

Batty's Bath Skin Support Serum - I didn't do a full review of this brand because I didn't find that it actually did anything for my skin. Couldn't think of what to say besides, "it didn't work". Recently, the owner told me that it takes several months for this serum to work because it treats internally instead of externally. Either way, I had hoped to see some sort of positive change. Won't be repurchasing.

*Blissoma Clay Renewal Treatment - review here - Oh sad, sad day. I heard my heart break when I finally scooped up the last bit of this amazing product. What can I say? It worked so well at fighting blackheads, acne, scars, and just keeping my skin suppppper soft. Shipping to Canada is a little high, so hopefully I can pick up another jar during a sale.

Batch Naturals Multipurpose Cream - review here - This cream was well loved by my elbows, knees, and especially feet. Towards the end it did start smelling weird, so I had to toss it. May repurchase once I use up all the other balms and creams that I have.

Province Apothecary Detoxifying + Clarifying Clay Mask (sample) - PA is a very lush Canadian brand with a beautiful collection of products, this mask being one. Aside from the smell of the Canadian Algae, which I couldn't stand, it worked really well at pulling impurities to the surface allowing me to extract them better. Yes, I squeeze my own face sometimes. Won't be purchasing the full size. 100% Pure Burdock & Neem Healthy Scalp Shampoo (sample) - While I'm not looking to stray from my beloved OM shampoo, I need a weekly clarifying treatment that doesn't involve me having to make it. Since it is a small sample, I haven't fully formed an opinion on it. I have a couple more to use, perhaps next empties I'll have more to say about it. Kjaer Weis Cream Blush in Lovely (sample) - This shade is very similar to my well loved W3ll People Universalist #7 Creamy Peony, however, the texture is much smoother and leaves a gorgeous sheen on the skin. Now that I know that I love the formula, I may need to pick up Blossoming...or...all of them? W3ll People Universalist #1 Creamy Pink (sample) - This is a total dupe for Nars Orgasm, without the chunky glitter fall out, and is stunning! Not sure I love it enough to pick up the full size but I enjoyed using this sample up. The All Natural Face Diva Stix in Milk - Tossing this out because I never use it.  Phew, done. That's what I've used up this month. Let me know below what you've gone through in May.

Brand Focus: Blissoma

I first heard about Blissoma from Brianna, iluvjesse444, ages ago and have had my interest piqued ever since. With high shipping costs and too many other products to get through, I held back. A couple of months ago, Blissoma reached out and offered to send me some products. Obviously I wasn't gonna say no! They were kind enough to send me the *Mild Rice Facial Cleanser (which I didn't know I was getting), *Loving Recovery Beta-glucan Mask, and *Clay Renewal Treatment.

Blissoma is the elegant marriage of herbal form and function, created by the explorative mind of a scientific artist [Julie Longyear]. When right brain meets left the result is botanical innovations that really work. I am proud to bring you the result of nearly a decade of my life's work exploring the healing and enhancing possibilities of plants. 

Read more about Julie here. 

Description: Organic, whole brown rice flour gently sweeps over the skin using natural grain fiber to effectively remove dirt and provide energizing B Vitamins. Willowbark extract provides a rich source of natural salicins that exfoliate by dissolving dead skin cells and also discourages bacteria buildup on skin. And using the principle of "like dissolves like" the emollient organic oils of Apricot Kernal, Hemp, and Sunflower mix with the dirty skin oils on your face and lift them, leaving vitamin-rich, soothing nourishment behind. Skin is cleansed instead of stripped. Infusions of organic Chickweed and Rose tone and freshen circulation to flush away toxins. Retails for $31.99 USD for 4 oz.

This cleanser is something special. Considering that it has acne fighting ingredients, like willowbark, and the brown rice acts as a physical/mechanical exfoliator, it's gentle and not at all drying. Even with daily use, morning and night, my skin felt soft, clean, and clear. The scent isn't my favourite, it's citrusy with a kick of grass. Luckily, it doesn't linger and isn't overpowering. The bottle is fantastic! It's so light, sturdy, and the pump dispenses product well, and locks for easy travel sans spillage. If you're looking for a cleanser to remove makeup, this isn't it. I use this as my morning and second cleanse. Fabulous product!

                           

Description: Our thickest, richest recipe yet, this formula is manna from heaven for dry, stressed, sensitive, and inflamed skin. Anti-reactive herbs blend with a generous helping of restorative oils, oatmilk, and cupuacu butter to rebuild skin from deep within. Retails for $33.99 USD for 2 oz.

Oatmilk, mushrooms, and cupuacu are all heaven for sensitive and dry skin. The balm-like texture of this mask makes it easy to melt on to your skin and feels like a super rich smoothie for your face, guess it kinda is. When I first received this, my skin was quite irritated. The second that I applied it, my skin instantly calmed down. By the time I removed it completely, my skin was incredibly soft and most of the redness gone! I was using this mask once a week, but now that it's warm out, I just use it on my cheeks whenever they feel a little irritated and/or parched. Oh, and this has virtually no scent. Truly perfect for those with sensitive skin.

Description: This item is one of our top recommended products for troubled and acneic skin types. Clogged pores are one of the prime reasons for acne flareups, and Refine keeps pores open. Willowbark gently dissolves away dead skin cells even without scrubbing, which can aggravate very sensitive skin. The clays and minerals soften pores and encourage them to detox properly. The Zinc content also manages bacteria on the surface of the skin and topically soothes. You can dot it on a blemish and leave it on overnight for intensive antibacterial and calming results. No matter what your skin type our formula is just the addition to your weekly regimen. And our already-mixed formula means no fuss for you and always the right consistency. Retails for $30.99 USD for 2 oz.

I saved the best, and my favourite, for last! I was a little worried about this mask at first, I thought for sure it would dry me out, because of the acne fighting ingredients like rhassoul clay and willowbark, or break me out, because of the high zinc content. Luckily, it does neither! I've been using this mask twice a week since receiving it and have noticed a significant change in my skin. It's brighter, has less breakouts, smoother, and more even toned. It has a very grainy texture, which I like because I can get a double POW of exfoliation where needed (aka my chin, jaw line, and forehead). If you have combination, oily, acne-prone skin, this is the product that I would most recommend from the line. 

Blissoma was also kind enough to send me these mini toner samples, which were alright. I don't tend to stray far when it comes to toner but, they both felt nice and I enjoyed keeping them in my bag to use as a mid-day refresher. Both retail for $25.99 USD for 4 oz.

The entire Blissoma range has been very impressive and well enjoyed by my skin. If you have easy access to the brand, I'd highly recommend trying them out. I'd like to think that they're fairly priced, mid range really, for how far each product goes. I've been using all three products for two months now and they're still going strong.

Can be purchased through Blissoma.

What's your favourite Blissoma product or which would you most like to try?

*Products provided for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Mild Rice Facial Cleanser: Infusion of Althea officinalis* (marshmallow), Stellaria media* (chickweed), Plantago major* (plantain), Rosa damascena*, Arthemis nobilis* (chamomile), Glycerin*, Helianthus annuus (sunflower) Oil*, Oryza sativa* (brown rice), Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Cocos nucifera (coconut) Oil*, Prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernal Oil*, Glyceryl Stearate, Salix alba* (willowbark) extract, Cannabis sativa (hemp) Oil*, Cetearyl Alcohol, Gluconolactone, Echinacea purpurea Extract*, Populus tremuloides (aspen) bark extract, Essential Oils of Lavandula angustifolia, Litsea Cubeba, Cymbopogon martini (palmarosa), Canarium luzonicum (elemi), Boswellia carterii (frankincense), Vetiveria zizandoides (vetiver), Xanthan Gum, Rosemary Oleoresin Extract, Grain Alcohol*+essential oils in this product contain: linalool**, geraniol**, limonene**, citral**

*from Certified Organic Agriculture
**natural components of essential oils

Loving Recovery Beta-glucan Mask: Avena Sativa (oat) Kernal Milk*, Infusion of Passiflora incarnata* (passionflower), Astragalus membranaceus* (astragalus), Plantago major* (plantain), Prunella vulgaris* (self heal), Hypericum perforatum* (st. john's wort), and Porphyra umbilicalis* (nori seaweed), Glycerin (vegetable origin), Theobroma grandiflorum* (cupuacu) seed butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate and Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) Seed Oil*, Prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernal Oil*, Extracts of Grifola frondosa* (maitake mushroom), and Ganoderma lucidum* (reishi mushroom), Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Perilla frutescens Oil*, Soy Lecithin*, Aspen Bark Extract, Sorbitan Stearate, Adansonia digitata (baobab) Oil*, Punica granatum (pomegranate) Seed Oil*, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Xanthan Gum *from Certified Organic Agriculture

Clay Renewal Treatment: Infusion of Foeniculum vulgare* (fennel), Stellaria media* (chickweed), Lavandula angustifolia* (lavender), Rosa damascena* (roses), Porphyra umbilicalis* (nori seaweed), Ruscus aculeatus* (butcher’s broom), Rhassoul Clay, Apium graveolens (celery) Juice*, Cocos nucifera (coconut) Oil*, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Zinc Oxide*, Cannabis sativa* (hemp) Oil*, Vaccinium macropacrpon (cranberry) Seed Oil*, Rubus ideaus (red raspberry) Seed Oil*, Extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra* (licorice), Symphytum officinale* (comfrey), and Salix alba* (willowbark), Populus Tremuloides (Aspen) Bark Extract, Gluconolactone, Cetearyl Alcohol and Cetearyl Glucoside, Extracts of Olea europaea* (olive leaf), Echinacea purpurea*, and Caldendula officinalis*, Essential Oils of Litsea cubeba, Commiphora myrrha, Pelargonium roseum (rose geranium), Citrus reticulata (mandarin), Lavandula angustifolia, Pogostemon cablin (patchouli), Coriandrum sativum (coriander), Cedrus atlantica (cedarwood), Grain Alcohol*, Rosemary Oleoresin Extract citral**, xanthan gumEssential oils in this product contain: limonene**, citronellol**, geraniol**, linalool***
*from Certified Organic Agriculture
**natural components of essential oils

Adaptive Energy Toner: Water, Infusion of Rhodiola rosea*, Ocimum sanctum* (holy basil), Trifolium pratense* (red clover), Lonicera japonica* (honeysuckle), Calendula officinalis*, and Avena sativa* (oatstraw), Cucumis melo (cantaloupe) Infusion*, Grain Alcohol*, Aloe barbadensis Juice*, Essential oils of Pelargonium roseum (rose geranium) and Citrus bergamia (bergamot) FCF
Essential oils in this product contain: citronellol**, geraniol**, linalool**, limonene**
*from Certified Organic Agriculture
**natural components of essential oils

Intense Hydration Toner: Infusion of Calluna vulgaris* (heather flowers), Avena sativa* (oatstraw), Arctium lappa* (burdock), Equisetum arvense* (horsetail), Plantago major* (plaintain), Taraxacum officinale* (dandelion), and Symphytum officinale* (comfrey), Water, Grain Alcohol*, Aloe barbadensis Juice*, Cucumis sativus (cucumber) Infusion*, Glycerin, Essential oils Lavandula angustifolia (lavender), Cymbopogon martinii (palmarosa), Canarium luzonicum (elemi), Boswellia carterii (frankincense), Vetiveria zizandoides (vetiver)
Essential oils in this product contain: linalool**, geraniol**, limonene**
*from Certified Organic Agriculture
**natural components of essential oils

Faves Friday!

Hellllooo!! I feel like I should call this series Faves Saturday or Sunday with the way it's been going. Better late than never though, right? ...yeaaaah...let's just get started.

I have been absolutely loving: Andalou Naturals Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk - review here - I didn't realize how deep my love for this product was, until I began using it again. It works so well at calming and reducing any redness on my face, smells delicious, and is super affordable. *Blissoma Clay Renewal Treatment -  review to come - What a bomb mask! It helps dry up and get rid of acne, reduces redness, exfoliates, and leaves my skin feeling soft and radiant. Corpa Flora Eclat Citrouille - review here - My original review holds true! Whenever I apply this oil at night, I wake up with radiant, even toned, and glowing skin. I'm also obsessed with the mild patchouli scent. Ilia Bang Bang - review here - I've been loving a wearable red lip lately, mainly because Spring is kinda here! Dr. Tung's Toothbrush Sanitizer - When I saw these little gems, I knew they had to be mine. They use natural essential oils like tea tree and thyme to keep the brush germ free. I ordered it from Well.ca and didn't get to choose to the scent, so I ended up with lemon (aka smells like thyme oil). Regardless of scent, it doesn't flavour my toothbrush at all. Overnight Oats (not pictured) - When it comes to sleeping in a few extra minutes or eating breakfast, I choose sleep. That's why I've been obsessed with overnight oats this whole month. You basically take oats, milk of choice, and whatever else you like, mix together and pop in the fridge. In the morning, you can top it off with fresh fruit and eat. SO simple, quick, and perfect for those lazy people...ahem..me. I'll likely have a recipe up at some point in April. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites - recipe here - oh-my-goodness! I made a batch last night actually. This time I left out the baking powder and kept them raw, delicious. Banana Ice Cream - Frozen bananas in a high powered blender with peanut butter and chocolate chips. Drool. Anyone else see my addiction to peanut butter? It's a problem. *PR SAMPLE