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

Evanhealy Blue Face Care Kit Review

Evan Healy is a holistic aesthetician who created her products based around 'less is more'.  She believe in gentle products allow your skin to still breathe so that it still has the ability to balance and heal itself.  Between that and the hype, I had to give this a try. There's a few different kits targeted toward different skin types and conditions, however I thought the one for sensitive skin would be perfect for me.

 

 

Kit Description:

For all skin conditions – especially sensitive, irritated and sun damaged

Features the tranquil and calming essential oils of blue chamomile, lavender and immortelle

Nourishing plant oils and antioxidant-rich floral hydrosols maintain the skin’s natural hydro/lipid 

balance.

Contains five sample-sized products (Blue Lavender Cleansing Milk, Lavender Facial Tonic Hydrosol, Rosehip Treatment Facial Serum, Green Tea Clay and Blue Chamomile Day Moisturizer) that help to reduce inflammation and re-establish a calm balance to sensitive skin conditions such as rosacea, psoriasis and eczema

 

 

Blue Lavender Cleansing Milk Description: For all skin conditions – especially sensitive, irritated and sun damaged. Steam-distilled essential oils of blue chamomile and lavender combine with nourishing plant oils to thoroughly cleanse any sensitive skin condition.

 

Review: I really enjoy this cleanser and find it's a true milk cleanser texture.  It removes most of my makeup, is gentle, smells nice (chamomile and lavender) and rinses off without leaving any weird residue or film.  It also doesn't irritate or cause any breakouts.  I don't have anything negative to say about this product and would consider purchasing the full size, should my journey into creating my own cleanser fail.

 

Ingredients: No sodium lauryl or laureth sulfates. No GMOs, petroleum-based products, parabens, gluten, or synthetic ingredients or fragrances. Cruelty free.Vegan.

Water (Aqua), Pelargonium Graveolens (Rose Geranium) Floral Water,* Kaolin, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice,* Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Glycerin, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil,* Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit Oil*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Yucca Schidigera Root Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil*, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Xanthan Gum, Centella Asiatica (Gota Kola) Extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Vitamin E, Potassium Sorbate, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil,* Matricaria Recutita (Blue Chamomile) Flower Oil, Self Heal (and) Pretty Face Flower Essences.
*CERTIFIED ORGANIC

 

 

 

 

Lavender Facial Tonic Hydrosol Description: Fresh herbal fragrance with slight honey-sweet notes. For all skin conditions; especially sensitive skin.

 

Review: I didn't think this toner smelled very fresh or sweet, it kind of smelled like stinky feet. That was an unintentional rhyme, by the way.  So aside from the smell, I liked how it calmed and soothed my skin.  Is it better than any other lavender hydrosol that I've tried? No.  Would I purchase the full size? Unlikely.

Ingredients: Lavender floral hydrosol (Lavandula angustifolia floral hydrolate)* From Washington state

* CERTIFIED ORGANIC

 

 

Rosehip Treatment Facial Serum-BLUE- Description: Calming and anti-inflammative essential oils of blue chamomile, immortelle, carrot seed and lavender enhance the anti-aging, regenerative effects of rose hip seed oil. The silky oil of the rose hip seed, high in the natural vitamins A and C and rich in EFA’s, has been used for centuries by the Indians of the Chilean Andes to treat damaged skin. Apply together with our Facial Tonic Hydrosols to bring renewed vitality, suppleness and healing to dehydrated, sensitive and mature skin

Review: This was my least favourite product of all of them.  It didn't absorb into my skin and caused cystic acne as well as small irritated bumps all over my face.  I think it's the rosehip oil because my Pai started doing the same thing with continued use. I mixed it with my hand cream for added moisturizing properties which worked wonders on my dry hands.  Weird how it works on my body but not my face. I won't be purchasing the full size but do recommend trying it if rosehip works well for your skin.

Ingredients: Rose hip seed oil (Rosa canina fruit oil);* Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis seed oil )*, essential oils of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia),* blue chamomile (Matricaria recutita), immortelle (Helichrysum italicum), carrot seed (Daucus carota), and vitamin E (tocopherol).
* CERTIFIED ORGANIC

Green Tea Clay Mask Description: A natural exfoliating alternative to harsh acid treatments or peels. A deep-action cleansing mask with the antioxidant properties of powdered green tea leaves the skin feeling clean, light and refreshed. Actively draws pimples and blackheads to the surface, helps to purify bacteria, minimizes appearance of pores, absorbs excess oil leaving skin clear and balanced.

Review: I've only used this mask twice, with enough for one more use, and do enjoy it! It leaves my skin calm, soothed, bright, even-toned and soft.  It's a little more liquidy than a traditional clay mask, probably because the clay is "velvety powder" but washes off with the same amount of effort.  I'm actually going to be making my own clay mask similar to this, therefore I will not be purchasing the full size. If you're not into making your own, then this is a great mask to try because it's fairly affordable and is packed with amazing properties/antioxidants for your face.

Ingredients: Green Clay (montmorillonite) that has been sun-dried, purified and ground to a very fine, velvety powder and pure Matcha green tea (Camellia sinensis)*
* CERTIFIED ORGANIC

 

Blue Chamomile Day Moisturizer Description: Features handcrafted certified organic argan oil exclusively produced by the small, self-governed Berber Women’s Co-Operatives of Morocco.

Argan is one of the highest naturally occurring sources of vitamin E along with Omega 3 essential fatty acids. Argan helps the skin maintain moisture and cohesion and is also rich in saponins.
Appropriate for all skin conditions – especially sensitive, irritated and/or delicate
Essential oils of lavender, blue chamomile and carrot seed work to restore vitality, hydration and calmness to irritated, reactive skin

 

Review: I haven't used this long enough to give a fair review.  The smell is strong, very..um...herby with a kick, and it lingers. I didn't realize there was argan oil in it and that could explain why it irritates my skin.  I used this for a few days and got red bumps/spots all over. Argan works great for my hair, but not my skin. To be fair, I stopped eating and using a bunch of products and decided to only use certain ones until they're all used up. I will be trying this moisturizer again after I finish using up the Eminence Apricot one and will give another mini review in an empties post!

 

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Matricaria Recutita (Chamomile) Flower Water,* Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice,* Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil,* Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil,* Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, Polyglyceryl-3 Methyglucose Distearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Fractionated Coconut Oil), (Vegetable) Glycerin, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Nut Oil* Cetyl Palmitate (and) Sorbitan Palmitate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil,* Fucus vesiculosus (Bladder wrack) Extract*, Calendula Officinialis Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract*, Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow) Flower & Leaf Extract, Sambucus Nigra (Elderberry) Flower Extract, Niacinamide, Glycrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract*, Sodium Benzoate, Gluconolactone, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil,* Matricaria Recutita (Blue Chamomile) Flower Oil, Daucus Carota (Carrot) Seed Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Pretty Face (and) Nasturtium (and) Chamomile Flower Essences.

* CERTIFIED ORGANIC

 

I really enjoyed trying out this set and would highly recommend Evanhealy products to all. It's always nice to try products for yourself because certain ingredients/items might work amazingly well for you and your skin despite others' negative experience(s).

 

Retails for $34.99 CAN and can be purchased at Big Carrot, Noah's (I think) and Evanhealy.

 

What Evanhealy products looks most interesting to you or is your fave?