July & August 2015 Empties!

Hi, my name is Nicole and I hoard garbage. I'm usually so good with posting my empties each month, but the last couple of months have really kicked my ass. Here is what I've been hoarding for you.

Andalou Naturals Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk - review here - This is my favourite cleanser, ever. It just works so well for my sensitive, acne prone skin and is can be found at Winners/Marshalls for under $10. It also doesn't hurt that it smells like apricots! Already repurchased.

Andalou Naturals Illuminating Toner - review here - Another favourite product of mine. Like the Andalou cleanser, this toner works well for my skin and is also really affordable. It smells fresh, like clementines (as the name suggests) Already repurchased.

Heritage Store Rosewater - I really liked this rosewater for setting my makeup and keeping in my purse to hydrate parched skin in the winter. Will likely repurchase for the Fall/Winter.

*Month Echo Eau Divine - review here - The scent of this toner was horrible but it did work well mixed into clay masks. At almost $40 though, it's not a toner I'd repurchase.

*Pure Daily Essentials Gentle Oatmeal Scrub - review here - I enjoyed how gentle this scrub was, but not how greasy it was. I still prefer Lush's Angels on Bare Skin. Wouldn't repurchase.

Andalou Naturals Super Goji Peptide Perfecting Cream - Surprise, surprise, another fave from Andalou. This berry smelling cream works amazing mixed with a couple of drops of oil, both day and night. It hasn't irritated or broken me out, and creates the perfect canvas for makeup. Already repurchased.

*Noer Organics Facial Elixir (sample) - This facial elixir was really nice, but incredibly small to decide whether it was worth the investment. I do love the lavish and chic look of Noer, though it does have a matching price tag.

*Noer Organics Cleansing Balm (sample) - I'm not a fan of cleansing balms, but really enjoyed this one! It removed makeup like a dream and left my skin feeling incredibly soft. Not sure if it was the clove or anise, or both, that tingled and left my skin a bit red. It definitely wouldn't work for me in the colder months when my skin is most sensitive.

*Noer Organics Masquerade Purifying Mask (sample) - This mask boasts some impressive ingredients, like five varieties of clay to draw out impurities, papaya to gently exfoliate and brighten, cinnamon to stimulate, gotu kola to brighten, and aloe and chamomile to calm and soothe. It was nice, but I expected more. I much prefer The Body Deli Peel (also an empty this month).

*Myra Aso 100% Pure Marula Oil - review here - This stuff works wonders for my hair, especially now that I've bleached the ends. I always use a drop or two either while my hair is wet, after I've dried it, or after I've styled it. Sometimes a combo of the three. Already using another bottle.

*Kari Gran Essential Serum (sample) - review here - This serum was nice but the rosehip (or possibly the combination of rosehip with other oils) gave me little red bumps with continued use. It was nice as an eye makeup remover though. Wouldn't repurchase.

*Zaya Face Oil - review here - I absolutely adored this facial oil. It was nourishing, smelled nice, didn't irritate or break out my skin, and was a real treat to use. I've decided to start switching up my facial oils, as I finish a bottle. Trying to keep my routine more minimalist with only using one oil at a time. Will definitely repurchase in the future.

The Body Deli Radiance Enzyme Superfood Peel - review here - LOVE. This mask works wonders for my skin. It moisturizes, brightens, evens out the skin tone, and reduces breakouts. Will be repurchasing.

Meow Meow Tweet Baking Soda Free Deodorant Cream - review here - This stuff works and I love it, what else can I really say? Already repurchased.

*NBW Body Scrub (sample) - I really enjoyed the new formula of this body scrub. It wasn't as greasy as their original formula and washed off nicely. I've mentioned before that I'm not a huge fan of scrubs, and that still stands.

Theraneem Neem Toothpaste - This toothpaste did contain glycerin, if that's an issue for you, and it wasn't all that breath freshening and teeth cleansing. In fact, my teeth were worse when I went to the dentist. Wouldn't repurchase.

Andalou Naturals Shea Butter + Sea Buckthorn Hand Cream - I have a thing for Andalou Naturals, can ya tell?? This hand cream is my fave. It smells nice, is affordable, and works wonders on my dry hands. It was the only one that worked on my ezcema (which I no longer have). Already working on another tube and will pick up a backup.

Deep Steep Body Mist in Honeydew Spearmint - Love the scent of this fresh honeydew and spearmint body mist. The scent doesn't linger for long but it is a nice refresher on a hot day. Already repurchased.

Nature's Pure Bliss Keylime Pie Soy Candle - This candle smelled really nice and was reasonably priced ($8 cdn). It definitely didn't fill the room with its scent though, which was a bit disappointing. Would consider repurchasing.

The Body Deli Living Hair Shampoo - review here - This shampoo is incredible. It leaves my hair and scalp happy, and smelling nice. Check out my rave review if you want to know more. Already repurchased.

Ilia Lip Conditioner in Shell Shock - review here - My love for these lip conditioners is long gone. I can't stand the formula or taste and am so glad to be finished this one. The last of these lip conditioners, that I'm working through, is Bang Bang (red) and I'm tempted to just call it quits. Also, the price has significantly increased by $10! Ridiculous. Will not be repurchasing. FitGlow Good Gloss in Nude - review here - I am so sad to see this gloss go. I had a tiny bit left, but then I dropped it and the cap broke. It is such a beautiful feeling and tasting gloss, and it was perfect alone or over any shade of lipstick. Will be repurchasing more of these glosses. Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Waterproof Mascara - meeeeh! I really liked this mascara for the first two weeks but then it got flakey. It was waterproof, so if you're looking for a natural waterproof mascara option, this is it! Wouldn't repurchase. Sappho Liquid Foundation in Leisha - review here - I have gone through at least three, if not four, bottles of this amazing foundation. The coverage is medium, and the feel and finish is natural. It was a favourite for a couple of years but I've come to realize that it irritates my skin. Since I've stopped using this foundation (it's been months now), my skin has cleared up and I have no forehead bumps. Sadly, I will not be repurchasing. I now use Alima Pure's mineral foundation in Warm 3. Sante Brown Pencil in No. 2 - The best brow pencil that I have ever used. It lasts pretty much all day and is very much a neutral/cool brown that works for my shade of brows. Already repurchased. Let me know what you've finished, if you spot any faves, or if you have any product recommendations!
*PR SAMPLES

Magical: The Body Deli Radiance Enzyme Superfood Peel

Magical just about sums up my feelings on this product. Is a review even necessary?
Earlier this year, I raved about The Body Deli Living Hair Shampoo. When I was at Husk (now Detox Market) picking up another bottle of that good stuff, I decided to pick up the Radiance Enzyme Superfood Peel. I love me a good peel and the ingredients in this one just spoke to me. They said, "buy me right now. You will love me forever, or until I run out". At $55 cdn for 2 oz, I hesitated. Then I gave in.

This Superfood Synergy Infusion brings your skin back to life. These concentrated enzymes gently resurface skin texture with imported, active Manuka honey. Fresh, raw superfoods are blended with therapeutic grade MANUKA HONEY. Manuka Honey is known for its healing and skin regenerative benefits. PROBIOTICS and PLANT ENZYMES help to gently refine skin texture. Superfoods high in Vitamin C such as ACEROLA BERRY and CAMU CAMU feed and nourish at the cellular level. With regular use, skin transforms into a healthier and more illuminated complexion.

Like damn, do you not want to run out and buy it right now with that description alone?! 

This green mask is magical, did I say that already? It has the same texture as honey would; thick, sticky, and hard to spread. I like to spritz my face with toner and then apply a thin layer on cleansed skin, 1-2 times a week, and leave it on for 10-20 minutes. Since there's no tingling or burning that happens, like with traditional peels, I leave it on until I feel like washing it off. Once removed, my skin is glowing! It's more even toned and even textured, brighter, and as soft as a baby's bottom. I also like (and this may not be for everyone) that the honey crystalized a bit. It allowed me to gently exfoliate my skin, while applying, which allowed the ingredients to work their magic even better.

Since incorporating this mask weekly, my skin has never looked better. As mentioned above, it's more even toned and textured, brighter, softer, blemish free, and I feel good going out without makeup. And by without makeup, I mean wearing just mascara and brows. Ladies, you understand. Brows and lashes are essential.

Get it here: The Body Deli (visit to view other retailers) and Lilou Organics.

FRESH INGREDIENTS: New Zealand +20 UMF Active Manuka Honey, L. Acidophilus, L. Bulgaricum, L. Leichmanni, L. Lactis, L.Caseii, L. Caucasicus, L. Fermenti, L. Plantarum, L. Brevis, L. Helveticus, B. Bifidum, B. Subtilis, B. Licheniformis, S. Boulardii, Amalase, Protease, Lipase, Papain, Bromelain, *Acerola Berry, *Camu Camu Berry, *Barley Grass Juice, *Wheat Grass Juice, *Oat Grass Juice, Spirulina, Chlorella, Dunaliella, Kelp, Dulse, *Carrot Juice, *Beet Juice, *Brocolli Juice, *Kale Juice, *Spinach Juice, Graviola, Goji Berry, Hawthorne Berry, Schizandra Berry, Nopal Cactus, Citric Acid.

* DENOTES ORGANICALLY GROWN (The latest ingredients lists are posted online and may change from physical product labeling.)
*This product DOES NOT require refrigeration. To extend the potency and preserve the fresh ingredients store in a cool room away from direct sunlight.

LOVE: The Body Deli Living Hair Shampoo

There isn't one thing about The Body Deli that I don't like. Sure they're a bit pricey, but you get products that are full of gorgeous fresh, raw, and organic ingredients. These ingredients literally feed your hair, scalp, and skin. I have wanted to try the shampoo for-freakin-ever, but the fact that my scalp hates most products and it's expensive, held me back from taking the plunge. It wasn't until I read rave reviews from NatuRia and Ana Goes Green that I just knew I had to give it a go. Worst case scenario, I end up with a really expensive shave cream, right?

THE BODY DELI is the pioneer for fresh, raw, organic skin and hair care. Our master “Cosmetic Chefs” lovingly handcraft premium quality products in small batches daily. Our products deliver real results because we use the purest and most potent raw and organic superfoods available. Experience a higher level of nourishing your body.

The key to our superfood face and hair care products’ effectiveness is the potent “raw” living state of the products’ phytonutrients. Clinically tested actives are combined with fresh organic living botanical superfoods that synergistically provide unparalleled dermal regenerating results. Bio-active cells of high potency, organically grown superfoods are isolated to deliver superior cellular nutrition, which builds stronger, healthier cells and accelerates cellular turnover.

Read more about The Body Deli here.

Living Hair Sprouted Mineral Greens Shampoo: Made with potent Sprouted Mineral Greens and is formulated to rejuvenate hair follicles to encourage rapid hair rejuvenation and regrowth. The raw, living, sprouted greens and fresh botanical juices feed the hair shaft with vital proteins, minerals, and enzymes to bring the life back to dull, lifeless hair. Living Hair's micro-nutrients make hair flourish, increase shine, impart incredible volume, and enhance the hair's natural highlights. Our formulation is for all hair types and is safe for color treated hair. $25 cdn/8 oz.

I'm obsessed! I adore the minty scent of this shampoo, it's invigorating and leaves my hair smelling fresh. It has yet to irritate my dermatitis and, in fact, I find it has lessened the symptoms (flakes, smell, etc). The bottle is perfect for travelling with because it is a dark coloured plastic, that protects the fresh ingredients, and has a lockable pump. The actual shampoo is green and full of incredible ingredients, like wheat grass juice, kelp, comfrey, maca, yarrow, and the list goes on and on. For some, this shampoo may not make the cut as it doesn't lather much, but damn does it work well. The best way that I have found to use it, is to apply two pumps onto wet hair, work that in, and then apply another two pumps to get a really good lather. Then I just let it sit and work its magic while I wash my body, and rinse out at the end. End result? Super soft, healthy, manageable, voluminous hair. The only thing that I haven't noticed is rapid hair growth, which isn't that big of a deal.

I highly recommend trying a sample of this shampoo, you won't be disappointed. For reference, I have lots of hair but it's fine, straight, and oily.

Get it here: Husk, The Body Deli, and these retailers.

Ingredients: *Aloe Vera Juice, Antioxidant Micro-Clustered Water, Decyl Polyglucose (Corn Sugar Derived Surfactant), Sea Salt, *Shea Butter, Pro-Vitamin B5, Vegetable Glycerin, *Barley Grass Juice, *Oat Grass Juice, *Wheat Grass Juice, *Dandelion Leaf Juice, *Kale Juice, *Spinach Juice, *Carob Pod, *Maca Root, Spirulina, Kelp, Chlorella, Icelandic Kelp, Dulse, Nori, Bladderwrack, Papain, Bromelain, *Chamomile, *Calendula, *Yarrow, *Horsetail, *Comfrey, *Yucca, *Melissa, *Oat Protein, *Carrot Seed Oil, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, *Lecithin, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Essential Oils of *Rosemary, *Peppermint, *Spearmint, Lemon Verbena, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate (Natural Preserative System) (* Denotes Organically Grown Ingredients)

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.

Rave Review: The Body Deli Blueberry Fusion Resurfacing Cleanser

Ahh, The Body Deli. A brand that makes each product sound and smell delicious!

THE BODY DELI is the original pioneer for fresh, raw, organic skin and body care. Our products are formulated to rejuvenate and give your face, body and hair a healthy, vibrant and youthful glow. Raw superfoods are what make THE BODY DELI products so effective. Superfoods are nature’s most concentrated sources of bio-identical nutrients, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants. Superfoods are made in nature and are highly absorbable by the human body. The skin is the largest organ of the body and needs the same high quality nutrition topically that a healthy and vibrant body needs internally. Rejuvenate your skin with clinically proven active ingredients and with the health giving benefits of pure, organic, food based ingredients.

Read more about the brand here.

Description: This clinical grade treatment is formulated with antioxidant rich, raw, organic blueberries and acai fruit. This anti-aging daily facial cleansing treatment is designed to gently resurface the skin and improve sun damage. Powerful all natural malic, citric and lactic acids help lighten age spots, pregnancy/hormonal masks and other dark spots on the skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. This cleanser is brimming with phyto-nutrients such as antioxidants, carotenoids, anthocyanins and polyphenols. This handy Mini sized version is perfect for travel, the gym or for sampling.

After trying out a small sample of this cleanser, I knew that I needed it in my life. This berry smelling goodness works amazingly well to exfoliate and brighten my skin without overly irritating it. It has a gel-like texture that spreads really nicely on the face without any real foaming action. Since my skin is sensitive, I just use it a couple of times a week at night instead of daily. I dampen my skin and massage a bit all over my face, then I let it sit for a minute or two before washing it off. There's definitely some tingling that happens in those couple of minutes, which is normal. Once I wash it off, I tone and apply my night oil. My skin is left refreshed, soft, and noticeably brighter. Of course since it's loaded with acids, my skin is also a little red but that's gone within 30 minutes or so. With any acid containing products, it's important to wear a sunscreen because your skin becomes very sensitive to the sun leaving it vulnerable to sun damage. I've noticed that some of my acne scars and sun spots have lightened since using this, and it also helps to get rid of any breakouts quicker. Also, it's important to note that I've had this small 30 ml bottle for three months now and have only used half the bottle. Overall, it's a fantastic chemical exfoliating cleanser/treatment that's worth every penny. I'd highly recommend (and repurchase).

Retails for $19.25 CDN/$16.38 USD for 30 ml and $45.50 CDN/$38 for 120 ml. Can be purchased through The Body Deli, Saffron Rouge,

Are there any products from The Body Deli that you've really loved or recommend?

Ingredients: (*) DENOTES ORGANICALLY GROWN - Micro-Clustered Ionized Water, Aqueous Solution of *Rosemary, *Lavender, *Rose, *Nettle, *Blueberry Fruit (Vaccinium myrtillus), *Acai Fruit (Euterpe oleracea), Tamarind Seed Extract (Tamarindus Indica), Decyl Glucoside (derived from Corn), Colloidal Oat Flour, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, 10% Lactic, 5% Malic Acid, 5% Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, *Rosemary Oil Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate (Natural Preservative System)

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

Reveal My Stash #3 - Skin Care: Exfoliants, Masks, & Oils

Does the skin care stash reveal fun ever end?! It ends here my friends. This is the last of my skin care and the section that I'd like to shrink down, big time. I'd mainly like to shrink down the exfoliants that I have, it's more than I need or care to have. In this post, I'm not going to explain how or why I use each individual product.

*Sweet Leaf Bath Co. Adzuki Bean Rice Bran Face Polish, One Love Organics Brand New Day
& S.W. Basics Exfoliant

These are my physical exfoliants that I don't use that often. Physical exfoliants basically require an ingredient (ground almonds, oats, salt, etc) and your hands to gently massage the skin to remove any dead skin cells. I find this irritating to my skin, especially in the colder months. Out of all 3 of these though, the S.W. Basics seems to be my favourite.

*Shamanuti Pumpkin Enzyme Masque &
The Body Deli Blueberry Fusion Cleanser (which I use as a mask)

Chemical exfoliation is the use of enzymes or acids to eat away at the dead skin cells on your face and my favourite form of exfoliation. Yes, it can irritate the skin as well but I find these work best for me. Call me crazy!

Wedderspoon Manuka Honey, Pretty Ginger & Cypress Soothing Mud Mask, Evanhealy French Rose Clay,
& *Yula Organics Seaweed Facial Masque

Not much to say about these. Manuka honey, clay masks, perfection. That's all.

Hedd Wynn Tamanu Oil, Skin Essence Nourish Oil, Corpa Flora Eclat Citrouille, *Shamanuti Face Oil,
Myra Aso 100% Marula Oil, & *SBT Seabuckthorn Seed and Fruit Oil

I loveeeeee oils! I use em morning and night, switch em up, and mix em up! This is my favourite section in my skin care collection and I wouldn't change a thing, except add more oils haha.  I hope you enjoyed seeing my collection of body, hair and skin care products. Will definitely be revealing my makeup stash too, keep an eye out for that. *PR SAMPLES

Disappointed: The Body Deli Firming Flax Eye Cream Review

Back in March, I ordered a couple of things from Saffron Rouge. One of them being this very promising eye cream which a few of you were interested in knowing about. I love a good eye cream, I mean, we show the first signs of aging around our eyes. Seeing as I don't use an anti-aging face cream or anything, it's important for me to invest in a good eye cream. I do have fine lines around my eyes and I notice when I wake up, from having my face in the pillow, the lines take even longer to disappear than I remember. Ahh getting old, gotta love it!

Description: High levels of phospholipid rich Lecithin fortifies the sensitive tissue, firming omega fatty acid rich flax seed oil, carrot and pomegranate supply abundant levels of nutrients to feed the skin. See fine lines and wrinkles begin to diminish with resveratrol red wine extract and tissue strengthening lecithin. Omega-3 essential fatty acids also provide the eye area with the correct balance of nutrients and moisture. Look years younger with regular use. 

The anticipation is killing you isn't it? I'm a little disappointed in this eye cream. Don't you just hate when there's so much hype over a brand or product and it doesn't work for you? The ingredients are fantastic and the size of this mini is great considering you only need a tiny amount for both eyes, but I don't find it delivers on it's promises. I have been using it faithfully for over a month and see no difference in the appearance of my fine lines whatsoever. It's very light in texture, yet still very hydrating. So much so that I think it's given me milia. It does absorb and work well underneath makeup/concealer, and it's a great little size to travel with but it's not for me. I won't be purchasing the full size.

Retails for approx. $20 CAN for 5ml (mini) and $55.25 for 30ml (full size) on Saffron Rouge.

Have you ever tried The Body Deli?

Ingredients: (*) DENOTES ORGANICALLY GROWN - Antioxidant Micro-Clustered Water, *Jojoba Oil, *Meadowfoam Seed Oil, *Virgin Coconut Oil, *Flax Seed Oil, Lecithin, Fresh Cells of Pomegranate, Pumpkin & Carrot, Cetearyl Olivate and Sorbitan Olivate (Olive Oil Emulsifier), Beeswax, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Resveratrol, Coenzyme Q10, Retinol Palmitate (Vitamin A), Allantoin, Squalane (Olive), *Evening Primrose Oil, Tocotrienols (Rice Bran), Beta Fructan (Mushroom Extract), Beta-Glucosamine (Coconut), Citric Acid, Essential Oil of Roman Chamomile, *Rosemary Oil Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate (Natural Preservative System)