Dr. Alkaitis Organic Soothing Gel
Dr. Alkaitis's Soothing Gel got rave reviews across the green beauty community this past year, so I knew I wanted to try it, but none of the bloggers that I'd seen review it had similar-sounding skin to me, so my expectation weren't actually all that high. For me, this is a spot treatment product, not something I use all over - it's a little too drying for that - but I'm blown away by just how well it works. If I put this on a blemish or pimple before bed, it's pretty much gone by the time I wake up. I've been delaying purchasing the full size bottle, but I've nearly finished my first sample and I've already got another en route to me, so I'm sure it's just a matter of time before I succumb to the larger size.
Pacifica Eye Liner Pencils
I wear pencil liner most days, but it's sometimes a struggle finding a good natural one. You know, something that's pigmented and glides on easily, but doesn't smudge too much or slip down your face throughout the day. I have two of the four Pacifica pencils - Jet and Bare - and I expect I'll give in and buy the other two at some point soon too. These are lovely and creamy liners, but but they also stay put once they're on. The one exception is that they aren't completely budge-proof in the waterline, but I've yet to find anything that is, so I'm okay with that.
Hazelnut Oil
About midway through the year, I realized that many of my favorite oil blends were made with hazelnut oil and made it a mission to track it down individually. It can be a hard one to find in its unrefined state - hazelnut oil for cooking is easier to locate, but tends to be roasted and/or refined - but it was completely worth the effort! Hazelnut oil is moisturizing, but it's also very lightweight and has some astringent properties, making it great for balancing oil production and perfect for people like me that are prone to enlarged and clogged pores. My skin just loves it. I tend to mix a couple drops in with every other face oil I use now.
Beautiful Curls Shea Butter Curl Reviving Tonic
I don't even know how many times I've written about this product, so I'm sure its inclusion here will surprise exactly no one. I first bought this back in February, and I'm on my third or fourth bottle now. I like using the tonic on second-day hair, since it does exactly what the name says - revives and refreshes your curls. If you have curly or wavy hair, you really need to give this a try. I usually buy mine off iherb or Vitacost (where it's an affordable $9 or less) but I recently spotted it at Whole Foods for only a few dollars more.
Blush
Not a specific product, I know, but the broader category seemed appropriate, since this past year was fully the first time I really embraced wearing blush. I'm very fair so clown cheeks are always a real concern, but I've finally realized what the right blush can do for your face and I can't imagine doing my makeup without it now. My top blush picks? Silk Naturals Abstract and Lovelace, The All Natural Face Tequila Sunrise and Desert Sand, and Lucy Minerals Juicy Peach.
Have you used any of these? What were your top natural product discoveries of 2014?
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