Naturalla Beauty

Skin Dew ($58 USD for 2.1oz) is an EcoCert certified organic lightweight moisturizer made with more than 50% pure organic coconut water.  In addition to hydration, coconut water offers a high mineral, amino acid, enzyme, and antioxidant content to nourish skin.  It does not have the same comedogenic properties as coconut oil, so even those sensitive to the oil -- myself included -- can often benefit from products containing coconut water or juice.  

The cream also contains:

Cupuacu butter, rich in polyphenols to condition skin.

Sunflower, acacia, watermelon seed, and jojoba oils for lightweight, protective, sebum-balancing moisture and defense against environmental stresses.

Phytic acid sourced from rice to reduce dryness and help soften the appearance of fine lines.  

I feel like I just posted my May empties, but it's that time again!  This month I finished up a good mix of skincare and body care, as well as a couple hair and makeup items.  



Andalou Naturals Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk
I've tried a number of Andalou Naturals products over the last few months and the Apricot Cleansing Milk is one of my favorite discoveries from the brand.  With a rich cream consistency, it feels very gentle and hydrating and glides over the skin effortlessly.  It's not the best for removing makeup, but I like it a lot as a morning cleanse or following another makeup remover.  
Repurchase? I haven't so far, but I can certainly see myself coming back to this cleanser in the future.

Holiskin Citrus Passion Body Oil*   [Review]
A great body oil that absorbs quickly and leaves skin feeling super silky and soft.  Very moisturizing, but still lightweight - enough so that I even used it on dry skin some of the time.  The Citrus Passion scent mostly smelled like lime to me and I loved it for the spring/summertime.  
Repurchase? I'm seriously considering it.

Green Beaver Frosty Mint Extra Gentle Castile Sunflower Soap
I've gone through a number of these bars and I like them.  The blend of coconut, sunflower, and castor seed oils is non-drying and makes a great creamy lather.  This particular bar did suffer from a mild case of Dreaded Orange Spots, which while usually just an aesthetic problem, is something I'm not sure how I feel about in a commercial soap.  
Repurchase? I don't know.

Carina Daily Moisturizing Shampoo
Not my favorite shampoo, although it did smell great.  I used maybe a third of the bottle on my hair and delegated the rest to makeup brush washing duty.  It did well in that capacity, but with palm oil as the second ingredient - after water - it isn't something I'd buy again.
Repurchase? No.

Balanced Guru Tone It Deeply, Smoothly and Lightly   [Review]
I'm really happy I tried these trial size toners from Balanced Guru.  My favorite of the three was Tone It Lightly, a purifying toner that did a fantastic job refreshing the skin and keeping pores clean.  I also enjoyed using Tone It Smoothly, mainly in combination with different face masks.  Tone It Deeply was less of a hit for me, but still an okay product.  
Repurchase? Possibly.  I've especially missed using Tone It Lightly since finishing these.



Black Rose Minerals Zealous Eye Shadow (sample)   [Review]
Black Rose Minerals eye shadows are great quality: smooth, pigmented, and easy to blend.  Zealous was a pearly cream/pale gold color that made an excellent inner corner highlight. 
Repurchase? Maybe.  I wouldn't place an order just for this color, but if I was ordering already...

Silk Naturals Cucumber Peptide Eye Cream (sample)
I've never really ventured into Silk Naturals skincare, but I was curious about this eye cream for the peptides, which usually only appear in much more costly lines.  The sample lasted about a week and a half with twice daily use and I didn't notice much difference during that time.  Perhaps using it for longer would yield better results, but I wasn't impressed enough to buy more right away.
Repurchase? Probably not.  

Weleda Citrus Deodorant   [Review]
I like the Weleda deodorants, particularly for combining with other deodorants that might need a little extra boost.  They're a little expensive for what they are - water, alcohol and essential oils - but they work well and a bottle lasts ages, so I do think they're worth the price.  
Repurchase? I haven't so far, but I'm sure I will at some point.  

Karooch Hazelnut Oil
Hazelnut oil is one of my skin's favorite oils.  It's an ingredient in a number of my favorite face oil blends and I loved using the single oil as well.   I used it on its own and also enjoyed mixing a few drops into different oils and creams.  
Repurchase? Definitely will buy again, although Karooch doesn't seem to sell it anymore.

Earthpaste Wintergreen Toothpaste   [Review]
This was probably my tenth tube of Earthpaste.   Obviously I like it, but I wish there were more flavors as I'm getting a little tired of the current options.  Nonetheless, I'll continue to buy it until I find another affordable glycerin-free toothpaste that I like just as much.
Repurchase? Yes, I already have.

Rocky Mountain Soap Vanilla Candy Cane Lip Butter   [Review]
This lip butter came as part of a limited edition holiday set and I really enjoyed it.  I liked it in the winter, but I've enjoyed it even more since the weather has warmed up.  With warmer temperatures, the texture became just a bit softer and butterier which resulted in a slightly thicker application onto the lips that I preferred.  
Repurchase? Yes!  I'd buy this again come winter, or maybe sooner in a different scent.

One Love Organics Vitamin E Eye Balm and Morning Glory Serum (samples)
There's been a lot of blogger love for the Vitamin E Eye Balm, but it didn't do it for me.  It's a pretty solid balm that needs to be softened between your fingers before applying onto the face.  Not a dealbreaker in and of itself, but I didn't notice any great results, so it doesn't seem worth the extra effort.  I did enjoy Morning Glory, though it's been significantly reformulated since this sample.  I haven't tried the current version to compare.
Repurchase? No.  

Dr. Alkaitis Eye Creme (sample)
With great reviews and wonderful ingredients, I really wanted to like this eye cream, but it stung the heck out of my eyes!  I ended up using most of the sample on my body.
Repurchase? No.



Total Products Used Up in June
Skincare:  3 (Lip Balms: 1 )
Bodycare: 4
Haircare:  1
Makeup: 0
Skin/Body/Hair Samples: 7
Makeup Samples: 1

Total Products Used Up in 2015
Skincare: 21 (Lip Balms: 7)
Bodycare: 24
Haircare:  6
Makeup: 9
Skin/Body/Hair Samples: 49 
Makeup Samples: 12

Today, for the final part of my gift guide, I want to feature some of my favorite luxury buys of this season.  I've labelled this part $50 and up, but several of these are a good bit more expensive than that.  Save these for the people you really, really like...



Forager Botanicals Natural Perfume Rollerball Collection ($88)
This limited edition gift set comes with rollerballs of all four of Forager's natural eau de parfum signature scents: Nectar, Bloom, Island Lei and Woodland.  These scents - which usually sell for $38 each - are all handcrafted, vegan, and free of harmful synthetics, colors, parabens, sulfates, and preservatives.  You guys know I'm not a big perfume gal myself, but out of all the natural perfumes I've sniffed, Forager's Woodland would definitely be one of my top picks.

Lina Hanson Global Body Serum / Global Face Serum ($63 / $85)
When it comes to creating beautiful oil blends, Lina Hanson is one of the best.  The Global Body Serum is deeply nourishing with avocado, argan and brazil nut oils (and many more!) and it smells like a deliciously grown up, sophisticated creamsicle.  I haven't tried the Global Face Serum yet, but with baobab, argan, marula and more, it sounds pretty dreamy too.  Lina's products also support fair trade and sustainable harvesting and many of the key ingredients are produced by women's cooperatives and farmers worldwide. 

Kahina Giving Beauty Antioxidant Face Mask ($62)
The Antioxidant Mask is a gorgeous mask made with rhassoul clay, Kahina's signature argan oil, aloe, pomegranate seed extract and more, it's the perfect treat for anyone who enjoys a good pamper night.  The mask is full of antioxidants, trace minerals and essential fatty acids and is both excellent at drawing out impurities and gentle enough for sensitive skin.  

Sigma Best of Sigma Brush Set ($97)
I only have one Sigma brush - the F80 Flat Top Kabuki - but it's definitely one of the best brushes I own.  This kit comes with the F80, plus six of Sigma's other top selling brushes and would make an excellent gift for anyone looking to upgrade their makeup brushes or just to add a few more good ones to their collection. 

Studio 78 Here Comes Santa Claus Gift Set ($140)
Studio 78 is a French luxury makeup line that's gaining popularity in North America.  The kit comes with the company's liquid foundation, a pressed eyeshadow, a loose eyeshadow and a liquid lipstick.  It's just about everything you need for a smokier, nighttime look, plus you get a pretty evening bag to go with it.

SkinnySkinny Luminous You Gift Set ($114)
SkinnySkinny's cleanser is a pretty new favorite of mine, which has, of course, left me eager to try more products from their line.  Along with The Cleanser, the kit comes with the Organic Exfoliating Face Scrub, Organic Daily Moisture, and your choice of one of the company's three Organic Toners.  It looks like a fab way to see what the line has to offer - you're basically getting a complete skincare routine in a box!

Suki Personal Faves Kit ($71)
I really like Suki's products, but I remember initially feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of products they have to offer.  This kit solves that.  It contains four full size products that are Suki Kramer's - Suki's founder, president, and formulator's - personal favorites from the line.  Her picks?  The Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser, Ultra Protect Body Balm, Ultra Protect Eye Balm and 4-Swipe Lip Care.  

One Love Organics Tropical Getaway Kit ($129)
The Elizabeth Dehn for One Love Organics Collection has gotten a lot of hype this year, and no product more so than the Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil.  I - along with seemingly everyone else who's tried it - fell hard for this emulsifying oil that effortlessly whisks away every last trace of makeup, all the while making your bathroom smell like a tropical island.  The Tropical Getaway Kit also includes the Vitamin C Body Oil, which has the same gorgeous scent, and a new addition to the line: the Vitamin C Body Polish.  The Body Polish won't be available outside of the kit until the spring.

That about wraps it up!  I hope you found these gift guides helpful if you're still hunting for gifts and an enjoyable read even if you're not!  If you haven't seen the earlier two parts yet, you can find them here and here.
 

How did it get to be the 4th already?  So, I'm a few days late, but here are my empties for July.  Not a lot of full size products, but plenty of samples/minis, so I guess it's okay.  



Nourish Coconut & Argan (wth Hibiscus) Body Wash
I love Nourish's body washes and this scent is my new favorite.  It smells much less like coconut than I was expecting, but instead, it has the most gorgeous tropical/floral fragrance that makes you feel like you're on a sunset beach.  Love! 
Repurchase? Definitely.

CeeCee & Bee Cocoa Butter Soap in Rosemary Mint and Lavender (minis)
I won these in a giveaway a while back on Natural Kath.  I really enjoyed the first one I used, but I left the rest wrapped up together, and after a couple months, all the scents blended together and the remaining soaps all smelled kind of bland and the same.  Still nice to use, but I was a bit disappointed in the scents after that.
Repurchase? Not sure.

Shiro Cosmetics Default Lip Balm
Default isn't available anymore, but it used to be Shiro's colorless Intertube.  I purchased several tins a couple years ago, as they were a little cheaper than the tubes, but it's really not ideal packaging here.  The formula is shea butter-based and if it's cold, it's way too solid to use with your fingers.  It worked fine in the summer, but I'm just as happy to have used one up!
Repuchase? No.  Not available anymore anyways.

Weleda One Step Cleanser and Toner (samples)
I've gone through a lot of samples of this, and I still really like it.  The 2-in-1 name turned me off for a while, but basically it's a multi-funtional product that you can either use on a cotton pad, or as a rinse off cleanser.  I like using it in the morning, when my face just needs a little refreshing, but I still like to wash it off like a normal cleanser and follow with the rest of my regular skincare routine.
Repurchase? Yes.  I'll pick up a big bottle eventually!

Silk Naturals Translucent Cloud Finishing Powder (sample) 
There are a lot of Silk Naturals products I love, but their finishing powders just don't stand out to me.  I've tried a few different formulas and none of them have blown me away.  
Repurchase? Very unlikely.

Earthpaste Wintergreen Toothpaste   [Review]
Still using Earthpaste, almost two years in!  I've tried all the flavors now and I think Wintergreen is still my favorite.
Repurchase? Yes.

Silk Naturals Make Waves Curling Gel (mini)   [Review]
Really great product.  It does a good job encouraging curls/waves, and it holds up better in humidity than any other natural product I've used.  
Repurchase? Yes.

Pollen Cosmetics Off-White Wedding Eye Shadow (sample)
Pollen Cosmetics was only around for a short time, but they made some fantastic eye shadows.  Off-White Wedding was a great creamy highlight shade.
Repurchase? Not possible.

SoapStix   [Review]
If you're looking to avoid using the junk in public washrooms, SoapStix are a brilliant way to easily carry healthy soap in your purse.  The soap is just a very watery castile soap, but it comes in a handy spray bottle, about the size of a marker.  
Repurchase? No.  The soap itself wasn't anything special, but I did refill the bottle with some diluted Leap Organics body wash.  

Nürish Organics Washed Away Cream Cleanser & Makeup Obliterator   [Review]
I was a little conflicted on this product when I first wrote my review, but I think it was mostly the name that was tripping me up.  As a cleanser, it works well and I especially enjoyed using it once I rediscovered my Dr. Sponge last month.  It removes foundation and other face makeup, but does struggle with tougher things like mascara and eyeliner, so I don't think "makeup obliterator" is quite deserved.   
Repurchase? Probably not.  There are other cleansers I like more.

One Love Organics Supercritical Chia Seed Oil (sample)
I love eating chia seeds, but the oil was just okay.  It moisturized, but I didn't notice anything else.  Also smelled a little fishy to me.  
Repurchase? No.

Kaia Naturals Juicy Bamboo Cleansing Cloth
I've used a few of these now, and while they aren't my favorite wipes (those would still be Boo Bamboo), I've gained a new appreciation for them, thanks to the individual packaging.  I had to get some tests done last month, and after half an hour face down on a pillow, I was pretty glad I'd had the forethought to stick one of these in my purse to clean up my smudged mascara.  
Repurchase? Maybe.

Weleda Calendula Face Cream (sample)
I like Weleda's face creams, but I'm not the biggest fan of how the Calendula line smells.  It worked fine, but for that reason, this isn't one I'd buy in full size.
Repurchase? No.

Lina Hanson Global Baby + Global Body Serums* (sample)   [Review + Review]
When it comes to oils, I'm pretty well convinced Lina Hanson can do no wrong.  The Global Baby serum, made with antioxidant and vitamin-rich watermelon seed oil, is the perfect unscented treat for sensitive skin.  The Global Body Serum is a little richer and more indulgent.   It also smells phenomenal - like the most delicious creamsicle you'll ever eat.  
Repurchase? Yes, I plan to.

Homemade Cinnamon Orange Body Oil   [DIY Recipe]
Body oils are probably the easiest thing you can DIY (although I can't promise they'll compare to the magic of something like Lina Hanson.)  The cinnamon orange scent of this one was definitely more appropriate for fall/winter, but I'd made it ages ago, so it seemed about time to use it up.  
Remake? Sure, though maybe not this exact blend.

Pollen & Wax Roses & Roses Complexion Clay + Gold Petal Face Serum (minis)
I've been waiting to post my full review until Pollen & Wax reopen, so because I don't want to spoil that, I'll just say these were both great.  
Repurchase? Maybe.

One Love Organics has been on my radar for quite some time, so when I ordered some samples from Fresh Faced back in November, several One Love Organics products were, not surprisingly, some of the first items to make it into my cart.  After trying them out for the last several weeks, here are my thoughts...


Vitamin B Active Moisture Cleansing  Oil and Makeup Remover
This cleanser has gotten a lot of hype in the green beauty world and I can understand why!  It deep cleans your skin and removes makeup like an oil, but add a little water and it emulsifies into a milky cleanser that rinses off easily.  It also contains papain, a fruit enzyme, that gently exfoliates and softens the skin and has a yummy tropical (coconut-pineapple?) scent.   

Morning Glory Brightening Complexion Booster
Hands down, my favorite of the four products, Morning Glory is an incredibly light serum that my skin just loves.  Made with raspberry leaf, lemon balm and peppermint, it's high in anti-inflammatory ingredients and antioxidants that work to both tone the skin and reduce redness and puffiness.  The serum is a cheery green color, smells fresh, and leaves my skin looking glowy, healthy, and visibly more radiant.  It isn't near enough moisture for my skin by itself, but I've been enjoying mixing a couple drops with other face oils.  

Vitamin E Active Moisture Eye Balm
The Vitamin E Eye Balm is a thick balm that smells like a mix of lavender and fennel.  I loved it - both on my eyes and other dry patches on my face - during the insane cold spell (-40°C!) a few weeks ago, but I find it too heavy for everyday use since the weather has gotten somewhat warmer.  I also started noticing milia under my eyes, but I've since switched to using it just a couple night a week and they've gone away.  Alternating between the eye balm and another, much lighter eye cream has been working well.  

Supercritical Chia Oil
I'm a little neutral on this one.  Like the seeds themselves, chia oil is full of omega-3s, antioxidants and vitamins, but I haven't noticed any change in my skin since incorporating this single-ingredient oil into my routine.  It is, of course, entirely possible that I just haven't used the oil long enough to see results.  It's quite light, which is great in terms of absorption, but I have to mix it with heavier oils for my skin to feel sufficiently hydrated.  I'll use up the sample, but it's unlikely I'll be buying the full size.  

So, a bit of a mixed bag!  I loved Morning Glory and the Vitamin B Cleanser, am a little mixed on the Vitamin E Eye Balm, and wasn't wowed by the Supercritical Chia Oil.  That said, all of them were more than worth the $0.75 I paid from Fresh Faced!  And, now that I've started, there are a couple other One Love Organics products I've got my eye on as well...

Have you used any of these?  What are your favorites from One Love Organics?

With so many amazing products out there, it can sometimes be nice to try a sample before committing to a full-size.  That's why I was so excited to realize that Fresh Faced has started selling samples!  (Or maybe they've always sold them and I just never noticed?)  While doing some late night gift shopping, I decided to pick up a few tiny goodies for myself as well.


Here's what I chose:
Kahina Antioxidant Mask
May Lindstrom The Problem Solver 
May Lindstrom The Clean Dirt
Stark Green Tea Mask
Yarok Styling Whip
One Love Organics Vitamin B Cleansing Oil
One Love Organics Vitamin E Eye Balm
One Love Organics Morning Glory Brightening Complexion Booster
One Love Organics Supercritical Chia Oil
Ilia Lipstick in In My Room
Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner in Nobody's Baby
Vapour Lipstick in Possess

Fresh Faced also generously threw in a few extra samples (not pictured):
Rahua Shampoo & Conditioner
Kahina Eye Serum
Kahina FEZ Body Serum

A lot of new-to-me brands in this pile and I'm excited to get to try everything out.  I've been really into face masks lately, so it'll be fun to test out a couple new ones.  I'm also extra stoked to try the Kahina samples, as I've already fallen hard for their cleanser (more on that very soon!)  

Have you used any of these products?  Do you like samples or are you more of a straight-to-the-full-size kind of person?