Naturalla Beauty

Latest empties post ever?  Pretty much.  I had this almost completely drafted and ready to go Monday and then got hit with what I thought was food poisoning, but later realized - when the rest of my house came down with it a couple days later - was some kind of nasty stomach virus.  Either way, it meant I wasn't able to get this up until now.  So, somewhat belated, here's what I finished up during October:



The Honest Co. Honest Wipes*
Technically these are diaper wipes, but not having anyone in diapers, I used them to remove makeup instead.  I can't speak to how well they work for diapering, but they were only so-so on my face.
Repurchase? No.

KYI Unscented Argan Oil Serum with Vitamin C*   [Review]
I really like how minimal the ingredients in KYI's products are, and this serum is no exception.  Made of just argan oil and vitamin C, it's a great oil for hydrating and brightening the skin.  The serum uses tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, an oil soluble form of vitamin C that's much more stable than the more frequently used ascorbic acid, so you don't have to worry about the vitamin C breaking down or degrading the formula.  Initially I used this as a face serum, but after setting it aside for a few months, I ended up using the second half of the bottle as a body oil.  
Repurchase? Not right away.

Kahina Giving Beauty Facial Cleanser   [Review]
I've raved about Kahina's cleanser many times, but it really is one of my all time favorite cleansers.  It's gentle, creamy without being overly heavy, and the 200 ml bottle lasts ages!  It also removes makeup - even toughies like mascara and eyeliner - and thanks to blue tansy and neroli essential oils, smells pretty darn amazing.  I would (and frequently do!) recommend this cleanser for almost anyone.  
Repurchase? Yes!

Acure Argan + Argan Stem Cell Shampoo   [Review]
Another favorite of mine, this shampoo is one of the best I've found for my curly hair.  I've gone through multiple bottles before and just recommitted to a giant 24 oz. bottle of the stuff.
Repurchase? Yes, I already have.

Earthpaste Lemon Twist Toothpaste   [Review]
This fall marks two years of using Earthpaste, but this was my first tube of the Lemon Twist flavor.  I enjoyed it while I was using it, but since switching back to one of the mint ones, I realize the lemon doesn't leave your mouth as fresh as the other flavors.
Repurchase? Yes, but probably not this flavor.

Scentuals Goat Milk Mint Soap*   [Review]
I've really enjoyed using this soap.  It lathers well, smells great, and doesn't dry out my hands.  It's also lasted me longer than any other bar soap I can recall!  Seriously, I've been using this same bar of soap since the summer and I've still got a small sliver hanging on in my soap dish.  Yes, I generally only use bar soaps on my hands, but that's still significantly longer than other soaps last me.  
Repurchase? Probably not.  I prefer to buy palm oil free options.

Frangipani Regenerating Flower Cream*   [Review]
A nice cream made from a nourishing base of rosewater, almond oil, rosehip seed oil, and beeswax.  I didn't love the floral scent and I found it a little too rich for my face, but I did enjoy using it on my hands and legs, especially before bed.  
Repurchase? Probably not.  

Pollen & Wax Lapiz Facial Toner   [Review]
It's really hard for me to find a toner that blows me away and sadly, this one just didn't do it.  I ended up repurposing it as a spray deodorant for days when I'd shaved.  My Weleda deodorant, which contains alcohol, can sting quite a bit after shaving, but Lapiz's gentle blend of aloe, calendula, lavender, and chamomile was soothing and did a pretty decent job keeping odors away as well.
Repurchase? No.

Zuzu Luxe Onyx Mascara   [Review]
I can't even count how many tubes of this mascara I've gone through over the years.  It may not be the most dramatic mascara out there, but it doesn't irritate my eyes and once it's on, it doesn't go anywhere, which makes it the one I always come back to.
Repurchase? Yes, I already have.

Hurraw! Mint Lip Balm   [Review]
If you like tingly peppermint lip balms, Hurraw!'s mint balm is for you.  It's not my favorite for winter - both because of the cooling peppermint tingle and Hurraw!'s thinner formula - but I can see myself possibly buying it again in the spring/summer.
Repurchase? Maybe.

Epic Blend Hemp Mint Lip Balm   [Review]
In case you couldn't tell that I like mint lip balms, I managed to finish two in the same month!  Epic Blend's balm packs a seriously minty punch, but, unlike the Hurraw!, it doesn't make your mouth feel cold or tingly.  Epic Blend balms give a lot of moisture and also have that perfect balance where they protect your lips, but don't feel waxy or heavy.   I'm a big fan!
Repurchase? Yes, definitely.



Kaia Juicy Bamboo Cleansing Cloth 
I like how convenient the individually wrapped cloths are for carrying in your purse, but there are other wipes I like more.    
Repurchase? Probably not.

Dr. Bronner's Spearmint Peppermint Shikakai Soap (sample)
From other reviews I'd read, I didn't have very high expectations for this soap, but I ended up really liking it.  It didn't dry out my skin and the Spearmint Peppermint scent was nice and fresh.
Repurchase? Maybe.

Suki Creamy Foaming Cleanser (samples)   [Review]
I have a tendency to hoard samples, so even though I knew I liked this cleanser, I'd been resisting using these samples.  I think calling this a foaming cleanser is a bit of an exaggeration, but it does lather slightly.  I like it, but I'm not sure I like it enough to commit to a full sized bottle.  
Repurchase? Probably not.

Suki Pure Facial Moisture - Balancing (samples)   [Review]
Another victim of sample hoarding.  I'd previously found the Balancing Oil very helpful for "time of the month" skin, so I'd tucked these away in case of a skin emergency.  When I finally pulled them out, my skin was not at its best, but not at its worst either.  These samples gave me about a week's worth of oil, but sadly, I just didn't find the results anywhere near as spectacular this time around.  
Repurchase? Not sure.

Weleda Calendula Shampoo & Body Wash (samples)
I liked this, but I'd probably be more likely to buy one of Weleda's creamy body washes over this, since I like a few of those scents a lot more than the Calendula.  
Repurchase? No.

Months and months ago, I was the lucky winner of a Pollen & Wax trial kit in a giveaway on Beauty by Britanie.  Pollen & Wax is a relatively new apothecary line that handcrafts all its products in the Pacific Northwest.  As well as being free of parabens, artificial fragrances and dyes, the company makes a point of sourcing organic, wild-harvested, pollutant-free ingredients.

The line is divided into four skin types, corroborated to the four seasons.

Image Credit

I chose the April kit, which seemed the best suited for my skin.  The kit included Apollo Cleansing Milk, Lapis Facial Toner, Gold Petal Facial Serum, and Roses & Roses Complexion Clay.  As of right now, only Apollo and Gold Petal are listed on the Pollen & Wax website.  I'm unsure if Lapis and Roses & Roses are temporarily unavailable or if they have been discontinued since I received this kit.



Apollo Cleansing Milk
Apollo is a little different from your standard cleansing milk.  Kaolin clay gently exfoliates and the cleanser feels a bit gritty to the touch.  I like it, but it's a little too abrasive for my skin on an everyday basis.  I've gotten good results using it about twice a week.  It deep cleans and leaves my skin feeling refreshed and soft.

Lapis Facial Toner
This delicately scented toner is an anti-inflammatory blend that includes soothing calendula and aloe, alongside lavender and chamomile essential oils.  I didn't notice any real difference in my skin when using this, but I also didn't have any adverse reactions.  Me and toners is a mixed bag, so take that with a grain of salt.  Lapis does smell nice and it feels refreshing on the skin.  There's no emulsifier added, so you do need to shake it up before each use to re-incorporate the essential oils which rise to the top.

Gold Petal Facial Serum
Specifically geared towards sensitive skin, Gold Petal includes soothing calendula and St. John's Wort, alongside nourishing, reparative ingredients like sea buckthorn and evening primrose oils and helichrysum and carrot seed essential oils.  It's a pretty light oil, so it works equally well for day or night.  I really enjoyed using this one.  

Roses & Roses Complexion Clay
Probably my favorite item in the kit, this is the perfect clay mask for anyone with dry, sensitive or reactive skin.  Similar to my much loved Evan Healy French Rose Clay, Roses & Roses starts with a blend of gentle rose clay and rhassoul clay, but also incorporates kaolin clay, rose powder, marshmallow root, and vanilla bean.  The rose and vanilla add a delicate scent, while the marshmallow root soothes inflammation and prevents any over-drying from the clays.  

The Bottom Line
I'm really happy with my first experience with Pollen & Wax.  The company's attention to pure, quality ingredients really comes through and I'm happy I had the chance to try this kit. Although I enjoyed all four products, Roses & Roses was the clear favorite for me, so I really hope it will be available again in the future.  

Have you tried Pollen & Wax?

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.