Naturalla Beauty

As 2015 draws to a close, I've been thinking back on the evolution of Naturalla Beauty.  What first started as the occasional and pretty random product musings of a bored uni student has grown into much more and I'm so grateful to everyone that's been along for the ride!  Thank YOU for reading, commenting and supporting my blog over the years.  I love sharing this crazy thing called green beauty and I can't wait to see what 2016 brings.

I was fortunate to try MANY wonderful products throughout the past year, so narrowing it down to just these 15 took some serious pondering!  These are the things that really stood out to me - products I used for a significant portion of the year and things I see myself continuing to use for the foreseeable future.  In cases where I've previously talked about a product in more detail or done a full review, I'll link that as well, in case you're looking for more info.
SKINCARE
Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash   [Review]
I didn't realize how much I missed foaming cleansers until I tried Ursa Major's Fantastic Face Wash early this year.  It offers the lather and clean feeling of a traditional gel/foaming cleanser, but it won't leave your face feeling dry or tight.  A great option for both men and women, and it smells awesome too!

Andalou Naturals Chia + Omega Radiant Skin Polish
I've felt a little like Golidlocks trying scrub after scrub over the years, but this one checks all my boxes.  With a creamy base and just the right amount of grit, it does a great job exfoliating without irritating my sometimes fussy skin.  My second tube is on its last legs and I already know I'll be picking up a third very soon.

Balanced Guru Calming Masque   [Review]
Not an unknown product to longtime readers, the Calming Masque remains a firm favorite on my skincare shelf.  Contrary to what the name suggests, it isn't actually a product I'd recommend for ultra-sensitive skin, but I think it's fantastic for just about everyone else.  This mask offers a wonderful intermediate between a detoxifying clay mask and a nourishing treatment and is packed with soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients like calendula, marshmallow root, and aloe vera.

Crazy Rumors Lip Balms
I have mixed feelings about some of the individual Crazy Rumors flavors - which I've talked about many times before - but what I am fully decided on is that I love their actual lip balm formula.  Vegan and ultra-buttery, it does a wonderful job keeping lips healthy, plump, and protected all year round.  My two favorite flavors (so far!) are the Plum & Peppermint and the Leaping Bunny Plum Apricot.

Young Living Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense is my go-to essential oil for any skin woes.  It has strong regenerative properties, which explains why it's included in so many anti-aging skincare formulas, but it's also astringent, making it great for acne or clogged pores.  Most often, I mix a drop or two into a face mask or use it as a spot treatment on blemishes and breakouts, but I've also used it in homemade toners and body oils.  It's also, of course, wonderful for a whole host of non-skin related things too!  As always, I'd stress the importance of using high quality, unadulterated oils.  

BODY/HAIR
The Honest Co. Conditioning Detangler   [Review]
With a good conditioner, my hair isn't overly tangly, but with a subpar one, it's knot city!  I tried a number of new hair products this past year and the Conditioning Detangler became a hero product when other stuff just didn't cut it.  A few spritzes lets hair be combed through easily, plus it tames flyaways and doesn't leave hair greasy or weighed down.

Blissoma Scentless Stick Deodorant   [Review]
I've been using another deodorant the last few weeks that's quickly added itself to my top deodorant shelf alongside this one (more on that in the new year!) but Blissoma's deodorant stick was my favorite for much of 2015.  This unassuming stick has no scent of its own but still does a phenomenal job disguising odor.  It does contain baking soda, but less than most formulas, and tempered with lots of skin soothing ingredients to minimize the likelihood of irritation.  I haven't had any problems with it and I've heard the same from several other people who also struggle with other baking soda deodorants.

Intelligent Nutrients Harmonic Shampoo + Conditioner   [Review]
I used this duo briefly a few years ago, but I fell back in love with it this year. The shampoo has a creamy consistency and lathers up into plenty of bubbles and the conditioner does a great job hydrating hair without weighing it down.  Both smell minty and lovely and are also packed with tons of good-for-your-hair botanicals. 

Nourish Organic Body Washes
With several great scents and a luxurious creamy formula, Nourish's body washes have been one of my favorites for years.  They produce a light lather - more if you use a loofah - and won't dry out or irritate your skin.

MAKEUP
Studio 78 Off We Go Concealer   [Review]
I've said time and time again that under eye concealer has been the product I've struggled most with in the green beauty realm, so finding Off We Go, a concealer specifically designed for covering up dark circles, was a joy.  This highly pigmented product has a unique cream-to-powder finish that stays put and wears really well throughout the day.  The color range is somewhat lacking, but if you have light to medium skin, I recommend giving it a try.

Mineral Fusion Sheer Moisture Lip Tints   [Review]
The Sheer Moisture Lip Tints are pretty much my perfect everyday lip product.  Under $10, sheer but buildable color + a great formula that keeps lips comfortable and hydrated.  The only downside is that the lids have a tendency to pop off, so be careful when toting them around with you!

Bare Minerals Frame & Define Brow Styler   [Review]
I like full brows, but I want them to look natural and not overly filled in.  The lighter shade of the Frame & Define Styler is a perfect color match for my brows, so it does just that.  I also like that it wears all day without budging and that it's a twist up pencil that doesn't need sharpening.

Silk Naturals Lovelace Sheer Blush
Lovelace, which is sold as a dupe for Nars Deep Throat, was probably my most worn blush of 2015.  It looks a little orange in the pot, but on the cheeks, it just gives a beautiful peachy flush that goes with everything.  Silk Naturals' sheer blush formula is hard to overdo and great for blush-shy beauties, but it's also very buildable if you like a little more punch to your cheek color.

Pacifica Natural Eye Pencils   [Review]
These pencils are seriously awesome.  They're pigmented and glide on easily, and while they can be smudged initially, they don't move around once set.  My two favorites are Jet, a super dark and rich black, and Bare, a nude that's great for lining the waterline.  There are only four shades currently, but I'm hoping for more colors in the new year.

What products did you love this year?  Wishing you all the best for a happy and healthy 2016.

It's been nearly ten years since I first switched over to natural and nontoxic products and in all that time, the item I've struggled with the most has been concealer.   My main concern is covering dark circles, and - with the exception of a now discontinued Une Beauty product I loved for a couple years there - I haven't found anything that completely did the trick.  With a good bit of darkness under the eyes, I look for something with excellent coverage that will last through the day and not look or feel heavy.  I may have finally found it from Studio 78!  This French brand is Eco-Cert certified, free of GMO's, parabens, PEG's, and synthetic fragrance and dyes.

The Off We Go Anti-Dark Circles Concealer has been well-hyped in the green beauty community, but with a not inexpensive price tag (between $24-36 depending where you shop) and past experiences failing to fall in love with raved-about concealers, I was a little skeptical going in.  Fortunately, I decided to try it anyways, as I've been suitably impressed!



The consistency in the pot is very creamy, but on the skin, it quickly sets to a velvety, powder-like finish.  I find it blends easiest when applied with fingers and I recommend applying it onto well moisturized skin, as although the concealer isn't drying, it also doesn't provide much in the way of hydration.  At Dawn (01), the lightest shade available, has a matte finish and is a very peachy color, perfect for correcting blue and purple tones under the eyes.  You only need a thin layer to achieve great coverage, so it feels very light and is virtually unnoticeable throughout the day.  The concealer doesn't slip or move around on the face and I generally get a good 8 or 9 hours wear before I notice it starting to fade, which, in my experience, is pretty standard for natural concealers.  The product does have a tendency to settle into my fine lines under one eye - yes, just one - so I like to dust a light layer of powder concealer over top.  This prevents creasing and settling, slightly prolongs wear time, and also adds an extra layer of coverage - perfect if you've got heavier dark circles, like me!

The concealer comes in a clear plastic pot with a mirror inside the flip top.  It's cute, but I've seen more than a few people complain about the hinge breaking and the lid snapping off, so I'm being extra gentle with mine.  I don't generally carry concealer with me, but I'm likely to depot some into another container should I ever need to, as, despite how convenient the tiny mirror seems for on the go touch ups, I'm not confident as to how the plastic pot would hold up to a day of shaking around in a makeup bag.

A bigger downfall than the packaging, is the limited color range of this product.  With only two shades, Studio 78 really only offers colors to suit light to medium skin.  I wear At Dawn (01), the lighter of the two, and it blends into my skin fine, but I could definitely go a shade or two lighter if the color range was ever expanded.  It's not light enough on my skin to be brightening or illuminating under the eyes and it's even a little too dark for the rest of my face, unless I go over it with something else.  The coverage, blendability and wear is good enough that I'm willing to work with an imperfect color, but I'd love to see more shades in the future.



The Bottom Line
Off We Go is highly pigmented and the non-drying cream-to-powder finish is unique and not something I've encountered with other natural concealers.  It stays put, wears well throughout the day, and does a great job covering my dark circles.  It also works to cover redness and blemishes/imperfections elsewhere on the face, though I do recommend making sure your skin is well moisturized before application.  There's still room for improvement - both in the color range and sturdiness of packaging - but overall, I think it's a great product!

Have you tried Studio 78's concealer?  What are your favorite natural concealers?

Avalon Organics Clarifying Lemon Shampoo
I bought this when I was having issues with buildup and an oily scalp and alternated between it and another non-clarifying shampoo.  The combination worked well without over-stripping or drying out my hair.  I figured out a few months ago that my scalp problems were more likely a mild case of seborrheic dermatitis, rather than just oilyness, and started treating that internally with oregano oil, and since then, my scalp issues have stopped, so I don't have any need for a clarifying shampoo anymore.  
Repurchase? For the time being, no.

Rachel's Plan Bee Original Body Polish*   [Review]
I've raved about the Rachel's Plan Bee body polishes several times now, so I won't go into too much detail here. These are one of my favorite scrubs.  The texture is perfect, they don't separate, and they're highly moisturizing, but not overly greasy or oily.
Repurchase? Yes.  There are a couple different scents I want to try in the future.

Meow Meow Tweet Grapefruit Mint Soap
I have problems with some bar soaps drying out my hands in the winter and unfortunately this was one of them.  The soap smelled nice and has worked great during the summer, but I had to put it away in the colder months when my hands became dry and cracked.
Repurchase?  Probably not.

Desert Essence Italian Lemon Hand and Body Lotion
I really enjoyed this lotion.  It was scented with only essential oils and had a much milder fragrance than most Desert Essence products.  My big nitpick is with the packaging.  The label started wearing off early and quickly began shedding blue flakes.  In and of itself, not terrible, but the flakes would magnetize and stick to anywhere I applied lotion, which became a big nuisance.  
Repurchase? Maybe.  The lotion itself was great, but I'm not sure I want to deal with the hassle of the label again.

Nourish Organic Wild Berries Body Wash
I featured this in my most recent favorites post, which is a pretty good hint about how I feel about this product.  Nourish's body washes are a longtime favorite of mine and the berry scent is really lovely.  It's sweet and fruity but also has an herbal/fresh note that keeps it from being overly saccharine or sickly.  
Repurchase? Yes.



Weleda Almond Soothing Facial Oil*   [Review]
This is a great multi-purpose oil to have on hand.  Made with just almond and plum kernel oils, it has a light marzipan-y scent and is very soothing and gentle on the skin.  I liked it a lot as both a regular face oil and to remove eye makeup, and I even used the last inch or so of the bottle as an allover body oil.  I'm actually very tempted to buy it again specifically to use on my body, as it left me with the softest skin ever.
Repurchase? Maybe.

Weleda Rosemary Conditioning Hair Oil*   [Review]
I mostly used this oil as a leave-in on my ends, but I also used it as a pre-shower treatment a couple times too.  Honestly, my hair is easygoing when it comes to oils, so I don't notice a huge difference between different ones, but this one worked well.  It smelled like rosemary and did a good job taming minor frizz and flyaway hairs. 
Repurchase? I'm not sure

Acure Marula Oil
I'm a little conflicted on this marula oil.  I loved it at first, but partway through the bottle, it stopped agreeing with me.  It stopped absorbing into my skin at all and would just sit on top and feel greasy.  I used the last half as a body oil and while it was fine in that capacity, it wasn't anything spectacular.
Repurchase? Probably not.

Yarok Feed Your Ends Leave-In Conditioner
I used another mini Feed Your Ends a couple years ago, and while the first one didn't impress me all that much, I really loved it this time around.  On my hair, it feels very lightweight and non-greasy and I also enjoy Yarok's signature lemon scent.  I used the spray mainly as a refresher on dry second-day hair, but it's also marketed as a heat protectant.  
Repurchase? Yes.  I have a couple other hair products to use up first, but I think this will be my next purchase after those.



Triumph & Disaster Old Fashioned Shave Cream (samples)
Triumph & Disaster is marketed as a men's line, but the Shave Cream certainly works for women too.  With a lotiony consistency and a great cushiony feel, it worked really well and, though definitely more of a masculine scent, I thought it smelled great too.  That said, as much as I enjoyed it, as someone who doesn't even buy shave cream half the time - that's what failed conditioners are for! - I can't see myself spending the extra money on a higher end shave cream.  tl;dr: Great product, but a little pricey for what it is.
Repurchase? I doubt it.  

Weleda White Mallow and Calendula Face Creams (samples)
I've used samples of both of these creams before, and they're okay.  The White Mallow contains coconut oil, which doesn't tend to agree with my face, and I don't love the scent of Weleda's Calendula line, so I actually used these sachets on my body, not my face.
Repurchase? No.

Studio 78 Off We Go Concealer in At Dawn (01) (sample)
I'm going to do a full review of this concealer once I get around to ordering the full size, so I'll save the details for that post.  Needless to say, I like it.  It's a much-talked about product amongst green bloggers, but I'd say it's worth the hype.
Repurchase? Yes, I plan to very soon.

Ilia Vivid Concealer in Cassava (C1) (sample)
The concealer itself was okay - light to medium coverage and nothing extraordinary - but what tipped this product over for me was the smell.  I don't even know what it smelled like, but it was fairly strong and I was not a fan.  I know I swatched this in The Detox Market a few months ago and I don't remember noticing a smell then, so I'm wondering if this sample just went off or something.
Repurchase? Definitely not.

Mineral Foundation Samples
I've been working through an accumulation of mineral foundation samples the last couple months.  I ran out of ones that actually matched me, so this batch is a mix of ones that, by themselves, did not, but I was able to mix and tinker between the lot to make them work.  Lucy Minerals is still the biggest standout for me and unmatched by any other mineral foundation I've tried in terms of both coverage and lasting power.  I also like Urban Minerals a lot and The All Natural Face foundation is okay too, though pretty light coverage.  As I've said before, I'm not a big fan of the Alima Pure foundation, which I find disappears off my face by halfway through the day.
Repurchase? I'm leaning towards going back to Lucy Minerals when I next need foundation, but I'd also consider purchasing Urban Minerals.

Real Purity Desert Rose Blush (sample)
Desert Rose is a very pigmented matte mauvey-rose shade.  I liked it, but it needed extra care and blending to not look ridiculous and clown-like on my fair skin.  I enjoyed using the sample, but considering the number of blushes I have and the little bit of extra work this one required, I'm not sure I liked it enough for a full size purchase.
Repurchase? Probably not.

Total Products Used Up in July
Skincare: 2  (Lip Balms: 0)
Bodycare: 4
Haircare:  3
Makeup: 0
Skin/Body/Hair Samples: 5
Makeup Samples: 7

Total Products Used Up in 2015
Skincare: 23 (Lip Balms: 7)
Bodycare: 28
Haircare:  9
Makeup: 9
Skin/Body/Hair Samples: 54 
Makeup Samples: 19

I've been on a low-buy since the beginning of the year and I've got to say, five months in, I'm pretty proud of how well it's been going!  I realize that budgeting and limited spending is a lot more effective for me than going on a total no-buy or spending ban.  Being able to spend - even conservatively - doesn't leave me feeling horribly deprived, which takes a lot of the pressure off and makes the whole process much less stressful.  It's kind of like the difference between a lifestyle change and the ups and downs of binging and dieting.

Regardless of spending, between reading blogs and scrolling through my Instagram feed, I'm constantly adding products to my wishlist.  Here's a look at what's caught my eye recently:




Under Eye Concealer
I'm still struggling to find a replacement for the discontinued Une Skin Glow Pencil I used to love.  Most days, I only wear concealer under my eyes, so I tend to like something that is illuminating and lightweight, but also decently long wearing.  I'm currently debating between three: da lish Illumination Concealer, Jane Iredale Active Light Under-Eye Concealer, and Studio 78 Off We Go Concealer.  I really don't want to accumulate any more concealer rejects than I already have, so if you've used any of these - or have any other concealer recommendations - I'd love to know.

Aquarian Bath Tooth Powder
In my ongoing search for more glycerin free toothpaste options, I keep coming across Aquarian Bath's tooth powders.  The powders have a non-abrasive base of food-grade Bentonite clay, activated charcoal  and myrrh powder and unlike a lot of other tooth powders, do not contain any baking soda, which can - over time - damage tooth enamel.   The clay and charcoal have detoxifying properties and help to wash away bacteria, while myrrh powder has been shown to improve gum health.  I'm torn between the Mint and Berry Hibiscus flavors - both sound pretty great!

Trilogy CoQ10 Eye Concentrate
Along with a concealer, I've yet to find an eye product that I've been happy with in regards to both dark circles and puffiness.  I've enjoyed Trilogy products in the past and the CoQ10 Eye Concentrate - which claims to brighten and tone with CoQ10, caffeine, licorice root, and horse chestnut - sounds very promising.

Josh Rosebrook
Josh Rosebrook products have phenomenal ingredients and are packed with unique botanicals, and while they've been on my radar for quite some time, I've yet to actually try anything from the line.  Lift is a hair texturizer and volume spray that's garnered rave reviews across the board since it's release earlier this year.  The Moisturizing Cleanser is a pH-balanced cleanser made with aloe, African black soap and various plant oils and herbal infusions that has been on my wishlist for considerably longer.  I'm nearing the bottom of a couple other cleansers, so it's sprung to mind again recently.

Pacifica 7-Free Nail Polish
I've been using the Gloss Top & Base Coat for several weeks now and I like it a lot, which has me eyeing up a couple of Pacifica's actual polishes now.  Pictured above are Turquoise Tiara, a turquoise cream that looks perfect for a summer pedicure, and Unicorn Horn, a sheer, irridescent/pearly color that I think would be pretty both on its own and over other polishes.  

Have you used any of these?  What goodies are on your wishlist this summer?

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.