Facial Mask I'm Loving? Pangea Japanese Matcha Tea

THEE MASK

I'm big into masks.  My facial mask obsession has been going on for some time now.   I've tried everything from plain yogurt on my face to a mushed up avocado (both excellent, btw).  However,  I am super, super in love with Pangea's Japanese Matcha Tea with Acai & Gogi Berry Mask.  

In my opinion, nothing clears, hydrates and freshens the skin like this.  In fact, I always buy two at a time so I'm never without - how's that for obsessed?  From the Pangea site: This mask will noticeably improve the quality, tone, and texture of your skin – you’ll be amazed at how soft, glowing, and radiant your skin will be.

I wholeheartedly agree.

*I purchased this product myself. All opinions are my own.

Let's Talk Natural & Organic Makeup. My favorites... RMS Beauty, Patyka, Couleur Caramel and more...

I've got so many favorites and they change from time to time, but I've been pretty consistent with these lovelies right here.  Have you tried any of them?  I just love 'em!

COULEUR CARAMEL'S MASCARA

MASCARA

Couleur Caramel Mascara  I use this every single day. This will give your lashes a thick and voluminous look. I have to admit though, I only use it on my upper lashes as I find that it smudges a bit if I put it on the lower ones.  So, yeah, I use two different mascaras (ZuZu on the bottom). Bonus? The packaging is eco-friendly.  Apply as much as you want to create the eye you want.  $24.25

LIPGLOSS

RMS Beauty  How I love these so!  The RMS Beauty lip shines come in several colors: Bloom (natural pinkish), Moment (natural brownish) Sublime (hot pink) and Sacred (a punch-colored pink/red) - I have all of them and wear them constantly. If you're going for a big pop of color, I say get Sublime and Sacred. $25

TINTED FACE CREAM

Dr. Hauschka Tinted Day Cream  I read about this tinted day cream as recommended by JessaBlades and ran out to get some.   I'm fair, so usually anything that's supposed to look sun-kissed or bronzy on me ends up looking pretty ashy - not so with this. This leaves your skin dewy and radiant, no matter what color skin tone you have.  I recommend this especially if you're feeling like your skin looks dull and needs a lift.  $39

RAHUA SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER
Rahua Shampoo & Conditioner  Rahua is great.  It's that perfect natural shampoo that doesn't do anything tricky to your hair - it won't leave it greasy, or weigh it down. If your hair is dry: I recommend Acure Shampoo & Conditioner. Acure is wonderful, especially when your hair is dry. I've found that I don't even need the conditioner.  I have the Echinacea Stem Cell Shampoo & Conditioner. $34

BODY OILPatyka Precious Woods Body Oil Oh my! Do you want that satiny, hydrated, perfectly pretty skin? This is it! Just apply, let it dry and enjoy the deliciously light scent and soft glow it leaves on your body. I had received a sample of this and immediately got online and purchased a bottle. $58

*I've purchased all of these items on my own.  All my own opinions!

I'm Loving S.W. Basics Cleanser. With Only Three Ingredients, It Can't Get Any More Natural.

THE CLEANSER

I have tried TONS of natural cleansers and haven't really been impressed with many of them. I usually find that I end up having to use a toner in addition, to remove all of the extra makeup that's left on my skin. But I love S.W. Basics of Brooklyn's Cleanser. With only three ingredients in their cleanser: rosewater, vegetable glycerin and tea tree oil, it's a dream for those of us addicted to truly natural products.

How does it work? You just pour a little on a piece of cotton, wipe your face completely and then rinse off a few times with water.   I also have their toner that I use right after cleansing as well. The bottles are glass - which is great - and it's super easy to use.

From the S.W. Basics site:

"When did scrubbing your face with harsh chemicals become the standard way to get clean? We think that's weird. Next to rinsing with water, this cleanser is about as simple as you can get. It's perfect for problem and sensitive skin. It’s gentle, non-drying, and contains no alcohol. Plus it smells awesome. We start with a traditional organic rosewater-and-glycerin base and add a tiny bit of organic tea tree oil. No soap, no alcohol, no para-sulfate-whatchamacallits." $24.00 for 4 oz.

*I was not given this product to review, I purchased it myself.

Make the Switch to Facial Oils: Kahina & Pai

I must write about the fantastic face oils that are all the rage now.

I was one of those women who was completely against any kind of oil on my face. I was sure it would break me out and completely destroy my skin. After several months of reading about how great these new natural oils were for the skin, I decided to try them. I have to say, I will NEVER go back to only using creams.

These oils are amazing for hydrating, firming and giving the skin a healthy, smooth surface (wonderful pre-makeup, too). I alternate between Kahina Argan Oil and Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate. In the beginning, I was only using the oils before bed, but quickly found that using them in the morning (before makeup) would give my skin the smooth and hydrated feel that was perfect for foundation, etc.

So, ladies and gents, I highly recommend you give these a try. BTW, they last forever since you only need a few drops. I like to use them when my face is still damp from toner. And what is my favorite toner you might ask? Sanre's Rosy Fresh. With rose, green tea, arnica, aloe vera and chamomile as just some of the ingredients, this was a no-brainer for me. In fact, I transfer it into a smaller bottle and mist throughout the day. It's hydrating, fresh and all-natural.

*I was not given these products to review, I purchased them myself.