Maya Water: My New Natural Facial Mist That I'm Loving

I love spraying mists/toners on my face pre-moisturizer.  I just feel like it's important to have a moist face before applying a cream or my Kahina Argan Oil.  I've got many toners to choose from, but one of my favorite mists as of late has been Maya Water Energizing Norwegian Thermal Spa Water created by Maya Gulbrandsen, a super sweet beauty therapist and makeup artist in Norway.  The water is mineral-rich and pH neutral water from Skogshorn in Hemsedal, Norway.

I kept eyeing the mist on Spirit Beauty Lounge and finally ordered it when I had some space in my medicine cabinet, which some of you know, looks like part of the Spirit Beauty Lounge warehouse (btw, it's even more packed since this picture was taken).

So, I finally ordered the Maya Water in Organic Acai and I love it.  It feels great, keeps the skin hydrated and it's relaxing, as well.  Keep in mind, whatever Maya Water you choose, you're choosing the right one as each one can be used for all skin types.  My next one will be the Organic White Tea (rich in antioxidants).

WHEN DO I USE IT?

• Post washing my face (tap water has lots of chlorine in it and this hydrates)

• To set my makeup

• Throughout the day when my skin feels a little dry (I keep it on my desk)

• After pilates when I just want to cool down

• Before applying foundation

• After a facial mask

• And...I'm definitely going to have it in my bag at the beach (they have new travel sizes) and walking around humid NYC in a few months (great for skin exposed to pollution, too)

MAYA WATER ALSO GIVES BACK:

Maya Water is also helping schools and families in Africa by donating a percentage of each sale. The organization is called QuaWater and their mission is to deliver healthy drinking water at fair prices.  

Visit their site for more information on Maya Water as it's actually a very interesting read to see how she got the idea to start her company and all.  

Travel size:  70ml $26 or full-size: 150ml $40 

*I purchased this Maya Water in Organic Acai myself.   All opinions are my own.

Seriously Amazing Breakthrough Natural Product: O.R.G.'s Organic Mineral Peel for Face - Exfoliatior

I've tried pretty much everything that is out there regarding natural skincare, especially when it comes to  face exfoliators.  So when I saw a video on Daily Candy about O.R.G. Skincare's Organic Mineral Peel for Face, I was very excited.  The reason being is that it's clearly an innovative organic product in that you can actually feel and see it working.  Let me explain.

You'll begin by spraying the Organic Mineral Peel on your face (I cover my eyes) and leave it for about five seconds (it smells divine, btw).  After that, you gently rub your skin in a circular motion and watch as dead skin cells easily roll off of your face.  Now, I know that some people fear the word "peel" when it comes to skincare, but this product is as gentle and organic as it gets.  There's no tugging, no sandy consistency, no redness.  In fact, I would say that it's the least abrasive exfoliator I've ever used.   

And...I love using it.  Okay, back to how to use it: after you're finished exfoliating, rinse off your face with some warm water, apply your moisturizer and you're done.   Your skin will feel so incredibly smooth, there's no irritation and your makeup will go on smoother because your skin is soft, hydrated, and glowing.  Baby soft is how I would define it.

I can honestly say that this is one product that will be a staple for me.  On a side note, their packaging is lovely...and eco.  

They also make an Organic Mineral Peel for the Body which I have yet to try, but judging from the face peel, my guess is that this is going to be a must-have for all of us come Summer.  Don't believe me?   Look at the before and after pictures on their site.  How much fun is that going to be to use on dull skin before putting on a bathing suit?

Face Peel $44

Body Peel $34

Oh, and by the way, they also have glycerin-based organic soap...which look gorgeous!  $15

*This product was sent to me for review and all opinions are my own.  I only write about natural and organic products that I love and ones that will benefit my gorgeously green readers!

Exceptional Green Household Cleaners That You Need Now

SAVON NOIR LIQUID SOAP

For those of you who don't know me, let me tell you right now that I'm obsessed with all things green...and clean.  My apartment is an all-white modern NYC apartment and I'm constantly scrubbing, vacuuming or cleaning something.  It's what I do and I make no apologies for it...clean home, clean mind.  That's how I roll.

So, when Le Savonnier Marseillais contacted me about their multi-purpose - and I mean multi-purpose - Savon Noir Liquid Soap, I was intrigued.  They sent me the Eucalyptus to try and since I was just about to do some laundry, the timing was perfect (yes, this household cleanser is also great for laundry).

After I washed my clothes with it (btw, they were so fresh and clean smelling after) I decided to scrub the shower.  Now, because I know how natural the ingredients are, I was able to clean the shower while I was in the shower without worrying about the cleanser getting on my skin and feet.  Let me tell you, my bathroom was SPARKLING.  Like a good, old-fashioned, super duper clean.   The maids of Downton Abbey have nothing on me.

The consistency is a thick gel, so I just wet a scrub brush and applied some on top.  For the laundry, I used it like any other detergent.  

Other uses:  cleaning pets, as a natural insecticide in the garden, for cleaning cars/boats/motorcycles, floors...you get the idea.   For such a large bottle, it's a steal at $20.

GREEN SHIELD ORGANIC GLASS CLEANER

I can honestly say that I use this on a daily basis.  Seriously.  This is just one of those products that I always wish I had in both the kitchen and bathroom. It's thee best glass cleaner I have ever used...including all of the chemical-filled glass cleaners.   This cleaner leaves glass sparkling and the best thing is, it's organic.

I purchased this at Whole Foods and I'm eager to try the other things in their line.

It smells faintly of vinegar, but the smell goes away quickly. It's a big 32 oz. bottle that sells for $4.99.  Trust me...this is excellent.  

*I received the Savon Noir to test.  I purchased the Green Shield Glass Cleaner.  All opinions are my own...trust me, I got a lot of 'em!