Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Head Over To My New Website!


If you don't already know, I've got a new website!
Check it out to read about non-toxic makeup, skincare & home products, plus deals and giveaways!   Click here to visit.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Shower Obsessions...Flourish Natural Body Care, Meow, Meow Tweet, Valentina's Home-Brewed & Neuth!


FLOURISH NATURAL BODY CARE 
Want shiny, soft hair?  Here you go.  Vermont creator Kirsten Connor's handmade Lemongrass and Lavender Mint Shampoos and Conditioners really soften, add super, super shine and bring a healthiness back to hair.  Wanna try 'em out?  $12.99  (deal has expired)

MEOW MEOW TWEET
This exfoliating soap is rocking my world.  Straight up.  There's tons of little poppy seeds on thee most gorgeous-smelling soap.  Pemberley Jones has been at me to try this forever and now I'm wishing I had listened sooner.  This will be a staple for me.  Like soft skin and a fun bar of soap?  Get this.  You need it.  $10.00

VALENTINA'S HOME-BREWED
This line is fun, really works, smells beyond and has pure ingredients.  There's nothing that I've tried that I haven't loved.  I already written about their perfume roller balls, and am now suggesting you give their body wash and salt scrubs a go.  They come in lots of scents & I've smelled every last one of 'em...everything is delicious. Body Wash: $9.99  Scrub $12.99

NEUTH
In a word:  luxurious.  
This simple line made of up of just two perfect products:  their face cleanser, Organic Creme pour Visage and their Afterglow Serum.  Super hydrating, and so rich to cleanse with, I'm thinking it's the perfect Mother's Day gift.  Dry skin?  You will love this.  Cleanser:  $75, Afterglow Serum:  $35   ($99 as set)

*Get 20% off all purchases for my readers (and of course, always free shipping) with coupon code: thegreenproductjunkie




*Some of these products I purchased, others were generously given to me for review. All opinions are my own.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Blush, Powder, Salve & A Triple Threat Wash: Saf Organics, Ora's Amazing Herbal and Limegreen.


SAF ORGANICS

Satin Mineral Blush

I've been loving everything that I've been trying from this organic, gluten free, vegan brand.  The ingredient list is pure, the products work wonderfully and everything smells like something you'd much rather be eating than putting on your face!  What really surprised me was Stephanie's Satin Mineral Blush as I expected it to be like all other mineral blushes I've tried before. What makes it different?  The fruit (pomegranate, yumberry) and vegetable extracts (pumpkin) and oils such as Evening Primrose. This blush actually looks luminous and gives a fresh and dewy look to the skin.  I was truly impressed.  So, if you're looking for a pretty Spring/Summer glow, please try this out!   $20


ORA'S AMAZING HERBAL

This is a talc, grain and free of anything synthetic powder.  If you're not using a talc-free powder, it's essential that you start. Why you should be talc-free?   From Ora's site:  "Talc is now known to remain airborne for an extended period of time, allowing it to get into the lungs and has also been found in other various body tissue where it doesn’t belong. Corn and grain starches, a common powder ingredient, has been shown to exacerbate certain types of rashes." Because I'm avoiding talc, I bring this powder with me when I get waxed. This powder also absorbs moisture, balances pH levels and can be used as a shoe deodorant.  Get it in Blissful Earth, Unscented and Vanilla scents.  $10.99

All-Purpose Salve  Yeah, so this does absolutely everything and it's SO smooth!  I'm loving keeping this next to my computer for my cuticles (and plan to use it on my feet post-pedis).  It feels so soft and silky when applying and, oddly enough, doesn't feel greasy - at all!  With a super herbal scent, this can also be used as a first aid ointment, on tattoos and as a wrinkle cream, too.  Oh, and it's great for the wee babies, too. $8.99 to $18.99


LIMEGREEN
Oh, Talima Davis, what art you make with those hands of yours!  I am LOVING this brand something fierce.  Because I plan on doing a full review, I'm only going to talk about their Wash that I am keeping in my shower.  I adore using this.  When an ingredient list reads like this: Water, Organic Saponified Oils, Only Essential Oils, Citric Acidyou know you're in good hands.  Why is this a triple threat? Because there's so many uses for every product.  I am especially loving this wash for my body and it has been a dream to shave with.  It goes on so smooth and silky and leaves the skin hydrated and clean.  This wash comes in Lavendula, Lemongrass, Lotus, Poppy and Zinnia scents. I'm recommending you look into this brand if you're in the market for multi-purpose products that smell great (unreal), are pure and made in super-cool Brooklyn, New York ya'll!  $9-$16


I was kindly given these products to test by the artists themselves.  I value their hard work and talent.  I hope you find something here that you love and thank you for reading!

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Mouth-Watering New Green Products! SkinOwl's Eye Cream & Caru Skincare Co!


Some products I receive I'm just so excited to start testing out.  Such was the case with both SkinOwl's new Eye + and a completely new line for me, Caru Skincare Co.  

SKINOWL EYE +
A super refreshing, multi-purpose eye treatment
If you read my blog posts, you'll know that I love SkinOwl, as I reviewed their products only a few short months ago.  When creator, Annie Tevelin mentioned to me that she was launching her eye cream, I was all in and, judging from my Instagram feed where I posted a picture of the cream, so are many of you. 

THE CONSISTENCY   SkinOwl Eye + is super light and has a thick gel feel to it....comparable to the feel of a thicker pure aloe vera gel.  One of the reasons I am so smitten with this product is the fact that the gel maintains a cool temperature and feels so refreshing every time I apply it. It's recommended that you keep it in the refrigerator to activate the cucumber enzymes (increases circulation and minimizes lines and wrinkles) and I think that's a brilliant idea.   It's like applying fresh cucumber puree to your eyes.  I love it. $46
WHAT IT DOES & WHAT'S SO COOL ABOUT IT   From the SkinOwl site: "Transforms crepe-paper skin into healthy, resilient and firm skin around your eyes, cucumber de-puffs, aloe smooths and silkens."  What did I find? It makes the skin around the eyes soft and creates a smooth surface for makeup application. It feels wonderful on tired eyes and it definitely de-puffs. It feels like such a treat and I'm not just saying that.  This is so refreshing and can only imagine how helpful it would be for those on computers all day or super-exhausted moms. What's cool is that Eye + can also be used as an all-over face treatment.  I've been applying it to my forehead, cheeks and nose and I would love, love, love to have this in a larger size to use as an all-over treatment all of the time.  This is perfect for pre-makeup application. 





CARU SKIN CARE CO.
I am excited about this line.  There, I said it.  
The first time I heard about Caru was just a few weeks ago when Pemberley Jones opened her new online store and was carrying them.  Needless to say, I was intrigued.  I mean, who has more gorgeous packaging than this brand?  Uhm...no one.    AND what really makes their soap packaging even more incredible is that it's wrapped in biodegradable, handmade, 100% PCW paper label embedded with SEEDS!  Yep, that's right, you can plant the packaging.  Can you stand it?  
Pemberley Jones says:   "I love how much care Dominique, Caru's creator, takes to make the line as sustainable as possible.  From sourcing her ingredients to choosing minimal packaging that's still beautiful."
I have the Dry Skin Facial Kit ($43) which consists of Rock & Rose Facial Toner, French Green Clay Face Soap and Organic Jojoba Oil Daytime Moisturizer.   They also carry an Oily Skin Kit and a Chamomile Skin Rescue Face Kit for dry or weather-damaged skin. They come packaged in a gorgeous linen bag.  Boy, did they nail it on the packaging here!


Rock & Rose Facial Toner   I love a toner that doesn't dry out the skin.  This toner leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean. I've been using it each time after I cleanse and absolutely loving how it removes any makeup the cleanser didn't get.  Although the name may lead you to believe otherwise, this toner does not smell like roses.  It has a bit of a sour smell to it, which I don't mind in the least as the ingredients and performance are so wonderful. I can't imagine everyone not benefitting from this toner - dry skin or not! $24
Ingredients: Rose (Rosa damasena) Hydrosol*, Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) Hydrosol*, Rock Rose (Cistus ladaniferus) Hydrosol*, Hydrosol Blend*  *organic


French Green Clay Soap  I'm very sad that I'm almost finished with my bar of this soap. This is one soap that I can honestly say will not dry out your face.  BUT, my body is loving it, too.  I started out testing it on my face and then body.  It feels wonderful and is so pure. The scent is of lavender with pine.  Let's just say that I want more of this.  Oh, and this soap is vegan!  $9


Organic Jojoba Oil Facial Moisturizer   There's nothing like a pure face oil.  This incredibly affordable oil makes my skin so soft, I'm in love. I daresay that I would start recommending this to people who want to start on face oils but don't want the oily feeling or heavy price tag.  This oil is unrefined and certified USDA organic.  It provides an SPF of 4 (so it's great for layering with your non-toxic sunblock).  $10

*All opinions are my own, gosh darn it!

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Feisty Pinks For Spring and Summer 2014 with Ilia Beauty, Tsi-La, Alima Pure and RGB! Get Excited!




"I declare that it's all about pinks, violets and magenta for Spring/Summer!  Here's what I'm loving - and lusting for - in makeup and organic fragrance!"
I need a late pass because I've yet to try this Magenta-hued little gem, but from what I'm hearing, it's just gorgeous and that means that I have to get on it, asap.  I'm happy to report that this is one of Ilia Beauty's Lip Conditioners, which means that the color is buildable and has a balm-like feel to it.  Like blue-toned pinks? Well, this is for you.  Have at it, women, I know I'm going to!  $26


Oh, you Vanilla-loving girls are in for such a treat, I can't begin to tell you.  This isn't just your ordinary, "Oh, who smells like Vanilla?" scent, but a natural fragrance made up of  "vanilla bourbon, sweet cocoa, Indonesian sandalwood and a touch of caramelized Siam benzoin resin..."  L'Absolu Vanille is a little roller ball perfume oil and is perfect for carrying around with you.  I like to put a little on my wrists, on my neck and then a touch on the tip of my nose (I know, strange, but I just love the smell and being a New Yorker, well, we gravitate towards great scents whenever we can!)  If you haven't tried Tsi-La before, I'm urging you to!   Oh, and with every purchase made in the month of April, the ladies of Tsi-la will send you a packet of Lavender Heirloom seeds that they use to grow their Lavender for their organic perfumes.  $44
  • 100% Flower and Plant Based
  • Plant Essences And Raw Organic Oils
  • Super-Fruit And Phytonutrient Infused
  • Ultra-Pure Natural Ingredients
  • Vitamins And Minerals
  • Zero Synthetic Chemicals
  • Preservative and Colorant Free

Five Free.  Yeah, that's right, RGB polishes are free of Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP,  Formaldehyde resin, and Camphor, making them right up a Green Girl's alley.  Now, I rarely get a color painted on my nails when I get a manicure, but I always do a strong pedicure...AND I always bring my own polish, remover and cream so I can avoid their toxic products.  I love bright colors on my feet - anything from purple to hot pink...and violet!  I love this feisty pink and I'm also loving their other shades, too...they've got some gorgeous blues and greens!  Vegan & Cruelty-free! $18


Isn't this color just so beautiful?  I can see this as a staple for the warmer months...love it!  I especially love colors that I know I can't really mess up whilst I apply it.  This is a limited edition for 2014 and I am loving the look of it.  How gorgeous to do with with black mascara, some black liner and and pink lip?  I think it's also wonderful for a clean, natural look, too!  The pigments are so luminous and can be used either dry or wet (giving it a more intense metallic look) or as a highlighter.  Oh, and for $12.50, it's a bargain, yes?


*Some of these products were generously given to me for review, contains an Affiliate Link.

Friday, April 4, 2014

Spring Things Part 2: What I'm Loving from Saf Organics, Marie Veronique Organics, Valentina's Home-Brewed and Dirtea!


SAF ORGANICS (Gluten-Free)
Lavender Mandarin Cleansing Grains -  This is a line that's completely new to me and I have to say, I'm really loving the quality and performance of everything I'm testing out.  The first product I tried was the Lavender Mandarin Cleaning Grains and boy, do I wish I had more of this!  The name of this might be a little deceiving as I found these "grains" to actually be soft and smooth little balls of wonderful.  There's nothing rough or grainy about it.  Rubbed between damp hands, this product turns into a super creamy cleanser that I love.  It feels so pure, fresh and so natural, I would recommend this to everyone.  Oh, and it smells just heavenly!  And at $16, it's a steal. Gluten-free!
Ingredients: pruus dulcis (almond), cocos nucifera (coconut) extract, vegetable glycerin, bolus alba (kaolin) clay, emblica officinalis (marula) oil, (barbadensis) aloe extract, persea armeniaca (apricot) oil, proprietary blend of essential oils.
Spiced Orange Lotion Bars - These are delicious!  Truly.  Not only do they smell wonderful, but they are so moisturizing and feel so good going on that I'm seriously thinking you need this.  With super-hydrating ingredients like shea butter and oils like coconut, avocado and castor, your skin will feel so soft and look so dewy, it's going to be gorgeous on arms, chest and legs for the Spring/Summer months.  My boyfriend loves the scent so much, I've also been applying it to my neck nightly!  Gluten-free!  $10
Ingredients: butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, euphorbia antisphyllitica (candelilla) wax, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, persea americana (avocado) oil, ricinus communis (castor) oil, proprietary blend of essential oils. 
Pacific Lip Treatment  Calling this a lip balm just isn't right, as it's definitely a treatment for the lips.   If you're a lip balm addict or want subtly plumper lips, you're going to love MVO's new anti-aging Pacific Lip Treatment.  Their trademarked MVO LipPlump helps to maintain lip fullness.  This is so wonderful to wear due to the fact that it's so soothing, moisturizing and the scent is so light and pretty!   I keep this next to my bed and use it both on my lips and also on my cuticles...I love multi-functional products!  Oh, and it's a nice-sized (and beautiful) jar for $68.
INGREDIENTS:  Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) oil*, ricinus communis (castor) seed oil*, cera alba (beeswax), butyrospermum parkii (shea butter)*, MVO LipPlump™, euphorbia antisyphillitica (candelilla) wax, mixed tocopherols (vitamin E)*, trachelospermum jasminoides (star jasmine) essential oil, polianthes tuberosa (tuberose) essential oil   *organic 


The Perfume Rollers - How is it that I loved the smell of every single one of Valentina's scents?  I've got Sunny Outlook (a citrus blend of Mandarin, Lemon and Ginger) next to my bed because I love to smell it before I sleep and True Love (Cardamom, Chocolate and Roses) in my handbag.  Prosperity and Psychic Detox hang out around the apartment, and unlike many other fragrances with pure ingredients, I find that these last and are very, very affordable.  $12.99  
INGREDIENTS: Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Rosemary Antioxidant, Proprietary Essential Oil Blend.
DIRTEA

Green Tea Scrub/Chia Tea Scrub - This feels like a real body treatment you're giving yourself in the shower.  A gorgeous dark green mossy texture of pure goodness that you rub all over yourself.  It's recommended that you keep this on your skin for a few minutes to let it work its magic, so I've been scrubbing up and shaving or doing something else to let some time go by.  I felt a slight tingle on my skin while I was applying this which I didn't mind at all as I felt it was working.  This left my skin super soft, really clean and fresh.  I recommend going over your skin with a soft cloth to make sure all of the product is removed.  Take note:  this can get messy, but it's just so much fun and it works, so who cares?  $14.95
INGREDIENTS:  Moroccan Mint Green Tea (Freshly Ground Loose Leaf Powder), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond Oil), Water (Aqua), Sodium Chloride (Dead Sea Salt), Sucrose (Organic Cane Sugar), Metha Arvensis (Peppermint Oil), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E). 
*I was generously offered these products to test.  All opinions are my own.  This post contains an Affiliate Link.

Monday, March 31, 2014

Province Apothecary: Toronto's Natural Skincare Has Got Me TOTALLY Hooked!

"I'm just going to say it:  I love everything from Julie Clark's Province Apothecary line and I'm really bummed that I'm finished testing it. Yes, this gorgeous skincare from Toronto worked perfectly for me. This line is totally complete with everything you need.  It's effective, pure and feels perfect on the skin."
MOISTURIZING CLEANSER & MAKEUP REMOVER
I want this.  I want the full size and I want it now.  I was absolutely taken with this cleanser from the first time I used it.  Why?  The oils in this decadent cleanser feel so completely wonderful as you massage away your makeup and/or dirt o' the day.  Then, use a warm washcloth to gently wipe the cleanser off.   The best part?  There was never any need for any toner to remove any leftover makeup as this cleanser breaks it all down.  This feels like a real treatment...hydrating and cleansing at the same time.  I'm highly recommending this!  $42

INGREDIENTS:  Sunflower Seed Oil*,  Jojoba oil*, Avocado oil*, Evening Primrose oil*, Raspberry Seed oil*, GMO-free Vitamin E, Rosemary leaf extract, and therapeutic essential oils of: Bergamot, Lavender*, Frankincense* and Petit grain. *Certified Organic

What can I say about this face serum?  It's so hydrating, feels wonderful going on and leaves your skin super soft.  With some stellar ingredients like Pomegranate and Raspberry Seed Oil, Seabuckthorn and Borage, you know you're getting the real deal.  I loved applying this after the Province Apothecary cleanser.  The scent is of Frankincense and if you love that, you'll be in heaven.  $76

INGREDIENTS:  Apricot kernel oil*, Pumpkin seed oil*, Jojoba Seed Oil*, Avocado oil*, Grape seed oil*, Pomegranate oil*, Raspberry seed oil*, Sea buckthorn oil*, Calendula oil*, Rosehip oil*, Borage oil*, GMO-free Vitamin E, & wild-crafted essential oils of: Neroli, Frankincense, German chamomile, and Rose otto.*Certified Organic

NOURISHING + REVITALIZING MOISTURIZER
Another home run here.  I applied this moisturizer after letting the face serum absorb for a few minutes.  With 95% organic ingredients and 5% wild-crafted ingredients, this moisturizer is super pure and feels outta this world.  It hydrates without feeling greasy, it's light and gets the job done.  I would say the consistency of this moisturizer is of a light cream.  I can imagine that this would be great for all skin types.  $24

INGREDIENTS:  Water, Rose flower water*, Apricot oil*, Jojoba seed oil*, Grape seed oil*, Emulsimulse (Vegetable wax), Calendula oil*, Evening primrose oil*, Rose hip oil*, Carrot root oil*, GMO-free Vitamin E, Rosemary seed extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Grapefruit extract, therapeutic essential oils of: Lavender, Neroli, Frankincense, Immortelle, and Rose otto. *Certified Organic


DETOXIFYING + CLARIFYING CLAY MASK
I love a great mask.  I also love one that can work with all skin types.  When I first tried this mask, I mixed it with water and found that it really left my skin clean and bright, but since I'm super dry, it felt a bit tight (using the mask in this way would be awesome for an oiler skin).  So, if you have drier skin, Julie recommends mixing it with plain, organic yogurt.  DISCO!  Sure enough I had bright, soft skin that was clean and fresh-looking.  As creator Julie says on her site:  "Clay detoxifies; tightening the skin and reducing the signs of aging.  Wild crafted algae nourishes the skin, regenerates cell growth, and stimulates collagen production, and Maple sugar moisturizes; giving your skin a healthy glow and smooth tone."  Although this contains Maple sugar, the seaweed powder gives this great mask its scent.   $58

INGREDIENTS:  Rhassoul Clay, Kaolin Clay, Canadian Algae*, BC Glacial Marine Clay and Maple Syrup*. *Certified Organic

THE PERFUMES
It can be somewhat of an arduous task to write about scent, but with Province Apothecary's helpful list on their website, choosing one of Julie's delicious scents should be very, very easy.  I was sent No. 14, No. 19 & No. 30 and loved all of them.  No. 19 was a huge favorite, though.  I think the sampler pack is brilliant and I recommend you look into it if you're looking for a new natural fragrance.   


*I was kindly given these products to test and all opinions are my own.  I loved 'em!

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

A Night Cream For Everyone: Kahina Giving Beauty's New Night Cream...What A Little Gem!

Wow.  If there's one thing you need to know about Kahina Giving Beauty's Night Cream, it is this: it is nothing like any other night cream you've ever tried before.  
Why?  The main reason being is that it is incredibly smooth and light.  Yep, that's right, light. Whenever I think Night Cream, I picture a heavy cream that will sit on my face for the entire night, hydrating it, but not really allowing my skin to breathe, which is the exact reason why I don't usually use one.  This cream is the polar opposite; so soft to the touch and spreads so easily, it's a true joy to use.  I find myself reaching for it for daytime use, but for the purpose of review, I stuck to what it was created for: nighttime.  


The main super-potent anti-aging ingredients are argan oil and red wine grapes.  The first ingredient? Aloe vera leaf juice.  If you're looking for more hydration, this cream can be used in conjunction with Kahina's stellar Argan Oil (which I'm a huge fan of) or their serum.  I've been mixing the night cream with my argan oil, nightly. 


So, what will this cream do for you?
  • Build collagen to firm and lift
  • Improve tone and texture for more even, radiant skin
  • Minimize appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Soothe irritation and decrease redness
  • Hydrate and moisturizes for smoother, softer skin
  • Protect skin from environmental free radical damage that causes further aging 


Katherine, the creator of Kahina, told me that it took two years to develop this cream...well-done, woman!   I'm so happy that she thought outside the box and re-created the idea of what a night cream should be...hydrating, soothing, smoothing, but without all the heaviness.  My skin is so soft and so completely hydrated, I'm hooked.  Boy, am I going to be taking out my sad rags when this is finished, it's awesome.  This is a definite re-purchase!

Oh, and keep in mind that 99.98% of the total ingredients are from natural origin and 78.68% are from Organic Farming...cool, eh?  50 ML  $105


*I was generously given this wonderful Night Cream for review.  All opinions are my own, gosh-darn it!

Thursday, February 27, 2014

WOO-HOO! SPRING MAKEUP! Jane Iredale's New Magic Hour Makeup Collection...Gorgeous!


Oh, my!  No one is happier to be writing about some new makeup for Spring 2014 than me.  I think we can all agree that it's been a loooong and brutal winter.  So, who's ready for some pretty new makeup to add to their stash?  Yeah, me too.  That's why I was thrilled to be invited to attend the launch of Jane Iredale's new Magic Hour Makeup Collection for Spring 2014.  Inspired by the light seen at sunset (which we all look good in, right?) this collection has lots of coral, mauve and golds and bronze.  Let's take a look...

Lip Fixation - I don't understand why I didn't own these before as I love the idea of clean makeup that's long-lasting.  This dual-ended lip stain and gloss are perfect for those of you who detest reapplying your lipstick.  New to this collection is Craze, a gorgeous bright coral and Compulsion, a subtle nude-mauve that I think would look great for anyone going for a natural look.  I'm also thinking that these would be ideal for the beach as you wouldn't have to think about reapplying.  All of the Lip Fixation colors are really gorgeous and I'm so excited to try out their other colors!   $30

Touch Highlighter - This is to die for!   Comfort, a coral/gold-hued highlighter is so pretty (and smells of honeysuckle) that I've been using it ever day since I received it.  I'm using it as a blush, but it can also be used on brow bones, as a lid primer and on the bridge of the nose.  It's a cream-to-powder and the feel is so silky. This is a no-brainer and a staple for the upcoming warmer weather.   I'm really recommending this!  $28
Jelly Jar Eyeliner - This is one product that everyone is really excited about...a chemical-free gel eyeliner.  This liner goes on so smoothly and is so easy to apply.  After application, it dries immediately and has wonderful staying power.  I think what I'm most impressed with is how nicely it spreads on.  Although I didn't receive it, I did see their new Angle Eyeliner Brush at the launch, which is perfect to apply this eyeliner.  Colors available are black and brown.  Eyeliner: $28  Brush: $15.50

PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple - Golden Girl is a gorgeous eye shadow trio
made up of a bronze, dusty rose and a gold shadow.  I love this look for Spring with a coral lip and cheeks.  I also think that this color palette would look great on just about anyone...even fair-skinned girls like myself.  $28
Read all about the launch here and see if you can spot me hanging out with the ever-cool Alise from Jane Iredale!  I was generously given this collection to review and all opinions are my own.

Monday, February 17, 2014

Wow, SkinOwl Natural Skincare Is A Force & You Can Feel It With 10% Off

With so many new brands to try, it's always fun when I'm immediately impressed with products on the spot.  Such was the case with SkinOwl, makeup artist Annie Tevelin's gorgeous little natural skincare line.  I was sent their perfect Geranium Argan Infusion Face Oil, their Body Oil and Red & Black Currant Radiance Candle.  I think the prices are great and I loved how effective the products were.

SkinOwl's Geranium Face Oil
I am really fortunate in that I get to test out a lot of amazing natural face oils.  I'm rarely impressed, but loved SkinOwl's enough that I actually brought it on my recent vacation to Seattle and then on to Cabo, and that's saying a lot as I have many, many face oils to choose from.

What's to love about it?
Super hydrating
Brightens (I saw immediately in the AM)
Goes on really smooth
Very affordable:   1 oz: $30  2 oz: $50

Choose yer oil:
There are three different kinds of argan infusions to choose from; I tested the Geranium.  The infusions are:  

Lavender- calming, anti-inflammatory
Geranium- balances, maintains current levels of moisture, boosts radiance
Clary Sage- anti-aging smoothing, hydrating, plumping

Ingredients:  Raw, Organic, Unrefined Argania Spinosa Extract, Organic Rose Geranium Oil




I know what you're thinking, "Eh, another body oil..." but you would be wrong, woman!  I have to say that SkinOwl's body oil completely stands out.  I mean, this feels so incredibly smooth and silky, it just spreads so easily and feels amazing.  I even tried out a few others ones on my other arm to see if I was just imagining it, but alas, it rocked.   This comes in a gorgeous glass bottle and it's a great size, too.  


What's to love about it?
Goes on so smooth and I think it's best to apply post-shower
I  love the ingredients
Absorbs in good time
I didn't detect a scent, so this is good for errybody

Key Ingredients:  Neem, Apricot Oil, Safflower, and Sweet Almond Oils, Jojoba, Aloe, Vitamin E, Rose Absolute, Vanilla Extract. 


Okay, so it's so much fun to get a candle to test out.  I just loved this.  Hand poured in West Hollywood by Master Candlemaker Timothy Jay, it smells absolutely wonderful and I love the ingredients:  vegetable soy wax, red and black currant extract oil and a lead free wick. $24



Wanna try SkinOwl & get 10% off?

SkinOwl creator, Annie, has kindly offered my readers 10% off  using code:  "GPJ"  to get 10% off on SkinOwl.com.  Partay!




*I generously received these products to test and all opinions are my own.  I highly recommend this line, ladies!


Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Toners! Who Doesn't Just Love A Great Natural Toner? Sanre Organic Skinfood, Herbal Grace Creations, GingerChi, & Dr. Alkaitis Trump!


I am a huge fan of toners.  I love using them to take off any residual makeup left after cleansing,  to hydrate before applying my moisturizer, to set my makeup and I also keep a few on my desk to hydrate throughout the day.  

I buy this toner in bulk.  Seriously.   I am never without it and it's my go-to on a daily basis for many years now.   Why do I love thee?  Well, it's so moisturizing that I never even contemplate applying a moisturizer without spraying it beforehand. Check out the ingredients and tell me they aren't beautiful!  I love the fact that there's so many essential oils in here.  $25.99  (Sign up for their emails because they have great sales...and often!)
Ingredients:  Organic Rose Hydrosol, Organic Witch Hazel Hydrosol, Organic Aloe Vera Gel, Organic Rose Absolute Essential Oil, Organic Rose Essential Oil, Organic Green Tea Extract, Organic Chamomile Essential Oil, Organic Calendula Oil, Organic Arnica Essential Oil, Organic Tea Tree Essential Oil.   Certified Vegan.



I'm a firm believer in the power of Apple Cider Vinegar.  Sure, it doesn't smell like unicorn breath, but nothing balances the skin quite like it and honestly, you'll get used to it, especially after you see the wonders it does for your skin.    I usually make my own, but it pales in comparison to this one.  The process by which Queen of Hungary's Facial Toner is made is pretty intense and I love the added ingredients of lemon balm leaf, calendula flowers, sage and more.  This is how it's created: "The toner is made by solar-infusing organic herbs in raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar for a three-week period. This enables the therapeutic properties of the herbs to extract.  After three weeks, the herbs are strained and pure rose water is added in equal proportion to the vinegar solution."  Yeah, this toner has got mine beat by A LOT!  I recommend this for those with problem skin, those in need of a good cleansing and those who wish to tone their skin.  $16. 

Ingredients:  Organic raw apple cider vinegar, Rose water, Organic lemon balm leaf, Organic chamomile flowers, Organic red rose petals, Organic calendula flowers, Organic comfrey leaf, Organic lemon peel, Organic rosemary leaf, Organic rubbed sage

I absolutely love this toner and even suggested to GingerChi that they should be working on a natural fragrance based on it...I know it sounds strange, but it's that gorgeous. Anyway, this is such a wonderful toner that I dread finishing it.  The scent is perfection, as are the ingredients.  This toner is great for balancing the skin, hydrating and leaving it feeling refreshed and clean.  If you love a clean, fresh, ginger/citrus scent, you'll love using this.  To read a full review of GingerChi's products, click here.  $36
Ingredients:  Rose Water, Melissa Water, Ginseng Tincture*, Aloe Vera Concentrate*, Siberian Ginseng, NFF Moisturizer, Sea Silk, Eco Preservative, Essential Oil of Fresh Ginger. *Organic
DR. ALKAITIS Organic Herbal Toner
Ah, this is the good stuff.  My skin always feels super, super clean after using this.  The reason I love it? First off, the ingredients are perfect.  With a base of Aloe Vera, I find it to be a tad thicker than other toners and I love that.  This is a super effective and multi-functional product as it's a toner, astringent (that will NEVER dry out the skin) balances the skin and is also anti-inflammatory.  This can also be used as an after-sun tonic.  It's so cooling and refreshing.  I love it.  $55
Ingredients:  Into a base of organic Aloe Vera gel*, Witch Hazel and organic grain alcohol* (from the fermentation of organically grown grains), the following organic and wild-crafted herbs are blended: Greater Nettle*, Wild Chamomile flowers**, Myrrh**, European Elder blossoms*, Marsh Mallow*, French Lavender flowers*, Curacao Orange*, Benzoin**, Rosemary*, Wild Fennel** and Balm Mint*. Grapefruit* and Lemon* extracts. Sea Oak**, Atlantic Kelp** and Pearl Moss**. Also added are natural vitamin B and vitamin C complexes and 100% pure Essential Oils. * - Signifies certified organically grown. ** - Signifies ethically wild-crafted

Some of these products were purchased, some were generously given to me for review.  All opinions are my own.  I hope you find something you love here!