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

Simple and Silky Body Powder 

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

Body.  Hair.  Hand.  Face Wash

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 Acid, you 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!

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!

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!"

ILIA BEAUTY'S JUMP

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

TSI-LA'S L'ABSOLU VANILLE

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

RGB'S VIOLET  

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

ALIMA PURE'S ORCHID 

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.

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. 

MARIE VERONIQUE ORGANICS

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 

VALENTINA'S HOME-BREWED SPELLS & POTIONS

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.