Why You Can Buy Everything You Need From All-Natural Sellwood Soap Co...

Uhm...what's going on in Portland?

I'm not sure, but we're two for two with Portland-made lines that were recently sent to me.

First Schmidt's Deodorant and now Sellwood Soaps!  It's not very often that I fall in love with an entire line.  It's happened, but very infrequently.  With minimal to no packaging (big plus), excellent, and I mean, excellent homemade products that are ridiculously affordable, Rachael Gruen's line is a must for those of you who want to buy all your skincare from one place.

COCONUT & SHEA LOTION BARS

Coconut & Shea Lotion Bars

"We're gonna need a bigger mold!"  

I loved this lil guy!  I've already asked Rachael to figure out how to make these bigger & she's working on finding a bigger mold!   What are they?  These are just little bars of moisture that you rub all over your body, hands, wherever. They work wonderfully, aren't greasy AND there's no real packaging,  just some wax paper and a little box to recycle.  My skin was super hydrated and I found it so easy to apply post-shower that I was bummed when it ran out.  Coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax are just some of the stellar ingredients.  Big fan.  $6.75 1 oz.

The Handmade Soap
I received the Vetiver Rose Soap, but she's got lots of scents: Citrus, Lavender Oatmeal, Complexion Soap and specialized soaps for acne-prone skin, one for your hair, for your pooch and even for laundry. I'm a total sucker for a handmade bar of soap (and a sweater knitted for me...anyone knit?) This soap is so moisturizing, smells wonderful and feels so smooth on the skin that I'm kind of feeling bad for the soap I made myself as it sits in the shower in defeat. "The Winner takes it all..." $6.50

Vetiver & Orange Facial Scrub

THE FACIAL OIL

This was a quick favorite.  Filled with sugar and amazing oils such as sunflower, rose hip, orange, rosemary and vetiver this scrub is WONDERFUL.  Can you please trust me on this?  The reason I love it so much is the fact that it totally exfoliates, but the oils from the scrub stay on your skin so there's absolutely no need to apply moisturizer after.  It smells so great and for $12, it's a no-brainer.  

The Facial Oil
Okay, no excuses.  For all of you out there who want to try a facial oil, but have found quality ones to be too expensive, here you go.  This oil, containing ingredients like rose hip, argan, avocado, olive oil and tamamu oil is fantastic.  It's hydrating, absorbs quick and gets the job done.  It's also $22 for a good-sized bottle.  

The Lip Balm
Even the lip balm nails it.  It's smooth, hydrating and I love these ingredients:  Olive oil, beeswax, shea butter, cocoa butter.  $6 for a tin that will last you quite some time.

*I received these products to test.  All opinions are mine!


Giveaway is closed. 


1.  "Like" Sellwood Soap's FB Page   AND...

2. Either below in the comments or on my Facebook page, tell me what makes you so gosh-darn lovable!

This contest ended Friday, August 2, 2013 at 12 noon. 

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!

Best Natural Face Exfoliators from Acure Organics and Simply Divine Botanicals

I'm a firm believer in exfoliating your face. Now, I'm not going to say how many times a week you should exfoliate, as I am certain that that's something only you (or your esthetician) can determine since everyone has a different situation going on with their skin.  Naturally, if you're prone to redness and breakouts, you're not going to exacerbate the problem by scrubbing it.  Me?  I usually exfoliate between once or twice a week. These are two of my favorite natural exfoliators for the face.

Acure Organics Brightening Facial Scrub

There's a few reasons why I really love this scrub.  It's a GREAT product to have in your shower because it's so easy to use.  I love, love, love the tube.  If you're the type that loves tiny little beads to exfoliate your skin, you'll love this.  It comes out of the tube a dark, dark green and foams up once you start scrubbing your skin.  You need so little of it and the ingredients are excellent.   This really brightens the skin, is so gentle that it won't dry you out and it's super affordable at $14.99.

Simply Divine Botanicals' Peel Me a Papaya Enzymatic Exfoliant

The big guns.  Okay, you know those times when you just feel like you need a really, really good scrubbing of that face of yours?  Say you've been staying at someone's place or on vacation and haven't had time to take care of your skin?  Well, this is thee perfect exfoliator for that.  I would say that I use this every other week.  Very grainy and super effective, this powder face exfoliator also doubles as a mask.  In fact, that's how I use it.  The ingredients are excellent and work even better when you massage over damp skin and leave on your face for about two minutes.    Your skin will be so, so soft.  Look at these ingredients!  They are gorgeous:  
Unconditional Love and Gratitude, White Kaolin Clay, Dehydrated Coconut Milk, Dehydrated Organic Green Papaya, Organic Oat Bran, Rice Bran, Organic Cornmeal, and Organic powdered Roses, Lavender, Calendula, and Chamomile.  $19.95


*I purchased both of these products myself & the opinions are my own, gosh darn it!