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

REJUVENATING + HYDRATING FACE SERUM

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!

My Natural Open Sky favorites from Lotus Wei, Lollique Beauté & Waxelene!

When the peeps from Open Sky contacted me and asked for me to pick out and review some products that would appeal to me and my green-minded readers, I was very excited.  These are three products that I just loved.

Lotus Wei's Inner Peace
I love Lotus Wei.  I'm a huge fan of Infinite Love and Joy Juice, but think I've always truly needed Inner Peace (I'm a big worrywart).  I tested out the Inner Peace serum and the mist.  If you've never tried  these, I suggest you do and here's why:  

Inner Peace Mist -  Unlike many other aromatherapy products out there that are kinda strong and medicinal-smelling (why is that?) Inner Peace smells so relaxing and pure.  It's an absolute pleasure to sniff.  I find myself spraying the mist while I'm at my desk and then taking it in my bag and spraying it whenever I come upon it in my makeup bag.

Inner Peace Serum -  I've been keeping this right next to my bed and applying it to my face, neck and hands each night.  It's glorious (yeah, I'm bringing back the word glorious)!  Cup your hands and lift them up to your face and just breathe in to feel "deep calm, confidence and contentment."  This is great for relieving anxiety, nerves over public speaking, stress, etc.  I actually feel relaxed when I take time out to apply this. 

Lollique Beauté
I hadn't heard of this line before and I'm a little confused as to why as their skincare is super natural and really well made. 

Mask de Miel - Honey, honey, honey, it's all I'm hearing about lately...and quite frankly, I love the idea of it.  These ingredients are superb (raw Manuka honey and dried botanical plants, to name a few). This is one super-thick and hearty mask that's handmade in small batches and very high quality.  It left my skin toned, hydrated and glowing.  This can be used as a mask and/or face cleanser.  

Polissant - I have to admit, I'm a huge sucker for a delicious-smelling natural product.  This smells like a just-baked sugar cookie...so good.  I love using this.  If you're in the market for a great cleanser that will exfoliate gently, this is the way to go.  This product also contains some natural alpha hydroxy acids, so I like to keep it on my skin for a minute, but remember your sunblock post-use!  Oh, and this product contains nuts, dairy, honey and bee pollen...allergic types, take note!

Chamomile Hydrosol - I love a good toner.  I use them constantly...spraying whenever I need some moisture, before I apply my moisturizers and also to set my makeup.  If you don't use one, I'm confused how we're friends.  Lollique's Chamomile Hydrosol was an instant favorite due to the fact that I absolutely love chamomile.  They also have hydrosols in Cornflower (intriguing...) Lavender, Witch Hazel, Rose, Lemongrass, Lemon, Orange and Pure Aloe Vera.

Lipstick Couleur in First Date Pink - I also tried their lipstick/balm in First Date Pink.  If you're looking for a balm with some very subtle pink (bright pink in tube, comes out a light baby pink) I suggest you go for this.  I love wearing it to the gym...a little color, but I don't feel like I've got lots of lipstick on.

Waxelene
I do not have enough AMAZING things to say about this.  If you're using petroleum jelly in any capacity, this is one of the first changes you need to make.  Don't believe me?   Read up on what's in it. Blech!  Not only does this smell like the sweetest honey, it's non-greasy, goes on clear, doesn't clog pores like petroleum jelly and is super multi-purpose.  You can moisturize every body part (including feet), remove makeup, use on your lips and, of course, it's perfect for wee babies.  The ingredients? Organic Soy Oil, Beeswax, Natural Vitamin E, Organic Rosemary Oil.  Oh, and I will be most definitely purchasing this when my lil tube runs out...and that's saying A LOT!  Get it on Open Sky here!

*I kindly received these products to review and thankfully, I loved them.  

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. 

The Girls of Splurge Skincare Perfect The Body Scrub with, "The Rub"

THE RUB

I fully agree with the founders of Splurge Skincare, Christine Cunningham and Kara Kivi (BTW, I'm loving the alliteration, girls), getting the right body scrub consistency is hard to do.  I've got tons of body scrubs that I've used once and just detested. They're either so oily that you're slipping in the shower and come out feeling like your pores are clogged or the entire container is filled with loose sugar or salt that falls all over the place before you even get down to scrubbin'!

Well, I'm excited to announce that these girls (and very close friends) have nailed it. The Rub has thee perfect consistency.  It's gritty, but not too gritty, is easy to pick up, doesn't disappear when you apply it to wet skin AND it works...exfoliation and hydration city!

The Rub is available in Lemon, Peppermint, Almond and, a soon-to-be-released scent named, "Autumn" which is a delicious blend of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg with a hint of orange...oh, my!  I can't wait to try the other scents...this one is delicious.  I can honestly say that out of all of the body scrubs I've tried, this is my favorite...and I've tried a TON!  $26

LIP BUTTAH

I also tried their Lip Buttah in Lemon.  This is wonderful.  It's so smooth, has excellent green ingredients and also lasts.  I've been wearing it on my lips before bed and wake up and it's still on there, hydrating like it's nobody's business!  The Lip Buttah also comes in Peppermint, Almond and Orange Chocolate. $7

Oh, and by the way, these ladies aren't messing around, their pure and natural ingredients are listed right underneath their products...no greenwashing here!  I love to support small, green businesses who are churning out great product.  I hope you'll give Splurge a shot.