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!

Natural Face Moisturizers for Winter: S.W. Basics, Kahina Giving Beauty & Pai

S.W. BASICS  It's still Spring-like here in NYC, but I still feel like there's a bit of a chill in the evenings and that means it's time to start using moisturizers with a little more kick in them.  This year I'm trying S.W. Basics' Cream and, once again, these guys knock it out of the park. With only three ingredients: shea butter, coconut oil and olive oil, this balm-like cream is so pure, it really moisturizes your skin, yet doesn't clog. My skin is baby smooth and I've been putting it on before makeup with excellent results.  All their products are handmade in Brooklyn and their packaging is excellent.   This is a big jar as far as moisturizers go and you need so little. $34  Oh, and for the coming cold weather, I also recommend their lip balm!  

KAHINA GIVING BEAUTY  What can be said about Kahina Giving Beauty's Argan Oil that hasn't been said a thousand times?  If you're looking for a hydrating face oil (year 'round), this is the one to buy.  It's the real deal and I use it daily.  This oil is so pure you can also use it to hydrate your hair, nails (it's really great to rub on your cuticles and hands before bed - you wake up with such smooth and hydrated skin) and, of course, your face. My friend tried my Kahina this past summer and is now so hooked. He has me order and have it shipped to his workplace, "Get me the large and quick!"  Liquid gold.   30 ML: $36  100 ML: $82    473 ML: $200

PAI  This is another moisturizer that isn't just for the colder months, but if you don't use creams in the Summer and want to take it up a notch, this is for you. Pai's Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream ($44) is definitely thicker than a lotion, but doesn't feel heavy.  Beyond the fact that it smells absolutely DELISH (I'm a huge fan of the smell of chamomile) this hydrates, goes on smooth and comes in a super easy pump.  So many of their creams are excellent, but this is the one that I use and love.   If you are in the market for a heavier cream, try their Macadamia & Rose BioRejuvenate Moisturizer. Everything is organic and awesome, trust me.  $47