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Spill It: The Green Product Junkie's *Come As You Are* Beauty Tag. What's in your makeup bag...right this minute!

Back in the 50s and 60s, they used to have something called, "Come As You Are" parties.  Now, if the name isn't obvious enough, allow me to explain...

You'd receive an invite in the mail, and you had to show up at the party (whenever it was scheduled for) dressed exactly as you were when you received the invite.  Now, if you had any bit of personality, you showed up dressed completely ridiculously to make all of your friends laugh uncontrollably (and wonder what the heck was going on in your home).  My parents went to one and the pictures were hilarious, so now I'd love to single-handedly bring that back...in a green blogger kinda way.

My beauty tag is a "Come As You Are" party for the makeup bag.  This means that I want to see exactly what's in your makeup bag AS YOU NOW READ THIS.  However...I don't want you to add things, to run and go get something to make yourself look cooler (how would that be possible, anyway?) Just simply, SPILL IT. That's right, spill your makeup bag on the table, the carpet, the couch and take a picture and then explain what you've got and what's going on in there.  Have fun and remember...no staging, let's keep this real.  

Couleur Caramel Cils Long Mascara & Brow Pencil - I love this mascara, but only for the top lashes as I think it would smudge on the lower ones.  It's my favorite mascara for volume and kapow.  Oh, and I love their brow pencil.  I'm not sure why, but I always have.  It's got a great little brow brush on one end, too.  Disco!

Dr. Hauschka Plum/White Eyeliner Duo - This is my favorite liner, but for some reason they stopped making this color and this is my last one (insert groan here).  I usually just apply it on the upper lid and the inside upper lid and it naturally smudges to give a slightly smoky eye...perfect for the girl who thinks black is a bit scary.

RMS Beauty - Wow, I never noticed how much RMS I carry around.  No wonder my bag is heavy!  I've got Demure Lip2Cheek, Lunar Cream Shadow, "Un" Coverup in 11, Living Luminizer and Bloom Lip Shine.

EcoTools Retractable Foundation Brush - I love this brush as it stays nice and clean for carrying and it's eco-friendly...always my goal.

Preserve Tongue Cleaner & Mint Toothpicks - Made from recycled yogurt cups, I've got these tongue cleaners in all my bags and in my bathroom.  I love Preserve.  If you don't know about their recycling practices, you should go to their site.  I love their minty toothpicks, too.

W3ll People Narcissist Foundation - What can I say?  My go-to foundation.  Light coverage, evens out skin tone, smells great and is so easy to use.  Oh, and it doesn't cake or look dry.

Tsi-La Perfume in Fiori D'Arancio - I love this lil guy.  So great to have in my makeup bag when I just want to smell pretty...on the sly.

Studio 78's Concealer "Off We Go" - If I forget this concealer, I will implode.  Okay, that's being dramatic, but between the awesome concealer and the fantastic little mirror on the inside top cover, it's a staple.  If I'm feeling dry, I'll put some RMS "Un" Coverup on top.

Zuzu Mascara - I use this on my lower lids because it NEVER flakes or smudges.  I also use it on my upper, but find myself wanting more up volume up there, hence the Couleur Caramel.  This gives a natural, pretty look.

Alima Pure Baila Lip Tint - This is from the new Kristen Arnett Me Encanta Makeup Collection.  It's so smooth and glossy feeling, I can't wait until I beg Alima enough that they start making these in pinks and brighter colors (I've already started..hee, hee)  Oh, and the scent of Cocoa is delicious.

Living Nature Lip Pencil - The color is Laughter and it's almost done, but I have a new one in my stash. This is a great neutral pencil.  

Jane Iredale Lip Gloss in Sugar Plum - This is a favorite of mine and I always carry this around.  It's a pretty medium coverage gloss in a great hot-ish pink.

Maison Scotch Makeup Bag - I love my new makeup bag.  You can't beat getting a pretty one...when I take it out, I feel happy.

Laura Mercier Lip Brush - Someone gave me this in a mini-set of brushes.  It's the only brand here that isn't green...but it's only a lip brush, so take that!

A comb - Uhm...who cares who makes it?

Thanks for playing and the rules are that you need to tag some other green beauty bloggers, keep the title as it is and, of course, have the best time.  

I'm tagging people who are probably far, far too busy to do this, like:  Life In Blush, Pemberley Jones (don't kill me), Green Beauty Bunny, 312 Beauty and Beauty by Britanie.

Beauty Tag!

One of my makeup bins.  There's some RMS Beauty, Intelligent Nutrients, Ilia Beauty, Studio 78 & Vapour

So, every now and again a Green Beauty Blogger will send out a Beauty Tag where they answer some questions and then "tag" us and have us answer them.  This tag, a very cute one I might say, was created by Sonja of Life In Blush.

On my nightstand you'll find:  Sans Lip Balm, Lotus Wei's Inner Peace Serum & KYI Moisturizing Mask (I use it for my hands & face before bed) and my iPad.

The literary character I'm most like is: I'm blanking on this.  You tell me...I'm neurotic, chatty, funny, dramatic and driven.  Go.

I'm currently obsessed with:  Ilia Beauty's Bang Bang (didn't think I could wear red before), Mun's No. 1 Aknari Serum, Lurk's RSW005 perfume (big into rose, here) and Intelligent Nutrients' Plant Stem Cell Science Renewal Complex.  I'm also obsessed with the big plans I have for my blog in the future...can't wait!

My favorite superhero is: Wonder Woman.  Who else is there?  How hot did she look in that little outfit?  And the gold lasso?  She slays me!

Favorite beauty product of 2013: Okay, hardest question ever!  Uhm...oh, I think it's my Studio 78 concealer.  

If I could have dinner with anyone dead or alive:  I haven't met him yet, but he's around 6'2", witty and lives in NYC...and he's adorable.  I'm sure he's out there somewhere...

Winter is coming, how do you prep your skin for battle?  I dip into the SW Basics Moisturizer and start removing makeup with coconut oil.

My perfect date night makeup consists of: Crush by Vapour Organic Beauty on the cheeks, Dr. Hauschka liner and Call Me & Love Buzz by Ilia Beauty.  If I'm feeling really feisty (pretty common) I'll go for Sacred by RMS Beauty on lips and cheeks.

My go-to skin-beautifying snack/drink is: Wheatgrass.  God, I detest it, but it works.

My TV boyfriend is: Hmmm...the guy who plays Peter Russo on House of Cards (not conventionally gorgeous, but he does it for me) and uh...the main guy from Walking Dead.  Sure, I'd date him...who wouldn't?

If my evening clutch could hold only one beauty item it would be:  Time to get a new evening clutch.  No, okay, I'll play along...whatever my gloss was for that night.  I don't leave the house without some kind of lipstick or gloss.

One beauty tip I would pass on to my fictional daughter is:  "Be just like your fictional mother.  She's adorable."  Kidding.  Beyond confidence and telling her how cool she is all the time, I would pass on natural sunblock and lead-free lipstick.

The most nostalgic item from my childhood is: My doll Noo-Noo (she was the blond doll in pink that was called "Drowsy").

My favorite show of the moment is:  Well, now that Breaking Bad is over (RIP), I'm going to say I like House of Cards, although I lose the plot whenever Robin Wright saunters on the screen, hot damn!

My favorite quote is: "Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.  Be kind.  Always."  Hits home every time I read it.  

I tag:  Alexis from The Green Beauty Bunny, Kasey Michelle from Plein Vanity and Marcella from Naturally Marcy

I've been tagged! Natural skincare tips from the green product junkie...

Welcome to my world.  Here's two of my medicine cabinet shelves...recognize anything?

Tag, you're it!

I've been tagged by Mary from PureMakeup Blog!  So, it's my turn to answer a few questions she has lined up.  Let me get to 'em!  Thanks.

Describe your skincare routine in five words.  Natural, ever-changing, pure, nourishing and effective.

What's your skin type?  I tend to be on the dry side.

What's your favorite skincare product?  This is incredibly difficult because it changes all of the time.  Whenever I get something new to test that is magnificent, it becomes the new favorite. I would have to say a staple is Kahina's Argan Oil, and I'm also really enjoying La Bella Figura's Organic Barbary Fig Renewal Serum these days...the smell is so fruity and it hydrates perfectly.

Top blemish zapper?  I'm fortunate in that I don't break out that often since I began using all-natural skincare and makeup.  If I do, or if I feel like I'm clogged, I'll quickly do an Osmia Organics' Detoxifying Mask...cleans, exfoliates and brightens the skin all in one mask.  I love.

Face Wipes - yay or nay?  Nay.  They're wasteful.  A cotton cloth that you can wash over and over again seems more eco-friendly to me. 

High-end skincare or high-end makeup?  Tough one...I would have to say skincare.  But anything that you put on your skin must be non-toxic...high-end or not.  Skincare brand Acure Organics is very affordable.  

What's the most unusual skincare product you've tried?  Well, it's not that unusual in that it's an exfoliator, but it's definitely an unconventional way of exfoliating...O.R.G.'s Organic Mineral Peel for Face.  You just spray it on and then rub it off after a few seconds.  It's very cool to see what peels off of your face.

You're in a pharmacy and you can only pick one item, what would it be?  Do they sell coconut oil?  If not, let's see...gosh, I think I just leave!  Really.

What are your Top Skincare Tips?

1. Please don't use a lipstick or lip balm with toxic ingredients.  You'll be ingesting chemicals.  Find a great lipstick you love from a natural brand.  I love RMS Beauty, Ilia Beauty, Revolution Organics...and the list goes on.
2. Use a natural sunblock everyday on your face and body parts that will be exposed.
3. Wash your face every night, but not in the morning.  In the morning, just moisturize.  I love GingerChi for cleansing.
4. Exfoliate once or twice a week.  I'm loving using Acure Organics exfoliator.
5. Put a mask on every once in a while...great for the skin.  If you don't have one, plain yogurt on the face is brightening and refreshing.
6. Find a face oil or serum that you love.  Trust me on this.  Oils are awesome.
7. Always use an eye serum or an eye cream.  I love Odacité.
8. Don't use toxic skincare or makeup.  The new green lines are far, far superior to anything you can buy that has chemicals in it.
9. Hang out with people who make you laugh and think you're great.  My skin always looks better when I'm happy!

Oh, and I tag life in blush and The Green Beauty Bunny!

My Summer 2013 Natural Loves: Dr. Woods, SkinnySkinny, Sellwood Soap & Earth Tu Face & More!

I'm super fortunate that my best friends have rented a summer home on the beach, yet again. Because I have lots and lots of natural products, I have to scale down and just bring the essentials.  This is what I find I've been taking with me the last few weekends:  

1.  RMS Beauty Lip Shine in Sublime  It's a perfect pink with a hot pink pop to it.  I don't even need a mirror...just dip my finger and dot on my lips.  I even wrote a post on it here! $20

2.  John Masters Haircare Lavender & Avocado Intensive Conditioner   After a week in Turks & Caicos with new highlights, salt water and heavy sunshine, I realized that this is a great conditioner as my hair was in perfect condition when I got back.  I don't use this everyday, but at least twice a week when I've been at the beach or in the sun.  Hydrates your hair, but doesn't weigh it down...big plus, yes?  $22


3.  SkinnySkinny Rosemary Mint Organic Foot Scrub    This is a nightly routine for me in the summer:  Unlike most foot scrubs (I've tried 'em all) this has got lots and lots of pumice and isn't greasy.  You'll have hydrated, soft feet post scrub.  Need more details, read here!  $26


4.  Dr. Woods Pure Peppermint Castile Soap  This is great for it's many uses!  After you use most body washes you generally need to apply moisturizer.  Not true with Dr.  Woods.  This leaves your skin so hydrated and soft, there's no need for anything after.  I'm a convert.  I even purchased a large bottle for my dad because he's got dry skin and I don't see him using moisturizer anytime soon.  Can also be used as a shampoo, for face and more. $8.50

5.  Jane Iredale's Lip & Cheek Stain in Forever Pink   This stain is a must-have.   If you want a pink tint at the beach without looking made up, you're going to want to go for Forever Pink Lip Stain.  It's not sticky, it hydrates, looks so pretty and can be used on the cheeks as well.  $25


6.  Sellwood Soap Vetiver & Orange Facial Scrub In a word, it's awesome!  I was just introduced to this company (full review to follow soon) and find myself thinking each time I use it, "This line is so perfect, you need nothing else."  This homemade scrub will exfoliate and leave your skin moisturized with it's sunflower and rose hip see oils.  Oh, and when I got some on my lips, I tasted the sugar...bonus! $12

7.  Earth Tu Face Palma Rosa & Aloe Face Cleanser  I love this company.  You need so little of this super smooth hydrating face wash.  It's so easy to use and has stellar ingredients: Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E...and the list goes on.  Made by two herbalists in California, these are the kinds of businesses we want to be supporting!  8 oz. $48 (travel size $28)

8.  Solar Recover Spray hydrator full of essential oils! I use this year 'round, but most often in the summer.  It's great post-sun and pre-moisturizer.  I even use it in my hair and on my face if I forget my toner.  I've gotten a ton of people hooked on this.  A must!  $13

9.  DeVita Solar Protective Moisturizer  I don't go anywhere without this.  I've got both the face and body moisturizers and until you try them, you just won't understand how these are just like regular moisturizing lotions...nothing spf-y about them!  Read more here. $25 (but if you search, you can get it for less)

The Best Green Beauty Products That I Purchase Over and Over Again

THE GREEN STAPLES

I love trying new products (but detest samples - am I the only one?) and recently found a post by Naturalla Beauty where she posted about products that she buys over and over again. I've finally gotten around to posting mine...and this is only a few of them.

1.  RMS BEAUTY LIVING LUMINIZER, UN-COVERUP & LIP SHINES

I think the only reason I haven't re-bought everything is that I still have lots of product, but what I buy often is the Un-Coverup, Living Luminizer and Sublime Lip Shine.  I'll forever love this line.

2.   DR. HAUSCHKA PLUM/WHITE LINER DUO

*Note:  This might be a discontinued color...bummer!  I wear plum/white duo pencil each and every day.  I find that black can be a little too harsh and the purple on this pencil looks pretty and is easy to work with.  The white is gorgeous for inside the corner of the eye.  I'm on my third so far.

3.  W3LL PEOPLE FOUNDATION
I really love this foundation and I suggest you give it a whirl.  I've written a more detailed review on it, but it's non-drying, gives great coverage and has pure ingredients.

4.  KJAER WEIS CLOUD NINE EYESHADOW
Just your basic, great base eyeshadow.  Neutral in color, and I love it.  I also love the packaging.  If you haven't held one of these little gems, you're missing out.

5.  VAPOUR ORGANIC BEAUTY STRATUS SKIN PERFECTOR
This is my primer.  Whenever I am performing or going somewhere where my makeup needs to stay on just a bit more, this is my go-to product.  Sets a nice foundation for your makeup.

6.  STUDIO 78 FOUNDATION
This is going to be a "buy it again before it runs out."  I really love this foundation.  Again, a detailed review is on this blog.

7.  REVOLUTION ORGANICS LIP GLOSS IN TRUTH
I love the smell of this shea butter gloss...it might not be everyone's favorite scent, but it just screams "natural" to me.  This goes on super smooth and the color is a sheer-ish hot pink that still packs a punch.  You can re-apply this all day.

8.  ZUZU COSMETICS LIP GLOSS IN COSMOPOLITAN
This is a Summer pick!  I love this pink gloss that's got a pretty, and slight iridescent sheen about it.  I buy these several at a time as I use them up very quickly.  

9.  COULEUR CARAMEL MASCARA
Excellent mascara for the upper lids.  I don't wear on my lower lids because I find I smudge, but on the upper, you're getting a perfect lash.  I also LOVE the smell...a clean baby powder scent.  I know, mascara doesn't need to smell great, but I love taking a sniff!

10.  JANE IREDALE  JUST KISSED IN FOREVER PINK 

I have bought this too many times to count.  Imagine a lip stain that gives you a gorgeous pink pout, doesn't dry out your lips and won't change colors on you.  This hydrates and is so easy to apply.  It's a big, big favorite of mine.

11.  DEVITA SOLAR FACE MOISTURIZER SPF 30
*Update:  I believe they changed the formula...not sure how it is now as it is different.  This face cream feels light like a lotion, leaves no residue and feels nothing like it's got an SPF.  I usually detest sunblock as it breaks me out, feels heavy, etc.  This is awesome.  It's my everyday moisturizer over my Kahina Argan Oil.  I also use their Solar body cream in the summer.  

12.  ZUZU MASCARA
This is a favorite of several Green Bloggers, it seems.  There is NO smudging here.  It's actually the perfect mascara.  Often I like a little more drama on my upper lashes, so I'll use this on the lower, knowing there's no chance of flaking or smudging.

13.  JANE IREDALE ACTIVE LIGHT CONCEALER
I love, love the Active Light Concealer.  It brightens up the eye area and the color matches perfectly.  I usually put this on first and if I need more coverage, put RMS on top or Studio 78's (which I should have added to this...their concealer is a big keeper!)

Let me know what you've tried and loved.

*I have purchased all of these products myself & all opinions are my own!

New Natural Makeup I'm Hooked On...RMS Beauty, Revolution Organics, Jane Iredale & Alicia Silverstone for Juice Beauty

These are some random natural makeup items that I'm loving right now:

RMS BEAUTY LIP2CHEEK IN MODEST

I think I own pretty much everything that RMS Beauty makes, unless it's a color that completely won't go with my skin tone.  But even then, trust me, I'm tempted in a major way.  My latest purchase has been Lip2Cheek in Modest.

It was sold out for a while, but I finally got it! This is a berry pink  (as you can see from the swatch here).  The reason I love this, as with all of the RMS products, is that it really becomes a part of the skin and doesn't look like you're wearing blush.  It just looks like your cheeks have a rosy glow...as nature intended.   I don't use this on my lips because I really like a glossier look, but I would definitely wear it if I had some clear gloss to throw on top.  The ingredients are pure and it will last forever.  $36

REVOLUTION ORGANICS LIP GLOSS IN TRUTH

For some reason, it took a while for me t purchase a Revolution Organics' lip gloss, but now I'm all in.  Truth is a hot pink (second from left), but it's not too bright and It's perfect for daytime.   It gives you that hot pink look, but it's still sorta sheer and not sticky.   I also love the consistency it's super smooth and stays on.  The smell?  I love it, but some people may not.  You see, the ingredients are super pure and I think I'm smelling the shea butter, which is a scent that I really like.  Since I've gone natural, I don't like synthetic fragrance in my products.  In fact, I can't stand it in cleaning products or anything for that matter.  So, I really love this gloss and have a stash in case I run out.  $26

JANE IREDALE PURELASH LASH CONDITIONER & EYE GLOSS

Some things you just love.  Jane Iredale's PureLash Conditioner is one of them.  It's a lash conditioner and extender that you apply before you put on your mascara and I just love it.  I think that it really makes the lashes look fuller and thicker.  I wish I had more to say about it, but I don't.  It's not something you'll desperately need, but I love using it! $16.50 

While we're on Jane Iredale, I also love their Eye Gloss.  It goes on shiny and moist, but quickly dries and still stays shiny and pretty.  I have it in Grey Silk and it's such a pretty metallic grey.  It's an excellent highlighter, too, if you just want a little shine.  $15.50

ALICIA SILVERSTONE FOR JUICE BEAUTY PURELY KISSABLE LIP COLOR

I'm really, really into pink lipsticks and glosses.  I mean, I have a bin of them and I alternate all of the time.  I saw this on a website and was immediately draw to it's pretty pink.  It just came in the mail and I love it!  The color is just thee perfect pink and this photo is a great representation of it.  It goes on so smooth, the ingredients are clean and it smells heavenly.  From what I understand, this is the only color it comes in...lucky me.  I'm so used to everything being in nude or brown.  This is gorgeous for Spring.  I have a feeling that this is going to be in heavy, heavy rotation starting tomorrow!   Get it here for $16

The Best Natural & Green Concealers That I've Found

When embarking on my whole chemical-free makeup and skincare "adventure," I knew there were going to be a few items that were going to be difficult to replace.  Mainly, foundation, mascara and concealer.  When I first began, there were plenty of lipstick and mineral blushes out there, but I wasn't sure if anyone was going to be able to really replicate what my favorite foundation and concealer were able to do and still keep out the nasty chemicals.

STUDIO 78's 'OFF WE GO' CONCEALER

Woman, I love this stuff.  I wear it each and everyday and never, ever thought I'd be able to replace my Cle de Peau concealer.  This has excellent covereage, will not dry out your skin, is smooth without being greasy and, in fact, has a sort of powdery feel, but not drying. I can't explain how, but I have to say, they've nailed it...the formulation and texture is perfect. Although it only comes in two shades, for some odd reason, it matches my skin perfectly and I'm thrilled about it.  I'll also use my Jane Iredale Active Light underneath it if I'm super dark.  Get it at NuboNau for  $31.

JANE IREDALE ACTIVE LIGHT CONCEALER

I recently purchased Jane Iredale's Active Light Concealer and find myself reaching for it daily.  This concealer is very light,  so if you've got really dark circles, you might want to use this and then layer with a heavier one.  The reason I say to put this on first is because it's so smooth and leaves such a nice bright glow under the eyes, I think it will compliment your concealer.  It's also incredibly easy to use and the packaging is great for travel.  It's basically a concealer pen that you just brush on.  I haven't used this on it's own yet as I'm in a new apartment and haven't been sleeping so well, but my guess is that it's great for days when you don't have the darkest circles and just want a pretty, bright look. $27

W3LL PEOPLE NARCISSIST FOUNDATION

This foundation also happens to be one of my favorite under eye concealers, too.  W3LL People's Narcissist foundation gives great coverage, has amazing ingredients, lasts a long time AND does not cake.  In fact, it's pretty much the perfect blend of moisturizing without making your makeup run.  So, I use this as my main foundation and can do under eye touchups all in one.  $38

Their ingredients are gorgeous, too:

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil* infused with Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea Complex) Leaf**, Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi Mushroom)***, Morella Cerifera (Bayberry- wildharvested); Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cera Alba (Beeswax)****, Silica, Essential Oils, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil (and) Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E), [+/-: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, 77492, 77499), Mica (CI 77019)] *Certified Organic by Stellar, **Certified Organic by QAI, *** Certified Organic by Oregon TILTH, **** Certified Organic by Koster Keunen

RMS BEAUTY "UN" COVERUP

Straight up? I love RMS Beauty.  Their "un" coverup concealer is definitely on the creamier side.  In fact, I always use it quite a bit below where my lower lashes are because I don't want my lower lash mascara to mingle with it.  I use this concealer when I want a pretty, dewy look.  It's great for evening out skin tone, too.  It leaves behind a really fresh, clean and youthful look. The ingredients in this concealer are amazing.  If you haven't discovered the line yet, get on it it.  At $36, it lasts a really long time, too.

The Green Product Junkie's Daily Green Routine

The always green & gorgeous Figwittage suggested that I write a blog on my daily green skincare routine.  Being that I love nothing more than to yap about green products, I'm excited to do so and hope she'll let me in on her routine, as well...I'm a sucker to hear about a new product that I've never tried before.

Please note:  my routine might seem a little excessive and nuts to some of you, but you have to understand that this is my "thing."  I've always loved skincare and makeup, but when I got into the green thing...well, things just got a lot more fun and made a lot more sense.  Having a medicine cabinet filled with elixirs is heaven to me.

THE MORNING SKINCARE:

Wake up, grab my Preserve Toothbrush made from recycled yogurt cups and brush with my Eco-Dent Tooth Powder.  

Since I don't wash my face in the morning (to keep my natural face oils) I go straight to spraying either my Kahina Toner or Sanre Rosy Fresh Toner on my face. *

I then apply Kahina Argan Oil (best stuff on Earth) and apply that all over my face.  If you haven't tried this oil, I suggest you do so right away.  I've got everyone I know hooked on it.

I wait for that to absorb into the skin and apply my DeVita Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30.  

Then I'll grab for my eye cream.  I'm loving Naturopathica's Vitamin K Brightening Eye Serum.  

*Sometimes I'll do a mask in the morning.  I have several favorites, but it's usually either a FAGE yogurt mask (just get the one with the most fat and apply) or the Pangea Japanese Matcha Tea Mask.


THE EVENING SKINCARE:

Grab my SW Basics Cleanser (only 3 ingredients...and AWESOME).  If my skin is acting up,  I'll follow up with my SW Basics Toner.  Honestly, though, my skin rarely acts up since I began using organic/natural products a few years ago.

Rinse off the cleanser, grab one of my toners and apply my Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Fruit & Seed Blend Oil or my Kahina Argan Oil.  I usually like to alternate these oils at night.

At night I like a heavier eye cream so I use Holly Beth's Natural Luxury Eye Cream. 

Body Moisturizers:  Post-shower, I will often apply my Patyka Precious Woods Body Oil or my Acure Organics Mandarin Orange & Mango Body Cream if I'm in a rush.  Oh, and before applying these, I spray myself head to toe with Solar Recover's Save Your Skin.  It's basically just a bunch of hydrating essential oils that help spread the oils and/or body cream.  I love it!

THE MAKEUP ROUTINE

Naturally, this varies.  If I'm going to the beach, I'm not doing all of this.  If I'm going to be performing on stage, I do more of this.  This routine is probably my day to day one, give or take a step and I vacillate between pinks and/or coral-pinks.  I'm fair with blue eyes, so I know what works and what doesn't

For primer, I'm putting on my Vapour Stratus Soft Focus Instant Skin Perfector.  I then take my Eco-Tools foundation brush and apply my W3ll People Narcissist Foundation - a definite favorite.  I don't apply a lot, just down the center of my face and spread outwards.  I love it.

I use Couleur Caramel mascara on the top lashes, Zuzu mascara on the bottom (it doesn't smudge at all and is pretty light...using it on the top doesn't give me enough oomph!  

My eyeliner of choice is Dr. Hauschka's Eyeliner Duo 04 in Plum/White.  I don't really use the white ever, but the plum is gorgeous when you smudge.  The shadow I usually use is Lunar from RMS Beauty or Cloud Nine from Kjaer Weis.

My blush these days has been either Revolution Organics in Blushed or RMS Beauty Lip 2 Cheek in Smile.

For lips?  Well, I'm obsessed with lipsticks and glosses so it's ever-changing.  My staples would be RMS Beauty in Sublime, Jane Iredale's Forever Pink Lip Stain, Ilia Beauty's Shell Shocked (a very strange and retro pinkish coral that I wasn't sure about in the beginning, but coupled with Smile blush from RMS...GORG!) and many others.  I generally reach for the pink, though.

No matter what, I'm using my RMS Beauty Living Luminizer on my cheeks, little down the center of the nose and a little in the corner of the inside eye...beautiful!

Oh, there's so much more, but I don't want anyone sending me for a straight jacket fitting.

RMS Beauty's Sublime Lip Shine - My Holy Grail Found!

Rose-Marie Swift, can we be best friends?

Oh.  My.  Word.  I love RMS Beauty!  

Last night as I was heading out to dinner, my husband came in from work saying, "You have a package."  With my fingers crossed, I ran over hoping it was my brand spankin' new Sublime Lip Shine...and it was!

Well, I tore that thing open so fast and ran that gorgeous pink over my hand (I already had Bloom on my lips) and let me tell you, for a girl that loves a pink lip, it is now my Holy Grail.  It's, in a word, SUBLIME! With its great pigment, cool blue undertones, amazing RMS Lip Shine consistency, it's just so pretty and perfect for Spring/Summer!

Lipsticks and lip glosses have always been my favorite makeup item and pink is always my go-to color.  But for some reason, I find that many natural/organic makeup lines put a lot of focus on browns, reds and dusty nudes/naturals.  If they do a pink, it's usually a frosty Valley of the Dolls tacky pink and I politely decline.  But this shade is perfect - modern and fun.

So, if you're looking for a gorgeous, pink with a little kick, I say get your Sublime on.  I own all of the RMS Lip Shines and wear them all the time.  Moment has a brownish tint, Bloom is an earthy pink and Sublime goes fuschia.  

Have fun and let me know if you love it!

*I purchased this product myself and all opinions are my own!

RMS Beauty: One of My Favorite Makeup Lines. Introducing, Karma!

MY LITTLE COLLECTION OF RMS BEAUTY

Since I can remember, I have always loved makeup. I was that girl you'd see at Sephora with a basket full of over-priced makeup and an arm covered in smudges of shadow, liner and lipstick and a big grin on my face.   I was in Heaven...or so I thought.

When I began hearing about all the toxins in the makeup I was using, I had absolutely no problem getting rid of all of it.   I was pretty disgusted with the whole idea of these harmful ingredients being absorbed into a body that I'm usually so careful with.  The only problem I did anticipate, was replacing all of it.  My favorite concealer, lipstick, blush and eye shadows would all need to be replaced.

As I began looking into new products, RMS Beauty quickly caught my eye and I ordered immediately. When my products were delivered and I opened up that little frosted pot and took a sniff of the fresh ingredients, I couldn't wait to see what else they were making. At present, I've got their Lip2Cheek in Smile, Lip Shines in Bloom, Sublime, Sacred and Moment, concealer in 01, Living Luminizer, Lip2Cheek in Smile, Modest and Demure and cream eye shadows in Lunar, Magnetic and  Karma!  

So, what makes the line so great? Ah, where do I start...it's non-toxic, organic, is great for your skin, is hydrating, looks fresh and dewy - you glow!

I just received my Karma cream shadow the other day and it's wonderful. Karma is a dark steel grey/black that is perfect for smudging, lining and shadowing the eye. I was a little intimidated at first because I'm no makeup artist, but everything in the line is so easy to spread and fix, my eyes came out beautifully.

I strongly suggest you get into this line. I'm excited to see what they'll come out with next.

*I purchased all of these products myself and all opinions (I've got a lot) are my own.

Let's Talk Natural & Organic Makeup. My favorites... RMS Beauty, Patyka, Couleur Caramel and more...

I've got so many favorites and they change from time to time, but I've been pretty consistent with these lovelies right here.  Have you tried any of them?  I just love 'em!

COULEUR CARAMEL'S MASCARA

MASCARA

Couleur Caramel Mascara  I use this every single day. This will give your lashes a thick and voluminous look. I have to admit though, I only use it on my upper lashes as I find that it smudges a bit if I put it on the lower ones.  So, yeah, I use two different mascaras (ZuZu on the bottom). Bonus? The packaging is eco-friendly.  Apply as much as you want to create the eye you want.  $24.25

LIPGLOSS

RMS Beauty  How I love these so!  The RMS Beauty lip shines come in several colors: Bloom (natural pinkish), Moment (natural brownish) Sublime (hot pink) and Sacred (a punch-colored pink/red) - I have all of them and wear them constantly. If you're going for a big pop of color, I say get Sublime and Sacred. $25

TINTED FACE CREAM

Dr. Hauschka Tinted Day Cream  I read about this tinted day cream as recommended by JessaBlades and ran out to get some.   I'm fair, so usually anything that's supposed to look sun-kissed or bronzy on me ends up looking pretty ashy - not so with this. This leaves your skin dewy and radiant, no matter what color skin tone you have.  I recommend this especially if you're feeling like your skin looks dull and needs a lift.  $39

RAHUA SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER
Rahua Shampoo & Conditioner  Rahua is great.  It's that perfect natural shampoo that doesn't do anything tricky to your hair - it won't leave it greasy, or weigh it down. If your hair is dry: I recommend Acure Shampoo & Conditioner. Acure is wonderful, especially when your hair is dry. I've found that I don't even need the conditioner.  I have the Echinacea Stem Cell Shampoo & Conditioner. $34

BODY OILPatyka Precious Woods Body Oil Oh my! Do you want that satiny, hydrated, perfectly pretty skin? This is it! Just apply, let it dry and enjoy the deliciously light scent and soft glow it leaves on your body. I had received a sample of this and immediately got online and purchased a bottle. $58

*I've purchased all of these items on my own.  All my own opinions!