True Beauty Box: Love Green Surprises & Trying New Products?

MARCH TRUE BEAUTY BOX

If you're the type of girl who loves trying new products, feeling surprised and getting something in the mail that feels just like a present, I'll tell you that True Beauty Box is something you want to be looking into.  I'd heard about these boxes, but had no idea what they were.  I think it's an excellent way to be introduced to new brands, skincare and makeup.

True Beauty Box delivers full-sized chemical-free skincare and makeup products to you in a gorgeous little box each month.   I, myself, detest samples, so I was happy to see that these are actual full-sized products as opposed to a bunch of little packets.  I know I'm probably in the minority for my take on samples, but for me, it's all or nothing.  Go big or go home!  If you do like samples, not to fear, there's always some placed in your box each month along with your products.  

Okay, so here's how True Beauty Box works:  you take a fun little test to see which box might be good for you, they send you options and then you choose your box style: Flirt, Indulge or Veganista.

What I also liked about this is that it is a month to month commitment, so there's no drama.  Also, as a member, you get 15% off of LoveTrueNatural.com and you're in on their special promos and giveaways.

I received the March True Beauty Box and received: 

Lavera Gentle Eye Makeup Remover $19

True Natural Sweet Grapefruit Organic Soap Bar $6.50

Lavera Basis Lip Balm $5.50

Benecos Eyebrow-Designer $9.99

Benecos Nail Polish $11.99

And samples of natural self-tanner & sunscreen.

The box itself is $30, so this is a great deal.  Even more than that, I got to try brands that I hadn't heard of before.  I think this is a great idea.  Have any of you tried the True Beauty Box before?

*This box was sent to me for review.  All opinions are my own.

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!

Maya Water: My New Natural Facial Mist That I'm Loving

I love spraying mists/toners on my face pre-moisturizer.  I just feel like it's important to have a moist face before applying a cream or my Kahina Argan Oil.  I've got many toners to choose from, but one of my favorite mists as of late has been Maya Water Energizing Norwegian Thermal Spa Water created by Maya Gulbrandsen, a super sweet beauty therapist and makeup artist in Norway.  The water is mineral-rich and pH neutral water from Skogshorn in Hemsedal, Norway.

I kept eyeing the mist on Spirit Beauty Lounge and finally ordered it when I had some space in my medicine cabinet, which some of you know, looks like part of the Spirit Beauty Lounge warehouse (btw, it's even more packed since this picture was taken).

So, I finally ordered the Maya Water in Organic Acai and I love it.  It feels great, keeps the skin hydrated and it's relaxing, as well.  Keep in mind, whatever Maya Water you choose, you're choosing the right one as each one can be used for all skin types.  My next one will be the Organic White Tea (rich in antioxidants).

WHEN DO I USE IT?

• Post washing my face (tap water has lots of chlorine in it and this hydrates)

• To set my makeup

• Throughout the day when my skin feels a little dry (I keep it on my desk)

• After pilates when I just want to cool down

• Before applying foundation

• After a facial mask

• And...I'm definitely going to have it in my bag at the beach (they have new travel sizes) and walking around humid NYC in a few months (great for skin exposed to pollution, too)

MAYA WATER ALSO GIVES BACK:

Maya Water is also helping schools and families in Africa by donating a percentage of each sale. The organization is called QuaWater and their mission is to deliver healthy drinking water at fair prices.  

Visit their site for more information on Maya Water as it's actually a very interesting read to see how she got the idea to start her company and all.  

Travel size:  70ml $26 or full-size: 150ml $40 

*I purchased this Maya Water in Organic Acai myself.   All opinions are my own.

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!

Exceptional Green Household Cleaners That You Need Now

SAVON NOIR LIQUID SOAP

For those of you who don't know me, let me tell you right now that I'm obsessed with all things green...and clean.  My apartment is an all-white modern NYC apartment and I'm constantly scrubbing, vacuuming or cleaning something.  It's what I do and I make no apologies for it...clean home, clean mind.  That's how I roll.

So, when Le Savonnier Marseillais contacted me about their multi-purpose - and I mean multi-purpose - Savon Noir Liquid Soap, I was intrigued.  They sent me the Eucalyptus to try and since I was just about to do some laundry, the timing was perfect (yes, this household cleanser is also great for laundry).

After I washed my clothes with it (btw, they were so fresh and clean smelling after) I decided to scrub the shower.  Now, because I know how natural the ingredients are, I was able to clean the shower while I was in the shower without worrying about the cleanser getting on my skin and feet.  Let me tell you, my bathroom was SPARKLING.  Like a good, old-fashioned, super duper clean.   The maids of Downton Abbey have nothing on me.

The consistency is a thick gel, so I just wet a scrub brush and applied some on top.  For the laundry, I used it like any other detergent.  

Other uses:  cleaning pets, as a natural insecticide in the garden, for cleaning cars/boats/motorcycles, floors...you get the idea.   For such a large bottle, it's a steal at $20.

GREEN SHIELD ORGANIC GLASS CLEANER

I can honestly say that I use this on a daily basis.  Seriously.  This is just one of those products that I always wish I had in both the kitchen and bathroom. It's thee best glass cleaner I have ever used...including all of the chemical-filled glass cleaners.   This cleaner leaves glass sparkling and the best thing is, it's organic.

I purchased this at Whole Foods and I'm eager to try the other things in their line.

It smells faintly of vinegar, but the smell goes away quickly. It's a big 32 oz. bottle that sells for $4.99.  Trust me...this is excellent.  

*I received the Savon Noir to test.  I purchased the Green Shield Glass Cleaner.  All opinions are my own...trust me, I got a lot of 'em!

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

Oh, my word! Studio 78 is rocking my world! Natural Foundation & Concealer City!

Because I perform on stage, there's been a few "dirty" products out there that I haven't been able to shake, mostly due to their staying power and finish.  These two products are concealer and foundation.   Now, I have a daily foundation that I love and has been a favorite of mine, but I'm always in the market for trying out new stuff.

Out comes a post from No More Dirty Looks in which they review a clean makeup line called Studio 78.   They've apparently been around since 2010, but no one was carrying them until the magnificent online natural beauty boutique, NuboNau started carrying them. I love NuboNau, by the way.

So, I went and did what I always do when a new line comes out and I'm intrigued...I ordered the foundation and the concealer.  Girls...I am so happy I did.

STUDIO 78 CONCEALER
I must admit that I do love my RMS Beauty concealer, but because I find that it smudges my mascara a bit when too close to my lower lashes, I find that I only use it in certain areas under my eye.  The other concealer that I've been using on a daily basis has been Cle de Peau, which is not green by any means and super, super expensive.

I was very eager to try Studio 78.   Okay, so on to the concealer.  Because I'm fair and like a yellow base, I ordered the lighter, At Dawn color.  It goes on powdery, but it's not drying, oddly enough.  It's so much like the consistency of my Cle de Peau.  It's not dewy like RMS, but it has great coverage and I haven't seen any creasing and I haven't had to re-apply several times a day.  If you like the dewy look, I say you mix it with a little RMS.  This definitely has a matte look to it, fyi.   As mentioned by the girls on No More Dirty Looks, the packaging is also great as the cover has a little mirror inside, so it's so easy to touch up.   Get it here for $31

STUDIO 78 FOUNDATION
I love, love, love this foundation!  As you can see from the picture to the left, this foundation needs to be shaken.  It comes with a little makeup sponge, but I preferred just shaking it and applying with my fingers.  You need so little of it and it gives you a flawless look...but your skin is still showing through.  It's not dry looking and it's just so pretty.  I throw a little RMS blush (love Smile & Modest) and Living Luminizer, and my skin is glowing.  As I said, I'm fair, so I got the lighter one called, "Energizing Mist."  This is wonderful and I really hope that I works for all of you.  It's not thick at all and it goes on like water, but just creates a pretty, balanced look on the skin.  I'm not sure this would work for people who have lots of blemishes to cover up.   I would say it's light to medium coverage.  Let me know if you get it and love it!  Get it here for $50.



* I purchased these products myself and all opinions are my own, gosh darn it!

My Take On Intelligent Nutrients Plant Stem Cell Renewal Complex (Whew...mouthful)

Yes, I get it, it's expensive.  Who are you telling?
  
Intelligent Nutrients Plant Stem Cell Science Renewal Complex was one of those products that I had to contemplate purchasing for a while because of the steep price.  $130 for four ampoules, $55 each if you're buying them separately.   The size?  1.62 fl oz / 48 ml.  

So, how do I like it?  Well, I really like it.  I actually love it!  I'll tell you what it does and it's been consistent.  I really, really notice that it plumps up the skin.  If I put this on before bed (and it smells delicious) my skin definitely has a fuller, plumper look to it.  

It goes on like a water and you only need a little bit to spread across your whole face.  Now, they tell you that one ampoule should last you 7-10 days, but it usually lasts longer for me.  I have no idea how it works, but I will say that it does work.  My skin is softer, firmer and has a plumper look to it post-use.

If any of you have tried it, I'd love to hear your take on it!   

From their website:

Intelligent Nutrients® Plant Stem Cell Skin Science Renewal Complex—All Over Treatment is for general treatment of larger skin surface areas such as face, neck and décolleté. It contains 4 treatment vials. Each vial is designed to last approximately 7-10 days.

Intelligent Nutrients® Advanced Plant Stem Cell Skin Science Renewal Complex features a proprietary blend of edelweiss, coneflower and pennywort formulated at the highest potency for maximum efficacy, harnessing the power of plant stem cell antioxidants. Their innate preventative qualities perfectly position them to help fight the visible signs of aging, at any age. This advanced skin science reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helps reduce redness and other skin discolorations—plus firms, lifts, smooth and softens while increasing collagen synthesis.

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

Kahina's Brightening Serum REALLY Works!

If you've been reading my blog, you know that I'm a HUGE fan of Kahina Giving Beauty.  Their products are of the finest quality, they use recycled and recyclable packaging (these products look gorgeous in your bathroom, as well), they donate 25% of their profits to the Berber women who harvest their Argan Oil and the list goes on.  

Currently, I'm using their super-hydrating toner, their Argan Oil, eye cream and now...Brightening Serum.  I'm Irish-American, so I have the tendency to get a lot of freckles.  I don't mind them, but I am minding these new guys called "sun spots" that have been presenting themselves as of late. With one on my cheek and one on the tip of my nose (I know, right?) I got really excited when I saw that Kahina had created a Brightening Serum.

Now, they recommend that you use this serum for four-six weeks to see more even-toned skin, but I have to say that I've been using it for just under 3 weeks and I am totally seeing results. Both of my sun spots have faded dramatically AND, as a bonus, my skin is super, super soft.  I mean really soft.  

I would say the consistency is a milky, delicious-smelling serum that is not at all greasy.  In fact, it's like a thin lotion that absorbs instantly.  

I've been using this both morning and evening before my Argan Oil.  I apply the Brightening Serum and then wait until I'm about to either go to bed or put makeup on before I apply my oil...just to give the serum time to work its magic!

From Kahina's site:

Increase luminosity and refine skin tone and texture with this organic-certified treatment complex. A blend of rare white lily, Japanese wakame seaweed, and powerful antioxidants in argan oil, maritime pine, and green tea will:

• Visibly reduce discoloration, hyper-pigmentation, post-acne spots and dark marks in four to six weeks

• • Boost radiance and even skin tone
• • Prevent future discoloration by inhibiting melanin production
• • Protect against environmental exposure
• • Support skin’s natural defense system
• • Fight free radicals that contribute to further signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles
• A lightweight, easily absorbed serum with a fresh, natural scent.  $72

**I purchased this myself and all opinions are my own.