heavenly mun no. 1 aknari nighttime dream youth serum...for face & eyes! Get 10% off here!

"I must not run out.  I must not run out..." 

That's what I keep saying to myself as I pump Mun No.1 Aknari Nighttime Dream Youth Serum onto my fingertips and press it into my skin every night before bed.  Gosh, I just love the stuff...and I've tried A LOT!

I was surprised to learn that MUN's No.1 Aknari was only launched last year as I'd heard so many great things about it.  The first product created by NYC-based makeup artist, Munemi Imai,  this organic and antioxidant-rich nighttime serum smells so calming and works so well, I can't imagine it not being part of my evening routine from now on.  

An extra bonus is that serum is to be used on the face and under the eyes AND during the day, so if you're a low-maintenance kind of person, this could be your face, eye and neck serum!

why am I so in love with this serum?

• It's 100% Organic
• It only has three ingredients:  Prickly Pear Seed, Argan Oil and Rose Essential Oil
• As I mentioned, it's a multi-functional serum for face, eyes (for dark circles/fine lines) & neck!
• Absorbs in good time.
• The scent of a subtle powdered rose is intoxicating and has me running back for more every evening.  It's so brilliant to make something smell so relaxing just before bed.
• The consistency of the oil is spot-on; it's light, yet you can still feel that it's moisturizing the skin.
• Hydrates the skin beautifully.
• Morning skin is clear, bright, soft, dewy and perfect for makeup application.
• You can use it right before makeup as a primer, as well...just remember to wear your SPF!

get 10% off here
Munemi Imai has been incredibly generous and wants to give you 10% off their wonderful No. 1 Aknari Nighttime Dream Youth Serum.  Use code: TGPJMUN.  
I hope you'll give this incredible face/eye serum a try as I really, really love it.  I think it's the perfect all-in-one serum and with this irresistible scent, oh, wow!   Have you tried this serum yet?  If not, what appeals to you about it?  $95

*I was sent this serum to review.  All opinions are my own!

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!

studio 78 paris: A great natural concealer, primer and a lipstick you really should own.

STUDIO 78'S CONCEALER, PRIMER & LIQUID LIPSTICK

I'm not going to play around here, we're not going to do this little dance where I tell you I think you should try a brand; I'm straight out telling you to please try this brand.  The products are so well made, the packaging is gorgeous and they carry the ECO CERT organic certification.

ANTI-DARK CIRCLES CONCEALER, "OFF WE GO"

As I've mentioned many times before, Studio 78 makes thee best concealer I've ever used. Ever. Yes, toxic ones included.  You can read about my love for it here.  I love this concealer so much that  before I leave the house, I check to see if I have my phone, keys and concealer. Truth.  And the little mirror on the top of the compact is so fantastic for touch-ups during the day.  $31

So, now that that is out of the way, let's get on to the new products that I tried from Studio 78 that you can purchase at NuboNau (an excellent online store for natural and organic makeup and skincare).

STUDIO 78'S LUMINOUS PRIMER, "WE TAKE SOME AIR"

First off, the numbers...99% of the total ingredients are from natural origin and 22% of the total ingredients are from Organic Farming.  

I love this primer and have found myself reaching for it as soon as my moisturizer is set.  The scent is a light coconut that I just love.  It's super light but what's really great about this primer is the luminous look it gives to the skin.  It's not frosty, but more of  pale gold-toned look that is just so pretty and makes the skin glow.  I'm fair-skinned and I think this would work well on all skin tones.  This is not a heavy look, but rather very natural and fresh.  $38

LIQUID LIPSTICK, "LET'S GET MARRIED"

The numbers...100% of the total of the ingredients are natural and 40% of the total of the ingredients are from organic farming.

I was sent this to test and although the color was in the brown family and I wear pinks/reds/corals, I had  tested it for a week in my apartment to see how it looked, felt on the lips and wore.  

For starters, the packaging is beautiful.  With a few clicks from the bottom of the lipstick, you're good to go.  The applicator is perfect and it's so easy to apply. 

I love this lipstick.  I think that if you're the kind of woman who likes an opaque lipstick that isn't going anywhere, this is for you.  The color is bold, it feels hydrating, but isn't too glossy on the lips.  I would say this is a semi-matte, full-coverage lipstick.  $32

01 - Ivory Wedding, Classic Nude

02 - Satin Wedding, Pink Nude

03 - Rose Wedding, Rose Pink

04 - Coral Wedding, Summer Orange

05 - Ruby Wedding, Parisian Red

06 - Velvet Wedding, Pretty Purple Plum

NuboNau has pretty much the entire line from Studio 78.  Head on over there to check out their blush, foundation (which I'm going to try next) and eyeshadows!

*I was sent the primer and lipstick to test.  All opinions are my own and I only write about that which I love and think you need to know about!  

ethereal. what else can you say about roxana illuminated perfumes? natural perfumes as art.

Engraved cases manufactured in the USA by a small family business.

This will be an arduous task.  Writing a post about a woman who creates art that you smell? Yes, it's art...olfactory art.

I hesitated writing a review on Roxana Villa's Roxana Illuminated Perfumes for some time mainly because what she does is done so well and with such care and knowledge, I felt as if I wasn't worthy enough to write and review such a product.  How could I possibly do justice to something that someone has been working on crafting their entire life?  

Roxana's handmade perfumes are not just scents, she's created a world here...from the unbelievably gorgeous botanical scents, to the lovely little pink containers and Victorian-esq cases her perfumes are poured into, to the beautiful little cards that come with the scents offering descriptions of what you're about to take in.  

An excellent way to find your own fragrance. 

The gorgeous velvet green pouch I received in the mail held a bunch of pretty pink solid perfumes, each with its own wax seal stamp on the top which was colored-coded to reveal its scent.  As I started to sniff and read the cards, I quickly realized that these were scents unlike anything I had ever experienced before.  If you're a woman who wants a fragrance to be your own...I suggest you get yourself a small set of these and figure out which ones are for you.

I'd like to tell you about some of the different perfumes Roxana offers so perhaps you could find what appeals to you and order a few.  Her perfumes come in both liquid and solid.  This is my take on the scents I received:

Vera

Lavender and sage...if you love lavender, you will love this.  

Chiaroscuro

An earthy Jasmine

Fig. 10 BLANC

Vanilla orchid bean.  This will smell like heaven to those of you who love a true vanilla.  A favorite.

Page 47

Another favorite.  I keep it on my desk to sniff.  Jasmine like you've never smelled it before.

Fresh, sweet and pretty.  I love this.

Cimbalom

Jasmine with amber and resin.  Warm and gorgeous.

Blossom

A true citrus with some fresh herb.  Fresh and happy.

Roxana at work.  Sometimes she uses the beeswax from her own hives of feral honey bees.  

I hope you give these a try as I don't think there's anything quite like having someone hand make a fragrance for you that's natural and made the way fragrance used to be made before the introduction of toxic chemicals.

*I received these fragrances to review.  All opinions are my own.  

the natural skincare transition made easy: marie veronique organics has everything you need in one place!

Okay, here's how the majority of my conversations go when someone approaches me about their desire to make the switch to "greener" skincare:

Me:

"Okay, well you can look into this brand, this brand and this brand..."

Them:

(heavy rolling of the eyes)

"Ugh, really?  Where do I get all this stuff?  I'm exhausted already.  

Can't I just buy everything from one brand?" 

My usual answer was, "Not really," but now that I've tried Marie Veronique Organics, I can simply answer, "Yes, you brat."  

Marie Veronique Organics is the perfect brand to do your one-stop shopping.  The kit that I tested, the Everyday Essentials Kit, was so easy to use that when I opened it up, I actually smiled.  There are two sizes for this kit - the full-sized at $175 and the travel size at $60.  I think the travel size is just right for trying out the line (but make sure to check out the deal below before ordering).   Now, I have pretty dry skin and I found that I wanted a little more hydration with this kit, so if you don't like a super heavy moisture routine, this will be great for you.   

EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS KIT:

MVO Exfoliating Cleanser:  This opaque, gel-ish cleanser smells wonderful, cleans and refreshes the skin and has adzuki bean powder to gently, and I mean, gently exfoliate.  With the first three ingredients being green & white tea, adzuki bean powder and aloe vera juice, you can't lose.  It has a pretty, herbal scent.

MVO Mist:  This mist smells like tea and since the first ingredient is such, there you have it.  I love a good mist before my serums/creams.

MVO Face Oil:  The key ingredients in their Face Oil (from their site):

• Krill oil: Omega-3, 6 and 9 balance, this oil is an excellent source of astaxanthin, an extraordinary antioxidant, and phosphatidyl serine, which Korean scientists have dubbed the “anti-aging fat molecule.” 
• Argan oil: Rich in Omega-6 and 9, Vitamin E, carotenes, squalene, and phenols.
• Blackberry seed oil: High in natural Vitamin C as well as several types of Vitamin E and lutein making it an excellent ingredient for repairing damaged skin.

MVO Everyday Coverage SPF 30:  

This is where it really gets to be one-stop shopping.  Marie Veronique Organics makes tinted moisturizers with an SPF of 30.  The tints come in three shades:  Extra Light Tint, Light Tint (a bit more yellow in it) and Medium Tint.  I received the Light and Medium Tints, but think I could've probably used the Extra Light.  It feels smooth, texture is light and I loved the herbal scent.

FREE MVO DUET SAMPLER WITH PURCHASE!

This deal expired on 10/12/2013.

*All opinions are my own.  I received this kit to test.

Juice Beauty's Lash Defining Mascara Works...really works!

KAPOW!  Here it is!  I've tried it! Juice Beauty's Lash Defining Mascara.   Because I received many emails from readers wondering how it stacks up, I pushed up the review. 

I was introduced to Juice Beauty's new makeup line by owner, Karen Behnke at Juice Beauty's "Just Juice" event here in NYC earlier this month.  As expected, their new mascara was a big topic of conversation as finding a clean mascara that works requires quite a bit of searching.  

HOW DOES IT WEAR?
Wonderfully.  There is absolutely no flaking, no smudging and no clumps!  When I came in yesterday after having worn it for over 8 hours, it was as if I had just put it on.

HOW DOES IT MAKE THE LASHES LOOK?
It separates and defines the lashes.  This look is natural, defined, pretty.  I like to apply 2 coats as I'm used to a lot more volume on my upper lashes.  This is not a volumizing mascara, so if you're looking for thick lashes, you might have to look elsewhere.  I think one of the reasons that this stays on so well is because the mascara really dries, so I suggest putting on your two coats before it dries.

INGREDIENTS:  Organic botanical extracts of serenoa repens (organic saw palmetto extract)*, aloe barbadensis (organic aloe extract)*, euphorbia cerifera (candelilla wax), triisostearyl citrate, hydrogenated glyceryl abietate, brassica campestris/aleurites fordi oil copolymer, copernicia cerifera (organic carnauba wax)*, vegetable glycerin, theobroma cacao (organic cocoa seed butter)*, persea gratissima (avocado butter), methylcellulose, xanthan gum, tocopherol (Vitamin E), sodium hyaluronate (vegetable hyaluronic acid), ethylhexylglycerin, phenethyl alcohol. May Contain: mica, iron oxide.       * = Certified organic ingredient

Would I re-puchase this?  Most definitely.  I think the formulation is fantastic and from what I understand, creating this mascara took Karen and her team many, many, many tries.  I think she's nailed it.  $19

my new fall loves: Intelligent Nutrients, Dr. Alkaitis, RMS Beauty, Sans Skincare, Jane Iredale and GingerChi!

THE GREEN PRODUCT JUNKIE'S FALL FAVES 2013

INTELLIGENT NUTRIENTS

Destress Express Hand Therapy: I had tested this hand cream before it came out and immediately purchased it as soon as it was available.  This is going to be a staple for me come the colder weather.  Why do I love thee?  It's hydrating, the consistency is like a gel/cream, it absorbs sooo fast (I have no patience for waiting for a hand cream to dry before putting my gloves - I know, First World Problems...) and it smells like minty heaven.  $26

DR. ALKAITIS

Organic Eye Crème:  I'm so happy the people at Dr. Alkaitis contacted me.  I truly forgot how great their products are.  First off, the ingredients are so pure that all of their products are edible.  Now, I'm not suggesting you nosh, but I am saying this is a super clean line.  The base of this eye cream is organic Aloe vera and it's so light, it feels wonderful going on.  Again, it absorbs fast and leaves the under eye perfect for makeup application...I mean, perfect.  I also love the smell of this...so natural. If you don't like heavy creams or oils near your eyes, I highly recommend Dr. Alkaitis' Organic Eye Cream.  I'm really enjoying it.  $60

GINGERCHI

Oral Detox:  Okay, so you make your own Oil Pulling solution.  I commend you for that, but I have to say that whatever I have made in the past paled in comparison to this.  This is like thee oil pulling solution to beat all.  I love using it.  

But what, you ask, is oil pulling?  From the GingerChi site:  'Based on the Ayurvedic practice of oil pulling, our Oral Detox combines sesame oil with healing essential oils to kill bacteria, strengthen the gums, and freshen the mouth. Unlike traditional mouthwashes that are harsh and dry the mouth, oil pulling works with your saliva to create an almost soap like effect that truly cleanses the mouth while strengthening the teeth and gums.'   

I wake up in the morning and before I eat or brush my teeth, I take a tablespoon of the Oral Detox and swish it around my mouth for 20 mins while I'm doing everything else.  My teeth feel wonderful after, and at $15 for a gorgeous bottle, I think the price point is just right.

RMS BEAUTY
Demure Lip2Cheek:  I'm big into pinks.  With my fair skin and blue eyes, it just works better than anything else, so I'm always excited when a brand comes out with some new pinks.  Demure?  Oh, my!  I just love it.  I've been wearing it on my lips and my cheeks and, come Fall, I'll use it to give a simple flush of color over my cheeks.  It's a great hue...something like a deeper baby pink, but definitely not Barbie.  $36

SANS SKINCARE
Whipped Face Butter:  Creator, Renan Kennedy has created a line that is pure, effective and all homemade.  She's new on the scene and really passionate about what she does.  This mousse-like Whipped Face Butter is light and creamy to the touch, but is seriously hydrating.  You only need a small amount for your entire face.  I tried the Lavender, but she also has scents in Gardenia, Unscented, Lemon Lime and Sweet Orange.  This comes in a good-sized jar and should last you for the entire Fall/Winter season.  $35 

Whipped Face Butter Ingredients: 100% Pure Plant Butters and Pure Plant Oils, Vitamin E Tocopherols, Carrot Seed Oil, Rosehip Oil, Patchouli Essential Oil, Frankincense Essential Oil, Ylang Ylang Essential Oil, Geranium Essential Oil, and Lavender Essential Oil.

Moisturizing Sugar Scrub Squares:  These are an absolute favorite.  If you're like me and love a good exfoliation in the shower, listen up!  These little squares are super exfoliating and take quite a bit of scrubbing to wear away. They leave soft and moisturized skin in their wake.  One small scrub lasted me about 2-3 visits in the shower and I have to say, there's very few products I've tried that are as fun to use as this!  5 for $15 

JANE IREDALE
PureMoist LipStick:  I was so happy to attend the launch event of the new PureMoist LipStick colors.  I was even more excited to get my hands on them after having seen the new colors at the event.  There is definitely a color for everyone and I think that this formulation is absolutely perfect.  It's somewhere between a balm and a lipstick.  It's hydrating and feels great on the lips.  It smells fruity and I just love it!  $25

*WIN  IT!   Jane Iredale PureMoist Lipstick of Your Choice!

This giveaway has ended.

*Contest ended Monday, September 30th @ 10am.

  

better than boys: tsi-la organics...one of the best natural perfumes.

TSI-LA ORGANICS...just wow.

I'm not sure what happened, but Tsi-La (pronounced "chee-la") Organics never made it to me in time to get into my big post about natural perfumes.  Initially I was bummed, as I'd heard great things about them, but I actually think it's quite fortuitous as this organic perfume line is fully deserving of it's own conversation. 

Yes, everyone has their taste perfume-wise, but I have to say that I think these scents are just so modern, I can't imagine anyone turning them away. They are fresh, super pretty and just, well, happy-making.  In fact, after having sniffed the samples silly for days, I couldn't take it anymore and went and ordered Fiori D'Arancio (it's rather unreal). But, I must admit, it was a tough choice between that, Ilang Ilang and Fleur Sauvage...yes, I was in love with three perfumes from one company.  Total record, there.  Scent is very personal and I was shocked that each perfume was appealing to me.  

*Oh, and shhh...but the inside scoop is that Annie and Natalie (creators of Tsi-La) are closing in on a vanilla scent (L'Absolu Vanille) that they've been working on for some time now.  It's in the final stages, but you didn't hear it from me...well, you did, but...

WHAT'S IN 'EM?

First off, let me say that these perfumes are oils, which I love.  It feels so great when you're rubbing them into your skin.  

Let's get to it, what are they made from?  USDA Certified organic ingredients, pure extracts, vitamins, antioxidants, phytonutrients, essential oils, plant botanicals and food grade ingredients.  Beat that...I dare you.

WHICH ONE WILL YOU LOVE?

CITRUS

Fiori D'Arancio - defined as "Happiness" 

Sheer Candied Citrus

Notes: Orange Blossom, Tangerine, Vanilla & Lemon Grass

Kizes - defined as "Joy"

Elderberry Lemonade

Notes: Citron, Elderberry, Orange Blossom & Jasmine

FLORAL

Fleur Sauvage - defined as "Passion"

Creamy White Floral

Notes: Tuberose, Jasmine, Sandalwood & Neroli

Ilang Ilang - defined as "Love"

Sun drenched exotic floral

Notes: Ilang Ilang, Jasmine, Vanilla & Citrus

WOOD

Kesu - defined as "Calm"

Meditative smoky incense

Notes: Sandalwood, Frankincense, Amber & Davana

GREEN

Misaki - defined as "Tranquility"

Green Lavender Forest

Notes: Lavender, Moss Bergamot & Vanilla

If you visit their site, you'll see they sell mini perfumes for $44.  It's cool because you can get mini-sets, as well.  Their prices run from $44-$95.   

*I was sent these perfumes for review.  All opinions are my own.  Love the stuff.

like rose? yeah, me too. zweena argan rose rejuvenating serum is hydrating and smells so great, I keep re-applying...ahhh!

Zweena's Argan Rose Rejuvenating Face Serum
You know you love a product when you keep re-applying it even when you don't need to. I've tried one other rose oil-infused face oil, but I found the scent to be far too over-powering. I love the scent of rose, but in small, pretty doses.  Zweena's is just that.

First off, "Zweena" means beautiful in Morocco.  Jayme Barrett, founder of Zweena has a cute story of how her company came to be.

While visiting a friend in Morocco, Jayme met her future husband on her third day in the country (sounds like a Jennifer Aniston or Julia Roberts movie, no?)  Not long after, her hubby-to-be gave her a bottle of argan oil as a gift and the rest is history.   So, as Jayme fell in love with both her man and the "liquid gold" oil, she soon made the decision to bring pure organic argan oil over to the United States.

I've tried many argan oil blends, but this is, by far, my favorite.  The subtle scent of rose, the way it blends and absorbs quickly into the skin and the hydration it gives is superior.  I also find that at $58, it's a great price.

The Argan Rose Rejuvenating Serum is high in antioxidants, essential fatty acids and vitamin-rich botanicals.  It's also 100% organic and chemical-free sourced directly from a fair-trade cooperative in Morocco.

Just as an FYI:  Jayme had given me a 2-week supply of the oil and I have to say that it's one of only a handful of products that I've received to test that I've completely used the entire product...that's saying a lot!

Ingredients: Argania Spinosa Kernel (Argan) Oil, ** Rosa Canina (Rosehip Seed) Fruit Oil,* Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil,* Punica Granatum, (Pomegranate) Seed Oil,* Moroccan Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil 

*USDA Certified Organic ,**ECOCERT Certified Organic 

*I received this product for review.  All opinions are my own, gosh darn it!