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!

A Night Cream For Everyone: Kahina Giving Beauty's New Night Cream...What A Little Gem!

Wow.  If there's one thing you need to know about Kahina Giving Beauty's Night Cream, it is this: it is nothing like any other night cream you've ever tried before.  

Why?  The main reason being is that it is incredibly smooth and light.  Yep, that's right, light. Whenever I think Night Cream, I picture a heavy cream that will sit on my face for the entire night, hydrating it, but not really allowing my skin to breathe, which is the exact reason why I don't usually use one.  This cream is the polar opposite; so soft to the touch and spreads so easily, it's a true joy to use.  I find myself reaching for it for daytime use, but for the purpose of review, I stuck to what it was created for: nighttime.  

The main super-potent anti-aging ingredients are argan oil and red wine grapes.  The first ingredient? Aloe vera leaf juice.  If you're looking for more hydration, this cream can be used in conjunction with Kahina's stellar Argan Oil (which I'm a huge fan of) or their serum.  I've been mixing the night cream with my argan oil, nightly. 

So, what will this cream do for you?

• Build collagen to firm and lift
• Improve tone and texture for more even, radiant skin
• Minimize appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Soothe irritation and decrease redness
• Hydrate and moisturizes for smoother, softer skin
• Protect skin from environmental free radical damage that causes further aging 

Katherine, the creator of Kahina, told me that it took two years to develop this cream...well-done, woman!   I'm so happy that she thought outside the box and re-created the idea of what a night cream should be...hydrating, soothing, smoothing, but without all the heaviness.  My skin is so soft and so completely hydrated, I'm hooked.  Boy, am I going to be taking out my sad rags when this is finished, it's awesome.  This is a definite re-purchase!

Oh, and keep in mind that 99.98% of the total ingredients are from natural origin and 78.68% are from Organic Farming...cool, eh?  50 ML  $105


*I was generously given this wonderful Night Cream for review.  All opinions are my own, gosh-darn it!

WOO-HOO! SPRING MAKEUP! Jane Iredale's New Magic Hour Makeup Collection...Gorgeous!

Oh, my!  No one is happier to be writing about some new makeup for Spring 2014 than me.  I think we can all agree that it's been a loooong and brutal winter.  So, who's ready for some pretty new makeup to add to their stash?  Yeah, me too.  That's why I was thrilled to be invited to attend the launch of Jane Iredale's new Magic Hour Makeup Collection for Spring 2014.  Inspired by the light seen at sunset (which we all look good in, right?) this collection has lots of coral, mauve and golds and bronze.  Let's take a look...

Lip Fixation - I don't understand why I didn't own these before as I love the idea of clean makeup that's long-lasting.  This dual-ended lip stain and gloss are perfect for those of you who detest reapplying your lipstick.  New to this collection is Craze, a gorgeous bright coral and Compulsion, a subtle nude-mauve that I think would look great for anyone going for a natural look.  I'm also thinking that these would be ideal for the beach as you wouldn't have to think about reapplying.  All of the Lip Fixation colors are really gorgeous and I'm so excited to try out their other colors!   $30

Touch Highlighter - This is to die for!   Comfort, a coral/gold-hued highlighter is so pretty (and smells of honeysuckle) that I've been using it ever day since I received it.  I'm using it as a blush, but it can also be used on brow bones, as a lid primer and on the bridge of the nose.  It's a cream-to-powder and the feel is so silky. This is a no-brainer and a staple for the upcoming warmer weather.   I'm really recommending this!  $28

Jelly Jar Eyeliner - This is one product that everyone is really excited about...a chemical-free gel eyeliner.  This liner goes on so smoothly and is so easy to apply.  After application, it dries immediately and has wonderful staying power.  I think what I'm most impressed with is how nicely it spreads on.  Although I didn't receive it, I did see their new Angle Eyeliner Brush at the launch, which is perfect to apply this eyeliner.  Colors available are black and brown.  Eyeliner: $28  Brush: $15.50

PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple - Golden Girl is a gorgeous eye shadow trio

made up of a bronze, dusty rose and a gold shadow.  I love this look for Spring with a coral lip and cheeks.  I also think that this color palette would look great on just about anyone...even fair-skinned girls like myself.  $28

Read all about the launch here and see if you can spot me hanging out with the ever-cool Alise from Jane Iredale!  I was generously given this collection to review and all opinions are my own.

Wow, SkinOwl Natural Skincare Is A Force & You Can Feel It With 10% Off

With so many new brands to try, it's always fun when I'm immediately impressed with products on the spot.  Such was the case with SkinOwl, makeup artist Annie Tevelin's gorgeous little natural skincare line.  I was sent their perfect Geranium Argan Infusion Face Oil, their Body Oil and Red & Black Currant Radiance Candle.  I think the prices are great and I loved how effective the products were.

Geranium Argan Infusion Face Oil

SkinOwl's Geranium Face Oil

I am really fortunate in that I get to test out a lot of amazing natural face oils.  I'm rarely impressed, but loved SkinOwl's enough that I actually brought it on my recent vacation to Seattle and then on to Cabo, and that's saying a lot as I have many, many face oils to choose from.

What's to love about it?

Super hydrating
Brightens (I saw immediately in the AM)
Goes on really smooth
Very affordable:   1 oz: $30  2 oz: $50

Choose yer oil:

There are three different kinds of argan infusions to choose from; I tested the Geranium.  The infusions are:  

Lavender- calming, anti-inflammatory
Geranium- balances, maintains current levels of moisture, boosts radiance
Clary Sage- anti-aging smoothing, hydrating, plumping

Ingredients:  Raw, Organic, Unrefined Argania Spinosa Extract, Organic Rose Geranium Oil

SkinOwl's Body Oil

I know what you're thinking, "Eh, another body oil..." but you would be wrong, woman!  I have to say that SkinOwl's body oil completely stands out.  I mean, this feels so incredibly smooth and silky, it just spreads so easily and feels amazing.  I even tried out a few others ones on my other arm to see if I was just imagining it, but alas, it rocked.   This comes in a gorgeous glass bottle and it's a great size, too.  

What's to love about it?

Goes on so smooth and I think it's best to apply post-shower
I  love the ingredients
Absorbs in good time
I didn't detect a scent, so this is good for errybody

Key Ingredients:  Neem, Apricot Oil, Safflower, and Sweet Almond Oils, Jojoba, Aloe, Vitamin E, Rose Absolute, Vanilla Extract. 

SkinOwl's Red & Black Currant Candle

Okay, so it's so much fun to get a candle to test out.  I just loved this.  Hand poured in West Hollywood by Master Candlemaker Timothy Jay, it smells absolutely wonderful and I love the ingredients:  vegetable soy wax, red and black currant extract oil and a lead free wick. $24

Wanna try SkinOwl & get 10% off?

SkinOwl creator, Annie, has kindly offered my readers 10% off  using code:  "GPJ"  to get 10% off on SkinOwl.com.  Partay!




*I generously received these products to test and all opinions are my own.  I highly recommend this line, ladies!

Toners! Who Doesn't Just Love A Great Natural Toner? Sanre Organic Skinfood, Herbal Grace Creations, GingerChi, & Dr. Alkaitis Trump!

I am a huge fan of toners.  I love using them to take off any residual makeup left after cleansing,  to hydrate before applying my moisturizer, to set my makeup and I also keep a few on my desk to hydrate throughout the day.  

SANRE ORGANIC SKINFOOD Rosy Fresh Toner

I buy this toner in bulk.  Seriously.   I am never without it and it's my go-to on a daily basis for many years now.   Why do I love thee?  Well, it's so moisturizing that I never even contemplate applying a moisturizer without spraying it beforehand. Check out the ingredients and tell me they aren't beautiful!  I love the fact that there's so many essential oils in here.  $25.99  (Sign up for their emails because they have great sales...and often!)

Ingredients:  Organic Rose Hydrosol, Organic Witch Hazel Hydrosol, Organic Aloe Vera Gel, Organic Rose Absolute Essential Oil, Organic Rose Essential Oil, Organic Green Tea Extract, Organic Chamomile Essential Oil, Organic Calendula Oil, Organic Arnica Essential Oil, Organic Tea Tree Essential Oil.   Certified Vegan.

HERBAL GRACE CREATIONS Queen of Hungary's Facial Toner

I'm a firm believer in the power of Apple Cider Vinegar.  Sure, it doesn't smell like unicorn breath, but nothing balances the skin quite like it and honestly, you'll get used to it, especially after you see the wonders it does for your skin.    I usually make my own, but it pales in comparison to this one.  The process by which Queen of Hungary's Facial Toner is made is pretty intense and I love the added ingredients of lemon balm leaf, calendula flowers, sage and more.  This is how it's created: "The toner is made by solar-infusing organic herbs in raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar for a three-week period. This enables the therapeutic properties of the herbs to extract.  After three weeks, the herbs are strained and pure rose water is added in equal proportion to the vinegar solution."  Yeah, this toner has got mine beat by A LOT!  I recommend this for those with problem skin, those in need of a good cleansing and those who wish to tone their skin.  $16. 

Ingredients:  Organic raw apple cider vinegar, Rose water, Organic lemon balm leaf, Organic chamomile flowers, Organic red rose petals, Organic calendula flowers, Organic comfrey leaf, Organic lemon peel, Organic rosemary leaf, Organic rubbed sage

GINGERCHI Rejuvenating Ginseng Toner

I absolutely love this toner and even suggested to GingerChi that they should be working on a natural fragrance based on it...I know it sounds strange, but it's that gorgeous. Anyway, this is such a wonderful toner that I dread finishing it.  The scent is perfection, as are the ingredients.  This toner is great for balancing the skin, hydrating and leaving it feeling refreshed and clean.  If you love a clean, fresh, ginger/citrus scent, you'll love using this.  To read a full review of GingerChi's products, click here.  $36

Ingredients:  Rose Water, Melissa Water, Ginseng Tincture*, Aloe Vera Concentrate*, Siberian Ginseng, NFF Moisturizer, Sea Silk, Eco Preservative, Essential Oil of Fresh Ginger. *Organic

DR. ALKAITIS Organic Herbal Toner

Ah, this is the good stuff.  My skin always feels super, super clean after using this.  The reason I love it? First off, the ingredients are perfect.  With a base of Aloe Vera, I find it to be a tad thicker than other toners and I love that.  This is a super effective and multi-functional product as it's a toner, astringent (that will NEVER dry out the skin) balances the skin and is also anti-inflammatory.  This can also be used as an after-sun tonic.  It's so cooling and refreshing.  I love it.  $55

Ingredients:  Into a base of organic Aloe Vera gel*, Witch Hazel and organic grain alcohol* (from the fermentation of organically grown grains), the following organic and wild-crafted herbs are blended: Greater Nettle*, Wild Chamomile flowers**, Myrrh**, European Elder blossoms*, Marsh Mallow*, French Lavender flowers*, Curacao Orange*, Benzoin**, Rosemary*, Wild Fennel** and Balm Mint*. Grapefruit* and Lemon* extracts. Sea Oak**, Atlantic Kelp** and Pearl Moss**. Also added are natural vitamin B and vitamin C complexes and 100% pure Essential Oils. * - Signifies certified organically grown. ** - Signifies ethically wild-crafted

Some of these products were purchased, some were generously given to me for review.  All opinions are my own.  I hope you find something you love here!

Products I'm Loving Right Now: Moody Sisters' Coffee Body Butter & Polish, Juice Beauty's Stem Cellular Cleanser, R.L. Linden & Co.'s Beautifying Mist & Osmia Organics' Active Gel Toner

Whatta job!  I'm so fortunate in that I receive lots of amazing products to try out.  There's been so many stellar ones of late that I wanted to share what I'm absolutely loving lately. 

Moody Sister's Coffee Body Butter & Body Polish - I'm not a coffee drinker, but I absolutely LOVE the smell of it.  So when Jess & Whitney of Moody Sisters contacted me about trying out some of their products, I was really excited to give their Coffee Body Polish and Coffee Body Butter a shot.  The gorgeous scent of coffee in a warm shower is positively perfect.  The body polish is loaded with chunky Demerara sugar, coffee-infused oil, beeswax, cocoa butter, coconut oil, shea butter, ground coffee and essential oils.  It leaves my skin exfoliated and really, really soft. The Coffee Body Butter smells dee-vine and is so hydrating, I find myself really excited to use it. I'm really loving these and highly suggesting them if you love affordable skincare, soft skin and the scent of coffee in your shower...ahhh.  Body Polish $7.50   Body Butter  $8.95

Juice Beauty's Stem Cellular Cleansing Oil - Lately I've been super into oil cleansers and I would most-definitely purchase this one.  Why do I love oil cleansers so much?  Because not only does it feel great when it's applied, but it also leaves the skin super moisturized, soft and gives it a really thorough cleaning if used the proper way.  How did I use it?  Well, I applied the Stem Cellular Cleansing Oil to dry skin, massaged it around, then added some water and wiped it off with a damp cloth (I prefer a warmer cloth).  Makeup practically melts away and your skin will just feel so smooth. This cleanser is recommended for all skin types and especially for dry or aging skin.  $32

Ingredients:  Helianthus annuus (organic sunflower seed oil)*, caprylic/capric triglyceride, polysorbate 80, vitis vinifera (organic grapeseed oil)*, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (Vitamin C), tocopherol (Vitamin E), organic juices of pyrus malus (organic apple juice)*, citrus medica limonum (organic lemon juice)*, malus domestica (apple buds), vitis vinifera (grape buds) & citrus limonum (lemon bark), litsea cubeba (may chang) and cinnamomum camphora (ho wood) pure essential oils.*Certified organic ingredient

R.L. Linden & Co Thousand Petal Beautifying Mist -  I'm a huge fan of toners and was just completely taken with R. L. Linden & Co.'s Thousand Petal Beautifying Mist.  The smell is absolutely heaven, as are the ingredients.   This is a definite purchase for me in the future.  I have the small sample and every time I spray it, I'm in awe of how gorgeous it feels and smells.  This toner's scent will make you happy.  Yes, happy.   Take a look at the gorgeous ingredients.  $48

Ingredients: Spring Water; Hydrosols of Neroli, Honeysuckle (Wildcrafted) and Rose; Extracts of Rose and Calendula; Jojoba Oil; Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils of Neroli, Jasmine and Bulgarian Rose; Flower Essences of Pretty Face, Morning Glory, Hibiscus and Crab Apple

Osmia Organics' Active Gel Toner -  I've been intrigued by this product ever since I first heard about it.  Anything that gives extra hydration, balances pH levels and helps to reduce redness and irritation on the skin is a winner in my book.  From the OO site: "Active Gel Toner provides an extra layer of soothing moisture, with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to help maintain intracellular water in the skin cells.  White tea, calendula, and aloe comfort the skin, while oat beta glucan acts to smooth and maintain softness."  Osmia's Active Gel Toner is a truly unique product in that it is to be applied after washing and before your moisturizer or face oil.  This smooth gel toner feels great on the skin and is an amazing addition to my routine.  I do not want to run out!  $58

Ingredients:  Aloe barbadensis leaf juice*, glycerin*, camellia sinensis (white tea) extract*, calendula officinalis extract*, selaginella lepidophylla (rose of jericho) extract, lactobacillus/oat ferment extract filtrate, niacinamide (vitamin B3), [oryza sativa (rice) extract & water & centella asiatic a extract]*, [gluconolactone (and) sodium benzoate], lactobacillus ferment, sclerotium rolfsii gum, hyaluronic acid, proprietary blend of organic and wild-harvested essential oils.  82% organic

*I was kindly given these products for review.  All opinions are my own, gosh darn it!

Gorgeous Rose: The Modern & Cool New Rose Scent by Lurk Perfumes, Mun, Osmia Organics and NYL Skincare

Why does rose get such a bad rap?  Well, it shouldn't when we're talking about natural skincare and fragrance.  A real, beautiful rose scent is absolutely gorgeous, a synthetic one?  Not so much.  I've compiled my favorite rose products and hope you'll try them out because ahhh, they smell wonderful!

Lurk Perfumes - I recently wrote about Lurk here.  After writing the review, I became so obsessed with several of the fragrances that I just had to have 'em.  So, I ordered two of the ones that I found myself reaching for most throughout the day, RSW005.  This sandalwood/rose scent is so lovely, it's probably the prettiest perfume I've ever smelled.  Just to be clear, natural perfumes don't last as long as synthetic ones, so you'll be re-applying often.  Honestly, I use Lurk just for myself.  I put a bit on the tip of my nose and walk throughout NYC like I'm in an English rose garden.   Check out Lurk here. $55

Mun - Mun No. Aknari has been getting a lot of buzz lately and it's all well-deserved as this eye and face serum is both effective and heavenly.  Other than the fact that it hydrates perfectly, it smells amazing; a powdery rose that's so modern and pretty.  This serum is 100% organic and contains only three ingredients: Prickly Pear Seed, Argan Oil and Rose Essential Oil.  To read my full review of Mun, please visit here.  Get 10% off now using code:  TGPJMUN $95

Osmia Organics - No one (other than maybe Laurie from 312 Beauty) was more excited about Osmia's new Linden Rose Hand Cream coming out than I was.  I'm always so impressed with how professional, yet completely handmade, all of the products from Osmia are.  Linden Rose Hand Cream is what I would define as the perfect consistency.  It's of medium thickness, dries quickly and leaves your hands really hydrated without that greasy feel (I know you know what I'm talking about). With pure ingredients like aloe barbadensis leaf juice, shea butter and sweet almond oil, you know you're in good hands (ugh..bad pun).  $24

NYL Skincare - NYL's vegan cleanser smells just like a rose.  It's so pretty and light, a true pleasure to cleanse with.  So pure, this formula contains only organic rosewater, organic vegetable glycerin and organic castile soap.  This would be wonderful for super sensitive skin types.  The consistency is water-like and it's very gentle.  I like to use this in the shower with my Japanese Konjac Sponge.   To read my full review of NYL (Know Your Ingredients) visit here.  $28

*All of these products were sent to me for review.  All opinions are my own! 

A New Super Natural (And Gluten-Free) Skincare Line: Hana Organic Skincare.

Four years ago, certified herbalist, Karen Reis created Hana Organic Skincare (named after her daughter, Hana).  This gluten-free skincare line has incredibly pure ingredients and is really effective.  I've got my favorites for sure (Gentle Cleanser, Renew Creme and Eye Oil) but I think this is most definitely a brand where you could get everything you need all in one place: your cleanser, mask/exfoliant, face oil, face cream, toner (which I didn't test) and eye serum.

Gentle Cleanser

This was a big favorite of mine. Lately I've been really loving super-smooth feeling cleansers.  They leave the skin so soft and do a great job of removing makeup (I like to use a cloth or cotton just to make sure I get everything off).  To use, I wet my face and massaged a little of the cleanser all over.  Then I would take a cotton round or cloth and get off any residual makeup, and rinse.  This cleanser has only five ingredients, all organic:  rose hydrosol, castile soap, jojoba oil and geranium and neroli essential oils - you can't get purer than that.  It feels amazing going on, cleanses perfectly and leaves the skin hydrated.   $28

Lavender Grains

I'm all over multi-functional products, so when purchasing this, you should know that you're getting both an exfoliator and a mask.  I tried this out both both ways and loved it.  My skin was super soft and not dry at all.  Each jar comes with it's own little Hana ceramic bowl scoop (love) and I used that for carrying it into the shower with me.  These grains are gentle but effective and the ingredients are super pure: white clay; *oats; *+almonds; *poppy seeds; *rose centifolia (rose); *lavendula officianalis (lavender); *calendula officianalis (calendula); *lavender & rose essential oils (*organic)  $36

Eye Oil

Lately I find that I'm only using eye oils.  I just feel like they hydrate so well and, with this one, makeup goes on nicely - if you give it a little bit of time to absorb.  I used to think that oils would not work well with concealer and eye makeup, but I find that they absorb into the skin better than a thicker cream (just what I've found).  This will last you quite some time and the ingredients are simple and pure: jojoba & rosehip seed oils; Vitamin E; rose essential oil.  $40 

Renew Crème

I love, love, love this cream...or crème...or cream. This was a standout product for me.  I found that it hydrated like a serum would, but was really nice to actually put on a cream for a change.  So, if you're not a fan of putting oils on your skin, I recommend this as you'll be getting similar benefits, just with a creamy consistency. It's got a pretty floral scent and it's super hydrating. Ingredients? *Rose & *lavender-infused *+almond oil; *rosehip seed oil; *aloe vera gel; *rose hydrosol; pure filtered beeswax; Vitamin E; Leucidal liquid SF ECOCERT; *lavender, *geranium, *ylang ylang & neroli essential oils (*organic +Demeter ® Biodynamic ® Ingredient) $60 

Luxe Serum
This serum is for all skin types.  I'm big, big into face serums, so if you haven't gotten on that train yet, I suggest you hop on!  Hana claims that this can help facilitate cell regeneration.   It also is super hydrating and softening.  The scent is a bit on the smokier side (for lack of a better word), and I'm really into scent, but there are many people who will absolutely love it.  You need so very little as it spreads out easily.  Ingredients: *jojoba, *apricot & *rosehip seed oils; Vitamin E; *lavender, neroli, frankincense & rose otto essential oils.  $60

*These products were generously given to me to test.  All opinions are my own, gosh darn it!

Okay, I'm Going For It. I'm Going To Tackle What I Think Are The Best Natural Deodorants: Fresca, Milk of Magnesia, FreshBod, Schmidt's, Osmia Organics & Meow Meow Tweet

I am either thee worst person on Earth to be doing a full-on summary of natural deodorants or perhaps I'm the best because I, my fellow greenies, have something called Hyperhydrosis, which basically means that my temperature gauge in my body is off and I'm always sweating.  I can be cold, but I'm still sweating.  Yes, it's the bane of my existence and takes a lot of my energy, but we've all got our things, haven't we?  I consider myself incredibly lucky in other areas, so that's that!

Now, as we all know very, very well, a natural deodorant that works well on one person, could make another person smell like a petting zoo after a rainstorm.  So, I'm going to give you my opinion on these deodorants and you can see which ones sound like they might be something that could work for you.  Keep in mind that none of these are antiperspirants.  Sweating is a very healthy and normal bodily function, so we're just looking to keep the odor at bay, here.   And please remember to read all labels and decide what product might be best for you and your precious lil pits!

If you are currently using or going to begin using a deodorant with baking soda, just keep in mind that some people can develop irritation under their arms.  Meow Meow Tweet has recommended using Olive Oil to soothe the area and I think it's a brilliant idea.  Also, some cream deodorants with baking soda can be grainy, so just remember to apply it gently.  Hard rubbing won't do anything more than irritate the skin.

THE ROLL-ONS

FRESCA NATURAL DEODORANT  It's not my first time writing about Fresca, so you can read my full review here.  This Australian company hand makes their deodorant and it works!  There's no aluminum, no parabens, no alcohol and it's blended with pure essential oils.  There's also six scents to choose from: Citrus Fresh, Jaisara, Ocean, Unscented, Valley Rose, Wild Lavender and Wooden Spice. $15 - $18

How does it hold up?  I found this to work wonderfully.  And while it does contain baking soda, I didn't find that it irritated under my arms as much as some creams have.  The scents are great, too.

Ingredients:  Hand-made from food grade ingredients of purified water, vegetable gum and an aerated salt (sodium bicarbonate base mineral salt) which is then blended with the highest quality essential oils. 

MILK OF MAGNESIA DEODORANT  I'm always researching new deodorants and this is a favorite of mine mainly because deodorants with baking soda (and this is just MY chemistry, many people don't have this issue at all) turn my clothing temporarily yellow (insert loud groan here).   So, I kept researching to find a deodorant without baking soda and I found this on The People's Pharmacy site.  This absolutely works for me.  Why Milk of Magnesia?  Well, since Magnesium Hydroxide is alkaline, it creates an inhospitable environment for microorganisms (the little guys who feed on your sweat and create odor).  So, if there's no microorganisms, there's no odor.    

How does it hold up?  I find that this deodorant works perfectly for me and remember,  I sweat a lot.  I also showed it to my homeopathic doctor and she gave the ingredients the thumbs-up and started recommending it to her patients, so I 'd say that's a pretty nice endorsement.

Ingredients:  Magnesium Hydroxide, Water, Bentonite (natural clay that suspends the Magnesium Hydroxide and keeps it from compacting in container) and Ethylhexlglycerin & Capryl Glycol (naturally derived preservative system that also contributes to deodorancy).

THE SPRAY

Fresh Bod Natural Deodorant  New kid on the block over here!  This is working AMAZINGLY for me.  I like to try out any natural deodorant I read about and when I saw this posted online recently, I was really intrigued.  Being that it's a spray, touch-ups during the day are so easy and the packaging is great for just throwing in your bag.  $7.99

How does it work?  I've been using this everyday since I got it and it's fantastic.  I don't have any irritation under my arms (even though there's baking soda), there's no odor and you can also spray this on your clothes as well.  It's become a fast favorite.  It's completely unscented as well, so spray away.  I just ordered a few more bottles for myself!

One of the ingredients in this deodorant is Colloidal Silver.  I asked Erica Thomas, the one of the founders of FreshBod, for her take on this ingredient:  "Colloidal silver is a non-toxic, natural antibacterial solution. Most body odor results from bacteria mingling with sweat and oil. Our colloidal silver and hydrogen peroxide combination create a powerful “1-2 punch” in destroying this odor-causing bacteria, making FreshBod a safe and effective alternative to standard chemical-laden deodorants. We think a lot of the silver controversy centers around its internal use – those who ingest the solution for medicinal purposes. FreshBod isn’t in a position to speak (positively or negatively) about the practice of ingesting colloidal silver as our product is strictly for external use." 

Ingredients:  Sodium bicarbonate, magnesium sulfate, purified water, hydrogen peroxide and  colloidal silver.

THE CREAMS

Schmidt's Natural Deodorant   I've already expressed the love I have for Schmidt's in my full review here.   Schmidt's deodorant really does work for me.  Many people that I've recommended it to have loved it.  Now, it does contain baking soda, so if you're prone to irritation, I suggest that you use Olive Oil under your arms to soothe the skin.   Also, apply this deodorant gently as it's texture is a bit courser than others.  All of the scents are absolutely wonderful and I can't say enough good things about it.  $8

How does it work?  Really well.  I find that this definitely keeps odor at bay.  I often like to switch back and forth with my Milk of Magnesia (and now my FreshBod) just so I don't get irritated.  

Ingredients (Cedarwood Juniper):  Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), Maranta arundinacea (arrowroot) powder, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, Cedrus deodara (Himalayan cedar) essential oil, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Juniperus (juniper) essential oil, Humulus lupulus (hop) extract

Osmia Organics Deodorant  I'm a big fan of Osmia Organics for many reasons, but mainly because I know how much time and research creator Sarah Villafranco puts into creating all of her handmade products.   This deodorant is 91.9% organic and the ingredients are stellar.  It feels great going on, is very smooth and is perfect for carrying in your bag.  $12

How does it work?  I would recommend this to someone who doesn't sweat a lot.  I used this on days when I knew I wasn't going to be in high-stress situations and it was effective and felt great.  It's light, smooth and perfect for that chick who doesn't sweat excessively, and wants a well-made (and handmade) natural deodorant.  

Ingredients:  Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter*, tapioca starch*, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) oil*, sodium bicarbonate, fuller's earth clay, callophyllum inophyllum (tamanu) oil*, vegetable glycerin*, and a proprietary blend of certified organic and wild-harvested essential oils

Meow Meow Tweet Tea Tree Deodorant   I had tested the Tea Tree Deodorant Cream which, if you love Tea Tree oil, you're going to be in heaven.  This cream is super, super soft.  Probably thee softest deodorant cream I've tried yet.  It feels wonderful going on.

How does it work?  Again, I think this would be perfect for someone who sweats like a "normal" person (unlike myself).  I like to carry around deodorants like this for touch-ups during the day, but again, you may not need that.  If you're looking for a really creamy, natural deodorant, you probably are going to want to give this a try.  I could wear this on low-stress days or days when I wasn't running around a lot.  $12

Ingredients:   *Olive oil, *virgin coconut oil, *jojoba oil, *shea butter, *arrowroot powder, baking soda, kaolin clay, tea tree OR lavender essential oil.  *certified organic

Have favorites?  Have some opinions?  Let me hear you in the comments below, woman!

*Some of these deodorants I purchased, others were kindly and generously given to me for review.  All opinions are my own.  I hope you find something here that works wonders for you, stinky!