summer 2015 favs

Natural Beauty Favorites – Summer 2015

I apologize it’s been awhile since the last post. I’ve been insanely busy with a new job but I’m starting to come up for air. Rest assured that regardless of the publication cadence of this blog, I’m always sampling products while iving and breathing green beauty! I wanted to report out on my natural beauty favorites from Summer 2015 before we’re deep into Fall.

The interesting thing about posting favorites from a few month back is that I can add additional perspective now that some time has lapsed. Here are some of the products I loved during this past summer.

Josh Rosebrook Caco Antioxidant Mask  
As you may know, I adore Josh Rosebrook skin products. I was in the mood to get some more uses out of this mask before retiring it for Fall. This mask is ultra luxurious, effective and reminds me chocolate truffles I love to indulge in during the holidays. Product description: “A powerful skin brightening and rejuvenating product that detoxifies, tones, firms and exfoliates the skin. Users experience a clearer, firmer and brighter complexion after the first treatment. NO animal testing, parabens, sulfates, petro-chemicals, synthetic ingredients, preservatives, colors, fillers, fragrances or GMOs.”

Ingredients: STRUCTURED VITAMIN WATER, DISTILLED WATER, ORGANIC CACAO (COCOA) POWDER, ORGANIC WITCH HAZEL EXTRACT, VINEGAR, ORGANIC OILS OF: ALMOND AND GRAPE SEED, HERBAL INFUSIONS OF: LAVENDER FLOWERS, GINKGO LEAF, ALFALFA, BILBERRY, NEEM LEAF, COMFREY, MARSHMALLOW ROOT, SKULLCAP, ST. JOHN’S WORT, YERBA MATE, SAGE, BLADDERWRACK, PAPAYA LEAF, HAWTHORN BERRY AND CLARY SAGE. ORGANIC COQ10ORGANIC ESSENTIALOILS OF: ORANGE, LAVENDER, ROSEMARY, CALENDULA. $60 You can find it here:

Vapour Stratus Soft Focus Skin Perfector in 902  
I had this product for awhile and didn’t give it much of a try until I read a rave review. This is  a multi-purpose product; moisturizer, skin care and perfecting foundation base all in one. It’s very emollient and may be greasy for oily skin (it’s OK for me since I’m on the dry side. I’ve tried applying this product two ways: 1. Combine it with some Vapour Soft Focus foundation. 2. Follow it with a powder foundation. The product perfects pores, keeps your face moist and dewy all day long and has great staying power.

Ingredients: Organic Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Silica, Organic Cera Alba (Beeswax), Lauroyl Lysine, Mica, Organic Sambucus Nigra (Elderberry) Fruit Extract, Organic Lecithin, Organic Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil, Organic Papain (Papaya) Extract, Solanum Lycopersicon (Tomato) Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Canarium Luzonicum (Elemi) Gum Nonvolatiles, Commiphora Myrrha (Myrrh) Gum Oil, Eriocephalus Punctulatus (Cape Camomile) Oil, Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E), Wildcrafted Boswellia Carterii (Frankincense) Gum, Organic Ocimum Sanctum (Tulsi/Holy Basil) Leaf Extract, Organic Nelumbo Nucifera (Lotus) Leaf Extract, Pogostemon Cablin Oil [may contain +/- Titanium Dioxide (CI77891) Iron Oxide (CI77491), Carmine (CI75470)] $ 48 Find it here:

Pai Camilia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser   
This product has remained my #1 eye makeup remover for almost a year and it’s also a wonderfully gentle morning cleanser or end of day makeup remover. I had been using oil cleaners religiously and realized I had a large container of this cleanser to use up before it expired. When I started using this cleanser regularly again, I fell in love with it all over again.

Ingredients: Rose, camellia aqua, camellia sinensis seed oil*, ricinus communis (castor) seed oil*, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil*, cetearyl alcohol, vegetable glycerine*, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter* , cetearyl glucoside, rosa damascena (rose otto) oil*, pelargonium graveolens (geranium) oil*, lavandula officinalis (lavender) flower oil*, litsea cubeba fruit oil* – may chang oil, mixed tocopherols (natural vitamin e), sodium lauroyl lactylate, sodium anisate, sodium levulinate, lactic acid, glyceryl stearate citrate $ 50 Find it here:

Studio 28 Bronzer  
I had been dying to try Studio 28 for awhile and chose this product since I was in the “bronzing” mood for summer, This bronzer is lovely and was love at first try. This is a baked formula that is velvety smooth and picks up easily with a soft brush. A weird thing happened in June – this bronzer crumbled into pieces. When I received it from Amazon, I noticed the product wasn’t a perfectly smooth pressed compact and there were some irregularity in the smoothness of the compact. I believe the product was damaged and it was just a matter of time before it broke apart. The original product is usable, just a little tricky to get a small amount of product on your brush. I liked the product enough to give it another try and purchased it again – this time in the lighter shade White Sand which is better for my skin tone. Great stuff.

Ingredients: Mica, zea mays starch*, squalane, zinc stearate, cocos nucifera oil*, helianthus annuus seed oil*, prunus armeniaca kernel oil*, persea gratissima oil*, chamomilla recutita flower extract*, parfum, benzyl alcohol, dehydroacetic acid, limonene, linalool. May contain : ci 77891, ci 77491, ci 77492, ci 77499. $43. Find it here:

Spectrum Cosmetics Loose Eye Shadow in Driftwood   
I looked long and hard for an eyeshadow that would add natural looking definition to my brows and this product hits the mark.  This matte grey/brown powder is just perfect for adding natural looking definition. The cool toned product doesn’t contain any of the annoying warmness of many brow products. It’s a real winner and so affordable!

Ingredients: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate, Iron Oxide, D&C Black #2, Polyester3  $3.50 Find it here:

Silk Naturals Eyeshadow in Exposed and Focus  
I bought several eye shadows in an attempt to mimic my favorite shades from the Urban Decay Naked Basics palate. These are nice shadows and are made without talc, binders, bismuth oxychloride, or preservatives. Walk of Shame is one of my favorite UD eye shadows and Exposed is working out great as an “better than bare” overall eye color. Exposed Ingredients: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Magnesium Myristate, Magnesium Stearate, Boron Nitride, Silica. Also contains: Iron Oxides.

Focus is a taupe tone with just the faintest hint of pearl. It’s great as a crease color and dupe for Naked 2. Focus Ingredients: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Magnesium Myrsistate, Magnesium Stearate, Boron Nitride, Silica. Also contains: Iron Oxides $4.99  Find these shadows here:

What did you love most this past summer?

-Barbara

 

 

Natural Beauty Favorites from April 2015

Natural Beauty Favorites from April 2015

Natural Beauty Favorites from April 2015Spring is here and it’s wonderfully warm here in California. Flowers are blooming and adding beautiful color around Silicon Valley. Birds are singing starting at 6 am and my bird feeders stay busy until the sun starts to fade at 8 am. I just love Spring.

A change of seasons always inspires me to mix-up my beauty routine. I start looking for lighter weight facial products and brighter colors for lips and cheeks. I discovered some new winners this past month and rediscovered my love for products I already had. Here are my natural beauty favorites from April 2015.

Max Green Alchemy Scalp Rescue Shampoo
I really love this shampoo. It lathers easily, cleanses well and leaves my hair looking great. It’s free of petrochemicals, sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, parabens, lanolin and is cruelty-free. It contains ingredients to target various scalp issues including dandruff and psoriasis. It’s full of botanical extracts, vitamins and essential oils to that naturally nourish and protect the hair. So far, I’ve just tried the shampoo so far but a Scalp Rescue conditioner and 5 (yes, I meant five!) styling products are also available.

Ingredients: Herbal Infusion [Purified Water (Aqua), Glycyrrhiza Glabra* (licorice) Root, Tussilago Farfara+ (coltsfoot) Leaf, Achillea Millefolium* (yarrow), Salix Alba+ (willow), Tabebuia Impetiginosa+ (pau dÌarco), Arctium Lappa* (burdock) Root, Berberis Aquifolium (mahonia), Calendula Officinalis* (calendula), Equisetum Arvense* (horsetail), Urtica Dioica* (nettles)], Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate (coconut derived surfactant), Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine (coconut derived surfactant), Sucrose Cocoate (sugar/coconut emulsifier), Coco-Betaine (coconut derived surfactant), Leptospermum Petersonii (lemon tea tree), Melaleuca Alternifolia* (tea tree), Lavandula Angustifolia* (lavender), Pelargonium Capitatum* (geranium), Rosemarinus Officinalis* (rosemary), Oryzanol (rice extract), Hydrolysed Soy Protein (hair strengthener), Glycerine (vegetable source), Panthenol (pro vitamin B5), Macadamia* Ternifolia (macadamia) Seed Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Anisate, Sodium Phytate (from rice bran), Xanthan Gum, Ascorbyl Palmitate (vitamin C ester), Aloe Barbadensis* (aloe vera) Leaf, Mixed Tocopherols (plant derived GMO-free vitamin E). * Organic + Wildcrafted

You can find it here: $16

In Love Greece Deodorant
I recently finished a Meow Meow Tweet deodorant (it was in my March Natural Beauty Favorites). I loved that deodorant but wanted to use this product from my stash before buying something new. Deodorant application with your hands means one extra hand washing that I’m not always up for during a busy morning. I really enjoy this deodorant. It’s easy to apply (doesn’t drag on the skin), isn’t sticky (you can put your clothes on soon after application) and it does a nice job of odor control throughout the day. It smells good and it’s affordable From the In Love website: “Does not contain any aluminum, parabens, petroleum or other harmful ingredients to your body or the earth once washed down the drain.”

INGREDIENTS: PRECIPITATED DEAD SEA SALTS IN DISTILLED WATER, SAPONIFIED ORGANIC COCONUT OIL, CANDELILLA WAX, VEGETABLE EMULSIFYING WAX, GRAPESEED OIL, ORGANIC COCONUT OIL, JOJOBA OIL, WITCH HAZEL, CARNAUBA WAX, ESSENTIAL OILS OF ORANGE, GRAPEFRUIT AND LIME, SODIUM BORATE, ESSENTIAL OIL OF NEROLI(ORANGE BLOSSOM).

You can find it here: $9.50

Vapour Organics Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation in 120
I’ve really been enjoying this foundation. It has a very moisturizing consistency which makes it very hydrating with a luminous finish. 120 is a great color for me and it leaves a luminous finish. 2 tips: 1. It’s important to use sparingly and use a beauty blender or foundation brush as it doesn’t sheer out that well with your fingers. 2. It’s important to finish off with powder to matify and set for staying power. From the Vapour Organics website: “Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation is made with 70% organic ingredients and 30% natural mineral pigments. Atmosphere nourishes with Organic Pumpkin and Papaya Complex, brightens the skin with organic Camellia, and is infused with Vapour’s face-specific infusion of soothing Frankincense, antioxidant Tulsi, and calming Lotus.”

Ingredients: Organic Camellia Oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil, Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil, Mica, Silica, Organic Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate*, Organic Cera Alba (Beeswax), Wildcrafted Boswellia Carteri (Frankincense) Gum, Solanum Lycopersicon (Tomato) Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Canarium Luzonicum (Elemi) Gum Non-Volatiles, Commiphora Myrrha (Myrrh) Gum Oil, Eriocephalus Punctulatus (Cape Chamomile) Oil, Organic Nelumbo Nucifera (Lotus) Leaf Extract, Organic Ocimum Sanctum (Tulsi/Holy Basil) Leaf Extract, Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E), Pogostemon Cablin Oil [+/-: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, 77492, 77499)]

You can find it here: $50

Stark Neroli Midnight Oil
This oil has just the right consistency for me as a nighttime treatment and it smells divine. The product description speaks for itself. From starkskincare.com: “Neroli oil, is also an excellent healing potion for both mind and body. It is calming and relieves anxiety while helping skin to stimulate cell-regeneration which promotes a more youthful appearance. This aromatic delight is quickly absorbed into skin, but as it contains cocoa and mango butter, also creates a light, protective barrier, perfect for a soothing night time treatment. Precious seed oils such as antioxidant-rich raspberry, pomegranate and blackberry, and black cumin –known in the Arab world for being a cure-all–, are seeped in a base of beautiful organic camellia (green tea) seed oil and golden jojoba from Argentina. Oat and cucumber seed oil are calming and soothing. Evening Primrose is excellent at treating hormonal skin issues such as acne, as well as treating scars.”

Ingredients: Camellia sinensis (organic green tea) seed oil, Simmondsia chinensis (organic jojoba) seed oil, Prunus dulcis (organic sweet almond) oil, Oenothera biennis (evening primrose) oil, Punica granatum (pomegranate) seed oil, Rubus idaeus (raspberry) seed oil and/or Rubus fruticosus (blackberry) seed oil, Avena sativa (oat) oil, Cucumis sativus (cucumber) seed 0il, Mangifera indica (mango) seed butter, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, Nigella sativa (Black Cumin) seed oil, Citrus aurantium amara (neroli) flower oil, pure essential oils.

You can find it here: $68

Zuzu Luxe Bronzer in D28
My usual go-to bronzer is a loose powder which takes a little more effort and time. I’ve been reaching for this lovely pressed bronzer which comes in a sleek compact that includes a mirror. It’s just the right color, doesn’t impart excessive sheen and is just so convenient.

Ingredients: Mica, Cetyl Palmitate, Octyl Palmitate, Silica, Kaolin,Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Extract,Zinc Stearate,Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*,Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,Lecithin,Crithmum Maritimum (Sea Fennel) Extract*,Tocopheryl Acetate,Iron Oxides,Titanium Dioxide

You can find it here: $28.30 (refillable)

Jane Iredale Lip Pencil in Spice
When The Green Product Junkie raved about these lip pencils I knew I had to try them! Katie’s insights and recommendations are always spot on. This pencil is great. It’s easy to apply (not too hard and not too soft) and come in a large array of great colors. Spice is the best neutral shade for me.

Ingredients: Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Silica, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate. [+/- (May Contain) Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Mica, Carmine (Ci 75470)]

You can find it here: $13

What products did you love last month?

-Barbara

Natural Beauty Favorites from March 2015

Natural Beauty Favorites From March 2015

Natural Beauty Favorites from March 2015

Happy Spring! I love how the tree lined streets around town are growing greener by the day as leaves grow on once barren limbs. New birds are stopping by the garden for a snack, drink or bath.

It’s time to report on the products I used up and my natural beauty favorites from March 2015.

Empties

Jason Sea Fresh Toothpaste – Deep Sea Spearmint 
This toothpaste is quite good – lathers pretty well and leaves the mouth minty fresh. The only complaint I have is that top is a little hard to close. You have to keep the top cleaned really well and use quite bit of force to get it closed – not a show stopper; just a bit of an annoyance. $6.39  Find it here

Agent Nateur N°3 Deodorant
This deodorant was one of my February Favorites (Add link). Because it’s a small deodorant, I used it up pretty quickly. I love the convenience of a roll on. This product is pricey but it’s high quality and I’d buy it again, especially for travel. $11  Find it here

Favorites
Dr. Bronner’s Rose Castile Bar Soap
I’m amazed by all Dr. Bronner products. They’ve been around forever and are still top notch. This soap is super creamy, long lasting and I’m just crazy about it. $4.69  Find it here

Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant in Lavender
When I saw this deodorant in a recent Petit Vour box, I actually squealed out loud in delight. I’ve heard so many great things about this deodorant, I was so excited to try it for myself. It’s easy to apply (isn’t too think or crumbly like other brands), it’s super effective and it smells yummy! A real winner! $14  Find it here

Lily Lolo Lash Alert Pure Natural Vegan Mascara
This mascara was another item in a recent Petit Vour box (I really loving this service!). I liked the old formula but this one is even better!  I don’t mind a little beeswax here and there but when a product is 100% vegan, it’s a plus in my book. I love the brush, the formula, how thick and luxurious it makes my lashes. It’s my new favorite. $19.50  Find it here

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Satin Eye Shadow in St. John
I’ve been searching high and low for non toxic eye primers.  Lily Lolo’s eye primer has been my favorite so far but I don’t like to wear it alone. I usually place a powder eye shadow this product for longevity but when I’m in a hurry, this eye shadow provides neutral opaque coverage that looks good on its own. It’s creamy and super easy to apply. $17  Find it here

W3ll People Realist 21 Mineral Setting Powder
I didn’t think I could find a setting powder I liked better than Lily Lolo’s but this one is right up there. I’ve been using this product nonstop since I got it. I’m becoming a huge W3ll People fan!  $24  Find it here

Jane Iredale Circle Delete Concealer in Peach 
Finding a good peach under eye corrector hasn’t been easy. This product has a peach/corrector side and a beige/concealer side. The peach shade is a nice corrector. The beige is a little light for me so I mix the two colors together for a concealer. This is a nice product overall. Jane Iredale’s products are pricey and not easy to find marked down but I’m glad I bought this one. $30  Find it here

What products did you like best in March?

-Barbara
Feb Natural Beauty Favorites from Feb. 2015

Natural Beauty Favorites From Feb. 2015

Hi Everyone! Another month has gone by and Spring has sprung here in California. It’s so nice to see all the flowers in bloom and the bright green leaves starting to grow back on the barren tree branches. I’ve been making a concerted effort to work through products I already have opened. New products await which serves as great motivation. I’m trying my best to abstain from new skincare purchases which is so hard! I did pick up several new natural cosmetics over the past 6 weeks so stay tuned  for a future blog post to learn about what products I’m loving this Spring. This post is an overview of my natural beauty favorites from Feb. 2015 along with a few empties.

Real Techniques Bold Metals 100 Brush – This brush works great for loose or pressed/finishing powder. l Iove how weighty it is and how it feels in my hand. The bristles are super soft with just the right amount of give to gently pat product on the face without moving your makeup around. It cleans like a dream and dries really fast. $25.99 Find it here

Lily Lolo Lipstick in Love Affair – I kept this lipstick in my purse last month so it was my Go-To in February. Lily Lolo describes the color as a “dusty, brown pink” and it’s perfect for every day of the week, work or play. It’s easy to apply, very moisturizing. It has so much shine, you don’t need to carry a separate gloss. $17.98  Find it here

Agent Nateur Deodorant – I found out about this deodorant from the lovely Britanie, author of the Beauty by Britanie blog. It’s such cute little product, glides on like a dream and really performs. $11  Find it here

Nuyah Lip Balm in Spearmint – This has become a nightstand staple. I can’t get enough of this lip balm including the slight tingle from the spearmint variety. $3.99  Find it here

Laurel Serum in Balance – This was a sample from an online retailer that I enjoyed it last month. It’s rich and hydrating. The Balance variety is geared toward combination or skin with break-out tendencies. Since I have normal to dry skin, I plan to try the Sun Damage variety next time. $68  Find it here

Empties
Mun No. 1 Akori Lightening Serum – This is one of the first facial oils I ever tried and set the bar so high for this skincare category. This product contains a minimum number of ingredients, each one of impeccable quality. This is probably the silkiest oil I’ve ever tried – a real keeper! $95  Find it here

Kari Gran Essential Serum – I’ve tried so many wonderful serums that I would repurchase in a heartbeat. This one, however, didn’t have the right texture to easily massage into the skin and the scent didn’t wow me. $35 for the trial set of cleanser, toner and serum.  Find it here

Josh Rosebrook Moisturizing Cleanser – I bought the trial size and used it during my morning shower for gentle face cleansing. I love how it smells (reminds me of freshly baked sugar cookies) and it always puts a smile on my face. I miss it and will repurchase soon. $27 – $50  Find it here

What natural beauty products have you been enjoying lately?