Natural Beauty Products – Nov. 2014

Published December 2, 2014 by Barbara Sandell

Hi There – If you celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope you had a lovely holiday. To everyone else, I hope your weekend was superb! Here are the products I enjoyed in Nov. 2014 that I want to tell the world about! I purchased all these products myself.

1. Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream with SPF 30 Non-Nano Zinc Oxide
I was in need of a combination moisturizer and sunscreen to save me time with my morning skincare routine. I bought this product in a Josh Rosebrook haul and this product was the immediate standout.This product is the perfect consistency; richly emollient yet greasy at all. It’s a bit pricey but I know it’s a high quality product that provides sun protection against UVA and UVB rays. Available at the joshrosebrook.com.

2. Lily Lolo BB Cream
I’m a big fan of Lily Lolo products so when they came out with a BB cream, I was an early adopter. I chose the light shade which is perfect for me. The product comes in a handy pump tube and provides a light to medium coverage but plenty for every day. Topped off with Lily Lolo Flawless Silk Mineral Powder, this BB Cream isn’t going anywhere throughout the day. A few of the ingredients in this BB cream are on my “prefer to avoid” list but it performs well and it was a favorite last month. Available at lilylolo.com.

3. Dahliana Naturals Refreshing Citrus Cleanser
I was in need of a gel based, thorough natural cleanser to use after a using a cleansing balm to remove the day’s makeup. This cleanser is a powerhouse yet doesn’t strip the skin of vital moisture. A little goes a long way and it has a pleasant citrus scent. The ingredients are rockin’ and include aloe, raw turbinado sugar, chamomile extract, rosemary extract, coconut oil and sweet orange oil. Available at dahliana.com.

4. Auromere Herbal Toothpaste in Licorice
I feel like a fickle pickle when it comes to natural toothpaste because I tend to like each new product I try better than the rest. This product is a real winner, though and I know I’ll repurchase it. I’ve been using the licorice flavor which doesn’t burn my mouth like mint toothpaste’s tend to. Free of fluoride, gluten, bleaches, artificial sweeteners, dyes, and animal ingredients. Available in 4 varieties: Licorice, Freshmint, Mint-Free and SLS-Free Cardamom-Fennel. This toothpaste provides you with clean teeth and fresh breath using all natural botanical extracts and essential oils. If you’d like to give this product a try, it’s available here.

5. Osmia Organics Deodorant
Deodorant is another area where I tend to like the next product I try better than the last. I’ve tried several cream deodorants that you apply with your hands but they were dry, crumbly and hard to get melted into the underarm area. The Osmia deodorant is the first truly creamy product that’s easy to scoop out of the tin and melts easily into the skin within seconds. Oh, and it keeps you smelling nice all day too! Available at osmiaorganics.com.

6. Dahliana Naturals Seabuckhorn Berry Cream
I received a sample of the Overnight Fruit Lift when I purchased the Dahliana Citrus Cleanser. I was impressed by the cream and after doing some research, decided to purchase Dahliana Naturals Seabuckhorn Berry Cream for my nighttime moisturizer. I use this cream as the last step in my nighttime routine. This cream is silky smooth, super concentrated and easy to apply. Grapefruit oil provides a light citrus fragrance. Made with Natural and Certified Organic ingredients including sunflower oil, soy, seabuckhorn berries (Vitamin C), fruit stem cells, marshmallow and rose hip. The container is pretty and contains enough product to last a long time (I’m thinking 6 – 9 months). This cream can be used day or night but I reserve this for nighttime since I’m partial to daytime products with sunscreen. Chemical and Paraben-Free, Vegan and GMO Free. Available at dahliana.com

7. Mun No. 1 Aknari Brightening Youth Serum
A lot of serums are heavy and almost greasy but not this one! This product is a blend of 3 oils:Prickly Pear, Argan and Rose. It’s super light yet luxuriously emollient with a subtle pleasant fragrance. I just received my No. 11 Anarose Rejuvenating Toner and I know it’s going to be a fav for Decemver! Available at munskin.com.

8. Amara Organics Vitamin C Serum for Face 20% with Vegan Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin E
Sometimes I like a product that is a little on the medical side of things to keep my skin youthful and protected. Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are known to be powerhouse ingredients and key to any anti-aging regime. This combination of 20% Vitamin C and other ingredients yet highly effective and proven to stimulate collagen, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, brighten and smooths skin for a more radiant and youthful complexion. Prevent and reverse sun damage and fade sun spots and discoloration. The serum is gentle and uses plant-based ingredients, contains no parabens, no alcohol, and is not tested on animals. Made in the USA. Available here.

9. Be Green Rose Hip Scar Oil Treatment
I had hand surgery 2-1/2 months ago and I’m nursing a 2 inch scar on my hand. Massage is important for healing scars and this oil makes massaging my hand a breeze and provides nourishment to speed up the healing process I found many powerful scar healing ingredients packed into this 1 oz bottle including organic rose hip oil, organic and calendula infused olive oil, organic jojoba oil, vitamin E, helichrysum, frankincense, lavender and myrrh. Available at begreenbathandbody.com.

What products did you enjoy using in November?

-Barbara aka Curious Babs

What’s In My Shower?

Published November 16, 2014 by Barbara Sandell

Hello There! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! I was organizing in the bathroom the other day and thought it would be fun to provide an overview of the products I’m currently using in the shower. I hope you enjoy this post!

Face and Body Products

I only need gentle face cleansing in the morning since I’m not removing makeup. Here are the facial cleansers I’m using along, 2 products for all over body cleansing and a beloved konjac sponge.

My Konjac Sponge in Red Clay – As you may know, I love my konjac facial sponges. The body sponge is a fairly new product for me and I’m still trying it out.

Josh Rosebrook Moisturizing Cleanser – This is a brand new addition to my collection and I absolutely love it!

Acure Brightening Facial Scrub – This product is a real winner. I use it once or twice a week during my morning shower.

Florame Soap in Patchouli – I love patchouli in autumn and winter. This is a brand new product and so far, so good.

Om Organics Spa Body Wash – This is a luxurious and creamy cleaner that’s great for using with a nylon scrubbie.

John Master Organics Linden Blossom Face Cream Cleanser – I used this all summer (see my Vacation Natural Beauty Must Haves).

MyChelle Creamy Pumpkin Cleanser – This product has a slightly spicy scent I plan on enjoying during the holidays!

Shampoos

I’ve always been a slight hoarder of hair products so I had a large stash of shampoo when I embarked on my green beauty journey. (That’s my excuse anyway for why I’ve moved so slowly away from mainstream shampoos.) To be honest, I find shampoos without SLS (the stuff that creates all the suds most of love in our shampoos and soaps) hard to fall in love with. From Livestrong.com: “A common ingredient in personal care products, sodium lauryl sulfate, or SLS, is an additive that allows cleansing products to foam. According to the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database, SLS is a “moderate hazard” that has been linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, organ toxicity, skin irritation and endocrine disruption. Definition: SLS is an emulsifier and foaming agent commonly used in cosmetic products and industrial cleaners. SLS is present in most body washes, soaps, shampoos, toothpastes and laundry detergent. According to Mercola.com, although SLS is derived from coconuts, it is contaminated with a toxic byproduct during the manufacturing process.”

Here are the products I’m currently trying to use when I don’t reach for the last remaining bits of mainstream shampoo.

Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo – I haven’t had any scalp problems for awhile so I forgot I had this one!

Josh Rosebrook Deep Nourishing Shampoo – This is a recent addition I’m just starting to test.

Giovanni 50:50 Balanced Hydrating Clarifying Shampoo – I mentioned this one in my Natural Beauty Favorites from July 2014.

Benecos Shampoo – I’m still testing this one.

Hair Conditioners & Body Scrub

Jason Restorative Biotin Pure Natural Conditioner – This one’s been a major winner for me and it’s great substitute for shaving cream!

Josh Rosebrook Deep Nourishing Conditioner – This product is brand spanking new and I’m still testing it.

Om Oroma Polish Honey Sugar Scrub – I keep this on the top shelf because I don’t use it that often in the shower. I think I’ll move it to the bathtub.

Aveda Color Conserve Conditioner – I bought this quite awhile ago. Aveda isn’t on my buy list anymore as I’ve discovered brands with fewer controversial ingredients. Now that I think about it, I may throw the remaining product away.

Did you have trouble transitioning to non toxic shampoos? What products are you currently using in the shower?

-Barbara

Natural Beauty Products – Fall Look

Published November 3, 2014November 9, 2014 by Barbara Sandell

The weather has finally turned chilly in California and it’s time to light candles and put a warm, fuzzy blanket on the bed. The long sleeved t-shirts, fleece vests, flannel pjs and Uggs are coming out of hibernation along with my autumn makeup items. I’ve been collecting green/natural makeup for about 6 months so it was fun to have enough inventory to pull together a fall inspired look. Here are the details for my Natural Beauty Products – Fall Look. I purchased all these products myself. All prices shown are retail in US Dollars. I hope you enjoy it!

Face

Alima Pure Satin Matte Foundation in Beige 3. It took awhile for me to find the right shade of this foundation but when I did, it quickly became a favorite. $25/sample available for $1.75.

Alima Pure Satin Matte Blush in Bisque. The Alima Pure website describes this shade as a “warm muted terracotta”. This blush is in a loose mineral format so it should be applied sparingly (I’ve been using the sample size for months). $20/sample available for $1.75.

Brija Cosmetics Hoola Hoop Bronzer. Brija markets this as a dupe for Benefit’s Hoola bronzer. Many “clean” bronzers I’ve tried are too dark or too orange but this product is a great color for my medium-light skin. The container is a great size for swirling any size brush and it’s a great value at $7.50 for 10g.

Mineral Fusion Corrector in Warm. I mentioned this product in my July 2014 Natural Beauty Favorites. $24.99

Lily Lolo Flawless Silk Finishing Powder. See more at my Sep 2014 Favorites. $22

Eyes

Afterglow Organic Infused Eco Eyeshadows. I was inspired to try Afterglow eyeshadows after reading one of posts on the Genuine Glow Blog (thanks, Lilly!). So far, I’ve purchased 3 refills (which I keep in a Z Palette). From left to right: Horizon (lightest taupe brown matte), Baroque (light peachy amber satin) and Batik (warm mauve brown satin). These shadows are great and I’ll be picking up more! $17 each

Vapor Mesmerize Eyeliner in Viper. This is a rich dark brown; perfect for every day or a dressed up look. $20

Lily Lolo Lash Alert Natural Mascara. This mascara goes on lush and luxurious and has good staying power. This mascara is only available on the UK Lily Lolo site – approximately $17.60.

Jane Iredale Purebrow Brow Gel in Blonde. When I’m in a hurry, this product is just enough for a quick brow enhancement. $17

Lips

Afterglow Cosmetics Organic Infused Lip Liner in Bliss. This is a great neutral color and doesn’t need to be sharpened! $22

Red Apple Lipstick in Coral Crush. These are great lipsticks and definitely worth a try. $23.50 for one but buy more and save!

Have you tried any of these products? What are your go-to natural makeup products for Fall?

-Barbara

Natural Beauty Favorites from September 2014

Published October 19, 2014November 15, 2014 by Barbara Sandell

Hi There! I hope you are doing well! Here is an overview of my Natural Beauty Favorites from September 2014. I bought all these products myself. Retail prices are listed in USD.

1. Lily Lolo Silk Finishing Powder
Some powders make my face look flat and “made-up” but this one provides great staying powder while providing a slightly dewy finish. I use this powder daily to set my foundation, BB cream and even mineral foundations. A light application of this sheer pale peachy pink powder sets my makeup beautifully and helps it last all day. The packaging is cute and functional (includes a sifter to control spillage and how much gets dispensed). I pour some into the lid, swirl my powder brush around to incorporate the product into the bristles and firmly pat it all over my face. I set it with a light misting of facial toner for extra staying power.

From the Lily Lolo US website: “Our award winning finishing powder is made with pure inert minerals and completely free of nano particles, talc, additives, harsh chemicals, parabens, gluten, bismuth oxychloride, synthetic dyes, fillers, fragrance, preservatives, petroleum based chemicals, and other questionable ingredients. Gluten free, suitable for vegans.” Ingredients: Mica, Iron Oxides $22 for 4.5g in a 40ml sifter jar

2. Benecos Bio Lip Balm
I’ve tried a few natural lip balms and this is the only one I keep coming back to. It has a creamy consistency and glides on easily while depositing a good amount of product. It’s tasteless and fragrance-free. If you’re in the market for a fragrance-free balm, you might to give this one a whirl!

From the Benecos website: “This lip balm heals and restores health to lips with organic plant oils and Vitamin E. BDIH Certified Natural, Cruelty Free, Gluten-Free.” Ingredients: Olive Fruit Oil, Beeswax, Sumax Berry Peel Wax, Jojoba Seed Oil*, Shea Butter*, Carnauba Wax, Vitamin E, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Vitamin C, Sunflower Seed Oil*, Rhus Verniciflua Peel Cera $6.99 for .15 oz/4g

3. John Masters Organics Calendula Hydrating & Toning Mask
I have slightly dry skin and I’m always trying to keep it moisturized and avoid stripping it of its natural oils. Many facial masks include clay which is great for deep cleansing but can be drying. This mask is super rich and spreads over the face like a dream. It doesn’t dry to a stiff dry consistency like many masks and is easy to wipe off.

From the John Masters Organics website: “Weekly mask with powerful hydration for dry and weather-damaged skin. Hydrates the skin with 12 oils and extracts; protects against free radical damage; helps regenerate collagen; balances production of sebum.” Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice*, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil*, cetearyl alcohol, cetearyl glucoside, arachidyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, arachidyl glucoside, glycerin*, populus tremuloides (aspen) bark extract, xylitylglucoside, anhydroxylitol, xylitol, maltooligosyl glucoside/hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, hydrolyzed linseed extract*, malpighia glabra (acerola) fruit extract*, oryza sativa (rice) extract*, spirulina platensis extract*, butyrospermum parkii (shea) nut butter*, olea europaea (olive) leaf extract, calendula officinalis (calendula) flower extract*, rosa damascena (rose) flower oil*, cananga odorata (ylang ylang) flower oil*, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract*, sclerotium gum, xanthan gum, p-anisic acid * Certified Organic $26 for 2 oz/57g

4. Pai Comfrey & Calendula Calming Body Cream
As many of you know, I love Pai products. They are very high quality and deliver results with a minimum number of ingredients. This lotion is rich without being greasy, absorbs well and is fragrance-free.

From the Pai website: “An intensely hydrating and therapeutic cream formulated for sensitive or allergy-prone skin. This silky, rich cream is the ultimate multi-tasker for very dry or out of condition skin. Free from alcohol, artificial fragrance, synthetic preservatives and petrochemicals.” Ingredients: aqua, helianthus annuus oil*, olea europa oil*, butyrospermum parkii butter*, cetearyl alcohol, glycerin*, simmondsia chinensis oil*, prunus domestica seed oil*, symphytum spp extract*, calendula officinalis extract*, cetearyl glucoside, echium plantagineum, mixed tocopherols, jasminum grandiflorum* oil, citrus sinensis oil*, sodium levulinate, sodium anisate, lactic acid, sodium laurel lactylate $40 for 6.8 oz/200 ml

5. Real Purity Pure Body Soap Bar
This soap lathers really well, makes me feel clean and refreshed and is reasonably priced.

From the Real Purity website: “Seaweed and Aloe Vera Gel work together to calm and moisturize the skin. Sandalwood Oil softens and tones skin, allowing it to retain increased amounts of moisture while clearing away blemishes and scar. Grapefruit Oil brightens skin and removes toxins. Alcohol and paraben-free, this product is formulated with all natural ingredients.” Ingredients:Purified Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Gel*, Focus Vesiculosis (Seaweed), Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit Seed) Extract, Olive Leaf Extract, Vitamin E*, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil*, Paradisi (Grapefruit) Oil*, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil* *Organic and/or All Natural Ingredients $8.00 for 4.5 oz

6. The Organic Pharmacy Carrot Butter Cleanser
Makeup Artist Lisa Eldridge whom I absolutely adore mentioned this product in her Cleansing Balm Review so I decided to give it a try. I enjoy giving myself a good facial massage at the end of the day using this product. This is probably the best mascara remover I’ve tried. When I have a full face of makeup, I lean on this product to quickly dissolve the products on my face. I remove the product with a muslin cloth soaked in very warm water or large cotton pads moistened with warm water. It’s worth noting that your face will need a separate cleansing after using this product (unlike Pai’s Camellia and Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser). After I received the product, I reviewed the ingredient list on the package and found items listed at the end that weren’t on the website. Those ingredients are Parfum (essential oils), Linalool and Limonene. I was pretty annoyed to discover these ingredients but I do like how the product performs.

From the Organic Pharmacy Website “Our ultimate best selling cleanser effortlessly removes grime, dirt, dead skin and make-up including eye make-up. Infused with Rosemary, Carrot and Shea Butter, the skin is left comfortable, incredibly soft and radiant. Chamomile and Lavender soothe and calm both skin and mind. Excellent for all skin types.” Ingredients: Sunflower Oil(Helianthus Annus), Jojoba Oil(Simmondsia Chinensis)*, Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii)*, Beeswax (Cera Alba), Sesame Seed Oil (Sesamum Indicum), Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao), Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera)*, Marigold (Calendula Officinalis) Extract*, Carrot (Daucus Carrota) , Virgin Olive Oil (Olea europea)*, St Johns Wort (Hypericum Perforatum)*, Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Rosemary (Rosamarium Officinale), Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis), Lavender (Lavandula Officinalis)” $74 for 70 ml

7. Real Purity Mascara
I’ve been trying out natural mascaras the past few months and this one is my favorite so far. The product is a nice consistency and doesn’t clump during application. The brush feels just right and it coats pretty well with the first application. The formula is a good balance of thickening and lengthening and it’s a nice black color. I haven’t found a natural mascara that doesn’t smudge a little under the eyes after about 5 hours but this product has pretty good staying power. It come in a great range of colors: Clear, Emerald Green, Violet, Black, Sable Brown, Navy, Black and Brown. The mascara needs a good makeup remover and the packaging is pretty basic but it’s a great product for the price.

From the Real Purity website: “All of Real Purity’s mascaras are micronized (not nano-sized) and are then coated in Pycnogenol, a premiere anti-oxidant that goes one step further to protect your eyelashes from harsh chemicals.” Ingredients: Purified Water, Beeswax, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Candellila, Cellulose, Pure Plant Extracts, Iron Oxide $15 for .50cc

8. Pai Echium & Macadamia Replenishing Day Cream
Another winner from Pai, this moisturizer is great for day or night. The pump is convenient and the packaging is elegant. It was a tad heavy for daytime use during the summer but it will be great now that Fall is upon us.

From the Pai website: “Breakthrough organic extracts to revitalize sensitive skin as it ages. Rich in deeply replenishing actives, it absorbs beautifully to optimize both hydration and regeneration for a smooth, supple complexion. Accelerates skin cell regeneration to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Deep conditions and repairs skin at a cellular level. Anti-inflammatory properties keep sensitive skin types clear and calm.Suitable for Vegans. Not tested on animals.” Ingredients: Echium, Macademia, Rose, Aqua, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil* (Apricot Kernel Oil), Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil* (Macadamia Oil), Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil* (Thistle Oil), Cetearyl Alcohol (Coconut-derived Emulsifier), Butyrospermum Parkii Butter* (Shea Butter), Glycerin* (Vegetable Glycerine), Borago Officinalis Seed Oil* (Borage Oil), Lactobacillus Ferment (From Biotechnology), Prunus Domestica Seed Oil* (Plum Kernel Oil), Glyceryl Stearate Citrate (From Sustainable Palm Oil), Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil (Echium Extract), Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract (Black Elder Extract), Rosa Damascena Oil* (Damask Rose Otto Oil), Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E), Cetearyl Alcohol (Coconut-derived Emulsifier), Cetearyl Glucoside (Corn-derived Emulsifier), Sodium Anisate (Basil Extract), Glyceryl Caprylate (From Coconut Oil), Pelargonium Graveolens Oil* (Rose Geranium Oil), Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract (Rosemary Extract), Sodium Levulinate (Corn Extract), Citrus Grandis Peel Oil* (Grapefruit Peel Oil), Lactic Acid (From Sugar Beet)  , *Certified Organic by the Soil Association $70 for 1.7 fl oz/50 ml

Have you tried any of these products? What are your current go-to natural beauty products?

Curious Babs

Green Beauty & Lifestyle Blog

Author: Barbara Sandell

Natural Beauty Products – Nov. 2014

What’s In My Shower?

Natural Beauty Products – Fall Look

Natural Beauty Favorites from September 2014