Treat Yourself To An At-Home Spa Day With Viñali Skincare *CLOSED*

Credit

When I was actively performing (I'm a classical soprano), I was pretty militant about making sure I got enough rest - because as a singer, if your body is exhausted or stressed out, it will come out in your voice. When I stopped performing (with the exception of singing around the house), somehow that rule went out the window. I would have a tendency most days to work myself to the point of near collapse and stress was pretty much a constant.

Since dealing with Adrenal Fatigue, I've had to "reinstate" my rest & relaxation rule full force and one of the ways I like to do that is to treat myself to a "spa day" at home!

 One of my new favorite brands to incorporate into my pampering routine is Viñali Skincare (read review here) - an organic line made in Spain that uses the wine grape as its star ingredient! If you really want to nourish yourself, this is a good line to go with - paired with a nice glass of Pinot Noir, says the girl who loves her wine..;-)

They recently sent me their firming body lotion to try and are also graciously giving away this lotion along with their limited edition massage candle to one lucky reader (deets below)!

First, let's talk about the lotion...

Firming Body Lotion - This silky, lightly scented lotion absorbs easily into skin and is packed full of skin loving ingredients like Shea Butter, Grapeseed Oil and Cacao Extract to firm, tone and hydrate. While I haven't noticed any firming (yet, I've only used this a short while), I do love how moisturizing this lotion is and how it applies easily without leaving my skin or hands feeling greasy. The scent is also appealing to me - kind of a light, floral fragrance - very feminine!

Price - $38
Ingredients - Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Water*, Aqua, Betaine, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Stearic Acid, Sodium Laurel Glutamate, Theobroma Cacao Extract*, Benzyl Alcohol, Oleo Europaea (Olive Fruit) Oil, Propanediol, Xanthan Gum, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sorbic Acid, Glycine Soy Oil, Tocopherol, B-Sitosterol, Squalene, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Linalool, Citronellal *Ingredients from organic farming.


Massage Candle - What's a spa day without candles and massage? For me, it's like chocolate without wine! Formulated with nourishing oils of Grapeseed and Sweet Almond, this will take "me time" to a whole new level. Have your significant other be your massuese/masseur for a more romantic experience! ;-)

Price - $32

Now for the best part! If you'd like to win these products to create your own special at home "spa day", all you have to do is follow the instructions below (we will be checking, so please follow each entry option if you want to win!)! Easy peasy! :-) One lucky winner will be randomly selected on 2/25/16. Giveaway is open to US peeps only. Good luck! :-D



a Rafflecopter giveaway



Peace & love,
~Sabrina xoxo

Some Of My Favorite Products To Help You Have A Very "Scentual" Valentine's Day!

*PR Samples - Bella Vita, Amaki, Astoria Naturals, Lurk, Tata Harper & Annmarie Skincare

Well, hello young lovers! ;-) Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and besides wishing you all a happy day filled with lots of love (and chocolate!), I wanted to share a few of my new favorite products that are perfect for this romantic holiday! All products listed are free from harmful toxins, use natural or organic ingredients and are cruelty-free.

1) Amaki Jasmine & Rose Nourishing Oil - A light, non-greasy oil that can be used on face, body or hair and smells of Roses, Jasmine and Geranium. Made with nourishing oils like Argan, Jojoba, Sweet Almond and Rosehip, this amazing "love potion" will have your skin feeling soft and touchable! $25.99

2) Amaki Flowers & Salts Bath Soak - Made with mineral rich Dead Sea and Epsom Salts to ease tension and muscle stiffness as well as Lavender essential oil and rose petals to promote calmness and relaxation, this bath soak will leave you feeling pampered and ready for a night of romance! $25.99

3) Bella Vita Rosabella Deodorant - A recent. local discovery of mine, this natural deodorant is my new favorite! Made with nourishing ingredients like Shea Butter, Coconut oil as well as Arrowroot Powder to absorb wetness, this will keep your underarms moisturized and odor free all day. And the Rose Essential oil keeps you smelling like..well roses from morning til night! $8 (website coming soon)

4) Astoria Naturals Body Wash - One of the most unique brands I have yet to come across, Astoria Naturals allows you to custom design your own products! They provide the base ingredients and you get to choose your own scents (or scent combos) and any "boosters" you'd like to add (firmness, extra moisturizing, etc). How freaking cool is that?! I have to be honest, this was the most fun I've had with a brand thus far! For both the body wash and lotion I chose the Jasmine, Rose and Grapefruit  scent blend and for the wash, I chose extra moisturizing and calming for my boosters. My skin felt soft and lightly scented (you can also choose how strong you want the scent to be!) after showering. $18

5) Astoria Naturals Body Lotion - This is by far my favorite body lotion! First of all, two of my favorite scents in the whole world are Jasmine and Rose, so this is just intoxicating to smell (I chose medium strength for the scent so it lasts a very long time!), and the added benefits of firming and extra moisturizing makes this all the more delightful to use! This is pure pampering right here! $19

6) Lurk Perfume OM 011 - Sensuous notes of Sandalwood and Oudh intertwine with Jasmine, Rose and Lotus Blossom to create the most exquisite scent combination I've yet to find in a perfume! If you are looking for a natural, non-toxic and eco-friendly fragrance to rival mainstream brands with a sexy scent that lasts for hours, this is the one for you! And if you love Jasmine, Rose and Sandalwood as much as I do, you will be hooked! $65

7) Annmarie Skincare Love & Passion Essential Oil Blends - (see review here). You can't have love without passion (well you can, but hello booooooring!) and these two aromatherapy oils will help to really get the mood just right with scents of Jasmine, Rose and Sandalwood. $49.95 each

8) Tata Harper Love Potion - A blend of the world's ten most potent aphrodisiac essential oils, this formula will help to stimulate the senses, heighten sensuality and promote confidence (because we all know how sexy that is..especially in the bedroom!). $42


How are you spending your Valentine's Day? What are your favorite products to get you in the mood for this romantic holiday?

Peace & Love,
Sabrina xoxo

*Products were sent to me for review consideration, all opinions are my own
**Some affiliate links were used

Brand Obsession: Viñali Skincare - Harnessing The Antioxidant Power Of The Wine Grape!

Anyone who knows me knows that I have mad love for wine (dry only, though please!), so finding an organic skincare line that harnesses the antioxidant power of the wine grape in its formulations definitely piqued my interest!

Add to that that it comes from Spain (I'm 50% Español) and I am really interested!

The idea for VIÑALI Skincare was first conceived in 1995 at vineyards that belonged to the Lopez de la Osa Escribano family in Ribera del Duero, Spain, where they had founded the first biodynamic estate in the area. After the marriage in 2003 of Alfonso de la Osa and Marie-Sixtine de Coral, a French entrepreneur who had worked for years in various high-end cosmetic companies, the birth of Viñali began. 

Frustrated with the amount of pollution in the both the environment and the products she worked with, Marie-Sixtine began to search for more natural options. Not happy with the lack of choices Europe was offering at the time, she began the process of creating her own. She researched the antioxidant properties of the grapes in their vineyard, and with her husband's help, created a method that naturally enhanced the presence of Resveratrol in their grapes up to 10% more than regular ones. Because in biodynamic agriculture no toxic chemicals are used, the plant is forced to protect itself naturally, which in turn, results in a higher concentration of Resveratrol.

I was sent two products to test out and I have to say, I was very impressed with both!

Let's take a look at each one:

PR Samples

1) Soin Visage Facial Moisturizer - A lightweight, silky moisturizer that is perfect for the daytime (especially as a primer under foundation), I fell in love with this at first use! Lately, my skin has been a bit more on the dry side, but still has a tendency to become oily by mid-day so this moisturizer handles both issues for me like a champ! And with nourishing ingredients like Grapeseed, Jojoba, and Sweet Almond oils my skin is kept hydrated all day! I love that this also contains one of my favorite age-defying ingredients, Hibiscus Flower Extract (aka: nature's botox) to help keep skin smooth and firm! The scent is clean and fresh, though may be a tad strong for sensitive noses (it does lessen a bit after a while). All in all, a really lovely product!

Price - $58
Ingredients - Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Water*, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Decyl Oleate, Aqua, Glycerin, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Germ) Oil*, Glycine (Soy) Oil, Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract*, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract*, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract*, Squalene, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract*, Agropyron Repens Root Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Sodium Hydroxide, Dehydroacetic Acid, Tocopherol, B-Sitosterol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sorbic Acid. *Ingredients from Organic farming


2) Soin Mains Hand Cream - A rich, nourishing cream that is perfect for these Winter months! With ingredients like Shea Butter, Grape Seed Oil and Calendula, hands will be kept soft, hydrated and protected no matter how brutal the weather! I loved that even though the texture was on the heavy side, it wasn't greasy at all and the scent was extremely subtle too! This has been a life saver (or hand saver rather) this season!

Price - $18
Ingredients - Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Water*, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract*, Aqua, Benzyl Alcohol, Cera Alba, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sorbic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol. *Ingredients from Organic farming.




Have you tried anything from Viñali Skincare? If so, what were your favorites? Let me know below!

Peace & Love,
Sabrina xo


*Products were generously sent for review consideration, however, all opinions are my own.

Celebrating My (AHEM!) "29th" Birthday (For The 16th Time) With A Little R&R, Family, Food & Green Beauty!

Hey, loves! So, this past Friday was my birthday and it was such an amazing weekend of love, family and delish foods that I wanted to do a quick little recap and share some of the fun with you!

My husband recently was hired at a new company and his last day happened to be on my birthday. He doesn't celebrate birthday's (being a Jehovah's Witness), so I thought we would just acknowledge his new success. He really surprised me, though, when we were trying to think of where we wanted to go or what we wanted to do for dinner when he said that it was up to me as it is my day!! Whaaaaa????! Really???!! And Squuueeeee! :-D He added to the surprise when he came home with this deeeelish cake (I was so excited for it, I totally forgot to take a pic before we dug in!).

Triple Chocolate Cake from Wegman's

Dinner was steak and salad and roasted sweet potatoes (again, too excited to do anything but eat!) and Josh brought home the most wonderful Pinot Noir to go with it all. Later that night, his mother called to wish me a "happy anniversary of my birth" and my night was complete!

On Saturday, my parent's had a big dinner for my brother (whose birthday was on Wednesday) and I and it was lots of fun, great food and of course..lots of presents!!!

My dad is Spanish, so he made us seafood paella, a favorite of mine and my mom made a homemade pecan pie (another favorite). I'll probably be spending the rest of today recovering from my food coma, but it was oh so worth it! ;-)

Because I work from home and I spend the majority of my time with little to no make-up on, my hair either pulled back or up and my daily ensemble is pretty much sweats, yoga pants and a tee shirt, I wanted to spend a little more time pampering myself and make myself look a bit more "human".

Pre-makeup - just curled my hair with a 1 inch curling iron and brushed out with my fingers

I started my routine with some new organic skincare products, then since I really don't wear a lot of make-up and my skin is just soooooo "moody", I didn't use too many products (list of what I used below).

For my skin, I skipped the face wash and just used a lovely, detoxifying mask from Northport Naturals (full review to come soon!), let that dry and then rinsed off in the shower. Then, I tried out some products from the new "7 Essentials Collection" I recently purchased from Sircuit Skin (so far I'm pretty impressed), to prep and prime my skin before applying make-up.

For my make-up, I chose to go simple and since the top I wore was a deep shade of purple, I used purples and nudes for my color palette.

For face:

Jane Iredale Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream in BB3
Jane Iredale Pure Pressed Base in Amber

Eyes:

I used an old Bare Escentuals loose powder kit I had gotten at Sephora ages ago, but the colors are just sooo pretty, I haven't had the heart to toss it! I used a light silvery lavender on my lids and a deep purple in my crease and on my lower lash line.

Mascara is a new favorite from Pacifica

Lips:

Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques Lip Color in Creme Brulee - code "brunetteecoholic" will save you $$ at checkout!

For hair, I kept it simple with loose curls. I washed my hair the night before with some new Acure Organics products (recent clearance scores at my local Target!), then added a few drops of Auve Beauty's Radiance Infusion Serum to my ends for extra hydration (and because I'm obsessed with the light Jasmine scent). I used a one inch curling iron to create tight ringlets, then brushed my hair out with my fingers until the curls were loose. I don't use hairspray, but I "set" my curls with a sea salt spray from Tone it up.

All in all, it was a great birthday (weekend) and one that was made extra special by my husband and our families..oh, and my mom calling me to sing "happy birthday" was pretty sweet too - a tradition she's kept since I moved out 16 years ago! :-)

On our way to my folk's house...yummy food, here I come!! Nom nom nom!

Peace & love,
~Sabrina xoxo

*some affiliate links were used in this post

Keeping Skin & Lips Hydrated & Pampered This Winter With Avitalin, Mad Hippie & ChopSaver!

With Winter (finally) officially in full swing here in WNY (though where I live we missed the blizzard thankfully!), my skin has been in need of some extra TLC lately!

And while I have been using several brands/products to help keep my skin happy (see here), I've recently incorporated a few new ones that I am really loving right now!

*PR Samples

Avitalin Lipid Repair Serum - After trying the "Bee Venom Biolift Complex" (see review here), I knew I wanted to try more of Avitalin's products and next on my list was their "Lipid Repair Serum". I've learned a lot in the last several years about how the skin works and have been particularly intrigued about the concept of corneotherapy - a method of repairing the outer most layer of the skin (stratum corneum) in order to improve the overall health and function of the skin (read more here).  In this philosophy, certain ingredients can either support or impair the skin's lipid barrier thus preventing or causing issues, like acne, rosacea, etc. Avitalin is the second company I have worked with that utilizes this approach to skin care and I have to say based on my own experience it definitely makes a difference (and that's saying a lot with my temperamental skin!)! As for the serum, it contains ingredients known for their ability to hydrate, repair and protect against environmental damage such as Rosehip Oil, Squalane and Ceramides. The texture is silky and rich, and absorbs quickly and deeply without any greasy feel. It can be used anywhere on the face, including under eyes and on lips and can even be mixed into your face oil or moisturizer (which is what I do) for extra nourishment. This has definitely been a saving grace this Winter for sure! In my opinion, this is the second win for this brand and I already have my eye on several more of their products! :-D

Price - $40
Ingredients - Olive Squalane, Rosa Rubiginosa (Rosehip Seed) Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (fractionated Coconut Oil), Ceramide-3 (Lacto-Ceramide)


Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser - I recently tried and fell in love with their "Anti-Oxidant Face Oil" (read review here), so I just knew I was going to dig this product too! I was not disappointed! A rich, creamy cleanser that feels like a moisturizer yet rinses completely clean - my skin was left feeling very soft and pampered afterward. With ingredients like Shea Butter, Macadamia Oil and Sesame Oil to moisturize and Orchid Extract to slow down cellular degeneration, this little cleanser packs a big age-defying punch! The addition of Jojoba Oil makes this a good option for oily skin as well as dry.

Price - $15.99
Ingredients - Deionized Water, Sesame Oil (Sesamum Indicum), Caprylic/capric Triglycerides, Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), Cetearyl Glucoside, Carrageenan Gum, Vegetable Glycerin, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium PCA, Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis Leaf), Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis), Squalene, Organic Macadamia Oil (Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil), Organic Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia Chinesis), Yeast Extract, Glucosamine HCL, Vitamin E (Tocopheryl), Sodium Hyaluronate, Algae Extract, Orchid Extract (Orchis Mascula), Titanium Dioxide


Chop Saver Lip Balm - Created by professional trumpet player Dan Gosling in his kitchen, this lip balm was originally intended for musicians to use to prevent chapping, soreness or inflammation from playing brass or woodwind instruments. Using a "symphony" of ingredients consisting of healing herbs like Arnica, Comfrey, Calendula and White Willow combined with nourishing oils and butters of Avocado, Grapeseed, Apricot, Shea and Mango, this lip balm is like no other I have tried. My lips are soft and hydrated and the light citrus flavor is just delightful, because, you know, it's important that any lip product I use tastes good...is that weird? In addition to soothing chapped lips, ChopSaver is also good for treating fever blisters and cold sores, as well as side effects of Acitretin. I can definitely see purchasing this once I run out! They also have one that contains spf15, which I may need to get, especially when running errands in this Winter weather!

Price - $3.99 (CVS website) or $13.35 - $24.75 for a 3 or 6 pack on Chopsaver's site
Ingredients - Castor Oil*, Candelilla Wax, Beeswax*, Shea Butter*, Mango Butter, Aloe Vera, Carnauba Wax*, Avocado Oil*, Apricot Kernel Oil*, Arnica, Calendula*, Comfrey, Raspberry Leaf*, White Willow, Vitamin E, Citrus Oils, Ginger Essential Oil*, Pea Isolate


I should mention too that I also just began incorporating some more amazing products from Enessa Organic Skincare and will hopefully have a post here or on social media to let you know what I am using! :-)

Have you tried anything from these brands? What are your fave products? How are you keeping your skin and lips pampered this Winter? Let me know below! 


Peace & Love,

Sabrina xoxo

*Products were generously sent to me for a review. All thoughts & opinions are my own. 

New From Annmarie Gianni Skincare - Essential Oil Blends To Promote Harmony & Well Being!

Photo Credit

Oh, Annmarie Gianni Skincare, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

No matter how many amazing green beauty brands I try, there are always those few that are just so special, so nurturing, so utterly unforgettable that you just keep going back for more and more.

Annmarie Gianni is one of those brands. Their creations never cease to amaze and delight me. And now they have done it again with the newest addition to their family - Essential Oil Blends aromatherapy oils!

I was graciously sent their sample kit to test and let me tell you..these oils are pure heaven!!

Here's the 411 on each:

For Best Results (from their website):

Apply 1-2 drops onto wrists, or add to a carrier oil (such as pure coconut, olive, or grapeseed) and apply like a moisturizer. Use it in your diffuser, or add it to water to make a room spray.

1) Vibrance - Made with a combination of feminine florals like Jasmine and Rose and energizing citrus notes of Grapefruit and Lemon, this oil is perfect for when your mood needs to be uplifted and happy!

Ingredients: Essential oils of ruby red grapefruit, Italian lemon, bergamot, lemon verbena, lavender, clementine, jasmine sambac absolute, rose-geranium.

2) Passion - To ignite that passionate side of you, this is the one to reach for! Earthy notes of Vetiver and Buddha Wood mingle with the sensuous scents of Rose and Sandalwood to really help put you in the right mood! ;-) One of my favorites of the bunch for sure!

Ingredients: Essential oils of sandalwood, vetiver, frankincense, rose moroc absolute, sweet myrrh, amyris, buddha wood.

3) Love - What's passion without love to really stoke the fires? In my opinion, pretty darn boring! Made with the intoxicating essential oils of Jasmine and Rose, this is a straight up aphrodisiac in a bottle! Sandalwood and Frankincense round out the sexy scent. Love combined with Passion is muy Caliente - and my favorite two of the bunch!!

Ingredients: Essential oils of sandalwood, rose moroc absolute, jasmine sambac absolute, frankincense.

4) Calm - With all the stress that has been in my life for the past few years, this is something I have been in desperate need of! With the relaxing scent of Lavender and the comforting scent of Frankincense, this really helps keep those negative emotions away! Needless to say, I've been using this a lot!

Ingredients: Essential oils of sandalwood, rose moroc absolute, jasmine sambac absolute, frankincense.

5) Grounded - This one I use as a companion to Calm and Vibrance - to help keep stress levels down, my mood happy and my emotions centered and positive. The scent is woodsy and earthy with just a touch of sweet spice that really makes everything nice! Sandalwood, a re-occurring guest star in most of these oil blends, is extremely helpful in reducing stress, depression, and even low self-esteem, while instilling a sense of inner peace.

Ingredients: Essential oils of sandalwood, amyris, peru balsam, cedarwood, vetiver, amber (fossilized), copaiba balsam, galangal root, patchouli, ginger root, buddha wood, turmeric root.



Have you tried these oil blends yet? What are your favorite scents to help calm, de-stress and uplift you? Let me know below!



*Products were sent to me for review, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

**Contains Affiliate link

Some New Faves From Lemongrass Spa, Neal's Yard Remedies & Indie Lee!

*PR Samples

I never get tired of discovering or being introduced to new green beauty brands and I always get so excited when I find ones that I truly, unconditionally love...like the 3 I want to share with you today!

And while I do have quite a bit more to test/review for two of them, I just couldn't keep these a secret any longer! So, without further ado.....

Lemongrass Spa

When founder Heidi was pregnant with her daughter, she realized that there were many toxins in everything she was using. Determined to find safer solutions, she began making her own products and in no time "Lemongrass Spa" was born! Free from phthalates, mineral oils, parabens, sulfates, bismuth oxyxhloride, formaldehyde, talc, lake dyes, carmine, nano-particles, gluten and gmo's, Lemongrass Spa uses only high quality, Organic ingredients that are good for you, your skin and the environment! They are also cruelty free!

1) Prebiotic Facial Wash - I am in love with this cleanser! Ph balanced so that it won't strip your skin of its natural oils, this foaming gel cleanser removes make-up, dirt and grime like a champ! I like to use this at night after I oil cleanse and my skin is left feeling soft and clean. I've noticed that since I have been using this every night that my skin is getting clearer, which of course makes me very happy! I definitely recommend this to anyone, but especially those who are acne prone!

Price - $14
Ingredients: Purified Water, Coconut Oil, Sea Salt, Kelp, Chamomile Extract, Citric Acid and Glycerin (plant derived)

2) Prebiotic Facial Mist - This hydrating facial mist with Coconut Oil, Sea Kelp and Organic plant extracts helps keep skin clear and healthy by promoting good bacteria already present in the skin to flourish and eliminating the bad. The perfect companion to the Prebiotic Facial Wash!

Price - $14
Ingredients: Purified Water, Saponified Coconut Oil, Sea Kelp, Organic Plant Extracts, Soy Lecithin, Aloe and Citric Acid

*Stay tuned for more reviews from this awesome brand!

Indie Lee

A favorite among green beauty bloggers, Indie Lee is an eco-chic brand that proves that "green" is definitely glamorous! From the sleek, modern packaging, to the clean, nourishing ingredients, this is a brand that needs to be on your radar..asap!

1) Rosehip Cleanser - Formulated with vitamin C rich Rosehip, this creamy gel cleanser has become a staple in my morning routine! My skin can be very sensitive, but this cleanser is so gentle and nourishing that my skin is only left clean and hydrated. Highly, highly recommend!

Price - $32
Ingredients - Aqua, Sodium Olivate (Fatty Acid from Olive), Glycerin, Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil, Chondrus Crispus, Eriobotrya Japonica Extract

2) Vanilla Citrus Body Oil - Hands down, this is my favorite body oil..ever! It's multi-tasking (can be used on body, face and hair), smells like heaven (vanilla with a hint of orange..mmmmmm), makes your skin feel softer than a baby's bottom, and the scent lasts allllll day! I seriously can't rave enough about this!

Price - $36
Ingredients - Simmondsia Chinensis (jojoba) Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (apricot) Oil, Vanilla Planifolia (vanilla), Citrus Aurantium Sinensis (sweet orange)

Neal's Yard Remedies

Creating products that benefit body, mind, well-being and environment, Neal's Yard Remedies is passionate about helping people to transform their lives, educating and empowering them to be more healthy through the power of nature.

1) Organic Inner Strength Tea - With ingredients like Echinacea and Elderberry to boost immunity and Acerola, Elderflower and Ginger to warm and soothe, this spicy tea is the perfect drink for when fighting off a cold or just as a treat in the colder months to come. I love to add a touch of honey to sweeten things up! It's pure bliss in a mug!

Other benefits:

• Warms and comforts
• Naturally caffeine-free
• Oxygen-bleached bags (chlorine free)
• No staples or glues
• Compostable bags
• Plastic-free bags
• 100% organic
• Non GM

Price - $4.99
Ingredients - Astragalus root*, Elderberry*, Elderflower*, Echinacea herb*, Ginger root*, Acerola extract*.

*Organically produced ingredient. Made with 100% organic ingredients. This is a vegan product.

2) Bee Lovely Body Butter - Lightly scented and decadently rich, this body butter is a true skin treat! Organic Honey, Shea and Cocoa Butters leave skin soft and deeply moisturized, while the subtle fragrance from Mandarian Orange Essential Oil uplifts the senses. This is the first body butter I have tried that doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy, which I love. The texture is creamy and silky and it absorbs pretty quickly too. A little goes a long way.

Price - $32
Ingredients - Aqua/Water/Eau, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower)Seed Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, TheobromaCacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter*, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder*, Mel*, Citrus Sinensis Peel Oil Expressed*, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil*, Styrax Tonkinensis Resin Extract*, Alcohol Denat.*, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Levulinic Acid, Sodium Levulinate, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Citral, Citronellol, Eugenol, Farnesol,Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool.

*Organically produced ingredient. Natural constituent of essential oils listed.

Made with 89% organic ingredients.

*Stay tuned for a review on some of their facial products!



So far, I am extremely impressed with everything I have tried from these 3 brands and I hope to try more in the future!

Have you tried anything from these brands? If so, what are your favorites?

Peace & Love,

Sabrina xoxo

**All products were generously sent to me for a review, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

From Russia With Love - Introducing Lyeska Skincare

Photo Credit

The idea for Lyeska Skincare was conceived in Russia's remote Far East when founder Katya Hegg discovered the remarkable healing properties of Siberian Cedar Nut Oil. Rich in Vitamin E, essential fatty acids, Phospholipids and amino acids, this oil provides superior hydration, even in the coldest and harshest climates!

Driven by a desire to find new and effective ways to protect and nourish her skin and inspired by her experience with the cedar nut oil, Katya began developing her own skincare line based on this amazing ingredient.

All of Lyeska's product formulations are created to be both simple and effective, combining the nourishing benefits of the Siberian Cedar Nut Oil with other select ingredients that are known to address specific skin needs. None of Lyeska's products contain artificial colors, toxic fragrances, GMO's or harsh preservatives. They are also cruelty free and eco-friendly.

I recently had the pleasure of testing a few of Lyeska's products and today I'd like to share my thoughts with you!

*PR Samples

1) Facial Cleanser - This light gel cleanser cleans skin without stripping away natural oils, so skin feels soft, not tight after washing. Formulated with nourishing Cedar Nut Oil, rejuvenating Apple Fruit Extract and combined with the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory benefits of Burdock Root and Calendula Flower Extracts, this cleanser is great for all skin types. It has a light, woodsy/floral scent and rinses cleanly. This is a really nice cleanser for those who prefer gels to cream/milk cleansers.

Price - $38
Full Ingredients - *Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Pinus Sibirica (Cedar) Nut Oil, Glycerin, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Water, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, PCA, *Arctium Lappa (Burdock) Root Extract, *Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil, Citrus Junos (Yuzu) Flower Oil,*Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil, Schizandra Sphenanthera (Schisandra) Fruit Extract, Citrus Sinensis (Blood Orange) Peel Oil, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, P-Anisic Acid, Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum

*Organic ingredients 

2) Rejuvenating Serum - Formulated with Cedar Nut Oil, Black Currant, Green Tea and Peptides, this lightweight serum helps to repair, detoxify, brighten, firm and revitalize your skin. Sadly, since I only had a small sample to work with (maybe a week or two's worth of product), I didn't notice much firming, but my skin did seem to become less red and I found that this did seem to hydrate really well too - 2 huge pluses in my book! I'd really love at some point see what a full size of this serum could do for me!

Price - $65
Full Ingredients - Water, Pinus Sibirica (Siberian cedar) Nut Oil, Lactobacillus Ferment, *Glycerin, *Oryza Sativa (Rice) Seed Extract, *Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Fruit Extract, Bentonite, Hexapeptide-11, Sodium Hyaluronate, Betula Alba (Birch) Leaf Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate,*Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavander) Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Neroli) Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium (Petitgrain Bigarade) Leaf Oil, *Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, Bisabolol, Boswellia Carterii (Frankincense) Resin Extract, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, P-Anisic Acid, Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum

*Organic ingredients

3) Moisturizing Facial Lotion -  One of the things I loved the most about this moisturizer is how light it felt on my skin! It had a consistency similar to that of the serum, yet was a bit more hydrating, though not at all greasy. And with ingredients like Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Rose Flower Water, Rosehip Seed Extract and Shea Butter, my skin just drank this up like a greedy glutton! For those who want a moisturizer that hydrates, but doesn't feel rich or heavy, this one's for you!

Price - $54
Full Ingredients - *Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, *Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Water, Pinus Sibirica (Siberian Cedar) Nut Oil, Ethyl Macadiamate Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, *Glycerin, *Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Seed Extract, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Seed Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower)Seed Oil, *Matricria Recutita (German Chamomile) Flower Extract, P-Anisic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Bentonite, Xanthan Gum

*Organic ingredients 

4) Eye Cream - I've been looking for a good eye cream for awhile now - one that isn't too rich or too greasy, won't irritate my under eye skin or cause any kind of break outs - basically, like Goldilocks, I was looking for one that would be just right. This eye cream from Lyeska combines Arctic Root, Cornflower, Raspberry and White Extracts with the fatty acids and Vitamin E from the Siberian Cedar Nut Oil to nourish and hydrate skin cells, while also promoting collagen production, reducing dark circles and firming and smoothing skin. The texture is rich, though not overly, and absorbs quickly with no oily feel. I did not experience any irritation or breakouts while using this nightly for 2 weeks. So, I'd say this pretty much covered what I was looking for!

Price - $52
Ingredients - Water, Pinus Sibirica (Siberian Cedar) Nut Oil, Betaine, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Rhodiola Rosea (Arctic Root) Extract, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, *Hydrolyzed Linseed Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Squalane, Centraurea Cyanus (Cornflower) Flower Extract, *Oryza Sativa (Rice) Seed Extract, *Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract, *Glycerin, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Sorbitan Olivate, Hexapeptide-11, Sodium Hyaluronate, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Amorphophallus Konjac Root Powder, Sclerotium Gum,*Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, P-Anisic Acid

*Organic ingredients

Have you ever tried anything from Lyeska Skincare? What were your favorites?

Peace & Love,

Sabrina xoxo

Acure Organics Introduces Some New Products For Fall & Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

I've been in love with Acure Organics for awhile now (see exhibits a, b, and c) and recently they came out with a few new things for Fall, which I had the pleasure to try out. But before I get into the nitty gritty of a review, let me just say that this love affair is in no danger of fizzling out anytime soon!

New Products For Fall...

  

Coconut & Argan Oil Cleansing Towelettes - I've heard many a good thing about Acure's cleansing towelettes and I am happy to say that all of the hubub was spot on! Scented with the intoxicating perfume of Coconut and formulated with such goodness like Olive Fruit, Sesame, Grapeseed and of course Argan Oils, these cloths are great for quickly removing make-up and cleansing skin (or hands after eating super saucy or messy finger foods). Toss them in your purse or gym bag for on the go travel or keep in your desk drawer to freshen up during the day, these handy, non-toxic and biodegradable wipes are perfect for the busy gal on the go! 

Price - $6.99

Ingredients - Water, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E Acetate), Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate/Caprate, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate/Sebacate, Citric Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate (From Glycerin + Coconut), Glyceryl Undecylenate(From Glycerin + Castor Bean Oil), Potassium Sorbate, Flavor (Organic Coconut Oil).

Coconut Straightening Shampoo & Conditioner - Continuing on with the coconut theme are their new Straightening Shampoo and Conditioner. Both smell like a pina colada (yum!) and both contain ultra hydrating Marula Oil and Coconut Water to keep hair smooth and frizz free. I love the rich, moisturizing lather of the shampoo and the creamy, silky feel of the conditioner. My hair not only feels clean, but nourished after showering. And the scent lingers in my hair for days after, which I love as I wash my hair every 3 days (sometimes 4 if I'm sick or feeling lazy). Both products are color safe, vegan , gluten free , sulfate free, paraben free, phthalate free, cruelty free, petroleum free, PEG free, synthetic fragrance free, silicone free , and are 100% Biodegradable! Whew! 

Price - $9.99
Ingredients -
Shampoo: 

Organic Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Berry Juice, Organic Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Juice, Organic Rosa Canina (Rosehips) Extract (Aqueous), Organic Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Juice, Organic Fair Trade Aspalanthus linearis (Rooibos) (Aqueous), Organic Aloe Barbadensis Vera Leaf Juice, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate (From Coconut), 100% Naturally-Derived Betaine (from Sugar Beets), Vegetable Glycerin, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate (from Coconut + Amino Acids), Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate (from Coconut + Amino Acids), Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate (from Coconut + Amino Acids), Cocoglucosides Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (Sugar Conditioner), Sodium Levulinate (from Corn), Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (Guar Gum Conditioner), Potassium Sorbate (Food Grade Preservative), Organic Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Organic Fair Trade Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, D-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Natural Vitamin E), Paullinia Cupana (Brazilian Cocoa) Phyto-Keratin, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Oil, Cysteine Amino Acid, Organic Coconut Flavor Oil

Conditioner: Organic Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Berry Juice, Organic Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Juice, Organic Rosa Canina (Rosehips) Extract (Aqueous), Organic Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Juice, Organic Fair Trade Aspalanthus linearis (Rooibos) (Aqueous), Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Stearylkonium Chloride, Vegetable Glycerin, Glucono Delta Lactone (Fermented Sugar), Organic Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Cetearyl Glucoside (from Corn and Glucose), Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (Guar Gum Conditioner), Glyceryl Stearate (Vegetable-Derived), l-Arginine (Amino Acid), Organic Fair Trade Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Sorbitan Olivate (from Olives + Sugar), Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Cellulose (Plant Derived), D-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Natural Vitamin E), Lactic Acid (Vegetable Derived), Paullinia Cupana (Brazilian Cocoa) Phyto-Keratin, Organic cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Oil, Cysteine Amino Acid, Organic Coconut Flavor Oil

Partnership With Unite For Her

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Acure Organics is helping to take a stand against it by partnering with Unite for Her - a non-profit organization dedicated to providing women of all ages wellness and educational programs that complement traditional breast cancer therapies. These programs are designed to help educate, empower and restore - to find fun and interesting ways of communicating the importance of a healthy lifestyle, to offer opportunities via various initiatives to develop leadership skills, and to restore total health through holistic therapies such as yoga, nutrition, massage and meditation. 

To support Unite for Her's mission, Acure is donating $0.10 per sale of their Day & Night Creams for one full year!

Like all of Acure's products, these creams are formulated with only the purest, most effective, fair trade and organic ingredients available and it's honestly no surprise that they are two of their best sellers. And also like all of Acure's products, they are super affordable! 

 Day Cream - Firming and free radical fighting Gotu Kola Stem Cells are the superstar in this nourishing daytime moisturizer. Formulated for normal to dry skin (though my oily skin stayed hydrated with no excess shine), this cream absorbs easily, is non-greasy and the scent is both spicy and fruity - reminds me of those orange spice drop candies! I applied this over their Argan Oil and still my skin remained shine free! This also contains 1% Chlorella Growth Factor, which supports and protects collagen and elastin fibers from free radical damage! I found this makes a great primer for under make-up too, oh and no breakouts either!  

Price - $16.99
Ingredients - Organic Curoxidant™ Blend [(Organic Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Berry, Organic Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry), Organic Rosa Canina (Rosehips), Organic Punica granatum (Pomegranate), Organic Calendula Officinalis (Calendula), Organic Matricaria Recutita (Chamomile), Fair Trade Organic Aspalanthus Linearis (Rooibos)], Organic Aloe Barbensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Cetearyl Alcohol, Fair Trade Organic Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Organic Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate SE (Vegetable Derived), Vegetable Glycerin, Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil, Infusion of Organic Calendula Officinalis Flower in Organic Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Glucono Delta Lactone (Fermented Sugar), Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Stem Cell Culture, Marrubium vulgare (White Horehound) Stem Cell Culture, Echinacea Stem Cell Culture, Fermented Resveratrol Extract (Probiotic), Organic Argan Oil, CoQ10, Olive Leaf extract, Organic Chlorella Pyrenoidosa (Chlorella Growth Factor), Citrus Reticulata (Red Mandarin) Oil, D-Alpha Tocoperyl Acetate (Natural Vitamin E), Organic Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Bud Oil

Night Cream - The perfect counterpoint to the Day Cream, this lightweight, yet deeply hydrating nighttime moisturizer calms, soothes and repairs your skin while you snooze. 2% Chlorella Growth Factor strengthens collagen and elastin fibers, while Moroccan Argan Oil seals in moisture. The texture is creamy, absorbs quickly and the scent is lightly herb-y with a hint of lavender. Like the Day Cream, the Night Cream keeps my skin shine free and doesn't break it out. In fact, after using both products religiously for a month (along with their face wash, toner and Argan Oil), my skin looked better than it has in a long while! No break outs, no redness, no dryness - just calmer, smoother, clearer, happier skin! 

Price - $17.99
Ingredients - Organic Curoxidant™ Blend [(Organic Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Berry, Organic Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry), Organic Rosa Canina (Rosehips), Organic Punica Granatum (Pomegranate), Organic Calendula Officinalis (Calendula), Organic Matricaria Recutita (Chamomile), Fair Trade Organic Aspalanthus Linearis (Rooibos)], Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot Kernel) Oil, Persea Americana (Avocado) Oil, Vegetable Glycerine, Prunus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Glyceryl Stearate (Vegetable Derived), Cetyl Alcohol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Glucose (Sugar), Glucose Oxidase & Lactoperoxidase (Milk & Sugar Enzymes), Organic Chlorella Pyrenoidosa (Chlorella Growth Factor), Organic Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Hypericum Perforatum (St Johnswort) Oil, Marrubium Vulgare (White Horehound) Stem Cell Culture, Echinacea Stem Cell Culture, Fermented Resveratrol Extract (Probiotic), Organic Argan Oil, CoQ10, Olive Leaf Extract, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Stem Cell Culture, Lavandula Officinalis (Lavender) (Essential) Oil, Citrus Limonium (Lemon) Oil, Xanthan Gum.

Have you tried anything from Acure Organics? Which are your faves? 

Peace & Love,

Sabrina xoxo

*All products were generously sent to me to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.