Recent Fave Green Beauty Purchases Part One - Make Up!

Hey loves! Happy Friday! So, I've been wanting to get this post done for awhile, but have never been able to find the time until now. You know how it is, too many things going on...no time to get any of them done...too many ideas floating in the ol' noggin, then when you go to jot them down you get distracted by like everything...ok, maybe that's just me...anyways...

In addition to all of the amazing green beauty and wellness brands that I have shared with you here on my blog, I have also been discovering some new amazing products whilst perusing the interwebs or my local Target. ;-)

Below are just some of my new finds! I'll be posting my favorite skincare finds soon too (keep in mind though that 'soon' for me may mean a month from now,...).

All of the above were purchased by me and my credit card!

1) Sheer Miracle Minerals Extreme Close Up High Definition Finishing Powder - If you have ever used or wanted to use other popular brands HD powders, but weren't crazy about the ingredients, then this baby is your non-toxic dupe! It contains only one ingredient - Silica and receives a big fat ZERO on the EWG's Skin Deep Data Base! Woot! It provides a soft focus, almost airbrushed look and can be used under make up as a primer before foundation. This is truly one of my favorite finds, like ever! $16

2) Gabriel Cosmetics Liquid Radiance in Halo - Complexion looking a little "meh"? I think we all have those days (some of us more than others..sigh). On those days, I love how this instantly perks up my tired and lackluster skin! I use "Halo" - a soft, shimmery pink that is perfect for fair skin tones (especially ones like mine with a little yellow in them, this will brighten your face right up!). $12.50

Look at those colors! So gorge! You can also see which one I use most..

3) Pacifica Enlighten Eye Brightening Shadow Pallette -  I found this on clearance at Target and it has quickly become one of my favorite eyeshadow palletes in my collection! I especially love the color "Golden" - a rich, shimmery gold color that really seems to make my brown eyes pop and is perfect for day or evening. I've been wanting to try Pacifica's make up line as I am a fan of their perfumes and body lotions and I have to say, so far I am impressed! Another plus for me is that this is vegan and 100% cruelty free. $14 (on their website, I don't remember what I paid..I want to say $8?)

4) Gabriel Cosmetics Mascara in Jet Black - This actually came in a gift set that I bought on their website called "Heart of Gold" and consisted of this and "Champagne Bubbles" lip gloss. It was honestly cheaper to get this set than to purchase them separately! As far as how I feel about this mascara, well I like it. It doesn't irritate my eyes, lasts all day and washes off easily. The ingredients aren't too shabby either! $15.20

 Sooooo pretty!!

5) Gabriel Cosmetics Lip Gloss in Champagne Bubbles -  The second part of the "Heart of Gold" set, this lovely golden lip gloss has become an instant obsession of mine! Other than the gorgeous color, the texture is satiny and moisturizing and not at all sticky. Ingredients like Jojoba oil, Aloe Vera & Bisabolol provide hydrating, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits. Oh, and gluten sensitive gals will like that this product is completely gluten free! $16.75

6) Pacifica  Smolder Eyelining Gel in Midnight - This was another Target clearance find and I must admit, my first gel liner! What I love about this is that it has a lovely creamy texture, goes on sooooo easily (and for lid lining challenged peeps like me, this is a huge deal!), lasts alllll day without fading or wearing off, and the color is beautiful and dramatic without being harsh. If I am going out, I like to layer a powder shadow in a similar color over it for some extra staying power. Like the shadow, this is also 100% vegan and cruelty free. $14 (on their website, and of course I don't remember what I paid..sorry. :-( )

7) RawSkin Ceuticals Foundation Sampler in Neutral Fair to Light - What's great about this is that you get 6 samples in this kit - 3 BB creams and 3 Mineral powders all ranging from the lightest fair shade to the darkest of the light shades. This is my second foundation sampler purchase from them (I had tried out the Cool fair to light kit around Christmas time) and I am really loving the BB cream more than any other I have yet tried. It provides a medium to full coverage, doesn't cake or streak or change color and doesn't break me out. The mineral powder is lighter in coverage, has a silky-satiny texture and is also long wearing. For my acne-scarred skin, I like to layer the mineral powder over the BB cream and it provides a beautiful, matte look that lasts me all day and covers everything to boot! My perfect shade match is the N102 BB cream and N202 Mineral foundation. $12



Have you tried any of these products? Do you see any favorites or any that are on your wishlist? Sound off below! :-)

Peace & Love,
~Sabrina xx


*All pics were taken by Chickweed & Blush

Brand Spotlight - Odylique by Essential Care

Odylique (meaning "like a power of nature") is a family owned and run brand that offers certified organic and 100% natural skin and hair care products. They originated in the UK over 30 years ago and their eco-luxe, hand made products are especially beneficial for sensitive and reactive skin.

Introduced to Pharmacognosy (plant medicine) in her early teens, founder Margaret Weeds became a lifelong devotee of natural medicine and organic gardening. Through her studies of plants and aromatherapy, she set about creating naturally effective products that would suit her and her family's sensitive and eczema prone skin. In 2003, Odylique (formerly 'Essential Care') was born. Today, Margaret continues to formulate products from her own workshop, rather than outsourcing to a factory. This ensures she can provide the highest quality of product for her customers.

From their website:

"Our philosophy is simple: All ingredients must have therapeutic value, and the product must be a joy to use. This means we use actives - herbs and essential oils - in therapeutic concentrations for optimum benefit. Plant oils must be virgin and cold-pressed so that they have their full antioxidant vitamin-content intact, so as to actively nourish the skin and protect it from premature ageing."

*PR Samples

 I recently had the privilege of trying a few of Odylique's lovely products. Here is what I tried (thoughts based on testing duration of 3 weeks):

Odylique's Silk Touch Cleanser goes from this....

To this when water is added...tres cool! :-)

1) Silk Touch Cleanser -   As you can see in the above photos, this unique cleanser starts off as a gel, performs like an oil cleanser (perfect for make-up removal), then when water is added, it transforms into an easy to rinse off milky cleanser. Soooo cool! The light Lavender scent helps to relax and soothe the senses, while organic Sunflower oil hydrates and Castor oil cleanses and removes impurities. Skin is left feeling clean, calm and moisturized. This was definitely my favorite of the bunch!

Price - $35 or $14 for trial size
Ingredients - Helianthus annuus seed oil*, Glycerine**, Ricinis communis seed oil*, Aqua, Sucrose laurate, Cananga odorata flower oil*, Lavandula hybrida oil*.

Plain English: Cold-pressed sunflower oil*, Non-palm plant glycerine**, Castor oil*, Sugar emulsifier, Water, Essential oils of Lavender* and Ylang ylang*

*Made with organic ingredients **Organic origin (total 98.4%)

Peace out acne!

2) Organic Spot On Serum -  A potent, non-greasy spot treatment, this product goes beyond just battling nasty blemishes. The combination of anti-microbial Tea Tree, Lavender and Echinacea plus repairing Aloe Juice as well as soothing Calendula, makes this treatment perfect for also healing burns, stings, bites, cuts, athlete's foot, diaper rash and even yeast infections! Whew! Talk about a multi-tasker! I used this on some hormonal blemishes and it made them go buh-bye lickety split! Woot! A little goes a long way too, which is another plus! The only downside for me is that it smells very strongly of Tea Tree, which I am not a fan of, but hey, it works amazingly well so I can deal! :-)

Price - $29 or $16 for trial size
Ingredients - Aqua, Olea europaea oil*, Cocos nucifera oil*, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil*, Lavandula hybrida oil*, Zinc oxide, Alcohol*, Cetearyl glucoside, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder*, Calendula officinalis flower extract*, Echinacea purpurea extract*, Citrus limon oil*, Pogostemon cablin oil*, Lactic acid, Cetearyl alcohol, Xanthan gum, limonene* & linalool* (in the essential oils).

Bye bye crocodile skin! 

3) Timeless Rose Moisturiser -  I don't know about you, but I just cannot get enough of Rose anything! I love everything about Roses and the fact they they are sooooo good for your skin  just makes my heart beat all the faster for them! This moisturizer is simply beautiful. It's lightweight, absorbs quickly and deeply and leaves your skin feeling nourished and calm. The ingredients in this product makes it especially beneficial for sensitive or rosacea prone skins - ingredients like Seabuckthorn, Geranium essential oil and of course Rose water and oil all work to calm, soothe, balance and tone down redness. 

Price - $48 or $16 for trial size
Ingredients - Aqua, Rosa centifolia flower water*, Simondsia chinensis seed oil*, Cocos nucifera oil*, Butryospermum parkii butter*, Helianthus annuus seed oil*, Glycerine**, Cetearyl alcohol, Hippophae rhamnoides fruit extract*, Cetearyl glucoside, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder*, Rosa rubignosa fruit extract*, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract*, Pelargonium graveolens oil*, Rosa damascena flower oil*, Lactic acid, Sodium anisate, Sodium levulinate, Sodium lauroyl lactylate, Xanthan gum, geraniol * & eugenol* (in the essential oils)

Overall thoughts: Everything I tried by Odylique was a hit with my skin. I was most impressed with the Silk Touch Cleanser, but I loved the Spot Serum and Timeless Moisturizer as well. Would I purchase in the future? The cleanser, definitely. The others, maybe, as I have other just as effective spot treatments & moisturizers in my arsenal. Would I like to try more of their products and would I recommend them to others? Yes, yes and yes! 

*Products were sent to me for an honest review, all thoughts & opinions are 100% my own.

You can also find Odylique on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Have you ever tried Odylique? What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below!

Peace & Love,
~Sabrina xx

Product Obsession: Earth Minerals Make-up from Annmarie Skincare

I've been a fan of Annmarie Gianni Skincare for a few years now (see here and here), and with the introduction of their new mineral foundation, Earth Minerals, that love I have for them has just gotten stronger!

Photo by Chickweed & Blush

This foundation is truly like none that I have ever tried. For one thing, it is incredibly versatile. Apply it dry for a matte finish or mix a bit of your favorite oil or moisturizer in for a more dewy effect. I've tried it a few different ways, and the results were the same - great coverage, long wear, no caking or streaking, and absolutely no breakouts! You can adjust the coverage to suit your skin type and preference too so no worries about looking like you are wearing a "mask"! There are only four shades right now, but you can mix them up to create your perfect match (more info and tips are here)! :-)

Another thing that I really love about this foundation is that even when applied dry, it is hydrating and gives a nice glow to the skin (courtesy of light reflecting mica), and you only need the teeeeniest amount to get amazing full coverage! I also don't even know I am wearing make-up, even after hours of having it on, which is un-heard of for me! This truly is the most comfortable mineral make-up I have ever worn! Like ever!

Left to Right: "Pearl", "Sand", "Honey", & "Olive" - PR Samples

'Sand" mixed with a bit of the "Normal Skin Face Oil". Excuse my dry lizard hand, the cold, dry air of Winter is FINALLY on the way out! :-)

For my oily, yet often times dehydrated, acne scarred skin, this foundation has been a face saver for me! And amazingly, I was able to find great matches with both "Pearl" (when worn over their "Sun Love") and "Sand" (when worn alone), another huge plus for me!

Right now, you can purchase their mineral foundation sample kit on their website for $20, and you will receive a $10 off coupon that can be used on a future full sized purchase! To be notified when the full sizes of Earth Minerals are out, you can sign up here!


Price - $20 (for sample kit)
Ingredients - Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide and Mica

Contents of this Kit:

Pearl Mineral Powder: (Fair to Peach Undertones) (⅓ dram)
Sand Mineral Powder: (Light with Yellow Undertones) (⅓ dram)
Honey Mineral Powder: (Medium) (⅓ dram)
Olive Mineral Powder: (Medium with Warm Undertones) (⅓ dram)
Herbal Facial Oil for Normal and Combination Skin (½ dram)

Have you tried "Earth Minerals" yet? What is your favorite type of foundation? What are your biggest issues with mineral make-ups you've tried? Let me know! 

Peace & Love,

~Sabrina xx

*Product was generously sent to me for a review, all thoughts & opinions are 100% my own.

Get Your Glow on with Acure Organics & Nordic Naturals!

Hey beauties! Today, I am excited to share a special promotional offer from one of my all time favorite natural brands, Acure Organics (read review here). They have recently partnered with Nordic Naturals to help spread the word to consumers about the benefits of using natural, organic skincare products and high quality, sustainable nutritional supplements for optimal health and beauty.

As part of this promotion, they are hosting a Pinterest Sweepstakes celebrating inner and outer beauty. By entering, you have a chance to win some seriously amazing swag from Acure & Nordic Naturals! Score times ten! ;-)

All you need to do is click on the link below and follow the instructions! So easy! Hurry though, this contest only runs through March 31st! Open to US residents only. Make sure to read the Official Entry Rules for all restrictions and what prizes you can win!! Winners will be randomly selected on or about April 3, 2015. 

#WholeBodyGlow

*Photos provided courtesy of Acure Organics

How do you get your glow on? 

#WholeBodyGlow #HealthYeah #InnerGlow #OuterGlow

Peace & love,

~Sabrina 

An Extra Gift Courtesy of Organity Skincare!!

Hi loves! In case you missed it, I recently wrote a review on Organity Skincare (read it here), in which they were kindly giving away two jars of their fabulous Active Moisturizer, and that ran until today.

Since the giveaway is now closed, they decided that they also wanted to give a special discount to my readers so that even if you didn't win, you still do! Woot! :-)

All you have to do is follow the link below, and enter your email to be sent the coupon. It is a one time use coupon that can be used at their Amazon online store! Easy Peasy!

ChickweedandBlush


You definitely don't want to let this deal slip you by! :-)

Peace & Love,
Sabrina xx

Product Obsession: Organity Moisturizer + A Giveaway!!! ~CLOSED~

Organity is a USDA certified organic and cruelty free skin care brand that incorporates high quality plant oils, nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants in their formulations. They do not use parabens, formaldehyde releasing ingredients, sulfides, phthalates, pesticides, artificial colors or GMO's.  

Their primary product at the moment is their Organity Moisturizer, a luxurious and hydrating cream that contains a veritable cornicopia of skin loving ingredients, such as anti-inflammatory Aloe, calming Chamomile, and hydrating Shea Butter to name a few.

"Organity™ Skin Care was founded with one simple philosophy – to bring you the best and most effective in certified organic skin care without using processed, damaging or artificial ingredients!"

PR Product

The first thing I noticed about this moisturizer was the scent - a light citrus-y fragrance from natural essential oils that is not at all overwhelming, but rather pleasant and uplifting. The texture is rich and creamy and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy feel on the skin. I actually have been using this as a primer under my make up as it smooths out my skin, making pores and imperfections less visible while allowing my make-up to go on without caking or streaking. I would honestly love to see them come out with an actual primer..maybe with Broccoli Seed oil...hint hint..;-)

Aside from the pleasing scent and the hydrated, yet matte look this product provides, I was also quite pleased with the ingredients and the fact that they did not break out my skin. My skin seems to have a love/hate relationship with moisturizers, so finding one that works consistently for me and doesn't end up irritating my skin or breaking me out can be a challenge at times. And though I've only used this for a short while, it hasn't caused my skin any issues, in fact, my skin has been more radiant and dewey, which makes me very happy! I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a natural moisturizer that is soothing, hydrating, non-greasy, effective and affordable!

Price - $29.99 for 2oz
Ingredients - *CO=CERTIFIED ORGANIC *CO Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, *CO Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, *CO Beeswax, *CO Lecithin, *CO Carnauba Wax, *CO Coconut Acid, *CO Shea Butter, *CO Palm Butter, *CO Cocoa Seed Butter, *CO Soybean Oil, *CO Grape Seed Oil, *CO Jojoba Seed Oil, *CO Glycerin, *CO Lavender Oil, *CO Safflower Seed Oil, *CO Citrus Aurantium, *CO Olive Fruit Oil, *CO Guar Gum, *CO Sunflower Seed Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, *CO Alcohol, *CO Willow Bark Extract, *CO Oat Kernel Extract, *CO Witch Hazel Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract, *CO Pogostemon Cablin Oil, *CO Tea Tree Leaf Oil, *CO Wintergreen Leaf Oil, *CO Olive Fruit Extract, Citric Acid

Sooooooooo...now for the best part :-)..

The lovely people from Organity would like to give this fabulous product to TWO lucky people! All you have to do to enter is to follow the directions in the Rafflecopter box below! Giveaway is only open to US residents (Organity is working on expanding internationally in the future). Winners will be randomly selected on 3/17! Good luck! :-)

*To prevent disqualification from this giveaway, please complete all entry options listed in the Rafflecopter box.

*****Congrats to winners Amanda & Megan!********


a Rafflecopter giveaway




**Product was generously given to me for review, thoughts and opinions are my own.

Peace & Love,
~Sabrina xx

Guest Post: DIY Natural Anti-Aging Recipes

Hey lovelies! It's been awhile since I have had a guest post here on my blog so I was stoked when Emily Kristina, a blogger who contributes to Lifecell Skin's blog, contacted me to offer a contribution! This post is all about keeping your skin youthful and glowing and healthy...with items you may have right in your own home! :-)

DIY Natural Anti-Aging Recipes

Everyone hates those annoying, inevitable aging signs. While they cannot be averted, there are some anti-aging remedies to combat them so that they can be delayed or at least you can make them look not so prominent. Unfortunately, we rely a lot on readymade products for our aging woes, where as there are many home remedies that can provide excellent benefits. Trust me, I have tried most of them and they do work!

Here are some anti-aging home remedies that you can try:

Banana
This is the easiest of all the home remedies, as most every household has bananas. The fruit is rich in Vitamins A, B and E. It also contains potassium, iron and zinc making it a powerful anti-aging skin  remedy. Below are some steps to use it:

• Take a small ripe banana
• Peel it and then mash it.
• Add honey, rose water and yoghurt (1 teaspoon each) to it.
• Mix well
• Apply it evenly
• Wash away with cold water 

Avocado
Dry skin starts showing aging signs faster than any other skin type. Avocados along with olive oil make amazing anti-aging remedies. The duo provides natural oils to the skin, keeping it moisturized all the time. Here is how to use it:

• Take 1 tablespoon puree of avocado. 
• Add 2 tablespoons olive oil followed by 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• Mix
• Apply it on the entire face
• Leave overnight
• Wash off in the morning.

Coconut milk
Coconut contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It is an anti-aging topical fruit and makes your skin smooth and supple. This is how you can use it:

• Take a coconut, grate it 
• Prepare milk from it.
• Apply  
• Wash with cold water after 20 minutes.

Alternatively, you can massage your skin everyday with coconut oil as an anti-aging remedy.

Eggs
Eggs are laden with all the anti-aging essentials like omega-3, zinc and proteins. It tightens the skin making it appear young. Use it as indicated below:

• Take a bowl and add 1 teaspoon of egg whites
• To this add 1/2 a teaspoon of fresh cream
• Finally add a teaspoon of lemon juice
• Mix well and apply
• Let it remain for a minimum of 15 minutes
• Rinse off with cold water
• Apply it on alternate days

Oil massage
Massages ensure proper circulation to the skin thus lending it a natural glow. This is what you can do additionally to benefit from one of the best home remedies.

• To the almond oil, add a few drops of glycerin 
• Massage gently

These anti-aging remedies are inexpensive and can be done easily at home. The best thing about these is that they will not make a big hole in your pocket and have no side effects.



Author Bio
Emily Kristina is a skin expert by profession. She loves to share her knowledge and experience with people. She regularly contributes her write ups to health or skin care related websites and blogs with most of her writings based on tips for best anti aging skin treatments. In her free time she loves to travel, attend fashion shows and music.You can follow her on Twitter  @EmilyKristina1

What do you think of Emily's anti-aging remedies? Have you tried any of these? What are your favorite DIY recipes for keeping your skin youthful and healthy?

Peace & Love,
~Sabrina xx

DIY Raw Chocolate Face Mask...Because..Chocolate!

Happy Friday loves! This week I thought I would mix things up a bit and do a DIY post instead of a "Flashback Friday" post. I have so many recipes floating around in my head that I really need to just start making and sharing them with you guys!

I submitted this recipe for a blogger collaboration over the Summer that Annie from Hello Purple Clouds put together and recently decided that I wanted to share this on my blog as well. I hope to find the time to create more DIY recipes as I absolutely love doing them!

For this mask, I chose raw chocolate as my ingredient inspiration because, well because I am a bona fide chocoholic! But also because the benefits of this delicious superfood make it the perfect base for a healing skin treat! Like now, when my skin is all broken out with hormonal acne. Ugh...

In addition to the chocolate, I used various spices that I know work well for my skin, but feel free to adjust the amounts or to add or leave out ingredients to suit your skin type. This mask is not only anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant, but it is extremely hydrating and nourishing as well. My skin was super soft after I used this! :-D

What you will need:

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon Raw Cacao Powder

½ teaspoon Cinnamon

½ teaspoon Nutmeg

⅛ teaspoon Tumeric

pinch of Cayenne Pepper

1 drop Clove Essential Oil

Water (enough to make a thick paste)

Tools:

Measuring spoons, small metal whisk, glass bowl/container

Directions:

Mix ingredients in a bowl until it becomes a thick, chocolately paste, but resist the urge to eat it! :-) Once it is mixed well, apply onto cleansed skin and let sit for about ten minutes. To remove, use a warm, wet washcloth and gently wipe off. Rinse with tepid water to get all traces off and follow with a toner and face oil or moisturizer. Your skin will be simply glowing!

What is your favorite DIY recipe for glowing skin? Would you like to see more DIY recipes here on my blog? Let me know below!

 

Peace & love,

~Sabrina xx

*All photographs were taken by Chickweed & Blush unless stated otherwise. The pics used were taken specifically for this post and differ from the ones used in the collaboration piece.

Product Obsession: Eu2Be Skincare

Eu2Be (say it "you to be") is a natural skincare brand that is made here in the USA in small batches and contains nourishing ingredients sourced from Brazil. These lovely products do not contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, GMO's, and are gluten and cruelty free, all of which made me want to try them! And let me say, once I did I was not disappointed!

Born out of founder Charla Jones' desire to create a new conversation about beauty, Eu2Be takes great care to use a well rounded "diet" of natural ingredients to keep skin healthy and beautiful.

PR Samples

Influenced by the rich, diverse culture of Brazil, each of Eu2Be's products contain carefully selected ingredients from this beautiful and colorful country.

"Eu2Be products are formulated with a world of ingredients, 

and with each iteration of our product lines, we feature 

ingredients from a specific country.

First stop: Brazil, a place where a glowing smile, 

not your skin tone or body type, defines your beauty."

1) Shower + Soak Soap - Inspired by Carnaval, this luxurious body wash does not contain any harsh detergents, just hydrating oils such as Babassu, Maracuja and Buriti to name a few, and the scent is exotic and sexy. I definitely felt like I was transported to some island paradise as I used this!

Price - $35 for 8oz
Ingredients - Saponified Oils of Olive, Coconut, Castor and Palm, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Sodium Tetra Borate, Orbignya Oleiferia (Babassu) Oil, Passiflora Edulis (Maracuja) Seed Oil, Oriza Sativa (Rice Bran) Oil, Mauritia Flexuosa (Buriti) Seed Oil, Fragrance

2) Enrich + Radiate Oil - This gorgeous body oil draws its inspiration from Curupira, a mythical figure of Brazilian folklore who is the defender of forests and reminds us that things are not always what they seem. At first glance, this may seem just like any other body oil, but once you use it, you quickly realize that is not the case! Formulated with a blend of deeply penetrating and nourishing oils that are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, such as Broccoli Seed, Tamanu (one of my faves!) and Maracuja, this product makes your skin feel silky and baby soft all day long. I honestly can't get enough of this oil! 

Price - $50 for 4oz or $30 for 2oz
Ingredients - Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Dicaprylyl Ether, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Oryza Sativa (Rice Bran) Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, MacadamiaTernifolia Seed Oil, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Seed Oil, Mauritia Flexuosa (Buriti) Seed Oil, Passiflora Edulis (Maracuja) Seed Oil, Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Seed Oil, Canarium Indicum (Nangai) Oil, Copaifera Officinalis (Balsam Copaiba) Resin, Bertholletia Excelsa (Brazil Nut) Seed Oil, Calophyllum Tacamahaca (Tamanu) Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Fragrance

3) Nurture + Nourish Lotion - Just like the Brazilian rituals of Candomble, this silky and decadent lotion was designed to bring out our inner beauty and help us discover our own magic. Using 13 of the most conditioning oils around, such as Avocado, Broccoli Seed, Brazil Nut and Mango, this lotion is pure bliss to both skin and your senses. The deep, earthy, floral fragrance is one of the most intoxicating scents I've ever smelled (I really hope they create a perfume of this scent!) and it absorbs deeply into skin without being greasy. I do want to note that this product contains the preservative phenoxyethanol for those who try and avoid it. That being said, I am over the moon obsessed with this lotion, phenoxyethanol be damned! This product is just that good!

Price - $40 for 8oz
Ingredients - Water, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Dicaprylyl Ether, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Sclerotium Gum, Beeswax, Sucrose Polycottonseedate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Oryza Sativa (Rice Bran) Oil, Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Seed Oil, Passiflora Edulis (Maracuja) Seed Oil, Bertholletia Excelsa (Brazil Nut) Seed Oil, Copaifera Officinalis (Balsam Copaiba) Resin, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Canarium Indicum (Nangai) Oil, Calophyllum Tacamahaca (Tamanu) Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Seed Oil, Fragrance

Have you tried Eu2Be yet?

To find out more about this amazing brand, check out their website and follow them here:

Twitter

Facebook

Pinterest

*Products were generously sent to me for review, opinions are 100% my own


Peace & Love,
~Sabrina xx

Tea Time! You BeauTea for Beautiful Skin

The health and beauty benefits of tea is well documented. And while I do enjoy my morning cup of (organic, fair trade) coffee, I also love to drink my share of herbal teas. I normally drink tea to help with my health issues, but I was recently introduced to a tea that includes collagen and vitamin C for some serious skin benefits as well.

Collagen is a protein found in the connective tissues and is important in keeping out joints, nails, and skin healthy.  While our bodies do produce collagen naturally, that production diminishes as we grow older (boo!!).  Even worse, this can end up resulting in wrinkles, thinning skin, and even brittle nails.  The good news is that vitamin C is shown to help increase and build collagen, counteracting the diminished production.

While many skin care companies incorporate both in their formulations, I've found that incorporating them into my daily supplement regimen as well gives even more noticeable results. And drinking them in a delicious and healthy tea is the perfect way to do it in my opinion! 

Setting the "mood" for tea time! *PR samples

You BeauTea is a newly launched Australian based company that just introduced their Raspberry Collagen Tea. I was fortunate enough to be sent a few samples to try and it was love at first sip!

"The ultimate tea to enhance your inner beauty. Drinking this beautiful tea will assist with your natural health and beauty and aid in reducing fine lines and wrinkles, strengthening your nails and making your hair shine. You Beautea is sourced from Japan, a country where the women are famous for their flawless skin."

Fruity, with just a hint of natural sweetness, this tea is enjoyable as is. Nothing else needs to be added. And the ingredients, which are ethically sourced from Japan, work together to heal, nourish, comfort and beautify skin, body and soul.

Ingredients - Collagen peptide (fish) Uva tea, stevia, orange peel, Rose hip, Honeysuckle flower, Chamomile, Peppermint, Marshmallow root, Vitamin C and Raspberry Flavour

Each tea bag contains 102 mg of vitamin C and 2000 mg of collagen. It is also preservative and caffeine free.

Follow You BeauTea here:

Facebook

Twitter

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Have you heard of or tried You BeauTea? What are your thoughts?

Peace & Love,
~Sabrina xx

*Product was sent to me for review, thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Show Foster Kids Some Love This Valentine's Day With These Soaps From Luminance Skincare!

One of my favorite skincare brands, Luminance Skincare (read my review here), is doing something really awesome this Valentine's Day. Not only have they created some beautiful, heart shaped organic soaps for the holiday, but they have partnered with Beyond Emancipation, an organization that helps young adults who've grown up in the foster care system. This Oakland based organization provides a range of supportive programs to help these youths make healthy, successful transitions into adulthood and independent living.

As part of their partnership, Luminance is graciously donating $14 of every sale of these Limited Edition Soap Sets to the organization! Think of how many young people this could help!

As for the soaps themselves, read on to learn more! :-)

First, here are a few facts about the soaps:

100% vegan,
made with 12 plant and seed oils
Hydrating and nourishing to skin
Lathers up extremely well for shaving
Completely non-toxic 
Made without any synthetic ingredients
Non-drying
Hand-made

Can be used to scent lingerie or sock drawers
Limited edition scent available until the end of February

The scent is a delightful combination of spicy ginger and fruity peach and the lather is rich, creamy and deeply moisturizing. I love that it rinses clean, without leaving my skin dry or with that "filmy" soap feeling. This also works great as an alternative to shaving cream, and you don't need to worry about any of the nasty synthetic ingredients most shaving creams contain either! I've been very impressed with everything I have tried from Luminance, and this soap is no exception! I highly recommend it - for both the delicious scent and the hydration benefits it provides to your skin!

Price - $15 (for the 3 soap set)
Ingredients - Purified Water, Oils: Coconut, Palm (Orangutan friendly), Jojoba, Apricot Kernel, Macadamia, Avocado, Palm Kernel, Meadowfoam, Argan, Kukui,Grape Seed and Rice Brand. Clays: White Benonite, French Green & Red Moroccan. Scents: Ginger Peach Essential Oils. To Saponify: Food Grade Sodium Hydroxide*  

* A few words about Sodium Hydroxide: It is not synthetic.  It is the traditional base component that when added to the fatty acids (the seed and fruit skin oils) to create an reaction resulting in cold process soap. The most gentle skin loving variety of soaps. When the formulation is done right, and we do it by hand is small batches, with engineering precision, all of the Sodium Hydroxide reacts with all of the oils, and clays and essential oils into a wonderfully fragrant, perfectly gentle and safe bar of soap.

Have you tried Luminance Skincare Soaps? What are your thoughts? Let me know below!

Peace & love,
~Sabrina xx


*soaps were generously sent to me for review, however, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own

Product Obsession: Joe Scrub

I love a good face/body scrub. I love coffee. Put the two together and you get joeSCRUB, an all natural, handmade, vegan and cruelty free coffee scrub out of Toronto, Canada that is not only rejuvenating to the senses, but fights against cellulite, acne, scars, eczema, psoriasis and dry skin. Whew! Talk about multi-tasking!

I was fortunate enough to be sent a bag of "joe" to try out and now I want to share my thoughts with you. :-)

Product was generously sent to me for review

So, the first thing I noticed when I opened the package was the intense and quite pleasant coffee aroma! Definitely perked me right up! Then, underneath that delicious coffee scent were intoxicating hints of chocolate, coconut and jasmine. Words cannot even explain how delightful this combo is!

And if you can tear your nose out of the bag long enough (it's not an easy task, trust me), you'll discover just how incredibly pampering this scrub is to your skin. I used this on my face as well as my body (letting it sit the recommended 5-10 minutes for maximum results) and let me just say that my skin was beyond soft and hydrated afterwards!

Formulated for all skin types, including sensitive, this scrub works to exfoliate away dead skin cells, release toxins and stimulate and increase circulation, all without being overly abrasive (though if you have extremely sensitive skin, you may want to skip using it on your face)! The coffee scent lingers for a while after you rinse it off, which as a coffee lover, I find quite appealing!

As tempting as it is, this "joe" is not meant to be consumed! 

Learn more about "joe's" awesome ingredients here! 

Price - $16

Ingredients - see above picture! :-)

My final thoughts -  As a fan of both coffee and scrubs, "joe" hits it out of the park for me! The scent, the texture, the ingredients, the way my skin feels oh so baby smooth after and the uplifting feeling I get after using this - all makes this one of the best scrubs I've ever tried!

Are you a fan of coffee scrubs? Have you ever tried joeScrub before? What are your thoughts?

Meet "joe" my new BFF!

Follow Joe here:

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Peace & Love,
~Sabrina xx

*product was generously sent to me for review, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own!

Tips for "Winterizing" Your Nails Courtesy of Julep!

I'll be honest, nail care isn't always my top beauty priority, I usually just slather some hand cream on and go about my day. However, once the weather turns a bit more chilly, I start paying more attention to them! 

With the help of Julep, I want to share some great tips I learned to keep nails in tip top shape during these cold, winter months! And if you've never heard of Julep before, they are a rapidly growing beauty brand whose connection to their customers remains the core of their approach. They are especially known for their beautiful nail colors, all of which are non-toxic and cruelty free.

"Julep nail polish is 5-free and vegan-friendly. We steer clear of formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, DBP, camphor, and animal ingredients or byproducts."

They also donate a percentage of their proceeds to organizations that support and empower women, such as the Malala Fund, Girl Up, and the Washington Anti-Trafficking Response.

Now let's get on to the tips! :-) Below is an easy to follow "cheat sheet" Julep shared that will make nail care a breeze!

Now, after you've primped and primed your nails, you may want to add a touch of color. Here are some of Julep's brand new shades that are just perfect for this season! I am adoring "Joanne" and "Shari" myself!

You can check out more of Julep's gorgeous new shades here!


What did you think of these tips? What are your favorite tips and trends for nail care this season?

Peace & love,
~Sabrina xx