From L to R: Balance, Energize, Rejuvenate, Relieve, Smile, Under The Stars, & Watch Your Mouth For more info on Well Scent and my experience head over to my YouTube video here! I did a lot of research on essential oils before I really delved into them. I was trying to find a company that I could connect with, had amazing standards, and that stood for the same things that I believe in; enter Well Scent. Well Scent was created by Stacy Shuman. Stacy created her essential oil formulations to help heal with her Late Stage Lyme disease. All of the women who run the company are also Lyme survivors. They share their knowledge and support through social media, their website, and their blog. I recommend reading their blog, it is amazing if you are interested in healing through essential oils. They also have a new customer guide which has a great amount of information. I really appreciate the care and research/information that they put out into their branding. (Look down below where I list some of my favorite/most helpful blog posts) Well Scent's oils are organic, therapeutic, food-grade, and wildcrafted. They are tested through Mass Spectrometry, Gas Spectrometry, GMP Certification, and Third-party testing. Their work environment is hand wired so that Wi-Fi is avoided. When creating their space they took toxicity into account and used non-toxic paint and untreated wood. Another plus is that when you receive a package from them your oils do not undergo radiation throughout all of the scans in transit. Once I learned that everyone who works at Well Scent also was a chronic illness survivor, I knew it would be a safe haven in which I could inquire. Now I don't have Lyme disease, but I have been tested over 6 times for it, haha. My illness was a long mystery, and took about seven years to figure out. I am diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Type 3(A connective Tissue Disorder), Fibromyalgia, and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome(An Autonomic Disorder) Needless to say, I have a lot of health problems and co-morbidities that go along with them. Being chronically ill means that I have to be aware of my body at all times and pay attention to all of my symptoms. I was looking everywhere for solace and I finally emailed Candice who is the Social Media Manager and she was more than helpful. I felt like I was chatting with an old friend who could truly understand me. My main concerns that I brought up to her were: chronic pain, restlessness, insomnia, dysautonomia issues such as dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Keep reading to find out how I used the oils to my advantage and how they have helped me. Some more info on EO's: These EO's contain about 85 drops in each bottle. Through my research I have found that Essential Oils last about 60-90 minutes in your body. Also, the best places to put essential oils for absorption purposes are places that contain hair, underarms, pulse points, and the bottom of your feet as they have the largest pores. Essential Oils: Balance: Health & Wellness Contains- Blood Orange, Cedarwood Bark Oil, Frankincense, Myrrh, Oregano Oil, Rosemary Leaf Oil, Vetiver, USDA Organic Jojoba oil Balance is an antiseptic, antimicrobial, and strong support for the immune system. (See full list of benefits of each oil on website) How I use Balance: I have been diffusing this blend for months! I found I like to diffuse this one for its anti-bacterial properties. The scent of this blend is extremely sensational and grounding. I always get compliments on how nice the house smells when I am diffusing this, so bonus points there. Another way I have been using this oil, was during the flu/colds that were going around recently. I put a couple drops into my water, which was the first time I have ever consumed essential oils. I will admit I was afraid, but I am still alive! ;) Everyone at my work was sick over the past couple of weeks so I started drinking this blend with water. I have an awful immune system and I luckily did not get sick. Yay for amazing essential oils! I also really love putting this blend on my pulse points, and on my neck. Energize: Heath & Wellness Contains- Cedarwood Oil, Spruce, Pine, and 100% USDA Organic Jojoba Oil Energize blend is made to support your adrenal glands by being able to bypass the gut; By doing this it is good for energy support, sleep problems, brain fog, and immune function. How I use Energize: I keep this with all my holistic essentials for everyday living right by my bed side. When I wake up I use two drops on my lower back every other day. Once it started getting colder I could feel my body moving slower every morning, making it extremely difficult to get up for the day. I can't say that this is a miracle worker, but it most definitely helps me throughout the week. I have tested one to two weeks without it as well and I can feel the difference when I don't use it. I wanted to make sure I could attest to the efficacy of the oil, and it passes! It definitely helps me to get up faster than I normally would without it. I love the scent of this as well, I feel like it really gives me a pep in my step right when I wake up. Rejuvenate: Wellscript Contains- Fennel, Geranium, Carrot Seed, Rosemary Leaf, Roman Chamomile, Blue Tansy, Helichrysum, and USDA Certified Organic Jojoba Seed oil Rejuvenate blend helps in detoxification, digestion, and can help with healthy cell function. One thing I love about this blend is that it contains Blue Tansy. Blue Tansy is supposed to release "damp heat" in pain related conditions as Fibromyalgia, migraines, allergies, and hypersensitivities within the Chinese medicine belief. How I use Rejuvenate: I use this as recommended, where I take 2 drops on each foot at bedtime and massage it in. I noticed when I first starting using this I broke out on my forehead. I think this was a clear indication that I was in fact detoxing. Detoxing is kind of a grey area where it is difficult to find out if you are detoxing or not. I guess for me, it was evident that I was detoxing somewhat by my skin, and also that I had a bit more energy due to Rejuvenate, and Energize. Another way I use Rejuvenate, is by putting it on my liver area right below my rib cage. I also really love the scent of this blend, anything that has blue tansy calls my name! Relieve: Health & Wellness Contains- Clove Flower, German Chamomile, Laurel, Marjoram, Peppermint, Thyme, Wintergreen, and Certified USDA organic Jojoba oil. Relieve oil can be used for pain, tension, cramps and arthritis. The blend as a whole was created to support blood flow, activate the lymphatic system and balance the nervous system. It also contains oils which are anti-microbial. How I use Relieve: This oil has been a life saver! I have tried so many other skin contact products that have not been able to even touch upon my pain. I can't say enough great things about this oil. I use this almost everyday, and I am about to purchase a new one. I honestly can't imagine my life without this oil. I love how compact it is so I can carry it around everywhere. A little vile that packs a punch in reducing pain for sure! The first time I put this on I was having the worst neck pain. I couldn't move my neck at all, and within minutes I was able to turn my neck again. I have also read in many studies that oils stay in your system from about 60 to 90 minutes; which I would say is pretty accurate. I am very in tune with my body and I can feel when it has worn off, but I don't feel the need to re-apply within the day,or often at all. Smile: Mood Support Contains- Bergamot, Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Vetiver, and USDA Organic Jojoba Oil. Smile blend is made for mood support, anxiety, grief, trauma, depression, and PTSD. Geranium oil is a natural anti-depressant, which also helps to calm and energize. How I use Smile: If you read my blog regularly, or know me from other social media, you know how much of an avid jasmine lover I am! I went to New Orleans in May of 2015 and it was there that I had smelt my first fresh jasmine blossom. I have always been a jasmine lover, but smelling the beautiful flower everywhere made me more in love. There's nothing like the smell of beautiful flowers flowing through the air!! So now that I have confessed my love for jasmine, haha I will get on with how much I love this oil. This blend is superb! I feel instantly calm and my soul hydrated when I put this on. I love slapping this on my wrists every morning before work to decompress. I also really love putting this at the base of my skull. It is simply fragrant, and calming all in one. This is especially amazing if you add a couple drops to an Epsom salt bath as well! Heck, I want to start a bath just typing this right now! I honestly don't think I could live without this oil as well. Let's be real, I love them all so much. Since this smells phenomenal, I also love to diffuse this as it fills my home with flowers, joy, and nostalgia.<3 Under the Stars- Sacred Attar: Mood Support Contains- Abies Sibrica, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Dipteryx Odorata, Oakmoss, Styrax Benzoin Resin Extract, Tsuga Canadensis Leaf, and Vetiver. Under the Stars is used for aligning energy, balancing of chakras, and nighttime healing. This blend is great for anxiety, nervous tension, irritability, and regulating the autonomic system. How I use Under the Stars- Sacred Attar- I love using this blend at nighttime. I find this blend to be extremely grounding and warm. It smells like maple syrup and earthy to me, which is very comforting; I attribute it to the different types of resin. I like to put this on my temples at night to promote relaxation. I can see the difference in my restlessness when I don't use this blend in my nighttime routine. Watch Your Mouth: Dental Health Contains- Cinnamon, Clove, Mastic gum, Neem, Peppermint, Seabuckthorn berry, Thyme, USDA organic Jojoba Oil. Watch Your Mouth is an anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, bio-film support, deodorizing, tooth paste replacement. This blend contains neem, which has been shown in scientific studies to reduce bacteria and plaque. How I use Watch Your Mouth: Let's just say this is THE tastiest tooth paste replacement I have ever tried. Using this was actually the first time I had used a toothpaste replacement. In order to brush my teeth, I add two drops to my dry toothbrush. I also love adding a couple drops to my oils when I oil pull. (Read about oil pulling: Oil pulling) This is significantly more effective than regular toothpaste. I find that my breath didn't turn as bad as it would if I had used regular toothpaste. I absolutely loved this, and plan to order another bottle. I also really want to try their tooth powder! Let me know what your experiences are with toothpaste replacements! Overall, I have had the most beautiful experience with Well Scent. Their blends are nothing short of amazing. The quality of all the blends is definitely higher than any other I have tried. Every blend I have tried benefited me in some way or many ways. I hope to try much more in the future. **All of these oils were sent to me. But as a clarification, I will always be honest with my reviews. ** Blog posts that I enjoy from Well Scent: http://wellscent.wpengine.com/smile-friday/ https://well-scent.com/introduction-seven-chakras-essential-oils/ https://well-scent.com/detoxification-with-essential-oils/ https://well-scent.com/essential-oils-astrological-sign/ https://well-scent.com/honor-your-journey/ https://well-scent.com/coming-home-to-my-body/ https://well-scent.com/when-the-going-gets-rough/ Let me know your experience with essential oils and if you have tried Well Scent!? Follow me on Instagram @andiethegreenqueen YouTube
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If you watch my videos on Youtube,(you can find a video of the swatches here) you know I am no stranger to Red Apple Lipstick! They just came out with their Winter collection, and it is stunning. The company always hits it out of the park. I can't say enough that Red Apple lipstick is indeed my favorite company. For the Collection they came out with six new lipsticks, two lip glosses, three eyeliners, and three lip liners! Holy toledo, they have been working hard over there! I am still dreaming of the Summer Collection, and now this! It's too much to handle for a green beauty enthusiast like myself! From Top to Bottom: Mabel, Starlette, So Pinkin' Cute, Second Date, Heart 'N Soul, and After Hours So here are the swatches in natural light. Tell me these are not all gorgeous! Mabel and Starlette are the two first lipsticks, which come in their X Series. Their X Series is more creamy than the rest, and I love the formula. I got these five days ago, and I have worn Mabel every day, I am completely obsessed. Then the other four are made from the Instant Color formula. The Instant Color formula is my favorite besides the Satin Matte formula. When I tried on Heart 'N Soul, I knew I had found the perfect red for myself. It almost resembles the color of watermelon on my lips, and I love it! Plus, how can we not forget After Hours, AH! I was so excited for them to add a purple to the collection. Red Apple Lipstick is really killing it in the lip product game. I am just waiting on a brown now, please RED APPLE, PLEASE! Okay, on to the lip glosses! Top to Bottom: Twinkle Toes, Kissyfit These are the two glosses from the collection. They belong to the original formula gloss family. Their original formula has transformed me into a gloss lover. I wear Tiny Dancer from the Summer Collection all the time. The formula is non sticky, pigmented, and comfortable to wear. These two shades are quite pigmented, more than I have seen in any gloss before. These glosses contain shimmer, and also give a platinum look. The shimmer will stay if you try to wipe it off FYI. These colors are very pretty, and definitely perfect for the holidays. Lip Liners from Top to Bottom: Natural, Barely Pink, and Dusty Rose These lip liner colors are to die for! I love all three of them! They definitely don't draw on patchy, as it shows. I was doing this with my left hand, not the best idea I have ever had. They do a great job of lining the lips, as they are supposed to. The lip liners are just as beautiful on their own as well. I wore natural out the first night I received the package. I am totally in love. I hope they come out with more lip liner colors! We can never have enough non-toxic lip liners!! Eye Liners from Top to Bottom: Cocoa, Eggplant, and Deep Navy These eye liners are just so beautiful. I have also been wearing cocoa and eggplant together since the day I opened this package. Once again, I swatched this with my left hand. I tried to get more of an even pigmentation of the blue shade, but it kept coming out patchy. Deep Navy doesn't come out patchy when used as an eyeliner though. I do think it is more of a teal/blue than what the name eludes. I tested these eyeliners out over eye shadow, and got over eight hours of use on my eyelids. I did use them underneath my eye, and it lasted about four to six hours before it started wearing off. I think these are great quality, have great pigmentation, and give a good amount of wear. Their sale is going on until November 23! Don't forget to check it out! They have an abundance of amazing products. Use the code 'andiegreen' for 22% off of a $50 purchase or more. You can purchase RAL products (here) or by clicking the banner on the side.
Overall this collection is superb! I am never disappointed by Red Apple Lipstick. Thank you to the people over at RAL who sent these to me. I love you guys, and your products! I will forever recommend these beautiful products. **Products were sent to me for review, as always I am 100% honest with you guys. Some links may contain affiliate links. You may use them, as they help both of us out, or you can go to the website on your own** Thank you for reading xoxo and be sure to follow me on Instagram @andiethegreenqueen A lot of people who follow my YouTube or blog are unaware that I suffer from three chronic illnesses. It took me over six years to get diagnosed and for my voice to be heard. It wasn't until one day that my body just collapsed from doing too much and the pain became unbearable. I quickly realized I have one body and I had run it down. It was then that I decided I needed to take care of my body. If you had known me three years ago, I was working two jobs at 60+ hours and going to nursing school full time. Call me crazy, because I was. I wasn't focusing on myself, and I was trying to mask my ailments. I honestly can say I really don't remember much of that year. That's how much I was doing, I was in fast mode, not focusing on anything but school and work. I am definitely a go-getter, so I wanted to do as much as I could. I also didn't have to pay attention to myself or my emotions. So here's to self love; It's something I fully practice now, and I recommend giving yourself some time to relax. Whether you work 80 hours a week, or have six kids, or your bed is filled with books from studying, take the time to pamper yourself, it's worth it, and so are you. Now everybody's pamper time is different, but I wanted to show you mine and how it works for me. Left to Right: *Source Vital Dead Sea Salts-*Stress Relief Bath Oil-*Algae & Dead Sea Salts I have become obsessed with detox baths. I use either dead sea salts or epsom salts for ultimate relaxation. Right now I am using Source Vital's Dead Sea Salts while diffusing the stress relief oil. This Essential Oil blend contains: 100% pure, undiluted blend of essential oils of citrus aurantium (petitgrain bigarade) leaf oil, thymus mastichina (spanish marjoram) flower oil, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil, pinus sylvestris (pine) needle oil, melissa officinalis leaf oil & ocimum basilicum (basil) oil. I enjoy diffusing this while I take a bath for well, stress relief, what else!? ;) The Dead Sea Salts contain minerals such as Magnesium, Bromide, Iodine, Potassium, Zinc, and more. Dead Sea salts are amazing for stress relieving, arthritis, regulating heart rate, balancing electrolytes, muscle cramps, restful sleep, foot baths, and more. I especially like to soak my feet after a hard day to relieve some tension. But full on baths is where it's at! I have been using the *Algae & Dead Sea Salts for when I need a full on "spa" night. The Algae & Dead Sea Salt bath soak is truly relaxing and therapeutic. Once you step out of the bath you will feel like you've stepped out of a spa. It's a blast of aromatherapy and relaxation due to the different types of algae and dead sea salts. Algae & Dead Sea Salts Ingredients: dead sea salts, laminaria digitata powder, lithothamnium calcareum powder, spirulina platensis powder & lavandula hybrida (lavandin) oil. When I am home and not bathing, I particularly enjoy diffusing *Balance oil by Well Scent. The Balance Oil blend is from their Health & Wellness line. This oil contains: Myrhh, Blood Orange, Cedarwood, Rosemary, Oregano, Frankincense, Vetiver, and Jojoba Seed Oil (All organic) Balance oil is antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-viral. It is made to support the immune system, flu prevention, and for chronic infections. I specifically like to diffuse this because the scent is phenomenal. This has to be one of the most amazing blends that has ever touched my olfactory senses. Whenever anyone comes over they gravitate towards the diffuser if this is in it. Needless to say, it is great for relaxation, and aromatherapy purposes, as well as cleansing the air.(You can find the oil here) Well Scent has become my new favorite line of Essential Oils. I will be doing a video on them soon on my YouTube channel. I can't wait to share it with all of you. Another item I must have to relax is tea. Before I found Organic India, it was a dark time in my life (just kidding, but not). I kept buying all kinds of teas to find the perfect one that really felt like it was helping me relax. Two years ago I tried some of Organic India tea at a Vegetarian Festival. That was it, love. Tulsi (Holy Basil) has been called "The Queen of Herbs." It is amazing at reducing stress, aiding digestion, balancing metabolism, balancing energy levels, uplifting moods, and supporting the immune system. It is also a powerful adaptogen, meaning that it helps restore balance in the body. Adaptogens help to the body to resist the harmful effects of stress on the body. If you know me, you know I am a huge jasmine lover, in every form. The jasmine tea has been my favorite for a long time. Although, I just bought the sweet rose tea, and it is even more phenomenal. I haven't been disappointed with any other flavors or the performance. I highly recommend this to anyone that has stress, so basically everyone! While my tea is a brewin' I like to get a mask time in. It's a good way of multi-tasking and getting ready for winding down. I like to mask about two times a week. I have been using this sample of the Earthwise Beauty *Blackstrap Molasses mask, and what a difference it has been making. It contains beautiful ingredients, with vitamins such as B6, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Once you wash the mask off, you will notice that it reduces redness, firms, brightens, and keeps you moisturized. This is a must buy for anyone with acne, combination, dark spot, or "lack luster" skin. I got about six uses out of this little baby, and now I need the full size! Of course you can use any mask when relaxing, but this is definitely my choice. My last and most wonderful step to a spa night at home, is to put this essential oil on my pulse points. This is the lovely Essential Oil that comes from Well Scent's Emotional Support line called *Smile. It is a blend of: Jasmine, Geranium, Bergamot, Sandalwood,Frankincense, Vetiver, Vanilla, and Jojoba oil. This was made for emotional support anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, and Trauma. It is simply soothing and the scent is ethereal. It brings back memories of New Orleans to me, and I think it makes it that more special. It puts me in the now and helps to clear my mind. I hope you have enjoyed reading some of my de-stressing methods. I would love to know what yours are!? Leave a comment down below. As always, thank you for reading. XOXO
Anything with an *asterisk I have received for free by the company. I am not forced to talk about these products, nor am I paid. I enjoy them fully, and would never recommend something I do not like. Autumn is among us, and my skin is not happy. It was 25 degrees Farenheit here in Massachusetts when I woke up yesterday! (What the heck!) My skin went from being normal/dry to a damn shriveled up cactus over night. I wanted to share with you what I am using to combat these environmental factors. Pictured here: White & Elm Lavender Geranium Body Oil, NOUVEAU ORGANICA Moisturizer, Ellovi Butter in Mint Chocolate, Red Apple Lipstick Exfoliate Stick, and Ellovi Tinted Lip Butter. First things first. My hands must always be moisturized or else I feel like I can't function! Anyone else like that?! You really can't go wrong with Ellovi. Their products are super moisturizing and really effective. I am currently using a deluxe size sample of the Ellovi Mint Chocolate Butter. It smells just like a Thin Mint, and I can't eat them so it makes up for that! Ellovi's products have minimal ingredients that are ethically sourced and wildcrafted. This jar contains 6 ingredients, being: Macadamia Nut Oil, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, Non-GMO Corn Starch, & Peppermint Essential oil. I love that you can get so much out of something so simple. This can offer you many uses other than nourishing your hands; such as being for your overall body, massage oil, makeup cleanser, and more. Big Thumbs up over here! I am dying to try their Chamomile one! For overall body and aromatherapy purpose I have been raving about the White & Elm Lavender and Geranium body oil. You better go and get this fast because it is part of their seasonal body care line. They formulated this to be a fall floral, and by golly is it spectacular! When I get out of the shower I just slap this on my skin and it sinks right in leaving me feeling smooth and moisturized. Plus this is a sustainable, organic, and minimal ingredient product as well. This contains 7 moisturizing ingredients with a phenomenal scent. I find myself loving body oils more than I do lotions or body butters. There's something about it that feels luxurious. I am completely loving their scrub as well, which exfoliates and leaves you feeling ultra moisturized. I did a review on the whole line here. I also have a 15% off coupon code to use at checkout 'GreenQueen15'. I love White & Elm, they have become one of my favorite natural and organic skincare companies. Besides my hands, my face is the part of my body that suffers the most from cooler weather. Thanks to Teri Miyahira, we all don't have to bear the painful dry skin this year. Teri formulated an amazing USDA Organic skin moisturizer which has been my saving grace. A lot of trials, make that two years of trial, went into making sure this formula was perfect for all skin types in all climates. My skin has loved this since day one, and I have no complaints. I use this every night, and I wake up the next day still feeling moisturized. This has great ingredients that are beneficial for the skin. You could also use this elsewhere. I think anyone who is looking for moisture needs this. You can purchase this here on Amazon for $24.95 Lastly, my lips have been on fiyah! (aka. fire). There's a Boston accent for all of you who enjoy that ;) I have been loving Red Apple Lipstick's Exoliate stick for about a year now. First off, I love that it's in a sleek tube, as their lipsticks are. I am not a big fan of dipping my finger into sugar scrubs, or what have you. I love that I can just begin and scrape off my outer layers. This works well and I haven't turned to anything else. It is definitely part of my pampering ritual, and I happy to have found it. All you have to do is exfoliate (duh!) and then wipe off with a wet towel, et voila! Exfoliated lips at your service! You can purchase this here: Exfoliate Stick They also have a Rallye balm that you can use after, and I really love that product as well. You can buy them in a bundle, or separately if you prefer. I would add that into this post, but I mostly like to have color on my lips, especially during Autumn. Which is what you will read about next! Another lip product that I find amazing is the Ellovi Tinted Lip Butter. I find during the cold weather I want my lips to have a slight pink/red tint. This does the perfect job at giving you a sexy lip when your skin is looking drab. Plus, it's naturally tinted with Alkanet Root, now if that's not cool, then I must be a total nerd. (Actually I already know that I am, but still, it's freakin' cool!) I love that my body doesn't have to be bombarded with FD&C dyes to get some color on them. This is super moisturizing and I always get compliments when I am wearing it. (+ points) I also enjoy this sleek tube and I find it easy to take with me. These are some of my favorites at the time being. I will update everyone when I am transitioning to winter time. Have you tried any of these products? What's your Autumn body care look like? I would love to hear from you, leave a comment down below. :) Thanks for reading!
*Some links may be affiliate links. Ava is the creator and superwoman of Earthwise Beauty. She's a sweet woman with a kind heart, and great attention to detail. During her college years she had been making DIY natural skin care products during her down time. She then started learning about herbal healing, nutrition, and so forth. Ava's co-workers would ask for her homemade custom products, and that's how it all started! And we are the lucky ones now, because her products are amazing. Most of her products are vegan, (some containing humane honey, if you're okay with that) organic, natural, and cruelty free! Woo hoo! Ava truly cares, and you can tell she puts her whole soul into every item. She also gives amazing descriptions on her website about each product! So let's talk products now! Green Leaves & Co. Facial Oil: It is a noncomedogenic, anti-microbial, healing and prevention of acne magical potion (no joke, and I am not just saying that because Halloween is coming up!) I put this on the first night I was gifted these from my good friend Noeli, you can find her on YouTube under the name NZ0424. (For some reason I can't post links at this time) Ingredients- Virgin cold-press unrefined Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil*†, virgin cold-press unrefined Simmondsia chinensis (golden jojoba) oil*, Rosmarinus officinalis ct. verbenone (rosemary) oil*, Thymus vulgaris ct. linalool (thyme) oil*, Viola odorata leaves absolute*, wildcrafted Lavandula angustifolia (high-altitude French lavender, from Haute Provence) oil, Citrus clementine leaves oil* (from Corsica), Ocimum sanctum (holy basil) oil* (from India, of course), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract. Look at how wonderful these ingredients are? Plus this little wonder smells like a bushel of herbs, which is such a delight. I woke up the first day after I first used this oil, and my face was blemish free! Green Leaves & Co. is a complete miracle. My face was smooth and still moisturized from the night before, which rarely happens since my skin is extremely dry. I went through this sample in about two weeks. I cried a little when I finished it, because it was probably the best thing my skin has ever reacted to. I now need to purchase the full size. Full size 1 oz for $42, Sample size .25 oz for $10 Scarborough Fair Face Wash: It's an herbal face wash with infusions of thyme, sage, and rosemary. Ingredients- herbal infusion {distilled water, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaves†, Thymus vulgaris (thyme) leaves†}, water, Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil†‡, potassium hydroxide (but none remains in the final product, after saponifying oils into soap and glycerin), Aloe barbadensis juice†, Olea europaea (olive) oil†‡, Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil†, Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) esters†, Citrus grandis (grapefruit) seed extract, vegetable glycerin (from soy)†, Cannabis sativa (hemp) oil†, natural ECOCERT-approved preservative {glycerin, Leuconostoc (radish root) ferment filtrate, Lonicera japonica (honeysuckle) flower extract, Lonicera caprifolium (honeysuckle) extract, Populus tremuloides bark extract, glucono-lactone}, guar gum, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) oil†, Salvia officinalis (sage) oil†, citric acid, tocopherol (vit. E). Apparently my face really loves rosemary and thyme. For the two weeks I had used this, I had no blemishes pop up! This is the most unique face wash I have ever used. To be honest I am not to used to such liquid-y, slippery face washes. I feel like that's the only way I can describe it. This was a new experience to me, as I've always used foam or cream cleansers. Scarborough Fair starts at a liquid-y state and lathers and foams up. If only I could insert a picture of my amazed face when I used this, haha. You also only need a tiny bit of it, I put about two drops into my hand and it was too much for my face. Scarborough Fair face wash isn't over drying and leaves you feeling clean and refreshed. SF also smells fantastic. I am a true fan of thyme. If you ask my boyfriend, he will tell you how I put thyme in basically every meal. I love that I can incorporate it in my beauty routine now as well. Heart eyes for this product! Full size 9 oz for $42, 5 oz for $28, Sample size .250z for $6 Tangerine Skies Facial Oil: This fun orange colored facial oil is for all skin types, and for eczema, rosacea, and inflammatory problems. Ingredients- virgin cold-press unrefined Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil*†, virgin cold-press unrefined Simmondsia chinensis (golden jojoba) oil*, extra-virgin unrefined organic sustainable (orangutan-safe) Fair Trade Elaeis guineensis (palm) oil (West Africa), Citrus reticulata (tangerine peel) oil*, Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) oil*, Citrus limon (lemon peel) oil*, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract. This facial oil performs very similar to Green Leaves & Co. for my face. It was very moisturizing and it smells absolutely delicious. My face loves Ava's products. I used this mostly at night because of the citrus in the ingredients. This was a great overnight moisturizer that left me with great results. I also didn't have any pop up blemishes when I used this product! Full Size 1 0z for $42, Sample size .25 oz for $10.00 Carrot-a-Day Nutritious Eye Serum: This serum was created for acne prone, sensitive skin, spot reducing, and reversing wrinkles. What a multi-purpose product! Ingredients: Aloe vera barbadensis leaf fillet*, Daucus carota seed oil*, natural non-GMO tocopherol (vit. E), Helichrysum italicum (Italian everlasting) oil*, ECOCERT approved natural preservative {glycerin, Leuconostoc (radish root) ferment filtrate, Lonicera japonica (honeysuckle) flower extract, Lonicera caprifolium (honeysuckle) extract, Populus tremuloides bark extract, glucono-lactone}, Marticaria recutita (German blue chamomile) oil*, carbomer, ascorbic acid (vit. C), Mentha spicata (spearmint) oil*. I used this at first, and it had felt dehydrating to my face. So, I contacted Ava and she advised me that I should put another balm on top. This worked really well afterwards. I can't exaggerate enough how dry my skin is. So for normal skin textures, I am sure this will work well. I have heard nothing but good things from other people. The scent of the German blue chamomile in this is ethereal. It is very calming, and I put my Nouveau Organica moisturizer on top of it for more moisture, which was one of the best decisions I ever made. If you ever have these two items, I recommend doing the same if you have dry skin. This serum has a cooling clean feeling. Every night that I used this I could see my spots being reduced day after day. I also used this in conjunction with my Acure brightening scrub and the results were phenomenal. I would recommend this to people with more mature skin. Ava is a true herbal skin healer! She really knows her stuff! Her creations are unbelievably unique and like nothing I have ever tried. She uses high quality products that are amazing for your skin. I wish I had found and tried her products sooner than I did.
Go check her website out at: www.earthwisebeauty.com She also has an amazing Instagram feed @earthwisebeauty Thank you for reading xoxo! **Items were sent as a gift, no incentive for reviewing, I just truly love these products. Here are my thoughts on Hynt Beauty, formally known as Christopher Drummond! I remember my first thought when I got into Green Beauty; I was worried about how I was going to cover the circles under my eyes! One of the first products I found out about was the formally known Christopher Drummond concealer. I can say I am elated to have found their company, and to find something that worked so wonderfully. But it's not all in the makeup, remember that! If you are taking care of your skin and eating a well balanced diet with a lot of water, you are probably not going to have to use concealer that much. Or, that's what I found to be the case. My dark under eyes have almost diminished now that I have taken such good care of my skin. Everything except their mascara is vegan(bummer, we need more vegan mascaras). Their line is completely natural, gluten free, and free of all chemicals. They carry a pressed powder foundation, eyeshadows, eyeliner, blushes, bronzer, lip gloss, about to be released vegan lipsticks, and more. This is what the Discovery Kit looks like, plus a couple of extra samples there. The Light Discovery Kit: ($49.00) Comes with Velutto Powder Foundation in Light and Medium Beige Duet Concealer in Light Deluxe Sample of Finale Finishing Powder Deluxe Sample of Lumiere Radiance Boosting Powder Vegan Mini Flat Top Brush Hynt Beauty Clear Bag Instructions Card Here pictured from wrist down is the foundation swatches: Velutto in light beige, Velutto in medium beige, and then a combination of the two. My face is much darker right now, so I mix the two to get the combination. It is a perfect match for me! Ingredients for the Foundation Powder: Sericite, Zinc Oxide, Iron Oxides, Zea Mays(Corn Starch)*, White Kaolin Clay, Lavandula Officinalis (Lavender) Oil*, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil*, Citrus Bergamia (Bergamot) Oil*, Eugenia Caryophyllata (Clove Bud) Oil*, Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) Extract*, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Oil*, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil*. May Contain: Mica, Ultramarine Blue. What I think of the foundation: It goes on extremely smoothly. The powder is finely milled, and makes for a perfect application. This is the first foundation that I have used which did not leave me patchy! Absolutely amazing. It is a light to medium coverage, which is what I prefer. I like to actually see the skin I was born with when I wear makeup. But that's just me. I do have to use a primer beforehand, as my face is super dry. Pictured from wrist down: Lumiere Radiance Boosting Powder, Finale Finish Powder, Alto Matte Blush Apricot Sample (Note that these are to be sheered out, this is the swatch at full volume) The Finale Finishing Powder goes on for a mattifying, pore shrinking, line erasing, touch before the boosting powder. The Lumiere Radiance Boosting Powder gives the most beautiful finishing touch! It gives you a golden dewy look. I have never been able to find a finishing powder that can give this effect. The finishing powder is probably my favorite product, besides the concealer. The sample of the of the blush is a little too orange toned for my skin, but I can pull off a sheer bronzing effect with it. Here is a swatch of two concealer shades. From wrist down, Duet Concealer in light, then medium. The formula of the concealer is a bit too dry for my liking. I prefer their other one from when they were Christopher Drummond.(I was told they are the same formula, and it just needs to loosen up) The only way I found I can apply it with the best results is with my Real Techniques moist blending sponge. It still has amazing coverage though, and that's why it is still one of my favorite natural products. If you watched my video on YouTube, you will know I agree with their application tips. I tried all different ways, and these steps give you the most out of the products. Overall I love the Hynt Beauty Discovery kit! This has become my favorite loose powder foundation routine. The ingredients are amazing. A lot of the ingredients are organic as well, which I would prefer from a company.
Have you guys tried Hynt Beauty?! What are your favorite products? **This product was sent to me for purpose reviews. As always I will be 100% honest whether I have purchased it or not.** Thank you for reading! xoxo I first tried a Zabana Essentials product in a Vegan Cuts box; which was the French Green Clay Facial Bar that turned me on to the wonderful creations created by Shanell. I love that facial bar! Their bath bombs are amazing too. I also really love their Shimmery Dry Shampoo. I did a review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3b0JuenTt0. But that's not why we are here, so let's get on with this pit talk. Have you heard of a Deodorant Detox? This is the little description card that comes with the deodorant when you order it. The company also sells an armpit detox bar to get you started in the process! Boy, do I wish they sold this when I first switched over to natural deodorants. It was a long, hard, sweaty, and odd process, to say the least. But the transition is definitely worth it. I would rather be a sweaty mess than have aluminum toxins floating around in my body, clogging my armpit pores. Not to mention the fake fragrances that are stored in these mainstream deodorants. ZE uses essential oils which are natural, and do not come from a synthetic component. Take a look at the ingredients: *Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Simmondsia (Jojoba) Chinensis Oil, Vitis (Grapeseed) Vinifera Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Zinc Oxide, *Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Bentonite Clay, Sodium Bicarbonate, Curcuma Angustifolia (Arrowroot) Powder, Essential Oils I feel the deodorant has the perfect combination in ingredients. The clay balances the oils, and vice versa. I have tried a handful of natural deodorants, and this one is definitely top three. Plus the scent, oh my goodness! I wish I could plant an artificial nose through the screen so anyone reading could smell the deodorant. I get compliments on my "scent" every time I wear this deodorant. Most people think I am wearing an essential of lemongrass, which is a definite compliment (to me at least). Even though others can smell it, I don't think it is overpowering. You can get their 2 oz for $10.95, or a mini .35 oz for $5.95. They also offer baking soda free deodorants, for those who are sensitive to it. Here is where you can purchase the deodorant: http://www.zabanaessentials.com/collections/minis/products/deo What are you favorite natural deodorants? Have you tried Zabana Essentials? Let me know in the comments, or like this post! :) I highly recommend their products. I think Shanell can do no wrong. Follow them on Instagram @zabanaessentials for updates and sales!
Thank you for reading xoxo. Cleansing with an oil? Seems pretty far fetched don't you think? I know if someone asked me to cleanse with oil three years ago, I would have looked at them like they had seven heads. But to no avail, I tried this once illusive concept of cleansing my face with oil. So what is oil cleansing really? I am not sure where I read about it, but there are tons of blog posts on it. I did want to give you the run down before I tell you about this handy product I have in my cupboard. Oil cleansing works on a basis of science, as "like dissolves like." Therefore, oil dissolves oil. If your pores are filled with oil and gunk, this stuff is going to pull it right out. How to Oil Cleanse: 1. Spread the desired amount of oil onto palm, and spread on face (Face and hands should be dry. I think that's the best way, but the bottle says on a slightly damp face.) 2. Work the oil into your face and pores for about 30 seconds to two minutes. 3. Grab a face cloth and make sure you get warm to hot water on it. Squeeze out the excess water. 4. Steam face with cloth until it cools down. 5. Wipe face with cloth, and let dry. Here's the lovely cleansing oil I have been using recently! I usually frequent just avocado and hemp oil, but when I saw this had both of my favorite oils in there, I couldn't resist. I recently went to the Indie Beauty Expo and got to meet the wonderful ladies who run the company. Sherelle, the owner was simply so sweet and passionate. I love to support companies and people that I get an amazing feeling from, and that I did from them! White & Elm was created out of a need for natural products for Sherell's sensitive skin. They are an all Vegan, Organic, Natural, and Cruelty Free company. (Note, they are trying to get USDA organic certified, yay!) Can we just talk about how beautiful their packaging is?! I love the colors and how synergistic everything is in their packaging. The way everything flows, really draws you in and keeps your interest. Their packaging is also is made from eco-friendly glass. Their labels are printed locally on paper made from rocks, with eco-friendly ink, and attached with a water based adhesive! Talk about a sustainable company. White & Elm also tries to source everything from the USA when possible. I love that they are leaving less of a carbon foot print. White & Elm also uses under 10 ingredients in all of their products. I love the less is more concept. The ingredients as on the bottle: Sunflower Seed Oil, Castor Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Neroli Essential Oil, Chamomile Essential Oil, Lavender Essential Oil, and Non-GMO Vitamin E Oil. The ingredients have amazing benefits. Sunflower Seed Oil contains high linoleic acid which helps fight against breakouts, and retains moisture in the skin. Castor Seed oil is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Avocado oil contains antioxidants which help protect the skin from sun damage, maintain water in the skin, and supply the skin with nutrients and vitamins. Hemp oil is my number one super hero when it comes to oils. Hemp oil contains linoleic and linonenic acids, which help maintain healthy skin. Hemp oil is also extremely moisturizing and an anti-inflammatory in addition. Overall this contains a beautiful, yet not overwhelming, array of ingredients. It also smells amazing with the beautiful essential oils in it. I can say I actually smelled this, quickly glanced over the ingredients and was sold. And I am not an impulsive buyer like that! Although I was swayed in one of Danielle's videos from CrueltyFreeVeganBeauty on YouTube many moons ago. You can buy this product in a 1 oz size for $10, or the 4 oz for $18. I think it is worth the price tag. It is a beautiful product, that works, and really helps to cleanse your face. (For me I have to use twice the amount as usual, I think it has something to do with the castor oil. Since my face is extremely dry, I need a bit more of the product. I would keep that in mind if you are a Sahara Desert like myself.) If you haven't oil cleansed before, you will probably be surprised when you do. The oils penetrate your skin and pulls everything out, making your skin purge all the "shiitake mushrooms," that were in it. Don't be surprised when using it for the first week and noticing all the breakouts you will be gifted. It is a good thing for your body to detox and get rid of all the toxins! You will really notice a difference after about a week. My skin has been extremely smooth and blemish free. Check out their website and look at all the other lovely products they sell. I highly recommend them! I am testing out their fall line right now, and I can say I am in love! Here is the link to the deep cleansing oil. Sunflower Deep Cleansing Oil If you sign up for their newsletter, you can receive 10% off of your first purchase. They also have a points rewards system! & their shipping in USA is $4.99. Thank you for reading! Leave any questions or comments you have! xoxo. Until next time!
Petit Vour. Two words, that make me ecstatic! You guys know how much I love them! Well, I decided to do a review specifically on the Lily Lolo Mascara which came in the February Petit Vour box! I wanted to go over the ingredients and function more in depth here. Here are the ingredients in the mascara: AQUA (WATER), MYRICA PUBESCENS FRUIT CERA (MYRICA PUBESCENS FRUIT WAX), PROPANEDIOL, COPERNICIA CERIFERA CERA (COPERNICIA CERIFERA (CARNAUBA) WAX), POLYGLYCERYL-6 DISTEARATE, SUCROSE STEARATE, ACACIA SENEGAL GUM, GLYCERYL DIBEHENATE, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEED CERA (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED WAX), LACTOBACILLUS FERMENT BIS-OCTYLDODECYL DIMER DILINOLEATE/PROPANEDIOL COPOLYMER, POLYGLYCERYL-10 MYRISTATE, ORYZA SATIVA BRAN CERA (ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) BRAN WAX), GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE, ROSA CANINA FRUIT OIL, ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL, XANTHAN GUM, POTASSIUM SORBATE, GLYCERYL UNDECYLENATE, [MAY CONTAIN CI 77499 (IRON OXIDES)] For me, I want to put something natural on my body, dkin, eyelashes, etc. There were a couple of things I had to look up in this mascara, as I was not aware of them. I don't know if because they are based out of the UK, or not. Before I went green, I had become accustomed to looking up ingredients. so I can say I know a fair share of "strange" ingredients and preservatives. Here is my research on the ingredients: Propanediol- Non toxic, but has known effects of being irritating to skin, eyes and lungs (Rated a 1 on EWG) Polygylceryl-6 distearate- PEG free emulsifier, non-toxic Acacia Senegal Gum- Strong evidence for allergies (Rated 3 on EWG) Glyceryl Dibehenate- Couldn't find much research (Rate 1 on EWG) Lactobacillus Ferment- Couldn't find much information once again Bis-Octydodecyl Dimer Dilioneate- Derived from natural raw materials including coconut oil, 1, 3, propanediol and dimer acid (couldn't find much more info) Polyglycerol-10myristate- No info Glyceryl caprylate- Mono ester of gylcerin & caprylic acid Glyceryl Undecylenate- Ester of glycerin and undeclyenic acid (Rated a 2 on EWG) Visit EWG.ORG for information on chemicals and ingredients! I hope my research helps others! Overall I think it is a very clean mascara, it was just scary to see all these weird words on the package, I was overwhelmed. I do have to mention how gorgeous the packaging is! I love the matte packaging, and the feel of it! Functionality: This mascara is like chocolate to me!!! I hope you catch my drift! I love it! The application is a bit chunky, but not hard to fix! It gives beautiful volume and length! I was shocked when I first put it on, I actually screamed. You get so used to the fact that a lot of natural mascaras leave your eyelashes looking flat and dull. I will admit, I think I have tried every natural mascara that is gluten free and vegan!! This is one of my top two right now, including The Lash Project by Red Apple Lipstick! I will say there is minimal flaking on me. But, I do have super sensitive eyes, and they have not bothered me yet. It is also dries very quickly! I have been trying this mascara out for over a month, which I think is a good time frame. I hope this blog post and pictures are helpful! I would recommend this mascara to anyone! If you would like to see a first impressions picture follow me on Instagram @andiethegreenqueen, I posted a picture there!
Thank you for reading! xoxo I recently met Emily who is the co-founder of True Moringa! She was very knowledgeable and quite poise. She spoke of her company with endearment and excitement. The company helps support and finance their farmers. They help employ youth in Accra, in the processing center that the company built. So, I was delighted when she asked if I wanted to try one of their oils! She sent me the Peppermint Oil scent. The scent is not overpowering, and is very soothing on the skin. The oil is 100% natural, and cold pressed. The only thing that I have a problem with is their old packaging which can get messy, but they have since gotten new bottles with a pump! I cannot wait to try their lavender scent!
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AuthorAndie is a green beauty blogger who also has a Youtube channel, Andie The Green Queen. She focuses on vegan, cruelty free, and gluten free products, cosmetics, lifestyle and more. Archives
November 2018
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