Lalun Naturals, Autumn Gold Cleanser, Toner and Moisturizer

Autumn Gold Cleanser

Ingredients: *Calendula infused Carthamus tinctorius (Safflower) Oil, Persea americana (Avocado) Oil, **Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Vitamin E, Rosemarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, *Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile) Oil, *Anthemis nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Oil, *Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) Oil. **Certified Organic Ingredients, *Organic or wildcrafted.

Firstly I have to save I love the smell of this cleanser. It has some of my favourite oils in it. As a cleanser it was a bit too heavy for my combination acne prone skin. But I loved using it as an after shower moisturizer/body oil. As for ingredients I like how simple and pure the ingredients list is. There are plenty of skin loving oils such as safflower oil, avocado oil and jojoba oil.  Most people know that Jojoba oil is most similar to our skin’s own sebum production. Avocado oil is rich in fatty acids as well as anti-oxidants Vitamin A,B,D and E. Safflower oil is a natural anti-inflammatory and rich in linoleic acid. Chamomile and lavender are known for being calming and gentle to the skin. Both Rosemary and lavender are also known for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties which helps heal skin prone to acne.

Cost: $18.00 USD, 114 g / 4 oz
Available at: Lalun Naturals
Brand Origin: USA
Rating: 4/5

Autumn Gold Toner

Ingredients: Anthemis nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Water, **Aloe barbadensis Leaf (Aloe) Juice, Vegetable Glycerine, Colloidal Gold, *Self Heal (Prunella vulgaris) Flower Essence. **Certified Organic, *Organic or wildcrafted.

Maggie has created a lovely, gentle toner perfect for transitioning into the colder weather of autumn. I don’t know about you but when summer starts slipping into autumn my skin takes a hit. It seems that almost suddenly I get crocodile skin that is thirsty for moisture. This toner was a great help for rehydrating my skin and perfect for use before applying serums. Chamomile is calming and aloe juice packs some hydrating power while the colloidal gold helps stimulate cell turn over. If you’ve got thirsty skin like me, this would be a great toner for you to add to your skin care regimen.

Cost: $18.00 USD, 114 g / 4 oz
Available at: Lalun Naturals
Brand Origin: USA
Rating: 5/5

Autumn Gold Moisturizer

Ingredients: Matricaria recutita (Chamomile) Water, **Aloe barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice, **Elaeis guineensis (Palm) Butter, *Calendula officinalis (Calendula) extract, **Punica granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Colloidal Gold, *Euphorbia cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Glycerin, *Curcuma longa (Turmeric) Root Extract,**Elaeis guineensis (Palm) Fruit Oil, **Lecithin GMO free, Ricinis communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Allantoin, Citrus aurantium sinensis (Orange) Fiber, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) GMO Soy free, Gluconolactone (and) Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, **Curcuma Xanthorrhiza (Turmeric) Root Extract, **Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow) Oil, **Helichrysum italicum (Helichrysum) Oil, **Matricaria recutita (Chamomile) Oil, **Anthemis nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Oil, Daucus carota (Carrot) Seed Oil. **Certified Organic, *Organic or wildcrafted.

Another winner, this moisturizer was gentle enough for me to use while I was having an allergic reaction to another product I tried. It’s no wonder because of the calming (chamomile, calendula, helichrysum), hydrating (aloe leaf juice, candelilla), and anti-inflammatory (yarrow) ingredients in this moisturizer. Pomegranate and carrot seed oil gives us an anti-oxidant hit with turmeric providing more anti-inflammatory and skin healing properties. This is an impressive moisturizer for all of its wonderful ingredients. A small spatula is provided with it as the oils sometimes separate. But give it a little stir and apply and it provides a great moisturizing barrier to the external environment. You’re going to want to stock up on this moisturizer!

Cost: $34.00 USD, 30 ml / 1 oz
Available at: Lalun Naturals
Brand Origin: USA
Rating: 5/5

Overall I would say that Maggie, the creator and founder of Lalun Naturals has come up with a winning trio of products that are great to use when the colder weather starts arriving. Things that I love about these products: simple yet pure ingredients, every ingredient has its purpose, and affordability. Maggie shows us that you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg when it comes to getting good quality skincare products which are also natural, organic and eco-friendly.

** Products were provided for consideration but all opinions expressed are my own.

September/October: Empties

My empties are quite late this month. But at long last here they are!

Lily of the Desert, Aloe Vera Juice Inner Fillet – No review

Aloe vera is very soothing for the skin and hair. Some people also like to drink it. I prefer to use it externally. I’m currently using this in a hair rinse and in my leave-in conditioner. This aloe vera has a few additives like citric acid and potassium sorbate which rate as a 2 and 3 on EWG’s Skin Deep.

Cost: $29.99 CAD, 3.8 L / 128 oz
Available at: Ambrosia Natural Foods, Well.ca, Healthy Planet
Brand Origin: USA
Rating: 4/5

Thayer’s Original Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera – Review

Well there isn’t much I can say about this item that I haven’t said before. Witch Hazel is a staple in my medicine cabinet for its versatility. I use it as a toner and I also use it to make my own perfume. I’ve already repurchased this!

Cost: $12.99 CAD, 355 ml / 12 oz
Available at: Well.ca, Big Carrot, Noah’s Natural Foods
Brand Origin: USA
Rating: 5/5

Silkka Garden Apothecary, Blossom Hydration Mist – Review

This has become one of my favourite mists. I love multi-function products. I use this as a toner when my skin needs hydration. I’ve also used it as a perfume and it’s great on my hair too! I only wish this was available in a refill so that I could just keep the one bottle and keep refilling it.

Cost: $15.00 CAD, 60 ml / 2 oz
Available at: Silkka Garden Apothecary
Brand Origin: Canada
Rating: 5/5

Phyt’s, Fluide Hydratant (sample) – No review

I received a 3ml sample of this from my acupuncturist JoAnn Alafriz and while I liked the product it seems a bit pricey to me. I also didn’t like that they do not disclose what parfum consists of.

Cost: $88.00 USD, 40 g / 1.4 oz
Available at: Phyt’s Beauty and Spa, Phyt’s USA
Brand Origin: France
Rating: 3/5

Sudsatorium, Java Conditioner – Review to come

As with all Sudsatorium products I’ve tried so far, I love the smell of this stuff! Java conditioner is a lovely, hydrating conditioner. I honestly can’t decide which conditioner I love from these guys. It helps that this local company is also vegan, fair trade and helps grassroots charities. What’s not to love?

Cost: $6.95 CAD, 60 ml/ 2 oz
Available at: Sudsatorium
Brand Origin: Canada
Rating: 5/5

Sudsatorium, Bosom’s Buddy (aka The Firm) – Review to come

This is a firming lotion which was formerly called The Firm. I know it’s meant to be used for the breasts but I actually used it on my wobbly bits (arms, thighs, belly). I used it for a month and then stopped using it to see if I would feel a difference. The verdict? My skin does feel firmer with this lotion. The only teeny tiny thing I don’t like about this lotion is that the scent is very strong. It does dissipate so that’s good. Despite the strong smell I think I’ll repurchase this because I like the results it gives.

Cost: $17.95 CAD, 125 ml/ 4.2 oz
Available at: Sudsatorium, Natural Code
Brand Origin: Canada
Rating: 4/5

Flowers to Fragrance, Lavender (Grosso) Essential Oil – No review

I love shopping local and Flowers to Fragrance is a company I first discovered at the Green Living Show. Lavender is another staple in my medicine cabinet and the quality of this essential oil is great! Will definitely repurchase.

Cost: $15.99 CAD, 10 ml / 0.3 oz
Available at: Flowers to Fragrance
Brand Origin: Canada
Rating: 5/5

Meow Meow Tweet, Grapefruit Baking Soda Free Deodorant (sample) – Review to come

This stuff works! And so far it hasn’t given me a rash like the baking soda based natural deodorants have. I finished my sample from Sarah of Natural Code and have already repurchased a full sized jar.

Cost: $20.99 CAD, 68 g / 2.4 oz
Available at: Natural Code, Well.ca
Brand Origin: USA
Rating: 5/5

Spa Review: Pure + Simple, Super Hydrating Facial

As most of you know, I love shopping local and one of my favourite places to buy my skincare is Pure + Simple. Not only do they have their own lines of amazing skincare (see my reviews on Holistic Vanity and Pure + Simple products) but they also carry cosmetics and other skincare lines. The newly revamped Yorkville spa location has miles of shelf space which allows them to also carry some haircare products which aren’t available at the other locations. The Yorkville location also has a Wellness Centre with services that the other locations don’t have. For example there is naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, cosmetic acupuncture, massage therapy and nutrition sessions available at this lovely location on the upper floors.

After my review of the Holistic Vanity Acne Care Line I was offered the chance to visit the Yorkville location and experience one of their new facials. I had the lovely Isabella for my Super Hydrating Facial and I loved every minute of it! Isabella did all of the traditional facial steps. She first removed all of my makeup, then examined my skin and proceeded with the steaming, facial mask, extractions and massages. I also got to have the high frequency treatment and oxygen sprayed on my face to help my skin absorb the products being slathered on my skin. I have to say, Isabella has very talented hands. She was both gentle and firm depending on what my skin needed. We had an interesting chat during my facial. I love talking to estheticians! We traded skincare and makeup tips, tricks and routines. Isabella, I’m trying your eyebrow tips and loving them so far! At the end of my treatment Isabella asked me if I had any questions. I bought some of the items she suggested for my dehydrated skin and I’ve been using them with great results. I’ll be reviewing those products in a future post. I left the spa with a very oily face but totally relaxed and mellow. I will definitely be booking my next facial at the Pure + Simple Yorkville location with Isabella.

Rating: 5/5

Thanks again to Pure + Simple for the facial. To learn more about Pure + Simple check out a list of their locations. You can also follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest!

At the front of the spa they have their cosmetics section. This is a natural makeup wonderland I’d like to play in the next time I get a chance!

Just to give you an idea of how much shelf space they have, after the cosmetics section are these long rows of shelves to the back of the store. And behind the receiving desk near the waiting area is another set of shelves.

Here’s a shot of their haircare selection. Intelligent Nutrients, John Masters, Rahua and InnerSense are among the lines they carry. I went a little crazy buying some of the hair products!

The waiting area on the first floor.

One of the cozy and relaxing treatment rooms.

Have you ever had a facial at Pure + Simple? You may also like my review to the Aquabrasion facial, also at Pure + Simple.

Intelligent Nutrients, Styling Gel and Curly Hair Serum

Intelligent Nutrients, Styling Gel

Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, 1 alcohol denat.,1,3 glycerin,1 acacia senegal gum,1 inulin,1 agave americana leaf extract,1 xanthan gum,1 citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel oil,1 ethyl palmate,1 nigella sativa (black cumin) seed oil,1,2 cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed oil,1,2 rubus idaeus (red raspberry) seed oil,1,2 vitis vinifera (red grape) seed oil,1,2 vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) seed oil,1,2 mentha viridis (spearmint) leaf oil,1 cinnamomum camphora (ravintsara) leaf oil,1 rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf oil,1 menthol,1 elettaria cardamomum seed oil,1 cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon) bark oil,1 vanilla planifolia fruit (natural flavor),1 rubus idaeus (red raspberry natural flavor type), 1 chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower oil,1 citrus aurantifolia (lime) oil,1 citrus aurantium bergamia (bergamot) fruit oil, 1 limonene,1,4 linalool,1,4 citric acid, tocopherol (vitamin e) 1 certified organic, 2 antioxidant intellimune® seed oil complex, 3 denatured using certified organic bergamot essential oil 4 naturally occurring component of organic essential oil blend

Ingredients wise, this gel has much of the same ingredients as the curly hair serum below. That’s not too surprising. I do like the certifications this product has: certified organic, leaping bunny, and green e org certified (renewable energy). The gel has a very mild, almost spearmint-like smell to it. The hold is medium to firm. A little bit goes a long way so if you like a light hold, use this sparingly. I did like this gel but it’s a bit pricey so I’m going to keep looking for another styling gel. I wish they had larger sizes of this gel available to make it more affordable. This gel works to tame my frizzy hair as well and I found it easier to control the type of hold I wanted with this product than the curly hair serum. It also doesn’t weigh my hair down nor leave too much product build up over time. I found I had to wash my hair more often with the curly hair serum.

Cost: $38.99 CAD, 200 ml / 7 oz
Available at: Thair, Intelligent Nutrients Canada
Brand Origin: USA
Rating: 4/5

Intelligent Nutrients, Curly Hair Serum

Ingredients: Aqua (water), glycerin,1 galactoarabinan, cetearyl alcohol, alcohol,1 sucrose,2 cetearyl olivate, sorbitan olivate, diheptyl succinate, glyceryl stearat SE, pullulan, xanthan gum, aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder,2 nigella sativa (black cumin) seed oil,2,3 cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed oil,2,3 vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil,2,3 vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) seed oil,2,3 rubus idaeus (raspberry) seed oil,2,3 euterpe oleracea (acai) fruit oil,2 aroma,2,4 lecithin,2 cathamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil,2 cetearyl glucoside, sorbitol, trehalose, acaia senegal gum, capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer, brassica alcohol, brassicyl isoleucinate esylate, glucanotactone, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, limonene,5 linalool,5 geraniol,5 citronellol,5 citral,5 tocopherol (vitamin e) 1 made using organic ingredients 2 certified organic 3 antioxidant intellimune® super seed oil complex 4 certified organic active aroma/flavor oils citrus noblis (mandarin orange) peel oil, pelargonium graveolens(geranium) flower oil, litsea cubeba (may chang) fruit oil, pogostemon cablin (patchouli) oil, citrus aurantium bergamia (bergamot) fruit oil, jasminum officinale (jasmine) oil, vetiveria zizianoides (vetiver) root oil, honey natural flavor type 5 naturally occurring component of essential oil blend

Let’s talk ingredients first. There are some natural emollient (diheptyl succinate), emulsifying (glyceryl sterate SE) and surfactants (xanthan gum) in this serum. Then there are the anti-oxidant ingredients (pumpkin, cranberry and raspberry seed oils) two of these oils are anti-inflammatory as well. Then there are the oils used for scent (mandarin, geranium, may chang, patchouli, bergamot, jasmine and vetiver). I normally don’t like the scent of vetiver but in this styling product the concentration is so small it’s quite hard to detect. Despite all the essential oils used in this product I found that the scent wasn’t overpowering. Once my hair was dry only a faint scent lingered and this dissipates throughout the day. Those with sensitive noses won’t need to be nervous using this product. As for the frizzies, this curly hair serum did work to keep them at bay. But I found the hold too firm for me. I couldn’t get the right amount in my hair. I was either putting too much or too little. So I’ve started adding this to my leave-in to dilute it enough so that my hair doesn’t get frizzy but also isn’t too crunchy. Like their styling gel I find this a bit pricey so I’m unsure if I will repurchase this. I will have to do some more experimentation with this product.

Cost: $35.99 CAD, 140 ml / 5 oz
Available at: Thair, Intelligent Nutrients Canada
Brand Origin: USA
Rating: 4/5

Have you tried any Intelligent Nutrient products?

Sudsatorium, Kiwi Herman Body Lotion and Naughty Soap

Hi, My name is Hazel and I’m a Sudsatorium addict. Here are some the latest things I’m loving from one of my fave Canadian brands. There will be another post soon with reviews on the haircare products I’ve bought from Sudsatorium so stay tuned!

Kiwi Herman Body Lotion

Ingredients: Fresh Organic Ravensara Leaf Infusion (Ravensara aromatica), Fresh Organic Coconut Water (Cocos nucifera), Fair Trade Wild Harvested Ucuuba Butter (Virola sebifera), Fair Trade Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera), Fresh Organic Kiwi Fruit (Actinidia chinensis), Palm-Free Vegetable-Derived Cetyl Alcohol, Organic Jasmine Absolute (Jasminum officinale), Fair Trade Vanilla Absolute (Vanilla planifolia), Non-GMO Lactobacillus Ferment (Fermented Korean Cabbage)

OMG. I have to rave about this body lotion. I love the smell so much. It’s so relaxing and yet refreshing at the same time. It takes me to a sensory paradise that I want to live in all day long. The scent is kind of tropical with the Kiwi fruit and Coconut oil, but you can also smell the Jasmine and Vanilla. Besides the smell, I love the way it works. It’s not thick in texture, so you wouldn’t guess how moisturizing it is. I love to slather it on after my shower. It absorbs quickly leaving my skin hydrated but not greasy. Let’s talk about the properties of these ingredients. Ravensara is from Madagascar and is said to have anti-deppresant, anti-bacterial and even aphrodisiac properties. That explains why I love the smell! Ucuuba butter comes from the Amazon region of South America has anti-aging properties and is used to treat skin issues like acne, eczema, and dry skin. Kiwi fruit contains vitamin C and vitamin E which helps keep skin firm and helps fight free radicals. Combining these two wonderful ingredients with coconut oil, coconut water and kiwi fruit makes for a thin but very nourishing body lotion. I’ll definitely repurchase this lotion and keep it in rotation with my other favourite body lotions.

Cost: $12.95 CAD 125 ml / 7 oz
Available at: Natural Code, Etsy
Brand Origin: Canada
Rating: 5/5

Naughty Face and Body Soap

Ingredients: Fresh Organic Licorice Root Decoction, Organic Rapeseed Oil. Organic Coconut Oil, Vegetable-Derived Sodium Stearate, Sodium Hydroxide, Coco Glucoside, Organic Vegetable Glycerin, Fair Trade Organic Rosewood Oil, Organic Sandalwood Oil, Organic Bamboo Charcoal, Sea Salt

I have to confess that using Naughty was actually quite the opposite experience! This dark black soap left my skin soft and kept my skin clear. My skin didn’t misbehave when I used this soap! Sometimes I get acne on my back or neckline and Naughty kept me from breaking out. Licorice root is anti-inflammatory and known for helping with acne, eczema and psoriasis. It also helps reduce the appearance of age spots and hyperpigmentation. Rapeseed oil provides your skin with anti-oxidants, coconut oil helps your skin retain moisture, and bamboo charcoal is helps absorb excess oil. I’ll have to repurchase this after I finish the other soaps I’ve bought from Sudsatorium!

Cost: $3.95 CAD, 50 g / 1.8 oz
Available at: Etsy, Detox Market, Natural Code
Brand Origin: Canada
Rating: 5/5

Have you ever tried Sudsatorium?

Watch out Acne! Holistic Vanity is launching a new Acne Care Line

As you all know, I’m a supporter of buying local as much as possible. One of my favourite skincare brands is Holistic Vanity, produced by Pure + Simple. I’ve loved so many of their products and reviewed them on my blog (Damage Care Line, Rosacea Care Line and many more). I was super excited when Pure + Simple contacted me to try the new Holistic Vanity Acne Care Line. I’ve suffered from acne ever since I was a teenager. I was hoping when I got older and ate cleaner that the acne would disappear but it never did. Today my acne is almost non-existent but when that monthly time comes, I still get minor breakouts. The Acne Care Line will launch September 16^th at all Pure + Simple locations as well as online. Finally, a skincare line that is effective in combating acne from a local Toronto brand! Here’s proof that you don’t need to put overly strong chemicals on your face (I’m looking at you Proactiv!) to get clear skin.

Purifying Black Mud Cleanser

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*, Sodium Laurol Oat Amino Acids (Non-Irritating Surfactant), Decyl Glucoside (Coconut/Corn Derived Cleansing Agent), Simmondsia Chinensis Seed (Jojoba) Oil*, Coco Glucoside (Coconut Derived Cleansing Agent) Coconut Alcohol (Non Drying Emulsifier), Glycerin*, Glyceryl Stearate (Plant Derived Emulsifier, Emoliant and Moisturiser), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Sucrose Polysoyate (Natural emolient), Gluconolactone (Fruit Acid) + Sodium Benzoate (Food grade Preservative), Soluble Collagen (Marine Derived), Maris Limus (Black Mud), Xanthan Gum, Lemongrass*, Ylang Ylang*, Turmeric*, Petitgrain*.   *Organic ingredients.

This creamy cleanser smells nicely of lemongrass and ylang ylang. I find this cleanser easier to spread on a damp face. You need only a couple of pumps to cover your face. The cleanser washes away cleanly and the lemongrass scent is refreshing. The scent can be a little strong until you get used to it. But once washed away it does dissipate. Black mud is a great ingredient known for its detoxifying and purifying properties. Lemongrass has natural astringent properties and is anti-microbial as well as anti-bacterial. Ylang Ylang is anti-inflammatory and helps to regulate sebum production. Aloe vera and shea butter provide gentle hydrating and moisturizing while also healing the skin. No wonder I like this cleanser so much! For those with super sensitive skin I would advise to use this cleanser sparingly at first to see how your skin reacts. Then if your skin is okay with it you can use it as directed. I used this cleanser during my “time of the month” and got only one large pimple. But that pimple is already disappearing as I continue to treat it with the Acne Care Line.

Cost: $28.00 CAD, 100 ml / 3.4 oz
Available at: Pure + Simple
Brand Origin: Canada
Rating: 5/5

Anti-Bac Pine Mint Skin Tonic

Ingredients: Pinus Sylvestris (Pine)*, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint)*.   *Certified organic ingredients.

Love the super simple ingredients list for this skin tonic. Pine is useful in treating skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and is anti-bacterial. Peppermint is anti-septic, anti-microbial and can help control oil secretion. I find this tonic a bit too strong for my skin so I like to mix it with the Healing Immortelle Tonic. Still, it’s a wonderful tonic that helps keep my skin matte and calm. It smells great too! The pine and peppermint scents are not strong at all. So this tonic should be okay for those with sensitive noses.

Cost: $26.00 CAD, 100 ml / 3.4 oz
Available at: Pure + Simple
Brand Origin: Canada
Rating: 4/5

Clarifying Black Cumin Oil

Ingredients:

Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) Oil*, Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Oil. Certified organic ingredients.

A lovely mellow yellow oil, this one packs some powerhouse ingredients. Black cumin oil is known for nourishing the skin while reducing acne and scarring. It is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Read more about black cumin on the Holistic Vanity blog. Babassu oil is great for healing skin irritations, has cooling properties, and helps to rebalance the skin. I loved that this oil is absorbed into my skin quickly without leaving me feeling like a grease ball. Some oils can tend to sit on the surface of the skin but these did not.

Cost: $43.00 CAD, 100 ml / 3.4 oz
Available at: Pure + Simple
Brand Origin: Canada
Rating: 5/5

Balancing Black Mud Turmeric Lotion

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed (Jojoba) Oil*, Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Seed Oil*, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes and Water, Glycerin*, Cetyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Lonicera Japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) Extract, Maris Limus (Black Mud), Sclerotium Gum, Tocopherol, Lemongrass*, Ylang Ylang*, Turmeric*, Petitgrain*.  *Certified organic ingredients.

This lotion is about medium thickness and a soft beige colour. Some of the amazing ingredients from the cleanser are also present in this lotion. I can definitely smell the lemongrass in this lotion as well as the black mud. I didn’t mind it though, as once my skin absorbed the lotion the scent goes away. I also loved this lotion. It kept my skin matte and yet velvety feeling. My skin has been feeling smoother with all of the products in the Acne Care Line so I really can’t complain.

Cost: $50.00 CAD, 100 ml / 3.4 oz
Available at: Pure + Simple
Brand Origin: Canada
Rating: 5/5

Overall review:

I predict the Holistic Vanity Acne Care Line will be really popular. So many people suffer from acne and this skin care line will help many people. It’s certainly helped me control my acne breakouts. I’ve noticed that my skin is clearer, smoother and less pimple prone. An intro kit is available for those wishing to try before buying the larger sizes.  Keep in mind though, that you also have to eat cleaner to have better skin. No amount of amazing skin care products will help your skin if you are eating mostly processed foods, lots of animal proteins and GMOs.

**Products provided for consideration but all opinions are my own.

Acure Organics, Moroccan Argan Oil+ Argan Stem Cell Conditioner

Ingredients: Organic Euterpe oleracea (Acai) Berry, Organic Rubus fruticosus (Blackberry), Organic Rosa canina (Rosehips), Organic Punica granatum (Pomegranate), Organic Fair Trade Certified™ Rooibos, 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 Certified™ Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Sorbitan Olivate (from olives + sugar), Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5), Cellulose (plant derived), D-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (vitamin. E), Lactic Acid (vegetable derived), Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) seed oil, Organic Curcubita pepo (Pumpkin) seed oil, Ubiquinone (CoQ10), Argania spinosa (Argan) Stem Cells, glycerophosphoinositol lysine (from sunflower), Prunus dulcis (Almond) Extract, Cinnamomum aromaticum (Cassia Bark) Oil

This conditioner comes in a plastic squeeze bottle which can get a little messy when standing on its head. The conditioner is white in colour and has a medium thickness. The smell is light and herbal and dissipates after my hair dries. The description on the bottle reads “triple moisture conditioner”. I would say it got half-way there but not all the way for me. My hair is curly and very thirsty. My scalp is also prone to dryness so I always need a very nourishing conditioner. While this did help nourish my hair and scalp a bit, I was hoping for better results. I suppose I was expecting too much. But with a name like triple moisture I really wanted something thicker and more hydrating. I don’t think I will repurchase this. I’ve heard good thinks about John Masters Avocado Conditioner. So I’m going to try that next to compare effectiveness. As for the ingredients list it’s got a great list of hydrating and smoothing properties but for some reason my hair didn’t love it that much. While my hair did have less tangles as I used this conditioner, it didn’t feel any thicker and my hair was actually flatter when I styled it. I lost the volume I usually have with other hair conditioners.

Cost: $18.50 CAD, 235 ml / 8 oz
Available at: Glam Goes Green, iherb
Brand Origin: USA
Rating: 3/5

Have you ever tried Acure Organics?

Au Naturale, Concealer and Foundation

Au Naturale, Crème Concealer in Beige

Ingredients: Organic Castor Oil, Mica, Wildcrafted Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Organic Simmondsia Chinsis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Castor Wax, Iron Oxides, Kaolin, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Oleoresin, Organic Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Organic Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Zinc Oxide (Non-Nano), Organic Maranta Arledinacea

Another find from green beauty shop Natural Code is Au Naturale‘s Crème Concealer in Beige. This concealer actually looks way too light for my skin tone in the swatch above. But if you look at the picture below where I’ve blended it into my skin you can hardly detect it. Some great ingredients in this concealer, kaolin clay is great for absorbing oils, jojoba oil is also close to the skin’s natural sebum production. Rosemary and Olive are both known as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidants. I like the simplicity of using this concealer. I just dab my fingers into the pot and pat it gently on my under eye circles and blemishes. The coverage can be built up from medium to full. I like to keep it at medium coverage since I think that looks more natural and realistic than being able to cover up all the tiny imperfections. Since my skin is blemish prone and very sensitive I’m quite picky about what I put on my face. I’m happy to report that this concealer didn’t break me out, nor did it cause any other reactions. I’m seriously considering making this concealer my everyday concealer as it’s so easy to use and I like the coverage. The small pot is also very travel friendly, compared to some powder concealers I’ve tried. I would like to play with the other concealer colours (like Buff) to see if that would suit me better.

Cost: $30.00 CAD, 5.5 ml / 0.2 oz
Available at: Natural Code, Au Naturale
Brand Origin: USA
Rating: 5/5

Au Naturale, Powder Foundation in Sand

Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (Non-Nano), Mica, Titanium Dioxide, and Iron Oxides.

I wanted to like this foundation. However there are too many oxides in this foundation and I found it would leave a very white cast around my eyes and any dry spots. The colour seemed to be the right one for me when I swatched at the store. But when I got it home I realized it was several shades too light for me. Luckily I had some darker pigments I was able to add to this foundation so that I could make it usable for my skin without looking like I was auditioning for Kabuki. The container also isn’t very travel friendly. The large perforated top lets a lot of foundation out. Once you take the plastic sticker off its hard to dispense a little at a time unless you are careful. I tend to like foundations with more clays included in the formulation like Haut’s Bio Mineral Foundation. My skin is already prone to some oilyness and this foundation didn’t work that well for me because of the shininess of the oxides and mica. The oxides can provide great coverage but unless Au Naturale reformulates by adding some clays in, I don’t think I will be repurchasing this foundation again.

Cost: $40.00 CAD, 9 g / 0.3 oz
Available at: Natural Code, Au Naturale
Brand Origin: USA
Rating: 3/5

Have you ever tried Au Naturale?

Studio 78 Paris, Let’s Get Married Liquid Lipstick in Rose Wedding 03

Earlier this summer I visited green beauty shop Natural Code for the first time. One of the brands I found there was Studio 78 Paris, a brand I’ve been wanting to try for a while now. I nabbed one of their liquid lipsticks and have been using it for a while now.

Ingredients: Ricinus Communis Seed oil*, Silica, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer, Glyceryl Rosinate, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Extract, Cocos Nucifera Oil*, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil*, Persea Gratissima Oil*, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil*, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil*, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract*, Parfum, Limonene, Linalool. May Contain: CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77742, CI 77510, CI 77007

This is a beautifully thick liquid lipstick that can easily be sheered out for a softer look. I chose the Rose Wedding 03 shade which is a bright fuschia colour. It’s funny that the name of this shade is Rose Wedding when it looks more pinkish to me. Anyway, when this velvet lipstick is sheered out it almost looks like a soft coral. The applicator tip is an angeled hard sponge tip and the lipstick comes out in a small hole in the middle. You push a button on the bottom to get more lipstick to come out. When I first opened up the lipstick I found it strange that I had to click the button for about 10 minutes continuously to get any lipstick. But when it finally got to the top of the applicator it wasn’t hard after that to get the colour dispensed. The colour pigmentation of this lipstick is quite intense and in texture it’s a creamy formula. This is the kind of lipstick you want to wear when you’re at an event like a wedding and want the colour to last all day long. I found it dried my lips out though, so for those with desert lips like me, I would suggest applying a layer of lip balm before lipstick. I wouldn’t use this lipstick for everyday wear since I’m more accustomed to using lighter lipsticks. But it’s a great ecobeauty product to replace something like Revlon’s Long Lasting Lipsticks, which contain ingredients that aren’t the best for your skin.

Cost: $32.00 CAD, 2 ml / 0.07 oz
Available at: Natural Code, Clementine Fields, NubonNau
Brand Origin: France
Rating: 4/5

Have you tried Studio 78 Paris products? What did you think of them?

Spotlight on: Joy McCarthy, Holistic Nutritionist

I have read and loved Joy McCarthy’s book: Joyous Health – Eat & Live Well without Dieting. It has a wealth of information I think everyone should know. You can read my book review here. Joy is a Holistic Nutritionist and the Health Expert to Global TV’s The Morning Show. I recently met her at the Total Health Show and she is such a lovely person. Read more about Joy on her website’s About Page. I asked if Joy would allow me to interview her for my blog and she agreed. Here is the interview below. I hope you enjoy it!

    I’ve been reading via social media that you’re working on a new book called Joyous Detox. How many months of work does it take to get a book published?

     Yes! I’m super excited about my second book Joyous Detox. My manuscript is actually due at the end of August, so I’m just putting the final touches on it now. It takes me a couple of years. First I come up with the concept, create an outline and then discuss it with my editor/publisher. Then I start writing. I started writing Joyous Detox last year and it will be published in 2017. I’m already thinking about book 3 and it will definitely have a joyous baby theme. 🙂

    I’m a real believer in people taking charge of their health. Do you think the average person is becoming more aware of how proper nutrition can prevent many health issues?

     Yes most definitely. I know this just based on how my blog traffic has grown over the years…also based on holistic nutrition being on mainstream TV.

    Your journey as a holistic nutritionist is a fascinating one. (Read about it here.) Do you ever look back and wonder what your life would have been like if you didn’t follow this path?

     For sure. I know that if I never followed my true passion I would still be working in a marketing job in an office and feeling completely unfulfilled. Feeling unfulfilled in one aspect of your life can unfortunately affect all other areas of your life. Following my dreams brought so much unexpected goodness into my life, including my husband Walker who is now my full-time business partner for almost two years now. I don’t look back often, but when I do it’s really motivating to see how far I’ve come both personally and professionally.

    What are your favourite personal care products?

     I love dry skin brushing, I do it every day. My growing baby in my belly loves it too! For shampoo I love Rahua. It’s a little pricey so I don’t use it every time I wash, just every other wash but along with eating protein and good fat, it keeps my hair shiny! I also use my own Joyous Natural Deodorant, body butta on my legs after shaving and I use my belly bump butta every day on my growing belly. So far…no stretch marks! Fingers crossed. I love lipstick and lipgloss and I’m totally addicted to the Ilia line. They have such pretty colours and they are a clean brand. Everything my husband and I use on our body and in our home for cleaning is as clean and toxin-free as possible. I feel good knowing that anything that flushes down the sink from facewash to toothpaste is not harming the environment. This is important to me.

    What one product or ingredient would you never ever use and why?

     Sadly, most mainstream products made by Uniliver, P&G and the like do not seem to care about the environment or the health of people. So I avoid brands like Dove, Johnson and Johnson etc. There is more than one ingredient I avoid, in fact there are multiple ingredients. So I just make sure that I read my labels of everything and only use products with ingredients I know.

    Congratulations on your pregnancy! Do you think your next book will be called Joyous Pregnancy? And where do you see Joyous Health going in the future?

     My third book will definitely be something baby/pregnancy related. I’ve had an enjoyable pregnancy and I know much of this is because of my health before getting pregnant. As for Joyous Health, I will continue doing what I love – speaking and writing. As well, I will continue to develop new offerings on the website from ebooks to natural personal care products. Thanks so much for the interview. Really great questions!

My thanks to Joy McCarthy for taking time out of her busy schedule to answer these questions. I know I’m definitely looking forward to reading Joy’s next book when it comes out. You can follow Joy on her website Joyous Health as well as on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest!