Face Oils I Will NOT be Re-Purchasing

About 6 months ago, I got back into researching different facial oils and trying various ones to incorporate into my skincare regimen. There is so much good stuff out there, I felt overwhelmed and just started ordering samples (online) and running to Sephora to get samples like a mad woman.

I tried (and am still trying out) various new skin care oils, but these ones just didn't make the cut. It's always disappointing to try something with rave reviews, but like I mentioned earlier, my skin is pretty sensitive and clog-prone, so you may have a different experience than I did.
  
1. One Love Organics Morning Glory Brightening Complexion Booster:
I really wanted to like this because I wanted to add a daytime oil with some skin benefits, but this didn't really do much for me AND gave me a mini-breakout that took a short while to go away. Typically, when I try something new, I would expect a small spot or two, but these spots were bigger and seemed to be clogged at a deeper level (OH NOOOOOO). I'm sad because I've heard great things about One Love Organics and I am still open to trying their other oils.  One of the things I love about One Love Organics is that you can purchase sample sizes of their oils at a reasonably low price. Sampling is the best thing to do, or you have to deal with the pesky return process via mail. 

2. Elizabeth Dehn for One Love Organics Active Vitamin C Serum:
Another miss for me-I was looking for a vitamin C serum to incorporate into my skincare regimen for it's anti-aging and brightening benefits, but alas, this one wasn't the right match for me. The breakout I got from this one was a little more than normal, so I'm really glad I got the sample first. I limited trying the oil to just half my face, so at least I didn't have to hide my full face in the shadows for a few days, just half of it. Also part of a sample kit I purchased from One Love Organics, so no harm, no foul.

3. Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil:
WHY Fresh, why? I heard so many amazing things about Seabuckthorn oil, I ran over to Sephora to make my purchase. This one gave me a few new spots, but it's really the type of spots that it gave me that bothered me-the bigger, deeper clogs. Not more than a few, but that was enough for me to give up on this one. Like most oils, this has a combination of different oils in it, so it may not have been the Seabuckthorn. Regardless, that purchase sadly went back to it's Sephora family. 

There are so many different oils out there that are really great (there's a whole slew of undiscovered oils I'm sure I haven't tried)! I use a few from 302 Professional Skincare that I really like (reviews to come) and the Kahina Giving Beauty Argan Oil (click here to read the Kahina Argan Oil review), which is also really nice. Many greener lines will offer samples or a good return policy. Happy oil shopping!

Tarte LipSurgence Lip Luster-Green and Pretty

I bought the Tarte LipSurgence Lip Luster in BUFF for $24 at Sephora, hoping to find a greener lip product that actually moisturizes (I’m talking to you Burt’s Bees lip gloss-didn't hydrate for me). To my surprise, it scored a 3 on the EWG Skin Deep site, which was a little higher than what I would hope for in a more natural lip product (but even the Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner got a score of a 3, which I love too much to give up). I'd say that anything a 4 and under I'm willing to use--you have to decide which hazard scores you're willing to live with and be a savvy consumer. Despite the score, I like the Lip Luster--it’s a cross between a lip balm and a lipstick with some shimmer. Also provides a minty, cooling feeling when applied. It’s a bit hydrating and I personally love the “Buff” color—it’s a warm, neutral pink color with a touch of shimmer so it looks natural on you, with just a hint of something extra. I used to have a MAC lipstick that did this for me, but since I’ve been slowly switching everything over, it had to go. I did notice that it’s a bit more shimmery in the sunlight, so if you’re looking for something less shimmery outdoors, this lip luster may not be right for you. Looks like a giant lip pencil but has a twist up bottom that allows you to advance the product as you use it. Now that I've tried and like LipSurgence, I may have to purchase them in other colors!

Pros:

-fairly hydrating

-comes in a twist-up crayon form

-contains less chemicals than your usual lipsticks

-color enhances lip color and adds some shimmer

Cons:

-scores 3 on EWG Skin Deep

-$24

EWG Skin Deep Score: 3

Click here to read the EWG Skin Deep report.

lLIA Tinted Lip Conditioner - Perfect stepping stone to RED lips!

Today's review is on the beloved Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner in Bang Bang (um, I know the name isn't the best). I've been eyeing this guy for many reasons:

1. Ilia is a brand that is loved by the green beauty community and I've been itching to try their products.

2. I haven't been able to get away with wearing bright red lipstick without looking like a streetwalker! It looks so good on everyone else, I decided not to give up on this dream.  It's a stepping stone into bright lipsticks since it's a tinted lip conditioner and the color is buildable.

3. It's their best selling RED lip color.


I sought out a store that carries Ilia (Blossom Lounge) when I was in Toronto so I could actually see the lip conditioners in person. My initial thought was "WHOA, this is way too bright and will not look good on me." I gave it a try, and it was lighter than I expected--it comes out more sheer and you can build up the intensity based on how much you put on. In my case, I just needed one swipe and PRESTO, a step down from bright red lips! It comes out a nice, muted bright red color (if that makes sense), without the intensity of a bold, red lipstick. When I asked the sales associate if the color was too bright, she said "You're kidding, right? It looks REALLY nice on you!" I know she could have been trying to make a sale, but she sounded genuine and I wanted to believe her. :) I got the approval from the bf too, so off it went in my shopping cart! I also purchased two Alima products (a loose powder concealer and a loose powder eye shadow in Ombra) that I will be reviewing in the next few weeks.

I can see why it's so popular now…I've worn it several times and I still like it!  I've had to ask several others if the sales associate was just being nice, but it turns out that other people like it too. It won't provide a crazy amount of hydration, but just enough. I would recommend wearing a lip balm underneath if your lips tend to be dry, like mine. Color does last a while, and it's just a lovely shade of almost red.

Pros:
-allows you to dip your big toe into the pool of red lipsticks
-can build desired shade based on layers applied
-provides light conditioning
-majority of ingredients are certified organic

Cons:
-pricey at $26 a pop
-doesn't provide a lot of hydration
-scores a 3 on the EWG Skin Deep hazard scale (I wish it was a 1 or 2, but 3 is ooook)

EWG Skin Deep Score: 3

Click here to read the EWG Skin Deep Report.

Tarte's MultiplEYE™ Lash Enhancing Primer

I have skimpy eye lashes….sad but true.  Yet I've managed to trick people and have gotten compliments on how long my eyelashes look. I can attribute this to two things: first, I use an eyelash growing product (it used to be Revitalash and now it’s Latisse), second, I use a lash primer. I use Latisse once or twice a week and while it does make my lashes a bit longer, they still look bare without any mascara. Oh and don’t ask me how safe the Latisse is for you…I’m not ready to give this one up just yet! Point two, this lash enhancing primer, is where this puppy comes in. 

I really like this eyelash primer—it goes on white and provides additional length and volume to my skinny lashes. I’ve used various eyelash primers in the past, but this one is my favorite because it doesn’t contain as much bad junk the other primers do. My only complaint about this is that you have to treat it like a mascara and mind the expiration dates-which means that in 6 months, you should throw this out and purchase a new one with a new mascara. I did a post on mascara hygiene a while back, click here if you want to learn more.

Pros:

-lengthens

-volumizes

-cleaner than other eyelash primers

Cons:

-needs to be replaced as often as the expiration date listed (or sooner)

-costs $22

-leaves white coating on lashes (don’t forget to put mascara over them, or it won’t look so pretty)

EWG Skin Deep Score: 2

Click here to read the full report!

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps

Today I want to talk about the Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps: All-One Hemp Pure Castile Soap (bar soap) and 18-in-1 Hemp Pure Castile Soap (liquid soap)!

I love Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps.  I love that I can read all the ingredients, they smell good and the ingredients are minimal.  I have been hooked on both the Magic All-One Soap (citrus orange scent) and the 18-in1 Pure Castile Soap (almond scent) for the past year.  Both create a great lather and you feel really clean after using them. I can’t shake bar soaps, because I’ve been using bar soaps for too many years, so I use both the bar soap and castile soaps in the shower.  The liquid soap is also great for travel—I purchased a small travel sized Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap bottle and refill it with my large Costco-sized bottle.  I purchased both on Amazon to try to get the best deal, but there may be other smaller online stores who give out discount codes with a better price. Replacing your soap with these is one easy way to take out the extra chemicals you would typically get from normal bar soaps.

Pros:

-Nice lather

-Smells good

-No nasty chemicals

Cons:

-Bar soaps are pricier than chemical counterparts

-$4.49 for the bar soap

-Starts at $4.25 for the 4oz. size

EWG Skindeep scores: 1 (both received a score of 1)

Click here to read the EWG Skin Deep report on the liquid soap and here to read the report on the bar soap.

Josie Maran Mascara- Gogo Instant Natural Volume

I've been on a hunt for natural mascara.  This is really tough because I love my Loreal Telescopic mascara, but alas, I'm slowly transitioning all my makeup to healthier, cleaner makeup.  I'm still testing them out, one by one.  This is my first stab at green mascara. 

I searched green blogs and other sites to find the best, natural mascaras that lengthen and provide volume. After my research, I decided to start with this one, also because it goes to a good cause.  For every one mascara purchased, she donates one to a cancer patient/survivor at City of Hope.  I love what she's doing and how clean her products are, but I just didn't love this mascara. 

I always start with the Tarte multiplEYE Lash Enhancing Primer (I'll do a review on this one soon).  Typically, I combine this with my Telescopic mascara and *BAM* my eyelashes are long and voluminous.  I've been using the Josie Maran Gogo mascara and I notice two things: first, it dries out way too quickly and second, it doesn't do much in terms of eyelash length.  While it does provide some volume, it pales in comparison to my Telescopic.

Drying out to quickly isn't good because you're not able to apply multiple coats of mascara without putting the wand back into the container to grab more mascara.  In order for me to get any definition, I have to put the wand back two or three times per eye. With the Telescopic, I don't put the wand back to get more mascara because there's enough on the wand for both eyes. Maybe this is because there are so many chemicals in the Telescopic?  Not sure, but why do chemicals have to make my eyelashes look so long?? It's not fair.

I'm back to trying out other mascaras until I find the best green one. Stay tuned!

Pros:
-less chemicals than other mascaras
-purchase of mascara goes to a good cause

Cons:
-doesn't provide dramatic eyelash length like my chemical-y drug store brand
-requires multiple coats involving re-dipping the wand back into the container
-scores a 4 on the EWG Skin Deep website
-the second ingredient scores at a whopping 7 on the EWG Skin Deep website

EWG Skin Deep Hazard Score: 4

Click here to read the full report.

*Surprisingly, both Telescopic and Gogo mascaras got the same hazard score (due to different ingredients).  Sometimes "natural" doesn't always mean what you think it does, so it's important to be a savvy consumer and do your research before you make a purchase.  Guess this is going back and on to the next one!

Beautiful Blush: Not "Green" but Still Worthy

I know this is a green blog, but I will periodically blog about products that aren't green but hold such a special place in my cosmetics heart, that I cannot give up.  Today will be one of those posts- it is about my favorite blush that I discovered late last year.  It's a beautiful cream blush made by Kevyn Aucoin, The Creamy Glow in Liquifuschia.   When used correctly, it leaves a rosy glow on your cheeks that looks natural and fabulous!  The first few times I used it, I couldn't believe how natural and pretty the color looked (unlike the crazy hot pinkness you see in the container).  It perks up your face and just makes you look like you, but better.  I have several other powder blushes (MAC-Peaches, Clinique-Precious Posy, NARS-Orgasm) and after I tried this cream blush, I don't think I can go back to them, because powder blushes don't impart that soft glow that a cream blush gives you.  Don't get me wrong, those other powder blushes I mentioned are great and all highly reviewed and rated, they just pale in comparison to my new found blush love. 

When you look at the color initially, it's a bit disturbing--it looks like a color that should have been discontinued from the 80's.  It's also a cream blush, and having sensitive, breakout- prone skin, i did not want to try a cream blush, for fear of breakouts.  So what did I do?  What I do best--rigorously started researching and looking for reviews on this product. From what I could find, all the reviewers said they didn't break out, and that only a little bit of product was needed to look "glow-y," and that was enough to sell me on it.  

Here's how I use this heavenly product:

1. Use a stippling brush--I use one from MAC (#187), but any stippling brush will do.

2. Lightly tap the stippling brush into The Creamy Glow blush 4-5 times (start with less if   

    you're scared and want to build up the color).  You'll be able to see that if you use this 

    little, each time, this cream blush will last you a LONG TIME (or at least, until it expires). 

3. Dab/stipple the blush on to your cheeks and blend the color out (this part varies for 

    everyone-some like to blend it toward their hairline, some like to keep the cheek color

    only on their cheeks, do what works for you).

4. Blend out any harsh lines that appear with the stippling brush.

5. If you would like more color, lightly tap your stippling brush into the cream blush 2-3

    times and repeat the process.

6. Look in the mirror--rosy glow, right??

Pros:

-gives you a healthy, rosy flush

-little goes a long way (highly pigmented)

-product will last a long time (small amount of product required per use)
-cream blush stays on practically all day
-feels light on skin

Cons:

-some may consider this pricey ($26 a pop)

-score of 4 on EWG Skin Deep hazard scale
-need makeup brush tool to apply 
-contains preservative BHT

EWG Skindeep Rating: 4

-The ingredients listed on my box seemed different from what I found listed on the EWG Skin Deep website, so I painstakingly added each ingredient to generate a report, click here to read more! 

Mineral Fusion Eye Shadows

Went to Whole Foods last week and what did I see? A huge Mineral Fusion sale!  Everything is 40% off (at least the store in Tustin was) and I couldn't resist.  I purchased their eye makeup remover (hated it--to see the full review, click HERE), an eye shadow palette "Fragile", and a single eye shadow in "Raw."

This is my first foray into pressed powder green eye shadows.  I've tried a few Bare Minerals eye shadows before, but I hated how messy the loose powders were and haven't given them a fair shot again.  I'll have to do that soon, as I've heard good things about Silk Naturals eye shadow (which is very affordable too at $4 each).  But I digress, on to my review…

I tried out both the Fragile palette and the Raw shadows this past weekend and I really enjoyed them!  They wear as long as my non-green eye shadows and they blended nicely.  The colors were pigmented enough too, so it didn't require layers and layers to achieve the look I wanted.  Also contains "age-defying antioxidants and soothing botanicals," or so they say.  I just liked it because it stayed in place and they're mineral-based.

Best of all, I got them on sale!! WHEE!!!  Whole Foods was having these puppies on sale until February 9, check it out before the sale ends! I don't like to post a review about something until I've used it for at least 3 months, but since the sale is going on for a limited time, I thought I should post this sooner than later. 

Pros:
-scores low on the Skin Deep site
-mineral eye shadow in pressed powder form
-has good staying power
-blends easily
-paraben free
-hypo-allergenic
-talc free

Cons:
-some may find these items pricey: with my 40% off, the palette was $14.99 and the single eye shadow was $8.99 (also, whenever I purchase makeup at a grocery store, I feel like it should cost less, even though it's cheaper than purchasing regular eye shadow in the department stores)
-limited color selection compared to bigger name brands

EWG Skindeep Rating: 2

Click here to read the EWG Skin Deep hazard report on the Fragile palette and here for the report on Raw.