Azure Naturals Ultimate Hyaluronic Anti Aging Serum Review

Background

Azure Naurals is a company that provides skincare products that are all natural, vegan, and cruelty free. They are 

made mostly of botanical ingredients and essential oils instead of harsh chemicals and are designed to be high performance and work as well as mainstream products that contain harmful chemicals. 

The Product

Azure Naturals Ultimate Hyalauronic Acid Serum is made to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration. I have been using it for a few weeks now and I definitely notice a reduction in my fine lines. I don't have any major wrinkles yet, so I can't evaluate if it would help with deeper wrinkles. I have lots of discoloration and I don't see much of a difference in my dark spots yet, but that could be because I need to use it longer. Sometimes discoloration can take several months before a difference can be observed with any product. The serum has no noticeable smell to it and it absorbs very quickly making it an ideal product to use under makeup and for women who are always on the go. The product comes in a 1oz. bottle for 19.95 and a 2oz. bottle for 34.95. 

Ingredients

The product contains vitamin C, Hyalauronic acid and lots of other good ingredients. It does however, contain carrageenan. Carageeenan, although a natural ingredient, derived from red seaweed, is linked to inflammation and other health problems. 

Azure Naturals can be found at www.azurenaturals.com 

*this product was sent for review,all opinions are my own.

3 Month Anniversary Favorites

Three months ago today, I decided to start my blog.  I have always loved anything and everything related to beauty. Since the age of 8 or so I was always "borrowing" makeup from my mom. About a year ago, I started learning about how whatever you put on your skin is absorbed by your body and that there are basically no laws regarding  what ingredients cosmetics companies can and can not put into their products. In addition, I learned about the many horrible chemicals that were in my lipstick, my foundation, etc. I learned that my makeup could be causing cancer,  and my perfume could be causing neurological disorders  I new that I needed to find products that were healthy but I didn't know where to start. Thank goodness for social media! I looked at blogs, websites of various non-profit organizations, etc. through my own journey of switching over to healthy, non-toxic products, I realized that I wanted to connect with like-minded individuals who I could share my experience with regarding what I've learned and what I've struggled with in terms of finding the best possible non-toxic products. So, I decided to start a blog. I didn't know exactly where to start, but I consulted with some of my absolute favorite bloggers as well as owners of companies I loved and trusted to provide the best products I could find!  I would be remiss not recognize a few people who have helped me SO much during the last three months.

Sarita Coren, Peace on the Skin & Peace Within

www.ediblefacial.com

I can't pinpoint exactly when or how I came across Sarita's blog, I believe it may have been through Twitter. I started off asking her a few questions about suggestions for various green beauty products, even before I started my blog. I admired her knowledge and ability to connect with people and when I decided to do my blog, she was one of the first people I reached out to for guidance. Sarita has helped me so much along the way and given me so much encouragement and advice. Despite being a busy mom of 5 kids, and a writer/blogger herself she has always made time to help me and give me advice when I need it! Another thing about Sarita is that she is a very caring/giving person and willing to help pretty much anyone! She is beloved in the entire green blogger community. Sarita, you are one of my favorite people who I've never met! Thank you!

Sarah Piccinini- Owner, Salty Cosmetics

www.saltycosmetics.com

I first "met" Sarah when I placed an order on her website after I had gotten an eyeshadow in a "sample box program" I subscribed to. Salty Cosmetics was one of the very first brands that I found that not only had high quality products, but were made with non-toxic ingredients. I fell in love with this company right away and have placed lots of orders including their custom blend products, which required going back and forth with Sarah to make sure the color is exactly what I wanted. Through this, I got to know Sarah and she has been an incredibly good friend and given me TONS of advice. She is a makeup artist and esthetician and has shared so much of her talent with me. Sarah, I am so grateful I have gotten to know you! Thanks so much for all of your support and thank you for making such awesome makeup! 

Cindy Bokma, author, blogger, www.hellodollface.com

Cindy has been one of my favorite bloggers for awhile now. She offers honest, reliable reviews on her blog.I know that if Cindy loves something, I will too! She is always willing to give support and advice when I need it! Thank you so much Cindy! I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to learn from you! You are such a beautiful and talented person.

Now I would like to share with you, the items/brands that I have reviewed that have become my absolute favorite so far. I've already reviewed them so read the reviews to get all the details, but these brands have products that exceed my expectations by far in terms of quality, performance, ingredients and customer service. They have become staples in my beauty routine. 

1. Salty Cosmetics

2. Red Apple Lipstick

3. Suntegrity Face Sunscreen & Primer

4. Earthling Supply Company- All the Oils

Thanks to everyone who has supported me and followed my blog. Your support means the world to me!I hope you continue on this journey with me and contact me on any of my social media accounts or comment here and let me know if you have any questions! 

Maryann

Earthling Supply Company Review

Background

The Earthling Supply Company was started by friends and "lifelong product junkies" Kat, a "yogi" and "amateur astrologer" and Ruth, a Reiki Master, aromatherapist and massage therapist, in Rochester, New York. When they couldn't find natural products to solve their skin problems, including acne, psoriasis and dry skin they decided to take it upon themselves to create their own products from scratch using healthy, effective ingredients that you can pronounce. After trying these homemade products on themselves, they shared them with friends and family who encouraged them to make these products for others.  Thus, Earthling Supply Company was born. Their products are all natural, using locally-sourced, organic products when possible, cruelty-free (tested on willing inhabitants of planet Earth, not animals), paraben free, sulfate free and handmade in small batches and with reusable, ecofriendly packaging! I love the little mason jars!! 

The Products

All the Oils- is a blend of oils including hemp seed, jojoba, apricot kernel, sweet almond, and grapeseed. In addition it has rosemary, eucalyptus and tea tree essential oils. It's great for anti-aging and acne. I can attest to that as my persistent adult acne has diminished greatly since I began using it. It is going to become a staple in my acne-fighting arsenal! I've also noticed that it doesn't dry out my skin like most acne treatments do, it actually moisturizes, without feeling greasy! As stated on their Etsy page, do not use this product near the eyes!

Lip Balm- the lip balm is made from mango butter, hemp seed oil, coconut oil and vitamin e. They are flavored with pure extracts and essential oils. They sent me the Coffee Flavor! Kat, Ruth, are you psychics, too because I LOVE coffee!! 😄 So glad you sent me that flavor! The scent is delicious, not overpowering for those who may be sensitive. I'd love more of it since I love it so much!! This lip balm is incredibly creamy and moisturizing. There are a lot of natural lip balms out there and I have to tell you that this is definitely among my favorites. 

Tropical Coconut & Shea Skin Butter- This rich, creamy, whipped body butter contains, coconut oil, shea butter, lemon and lime essential oils, lime extract and aloe vera. This is a great body butter. It is rich, but rubs in well and isn't greasy. It leaves my skin so soft and silky. In addition, it really soothed the dry skin I have from a sunburn I got at the beach last weekend! I love the citrus scent....again not overpowering, and I'd love the scent to be even stronger since it's SO good! 

Lavender Sea Salt Aromatherapy Body Scrub- This scrub contains grapeseed, jojoba, and olive oils to moisturize the skin while sea salt scrubs away dry flaky skin and callouses. The lavender essential oil provides a relaxing aroma! This scrub is a must-have for summer! 

Baby Serum- This product, although made to moisturize and soothe baby's delicate skin, it's great for adults, too! I frequently get dermatitis on my body and this seemed to moisturize and soothe it very well! Baby Serum contains almond, apricot and avocado oils as well as a touch of lavender essential oil. It can also be used as a massage oil.

These products are incredibly affordable as they are all under $15 for the sizes shown in the pictures. 

You can find the products on Etsy. 

Customer Service- Although I did not purchase from this company, I have contacted them several times regarding the review and they are super nice and super helpful! I'm pretty sure that when I purchase full sizes of these products, I won't have any problems. 

Another amazing thing that I love about this company? They give to charity! A portion of the proceeds from each sale will be donated to Women Helping Girls, a Rochester, NY non-profit which offers mentoring and empowerment to girls grade 6-12 in the city school district. "By giving to future generations of ladies, we hope to contribute to a harmonious flow of female affluence in our community."

How awesome is that? Go buy some Earthling Supply Company products right now!!!!! I know I'm going to! 

*samples sent for review, as always opinions are my own. 

*pictures above are full-sized products , samples came in ecofriendly glass vials. The lip balm they sent me was full size. 😄

Vapour Organic Beauty illusionist Concealer

Background

Vapour Organic Beauty was created by 3 beauty industry experts and cosmetics manufacturers Krysia Boinis Kristine Keheley and Eric Sakas who is the former President of Kevyn Aucoin Beauty, after  they became aware of the many chemicals in mainstream cosmetics and skincare products. Based on the fact that "up to 80% of what you put on your skin is absorbed into your body" they developed products without harsh chemicals. They company is USDA Certified Organic, 100% natural, and made with 70% certified organic ingredients, and 30% minerals and vitamins. They are gluten free, paraben free and contain no toxic chemicals. They are also cruelty free.  In addition, they are a signer of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. They have a full line of cosmetics including foundations, concealers, cream blush, eyeshadow, lipstick, lip gloss,  highlighters and skincare. 

The Product

The concealer I bought is #015 which is a pale neutral shade that suits my skintone well. It comes in a stick form and applies well right from the tube, but could also be applied with a brush. It goes on smooth on my face and under eye area. It provides a very light coverage with a luminous coverage. Although I like the luminous finish, I found that it did not cover my dark undereye circles enough and it also creased in the fine lines under my eyes. It did however, cover some redness on my face and other minor imperfections. On days when my skin isn't broken out and I've had adequate sleep, I think it works okay for me, however, I generally prefer concealers with more coverage. The other thing I noticed is that it has a very strong herbal/medicinal smell which I did not like . Although it is a high quality product with healthy ingredients given the light coverage, and high price tag ($24) I will not repurchase. I would however, recommend it to anyone who needs a light coverage concealer with a luminous finish. 

Customer Service

Vapour Organic Beauty accepts returns within 30 days. In addition, they offer sample sets so you can find the correct shade of foundation, concealer, blush, etc. Shipping is free for regular orders over $75 and sample kits ship for $2.50. 

Vapour Organic Beauty can be found at 

www.vapourbeauty.com

Suntegrity Skincare Face Sunscreen and Primer Review

     I want to preface this review by saying that I am not the most tech savvy person and setting up my blog to look the way I want it to has been a challenge for me. I have been slowly making changes and yesterday I had trouble adding some social media buttons. So instead of getting frustrated about it, I left some of it as is and I am hoping someone can help me figure it out! I always try to find the humor in difficult situations, and this was no different. Long story, but the bottom line is that there's an extra social media button in a very strange place. I tried numerous times to remove it, but I was unsucessful. It reminded me of the "Where's Waldo" books. Anyone remember those? Like,  where's the social media button?! Get it? No? Okay, well maybe you could at least tell me how to get rid of it so it doesn't look so goofy? :-) Oh, and if you're on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, etc. please follow me?!  On to the review.....




Background

Suntegrity Skincare was developed by Tricia Trimble who lost her mom to melanoma. Tricia became a strong advocate for wearing sunscreen due to her mom's experience, but soon became aware of the toxic ingredients in most sunscreens and decided to develop her own non-toxic, mineral based line of suncare products.   They have products for both the face and body and also have supplements. Suntegrity Skincare is non-toxic, cruelty-free, vegan, paraben free, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oils, synthetic dyes, sulfates, paba, titanium dioxide, nano-particles, and chemical UV absorbers. It has an SPF of 30.  The company is also a signer of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. In addition, the Suntegrity Face Sunscreen and Primer is a 2013 Allure Magazine Best of Beauty Award winner.


The Product

The sunscreen comes in a 1.7oz. pump container for $45.  A little goes a VERY long way, I only needed about half a pump for my whole face. The first time I used way too much! It goes on almost completely clear, a TINY bit white at first but blends incredibly well. It goes on amazingly underneath my foundation. I have been looking for a sunscreen that could easily go under make up and not make it look gross. This product is it! It functions equally well as a primer as it does as a sunscreen which actually surprised me. It does not make my face feel oily nor does it emphasize my pores or redness on my face. It has become a holy grail product for me in a very short time. I will not be without it for the foreseeable future. If I HAD to pick something I dislike about it, it would be the packaging. I can't tell how much is in there, so I  won't be able to tell when I'm running low. 


Customer Service  I bought this through OpenSky , so I have no experience with this company. However, I can tell you that you can return products for any reason within 14 days of purchase if you purchase directly through Suntegrity Skincare. You can also purchase samples of some of the products if you don't want to commit to purchasing the full size.

You can find Suntegrity Skincare at www.suntegrityskincare.com

S.W. Basics of Brooklyn Review

Background

S.W. Basics was developed by nutritionist and personal trainer, Adina Grigore. She wanted to find skincare that would be suitable for her sensitive skin. Having been in the wellness industry since 2007, she knew she needed to adopt a minimalist approach using few natural and organic ingredients and leave out the many toxic ingredients that are in the majority of skincare products today. Each S.W. Basics product contains only 5 ingredients or less. They use ingredients that are natural, organic, fair trade, vegan (except for 1 lip balm) and cruelty free.

The Product

The S.W. Basics Best Sellers Mini Kit contains 4 1oz. glass containers of of some of their best selling products. They include, Cleanser, Toner, Makeup Remover and Cream. 

The cleanser is a thin, clear liquid that is meant to be wiped all over the face with a cotton ball or pad and rinsed off with water. It actually reminded me more of a toner in the way you apply it. I actually removed it from my face the same way, using a cotton pad soaked in water. I felt that this cleanser which contains organic rosewater, organic vegetable glycerine and tea tree oil was great for a light cleaning. It left my face feeling clean and fresh, but was not enough to remove a makeup. It has a light floral and tea tree oil scent.

The toner is excellent for my combination, acne-prone skin. It made my face feel less oily, yet did not strip my face of essential moisture. Although I really liked this product, I felt that I used it up very quickly and the 1oz. bottle was only enough to use it for a little over a week or so before I ran out. Otherwise, I was really impressed with it. It contains water, organic raw apple cider vinegar, witch hazel and essential oils of clary sage and sandalwood. It has a faint scent of apple cider vinegar and something pleasant that I can't quite place.

The cream is a somewhat thick moisturizer that can be used for the face and body. I that it worked great for me in the winter on my face and body and during the rest of the year on my body. A little goes a very long way and it melts right into the skin leaving it soft and silky. I also used it on my cuticles. I really thought it might break me out for some reason, but it did not. It contains fair trade shea butter, organic coconut oil,  organic olive oil. 

The makeup remover, is a thick, oil based product that easily takes off any makeup including waterproof mascara. A little goes a long way, but I found it spreads better when using my fingers instead of a cotton pad like I would typically use for removing my makeup. I have extremely sensitive eyes and many makeup removers sting my eyes. This did not sting my eyes and kept the eye area  lightly moisturized. 

This set retails for $45 for 4 1oz. glass bottles in a plastic pouch. I feel like this very expensive for travel sized products. However, considering the quality of the ingredients, I think they are worth the splurge. 

Customer Service

Customer service is awesome. Actually, go to their website and read their FAQ's page. What I got from it is that they want you to be happy with their products.....and they apparently have a comedian on staff! It's the funniest FAQ's page I've ever read! You'll see what I mean if you take a look! 

You can find S.W. Basics at 

http://www.swbasicsofbk.com

Acure Organics Chlorella & Edelweiss Stem Cell Eye Cream Review

Background

Acure Organics was founded by Kristy & Jon Guerra. They specialize in products that are paraben free, sulfate free, phthalate free, synthetic fragrance free, and cruelty free. Their products are made from fair trade ingredients that are natural and organic. Some are USDA certified organic, some are not.  Many of their products including this eye cream are also gluten free. They have a large range of products for the face and body. They have high quality ingredients in their products and they are extremely affordable in my opinion. 

The Product

Acure Organics Chlorella & Edelweiss Stem Cell Eye Cream is designed to moisturize the skin around the eye area as well as alleviate puffiness, fine lines and dark circles. I have been using it for over a month and I have found that this product helps in all those ways for me. I have suffered from dark circles for years as a result of allergies and lack of sleep and I found this eye cream to be really effective for dark circles, but as with most products, it takes time to see results. In addition, I saw a marked improvement in puffiness! I don't think I realized my eyes were so puffy until I started using this! It's major allergy season for me so I'm so glad I decided to try it in the spring! It's very moisturizing and I love putting it under my makeup because it soaks in fairly quickly and my makeup seems to go on smoother! The only major thing I found was that I did not see a huge improvement in fine lines. Maybe it's because I have only been using it for about a month. I may do an update on this either on the blog or on social media, so please stay tuned. I do feel that for the price, $18.99 for a whole 1 oz. tube, it works extremely well

Ingredients

I think the ingredients are great. However, some of the ingredients are USDA certified organic and some are not. I have to be honest with you here. I'm not totally familiar with all the rules and regulations regarding USDA certification, so there could be a good reason for this. I started a green beauty blog not only to educate and share what it have learned with others but also to learn from others. I will definitely look into this and share my findings with you all at some point. Please feel free to contact me if you want to share anything about this! One of the things I'm really enjoying about blogging is connecting with people who share the same passion for green beauty! 

Customer Service

I actually purchased this at my local Whole Foods. They have amazing customer service!  I looked on the Acure Organics website and they offer free shipping on all orders which I LOVE! They offer returns/exchanges within 7 days for unopened/unused products. 

Please check out Acure Organics at : 

www.acureorganics.com

You can find stores that carry Acure Organics on their website.