Review: May Lindstrom The Honey Mud

My love of vanilla and naturally sweet scents has a serious impact on my consumer tendencies. I am instantly drawn to products that sound delicious and dessert-like. With a name like The Honey Mud and marketed as a gentle cleansing silk that is lush and pudding-like, I didn't even stand a chance! I ordered a sample of this luxurious cream and quickly noticed how plump and nourished my skin felt. I previously posted about how much I enjoy Tata Harper’s Nourishing Oil Cleanser (review here) and Regenerating Cleanser (review here). I have been using The Honey Mud in conjunction with these products and I couldn't be happier with my glowing, hydrated, perfectly smooth skin.

Description

If you had an appointment at a luxury spa for a facial treatment that involved massaging a velvety chocolate mousse into your skin, that delectable mousse would be The Honey Mud. Aside from being a cleanser that gently removes makeup and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils, this product is also a fantastic mask! Packed with wonderful, nutritious ingredients, this mud infuses the skin with enzymes and enhances its natural radiance. In addition to the antibacterial and antioxidant benefits of raw honey, macadamia nut oil makes this product soothing and hydrating, while white halloysite clay helps dissolve buildup in the pores. The deliciously sweet scent has notes of chocolate, honey, and vanilla, but is sophisticated and somewhat sensual due to the addition of frankincense and myrrh.

Application

Massaging this sumptuous cleanser into the skin is an experience. Much like the guilty pleasure of indulging in a rich piece of your favorite cake, this mud is the skincare version of a chocolate high. When I am using this product to cleanse, I dampen my face with a bit of warm water before massaging a dime-sized amount of mud into my skin using upward, circular motions. I then rinse with warm water and pat my face dry. As a mask, I apply a thin layer of this silky cream directly to my face without any water and let it sink in for about 20 minutes before washing it off. 

Ingredients

***Raw Honey, White Halloysite Clay, *Macadamia Integrifolia (Macadamia Nut Oil), *Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Argentum Metallicum (Colloidal Silver), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Absolute) Oil, *Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange) Oil, *Cananga Odorata (Ylang-Ylang) Oil, *Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) CO2 Total Essential Oil, *Juniperus Virginiana (Cedarwood) Oil, **Boswellia Carteri (Frankincense) Oil, **Commiphora Myrrha (Myrrh) Oil. 

*Certified Organic

**Wild Harvested

***Collected from unsprayed and unfertilized fields of Michigan wildflowers

Wrap-up

This mud is the ultimate indulgent treat for my dry skin! The scent is decadently sweet in a rich, spa-like way that seems to have a lovely, calming effect on me. The texture is so silky that it really is like applying a luxe, perfectly whipped chocolate pudding to your face. While it does an exceptional job breaking down makeup and clearing my pores, I have noticed that this product will leave behind a residue if I do not rinse it off thoroughly. This doesn't seem to irritate my skin at all, but it may be an issue if you have particularly sensitive skin. Although I would douse myself in a perfume with the aroma of this mud, I should also note that the scent will stay with you for a prolonged period of time if you don't really take the time to wash it off. I will often wake up in the morning to the scent of this product after using it the night before. If you know that you are sensitive to certain aromas, I recommend seeking out a sample of this cleanser (check out The Detox Market - 5 samples for $9.99 or Integrity Botanicals - trial size for $8).

I cannot recommend this product enough! My skin is radiant, silky-smooth, and in the best condition that it ever has been! This mud balances my dry skin and works beautifully with the other products in my skincare rotation. The Honey Mud retails for $80 (3.38 fl. oz., 100 ml).

With Mother's Day approaching, I think that this cleanser would be a truly luxurious gift!

Have you tried any products from May Lindstrom?

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Rose Gold Makeup

I think that with any metallic look, there is a tendency to want to maximize sparkle by dousing yourself in glitter. While there is a time and place for that, there is also a subtler way to shine. Incorporating flashes of rose gold throughout your look will impart a beautiful radiance that is universally flattering, yet a bit flirty and unexpected.

My favorite products for a rose gold look: W3ll People Universalist Multi-Stick 8, RMS Beauty Master Mixer, Kjaer Weis Cream Blush in Embrace, Ilia Beauty Lipstick Crayon in Iko Iko, and Alima Pure Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow in Chai

• While rose gold can strike a balance between warm and cool-toned skin, consider whether or not the product you’ve selected leans one way or the other. If you have cooler undertones, try finding a hue that is a touch more pink than gold. Conversely, if you have a warm undertone to your skin, opt for a color that is more gold-based.

• Rose gold is one of the few colors that can be neutral and bold, which makes it is perfect for a monochrome look! As always, mix up your finishes and textures to create interest. Experiment with combining shimmers, mattes, and satins to create drama and depth.

• Be careful with rose gold eye shadow and eyeliner. Too much rose around the eyes or the wrong shade can make it look like you have an eye infection. Eeks! Sticking to pale rose golds or those that are more on the gold end of the spectrum will prevent this effect.

A rose gold monochrome look using the products featured in the photograph above

• Rose gold often blends well with rich browns. For an alluring smoky eye, try smudging a brown eyeliner along your lash line and then up into the outer corners of your eyes for a sultry finish. 

• Applying a shimmery gold highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones after you have added a rose-toned blush to the apples of your cheeks will create a beautiful, luminous effect. You can also get your glow from a rose gold highlighter, such as RMS Beauty Master Mixer.

• There are a myriad of rose gold lip products on the green beauty market! One of my personal favorites is Iko Iko from Ilia Beauty. However, you can also create an amazing rose gold lip by applying a gold gloss on top of a rose lipstick.

The same makeup as above, but with a bright coral lip thanks to Ilia Beauty Lip Conditioner in Shell Shock

With its ability to bridge the gap between cool-toned complexions and gorgeous, warm-toned skin, rose gold is a stunning, versatile hue!

What are your favorite rose gold products?

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10 Under $20 - Natural Beauty Products that you will Love

Life is expensive! While luxurious green beauty products are a serious guilty pleasure of mine, there are countless amazing, natural products that won’t break the bank! Here are ten of my favorite indulgences that are each $20 or less:

Acure Organics Cell Stimulating Body Wash

$9.99 for 8 fl. oz. (236 ml)

This body wash has a light almond scent and lathers like a champion! It is also quite moisturizing and never leaves my skin feeling stripped or dehydrated.

Acure Organics Dry Shampoo

$9.99 for 1.7 oz (48 g)

For those days when your hair needs a quick pick-me-up, this dry shampoo absorbs excess oil and adds plenty of volume. It is also moisturizing due to the addition of argan stem cells and CoQ10. 

100% Pure Nourishing Body Creams

$19.00 for 8 fl. oz. (236 ml)

100% Pure's Body Cream is a great everyday basic for my notoriously dry skin. It has a silky, smooth texture and doesn't leave me feeling like a grease ball. I am currently enjoying the Honey Almond scent, but there are several to choose from.

Weleda Skin Food

$12.50 for 1 fl. oz (30 ml) or $19.00 2.5 fl. oz. (75 ml)

This product is a life-saver for dry, dehydrated skin! With a sweet almond scent, this luxurious cream is packed with fatty acids that create the perfect barrier to keep any areas of rough skin perfectly smooth and moisturized. I also enjoy thinning this cream out with a toner or a less viscous lotion and using it as a facial moisturizer.

Raw Elements Tinted Facial Moisturizer

$17.99 for 1.8 oz. (53 ml)

To protect your face from the sun's rays, this product is fabulous! It provides a sheer tint that will suit most skin tones due to how it adjusts as it absorbs into the skin. While this sunscreen is a bit greasy upon first application, it sinks into the skin nicely after a few minutes. 

Alima Pure Natural Definition Eye Pencils

$18.00 for 0.04 oz (1.14 g)

These pencils are highly pigmented and glide on without any tugging or skipping. I use the color Paper, a soft white, along my waterline for a bright, eyeopening effect.

Alima Pure Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadows

$14.00 for 0.06 oz. (1.75 g)

These loose mineral eyeshadows blend with such ease! One swipe and these intense pigments glide on smoothly without any streaks. I am currently obsessed with Chai, a stunning, pale rose gold. Alima Pure also offers these eyeshadows in Pearluster and Satin Matte finishes for the same price.

Lily Lolo Mascara

$19.50 for 0.23 oz. (7 ml)

I am still testing out this mascara, but I am quite impressed! It seems to add a bit more volume than my beloved W3ll People Expressionist Mascara (review here), but lengthens and separates just as effectively. Look out for a full review coming soon!

Lily Lolo Pressed Mineral Blush

$20.00 for 0.14 oz (4 g)

These blushes are richly pigmented and blend beautifully! I also find that they are versatile in how easy they are to build up. A light sweep across the cheeks provides a sheer, natural flush, but a layered application will give you an intense pop of color. These gorgeous blushes are also available as loose powders ($18 for 3 g). 

W3ll People Nudist Colorbalms

$15.75 for 0.375 oz (10 g)

I previously reviewed this Colorbalm in No. 7 (check out my post here), but there are several other gorgeous hues to choose from. These tinted balms provide a subtle wash of color and the addition of peppermint oil makes for a refreshing tingle upon application. The formulation is also quite hydrating, so your lips will stay plump and moisturized all day long!

What are your under $20 faves?

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Review: Kjaer Weis Lip Tint in Bliss Full

Kjaer Weis's stunning packaging is such a signature of this luxury green beauty brand and the Lip Tint is certainly no exception! The slim, petite profile of these refillable compacts is convenient for travel and makes for the perfect addition to any clutch bag. The mirror on the flip side of the lid also makes application a breeze. Lip Tints retail at $49 for 0.085 oz. (2.4 g) of product. As is the case with all Kjaer Weis products, if you don't mind forfeiting the beautiful compact, Kjaer Weis Lip Tint Refills can be purchased for the reduced price of $29 and can easily be stored in the magnetic palette of your choice.

Finish

Bliss Full is a beautiful, cool-toned rosy pink that will suit a variety of complexions. However, because the formulation of these Lip Tints is rather sheer, you may want to opt for a vibrant hue if your lips are naturally quite pigmented. This product is hard to the touch, but softens with the warmth of the fingers and melts beautifully onto the lips. The texture of this tint is balmy and incredibly creamy! Once applied, it leaves a slightly dewy finish that keeps the lips looking plump and hydrated.

Application

Before applying this tint for the first time, I found it beneficial to break through the surface of the product and smush it around a bit. Doing this seemed to make picking up the right amount of product much easier. I find that it takes a few layers of this tint to really build up the color. While the more sanitary option is to use a lip brush, I prefer tapping the product onto my lips with my finger, waiting a few seconds to let it sink in, and then adding a bit more to enhance the hue. The addition of beeswax and lemon peel oil makes these tints quite moisturizing, so there is no need to prep the lips with a balm before applying.

Ingredients

Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil•, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax •, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter•, Cera Alba•, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch•, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil•, Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil•, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Mica, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil•, Dextrin, Limonene*, Citral*, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77492 (Iron oxide), CI 15850:1 (Red 7 Lake), CI 15850 (Red 6 Lake), CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake).

•organically grown

*naturally contained in the used essential oils

Wrap-Up

Unfortunately, this is the first Kjaer Weis product that has left me slightly underwhelmed. I know that it is a tint and not a lipstick, but the color is so beautiful that I wish this product were more opaque! While it layers with ease and provides an even, dewy finish, the formulation is not as unique and luxurious as the other Kjaer Weis products that I have tried. Bliss Full wears well and the color is stunning! The texture is lush and silky, and I love how convenient this compact is to pop into my pocket or a small clutch bag. However, there are so many wonderful tinted lip balms available on the green beauty market, I’m not sure that this one is worth the high price tag. 

Have you tried any of the lip tints from Kjaer Weis?

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Celebrate Earth Day!

As important as it is to be mindful of the how the products that we use impact us, we also have a responsibility to be aware of how we affect our planet. Here are a just few ways to help give back to Mother Earth:

Recycle

If single-stream recycling is available in your area, it makes recycling a breeze! No sorting is necessary and all you need is one bin.

Pick up some reusable grocery & produce bags

• Flip & Tumble + EcoBags

My husband and I do the majority of our shopping in the produce aisle. Not only are those little produce bags a nuisance to open, but you end up with so many of them! I also find that reusable bags hold a lot more, making them easier to carry.  

Try out reusable food storage wraps 

• Abeego + Bee's Wrap

Instead of plastic wrap, try these beeswax-infused cotton flats for sustainable food storage. They stick beautifully! 

Reusable snack bags

• Colibri + My Chickadee

I take my lunch to work everyday, so these bags are a great green alternative to traditional snack bags. 

Invest in a stainless steel or glass water bottle

• bkr + S'well
• Check out stainless steel and glass straws too! 

Convert to biodegradable household cleaners

• Honest Company + Seventh Generation

If you are interested in DIY non-toxic cleaners, a quick online search will yield countless recipes. Vinegar and lemon are two staples!

Switch to green beauty products 

• Acure Organics + 100% Pure + W3ll People + So many more!

There are so many amazing and affordable green beauty products on the market! You will find exceptional natural replacements for your most coveted products in no time!

Here are even more ideas:

• Opt for paperless statements
• Peruse a local farmer's market
• Start an herb garden
• Compost
• Try to walk or ride your bike instead of hopping in the car

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Review: RMS Beauty Master Mixer

As a huge fan of RMS Beauty, I have been excited to test out this product ever since it was first released. After day-dreaming about how beautiful a rose gold monochrome look would be (stay tuned for an upcoming post!), I decided that I couldn't wait any longer to get my hands on this product! Master Mixer is more than just a rose gold highlighter, this coconut oil-based cream is truly multi-functional. Used alone, it imparts a warm, natural glow, but the real magic happens when this product is used in combination with other creams to transform them into new unique hues.

Finish

This cream has the gorgeous, silky texture that is a signature of all RMS products. It feels slightly thinner than Living Luminizer (for more info, check out my post here), but not in a way that makes it greasy or too sheer. I actually find that it is a little bit easier to apply because of this extra bit of slip. The luxe rose gold hue of Master Mixer is warm-toned, yet neutral enough that it will suit a variety of skintones. There is also a subtle golden shimmer that never comes off as glittery on the skin. 

Living Luminizer (left), Master Mixer (middle), Buriti Bronzer (right)

Application

I use my fingers to blend this highlighter onto the tops of my cheekbones. When I experiment with mixing colors, I like to add a bit of Master Mixer to the back of my hand and then add the other product into that. If you are really looking for an allover glow, you can apply this cream underneath or mixed in with your foundation for a beautiful lit from within radiance. I have a feeling that this technique will be my go-to this summer! 

Swatch of Master Mixer in natural light

Ingredients

*Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, *Cera Alba (Beeswax), *Simmondsia Chinesis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, *Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Silica, Tocopherol (non-GMO), *Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, Mica and may contain [+/- Titanium Dioxide CI77891, Iron Oxides CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499]

*Certified Organic

Lip2Cheek in Smile alone (bottom) & combined with Master Mixer (top) 

Wrap-Up

This product is gorgeous! It is unlike anything that I have tried before in the way that it enhances what it is mixed with. The satiny texture is luxurious and melts easily into the skin. The gold shimmer provides a sophisticated iridescence to the skin. While this hue creates a warm, luminous glow that gives life to my pale complexion, it will also look stunning on darker skin tones. Don't be afraid to experiment with this product to get the most out of its magic! Try combining it with your foundation, blush, eye shadow, and lipstick for a beautiful radiance with plenty of impact. Master Mixer retails for $38 (4.82 g / 0.17 oz).

Wearing Master Mixer underneath my foundation

Have you tried RMS Beauty Master Mixer?

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Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching and I thought I’d put together a list of luxurious, all-natural gift ideas to help you pamper your mom on her special day.

Woodlot Recharge Package ($59)

This beautiful set from Woodlot contains a coconut wax candle (13.5 oz) , nourishing soap bar (5 oz), and mineral bath soaks (16 oz). The Recharge scent is fresh blend of rosemary and peppermint. My grandmother is a candle lover, but never strays from her most beloved brand. I think that this set will be the perfect thing to introduce her to a luxurious, clean alternative. 

Detox Your Beauty Spring Box ($129)

This box of goodies is packed with green beauty staples! If you have been encouraging your mom to adopt a natural beauty regimen or if your mom is already a lover of all things clean beauty, this box is the perfect gift! Included in this set are 8 favorites of The Detox Market and Cafe Gratitude:

1. Odacité Invigorating Jasmine Mimosa Body Scrub (4 oz)

This moisturizing scrub contains walnut shell powder, which I adore! I haven't personally tested this product, but it seems to get glowing reviews. 

2. Pure Provence Lavender Soap (5.3 oz)

This pure vegetable soap is enriched with shea butter and palm oil for hydrated, silky skin.

3. Pursoma Minerals De Mer (4 oz / 113 g)

Containing sea salt and wild harvested seaweed, this detoxifying treatment nourishes and revitalizes the skin. 

4. Pai Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser (3.4 fl oz)

Pai is a wonderful skincare brand and this cleanser will quickly become a regular part of your mom's routine. There is an exfoliating muslin cloth included to gently buff the skin with this nourishing cleanser. 

5. MV Organic Skincare Signature Mineral Mask Set (100 g)

Rich in minerals, this mask will leave your mom's skin beautifully refreshed.

6. One Love Organics Organic Cleansing Sponge

I use this Konjac sponge with Tata Harper's Nourishing Oil Cleanser (also a great gift!) and it works wonders for gently removing makeup and any buildup in my pores.

7. Osmia Organics Sunset Body Oil (2 oz)

Organic vanilla and jasmine extracts give this luxurious oil a delicious scent that your mom is sure to love!

8. Affect Health Daily Balance Tea (70 g)

This loose teas is filled with antioxidants and immune-boosting ingredients that help with overall health and wellness.

Kjaer Weis Essential Duo or Trio ($80 / $130)

You cannot go wrong with Kjaer Weis! If your mom enjoys makeup, she will fall in love these luxurious, highly pigmented  products! There are several duo sets available that each include an eye shadow and lip tint. The trio sets also come with a stunning cream blush (check out my review here). 

Josh Rosebrook Nourish Lift Trio ($69)

I recently reviewed Lift and I am addicted to the weightless volume that it adds to my hair (check out my review here). This trio is sure to leave your mom's hair commercial ready in no time!

Tata Harper Perfectly Pampered - Mother's Day Spa Kit ($98)

I find Tata Harper products to be incredibly effective at leaving my skin balanced, supple, and glowing. This kit is jam packed with trial-sized face and body products for your mom to test out.


I hope this guide helps you find the perfect, healthy gift for your mom!

Happy Mother's Day!

*All photographs are from their respective brand websites

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Review: Josh Rosebrook Lift

My hair is naturally straight and quite fine, so I am always in search of ways to pump up the volume. I’ve tried all sorts of volumizing mousses and sprays, but I never seem to get the bounce that I’m looking for. With a name like Lift, I knew that I had to give this Josh Rosebrook texturizing spray a try on my limp tresses!

This spray comes with a triggle nozzle that applies a fine, even mist of product to the hair. There is a small lock at the base of the nozzle that is convenient for traveling or for preventing general clumsiness if you are anything like me. There is also a floral, herbaceous scent that is noticeable upon application. For maximum volume, the product instructions recommend applying this spray to the roots of towel dried hair before blow drying with a round brush. I very rarely blow dry my hair, but I experimented with this method and was left was some serious oomph! I find that lifting up sections of hair and really working this product into my roots produces the best result. Flipping my hair upside down before blow drying also seems to increase volume beautifully.

This product also works wonders when I let my hair air dry. I spray my damp roots as usual and then flip my hair to the opposite side of my part to dry. This will leave your hair feeling a bit crunchy due to the yucca starch, but breaking up the product with your hands or a brush will eliminate this feeling. The first time that I tried this technique, my husband commented on the fluffiness of my hair. Serious points for this product!

Overall, I am very happy with this volumizing spray and I am excited to try out more from Josh Rosebrook. I love the lift and texture that I get from this product and it seems to last well throughout the day. When my hair starts to go a bit flat, I just flip my head over and massage my roots for a few seconds. This restores volume with ease and produces a sort of tousled effect. I do have to note that I tried spraying this product on dry hair and it seemed to leave a fair amount of residue and build-up at my roots. It still provided a wonderful amount of volume and texture, but I recommend using this spray as intended for optimal results.

The full size version of this product retails for $22 (4 oz., 120 ml), but there is also a travel size available if you are interested in testing it out ($15 for 2 oz., 60 ml).

Have you tried anything from Josh Rosebrook?

Ingredients: Aqua, *Brown Rice extract, *Yucca starch, *Lavender, *Rosemary, *Horsetail, *Sage, *Thyme, *Peppermint, *Burdock, *Oregano, §Xanthan Gum, §Potassium Sorbate, Saponified Coconut Oil, †Orange essential oil, †Lavender essential oil, †Rosemary essential oil, †Ylang Ylang essential oil.

*Certified Organic

†Organic

§ Non-GMO Plant Sourced

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Cool-Toned Makeup

Cool-toned makeup looks involve using hues from the cool half of the color wheel. If your skin has a cool undertone, wearing cool-toned colors to accentuate your features, especially on the cheeks and lips, will be incredibly flattering. However, there are no rules with makeup! If you have a neutral or warm undertone to your skin, you will look beautiful in cool tones too! How vibrant or subdued you choose to make your cool-toned look all depends on your color choice! Here are some tips to take into consideration:

• Remember that complementary colors will make your eyes pop. Therefore, if you have cool-toned eyes, choose the cool tone that is closest to your complement on the color wheel to achieve the most dramatic effect. For instance, if you have bluish-green eyes, the complementary hue is red-orange, but the closet cool tone to that is red-violet. 

• Silver is a cool-toned metallic. Blending a silvery eye shadow with a cool-toned hue at the outer corners of your eyes is a great way to create a stunning, smoky look. A similar effect can be achieved with a cool-toned white that is either matte or shimmery.

• Try a silver or other cool-toned highlight on the tops of your cheekbones. However, beware that too much silver on the cheeks will give you a frosty look, so use a light hand unless you are going for ice princess glamour.

• Mix up your cool tones. Blue is everyone’s go-to cool-toned hue, but too much of it can make you look lifeless. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other beautiful hues, such as purple and turquoise!

A cool-toned look using Lily Lolo Pressed Eye Shadow in Silver Lining + Kjaer Weis Eye Shadow in Blue Wonder (eyes) with Kjaer Weis Cream Blush in Embrace + Happy (cheeks & lips)

Have fun experimenting with cool-toned makeup!

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Review: W3ll People Expressionist Mascara

I have already mentioned this mascara in a few posts , but since W3ll People just launched three new colors (brown, blue, and purple), I thought that I would give it a proper review.

As someone with short lashes that clump together easily, this mascara works wonders to lengthen and define each lash! The formulation is smooth and highly pigmented, with just enough tackiness to coat the lashes thoroughly for a bold, full effect. I also find this mascara to be quite conditioning. Having used it for about two months now, my lashes feel silkier than ever! 

I tend to prefer wire brushes to molded ones, but this wand is the exception. The tapered, rubber brush has a beautiful shape that reaches the shorter lashes at the inner corners of the eyes, while building up volume at the lash line. The shape of this brush also allows for more precise application on the lower lashes. When I first started using this mascara, I noticed that adding too much product to my lower lashes caused a bit of flaking throughout the day. However, now that I am familiar with this mascara, I find that it wears wonderfully throughout the day without any smudging or flaking. This formula also melts off easily with standard makeup removers and oils. 

Overall, I am incredibly impressed with this mascara and would repurchase it in the future! The formula/brush combination creates natural, fluffy lashes that never clump together or look spidery. It also defines and separates the lashes very well with volume that builds up beautifully with each additional coat. I find that curling my lashes before applying this mascara provides an even more stunning, eye-opening effect!

Have you tried W3ll People Expressionist Mascara?

Ingredients: Water, Benzyl Alcohol, Cellulose, Beeswax*, copernicia Cerifera Cera/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax*, Caster Isostearate, Beeswax Succinate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Geraniol, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Helianthus Annus Seed Oil/Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Limonene, Sodium Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Vanilla**, Orange Oil**, [+/- CI 77499 (Iron Oxide)] * Ingredient from Organic Farming **Eco Certified

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5 Tricks to Make Your Lips Look Healthy & Plump

Hydrated, plump lips are always on trend and so easy to achieve! Here are some quick steps to help you attain a beautiful, natural pout.   

Exfoliate

Exfoliating your lips is just as important as exfoliating the rest of your body. Using a lip scrub to remove the dead skin from your lips will stimulate blood flow and give your pout a rosy look. I enjoy this Organic Marshmallow Cream Lip Scrub from Treat, but you can easily whip up your own sugar scrub or use a soft toothbrush to gently buff your lips. Apply a quick coat of lip balm (Hurraw! balms are great!) when you’re finished to lock in moisture for a smooth, soft look.

Select the Perfect Color

In general, warm colors, such as red, orange, and yellow tend to advance toward the eye. On the other hand, cool colors, such as blue, green, and violet, are said to recede (check out my Color Theory post!). Therefore, bright red, pink, and coral lipsticks will help you fake the most fullness. For a more subtle look, select a light, warm-toned nude that will reflect the light for a healthy, lush look.

Ilia Beauty Lipstick Crayon in Iko Iko & Axiology Lipstick in Philosophy

Add dimension

By lining your lips with a color that is slightly darker than your lipstick, you will create the illusion of depth. Starting at the corners of your lips, shade inward. Fill in with your lipstick by applying at the center of your lips and blending outward.

Conceal

Adding a bit of concealer around the outside of the lip line will define the shape of your lips and seriously make them pop!

Highlight & Contour

Add a highlight to the center of the lips to reflect the light and make your lips look healthy and plump! I find that RMS Beauty Living Luminizer is perfect for achieving this effect, but a touch of gloss will also work beautifully. To really amp up the fullness of your pout, try highlighting your cupid's bow and lightly shading with a matte, cool-toned brown or grey beneath your bottom lip to fake a natural shadow. 

Wearing Ilia Beauty Lipstick Crayon in Iko Iko as a liner with Axiology Lipstick in Philosophy & RMS Beauty Living Luminizer as a highlight at the center of my lips and on my cupid's bow

I hope that you enjoy having fun with these tricks to play up your pout! As always, remember that remaining hydrated and drinking plenty of water is the first step to healthy, plump skin! 

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Review: Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser

When it comes to face cleansers, I search for nourishing products that don’t leave my skin feeling stripped of its natural oils (Check out my post about sebum). I also stick to cleansers that make my skin actually feel clean and not left with any sort of residue. After falling in love with Tata Harper’s Nourishing Oil Cleanser (review here), I decided to try out the brand‘s Regenerating Cleanser. Needless to say, this product is just as wonderful as I had imagined!

Description

This cleanser is packed full of wonderful ingredients! To highlight just a few, aloe makes this product soothing and hydrating, while the addition of fresh pomegranate enzymes help dissolve buildup in the pores. What I didn’t realize about this cleanser when I purchased it is that it contains microspherical beads and apricot seed powder that give it a slightly gritty texture. These exfoliants gently polish the skin, providing just enough abrasion to thoroughly clean without being harsh or disrupting the skin’s balance. I also like the fact that it doesn't leave a residue behind, just silky, glowing skin. I know that this sounds strange, but I find that this cleanser’s subtle, citrusy scent is reminiscent of Fruit Loops cereal. I think perhaps it’s the combination of grapefruit, pomegranate, citral, and limonene that produces this effect.

Application

This product works incredibly well with the Nourishing Oil Cleanser to enrich my dry, sensitive skin. First, I apply the Regenerating Cleanser directly to my face without any water. After gently massaging it over my face to polish the skin’s surface, I rinse with warm water and pat my face dry. I then apply one pump of Tata Harper's Nourishing Oil Cleanser, wet my hands, and work the product over my skin in upward, circular motions to remove any residual makeup and dissolve any remaining buildup in my pores. Another rinse and I’m good to go!

Ingredients

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice*, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetearyl olivate, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil*, Sorbitan olivate, Prunus armeniaca (Apricot) seed powder, Citrus paradisi (Grapefruit) peel extract, Leuconostoc ferment filtrate (radish root extract), Oryza sativa (Rice) extract*, Lactobacillus/Punica granatum (pomegranate) fruit ferment extract, Salix alba (Willow) bark extract*, Kaolin (Rose Clay), Sclerotium gum, Coco-glucoside, Cetearyl glucoside, Cetyl palmitate, Sorbitan palmitate, Soybean peroxidase, Superoxide dismutase, Sodium phytate, Aroma**, Citral, Limonene, Linalool

*Ingredients from organic farming

**Clinical grade essential oils blend

Wrap-up

This award-winning cleanser definitely lives up to the hype! It easily removes makeup and effectively polishes the skin, producing a fresh, beautiful glow. Although I find that the citrus scent is lovely and quite subtle, please beware that the scent can be too strong for some people. While researching this product, I came across several reviews in which people found the scent to be too potent. If you know that you are sensitive to certain aromas, I recommend seeking out a sample or purchasing a Try-Me Kit from Tata Harper before committing to the full-sized cleanser.  The Try-Me Kit is also a great way to determine which products are best suited to the needs of your skin. I should also note that I found several complaints about the pump provided with this cleanser, but I haven't had any issues. While I would repurchase it in the future, this product is prohibitively expensive ($40 for 1.7 fl. oz., 50 ml or $78 for 4.1 fl. oz., 125 ml). However, the quality of this cleanser is exceptional and you can find it on sale every now and again. Price aside, I am addicted to how smooth and silky it leaves my skin!

If you are looking to pamper yourself or someone else, this product is truly luxurious and packed full of natural, nutrient-rich ingredients. With Mother's Day approaching, I think that this cleanser would make the perfect, indulgent gift! 

Have you tried any Tata Harper products?

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W3ll People: Get the Look

W3ll People is one of the most accessible green beauty brands on the market. With a presence at Target, Whole Foods, and countless online shops, W3ll People's products are in the makeup arsenals of green goddesses everywhere. With their unassuming, clean white packaging, W3ll People's all natural and organic goodies have become some of my staples. Here is a beautiful, natural look using a few of my favorites!

Narcissist Foundation Stick

The Narcissist Foundation Stick provides a fresh, satin finish with buildable coverage. With a decent color range, this creamy formulation should suit a variety of skin tones. While it can be applied with your fingers or a brush, I prefer swiping the product onto my face straight from the tube and then blending with a sponge. If you are like me and prone to dry skin, make sure to moisturize thoroughly before applying this foundation or it will cling to your dry patches. I also find that moisturizing just before using this foundation provides just enough slip, while it otherwise tends to tug. (I use the shade 0)

Ingredients: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil*, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cera Alba (Beeswax)*, Silica, Castor Isostearate Beeswax Succi- nate **, Mica (CI 77019), Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil (and) Organic Aloe Barbadenis (Aloe) Extract, Lysine, Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E), Pro- prietary Essential Oil blend, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea)*, Roman Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile)** [+/-: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, 77492, 77499)] *Certified Organic, **Eco-cert

Bio Correct Multi-Action Concealer

This concealer works rather nicely with the Narcissist Foundation Stick. It has a mousse-like texture that is perfect for the delicate under eye area. It offers medium to full coverage and I find that it is quite easy to blend. It also has a brightening effect that helps create a fresh, healthy glow. The shade range is sparse, but if there is a color that works for you, I recommend giving this concealer a try. (I use the shade fair)

Ingredients: Caster Isostearate Beeswax Succinate, Coco-Caprylate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isononyl Isononanoate, Glyceryl Dibehenate, Silica, Isostearyl Alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Glyceryl Behenate, Butylene Glycol Cocoate, Ethylcellulose, Alaria Esculenta Extract, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceral Undecylenate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ceramide NG, Palmitoyl Hexapaptide 12, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Oil, Punica Gerantum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil*, Water Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract*, Glycerin, Ginsing Root Extract*, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Chamomila Recutita (Matricaris) Flower Extract*, Algae Extract*, Trihydroxystearin, Hexylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthum Gum, triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tribehenin. [+/- Titanium, Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI77492, 77491, 77499)] *Certified Organic

Bio Bronzer Stick

This may be the creamiest bronzer that I have ever used! It really does melt into the skin and blends with ease. It also has a very slight shimmer that provides a natural, sun-kissed glow that will compliment a variety of skin tones.

Ingredients: Tri-Isostearyl Citrate, Caprylic Triglyceride, Ethyl Macadamiate, Beeswax, Acacia Decurrens / Jojoba / Sunflower Seed Wax/Plyglyceryl-3 Esters, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Silica Silylate, Caster Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Olive Fruit Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius, Green Tea Seed Oil, Aloe Extract*, Malic Acid, Vitamin E. [+/-: Mica (CI 77891), Iron Oxides Umber (CI Yellow 42), Orange 5 Lake(CI 4370) Yellow 10 Lake (CI 47005)] *USDA Organic

Universalist Multi-Stick 8, Dusty Rose

This stuff is pigmented! It has a similar satin finish to the Narcissist Foundation Stick and is just as creamy. This particular hue is a lovely pink with a hint of coral that provides a beautiful, natural flush. 

Ingredients: Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Cera Alba (Bees- wax), Silica, Mica (CI 77019), Olea europaea (Olive Oil)*, Castor Isostearate Beeswax Succinate **, Camellia Oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil*, Mica (CI 77019), Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil (and) Organic Aloe Barbadenis (Aloe) Extract, Essential Oil blend, Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E), Lysine, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea)*, Roman An- themis Nobilis (Chamomile)* [+/-: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, 77492, 77499), Carmine (CI 75470), Manganese Violet (CI 77742)]

Elitist Eyeshadow Powder in 812, Gold Twinkle

This shadow is a stunning, shimmery gold. Whether you choose to wear it alone over a bare lid or blended with other eyeshadows, this beautiful shade will really brighten up your look. I apply a touch of the Vapour Organic Beauty Stratus Luminous Instant Skin Perfector to my lids before packing on this shadow and it remains vibrant all day without too much creasing. I also like to pop this particular shade onto the tops of my cheekbones as a bit of a highlight. If you try this trick, beware that a little goes a long way! It is easy to end up glittering like a disco ball if you go overboard with this stuff. 

Ingredients: Mica, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide. May contain Ultramarine Blue, Ferric Ferrocyanide, Silica, Serecite, Kaolin Clay

Expressionist Mascara

This mascara's tapered, rubber brush really helps to separate and volumize my short, stubby lashes. W3ll People just released this mascara in three additional colors: brown, blue, and purple. I can't wait to get my hands on them! 

Ingredients: Water, Benzyl Alcohol, Cellulose, Beeswax*, copernicia Cerifera Cera/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax*, Caster Isostearate, Beeswax Succinate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Geraniol, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Helianthus Annus Seed Oil/Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Limonene, Sodium Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Vanilla**, Orange Oil**, [+/- CI 77499 (Iron Oxide)] * Ingredient from Organic Farming **Eco Certified

Bio Extreme Lipgloss in Grapefruit

In general, I prefer lipstick to lipgloss. However, this particular formulation of gloss is incredibly soothing due to the addition of organic aloe, coconut oil, and grape seed oil. Grapefruit is a sheer, sparkly coral with a serious shine that is moisturizing and never sticky.

Ingredients: Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil), Vitis Vinifera (Grape Seed Oil), Silica, Ethylhexyl Palmitate (and) Tribehenin (and) Sorbitan Isosterarate (and) Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Mixed Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Barbadensis (Aloe Vera Gel), Mentha Piperita Essential (Peppermint) Oil and Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Oil (and) Illicium Verum (Star Anise) Oil (and) Gaultheria Procumberis (Wintergreen) Oil, Mica (and) Titanium Dioxide

I hope that you enjoy this look! Have you tried any products from W3ll People?

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DIY Coffee Scrub

I usually don't fiddle with too many diy lotions and potions, but this coffee scrub takes just minutes to make and leaves my skin feeling silky and smooth.

We have all heard that it is important to exfoliate. But why?

When old skin cells start to pile up on the epidermis, your skin is left looking dull and flaky. As I mentioned in my post about sebum, this build-up of dead skin cells can result in clogged, angry pores. Exfoliating removes the dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This process encourages the cells that are generated down in the dermis to replace the cells that have been sloughed off. As a result, the skin’s appearance is refreshed as its natural clarity and brightness is restored. Exfoliation can be performed mechanically, by using abrasive scrubs, such as this delicious coffee one, or chemically with specific enzymes or acids.

Recipe

1/4 cup of ground Coffee (you can use fresh or recycled grounds)

• Coffee is rich in antioxidants. Although it has not been conclusively determined, caffeine is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that make your skin look tighter. Remember that the courser the grounds, the rougher your scrub will be.

1/2 cup of Coconut Oil

• Coconut oil is incredibly moisturizing and packed full of vitamins and minerals. Not to mention, this oil also has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. Feel free to warm up your coconut oil to make this scrub easier to mix together.

1/4 cup Coconut Palm Sugar

• This sugar acts as an additional exfoliant. If you have sensitive skin, feel free to leave this ingredient out.

Optional Additions

• Vanilla (I added 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to this batch of scrub, but vanilla bean, vanilla paste, or vanilla powder will also work well)

• Cinnamon

• Essential Oils 

Mix all of these ingredients together and you're done! 

Yield: About 1 cup

How to Use: On damp skin, massage this scrub in circular motions all over your body, focusing on any dry patches. Rinse with warm water and follow up with the moisturizer of your choice. I use this scrub 2-3 times per week, but be sure to pay attention to the needs of your skin and use it accordingly.

Expiration: This scrub will last for approximately 2 months in a sealed container. If it starts to separate, just give it a quick stir and you'll be good to go.

You can tailor this recipe however you would like. If you prefer a creamier texture without as much grit, you can decrease the coffee and the sugar, and increase the coconut oil. You can also skip the sugar altogether and just use the coffee as your exfoliant.

Beware that this scrub is messy and will make your shower quite slippery. Also, if you are a fan of light-colored towels, make sure that you rinse well because this coffee scrub will stain.

I hope that you enjoy this project! Have fun inventing your own coffee scrub creations! 

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RMS Beauty Living Luminizer: 3 Ways

Looking for a fresh spring glow? 

RMS Beauty’s Living Luminizer is the perfect product for a lit-from-within radiance. Applying this sheer, pearly highlighter to the high points of the face (forehead, chin, tops of your cheekbones, down the center of your nose, underneath the arches of your eyebrows + to your cupid's bow) and to the inner corners of your eyes will add a beautiful illumination and help you fake great lighting. However, here are 3 less conventional ways to use this product for a stunning, healthy glow! 

Underneath your Foundation

Applying Living Luminizer before your foundation will provide you with a subtle luminosity. Because it is nearly imperceptible, using the product in this way will create an incredibly natural effect that will never look harsh or overdone. 

With your Concealer

Try adding a touch of Living Luminizer to your concealer. This trick will reflect light underneath your eyes and brighten up any dark circles. I like to achieve this effect by fading my inner corner highlight to about the center of my eye. This product packs a punch, so beware that a little goes a long way!

At the Center of your Lips

Tap some Living Luminizer on the center of your lips to add a hint of shimmer that will also give your pout a fuller appearance.

I hope you enjoy experimenting with Living Luminizer for the perfect glow!

Interested in other RMS Beauty products? Check out my Intro to RMS Beauty post! 

Ingredients: *Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, *Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, *Cera Alba (Beeswax), Tocopherol (non-GMO), *Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, and may contain [+/- Titanium Dioxide CI77891, Mica CI 77019] *Certified Organic

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Healthier Hair in 5 Easy Steps

Because hair is made up of keratin, a fibrous protein, it is prone to a process called denaturation. In this process, the bonds that hold proteins together are disrupted by chemicals, heat, or the application of an external stress. This ends up altering the overall structure of the proteins and adversely affecting their ability to function properly. While it is denaturation that allows us to curl and straighten our hair through heat styling and chemical processes, it can also be quite damaging.

Here are 5 easy steps to keep those proteins happy and your hair looking healthy and beautifully shiny! 

Nourish from Within

Gorgeous hair begins with nourishment from within. Your body needs to be fueled with the proper nutrients in order to carry out the physiological processes necessary for hair growth and maintenance. Therefore, a healthy, well-balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and lots of water is key to commercial-worthy hair.

Chill Out

It is well known that heat styling can be damaging to hair. However, we often forget to consider the impact that other heat sources, such as the sun and hot showers, have on our hair. 

To protect your hair from sun damage, try wearing a hat or camping out under an umbrella when you know that you will be in direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time. 

While I love the luxury of a hot shower, one of the easiest and most natural ways to maintain healthy skin and hair is to take cold showers. Hot water opens up pores and reduces the viscosity of sebum, making it easier to inadvertently strip the skin and hair of this moisturizing oil (to learn more about sebum, click here). Over time, a reduction in sebum will lead to dry hair that is prone to breakage. Additionally, similar to pores, hot water “opens up” the hair cuticle (those shingle-like cells raise up and no longer lay smoothly). While this is beneficial for cleaning the hair, finishing your shower with cold water will smooth out the cuticles and help seal in moisture. Smooth cuticles also reflect more light, which will make your hair appear extra shiny.

Be Gentle

When brushing or styling your hair, try to be as gentle as possible to avoid breakage. Wide-tooth combs and brushes with rounded, slippery bristles tend to move through hair with the most ease. Also, beware of hair clips and ties that tug or crush your tresses.

Be especially gentle when your hair is wet. Water temporarily breaks down the hydrogen bonds that help hold keratin together, leaving hair quite weak and malleable. These bonds are restored as hair dries, reestablishing its strength.

Give Your Hair a Deep Clean

Build up from hair products and the minerals found in water can weigh down our tresses, causing them to be lifeless and brittle. A good clarifying shampoo, apple cider vinegar rinse, or other clarifying treatment will help remove this residue and restore your hair’s volume and shine. How frequently you should use a clarifying treatment depends on that rate at which gunk accumulates in your hair. In general, clarifying once a month will keep your hair clean and luxuriously soft. 

Amp Up the Moisture

To nourish your hair and restore moisture, try a hair mask. Unlike conditioners that tend to simply coat the surface of the hair, the right mask can actually penetrate the cuticle. Coconut oil-based masks are particularly good at this, but there are several options to choose from. Leaving a hair mask on for 20-30 minutes once a week will keep your locks nicely hydrated. Be sure to evenly coat your hair with the mask and fully cover your ends to help smooth out any damage to the cuticle.

These tricks have really helped improve the overall health of my hair and I hope that they do the same for you!

For more information about hair, check out my All About Hair post and my

References: Gray's Anatomy, About Health

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