Showing posts with label BEAUTY REVIEWS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BEAUTY REVIEWS. Show all posts
MAKING MY OWN NATURAL DEODORANT FEAT. MAKE THIS UNIVERSE
Hey hey everyone! It's been a hot minute - how is everyone doing? I hope you are all well during this crazy time we're living in. Aside from the last two weeks of March where I felt like everything changed (which it did, both professionally and personally), the last few weeks have been a whirlwind and a ridiculously busy time for me. These days I'm constantly trying to find moments of peace in between all of the work I'm doing for Freon Collective (cooking has been a huge stress reliever), and today's blog post is one of those moments!
I was first introduced to Make This Universe at the Winter 2019 One of a Kind Show. I met Jessye (owner and natural deodorant expert) at her booth and got to learn all about her Toronto-brand. I immediately fell in love with the idea of do-it-yourself natural deodorant kits and kept them in mind for holiday gifts.
Fast forward a few months later and I got a message from Jessye on Freon Collective's Instagram! I had forgotten that both of our businesses were featured on the OOAK blog - but we chatted for a little while and I found out that in addition to her online shop, Make This Universe just recently launched on Etsy! After gifting two these sets away a few months ago, I of course wanted to purchase a kit to try myself. I purchased the Vanilla Rose scent in the odor control formulation for my DIY project.
First off I have to say I am in love with Make This Universe's branding and packaging. As a branding geek myself, I love seeing the thought and care that a company puts into their products. From the labeling to the instruction sheet, even the box is branded beautifully and I really appreciate it!
In terms of the deodorant kit, this came with the following:
1 deodorant base
1 clay packet (Kaolin Clay)
1 bottle of essential oil
1 paperboard tube
1 instruction sheet
I found everything super easy to follow, and felt reassured that all of the packaging was either compostable or recyclable. All of the ingredients mixed together relatively quickly, but it was super satisfying to see the mixture poured into the cardboard tube. I waited overnight to see the formula set, and have been using it ever since! The Vanilla Rose scent I chose is perfect and not overly powerful, but I think I would love the Mintchouli scent as well.
This was such a fun little project for me during "quarantine", and I'm always happy to support a local business :) If you're looking for a gift and/or a DIY project to do, I couldn't recommend Make This Universe kits enough. Jessye has also recently launched preorders for DIY candle kits, and offers custom face oils on the main site too.
I plan to use this platform to support more local businesses in the coming months, so if you are a small business owner or know of a brand that you think I should check out, please don't hesitate to email or DM me! I hope everyone is well and stays well, and I'll be back soon!
With love,
Nancy
MIRACLE 10 BODY | FULL LINE REVIEW
As promised I am back with a review of a collection that I have been very eager to try out. A few weeks ago I was invited to the press event for the re-release of Miracle 10 Body products, but unfortunately wasn't able to attend. The team at Miracle 10 was kind enough to send the entire line to me anyways, and I'm excited to share my thoughts!
As a brief introduction, Miracle 10 is a Toronto-based skincare company. Their products are formulated with scientifically proven ingredients, are fragrance-free, paraben-free, not tested on animals and made in Canada. Today I'm featuring the Body collection, which has been released with improved active ingredients and new packaging.
MIRACLE 10 BODY
Body Cleanser | 200ml | $49.00
The Body Cleanser is a hydrating body wash with active ingredients such as salicylic acid, prodew 500, and malachite extract. These ingredients work together to exfoliate, hydrate, and provide anti-inflammatory and protective qualities.
Pros: Is a great all-over body cleanser, foams up well, smells amazing! If you like fennel, there is a hint of it that makes this cleanser the perfect wake-me-up in the mornings.
Cons: My only con about this cleanser is size of the bottle relative to the price. I feel like body cleansers tend to be used the most, and I would run out of this well before any of the other products in the line. I'm not entirely sure I'd pay almost $50 for a 200ml bottle, and would love to see this product offered in a larger size.
Body Polish | 200ml | $56.00
The Body Polish is an exfoliating, foaming skin polish that removes rough texture and promotes a clear and healthy look. The active ingredients in this product are buriti oil, natural wax beads, and aloe vera. Regular use of this product will help to produce collagen and elastin, resulting in firmer looking skin.
Pros: I love the texture of the wax beads, and they help to gently exfoliate without clogging up your drains or damaging the water system. I also like how if you want a deeper exfoliation, you can just add a loofa or dry brush, and the Body Polish will work even better. Not to mention, bergamot is one of my favourite scents and it's wonderful in this.
Cons: No cons for me! I absolutely love this product!
Body Silk | 200ml | $59.00
The Body Silk is a hydrating cream that literally feels like silk. It works best in conjunction with the Body Polish, and can be used just about everywhere below the neck. The active ingredients in this product at 2% niacinamide, caffeine, coconut oil, shea butter, squalane, and tocopheryl.
Pros: The Body Silk sinks in quickly to my skin, and doesn't leave any oily residue. It's very hydrating and I've been loving using it with the Body Polish and Body Therapy (but more on that later).
Cons: No major cons here - if anything I would say it works best with other Miracle 10 Body products and is probably less effective on its own.
Body Therapy | 200ml | $85.00
Body Therapy is a skin tightening and smoothing gel. This product works by enhancing microcirculation, which helps improve the look of uneven, dimpled, and loose skin.
Pros: Definitely has made my skin feel firmer. I also like that it slowly improves your skin's texture, rather than some body gels I've tried before when you feel your skin tightening immediately, resulting in sometimes dry - botox feeling sensations.
Cons: For what it is and how much product you get, I am on board with the price. I would say though, the packaging can be improved as this is a very liquidy gel, and you have to remember to have your hand ready for the product otherwise it will spill out of the bottle. If this product was in a pump form, it would be perfect!
Intensive Hand Repair | 100ml | $39.00
This is a super rich hand cream formulated with lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, and powerful antioxidants. It's a thick cream that has hints of fennel, and feels luxurious on the skin.
Pros: Very decent size, considering it's a hand cream, and it's gonna last me forever. I do have some hand creams that I love, but they tend to leave an oily residue and take a longer time to soak in - the Intensive Hand Repair works similarily to the Body Silk by sinking in quickly.
Cons: No cons! I'd love a travel-sized one though for my bag!
Overall, I've been really enjoying the Miracle 10 Body line. If I had to recommend one product, I would suggest trying the Body Therapy. I love the texture of the gel, and anything that firms up my skin is a plus in my books. For a second choice, I would also give the Body Polish a try, but honestly anything from the line is amazing and altogether they work even better!
Hope you all enjoyed the review! You can find the Body collection and all Miracle10 products on their website: https://www.miracle10.com/
If you've tried anything from Miracle 10, I'd love to know your thoughts below in the comments. See you all next time!
xoxo,
Nancy
Disclaimer* Products featured in this post were sent for review and all opinions are my own.
COCOKIND | CHIA FACIAL OIL REVIEW
Oh, how nice it is to try out new beauty products! I've been quiet on this blog for a few reasons (Freon Collective being the bulk of them), but I've also been slowly going through my stash of products (mostly gifted and press releases) in order to use up everything and begin purchasing products again. Don't get me wrong, it is a privilege to get to try out the amount of beauty products I have over the past couple of years, but I've also missed walking into a store and just seeing all of the new beauty products that brands have launched.
This is how I found COCOKIND. I've been in the market for a new facial oil ever since I ran out of my favourite from Velvette Organics, so when I saw COCOKIND, I was immediately drawn to their Chia Facial Oil.
I did a quick search on chia oil and quite literally, it is the oil extracted from chia seeds. It is super rich in omega 3, which helps to maintain moisture levels and maintain a healthy protective skin layer. It's also one of the lighter oils, so it absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a film of oil. The COCOKIND Chia Facial Oil claims to provide moisture deep into the surface of your skin, help soothe and de-puff, increase suppleness, and protect your skin from the environment.
I should also mention that COCOKIND is certified organic, vegan, not tested on animals, and pretty minimal in their ingredients list. I mean, the two ingredients in this product are organic chia seed oil and organic chamomile flowers. I love how simple this product is, but just because it's simple doesn't mean it's not effective. Here are some key points on what I think about this product:
- It has a very low scent, and it only comes from the chamomile flowers. Calming or what? It's the perfect oil to use before bed.
- I was drawn to the packaging. Clean, simple, but also super cute!
- It doesn't leave an oily film and absorbs super quickly into my skin, leaving my skin feeling hydrated and supple in the morning.
- Facial oils are traditionally on the upper scale in terms of cost. This oil is $18.99 CAD - a significant difference in price compared to other facial oils available on the market!
Overall, I love the COCOKIND Chia Facial Oil. I am so intrigued by this brand and am looking forward to trying more of their products. Any products that don't contain beeswax are certified vegan, organic, and nothing is tested on animals!
Shoppers Drugmart does offer a small selection of their products, but I believe you can also purchase from COCOKIND's website.
Have you tried any COCOKIND products? I would LOVE to hear about what you've tried and what I should try next. Let me know in the comments down below or shoot me a DM on Instagram!
xoxo,
Nancy
Disclaimer* Product was purchased by me.
A GIVEAWAY WITH LIVE CLEAN | MY FAVOURITE HAIR CARE LINE
Today I'm back with one of my favourite Live Clean products - their shampoos and conditioners! I have been using hair care from Live Clean for the past year, and have been loving all of the different ranges I've tried out. Today I'm featuring three, and have an exciting giveaway for you too!
Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo & Conditioner | I used to use the shampoo exclusively for removing residue build-up caused by extended use of styling products. This range is perfect for that! It's formulated with Bragg's Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, and when paired with the Ultra Light Conditioner, it gives you the moisture you need after using a deep cleansing shampoo.
Exotic Silk Keratin Oil Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner | This range is designed to work with frizzy, fly-away hair. It restores your hair to smoothness, and deeply hydrates with its formulation of Brazilian Buruti Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, and Honey and Phyto-Keratin Protein. Think of this shampoo and conditioner as a deep moisture hair care treatment.
Coconut Milk Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner | This is a range for all hair types. The oils in Coconut Milk both moisturize and protect, penetrating the hair shaft to help prevent breakage and seal in moisture. This range also smells heavenly (I love coconut scented products!), and contains a bunch of vitamins and proteins to help with nourishment, hydration, and strengthening.
I know I've written about Live Clean products in the past, but as a refresher, Live Clean contains a unique collection of eco-conscious products that use plant and naturally derived ingredients. They are cruelty free, paraben and phosphate free (and more), and contain biodegradable ingredients. All of their packaging is recyclable too! All of these shampoo and conditioners are housed in 350mL bottles and Live Clean is available at drug stores, grocery stores, mass retailers and online across Canada.
Lastly, Live Clean was kind enough to offer a giveaway to one of my lucky readers! This giveaway will run from Sunday September 15th, 2019 to Monday September 233rd, 2019. I'll select one winner randomly and you will receive every single product featured in this blog post! That's three shampoos and three conditioners from the three ranges I wrote about here! I'll reach out to you on Instagram if you are the winner.
Enter below: a Rafflecopter giveaway
PRODUCTS I'VE BEEN TRYING OUT LATELY
Hey! I know it's been a hot minute since I last posted, but long story short - I'm just been spending the entire summer trying trying to get my feelings about blogging in place. That doesn't mean I haven't been trying out new products though, and there's been plenty I have been loving this summer so today I've rounded up a couple products and wanted to share my thoughts about them with you!
SKINCARE
Firstly let's talk about natural deodorants. I currently have 3-4 on rotation, but the two I have been using the most is from Schmidt's and The Green Beaver Company. What I like about the Schmidt's deodorant is how it smells fresh all day long. Does it prevent me from sweating? Unfortunately no. Over the past month, I have had crazy hormone imbalances which has made me sweat more than normal, and while this deodorant kept me smelling great, it didn't do much for sweating, although you really can't expect that from a deodorant anyways. This is why I decided to give The Green Beaver Company's natural antiperspirant a try. Out of all of the natural products I've tried, this one probably has the most mild scent. In terms of blocking sweat, I do think it prevents me from sweating (more than any other natural deodorant), but no where near as good as an aluminum-based antiperspirant.
A skincare product I've been using is Pixi's Vitamin C Juice Cleanser*. I think the name is a little misleading, since when I first opened the product I thought it was a foam cleanser, but this product is by all accounts a toner. It's a very mild Vitamin C product, so I'm not sure if it's done much to help lighten my dark spots. That being said, I've still been enjoying using it, and if you have sensitive skin, this might be a good product to try. Another skincare product I've been using is Graydon's Full Moon Serum*. This is a plant-based serum aimed to prevent signs of aging. I always try to incorporate at least one or two anti-aging products into my skincare routine, and have thoroughly been enjoying this lightweight serum. I use it at night, but since it blends in so easily, I'd say it's suitable for day or night.
MAKEUP
Moving onto makeup, Ole Henriksen's Banana Bright Face Primer* has been my go-to all summer. It has more of a lotion texture as opposed to a silicone feel, but I've loved how it's made my makeup go on so evenly, while also making my face feel hydrated and supple. I know it airs on the more expensive side, but I love everything about this primer (the scent, the yellow-ish hue, the texture), so it will definitely be a repurchase when I'm done with it!I had known that Covergirl recently went cruelty-free, but was pleasantly surprised to be reminded of this fact when I decided to stop by the drugstore to pick up a new concealer. I've been using the Trublend Undercover concealer and all I have to say is WOW. This formula is absolutely perfect in every way possible. It's matte, blends easily, and has phenomenal coverage. It's so good in fact, that most days I skip foundation and go straight to concealer. Now that Covergirl is cruelty-free, I can't wait to try out more of their products. *Just a note here, I am not a 100% cruelty-free blog or product user, but I definitely more towards the cruelty-free side, and am becoming more aware and conscious of what I am using and choosing to share on this blog.
Lastly, I attended a Quo event a couple weeks back to celebrate the launch of their brushes, but got the opportunity to test out some of their makeup products too. I've been using the Dewy Skin Mist* to finish off my makeup and set everything. It mists evenly, and has a light coconut scent which has been perfect for the summer!
All in all, I have to say it feels extremely liberating to get back into blogging again. I'm slowly rediscovering what it means to me to blog and review products and it feels great!
xoxo,
Nancy
Disclaimer: Products marked with an asterisk (*) are PR samples/gifted for consideration for review. All other products were purchased by me.
SWITCHING TO NATURAL DEODORANT | MY EXPERIENCE WITH LIVE CLEAN
I have finally made the switch over to natural deodorant after many months of trying to do so and while I've used natural deodorants on and off, I've found it difficult to take the plunge completely. I think after over a month of using these Live Clean deodorants, I've been officially converted.
To preface, the reason why we should all be using natural deodorants is because a TON of drugstore deodorants contain aluminum. Aluminum prevents you from sweating by blocking your sweat glands. The main problem here is that in recent years, there have been studies linking aluminum to breast cancer through absorption through the skin. Realistically, do we really need to be applying metal onto our skin?
Live Clean Deodorants are made with 99%% naturally-derived ingredients and are free of harsh chemicals. They are free from aluminum, propylene glycol, and parabens. Instead, their formula contains baking soda, corn starch, and certified organic botanicals. Currently, there are four scents to choose from: Sparking Citrus, Cool & Fresh, Powder Clean, and Fragrance Free.
Odour Protection
In terms of odour protection, if you are a person who a) doesn't sweat a lot or b) doesn't get smelly if you sweat, these deodorants will work for you without a doubt. I actually gave the Fragrance Free one to a friend and she absolutely LOVED it. If you are like me who has relied on an antiperspirant deodorant for years, it will take a few weeks before your body transitions over. Since I work from home, my first week was relatively easy and I found that I didn't have to reapply at all. On the first day I was actually out all day, I found that after 8 hours or so, I definitely began to smell and had to reapply, but it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought. After a month of using these deodorants however, I have been able to go the entire day without reapplying under normal circumstances.
My favourite scent is the Powder Clean scent. One key thing I want to point out is the application of these deodorants. They feel so soothing and if possible, they have a slight cooling effect on the skin. They're non-whitening, and feel very refreshing regardless of the scent! I do find that on days when my hormones are a bit crazy or I'm exercising a ton, I have to reapply within a couple of hours.
What are some of your favourite all-natural deodorants? I'm always on the hunt for some new ones to try, but I highly suggest checking these Live Clean ones out if you're looking for a new deodorant. They retail for only $4.99, and can be found in most drugstores across Canada.
xoxo,
Nancy
MY CURRENT CLEAN BEAUTY ESSENTIALS | BLOOM BEAUTY TORONTO
Hey everyone! I'm popping in today with a quick blog post because I've recently been introduced to a few new clean beauty brands and wanted to share them with you! A few weeks ago I attended the launch of Toronto's first all clean beauty and services retailer: Bloom Beauty. Located at 1625 Bayview Avenue. Founded by Pamela Cass and Samantha Brewes, Bloom Beauty is a carefully curated boutique that offers clean and conscious products as well as beauty related services.
I was also introduced to a ton of clean beauty brands - most I haven't even heard of! All of these brands can be found at Bloom Beauty, most notably the brand Indie Lee, which I have heard great things about but have never tried. Here are some of the products that have been on constant rotation in both my skincare and makeup routines:
INDIE LEE | COQ-10 TONER
An alcohol-free toner that hydrates, soothes, and protects all skin types. This is one of Indie Lee's best selling products, and as summer is approaching, this toner is absolutely perfect for the hot weather! It contains the antioxidant Coenzyme Q10 which protects against environmental stressors, and Hyaluronic Acid which we all know helps to promote long-lasting hydration. It also contains Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Sage, Papaya, and Cucumber Extracts which combine to give a radiant appearance and a light scent that feels super refreshing too.
EPIC BLEND | MOJITO LIP SCRUB
I love myself a good lip scrub, and when it smells like a mojito, that's a plus! Caster sugar is the exfoliating agent here, and jojoba oil acts as an anti-bacterial oil that works with vitamin E to contribute to plump and soft lips.
RITUEL DE FILLE | ENCHANTED LIP SHEER IN WHITEHORN
If you know me, you know I do not like sheer lipsticks at all, BUT this is an exception. I have never been so impressed with the formulation of a sheer lipstick before I was introduced to Ritual de Fille. I've been using the shade, Whitehorn which they describe as a fleshy pink that amplifies the natural tone of your lips (btw, it does exactly this). This lipstick is also super moisturizing without looking shiny or glossy.
VAPOUR ORGANIC BEAUTY | AURA MULTI USE IN EROS
Part of their classic Aura Multi-Use products, this is a 3-in-1 product suitable for eyes, lips, and the face. I find with most multi-use products, I tend to lean more towards using it for one use so in this case, I've been loving this product as a cream blush. It's in a light, neutral mauve shade, blends easily and adds that little "flush" to finish off my makeup.
All of the products featured here are clean AF. While I love my skincare, I do find that we don't put as much emphasis on clean beauty makeup products. One reason being how they are not as accessible as skincare products, but the selection at Bloom Beauty is unreal. I have never seen so many makeup products in a retailer before. I highly recommend checking out their boutique and if you're interested in any of their services (makeup, facials, sugaring + more), you can also mention my handle @naancymaac or name for 25% off!
xo,
Nancy
NEW IN FROM LIVE CLEAN | FOAMING BODY WASHES
Live Clean is back with new foaming body washes featuring three exotic body butters that create a luxuriously rich body wash experience! These are the three new products in from Live Clean: Shea & Murumuru Butter, Mango & Aloe Butter, and Moringa & Matcha Butter. Each scent is different and unique all in its own, and each butter also caters to a specific function to enhance personal care such as adding moisture, catering to sensitive skin, and acting as an antioxidant.
I've been a huge fan of Live Clean body washes, but I am so on board with how these body washes are foaming and come with a pump. While I love their original bottles, I feel like I can use less of this product while still getting that luxurious foam that rinses easily, requiring less water to do so.
Out of the three available foaming body washes, my favourite is the Shea & Murumuru Butters formula. It's enriched with Hyaluronic Acid to deliver gentle cleansing and long lasting hydration. The Moringa & Matcha Butters formulation includes Vitamin C to energize the skin and renew its natural glow. For sensitive skin, Mango and Aloe Butters has a mild unscented formula with calming Oat Kernel Oil. In addition to using them as regular body washes, I also love pumping a few pumps into my bath water for some light foam and scent when I need those relaxing bath nights.
It's been some times since I've reviewed a Live Clean product, so to recap, all of their formulas are 98% plant derived, SLS and paraben free, cruelty free, and so much more. They're absolutely perfect for the eco-conscious household! Not only that, but their products are so easily accessible and are cost-efficient too. These foaming body washes retail for $7.99 each and can be found at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, Well.ca, and more.
Which buttery body wash would you like to try out most? Let me know in the comments down below.
xoxo,
Nancy
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