Showing posts with label SKINCARE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SKINCARE. 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.
MY FAVOURITE LIVE CLEAN PRODUCTS | GIVEAWAY
It's the season of thanks and I'd like to thank all of you for being such wonderful readers and followers, as well as Live Clean for being such great brand to work with and feature. In this blog post, I've rounded up my top products from the brand, a.k.a. my favourite products. I'll give you a quick run through of each product and at the end, there's a pretty cool giveaway featuring every single product in this post!
EXOTIC NECTAR ARGAN OIL RESTORATIVE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER |
This is my absolute favourite haircare line! I love the scent of Argan Oil, and it's also incredibly hydrating due to its high concentration of Vitamin E. Live Clean uses 100% pure Argan Oil to condition long-term and provide maximum shine and protection from environmental factors. This line also includes hydrating oils such as Olive Oil and Grape Seed Oil, but my hair never feels oily after use. I've gone through several bottles of this line even before working with Live Clean and I always go back to it after a couple of months because I love it so much!LIVE CLEAN BODY WASHES |
I've tried almost every scent from Live Clean but these four are my favourite. All body washes contain the best ingredients formulated to cater to different skin concerns while providing the perfect cleanse! My four favourite scents are: Vanilla Oatmeal (soothing), Fresh Water (hydrating), Coconut Milk (moisturizing), and Exotic Nectar Argan Oil (replenishing).Live Clean keeps your well-being and the environment in mind, so all of their products are created with an eco-conscious agenda, using plant and naturally derived ingredients. They are enriched with certified organic botanicals, are free of those chemicals and solvents you often see, are cruelty free, and much more!
Rounding up this blog post, Live Clean was super generous and wanted to give away all of my favourites to one lucky person! One person will win everything featured in this post. Here are the giveaway details:
Giveaway will run from October 15th, 2019 to October 25th, 2019
Giveaway is open to Canadian residents
Entrants must be following @livecleancan and @naancymaac on Instagram
Entrants must enter through the Rafflecopter form below
Winner will be randomly selected and contacted through Instagram
Winner will be randomly selected and contacted through Instagram
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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.
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
INTRODUCING THE INKEY LIST | NEW IN SKINCARE
If you're a skincare and beauty lover, you must have seen The Inkey List pop up all over social media over the past few weeks. Some have been comparing it to the ever popular, "The Ordinary" line, but it is so much more. I got to preview the brand's launch in Canada just a couple weeks ago and learned so much about the brand that I can't wait to share with you all today on the blog.
The Inkey List is a built on the belief that intelligent beauty should be accessible, simple, and straightforward. We're in this period where consumers (including myself) are demanding high quality products without the price tag. The other thing is that when it comes to skincare, it's not always easy to navigate and understand what's out there in today's cluttered skincare space. Basically at The Inkey List, you won't find confusing or exaggerated beauty marketing. You'll find transparent communication, straightforward packaging, and cutting-edge formulations made with premium ingredients.
There are three products from The Inkey List that I wanted to feature today; the Turmeric moisturizer, and the Collagen and Vitamin C serums. All three of these products have been incorporated into my skincare routine for specific reasons related to my skincare concerns.
TURMERIC ($12.99, 30ml) | This is a creamy moisturizer that has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric itself is known to be a superfood, and having not seen it in beauty products before, I was super interested in this product. I've been using on days when my skin feels more inflamed or looks red from those hormonal breakouts and I've been loving it!
VITAMIN C ($12.99, 30ml) | A skin concern of mine is targeting my uneven skin tone, especially around my nose and chin. Vitamin C brightens and protects the skin from environmental pollution. What I like about The Inkey List's Vitamin C serum is how it's super lightweight and absorbs instantly. It's one of the highest forms of Vitamin C on the market so you can be sure you're getting optimal results - just remember to wear sunscreen!
COLLAGEN ($10.99, 30ml) | The last skincare concern of mine is of course, anti-aging. Collagen is a natural protein found in cells that supports firmness and elasticity on the skin. It helps to prevent and firm sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles. This serum feels absolutely divine on my skin. It's feels like those solutions that sheet masks come soaked in which results in the serum soaking quickly into my skin and making it feel barely there.
Hope you enjoyed this intro to The Inkey List brand and a few of their products!
xoxo,
Nancy
Disclaimer * Press samples featured. All opinions and views are my own.
DERMALOGICA SEBUM CLEARING MASQUE | REVIEW
A couple months ago I got a mini-facial at Sephora using Dermalogica products. One of the products used on my face was the Sebum Clearing Masque. I was instantly in love with it and couldn't wait to try it again at home.
WHAT IS IT?
It's a deep cleaning mask formulated with Kaolin and Bentonite clay. Other ingredients include cinnamon bark to eliminate bacteria and oat and licorice to sooth irritation. It absorbs excess oil (hence, "sebum clearing") and refines skin texture. Essentially, it is a powerful antioxidant face mask.
Clay masks are traditionally formulated for oily and acne-prone skin, and because of this, I personally don't think it would be suitable for sensitive skin. It has a very strong cooling effect which might be too strong for other skin types.
Since I have normal to oily skin, I absolutely love using this mask. To use it, I'll apply a smooth layer on my freshly cleansed face and leave it on for about ten minutes. Sometimes when I have a really bad breakout, I'll also use it as an overnight spot treatment. Since it can be somewhat drying, I always follow up with a sheet mask to bring that moisture back into my skin. The result is super smooth skin that feels refreshed and awake.
The Sebum Clearing Masque retails for $69 CAD and can be found at Sephora and the online Dermalogica store. I know $70 for 75mL of product may be on the higher end for a face mask, but realistically, you don't need to use very much of this mask, so it'll last you forever. I've never been disappointed with Dermalogica products and this is one that I absolutely love so I don't mind spending a little more money for a product that does wonders to my skin.
What Dermalogica products would you recommend to me to try? Let me know in the comments down below.
xoxo,
Nancy
K-BEAUTY I LOVE | MIZON & COSRX PIMPLE PATCHES
Happy Monday friends! One thing you may not know about me is that when I first got into skincare and beauty, I was obsessed with K-Beauty products! For a good two to three years, most of my skincare was composed of Korean beauty products but I then made a shift to branching out to other brands. Sometimes I do find myself curious about K-Beauty products, and I'm usually never disappointed. Right now, I'm loving the Mizon Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Serum and the Cosrx Pimple Master Patches. I received these two products from Beauty Sphere, where you can find K-Beauty and other products for great prices!
Starting with Mizon, I've been going through moisturizing serums like crazy! I've moved onto the Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Serum and I LOVE it. Hyaluronic acid is an extremely popular ingredient due to its ability to add long-lasting hydration back into the skin. I love how lightweight and fast-absorbing this serum is, and it's so much more effective now too since it's so much colder in Toronto. I've been using this in the mornings and it reminds me of taking off a sheet mask and rubbing the serum that the mask comes soaked in.
My sister first introduced me to the Cosrx Pimple Master Patches and I've been obsessed with them ever since. These patches are essentially an overnight fixer to make whiteheads, blackheads, and picked zits disappear by morning. Each patch itself is a thin, clear hydrocolloid patch that sticks to your skin strongly. It treats breakouts by eliminating infection and bacteria. It's also able to break down and absorb gunk from your pimples so you won't experience a harsh, dry patch at all! I definitely want to do a more in-depth review on these patches because they are just that amazing. My favourite thing about using these patches is how my dark spots are significantly lighter than the pimples where I haven't used them.
If you're interested in these two products, I would definitely check out Beauty Sphere, since I know it can be difficult to find Korean skincare products sometimes. If you've tried any of these out, I'd love to know your thoughts!
xoxo,
Nancy
Disclaimer* Products were sent for review, and all opinions are my own.
STOCKING STUFFER GIFTS! | AFFORDABLE GIFT GUIDE
Can you believe we are practically halfway through the month of December? I don't know where the time has gone, but I am super excited for Christmas, and while I have already finished all of my holiday shopping, I know there's always those little things we're looking for, like stocking stuffers for example! Holiday shopping can get expensive, so I wanted to share a few of my personal picks if you're looking for more budget friendly stocking stuffers for the beauty lovers in your lives.
WET BRUSH | I think gifting someone a detangler brush is an excellent idea, because so many people have problems with hair breakage (myself included) and tangled hair, and these hair brushes are not only affordable, they also come in so many different colours and styles. The original Wet Brush is only $11.99 and right now, they've released three different holiday styles if you want to gift something more season appropriate.
LIVE CLEAN HAND SOAPS | Not only are hand soaps good for stockings, they're also great as hostess gifts for any of those holiday parties you're planning on attending. These three scents from Live Clean are specifically for the holidays, like Gingerbread Latte (my personal favourite), Vanilla Peppermint, and Holly Berry. Each hand soap retails for $4.99 and they smell so good, whoever you're gifting them to will want to use them even after the holiday season.
NEUTROGENA FACE MASKS | What better way to spend a cozy winter break than face masking? Sheet masks in general are perfect to put in someone's stocking but I'm currently loving this clay mask and these hydrogel sheet masks from Neutrogena. At just under $10, any of these masks would be put to great use, especially during the colder months.
AVEENO | Speaking of colder months, hand creams are always a welcome gift in my opinion. The Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Hand Cream is small and compact, making it perfect for people to put in their purses or for travel. If you're looking for something slightly more luxurious but still on the affordable side, the Aveeno Overnight Hydrating Facial is also a great choice. It's super hydrating and is suitable for all skin types.
Those are my "top picks" for stocking stuffers, but if you wanted to add in a few smaller items, EOS lip balms are always great, and for those who are more eco-conscious and into green beauty, I thinking gifting Love Fresh deodorants would be perfect. They have so many scents to choose from so there's something there for everyone.
This will be my last holiday post! I am now off to my hometown for the holidays so I hope everyone has a great holiday too whether you are staying in Toronto or headed off somewhere else :)
xoxo,
Nancy
ONE OF A KIND SHOW WINTER 2018 | SOME OF MY PICKS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON!
And just like that, the One of a Kind Show has come around again! This year was a little bittersweet for me because I've actually worked the show as a vendor for many shows, and this year was the first year I attended strictly as media. I love the One of a Kind Show and supporting all of the artisans that exhibit in it. Since I've been a part of the show for many seasons now, I love seeing old vendors return for another show, and I love walking around to check out the new vendors just as equally!
Just like previous seasons, I went a bit crazy and left the show with quite a haul. I picked up a few oldies, a few products from companies I've never purchased from before, and I think all of these would make great gifts and/or stocking stuffers. Keep on reading to see what my top picks are from the One of a Kind Show!
VELVETTE ORGANICS | DRY SKIN NIGHT FACIAL OIL $72
I first stumbled upon Velvette Organics at the Spring 2018 One of a Kind Show and just recently ran out of my night time face oil so naturally, I had to visit their booth to pick up a new one. I think this is such a luxurious gift, and all of their ingredients are natural and organic. They even have hair oils, and face oils for normal and mature skin. Definitely worth checking out!
ARTIFACT SKIN CO. | LIP BALM $12
Artifact Skin Co. has been a vendor for many years and although I've always been intrigued by their products, I've never actually purchased anything. They carry face masques, hair products, bath products, and so much more. I thought these lip balm tins would make great stocking stuffers, and not to mention, their packaging is #goals.
DEMO SOAP | DONUT SOAPS $6
I got the chance to chat with demo soap for a bit and found out their studio is located just in Liberty Village. They literally have the cutest soaps, and who doesn't love getting soap? I picked up sugar cookie and lemon raspberry scented donuts to put in some stockings. They also carry bath bombs and other types of designs and sooo many scents.
CAROLYN DRAWS | CARDS $5, SURPRISE BAGS $12
I got the chance to chat with Carolyn for a few minutes about the show, about made in Canada, and so much more. This is one of the reasons why I look forward to the show every year: the sense of community. I buy cards from Carolyn from every year although I've never featured them in my hauls! She has the best cards for so many occasions in your life, and her new holiday cards are pretty cute too. Last year, I purchased a very minimal "I love you more than poutine" card for my anniversary and it's been my favourite card I've ever purchased.
ORIGIN CONCRETE GOODS | MINI PLANTERS $12
Really... need I say more? We all know how much I rave about these planters. A husband and wife run company, they're based in Hamilton and carry the cutest concrete planters in varying sizes. I picked up two this year to give away as gifts, but it's likely I'll be collecting them for years to come. All of their planters also come with a plant so that's a bonus!
ROOTABLES CHIPS | $6
So when I used to work the show, I would literally go get one of these bags every single day. These are just so yummy and there's about five or six different flavours. My favourites are the smokey maple bacon, and the white truffle. These are perfect for holiday stockings, or just as a snack as you're walking through the aisles at the show.
DRIZZLE | TURMERIC HONEY $18
Mmm, honey! Drizzle is a craft honey company from Calgary (my hometown woot!) and they're a company I've been following or quite some time. I've always wanted to try their honey so seeing them at One of Kind was definitely a welcome surprise. A nice jar of honey would make the perfect hostess gift for those holiday parties you're attending. I picked up the turmeric jar but they also have a cinnamon spiced honey which is sooo holiday-esque.
THE HERITAGE BEE CO. | SET OF 3 MINIS, $7.50
I also got the chance to talk to Debbie, founder and beekeeper of The Heritage Bee Co. and learned so much about her company, how their honey is produced, and what they stand for. They're so passionate about their work, and their honey also tastes amazing. They practice all natural beekeeping and also offer tours and more at their apiary! I thought a set of three minis would make the perfect addition to holiday gift baskets, and they also have full size jars of other flavours too.
So there you have it! My bi-annual One of a Kind gift guide. The show runs from now until December 2nd at the Enercare Centre. Let's try to shop local this season and support all of these amazing makers!
Disclaimer* While I received a media badge to visit the One of a Kind Show, all products were purchased with my own money.
ONE STEP I'M TAKING TO REDUCE WASTE | DIY COTTON ROUNDS
Today on the blog I wanted to share something I've been doing to reduce my waste footprint on the planet. One thing I love about the beauty community is how much more conscious we are becoming as consumers. A couple months ago I came across some handmade cotton rounds on Etsy and immediately thought "WOW. What a great idea!". Then I thought about the amount of cotton rounds I've been using for years, you know, the ones that come in those plastic sleeves, usually in a pack of 100 or so, and I felt sooooo guilty.
In all the years I've been using skincare products, I never once thought about how using cotton rounds contributed to waste. Now don't get me wrong, cotton does biodegrade (although some rounds aren't even made out of cotton, so they don't biodegrade), but that usually takes 5-6 months and not only that, but cotton production takes a lot of energy and water. For something that I use once and then throw out, it seems so wasteful to me.
So for the past few months, I've only been using these handmade muslin rounds. They were super easy to make, and literally took no time at all. All I did was trace out circles in the size of a normal cotton round, put two circles together, and sewed all the way around. I have a serger machine, so that made the process a lot easier. I wanted mine to be round, but I've definitely seen them DIY'ed in squares too.
In terms of cleaning, they're so easy to clean and reuse. All I do is put the used rounds in a drawstring bag and when it's laundry day, I throw them in my washer and dryer and they're good to go! I don't know why I haven't thought of this before, so not only am I reducing waste, I'm also saving money by reusing my cotton rounds.
What do you guys think of this idea? I know it's a small step to reducing waste, but I think the smallest things can make a difference. I'd love for everyone to try this out, and even if you don't sew, there's actually quite a few independent companies that are making these if you wanted to purchase them from a local vendor.
Cheers,
Nancy
LIVE CLEAN PRODUCTS I LOVE | GIVEAWAY
By now you guys should know how much I love Live Clean products. I've been using their shampoos and conditioners from before I even started this blog and continue to use their products now.My favourite scent from their line is the Exotic Nectar Argan Oil scent, although they have a plethora of scents to choose from too.
Since it is officially fall now and the weather is getting colder, I wanted to share some of the Live Clean products I swear by for keeping moisturized. There is also a pretty awesome giveaway at the bottom of this post so make sure you read all the way through!
The very first products I used from Live Clean were their shampoos and conditioners. I'm also 99% sure the first scent I ever tried from them was the Argan Oil scent. Argan Oil has a rich concentration of Vitamin E and other antioxidants. I love this shampoo and conditioner duo because it smells amazing, makes my hair shiny and protects it from colouring and sun damage. The olive oil and grape seed oils it contains also help to regenerate and restructure my damaged ends.
Next up on the list of products I love from Live Clean are their hand soaps. They're really gentle all the while nourishing for my hands, and they seem to last forever too! In conjunction with the hand soaps, I like to use the Exotic Nectar Argan Oil Replenishing Body Lotion. It's very lightweight but feels hydrating and soaks into my skin very well, leaving no oily residue whatsoever.
Lastly I wanted to give a big shout out to Live Clean's Body Washes! I don't know how many bottles of body wash I have gone through, but these are definitely my go-to when it comes body washes. I've tried half of the scents from what's available but Argan Oil is definitely my favourite so far. They lather up really well and don't leave my skin with that weird film that I find some body washes do. I also love to add a squeeze of their body washes into my bath water for a bubble bath from time to time.
So there you have it! My favourite scent and products from Live Clean. Now that the weather is getting colder, it's even more important to moisturize and hydrate, and these products have the benefits of Argan Oil that will definitely help with that. Since it's so important, Live Clean and I would like to give a full set of their products to a lucky someone! You will win all of the products featured in this post in your scent of choice. Here are the details:
One winner will win all five products featured in this blog post.
They will choose one scent from the following: Exotic Nectar Argan Oil, Coconut Milk, or Fresh Water.
Open to Canadian residents.
Enter via the Rafflecopter!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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