Talk About Lip Care - Favorite Lip Products

For the second post in my Lip Lovers 2016 series I’m talking about all of the lip products I’m loving (besides the lipsticks I talked about on Tuesday, because obviously those got their own post!). Keep in mind that I try a lot of products and like a lot of them, but these are just the ones I’m constantly reaching for at the moment.

Let’s start with lip balm. This one from Eco Lips that I kind of created myself is one of my all-time favorite balms. I say kind of created because they give you a list of things you can choose from so you make it but it’s still really just an Eco Lips balm if that makes any sense. I kept it simple and selected Sunflower Oil, Beeswax, Coconut Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Vitamin E. It’s minimal but it’s great and I really like using it. My ridiculous and over the top lips really drink this stuff in and I love that I made the tube purple and named it after my blog. It has a nice slip but isn’t shiny or tacky. It’s got a really lovely formula that lasts all day. I’ll have to make some more of these for you guys in the future. Maybe I’ll even make a tinted one!

Another favorite from Eco Lips is the Medicated Lip Balm. I use this every single night before going to bed. It keeps my lips looking and feeling so healthy and nourished. It’s a bit medicinal (it is called Medicated, after all) and I really adore this stuff. It keeps my lips happy and I can’t live without it. I’ve gone through 3 tubes and I’m currently halfway through my 4th. 

I also really like the Unscented Portland Bee Balm, which I’ve talked about a lot, and the Booda Butter Naked Lip Balm, which has also been talked about a lot of Beautiful Basics.

I have talked about Kari Gran on the blog a lot and for good reason. I love the company and their amazing products as a whole. I’m not going to talk about these too much since they’ve gotten individual reviews here, here and here but I couldn’t make a lip post without sharing my love for my favorite Lip Whips; Cinnamon Pimenta Berry Naked, Marsala, and Jolene.

Ilia Shell Shock Tinted Lip Conditioner is my signature lip product. I love the shade with all of my heart and the way it makes me look and feel. I always look so healthy and vibrant when I’m wearing it. The formula is also dreamy and hydrating.

I’ve been really into Bite Beauty and while some of these shades were limited edition I still wanted to mention them. I love the shade range of the line and the formula. They’re made using pure pigment and food grade ingredients. The Matte Crème Lip Crayons are so fun and easy to use and provide such a pretty pop of color. These 4 were part of a limited edition set but they have so many awesome shades and I highly recommend the formula. I also love the Luminous Crème Lipstick, which I have a cute little duo of in Fig and Date (not pictured). 

What lip products and/or brands do you love? Do you have a favorite lip balm? A signature shade? Tell me about your lip product love down below.

Talk About Cosmetics - Kosås Cosmetics

When asked what type of cosmetic is my favorite I would have a hard time deciding between lipstick and blush/bronzer, but I can tell you that I have a new lipstick love, Kosås Cosmetics. This line consists of four absolutely beautiful, yet totally wearable lip colors that I recently got my hands on and was able to take for a test drive. These square, black tubes house some seriously amazing lipsticks and I’m excited to get to talk about them and introduce you all to the line.

These beautifully formulated lippies are made in small, handmade batches in Los Angeles and are cruelty free, hydrating, long wearing and super flattering. Each one is dreamy, creamy, weightless yet moisturizing and provide the lips with a beyond stunning color. These look like a lipstick and feel like a super smooth lip balm. They also smell (and taste!) nice.

You know how my lips are crazy sensitive and highly reactive? These do nothing but nourish my lips and somehow all four colors seem to suit me. There is something really magical about a line of products that feels nice, looks great and seems to be universally flattering. They aren’t your typical high maintenance lip product but all four shades do something really wonderful. Nothing makes me feel more put together than a swipe or two of a pretty lipstick.

Up first, I’d like you to meet Rosewater. This lipstick is potentially my favorite, maybe ever. That’s a huge statement, right? But I mean it. At least it’s tied for first with my Ilia Shell Shock Lip Conditioner. Anyway, this pretty neutral pink is a MLBB (My Lips But Better) kind of shade that is so pretty. I can’t even explain to you how much I adore this color. Also, this lipstick makes my lips look really full and plump. It’s like I had a really fantastic plastic surgeon but all I did was apply some of this gorgeous pink lipstick. Talk about a perfect lip shade! This pink packs a punch that makes me feel so lovely and feminine. It’s easy to wear and goes with any and all makeup looks.

Undone is the perfect fully opaque and semi-matte not naked nude color. By not naked I mean it’s a nude but it doesn’t make me look washed out or ill. It falls perfectly between brown and pink so it pumps up your lip color without looking over the top. This one is also an easy color to wear that goes with everything.

Next up is Fringe, a fresh semi-matte red shade that is described as “earthy” on the website, but appears more bright when applied to my lips. I think I’ll really like wearing this one in the summer because it’s fun and does a great job of brightening up my complexion. It can also be built up for more intensity so it does double duty.

The final shade in the collection is Darkroom, which is the deepest of the four. On me this lipstick turns out to be the most perfect berry shade. This one is also buildable so you can wear it sheer like a stain or full like a rich lipstick. I absolutely love the way this looks on my lips!

I seriously cannot find one bad thing about Kosås or any of their lipsticks. I honestly don’t understand how I can love all four colors as much as I do but I guess I can’t complain about adding these beauties to my rotation. I think that these four lipsticks make up a complete lip wardrobe and that’s pretty awesome. They each cost $24 but these shades are seriously worth it.

You can learn more about Kosås by visiting their website. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Leave me a comment and let me know which color catches your eye most?

Talk About Soap - Olga Bobbi and Company

Soap is one of my favorite simple pleasures in life. I love a good bar of soap and I really enjoy trying new ones! I feel like I have pretty high standards when it comes to soap and I was recently contacted by the owner of a company whose soaps meets all of my requirements. Cheryl of Olga Bobbi and Company creates gentle, nourishing, cruelty free bars of soap (and other products) that are a pleasure to suds up with.

The first thing I need to mention before I start talking about the company and their product lineup is that Cheryl is so kind. She checked out my blog and noticed that I’m incredibly sensitive to scent so she sent me only unscented products. I was incredibly touched by that and that sort of attention to detail makes me fall hard for companies. Good customer service matters to me. A lot.

Anyway, Cheryl started making soap 17 years ago to help her infant daughter with eczema with natural ingredients and has been making soap with fresh herbs, essential oils, spices, seeds, clays, salts, coffee and other totally safe and pure ingredients ever since. You’ll never find anything artificial or toxic in any Olga Bobbi product. Each bar is made in a small batch, cold pressed, hand cut, and cured for at least 6 weeks.

Oh, and if you’re wondering about the company’s name Cheryl named it after her 92 year-old Mother-in-law.

I was kindly sent 3 full sized bars (Buttah, Cucumber & Yogurt, and Russian Poppy) and 4 samples (ActivatedCharcoal, Java Scrub, Bliss and Oh Baby) to try out and I’ve been enjoying them. My Dad took the Java Scrub sample because he’s a massive coffee fiend and my Mom is currently cleansing with the Buttah bar and I’m rotating between the Cucumber and Yogurt and Russian Poppy Bars.

 If you’re a lover of soap with scent you’ll be happy to know that the company has many options (without artificial fragrance) so you’re bound to find something you’ll absolutely love. If you’re like me you’ll be extremely excited to know that the company has 9 bars without scent. How cool is that?

Anyway, these bars are not only beautifully formulated but are also lovely. Once you open the simple, but super cute, outer packaging you’ll discover a gorgeous bar of soap with the company’s name embedded in the bar. Each soap has it’s own distinctive look and formula.

I can’t decide if my favorite is Russian Poppy or Cucumber and Yogurt but I can tell you that I’ve really been loving them both. They’re gentle and nourishing on my sensitive skin (and nose!) but do a fantastic job of leaving me feeling clean and refreshed. They are moisturizing and hydrating and not at all heavy so you don’t have to worry about any residue being left behind. They create a lot of rich and creamy lather and rinse off easily leaving behind skin that is silky soft, clean, and conditioned.

I’m a big fan of the products that I’ve tried and the company as a whole. Check out their website and let me know which of their soaps sounds like something you would love!

(FTC: These were sent to me by the company for free for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Goodbeing Giveaway

If you have been reading my blog and the last few Goodbeing reviews (if you haven’t you can check out my reviews from December, January, and February) and thinking you want to try this green and eco-friendly subscription box for yourself you are in luck, my beautiful friend!

I’m giving a box away to one of you! This giveaway is only open to those of you in the US, sorry International beauties but there will be giveaways open to you coming very soon. To enter, simply use the Rafflecopter form below. All entries will be verified. Good luck!

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February Goodbeing Box

Something exciting happened yesterday… My February Goodbeing box found it’s way to my postal box! Receiving a box full of natural and healthy products every month is so much fun and the theme of this particular box is “Love Thyself and Others”! I can’t lie and tell you I wasn’t stalking social media to see what other people got before mine arrived, so I knew a couple of things that I would be receiving but it was still a pleasant surprise to see everything in person.

If you’re wondering what Goodbeing it is a customizable subscription service with several different plans to choose from. You can purchase a subscription or a single box for yourself or as a gift for someone else. Depending on which plan you purchase you can pay as little as $18 for a subscription or $21 per box if you would prefer to pay as you go. Each month you will receive 4-5 trial-sized (and sometimes even full sized) products that have been selected for you based on your member profile. You get to tell Goodbeing exactly what you like and dislike in the in depth survey you are asked to fill out when you sign up. You can specify scents you like and dislike, particular shades of cosmetics you’re interested in, and what your skin is like.

If you are curious about past boxes and want to see what I received in my January Goodbeing Box you can click here or here to check out my December box.

By now you’re probably wondering what I received so without any further ado here is what I found inside my February Goodbeing box:
Me to We Health Rafiki Health Bracelet ($10)
Mullein and Sparrow Tinted Lip and Cheek Balm (Full size worth $22)
Bedrock and Bloom Smart Ash Teeth Whitener + Detoxifier
She Radiance Unscented Cream
Shea Radiance Intense Moisture Balm
Shea Radiance Anti-oxidant Body Cream
Kahina Giving Beauty Brightening Serum x3

I’m most excited about the bracelet, which is gorgeous, and can be worn as a headband, necklace, and anklet as well. It’s really pretty and I’m kind of in love with it. Each one of Me to We bracelets are handmade in Kenya by women who are able to earn a living and provide for her, her family, and her community. Each bracelet has a different mission and this bracelet actually helps provide health care to a child in a developing community. I’m also really into the Smart Ash Teeth Whitener + Detoxifier! I first heard about this product a few months ago and have been really curious to try it so I’m so happy this was included in the box this month. I have only used it once so far but I really, really like it!

If you’re interested in signing up for Goodbeing click on the banner below and you’ll get a free bonus item in your first box.

(FTC: I am a Goodbeing Ambassador so I received this box for free. I am not being compensated for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Acure Organics Facial Scrubs

Acure Organics is an amazing brand that is perfect for green newbies and natural beauty experts alike. They have a wide selection of products for any and every skin and hair type and personal preference you can imagine. You would be really hard pressed to find a greenie who doesn’t like them, their stance on personal care, and/or their products. They’re kind of like the rock stars of affordable and healthy beauty. As a side note, you should also be following them on Instagram because they have a social media superstar who posts awesome and hilarious things on a daily basis.

Anyway, the point of this post is to talk about their scrubs. My all time, absolute favorite facial scrub is their Brightening Facial Scrub. It’s amazing. The scent reminds me so much of Tazo’s Zen Green Tea. It’s fresh and lively, and maybe just a bit earthy, with a hint of spearmint. It provides a powerful exfoliation, while still being gentle, that leaves my skin looking so fresh and radiant. I absolutely adore this green grit that is not too coarse, but still leaves you feeling like it’s getting the job done, and getting it done right. I use this scrub about 3 times a week and love the way it leaves my skin feeling. It truly is brightening and does an excellent job of making my skin look brand bright and new.

I ran out of my dearly beloved and ordered their newest facial scrub offering instead. Their Pore Minimizing Scrub is very gentle with a super fine texture and a sweet berry scent. I don’t see a noticeable difference in my skin after using this but I can definitely feel it because it leaves skin feeling silky soft and smooth. It doesn’t have much grit to it so I can see it becoming a favorite for someone with highly reactive, sensitive skin. I don’t really love the smell but it’s not awful, either. I don’t personally love the Pore Minimizing Scrub but I think it’s only because I love the Brightening version so much. I’m passing this one on to my Mom because I think it will really suit her skin.

Remember, something that works for me might not work for you and something that I didn’t care for might be your perfect product. Always keep that in mind when reading blog reviews.

I also want to mention that Acure has incredible customer service. I mentioned that I didn’t love the Pore Minimizing Scrub and they contacted me and offered to sned me a tube of the Brightening Scrub. How nice is that? I really appreciate and admire companies who have such wonderful customer service. In a world where there are so many different companies and places to shop I will always choose to spend my money at stores and on companies who are kind.

Which scrub is the one you think you would like most? Do you have a favorite product from Acure? Let me know!

(FTC: I purchased both of these with my own money. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not being compensated for this review.)

Talk About Beauty Tools - Real Techniques Bold Metals

I really, really, really, really, really, really, really love makeup brushes. Really! Honestly, I probably have more brushes than any one human being could ever and would ever need, but I love them so much that I always add a brush or two to birthday and Christmas wish lists. Beauty tools in general are some of my favorite things and I can never get enough.

I have a lot of brands that I like and Real Techniques is definitely in the top 3, along with Japonesque and Jane Iredale. I love their regular line of brushes but have been recently been smitten with their Bold Metals line. When the line first came out I was really excited about the brushes but their price tags made me shake my head and pass on adding them to my cart. My parents surprised me with one of the brushes (the 301 Contour) over the summer when they were in Portland (for my Dad’s Bone Marrow Transplant) and I was home taking care of the furry little children and I fell hard for the super luxe brush and even harder when I received a set for Christmas.

These brushes are not your standard lightweight cosmetic tools. They have tapered tips,

weighted handles that feel substantial and heavy duty as well as the most beautiful, soft synthetic bristles. They look and feel luxurious and I really like them.

The limited edition kit I received for Christmas (but is still available at Ulta) came with an Angled Powder Brush, Oval Shadow Eye Brush, and Tapered Blush Brush. It also came with a little clutch bag but the brushes don’t actually fit in the bag, which is fine because I don’t want to hide these beauties away!

Each brush can be used for many different purposes. They work so incredibly well with any product you use, cream, liquid, powder, whatever! They also wash beautifully. They are such high quality brushes and like I said – I’m smitten! They also offer an interesting array of brush shapes and sizes unlike those from other brands. They are very unique and get the job done while being fun to use.

I really like the 301 Flat Contour Brush for applying foundation or concealer. It kind of acts like a regular paint brush but also buffs product in seamlessly for a flawless look. I also really like it for blush, contour, or highlight. Its unique shape is good for so many things.

The 300 Tapered Blush Brush has a small head that works so well for blush or highlight. I love the size!

The 200 Oval Shadow Brush is perfect for blending shadow through the crease, packing color on to the lid, or even using to set under eye makeup. I have also used it to apply highlighter.

The 103 Angled Powder Brush is huge! This was also exclusive to the set. It’s a great brush to use for powder foundation, bronzer, or to apply setting powder. It’s plush, large, and superbly soft like the rest of the line. I think using it to warm up my face with bronzer is my favorite way to use it because it is so large it leaves a really natural bronze behind.

Also, I love Sam and Nic Chapman – the ladies behind the brand. I’ve been watching their YouTube channel, Pixiwoo, for years! They know how to make amazing brushes.

Have you tried any of the Bold Metals brushes or have your eye on any of them? What about from the regular Real Techniques line? Who makes your favorite brushes?

(FTC: These brushes were gifts from my wonderful parents. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own.) 

Portland Bee Balm Giveaway

February is the month of love and romance for some people. For others, like me, it’s just a regular month filled with lots of kitten cuddles, puppy kisses, and Netflix. Either way, soft and hydrated lips are really important, so I’m giving away two pairs of Portland Bee Balm to two lucky winners.

I really love Portland Bee Balm, you can check out the review I did by clicking here. The company creates a super simple, but moisturizing and soothing lip balm using locally sourced beeswax (the mint is also from Oregon) and organic ingredients. I love anything made in my beautiful state and these balms are great! 

Both winners will receive an Oregon Mint balm and an Unscented. You can keep them both or give one to someone you love; it’s up to you! This giveaway is open to everyone, international or domestic readers. To enter all you need to do is use the Rafflecopter form below. There is only one mandatory entry and after that you can do as many or as few of the options as you would like. All entries will be verified. Good luck, Beautiful!

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