Talk About Tools - FOREO LUNA mini

I really love beauty tools. I especially adore makeup brushes and skincare tools. I’m obsessed with both and thought it would be fun to start a series dedicated to tools! I’ve never loved the idea of Clarisonic, but I have wanted a Foreo Luna Mini for a really long time and my wonderful parents surprised me by getting me one for my birthday. Thanks Mom and Dad!

The first few times I used it I really didn’t like it. I swore I could feel it vibrating my brain or something, but with each use it became a little less intense and became more therapeutic and enjoyable.

This waterproof and perfectly palm-sized facial cleansing device is made with super gentle silicone touch-points and uses T-Sonic pulsations to cleanse any type of skin. This completely waterproof skin tool is made with quick drying nonporous silicone that resists bacteria buildup so it’s totally safe and hygienic. It also has an unbelievable battery life and only needs charged every 300 uses. It also comes in 5 cute colors! I have the Turquoise Blue because it’s my favorite color of all time.

I use it in the morning and the evening and have seen a massive difference in the texture and tone of my skin. My complexion has become noticeably more radiant and a lot more even. My skin has been so soft since I started using this little gem and I really love the way it leaves my skin feeling. I’ve noticed fewer blackheads around my nose and my pores are a lot less noticeable now. I’ve also had a reduction of the little bumps I used to get around my chin and hairline. My skin also seemed to balance out and I no longer have dry patches. Oh, and my makeup seems to glide across my skin now because it’s so even in texture!

I did have a very short purging phase and had a couple of blemishes pop up but they went away pretty quickly. It also took me a few days to figure out exactly how I should use it (even with watching informative YouTube videos) but once I got the hang of it, it became really easy to use.

I feel a lot cleaner when using this than I did with just my hands or a washcloth and my moisturizer seems to absorb better and penetrate deeper. I did a lot of research about the FOREO Luna Mini and didn’t quite believe the spectacular results people we claiming to get but now I fully believe because I, myself, have seen an amazing change in my skin with this little device being a part of my life.

My parents purchased this for me on Dermstore but Ulta, Sephora, and Foreo all sell the device as well. Do you use a skin cleansing device or brush? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Talk About Nail Polish - JoShik

I don’t know what it is about nail polish but there’s something about it that makes me really happy. It could possibly be because there are so many stunning nail polish shades or the fact that it’s an easy way to express yourself with a pop of color or the fact that it’s just super fun. However; traditional nail polish can be full of scary, toxic ingredients. These days, though, there are healthier, cruelty-free options on the market that pack just as much punch without the chemicals.

JoShik (pronounced Jo-Chic) polish is a Chicago company offering safer and gorgeous polish options. JoJo Shiku, a wife and mother who also happens to be a health enthusiast, created the line of vegan, cruelty-free, non-toxic polishes after first becoming pregnant and realizing that traditional nail polish is full of health-altering ingredients.  After doing her research she launched a line of products free from Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Camphor, and Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP). In other words, JoShik products are luxurious but nontoxic.

254 is described as a Cosmo Pink Crème and it’s so, so pretty. This is the exact kind of color that I adore and can’t get enough. The formulation of this particular pink is perfect. I mean it, it’s perfect! The ease of application is incredible and the polish is so smooth and beautiful. The shine! So pretty!

I’m beyond impressed with JoShik polish, and absolutely adore 254. Any polish that is this foolproof and easy to apply that looks as good as this one is a big time winner in my book!

You can learn more about JoShik and their other shades and products by visiting their website. You can also find JoShik on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

(FTC: This polish was sent to me for free for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Juice Organics Giveaway

I know how much you all love giveaways (I do, too!) and thanks to Juice Organics and Goodbeing one of you Beauties will be the lucky winner of the Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle.




This Leaping Bunny Cruelty-Free and PETA Cruelty-Free Certitifed line uses at least 70% organic ingredients in each of their products and you don't have to worry about parabens, petroleum, propylene or butylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfates, phthalates, PEGs, TEA, DEA, GMOs, silicones, artificial dyes or endocrine disrupting synthetic fragrances.

To enter to win this hair pair simply use the Rafflecopter form below. All entries will be verified. US only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

April Goodbeing Review + Giveaway

I just want to quickly say thank you so much for all of the wonderful birthday wishes. I had an amazing birthday and I’m looking forward to seeing what my 29^th year brings.

So, what are we talking about today? The ever-famous Goodbeing and my April box. I have so much fun sharing the contents of my Goodbeing box every month because the majority of you seem so interested in this eco-friendly subscription service and the contents of their boxes. I’m also doing another giveaway so be sure to read through to the end of this post for your chance to enter to win.

If you’re new around here or you’re simply unfamiliar with Goodbeing here’s what you need to know: Goodbeing 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 want to know more about what I found when I opened my April Goodbeing box then keep reading, but if you want to check out my past reviews feel free to click on the months and the review will open in a new window – December, January, February, March.

The whole point of Beautiful Basics is to share my honest opinion with you all, good or bad. And I’m sad to say that I’m unhappy with this months Goodbeing box. Every other month I have felt like the box has been perfectly tailored to me and my preferences but I was really disappointed with this particular box. I don’t feel like any of my tastes were taken into consideration when selecting products to send to me.

I received:

Zoe Organics Insect Repellent (Full Size - $20)

Meow Meow Tweet Makeup Remover & Cleansing Oil

4 samples of Juice Organics Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner

Bonnie Resurfacing Enzyme Mask

Moondani Natural Breath Mist

(I don’t have any details about this. I didn’t receive a card for this product. I did, however, receive a card for the HAN Eyeshadow so I contacted the company and asked if I was supposed to receive one of the eyeshadows, I’ll let you know what they say)

ME to WE Education Rafiki Bracelet ($10)

I’m not able to use the Zoe Organics Insect Repellent, Meow Meow Tweet Makeup Remover, Bonnie Resurfacing Enzyme Mask or the Moondani breath mist because of their scents and/or ingredients so these will all be going to family members.

I really love having another ME to WE Bracelet. This is the third consecutive bracelet members have received and I’ve seen some complaints but I absolutely love them and what they stand for. I will never, ever complain about getting one of these super cute bracelets! I’ll also be able to use the shampoo and conditioner.

Goodbeing in general is a great service and with any subscription box some months are going to be better than others. This is the last box of my subscription and it was pretty much a miss for me. I am, however, giving one away so hopefully one of you will love the contents of this box much more than I did!

In the meantime, if you want to sign up for Goodbeing you can click on this link! 

To enter, simply use the Rafflecopter form below. All entries will be verified. This giveaway is open only to those of you in the US. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(FTC: This box was provided to me free of charge by the company for reveiw consideration. They are also giving away a box to one of you for free. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Gabriel Eden Palette Look and Swatches

I used Trinity all over my lid up to my brow and then applied Genesis to my lid only.
I blended Reign into the other half of my lid and used Mercy in my crease to add warmth to my eyes.
I also used Veil, the matte highlight, in my inner corners and directly under my brow. 

Left: Swatches of Veil (matte highlight) and Serentiy (delicate pink)
Right: Top Row - Trinity (neutral matte beige), Mercy (warm shimmering copper)
Genesis (tender brown with shimmer) and Reign (a soft cocoa with shimmer)

Talk About Cosmetics - Gabriel Cosmetics Eden Palette

Gabriel Cosmetics is a brand that I really love, and for good reason. They have totally pure, healthy products that perform like any of the super popular traditional cosmetics can. Their American made products are formulated with completely natural ingredients and their entire range is vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free.

I recently got my hands on their Eden Palette, part of the new Spring/Summer 2016 collection, a gorgeous compilation of soft and feminine cheek and eye colors. With a matte highlight, called Veil, and a delicate pink blush, Serenity, and four lovely eyeshadow shades this palette is all you need this spring to create a fresh and flirty look. This palette setup is also good for those of us on the go. Simply toss this beauty in your makeup bag and you’ve got a complete look during any vacation or trip.

The eyeshadows in this palette are Trinity (neutral matte beige), Mercy (warm shimmering copper), Genesis (tender brown with shimmer) and Reign (a soft cocoa with shimmer). I really like each of these shades and find the combination of warm and cool to be perfect for someone with neutral undertones like I have. I find that I can get a lot of different looks out of this palette and I love the formula. They’re very soft shades that are so silky, smooth and easy to blend out. They never go on looking too heavy or over the top and instead look effortless and chic.

The matte highlight shades makes a great setting powder/brightener for under the eyes and the blush is the type of color that I absolutely love to wear. It’s a really pretty pink that leans more the cool side of the spectrum and it looks great once applied.

Every single product in this palette wears beautifully throughout the day and doesn’t end up fading or looking patchy. And the palette itself is a great size with a perfect amount of product!

Gabriel De Santino, the genius behind this green beauty brand, is also the mastermind behind ZuZu Luxe (a brand I have yet to try but definitely interests me). Have you tried anything from either brand? I’d love to hear your thoughts and product recommendations! You can check out their website by clicking here. 

Make sure to check back on Thursday for a post featuring this palette as modeled by me and swatches. See you then!

(FTC: This beautiful palette was sent to me for free for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)