COOLA Mineral Face SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint

I’ve been spending a lot of time in the great outdoors, whether I’m out in my backyard floating around my pool or hiking to check out some of the beautiful falls that my beloved home state of Oregon has to offer, or hanging out around the lake, and with summer officially here it’s time to be extra careful when it comes to sun exposure.

I’ve recently discovered the super popular brand COOLA and fallen hard for their Mineral Face SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint. This beautifully formulated facial SPF is silky smooth, antioxidant-infused, and lightly tinted so you’re not left with any white cast whatsoever. It has a really unique texture that feels light and almost whipped. It feels wonderfully hydrating but does an amazing job of mattifying the skin and leaving nothing behind but a smooth and diffused complexion. I like it by itself but have also found that it makes the best primer! And when I say the best primer, I mean that I’ve ever tried. It makes my makeup go on seamlessly and also helps it to last much longer.

I’ve never gotten sunburned with this natural BB cream on my face and make sure to massage some on anytime I know I’m going to be outdoors. The ingredients list of many sunscreens is a pretty scary sight to behold but never fear with COOLA because this product protects your skin with Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide and also nourishes skin with ingredients like Organic Shea Butter, Organic Cucumber Extract, Organic Linseed, Rose Hip and Evening Primrose Oils, just to name a few. This cruelty free product is formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, gluten, or nano-sized particles. It also happens to be reef- and recycle-friendly.

Oh, and if you’re sensitive to scent like I am you can rest assure that this dreamy little tube has zero fragrance so it’s pretty much perfect! Whether you have dry skin, a super oily complexion, or fall somewhere between the two I think this formula will be perfect for you. It’s gentle, but does an excellent job of protecting the skin from harmful and aging UVA and UVB rays while also soothing and smoothing. Plus, this particular product is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.

All COOLA products are made in the US with up to 97% certified organic ingredients. You can learn more about the company and their products by visiting their website. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

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

June Goodbeing Review and Giveaway

Raise your hand if you love the idea of receiving a box of surprise beauty products that are eco-friendly and nontoxic in your mailbox every month! Just FYI, my hand is up in the air, and I’m betting many of you are in the same boat. If you’re a fan of trying new beauty and personal care products, and if you’re here reading this right now the chance of you being a beauty lovin’ lady is pretty high, you’ll love Goodbeing!

If you already know how this subscription box works you can skip this paragraph, but if you’re not already familiar with Goodbeing here’s a quick breakdown – 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 check out my past reviews you can do so by clicking on the month you want to read about – December, January,February, March, April, and May.

Without further ado let’s talk about the June box! 

These are the products I received:
DeVita Lip Science Lip Plumper (Full Size - $27.95)
MyChelle Sun Shield Clear Stick SPF 50 (Full Size - $12)
St. Tropica Ultimate Hair Mask (1 packet - $5)
Derma E Hydrating Night Creme (.5oz - $10)
EO Products Hand Sanitizer Wipes in Lavender (3 Sachets - $1.75)

My favorites from this particular box are definitely the MyChelle Sun Shield Clear Stick SPF 50, which came at the perfect time to take to the lake and camping, and the St. Tropica Ultimate Hair Mask, which was used immediately and made my hair feel really luxe and healthy. With a value of over $55 this box is definitely worth the $18 (or less) price tag.

Are you subscribed? What did you get in your box?

If you’re not and you’re interested in signing up for your own subscription you can use this link to get a free bonus item in your first box.

If you love the look of the June box you can enter to win one for yourself by using the Rafflecopter form below. You can do as many or as few of the options as you would like. This giveaway is open only to those of you in the US. All entries will be verified. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Adventure Awaits Giveaway

Lately, I’ve recently been really interested in mountaineering (or reading about epic Everest, Lhotse, K2 and Annapurna ascents, anyway) and the idea of seeing the world. Since summer is the perfect time to explore I put together this little adventure themed bag to give away to one of you.

I found this bracelet on Etsy and I couldn’t pass it up. The second I saw it I knew I needed to get one to give away so the star of this bag is this aluminum cuff with one of my favorite quotes on it.

Also included, an Unscented Portland Bee Balm, Mint Portland Bee Balm, perfectly portlance foil samples from John Masters Organics and Briogeo, and 3 EO Hand Sanitizer Wipes in Lavender.

This giveaway is open to all of you, regardless of location in the world. There is only one required entry and after that you can do as many or as few of the entry options as you would like. All entries will be verified. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Talk About Skin Care - Earth Science Maximum Hydration Hyaluronic Acid Serum

As I’m getting older my skin is getting more and more dry. It’s also somehow dehydrated even though I drink plenty of water and then some. I’m also pretty sensitive, my skin and nose both. About a month ago, I stumbled across the Earth Science Maximum Hydration Hyaluranic Acid Serum on the iHerb website and immediately added it to my cart and checked out. Two days later (iHerb has incredible shipping) I added it to my daily routine, using it after cleansing and before moisturizing in the morning and the evenings, and I don’t think I’ve ever had a product change my skin so much and so noticeably.

My skin is so much better and I’m so thankful for this little glass bottle full of magical serum that hydrates, plumps, and soothes my finicky skin. I have been receiving so many compliments about my skin since I started using this, and I’m comfortable enough to say that this product is now an absolute staple, a total must-have, in my routine now and I won’t let my bottle run out before ordering another because I can’t stand the thought of being without it.

I have seen such a difference in my skin. It is now balanced and hydrated. I don’t have any dry bits or any spots of irritation. It makes my skin look and feel so incredibly healthy. I’ve skipped it once or twice since it arrived and I won’t be making that mistake again. I’ve seriously been so impressed with this product and the effect it has on my skin. It’s not heavy or sticky, but it doesn’t feel like water either. It feels a bit like a gel that sinks in immediately and provides the skin with much needed moisture. It doesn’t clog my pores or cause me to get greasy later on in the day. It works perfectly under my moisturizer and works under makeup as well.

It doesn’t have a fragrance, but there is an extremely light and fresh scent that is hardly detectable. It’s vegan and cruelty-free. I also love the bottle and the dropper.

Here are the ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Chamomile Extract, Grape Seed Extract, Algae Extract, Sodium PCA, Phenoxyethanol, and Ethylhexylglycerin.

Like I mentioned above I purchased mine on iHerb.com and if you want to give it a try you can click here. You can also use the code ZJL956 to get $5 off your first purchase (no minimum) from iHerb.