Talk About It - Kneipp Calendula and Orange Foot Care

As soon as it gets a little bit warm outside I'm wearing sandals, and sandals only. Well, I guess that's a lie because I'm often barefoot so the truth is that my feet are always out and on display. I personally don't make it a habit of looking at the feet of other people so I assume they don't look at mine but I like to keep them as soft and as smooth as I possibly can for myself and the off chance that someone might take a peek. Rough feet aren't very nice. They feel gross and downright unpleasant so I like to use products that help me out because I really need it.

You might remember me talking about a brand called Kneipp in January. I posted a review sharing my thoughts on a couple of their Lavender products that help to calm and relax. Well, Kneipp makes a wide array of products. They have so many different products that can be used to help out with so many different problems. Today, however,  I want to focus specifically on their foot care.

Like I said, my feet need help and last week I received the Calendula and Orange Mineral Foot Bath Salt and the Calendula and Orange Foot Repair Butter.

Kneipp's line of foot care products consists of foot creams and bath salts. The line was developed with podiatrists and is made with ingredients like calendula and marigold. They are scented with plant ingredients like citrus and ginger. The line is great for pampering your feet but it's also safe enough for diabetics, so it's good for any and all little tootsies.

The Calendula and Orange Mineral Foot Bath Salt smells so ridiculously strong. I don't really enjoy the scent but the actual salts make a really great foot soak. I like to do it before I shower so I can reap the benefits while still being able to wash off the smell. I use this in a weird way. I fill the sink with hot water, add the salts and then soak. The sink is the weird part. It makes my feet feel so much better! It makes them feel so much softer and then to shower and lock the new softness in with the foot butter (which I'm getting to next). This is the perfect pampering treat.

The Calendula and Orange Foot Repair Butter has a much more gentle scent. It's a bit medicinal smelling. It's not offensive at all and I actually like it. It has both citrus notes and notes of menthol. It reminds me a little of a citronella candle, but in a miss less in your face kind of way. That's probably a horrible description. It's something I've been using nightly. I slather it on, put on some socks, and call it a night. It has left my feet really soft. It is a rich, thick, protective cream that provides long-lasting hydration and softness. It's the perfect conditioner. The texture and formula are fantastic.

If you're in the market for some new foot care products you'll definitely want to check out Kneipp. You can learn more about the company and their products by clicking here. You can also find Kneipp on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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

Green Leaf Naturals Review + Giveaway

Aloe is an illustrious ingredient for both health and beauty. It is a true superstar. Aloe has been used for thousands and thousands of years. The first recorded report about the spiky, green plant comes from Ancient Egypt and dates back at least 6,000 years ago. Both Cleopatra and Nefertiti held the juice of the aloe plant in high regards and used it in their daily skin care and beauty routines. We're lucky in this day and age, though, because you don't have to be an Egyptian Queen to be able to use aloe to keep your skin looking it's best.

It also doesn't have to be expensive or hard to get thanks to Green Leaf Naturals, a natural skin care company creating healthy, non-toxic beauty products made with aloe, among other really great plant ingredients.

This company (check out their backstory by clicking here) started off with pure Aloe Vera Gel, growing to include the Aloe Vera Spray and then branched out from there. I got to try both Aloe Vera products and the entire range of Women's skin care so grab a snack, settle in, and keep reading.

All Green Life Naturals products are free from parabens, SLS, petrochemicals, dyes, added fragrance, alcohol, and anything else that would make you tremor in fear of toxicity. The line is cruelty-free, all natural, and made in the US.

Let's start with the Aloe products. The Aloe Vera Gel and Aloe Vera Spray are both fantastic. Green Life Naturals uses Texas grown, and Texas Department of Agriculture certified, organic aloe vera plants that they cold press to create their Aloe Vera Gel and Spray. The gel is made with 99.75% organic aloe while the spray is made with 99.8% organic aloe.

Few products are as versatile as these two. I personally like to use both for full body moisturizing, as a facial serum, to cool my post-sun skin, in my hair as a sort of leave in conditioner and softener and I know I'll be using it constantly this summer to calm bug bites. There are a ton of other ways to use them, though! I've read so many things stating that aloe is great for acne scars even. The only difference between the two is that the spray has no thickeners in the formula. I love the idea of having aloe vera in a spray form but you know how sometimes spray products come out leaving huge drops in one place while another ends up bare? Well, this spray aloe is incredible in how even and fine the spray comes out. My Dad is really into it as well. He gets really itchy legs from medication and this aloe has been a necessity for him!

The Amazing Aloe Vera Moisturizing Cream couldn't be any better of a facial moisturizer. It does everything that you would expect a great skincare product to do and it does it at an extremely affordable price. You get a 4 oz jar for $19.95, which is unheard of in the natural beauty world. I love it and when I say I love this stuff I mean I love it A LOT! It has somehow changed my skin in such a dramatic and beautiful way. My skin is so much softer, smoother, more clear and much more plumped up. I have dry, sensitive skin but my skin always looks hydrated with this easily absorbed cream and I love what it's doing for me. It works even better than a lot of very high-end products I've tried and I can't recommend it enough.

The brand recently launched a trio of facial care products that I'll now dive into starting with the Amazing Aloe Vera Facial Cleanser. This lotion-like cleanser is so gentle it feels like a dream on the skin. It cleanses but moisturizes and softens at the same time. It's perfect for sensitive skin like mine but would also be great for all skin types. It leaves skin balanced and feeling healthy.

The Amazing Aloe Vera Facial Toner is another one of the new products they recently released. I'm not a toner person, or at least someone who uses toner regularly, but this one is so refreshing thanks to the aloe and witch hazel combination. This helps to clean any residual residue left behind, close the pores, sooth, refresh and give your skin a healthy glow. It has little to no scent and feels beautiful on the skin.

The final newly launched product is the Organic Rosewater Spray Facial Toner. You guys know I don't love anything rose. I always feel like I'm suffocating or choking when I'm wearing something with a rose scent but let me tell you who loves rose. My Mom! She adores anything rose scented and she is thoroughly enjoying this 100% Organic Rosewater spray.

I was also sent the adorably giftable Body Butter Sampler 3-pack. This trio is comprised of three 2-ounce jars of raw, unrefined butters that are intensely rich, hydrating, and protective of the skin. You get the African Shea Butter, Mango Butter, and Cocoa Butter. All 3 are decadent but I'd say my favorite is the Cocoa Butter. Or maybe my favorite is the Mango Butter. I have to say, the Cocoa Butter is the best smelling Cocoa Butter I have ever smelled in my life. It is so good! Of course, they start off a bit hard but melt as soon as you get them warmed up and you can use them for basically whatever you could ever want to use them for. I especially like them as lip and cuticle balms, heavy-duty foot cream, and any really dry bits of skin I get. I have eczema and they've all been really helpful. And again, they would make a perfect present for anyone! 

They also have a men's line of products. To learn more about Green Leaf Naturals and their products you can visit their website by clicking here. You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram. The brand also offered to do a giveaway, so keep reading!

I am so excited to be able to do this giveaway for my readers in the US of the Amazing Aloe Vera Facial Cleanser, Amazing Aloe Vera Facial Toner, Organic Rosewater Spray Facial Toner, and Amazing Aloe Vera Moisturizing Cream. To enter simply use the Rafflecopter form below. You can do as many or as few of the entry options as you would like, but all entries will be verified. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(FTC: These products were sent to me for free for review consideration by the company. I am not being compensated for this post. None of the links above are affiliate links. All thoughts and opinions are my own.) 

Talk About Skin Care - BioSphère Naturel

It's always really cool to see beauty companies who have a similar background to your own. Dana, the co-founder of BioSphère Naturel decided, like me and many of you, to make a big change in her life due to illness and embarked on a natural journey. Missing luxury beauty but not willing to compromise when it came to ingredients she created a brand combining luxury and wholesomeness. Of course, there's more to the story (click here to read about it) but I can relate to it and it makes me like the company that much more.

As for the products, they're great, too! They are organic, natural, vegan, cruelty-free, crafted in France, and have a 100% satisfaction guarantee. They are free from Parabens, Paraffins, Phthalates, Sulfates, Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Silicones, Synthetic Fragrances, and Dyes. You never have to worry about what might be lurking in the ingredients list.

There are 3 products in the line, all of them being moisturizers.

The first is my favorite, the Délice Lait Corps. This body milk is beautifully silky and lightly scented with natural raspberry. It feels so good. The hydration it provides is somehow light but long-lasting. It sinks right in but keeps moisturizing throughout the day to keep skin feeling healthy and soft. It's not sticky, greasy, tacky, or heavy. I don't normally like scented lotions but the slightly sweet and fruity smell of this one is quite nice and fresh.

The other 2 products BioSphère Naturel offers are moisturizers for the face. The first being Lumière Crème Jour, an Anti-Pollution and Mattifying Day Cream. This formula is really cool. It's extremely lightweight and hydrates wonderfully but also mattifies with added rice powder. It's an awesome day cream and works so well under any makeup. It doubles up as a primer and I always love products that can multitask. It smooths, seemingly brightens, hydrates, and keeps an oil from peeking through. I have dry skin but even I can get a little bit of oil here and there. It is meant to be Lotus Blossom scented. I've never smelled Lotus Blossom but this is also quite light and fresh.

Finally, let's talk about the more moisture intensive Jeunesse Crème Anti-Âge, an anti-aging cream. This cream is richer but still not greasy or heavy. It's incredibly creamy. I have dry skin so I thought this would be my favorites but it has a natural rose scent, which many would absolutely adore (my Mom does!), but rose always makes me feel like I'm suffocating. I don't know why. I have tried it a couple of times on my hands and the formula is so lovely. It's meant to plump up fine lines, soften wrinkles, and help dark spots fade.

This line is definitely worth a look if you're in the market for skin care that's made like beauty products you would find a French boutique. It's luxurious and it's natural, what's better than that? You can click here to visit their website. You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

(FTC: These products were sent to me for free for review consideration by the company. I am not being compensated for this post. None of the links above are affiliate links. All thoughts and opinions are my own.) 

Talk About Subscription Boxes - May Goodbeing Box

Hi there! Welcome back for another installment of Talk About Subscription Boxes. Today we're talking about the May Goodbeing box and I'm sharing what I received. Keep reading if you want to know what I got. You should, by the way, because I got some really great stuff!

Here's a basic breakdown for those unfamiliar with Goodbeing, so skip this if you know how it all works. Goodbeing is a monthly beauty and/or lifestyle box that focuses on natural and cruelty-free products. You can sign up for the month to month plan or purchase an annual subscription which allows you to save 15%. From there, you can choose either the Standard plan or the Mini plan. With the Mini Goodbeing, you’ll receive 2 items per month, either 2 travel size or a full size plus a deluxe sample. This plan has an average value of $15-$20 but will vary month to month. The Standard plan has an average monthly value of $40-$50 and comes with 4-5 items per month in a mix of sizes that can be full size or deluxe sample sized. And, as an extra (awesome) perk you get to choose 1 or 2 items yourself each month. You can truly customize your Goodbeing experience to make it what you want it to be. You start off by filling out a detailed member survey about product preferences and concerns. Click here to check out the different plan options and how it all works.

This month I received: Andalou Naturals Argan Stem Cell BB Benefit Balm Untinted SPF 30, The Starfish Project Mariah Gold Nugget Round Stud Earrings, Juice Beauty PHYTO-PIGMENTS Luminous Lip Crayon in Malibu, Bug Protector Bug Protector Tick Repellant Spray, and Shamanuti Sunbutter.

The first item I picked was the Andalou Naturals Argan Stem Cell BB Benefit Balm Untinted SPF 30. I was intrigued by the idea of an untinted BB Cream and since I've been on a hunt for some good SPF products I can wear all summer I was really excited to see the one on the selection list. This is a full-sized, 2 oz, product with a value of $19.95. It has a very slight citrus scent but it isn't too strong or overpowering. I haven't played around with this very much yet since it's been raining like crazy here but I'll be sure to let you know more about it soon. I have dry skin and this one is best for oily and overactive skin but I bet it will still work well for me.

I also selected The Starfish Project Mariah Gold Nugget Round Stud Earrings. This month there were so many beautiful pieces of jewelry to pick from. There were earrings, bracelets, and necklaces and they were all quite pretty. I selected these earrings because I thought I would get the most wear out of them and they're very cute in person. I love what this company stands for and their mission is truly wonderful. You can learn more about The Starfish Project by clicking here. The items members could select from range from $19.99 to $60. These particular earrings have a price of $29.99 on the back of the card they came on but my Goodbeing page says they have a value of $58.

I was most excited about the surprise of the Juice Beauty PHYTO-PIGMENTS Luminous Lip Crayon in Malibu. I haven't tried very much from Juice Beauty but their cosmetics always catch my eye and this lip crayon is stunning. The color is perfect for the summer, but really great no matter the season, since it's a nude pink. I love the color so much! The formula is really beautiful, too, since it's creamy but lightweight. This scent-free chubby crayon feels a lot more like a hydrating balm than a lipstick but it's the best of both worlds. It feels great and it looks great, too. This is one of my favorite items from Goodbeing yet! This is a full size coming in at $22.

I'm terrified of ticks. Shouldn't we all be? I received the Bug Protector Tick Repellent Spray, a 2 oz deluxe sample with a value of $3.99. It's specifically formulated to repel the Dog Tick and the Deer Tick. I haven't tried it yet but I will probably take it with me when we go camping this summer. I also really love the fact that I can also use it on my dog's fur to keep him protected.

Finally, I received two foil packets ($3) of Sunbutter from Shamanuti. This technically isn't marketed as a sunscreen but it is a moisturizer that blocks UVA and UVB rays with the equivalent of SPF 15 thanks to  Zinc, Titanium Dioxide, and B Vitamins. It can be used on face and body. I love the ingredients and I think this moisturizer is really great. I'm even thinking about buying a bottle of it.

My May Goodbeing has a value of $78.93, which is awesome and I'm really pleased with everything! Which items interests you most? Let me know in the comments!

If you’re interested in signing up, you can click here to do so. With plans starting at $9.95 you’re bound to find an option that works for you whether you’re wanting to try out the beauty box or the lifestyle box. The box ships within the US but also to Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Norway, Sweden and the UK. A subscription would also make a great gift for any beauty lover in your life.

You can also find Goodbeing on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

(FTC: I am a Goodbeing Ambassador so this box was sent to me for free for review purposes. I am not being compensated for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Talk About Body Care - Island Deodorant

Don't judge me for what I'm about to tell you, okay? I stopped wearing deodorant.

I found that I, somehow, smelled better and stayed fresher longer when I skipped it than I did when I applied it. I even tested my theory dozens of times and came to the same conclusion each time. I have no clue why this is but so many of you have been e-mailing me about a certain deodorant, wanting my thoughts on it, that I just knew I had to give it a try.

Let's face it Green Beauties, natural deodorant is tough. Finding a healthy, clean, non-toxic deodorant that does everything we want and/or need it to do is like finding a conflict-free diamond in the rough. It's really hard. It can also be frustrating, so I'm here to help make things a bit easier for you.

I've been testing out the Original Stick Deodorant with Probiotics from Island Deodorant. This deodorant is organic, cruelty-free, vegan, paraben free, alcohol-free, aluminum free, gluten free, BPA free, and free from added fragrance or color. This stick deodorant is made with Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Corn Starch, Baking Soda (naturally aluminum-free), Wild Crafted Candelilla Wax, Organic Jojoba Oil, and Shelf Stable Probiotics.

I'm super impressed with this deodorant. It's hands down the absolute best natural deodorant I have ever tried. I've tried a lot. The list is embarrassing and ridiculously long.

I've been sensitive to deodorant formulated with baking soda in the past but this one is somehow incredibly gentle. It hasn't left my underarms bumpy or irritated at all. It's smooth and feels wonderful on the skin. It has almost zero scent so it's not of those "unscented" products that still smells and you guys know how ridiculously sensitive I am. I really like the formula and how easy it is to apply and go.

Since it does have oil it can stain your clothes but a thin layer gets the job done and I haven't had any issues with yellowing or staining. I typically try to avoid deodorant with coconut oil for that reason oil but we're good to go here.

And then let's talk about the addition of probiotics. It's kind of genius. Probiotics are awesome. They're basically good bacteria that work to get rid of bad bacteria. Whether they're in your tummy or in your armpits they go to war to keep you balanced. Again, they're awesome.

I apply a swipe under each arm after my morning shower and I'm good for the entire day and night with no breakthrough stink. I said I'm impressed with this stuff above but it goes beyond impressed. I'm really pleased. It works as well as its toxic counterparts.

If you've never used natural deodorant before be aware if you give this a try you might have a detox period where you will smell awful for a bit while your body gets rid of the toxins and chemicals it has accumulated. Also, this formula is not an antiperspirant so you will still sweat. Don't be bothered by that, though, because contrary to popular opinion sweat is good. Toxins leave our bodies through sweat. If you plug your pores with chemicals that are designed to keep you dry you're not releasing toxins from your body that need to get out of your system. Wet does not mean bad. Smelly isn't great but wet is.

They offer an Original Stick Deodorant, Sensitive Stick Deodorant, and Original Cream Deodorant. As for their other offerings, they recently launched a lip balm and a few moisturizers.

The Organic Cocoa Butter Lip Balm is made with Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Coconut Oil, Wild Crafted Candelilla Wax, Organic Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E. It's simple but it's beautifully formulated. It's thick and rich. It's also soothing, protective, and hydrating. It lasts a long time once it's on and feels really good. It also smells great since it's made with cocoa butter. It's got that yummy real chocolate scent and taste.

The recently launched body moisturizers are the Organic Body Lotion, Organic Body Cream, and Organic Body Butter. I was sent the Body Cream, which is made only with Unrefined Shea butter, Organic Unrefined Jojoba Oil, and Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil. It is quite heavy and a tiny bit greasy, as can be expected from the ingredients list alone, but it ends up absorbing really well and leaves skin feeling hydrated and softer than soft. It can be used for face and/or body. It can really be used for anything you want. It's been nice for my eczema, on my cuticles, under my eyes, around my mouth, and everywhere else that I struggle with dryness. A little goes a long way!

I can't recommend this deodorant enough, seriously. The entire line is great. To learn more about Island Deodorant you can check out their website by clicking here. You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

(FTC: These products were sent to me for free for review consideration by the company. I am not being compensated for this post. None of the links above are affiliate links. All thoughts and opinions are my own.) 

Spring Mini Reviews

I want to keep things simple today and talk about several things I've been using that I haven't talked about and would probably never give an entire post to. Some things are good but don't need a dedicated review, you know? Let's get to it!

First up is HURRAW! and their lip balm. I've purchased several of these for my Mom in the past but never tried it myself. I'm really picky when it comes to lip balm but I've really been enjoying these balms. I have both the unscented and the mint but HURRAW! makes so many different scents you're bound to find something that piques your interest. Mint is my favorite scent and this one, in particular, is a true mint scent/flavor. It's really fresh, slightly sweet, and really beautiful. The unscented has the tiniest bit of a cocoa butter vibe but has no other scent or flavor going on besides that, which is impressive.

The impossibly smooth balm is soothing, gentle, hydrating and rich. I have really sensitive lips and these have never caused any irritation. It's a glossier formula than I normally go for, as I usually prefer dry balms that look a bit matte once on, but these both look really pretty on the lips. It provides long-lasting hydration and works perfectly alone or under or on top of any lipstick. I love the safe, healthy ingredients and the fact that they're vegan, cruelty-free, raw, non-GMO, gluten-free and totally safe.

Continuing on with lip balm, I recently purchased a couple more tubes of Portland Bee Balm. In Oregon Mint and Unscented. Have you noticed I stick to what I like? Always mint and always unscented. Anyway, I reviewed these lip balms a long time ago and ended up giving a lot of them away to you ladies and even gentlemen. I still like the formula. Unlike HURRAW! These balms are quite dry and very matte once on.

I recently picked up their latest offering which is the Solar Eclipse Unscented balm. This tube is basically their regular unscented balm with 8% non-nano zinc oxide added to provide mineral-based SPF 15. The weather has been insane here, with snow one minute and sunshine the next, but I've been preparing for summer since before my birthday. I'm ready and this lip SPF is a perfect warm weather companion. It does have a white cast and it can make your lips look a little dead if you apply too much but I've found that I can apply a very thin layer for protection and only a little dulling of my natural lip color, which I'm all for. I don't need super pigmented lips while I'm spending time outdoors.

Next up on the agenda is the Honest Beauty Invisible Blurring Powder. Ever since Honest Beauty first launched I've been curious about the line but I just haven't made a purchase until I dropped this powder into my Target.com cart around the first of the year. I needed a new powder and this one sounded simple but packed a list of claims that made me want it.

This powder is made with Corn Starch, Silica, Rice Starch, Zinc Stearate, Magnesium Stearate, and Iron Oxides. It's meant to even out the complexion, blur imperfections and soften the appearance of fine lines and pores. It sounds like the perfect powder, doesn't it? It feels silky and smooth and does a great job of setting my makeup. It's very finely milled and the container is rather large. I also love the fact that it has a way to close the inside so you don't make a mess. I like to sprinkle out a small amount of powder into the lid and close it up so I don't get too much that will inevitably end up everywhere. It's a bit expensive but should last a long time.

I don't much about the brand found (all lowercase on purpose) besides the fact that I started seeing photos of their line in my feed from bloggers I follow earlier this year. I also know they can be found only at Walmart (or on their website I just discovered). Let me tell you something, I'm not an elitist, I promise, but I dislike Walmart with a deep passion. I don't use the word hate but I'm close to hating Walmart. I just don't like it. I actually have a Walmart in my town, not much else, but I refuse to go there. I end up there once or twice a year but refuse any other time. I always get a terrible migraine from the lighting (or a seizure if I'm really unlucky), get nausea from all the outgassing smells, and end up with a panic attack because people there tend to have no space boundaries. Okay, enough complaining. I had to stop in for something about 2 months ago and saw that they had a whole display for found setup.

It was pretty picked over but since I love concealer I decided to grab this Full Coverage Concealer (in the shade Light). I told you recently that I tend to judge makeup lines on how much I like or dislike their concealer. Well, I don't like this one at all. It's one of those stick concealers so I probably should have known before I got it home, seeing as how I don't typically like stick formulas. Found describes it as creamy but I don't find it be creamy, whatsoever, It is SO incredibly dry. It makes me look crepey and Sahara-desert level dry. I'm not a fan of this as a concealer, although I've been playing around with it as an eye primer and since it's so dry it seems to work well.

Are there products you've purchased lately that you love or hate or aren't sure about yet? Leave me a comment about it!

(FTC: I purchased all of these items with my own money. I am not being compensated for this post.)

Talk About Subscription Boxes - April 2018 Goodbeing

A lot has changed since I last posted, including the fact that I'm 31 now! I had the best birthday, maybe ever. I have been feeling so good and so happy. It's finally spring here, too, and I've been enjoying the sunshine, flowers, listening to the birds, and loving all things spring has to offer. If you follow me on Instagram you'll know that I posted about needing to take a little bit of time away because I was dealing with even more pain than usual but now I'm back to myself and ready to start posting again. So, let's get to it by talking about my April Goodbeing box today.

Here's a basic breakdown for those unfamiliar with Goodbeing, so skip this if you know how it all works. Goodbeing is a monthly beauty and/or lifestyle box that focuses on natural and cruelty-free products. You can sign up for the month to month plan or purchase an annual subscription which allows you to save 15%. From there, you can choose either the Standard plan or the Mini plan. With the Mini Goodbeing, you’ll receive 2 items per month, either 2 travel size or a full size plus a deluxe sample. This plan has an average value of $15-$20 but will vary month to month. The Standard plan has an average monthly value of $40-$50 and comes with 4-5 items per month in a mix of sizes that can be full size or deluxe sample sized. And, as an extra (awesome) perk you get to choose 1 or 2 items yourself each month. You can truly customize your Goodbeing experience to make it what you want it to be. You start off by filling out a detailed member survey about product preferences and concerns. Click here to check out the different plan options and how it all works.

There were so many really great choices to select from this month and I'm happy, yet again, with what I received. Spoiler alert, next month looks awesome, too!

The first item I selected this month is the kVoss NYC Lip Lover Scrub. I received the kVoss MagiK Shimmer a few months ago and sadly couldn't use it because of the scent so I was really happy to be able to try something else out from the brand. This scrub, first of all, is humungous. I've never seen a lip scrub come in anything other than a small little pot but this one comes in a 2 oz jar. It retails for $28, which seems a bit pricey at first but I think this will last for a really long time, even with frequent use. It smells like a delicious almond pastry and does a superb job of exfoliating the lips. I typically only use sugar scrubs but this one has pumice, as well, so it's even more scrubby and efficient than I'm used to. It gets off every single bit of dry skin and leaves the lips feeling soft, plump, supple, smooth and fresh. I'm loving this!

The Airbiotics StaBiotic Mist is the second item I chose to be in my box. This particular product is a new find, and obsession, but I've loved Airbiotics for a while now.  I loved this travel bottle so much, in fact, that I ordered a big bottle of it this weekend and I'm looking forward to it arriving so I can use it all over my home. This product, and every other product I've tried from this brand, has no smell at all and works to clean, protect, and freshen your home. It helps minimize allergens and control odors. My dog, Cooper, is unwell and had to go to the emergency vet last week so he can't have a bath. He's way past due but I used this spray on him (it says you can and they even make a separate pet spray) and it made him smell almost clean. He didn't even mind the fine mist. This is a wonder product. I'm also obsessed with their Probiotic All Purpose Cleanser and their Probiotic Natural Hand Cleaner. Their products are basically just water and probiotics. They are so cool!

I was really happy to find the Pure Anada Black Mascara in my box, too. I've only tried a single lipstick from Pure Anada, and I really liked it, but I'm always looking to test out more natural makeup. I currently have a mascara open so I haven't tried this one yet but I am so impressed with the tube itself. It feels incredibly luxurious. It's made of a weighty metal and it seems lavish. It has a beautifully simple ingredients list (Water, Rice Bran Wax, Olive Oil,  Cetyl Alcohol, Carnauba Wax, Candelilla Wax, Vegetable Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Acacia Gum, Iron Oxide, Aminomethyl Propanediol, and Phenoxyethanol) and is designed to build volume and length. I'm looking forward to trying it.

I also received Eco Armour Shaving Foam in Mint + Eucalyptus. I've tried this before, maybe from a Goodbeing years ago or maybe another subscription box? I'm not sure but either way, it's nice. It smells fresh and a bit earthy. It's nicely moisturizing and works great for shaving. I don't typically use shaving aids like this because I stick to an electric razor or my typical soap/shampoo/conditioner. I hate shaving so I don't like to make it an extra step and add in additional products, if that makes sense. You use it quite differently than you would a normal shaving product and I think it's really interesting. It works as a barrier on both skin and the razor. Very neat.

And finally, I found a snack sized bag of Lesser Evil Himalayan Pink Salt Organic Popcorn in my box. I don't eat popcorn but my Dad loved this.

In total, my box had a value of $77.60 and I'll absolutely use every item I received.

If you’re interested in signing up, you can click here to do so. With plans starting at $9.95 you’re bound to find an option that works for you whether you’re wanting to try out the beauty box or the lifestyle box. The box ships within the US but also to Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Norway, Sweden and the UK. A subscription would also make a great gift for any beauty lover in your life.

You can also find Goodbeing on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

And if you’re already a member I would love to know what you received so be sure to leave a comment below.

(FTC: I am a Goodbeing Ambassador so this box was sent to me for free for review purposes. I am not being compensated for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Talk About (Not Green) Cosmetics - Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer

I really enjoy concealer. I’m not sure why because it’s pretty much one of the most boring beauty products there is. Next to lipstick and blush, concealer is my favorite and I like to judge companies I’ve never tried on how good their concealer is. If a company can’t make a good concealer then I’m probably not going to love any of their other products either. If a company I already like makes a good concealer then you better bet I’m going to be obsessed with them.

Like Urban Decay. I’ve used a lot of their products over the years, you already know how much I love their blush thanks to my last post, and even though I’ve disliked some here and there I’ve liked most of them. I saw their Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer about two years ago now and even though I didn’t need a new concealer at the time I just had to have it. I picked up a mini and have repurchased many times since then. I feel more than comfortable saying that it is hands-down my absolute favorite concealer of all time.

I’ve told you before that I don’t love wearing foundation and instead I often just put some concealer where I need it and blend it out. The Naked Skin Concealer is the best concealer for this! It blends seamlessly into the skin and leaves skin looking like skin, but better. It’s hydrating so it works perfectly for my dry skin but also dries down, sets, and stays in place to last well throughout the day. The color Light-Neutral is my perfect color but I’ve also been using Fair-Neutral under my eyes lately. You know you really love something when you not only buy it again and again but also have it in different colors for different purposes.

The product itself really is weightless. It never feels like makeup. It doesn’t feel heavy or cakey or sticky or tacky. It melds with the skin and is such a gorgeous formula. It never creases on me or settles into my fine lines. I would say that is very easy to blend and has nice medium but buildable coverage. It ends up being demi-matte, so it looks very natural. I wouldn’t say that it provides full coverage like the name suggests, but I personally wouldn’t want it to. It covers whatever you want to cover up but doesn’t ever make your skin look like anything but skin.

I also love the tube and the wand. The flexible, soft applicator makes it so easy to apply and it always seems to pick up the perfect amount of product.

This concealer retails for $29. I always purchase mine from Ulta (I just bought a tube a couple of weeks ago and it was on sale for $14.50!) but you can get it from Urban Decay, Sephora, Nordstrom, Macy’s or anywhere else UD is sold.

And this product is cruelty-free, vegan, and free of super scary toxic things like parabens, artificial fragrance, or phthalates! You can learn more about the product and read the ingredients by clicking here.

Talk About (Not Green) Cosmetics - Urban Decay Afterglow 8-Hour Powder Blush

I really love Urban Decay and their Afterglow 8-Hour Powder Blush. They have a total of 16 shades and I have 2 of them. I absolutely adore them both and could probably own them all and be totally smitten with each and every one of them.

I have two of them. Quickie and Video. Please don’t make me pick a favorite.

Quickie looks crazy. Like, really crazy. Especially for someone who is as pale as I am. It’s a matte bright blue-based pink shade that makes me look so healthy. I’m obsessed with these kinds of colors because they end up looking so natural like I’ve been outside all afternoon playing in the snow and making snowmen with Chris Pine, or someone equally as beautiful. Each time I pop a bit of this on the apples of my cheeks I look healthy and fresh and flirty. I love this blush, a lot!

Video is very tame, especially when compared to Quickie. They couldn’t be any more opposite. Video is a matte soft nude shade that leans just the tiniest bit towards rose. It almost looks like a really natural, healthy bronzer and I like to use it as such. I especially like using it on the outer parts of my face and then using Quickie on my apples. Maybe I can describe Video by saying it makes me look like I’ve spent the afternoon on the beach in Bali with Chris Pine on the lounger next to me but I’ve worn SPF, so I’ve only been lightly sunkissed, not sunburned.

You guys… I swear I’m not obsessed with Chris Pine. I don’t know why I keep throwing his name around this review. He is my favorite of the Chris’, though. I don’t know why people like Pratt or Hemsworth most. I obviously like Pine but I also like Evans. I’m sure they’re all nice, though, and that’s what really counts. They all dress up and go visit sick kids in the hospital. I think that’s incredible. Well, I don’t actually know if Pine does but the other 3 are superheroes. Maybe Evans/Captain America is my favorite. Whatever, this post got really weird. I don’t even like superhero movies. Do you have a favorite Chris? Okay, okay, moving on…

These powders are buttery and rich. They feel creamy, somehow. They’re silky and super soft. They are supremely pigmented but go on evenly, never patchy. They last incredibly well. It’s like they have staining capabilities. Both shades I have are matte but they still kind of appear a bit luminous once on the skin. Like they take your actual skin and make you look healthy and lit from within! I don’t even know how to explain it.

As a final touch, they also come in really cool compacts. They look as gorgeous on the outside as the formula actually is on the inside. They're obviously hard to photograph but look very cool in person. They even have little windows that allow the color of the blush to peek through so you can see which one you've grabbed. 

These products are all vegan. Urban Decay has a cool section on their website devoted to their products that are vegan, so it makes shopping easier for those of us worried about animal ingredients. They’re also cruelty-free and free from parabens and anything terrifying and toxic. They might not be green but they are clean enough for me.

Have you tried any Urban Decay products? Have a favorite?

Talk About Subscription Boxes - March Goodbeing

My March Goodbeing box arrived last Saturday and I have had so much fun with this one. It's one of the best boxes I've received thus far. Let's just jump right in because there are a lot of good things to talk about in this edition of Talk About Subscription Boxes!

Here's a basic breakdown for those unfamiliar with Goodbeing, so skip this if you know how it all works. Goodbeing is a monthly beauty and/or lifestyle box that focuses on natural and cruelty-free products. You can sign up for the month to month plan or purchase an annual subscription which allows you to save 15%. From there, you can choose either the Standard plan or the Mini plan. With the Mini Goodbeing, you’ll receive 2 items per month, either 2 travel size or a full size plus a deluxe sample. This plan has an average value of $15-$20 but will vary month to month. The Standard plan has an average monthly value of $40-$50 and comes with 4-5 items per month in a mix of sizes that can be full size or deluxe sample sized. And, as an extra (awesome) perk you get to choose 1 or 2 items yourself each month. You can truly customize your Goodbeing experience to make it what you want it to be. You start off by filling out a detailed member survey about product preferences and concerns. Click here to check out the different plan options and how it all works.

This month I selected the Bellápierre Cosmetics Mineral Foundation. This finely milled, slightly shimmery mineral powder has SPF15, is Leaping Bunny certified, made with great ingredients and is totally vegan. This is somehow not their full sized foundation. It's 4 grams, worth $28.88, and their full size is 9 grams, $65. That's just insane to me! This is huge, so the fact that it's not their full-sized product just blows my mind. This is more than generous and will last me a very long time. I would normally be the shade Ivory but I decided to go for a much darker shade, Maple, to use as a bronzer/darker summer setting powder. I was actually unfamiliar with the brand (although it's one of the fastest growing mineral makeup companies in the world!) but I'm really enjoying this Mineral Foundation and I know I'll get a ton of wear out of it. It looks so natural and totally gorgeous on the skin. I'll absolutely have to check out some other Bellápierre Cosmetics stuff in the near future.

I was really excited to see the Emani Starstruck Lip Shine in my box because I haven't tried any Emani products and this lip gloss is beyond beautiful! It's funny, though, because I normally don't wear lip gloss. I used to when I was younger but I typically can't stand the goopy, wet, sticky feeling on my lips. However, there is something about this particular gloss that makes it really enjoyable. It's a gorgeous color, made with nurturing and soothing ingredients, that feels really great once applied. It's a bit heavier than the lipstick formulas I normally reach for, obviously, but I don't seem to mind wearing this one. I think it will look particularly stunning when there is actual sun outside and can truly sparkle and shine.

The other item I selected is the Shea Radiance Black Soap Antioxidant Body Wash in Unscented Pure. This 2 oz perfectly sized for travel body wash is really great, it's gentle, thanks to Shea Butter and Colloidal Oatmeal, but cleanses thoroughly. Shea Radiance is focused on creating products using natural, effective, concentrated active ingredients, like Shea Butter, to help defeat dry skin and eczema related skin problems. That sounds great to me since I have both dry skin and eczema. They also have an incredible story and mission behind their brand, so click here to check that out.

This is them still in their package. They start off really hard but when you soak them they get really soft and plush.

I also received the Art Naturals Konjac Facial Sponge Set. This $10 duo is comprised of a naturally white one, perfect for daily use, and one infused with Black Charcoal, designed for a deeper once a week cleanse. I've experimented with Konjac Sponges in the past and they're pretty great. They gently exfoliate, open pores, and help cleanse the skin better than just using your fingers or hands. I'll keep you updated on these.

Finally, I received a foil sample of Bedrock Balm from Bedrock. I haven't tried this yet but it sounds wonderful since it is made of Zinc Oxide, Lavender, Calendula, Chamomile and Vitamin E. It sounds soothing and hydrating, two things I love.

If you’re interested in signing up, you can click here to do so. With plans starting at $9.95 you’re bound to find an option that works for you whether you’re wanting to try out the beauty box or the lifestyle box. The box ships within the US but also to Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Norway, Sweden and the UK. A subscription would also make a great gift for any beauty lover in your life.

You can also find Goodbeing on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

And if you’re already a member I would love to know what you received so be sure to leave a comment below.

(FTC: I am a Goodbeing Ambassador so this box was sent to me for free for review purposes. I am not being compensated for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Talk About It - KIND Soap Company

I don't know if I have ever mentioned this here on Beautiful Basics but I strongly believe in the power of kindness and living my life as kindly as I possibly can. My Mom is even the adviser of the Kindness Club at the high school she teaches at. My family is kind and I'm proud of our kindness.

A brand recently reached out to me who believes in the same things I do and I am truly excited to be able to talk about them today. Their name is KIND Soap Company and they create products that are KIND to your skin, KIND to the earth, and KIND to others. They not only create incredible products made out of the nontoxic, healthy ingredients that are packaged in environmentally friendly materials but they also donate 10 cents from the purchase of every product you buy and do a lot of other wonderful things. I'm so impressed. If you want to know more you can check out their backstory here or read their full mission by clicking here.

I honestly could probably buy every single item from KIND. Their entire store is full of affordably priced products, that are packaged beautifully that sound dreamy. I've been using, and absolutely loving, three of their products and can't wait to tell you about them. Keep reading for my thoughts!

First up, the Pumpkin Facial Fruit Enzyme Peel. I've used a Pumpkin Peel or two in my lifetime but none have ever smelled as delectable as this one. It seriously smells like pie. Pie! It is meant to be used once a week and left on the skin for 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how sensitive your skin might be since it tingles a bit but it's nothing too uncomfortable, at least for me. I typically leave it on for the full 15 and when I rinse it away my skin is initially a bit pink but after it calms down my complexion looks so much brighter, feels smoother, and looks way healthier. I think it's made a huge difference in my skin, the tone is much more even now. It comes in a very generously sized 2-ounce glass jar with a metal lid and a little bit goes a long way. I feel like this will last a very long time. It is $18, which is incredibly affordable. I can't recommend this enough.

The ingredients are as follows: Pumpkin Fruit Purée, Water, Glycerin, Vitamin E, Sunflower Seed Oil, Citric Acid, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Glycolic Acid, Vitamin C, Organic Sugar Cane Extract, Organic Bilberry Fruit Extract, Organic Sugar Maple Extract, Organic Orange Peel Extract, Organic Lemon Peel Extract, Organic Cranberry Fruit Extract, Organic Neem Seed Oil, Organic Rosemary Leaf Extract, Organic Sunflower Seed Oil, Cinnamon Bark Powder, Ginger Root Powder, Allspice Powder, Nutmeg Powder, Organic Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, and Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate.

Next up, let's talk about the Vanilla Buttercream Foaming Sugar Scrub. The word "Foaming" really caught my attention and I love anything that smells like buttercream. This scrub, in particular, smells so, so, so, so good. It makes me salivate a little. Is that embarrassing? Well, whatever. It does. I'm kind of tempted to dig a spoon into the jar and eat it. I won't, but it smells so good I want to, and the ingredients are so simple and healthy that I probably could. I can't tell you how cool this product is. I've never come across anything like this before. It's the consistency of buttercream frosting but does great work scrubbing gently and exfoliating. It's creamier than creamy but is somehow also lightweight and rinses clean, besides the fact that it leaves behind a layer of smooth. It leaves me unbelievably soft and silky.

This scrub is made with: White Sugar, Sweet Almond Oil, Glycerin, Water, Sorbitol, Sodium Cocoyl/ Lauroyl Isethionate, Disodium Lauryl sulfosuccinate, Salt, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, and natural plant-based fragrance oil.

The final product I've been playing around with is the Lavender Fields All Purpose Stick. This stick is so versatile, it can be used in any way you could ever think of. It comes in a huge 3-ounce stick that you can use anywhere. If you're looking for one product that you can use however you want then look no further. You can use it as a lotion bar, lip balm, aromatherapy, hair smoother, deodorant, solid perfume, shaving balm, paw cream for your pup, whatever. I especially like using it on my lips and cuticles at bedtime since the true lavender scent is relaxing and calming. It's a perfect, true Lavender. This stick is really awesome and very handy to have.

It has been made using: Organic Sunflower Oil, Beeswax, Shea Butter, & Essential or Plant-Based Natural Fragrance Oil.

I need to stop typing now because I could probably go on and on about KIND Soap Company for days. I really love the brand, their products, and what they stand for. You can learn more about the company and their product offerings by clicking here. You can also find KIND on Facebook and Instagram.

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

7th Blogiversary + Birthday-to-Birthday Giveaway

Beauty is a lot more than just skin deep, but having clear, glowing skin or shiny, healthy hair can do a lot for your confidence, which in turn makes you more beautiful than you already are. Confidence is key and feeling good in your own body is really important.

I wrote that in the first paragraph of my very first blog post on the 15th of March, 2011. You can click here to read that post if you want.

It's been 7 years since then. 7 years since a very ill, sort of lost 22-year-old me decided to try something new, to try to find something I could be passionate about. I needed to find something I could pour my heart and creativity into since I could no longer work or do something that I felt was productive. I was sad and grieving the loss of whatever a "normal" life is supposed to be. I went from being able to do anything and everything I could have ever possibly dreamt of and endless possibilities to being unable to accomplish much more than getting a load of laundry done once a week. When I first got sick in 2009 I truly thought that I would get better but with time I found myself getting a little worse each and every day.

I wasn’t doing anything and I desperately needed to do something. After a year and 4 months, I couldn't allow myself to be down any longer so I decided to make a list. I made a list of things I enjoyed, trying to figure out what sort of thing I could and/or should start doing. I've always loved writing and I also realized I had long enjoyed reading beauty blogs and watching beauty vloggers on YouTube. My love of beauty and my deep affection for writing combined to become my something, my passion. Beautiful Basics was born and here we are 7 years, 409 blog posts, and thousands of followers later. I'm 30 now and much worse but I really do love this blog.

A few of you have actually, surprisingly been here since the very beginning but the majority of you haven't. Beautiful Basics started off as something incredibly different than what it has become. I originally shared very basic bland, boring DIY beauty recipes using stock photos. It was sort of awful. I didn't know how bad it was then, obviously, but I sure do now. Thankfully, it took on a life of its own and somehow morphed along the way into what it is now, which is something I am really proud of.

I can't tell you how much it all means to me and how much each one of you means to me. Each time you read my posts or leave me a comment I am so full of gratitude. I am so thankful for each like and each interaction. I mean that, more than you can ever know. And when companies reach out to me? I'm very thankful they want to work with me. I'm very thankful you want to read what I have to say. The support has been incredible and I'm just very thankful in general.

You've probably already guessed it from the title but it's time for the annual Birthday-to-Birthday giveaway. This giveaway spans the month between my blogiversary and shortly after my birthday, my 31st to be exact, which is why it's called the Birthday-to-Birthday giveaway!

I have a box full of goodies, a wonderful DIY beauty book and a necklace to give away to one of you Beauties! Inside the box there are full sized products, deluxe samples, and a few foil samples, too. There's an amazing mix of stuff! There's even a Kari Gran Essential Balm which is worth $98 alone! The book is called Pure Skin Organic Beauty Basics by Barbara Close. And the necklace is a Chloe + Isabel La Vie en Rose Convertible Necklace. This necklace is worth $56 so this giveaway is huge! I'll ship it anywhere in the world so you're all more than welcome, and encouraged, to enter!

All you have to do to enter is use the Rafflecopter form below. You can do as many or as few entries as you would like. All entries will be verified! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway