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.)