Talk About Skin Care - MyChelle Dermaceuticals Perfect C Cleansing Oil

I’ve been really hesitant to try new skincare products lately but when I received a package from MyChelle Dermaceuticals with their latest cleanser launch inside I was both excited and intrigued. The Perfect C Cleansing Oil is a product I have fallen hard for, much to my surprise.

I know cleansing oils are really on trend right now and while I have tried some I really enjoy (like the one from Kari Gran) most tend to cause my sensitive, dry skin to break out, hence why I was nervous to try out the Perfect C Cleansing Oil. I was so impressed with the formulation, consistency, and efficacy of this golden-hued skin-cleansing dream.

This oil is made using rich and nourishing ingredients that help to hydrate and brighten while also cleansing. This product starts off as your typical oil, one that you massage onto your dry or slightly damp skin, and somehow lathers once warm water is introduced and becomes so luxurious and lovely. It rinses cleanly, completely cleanly, so you’re never left with a sticky or heavy feeling layer on your skin. It leaves my skin feeling so soft and supple while also doing an incredible job of brightening. It's so good!

It does have a scent and I don’t really like it. I can’t quite place my finger on what it smells like but it gives me kids chewable vitamin vibes. However, the scent goes away so quickly and completely that it’s almost like it was never even there in the first place. Even for someone like me who is incredibly sensitive to scents, it’s not an issue.

It’s also nicely priced at $18 for 4.2 fl oz and since you only need a pump or two to cleanse your face a little goes a long way. I’m so impressed with this cleansing oil and I am so happy to add it to my skin care routine.

(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.) 

Talk About Skin Care - NAYELLE

Today I would like to introduce you to a company whose core values are “honesty, integrity, and quality”. Canadian based NAYELLE offers a complete Rejuvenating Skincare Regime made with bioactive ingredients. Their line is completely cruelty-free and formulated without gluten, parabens, propylene glycol or other yucky stuff. Instead, you’ll find ingredients like Probiotic Goat Milk Kefir, Sea Kelp, Glacial Organic Clay and Snow Mushroom.

Image from nayelle.com/

NAYELLE is a four-step process scientifically designed by Peter Jurkemilk, CEO and Chief Biochemist, to help rejuvenate and repair the cells at the cellular level and make skin healthier and more radiant. Peter said, ” It’s the difference between eating processed canned, shelf food — versus — organic, live fresh food!” I adore that philosophy.

You can learn more about the company, their philosophy, and their ingredients by clicking here.

First up is their facial cleanser, aptly called CLEANSE. I need to get this out of the way and tell you that this is my least favorite part of the regime. This cleanser is a cream formulated with exfoliating bamboo and glacial oceanic clay. It’s designed to be gentle enough for all skin types but my dry, sensitive skin just didn’t love this particular cleanser. It’s a bit too much for me to use regularly but I do like it for days when I need a deep clean. I think anyone with oily, congested skin would be a huge fan.

My favorite product, hands down, is the PURIFY Clay Face Mask. This mask has become my ultimate go to when my skin needs a little something special. I’ve been using it once, sometimes even twice, a week since it arrived and I think it does something really wonderful and magical to my skin. It somehow purifies and hydrates, which is an uncommon combination. It’s like the Unicorn of my skincare routine! This magic mask is made with mineral rich clay composed of 60 rare minerals and ions that detoxifies impurities, restore the skin’s pH balance, helps restore damaged skin cells and hydrates, tightens and tones. Every time I use this mask I’m left with vibrant, clearer, healthier, softer skin that seems to glow from within. I’m always impressed after I rinse it off, as it makes an immediate and noticeable difference.

NAYELLE has two moisturizing products, HYDRATE, a moisturizing cream, and REJUVENATE, an anti-aging night cream.

HYDRATE is formulated with a very high concentration of Snow Mushroom which is said to be 3x more hydrating than hyaluronic acid and has the highest source of Vitamin D found in nature. It’s instantly hydrating and makes the skin feel really velvety and smooth. It’s not too heavy to wear under makeup so it’s perfect for daily use.

REJUVENATE is my favorite of the two creams, however, because it is so delightfully thick and rich. My dry skin adores it! It was created with all for of their core ingredients I mentioned above and is rich in protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It leaves my skin with such a gorgeous glow and makes my skin feel so plump and fresh. I love applying this before bed and when I wake up I’ve got a super healthy, happy, hydrated complexion. Love the stuff!

All of the products come in fairly simple but lovely packages. The two creams are in airless jars and the other two products are in squeeze tubes. Each of the four products has a slight citrus scent, which is light and fresh.

I think many people with different skin types can easily fall in love with this line and their products. You can learn more about NAYELLE by visiting their website by clicking here. You can also find the brand on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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

Talk About Skin Care - Rooted Beauty

I'm always willing to splash out a little extra cash for skincare because skin is important and we need to protect it for an entire lifetime but as more and more consumers start caring about what ingredients are in their personal care products and as green beauty becomes more mainstream we are starting to see highly effective and affordable products popping up all over the market.

Rooted Beauty has a line of high quality and healthy products as well as an awesome cause and platform. Through their Woman2Woman Project each Rooted Beauty product helps a specific woman escape extreme poverty and trafficking. This project helps women all over the world become self-sufficient and allows each woman to ensure long-term stability and freedom. Once a project has been fully funded they select a new woman to sponsor, as part of a continuous cycle. You can actually learn about the women and their personal goals by clicking here.

Rooted Beauty products are free from any toxic chemicals and are instead created using all natural ingredients that are beneficial and completely safe for the skin and the planet. In addition, their products are cruelty free and housed in an Eco-Squeeze Tube that is made from 35% PCR and is completely recyclable. Oh, and if you avoid Gluten you're in luck because their entire range is 100% Gluten Free!

I selected two of their facial care products, the Hydrating Mango Passion Facial Cleanser and the Calming Kiwi Melon Facial Scrub, to test out and I've fallen in love with the entire experience of Rooted Beauty. To begin with, the tubes are absolutely lovely with bold, fun coloring. They are also really generously sized and each has a price tag of under $10, making these products an incredible value.



The Hydrating Mango Passion Facial Cleanser smells lightly fruity and fresh. This cleanser is packed with powerhouse antioxidants like Thanaka Root, a powerful ingredient that comes from the root or bark of a Wood Apple Tree that helps protect and hydrate skin, Passionfruit, which helps firm and tighten the skin, and Mango, which is very moisturizing. This cleanser is extremely gentle but leaves the skin feeling hydrated, refreshed, and cleansed without stripping the skin or interrupting the natural balance of healthy moisture. It lathers nicely and leaves my skin feeling so clean and clear.



The Calming Kiwi Melon Facial Scrub is an extremely gentle scrub that can be used daily or as frequently as you would like. It keeps pores clean while calming skin that is easily irritated. This product packs a big time skin renewing punch thanks to Goji Berry while Kiwi and Melon calm and soothe. It leaves my skin looking and feeling fresh, instead of feeling itchy or irritated and never leaves my skin looking red like some scrubs can. Like the cleanser, this scrub also has a beautiful fresh and fruity scent.

Rooted Beauty is a company with a vision and a beautiful mission to inspire women around the world and keep our bodies and the planet healthy. You can learn more about Rooted Beauty by visiting their website. You can also check out their full range of products here. You can also connect with Rooted Beauty on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Talk About Skin Care - Kari Gran

Kari Gran is a self admitted beauty junkie who started looking at exactly what ingredients she was putting on her skin when she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder in her late twenties. She began searching for natural alternatives and was left wanting more. It wasn't until her forties when she started thinking about developing healthy, simple, and elegant products to meet basic skin needs and nourish a healthy complexion.

Kari, who creates the products, teamed up with her friend Lisa Strain, who runs the business side, to create Kari Gran. Kari Gran is a line of all-natural, cruelty free skin care and cosmetics that are made from natural, wild harvested and non-GMO ingredients that are good for the body and the world. You'll never find any toxic ingredients inside any Kari Gran products. You won't find water either, only natural plant ingredients and essential oils. The line is designed to be gentle and safe for all ages and skin types.

I've heard a lot about Kari Gran in the past and was so excited to be able to try some of their products. I was sent their Starter Kit and two of their popular Lip Whips.

I know that not everyone is a fan of oil based products, but I am and I am so in love with the Kari Gran Cleansing Oil. It's my favorite product of theirs that I have tried and I know a lot of you would like it as well. This cleansing oil is made from Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Avocado Oil, Organic Castor Seed Oil, Organic Lavender Oil, and Non-GMO Vitamin E from Sunflower. This cleansing oil is simple but so luxurious. The formula is deliciously rich and leaves my skin feeling superbly hydrated and supple. My skin absolutely loves it!

The Hydrating Tonic in Rose (which also comes in Lavender) is also really lovely. It adds the perfect touch of extra moisture to my skin and smells divine. I use it as toner but also as a hydration spray over my makeup to get red of any dry patches and make my skin looks fresh and dewy. The texture is perfect and beautifully fine. It does not leave any stickiness or tackiness behind. The bottle is also perfect!

The Essential Serum feels really great on my skin but I really don't like the smell. The scent is so strong but the actual serum leaves my skin looking and feeling so smooth and luminous. I use it at night and love the results when I can get past the smell.

Their Lip Whips, which comes in 4 colored versions and 1 clear, are extremely popular. I've heard so much about these products from other green beauty bloggers so I was excited to get to try them. I received Naked, their original clean lip balm, and Tinted, a perfectly wearable and adorable sheer pink. Their Lip Whips come in two scents, Peppermint and Cinnamon-Pimenta Berry. I really like both scents and both the tinted and untinted balms. I don't really love potted lip balm because I don't like taking them out into the world with me (I'm a germaphobe) but I don't mind using them at home. They work great alone of layered under other lip products.

Have you tried Kari Gran or do you have any of their products on your beauty wish list? I think their line is definitely worth a look because simple and luxurious products are always worth a try in my book. To learn more about the company or their products you can visit their website by clicking here. You can also find Kari Gran on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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

Talk About Skin Care - SeabuckWonders

You have probably heard a lot about Sea Buckthorn as an ingredient in personal care products, and with good reason. Sea Buckthorn is a superfruit that is packed full of antioxidants, vitamins, essential fatty acids and Omegas 3, 6, 7, and 9. This means it's good for you, really good, inside and out. SeabuckWonders has been making products from sea buckthorn oils from the Tibetan Plateau since 1994. Their line of products is USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified as well as vegan, dairy and gluten free and Leaping Bunny Certified, meaning they are cruelty free.



I think the Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion is absolutely fantastic. The lotion comes in a tube and the lotion is the perfect consistency to easily squeeze out the desired amount. I keep it on the nightstand next to my bed and I really love the simple design and functionality of the packaging. The lotion itself has a very slight and gentle citrus scent and goes on smoothly and effortlessly to leave skin feeling ridiculously soft and silky. It is very rich but not even a little bit greasy. I especially love applying to my skin at night because I wake up with hydrated and healthy skin in the morning.



The Sea Buckthorn Exfoliating Facial Cleanser is a gentle cleanser with jojoba beads that cleanses and refreshes the complexion. It seems like a fairly basic facial cleanser with the added benefit of exfoliating beads. I don't use it every single time I wash because I don't like to over exfoliate but I do tend to use it most mornings so the citrus scent is refreshing and invigorating. It leaves my skin looking visibly brighter and more radiant, which is awesome!



I always follow the Exfoliating Facial Cleanser with a healthy dose of the Sea Buckthorn Facial Cream. It is a fairly thick facial cream that is easily absorbed and leaves my face feeling soft, supple, and healthy. It calms my sometimes unfriendly skin and I really, really love this stuff! I also really love the airless packaging. It dispenses the perfect amount of moisturizer every single time! It feels quite nice once it dries and doesn't leave my face feeling sticky or overloaded at all. It leaves my skin feeling comfortable for a really long time. It also doesn't look at all shiny and instead leaves my skin feeling semi-matte but still glowing. I'm not really sure how I can look both matte and glowing at the same time but I'm really digging the results! Did I just say digging? I wish I had a bigger bottle!



Please remember that I might love things that you don't and you might fall head over heels for something that I didn't like very much. With that being said, I love serums but I'm just not a fan of the Sea Buckthorn Deep Hydrating Serum. I've tried it on its own after cleansing and before applying moisturizer and I even mixed it in with the cream but I really don't like the texture, and I can't move past it. It's sticky, and I mean it's REALLY sticky. Beyond sticky. Besides being sticky it doesn't do much for my skin at all and leaves me feeling sort of itchy and dry.



So, all in all, SeabuckWonders and their line of products are great with 3 out of 4 being a hit at Beautiful Basics. You can learn more about the company and their product line by visiting their website. You can also check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

Talk About Skin Care - Sel Terre Spa Collection Review

I'm a big fan of all things natural and all things created in my beautiful home state of Oregon so Sel Terre and their line of pure, handcrafted products are a big homerun for my beauty routine. Their products, made in Eugene – a city I frequent often thanks to family who live there, are simple and affordable while still being luxurious. You won't find any toxic or unhealthy ingredients in their cruelty free and earth friendly products so they're perfect for anyone looking for safe products.




The Spa Collection retails for $50 and is comprised of the Deep Cleansing Emulsion, Balm Riche, Bar of Soap of Choice, and a Facial Masque of Choice. I received the Dead Sea Clay & Irish Moss Seaweed Facial Masque and Red Alaea Salt & Rose Kaolin Clay Soap.




Oil cleansing is not something new to me but I know that a lot of you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with it but the Pecan & Peach Kernel Deep Cleansing Emulsion is so smooth and absolutely dreamy to use. I use 2-3 pumps, rub my hands together, and massage the oil onto my dry face. It quickly, and seemingly magically, removes every last trace of makeup and rinses off completely. It doesn't sting my eyes or leave a film behind. It makes my complexion glow and leaves my skin smooth and hydrated. When it first arrived the plastic packaging was hot and smelled terrible but the oil itself doesn't have much of a scent. My only complaint would be that I wish it came in a glass bottle, but then again, I always wish things were packaged in glass.




The Red Alaea Salt & Rose Kaolin Clay Soap is gorgeous, gentle, and rich. My sensitive sniffer can't pick up a discernable scent from this bar of soap, which is always a plus for me. It's great for cleansing the body but also works well on the face. It leaves my skin feeling so soft, and not at all stripped or dry. I also really like to use it for shaving!




The Balm Riche, made of Mangosteen Butter and Peach Kernel Oil, as well as other natural and hydrating oils, is an intensely powerful moisturizer that can be used on any part of the body. I really love it as a lip balm, eye cream, cuticle and hand moisturizer, and on my chest at night. I don't love the smell but it gets the job done.




The Dead Sea Clay & Irish Moss Seaweed Facial Masque is not a product that has made my Love List, but only due to its odor. My family and I went to the beach once where a lot of seaweed had washed up on the shore and began to decompose. The smell of this mask takes me right back to that beach every single time I unscrew the lid. But before I go on please remember that my nose is akin to that of a bloodhound and I am easily offended; also, the smell of this mask makes total sense since it is made with Seaweed. I have used this mask several times, trying my best to ignore the smell, and the results are fantastic. It's a gentle mask that is easy to apply and rinse off. It makes my skin look supple, glowing from the inside out, and ridiculously soft. My Mom compliments my skin each time I use this mask so I'll continue using it, hating the smell, and loving what it does to my skin.

To learn more about Sel Terre or their products you can visit their website by clicking here.

Talk About Skin Care - Niora Naturals

I, like many of you, am no longer a teenager or even a young adult (I think 27 just counts as a regular old adult, right?) but I still struggle with acne and breakouts while having to be more conscious about hydrating and protecting my skin to help keep signs of aging at bay. I don't have wrinkles yet, but I do have some fine lines and thinning skin. Most acne products, even natural ones, can be a little harsh for skin belonging to an adult. I tend to stay away from anything with the word "acne" in the title for that very reason but I have been using the Niora Naturals Acne Solutions line since the beginning of April and it has become an absolute staple in my beauty routine.

Niora is a cruety free and vegan Portland, OR (you all know how much I love to support companies from my home state!) based company that started in 1992 when chemist George Tindall began creating a line of natural anti-aging products. Two years later he met his future wife who suffered with adult acne that left her feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable with her skin and appearance. When he saw her frustration with the harsh and irritating acne products she used he set out to create an anti-acne product for her. After extensive research he developed a natural and organic product that exfoliated and cleansed pores with balancing the skin. His wife, Cindy, no longer has acne and now the rest of us can experience the joys of Alpha Clear.

The Alpha Clear Adult Acne Treatment is a pair of products designed to be used twice daily to clear adult acne, reduce the skin conditions that cause acne, and fight wrinkles. The duo is comprised of the Alpha Clear Cleanser and Alpha Clear Exfoliant. They are both made with natural alpha hydroxy fruit acids and other natural ingredients that help hydrate and exfoliate.



The cleanser is a thin milky lotion type of cleanser that needs to be applied onto skin that is only slightly damp, massaged in, and rinsed off (which it does beautifully). It has a scent, but it is light and really pleasant! I love the entire line but I'm especially obsessed with the cleanser! It's gentle and does a really great job cleansing my face and cleaning out my pores. The Exfoliant is a spray that you spritz onto your skin once your face is cleansed. It has no scent and is very easy to use and apply. I tend to only use the Exfoliant at night even though it can be used twice daily. I just find that my skin prefers it only once a day. I let it dry completely and then move on to the Alpha C Serum.



The Alpha C Serum is a serum that provides intense hydration without leaving skin feeling greasy, sticky, heavy, or overloaded with moisturizer. It feels super silky and lightweight on the skin. I can see results almost immediately after application - It brightens my complexion and gives me a radiant look. It makes my skin look and feel balanced and healthy!



The difference in my skin while using these products is very obvious and is even noticeable to those around me. I stopped using the Alpha Clear Cleanser, Exfoliant, and Alpha C Serum for about 2 weeks and my skin got really congested and awful. I am now back to using them religiously and will be ordering a new set very soon. These products are also affordable, which is a fact that I really, really appreciate!

You can learn more about Niora Naturals and their other product offerings by visiting their website here. If you're not interested in a line of products for acne you might be more attracted to their anti-aging line. You can also find Niora on Facebook and Twitter.

Talk About Skin Care - Primavera

In my search for the best natural health and beauty products I've discovered that those coming out of Germany are the real deal and Primavera is no exception. For the past 25 years the company, now based in a state of the art and carbon-neutral facility in the Alps of Southern Germany, has been perfecting their natural and organic face, body, home and wellness products.

The company has a fair-trade relationship with farms across the globe and the ingredients in all of their products are truly pure and certified organic by NATRUE. Here's a fun fact, Primavera is the very first company to receive NATRUE certification for our entire range of personal care products. If you're curious about NATRUE you can click here to learn more.

Primavera does not test on animals nor do they use any ingredients that have been tested on our furry friends, in fact they take a very firm stance against the practice of using animals as test subjects (which makes me love the company that much more!). Their products are also packaged in an eco-friendly and environmentally conscious manner.

I was lucky enough to get to try out a few of their facial care products, which I'll be reviewing today. I picked out a facial cleanser, facial cream, and an eye product. Both of the facial care products I chose are from the Chamomile Borage Calming Line for sensitive skin. The entire range features Organic Chamomile Essential Oil from partner farms in Italy and Borage Seed Oil.



The Calming Cream Cleanser is a really simple cream cleanser. It is extraordinarily gentle with a thin lotion like consistency. It spreads easily across damp skin and creates no lather and instead feels more like a moisturizing treatment. It cleanses the skin and rinses off easily leaving a light layer of hydration behind. It has a very light scent that is inoffensive.



Next up is the Calming Moisture Cream, a luxuriously thick facial cream that hydrates and protects. I've found that it does not with all cleansers and instead works best when preceded by the Calming Cream Cleanser. It can be a little bit hard to massage into the face because it's so thick but it's not that big of an issue. It leaves the skin a little bit sticky, which I know not many people enjoy but I personally love, and dries down to a silky smooth finish. It leaves a protective barrier behind that protects the skin from the elements. It smells just like the cleanser, very light and clean.



The final product I've been using from Primavera is the Cooling Eye Roll-On. With ingredients like Organic Neroli, Cassis Water, Eyebright, and Licorice Extract this formula was created to brighten, sooth, and depuff the under eye area. I can't say that this product works miracles but it is really nice for daytime use. It works alone or under makeup. It provides a light amount of moisture and also leaves my tired eyes feeling cooler and more refreshed. As far as puffiness goes, I have mountains under my eyes; I'm not so sure it does very much for me. It doesn't seem to help my chronic dark circles much either but I do notice a slight difference and it feels so good going on that I find this eye product to be totally worth the $44 it retails for.

Overall, Primavera is an intriguing and thoughtful company with a wide array of natural products to suit every skin type. They might cost a little more than the average product but with that cost you can be sure you're getting pure, cruelty-free, healthy, and wholesome products. You can find Primavera online by clicking here. You can also visit them on Facebook.

Oats to the Rescue

I have been absolutely and completely obsessed with oatmeal lately but not in the way you might think. While I do enjoy a warm, hearty bowl of oatmeal for breakfast on occasion I'm not talking about mealtime today. Oatmeal works wonders on the skin and I cannot get enough!

My skin has been looking a little sad lately, thanks to my whacko hormones. I've had dry patches, oil slicks, blemishes, and even some flakes. My skin has also been really dehydrated, which makes no sense to me since I drink a gallon of water every single day, so I needed a little something extra to pamper my skin.

Oatmeal is really calming, soothing, moisturizing, and it acts as an anti-inflammatory, which makes it a powerful skin care ally. I've been using oatmeal in several forms for the past couple of weeks and I wanted to share my 3 favorite ways with you. All 3 oatmeal recipes require ground up oats. I use my coffee bean grinder to turn my uncooked oatmeal into a fine powder.



As a gentle, daily cleanser – This one is super simple. Mix your oatmeal powder with water until your mixture turns into a paste. Start with a little water and slowly add more until you get a consistency you like. I personally like mine a little thick. Massage your paste gently onto your face like you would a normal cleanser and rinse off. I use it daily and my skin really loves it!

As a scrub – If you need a deeper clean try adding a little baking soda into your cleansing paste.

As a mask – Mix dry oatmeal powder with raw, organic honey until you have a thick paste like consistency. This needs to be a pretty thick consistency so it sticks to your skin and doesn't make a huge mess. I use more oat powder than honey in my mixture. I wash my face first and then massage the oat and honey mask into my face and neck. I like to leave this on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Be careful with this since it's messy and can still drip a little regardless of how thick you make it. This mask makes my skin look fantastic, healthy, and luminous. It also helps get rid of blemishes!



Do you know of any other ways to use oatmeal powder?

Talk About Skin Care - Acure Organics

When I asked you Beauties what you wanted to see on the blog a large number of you asked me for my thoughts on Acure Organics and their line of products. I contacted the company and I received a box of goodies that I have been testing out for about a month now. Acure Organics is an amazing family owned and operated company who believes in providing high quality fair trade, natural and certified organic personal care products. They never test on animals or include parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances or colors, or any other harmful ingredients. Their products are also really affordable!

Without further ado, here is part one of my Acure review and my thoughts on the skin care products they sent me.



As you may know, I have normal to dry skin that is fairly sensitive. I also have a very sensitive nose when it comes to fragrance so I have really been enjoying the fragrance free Sensitive Facial Cleanser Argan Oil + Probiotic. It is a fairly thick and creamy cleanser that hydrates and plumps up the skin to leave it looking healthy. This cleanser is perfect for my skin! It is extremely gentle so I can use it daily, or even twice a day. I really love how it leaves my face feeling soft and clean without irritating or stripping my skin. This has officially earned a spot on my top 5 facial cleansers list. I really like it because it's so simple, yet effective! If you're curious about the ingredients you can click here, where you can also learn more about the product.



I have also been testing out the Balancing Rose + Red Tea Facial Toner. Although this particular toner is marketed towards those with combo to oily skin I really like it and would say that it would be suitable for all skin types. It does a fantastic job of keeping my skin balanced and smooth, as well as helping my moisturizer absorb better. I use this in the morning and it seems to soothe any redness I may have and help perfect and balance my skin. I also really love the glass bottle and the fact that it comes with a spray top. This is a very refreshing toner with a gorgeous slightly rosy scent to it.



Next up is the Argan Stem Cell + CFG Cell Stimulating Facial Mask, which both my Mom and I have tried several times. As a beauty blogger I have tried dozens upon dozens of facial masks but have yet to come across a mask like this one. It seems fairly average upon first application, but once the mask is dry and the time has come to rinse off it becomes foamy. I've never used a foamy mask and I like it a lot! It's extremely gentle so even my Mom (who has highly reactive skin) can use it! There is no tight, uncomfortable sensation that goes along with this mask and is instead very refreshing and even a bit cooling. We have both noticed cleaner, brighter, softer, more hydrated skin after using this mask. Like the toner, it also seems to help with any redness.



The final facial product I've been playing around with from Acure Organics is their Marula Oil, which can also be included in the hair and body categories as well. I'm a big fan of oils so I was really excited to try this one out. Acure's Marula Oil is 100% pure, wildcrafted without pesticides, cold pressed and unrefined. It has a slight scent but it is not offensive at all. I've been using it a lot since it arrived and I really like it overall. I do have to say that it is not moisturizing enough on its own as facial oil, but I have found that it works extremely well over a moisturizing lotion or cream. I love the results that layering this oil with other products gives me. I love the dropper applicator as well!

That sums up my Acure Organics facial care review. You can check out my thoughts on the body and hair products I've been experimenting with by clicking here.

Talk About It - Eminence Organic Skin Care

I've been testing out the Bright Skin Cleanser by Eminence Organic Skin Care and I have to say that I'm fairly impressed. The company has been making organic skin care since 1958 and I can see why they have earned so many awards and accolades in the past 55 years. My skin was going through a dry spell and was patchy and flaky when I started using this cleanser and noticed an immediate different in the texture of my skin. I was totally surprised by how soft my skin felt after using it for the first time.



It's light green in color and has a very smooth and creamy consistency. It also comes in a huge (8.4 fl oz) bottle that will last a very long time. It sells for $38 but you get a lot of product for the money.

It's extremely gentle and refreshing. This cleanser is moisturizing, but not heavy and rinses clean without stripping the skin or leaving a residue behind. I have normal to dry skin and my Mom has combination skin and we both really like this cleanser. I can't say that I have noticed a change in any dark spots or age spots, which is a technicality because I don't actually have any, so I can't comment on how well it fades discoloration. I can, however, comment on the fact that my skin appears to glow after using it.

The only negative thing I can say is that is has a very strong scent. It's not an awful scent, but it is very potent and lingers for hours after cleansing. It reminds me of Irish Spring soap for whatever reason.



I was also sent the Bamboo Firming Fluid, although the smell was too much for me, so I had to pass it on to my Mom who has been using it since it arrived. Here are her thoughts: "Although the smell is strong at first, it does dissipate in a short time. It hydrates well and is an excellent natural Retinol alternative. It firms and I believe I have seen a difference in my skin after using this product. My skin is becoming much more "mature" than I would like it to be but at 45 I guess that is to be expected."

To learn more about the company you can visit their website by clicking here. You can find Eminence in a spa near you by using this locator. You can also purchase the products online at Dermstore.com.

Talk About It - Tatcha

As a beauty blogger, I get to try a lot of products that I never would have otherwise. I don't necessarily believe that a product has to cost a lot of money to work but I do get really excited when I get to test out a luxury product that I would never splurge on for myself. Being ill like I am means I have limited funds so dropping $150 on a brightening serum is out of the question, but I truly believe in investing in the health of you skin so if you have some extra money lying around, I highly recommend checking out Tatcha and their line of fabulous products.

Tatcha is a Japanese skin care company with products created after discovering a 200-year-old manuscript detailing the daily routines of geishas. "Having heard that many of the world's greatest beauty secrets originated with geisha, we explored scientific journals, unearthed historical archives and studied the ageless beauty rituals of the iconic geisha to shed light on a highly evolved approach to beauty."

Using ingredients like green tea, Okinawa red algae, and rice bran, Tatcha has formulated several products that the geishas of old would be proud to use. In addition to being made with time tested and healthy ingredients all Tatcha products are free of mineral oils, synthetic fragrances, sulfate detergents, parabens, PEGs, PPGs, urea, DEA, TEA or phthalates.

I have been using several of Tatcha's products for a little over a month now and I cannot even begin to express how much I love this line. I even got my Mom hooked – she purchased a jar of the Classic Rice Enzyme Powder the day after trying out one of my samples. My skin has looked and felt so amazing, I can't even explain! My skin looks radiant, even, clear, and healthier than ever before. My pores are somehow almost non-existent now!


The company so kindly sent me The Tatcha Sampler Set and a full sized bottle of their Deep Brightening Serum. The Tatcha Sampler Set comes with 6 trial-sized essentials (including 3 packets of each POLISHED Rice Enzyme Powder for a total of 9, 0.5oz PURE Camellia One Step Cleansing Oil, 0.5oz RADIANT Deep Brightening Serum, and a 0.3oz SUPPLE Moisture Rich Silk Cream) and a full sized pack of Original Japanese Beauty Papers.
 
The Camellia One Step Cleansing Oil is the first step in the Ritual. It's a very light cleansing oil that I only use when I have makeup on since it removes makeup so easily. It's extremely hydrating and nourishing and cleanses without making skin feel tight, dry, or uncomfortable.

Next up is the exfoliating step. The Rice Enzyme Powders can be also be used as a daily cleanser if you're not wearing any makeup. This comes in 3 different formulations, Gentle, Classic, and Deep. It is a powder that turns into a cream once water is added. I love the Classic variety but I would have to say that the Gentle is my favorite. My skin cannot tolerate the Deep version. This product leaves skin feeling clean and super soft.

My favorite product from Tatcha is their Deep Brightening Serum. I use this every night, and most days. One pump is enough to cover my entire face. I look forward to applying this serum and have noticed a change in my skin already! Like I mentioned above, this serum retails for $150 but I'm not kidding when I say it is completely worth it. It feels incredibly light on the skin but also hydrates. It's ingredients list is comprised of Squalane, Rice Germ Oil, Rice Extract, Silk Protein, Algae Extract, Licorice Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Zizyphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin (Soy Derivative), and Green Tea Leaf Extract. This is one of my new Holy Grail products!

I always follow the serum with Tatcha's Moisture Rich Silk Cream, which is a great moisturizing cream for all skin types. It provides heavy moisture while sinking into the skin quickly. It continues to hydrate the skin all day or night and makes skin feel silky while doing it. It works alone or under makeup. A little of this cream goes a very long way.


The final Tatcha product I got to take for a test drive is their Original Aburatorigami beauty papers. These are all-natural, powder and fragrance free leaflets that absorb excess oil without ruining your makeup. I have been using blotting papers since I was 13 but I have never experienced any like these. Tatcha's Original Aburatorigami papers have two ingredients - 100% abaca leaf and gold flake. Gold flake! How cool is that? These absorb more oil than any other blotting sheet I have ever tried and leave my skin looking fresh!

I'm so in love with all of these products and have nothing negative to say other than the fact that my skin can't handle the Deep Rice Enzyme Powder. Other than that, this line is a real winner and I can't recommend it more whole-heartedly. The company also has outstanding customer service and simply elegant packaging. To learn about the company, products, or to shop visit Tatcha online or on Facebook.

Talk About It - Scientific Organics Kombucha Cleanser

Some people love to dine out and experiment with new cuisine, others like to shop and try on the latest trends, and some like to rearrange the furniture and décor in their home to test the flow of things. Everyone likes to try new things, and I am no exception. I love to try new facial products, cleansers especially, and share my thoughts with you.

If you didn't already guess, today's Talk About It is all about a cleanser by emerginC (a leading professional cosmeceutical skincare line) from their Scientific Organics line of products. Scientific Organics is a new line of natural, paraben, petro-chemical and synthetic free skincare products. Each item is at least 70% Organic and designed to give some serious results.

The Kombucha Cleanser has an all-star lineup of great ingredients like Kombucha (fermented tea known for its medicinal properties), Grape Stem Cells, Algae extract, Glycerin, Palmaria Palmate, Spirulina, Green tea, White tea, Aloe Vera and Maritime Pine Bark extract. All of these ingredients combine to make a great, gentle cleanser that brightens and revives.

I really liked the cleanser. It doesn't irritate my sensitive, irritable skin and it leaves a nice clean feeling behind. It doesn't smell at all. I've noticed a big difference in the clarity and tone of my skin; my skin is so soft and smooth after using this. It's so gentle which is perfect for me (especially since it's winter) and a little goes a long way. It's refreshing, hydrating, and all around lovely.

The thing I love most about the product is that with every Scientific Organics purchase, emerginC plants a tree using Plant-It 2020. Plant-It 2020 is such an awesome non-profit foundation that you should check out at www.plantit2020.org.

If you're interested in learning more about the Scientific Organics line you can visit www.emerginc.com or feel free to leave a comment asking any questions you may have.

(FTC: This products was so generously provided to me for review consideration by the company. I am not being compensated to write this review. All thought and opinions, as always, are my own and honest.)

Talk About It - Rand Hill Naturals

It is no secret that I love honey. I also love natural skin care and cosmetics as well as my home state – Oregon. What do you get when you combine all three things I just mentioned? You get an Oregon based natural skin care company who makes honey facial care products (in addition to other products) called Rand Hill Naturals.

Randie Hill started to develop sensitivities to traditional products in the mid 90's but couldn't afford the hefty price tags of natural products so she decided to create her own. Her goal now is "to create a line of unique and effective products that incorporate plant based ingredients in their simplest, most unrefined form." All Rand Hill Natural products are pure and safe, free from any artificial ingredients like color, fragrance and preservatives. They are also very affordable!

I was lucky enough to get to try the Complexion Essentials, which includes a cleanser, a cleansing mask and a serum. All 3 products feature raw and unfiltered honey, essential oils (including Lavender, Rose Geranium, Orange, Neroli & Grapefruit), and other natural skin beneficial ingredients.



First up is the Daily Facial Honey Wash, which is a really great cleanser for any skin types (except those allergic to honey, of course) because it's so gentle. It smells amazing; like honey with a touch of citrus mixed in. It has the exact consistency of honey so it doesn't produce foam or anything that other facial cleansers may do but it's just as efficient if not more so. It's non-sticky and spreads easily across the skin. I massage it onto my damp skin and rub gently in small circles until I'm ready to rinse. It rinses off so effortlessly and leaves skin feeling comfortable and healthy. I feel like it really keeps my skin looking clear and it also brightens. It makes my face feel fresh and fit.



Once a week I use the Honey Oatmeal Cleansing Mask, but I use it as a facial scrub instead of a mask. You all know how much of an obsession I have with scrubs and this particular one has made it onto the favorites list. It smells like floral-y citrus and makes my skin look radiant. I'm obsessed with this scrub! I particularly like to use this when I've had a long day or worn a lot of makeup because it gets deep down into each and every little pore leaving them shiny and new thanks to the exfoliating oatmeal powder. I do occasionally use it as a mask, but I prefer it as a cleansing scrub. It's very hydrating and improves the condition of my skin.



The last product were going to talk about is the Ultimate Face Quenching Serum which is made up of Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E, Tea Tree and Rose Geranium essential oils. A lot of people are afraid of using oil to moisturize their skin but this serum is incredibly lightweight yet conditioning. It absorbs almost instantly and leaves skin feeling softer than you could even imagine without being the least bit greasy. The smell of this is a bit strong, but it's tolerable and dissipates within about an hour. Its great for morning and evening use and really plumps up and smoothes skin.

If you're interested in checking these products (or other Rand Hill Naturals products) out for yourself you can visit their website by clicking here. You can purchase online or use the Find a Store tab to see if there are any stores near you that sell these products.

(FTC: These products were so generously provided to me for review consideration by the company. I am not being compensated to write this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, and my own and honest.)